Deputy Minister Dlodlo told the describing the 300 government officials gathered that they were government's foot soldiers, expected to be always available for communities they work for.

"The people of South Africa come first. CDWs and all other public servants need to keep in mind that they are there to serve - and are not above - the people they work for," she said.

To be able to interpret and articulate government policy and programmes, CDWs needed to be clear of and follow with keen interest activities such as State of the Nation Address, the Budget Speech, the Premiers' State of the Province speeches as well as global trends so as to interact with communities from a well informed perspective when explaining service delivery or lack thereof.

"This democracy is about ensuring that the people are well aware and understand what is happening around their lives and the way government operates," she added.

The CDW workshops have already taken place in Limpopo and the next leg is scheduled for Western Cape this Friday.