As governments across the continent celebrate Africa Public Service Day this week, Fundi has reached out to thank and support the teachers, nurses, doctors, firefighters, social workers, administrators, policemen and women, and others who continue to serve the nation at the highest level, despite the pandemic.
Originating at the conference of African Ministers for Public or Civil Service in 1994, Africa Public Service Day is commemorated annually across the African Union on 23 June – highlighting the value and virtue of service to community.
“With Covid-19 making it harder to celebrate important days like this and acknowledge the individuals making a real impact in our communities, we want to thank them for their service,” says Mala Suriah, the CMO of Fundi. “Because public service is vocational and stems from a willingness to ‘serve’, it is something that we must continue to encourage, celebrate and support. We thank you for who you are, what you do, and what you are bringing to our people and communities.
“For those of us who have had the privilege of growing up with a teacher, policeman or even public lawyer in the family or as a friend, we acknowledge what many have forgone as they consciously choose service over financial gain or position, often serving in communities with very little – where they are needed most.”
As municipalities across the country continue struggling to find appropriately qualified public servants to staff specific roles, Suriah explains that much of Fundi’s work is dedicated to this space, and has been over the past two decades. “Public servants have always been a core customer base for Fundi, with many becoming long-standing clients as they continue investing in their own growth and development. Their vocations are typically paths of lifelong learning, which is our fundamental philosophy here at Fundi.”
She adds that many public servants have also acted as “angels” for others – young people in particular – becoming anonymous donors who finance their study loans. “To this end, we’ve even developed a fast-tracked loan approval policy for public servants, where their applications are approved within 24 hours so that we can assist them and those they’re supporting to get started and move forward.”
She encourages interested public servants to get in touch with Fundi to see how and where the company can assist them to further their careers and dreams. “We will also be giving away a limited number of shopping vouchers to public servants this week to help them celebrate Africa Public Servants Day. Get in touch with our contact centre to find out more!”
