A public servant worthy of emulation

Written by Silusapho Nyanda

Nosipho Mkhupheka is a public servant who has set tongues wagging – for all the right reasons.

The unassuming Department of Home Affairs official has earned the praise of many South Africans, and even that of the Minister, after news of her work ethic made its way to Facebook.

Mkhupheka, who is the Chief Administrations Clerk at the Scottburgh Home Affairs office stayed behind after her normal working hours to assist about 40 people who could not be attended to during the office hours.

One of those she helped was Facebook user Marius Botha who then sang Mkhupheka’s praises on his social media page. The post read: “I want to thank Mrs Nosipho Mkhupheka for her unselfish and exceptional service beyond the call of duty.

This wonderful lady works at the Dpt of Home Affairs, Scottburgh. Today at 16:00 all her colleagues left their workstations and went home. Mrs Mkhupheka stayed and help(ed) the last 40 customers all on her own and with a smile on her face!!! You are my hero. South Africa needs more people like you. Thank you. We salute you”.

She was alerted to the trending post by her sister while she was at church.  Mkhupheka’s children also kept calling her to tell her that she was trending.

“They kept on calling to tell me I was trending and I was asking my sister what is trending. It was the first time I even heard of the phrase ‘trending’. I was so confused,” she told Vuk’uzenzele.

Reflecting on the attention she has received since the Facebook post, Mkhephuka said 8 February was a normal day for her as she always stays behind, with some members of her team, to ensure that those who were already in the queue when closing hour arrives are helped.

Mkhephuka exploits caught the attention of Home Affairs Minister Siyabonga Cwele who paid her a special visit at her work place. Mkhephuka said even though she was excited and shocked by the visit it was also humbling. “Even though I was shocked I was very excited that people recognise my work,” she said.

During his visit Minister Cwele commended Mkhephuka for her dedication. “Ms Mkhupheka is one best example of the thousands of Home Affairs officials who are dedicated to serve our people with a smile. When I arrived, the office was full and she was still assisting our citizens. The people who were there at the time I arrived said they appreciated her work,” he said.