The Minister of the Public Service, Mr. Semano Sekatle, says anti-corruption and ethics are pillars of good governance in both the public service and private sectors.

Speaking at an introspection seminar preceding the public service day celebration at the National Convention Center on Thursday, Mr. Sekatle expressed concern that corruption and fraud rob the government large sums of money.

He added that corrupt practices hinder the development and improvement of people's lives and the country's economy, and therefore he urged the public servants and the public at large to refrain from corrupt practices and also to warn their subordinates against such practices.

The Minister expressed need for the improvement of public service delivery from both government ministries and private sector to avoid corruption, which he said is a single root cause of many common setbacks in the country.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Government Secretary, Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane appealed to the public to inform the government on any corrupt activities performed by civil servants or ministries so that they could be dealt with accordingly.

He indicated that economic growth could be achieved if public servants are responsible to public needs. He urged the public to render support to the civil servants so as to improve their work.

Mr. Sekhamane also expressed the need for public servants to work hard and with passion so that they would achieve provision of quality services and to reduce the stigma of poor service delivery in the public sector.

The seminar was held prior to the public service day. This is the third year that the celebration is held in Lesotho with the aim of reviewing and improving service delivery.

The theme for this year's celebration is 'Promoting good governance with emphasis on ethics and anti-corruption'.

SOURCE: LENA 22/06/2007