Defence ministry launches mindset change roadmap
Pini Bothoko | Monday November 13, 2023 15:35
The Minister of Defence and Security (MDS), Kagiso Mmusi, on Friday unveiled the institutionalised ministry mindset change roadmap aligning it with the National Mindset Change campaign.
Launched under the theme, 'Holistic Mindset Change, My Responsibility – A re Chengcheng, Maikarabelo ke Ame', the goal is to widely disseminate the mindset change roadmap to sensitise ministry employees on the national campaign.
Mmusi outlined the two-phase Security Mindset Change initiative, beginning with an employee engagement process to communicate the benefits and rationale behind the change.
“The first phase is an employee engagement process to communicate the benefits of mindset change to promote the understanding and the reasoning behind the change. The phase entails creating attention and engagement and the desire to change prevailing mindsets,” he explained.
“Under this phase, we will also designate change leaders to engage with officers who will be affected by change and provide support for the change. Phase two focuses on translating knowledge, attitudes and beliefs into action. This entails training and skills development to promote high-performance mindsets and behaviours needed for change to take place. The phase also covers the measures to reinforce and sustain culture change.”
Mmusi revealed that the ministry has assembled a team of 40 officers as effective change agents to motivate “dikakanyo (thoughts), maikutlo (feelings), and boitshwaro (behaviour)" for enhanced overall performance. Their main task is to raise awareness and understanding of Vision 2036, assess organisations for necessary changes, and ensure a conducive environment for change.
“They will motivate officers in the ministry and help them assess themselves and their organisations to determine what needs to be changed to render exceptional performance. They will walk side by side with their colleagues to ensure the environment is conducive for change to happen and give regular feedback on the progress of MDS towards contributions to the attainment of Vision 2036,” the minister further said.
Acknowledging challenges, particularly in addressing crime, Mmusi emphasised the need for a crime-free environment for peace and stability. In this regard, the mindset change initiatives aim to promote high levels of awareness of Vision 2036 and evidence of individual passion to achieve it.
MDS Permanent Secretary, Pearl Ramokoka, echoed the commitment to President Mokgweetsi Masisi's Mindset Change campaign.
“As the ministry, under the capable leadership of our minister, Honourable Thomas Kagiso Mmusi, we are committed to implementing the Mindset Change and this should come clear in our Strategy Plans and the Reset Agenda Commitments, hence today's Mindset Change Strategy rollout. Recently our Minister signed performance agreements with the Accounting Officers to enhance performance in the Ministry and deliver high-value services, in line with Mindset Change,” she highlighted.