Civil Servant

Definition of civil:
adjective

1)    relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters.
        "civil aviation"
    synonyms:    secular, non-religious, lay;
        "a civil marriage ceremony"
    non-military, civilian
        "civil aviation"

2)    courteous and polite.
        "they were comparatively civil to their daughter"
    synonym:    polite, courteous, well mannered, well bred, gentlemanly, chivalrous, gallant, ladylike, gracious, respectful;

Definition of servant:
noun

1)    a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant.
    synonyms:    attendant, retainer
2)    a devoted and helpful follower or supporter.
        "he was a great servant of the Labour Party"
    synonyms:    helper, supporter, follower

Definition of civil servant:
noun

1)    a member of the civil service.
    synonyms:    public servant, government official, government worker, civil-service employee

I think I know why the reality of 'civil servant' is South Africa is so different from the idea I have of what a civil servant should be.   Very selective reading.  On my side, I look at civil, and see/understand "courteous and polite".  I look at servant, and see/understand "devoted and helpful".  In the mean time, the 'civil servants' themselves see/understand "government official".

Definition of official:
noun

1)    a person holding public office or having official duties, especially as a representative of an organization or government department.
    "a union official"
    synonyms:    officer, office-holder, office-bearer, administrator, executive, appointee, functionary

Obviously, the definition they finally have of civil servant, is as a person in government with an office.  I can see why we have quite different expectations when it comes to what they are supposed to be doing.