South Africans can nominate outstanding public servants and innovative government projects before entries close on 30 October
Do you know that nurse who always goes the extra mile, the government official who actually answers the phone, or that teacher who stays late to help learners?
Well, Mzansi, this one is for them!
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) have opened nominations for the 2026/27 National Batho Pele and Innovation Awards.
And yes, ordinary South Africans can nominate.
“They are your mother, your uncle, your neighbour”
The awards aim to recognise public servants who show excellence, professionalism, innovation and dedication in their communities.
According to DPSA acting Director General Willie Vukela, outstanding public service isn't only happening in government offices in Pretoria.
It can be found in clinics, schools, municipalities, townships, villages and small towns across the country.
So, if there’s a public servant who has made a real difference in your community, this is your chance to say, “Hawu, this person deserves a shout-out!”
It’s not just about trophies
The awards also aim to identify innovative ideas that can be shared and used elsewhere in government.
CPSI acting Executive Director Pierre Schoonraad said solutions that work in one clinic, district or municipality should not remain there — they should be documented, shared and potentially replicated elsewhere.
One example is Gauteng Education's Multi-Certification Skills Programme, which won the Public Sector Innovator of the Year Award.
The programme gives learners opportunities to earn accredited skills in areas such as coding, drone technology, artificial intelligence, first aid, entrepreneurship and sign language alongside their schooling.
By matric, learners can potentially leave school with multiple formal certifications — because apparently the old “I'll figure it out after matric” strategy needs an upgrade!
Who can be nominated?
The awards recognise excellence in areas including:
- Front-line service delivery
- Public service leadership
- Service delivery institutions
- Implemented projects
- Technology-driven innovation
- Citizen-focused innovation
- Innovative solutions that can be replicated
Members of the public, government institutions and public servants can all submit nominations and entries.
Nominate before 30 October
Nominations and entries opened on 15 September 2026 and close on 30 October 2026.
Submissions can be made online via the official registration portal, with the National Batho Pele and Innovation Awards ceremony scheduled for February 2027.
So, if you know a public servant who deserves their flowers, don't just tell them in the WhatsApp group. Nominate them!
You know them. Help find them.