COMMUNICATIONS EXCELS IN FIGHT AGAINST AIDS, CORRUPTION
	The Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology has scooped first prize in the category of fight against HIV/AIDS and corruption, during Public Service Day celebrations held at Setsoto Stadium last Friday. According to ratings from the public, the ministries of Forestry and Tourism got the second and third prizes on corruption respectively while Ministries of Public Service and Employment and Labour received the second prize on HIV/AIDS with the Ministry of Justice obtaining the third prize. The Ministry of Forestry walked away with quality Public Service trophy, while the Ministries of Communications and Agriculture scooped the second and third prize in this category respectively. Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety, Mr Lesao Lehohla said public service day symbolises professionalism in one’s line of work, and will assist in economic growth and development. Mr Lehohla stated that before celebration the government held a series of seminars for public servants to come up with strategies that will improve public service. He mentioned that since the first public service day celebration last year, the public sector has received new ideas that included strengthening of Ministry of Communications through launching of Lesotho Telecommunications Authority. Mr Lehohla urged public servants to work hard to achieve the projects included in Vision 2020 and improve the public sector, adding that one project that is taking shape is the fight against HIV/AIDS through National Aids Commission. At the same occasion, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s office Mr Ramootsi Lehata indicated that public service day marks the introspection of each ministry, adding that public servants should be aware that they are the backbone of the government. Mr Lehata appealed to the public to support the civil servants and be alert of existing plans so that they evaluate the successes of the government basing themselves on plans and policies. Meanwhile, the Government Secretary Mr Tlohang Sekhamane explained that the public sector has received a positive attitude from the public about its services, adding that it was better than last year’s response as the public now know what to expect from the public servants and the latter do their best to improve their services. Mr Sekhamane urged the public to report any kind of corruption from any ministries by public servants as this would decrease and prevent misuse of public funds. Public Servide Day is celebrated annually, starting from last year and it was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, senior government officials, civil servants and the public.
	Source: Lesotho Today.