PSM AUGUST 2023

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

AUGUST 2023

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Pretty Makukule excellence, dedication and clean audits

CGE Chairperson championing gender quality

AUGUST 2023

Celebrating Women’s Month

Contents: July 2023 REGULARS 8. Conversations with leaders

National Treasury’s Malijeng Ngqaleni talks strong leadership in the public service

10. Women in the public sector

Excellence, dedication and clean audits

14. Trailblazer

Agricultural Research Council’s happy researcher, Dr Busiswa Ndaba is the future of food security

16. Profiles in leadership

A background in social work forms a strong foundation for Commission for Gender Equality Chairperson, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale

20. From the Union Buildings

The President enjoins us to maintain the momentum to end load shedding

16

10 FEATURES 22. Building skills for a transformed economy and society: Engendering the brief

Fighting the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment’s skewed impact on women.

24. Sign language officially SA’s 12th official language

Signing of South African Sign Language into law will make South African a more inclusive society

26. SA's chairship of BRICS to unlock opportunities for Africa

With the BRICS Summit on the horizon: trade, investment and infrastructure to benefit the continent 28. Taking stock of the nation’s mood essential for service delivery

Government gauges public sentiment to improve policy decisions

2

LIFESTYLE 38. Grooming and style Here comes Spring

40. Food and wine

skewered chicken, Middle Eastern style

42. Travel

Enjoy hassle-free holiday by visiting a visa-free country

36 30. Strengthening lifestyle audits across the Public Service

Reducing corruption through proper lifestyle audits in the public sector

32. Failure to pay service providers timeously against NDP goals Implementing mechanisms to ensure efficient supplier payment processing 34. Whistle-blowers critical to upholding accountability Helping those fighting for morality and integrity

36. Scie-Enza: Hands-on science

42

Making science accessible to South Africans of all ages

Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Terry Vandayar Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Regomoditswe Mavimbela

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Head of Editorial and Production Zanele Mngadi Zanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za Managing Editor Tshepo Nkosi tshepon@gcis.gov.za News Editor Miriam Mokoena miriam@gcis.gov.za GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Production Assistants Jauhara Khan | Sebastion Palmer Graphic Designers Tendai Gonese | Benny Kubjana

40 3

EDITORIAL

Uplifting women through

socio-economic empowerment

S

outh African women have come a long way since 9 August 1956, when more

than 20 000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against pass laws aimed at restricting free movement.

Many rights and freedoms being enjoyed by women today were not available to their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers during the apartheid era. Gender equality is

now embedded in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 and the Bill of Rights.

In contrast to the past when their only option was to protest against discriminatory policies, today’s women have the right and responsibility to participate

theme: “Accelerating Socio-eco-

to evaluate the status quo of

Index ranks South Africa 20th

in the development of laws.

nomic Opportunities for Wom-

women in a democratic South

out of 146 countries. It shows

Despite the progress made

en’s Empowerment.” The theme

Africa. While acknowledging

that we performed well in politi-

over the past decades to achieve

acknowledges the reality that

the significant strides that have

cal empowerment, ranking 13th

gender equality, South African

until women achieve financial

been made over the past years,

(9th for women in Parliament

women still face numerous chal-

freedom and personal empower-

we must also be mindful of the

and 13th for women in ministerial

lenges such as gender-based

ment, they will struggle to over-

mammoth work that still needs

positions).

violence and femicide (GBVF),

come the challenges linked to

to be done to achieve the total

The WEF report ranks South

HIV and AIDS, unemployment,

their socio-economic conditions,

emancipation of women.

Africa 81st in respect of female

pay disparities and poverty.

and gender inequality will persist

For instance, the recently re-

economic participation and

The 2023 Women’s Month

until patriarchy is eliminated.

leased World Economic Forum’s

opportunity and 111th out of 146

is commemorated under the

Women’s Month allows us

(WEF) 2023 Global Gender Gap

countries in respect of pay par-

4

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

ity. Only 32% of women occupy

The public sector has an obli-

erment Fund and the National

Action Coalition on Economic

managerial positions in South

gation to advance gender equal-

Empowerment Fund, which

Justice and Rights, which is part

Africa.

ity. The 8-Principle Action Plan

provide funding to black women

of the United Nations Women’s

The recent Banyana Banyana

promotes women’s empower-

who need to enter the world

Generation Equality campaign.

protest for pay parity highlight-

ment and gender equality in the

of business. The SheTradeZA

The coalition aims to promote

ed that even top-level sports-

workplace, ensuring that no one

Hub helps female entrepreneurs

greater access for women to

women receive less money than

is left behind. The remarkable

connect to local, regional and

financial services, business op-

their male counterparts.

results show that over 60% of

international markets.

portunities, land and technology.

While the country’s progres-

the Public Service workforce is

In addition, over the past

Government supports the adop-

sive workplace legislation still

female and women occupy 44%

three financial years, over R1.1

tion of a Protocol on Women in

promote and protect the rights

of senior management positions.

billion was disbursed to fund

Trade to promote the participa-

of women, institutional bias

As we commemorate Women’s

women-owned enterprises in

tion of women in the African

against their capabilities and

Month, let us, as decision-

the manufacturing, retail and

Continental Free Trade Area.

commitment perpetuates subtle

makers in the public sector,

services sectors. In his State of

Although GBVF still under-

discrimination.

evaluate our commitment to the

the Nation Address in February

mines gender equality in South

Statistics reveal that more

plan and implement meaningful

2023, President Cyril Ramapho-

Africa, the launch of the Na-

girls than boys pass matric

change, not only through gen-

sa announced that the Industrial

tional Strategic Plan on GBVF in

and achieve distinctions, and

der employment ratios but also

Development Corporation had

2020 has resulted in extensive

that about 58% of university

closing all gender gaps. This

earmarked about R9 billion to

legal reforms being made to

students across all population

should include education. We

invest in women-led businesses.

protect women’s rights. Besides

groups are female. Yet this does

must promote STEM occupa-

Over 6 000 women-owned

the establishment of the GBVF

not translate to workplace parity,

tions amongst female learners

enterprises have benefitted from

Response Fund, additional

with men still dominating the

and students.

training programmes to en-

support has been extended to

top spots and earning more

Adequate resources must be

able them to tender for public

Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care

than their female counterparts

deployed to schools to ensure

contracts, bringing government

centres, which provide vital

for the same job. The Science,

a high standard of teaching

closer to its target of achieving

services for GBVF survivors.

Technology, Engineering and

and learning of STEM subjects

40% preferential procurement

Gender equity is feasible

Mathematics (STEM) occupa-

without undermining the impor-

from women-owned businesses.

provided all sectors of society,

tions are expected to grow in

tance of other subjects. Parents,

The Presidential Employ-

particularly boys and men, and

importance and scope in the

educators and caregivers must

ment Stimulus has since 2020

women as well, make a con-

future. The STEM workforce is

empower women, particularly

provided work and employment

certed effort to uphold it. All of

currently dominated by men.

young women, to confidently

opportunities to more than one

us must become champions

The Statistics South Africa’s

and relentlessly break gender

million people and over 60% of

of change for a better life for

Gender Series Volume IX: Wom-

stereotypes, especially regard-

them are women.

all. Not only must we intensify

en Empowerment, 2017–2022

ing careers and economic

Regarding agriculture, 68% of

our fight against GBVF, but we

indicates that male dominance

participation.

the 140 000 small-scale farmers

must also eradicate all forms of

of the STEM workforce may be

Some of the many government

who received assistance to buy

discrimination against women to

attributed to females preferring

initiatives that promote women’s

seeds, fertiliser and equipment

ensure their full participation in

careers in arts, hospitality and

participation in economic activi-

were women.

all socio-economic and political

education.

ties include the Women Empow-

South Africa is co-chairing the

activities.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

5

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Advancing the rights of South Africans through healthcare M

facilities, including the allocation of R7.2 billion over three years to facilitate maintenance, refurbishment, upgrades, replacements of old infrastructure and building new infrastructure.

Government has put measures in place to prevent the possibility of corruption getting on the way of this system. The fund’s

aternal health – which

capacities and competencies,

measures involve establish-

covers the health of

commodity and device availabil-

ing and operating a unit that

women during preg-

ity, and supply chains, referrals

focuses on preventing, detect-

nancy, childbirth and the postnatal

and networks of health facilities”.

ing, investigating and correcting

period – is one of the many health

All these point to the right to

fraud and corruption.

challenges affecting women glob-

healthcare, which government

As former President Nelson

ally. According to the World Health

intends to strengthen and take

Mandela once remarked: “We

Organization’s Improving Maternal

to greater heights through the

must ensure that treatment is

and Newborn Health and Survival

National Health Insurance (NHI)

made available to those who

and Reducing Stillbirth Progress

– a health financing system that

Report 2023, “an estimated 4.5

is designed to pool funds to

million maternal deaths, newborn

provide access to quality afford-

deaths and stillbirths still oc-

able personal health services for

effective and efficient use of the

it is a fundamental human right”.

cur globally each year – the vast

all South Africans based on their

resources of the fund, to meet

The NHI is aimed at achieving

majority of which are completely

health needs, irrespective of

the health needs of users and

the dream of equal access to

preventable”. Sub-Saharan Africa,

their socio-economic status.

preclude undesirable, unethical

healthcare.

and Central and Southern Asia are

The NHI seeks to ensure that

and unlawful practices in rela-

As the public sector, especially

reported to have experienced the

access to health services does

tion to the fund. It further seeks

government communicators, let

largest numbers of these deaths.

not impose financial hardships

to address barriers to access, in

us communicate accurate infor-

This is a significant matter that we

on individuals and their families.

line with the National Develop-

mation on the NHI to demystify

must intensely deal with in South

It will also ensure that the coun-

ment Plan: Vision 2030, which

the falsehood being published

Africa, especially as we mark

try achieves universal health

envisages to overcome the triple

on various platforms. It is our

Women’s Month in August.

coverage in line with the 2030

challenge of poverty, unemploy-

duty to ensure an informed

Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting GCIS Director-General.

need it, most especially to those who cannot afford it. Health cannot be a question of income;

One of the proposed actions

Sustainable Development Goals.

ment and inequality.

citizenry and push back the

to address the challenge is that

In June, the National Assembly

It will result in citizens having

frontiers of fake and misleading

“healthcare systems that are

passed the NHI Bill, paving the

access to medical care (public

information.

synergistic, efficient and inte-

way for the establishment of

or private) closer to where they

grated are necessary to support

the NHI Fund and the setting

live or work without paying for

For more information on how the

quality and respectful care for

out of its powers, functions and

those services.

fund will work, visit www.sanews.

pregnant women and new-

governance structures.

Government has also come up

gov.za/features-south-africa/

borns. This requires strengthen-

The Bill will also create

with initiatives aimed at improv-

national-health-insurance-all-you-

ing infrastructure, health worker

mechanisms for the equitable,

ing the conditions of public

6

need-know

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

CHOLERA PREVENTION USE AND DRINK SAFE WATER Treat or sterilize the water before drinking or cooking

TREAT: - Put 1 teaspoon of household bleach into 25 litres of water.

- Put 2 drops of household bleach in 1 litre of water.

- Wait for 30 minutes before use.

- Always store your treated water in a clean, covered container.

WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER Ensure proper hand hygiene • • • • •

Before, during, and after preparing food' Before and after eating food or feeding your children' After using the toilet' :_m^k \e^Zgbg` rhnk \abe] l [hmmhf' After taking care of someone who is sick with diarrhoea'

ALWAYS BOIL, COOK, AND PEEL WHAT YOU EAT Cook food well and keep it covered • • • •

Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot Peel fruits and vegetables' ;^ lnk^ mh \hhd l^Z_hh]% ^li^\bZeer la^ee_bla% ngmbe bm bl o^kr ahm all the way through.

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.

@GovernmentZA

GAUTENG PROVINCE HEALTH REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Asibe GP Healthy

Image: Matthew Henry on Unsplash

HOW TO TREAT OR STERILIZE WATER BOIL: - Bring water to boiling point for at least 1 minute.

- Boiling water is an effective way of making water safe.

Writer: Sihle Manda

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Strengthening leadership

vital for effective service delivery S trengthened leadership in

Participants included heads of

the Public Service can go

provincial treasuries and other

a long way in the effective

senior managers.

provision of services, said Mali-

The coaching intervention

jeng Ngqaleni, National Treasury

was aimed at strengthening

Deputy Director-General (DDG)

individual and organisational

responsible for Intergovernmen-

capacity supporting the devel-

tal Relations.

opment of an enabling environ-

The Public Service oracle

ment; and enhancing organisa-

made the observation in July, as

tional collective capacity.

the curtain fell on a year-long

It also sought to cultivate the

coaching programme aimed at

development and empowering

transforming provincial treasur-

of a corps of competent and

ies’ executive leadership and

committed high-performance

management.

managers; and create an

unequal society in the world,”

doing very well,” she conceded.

In 2022, National Treasury in-

environment that enables and

Ngqaleni lamented.

“[On] public financial manage-

troduced a leadership coaching

sustains mutually beneficial

It is this cavity that the pro-

ment, reports show that we are

course for senior managers in

stakeholder relationships.

gramme sought to address.

not doing very well.”

the provincial treasuries to im-

In an interview with Public

Professionalising the public

prove the individual and collec-

Sector Manager magazine,

sector, she said, would go a

tive performance and produc-

Ngqaleni noted that while

long way in turning the tide.

Innovative leadership

tivity of senior management, as

government had in the past ex-

“As government, we realise

In addition to taking stock of

well as to set the correct tone

perienced “seasons of plenty”,

that we need to do more with

prevailing challenges, there

by implementing sound perfor-

the State was unable to use the

less,” she said, adding that gov-

was a need to modernise

mance management processes.

purple patch to 'truly transform

ernment needed to optimally

procurement and financial

The programme was conducted

the society to make it more

utilise the limited resources at

management systems. She reit-

by professional services firm

equitable'.

its disposal.

erated the need for government

PwC.

“We are still the most highly

“But we know that we are not

to be holistic in its support of

8

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

“Leadership is more than a position.

It is quite key in actually enhancing organisational efficiency and

ensuring that we are responsive during these disruptive times of crisis and chaos.”

DDG Ngqaleni (centre) with officials who completed the coaching programme.

treasuries to address areas of

And it is a leadership ques-

Treasury hopes some inroads

gained prominence with the

concern.

tion. We have got problems of

will be made in turning the

realisation of how it had the

This, Ngqaleni said, includes

silos, and silos are a problem

tide.

ability to change lives, she

“sharpening our leadership

because it means that you are

“That will help us to address

said.

so that it can be the kind that

not optimising on the value of

these organisational culture

“It starts with self-leader-

can drive transformation”.

the team,” she said.

issues so that we can get

ship; that is the beginning of

better results. This coach-

good leadership, to focus on

ing intervention is meant to

the inside so that you become

be a catalyst to strengthen

more influential on the out-

individuals and teams,” she

side,” she explained.

“We are leading in very

come from the external that

Navigating leadership challenges

we have to grapple with.

The DDG noted that leaders

explains.

The DDG also emphasised

“We are also challenging the

in the public sector are also

She added that leadership

the importance of leaders

organisational culture that we

faced with the challenge of

is an important aspect in

acknowledging diversity in

have in our own departments.

employees with low morale,

ensuring that organisations

the workplace, adding that

We are leading in a compli-

adding that a combination of

transform in unison.

it is critical to harness and

ance-driven environment,

increased austerity measures

“Leadership is active. It

embrace its “effectiveness”.

especially as treasuries. The

and the cancellation of perfor-

happens; you exercise it, you

She revealed that National

kind of problems that we have

mance bonuses by govern-

drive things – it is the ability

Treasury is embracing coach-

cannot be solved by the kind

ment were making it harder to

to get people to follow you.

ing as a key tool to unlock

of tools and protocols that we

motivate employees.

People cannot follow you if

organisational results and

have,” she insisted.

“How do we motivate them

they have not bought into

address issues of individual-

To navigate these prevailing

without incentives? …We

the cause that you stand

ism and a lack of collaborative

challenges, she argues that

have burnout – there is a lot

for. Leadership is more than

leadership towards the collec-

leaders need innovative and

of indifference in the public

a position. It is quite key in

tive achievement of organisa-

creative approaches.

sector. So, how do we get

actually enhancing organisa-

tional goals.

“How do you become that in

people to buy into the cause

tional efficiency and ensuring

Ngqaleni expressed grati-

an environment that is com-

of transforming this coun-

that we are responsive during

tude for the positive uptake of

pliance-driven? How do you

try? And, that is a leadership

these disruptive times of crisis

the training by provincial de-

learn to stretch and navigate

question”.

and chaos.”

partments that ensured “that

uncertain times, very disruptive changes that sometimes

complexities in that environ-

With the coaching pro-

The question of effective

the programme implementa-

ment? So that is the question.

gramme, she said, National

leadership in recent times

tion was a great success”.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

9

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Writer: Sihle Manda

Stickler for detail CFO embodies dedication D

epartment of Higher Education and Training (DHET) chief financial of-

ficer (CFO), Pretty Makukule, has come full circle in the education sector.

The qualified chartered accountant from Bushbuckridge has gone from being a National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiary to unlocking the doors of opportunity for youths seeking to escape the clutches of poverty.

The hubbub of the Pretoria central business district looms large in the background as Makukule reminisces her journey from her modest eighth floor office on 123 Francis Baard Street – home of the DHET. With R133 billion allocated to the DHET for the 2023/24 financial year, the 43-year-old holds the purse strings of one of

10

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

government’s largest budgets.

Balancing that has been the

the DSI secured five succes-

“At the time, it felt like it

A bulk of this is allocated to

most challenging thing,” she

sive clean audits. Prior to this,

would be a two-week arrange-

the NSFAS.

says, sternly.

the milestone had only been

ment but, before we knew it, it

Unfazed by the plummeting

Makukule was initially sec-

achieved in two intermittent

was 12 months,” she recalled.

temperatures, the stickler for

onded to the DHET as an in-

financial years. A culmination

Despite the portfolio of the

detail, draped in a warm royal

terim measure in August 2020.

of this was the department

DHET being about 12 times

blue garb, exudes passion for

At the time, she was the CFO

being recognised as the Best

bigger than the one from

the mammoth task at her dis-

of the Department of Science

Functioning National Depart-

the DSI, the deeply spiritual

posal during an interview with

and Innovation (DSI).

ment at the 2020 Batho Pele

chartered accountant was

Public Sector Manager (PSM)

She recalled that when she

Awards.

unperturbed.

magazine.

was at the DSI, she had to

“When I came in, it was

“[At the DSI] I had 35 team

transform a demotivated team

evident to me that the con-

members. Here it is 150 team

that had experienced bouts of

trols were there but they were

members…we have 115 institu-

short spells by her predeces-

not sustainable and were not

tions and entities [the biggest

Dedication and commitment Makukule‘s dedication to her

in government],” she explained.

work is beyond reproach as

In 2021, she was appointed

evidenced by the recognition she gets from her sector – two feathers that were recently added to her cap are a testament to her commitment.

In August 2023, the African Women Chartered Accountants Forum bestowed Makuku-

“During her five-year stint, the DSI secured five successive clean audits. Prior to this, the milestone had only been achieved in two intermittent financial years”.

le with the Public Sector CFO

on a permanent basis.

Untangling an intricate web of issues at the DHET was not a measly task for Makukule.

“Coming in during the audit [process] really helped. As much as it hurts, we were at least able to pick up issues.”

“I just had to build on what

of the Year Award.

had already been built. But I

She is also the only female

sors. Her hard work paid off

solid. We must not do things

am one person who believes

finalist in the Public Sector

when the department got a

because the auditors say that,

that even the best systems in

category for the CFO Awards

clean audit.

but let us go to the bottom line

the world need to be improved.

to be held in November. She

“For me, a clean audit must

– how should things be done?”

Even in the best process, I still

is among 23 nominees vying

be a consequence of your

she insisted.

find some opportunity to fine-

for the overall CFO of the Year

good controls. It must also

With the department main-

tune,” she said.

Award.

happen because the controls

taining its clean audits streak

“Achieving this is never easy.

are solid, you have developed

since her departure, Makukule

Accountability

As a CFO you must be an

an enabling environment

today looks back with pride on

Having found her feet and

enabler for service delivery,

because you must be able to

having left behind a well-oiled

making a level of impact on

not a stumbling block. The

have a balance between a

machine.

the department in the past two

department I am working for

clean audit and service deliv-

The astute technocrat’s

years, she said she has man-

cannot be found wanting on

ery,” she illustrated.

secondment to the DHET was

aged to inculcate a culture of

compliance under my watch.

During her five-year stint,

initially on an interim basis.

accountability in the depart-

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

11

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

ment’s finance team.

public servants understanding

She counts having an impact

the importance of the Batho

on the department’s funding

Pele Principles.

disparities as one of her biggest

“When I joined the public ser-

achievements to date.

vice, I was lucky to be inducted

“When I came in, there was this

on the Batho Pele Principles. I

mentality that ‘oh no, CETs (com-

am lucky to understand what

munity education and training

being a public servant means.

colleges) came from provinces;

When you look at the word

they do not have a budget - and

‘servant’ in the dictionary, it is

that is it’. I said to my team: ‘We

clear - it means to serve oth-

can not just say there is no

ers,” she added, urging public

budget, we need to do some-

servants to perform their duties

thing about it within what we

to the best of their abilities.

have’,” she said.

“After I completed my studies,

The CFO also strives for equi-

I went for about a year without

table distribution of resources

a job. My first job was at a bank

within the higher education sec-

the next three financial years.

ordinary citizens.

as a teller where I worked with

tors. She recalled that during the

Makukule attributes her suc-

“With education, [impact] is

people with just matric. I held it

COVID-19 pandemic, CETs had

cess to building a reliable team

direct and straightforward –

with a lot of reverence because

no budget for personal protec-

and empowering it to perform

you can see the impact,” she

I understood that I was not

tive equipment.

to the best of its abilities.

stated, while conceding that

entitled,” she said.

To realise this, Makukule and

“…if I had to invest in my

the sector had to contend with

While she quickly rose up the

her team worked on reprioritising

people, I can have more time to

a raft of imperfections plagu-

ranks, the principle of being ap-

the department’s budget and

support the [department] at a

ing it.

preciative of her delegated task

identified funds from the uni-

strategic level. If my people are

“I see it when we allocate stu-

has never escaped her.

versities’ infrastructure budget.

not empowered, it means I will

dents [funding]… some come

While this was a protracted

be spending more time worried

from humble beginnings where

process, Makukule expressed

about debt and credit,” she said.

you see that had it not been

delight that the programme

As such, she spends about

for state funding, this person

received the required stamp of

10% of her time on reconcilia-

would have not have had

approval.

tions, and checks and balances

a break-

Her efforts for the equitable

while the rest of her time is

through

distribution of funds in the sec-

dedicated to operational mat-

in their

tor saw Higher Education and

ters and 'following the money'.

lives,” said

Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzi-

Makukule,

mande, in his 2023/24 Budget

Changing lives

Vote, announcing that R1 billion

A beneficiary of state-funded

board member

had been secured for the

further education and training,

of the NSFAS.

construction of nine community

Makukule values the impact the

She emphasised

college learning centres over

department has on the lives of

the importance of

12

who is also a

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Vuk Talks…

Amplify. Build. Connect

Catch !!

Vuk Talks Podcast every Thursday, at 6pm On GovernmentZA YouTube Page

Writer: More Matshediso

TRAILBLAZER

looking for innovative ways to sustain agriculture in South Africa.

This is because the ARC also provides advice to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

Her job is important because it helps to preserve the environment.

“We need to preserve the environment because it has a direct link to agriculture, and if you ruin agriculture there will be no food for anyone,” she said.

Ndaba studied for a Bachelor of Science (General) and Honours in Microbiology at the Uni-

Preserving the environment while enhancing crops E

versity of Fort Hare. She then received a Scholarship from the Coega Development Corporation to study for a Master of Chemical Engineering Degree at the North-West University.

“I saw this as a big opportunity for me to grab. Little did I know that I will fall in love with the course, and I just decided to continue with Chemical Engineering until PhD (Doctor of

nhancing crop quality with-

on nano-fertilizers which are

been using because it is easily

Philosophy) level at the same

out causing harm to the en-

used to sustain crops without

absorbed by the plant because

institution. My PhD studies were

vironment is a passion job

leaching through into water

of its minute size,” explained

funded by the National Re-

for Dr Busiswa Ndaba, who works

waste and polluting the environ-

Ndaba.

search Foundation,” she said.

as a researcher for the Natural

ment.

As researcher at the ARC – a

Her PhD studies focused on

Resources and Engineering unit

“Nano-fertilizer is like any

premier science institution that

renewable energy, looking at

at the Agricultural Research

other fertilizer that is used in

conducts research with part-

biofuel production technologies

Council (ARC).

gardens or farms to enhance

ners, develops human capital

using microbiology and nano-

Born and raised in Mount

crop quality, but it is different

and fosters innovation to sup-

technology.

Fletcher in the Eastern Cape,

from the bulk chemical fertiliz-

port and develop the agricul-

Although her studies were

Ndaba’s research work focuses

ers that we have traditionally

tural sector – Ndaba is always

different from the job that she is

14

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

now doing, she fell in love with

passionate about because I

it came with a grant fund to help

not where I would like to be yet.

nanotechnology while doing

love to transfer skills to the next

us continue with the research

They keep me grounded and

her PhD. It inspired her to link

generation in collaboration with

that we do,” she explained.

humble. These are also some of

nanotechnology to agriculture.

the tertiary institutions where

The 32-year-old trailblazer

my career highlights,” she said.

That is how the nano-fertilizer

they study,” she said.

was one of the two post-docs

project was born.

She does not mentor the stu-

who received the award in the

Women in science

Ndaba joined the ARC in

dents alone, but work with her

country that year.

Ndaba feels that many women

2017 through the Professional

senior researcher to supervise

“It came as a surprise for me,

are still scared of exploring

Development Programme as

them.

but it just shows how much

certain careers in science, es-

a student and she was perma-

Furthermore, she works with

work our team has put in be-

pecially those that are deemed

nently employed in her current

one of the senior researchers

cause this is not only a recogni-

jobs for men like agricultural

position in 2020.

whose main focus is on biogas

tion for me but all team mem-

science. This is why she encour-

“It has been an exciting

production, and she is a col-

bers because I do not do the

ages young women to take up

journey and a learning curve

laborator in one of the projects

work alone, I am a mentee and a

opportunities in science.

because I learn from my col-

she works on, which is about

mentor as well,” she explained.

“Many women focus more on

leagues, including the students

improving biogas for small

Ndaba was also honoured as

the soft sciences like microbiol-

that I mentor, fellow researchers, senior researchers and specialist researchers. We exchange knowledge and information

“We need more women who are going to wear boots and go work in the farms and fields”.

among ourselves in order to achieve organisational goals,” she added.

ogy and biology related careers.

We need more women who are going to wear boots and go work in the farms and fields. The most important thing is to have passion for what you do and everything else will follow,” she

Her key responsibilities

holder farmers, and that is how

one of the top 200 Young South

said.

include fostering innovation

they link renewable energy and

Africans by the Mail & Guardian

She calls on women in leader-

and collaborations, and promot-

agriculture.

newspaper this year, and this

ship in the science sector to

ing sustainable agriculture in

Ndaba regards this as her first

meant a lot to her.

uplift more women and not shut

order to contribute to the ARC’s

permanent job because she only

She has had an opportunity to

doors on those below them.

overall mandate. Conducting

worked as an assistant re-

speak as a panel member about

She added that there is a need

research is the core of her duty,

searcher while she was studying

the role that women play in the

for more funds to be dedicated

but she also has to source funds

for her PhD.

science sector at the Science

to women in science because it

Forum South Africa in 2017.

is difficult to compete with men

She was also one of the young

who are already established and

for the research that she does and write proposals so that she

Recognition

can contribute to generating

This woman in science’s

South African researchers se-

have been working in the sci-

income for the ARC.

dedication to her work has been

lected to represent the country

ence sector for decades.

Ndaba also mentors students,

recognised both locally and

in China during the 2017 Brazil,

including two PhD candidates

internationally.

Russia, India, China and South

and one master’s student.

“…I received the L'Oréal-UN-

Africa (BRICS) Summit.

“Mentoring students is one

ESCO International Award for

“All these achievements are

of the things that I am most

Women in Science in 2019, and

a reminder to myself that I am

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

For more information about the ARC, visit www.arc.agric.za

15

Writer: More Matshediso

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Sepanya-Mogale champions gender equality C

ommission for Gender Equality (CGE) Chairperson Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale is on a quest to

achieve a free and equal South Africa in all fundamental and material aspects.

The CGE is a Chapter 9 institution that was set up to strengthen the country's constitutional democracy by promoting and protecting gender equality.

Although government and civil society have made strides in combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), Sepanya-Mogale believes that public education on gender equality issues, including GBVF and violence against LGBTQITA+ persons still needs to be focused on closely. The gains made over the years continue to be undermined and eroded with impunity. Sepanya-Mogale calls for harder punishments for gender-based crimes or any other forms of gender discrimination.

“As we continue with litigation, public education and advocacy. I believe it is also time for South Africa to go beyond that and to work with other sectors of society that continue to hold us back.

16

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

“…we must always remind ourselves never to take for granted the reality that many women in South Africa today are able to hold positions and open doors that were previously deemed inaccessible for them”.

Leaders of the traditional and

down age-old patriarchy and

Throughout her career, she

founding Director of the Anti-

religious sectors must be en-

usher in gender equality. There

has been a trailblazer and a

Racism and Anti-Xenophobia

couraged to tackle all social ills

is nothing harder than that.

leader in and outside the Pub-

unit at the Department of

that happen in communities in

“Remember gender inequal-

lic Service. These include her

Justice and Constitutional De-

the name of culture or religion.

ity is entrenched in all sectors

appointment as the Coordina-

velopment. This was a govern-

Crime is nobody’s culture or re-

of society’s systems. In most

tor of the Wits Trauma Clinic,

mental initiative in response to

ligion, and it must be stopped,”

cases it forms the main fabric

which she set up to offer coun-

the World Conference against

she said.

of all structures,” she said.

selling for victims of political

Racism conference held in

She reminded everyone

Although she only joined the

violence in the late 1980s and

2002 in Durban.

to practice their culture and

CGE in March 2023, as the

early 1990s.

She also worked as a mu-

religion without violating other

Chairperson, and was the part

She also worked as the

nicipal manager of the Rand-

people’s rights.

commissioner before then,

Head of the Reparations and

fontein Local Municipality, and

“We need a concerted effort

Sepanya-Mogale said she has

Rehabilitation wing of the Truth

Deputy Director-General at the

to achieve gender equality

been participating in pro-

and Reconciliation Commis-

Gauteng Department of Social

and do away with all forms of

grammes of the organisation

sion until 1997, before being ap-

Development, before joining

discrimination” she added.

as a gender and human rights

pointed the Director of People

the Johannesburg Bar of Ad-

As the chairperson of the

activist since its establishment,

Opposing Women Abuse.

vocates, where she completed

CGE, Sepanya-Mogale is the

and is among those who advo-

“I then decided to resign from

her pupillage and practiced as

strategic leader of the organi-

cated for the establishment of

my job and study for quali-

an advocate until early 2023.

sation and is tasked with the

the commission.

fications in law. I obtained a

“I had to close my practice

executive authority functions

She added that joining the

Bachelor of Law and Master

because I had been recom-

to steer the commission in the

CGE and turning things around

of Law in Human Rights and

mended to work at the CGE on

right direction.

was a natural progression for

Constitutional Litigation from

a fulltime basis, in my current

She is also responsible for

her because activism runs in

Wits University. I also complet-

position,” she explained.

bringing together commis-

her family, as both her parents

ed a Human Rights Litigation

sioners to provide leadership

were community leaders.

course at Oxford University in

alongside herself and ensure

partnership with the George

Progress on gender equality

Washington University,” she

Although there is still a lot of

that the organisation operates

Career path

optimally.

Sepanya-Mogale’s career

explained.

work to be done, Sepanya-

“Here at the CGE, I feel at

started more than 30 years ago

In 2003, she joined the

Mogale sees significant

home. The CGE has the most

as a social worker, before she

Public Service, working for the

progress as far as the gender

difficult and huge mandate in

decided to pursue qualifica-

National Prosecution Authority

equality struggle is concerned.

the sense that it has to bring

tions and a career in law.

and was later appointed the

“Progress is not about a

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

17

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

18

problem not occurring, but

take them for granted. Today

a bit further than it was a few

at the expense of others and

it is when people are able to

women in South Africa can

years ago towards gender

opening up spaces that they

identify it as a problem and

hold leadership positions,

equality.

previously dominated to allow

not a norm. When it recurs

raise families single-handedly,

She is mostly proud that the

equality to occur.

appropriate responses have to

obtain certain qualifications

struggle for gender equality is

She believes that the CGE

be taken for example, we know

and run specialised businesses

led by mainly women and LG-

could not possibly achieve its

that rape and women abuse is

without anybody raising

BTQIA+ activists. “Once you

mandate without collabora-

wrong, as well as the fact that

eyebrows. This unfortunately

talk gender equality, the best

tions with civil society organi-

the so called ‘corrective rape’ is

happens against the backdrop

person to lead it is the person

sations, including feminist for-

nothing but rape and homo-

of deepening poverty, inequal-

who is actually yearning for

mations, faith-based entities,

phobia, and that in itself is

ity and related suffering,” she

that equality because they will

higher education institutions,

some progress. Sadly, women

added.

understand the journey and

political organisations and

[who] continue to be violated

Sepanya-Mogale said gender

stay at it”.

other Chapter 9 institutions.

feel unsafe and vulnerable” she

discrimination and violence in

Defining gender equality,

This Women’s Month, she en-

added.

the country is what obscure

Sepanya-Mogale said it does

courages women to continue

She noted that there are

the public from seeing the

not mean that anything is be-

to push back at all the hurdles

a number of successes and

vision that everyone who is

ing taken away from one per-

that stall and undermine gen-

victories that the country has

fighting for equality is trying to

son to give to another, but it is

der equality.

achieved. “We must always

achieve. However, she thinks

about recognising the privilege

remind ourselves never to

that the country has moved

that some genders always had

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

NATIONAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ORDERS

AWARDS CEREMONY

National Orders are the highest form of recognition that South Africa bestows on deserving citizens. The President of the Republic as the Grand Patron of the National Orders, awards these orders, which are inclusive and represent all South Africans.

The Chancery of Orders is inviting nominations of individuals deemed worthy recipients of the following National Orders: THE ORDER OF MAPUNGUBWE (Category: I Platinum; II Gold, III Silver, and IV Bronze) The Order is awarded to South African citizens who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievements to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.

THE ORDER OF BAOBAB (Category: I Gold; II Silver and III Bronze) The Order is awarded to South African citizens who have made exceptional and distinguished contributions in the following categories: community service, business and the economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.

THE ORDER OF LUTHULI (Category: I Gold; II Silver and III Bronze) The Order is awarded to South African citizens in recognition of outstanding contribution in the struggle for democracy; nation-building; building democracy and human rights; justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict.

THE ORDER OF IKHAMANGA (Category: I Gold; II Silver and III Bronze) The Order is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the field of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

THE ORDER OF MENDI FOR BRAVERY (Category: I Gold; II Silver and III Bronze) The Order is awarded to South African citizens who have distinguished themselves by displaying extraordinary acts of bravery through which their lives were placed in great danger or who have lost their lives, including trying to save the life of another person or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.

COMPANIONS OF O.R. TAMBO (Category: I Gold; II Silver and III Bronze) The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is awarded to eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore concerned primarily with matters of peace, cooperation, international solidarity and support and is integral to the execution of South Africa’s international and multilateral relations.

NOMINATION FORM Full name: Citizenship: Work/home address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Present occupation: Previous occupation: Membership or organisations and societies: I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the nominee has not been involved in any act(s) that may bring the National Orders and The Presidency into disrepute.

Orders, decorations, medals and awards already received: Order and category for which nominated: Particulars of proposer Full name: Capacity: Tel: Fax: E-mail: 1) An introductory paragraph with summary of the nominee’s achievements 2) A list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in his/her career and/ or international arena 3) A description of the exceptional, outstanding, dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee.

The closing date for nominations: 31 August 2023.

Email: nominations@presidency.gov.za Fax: 086 646 5373 Postal address: The Chancery of Orders, Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 Delivery address: Chancery of Orders, The Presidency, Room 225, East Wing,

Self nominations, nominations by relatives and nominations of public servants are not allowed and will be subject to automatic disqualification.

FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS FEATURE

A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa

Let us maintain the momentum to end load shedding A

helped to boost private investment in new generation capacity. These changes include the removal of the licensing threshold for generation facilities and the fast-tracking of project approvals and registration.

This work has enabled a massive boom in private investment

year has passed since

further 600 MW is currently in

in electricity generation, with

we launched the Energy

the contracting process. We

a pipeline of more than 10 000

Action Plan to resolve

have sourced an additional

MW of new capacity that will

the load shedding crisis, and we

400 MW from Cahora Bassa in

begin to connect to the grid

are now able to report significant

Mozambique.

later this year.

progress in several areas.

We are fast-tracking the

To ensure that we never

We recently released a

procurement of new genera-

experience power shortages

detailed report outlining the

tion capacity from renewables,

again, we are implementing

work done to improve the

gas and battery storage. Later

fundamental reforms to create

performance of Eskom’s power

this year, the first three projects

a competitive electricity market

stations, accelerate the building

from the emergency power

and an independent national grid operator.

of new generation capacity

nance in the months preceding

programme are expected to

and drive regulatory reforms to

winter.

connect to the grid. Also later

To encourage everyone to get

transform the electricity sector.

Looking ahead, damaged

this year, around 2 300 MW

involved, we recently launched

The winter months will soon

units at the Kusile and Medupi

from the most recent bid win-

a website where all South

be coming to an end. Although

power stations are being

dows of the renewable energy

Africans can track the work of

load shedding has continued,

returned to service on an ex-

independent power producer

the National Energy Crisis Com-

as was anticipated, we have

pedited basis. In combination

programme should be in con-

mittee and see how to reduce

managed to avert a worst case

these units represent more than

struction.

their consumption and save on

scenario by stabilising the

3 000 MW of capacity.

One of the most important

energy bills.

performance of Eskom’s power

The Eskom debt relief pack-

contributions to the Energy Ac-

stations and reducing demand.

age announced by the Minister

tion Plan has been the uptake

shedding will not be resolved

Eskom’s generation fleet

of Finance will enable neces-

by households and businesses

overnight, but we are making

continues to show sustained

sary investment in maintenance

of rooftop solar.

clear progress towards reduc-

improvement. Unplanned losses

and expansion of the transmis-

have been reduced to less than

sion network.

It is encouraging to see that

We have maintained that load

ing it and eventually bringing it

more municipalities are allow-

to an end.

ing customers to feed electricity

Let us maintain this momen-

16 000 megawatts (MW) in the

Since the launch of the

last two months, down from

Energy Action Plan, we have

into the grid when they have

tum, and let us all play our part,

more than 18 000 MW previ-

worked to add as much power

surplus electricity. This will

wherever we can, as we lay

ously. Planned maintenance has

as possible to the grid.

provide yet another incentive

the groundwork for an energy

Eskom has unlocked close to

for businesses large and small

secure future.

period, with Eskom having

400 MW from companies with

to invest in alternative energy

undertaken significant mainte-

extra available capacity, and a

sources.

been reduced during the winter

20

Regulatory changes have

First published on 31 July 2023.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Health • Rural Development • Employment • Safety & Security • Education

Vuk’uzenzele 850 000

Printed Copies per month

Available online: www.vukuzenzele.gov.za

Also available on:

Download the South African Government App

VukuzenzeleNews

• Employm

on

• Educati

er 2018

Edition 2

Produced by:

s (GCIS) munication

ut Speakno t agai s e abus

Rural De

Government

velopme

Communication

nt • Emplo

yment •

Safety & February Security 2023 Edition • Educ 1

ele

Residents jo to fight une in forces and povertymployment

ment Com

by Govern

Standing to together icide fight fem Page 5

& Information

System (GCIS

)

ation

February 2023

Edition 1

cooperati ve that will create jobs in the touri sm secto r beca our comm unity is situa use ted at the bord ers of Krug er National Park and Man yeleti Gam Reserve,” e he says.

Mathebul a adds that sustaining the vision and keep the coop ing erative runn ing has not been a smooth ride, but giving up has neve r been an option.

More Mat “In the shediso first few years of our exist ence, we managed to secure grou p of 50 hectares youn g of land with in gradua the Wel tes in verd iend commun Welv erdi ity, and end in the Nati nal Departm oBush buck ent of Tour ridg e, Mpu mala funded our ism nga, cam project of e toge ther in 2001 building the lodge to form with a coop erapproxim ative that R10.9 milli ately has so far on betw crea ted more een 2005 and 2008 than 35 . Unfortun jobs in the tour ism ately, we could not secto r. finish the Mutlhwa project and ran rheni Coop out of fund erative Ltd is a true s,” says Mathebul example a. of what can be achie While ved if comm ties join hand uni- comp looking for way s to s and colla lete the proje borate with expe ct, the cooperative rienced comp decided anies to fight pove to start the Wild Oliv rty and unem e Tree Cam ment in socie ploy- to p in 2013 offer tente ty. d accommod Accordin for tourists, ation g to the cooperawhich came tive’s Gene operation into ral Secretary, in 2014.

Clifort Mathebul In 2021 a, the coop , the coop erative was estab erat ive received lished in a R5 milli 2001 by 17 unemploy on grant from the ed youth The new Industria in rural Welverdie Kruger Lodg Mont d’Or Opern l Development Corp nd who were created moree in Mpumalang oration gradua has ates in different (IDC) of than 35 South Afric locals to fields of stud a date. Pictur jobs for Ltd inclu to finish buily, ding ding teach e: GCIS the lodge. ing, accou and touri The nting role sm, among to fund prog IDC has a others.

“The aim rammes and was to estab lish a

A

Vuk’uzenzele

GET A FREE COPY!!

Vuk’uzenz Health •

JOBS INSIDE:

| Novemb

Produced

Follow us on:

y & Security

ent • Safet

le Vuk’uzenze velopment

ral De Health • Ru

e TCC a saf after haven trauma Page 10

ILABLE ON:

ALSO AVA

!! anele

ENGLISH

CACH: You apply for can still admissi on to higher education

Kw

zeleNews

@Vukuzen

is.gov.za

enzele@gc

Chil dlin

Stop Wom en

Abu se Hotl ine

on 0800 150

TO SAVE

SOUTH

150

12 473 0353

Free Copy

ToALS O AVA read VukILAB LE ON: 'uzenzel e download the Search for SA

Government on

Google playstore

GOVAPP on:

or appstore

FREE COP Y

2

Sho Madjo zi debuts her author career

AFRIC A

le

.gov.za www.gcis Websites: v.za zenzele.go www.vuku Tel: (+27)

: 0800 055 555

Cont. on page

VACCI NATE

Vuk'uzenze

E-mail: vukuz

help line esa Toll- free

Page 6

Page 16

CONTACT US

Vuk'uzenzele

Website: www .gcis.gov.za www.vuku zenzele.g ov.za

@VukuzenzeleNe

ws Email: vuku zenzele@ gcis.gov.z Tel: (+27) a 12 473 0103

Tshedimosetso 1035 cnr Franc House: is Baard and Festival street

NOT FOR SAL

s, Hatfield, Pretor

ia, 0083

E

Advertise in Vuk’uzenzele rate cards available at www.vukuzenzele.co.za

Websites: www.gcis.gov.za | www.vukuzenzele.gov.za E-mail: vukuzenzele@gcis.gov.za | Tel: (+27) 12 473 0103 Public Sector Manager • August 2023

21

Writer: Dr Janine Hicks; Human Resource Development Council Member, and Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal

FEATURE

Building skills for a

transformed economy and society: Engendering the brief

T

that women comprise 51.2% of the population and 46.8% of the employed population, they constitute only 26.5% of top management positions, 37.2% of senior management positions, 48.2% of professionally qualified posts and 49.4% of those at a skilled technical level.

he Human Resource Devel-

the triple challenges, as a result

years to attain gender parity in

opment Strategy for South

of patriarchy which underpins

the work place.

Africa seeks to contribute

and perpetuates their subordi-

Yet globally, 54% of working-

Slow transformation

towards eradicating the most

nation and inferior social status

age women take part in the

Transformation in the private

persistent barriers to development

to men. Poverty levels are higher

formal economy, on average, as

sector remains dismal, com-

– the triple challenges of poverty,

for women than men, and poor

compared to 81% of men. Wom-

pared to the public sector. Re-

inequality and unemployment.

women are further below the

en make up a larger proportion

cent analysis by PwC indicates

In this regard, Theme 2 of the

poverty line than men.

of discouraged job seekers

that only seven of the JSE Top

the Human Resource Develop-

Globally, equality is recognised

and of those outside the labour

100 companies are led by female

ment Council's (HRDC) fourth

as a cornerstone to development

force, and, on average, women’s

chief executive officers (CEOs).

summit, which was held in 2021,

– there is a direct correlation

unemployment rate is nearly 2%

Across all JSE-listed companies,

had as its focus building skills

between gender equality and

higher than men.

women constitute 8% of CEOs,

for a transformed economy and

gross domestic product (GDP)

In addition, women work

and 22% of chief financial offic-

society. It is well-established

per capita. Research indicates

three times as often as men

ers. At executive level, women

that poverty, inequality and

that gender parity can become

as contributing family workers

comprise a mere 15%.

unemployment have a gendered

a key driver of prosperity and

in family enterprises, and are

White females’ representa-

dimension, yet this remains

national income growth – which

almost twice more likely to work

tion is disproportionately higher

starkly absent in national policy

is fundamental to whether and

part-time. Women’s average

than those of African, Coloured

priorities and departmental

how societies thrive. It is clear

earnings are almost half those of

and Indian women – making

interventions. Coupled with

that there can be no growth in

men, with average global earned

up more than the total level of

intersectionalities such as race

the absence of equity.

income for women and men es-

representation of these groups

timated at $10 778 and $19 873,

in almost all provinces, and in all

respectively. On average men

sectors, particularly the private

and class, gendered dimensions of poverty, inequality and un-

Global gender gap

employment have a devastating

The World Economic Forum’s

do 34% of the unpaid work that

sector, and that of education.

impact predominantly on black

Global Gender Gap Report 2023

women do. Research shows that

The gender wage gap persists:

working-class women, their

calculates that the global gender

this imbalance starts early, with

women earn 24% less than their

participation in the economy,

gap currently stands at 31.6%

girls spending 30% more of their

male counterparts for perform-

and their access to and enjoy-

— gender parity at this rate will

time on unpaid work than boys.

ing tasks of equal value. They

ment of rights, resources and

be attained in 131 years. Alarm-

In South Africa, the Employ-

are also excluded from key

opportunities.

ingly, it cites the gender gap for

ment Equity Commission’s

decision-making positions.

Women are far more vulner-

women’s economic participation

(CEE) 23rd annual report

Males still enjoy preference in

able to and deeply affected by

at 39.9% - noting it will take 169

indicates that despite the fact

employment opportunities – the

22

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

CEE indicates that more than

Human resource development

the Department of Basic Educa-

ly the basic education sector, we

60% of recruitment, promotion

interventions in the education

tion and all social partners in the

develop, implement and monitor

and training at senior manage-

sector are beginning to take on

foundation education sector to

deliberately designed measures

ment level are afforded to males.

this gendered slate of issues,

ensure success of these inter-

to increase the uptake of STEM

At the current pace of transfor-

and ensuring specific, targeted,

ventions. The HRDC looks to

subjects and career options by

mation, South Africa will take

resourced interventions, from

the technical and vocational col-

young women, we will fall woe-

two to three decades before

basic education through to tech-

leges to conduct career expos

fully short of transforming the

gender parity is reached.

nical and vocational training, to

at schools, to encourage young

persistent imbalance of women

It is clear that there is a per-

increase women’s representation

learners and girls in particular,

in the workplace, and the pro-

sistent gender gap in women’s

in this sector.

to enrol at technical vocational

fessional and technical sector in

participation in the economy.

These measures include the

education and training colleges

particular.

Yet, women’s contribution to the

push to engender the education

in this sector.

If we fail to ensure that the

GDP is estimated at between

curriculum and gender-main-

Colleges could go further and

majority of our population is

35 and 45%, not counting their contribution in terms of unpaid work. As a result of the patriarchal nature of our society, this results in the exclusion and under-representation of women in certain sectors of the economy.

Interventions In South Africa, we have seen

Women’s average earnings are almost half those of men,

with average global earned

income for women and men estimated at $10 778 and $19 873, respectively.

an increase in the representa-

able to perform at their optimal levels, we will fail to reach our own development targets. The pursuit of equity is vital to the eradication of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and the human resource development essential for South Africa’s own economic growth.

The HRDC is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and managed by the Minister of

tion of women in the workplace,

stream teaching materials, to en-

establish a gendered quota for

Higher Education, Science and

yet 84% of this is in the ser-

courage and inspire young girls

their student intake, and the

Innovation. Its mandate is to set

vices sector. We still see a gross

to follow any careers of their

provision of bursaries for young

the national human resource de-

under-representation of women

choice. This of course needs

women pursuing professional

velopment agenda, oversee the

in professional and technical

to be supplemented by career

and technical studies. The insti-

implementation of the country’s

sectors. Therefore, any strategy

guidance and subject counsel-

tutions could contribute towards

human resource development

to build skills for a transformed

ling, woefully absent in many

the compilation of a national

strategy and advise government

economy and society needs

public education institutions, to

database of qualified female

on all matters relating to human

to be gender mainstreamed

encourage young girls to choose

graduates in the professional

capital.

to address these gendered

appropriate science, technology,

and technical sector, to counter

implications and impact. What

engineering, and mathematics

the 'scarce skills' narrative of-

does this look like – how do we

(STEM)-related subjects that

fered when entities are chal-

transform women’s under-repre-

will open further studies and a

lenged for their persistent failure

sentation in the professional and

career in the professional and

to transform in terms of female

technical skills sector? Key to

technical sector.

representation.

this, is education.

The HRDC has partnered with

Unless as a country, specifical-

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

23

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

Sign language officially SA’s 12th official language

B

y making sign language

by ensuring that their rights to

Sign Language Bill, President

“Having sign language rec-

the 12th official language

substantive equality, dignity and

Cyril Ramaphosa said it also

ognised as an official language

of South Africa, govern-

social inclusion are recognised.

affirms the humanity of people

will address access to educa-

ment aims to advance the rights

Addressing the signing

who communicate with sign

tion, economic and other social

of citizens living with disabilities

ceremony of the South African

language.

opportunities as well as public

24

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

“Having sign language recognised as an official language will

address access to education, economic and other social opportunities as well as public participation”.

participation. People with hear-

of esteem and must be treated

guage dictionary has already

learners who have completed

ing impairments will be able

equitably.

been developed demonstrates

matric using sign language.

to also access more services,

“We are also giving effect

the enthusiasm to develop this

Specialised schools for the

public information and a host

to the provision of the Bill of

language.

deaf have to be increased in

of other opportunities,” said the

Rights that prohibits unfair

“The PanSALB has already

the country, factoring in geo-

President.

discrimination on grounds such

convened its first workshop

graphic spread and need. They

The signing of the Bill into

as disability, culture, race and

on lexical and grammati-

also have to be provided with

law follows an intensive and

gender. South African Sign

cal standardisation and the

qualified personnel.

extensive public consultation

Language has served as an es-

recommendations of the report

“It is also crucial that there

process. A substantial number

sential communication tool for

produced are currently being

are sign language interpreters

of submissions were made and

our citizens living with disabili-

enacted. The next standardisa-

to enable access to services

considered carefully to ensure

ties, and this step will further

tion workshop will convene in

for people who cannot hear

that all issues were appropri-

empower the community,” the

the last quarter of this financial

properly.

ately ventilated.

President added.

year and will again include

“For many years, lack of

all relevant stakeholders,” the

sign language interpreters

Parliament unanimously voted

The beginning

for the Constitution Eighteenth

He acknowledged that the

President explained.

at the courts, police stations,

Amendment Bill that amends

official recognition is just the

He said it was reassuring

hospitals, clinics and many

Section 6 (1) of the Constitution

beginning, as much more work

that even prior to the signing

service centres or points has

of the Republic of South Africa,

still needs to be done to sup-

ceremony, processes to insti-

been compromising access to

1996 on 2 May 2023.

port the language.

tutionalise sign language had

justice for victims of violence,

“Our Constitution enjoins on

“It has to be standardised to

already begun.

including victims of gender-

the State to take practical and

collapse various geographi-

The Department of Basic

based violence and many other

positive measures to elevate

cal dialects into one standard

Education already provides

crimes,” the President said.

the status and advance the use

official version, which is the

teaching and learning for deaf

Policies with fully resourced

of the indigenous languages

remit of the Pan South African

learners.

implementation plans are

of the South African people.

Language Board (PanSALB).

“Educators in schools are

required to realise the constitu-

It further notes that all official

The fact that the first compre-

regularly undergoing training

tional ideal of multilingualism.

languages must enjoy parity

hensive electronic sign lan-

on sign language and we have

– SAnews.gov.za

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

25

Source: SAnews

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

SA's chairship of BRICS to unlock opportunities for Africa

S

outh Africa is honoured to take over

opment and good governance.

and stimulate economic growth, thus al-

the chairship of the Brazil, Russia,

Pilane-Majake said this when she ad-

leviating poverty and unemployment,” she

India, China and South Africa (BRICS)

dressed the BRICS Conference on Govern-

added.

group under the leadership of President

ance and Public Administration Reform at

Pilane-Majake said without capable pub-

Cyril Ramaphosa, said Public Service and

the University of Pretoria. The event was

lic institutions, there is a risk of collapse of

Administration Deputy Minister, Dr Chana

held as one of the over 80 build-up events

governments and other sectors of society.

Pilane-Majake.

towards the BRICS Summit which will

“Building capable institutions requires an

“Our focus is to build a partnership be-

be hosted in South Africa from 22 to 24

investment in building human capabilities

tween BRICS and Africa to unlock mutu-

August 2023.

to be diligent, masterful and innovative,”

ally beneficial opportunities for increased

She added that government was certain

she said.

trade, investment and infrastructure,” she

that the BRICS partnership had the ability

The National School of Government

said.

to support South Africa and the African

remains a key institution to drive the de-

The Deputy Minister said Africa, through

continent at large on the journey towards

velopmental state agenda of building state

the African Union (AU), has engineered

economic recovery.

capacity. This year marks 10 years since

and approved the AU Agenda 2063, with

“This will contribute to making Africa’s

the establishment of the National School of

the intention of building strong institutions

economy globally competitive, reduce the

Government. – SAnews.gov.za

to enhance cross-border economic devel-

cost of doing business, attract investments,

26

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Writers: Dr Ntombi Nala, Laticia Masia and Neo Tikolo

OPINION

Taking stock of the nation’s mood essential for service delivery PUBLIC OPINION| DIRECTION OF THE COUNTRY Question: Would you say the country is going in the Right Direction or the Wrong Direction?

Public opinion – Direction of the country 90

%

80 70

63

60 50 40

52

48

45

48

61

70

65

0

Ja

• •

4 n1

4

68

72

67

65

80

74

69

73

66

55

Right direction Wrong direction

46

45

34

31

30

24

20 3

69

50

48

30

10

74

6

4

6

5

5

26

20

5

6

34

27

27

5

5

Don’t know 24

11

5

4

25 10

28

26 6

6

18 8

11 9

16 11

4 4 9 8 6 7 7 4 9 9 0 8 14 19 22 20 t15 r23 r16 r22 n1 n1 ct1 ct1 ar1 ar1 ar1 ar2 ar1 -Oct1 ec1 ov1 ep ep ov ov ep Ap Ap Ju Ma -Ju -S -D 8 6-O 17-M 7-O 18-M 9-M r190-M 20-N n229-S t 19-N 2-N r235-S n16r14 l14 t 14 g1 g1 g1 n b1 b2 b g1 p2 p g1 Ju Ja Ap Ap Ma Oc Oc Au Au Ja Au Ja Fe Fe Fe Se Se Au Au

-M

The mood of the country as measured by the direction in which the country is heading can be influenced by a number of issues relating to government performance and the lived experiences of South Africans.

The current findings reveal that South African citizens still have a high level of skepticism about the direction in which the country is headed. Seven (7) in 10 South Africans believe the country is going in the wrong direction.

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

PUBLIC REASONS OPINION| OFTHE THECOUNTRY COUNTRY PUBLIC OPINION| FORDIRECTION DIRECTION OF

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

Question: If you think of the direction in which the country is going, would you say that the country is going in the right direction or going in the wrong direction?

Question: What makes you say the country is going in the right direction? | What makes you say the country is going in the wrong direction?

Main reasons for Wrong Direction

POOR SERVICE DELIVERY

J an23 -A pr 23

S ep22 -Nov 22

TOO MUCH CORRUPTION/ CORRUPT GOVERNMENT

J an22 - A pr 22

UNEMPLOYMENT

A ug19 - S ep19

LOAD SHEDDING/ ENERGY CRISIS

Fe b 20 - M ar 20

S ep20 - Nov 20

Main reasons for Right Direction 16% 73%

PROVISION OF HOUSING

11% 80% 18% 74% 23% 72%

REVISED SOCIAL GRANTS IMPROVED EDUCATION / FREE EDUCATION

26% 69%

CLEAN WATER SUPPLY 28%

66%

• Citizens attribute some of their cynicism to poor service delivery, as well as high levels of corruption, unemployment and load shedding.

• The top reasons respondents perceived the country to be headed in the right direction are due to the revision of social government grants and the provision of houses.

how people feel about various issues, evaluate the effectiveness of current policies, and identify areas that require attention or improvement.

The mood of the population can impact economic factors such as consumer confidence, spending patterns and investment decisions. By measuring the mood, government and its policymakers can also anticipate

commonly known as the GCIS

economic trends, adjust fiscal

Tracker. This is a continuous

policies, and implement meas-

quantitative tracking study

ures to stimulate or stabilise the

with a nationally representa-

economy. In democratic socie-

tive sample of 3 500. The study

ties, measuring the mood of the

is conducted amongst South

population is essential for ensur-

Africans 18 years and older in

ing representative governance.

all the provinces and across all segments of the population.

Current mood

The latest measure of the

The majority of South Africans

mood of South Africans covers

(73%) remains pessimistic

the period March to April 2023.

about the direction in which the

The mood indicator is measured

country is heading. However,

using two main variables – the

there is a small proportion

views of South Africans on the

(16%) of South Africans who

direction of the country and

are optimistic and are of the

challenges perceived to be fac-

view that the country is heading

ing the country at a specific time

in the right direction. South

period.

Africans’ pessimism is driven by challenges they are faced with

question may arise on

Knowing the importance of as-

why government should

sessing the mood of the nation

Why does the mood of the nation matter?

be concerned about the

at a particular point in time, the

Understanding the mood of the

mood of the nation. The answer

Government Communication

population helps government to

Although the majority is faced

is that the mood of the nation has

and Information System (GCIS),

gauge public sentiment and in

by these challenges, there are

a severe impact on the decisions

through its research directo-

order to make informed policy

few positive sentiments on

each South African makes on a

rate, continuously embarks on

decisions. By measuring the

government’s performance in

daily basis.

a quantitative tracking research

mood, government can assess

the provision of houses, revision

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

A 28

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

on a daily basis, such as those caused by poor service delivery, unemployment, corruption and load shedding.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

of social government grants and improved or free education.

South Africans are of the view that the following top of mind challenges require attention; unemployment (47% of respondents) followed by electricity supply (31%) which has overtaken corruption (27%) and crime (24%). Amongst the top five

MAIN CHALLENGES FACING THE COUNTRY Question: What are the three most important problems facing this country that government should address?

Unemployment

%

70

61

62

65

65

Water

61

61

63

63

66

62

64

65

71 65

71

Corruption 69

62

50 40 30 20 10

25 20

22 20

27 21

16

18

17

13

12

13

28 20 18 16

25 19

26 21

17

19 15

12

0

28 22 18 10

33

34

21 20

22

22

17

20

15

13

11

31

31

20 17 13

33 23 19 12

30 24

34 22

18

17

10

12

38 26 19 11

40

36 21 20 14

25 24

25

27

23

17 21

16

18

9

10

Electricity supply 76

68 54

8

27

58

39 26

56

60

34

33

24

24

28 20 9

20 8

8

20 14

56

38 22 22 9

58

74

62

47 35 23 21 20

31 32

27 18

19

17

11

10

31 27 24

23 18 17

19

14

r11 u n11 ug11 ov11 ar12 ay 12 ec 12 ar13 un13 e p13 ec 13 ar14 un14 e p14 ec 14 e p15 ar16 c t16 ar17 c t17 ar18 ep18 ar19 ep19 ar20 o v20 pr22 o v22 pr23 O O J J J Ma M M M N A D D D S S S -A -A M -M -M -M -M -M -S -S -N -N 0 - r11 - 11 - 11 - 11 - 12 - t12 - 13 - r13 - l13 - t13 - 14 - r14 - l14 - t14 - l15 - n16 16 - n17 17 - n18 g 18 n19 g 19 b20 p 20 an22 p 22 ar23 c1 v n Ap n Ap r n p J M J a Aug J a Aug Ja Ja Fe Au Au Se Se Ju Ju Ju Ma Oc Ja Oc Ja Oc Ju De No Se Ma

1. Unemployment 2. Electricity supply 3. Corruption (From position 8) 4. Crime 5. Water

the issue of clean water supply

Recommendations

66

60

mentioned challenges is also (19%).

Crime / Courts / Prisons / Police

80

47% 31% 27% 24% 19%

6. Roads 7. Poverty 8. Housing) 9. Food and basic good prices 10. Education

17% 17% 12% 8% 7%

• Although there is a myriad of challenges that the country is currently grappling with, unemployment continues to be top of mind followed by electricity supply which has over taken other mentions, and then thirdly corruption.

• There is a significant increase in the mentions of electricity as a challenge, having moved from 14% (Sep – Nov 2022) to 31% (Mar – Apr 2023).

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

It is important as government to understand the mood and challenges that South Africans are faced with. However, it is of utmost importance to acknowledge that even though challenges are the same for all South Africans, they affect each segment of the population differently. Thus, to manage frustration, anger, sadness, fear and worry amongst South Africans, all spheres of government need to communicate what government is doing to address issues

Source: GCIS Tracker Data – Wave 16 (Mar – Apr) |2023

of unemployment, electricity and corruption. They should

in allaying concerns and frustra-

specific challenges to build the

use the Government Segmenta-

tions regarding load shedding.

integrity of communications

tion Model to ensure that the

We need to formulate commu-

(trust must be built through

said communication is correctly

nication strategies and content

honest, balanced communica-

targeted and positioned.

that highlight what govern-

tion that reflects government’s

Government should also

ment has done to improve good

awareness of, and empathy for

sustain the current interventions

governance, service delivery and

people’s lived experiences). This

to reduce load shedding and

address corruption.

will bridge the gap between

communicate these coherently

Messages must highlight

public perception and govern-

and consistently. This will assist

achievements but also address

ment efforts.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

The GCIS Research directorate conducts public opinion research in order to enhance effective government communication.

For research services, kindly contact Kopo Ndhlovu on 012 473 0140 or kopo@gcis.gov.za

29

Writer: Isaac Kabin, DPSA

FEATURE

Strengthening lifestyle audits across the Public Service Training will lead to proper lifestyle audits in the public sector.

T

he Department of Public Service and Administration’s Public Admin-

istration Ethics Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) recently conducted a pilot training on lifestyle audits procedures to fine-tune training material for investigators to conduct proper lifestyle audits in the public sector.

cess when they evaluate

investigators from Correc-

audit process, as outlined

the financial declarations

tional Services, Government

in the Guide to Implement

of public service em-

Communication and Infor-

Lifestyle Audits in the Public

ployees that are submit-

mation System, Home Affairs

Service as follows:

1

ted via the e-Disclosure

find something untoward

The first step is a lifestyle

system. They are aimed

during the validation pro-

review conducted by

at validating submitted

cess, such as a conflict

became compulsory in April

ethics officers during the

information and assess-

of interest or unexplained

2021, government depart-

financial disclosure pro-

ing it for possible conflict

wealth. It is an audit

and Statistics South Africa.

When lifestyle audits

30

of interest or unexplained

ments initiated the lifestyle

The training was piloted to

2

wealth.

The second step kicks in should the Ethics Officer

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

that seeks to establish

To assist with the rollout

est and unexplained wealth

sion covered the prelimi-

the facts of a situation.

of lifestyle audits in national

in 2022/23, compared to

nary analysis done during

The process uses legally

and provincial departments,

the previous financial year,

lifestyle audits to screen

sound methods to cor-

the PAEIDTAU developed a

when only the Western

incidents upon receipt by

roborate information

specialist course for ethics

Cape referred cases for

the screening administra-

independently by collect-

officers to review financial

further audits.

tor before an audits can be

ing evidence on a suspi-

disclosures. This course was

Those that have referred

conducted. Moreover, the

cious case. It involves

designed with the help of

cases for further audits

pilot addressed the lifestyle

identifying undeclared

the World Bank, the United

include; Western Cape:

audits workflow and related

sources of income,

Nations Office on Drugs and

Health and Wellness; Gaut-

documents.

such as remunerative

Crime, and the Strength-

eng: Transport and Logis-

Along with the following

work outside the Public

ening Ethics and Integrity

tics; North West: Health;

initiatives to strengthen the

Service and receipt of

Project.

KwaZulu-Natal: Health; Free

implementation of lifestyle

State: Cooperative Govern-

audits, the unit will roll out

ance and Traditional Affairs;

training to the rest of the

and Gauteng: Office of the

Public Service. It will include

Premier.

the three initiatives to

gifts. Or to determine beyond their means by

Uptake of lifestyle audits

identifying debt, assets,

Towards the end of March

income, criminal records,

2023, 89 out of 103 provin-

The PAEIDTAU is monitor-

strengthen the process:

trusts, hidden assets and

cial departments were con-

ing these audits as depart-

•

undeclared income.

ducting lifestyle audits, up

ments are required to report

erational procedures to

The third step is lifestyle

from 47 in January 2022 and

issues of misconduct ema-

assist departments with

audit or objective evalu-

36 out of 44 national depart-

nating from criminal audits

ation that begins when a

ments reported completing

to the unit in terms of Sec-

case grows complicated.

lifestyle audits, up from 27.

tion 15(5)(b) of the Public

questionnaire to in-

It involves an auditing

KwaZulu-Natal and the

Administration Management

vestigators performing

process to find assets

Western Cape obtained

Act, 2014 (Act 11 of 2014).

that may explain the

a 100% compliance rate,

To strengthen the audits

employee’s riches or

as all their departments

part of the lifestyle audit

reveal illegal gains. Au-

concluded the lifestyle

process, the unit plans to

These initiatives will stand-

dit sampling and audit

audit process. Increasingly,

develop training mate-

ardise and professionalise

standards determine the

more departments detected

rial for investigators. For

lifestyle audits to combat

auditor’s opinion.

possible conflicts of inter-

this reason, the pilot ses-

public service corruption.

whether a person lives

3

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

The development of op-

lifestyle audits; •

The distribution of a

lifestyle audits; and •

the development of tools and forms.

31

FEATURE

Writer: Nthambeleni Gabara, DPSA

Failure to pay service providers timeously against NDP goals

T

he continued failure to pay service providers within

30 days is counterpro-

ductive to both the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Growth Path (NGP).

This was said by Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Dr Chana Pilane-Majake, at a recent breakfast session with entrepreneurs and young women in business running small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) affiliated to the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC).

“The closing down of SMMEs due to non-

seen as counterproductive to

equality and unemployment," said

that she appreciated the feedback

compliance to pay them

the NDP and the NGP which are

the Deputy Minister.

from the entrepreneurs.

within the prescribed

aimed at improving economic

The Deputy Minister described

“We value the fact that service

30-days period is also

growth and reduce poverty, in-

the session as a success, adding

providers who are mostly referred

32

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

to as SMMEs came to listen to government’s intervention to enforce the 30-days payment requirements for invoices…we hope that our engagements created hope, but not false hope because as government, we hope that our recommendations and commitments will be adhered to in order to unblock this late or non-payment to service providers,” she added.

Key to those recommendations, according to the Deputy Minister, was ensuring that accounting officers should have this critical matter of paying suppliers within 30 days as part of their key performance indicators.

As part of the way forward,

of the business sector. For us as

of them lose valuable posses-

“We are saying chief financial

the NAFCOC made a proposal

NAFCOC, it means that you are

sions.

officers should ensure that these

of working with government to

taking us seriously… we believe

“This is not a joke, the non-

payments are made within the

set up a central payment system

from here, the future looks

compliance is affecting our

prescribed period…what is im-

that will facilitate adherence

bright.

members in a bad way…in that

portant for us is to serve in the

to paying suppliers within the

“Our friendly reminder to

some of them have lost houses,

manner that complies with the

prescribed period.

those national and provincial

vehicles, some members were

Batho Pele Principles which are

The NAFCOC President in

departments that are failing to

divorced while others resorted

all about putting people first.

Gauteng, Themba Ndlovu, said

pay service providers within

to alcohol. This is a pandemic,

“It was very encouraging to

the late payment or no-pay-

the prescribed time is that they

the country cannot ignore it, but

listen to those in the business

ment of invoices has a serious

must know that the country is

the good news is that now there

sector neither complaining nor

adverse impact on suppliers

currently in distress, so, it is

is an effort to address the issue,”

making negative opinions about

who are often forced to borrow

either they commit to what they

added Ndlovu.

this non-compliance…we ap-

money to stay afloat financially.

are employed to do, or they

Both national and provincial

preciate the fact that they were

“As [the] NAFCOC, we are

resign and go where they will

departments are expected to

able to put forward ideas and

excited by the commitment of

have nothing to do with service

implement mechanisms to

solutions to resolve this chal-

the Deputy Minister to initiate

delivery,” he said.

ensure that payments to service

lenge. As government, this is

the process which will see us

He added that the non-

providers are processed within

the kind of social compact that

resolving this matter. With this

compliance does not only affect

30 days from the date of receiv-

we always look forward to,” she

breakfast session, government

members’ business but also get

ing an invoice.

said.

was able to gain the confidence

into their personal lives as some

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

33

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

Whistle-blowers critical to upholding accountability

considered a criminal offence for an individual to seek retribution against a whistle blower who has made a protected disclosure.

“Moreover, the State should offer protection to whistle-blowers and their immediate family members if their safety or property is at risk. Finally, whistleblowers should be recognised as witnesses under the Witness

J

sure that they can do so without

Protection Act, 1998 (Act 112 of

fear of retaliation,” he said.

1998).

Legislation Currently, South Africa’s whistle-

Make your contribution

blower legislation is the Protect-

“We eagerly anticipate the

ed Disclosures Act, 2000 (Act 26

contributions of society to create

of 2000). However, it only refers

a society where morality and

to employer-employee relations

integrity are matched by enthusi-

and does not extend protection

asm for justice and not venge-

beyond that relationship, does

ance,” Lamola said.

not require confidentiality nor

He explained that while work

does it offer legal and financial

to strengthen whistle-blower

assistance to whistle-blowers.

legislation continues in the back-

To improve on this, the Depart-

ground, government is working

ment of Justice and Constitu-

on how it can help those speak-

tional Development has released

ing out right now.

ustice and Correctional

“As we reflect on the profound

– for public comment – a docu-

“The question we currently

Services Minister Ronald

legacy of President Mandela,

ment with proposed reforms for

grappling with is what happens

Lamola says the protection

we must acknowledge that his

South Africa’s whistle-blower

in the interim? whilst we are re-

of whistle-blowers from retalia-

unwavering commitment to

regime.

viewing the Act, whistle-blowers

tion and vengeance remains an

justice and equality must serve

According to Lamola, this doc-

are being victimised now.

imperative which would honour

as an inspiration for us all.

ument proposes several meas-

“We are working with the

the legacy of former President

“In order to uphold these

ures to enhance protections.

private sector players and civil

Nelson Mandela.

values, we must prioritise

“According to the report, it is

society to navigate this difficult

The Minister was speaking

protecting those who speak out

recommended that any provision

conundrum. Since as we speak

at the Public Service Com-

against wrongdoing. Whistle-

in a contract that attempts to ex-

now, one can only exercise a

mission’s symposium into the

blowers play a critical role in

clude the Protected Disclosures

power or action empowered

protection of whistle-blowers

promoting accountability and

Act of 2000 should be prohib-

by law,” Lamola concluded.

held in July.

transparency and we must en-

ited. Furthermore, it should be

– SAnews.gov.za

34

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Writer: Keitumetse Rampoporo

FEATURE

Scie-Enza:

Hands-on science P

uleng Tsie is one of the

ogy, engineering and math fields

“I started as an intern at Scie-

the Southern African Associa-

few women who chose

are women. Tsie now manages

Enza centre, today I manage

tion of Science and Technology Centres board.

one of the biggest and busiest

the centre,” said Tsie, a science

ogy as their study and career

science centres in South Africa –

communication enthusiast,

Given the broad nature of the

– in South Africa, only 13% of

Scie-Enza located at the Univer-

explaining how she received

centre's mission and vision in

graduates in science, technol-

sity of Pretoria, Hatfield Campus.

an internship with the then

science communication, public

Department of Science and

engagement, knowledge bro-

Technology in 2008 and got

kerage, research showcasing,

placed at Scie-Enza on a two-

public attitudes to science and

year programme.

technology, and cross-cultural

Tsie says this is where her

communication in science and

science and technol-

love for communication

technology, Tsie strives to make

science engage-

the centre a platform for sci-

ment started.

ence and society engagement

After the intern-

through research, partnerships

ship, she worked

and collaborations.

as a project coor-

“I lead strategy, operations,

dinator for another

finance, centre programmes,

science centre

exhibit design, marketing, pub-

before she moved

lic relations, human resources,

back to Scie-Enza

compliance and fundraising,”

in 2016, to pursue a

explained Tsie.

career as a science

Her curiosity about how the

centre manager,

world works paved the way for

a position she

36

her field of study.

currently

“It is ordinary questions of

holds.

where the sun goes at night,

From

why it gets dark and why the

2017 to

sky is blue, for instance, that

2018, she

led me to pursue science and

served on

technology,” she said.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

communities that they have not had their footprint in.

To address the issue of lack of laboratories (labs) in schools, Scie-Enza has created curriculum-support videos for primary schools to offer learners the correct scientific foundation. The videos are distributed to schools around Gauteng and are estimated to reach around 28 000 learners.

Serving the people Tsie lives by the principles of any pressure or intimidation.

ferent target markets – includ-

hard work, persistence and

Bachelor of Science Degree

The centre, which is over

ing public, private and home

determination. She enjoys in-

in Botany and Zoology and an

40 years old, was founded by

schools, and clubs. In addition,

teracting with people who visit

Honours Degree in Geography

Proffessor Lötz Strauss, draw-

the centre caters for groups

the centre.

and Environmental Sciences

ing inspiration from a science

that have an interest in educa-

“It is the ability to show peo-

from the University of Pretoria.

interactive space he had visited

tion, such as non-governmen-

ple that they know more, mak-

She currently serves on the

in the United States.

tal and community-based

ing them realise that science

National Network of Science

It consecutively won Best Wow

organisations.

is not only what is done in the

Centres Accreditation Commit-

Show in 2008 and 2011 at Sasol

Other programmes offered at

lab but involves other things in

tee under the Framework for

TechnoX– one of the biggest

the centre include planetarium

their daily lives.”

the Promotion of Excellence,

annual career guidance and sci-

shows where astronomy is

She explained the experience

an initiative of the Department

ence festivals in the country. It

covered, technology work-

as a two-way street, where she

of Science and Innovation that

also secured second place in the

shops that cover coding and

and her team learn about their

aims to create an environment

Category for Universities in 2013

robotics, school holiday pro-

guests while imparting their

for science centres to function

at Sasol TechnoX. In 2013, the

grammes, talks, seminars and

knowledge to visitors.

optimally and improve target

centre came out third for Best

science cafes.

Coming from a small town of

audiences’ access to offered

Exhibition at ScieFest Africa.

The centre attracts about

Virginia, in the Free State, Tsie

The young scientist holds a

Tsie has managed to continue

20 000 local and international

grew up looking up to average

the centre’s shining spree. Under

visitors annually. Tsie believes

passionate citizens who went

her management, Scie-Enza

that the quality of their pro-

beyond the call of duty in their

“Scie-Enza is a science interac-

was awarded for Best Exhibition:

grammes, being university-

professions. She encourages

tive space where anyone, from

Newcomer in 2017 at ScieFest

based and working with gov-

young people to never give up

young children to pensioners,

Africa. In 2021, Tsie led the cen-

ernment to positively impact

on their dreams when things

can come and engage with

tre to the finals of the National

communities set them apart

do not seem to go their way but

science,” said Tsie, adding that

Science and Technology Awards.

from other science centres.

rather use every opportunity available to reach their goals.

services.

Science made easy

the space allows guests to take

The centre also offers various

She said one of their annual

control of their learning without

facilitated programmes for dif-

milestones is reaching out to

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

37

Here comes Spring

Writer: Neo Rangaka

GROOMING AND ST YLE

To commemorate Women’s Month, we highlight a few femaleowned designer brands that beautifully capture the season of bloom.

1

1. ERRE

Designers Carina Louw and Natasha Jaume redefine power dressing by catering to the African woman’s need to be fierce and audacious. Their fabrics are intentionally versatile, comfortable and adorn your boss lady moments.

Pink power sleeve jacket from https://erre-fashion.com/: R7 500.

Black twist pencil dress from https://erre-fashion.com/: R1 600.

2. Malondié Young female entrepreneur, Londeka Buthelezi, knows how to dress ladies for every occasion. Her best pieces are perfect for serving vacation looks. Or, since wedding season will soon be upon us, pick from her a showstopper that will make you look part of the bride’s entourage.

Block dress from www.malondie.co.za or Africa Rise stores (Marshalltown, Sandton City and Menlyn Mall): R2 901.

Melanin dress from www.malondie.co.za or at Africa Rise stores (Marshalltown, Sandton City and Menlyn Mall): R 3 701.

2

3

3. Research Unit Utility colours and cuts are borrowed for Erin-Lee and Chad Petersen’s designs. Perfect for wet weather, function is considered just as much as fashion in the brand’s fabric choices.

Cropped shirt (brown linen) from https://researchunitstudio.com/: R1 499.

Bucket hat (olive) from https://researchunitstudio.com/: R699.

* Prices correct at the time of publishing.

38

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

4. Helon Melon A trusted and longstanding brand,

by Helen Gibbs, that accurately combines timeless with youthful.

Psst, here is a secret: you could wear the pyjamas (PJs) as a summertime set.

Suede backpack from https://helonmelon.co.za/: R4 500.

Shortie PJs from https://helonmelon.co.za/: R1 295.

4

* Prices correct at the time of publishing.

5. Ditsala Designs Something about warm weather screams accessories!

This homegrown brand by Koketso Mohlala has bold Afrocentric designs that are sure to enhance any outfit.

Spelete earrings from https:// africariseonline.co.za/ or Africa Rise stores (Marshalltown, Sandton City and Menlyn Mall): R899.

5

Hammanskraal Africa ring from Spelete earrings: https:// africariseonline.co.za/ or at Africa Rise stores (Marshalltown, Sandton City and Menlyn Mall): R400.

About me *Rangaka is the founder of NEO by Neo Victoria Rangaka (NVR), a premium African brand aimed at creating designs that redefine the African identity. You can contact her on 082 929 7653 or nvrangaka@gmail.com or Instagram: @neovictoriarangaka or @neobynvr.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

39

Writer: More Matshediso

FOOD AND WINE

Chicken Skewer, Middle Eastern style C

hef Moleleki Lelimo believes that food is a form of love language as it brings people together. As a

chef, his mind crosses borders, curious of delights enjoyed by different nations of the world. This helps bring ideas to life, and enjoyable with friends and family.

In this edition, Lelimo shares his Middle Eastern Style Chicken Skewer recipe served with hummus, vegetable salad and lavash.

“This is a simple, quick yet tasty meal, easy to prepare for those week nights when you want to hang your boots as quick as possible and enjoy the meal with a glass of pinotage,” he said.

Skewers Ingredients: • Deboned chicken thighs, skin off.

• 1/2 a cup plain yoghurt.

• 1 teaspoon paprika.

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin.

40

Public Public Sector Sector Manager Manager • August • July 2023

• 2 cloves minced garlic.

• Stir fry the baby carrots and baby corn for

of paprika, olive oil and olives.

• A squeeze of lemon (about 1 tablespoon).

about 4 to 5 minutes or until nice and tender

“Hummus is not only delicious to eat but a

• 1/2 teaspoon salt.

but crunchy (they cook through quite quick).

great source of protein and fibre, along with

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

• Season with salt and pepper and put aside.

many other health benefits. When creating

• 2 tablespoon tomato sauce.

• When ready to assemble the salad, dress

dishes, the first thought should always be on

the rocket leaves with a mixture of olive oil,

the healthy side of what one consumes be-

lemon juice, salt and pepper.

cause we are what we eat,” explained Lelimo.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Method: • Place all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

• Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel

• Arrange your cooked vegetables on a bed of rocket along with some pepperdews.

“It would not be sufficiently Middle Eastern

*Originally from Excelsior in the Free State,

without the hummus,” said Lelimo.

Lelimo is a Sous-Chef at one of the high-end

to ensure that the marinade sticks well.

• Dip the chicken in the marinade, cover and

restaurants in Cape Town. Although

let it sit for at least 30 minutes while prepar-

Hummus Ingredients:

ing other items of the meal.

• 1 tin chick peas.

• Get your hands dirty and fold the chicken thighs and place them on wooden skewers. to give it a bit of charring, this helps lock

• 3 tablespoons of tahini (a condiment made with toasted ground sesame seeds).

heated oven (200 °C) and cook for about 20

• 1 large clove of garlic.

to 25 minutes. Turn on the top element of

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.

the oven to set the skewers to golden brown.

• Salt to taste.

Remove from the oven and cover with tin foil

• 3 tablespoons of water (or aquafaba

till ready to serve.

Stir fried vegetable salad Ingredients:

You can check out some of his work on Instagram: @molelekiskitchen

from the chick pea tin).

Method: • Place all ingredients in a food

• Baby carrots (peeled and halved).

processor or a blender and

• Baby corn (halved).

blitz until smooth. Check the

• Rocket.

consistency of the hummus

• Pepperdews.

– at this stage you can add

• Salt and pepper.

a bit more of water or aqua-

• Olive oil.

faba to reach the desired

• Lemon juice.

time to time when required.

(1/4 cup).

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

moisture in the meat and enhances flavour.

does private functions from

• A squeeze of 1/2 a lemon

• Sear the chicken skewers in a heated skillet

• Once nicely browned, transfer to a pre-

he has a full time job, he also

consistency.

• Taste and add the salt, blitz

Method: • Heat up a heavy base skillet on medium to high heat and add olive oil.

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

again to incorporate.

• Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with a few sprinkles

41

Writer: Zinhle Dlamini-Mugabe Pictures: Vukosi Mathonsi and Brenda Ngonyama

TRAVEL

e e r f e l s s Enjoy ithinag a visa-free country holiday by vis

I

f you have ever been denied a visa for an all-expenses-paid trip, you know how heart-break-

ing that can be.

But with over 100 countries worldwide where South Africans can enjoy the convenience of travelling visa-free, you do not have to miss a trip. South Africa is ranked 52nd by the Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023, with a visa-free score of 106. This means that South African passports holders can travel to 106 countries visa-free.

ing electronic travel authorisa-

Visaindex.com places the South

tion. They must also adhere to

African passport 57th in the

the health requirements of their

world. A ranking typically refers

destination countries, including

to the travel freedom given to

health insurance and vaccina-

passport holders of a particular

tions.

country.

The Department of Interna-

Keep a copy of your pass-

of kin knows what your

The rankings mean that South

tional Relations and Cooperation

port’s information page,

movements will be while

African passport holders are

advises travellers to complete

relevant visas, travel insur-

away. Leave a detailed

eligible to travel visa-free to more

the following checklist before

ance, travellers’ cheques

itinerary with them. Con-

countries worldwide. However,

embarking on a trip:

and credit card with you,

tact them regularly; and

Vukosi Mathonsi.

travellers are still required to have

Register your trip online with

separate from the the

Always act within the pre-

a passport which is valid for six

the South African embassy

originals. Leave a copy in

scripts of the law in your

months after the departure date,

(in the country you are

an envelope someone you

destination country.

with some countries offering

visiting) before leaving the

know;

Public Sector Manager

visas on arrival and some offer-

country;

Ensure that your next

magazine contributor Zinhle

42

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Brenda Ngonyama

skiing and sailed on the ocean on a banana boat.

The South African Rand, which is stronger than the local currency, the Metical, makes it affordable to enjoy Mozambique to the fullest.

Vukosi Mathonsi.

Some of the countries South Africans can visit visa-free

Dlamini-Mugabe recently chat-

shops, restaurants and clubs are

ted to two South Africans who

always open," Mathonsi recalled.

travelled to visa-free destinations

Tourists can treat themselves

to find out how their experiences

to Thai delicacies, such as the

were.

pad Thai, the oyster egg and

Thailand

khao pad.

• Algeria • Bahamas • Cape Verde • China • Costa Rica make Bilene a feast for the eyes.

There are also water activities

When it comes to cuisine,

Vukosi Mathonsi recently trav-

such, as canoeing and snorkel-

Mozambique is big on sea food.

elled to the Phuket Islands in the

ling to enjoy.

Visitors can order food on the go

city of Patong in Thailand. She

while at the beach.

says the hassle-free travel ar-

Mozambique

rangements were a selling point

South Africans require no visa to

the ocean. The team that organ-

for her destination choice.

travel to neighbouring Mozam-

ises your order is meticulous. You

She chose Thailand because

bique.

place an order of fish or prawns

of the slightly stronger Rand and

The Centers for Disease Con-

with a chef who then passes it

the visa exemption for South

trol and Prevention however,

on to the fisherman who makes

Africans. There were also no

recommends that travellers take

the catch and then gives it to

medical requirements such as

prescription medicine to prevent

the chef to prepare," explained

taking yellow fever or malaria

malaria.

Ngonyama.

"Their sea food is fresh from

• Egypt • Ghana • Jamaica • Mexico • New Zealand • Norway • Senegal • Sweden • Thailand • United Arab Emirates • Uruguay For the full list visit: http://www.dha.gov.za/ index.php/immigration-ser-

vaccination before travelling.

Brenda Ngonyama recently

Phuket is known for tropical

drove to Bilene from Johannes-

the fish market. Tourists get

beaches and its vibrancy.

burg. She says the holiday resort

treated to an array of live fish

Advice for South African

"Patong is a tourist destina-

seems popular among South

and lobsters of different colours.

citizens travelling abroad:

tion through and through. There

Africans as 90% of the cars she

You pick whatever sea food

https://www.dirco.gov.za/

is just so much excitement and

saw had South African registra-

tickles your fancy and hand it

advice-for-south-african-

freedom. You completely lose

tion numbers.

over to a team that gets it ready

citizens-travelling-abroad/

yourself to the madness of the

She adds that the blue lagoon,

for you.

night life and it is totally safe. The

white sands and palm trees

For adventure, Ngonyama went

Public Sector Manager • August 2023

Another option is to order from

vices/exempt-countries

43

44

Public Sector Manager • August 2023