By Simtembile Mgidi

Always striving to go beyond the call of duty has seen Uitenhage social worker Unathi Filita being recognised as the country’s best public servant for 2020.

Filita took top honours in Johannesburg on Saturday in the annual Integrity Icon Awards run by the Accountability Lab.

The awards recognise the most exemplary civil servants in the departments of health, social development, home affairs, and trade and  industry.

Filita walked away with the People’s Choice Award, which resulted in him being selected as the Accountability Lab ambassador.

He was nominated by members of the public after he managed to secure employment for 100 youths at the Volkswagen plant.

“When they called my name I was happy. If it wasn’t for the Eastern Cape department of social development I don’t think I would have won it.

“I never thought I could win such an award. I dedicate my win to all social workers, especially in the Eastern Cape. This award recognises all our hard work.”

Ntombozuko Jafta, founder of non-profit organisation TWIST, said she had nominated Filita as he was passionate about his work.

“You can call him at 11pm to tell him there’s an abandoned child and he will come to help.”

Filita’s wife, Ziyanda, said she was proud of him.

“He always goes beyond the call of duty without being paid extra to help people.”

Eastern Cape social development MEC Siphokazi Lusithi congratulated Filita on his accolade.

“We wish his actions would not just inspire those around him, but society in general,” he said.

“The work of a social worker is driven by a deep sense of compassion for those vulnerable in society and Unathi has shown that social workers driven by this sense of compassion still exist.”

This article appeared originally in The Herald.