Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo with Prajen Parmanand and Chris Coucorakis from the road traffic inspectorate in Pietermaritzburg
In recognition of continual commitment to innovation in the public sector, the special ministerial awards single out projects and individuals who have made significant progress in improving public sector service delivery through implementing ground-breaking interventions.
Two projects, broadly related to public safety, were recognised at this year's CPSI Awards for their outstanding contributions, and were presented with the awards by Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister Ayanda Dlodlo.
KwaZulu-Natal traffic
The first of these was the road traffic inspectorate of KwaZulu-Natal, which has consistently found new ways of delivering on its mandate. Many of these projects have previously been recognised in the CPSI Awards for improving efficient service delivery.
An example is the roving Alco Testing project, which has been adopted by many other traffic authorities, and has gained international recognition.
These roadblocks were initiated to reduce the incidence of drinking-and-driving.
They are noteworthy because they move away from stereotypical, stationary roadblocks to impromptu roadblocks and officers actively patrol areas within the central business district, which lets the department multiply the use of its manpower.
Other initiatives by the inspectorate that contributed to this special award include the learner bus initiative, the Smart Roadblock project and the truck drivers health and wellbeing projects.
"This is how the public service should be, always looking out for better ways to improve service delivery," said Dlodlo.
"I would also like to wish Chris Coucourakis a restful retirement time and thank him personally for his life-long contribution to a better public service."
Haenertsburg SAPS
The second organisation to have the prestigious special ministerial awards bestowed on it at this year's awards was the victim empowerment centre operated by the Haenertsburg branch of the South African Police Service, led by Captain Winnie Nkosi.
This project merited special mention for going beyond the call of duty by providing services to this farming community in Limpopo.
The centre is noted for restoring the dignity of disenfranchised rural citizens, especially women, who are victims of crime.
The deputy minister said that she hoped this project would inspire more public servants to serve with pride.