BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – The Minister of Agriculture Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza officially launched the Ministry of Agriculture Client Service Charter.
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is entrusted with promoting crop production and extension; agricultural planning and analysis; land use planning and development; provision of veterinary services, livestock production and extension, agricultural research and specialist services; fisheries promotion; development of rural development areas, rural settlement; agri-business development; phytosanitary inspection and certification and veterinary public health services.
Mabuza said this service charter highlights key objectives of the Ministry; core values and principles as well as portfolio
responsibilities; services provided by each department of the Ministry and eligibility; client expectations and
obligations; suggestions, compliments and redress mechanisms; service commitments (pledges).
“Costs of services to the public are attached to the charter for ease of reference by clients and stakeholders where fees
services are required.The general goal of the service charter is to inform all clients and stakeholders of services offered by the Ministry as well as its operations,” said Mabuza.
Furthermore, this document will assist in the development and implementation of sound policies that will assist in the promotion and development of agriculture, veterinary
services and food security in the Kingdom.
This comprehensive document outlines all the services provided by both the ministry and state-owned enterprises under the agriculture portfolio.
By introducing this Charter, the ministry is taking a significant step towards total transparency and enhanced communication with the public.
In addition the Minister said the Charter also serves as a testament to the ministry’s unwavering commitment towards efficient service delivery.
“We pledge to support and empower our farmers and stakeholders for sustainable growth in the agriculture sector and secure food. As a Ministry mandated to drive the economy through agriculture development, it is pleasing to present the Ministry’s first client service charter and services pledges,” said Mabuza.
He further mentioned that Service Improvement Programmes is one of the reform measures initiated by His Majesty’s Government which has culminated into the development of Ministry’s client service charters and service pledges.
This document has been developed by the Ministry’s staff with the assistance of the Ministry of Public Service’s Management Services Division officers who were lead Consultants during the exercise.
The main purpose of the document is to inform the public of the quality of services offered by the Ministry as well as
turn-around times in delivering those services.
As part of the Ministry’s mandate to develop and promote agriculture from subsistence to commercial, the public as clients of the Ministry need to understand the duties and responsibilities of the Ministry as well as the quality of services the Ministry has to offer.
“It is therefore proper for the Ministry to have a guiding tool to assist in the execution of its duties. Over and above, partners and stakeholders of the Ministry are commended for supporting the Ministry in its endeavour to develop the agriculture sector through manpower and financial assistance,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister has also congratulated the Ministry and Parastatals for a job well done at the Eswatini International Trade Fair 2023.
“Thank you for your hardwork and determination. This shows your commitment towards efficient service delivery. The government appreciates your contribution towards attaining food security in Eswatini,” he said.
