Working in Government has given me exposure locally and internationally- Lwandle
17 October 2023
Lwandle Simelane joined the Civil Service in 2017, and has been playing a key role in shaping Government’s research, development and innovation policies under the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). In this first-of-its-kind Civil Servants’ blog, she talks more about her journey in the Civil Service.
Government Communications (GC): “What is your current job and what does it entail?”
Lwandle Simelane (LS): “I am currently a Senior Science Officer in the department of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) under the auspices of the Ministry of ICT. My work entails: coordinating the preparation of research, development and innovation policies and legislation and monitoring their implementation; leading and coordinating annual research, development and innovation surveys; monitoring research institutions funded by the Government and promoting STEM in the Kingdom of Eswatini; the establishment of key institutions in the National System of Innovation; stakeholder management; international cooperation and creating awareness on the importance of research, science, technology and innovation.”
GC: “What would you say the biggest highlight/achievement of your Civil Service journey has been?”
LS: “When I started working in the Department, the Kingdom of Eswatini was Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and we had to host the Ministerial meeting for Ministers responsible for Science, Innovation and Education and Training. It was a huge success, but most importantly it was the exposure, learning about the sector and seeing what other countries have achieved. Worth mentioning is that the department was established in 2016. That meeting set the tone for most of the activities that the department achieved.”
GC: “What is the biggest project that you have been involved in working for Government?”
LS: “I will mention three: the development of the bio-economy strategy which encourages leveraging on the interlinkages between the different sectors; the establishment of the Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Sciences (KEAS), an institution that promotes evidence-based decision making, promotes science and recognises high performing emaSwati scientists and transformational leaders; and the development of the National Research Council Bill, which will ensure a well-coordinated research agenda in the Kingdom.”
GC: “What do you love the most about working in Government?”
LS: “Working with people from the different walks of life, knowing that I am here to serve, the perpetual learning from stakeholders and, most importantly, appreciating that emaSwati are talented. It’s amazing- working in Government has given me so much exposure locally and internationally. It is constant learning, reading and meeting all sorts of people. It has encouraged a growth mindset.”
GC: “What do you love the most about your job and profession?”
LS: “I love the research, science, technology and innovation sector and the potential it has; meeting and learning from different people. The sector is so vast and has the potential to propel and fast track development.”
GC: “What would you say are some of the challenges that come with your job?”
LS: “Some of the challenges are coordination; we still need to master leveraging on the interlinkages that exist amongst Government ministries, departments and sectors. These interlinkages are an opportunity to work together, and share resources.”
GC: “What lessons have you learnt working for Government?”
LS: “[I have learnt the importance of] robust stakeholder involvement to ensure meaningful contributions from citizens in the development of strategies and policies. Government plays and an integral role in the national system of innovation. It is important to ensure information fluidity; the people must know what Government is doing and they must be involved through and through. Listening is imperative, and also being respectful.”
GC: “What advice would you have for someone who wants to work for Government?”
LS: “Understand that you are here to serve, the work that you do and contribute to is far reaching for growth and development. From the day-to-day work to the much bigger picture, think about the stakeholders, think about the citizens. Upskill yourself; always look out for opportunities to learn- it will position you; it will help you to perform better. Be innovative and creative. Always rise to the occasion. Read, read, read.”
GC: “What are your aspirations for the future in Government?”
LS: “[I wish to] represent Government at an international level, whereby I will contribute to transformational decisions that have the best interests of the country.”
NB: At the time of compiling this report, Ms. Lwandle Simelane was still under the Ministry of ICT. However, she has since moved to another Government institution.
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