101593
Durban
East London
Lusaka
PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER
Bloemfontein
NOVEMBER 2014
Johannesburg
Hoedspruit
George
Investing in the future
Harare
Lubumbashi
Maputo
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Windhoek
Walvis Bay
Gaborone
Richards Bay
THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Kimberley
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Minister Davies on SA’s trade aspirations
Caring for the vulnerable • Promoting the rights of people with disabilities • 16 Days of Activism: Protecting women and children
PSM
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Top Talk We speak to Minister: • Siyabonga Cwele
Contents
Public Sector Manager the MagaZine for PUBLiC seCtor DeCision-MaKers Publishers: Department of Communications Information Enquiry Service: +27 (0)12 473 0269 Switchboard: +27 (0) 12 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Head of Editorial and Production
Harold Maloka harold@gcis.gov.za
Content Manager
Tyrone Seale tyrone@gcis.gov.za
Managing Editor
Dorris Simpson dorris@gcis.gov.za
News Editor
Irene Naidoo
Copy Editors
Ongezwa Manyathi Irene Naidoo
Contributors
Albert Pule Noluthando Mkhize Neo Semono Chris Bathembu Irene Naidoo Gabi Khumalo Amukelani Chauke Maselaelo Seshotli Ursula Graaff Zama Mthethwa
GCIS Photographic Unit
Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Linda Mthombeni
Senior Designer
Tendai Gonese
Production Assistant
Mduduzi Tshabangu
Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 info@topco.co.za www.topco.co.za CEO Ralf Fletcher Marketing & Sales Director Karla Fletcher National Project Manager Nardine Nelson Tel: +27 (0)82 739 3932 nardine.nelson@topco.co.za Advertising Tel +27 (0)86 000 9590 Subscriptions and Distribution Aziza Banderker aziza.banderker@topco.co.za Traffic Manager Jodie Kallis artwork@topco.co.za ------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Phumla Williams Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Nebo Legoabe Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Harold Maloka Chief Financial Officer Zwelinjani Momeka ----------------------------------------------© Copyright: Department of Communications Printed by Associated Printing
November 2014
14
Regulars 14
Conversations with leaders Minister Rob Davies plugs away at turning the country’s economy into a major global player
16
Profiles in leadership Chief of the SA Army Lieutenant-General Vusi Masondo talks war and peace
20
Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips
21
Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information
22
Women in the Public Sector Head of Communications of the Women Ministry Kenosi Setlhako Machepa is a voice that won’t be silenced
28
Trailblazer Londiwe Ngcobo digs deep as the country’s first female dredge master
36
Aerial view Public Service and Administration pursues excellence
40
In other news News you need to know when you are on the go
44
International relations President Zuma champions development at the United Nations General Assembly
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Do you believe it takes a nation to raise a child?
Raise Your Hand is an ongoing SABC initiative that calls on all South Africans to take part in the education of our country’s children. Based on the premise that each of us can make a difference in our own communities, no matter how small and once that action gathers momentum, we improve our country’s outlook, one future leader at a time. Maybe it is donating books. Or devoting a few hours a month to someone who needs help understanding something you grasped easily. Maybe it’s painting a blackboard or fixing part of a broken school bus. There are thousands of ways to help, not all of them academic, but all invaluable. Please do what you can and share it on facebook or on twitter using #raiseyourhand and your efforts could be featured on SABC radio or TV. Visit raiseyourhand.co.za for more ideas on how you can get involved. Visit our facebook page, www.Facebook.com/RaiseYourHandSA. You can also contact us on email address, raiseyourhand@sabc.co.za
48
Provincial focus KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Belinda Scott puts the brakes on excessive spending
72
Taking stock of departments’ performance Management Performance Assessment Tool shows improvement in how government organises itself
52
Public Sector Manager Forum Limpopo MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture Nandi Ndalane is on a mission to build more libraries in the province
76
Industrial Development Zones Government zones in on job creation and investment
86
Financial fitness Staying safe with your personal 'treasury'
78
87
Public Sector appointments Who's new on Persal
Transparency and accountability key to an improved Public Service An accountable and transparent Public Service is needed to improve the lives of South Africans, says Public Service Commission Chairperson Ben Mthembu
91
Book Reviews Page through new insights on leadership
80
Space science and technology the way of the future South Africa's efforts to improve the competitiveness of the economy and citizens’ quality of life are out of this world
84
Financial Disclosure Framework compliance Do you have anything to declare?
Features 54
Government embraces the “internet of things” The Public Service moves with the times as it sets its sights on going digital
58
Celebrating 20 years of the rights of people with disabilities National Disability Rights Awareness Month puts the spotlight on SA’s efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities
60
Back to basics for local government Presidential Local Government Summit urges improved service delivery
66
Take a stand against violence 16 Days of Activism highlights the need to safeguard women and children
68
Thabong Police Station lives up to its name Thabong Police Station is the cream of the crop at the South African Police Service’s Annual National Excellence Awards
94
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40
Lifestyle 34
Food and wine Secret Jozi Chef Paul Maciel reveals all
88
Grooming and style Fashion is in Hangwani Nengovhela’s blood
90
Health and well-being What you need to know about diabetes
92
Travel Up close with the Big Five at the Kruger National Park
94
Car reviews Jaguar XE and Land Rover’s Discovery Sport get pulses racing
97
Nice-to-haves Must-have items for the man on the go
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
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Message from the Minister
SA to gain from ocean economy
I
t is an exciting time for South Africa following the Operation
Teams comprising government, labour, business
Phakisa open day on the ocean economy. Operation Phakisa
and academia worked in Delivery Laboratories over
(a Sotho phrase for “hurry up”) is modelled on the success of
six weeks since July this year to develop the plans.
the Malaysian “Big Fast Results” methodology that was used to
They explored opportunities in marine transport and
spur that country’s economic transformation and address na-
manufacturing; offshore oil and gas exploration; aq-
tional priorities such as poverty and crime. The approach entails
uaculture as well as marine protection services and
meeting with stakeholders for detailed and practical planning,
ocean governance.
setting clear targets, tracking
President Jacob Zuma said: “The
of progress and making the
initiatives arising out of this hard
results public.
work are expected to increase
Through Operation Phakisa
the ocean economy’s GDP con-
we leapfrog what could have
tribution by more than R20 bil-
otherwise become a cumber-
lion by 2019.”
some and drawn out process.
Tapping into the potential of
Moreover, it demonstrates
the ocean economy is the first
our commitment to use
phase of Operation Phakisa, our
international best practice
national initiative to implement
to build a better life for all,
policies and programmes better,
especially the poor and the
faster and more effectively.
working.
3 924 km coastline; we are
nessed the unveiling of de-
uniquely bordered by two
tailed plans by President Ja-
oceans along the east, south
cob Zuma for the country to
and west extremes of the coun-
explore our oceans to grow
try.
the economy.
The ocean economy has the
Today, more than ever, the
potential to contribute R177
oceans are big business and
billion to the gross domestic
have become a growth point
product and create just over
for a variety of industries including fishing, marine transport, tourism and even electricity generation to name but a few. The ocean economy is part of government’s commitment to radical transformation to move South Africa forward and a tangible effort to address the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
6
South Africa is blessed with a
Recently South Africa wit-
one million jobs by 2033. Eighteen initiatives have so far been developed to boost our marine transport and manufacturing sector, which among others include establishing a National Shipping Company in partnership with South Korea. We will expand our port capacity for repair work of oil ships in transit along our coastline and oil rigs in
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
President Jacob Zuma seen here with Minister Jeff Radebe, Environment Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi at the release of Ocean Economy delivery plans during the Operation Phakisa Open Day at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban.
our marine territory. The use of more local components for ship building will support our local manufacturing industry.
R1,4 billion in 2019. An Inter-Departmental Authorisations Committee is
Increasing the capacity for ship repairs at Richards Bay harbour
proposed to co-ordinate aquaculture applications and
will create approximately 200 direct jobs while the use of more
approvals. It will aim to reduce the current processing
South African ships to export minerals will create an additional
time by 73 per cent, from 890 days to 240 days in future. The second phase of Operation Phakisa started on
estimated 4 000 direct jobs.
13 October 2014 and will focus on
Eleven initiatives have been identified in the Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration sector. Approximately 9 billion barrels of oil lie along our coast and adjoining waters - equivalent to 40 years of oil consumption in the country. Thirty wells have been targeted for exploration over the next 10 years, which could ultimately lead to the production of 370 000 barrels of oil and gas a day over the next 20 years. Government will continue to play a facilitative role by providing the legisla-
“Work streams are already hard at work in Gauteng up to a six- week period to uncover what will entail the ideal, effective clinic in our health system. Delivery plans will be released to the public on completion of the exploratory phase,” said President Zuma.
improving the quality of service in the public health sector. “Work streams are already hard at work in Gauteng up to a six- week period to uncover what will entail the ideal, effective clinic in our health system. Delivery plans will be released to the public on completion of the exploratory phase,” said President Zuma. The result will help us overhaul our primary healthcare system by effectively addressing weaknesses
tive framework governing offshore oil and gas and set up a “one-stop shop” within the Department of
and ensuring sustained improvements in the quality
Mineral Resources to streamline this sector.
of services.
Government’s bold decision to optimise the ocean economy
We are confident that through Operation Phakisa we
within the confines of marine ecology will position the aquacul-
will achieve our 2030 targets as set out in the National
ture sector to support rural development, especially for margin-
Development Plan and together move South Africa
alised coastal communities.
forward.
It will lead to 24 new projects across the country by 2019 and boost revenue of the sector from R500 million today to almost
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
* Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi.
7
T HE
TRA N S PO R T
EDUCATION TRAINING AUTHORITY THE BACKBONE OF TRANSPORT TRAINING
The Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA)
Vision To be at the heart of skills innovation in the transport sector
TETA is tasked with the responsibility of education, training and skills development in the Transport Sector.
Mission We provide an innovative quality assurance and skills development framework by our motivated competent people, in a cost effective manner to exceed stakeholder service level agreements and requirements.
Taking cognisance of the pivotal role transport plays in the economic and social development of the country as a whole and the changes that are happening globally, TETA has consciously positioned itself as the vanguard of innovation in human resource development. TETA has appropriately envisioned itself to be at the heart of skills innovation in the Transport Sector. This vision calls upon TETA to focus itself on global cutting-edge methods and technologies in human resource development.
Driving Force Together with enthusiasm and trust we accelerate and advance skills development. Skills Development and Learning Programmes The Skills Development and Learning Programmes Unit is responsible for the development, implementation, alignment to the Sector Skills Plan and maintenance of TETA Strategic and Annual Performance Plans.
Pursuant to this TETA will continue to benchmark its programmes against the international best practice alongside its partners, universities, TVET colleges, private providers and all other relevant institutions. Transport Sector Segmentation Summary
SD & LP planning is informed by the SSP and Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs). The WSPs provide a growth strategy, profile and aggregate skill plans of the Transport sector.
The Transport Sector is vast in its scope and comprises diverse sub sectors. TETA has, in the main, aligned its Business Units according to these sub sectors, TETA Business Units service the following sub sectors:
The unit is also responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of training programmes and policies
Aerospace, Freight Handling, Forwarding and Clearing, Mariti me, Road Freight, Road Passenger, Rail and Taxi.
Through direct intervention and coordinati on, each Business Unit
focuses on the needs of the constituent sub sector with regards to levy disbursement for mandatory and discretionary grants, skills development interventions, stakeholder management, programme monitoring and all other attendant activities. Being at the forefront of the Transport Sector skills needs, TETA plays a pivotal role in qualification development, research and quality assurance. Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) TETA is one of the SETAs that are Development Quality Partners (DQP) as well as the Quality assurance Partner (QAP) of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The ETQA unit is responsible for qualification development and quality assurance in line with the South African Quality Assurance (SAQA) and QCTO criteria. The unit guarantees the quality of skills delivery, evaluation and monitoring of training activities within the Transport Sector to promote and maintain excellent service to all. Monitoring and Evaluation Programmes Monitoring and Evaluation at TETA has adopted the Monitoring & Evaluation framework that is consistent with the Government Wide Monitoring & Evaluation Policy Framework and Treasury regulations. The aim of the TETA M&E framework is to establish a unifi ed, coherent and integrated framework for monitoring and evaluati on of performance and service delivery within the organisati on. The primary focus is on the performance and impact of TETA and its stakeholders on all programmes and intervent ons.
Research and Knowledge The Research and Knowledge unit was established to collect and consolidate labour market informati on that will provide input for the development and conti nual maintenance of the Transport Sector Skills Plan. In pursuit of TETA mandate, Research and Knowledge unit has developed appropriate strategies, among which are the following: • Establishing baseline benchmarks; • Establish a Research Agenda; • Identify strategies for strengthening TETA skilling programmes; • Identify needs and gaps on Skills Development issues; • Contribute to the establishment of a functi onal Management Information System (MIS) For further information about TETA and its services: Visit us www.teta.org.za Email us on enquiries@teta.org.za Connect with us on: https://www.facebook.com/Transport. Educati on.Training.Authority Call us on 011577 7000 – Gauteng 021 531 3064 – Western Cape 031 301 9614 – Kwa-Zulu Natal
Message froM the aCting DireCtor-generaL
It’s time for introspection
I
t was the preeminent Indian independence leader, patriot and hu-
improving management practices to advance service
manist Mahatma Gandhi who wrote: “The best way to find yourself
delivery through benchmarking against successful im-
is to lose yourself in the service of others”.
plementation.
A century after Gandhi left South Africa for India, these words
In so far as these tools describe the key strategy ele-
still ring true as we affirm our own commitment to serving the
ments and activities that relate to a new service ori-
needs of our citizens.
ented culture, our guiding principles must be founded
Lest we forget, the Bill of Rights in our Constitution calls on
in the National Development Plan 2030, which enjoins us to see to it and assist
each of us to deliver services to the citizenry. If you are not serving the customer directly, your job is to serve frontline staff that are. On the cusp of the fifth democratic term, we have been gifted with the opportunity for introspection, to truly
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” – Albert Schweitzer
so that all life’s enablers are available to citizens in a humane way. Its long-term perspective both humanises and harmonises the activities of departments by
improve service delivery by honestly evaluating our current service delivery practices, and better
sequencing the medium and short-term plans of gov-
integrating citizens into the service delivery process.
ernment at national, provincial and municipal level.
Much has been done in developing an evaluative toolkit to assist
Our introspection must also ask searching questions
Public Service managers achieve our mission of building a devel-
of our individual capacity to lead and drive this new
opmental state that is biased to the needs of the majority of our
service ethos.
population - those citizens most in need of government services.
What practical steps are we taking to retool our skill-
As you set out each day to move South Africa forward, your service
set in preparation to implement the two planning cy-
delivery dashboard would be incomplete if it did not integrate indicators from a few of our best practice tools such as: • The Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) – our framework of standards and indicators of good practice that promote a common understanding of good Public
cles leading up to 2030? Do we have the right pipeline of talent in our respective operations to entrench sustainable organisational alignment to the NDP, given the inherent bias to stasis in the organisations we manage?
Sector management practice. These enable manag-
Are our operational structures and practices op-
ers to test their own practice against and identify
timised to deliver against a new service delivery
management practice improvements that will im-
template? How do we prioritise the allocation
prove service delivery.
of resources in an environment of cost con-
• The Public Service Commission Citizen Satisfaction Surveys – sector based assessment instruments measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. These identify the drivers of citizen satisfaction that
straints? Through this journey, I ask you to commit to provide consistently excellent services to all our citizens, to commit to
inform overall sector performance perception.
continuous learning and self-
• The Service Charter – our social contract,
improvement, and most
setting out our roles and responsibilities in
importantly, to share your
improving performance, enhancing and fast
successes through this pub-
tracking the delivery of services to improve
lication and platforms such
the lives of our people. All of these tools are based on
10
as the PSM Forum to enrich Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.
our collective wisdom.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
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Behind it all.
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Letters to the eDitor
We hear you! Dear Editor GER PUBLIC SECTOR MANA
Reading through the September edition of Public Sector Manager magazine I found myself interested in the article about Sebolaishi Mabyana, the CEO of the newly opened in Zola-Jabulani hospital SEPTEMBER 2014
in Soweto.
Power Pack
• Arts and Culture crafts an inclusive South Africa • Tell your story, empower a nation
We speak to Ministers: • Jeff Radebe • Nathi Mthethwa • Lynne Brown
THE MAGAZINE FOR
Heritage Month
I was pleased to see that a lady from a rural village in Limpopo managed to rise against all odds to such a high position. It inspires me to know that she came from humble beginnings and worked hard to be where she is today. The CEO’s story resonates with me because growing up I would
PUBLIC SECTOR DECISIO
sense the joy from my mother, who is a nurse, when she spoke of her career and it inspired me to pursue a career in the nursing profession.
N-MAKERS
Plus: Tourism Month SEPTEMBER 2014
• SA Tourism CEO Thulani Nzima sets the scene for Tourism Month s • Minister Faith Muthambi’ vision for visits
• 2014-2015 Strategic Framework: Marching orders to move SA forward
Mabyana’s story shows that with the right mind set and attitude anyone can make something of their lives. Her comments about nurses having the right attitude towards patients and how we should show patients care and patience truly encourages me to do better and also reminds me why I entered this profession. I wish her the best in her new appointment and I hope that people in the profession draw from her optimistic attitude and care for people in the same manner she speaks of.
PSM
R29.95 (VAT INCL) SOUTH
Monnye Pasca Motena
AFRICA
Dear Editor First and foremost, thank you for your magazine. The magazine is informative and really speaks volumes on the work of government and its plans for the country. I especially enjoyed the September issue of PSM, as it was filled with a lot of articles on heritage and the beauty and diversity of our country. As South Africans we should be proud of our rich heritage. Knowing that government and its people are caring for it, gives me peace as future generations will be able to value our country and understand why it’s called the rainbow nation. The article on the World Heritage Sites stood out for me the most. It was informative and highlighted the beauty that South Africa has to display. It makes me truly happy to be a part of a country that has come so far in the past 20 years. Thank you again for highlighting the country in a positive light.
Marisa August, Vanderbijlpark
Visit us on Facebook to share your thoughts and views: www.facebook.com/PublicSectorManager
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@PublicSectorMan
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) is mandated to keep, maintain and disseminate the National Measurement Standards and to demonstrate measurement equivalence for South Africa and the region with our main trading partners. In addition, NMISA is responsible for the correct use of the International System of Units (SI) in South Africa and to approve other units outside the SI for local use. The NMISA also performs reference analyses and according to the Measurement Units and Measurement Standards Act (No. 18 of 2006), in a dispute in any SA court, the NMISA result must be accepted as the most correct value. NMISA is a proud member of the Department of Trade and Industry’s family of Technical Infrastructure (TI) Institutes responsible for the Quality Infrastructure in South Africa. NMISA ensures that the measurement system is in place to protect its citizens, the environment and to promote industrial development, commerce and trade.
Your business needs NMISA: The development of new products, the rendering of services and the successful application of processes require accurate measurement to ensure quality and performance. Internationally acceptable measurement is also required in order to trade successfully.
Measurements also play a fundamental part in: • Creating competitive industry sectors (such as manufacturing and mining); • Assisting Health services (blood pressure, diagnostic radiation, toxicity, etc.) • Food Safety (toxic residues, nutritional value, etc.); • Energy savings and green energies (power and energy, environmental monitoring, etc.) • Law enforcement (alcohol in blood, speed, forensics, etc.).
NMISA Products: Certified Reference Materials: The NMISA produces primary reference gas mixtures (PRGMs) for manufacturers of gas and the calibration of gas analysers, and organic solutions as primary calibrators.
NMISA Services: Calibration: Delivering direct traceability to the national measurement standards, the NMISA serves the high-end calibration laboratories by performing calibrations to the highest accuracy (smallest uncertainty). The NMISA holds accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 for most of the parameters and ranges that it offers calibration services for. Proficiency Testing: The NMISA run proficiency testing schemes for calibration and testing laboratories and for NMIs in Africa. Testing and Chemical Analysis: In some cases the NMISA has the only traceable measurement capability in the country and provides a testing and analytical capability to customers. Reference measurements: In the case of different measurement results for the same analyte from two analytical laboratories, or where clients such as government laboratories require a measurement for a specific legal purpose and need a direct traceability route to the SI, the NMISA performs a reference measurement or a high level analytical service. Certification of reference materials: The NMISA has established a capability to value assign chemical samples and gas mixtures for customers, including purity. Training: The expertise residing in the NMISA staff is an important contribution to the development of a skilled and capable workforce through training in measurement science. Where and when required, the NMISA assists SANAS and the National Laboratory Association (NLA) with training courses and provides technical experts to SANAS Technical Committees and South African National Standards (SANS) Committees. The NMISA employees are also involved as invited lecturers in graduate and post-graduate academic courses. To find out more about our capabilities and opportunities available for your business please contact: • Tel 012 841 4152 • Fax 012 841 2131 • Email: info@nmisa.org
• Website: www.nmisa.org
Your measure of excellence
Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Anwa Essop
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS
Rob Davies spotting opportunity at every turn
T
he Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has for the past 20 years been at the forefront of making it easy for South Africa to open its trade borders and
take trade to the rest of the world. Back in the early 90s and the mid-90s, South Africa was a small player in world trade. “What has happened since 1994 is that we’ve seen a di-
versification of our trade relations. “We didn’t even have diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, let alone trade relations, but now
turn the country’s economy into a major global player. Minister Davies is one of the ministers who returned to the portfolio that he occupied in the previous administration. He says this gives him and his team a chance to consolidate on the work they’ve already done. “Coming back to this portfolio gives us a chance to continue the work that we did in the previous administration. “We launched the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) as our three year plan and we started those in the first year of the last administration.”
China is our biggest trading partner for both exports and
The dti is the lead department in implementing the IPAP
imports,” says Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies.
and Minister Davies says it, with the help of all government
He believes that South Africa should take advantage of
departments, should play a role in ensuring that the policy
the solid foundation laid by the fourth administration to
action plan is implemented successfully. Infiltrating the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market, turning the South African film industry into the new Nollywood (Nigerian film industry), building relations between agencies of department and improving South Africa’s role in the global market are some of the major achievements scored by South Africa in recent years.
Taking South African products to the SADC region The past 10 years have been characterised by an influx of various countries into Africa to trade with the continent. “The perception of Africa is changing dramatically because Africa has been growing quite fast. Investors are also recognising the continent’s ambition.” In the past two years, the department has increased its aggression in marketing South African companies and their products to the continent with a bias towards the SADC region. Minister Davies says his department deliberately targeted the SADC region because there is an appetite for South African products here, and to put South Africa on the map as a good trade partner. “We want to reposition South Africa as the number one trade destination, especially with the trade in Africa, given that the other parts of the continent are already industrialising.” Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies says South Africa is open for business.
14
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Since 1994, South Africa has attracted more than R30 billion in the form of foreign direct investment.
player that will compete with the biggest film industry on the continent, Nigeria's Nollywood. In September, the dti launched a film incentive for emerging
Building a stronger trade relationship with Africa’s biggest economy
black film makers. The incentive will provide financial assistance
Earlier this year, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product
the first R6 million of the Qualifying South African Production
(GDP) surpassed that of South Africa making it the
Expenditure (QSAPE) and 25 per cent for the remainder.
biggest economy on the continent.
to qualifying applicants in a form of a rebate of 50 per cent for
He says the incentive will give support to emerging filmmak-
Minister Davies says South Africa is willing to work
ers who were previously not covered under the Film and Tel-
with Nigeria in a way that will benefit the two coun-
evision Production and Co-Production Incentive programme. “The film industry, through various engagements and con-
tries. “I think we are beginning to see the results of this relationship. Nigeria is developing a motor industry and they wanted to learn from our industry. We’ve shared a lot of information with them.”
sultations, indicated that the previous scheme and threshold did not accommodate or support emerging filmmakers. “The dti has now reduced the threshold and upped the incentive in an effort to create many opportunities for people with low-budget productions for televi-
He adds that the two countries are in discussions about South Africa exporting parts to Nigeria’s motor industry. “We are looking to sign an agreement whereby we supply the components that goes into the operations taking place in Nigeria. “We used to supply them with cars, now we will be supplying them with kits.”
“We’ve seen the film industry grow in the last few years. In the last administration, we quadrupled the number of films we supported and the majority of our incentive goes to our local productions.”
tionship with Ghana.
tions will be supported than ever before." Minster Davies emphasised that the South Africa's film industry needs quality filmmakers to live up to its reputation of being a competitive driver of the economy. “We’ve seen the film industry grow in the last few years. In the last administration we quadrupled the number of films we supported and the majority of our incentive goes to our local productions.”
Another example of South Africa working with an African country is the rela-
sion and films. In this way more produc-
He added that about 65 per cent of the incentive goes to local productions.
“We used to supply them with grinding media for
Minister Davies says during recent interaction with produc-
the west African mining industry. Now, after an in-
ers in California, they expressed their appreciation of what the
vestment by a South African company, that grinding
dti was doing for the film industry.
media will be manufactured in Ghana but the input will be coming from South Africa.” The company that will invest in Ghana is Scoremetal.
“Many of them are very happy with what they see in South Africa and they are happy with the incentive programme.” The dti is also involved in the creation of the Cape Town Film Studio and financing a film about former President Nelson Mandela.
Turning South Africa’s film industry into a global player
the South African film industry topple the Nigerian film indus-
Minister Davies says his department is on a mission
try from the number one spot in the continent.
to turn South Africa’s film industry into a global
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
The Minister hopes that the film incentive scheme will help
“That’s what the incentive is all about,” he says.
15
Writer: Irene Naidoo Photographer: Kopano Tlape
ProfiLesininLeaDershiP LeaDershiP ProfiLes
Lieutenant-General Masondo: the firepower behind SA Army
T
wo Gripen fighter aircraft streak across the sky. As quickly as they emerge, they are out of sight. The only evidence of their presence is the deafening explosion as a result of the two
250kg bombs they have just been dropped on the “enemy”. Minutes later two Hawks drop 180kg bombs on the target. Next
Another of his duties is to mould the character of young soldiers. “We have to shape their character and try to build patriotism. It is only when soldiers are patriotic they can serve with the necessary passion required.”
come the rocket-propelled grenades, grenades and machine gun fire as soldiers move in on “enemy”.
SA a country at peace
These are the scenes being played out in Lohatla, Northern Cape,
Given the peaceful state of the country, some South
where the full force of the South African Army is on display during
Africans might feel that spending money on the army
a training exercise named Operation Seboka.
is unnecessary - a notion Lt-Gen Masondo is quick to
Seated in his vantage point on Aasvoelkop – a hill at the SA Army Combat Training Centre - watching the “battle” play out below is Chief of the SA Army Lieutenant-General Vusi Masondo.
dispel. “We enjoy peace currently and therefore there’s a feeling that to pump financial resources into the army is
He is a man with enormous responsibilities on his shoulders.
a waste of money given that we have got challenging
“Being chief of the army is a huge responsibility. The army is the
socio-economic problems that we should channel the
main component of the SANDF… We have a huge responsibility
money into.
to ensure that our soldiers are properly trained because my core
“We must understand that even the peace we have
business as chief of the SA Army is to prepare soldiers for deploy-
is because of the deterrent effect of the defence force.
ment,” he says.
If we didn’t have a defence force at all, there would be
This means providing soldiers with thorough training so that they
many opportunists who would attack people. But those
can hold their own and minimise the loss of lives when they go into
things don’t happen because those elements know that
battle, the Lt-Gen points out.
South Africa has an army that is there day in, day out.”
“I must be able to live with my conscience, knowing that as chief
Questions have also been raised about why South
of the army I’ve done everything to properly equip them so they
African soldiers are placing their lives on the line and in
don’t unnecessarily lose lives.”
some instances, losing their lives, in conflict situations
16
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
in other countries on the continent.
ensure that we can attend the ageing equipment.”
“South Africa cannot be an island of prosperity in a
While acknowledging that the army does not have adequate
sea of poverty and instability. That is one of the reasons
financial resources to do its work, the Lt-Gen understands that
our country is attracting so many immigrants. If we
government has other pressing needs to address.
are successful in stabilising our continent, people will not feel the need to leave their countries and come to South Africa and compete with our people for the scarce resources,” he says.
He hopes at some stage these demands will be balanced and budgeted for accordingly. “The army is a national asset,” the man who heads it up says proudly. And heading up this national asset comes with a fair amount
A strong army dealing with challenges
of accountability and tough situations.
The SA Army is rated as one of the strongest on the
Last year South African soldiers who were in the Central Af-
continent, says Lt-Gen Masondo, but it also not without
rican Republic (CAR) to train that country’s army came under
challenges.
attack from the rebels. Thirteen soldiers were killed.
“Some of the equipment we have is old and to some
“Those soldiers were youngsters, who had small children,
extent this poses the risk of loss of life during train-
some were not married. To face, not only their parents, but
ing and when we go into a war situation it also places
their kids and young wives in that moment of grief was not
our soldiers in danger. Even though they are properly
an easy task.
trained, soldiers face the risk that the equipment may not function as required because of its age.” Addressing the issue of ageing equipment is proving
“It’s a huge responsibility because whenever things go wrong I’m accountable not only to my Minister and the commanderin-chief but also to the nation,” says the father of three.
to be a challenge for the army, as it juggles its budget. The budget provides for three areas of expenditure –
Maintaining stability in Africa
capital renewal, which includes renewing equipment,
He cites the army’s peacekeeping mission in Burundi as one of
funds to enable the army to operate and deploy, and
its most notable achievements over the past 20 years.
funds to pay soldiers.
“At the time many people felt we were going into mission
“Currently it’s askew; we are spending a huge portion
impossible and there was no way we would succeed in sta-
of the budget on compensating our soldiers by way of
bilising the country but it did stabilise and was able to hold
remuneration, which therefore leaves little money to
elections. It is one of the great achievements of the army.” >>
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
17
BUILDING A N AT I O N O F E X P E R T I S E
Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprises is a black-owned business, established in 2002 with the aim of providing high quality delivery in all aspects of its business dealings through the services provided. An African woman owns the company, with other blackowned strategic partners playing a vital role in service delivery for South Africa. MISSION & VISION To make a meaningful contribution to the growth and development of small businesses through Enterprise Development and placement programmes. To promote black economic empowerment and gender equity and redress. CORE VALUES • To deliver quality service • To ensure timely delivery of service • Constantly improve our systems and service • Contribute towards addressing unemployment ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprises formation is based on the economic empowerment of the disadvantaged communities of South Africa. EQUITY OWNERSHIP The founding member and Shareholder is a South African Professional who is actively participating in the mainstream economy. Job creation & work integrated learning (WIL) For the contracts and jobs that the company gets, local labour is utilized where necessary. Where additional resources are required, the company forms partnerships with other contractors to deliver turnkey solution.
The WIL concept is the most component of our youth job creation initiatives as it focuses on creating learner placement channels whereby unemployed learners, semi-qualified learners, and unemployed youth have the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in reputable companies, organisations, and departments while furthering their vocational studies on the job. The objective is to create a mechanism that will allow organizations (public and private) to absorb large volumes of semi and unskilled learners into their operations in a structured and coordinated way that will benefit both the host company as well as the learner. CURRENT PROJECTS Transport Education and Training Authority: • New Venture Creation NQF Level 4 - 100 learners Siphumelele Skills Solutions: • New Venture Creation NQF Level 4 - 400 learners Mix Telematics Enterprise SA (PTY) Ltd: • Customer service • End-user Computing • Attention to Detail • Leadership and Management • Stress management • Business communication Metro bus: • Performance management Department of Higher Education & Training (The Siwelile Co-Operative Project) Trained and Assessed learners against registered unit standards via skills development programmes frameworks. • End - user computing • Leadership and Management – 200 learners • Labour and Corporate Governance – 200 learners • New Venture Creation – 200 learners
Profiles in leadership
Chief of the South African Army Lieutenant-General Vusi Masondo (third from left).
The SA Army has also been involved in peace missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan.
therefore I saw myself having a career as a doctor or maybe a university professor. Unfortunately because
“We have also been training the armies of other countries.
my father was involved in the liberation struggle
In the DRC we trained more than five battalions. Those forces
when I was growing up I was harassed throughout
are now operating together with the South African soldiers
my schooling by members of the Special Branch and
and equipping themselves very well in battle, which means
forced into political activism at a young age.”
the level of our training remains very good.”
He says the situation became unbearable in 1976,
On the home front, the army has continued to come to the
when he was in Standard 10 (Grade 12), and he was
rescue of people in remote and rural areas during flooding,
forced to leave the country. He was given two choices
reconstructed bridges that have been washed away and
by the ANC – continue with his studies or join the ranks of uMkonto weSizwe (MK).
helped citizens who faced difficulty when it snowed. Nothing brings Lt-Gen Masondo more joy than seeing soldiers, who have benefited from good training, carrying out their functions in a war
“We have also been training of the armies of other countries. In the DRC we trained more than five battalions.
situation.
“Because of the manner in which I grew up and the kind of oppression I saw the African people subjected to; I couldn’t look at my selfish interests of continuing with my studies while other youngsters like me were volunteering to fight for the liberation of our country.
“The army and defence force is about fighting wars. If the
“So I had to make a conscious decision to say that my
training does not give soldiers the confidence to go to battle
nation and fellow oppressed people need my services
and fight … then as chief of the army I’m failing in my job.”
… so I joined the glorious army of the ANC.” After leaving South Africa he went to Swaziland and
Keeping soldiers motivated and disciplined
then to Mozambique and Tanzania, before undergoing
Lt-Gen Masondo and his leadership team strive to instil a
basic military training in Angola in 1997 and air defence
sense of patriotism in the soldiers under their command.
artillery training in the former Soviet Union in 1978.
“It is only when soldiers are patriotic that they are willing
Lt-Gen Masondo served in the ranks of MK in various
to lay down their lives for their country. We also continu-
roles until he returned to South Africa in 1992, after the
ously promote our military culture, which is founded on
ANC was unbanned.
discipline.
He has held a number of positions in the army over
“From time to time I communicate with soldiers to mo-
the years, including that of Director: Corporate Com-
tivate them and show my appreciation that they have
munication, Personnel Staff Office to the Chief of the
volunteered to pursue this noble career. It is important
SANDF, Director Human Resource Maintenance and
that we lead by example so that the soldiers will aspire to
Chief Army Force Preparation.
emulate our achievements,” he says.
He completed matric and diploma courses in secretarial and computer studies while in exile. Since then,
The derailing of dreams
he has added a Certificate in Defence Management
It is somewhat strange that the man who once considered
from the University of Witwatersrand, Certificate in
a career as a doctor ended up in the army instead.
Labour Relations from the University of Pretoria and a
“At school I was very good at maths and science and
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
BCom degree from UNISA to his qualifications.
19
VITAL STATS
Compiled by: Maselaelo Seshotli
Fast facts at your fingertips With regards to the degree of difficulty in the domains of seeing, hearing, communication, walking, remembering and self-care, the report showed: • 11 per cent of the those with disabilities had seeing difficulties. • 4,2 per cent had cognitive (remembering/concentrating) difficulties. • 3,6 per cent had hearing difficulties. • About 2 per cent had communication, self-care and walking disabilities.
Access to housing and basic services
A
• More than half (55,4 per cent) of households headed bout 2,9 million South Africans (7,5 per cent of the population)
by persons with disabilities lived in homes that were
are living with a disability.
owned and fully paid off.
This is according to the Profile of Persons with Disabilities
in South Africa report, which is based on Census 2011 data, released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
• 20,6 per cent lived in rent-free dwellings, while about 12 per cent lived in rented dwellings. • About 13,4 per cent of households headed by per-
Disability is more prevalent in older age groups - more than half
sons with disabilities had no access to piped water
(53,2 per cent) of those aged 85 or older reported having a disability.
compared to 8,2 per cent of those headed by persons
It is also more prevalent among females, the report showed. There
without disabilities.
are more than 1,6 million females with disabilities compared to the more than 1,1 million males.
• 45,2 per cent of households headed by persons with disabilities had access to a flush toilet and 37,1 per cent used pit toilets.
Disability prevalence by province • Free State and Northern Cape had the highest proportion of persons with disability – 11,1 and 11 per cent respectively. • The prevalence of persons with disabilities in the North West was 10
• Households headed by persons with disabilities had higher proportions using candles for lighting (14,6 per cent) compared to households headed by persons without disabilities (11 per cent).
per cent, followed by Eastern Cape with 9,6 per cent, Mpumalanga with 7 per cent and Limpopo with 6,9 per cent. • Western Cape and Gauteng had the lowest percentage of persons with disabilities, 5,4 and 5,3 per cent respectively.
Employment and persons with disabilities • 62 per cent of persons with disabilities were employed, 27,3 unemployed and 10,8 per cent not economically active (neither employed nor unemployed).
Disability prevalence by population group • The population group profile showed that black people had the highest proportion of persons with disabilities (7,8 per cent), followed by whites with 6,5 per cent.
• Employment levels were highest among males with disabilities at 66,6 per cent. • 58,1 per cent of females with disabilities were employed.
• The proportion of Coloureds and Indians with disabilities was 6,2 per cent.
20
Source: Stats SA Public Sector Manager • November 2014
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day 22 November
South African Sports Awards 30 November
Sport and Recreation South Africa will host the second Nelson Mandela
The South African Sports Awards will recognise and
Sports and Culture Day on 22 November. The event will take place at
honour individuals and teams who have excelled both
the Union Buildings and will focus on encouraging social cohesion,
on and off the field between 1 October 2013 and 31
nation building and world peace – ideals that the late former President
August 2014.
Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to. The Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day was first celebrated in August 2013 in the form of double-header matches that saw the Springboks take on Argentina and Bafana Bafana battle it out against Burkina Faso at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. During this year’s event, South Africans will have a chance to participate in sporting activities such as cycling, running and walking. For information on how to be part of the event go to http://www.srsa.gov.za
Candidates for the awards are nominated by the national sports federations, the media and the SA Sports Awards voting panel. The awards will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 30 November and will be hosted by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa, with the SABC and Supersport as the official broadcast partners. The South African Sports Awards reward the country’s sports stars for their efforts in keeping the passion of
17 Public Sector Trainers’ Forum (PSTF) Conference 24 – 26 November th
sport alive in the hearts of millions of South Africans through their efforts in local or international sports events.
The National School of Government (NSG) will host the 17th Public Sector Trainers’ Forum (PSTF) Conference under the theme “Building capacity for higher productivity in the Public Sector”. The three-day conference sessions will start on 24 November at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria. The forum provides a platform for collaborative interaction towards improved relationships and organisational performance. Key stakeholders expected to participate in the forum include government departments at national, provincial and local level; Public Sector entities, councils and agencies; and social partners. The PSTF strives to achieve a number Human Resource Development (HRD) related objectives within the Public Sector. This includes advancing the development and growth of HRD practitioners; contributing to the awareness and adoption of quality standards; creating a platform for discussion, implementation and possible reviews of policy frameworks and fostering partnerships with stakeholders to improve HRD practices. Those interested in attending the conference can make bookings through the NSG contact centre on pstf@thensg.gov.za or 012 441 6777.
National Global Change Conference 1 – 5 December The second DST/NRF National Global Change Conference will take place under theme “Global Change Research in South Africa: towards integration across disciplines, sectors and scales”. The conference is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the South African Global Change Science Committee and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and will take place in Port Elizabeth from 1 to 5 December. It aims to bring together the diverse global change research community in South Africa to share recent research progress and outcomes across the broad scope of the Global Change Grand Challenge programme. The conference also aims to provide an opportunity for post-graduate research students and emerging
Erratum
researchers to locate their work in a broader context;
In the previous edition of PSM magazine the incorrect text and logo ap-
while providing a platform for awareness of the multiple
peared under the heading Sports and Events Tourism Exchange, Exhibi-
opportunities that exist for career development.
tion and Conference (SETE) in the Upcoming Events section. We regret the error. The correction was made on the online version of the magazine.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
For more information go to the conference website, http://globalchange2014.nmmu.ac.za
21
WoMen in the PUBLiC seCtor
Writer: Gabi Khumalo
Kenosi Setlhako Machepa: proof that
dreams do come true qualities were also recognised by her teacher, who encouraged her to follow that path. She recalls the days when she represented her school in top debating competitions. “I remember my first year in a debating team… we beat our opponent, which was the highest ranking in Bloemfontein. Nobody could beat Lereko High School at the time, but we did,” she says. “My teacher sat me down and said: ‘This is your path.’ I then started researching about public speaking careers because I had no idea what it meant. I realised that I had it in me to pursue a career in that field. I continued with public speaking for my high school while researching.”
F
But Setlhako Machepa had to put her dream of obtaining rom an early age, Kenosi Setlhako Machepa was al-
a Communications degree on hold when she fell pregnant
ready making her voice heard, thrusting her ideas and
and had a child at an early age. She ended up doing a
views forward in her school debating team.
teaching diploma at the then Strydom College (now
Engaging in strong debates and arguments with senior
learners excited and intrigued her. No subject was too big or
After completing her diploma, she worked for eight
out of reach for the diminutive Setlhako Machepa to tackle.
years as a primary school teacher.
It’s no wonder that today she is the Head of Communications
“My son derailed my dreams of going to university. I had to
in the Women Ministry. The Women’s Ministry has been mandated with championing the achievement of women’s socio-economic empowerment and human rights.
lower my ambitions because I had brought extra responsibility for my mother, and had to go with the cheapest that I could do, which was then to go to a college,” she explains. Despite this, Setlhako Machepa refused to give up on her
Shortly after her appointment, Minister Susan Shabangu
childhood dream. She enrolled with the University of South
said the focus of the department over the next five years
Africa (UNISA) to study part time, while working as a teacher.
would be ensuring that women are anchored in the econ-
She later graduated with a BA degree in Communications,
omy and become major beneficiaries of interventions in
which opened new doors for her.
both the public and private sectors. She indicated that her department would form strategic partnerships with other government departments, agencies,
In 2004, she got her first job as a communicator when she was appointed as Assistant Director: Public Relations for the Free State Department of Education.
the private sector and civil society, as well as with women
Just two years after establishing her communications career,
across various sectors of the economy to accelerate women’s
Setlhako Machepa’s dedication and hard work elevated her
access to productive resources.
to a Media Liaison Specialist position at Free State Develop-
Born in Bloemfontein in the Free State, 45-year-old Setl-
22
Thaba Nchu College of Education).
ment Corporation.
hako Machepa says she always knew that she would one day
She stayed in that position for only a year, before joining
be a communicator or a public speaker. Her public speaking
the SABC as the Regional Manager: Communications in the
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Kenosi Setlhako Machepa always knew that she would one day have a career in communications.
Free State. She later moved to Auckland Park in 2007,
“For instance one cannot be a communicator if he or she
where she worked as a Communication Specialist
cannot relate to people at every level. A true communicator
in the Technology Division.
would be able to go down to that level and communicate. If
One can only be inspired by women like Setlhako Machepa, who keep climbing up the ladder regardless of the obstacles thrown at them. She was among those communicating the SABC’s state of readiness ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. While at the SABC, she also studied for a Management Development Programme at the Gordon Insti-
you fail to rise or go down to different target audiences, you are not a communicator.” Setlhako Machepa raises the point that the majority of government communicators occupying the position of “spokesperson” are males. “There is an imbalance that we need to deal with,” she says, adding that a pool of more women spokespeople needs to emerge.
tute of Business Science. Before she joined the then
But she says she works well with her male colleagues.
Department of Women, Children and People with
She names former Basic Education spokesperson (now Gaut-
Disabilities, in November 2013, Setlhako Machepa
eng Education MEC) Panyaza Lesufi and current SAA spokes-
was Head of Communications at the South African
person Tlali Tali as some of the people she looks up to.
Weather Services. While a shift from corporate communication to government communications may not be an easy
If she was not a communicator, Setlhako Machepa says she would be a motivational speaker, something she is planning to pursue and use to help others reach their full potential.
adjustment for many people, Setlhako Machepa
While most people struggle to cope with workplace stress,
embraced the change. She says her dissertation for
Setlhako Machepa tries to avoid stress at work because she is
her Master’s degree in Media Studies, as well as her
aware that the office is not her home.
upbringing, prepared her for the job.
“I’m aware that the comfort I will get will come from home.
“I’ve seen and experienced the strength of women
I shine when I do my work; it’s not about the office space but
in my own growing environment. I was raised by a
focusing on what I’m here to do. I’m also aware that we are at
single mother, who was a labourer. She raised me
different levels as people, and that’s how I always approach
with my two sisters, who have since passed on.
people knowing that they are in a different space, so I must
“At some point in our lives, my mother had to take over the four girls of her sister, who went blind and could no longer work. She took care of seven of us with her small salary.” She points out that being a communicator is not as glamorous as some people may think.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
tread carefully.” Her advice to women is: “Don’t allow anything to stand in your way and always work towards your goals”. Setlhako Machepa is currently in Scotland, where she is studying for a MBA Leadership at the University of Edinburgh. She will be back in South Africa in August 2015.
23
Department Profile
DRIVING A TRANSFORMED AND ACCOUNTABLE POLICE SERVICE
Reneva Esther Fourie Acting Secretary of Police
Reneva Esther Fourie, born 30 April 1969, holds a Masters degree in Public Administration. Her previous roles include Permanent Executive Secretary for the African Ministerial Conference on Decentralisation and Local Development (AMCOD), and her greatest achievement is a self-published book entitled, “Embedded Decentralisation: An African Approach”. Her goal for the year ahead is to optimize the effectiveness of all structures that enable an active citizenry in support of the Police.
Reneva Fourie holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from
to rapidly re-familiarise myself with the civilian policing environment and I
the University of Pretoria. She has attended a number of short courses,
undoubtly feel at home.”
which include a leadership development programme from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
“The continuous prevalence of violent crimes such as murder and developments in areas such as Kuruman, Grabouw and Kirkwood
Having a strong propensity for community-based interactions, Fourie
emphasise the need for a united front towards the creation of safe and
served in local peace committee structures, which later were replaced
stable communities as policing alone will not bring about that change.
by Community Policing Forums for all of the 1990s. She remains active in community-based activities, and has been involved in governmental
The Secretariat has an important role to play in building this united front,”
duties since 2002.
says Fourie.“In executing our mandate as the Secretariat, heritage is significant. It gives us grounding as individuals, and our collective history
Upon her appointment as Acting Secretary of Police, Fourie wrote,
of resilience and as champions of change serves as a base from which
“My re-entry into an environment which had shaped my young adult
to drive change within the domain of safety and security. But change can
years happened with a bang. Within my first few weeks I met with
only happen if we are institutionally sound. The Secretariat must be a
the senior management in each of the Chief Directorates, addressed
place where all staff can feel that they belong, and where all staff believe
Parliament twice, met with Provincial Heads of Department and Chief
they are being treated fairly,” she adds.
Financial Officers, attended Cabinet, and witnessed the release of the crime statistics.
“Already I have witnessed high levels of commitment within the Secretariat and I feel blessed to have inherit- ed a team that has within it
“As a collective we worked on concluding the Annual Report and key elements of the 2015/2016 Annual Performance Plan. This assisted me
skills and passion,” Fourie concludes.
INSTITUTION PROFILE Strategic overview
• U se the appropriate channels to air any grievances or make direct representations
Vision: A transformed and accountable police service that reflects the values of
• B e committed to development, motivation and utilisation of our staff and promote sound labour relations
our developmental state.
• D eal fairly, professionally and equitably with colleagues.
Mission:
Performance of our duties
To provide an efficient and civilian oversight of the SAPS and enhance the role of the Minister of Police.
As employees of the Civilian Secretariat for Police we diligently affirm our commitment to:
Value: In carrying out its mandate, the Civilian Secretariat for Police subscribes to the following set of values:
• S trive to achieve the objectives of the Secretariat cost-effectively and in the public interest • Be creative in thought in the execution of our duties • Be punctual in the execution of our duties
Relationship with parliament
• Be professional and competent in our duties • N ot engage in any action or transaction in conflict with the execution
As employees of the Civilian Secretariat for Police we diligently affirm our commitment to: • B e faithful to the Republic and honour the Constitution • Put the interest of the public first • Ensure execution of the policies of the Government
of our duties • R ecuse ourselves from any official action or decision making that may result in improper gain and to declare such interest • A vail ourselves for further training and self development throughout our careers
• Strive to be faithful to statutory requirements and instructions
• B e honest and accountable when dealing with public funds
• Co-operate with public institutions in promoting public interest
• P romote sound, efficient, effective, transparent and accountable
Relationship with the public
• R eport fraud, corruption, nepotism and maladministration
administration
• Give honest and impartial advice
As employees of the Civilian Secretariat for Police we diligently affirm our commitment to:
• Honour confidentiality
Personal conduct and private interests
• P romote the unity and well-being of the South African Nation. • Be unbiased and impartial • B e polite, helpful and reasonably accessible and maintain high service standards • Have regard for the circumstances and concerns of the public
As employees of the Civilian Secretariat for Police we diligently affirm our commitment to: • D ress and behave in a manner that enhances the public service during official duties
• The development and upliftment of all South Africans
• Act responsibly in the use of alcohol or intoxicating substances
• Not unfairly discriminate against any member of the public
• N ot use our position to obtain gifts or benefits for ourselves or accept
• Not abuse our positions as public servants • Respect and protect every person’s dignity and rights • R ecognise the public’s right to information except where protected by law
such that can be construed as bribes • N ot disclose official information for personal gain or for the gain of others • N ot undertake remunerative work outside official duties without prior approval or use official equipment for such work
Relationship with our colleagues
Strategic outcome-orientated goals
As employees of the Civilian Secretariat for Police we diligently affirm our commitment to:
The following are the department goals:
• Co-operate fully with our colleagues to advance the public interest
• A well-advised and supported Minister for a service-delivery oriented
• E xecute all reasonable instructions by persons officially assigned to give such • R efrain from favouring friends and family and not abuse our authority nor be unduly influenced
police service that is accountable • Q uality, timeous evidence-based strategic research, policy advice, and legislative support to the Minister of Police • Deepened public participation in the fight against crime • Enhanced accountability and transformation of the SAPS
Department Profile
CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP Hard work and dedication always pay off at the end of the day, and the Civilian Secretariat of Police has been blessed with three exceptionally talented female directors.
Millicent Kewuti Chief Director: Monitoring and Evaluation
Millicent Kewuti is a specialist within the Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Management Information systems environments which is supported by her solid background in Information Technology. She prides herself with almost a decade of experience in the establishment of the said systems. Her exposure within the public and Nongovernmental sectors has enabled her to evolve into an executive role within these disciplines. She currently fulfils the role of Chief Director: Oversight Monitoring and Evaluation (OM&E) within the Civilian Secretariat for Police. The main purpose of this function is to contribute towards improved police performance and accountability. She briefly occupied the Director: Information Management post in the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. This entailed the development of systems to preserve corporate memory and heritage. Before joining the national sphere of government, she led the Information Management and M&E functions in the Gauteng Office of the Premier in her capacity Director: Information Management, Monitoring and Evaluation. Key achievements within these roles in the public sector include the establishment of Information Management, Monitoring and Evaluation and Reporting systems (including the development of frameworks, policies and procedures); management of Information Communication Technology Infrastructure and the building of M&E capacity.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2013/14
· A dialogue on the management of complains against the SAPS was hosted with various stakeholders and the main objective was to
OM&E Framework:
create an opportunity for key stakeholders to share knowledge and
A draft Oversight Monitoring and Evaluation Framework was developed
information on complaints against the police with the intention of
and finalised after consultation with provinces. The framework was
establishing acceptable criteria of response and promoting innovative
developed to serve as a guideline to ensure that oversight OM&E is
and sustainable solutions to effective service delivery by all key
undertaken in a coordinated manner at national and provincial level.
stakeholders.
OM&E Dialogues:
Evaluations:
· A dialogue between government and civil society was hosted during
The unit successfully concluded two implementation evaluations on the
women’s month on 22-23 August 2013 to ensure safe violence-free
SAPS. Key findings on one of the evaluations informed the strategy on
communities for women and girls in South Africa. The dialogue was
Detection which was presented in Parliament.
meant to identify concrete actions that could contribute towards improved policing responses and violence-free communities, including
Information Management System:
the complementary actions required by other stakeholders to ensure
Phase I of the development of the Information Management System (IMS)
safe, violence-free communities for women and girls.
was completed. The system will facilitate on-site data capturing and consolidation at a provincial and national level.
Advocate Dawn Bell
Bilkis Omar
The legislation unit of the Civil Secretariat for the Police Service
Bilkis Omar is the Chief Director: Policy Development and Research at the Civilian Secretariat for Police. She manages the policy development process which is geared at contributing to effective and professional policing, and ensuring the police reach their long term goal and vision of a safer South Africa. Bilkis’ recent accomplishments includes managing the development of the White Paper on the Police, as well as the policy on the establishment and regulation of the first National Forensic DNA Database for South Africa. Before joining government, Bilkis worked for civil society, conducting research around issues of policing, crime and safety. As an independent researcher she contributed to the United Nations World Drug report by focusing on heroin trafficking in SADC. Bilkis has an Honours Degree in Criminology and has always wanted to influence government policy on policing, crime and safety. Her current job allows her the opportunity to realize her objectives.
Chief Director: Legislation
was formally established in March 2013 when Advocate Dawn Bell was appointed Chief Director: Legislation. The primary aim of the Legislation Unit is to ensure that the Minister, through the support of the Secretary of Police, develops and maintains effective policing legislation that is implemented by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Chief Director: Policy and Research
Key achievements since Advocate Bell’s appointment: The Dangerous Weapons Act No. 15 of 2013 was finalised and passed in June 2013: • This Act rationalises the Dangerous Weapons Act, 1968 and repeals Acts of former TBVC states, prohibits the possession of
In her role as Chief Director of Policy Development and Research within the Civilian Secretariat of Police, Bilkis Omar took forward reviewing and developing various policies targeted at the police, as well as for the JCPS cluster.
dangerous weapons in public. The Act is intended to contribute to the safety of the inhabitants of the Republic The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act No. 37 of 2013 (DNA) was passed in December 2013: • This Act was assented to in January 2014. It establishes the National Forensic DNA Database in the SAPS. The Act provides for the taking of buccal and bodily samples, the storage of DNA profiles, and related matters, and the establishment of a DNA Oversight and Ethics Board Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Bill was adopted by Parliament in February 2014: • This Bill improves provisions for more effective regulation of the private security industry. It also provides for reporting and accountability mechanisms and procedures for the regulatory authority to the Minister and Parliament. It further provides for the limitation on foreign involvement in a private security business in South Africa
Policy and Research development Through collaboration with the SAPS along with other key government role players, the sub programme began the review of the 1998 White Paper on Safety and Security. Emanating from this, the need for a comprehensive policing policy was identified. The White Paper on the Police was developed (preceded by the Green Paper as required to fulfill the legislative process). This policy is a broad overarching policy framework for developing a professional, competent, and highly skilled police service and was a major accomplishment for the CSP. The Paper seeks to reaffirm the commitment by the Department of Police to the principles of good governance of policing in a democracy and it will provide the basis for the review of existing legislation, particularly the SAPS Act. The policy developed for the SAPS Detective Service which seeks to provide a framework for improving the quality and functioning of the detective service was a further achievement for the CSP. The Use of Force policy provides SAPS with clear and consistent guidelines regarding the use of force while engaged in the discharge of their official duties. The policy addresses the force continuum, how and when force may be applied, as well as the extent of force to be used. The policy is human rights centered, supported by the need for effective accountability and transparency. The diagnostic assessment of existing government and civil society anti-gang strategies in provinces was conducted to enhance the development of the National Integrated Anti-Gangs Strategy. The diagnostic identified best-practices and challenges in relation to implementation to preclude similar challenges for the future. The success of the project lay in the good coordinated working relationship with other government departments, particularly NICOC.
traiLBLaZer
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize
SA’s first female
dredge master making waves
S
he describes herself as the black mermaid who has travelled
duced to the maritime industry and the ‘suitcase life’ at
across the world. At 27, Londiwe Ngcobo has also earned the
Sithengile High School where she matriculated.
title of South Africa’s first female dredge master.
Ngcobo is in charge of steering one of Transnet’s most expensive
and biggest dredges, Isandlwana, which costs more than a billion. Based in KwaZulu-Natal at the Port of Durban, Ngcobo says dredging keeps all the ports around the world functioning.
“The school had maritime studies as at Grade 10 and I decided to study it along with mathematics and science.” In 2000 the idea of exploring the world became a reality when Ngcobo was chosen to be an exchange
“If dredgers did not exist all ports would shut down. We are respon-
student for two years at Leeds in the United Kingdom.
sible for extending the port and doing excavations of silt or mud
“I spent six months in the UK just to explore different
to keep the depth of the port at the required amount or length.”
cultures as an exchange student.”
“In order for a big ship to get into the port it requires a certain
In 2004 she completed matric and the following year
depth. We make the port deeper and maintain it. We extend the
was accepted at the Durban University of Technology
beaches and also feed them with sand. I drive the ship and handle
to pursue a diploma in Maritime Studies.
all the controls for dredging.” An awkward odour lingers on the 4 200m3 Isandlwana. Ngcobo says she has grown accustomed to it.
“It was easy to choose maritime studies because I was told it involved a lot of travelling.” As part of her training, Ngcobo did her cadetship
“It’s not like this everyday!” she explains.
with Safmarine/Maersk, the largest commercial ship-
“We are doing excavations of silt today and the mud causes the
ping company, in 2007.
smell. It has dead fish from the ocean, hence the smell. I have gotten used to it.” The dredger manned by Ngcobo is named after the great battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War when Zulu King Cetshwayo’s army conquered the British army in 1879. This battle was one of the worst defeats suffered by the British army during the Victorian era.
“The work experience was like absolutely nothing I imagined it would be; being a ship navigating officer navigating around the globe was a lot of hard work.” “I was groomed and well trained from rank to rank and after four ships and 12 months of work experience, I completed my training and went on to do a License Class 3 oral examination.”
Isandlwana sits in the Port of Durban on a windy day. Waves crash
A Licence Class 3 qualifies Ngcobo to steer a dredge.
and clouds peep over the sea, a sign that it might rain. Ngcobo is
She says to obtain a licence in her field one has to
captured by the beauty of the sea. “When I am at sea I am amazed at its beauty. No land, just the sea, the sunrise, the dolphins and flying fish - it’s absolutely striking.” “Every morning before my shift I used to go on the deck just to admire all the beauty before me.”
pass an oral examination where a board of examiners from the South African Maritime Safety Authority grills potential officers to determine if they are qualified. In 2009, she also completed her diploma. Ngcobo returned to sea as a third navigation officer
Ngcobo says the sea is where she belongs but being on a vessel
on the Safmarine Nimba and was responsible for main-
for months on end can be daunting because of the homesickness.
taining safety equipment and a cargo operations watch
Ngcobo, from Clermont in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, was intro-
28
when in port.
>> Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Londiwe Ngcobo, South Africa's first female dredge master.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
29
TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER
During this period she also got to explore the world.
father and here I am a young, black female giving orders
“I did the West African run, this included the Democratic Re-
to them. I have to say things in the most respectful way
public of Congo, Nigeria, Gabon, Senegal and Morocco. I also did the Far East run, which was China, Mauritius, Madagascar and Singapore, and the European run – which included some European countries.”
but at the same time ensure things get done.” She manages a crew of 18 and the vessel operates 24 hours a day. For Ngcobo and her crew Isandlwana is a home away
After travelling the globe, Ngcobo felt she needed a challenge and the idea of returning to South Africa started to grow on her.
from home, equipped with a kitchen, gym, cabins and lounge area.
In 2011 she landed a position with Transnet Dredging Services
“In the past I would be at sea for three months straight,
as a deck officer. Her duties included managing the crew, main-
but here it is different. I’m at sea for two weeks and the
tenance, and administration for the vessel.
other two I’m off, there is another crew that takes over.”
“I have always felt like there was a story that I needed to tell
Ngcobo says she loves sharing motherly warmth to
but first I needed to write my own story. When I joined Transnet
the crew as it consists of mostly males with just two
I was told that there had never been a female dredge master
females on board.
in the history of the company. I thought maybe this could be it - my unique story.”
She believes the maritime industry has evolved over the years and is currently giving a lot of exposure and
A 10-month ship handling course followed and a further two years of training before she was officially the country’s first female dredge master.
opportunities to black women in particular. With South African celebrating 20 years of Freedom, Ngcobo feels that those who fought for freedom have
Ngcobo says one the challenges of her position is managing members of the crew who are older than her. “I have to work with people who are old enough to be your
already paved the way for her. “I am a dredge master because of democracy,” she says.
Dredge master Londiwe Ngcobo believes that there are many opportunities for women in the maritime industry.
This & That How do you relax? I love swimming and reading. I’m currently reading A Hustler's Bible by Gayton McKenzie. Favourite food? Mogodu (tripe) and pizza. Three words that describe you? Creative, ambitious and bubbly. Favourite holiday destination? Dubai and Port St Johns, Eastern Cape.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
31
Department Profile
JUDGE
ESSA MOOSA
OFFICE OF THE DPCI JUDGE
Profile: Judge Essa Moosa
WHO IS JUDGE ESSA MOOSA?
Born: 8 February 1936
Judge Essa Moosa was born on 8 February 1936 in District Six, Cape Town, South Africa. He qualified as a lawyer and was admitted to practise by the Supreme Court of South Africa on 1 June 1962.
Position: Head of the Office of the Judge Education: Diploma in Law - University of Cape Town; Honorary Doctor of Law - University of the Western Cape Previous roles: Judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court in Cape Town; fouding and executive member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers; Secretary of the Constitutional Committee of the ANC; provincial election agent for the ANC in the Western Cape. Greatest achievement: Being appointed as a Judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court of South Africa by President Nelson Mandela in April 1998. Goals for the year ahead: To set up a fully functional Office of the Judge in Cape Town and Pretoria that investigates complaints against and from members of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (also known as the Hawks).
In April 1998 he was appointed by President Nelson Mandela as a judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court of South Africa and based in Cape Town. He retired officially from active service on 8 February 2011. He continues to hold the position of a judge and can be called upon, from time to time by the judiciary, to render service in his capacity as a judge. As a practising lawyer spanning over a period of more than 30 years, he specialised in human rights issues. During the apartheid era, he challenged in court human right violations such as detention without trial, freedom of association, expression, and movement. He acted for a number of prominent anti-apartheid nongovernmental and community-based organisations. He also represented leading anti-apartheid political and community activists who were detained without trial in terms of the security legislation and emergency regulations and those who were charged with various political offences. After the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1990, he served as the Secretary of the Constitutional Committee of the ANC. The Constitutional Committee gave logistical support to the ANC negotiation team led by Nelson Mandela for the establishment of a democratic, non-racial, and non-sexist South Africa. On 20 September 2012 he was awarded a Degree of Doctor of Law by the University of the Western Cape for his contribution to human rights generally and to the struggle particularly for democracy, freedom, equality, and dignity in South Africa.
ROLE, FUNCTIONS, AND MANDATE OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE
SMOKE AND MIRRORS
Essentially, the institution of the Office of the Judge was created in order to play an oversight role concerning the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation that is commonly known as The Hawks and was previously known as the Scorpions.
We had a case where the members of The Hawks were investigating an alleged crime committed by a particular person, and they raided the business premises. They ordered all the staff into a room, where they kept them while they started searching for evidence.
MANDATE
The suspect then complained saying that his rights and that of his staff had been violated. He stated that the Hawks had just arrived, put everyone into the room, pushed them around, and traumatised them. He thought that by complaining it might influence the investigation against him.
The primary function of the Office of the Judge as in oversight role is to investigate two types of complaints: •
Category 1 Complaint Shall be a complaint by any member of the public who can provide evidence of a serious and unlawful infringement of his or her rights caused by an investigation of the Hawks
•
Category 2 complaint Shall be a complaint by a member of the Hawks who can provide evidence of any improper influence or interference, whether of a political or other nature, exerted upon him or her regarding the conducting of his/her investigation
POWERS OF THE JUDGE
It is a serious crime on the face of it. We investigated the complaint to find out the verasity of the claim and whether there was any substance to it. The Hawks claimed that they did everything in terms of the law with the search and the raid. Not only that, but they took videos of the search and raid, so we were able to watch the videos. They also made the whole file of their investigation available to us. Judge Moosa looked at the file and it became obvious that the allegations were not valid. It was aimed at trying to deflect from the investigation. The Hawks were cleared of any wrong-doing.
The Office of the Judge may FORM AND MANNER OF COMPLAINT • • •
Obtain information and documents under the control of SAPS Enter any building or premises of the SAPS in order to obtain such information and documents; and Be entitled to all reasonable assistance by a member of the SAPS
NOTE: Refusal by SAPS members to comply with the request of the Office of the Judge is a criminal offence LIMITATIONS The Office of the Judge does not have enforcement powers: that is to say, that it cannot enforce any decisions it arrives at during the course of an investigation. However, it has the power to refer the matter to other organs of the state for further action. The role is essentially to report to the Minister of Police with each case that has been completed and make the recommendations to him or her. The Minister can then take the matter further from there. Once a year, because of our oversight role, we report to parliament on our performance. Parliament can then decide how they want to change or amend the law on the basis of our report, in order to make the Hawks more efficient and effective in its role.
• A complaint shall be made in writing in the form set out in Annexure 1 of the Regulations • A complaint made may be lodged by e-mail, fax, or post or be delivered at the Office of the Judge • The Office of the Judge may require from any complainant to submit any allegations in the form of an affidavit • Complaints may also be lodged at any Independent Police Investigative Directorate offices (IPID), which shall ensure that the complaint is submitted to the Office of the Judge without any delay • A person, who wishes to lodge a complaint at an office of the IPID, shall be assisted by personnel of the IPID to complete the prescribed form, if so requested
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT: BONGIWE MASELANA C/o 9th Floor, 120 Plein Street, Cape Town 8000. Tell: 021 467 7027 Cell: 082 459 3459, E-mail: MaselanaB@dpcijudge.gov.za
Writer: Seugnet van Zyl
fooD anD Wine
Jozi's best kept secret revealed T
urning his love for food into a lucrative business
dients and cooking with integrity. Having battled with weight-loss,
is the secret behind Paul Maciel, the Secret Jozi
Paul at one stage weighed over 130kg. “I learnt that food had a huge
Chef’s, success.
impact on me. I now respect my body and only put food into it
After 10 years of service in the media, Maciel took a
that adds value to my health.” This approach led to him shedding
leap of faith to follow his passion of creating delecta-
50kgs, and he developed a passion for promoting healthy eating.
ble dishes. Today, that risk has paid off, and Paul is the
He describes his cooking as South African Italian, which pays hom-
proud owner of Pronto, Johannesburg’s award winning
age to great Italian ingredients and recipes with some fine-tuning
Italian restaurant.
for the South African palate. With an Indian mother and Portuguese
Self-titled the Secret Jozi Chef, Paul is not a chef by
father, Paul was raised in Malawi. This inextricably diverse link of
training, yet his passion for the palate is what led him
food from all these cultures exposed Paul to all sorts of tastes and
to risk all, leap into the unknown and begin his journey
textures. “I was as comfortable with a spicy layered breyani as I was
driven by his love of food. In 2004 he swopped the
with boiled cod fish or nsima, which is the equivalent to pap in
corporate world for his culinary quest, and since then
Malawi. Being raised within those two cultures, food was always
has been creating his own unique masterpieces in the
a central part to celebration of any family event.”
kitchen. What started as a small deli, soon turned into
Paul shares some of his quick and easy recipes with us, to teach
a thriving restaurant, and Paul has never looked back.
you how to respect your food and your body. Try these healthy
Being a great cook, means having a respect for ingre-
meals at home.
tuna Chick Pea salad This is a quick, easy and tasty meal is great choice if you are on a diet and even if you aren’t. ingredients 1 can chick peas, drained and rinsed
1 cup deseeded black olives
1 can solid tuna drained
2 tbsp capers
40g fresh baby rocket
60ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ large onion
40ml Balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
1 cup chopped cherry tomato Drain and rinse the chick peas place in a large bowl. Drain the tuna and set aside. Add all the other ingredients and gently mix to combine. If you prepare the salad in advance don’t add the rocket, add the rocket at the last minute.
34
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
griddle cakes Griddle Cakes, flapjacks, crumpets whatever you want to call them are quick and easy to make and are something different to enjoy at breakfast. Create your own premix by sieving the following dry ingredients together and storing them in an airtight jar, that way it takes less than five minutes to produce a batch, just add the wet ingredients when you need them and combine lightly. ingredients 1,5 cups cake flour
½ tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp oil
½ tsp bicarbonate
2 large eggs
2 tbsp sugar
1,5 cups milk
If you have a small family or you normally make breakfast for two, divide the flour mix into two jars. Stored in a jar, the ingredients should be good for up to two months. I challenge you to leave it that long. Sieve together the dry ingredients, and add the wet ingredients and mix well. Heat a pan with some oil, butter or non-stick spray and spoon in the amount of batter based on the size of griddle cake you want. For the adventurous eaters, add in chocolate chips and serve with a fresh chocolate sauce. Those opting for a healthier option can add some ricotta and honey to the mix and serve with low fat yoghurt; or raisins and a few teaspoons of oats.
tabouleh
¼ tsp ground cumin
ingredients
400g Danish feta cubed
1 x 500g packet cous cous
salt & pepper
30g mint
200g grilled aubergine
30g flat leaf parsley
150g roasted red peppers
30g dhania/ coriander leaves
60g rocket leaves
3 large tomatoes deseeded and
2 green chili finely sliced
diced
120ml Extra Virgin Olive oil
6 spring onions finely sliced
70ml white vinegar
1 can chick peas Prepare the cous cous to the pack instructions and set aside. Prepare and combine all other ingredients, except the olive oil, vinegar and cumin combine these separately. Add the cous cous to the herb and vegetable mix, and then dress, toss lightly to prevent it from going mushy. This salad is great even the day after.
For more recipes visit The Secret Jozi Chef on Facebook, or visit the Pronto restaurant at the Colony Shopping Centre on Jan Smuts Avenue in Johannesburg.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
35
AERIAL VIEW
Writer: Amukelani Chauke
Public Service and Administration pursues excellence
T
here has been plenty of fine-tuning over the past year to ensure a service delivery-oriented Public Service
He said the Bill seeks, among others, to: -
ples referred to in section 195(1) of the Constitution in
that looks after its employees to encourage them to
the public administration.
improve the lives of the people of South Africa. This includes the passing of the Public Administration and
-
Management Bill, the launch of the National School of Government and the production of a draft policy to introduce a
-
Regulate the candidature of employees during elections.
-
In the report, DPSA Director-General Mashwahle Diphofa said such interventions were part of the Public Service’s struc-
Regulate the prohibition of employees to do business with the state.
-
Administration’s (DPSA) annual report for the 2013/ 14 financial year, which was recently tabled before Parliament.
Provide for the transfer and secondment of employees in the Public Service.
new housing scheme, among others. This is according to the Department of Public Service and
Provide for the promotion of basic values and princi-
Provide for anti-corruption measures that include establishing an anti-corruption bureau.
-
Inculcate a culture of compliance by institutions and
tural transformation, as well as policy development, moderni-
employees within the public administration by provid-
sation and focused implementation since 1994.
ing for the establishment of the Office of Standards
“Looking ahead, the DPSA will consolidate its plans in a manner that seeks to take forward the implementation of
and Compliance. -
Regulate capacity development and training within
the National Development Plan (NDP). In this regard, Chap-
the public administration by providing for the National
ters 13 and 14 of the NDP are relevant to the mandate of the
School of Government.
department as they talk directly to the creation of an enabling
“To give effect to [these goals], the [then] Minister of Public
environment which is critical for the implementation of the
Service and Administration established the National
rest of the actions of the NDP,” he said.
School of Government, the Office of Standards and Compliance.”
The Public Administration and Management Bill
Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary
To promote employee ethics and improve service delivery the
Technical Assistance Unit to provide technical assis-
NDP proposes the professionalisation of the Public Service,
tance and support to institutions in all spheres of gov-
which comprises about 1,2 million employees.
ernment regarding management of ethics, integrity
Professionalisation will contribute to having an effective, efficient, transparent and accountable state machinery that
He added that government would also establish the
and disciplinary matters relating to misconduct within the public administration.
will serve the needs of the nation. Over the past year, the National Assembly passed the Public
Under the leadership of the former Minister of the
vote and referred it to President Jacob Zuma for his assent.
DPSA, Lindiwe Sisulu, the department launched the
The Director-General said once the Bill had been signed into law, the department would implement the Act in phases.
36
Highlights of the year
Administration and Management Bill of 2013 by a majority
Batho Pele Call Centre simultaneously with the Service Charter.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
The call centre, the Minister Sisulu said, was launched in a quest to professionalise the Public Service. “By calling the Batho Pele Call Centre, the public will be able to communicate directly with the Public Service on any experience they have had or to request assistance,” she said. During this period: -
The department also launched the first ever National Annual Batho Pele Excellence Awards to “recognise excellence in the Public Service, acknowledge and encourage it and entrench the culture of professionalisation”.
-
President Zuma announced the establishment of the Presidential Remuneration Commission, which will investigate the appropriateness of the remuneration and conditions of service provided by the state to all its employees.
-
The state agreed to the introduction of the Government Housing Scheme to enable public servants who cannot afford home loans but who do not qualify for social housing to be able to own a house. DPSA Minister Collins Chabane has been in discussions with unions and the banking industry in a bid to make this proposal a reality.
-
The department started rolling out the e-Disclosure system - designed in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency - to ensure that all senior
-
-
managers disclose their financial interests in a bid to
“During the period under review, South Africa’s ascension to
entrench the spirit of clean governance. The system is
the African charter on values and principles of the Public Ser-
also being rolled out to national and provincial depart-
vice and Administration have been approved by the Cabinet
ments.
and ratified by Parliament,” she said.
A new protocol for recruitment and filling of advertised posts of deputy directors-general and heads of de-
Notable achievements in administration
partments was approved by the Cabinet and is being
Human Resource Management has been identified as a key
implemented.
performance area (KPA) that needs to be managed and moni-
The Public Service and Integrity Management Frame-
tored as it is impossible to professionalise the public service
work was approved and the DPSA is currently briefing
without first making sure that this area is well looked after.
all provinces.
Challenges that have confronted the Public Service include
The Minister Sisulu also said that the much-antic-
a high vacancy rate. When government’s delivery agreement
ipated review of the Handbook for Members of the
was signed in 2010, the vacancy rate stood at 19 per cent. This
Executive and Presiding Officers had been completed
was because of the long time taken to fill vacant posts. De-
and would be tabled before Cabinet, but a date for this
partments took up to nine months to make an appointment.
had not been set.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
By January this year, the average vacancy rate had been >>
37
MTK
CORPORATE SOLUTIONS
( P T Y ) LT D
STATE OF THE ART BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CORE VALUES
MTK Corporate Solutions (Pty) Ltd is a business development service provider established in 2000 and aims to provide state of the art business processes development services and financial management services using highly qualified and productive/ professional personnel in the industry.
• To develop learning and oriented employees. • Skills of our employees’ must be developed, evaluated and refined • To keep pace with change and maintain a competitive edge • To hire the right qualified people/employees • To help each other to be successful • To create clarity in the organization i.e. clarity of purpose, direction, structure and measurement of results. Determined to communicate our values and philosophies to our customers • To provide our employees with appropriate reward system • To create an experimental and learning attitude towards our employees • To invest and plough back to the communities where we draw our workforce • Shareholders, management and employees to share victories and setbacks together like a family
MTK was established by Professor Hadebe (Dip. Entrepreneur Management, Business Management [UP], Dip. Business Management [Damelin], Dip. Advanced Marketing, BBA, BCOM (Fin) MBA, PhD [NU]) who is a hard worker and leaves no stone unturned for his and the company’s betterment. The company aims to provide the state of the art business development services and financial management services using highly qualified, productive and professional personnel. By being afforded business development services and financial management contracts and projects, we create jobs and lift the living standards of South African people. This creates a sense of self-worth and purpose, thereby reducing the dependence of jobless people stretching the resources of Government. Our services and products are designed to meet the need and requirements of our customers. MTK is a force to be reckoned with in the corporate world. We always strive for the sky in the betterment of our services and our customer’s needs. All of our work is guaranteed.
OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES • • • • •
To improve our customers with quality business development services and financial management services To gain a competitive advantage locally To become the leader in the business development services sector with branches in all nine provinces of South Africa To hire a productive and qualified workforce that will put our valued customers first To keep our prices and services fair and affordable
Contact us: 876 Pretorius Street
Tel: 012 342 9858
Eastwood
Fax: 012 342 3577
Pretoria
AERIAL VIEW
Winners of the 2013 Batho Pele Excellence Awards personify a professional, dedicated and innovative Public Service.
reduced to 9,56 per cent, meaning it took departments
nities through the use of technology. The Minister will
just over four months to fill a post between January and
finalise the policy and guidelines during the current financial year for implementation in April 2015.
December last year. Linked to this, unemployment remains a global chal-
-
The e-Government policy framework of 2001 was up-
lenge and in South Africa the unemployment rate is
dated and made relevant to the current technology
stubbornly high.
environment over the past year. The draft policy, which
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the
will also be extended to local government, has been
unemployment rate for the country’s population of
completed and submitted for the Minister’s approval.
54 million stood at 25,5 per cent in the second quarter
-
An assessment of the effectiveness of the anti-corrup-
of 2014, with young people comprising the majority of
tion framework, which was first adopted by Cabinet
unemployed South Africans.
in 2003, was conducted from April 2012 to March
To tackle this problem, the Public Service, which re-
2013. This was done to ascertain the effectiveness of
mains the biggest employer, started recruiting gradu-
anti-corruption measures employed by institutions of
ates and youths by offering internships, learnerships
government and identify gaps and best practices in combating corruption within the Public Service.
and apprenticeships. Over the past year, DPSA helped departments recruit 27 350 young people against a target of 15 000. Since 2009/10, 88 820 youths have been recruited to take up these opportunities in the Public Service.
-
The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), one of the department’s agencies responsible for encouraging and supporting the use of innovation in the public service to improve service delivery, developed and
According to the annual report, data stretching to
implemented numerous interventions. These include
March 2014 shows that 98 820 young people were
the a Multi-Media Innovation Centre, Honeydew Police
recruited into the Public Service at both national and
CCTV/ Nerve centre, Helen Joseph Hospital Energy Ef-
provincial department level as interns, learners and
ficiency Project and the Auxiliary Nurses’ Training pro-
apprentices.
gramme in Limpopo.
Other achievements include: -
The Government Employees Medical Schemes grew
The development of the e-Learning policy and guide-
its membership by more than 54 per cent and won the
lines, aimed at improving access to learning opportu-
Ask Afrika Orange Index Award again.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
39
in OTHER NEWS
Compiled by Albert Pule, Andile Cele and Ursula Graaff
Government goes digital It was all things digital as the newly formed Department of Communications, in partnership with South African social network Mxit, hosted a Government Digital Day in Pretoria. Speaking at the event, Communications Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said Mxit was a great platform to interact with the youth as research showed that 65 per cent of Mxit users were between the ages of 18 and 35. The Deputy Minister also emphasised the importance of moving with current trends, saying, “We want to move forward. We want to be where the world is.”
Communications Deputy MInister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and Aslam Levy, DoC's Director: EIR and Social Media, interacting with the public on Digital Day.
She also encouraged communicators to strive to provide information to the public. “We have to occupy all the platforms that are out there, including relevant age groups.”
to successfully communicate the Presidential Inauguration Campaign and the Tell Your Story Campaign. The South African Government App that is available on Mxit provides
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance
users with information about government activities and initiatives. The
of an informed society, saying people could only
Department of Transport also has an app on Mxit, which is used to com-
move forward if they were informed and empow-
municate various campaigns and initiatives.
ered. Together with Mxit, government has managed
After the event, the Deputy Minister participated in a live chat on Twitter where she answered questions about government services.
SA’s researchers honoured
Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal were recognised
Minister of Science and Technology Minister Naledi
for their lifelong research achievements and the impact of these achieve-
Pandor heaped praise on South Africa’s researchers
ments on society.
when she announced the recipients of the 2014 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Thaba Ya Batswana Eco Hotel in Johannesburg recently.
Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, CEO of the NRF, said: “With the success of research comes the acknowledgement of those who have committed their careers to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. “The NRF Awards celebrate the work of the country’s rated researchers by highlighting their achievements. For the NRF, our work will continue to
The NRF Awards acknowledge researchers
support the country's research community, enabling established scien-
judged by their peers to have distinguished them-
tists to continue their valuable contributions to South Africa's knowledge
selves in their fields.
economy, as well as providing the means for our next generation of re-
Congratulating all the winners, Minister Pandor singled out Professors Opie and Coovadia, who received lifetime achievement awards. “I am in awe of your work and I thank you, on behalf of the South African people, from the bottom of my heart,” said the Minister. Prof. Lionel Opie of the University of Cape Town and Prof. Hoosen Coovadia of the University of
40
searchers and emerging researchers to continue pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.” The NRF rating system used to evaluate researchers is a world-respected benchmark based on peer review of the quality and impact of the work of researchers. A-rated researchers have been recognised by their peers as leading international scholars. The following received A1 ratings (recognised by all reviewers):
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
•
Prof. JWV (Wentzel) van Huyssteen of Stellenbosch University.
•
Prof. RK (Richard) Haynes of North-West University.
•
Prof. MJ (Michael) Wingfield of the University of Pretoria.
•
Prof. CG (Cornie) van der Merwe of Stellenbosch Uni-
of reviewers):
•
Prof. BD (Brenda) Wingfield of the University of Pretoria.
•
•
Prof. R (Robin) Wood of the University of Cape Town.
versity.
The following received A2 ratings (recognised by the majority Prof. F (Fernando) Albericio of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Presidential Hotline a success Five years after its launch, the Presidential Hotline has recorded remarkable success. The hotline was established to give citizens a platform to report and resolve queries relating to government services, especially in cases where calls to local authorities or national departments were not yielding results. According to the Governance and Administration Cluster, by March 2014, 190 000 complaints and queries had been logged thanks to the hotline and the resolution rate was 95 per cent. This is an improvement year-on-year from a resolution rate of 64 per cent (end of September 2010), 78 per cent (end of October 2011) and 87 per cent (end of October 2012). Telephonic citizen satisfaction surveys for the Presidential Hotline indicated that by March 2014, 75 per cent of the 14 705 citizens surveyed rated the service fair to good.
President Jacob Zuma listens to the concerns of the citizens on the Presidential Hotline.
Sanral wins top employer award The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has received a top employer award for keeping its staff happy. Top Employers Institute, an international organisation that has its head office in the Netherlands, recognised Sanral as a top employer at an awards ceremony in Gauteng recently. The institute recognises leading employers around the world, with the focus on those which provide excellent employee conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the organisation and strive to continuously optimise employment practices. “Sanral is particularly pleased of this achievement,” said Heidi Harper, Corporate Services Executive of the roads agency. “The agency builds, maintains and manages some of the best roads worldwide, something which can only be done when an organisation has dedicated, trained staff. This has now been recognised.” Speaking at the awards ceremony Sanral’s CEO Nazir Alli said: “We have put in a lot of effort in the past 16 years of our existence to make Sanral an employer of choice. This includes providing our staff with security and stability, competitive salaries and benefits packages, encouraging a work-life balance and providing the opportunity for career progression. These are all factors that matter to our colleagues.” Alli emphasised what ultimately matters in being a good employer is having colleagues who are engaged with their roles and their organisation. “There are huge benefits for an organisation in terms of staff engagement. Colleagues who are highly engaged produce results and this has shown in the quality of roads the agency delivers and the successive unqualified audit reports we have had,” said Alli who dedicated the award to all Sanral colleagues.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
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2014/01/20 9:09 AM
INTERNATIONAL rELATIONS
Writer: Chris Bathembu
World leaders tackle pressing global issues
E
very year, scores of heads of state and government temporarily put aside the issues in their home countries and head for the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in midtown Manhattan, New York, to discuss critical issues facing the globe. The UNGA is the only platform that gathers more than 120 world leaders under one roof. After a pe-
riod of international crises in 2014, including the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, this year’s General Assembly, which took place at the UN headquarters on 22 September, was not going to be easy. World leaders needed to find solutions to the Ebola crisis, increasing concerns over climate change and the insurgence of extremist groups such as
President Jacob Zuma addresses the United Nations General Assembly.
the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Boko Haram in Nigeria and the crisis in Ukraine. A brutal civil war in Syria has already killed nearly 200 000 people and
the world behind South Africa’s campaign to transform
displaced millions. This year’s GA was also crucial as it took place
the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and for
ahead of the rapidly approaching target date for achieving the
Africa to have permanent seats in the council. He also
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
focused on the progress South Africa had made in at-
It may be easy for many people, particularly if you are in South Africa, to see some of these as distant problems. However, the
“South Africa has recorded impressive progress
nature of the world today and the problems of the 21st century,
through the expansion of health infrastructure and im-
as seen with the recent global financial crisis, make it difficult for
proved access to health services for all South Africans,”
any single nation to insulate itself from global issues.
President Zuma said.
The General Assembly allocates presidents and prime ministers
While the content of the speeches delivered by
15 minutes to participate in a debate on several issues affecting
Presidents Obama and Zuma was very different, both
the globe. While many leaders use the platform to promote their
touched on issues the two leaders feel need the atten-
country’s national interests, it is what they eventually agree on that
tion of the world.
defines the success of the talks.
When President Zuma arrived in New York The Presi-
United States President Barack Obama, for instance, used his time
dency issued a statement saying South Africa’s partici-
at the General Assembly debate to declare America’s war against
pation at the summit would be informed by national
terrorism and extremist groups. President Obama also spent a large
interests and priorities, its regional and continental
part of his speech criticising Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
commitments, as well as its aspirations for a prosper-
On the other hand, President Jacob Zuma used his speech to rally
44
taining its MDGs.
ous world at peace with itself.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Therefore President Zuma’s em-
effectively gives the five countries the license to make deci-
phasis on South Africa’s progress
sions for the more than 215 countries who are members of
in meeting the MDGs and the
the UN. President Zuma’s plea to the General Assembly came
transformation of the UNSC did
amid an on-going debate that Africa should be given at least
not come as a surprise.
two permanent seats in the UNSC. It’s a justifiable call, accord-
“Some contentious aspects of
ing to one analyst.
the UN system, such as the veto
“Veto power, seen by many as the most unfair and inequitable
powers and the exclusion of re-
law of the world, which enables a powerful and authoritative
gions such as Africa in the Security
minority to determine the fate of an indispensable and subju-
Council, are some of the critical
gated majority, is unquestionably an insult to the insight and
matters that cannot be ignored
perception of the international community,” Kourosh Ziabari
in the quest for transformation,”
wrote in Global Research recently.
President Zuma told the packed General Assembly to applause.
Ziabari argues that the permanent members of the UNSC are free to exercise their right of veto whenever they wish, and
But, why did President Zuma de-
nobody can question the legitimacy or justifiability of this ap-
cide to dedicate so much time to
proach. Several international organisations, lawyers and law-
these two issues? Let’s begin with
makers, journalists, politicians and even statesmen have put
the UNSC.
forward alternatives to the right of veto wielded by the big five,
The issue of reform of the UNSC
but their efforts have been in vain.
has been on the table for some
With the UN marking its 70 years of existence next year, Presi-
time now. The council is the UN’s
dent Zuma pleaded with the world body to consider Africa’s
most powerful body. It helps to
call for permanent representation in the council.
shape international law and is
“When we converge here next year, on the 70th year of the
the first to respond to crises. The
UN, we should be able to adopt a concrete programme that will
UNSC has the power to establish peacekeeping mis-
guide us towards a strengthened UN and a reformed Security
sions, impose international sanctions and authorise
Council”, he said.
military action whenever necessary.
Away from the UNSC and the politics of transformation, the
Only five permanent members, namely China, Russia,
General Assembly had to deal with another contentious matter:
Britain, France and the US, have the power to direct
the issue of the MDGs, which many African countries are not
the council to perform these functions. The 54-nation
likely to meet. The MDGs are eight goals set by the UN in 2000
African continent is represented by only three non-
and range from halving extreme poverty rates to halting the
permanent members without veto power in the UNSC.
spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education
This places Africa in a precarious position, considering
by the target date of 2015. The MDGs have been seen as the
that most issues the UNSC has to deal with emanate
most successful global anti-poverty push in history.
from the continent. There are many examples. The
Despite the progress that the continent has made, reports
UNSC intervened in crises in Mali without the approval
continue to show that Africa is lagging behind in terms of at-
of the African Union Peace and Security Council and
taining some of the goals.
there was an outcry after the NATO airstrikes in Libya
When he spoke at the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General
during protests that ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Ban Ki-moon credited the goals for having “helped to lift” nearly
The only time African countries get a seat in the UNSC
one billion people out of extreme poverty. Ban also credited
is when they are elected as non-permanent members
the MDGs for increasing access to universal primary education,
on a rotating basis with no veto powers. The veto power
reducing maternal and infant mortality by nearly 50 per cent, >>
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
45
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INTERNATIONAL rELATIONS
and expanding access to clean drinking water. With less than 300 days before deadline, it’s not look-
improved access to health services for all South Africans,” President Zuma told the UN.
ing good for the majority of African countries that have
“On the reduction of child mortality, MDG 4, and the im-
signed up for these goals though. Some countries
provement of maternal health, MDG 5, significant progress
blame political instability for their failure to meet the
has been recorded, but more work remains. In fact, more
MDGs, but analysts say the global economic crisis has
work remains worldwide to fully achieve these goals, espe-
also slowed down growth in some countries. This meant
cially in the developing world.”
that budgets had to be cut and some of the goals
President Zuma said Africa had to confront those underly-
could not be met. Countries like Somalia, Malawi and
ing root causes that continued to make it impossible for its
many in the western Sahara were affected by years of
people to have a better life.
drought, floods, lack of foreign investment and outbreaks of disease. For its part, South Africa has made inroads in meeting some of the goals. This includes the country’s progress
There are proposals to replace the MDGs with what is being referred to as the new sustainable development goals, which outline 17 goals and 169 targets. The MDGs have just eight goals and 21 targets.
in eradicating extreme poverty and hunger through its
Ban said the new agenda should promote sustained and
social security system in the form of grants and work
inclusive economic growth, safeguard the future of the plan-
opportunities linked to the Expanded Public Works
et, and lead to the achievement of sustainable development.
Programme. In education, South Africa introduced no-fee schools and universal primary education and compulsory
President Zuma said the post-2015 Global Development Agenda would “provide a frame of reference for our collective agreement on what has to be done”.
schooling for children aged seven to 15. The country
“We reiterate that developed countries should be reliable
has also recorded major successes in the fight against
partners and meet their commitment to development goals,
HIV and AIDS.
such as contributing 0.7 per cent of their gross national
“South Africa has recorded impressive progress through the expansion of health infrastructure and
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
income towards Official Development Assistance,” he asserted.
47
PROVINCIAL FOCUS
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photographer: Londa Zondi
plans to improve the province’s finances. “My key focus will be on financial management control. We should be actively involved in inspecting the finances of departments. This is happening but we need to be much more robust in our intervention. “I’m very firm in refocusing budgets according to strategic objectives of government and the National Development Plan, which I know will not make me very popular. I feel there is a lot of frills and nice to haves that need to be removed.” According to the MEC, some government departments can sometimes be “excessive” in their spending. She would like to see departments scaling down the events they host. The expenditure of public entities will be reviewed and events expenditure will be regulated with use being made of government buildings rather than hiring marquees or the use of private venues and facilities. MEC Scott also called for the provincial Budget to be examined more closely. “We might have had a function in the past that is no longer relevant. Our needs and focus have changed. KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Belinda Scott is more than ready for her new role.
MEC Scott to rein in KZN spending
A
inputs of new revenue. We have to do better with what we have.” She will give attention to financial management control and refocusing budgets according to the strategic objectives of government and the National Development Plan.
fter spending nine years as chairperson of the Portfolio
A passion for forensic investigations
Committee on Finance in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Legis-
MEC Scott is determined to bring to book those found
lature, recently appointed MEC of Finance Belinda Scott is
guilty of defrauding the province.
more than prepared for the new role.
During the 2013/14 financial year, out of the 42 cases
MEC Scott, who describes herself as a veteran parliamentarian
referred for prosecution, 12 of them (to the value of
after 20 years at the legislature, says it was attention to detail that
R 271 591) were successfully prosecuted. Twenty-five
steered her in the direction of finance.
people were arrested and 37 convicted with R 61, 7
“When I came to Parliament it was only natural that I would gravi-
million to be paid back.
tate towards finance even though I did not have a financial degree.
Soon after taking office the MEC called in her foren-
My attention to detail and meticulousness played a role in me being
sic team and identified five major investigations that
chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Finance for nine years.”
needed attention.
She “loved” that role because it allowed her to develop an in-depth knowledge of treasury. MEC Scott is excited about her new role and eager to put in place
48
We are in a situation where we are not expecting huge
“I want to put my efforts into accelerating the process of litigation. I have gone as far as meeting with the National Prosecuting Authority and the Deputy
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Minister of Justice and Correctional Service to get this
pick up any audited financial statement of a department there is
process going.”
just a host of huge procurement irregularities.”
She also met with KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Chimanlal Patel to discuss the possibility of freeing up
Getting KZN out of financial woes
a court that would be dedicated to prosecuting cases
MEC Scott said the province has had its fair share of financial woes,
arising from the forensic investigations taking place at
particularly in the 2009/10 financial year, when the province had
provincial government departments.
an overdraft of R2 billion. This was a result of high spending by
“Not all forensic investigations are conducted by treasury, some a conducted by departments. I want a central database because once the forensic investigations are complete I want to ensure that the recommendations are carried out. “I do not believe enough people are being prosecut-
the provincial departments of health and education. The KZN Cabinet had to act quickly to bring over-expenditure under control by devising the Provincial Recovery Plan. “The Provincial Recovery Plan spearheaded the cost containment measures before National Treasury introduced cost containment measures.”
ed. I do not believe that senior civil servants are being
The first step was to reduce goods and services procured by de-
held accountable for discrepancies and mismanage-
partments by 7,5 per cent to allow the province to start repaying
ment in departments.”
the overdraft. This was expected to take three years. “The Provincial Recovery Plan resulted in the bank overdraft be-
Managing contracts better The MEC said her department was currently rolling
ing repaid in a mere 18 months and not the initial three years.” MEC Scott said cost containment measures were now the norm
out an administration-based contract management
in KwaZulu-Natal and were updated and re-issued to departments
system.
yearly.
“Once this system is fully functional in departments, we
“If you have a look at cost containment measures, there is nothing
will then introduce an IT-based contract management
there that should not have been there in the first place. It’s about
tool that will ensure better management of contracts
good governance and ensuring that good governance principles
in the province.”
are adhered too.”
An eProcurement tool is also expected be rolled out by the end of 2015. This will enable a standard pricing
The MEC said provincial departments were very aware of their responsibility to cut costs.
policy for goods and services to ensure that govern-
“I think that this province is a lot cleaner than other provinces…
ment is not over-charged and alleviate procurement
You do not find a plethora of public servants travelling business
irregularities.
class as in the past. You do not find lavish engagements.”
Biometric access is also in place for officials who have access to Persal and the Basic Accounting System, by
No tolerance for wasteful expenditure
fingerprint tracking. This allows a cleaner audit trail than
MEC Scott explained that unauthorised expenditure occurred
password access.
when a department overspent its budget. “Basically it spends money it doesn’t have... I do not tolerate it. We
Supply chain management a problem area
have a cash blocking system that has been introduced by National
She also stressed the importance of supply chain man-
their monthly budgeted amount they are blocked.”
Treasury. When a department starts over-spending or going over
agement, saying a review of a department’s audited financial statements usually indicated this was where
Operation “We Pay on Time”
fraud and corruption crept in.
With complaints from service providers about government depart-
“If we had a central contract review process with an
ments taking too long to pay for work procured, MEC Scott says
eProcurement tool we could go a long way in address-
her province launched Operation “We Pay on Time” in 2011 to curb
ing deficiencies in supply chain management. If you
the problem.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
>>
49
w w w. o l i v e r a w a r d s . c o . z a
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PROVINCIAL FOCUS
The programme is bearing fruit with 81,9 per cent of all invoices paid within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. A further 12,4 per cent was paid between 31 and 60 days, 3,3 per cent paid within 61 to 90 days, and 2,4 per cent was paid after 90 days. “There is a dedicated team that focuses on payments of service providers. Our goal for the financial year is to pay 90 per cent of payment within 30 days.” The MEC was ecstatic that seven municipalities - Uthungula District, Msinga, Ntambanana, Ubuhlebezwe, uMhlathuze, Mzimkhulu and Okhahlamba (which was once under administration) - all received clean audits from the Auditor-General. Municipal entities were included in the good news with the Durban Marine Theme Park, Safe City Pietermaritzburg, uThungulu House Development Trust and uThungulu Financing Partnership also receiving clean audits for the 2012/13 financial year. In the previous year financial only one municipality in KwaZulu-Natal received a clean audit.
MEC Scott has served on the provincial Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. She holds a Master's in Social Sciences from the former University of Natal now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal
This and that
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Belinda Scott.
Do you prefer traditional or gourmet food?
What does your family think of your job?
I am a very clean eater. I love salads and am basically
My family is very supportive of my job.
a health freak. How do you relax? What is one thing that most people don’t know
I love reading. I am currently reading Mrs. Sinclair's Suit-
about you?
case by Louise Walters. I love being on my own. I have
I am an equestrian. I love horses. I have an ex-cham-
a beautiful rose garden. I sit in my garden and I read.
pion thoroughbred named Olympic.
I love quiet spaces.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
51
PSM
Public Sector Manager Forum
Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Linda Mthombeni
Building libraries, securing
a future in Limpopo
T
he MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, Nandi
Shiluvane Library in the Mopani District Municipality,
Ndalane, is on a mission to ensure that residents of the
Saselamani Library in the Vhembe District Municipal-
province are well educated and she is relying on libraries
ity, Mulati Library in the Mopani District Municipality
to help achieve this. Speaking to stakeholders at a recent Public Sector Manager Fo-
and Shongoane Library in the Waterberg District Municipality.
rum hosted by the Musina Local Municipality in Limpopo, MEC
“We have also commenced with the construction of
Ndalane said her department should work closely with munici-
two new libraries at Nzhelele in the Vhembe District
palities to deliver on its mandate of building libraries across the
Municipality and Phokwane in the Sekhukhune District
province.
Municipality”.
“As a department we are responsible for the construction of
In the 2014/15 financial year, libraries will be built in
libraries at different municipalities. This year we have opened
Rooiberg in Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Ramokgopa
three libraries in Vhembe already.
in Molemole Local Municipality, and Eldorado in the
“We build libraries because as the National Development Plan
Blouberg Local Municipality.
sets out, we are responsible for nation building and social cohe-
She added that other libraries would be upgraded this
sion. For us to achieve that we believe we should have a well-
financial year. “Through the same collaboration with
educated population.”
Public Works, the upgrading and maintenance of 18
During her departmental Budget Vote earlier this year, MEC
more libraries is planned for the 2014/15 financial year.
Ndalane committed her department to building more libraries
“The department is also embarking on a dual-purpose
to promote the culture of reading. “In the next few weeks we will be opening the following libraries:
pilot project for upgrading of school libraries.” The department would also fill the libraries with learn-
Limpopo's Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Nandi Ndalane told a recent PSM Forum that her department would continue building libraries across the province.
52
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Delegates attending the PSM Forum listens to MEC Ndalane's plans for Limpopo's arts, culture and sports sectors.
ing materials, added the MEC.
infrastructure for us.”
“For this current year the department has a target of
She added that the department would host a sports indaba
purchasing 30 000 [items of ] library material at a cost
to deal with issues facing the sports fraternity in the province.
of R6 million. This will go a long way in equipping our libraries with relevant material and up-to-date information.”
“I am asking you to come and participate and help us improve our service delivery model,” she said. MEC Ndalane encouraged delegates at the forum to join clubs to keep fit and participate in sporting activities.
Sports and culture bring people together
“I encourage all of you gathered here today to help us form
Sports and cultural events are renowned for bringing
walk and running clubs. We should find a way to reduce the
people from all walks of life together. Recently, the
number of people with high blood pressure in our communi-
department hosted various activities to celebrate arts
ties. It is possible through simply exercise such as walking.”
and culture in the province. This included Heritage Day celebrations, Freedom Day in April at Makhado Municipality, Africa Day at Mutale and the province will also celebrate the Mapungubwe Arts Festival. “All these we don’t do because we have too much money but because they are important and are necessary to do. These events bring our people together and through them we teach each other about our heritage, history and culture,” she said at the forum. She added that the events hosted by the department should be used to give artists from the province the opportunity to learn from each other and express their talent. “We use these events to showcase the local talent. Our artists learn more from each other as well.” MEC Ndalane told the forum that municipalities should play a role in helping the department bring people together through sporting events by providing infrastructure. “As a department we do not do stadiums and play fields. We depend on municipalities to provide that Deputy Director-General of the Department of Communications, Harold Maloka, presents MEC Ndalane with a token of appreciation.
53
FEATURE
Writer: Amukelani Chauke
“The … programme linked to that is that we must have skills … where ordinary people from low-level to high-level skills can manage these networks so that they can train people to be able to engage with this new internet revolution. “So the skills are going to be very key. Ultimately we have to ensure that the government as a whole moves to digital stage. They move up the technology field, they move away from papers to using technology to communicate with our people so that citizens can interact much easier with government, particularly the front-line departments. That is a priority for the next five years.” The National Development Plan, South Africa’s policy framework aimed at improving the lives of all South Africans by 2030, advocates a capable and effective state Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
that embraces innovative ways of delivering services. Introducing e-Governance is
Government to
go digital to boost service delivery
F
the Public Service. Moving from paper to digital services would also help reduce long queues at government departments and improve the time it takes to serve a customer, the Minister said. For example, customers wanting to visit
rom sending telegraphs to emails, from sending post cards to instantly
the Department of Transport to register
sharing holiday pictures with friends on Facebook, Twitter or Insta-
or renew their vehicle registration papers
gram; the world of communication has evolved and entered a new era.
could download application forms in the
By using digital platforms such as Twitter, for example, the state is now
comfort of their homes, fill out the forms
able to communicate with citizens. And this - a Public Service that moves with the times and uses digital tools for service delivery - is what Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele wants. Speaking to Public Sector Manager magazine, the Minister said going digital and embracing “the internet of things” was the direction in which the Public Service was headed. He said the time had come to introduce e-Governance, where civil servants offer citizens a user-friendly and effective way to access services.
54
a step that is expected to professionalise
electronically and save them. The customer would then go to the department with a filled out application form, meaning a shorter waiting time. Minister Cwele said e-Governance could even address the late delivery of learning material to primary and high school learners.
“The key thing is how … we make sure that we increase the penetration of
“If we connect our schools … students
Internet to South Africans. We have this policy called South Africa Connect,
will be able to download the [learning
which is a policy for broadband roll out … to all the areas.
material] because they have access to the
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
internet. We won’t have a problem of printing books
policy, but government cannot not do it alone.
and distributing books like we had in other provinces;
The Minister said there was a need to forge partnerships with the
we can have a mechanism of buying these books elec-
private sector so that infrastructure sharing could speed up the much-
tronically and put them on the internet and the learners
needed digital transition.
can read them any time on a tablet, which we will be able to issue every child in the future. “It also changes the teaching methodology, where
“During my first week in office I engaged with most of the department's stakeholders. I am starting now to engage with private stakeholders.
you can have one teacher teaching hundreds or thou-
“The key thing is how do you maximise the capacity we have as gov-
sands of students at different schools at the same time
ernment and how do we then direct the private sector to invest where
if the schools are connected,” he explained.
we can have visible returns? … As government we are not going to
The Minister said e-Governance could also extend to the distribution of health services. One way to ensure a healthy nation, which is one of government’s top priorities, is to have people in remote areas linked to advanced areas where there were specialists, he noted.
be able to roll out this network on our own. We need … collaboration with the private sector. “We must find a way in which we will talk to the private sector in a manner that will encourage them to invest in the public sector.” He said beyond infrastructure, it was important to equip people with the skills they need to operate and manage it.
“… There is e-Health and the starting phase will be
In that regard, his department was working closely with the Depart-
in the pilot projects of the National Health Insurance
ments of Basic Education and Higher Education to ensure that young
(NHI), which will try to connect to those areas.”
people, particularly women, were trained as technicians and engineers.
Minister Cwele also said there were plans to corpora-
Other programmes, the Minister added, would include giving public
tise Postbank – the South African Post Office Bank - to
servants the skills they need to use the new technologies required to
roll out banking services to rural areas.
roll out the digital programme.
The process was currently with the Reserve Bank and that he hoped it would be finalised soon.
Brace for a technological revolution The Minister said government was doing all it could to prepare South
Infrastructure audit underway
Africans for a “technological revolution” that was set to change lives.
The Minister added that for e-Governance to be rolled
Government was cognisant of international information and com-
out effectively it was necessary to ensure that depart-
munication technologies (ICTs) developments and would strive to
ments across all spheres of government shared tech-
bring the same level of development to the country, he added.
nological infrastructure and that no infrastructure was
By 2025, the world’s population would have moved “from having
duplicated. This move is expected to save millions of
no or limited Internet access to having total access - most probably
rands.
through a mobile device”, added Minister Cwele.
“There is a programme now in the department where
He said the growing use of ICTs had become characteristic of the >>
we are engaging with local government and provincial government to see how we can coordinate this thing to ensure that we invest e–wisely to ensure that we don’t have unnecessary redundancy. “That dialogue is on-going; our officials have visited many of our provinces right now. They are still going to visit other provinces because the policy talks about infrastructure sharing and connection. So they are looking at all these things to have an audit of the infrastructure. We have to avoid duplicate investments,” he said. e-Governance is part of the department’s overall information and communications technology (ICT )
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
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FEATURE
era in which South Africans live, adding that currently over 2, 4 billion people worldwide were connected to the internet.
the African continent was an opportunity to be seized. “Ensuring that the young men and women of our country have not only the e-skills, but also the e-astuteness to take advantage
“The rapid manner in which ICTs continue to trans-
of the advent of the society of the ‘internet of things’ is vital to
form all aspects of our lives [is] acknowledged. The
reaching this target and overcoming the challenge of poverty,
World Economic Forum highlighted the shift towards
inequality and joblessness facing South Africa.”
‘the internet of things’. “Simply put, it refers to the growing number of de-
Keeping up with the times
vices that are connected to the internet, and to each
The Minister said while the country was heralding new ways of
other. Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG)
communicating, a section of the population was still holding onto
predicts some 25 billion devices will be connected by
ancient methods for dear life.
2015, and 50 billion by 2020,” said the Minister.
“One of our entities was telling me that they are being taken to
Cisco South Africa partnered with the then Commu-
court by one of our clever South Africans because they are still
nications Department in 2009 to train higher education
using the telegram, so we will be watching this court case with
students to become computer technicians.
interest.
Minister Cwele said the NDP called for people to be “e-literate” by 2030. He said while only 33 per cent of internet traffic was generated from non-PC (personal computer) devices
“He says because of us phasing out the telegram, he can no longer communicate with his friends. So I was suggesting to the entity that they must donate some of these telegram machines to his house,” he quipped.
in 2013, it was predicted that 57 per cent of internet traffic would emanate from non-PC devices by 2018. “This is the world we have to prepare for. Among the priorities [the NDP] highlights is improving the quality of education, skills development and innovation. “I urge both Cisco and our universities to continue on this path of collaboration and innovation in delivering skills and learning solutions to especially our youth,” the Minister added.
What keeps Minister Cwele up at night? The Minister said one of the issues that occupied his mind was whether it would be possible to empower all South Africans. “If we can have them using these e-skills, it will empower them immensely,” he pointed out. Meeting the target of rolling out government’s broadband strategy also kept him tossing and turning at the night. “The last one, which is the important objective, is how do we en-
Minister Cwele said providing better access to educa-
sure that the cost to communicate is brought down? That is going
tional opportunities would have a positive impact on
to be the challenge that we as the country and the industry must
the quality of life of all people as well as the economic
work on because it is only when [communicating] is affordable
prosperity of the country.
to the ordinary person, including the poor, that they can have a
He said the shortage of ICT skills in South Africa and
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
meaningful impact in our development,” Minister Cwele added.
57
FEATURE
Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver
Rights of persons with disabilities entrenched in democratic SA
A
s the country celebrates 20 Years of Freedom, it can
sentation. The organisation also high-
also commemorate another milestone –20 years of
lighted the need for integration
rights for persons with disabilities in South Africa.
and full participation in society.
The country marks National Disability Rights Awareness
As a result of the DPSA’s
Month between 3 November and 3 December – which is
discussions with role-
also International Day of Persons with Disabilities – every year.
players, activists for
The theme for 2014 is "Celebrating 20 years of the rights
people with disabili-
of persons with disabilities in our Democracy! Together we
ties gained access to
move South Africa forward through radical socio-economic
positions in govern-
transformation".
ment and were able
In addition, in February, Minister for Social Development
to influence policy making. The Disability Rights
Bathabile Dlamini announced 2014 as the Year of the Rights
Charter was adopted in 1992 by most organisa-
of Children with Disabilities.
tions representing people with disabilities. The
The focus is on promoting and protecting the rights of chil-
Charter sets out 18 rights that people with dis-
dren and young persons with disabilities and in particular,
abilities demand including non-discrimination, educa-
those with autism and albinism.
tion, employment, health and rehabilitation, the right to take part in sport and recreation, access to housing
20 years of rights for persons with disabilities
and social security, affordable and adequate transport and independent living.
In the early 1990s Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) coordinated a national campaign to give
In his June 2014 State of the Nation Address, President
their hopes and expectations of what democracy
Jacob Zuma committed the current administration
would mean to them.
to equitable outcomes for persons with disabilities.
The DPSA emerged in response to the “double”
A month later it was announced that a Presidential
discrimination black people living with dis-
Working Group on Disability would to be established.
abilities experienced. It mobilised people
On the global front, in June the United Nations Open
with disabilities far and wide, including
Working Group on the Sustainable Development
those rural areas and peri-urban com-
Goals released a “Zero Draft” of Goals and Targets for
munities suffering under the yoke of
the Sustainable Development Goals after 2015. This
poverty. It grew into an organisation
document mainstreams disability across the goals,
of activists fighting discrimination
giving life to the principles and articles of the Con-
on the basis of race and disability.
vention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
In the early 1990s the DPSA
(CRDP), and focusing on persons with disabilities
emphasised the right of people
as both beneficiaries and contributors to the post-
with disabilities to self-repre-
58
Looking ahead
people with disabilities the opportunity to express
2015 development agenda.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Achievement of rights commemorated Disability Right Awareness Month 2014 highlights the accomplishments of South Africa’s disability rights activists in ensuring all people with disabilities gain recognition as full citizens with equal rights. These include: • •
Placing disability on the national liberation struggle agenda.
abilities, which came about after the
The democratisation of dis-
UN appealed to member states in 1992
The theme for 2014 is: "Celebrating 20 years of the rights of persons with disabilities in our Democracy! Together we move South Africa forward through radical socioeconomic transformation".
ability service organisations leading to the emergence of representative organisations of, among others, deaf persons, people with psychosocial disabilities, physical disabilities and people with albinism. This ensures persons with disabilities participate in their governance structures. •
on and promotion of issues of persons with disabilities to advance equitable opportunities. •
The right to self-representation
at national, provincial and local level, and through public institutions such as the South African Human Rights Council, the Commission on Employment Equity, the National Development Agency, the Pan South African
Establishing a national dis-
Language Board and the South Afri-
ability focal point in The Presidency following government’s decision to mainstream disability across government programmes and approach it as a human rights issue. •
to dedicate 3 December to reflection
can National Aids Council. •
International solidarity with South Africa participating in the annual UN Conference of States Parties to the CRPD since the CRPD came into force in 2008.
Institutionalising the mainstreaming of disability
This year Disability Rights Awareness Month also aims
rights across government resulting in disability
to provide a platform for progress to be highlighted and
rights/equity managers, in all government institu-
celebrated; remaining barriers to having inclusive and car-
tions across all spheres of government becoming
ing communities to be isolated; and the fostering of agree-
the norm and leading to improvements in service
ment on priorities in the next five years, including gen-
delivery to people in rural areas. •
erating awareness of disability as a human rights matter.
Ratifying the CRDP and its Optional
The day before Disability Rights Awareness Month draws
Protocol in 2007 (the CRDP recognises
to a close the National Disability Awards, hosted by the
disability as an evolving concept). •
Formalising National Dis-
Insurance Industry SETA and, among others, government will be held.
ability Rights Awareness
The achievements of persons with disabilities, who have
Month, which ends of-
accomplished remarkable successes or contributed sig-
ficially on the UN In-
nificantly to the South African community, and people
ternational Day of
within communities who have contributed to the disability
Persons with Dis-
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
sector, will be celebrated at this gala event.
59
FEATURE
Writer: Albert Pule
Back to basics
for local government
D
elegates at the Presidential Local Govern-
able to the people it serves.
ment Summit pledged to serve their com-
The approach stipulates that municipalities should
munities better and become trustworthy
do the basic things rights - from fixing robots, leaking
servants of the people.
taps and broken street lights to cutting grass, repairing
The delegates, from all spheres of government,
pavements and patching potholes.
gathered in Midrand to discuss and come up with
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional
new ways of addressing the problems plaguing the
Affairs Pravin Gordhan said all municipalities should
sector.
work differently, serve communities better and respond
“[We] declare to do our best to make local govern-
to their concerns within a reasonable time.
ment work and serve our people better. We commit
“Complaints are that we don’t take people seriously
to be the servants of the people and trustworthy
and often take more time to respond. Sometimes we
agents at their service,” read a statement of intent that delegates agreed to at the end of the summit. Among the delegates led by President Jacob Zuma were minsters and their deputies,
take three days to respond to something
“All of us are accountable to change people’s lives and create better prospects for the economy.”
change that and respond to problems timeously,” said Minister Gordhan. For local government to work effectively and make a positive impact on the lives of residents, political leadership and
premiers, members of the ex-
administrators need to play an impor-
ecutive councils, mayors, the
tant role, he added.
South African Local Government Association, municipal officials and civil society. Apart from committing to serving communities better, the delegates also agreed on to follow through on a simple and effective approach - the “Back to Basics” approach to local government. “We embrace the “Back to Basics” approach in addressing the challenges facing local government and declare to strengthen local government in order to move our country forward,” said the statement. Under the “Back to Basics” approach, local government will spend public funds carefully, hire competent staff, ensure transparency and will be account-
60
that could take one day. We need to
“All of us are accountable to change people’s lives and create better prospects for the economy.” The summit committed to doing the simple things correctly to improve the local government system. “Inspired by the leadership and guidance provided by the President of the Republic of South Africa, [we] recommit ourselves to advance the objects of developmental local government,” delegates pledged. Minister Gordhan said that to help local government prosper, national government would support, monitor, intervene and ensure that there was adherence to norms and standards. The “Back to Basics” approach also suggests four
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Government will implement the Back to Basics programme that will ensure South Africans receive consistent municipal services.
priority areas to help local government function better. These are:
2. Create conditions for decent living by consistently delivering municipal services to the right quality and
Priority 1: The aim is for municipalities in a dysfunc-
standard. This includes the planning and delivery of
tional state to perform, at the very least, the basic func-
infrastructure and amenities, as well as maintenance.
tions of local government.
3. Ensure good governance and effective administra-
Priority 2: Support will be given to municipalities that
tion, cut wastage, spend public funds prudently, hire
are functional but are not doing enough in critical
competent staff, ensure transparency and account-
areas of service, to progress to a higher path. Here
ability, and root out corruption.
the focus will be on building strong municipal ad-
4. Ensure sound financial management and account-
ministrative systems and processes, and ensuring
ing by prudently managing resources so as to sus-
that administrative positions are filled with compe-
tainably deliver services and bring development to
tent and committed people whose performance is
communities.
closely monitored. Priority 3: Municipalities that are performing well will be incentivised by being given greater flexibility and control over their resources and grants.
5. Build and maintain sound institutional and administrative capabilities managed by dedicated and skilled personnel at all levels. 6. Put people and their concerns first and ensure con-
Priority 4: There will be a targeted and vigorous
stant contact with communities through effective
response to corruption and fraud, and a zero toler-
public participation platforms.
ance approach to ensure that these are rooted out.
7. Ensure quarterly performance monitoring and re-
Supply chain management practices in municipali-
porting on the work of municipalities as directed
ties will be closely scrutinised and where corruption
by the “Back to Basics” approach.
and mismanagement have been identified, it will be
8. Improve the political management of municipalities
dealt with decisively through provisions such as asset
and be responsive to the needs and aspirations of
forfeiture and civil claims.
local communities. Minister Gordhan said his department would em-
Delegates at the summit committed to:
brace the “Back to Basics” approach and strengthen
1. Implement the “Back to Basics” programme.
local government to move South Africa forward.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
61
Department Profile
Gauteng MEC of Human Settlements Jacob Mamabolo (in striped shirt), cleans Bekkersdal with community members. Photo by Amanda Khoza
CALM RESTORED IN BEKKERSDAL The MEC of Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo has restored calm in Bekkersdal in the West of Gauteng. Bekkersdal had been engulfed by service delivery protests for some time, which had reached its peak, before the recent elections. After numerous meetings with the community leadership of Bekkersdal ( the Greater Westonaria Concern Residents Association, or GWCRA) behind closed doors , the parties agreed on a way forward. MEC Mamabolo and the GWCRA toured the area to understand the challenges faced by the residents. These engagements have paved the way for new projects in the area, which aim to improve the lives of its inhabitants. The projects include a R300 million sewer upgrade project, handing over of 1200 completed houses in Westonaria Borwa, cleaning up of the township, improvement of ablution facilities, as well as provision of water taps and electricity for the local informal settlement, and building of a new school. These projects were revealed to the residents by the MEC, while speaking at local sportsfields.
“These are high-impact service delivery projects which will drastically improve the unacceptable living conditions in Bekkersdal, whilst also contributing to the local economy through job creation and sub-contracting”, said MEC Mamabolo. In response to the recurring demand that the municipality be placed under administration, MEC Mamabolo informed the community that the office of the Auditor-General was investigating the allegations of corruption and maladministration, and that action would be taken, once the full report was submitted. “We are also in the process to appoint a forensic auditor to investigate other allegations of corruption within the Bekkersdal Urban Renewal Project (BURP). If it is indeed true that state funds were abused, those responsible must account,” added MEC Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo said the Department of Human Settlements will release the names of 5000 people who are on the housing list of Bekkersdal. “The list will be shared with ward committees, residents associations and other structures. Those not on the list, must register,” MEC Mamabolo said.
BILLIONS ALLOCATED FOR HOUSING PROGRAMMES – REFLECTIONS ON THE BUDGET VOTE The MEC for Human Settlements in Gauteng, Jacob Mamabolo has committed R4, 4 Billion towards all housing programmes within the Department. This was revealed during his maiden Budget Vote speech at the Gauteng legislature after inauguration of new Gauteng administration. The MEC said that the department will ensure that this budget allocation translates into new hopes for the many citizens who look up to the Department to provide for their basic needs of housing. MEC Mamabolo said that the Gauteng of 2014 is much different and better than that of the period before 1994, proving the success of the first 20 years of Freedom and Democracy. He also noted that there is also no doubt that significant progress had been made since 2009 to transform society and to improve the living conditions of the people. MEC Mamabolo paid tribute to the late Joe Slovo, who was the first Minister of the then National Department of Housing in the first democratic government led by late President Nelson Mandela. Mamabolo remembered the words of the late former Minister Joe Slovo when he said, “Housing is central to the rebuilding of this country, not only in economic terms, but also in terms of cohesion of families and our society as a whole.” In the light of this vision by the late Joe Slovo, MEC Mamabolo said they have undertaken major interventions to enhance housing in Gauteng and to address the major issues around Human Settlements, which include accelerating housing delivery, improved spatial planning, enhanced land utilisation and so on. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has intervened with the hope to restore people’s dignity in a very fundamental way. That is why in Gauteng alone in the past 20 years; over 1 million human settlements opportunities were provided through houses, units and serviced stands: ensuring that millions of citizens have a roof over their heads and that they live securely with their families.
all racial groups through housing. This will remain significant in building sustainable human settlements and a cohesive society. Part of deracialising housing in South Africa is to nullify the perception that government-subsidised houses are for Black people only. We have seen today that poverty knows no colour or race. All qualifying South Africans must apply for government subsidies, irrespective of their historical background” said MEC Mamabolo. The MEC further said that one of the new innovations will be to invest in biometric fingerprint technology to ensure that the department sanitises the Waiting Lists and that houses are allocated to the rightful beneficiaries. “This will be a major milestone in using technology to ensure that the poor masses who have been waiting for years finally receive their homes. Through this process no person will have more than one RDP houses and we would have gone a long way in dealing with reported housing corruption” said MEC. Mamabolo emphasised that allocating a house to a rightful owner was not enough. Government still needs to go further and ensure security of tenure for all these beneficiaries. Certainty and proof of ownership is often a concern in the absence of a valid document. There are still thousands of people who have taken ownership of their houses years ago and yet do not have title deeds today. The process of issuing title deeds will thus be accelerated. MEC Mamabolo concluded that the department needs to work harder to ensure the transformation of the human settlement plans to respond to various spatial and economic development corridors. A transformed spatial landscape will give hope to citizens. It will result in the establishment of new postapartheid settlements where diverse housing products are encouraged and supported within one settlement in order to bring citizens of all races and income groups together. Together, moving the Gauteng City Region forward.
The MEC said as the country continued to celebrate 20 years of democracy, when one looks back to the first houses that were built in the 1990s and those that are being built now, through the Breaking New Ground (BNG) strategy, there is a huge difference in the designs and in the location of new developments. “We have heard people saying they prefer to sell their bonded houses because the RDP houses are just as beautiful, if not better”, said MEC Mamabolo. The MEC said in the 2014/15 financial year, the Department of Human Settlements has put more than R50m to procure land parcels that are well located for the construction of mixed development human settlements and to provide affordably priced rental accommodation in Gauteng. He said this was in line with new efforts on land management and utilisation that seeks and helps to contribute qualitatively and add convenience to residents’ lives through easy access to work and services such as water, electricity, health, education, transport nodes and so on. “One of the priorities of our government is the integration of
Danville- one of the mixed housing projects in Gauteng. Photo by Amanda Khoza
Department Profile
MEC of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs- Jacob Mamabolo
AN EXPERIENCED LEADER AND ENDURING ACTIVIST Jacob Mamabolo’s political consciousness emerged at an
Department of Correctional Services. He also worked for the
early age informed by the harsh political and economic
Department of Home Affairs as a Parliamentary Liaison Officer
circumstances of the time. Restless and decisive, he took a
and rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Staff.
decision to become a student activist and served as President of the South African Student Congress (SASCO).
MEC Mamabolo was appointed Project Manager of the Home Affairs Turn-Around Strategy, which is recognised as one of
MEC Mamabolo has extensive public service and leadership
the best practice models in the public sector.
experience accumulated over many years both in senior management positions and political activism.
He was head of the Home Affairs 2010 Soccer World Cup Project. Following his success in the World Cup, he was
He is the Provincial Secretary of the South African Communist
appointed Chief Director responsible for Ports of Entry.
Party (SACP), and a Provincial Executive Committee member of the African National Congress. In his youth, he served
Before his current appointment, MEC Mamabolo was head of
as National Co-ordinator of the Young Communist League
Change Management, supporting the Turn-Around Strategy in
Steering Committee that later gave birth to the Young
the National Department of Public Works.
Communist League in 2003. MEC Mamabolo has a passion for education and After completing high school, his professional career took
knowledge. His qualifications include a Senior Diploma
shape when he enrolled and studied teaching. His leadership
in Teaching, a degree in law (B. Proc), and a Master ’s
and activism did not go unnoticed. He was elected as the
Degree in Public Administration.
President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) while studying at Mokopane Teachers College.
He is a registered PHD, Public Administration student with the University of South Africa. MEC Mamabolo has special
This paved the way for him to take up leadership roles within
professional interests in turn-around strategies, change
the teachers’ union – South African Democratic Teachers
management and project management.
Union (Sadtu). After teaching, he went on to study law at the University of Pretoria. He then worked as a civil servant for over 10 years, starting as an Office Manager for the former Deputy Minister of the
New Head of Department- Daphney Ngoasheng
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY AT ANY COST
forecasts, and have a clear priority list.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements will strive for service delivery at any cost; this is a message from new Head of Department Daphney Ngoasheng.
Ngoasheng stressed that although she would push for service delivery at all costs, that did not mean that the department should be exposed to risk. She said that in every project a risk profile must be done to identify and measure the exposure of the Department.
Ngoasheng, who took over the helm of the department in July 2014, has hit the ground running saying that it was important to accept the status quo of the Department in order to change it for the benefit of the growing Gauteng population. “The department is going to move from disjointed and uncoordinated planning and delivery – to integrated and coordinated planning as a provincial department. “It is important that we shift from small, sporadic, and scattered project – to integrated, mixed use, densified and inclusive ones,” she said. Ngoasheng said that the department would move away from building in the periphery and prefer projects closer to the city centre, amenities, and economic activity. The HOD’s approach will further fortify and intensify the shift from housing to human settlements. The HOD cautioned that it was important for the Department to think about the future as most decisions in Human Settlements Department have long lead time and they take long time to implement. “We need to make certain decisions far in advance before implementing them, to avoid chaos and make sure it’s service delivery at any cost,” she said. Under her leadership Ngoasheng said the department will have a planning horizon, conduct research and feasibility studies,
The HOD said risk exposure to the Department should always be reduced and, if unavoidable, be managed properly and timeously. Ngoasheng said the plan to fight illegal and unethical acts in the department must fit into the strategy of the department. “We need to empower employees with information; they must have booklets that clearly tell them what to do when they witness fraud and corruption.” Ngoasheng further insists that there must be enough capacity to carry out monitoring and evaluation and making sure it is carried out effectively and is reported on. Ngoasheng said that even though emphasis was on planning, the department still needed to plan for budget implementation and how is it going to be monitored. “We have to emphasise on how budget reporting is going to be done, how to account for the funds allocated and what will be the remedial action should there be contraventions,” she said Ngoasheng said that every employee of the Department including her will be subjected to monitoring and evaluation to make sure everyone plays their part as expected.
Contact us: 37 Sauer Street, corner Albertina Sisulu, Marshalltown 2107 Tel: +27 11 355 4000 Fax: +27 11 355 4000
FEATURE
Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver
16 Days of Activism – take a stand against violence
F
or 16 days South Africa will unite to champion the rights and
Campaign activities will include targeted unique and
protection of women and children, as the country marks 16
also province-specific actions such as providing infor-
Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
mation at hot-spots, taxi ranks and shopping malls and
Themed “Working together to fight violence against women and
disseminating information and sensitising citizens by
children” South Africa’s 16th countrywide campaign for 16 Days of
going door-to-door in communities. Posters, flyers, and
Activism for No Violence against Women and Children will start on
advertisements in public spaces will advertise govern-
25 November and run until 3 December 2014.
ment and civil society programmes and services in
During this time South Africa will also mark World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for People with Disabilities on 3 December.
tackling gender-based violence. This year the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children drive aims to get men
Championed by the Ministry of Women in The Presidency, the
involved in working together and instilling hope; high-
16 Days of Activism campaign is part of a United-Nations endorsed
light that every citizen can make a contribution to re-
international initiative and also ties in with the Southern African
ducing violence. It encourages community members
Development Community’s (SADC) Declaration on the Prevention
to become activists, illustrating that violence against
and Eradication of Violence Against Women and Children.
women and children is a community responsibility and
The campaign aims to raise awareness of and help eradicate
not a problem for victims to deal with in isolation.
gender-based violence and violence towards children. Gender-based violence takes place in the context where the victim
Making men part of the solution
is female and not on an equal footing with the male responsible
With men usually the perpetrators of violence against
for the abuse. Violence is directly specifically at women or affects
women and children, the focus of the campaign’s initia-
them disproportionately. It includes physical, sexual and psycho-
tives is to get men to help on board to help eradicate
logical abuse.
the problem. The campaign has identified various ways
This year's campaign aims to get men involved in the fight against violence directed at women and children.
66
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
to encourage greater participation by men. Men can be confronted in various institutional contexts, educated about the problem of gender-based violence and encouraged to take action and be activists. The campaign also seeks to reach out to men who at some point were on the receiving end of, or were exposed to, violence. With taxi drivers and owners almost exclusively male and interacting with more than 14 million people a day, and having an influence on those around them, it is important that the campaign connect with this All South Africans must take a stand against violence.
segment of society. There are several other groups and people in society who have influence over communities and can there-
protect the rights, safety and dignity of women in the workplace. Rehabilitated perpetrators can also make a difference. Research
fore educate citizens about gender-based violence and violence against children.
shows growing acceptance of the need to encourage victims and
Faith-based organisations are spread across society,
perpetrators of family violence to engage with one another as part
reaching urban, peri-urban, rural and even informal
of formal programmes and for rehabilitated offenders to take on the
settlements and can work with citizens to identify at-
role of volunteers against violence.
tainable means of reducing gender-based violence. Churches and faith-based organisations can also play
Legislative context
a part in the rehabilitation of offenders.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children
As the largest social grouping in South Africa, the
aims to entrench the Bill of Rights and other legislation that exists
youth are in a position to bring about change. South
to guarantee the dignity of citizens. Government has enacted the
Africa’s turbulent history has shown that the youth can
following legislation to address violence:
be powerful agents of social change. The campaign
•
Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act,
sees in- and out-of-school youth formations being mo-
2000 to ensure that women have equal enjoyment of rights and
bilised to exert positive peer pressure and find solutions
freedoms, in addressing the wrongs of the past.
to issues of particular relevance to the youth.
•
Another powerful group is that of traditional leaders.
of women and other historically disadvantaged persons at all levels
These decision-makers have a great deal of influence in rural areas and can influence the traditions, culture and
of public and private entities. •
rites performed in their provinces and communities.
for the child. •
Trade unions and politicians are also in a position to influence male attitudes towards women and children. Politicians represent their constituents and can influ-
Maintenance Act, 1998 to ensure that maintenance for the child is recovered from the parents or other persons financially responsible
In making themselves heard they could be a powerful voice against gender-based violence.
Employment Equity Act, 1998 to encourage equitable representation
Domestic Violence Act, 1998 to afford survivors of violence maximum protection from domestic abuse.
•
Children’s Act, 2005 and Children’s Amendment Act, 2007 to protect children from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.
ence government policy and decision-making. Trade
Government has also ratified the Convention on the Elimination
unions are power blocs that have the expertise to raise
and Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The SADC Protocol on
awareness among union members and also to influ-
Gender and Development states that SADC Member States would,
ence employers to adopt policies and procedures that
by 2015, have enacted legislation that fights sexual harassment.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
67
FEATURE
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photographer: Katlholo Maifadi
Thabong Police Station scoops top award of the staff’s shared commitment to working together and serving the community. Besides being South Africa’s leading police station for 2014, for the past three years Thabong Police Station has held onto the title of finest police station in the Free State. Thabong Police Station also scooped nine awards at the first annual Thabong Cluster Prestige Excellence Awards last year.
Winning ways In identifying the leading police station in the country the judges assess a number of things, including the station’s methods of fighting crime, customer service, the cleanliness of the police station and the reaction time when serving the community. The management of Thabong Police Station use sevBrigadier Cois Muller of the Thabong Police Station in the Free State.
E
the community against crime and enhancing the corarning the title of leading police station in South Africa takes dedication and hard work.
porate image of the police. They also visit crèches, schools, the elderly, gangs,
This honour was bestowed upon Thabong Police Station
victims of shack fires and taverns to inform the com-
at the South African Police Service’s Annual National Excellence
munity of the dangers of crime and how to work with
Awards.
the police to make Thabong a better place.
It was the proudest moment of his career, says Brigadier Cois
The police station has external role players, which
Muller, the leader of this winning team. Commenting on the
include the Family and Marriage Association of South
award Brigadier Muller says “this shows what can be achieved
Africa and the Matjhabeng Rape Intervention Care
with team work in any police station.”
Centre, provided by the station’s 24-hour Community
A true blue blood, all Brigadier Muller ever wanted was to be a policeman and to serve the public. Thabong Police Station is about 140 kilometres from Bloemfontein in the Free State.
Service Centre (CSC). Creative solutions to streamline proceedings in the CSC include establishing a separate certification office and a mobile CSC to bring policing services to the people of Thabong.
The Sesotho word ‘thabong’ means “a place of happiness”, which
There is also a 24-hour Detective Service Centre that
the police members at the station try to provide when serving
was established to improve reaction time and service
the public.
delivery.
During PSM’s recent visit to the station the temperature outdoors had plummeted to a bitterly cold four degrees Celsius. In stark contrast, there was a warm atmosphere indoors because
68
eral methods to fight crime, which include mobilising
The station has a 20 minute turnaround time when responding to the scene of a crime. As the leading police station in South Africa, Thabong
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Police Station won R15 000 from the Department of
we can work together at curbing alcohol abuse. If there is a facility
Police, which Brigadier Muller says will go towards new
operating without a liquor licence we perform a sting operation and
equipment for the Victim Empowerment Centre.
confiscate the alcohol,” says Brigadier Muller.
Brigadier Muller manages a budget of R8,5 million
He adds the police station runs liquor-abuse campaigns, searches
and has a staff complement of 320 members. Thabong
taverns regularly and try to ensure that taverns are weapon-free zones.
Police Station serves a community of about 135 000
He adds that to combat crime and ensure service delivery there have
people.
to be strong ties with the community.
Local challenges
Sector policing
Muller says the challenges in the area range from illegal
As part of sector policing, the station has divided Thabong into four
mining and illegal immigrants from Lesotho, Mozam-
sectors. “Each sector has its own sub-CPF forum with a sector com-
bique and Malawi to alcohol abuse, which fuels other
mander from the station.” This is broken down to community patrollers and street committees
crimes. In the past the area of Thabong was rich with gold
in the different sectors of Thabong.
mines which attracted migrant workers from other countries. “Some of the mines have closed down and you find
Brigadier Muller says Thabong Police Station has 482 trained community patrollers who wear reflective jackets, work in 12 wards and who have developed street committees as part of the CPF. He adds that teams of detectives investigate crime within the four
people digging for gold dust which they mix with chemicals and it produces a small stone-size gold.”
sectors into which the area has been divided.
To try and curb this problem the station runs a num-
“The teams investigate crime in allocated sectors and attend sector
ber of outreach programmes and informs the com-
meetings with the CPF and the community. This assists in giving the
munity about illegal mining, by working together with
community feedback on how far the process of investigation has gone,
the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
with the aim of informing the community on the progress of a case.”
Speaking on the matter alcohol abuse, Brigadier Mul-
Within each of the four sectors police members are responsible for
ler points out that the area of Thabong has 115 taverns.
analysing crime, identifying crime hotspots and coordinating informa-
“We meet with tavern owners and look at ways that
tion. >>
Brigadier Cois Muller and his team believing in serving the public with a smile.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
69
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FEATURE
Community projects
This and that
As part of an annual programme the station appoints a junior
How do you relax?
station commander from one of the 19 schools for which the
I love caravan camping and being outdoors.
police station is responsible. The junior station commander’s job is to take policing to schools and to strengthen school safety measures. “We do this to teach children about the wrongness of crime
Which is your favourite holiday destination? Balito in Durban.
and to encourage them to work with the police in the fight against crime.” The police station’s other community projects focus on drugs and alcohol awareness, women and children’s rights and il-
What is your favourite food? I love a braai. I am a red meat person – I love a piece of steak.
legal firearms.
What does you family think of your job? Serving as policeman is a calling
My wife is also in the police service so she un-
Brigadier Muller says that after serving in the police service
derstands if I need to go to the station in the
for 40 years he would not be anywhere else and is proud of
middle of the night. Otherwise they respect
his achievements.
my profession.
He grew up on a farm in the area of Maclear in the Eastern Cape and joined the then South African Police in 1974. He started his career at Queenstown Police Station as a Student Constable. Later he moved to Cambridge Police Station in East London and then to Aliwal-North, also in the Eastern Cape. In 1981 he acquired a diploma in policing from the Department of Education. The next year he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Ladysmith Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal where he served as station commander. In 1985 he became Captain at the Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein, and later joined the Batho Police Station in Bloemfontein, also as station commander. “I have headed five police stations in my career. My experience of 40 years taught me how to work with people and to manage a police station.” After being station commander of Batho Police Station he joined the district office as a visible policing officer and later became the head of the visible policing unit. “When I was provincial head I was responsible for uniforms and the management of community service centres and police station operations.”
cation. “Being a policeman comes with a lot of stress. If you are going to do it for the sake of having a job it will frustrate you. You have to love what you do.” Regarding the changes he has seen in South Africa
While serving as provincial head of visible policing in 2009,
and now that the country is celebrating 20 Years of
he requested that his superiors deploy him in a police station,
Freedom, Brigadier Muller says there is still room for
which was where his passion lay.
improvement. “We address crime in a more professional
“I was missing the interaction with the community and the members of the SAPS. Community work gives me more job satisfaction than sitting in an office. This is where I want to be. I am satisfied in this position.” He said being a policeman was a calling and it needed dedi-
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
way. We include the community with the CPF structures which was not there before.” He adds that he will stay committed to the service until he retires because being a policeman is what he knows best.
71
FEATURE
Writer: Amukelani Chauke
Taking stock of departments’ performance
S
ervice delivery is and has always been top of the
ment performance monitoring at the department, said
list of government priorities. Improving the lives
while gains were noted, there was still room for pro-
of all South Africans remains the ultimate goal, so
gress.
the improvement in departments whose performance
“Noted improvements are evident when comparing
was assessed over the past year comes as good news.
the 2013 results to the 2012 results across most depart-
The Ministry in the Presidency for Performance, Plan-
ments. In some areas of management however, there
ning, Monitoring and Evaluation conducted its annual
has not been significant improvement.
departmental assessments across 155 national and pro-
“For national departments as a group and in seven of
vincial departments and found that the assessments,
the provinces, the average scores have increased since
which were first introduced in 2011, were having an
the 2012 assessment. Free State and Mpumalanga have
impact.
declined,” he said.
Annually, the quality of departments’ management
Akhalwaya also said, however, that while there had
practices in four compliance areas, which cut across 14
been an improvement in many standards, more than
delivery outcomes, are assessed.
half of all departments did not meet legal requirements
The results of the Management Performance Assess-
in the areas of fraud prevention, human resource (HR)
ment Tool (MPAT), which were recently presented to
planning, payment of suppliers, and unauthorised,
Parliament’s Performance, Planning, Monitoring and
wasteful and fruitless expenditure.
Evaluation Portfolio Committee, revealed that in 2013,
“The National Treasury, the Department of Public Ser-
69 out of 155 departments were found to be compli-
vice and Administration and the Department of Justice
ant or working smartly in at least half of the standards
and Constitutional Development need to review regu-
measured, as opposed to 59 in 2012.
latory frameworks or provide additional support in ar-
Ismail Akhalwaya, programme manager for manage-
eas where the majority of departments do not comply. “Executive authorities and accounting officers should ensure that their departments implement improvement plans to reach level four for all standards.”
How departments are assessed Assessors look at four management key performance areas (KPAs) every year namely strategic management, governance and accountability, financial management and HR management. A department’s strategic management KPA looks at its ability to manage strategic planning, annual performance planning and how it carries out its monitoring and evaluation functions. Under governance and accountability, the assess-
72
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
ment covered a department’s service delivery improvement, whether its management structures were working, its accountability, ethics, internal audit, risk management, delegations, and governance of ICT. Whether it upheld the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) was also scrutinised. Under financial management, supply chain and expenditure mechanisms were assessed, and HR strategies, practices and administration, management of performance and employee relations were looked at. Across these, departments are rated across four lev-
ing the issue regularly via all management structures led to improvement.
els, where level one represents an institution that is
To ensure that the standard is upheld, both depart-
non-compliant with legal and regulatory requirements
ments make their managers report on this performance
while level four means the department demonstrated
area frequently. Staffers who fail to comply face disci-
full compliance and that it was doing things smartly.
plinary procedures. Another department that got a mention when it
Departments that are getting it right
comes to the “service delivery improvement” stand-
Service delivery is at the heart of the state’s non-nego-
ard was the Department of Rural Development in the
tiables, which is why President Jacob Zuma appointed
Eastern Cape, which was found to be fully compliant,
an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to speedily attend
or found to have achieved level-four compliance for
to areas in government – across all three spheres – that
its consultation with farmers and frontline extension
needed urgent attention.
workers setting service standards.
One of the areas the President has spoken about a
Akhalwaya said that when it came to the organi-
great deal is the need for departments to pay suppli-
sational design standard, the Department of Energy
ers within 30 days, an area that falls under financial
was mentioned alongside the Northern Cape Social
management.
Development Department and achieved a level-four
Failure to perform in this area negatively affects cash flow and the sustainability of small businesses. The Department of Social Development in the North-
(full compliance) score for taking time to implement necessary organisation change and for ensuring there was consultation at all times.
ern Cape and the Department of Energy were found
“The Northern Cape Social Development Department
to be fully compliant when it came to this area of per-
made effective use of the Department of Public Service
formance, which means their suppliers are smiling all
and Administration Guide and Toolkit in Organisational
the way to the bank.
Design to ensure that the department was positioned
“The Northern Cape Social Development Department
to implement its “war on poverty” programme. Foetal
through leadership commitment did not only imple-
alcohol syndrome had been reduced by 30 per cent
ment effective decentralised delegations, but managed
in De Aar,” he said.
to pay suppliers within five days,” Akhalwaya. At the Department of Energy, buy-in from the Director-General in driving the improvement and monitor-
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
When it came to the recruitment and retention standard, Akhalwaya said the Department of Communications, formerly GCIS, excelled.
>>
73
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is a statutory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act (no. 43 of 2000). It is an overarching body that coordinates the six built environment Professional Councils (architecture, engineering, construction and project management, quantity surveying, landscape architecture and property valuation) for the purpose of instilling good conduct within the professions, transforming the professions and advising the South African government on built environment related issues.
CALLS FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION OF IDENTIFICATION OF ENGINEERING WORK (IDoEW) WITH THE COMPETITION COMMISSION (CC) What is Identification of Engineering Work (IDoEW)? It is engineering work reserved to be done only by persons registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Status of the Application The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) submitted the application for IDoEW exemption on behalf of the ECSA to the Competition Commission (CC) in March 2014. The CC is currently investigating this application which entails, inter alia, consultations by the CC with any party or persons that maybe affected by the identification of work. Public consultation process Persons, parties and stakeholders that maybe affected by the identification of work are hereby invited to engage with the CC in respect of this application and its anticipated outcome. All inputs in this regard are to be submitted to the CC via by not later than 21 November 2014: Mbongiseni Ndlovu OR Tlabo Mabye Mbongisenin@compcom.co.za Tlabom@compcom.co.za Tel: 012 394 5165 Tel: 012 394 3403 Database for unregistered persons in the built environment In order to effectively facilitate engagement on built environment issues, the CBE invites all unregistered persons with a built environment qualification (in Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Landscape Architecture, and Property Valuation) to list themselves on the stakeholder database via SHDatabase@cbe.org.za to enjoy the benefit of being: 1. Consulted by the Competition Commission on the IDoW process outlined above 2. Engaged by the CBE on the planned infrastructure roll out program of government and other built environment issues. Submissions to this database will remain open on the CBE website until further notice. Enquiries in respect of this notice maybe directed to: Advocate Pieter Fourie (Manager: Legal and Regulations) Tel: 012 346 3985 / 012 424 9818 e-mail: Pieter@cbe.org.za / kutala@cbe.org.za
FEATURE
“When it comes to recruitment and retention standards, GCIS and the Northern Cape Roads and Public Works scored at level four.
on time and cash flow. The Departments of Science and Technology; Performance, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Environ-
“GCIS is the only department to meet equity targets
mental Affairs and Mineral Resources were hot on the
and the only one that could fill vacancies within two
heels of the Department of Trade and Industry followed
months.
by GCIS and the Departments of Tourism and Energy.
“GCIS also showed good practice in conducting exit interviews and an analysis of why staff leave,” he said. GCIS was also found to be fully compliant (level four) in the areas of strategic planning, management structure, audit committee, professional ethics, internal audit, risk management, delegations, management and diversity, disciplinary cases and cash flow. It was found to be fully compliant with legal or regulatory requirements in the area of paying invoices within 30 days.
How departments ranked An eagle’s view of the results showed that the Department of Trade and Industry topped the list of departments that were fully compliant across most of the areas that were assessed. This includes, among other things, having good strategic plans, monitoring and evaluation, risk management and fraud prevention, professional ethics, management of disciplinary cases, paying suppliers
Room for improvement Akhalwaya said while there had been improvement in many standards, it was still a matter of concern that there were still areas where more than 50 per cent of departments did not meet legal requirements. This included areas like HR planning, organisational design, management of diversity, disciplinary cases, payment of suppliers, unauthorised, wasteful and fruitless expenditure. “The National Treasury, the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development need to review regulatory frameworks or provide additional support in areas where the majority of departments do not comply. “Executive authorities and accounting officers should ensure that their departments implement improvement plans to reach level four for all standards,” he said.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
75
FEATURE
President Jacob Zuma officially handed over an Industrial Development Zone operator licence to the Dube TradePort. He is seen here with (from left) Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina, Minister Rob Davies, KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu, eThekwini Metro Mayor James Nxumalo and Bridgete Gaza, Chairperson of the Dube TradePort.
Creating jobs, attracting investment
through Industrial Development Zones
The unemployment rate in South Africa, which is around 25 per cent, demands that the country’s economy be reviewed. With government calling for the aggressive industrialisation of the economy, there is a greater need than ever for policy change to allow rapid economic growth in centres previously overlooked for economic activity, writes Chris Bathembu.
A
t the recent unveiling of the Dube TradePort Industrial
hannesburg because it’s close to the market. Through
Development Zone (IDZ), the first IDZ for Durban, Trade
these IDZs we want to attract people to other areas of
and Industry Director-General Lionel October warned that
the country like Durban, like Coega in Port Elizabeth,
if reindustrialisation and the decentralisation of the South African
Saldanha in the Western Cape and make sure we de-
economy did not happen fast, the slow growth of recent years
centralise development,” said October.
might persist. “We are suffering with slow growth and this is something that
economic zones (SEZs) to supplement the IDZ pro-
has been concerning all of us. If we are going to industrialise our
gramme is underway after Trade and Industry Minister
economy and make sure it grows, we need to fast-track invest-
Rob Davies finalised the regulations and guidelines for
ment in the economy. The special economic zones is the way of
SEZs.
fast-tracking development,” October said.
The Department of Trade and Industry is studying the
For him, it is also crucial to ensure that the South African econo-
feasibility of a solar IDZ in Upington in the Northern
my is decentralised and economic activity spread out to as many
Cape. A SEZ near Harrismith in the Free State will be
parts of the country as possible.
proclaimed shortly. It’s expected to focus on automo-
“Everybody will naturally locate towards the big centres like Jo-
76
The good news, however, is that the roll-out of special
tive, clothing and agro-processing activities.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Government believes that the success of the existing IDZs builds a strong case for similar projects to be rolled out across the country. For example, the Coega, Richards Bay and East London
provide not just for one form of industrial development zone but other special economic zones.” These included free ports, free trade zones and sector development zones built around specific industrial sectors.
IDZs had together generated more than R5 billion in
Provinces, in consultation with the mooted Special Eco-
investment and created nearly 70 000 direct and indi-
nomic Zones Board, will be required to identify special eco-
rect jobs. The Dube TradePort IDZ is expected to create
nomic zones which could be developed for better economic
more than 150 000 jobs by 2060. In the same year, the
activity.
development is envisaged to contribute R5,6 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. The Saldanha Bay IDZ has the potential to contribute
Minister Davies said the department had also been conducting feasibility studies for SEZs throughout the country. These include a potential platinum SEZ in North West.
86 per cent to the gross geographic product of the
The Dube TradePort was proclaimed an IDZ in July this
Western Cape and create in the region of 12 000 new
year and has already attracted more than R900 million in
jobs. The IDZ is likely to attract foreign direct investment
investments. Situated at the heart of King Shaka International
worth approximately R9,3 billion over 25 years.
Airport, the IDZ is set to transform Kwazulu-Natal into both a
Minister Davies says the designation of SEZs will support a broader-based industrialisation growth path in
key business gateway and a noteworthy player in the global supply chain of goods.
South Africa and will address some of the regulatory
It’s a purpose-built estate earmarked to develop an aero-
and operational weaknesses identified in the IDZ pro-
tropolis industrial facility and leverage investment in export-
gramme.
oriented manufacturing industries. Its strategic location at
While the IDZs have recorded some major successes
King Shaka International Airport allows the IDZ to create air
- for example, operational investments worth R5 bil-
connectivity for manufacturing sectors that are highly time-
lion - some weaknesses in implementation had been
sensitive. At least five business focus areas have been identi-
identified.
fied for the IDZ. They include the Dube City, Dube TradeZone,
These included weak governance, lack of IDZ incen-
Dube Cargo Terminal, Dube AgriZone and Dube iConnect
tives, and poor stakeholder co-ordination. The criteria
Minister Davies added that a study had shown that the
for IDZ designation were also biased towards the de-
Dube TradePort IDZ has the potential to become a broader
velopment of coastal regions and ignored economic
SEZ when the new SEZ legislation becomes fully operational.
potential in inland regions.
President Jacob Zuma described the handover of an IDZ
The SEZ Bill sought to boost private investment, both
operator licence to the Dube TradePort Corporation as sig-
domestic and foreign, in labour-intensive areas to in-
nalling a new beginning for the precinct he opened in 2012.
crease job creation, competitiveness, skills and tech-
“Our presence here is another step forward in our work
nology transfer, and exports of beneficiated products.
towards creating more jobs that would alleviate poverty
“Special economic zones, of which industrial eco-
amongst our people,” President Zuma said at the ceremony
nomic zones are one form, have been shown both in South Africa and many other countries to be useful tools to promote industrial development, diversification and industrial decentralisation,” Minister Davies said in Durban. “We looked at every way in which we can support the greater success of these IDZ projects some of which
at King Shaka International Airport. He said, for government, the Dube TradePort was yet another good story to tell. “We are determined to create an environment that is investor-friendly. We will continue to improve support measures both through the special economic zones and other development tools.”
have languished below potential for many years. We
But the people of KwaZulu-Natal would judge the success
had to review the legislation and we decided there
of the new development by the manner in which it changes
was a need to broaden the scope of the legislation to
their lives through job creation, said the President.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
77
FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP PROFILES
Writer: Neo Semono
Transparency and accountability key to an improved Public Service
T
he Public Service Commission (PSC) has called for transparency and accountability for the benefit of all people in South Africa.
“All people in the public service are accountable and must
be transparent. They must be held accountable so that we can
The PSC was established in terms of Chapter 10 of South Africa’s Constitution. He called on departments to take up the recommendations made by the PSC and other institutions of democracy like the Auditor-General’s office.
improve public administration to realise a South Africa where
“We believe that if departments can make use of
all people enjoy a high standard of life,” PSC Chairperson Ben
these, they can actually consider these recommenda-
Mthembu said recently.
tions and implement them; they can go a long way,”
He was speaking at the Gauteng Stakeholder Engagement
he said.
session in Boksburg under the theme: “Living Constitutional
If the recommendations were implemented, this
Values and Principles to achieve excellent Public Service and
would result in resources being managed more effi-
Administration”.
ciently, effectively and economically.
The objective of the session was to evaluate the extent to
“The challenge is that recommendations are made by
which Gauteng government departments adhere to the val-
the PSC and the Auditor-General to help public admin-
ues and principles of Section 195 of the country’s Constitu-
istration to achieve values and principles. We appeal
tion, which deals with the basic values and principles governing
very strongly that we need to ensure that recommen-
public administration. The principles include high standards of
dations are considered,” he said.
professional ethics, responsiveness and good human resource management among others.
Commissioner at the PSC, Mike Seloane, said that 79 per cent of senior managers in Gauteng generally made
Mthembu described the PSC as a knowledge-intensive organi-
their financial disclosures by the 30 April deadline an-
sation that conducts research and makes findings and recom-
nually. By law, senior managers are expected to disclose
mendations. It also monitors and evaluates the performance
all their registerable interests to the PSC, which expects
of the public service.
100 per cent compliance.
Members of the Public Service Commission interact with representatives of Gauteng government departments.
78
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
Additionally, the PSC found that 33 per cent of senior managers in the Economic Development Department in Gauteng did remunerative work outside the department in 2012/2013. Departments are also compelled to report on finalised financial misconduct cases to the PSC, among others. Seloane said that in the 2013/14 financial year 93 cases, involving R8,8 million were reported. In the past five years a total of 561 finalised financial misconduct cases worth R71,4 million were reported. When it came to spending budgets the provincial Department of Education spent 99 per cent of its budget in 2013/14 and achieved 90 per cent of its target. “That
PSC Chairperson Ben Mthembu.
is a good story,” noted Seloane. The PSC also found that audit outcomes in Gauteng
However, the PSC said it had already engaged execu-
departments were improving. “The departments are
tive authorities on the findings and recommendations
improving, because over the past four years they have
of the reports.
been getting unqualified audit opinions,” noted the PSC.
“A total of 18 executive authorities at national level
On the matter of payment of invoices within 30 days
have been met with to date and the initiative [has been]
only 36 per cent of creditors had been paid on time
warmly received. At provincial level, arrangements are
in 2013/2014.
being made to engage MECs and Premiers.”
The PSC also found that many departments were fail-
Recently, Public Service and Administration Minis-
ing to fill vacant posts within the prescribed four-month
ter Collins Chabane told the National Assembly that
period. This had a negative effect in the functioning of
planned legislation would strengthen the powers of
departments.
the PSC.
The PSC said the main delays occurred at the stages
The PSC acknowledged the effort that Gauteng had
involving executive authority and directors-general.
made in an attempt to improve the lives of its citizens.
Delays in security vetting and the verification of qualifications also played a role.
Gauteng Chairperson of Committees Nomantu Ralehoko welcomed the PSC’s presentations.
The PSC’s recommendations included the Depart-
“The Gauteng Provincial Legislature welcomes the
ment of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) con-
study conducted by the PSC,” said Chairperson Rale-
sulting executive authorities and relevant stakeholders
hoko.
before considering amending the Public Service Act and regulations. This would assign authority for level
She added that going forward the Legislature would strengthen its relationship with the PSC.
15 and 16 appointments to executive authorities. Di-
The Gauteng Provincial Government said it appreci-
rectors-General would appoint people to level 14 and
ated the efforts some departments had made to im-
more senior posts.
prove and called on others to follow suit.
The PSC also noted that in recent years the Public
“The Premier [David Makhura] is taking the work of
Service had been recruiting directors–general and
chapter nine institutions seriously. A zero tolerance
heads of department from the private sector or from
[attitude] to non-compliance will be adopted. Non-
academic institutions.
compliance is a no-no and we don’t expect govern-
Such candidates had limited or no knowledge or ex-
ment officials to do business with government,” said
perience of working in the Public Service. This posed a
Sifiso Mkhize, Deputy Director-General for Corporate
challenge and affected the functioning of departments.
Services in the Office of the Premier.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
79
FEATURE
Writer: Zama Mthethwa
Investing in space science and technology
N
o country seeking to develop a knowledge-based economy
to build a microsatellite, carried out by Stellenbosch
can afford not to embrace space science and technology
University. The university developed an 81kg low-orbit-
(S&T).
ing Earth-observation microsatellite, SumbandilaSAT, to
For this reason, South Africa is investing in space S&T to improve
demonstrate and grow the country’s technical exper-
the competitiveness of the country’s economy and the quality of
tise. It was launched in September 2009 from Baikonur
life of South Africans.
in Kazakhstan, on a Russian Soyuz rocket.
To coordinate a national approach to the development of space
SumbandilaSAT’s primary payload was a 6,25-m
S&T in South Africa, the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
resolution multispectral camera and a number of ex-
formulated the National Space Strategy in conjunction with other
periments as secondary payloads, which were part of a
relevant government departments. In 2008, Cabinet approved the
capacity-building initiative associated with the project.
strategy, which focuses on leveraging the benefits of space S&T for
Over a thousand images were delivered. These were
socio-economic growth and sustainable development.
used for various purposes, including mapping burnt
Support for the country’s space S&T is growing because of nota-
areas in the Kruger National Park, where fire is part of the
ble advances in this area, as well as growing awareness about the
natural ecology and used by SANParks to manage the
benefits of it.
vegetation, thus promoting biodiversity and influenc-
Greater awareness has been achieved through space-related public
ing the balance between grass, shrubs and big trees.
outreach activities such as World Space Week, which is held from 4
The SumbandilaSAT project produced 18 Master’s
to 10 October each year. Led by the DST, this initiative aims to edu-
graduates and three PhDs, and internships for nine
cate people about space S&T, promote the greater use of space for
engineering graduates.
sustainable socio-economic development, and get young people excited about science and technology. South Africa's efforts in space S&T have been boosted by a project
80
The DST also suppoted the satellite engineering training programme at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT ), under the French South Afri-
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
can Institute of Technology (F’Sati) programme. The
dustry clients and partners. It was instrumental in engineering
programme has registered 32 MTech and nine DTech
the absorption of SunSpace staff into Denel SpaceTeq, thereby
students, as well as seven engineering graduates.
retaining high-level expertise in South Africa.
The programme is internationally recognised as a po-
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, be-
tential cube satellite technology support hub for Africa.
lieves the space industry has enormous potential for growth,
A cube satellite is a cube-shaped low-cost satellite of
and that Sansa will continue its impressive progress. Its plans
about 10 cm3 with a mass of no more than 1,33 kg.
for the construction of a new South African satellite are well
In 2011, the CPUT F’Sati programme hosted the First
advanced.
International African CubeSat Workshop. The pro-
At continental level, the country is collaborating with Algeria,
gramme has developed subsystems for the interna-
Kenya and Nigeria to develop a constellation of three or more
tional cubesat market (commercial products such as
low-earth orbiting satellites called the African Resource Man-
S-band transmitters and patch antennae) and is pro-
agement Constellation (ARMC). The aim is to use the satellites
viding ground support for international cube satellite
to help African nations monitor disasters and manage their
missions.
natural resources more effectively.
A key milestone was the successful launch, in Novem-
The ARMC will therefore support activities such as urban
ber 2013, of a cube satellite called TshepisoSat, with a
development, land use monitoring, and mapping for the sur-
payload aimed at providing space weather data to the
veillance of climate change effects.
South African National Space Agency (Sansa).
South Africa recognises the importance of joining global
Sansa was established after Cabinet approved the
programmes, and participates fully in the GEONETCast initia-
South African National Space Agency Act. The legisla-
tive. This is a global network that allows the coordination and
tion came about because of South Africa's increasing
integration of satellite data and information such as video
reliance on space-based services.
broadcasting and Earth observation imagery for sound deci-
Established in 2010, Sansa’s focus includes research in astronomy, Earth observation, communications,
sion-making in areas such as agriculture, climate, ecosystems, energy, natural disasters, public health, water and weather.
navigation and space physics, advanced scientific, en-
Acknowledging South Africa's advances, Minister Pandor
gineering, and technological competencies and ca-
says South Africa is recognised as a space nation but, more
pabilities, through human capital development and
specifically, as a nation investing in space S&T to improve its
outreach programmes, and international cooperation
citizens’ quality of life.
in space-related activities. The agency has provided 13 Earth-observation and space-science end-user services and products to in-
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
*Zama Mthethwa works as an account executive at the Department of Science and Technology.
81
T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F S C I E N C E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y A N D WAT E R R E S E A R C H C O M M I S S I O N H O S T O F F I C I A L S F R O M T H E B I L L A N D M E L I N D A G AT E S F O U N D AT I O N S A N I TA T I O N P R O G R A M M E AT S C H O O L S I N C O F I M VA B A . T H E D S T I S L E A D I N G A N I N I T I AT I V E T O F I N D A LT E R N AT I V E S A N I TAT I O N T E C H N O L O G I E S F O R R U R A L S C H O O L S .
DST AND BMGF PARTNER TO FIND ALTERNATIVE SANITATION TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL SCHOOLS Representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The fact-finding mission will also visit peri-urban areas
(BMGF) sanitation programme visited schools in rural
outside East London, where the delegation observed the
Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape to assess the area’s suitability
unsanitary conditions created by pit toilets.
for the piloting of new sanitation technology. Over the next three months the prototypes will be piloted in Sanitation challenges in South Africa remain, particularly in the
identified schools and communities in the Chris Hani District
rural areas, despite the country making significant progress
Municipality, after which their performance, social acceptance
since 1994 to address the sanitation backlog.
and contribution to job creation, among other things, will be evaluated.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has partnered with the BMGF to tackle the country’s sanitation
Learning from the partnership’s demonstration initiatives will
challenges through research, innovation and technology.
put the DST in a position to provide evidence-based advice
The partnership has resulted in the creation of South African
to inform the policy decisions of the Department of Water and
Sanitation Technology Demonstration Programme, which
Sanitation, which is responsible for the delivery of sanitation
will see innovative, new-generation sanitation technologies
services in South Africa.
demonstrated in South Africa. The technologies that will be piloted, were developed Last month the DST hosted its BMGF partners in Cofimvaba
through the Reinvent-the-Toilet-Challenge(RTTC). The RTTC
where the piloting of new technologies will be done. The BMGF
Programme launched by the BMGF seeks to promote research
delegation included innovators, engineers, manufacturers
into new generation sanitation solutions that are innovative, off
and professors from various countries working in the
the grid, affordable for poor users and sustainable.
sanitation field. The countries represented include Ecuador, Thailand, China and India, where similar technologies are
The new technologies also incorporate new processes
being developed. Most of the technologies are waterless and
to the field of sanitation including: pyrolysis-the thermal
environmentally friendly.
decomposition of human solid waste in an oxygen-free environment to produce biochar; electrolysis-using electrical
Officials from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and
currents to break down the chemicals in human liquid waste;
the Department of Water and Sanitation also attended the fact-
pasteurisation-a heat treating process which thermally
finding visit. The DBE said the DST-BMGF partnership was
sterilises human waste; and on-site membrane technology, and
important to them as poor sanitation facilities affected schools
hydrocyclone toilet bowl technology-for the separation of solid
in the rural areas. They were keen to see the results of the
and liquid wastes.
pilots, as successful outcomes would allow the technologies to be rolled out across the country.
For more information go to
www.dst.gov.za or www.wrc.org.za
featUre
Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver
Disclosure improved but not yet 100% The Public Service Commission recently announced the findings of its study into compliance with the Financial Disclosure Framework and actions taken against errant members of the senior management service (SMS). PSM takes a look at the facts and figures.
T
o prevent members of the SMS from misusing their positions
sick leave or who had been suspended. In addition,
and the public resources entrusted to them, they have to
some departments did not make a concerted effort to
disclose their financial interests to the Public Service Com-
obtain completed forms from officials on sick leave or
mission (PSC) every year. This is also done to combat bribery, corruption and a conflict of interest between their private interests and public responsibilities.
suspension. This had a negative effect on the integrity of the FDF and undermined efforts to fight corruption in the Public Sector.
In 2012/13, 84 per cent of 9 427 designated employees at national
The PSC said 100 per cent compliance was possible if
and provincial level in the SMS disclosed their financial interests for
all departments implemented the FDF fully and if EAs
the year - up 10 per cent from 74 per cent in 2011/12.
took tough action against members of the SMS who
The PSC announced this recently when it released statistical information on Monitoring Compliance with the Financial Disclosure Framework (FDF) for 2012/13.
failed to comply. The PSC relied on the Companies and Intellectual Commission (CIPC) database in assessing senior managers’ involvement in private business interests.
Disclosing interests At national level 81 per cent of the 5 425 members required to submit
Role of Executive Authorities
financial disclosure forms did so. At provincial level all SMS employ-
The FDF requires that designated employees disclose
ees (100 per cent) in only three provinces – Mpumalanga, Northern
their financial interests to their EAs by April each year.
Cape and Western Cape – submitted their financial disclosure forms
In turn, the EAs have to submit their disclosures to
by the 31 May deadline.
the PSC by 31 May. The PSC studies the disclosures to
In Limpopo 99 per cent, Gauteng 92 per cent, Eastern Cape 89 per cent, North West 87 per cent and Free State 84 per cent, of designated
identify potential conflict of interest and advise EAs accordingly.
employees complied. Just 52 per cent in KwaZulu-Natal submitted
The PSC said that in the period under review the
financial disclosure forms. Overall, 88 per cent of the 4 003 provincial
extent to which EAs implemented the PSC’s recom-
members of the SMS disclosed their interests.
mendations concerning SMS members who failed to
Some national and provincial departments did not submit disclosure forms to the PSC by the 31 May deadline. The PSC received 34 disclosure forms from directors-general (DGs) of national departments. The DGs of the Departments of International
disclose their interests was poor. Some EAs did not take action against SMS members who failed to submit their financial disclosure forms or make full disclosures as required of them.
Relations and Cooperation, Justice and Constitutional Development,
In total 23 officials (22 at provincial and one at na-
Transport, Science and Technology, National Treasury, the South
tional level) were guilty of misconduct related to non-
African Police Service, and the Independent Police Investigative
disclosure in 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11. During the
Directorate did not submit their financial disclosure forms to their
same period only 29 EAs out of a total of 25 national
executive authorities (EAs) by the 30 April 2013 deadline and there-
and 75 provincial departments reported back to the
fore did not comply with the FDF.
PSC in terms of Regulation G.4 of the Public Service
The commission found that some members of the SMS were unwill-
Regulation.
ing to declare their registrable interests: 1 497 financial disclosure
Almost all EAs who reported back were satisfied with
forms were outstanding. This figure included people who were on
employees’ explanations such as companies being
84
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
dormant, deregistered by the CIPC or not registered in
had been drafted and submitted for legal opinion.
their name. Some employees said they had resigned as
The determination introduces a structured administrative process
directors but that CIPC records had not been updated.
leading to a decision by the EA or his or her delegate. Approval to do
Officials found guilty of misconduct were sanctioned
other remunerative work is subject to the individual or entity not doing
by means of written warnings. In some instances designated employees had submitted their disclosures but
business with the state and approval is for only one year. The cluster also announced that regulatory amendments were being considered to strengthen ethics and integrity management in the Public
their EAs had failed to submit the forms.
Service such as amendments to the Public Service Regulations and the
100 per cent compliance required
Public Administration Management Bill.
The PSC found that there were departments that had improved on the submission of financial disclosure
E-Disclosure system
forms by the due date, from 49 per cent in 2008/09
Submitting disclosure forms is being made easier by the roll-out of
to 84 per cent in 2012/13. However, this was not ad-
the E-Disclosure system that started in April this year. This web-based
equate: 100 per cent compliance was expected of all departments.
What has to be disclosed and why? Private interests should not interfere with public duties, therefore all members of the SMS have to disclose things such as: • shares and other financial interests in private or public companies and other corporate entities recognised by law • directorships and partnerships • remunerated work outside the pub-
The cluster also announced that regulatory amendments were being considered to strengthen ethics and integrity management in the Public Service such as amendments to the Public Service Regulations (especially Chapter 2) and the Public Administration Management Bill.
lic service
system uses modern technology and intelligent financial systems to help prevent corruption and maladministration in the Public Service. It enables senior managers to declare their financial interests electronically. By July 2014, 77 per cent of senior managers had used the E-Disclosure system. The disclosure form can be obtained online at http://www.gov.za/forms/ index.html. In the past, designated employees had to submit their original completed forms to their EA who, in turn, had to submit a copy of the form to the PSC by 31 May of that year. In the case of designated employees appointed after 1 April the form had to be submitted to the PSC within 30 days of it being submitted to the EA.
• consultancies and retainerships • sponsorships • gifts and hospitality from a source other than a family member
Who accesses disclosed information? Under normal circumstances only the EA, the PSC and those acting on their behalf have access to the disclosed information. They have to liaise
• ownership and other interests in land and property,
with the designated employee if they are concerned about a possible
whether inside or outside the Republic of South Af-
conflict of interest. Only the relevant EA may grant a waiver if a conflict of
rica.
interest is evident. Such a waiver has to be attached to the original form.
All companies, including dormant and non-profit com-
Except when ordered by a court, nobody who has access to the infor-
panies, have to be disclosed as well as companies for
mation may disclose it. Access to the information may only be given in
which senior managers carry out non-remunerated
terms of Section 11 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000.
work.
More information Other remunerated work
Designated employees who have questions about the form and Chapter
In September 2014 the Governance and Administration
3 of the Public Service Regulations should contact the Directorate: Senior
Cluster announced that a determination on performing
Management Service, Department of Public Service and Administration
other remunerative work outside the Public Service
on 012 314 7395.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
85
finanCiaL fitness
Public servants’ spending habits revealed
R
esearch has revealed that Public Sector employees like to
Furthermore, 36 per cent of Public Sector employees
spend. They like the feeling of splashing out, the thrill of
describe themselves as being part of the Sandwich
buying the new, and the fun of
clutching a handful of glamorous shopping bags. In fact, they like spending so much that their levels of debt are much higher than those of their colleagues in the private sector. Statistics indicate that 52 per cent of public employees have credit cards compared to 28 per cent of private sector employees. In addition, 78 per cent of government employees own store cards as opposed to the 63 per cent of private sector employees who do. When it comes to personal loans and hire purchase, 35 per cent of state employees are in debt compared to 18 per cent of private sector employees. This is one of the key research findings of the latest update of the Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor (OMSIM), which takes the pulse of the financial health of working metropolitan
Generation, which means they are supporting chil-
How to improve your financial health:
dren as well as dependent
• Draw up a monthly budget of your spending (and savings) habits so that you get to underst and yourself and your finances better. • Go to your bank and arrange automatic monthly savings deductions from your salary so that you’re committed to saving, even if it’s only a small amount. • Unleash the power of compound interest by saving from an early age. • Set realistic goals for what you want your money to achieve. • Identify and tackle the biggest threats to building wealth (for example your credit card, a personal loan, too many trips to the mall, luxuries you really don’t need). • Remember to start with the debts that carry the highest rates of interest when you are paying off debts. • Consult a financial adviser.
South Africans.
parents. Stokvel contributions are growing steadily and indicate that Public Sector employees are trying to plan ahead. More than 88 per cent of respondents who contribute to stokvels say they want to learn more about how to save money. “The Public Sector’s personal debt is a major cause for concern, especially when viewed in the context of the rising consumer price index (CPI), which monitors the cost of living, including food and transport costs,” says Nicholson. “Financial trouble causes immense stress and can
Lynette Nicholson, chief researcher at
harm your health, your re-
Old Mutual, says that the latest OMSIM
lationships, your work per-
figures also show that Public Sector employees are in deeper debt
formance and your family’s wellbeing. That’s why it’s
than two years ago. Credit card debt increased from 42 per cent
very important to get good financial advice as soon
in 2012 to 52 per cent in 2014, store card debt increased from
as possible,” she adds.
63 per cent to 78 per cent and personal loans nearly doubled, from 18 per cent to 35 per cent.
86
Source: Old Mutual Public Sector Manager • November 2014
PUBLiC seCtor aPPointMents Compiled by: Mduduzi Tshabangu
Lesetja Kganyago Governor: South African Reserve Bank Lesetja Kganyago has been Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) since May 2011. In that role he was responsible for various areas including research, financial stability, risk management and compliance; and the SARB College. He was also responsible for bank supervision, financial regulatory reform and financial surveillance. He holds among other qualifications, a Master of Science degree in Development Economics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Economics from the University of South Africa. He has extensive experience in financial markets and is highly regarded for his knowledge and expertise of the South African and global financial systems. Kganyago has wide-ranging experience in macro-economic policy formulation, financial sector policy, public finance, international finance, public debt management and financial markets. Coupled with this is the experience he gained from serving in government as a former Director-General of the National Treasury from 2004. During his tenure as Director-General of the National Treasury, he successfully steered several public finance and financial market reforms. He played a leading role in the fundamental reform of the micro-structure of domestic bond markets, including reforms to the auction system and introduction of new financial instruments such as inflation-linked bonds and buy-backs. Kganyago also led South Africa’s technical team to various G-20 Ministers of Finance and Governors meetings and Summits (including the inaugural Summit in 2008). He is well respected in international forums for having chaired the Development Committee Deputies, the G-20 Working Group on IMF governance reform and was also the vice-chair of the Financial Stability Board’s Standing Committee on Implementation Standards for a period of four years.
Makgale Mohlala Divisional Manager, Cartels Division: Competition Commission Makgale Mohlala is the former Acting Divisional Manager in the Cartels division. He led a team of investigators that probed some of the Commission’s major cases including the cement cartel and the investigation of collusion in the construction cartel. He holds a BProc degree from Vista University, LLM in Corporate Law from the University of Pretoria and is currently enrolled for an MBL with the University of South Africa. Mohlala joined the Commission as a graduate trainee at the Mergers and Acquisitions division in 2000 and worked his way up until he was appointed Principal Merger Analyst in 2008. In 2009, He was transferred to the Enforcement and Exemptions division to establish the then Cartels unit. He established and led the Cartels unit from 2009 to 2011 when it became a stand-alone division and continued to serve in the division as a Principal Cartel Investigator until his current appointment. The Cartels division’s core functions are to investigate cartel complaints and administer the corporate leniency policy. Public Sector Manager • November 2014
87
5. One item of clothing you can’t live without? Rubicon Clothing's bonded lace shift dress. It is an ‘investment’ piece. 6. What is your shopping addiction? I love scents and jewellery. 7. What is your best buy ever? I have a couple of them including belts, bags, shoes and a blue outfit I bought from Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs, a local clothing brand. 8. What are the five staple items that all women should have in their closets? White cotton shirt, textured (brocade, bonded lace or guipure lace) calf length pencil skirt, classic swing skirt, textured (brocade, bonded lace or guipure lace) calf length shift dress and a classic blouse. 9. What should we look out for this coming season in the world of fashion? Safari, ginghams and bold flower prints. 10. Which local celebrities do you enjoy dressing? Carol Tshabalala, Vaylen Kirtley, Nambitha Mpulwana and Jen Su.
Nengovhela's fashion favourites: 1. What are the biggest trends this season? Faux fur, clean lines and cocoon silhouettes. 2. Who is your style icon? The late Grace Kelly. 3. What is your most extravagant buy to date? I love investment pieces. From bags, shoes and jewellery. My latest buy is pearls from the Xiamen Island in China that I bought on a break while studying a clothing and textile course in Fuzhou. 4. Where is your favourite shopping spot locally? I shop anywhere I find products that speak to me. One needs to explore to be enticed.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
89
heaLth anD WeLL-Being
Compiled by: Noluthando Mkhize
What you need to know about Type II diabetes is a disease that results when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin. In Type II diabetes, unlike in Type I, insulin is still produced by the body but it isn't used appropriately. Symptoms of diabetes include: •
Frequent thirst.
•
Constant tiredness.
bout 347 million people across the world have
•
Frequent urination.
diabetes, according to the World Health Organisation.
•
Weight loss.
With World Diabetes Day commemorated on
•
Itching.
14 November, PSM arms you with information to manage
•
Blurred vision
A
Anyone can get diabetes. Being overweight and hav-
diabetes better.
ing a family history of diabetes increases the risk.
What is diabetes?
Depending on the type and severity of the diabetes,
Diabetes is a condition where a person has a high blood
it can be treated with diet plus exercise or with diet,
sugar or glucose level.
exercise and medication. Medication may be insulin
It develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin.
injections, tablets or both.
Without insulin the body cannot get the energy it needs from food.
The good news is that having diabetes does not mean the end of a normal healthy life. You need to accept
Normally, a gland called the pancreas makes insulin, which carries the sugar in the blood into the cells. With diabetes,
that you have the condition and then learn how to manage it.
the pancreas fails to supply enough insulin, or the insulin doesn’t work properly.
Management and control of blood sugar is very important as it prevents or reduces the risk of developing the complications of the disease.
Types of diabetes
The abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglyce-
There are two major types of diabetes: Type I, commonly
mia) can diseases related on the kidney, eye and heart,
called juvenile diabetes, and Type II, commonly called adult
among others. Without proper management it can lead
on-set diabetes. Both have similar symptoms but very dif-
to blindness and amputation.
ferent causes.
A healthy diet is the foundation for good blood sugar
Type I diabetes, usually diagnosed in childhood, is a dis-
control in any type of diabetes, even without medica-
ease where the body’s own immune system attacks and kills
tion in some cases. Whether you are being treated with
the
cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. This leaves the body without insu-
insulin injections or tablets, you still need to follow a sensible diet.
lin, and unable to regulate its blood sugar levels.
Regular exercise of between three and four times a week for 20-50 minutes is necessary for good health. This includes: •
Walking up and/or down a flight of stairs instead of taking the lift. • Walking to the shops instead of taking a car. •
50 –100 skips a day with a skipping rope.
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Health Department.
90
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
BooK reVieWs
Compiler: Maselaelo Seshotli
Thinking Fast and Slow Writer: Daniel Kahneman In Thinking Fast and Slow, Kahneman aims to present a view of how the mind works and draws on recent developments in cognitive and social psychology. The book takes the reader on a journey through the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is explained as fast, intuitive and emotional, while System 2 is slower, thoughtful and logical. The book offers practical and interesting insight into how choices are made in both our business and personal lives. It also shares tips on techniques that can be used to guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble. Preferences for the decisions we make can be understood only by knowing how the two systems shape our judgments and decisions. Kahneman reveals where we can and cannot trust our intuition and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking
Leaders Eat Last Writer: Simon Sinek When US Marines gather to eat, the most junior are served first while the most senior eat last. This is a reflection of the price of leadership – being prepared to place the needs of others above your own. In Leaders Eat Last, Sinek highlights the need for leaders to know and truly care for those they are placed in charge of. He illustrates that organisations in which the leadership does not create a people-centred environment may do well for a brief period but will eventually take a knock. Those organisations that value people prosper over the long term in good and bad periods. Sinek presents his ideas with fascinating true stories from the military, government, manufacturing and investment banking, among others. He argues that leaders who are willing to eat last reap the rewards in the form of loyal colleagues who will go all out to realise the vision.
SNAKES IN SUITS: When Corporate Psychopaths Go To Work Writer: Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare In this book, corporate psychologist Paul Babiak and psychopathy expert Robert Hare zoom in on the psychopath’s role in modern corporations. Snakes in Suits lays bare the psychopath’s secrets, explains how they manipulate and mislead, and tells readers how to look beyond their games. It is a scientific look at how psychopaths work in the corporate environment. By sharing the situations they have encountered, the authors give readers insight into what it is like to work with a corporate psychopath. The aim is to help readers understand what makes psychopaths tick and what behaviour should be scrutinised to gain clues about their true nature.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
91
traVeL
Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Phil Magakoe
Up close with the Big Five H
is small brownish eyes pierce through the thick bushes. His
advanced environmental management techniques
ears are spread wide in an attentive position and his thick
and policies.
blood vessels visible from a distance.
Our trip to KNP started on a Monday with the launch
He flaps his ears with his gigantic head bowed and charges to-
of scheduled flights to Skukuza Airport, followed by a
wards the group of tourists, while sniffing the ground and squeal-
presentation on scientific methods of fighting rhino
ing – a sound that covers a distance of more than 20 kilometres.
poaching.
Before he reaches the group he stops and then walks slowly
Make no mistake, rhino poaching is a serious problem
across the road, almost as if he is enjoying the attention and click-
facing the country. But government and South African
ing of cameras.
National Parks (SANParks) are working hard to deal with
On the other side of the road, a large female elephant watches the performance of the young bull.
the challenge. The highlight of the trip came when the group trav-
She nods her approval and the two disappear into the thick bush of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
elled in an Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) from the Skukuza Airport to Letaba Rest camp.
The tour guide tells us we almost witnessed a rare occasion of a young male elephant mating with his counterpart. “He is angry that we disturbed him that’s why he was flapping his ears and walking like that. He is trying to send us a message,” explains our tour guide Joseph Ndlovu.
After spotting the elephant I am eager to spot the remaining four members of the Big Five family. After driving for two hours, we are 20 kilometres from camp when the OSV suddenly comes to a halt. “Look at that, that’s a majestic beast,” says Ndlovu as
It is the first time I have set foot in a game reserve when I witness the interaction between the elephants.
he points to a white rhino. “This beast is the third largest land mammal.”
I did not know what to expect from the KNP, having only seen
It’s huge and hefty. Bulls weigh up to 2 000 kg and
its beauty on television, but I was happy to be in Africa’s premiere
are larger than cows which weigh up to 1 800 kg. The
wild life destination.
grey skin is almost hairless. White rhinos also have a
The KNP was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the
We also come across a herd of buffalo walking from a
South African lowveld.
drinking hole as we drive to camp to refresh and enjoy
Covering more than
92
hump on the neck.
an evening boma braai.
2 million hectares, the
The next day started with a breakfast at the Letaba
KNP is a world leader in
Restaurant and then it was time for another game drive
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
to view a carcass of a poached rhino. After a 45 minute drive, we come across the first sign that the carcass is nearby. Above the blue sky, vultures are circling and some descend on the smelly carcass. The second clue is the smell of rotting meat. Eventually, we come across a large grey boulder sized lump - the dead rhino under a tree.
What you need to know about the KNP
“Four shots were reported on yesterday at 18h05 from
The KNP offers its visitors up close and personal nature
the camp, so we had an exact time of death,” says Sec-
experiences with a variety of activities. Whether it is driv-
tion Ranger Richard Sowry.
ing, biking, hiking or walking that you want to do, KNP has
Sowry is responsible for a part of Kruger National
something for you. Experienced, professional and armed guides act as trail
Park known as Kingfisherspruit, which covers just over 95 000 hectares. As we move closer to the carcass, he can tell how it
leaders and interpret the natural surroundings at regular intervals, to make the most of guided activity.
was killed. “Look, it has gone straight down on its back legs with the front legs folded neatly under it, we know it died
5 Things to see at KNP •
Sowry is accompanied by SANParks Environmental
• •
Saddle-bill Stork.
The three are at the scene to collect DNA samples of •
Five Trees – Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, Mopane.
Sowry says earlier this year, a man was arrested in Singapore and his DNA was linked to a poached rhino.
Birding Big Six– Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet- faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and
South African Police Service. the rhino in the hope of linking it to a suspect.
The Little Five – Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle.
Crime Investigation Chief Kobus de Wet and Forensic Rhino Specialist Warrant Officer Linda Luthor from the
The Big Five – Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino.
on the spot from a head or a heart shot.”
•
Natural/Cultural Features – Letaba Elephant Museum,
A water bottle lid is found next to the carcass. Luthor
Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Masorini
tells us it could provide valuable clues because it might
Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Thulamela.
contain fingerprints of the suspected poacher.
For more information go to www.sanparks.org.za
South Africa holds 80 per cent of the rhino population on the African continent. Since the beginning of the year, South Africa has lost over 618 rhinos. The KNP has been the hardest hit with more than 400 of its rhinos poached. After a draining day spent viewing the carcass of the rhino, we head to Satara Rest Camp to prepare for International Ranger Day. KNP rangers took centre stage as government and SANParks celebrated International Ranger Day, honouring and commemorating the work done by rangers, who often risk their lives to protect animals and the wildlife. The event was held for the seventh time in honour of
After the event, I’m tired, bruised and battered from traversing the
rangers who lost their lives in the battle against poach-
terrain of the KNP, but I’m happy that for the first time in my life, I saw
ers and other environmental crimes.
three members of the Big Five.
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
93
Car CarreVieWs reVieWs
Compiler: Ashref Ismail
Jaguar XE – a new take
on sports saloons T he rear-drive Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the
Front-and-rear-seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of
sports saloon thanks to its advanced lightweight
head and legroom – the XE proves that sleek, streamlined styl-
construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior,
ing and interior space need not be mutually exclusive. Techni-
and outstanding ride and handling.
The Jaguar XE was revealed to the world during a starstudded event held at Earl’s Court, London. The XE will go on sale in 2015 with the high-performance S-model at the top of the range.
cal fabrics, fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching all give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminium, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, handcrafted feel. Jaguar is more experienced in the use of aluminium construc-
The XE S rewards drivers with the responsiveness and
tion than any other vehicle manufacturer. The unrivalled exper-
refinement of its supercharged 3.0 litre V6. Generating
tise in working with this lightweight material has culminated in
250kW and 450Nm of torque, this high-revving engine
the revolutionary body structure of the new XE.
is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with
The new XE has been engineered to meet the most stringent
paddle shift controls, giving the driver immediate access
crash test legislation worldwide and is expected to achieve the
to the vehicle’s incredible reserves of power. Accelerating
maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
to 96.5km/h in just 4.9 seconds, the XE S has an electronically limited maximum speed of 250km/h. The aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model de-
Active safety: Intelligent technologies to support the driver
veloped from Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle
The new XE’s light, stiff body structure has been engineered to
architecture and will set the standard for driving dynamics
meet the most demanding legislative and consumer crash-test
in the mid-size segment. The long wheelbase and low seat-
requirements worldwide. Complementing the outstanding lev-
ing position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined,
els of protection it offers is a suite of advanced driver assistance
coupé-like profile.
systems designed to help and support the driver, making every
The XE S will be joined by other models powered by highly efficient 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines matched to smooth-shifting six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The diesels – part of Jaguar’s all-new Ingenium engine family – provide exemplary fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 3.77l/100km and 99g/km. The XE is also the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon ever built. It is also the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering, tuned to provide exceptional responsiveness and feel but with lower energy consumption than hydraulic systems. The XE completes the Jaguar saloon car range sitting below the XF and XJ models.
94
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
journey safer, more relaxing and enjoyable. The XE is the first car in the world to be equipped with All
world. At its heart is an eight-inch touchscreen featuring a clear, intuitive graphical interface and fast response times.
Surface Progress Control (ASPC). This all-new system, devel-
Voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of
oped with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover expe-
the system, without navigating through menus, so drivers can
rience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed
keep their eyes on the road. InControl’s SD card-based naviga-
cruise control. ASPC functions between 3.6km/h and 30km/h.
tion allows easy upgrades of map data. The system also supports
By precisely controlling the brake system and the powertrain
Bluetooth, audio streaming and USB connectivity.
it delivers optimum traction in the most slippery conditions without skidding or the driver using the pedals. Jaguar is one of the first manufacturers in the segment to
The car functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the Internet – the vehicle antenna provides the best possible signal.
use stereo-camera technology. This state-of-the-art sensor is
Jaguar InControl Remote functionality allows users of iOS
the ‘eyes’ of the XE’s autonomous emergency braking system,
and Android smartphones to connect to the car from wher-
providing highly accurate measurements of speed and dis-
ever they are and control a range of vehicle functions. These
tance of objects ahead, and can initiate full braking to avoid
include seven-day timed pre-setting of the XE’s climate control
or mitigate a collision.
system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine.
The stereo camera performs traffic sign recognition and lane
For drivers who just want to sit back and enjoy the music, the
departure warning functions too. The XE also offers systems
new XE brings Meridian audio technology to the segment for
such as adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind-
the first time. These superb systems are the latest product of
spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and bay parking,
the long-standing partnership between Jaguar and British audio
and reverse traffic detection.
experts Meridian and were developed specifically for the new
The XE’s all-new InControl infotainment system offers the
XE. Unique algorithms guarantee the best possible sound repro-
latest technologies to connect car, driver and the outside
duction and tailor the experience to the interior’s acoustics. >>
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
95
Car reVieWs
Land Rover
introduces the first member of the Discovery family
L
and Rover unveiled the new Discovery Sport, the world’s
all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is renowned.
most versatile and capable premium compact SUV.
In fact, with approach, departure and breakover angles
The first member of the new Discovery family, Discovery
of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively, Terrain Response®
Sport, features 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing
technology, and the ability to wade to 600mm, Discov-
5-seat premium SUVs.
ery Sport offers class-leading capability in all conditions.
Discovery Sport’s progressive new design approach defines the
As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key
new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and
priority in the development of the new Discovery Sport,
stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity
resulting in autonomous emergency braking, and a
for a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2
state-of-the-art body shell featuring both ultra-high-
seating configurability.
strength steel and lightweight aluminium.
Land Rover digitally revealed the new Discovery Sport at Spaceport America in New Mexico, in the United States.
This represents a fraction of the advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport, which also includes an
The spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior,
all-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and
which has been designed with customers at its core. It features
tilt-and-slide row-two seating for maximum interior
high-quality materials and a strong, vertical centre console graphic
configurability.
to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere.
At launch the Discovery Sport will be equipped with a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel
Storage solutions are integrated into the cabin and up to four
engines. Both the all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre petrol engine and
12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified
the 2.2-litre turbo diesel feature high-pressure direct
for all three rows of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices
injection, low-friction internal components and smart
to be charged simultaneously.
regenerative charging for outstanding performance
A host of innovations has allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time. An all-new multi-link rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics but also ample and flexible cabin space behind the second row.
and economy. The nine-speed automatic transmission is fitted, along with four-wheel-drive. Discovery Sport will be produced at Land Rover’s award-winning manufacturing facility at Halewood,
Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the innovative rear
Liverpool. It will go on sale early in 2015 alongside the
axle also ensures that the Discovery Sport is comfortable, refined
existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over 170
and rewarding to drive on-road, while retaining the breadth of
markets worldwide.
96
Public Sector Manager • November 2014
niCe-to-haVes
Writer: Nicholas Francis
For the man on the move
A
t Public Sector Manager magazine we know that with the fast-paced times of today we tend to forget to stop and spoil ourselves. We have selected a few must-have items for the manager on the go which also serves as a great stock-
ing filler this festive season.
2. Mont Blanc Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen A piece of art. This fountain pen with deep black precious resin, gold-plated details, handcrafted gold nib and white star em1. Tom Ford Noir A sophisticated fragrance for the man who works hard and plays hard. Perfect for the boardroom or that romantic night out. Tom Ford Noir 50ml
blem finishes is Montblanc’s design icon. Mont Blanc Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen is available at Mont Blanc stores.
is available at Edgars stores.
3. Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph has combined refinement with the spirit of sport with a black dial and a polished steel bezel. A watch for any occasion. Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is available at Arthur Kaplan Jeweller stores.
5. Blackberry Z3 Business on the go. This device is well equipped with Blackberry 10 OS and is Android APP compatible as well. Your office in the palm of your hand. Bring your photo and video collection together with your favourite tracks 4. Hermès Etrivière II
with story maker
If you are planning on going out and splurging on
to produce an HD
something classic, stylish and sophisticated, the
movie. Blackberry Z3
Hermès, Etrivière II bag is just for you.
is available at
Hermès, Etrivière II is available at
Vodacom.
www.hermes.com Public Sector Manager • November 2014
97
101593
Johannesburg
Durban
East London
Hoedspruit
George
Lusaka
PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER
Bloemfontein
NOVEMBER 2014
Investing in the future
Harare
Lubumbashi
Maputo
Port Elizabeth
Windhoek
Walvis Bay
Gaborone
Richards Bay
THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Kimberley
Cape Town
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NOVEMBER 2014
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Minister Davies on SA’s trade aspirations
Caring for the vulnerable • Promoting the rights of people with disabilities • 16 Days of Activism: Protecting women and children
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Top Talk We speak to Ministers: • Thulas Nxesi • Siyabonga Cwele