How did you end up as a developer in the public service?

 

Firstly, the Department of Health in Kwa-Zulu Natal prioritises organisational culture and values. I wanted to work in an environment that will be an enabler for better service delivery to our people. Furthermore, I wanted to use my skills to ensure universal access to health care for all our citizens. Joining the Department has also enhanced my career and provided me with a challenging environment that fosters professional growth and advancement.

 

Assist the department administrative that are burden with manual processes both service delivery and support services, and significantly automate and digitalise processes making it easy for both business units and service delivery for their day to day operation.

 

I had dream and I visualized that the KZN Department of Health would do away with manual processes and move into a digitalized era where all our patients’ records are stored electronically for easy access and retrieval of records with just a click of a button. I also envision these databases and data-management tools that I developed can become one of the central systems within the department. This will thus improve efficiencies in the manual systems, saves the department millions of rands to procure off the shelf systems, thereby reducing operational cost, and eliminating costs of licence and maintenance fees in annual revenue. My main focus is in innovation and improving the manner within which services are delivered in the public sector and bring about efficiency and effectiveness.

 

What also attracted me to KZN Health is that it strives for excellence by continuously adding value and develop innovative ways to contribute to the public sector. KZN Health values good positive reviews with the bulk of projects for the improvement of people’s lives, particularly in the system development section.

 

What kinds of systems have you developed since you started working in the public sector?

 

I develop business application systems, ranging from patient health care systems, clinical support system and administration systems such as HR support and financial support systems. The development is done on web-based and mobile apps architecture. I have been working for the Department of Health for 6 years (1st September 2014 till to date)

 

We regard developers as innovators because they use creative ways to solve government challenges. We also acknowledge that being innovative, particularly in the public sector is challenging. What motivates you (how did you overcome all the challenges associated with being an innovator in the public sector)?

 

  • Continuous self-improvement by learning new and relevant skills in the ever-changing ICT environment as well as ongoing engagement with other developers in the industry and stakeholders.

 

  1. Similarly, how would you motivate other public servants who are developers to be innovative against all odds?

 

  • My advice would be to never give up, to pursue their dreams and always strive for excellence.  Always keep yourself relevant by keeping abreast of the latest developments in ICT. Be passionate about what you do, focused and determined to succeed. Deliver more than what business units expect. Understand your industry and keep your vision clear at all times.

 

  1. What are key issues that bother developers in the public sector, what hinders you from unleashing the ideas in your work environment or public service generally?

 

  • Despite the challenges that we faced as ICT unit i.e. shortage of tools and skilled employees in Systems Development, we have delivered the systems before the time frame that was set for this critical projects. I have gone beyond my scope of work and key performance areas detailed in my job description by doing business analysis activities, tendered system implementation and training. I also provided system support to users continuously and have spent my own time working after hours including weekends and public holidays because I’m determined and dynamic, very ambitious about systems. I am passionate about creating a change in the all spheres of public sector entities by developing systems of great calibre.

 

  • I am an innovator who is skilled in Systems Development and ICT Infrastructure who leaves an indelible mark in terms of notable performance and achievement.

 

  • I have exceptional ability in ICT with outstanding systems development skills across a range of innovative systems that have saved the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health millions of Rands that would have been spent to procure off-the-shelf solutions from private service providers. These systems have also greatly reduced operational costs as licencing and maintenance fees are negated because these systems are being developed and maintained internally.  This has consequently resulted in improved planning and budgeting.

 

  • I have won a string of awards for innovative solutions that I have developed in recent years, they all bear testimony that I have high work ethic, knack for innovation and hunger for achievement.
  1. What do you think about the location of software developers within departments, should they be located in IT units or be closely linked with service delivery units?
  • The location of Software Developers within departments should be located in IT units.  ICT is continuing to challenge the way departments organize their business processes, communicate with business units and potential stakeholders, and deliver their services.

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