PSM February 2023

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Dr Lephoto

developing community through science

CHIETA

using innovation and skills development to bridge digital divide

Celebrating International Mother Tongue Day

FEBRUARY 2023

FEBRUARY 2023

12 Contents:

February 2023

22

26

From the Union Buildings

We need to work more closely in the

stand united against corruption Ending corruption requires the

struggle for affordable electricity

commitment of all

FEATURES 24

Minister urges South Africans to

28

SA's eDisclosure system

Equal economic opportunities in the human settlements value

used as yardstick to help other

chain

countries

Building up women in the

Weeding out corruption across

construction industry

the continent 30

South African company awarded major contract as part of SKA construction

REGULARS 8

of the universe

Conversations with leaders

Innovation and skills development are at the heart of CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay’s plan to uplift rural areas

12

Local economy to get a good view

12

8

Women in the public sector Financial Intelligence Centre

Director Advocate Xolisile Khanyile envisions an end to financial crime 16

Trailblazer

Dr Tiisetso Lephoto is developing her community through science

20

Profiles in leadership

Phelisa Mangcu is turning the tourism sector around on the KZN South Coast

2

16 Public Sector Manager • December 2022/January 2023

54 30

34

Building the future through Artificial Intelligence

Humans and machines come together

36

to tackle critical challenges

LIFESTYLE

SA supports calls for co-operation

48

Grooming and style

50

Food and wine

54

Travel

to address global challenges

WEF urges collaboration to lower economic risks 38

SA sets up new frontier against prostate cancer

New facility joins the fight against

24

cancer 40

Support local tourism: Visit

President urges education system 44

choices

SA and the world commemorates

broaden horizons for learners

indigenous languages

NECT promotes home language reading

46

Multilingualism and linguistic diversity key to sustainable development

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

Celebrating International Mother Tongue Day

Technical and vocational subjects

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Love on a plate

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge

to provide learners with more

42

Fashion mix and matches

What young public servants expect from SoNA

Listening to youth voices on the State of the Nation Address

Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Tasneem Carrim Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Regomoditswe Mavimbela Acting Head of Editorial and Production Zanele Mngadi Zanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za

Acting Director-General Michael Currin

Managing Editor Tshepo Nkosi tshepo@gcis.gov.za

Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Nomonde Mnukwa

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

3

MINISTER MONDLI GUNGUBELE’S MESSAGE XXX

A professional public sector ready to deliver government programmes

A

new year symbolises

Public Service. In October

new beginnings; a time

2022, Cabinet approved the

to set new goals and pri-

National Framework Towards

orities. For us, as public servants,

Professionalisation of the

our resolutions should align with

Public Sector. The framework

government priorities and plans

is expected to contribute to the

to ensure that we fulfill our man-

building of an efficient, capable

date to serve the people of South

and ethical state, free from cor-

Africa, leaving no one behind.

ruption – one of the priorities of

We entered 2023 with some

the 2019 - 2024 Medium Term

relief as the COVID-19 pan-

Strategic Framework.

demic, which wreaked havoc in

This priority puts forward a

the past two years, now under

vision of strong leadership, a

control. We are, however, still

focus on people, and an im-

recovering from the effects of

proved capability to implement

the pandemic on the economy.

government plans. Achieving

Government has set targets

this will involve a transition to

and put measures in place

a more functional and inte-

to set the country’s recov-

grated government; one that is

ery pathway. These include

capacitated with professional,

the Economic Recovery and

responsive and meritocratic

Reconstruction Plan, which

public servants.

aims to build a new economy and unleash the country’s true

Mondli Gungubele Minister in The Presidency

potential – with the goal of

has often stated that, “only a capable, efficient, ethical and

creating a sustainable, resilient

pull up their socks and effec-

ment and deliver government

development-oriented state can

and inclusive economy.

tively execute their duties. We

programmes.

deliver on the commitment to

To achieve these goals, public servants are expected to

4

President Cyril Ramaphosa

need a workforce that is ready and well equipped to imple-

One way to achieve this is the professionalisation of the

improve the lives of the people of this country”.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

In his support message for the framework, President Ramaphosa notes that departments that have stable leadership often have positive audit outcomes and can account for public funds, while the same cannot be said about those that Photo: Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

always change leaders.

To support this, the framework calls for the extension of the tenures of DirectorsGeneral (DGs) to at least 10 years, with thorough review of performance and clear exit clauses for poor performance.

Furthermore, the DG in The Presidency will be the desigThe framework recommends

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has often stated that, “only a capable, efficient, ethical and development-oriented state can deliver on the commitment to improve the lives of the people of this country”.

five pillars in the value chain for the professionalisation of the public sector. These are: •

Recruitment and selection, which calls for the tightening of pre-entry requirements for middle and senior managers;

•

Induction and onboarding, which calls for the orientation and induction of new

tration while in provinces this role will be held by DGs in the offices of the Premier.

Through the framework, government will position the public sector as a profession of choice with a career system based on meritocracy and an ethical disposition guided by the Batho Pele principles.

Let us view the framework

employees to help them

•

nated head of public adminis-

as a pillar aimed at strength-

understand the culture and

professional bodies, among

by frequent changes of leader-

dynamics of the workplace;

others;

ship in the public sector. As

together to ensure that it suc-

Continuing learning and

noted in the Report of the State

ceeds.

professional development;

Capture Commission, political

In the words of the Presi-

and

and corporate interference has

dent, “by working together, we

Career progression and

weakened some organs of the

can and will rebuild our coun-

career incidents.

State. In some instances, Min-

try, we can and will improve our

isters bring changes each time

economy and improve the lives

they join a new department.

of our people”.

Planning and performance

•

management, which calls for an alignment across public administration, reviewing of systems to make them fit for purpose and collaborating with

•

The framework also addresses the instability caused

ening our sector and work

XXXMESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Public servants should recommit to making South Africa a better place L et me take this opportu-

ing to Section 8 of the Public

President will also highlight

nity to welcome you to the

Administration Management

government achievements

new year and wish you

Act, 2014 (Act 11 of 2014), it is a

since his last address in 2022.

prosperity. As we settle into

criminal offence for workers in

the year, may we all renew our

the public sector and special

at improving the lives of the

dedication and commitment

advisors to conduct business

people of South Africa. It is

to serve the people of South

with the State.

our duty, as public servants, to

While the DPSA is in the

Africa, guided by the Batho Pele

implement and deliver these

process of drafting a disci-

programmes for the better-

pline management strategy to

ment of the country and the

that we are the channels

address these concerns, the

people we serve.

through which government can

ball is in our courts to clean

principles.

I would like to remind you

implement it’s commitment to the people of South Africa to tackle the triple challenges of

Michael Currin, Acting GCIS Director-General.

poverty, inequality and unemployment.

In November 2022, Public

Let us be guided by the

up the damage caused by

Batho Pele principles, which

some amongst us – by work-

were recently reviewed,

ing hard and ethically. Let us

resulting in the Batho Pele

continue to build on achieve-

Revitalisation Strategy. The

ments made since the onset

strategy provides guidance

Service and Administration

of democracy and make South

and standards for government

become a public sector trusted

Acting Minister Thulas Nxesi

Africa a better place.

departments and give effect

by the people, not the one

revealed that 119 public serv-

perceived as corrupt and lack-

ants were registered on the

President Cyril Ramaphosa

service delivery programme

ing discipline. Last year, the

Central Supplier Database

will deliver the 2023 State of

that we should all follow.

Department of Public Service

with the purpose to conduct

the Nation Address. He will set

and Administration (DPSA)

business with the State. This

out government’s key policy

in executing our duties and

noted that the people of South

is a contravention of Regula-

objectives and deliverables

adhere to the Public Service

Africa perceive public servants

tion 13 (c) of the Public Service

for the year ahead, highlight

Pledge, in which we com-

as corrupt, and contravening

Regulations, 2016, which

achievements, flag challenges

mitted to serve the people

policies and regulations. They

prohibits public servants

and outline interventions to

of South Africa with loyalty,

also felt that these actions go

from conducting business

unlock development for the

respect, dignity and integrity.

unpunished.

with organs of state. Accord-

coming financial year. The

Let us work hard and

6

These objectives are aimed

On 9 February 2023,

to a citizen-centred public

Let us strive for excellence

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS

Writers: More Matshediso and Keitumetse Rampoporo

Developing rural areas through innovation and skills development

T

he Chief Executive Officer

tilised building and we only

(CEO) of the Chemical

spent R3 million on equipment

Industries Education and

and machinery in order to set

Training Authority (CHIETA), Ye-

up the centre within 11 months,”

rshen Pillay, is creating a legacy

he says.

of excellence, where innovation is

The authority also collaborat-

at the centre of the organisation’s

ed with the National Electronic

operations.

Media Institute of South Africa

The CEO believes in innovating for impact, especially in

Communication Technology

poor and rural communities,

Sector Education and Training

and wants the CHIETA to lead

Authority, which provide train-

in this area through skills devel-

ing and issue certificates to

opment.

participants.

In 2022, the authority

“This is South Africa’s first

launched the first-ever SMART

fully automated SMART Skills

Skills Centre in Saldanha Bay,

Centre. It was our pilot pro-

Western Cape to empower

ject, and we will now roll out

local youth and small, medium

the project across the nine

and micro enterprises (SMMEs)

provinces. Through these

by developing their digital skills

centres, we are trying to solve

through tech-enabled learning

the deepening digital divide in

programmes, such as virtual

the country between urban and

and augmented reality, robot-

rural communities,” says Pillay.

ics and the Internet of things among others.

The centre was created

Rural development Saldana Bay was chosen be-

through a partnership with the

cause it has a lot of rural areas.

Freeport Saldanha Industrial

Pillay says all the rural schools

Development Zone (IDZ).

in the area have access to the

“The IDZ gave us an unu-

8

and the Media Information

centre, which is strategically

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

the Chemical Industry pro-

through the fund, where we

Centre will be launched in

vide retrenched workers with

trained artisans in our sector,”

be located in urban areas. We

KwaZulu-Natal and the third

a second chance by creating

he says.

want to have one centre in

one will be launched in the

multiple streams of support, in-

each province by 2025 in order

Eastern Cape. The centres are

cluding upskilling or re-skilling,

authority provided training to 1

to bridge the digital divide,”

also expected to accelerate

creating opportunities for small

600 artisans, up from 1 068 in

says Pillay.

local innovation and enterprise

businesses and developing

2021.

capabilities, which will drive job

franchising opportunities in the

creation and economic growth.

industry.

located at a central place.

“None of these centres will

The centre has ten Internet training ports that have a laptop, free data or free WiFi

The second SMART Skills

Pillays says In 2022, the

Fighting corruption

In June 2022, the authority

With regards to fighting the

services to help citizens access

Collaboration

signed an agreement with the

scourge of corruption, Pillay

job opportunities, conduct

The authority has partnered

China Europe International

says public servants should not

virtual interviews, participate

with various local and inter-

Business School Africa to offer

just lead by example but need

in skills programmes and apply

national organisations with

industry-related training.

to set the bar high, where ethi-

for bursaries.

the aim of contributing to the

The centre offers free services – residents are only required to book a slot. “Out of the ten

The authority also works with

cal standards are concerned.

Economic Reconstruction and

Lesedi Youth Fund, which is-

He says there must be zero

Recovery Plan.

sues grants to address student

tolerance to non-compliance.

Due to the effects of the

debts in the chemicals industry.

“We need to be the beacons

Internet training ports, three are

COVID-19 pandemic on the

“We get a database of stu-

of hope for the country. We

for virtual reality, which can be

economy, many people with

dents who have tuition debts

need to have strong conse-

used for the training of artisans.

skills and competencies find

and settle it through the fund.

quence management,” he says.

The centre has a digital board-

themselves without work – and

In 2021, we had about R16 mil-

room, which SMMEs can use to

to address this, the author-

lion to settle student debts. We

Career journey

have virtual meetings with their

ity in collaboration with the

also funded work integrated

Pillay describes himself as a

clients for free,” he says.

National Bargaining Council for

learning worth R20 million

development agent or activist.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

9

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS

He began his career journey

in Business Administration and

action for the strategy, provid-

ing for SMMEs in the chemical

at the University of Cape Town

Management and a Master’s in

ing stewardship and oversight

manufacturing industry through

(UCT). While studying towards

Business Administration (MBA)

performance of the organisa-

the Entrepreneurship Develop-

a Bachelor of Social Science

from the Gordon Institute of

tion, ensuring that skills devel-

ment Programme.

(Political Science and Econom-

Business Science (GIBS). He

opment is facilitated,” he says.

“We have a target of train-

ics) at the UCT, he worked as a

was awarded the Top MBA

The authority has approxi-

ing 2 000 SMMEs by 2025. In

Student Governance Coordina-

Achiever Award for Trade in

mately 130 employees, and

the past year, we funded the

tor.

Africa GIBS, UCT in 2021. He is

it operates in three regions –

training of 100 SMMEs who

In 2009, Pillay was appointed

a also Certified Director by the

Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and

completed a 12-month-long

as the Deputy Executive Chair-

Institute of Directors in South

the Western Cape because

certificate in Entrepreneurship

person of the National Youth

Africa.

that is where more than 80%

Development at the University

of companies in the chemicals

of Johannesburg,” adds Pillay.

Development Agency (NYDA), a position he held for three

2020 and says the transition

years. He was later appointed

from his previous positions was

Executive Chairperson of the

seamless.

NYDA. This led to his appoint-

“I have years of experience

industry are based.

The CHIETA facilitates skills

As part of its mandate, the

development in the chemical

authority collects skills devel-

industries sector and ensures

opment levies from any chemi-

that skills needs are identified

ment as the President of the

in executive management. At

cal manufacturing company

and addressed through a num-

Pan African Youth Union, where

CHIETA, my key roles include

that earns more than R500 000

ber of initiatives.

he served for two years.

performance management,

per annum through the South

strategy development and

African Revenue Service.

His other qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma

10

Pillay joined the CHIETA in

execution, formulating plan of

The authority also funds train-

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Source: FIC

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Fighting financial crime

A

nancial Intelligence Centre (FIC),

laundering, as well as terrorist

in the FIC Act, 2001 (Act 38 of

public prosecution, Ad-

she was well-placed to steer the

and proliferation financing. As

2001).

vocate Xolisile Khanyile

organisation toward progressing

South Africa’s financial intel-

its fight against financial crime.

ligence unit, the FIC is the only

estate agents, money remit-

entity authorised to receive

ters and gambling institutions.

s a career professional in

has been able to see the impact of financial crime through a vari-

12

The FIC is mandated to

These include banks, real

ety of lenses. In 2018, when she

identify the proceeds of crime

transactions and other data

The institutions are required to

was appointed Director of the Fi-

and assist in combating money

from institutions that are listed

register with the FIC and sub-

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

mit regulatory reports, among other compliance obligations.

In 2021/22, the FIC received

“I believe financial intelligence units across the globe cannot make inroads on the

more than 5 million regula-

fight against crime on their

tory reports. The reports are

own. We need to work collabo-

interpreted and analysed as a

ratively and cooperatively to

precursor to the FIC develop-

build knowledge and increase

ing products such as financial

capacity in the fight against

intelligence reports. In turn,

financial crime,” says

the centre’s intelligence and

Khanyile.

other products are used by law enforcement, revenue services and other competent authorities for their investigations, prosecutions and applications

can Anti-Money Laundering In-

for asset forfeiture.

tegrated Task Force (SAMLIT).

The partnership is made up of

Rooting out individual and syndicated crime

the Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank, 26 domestic and foreign banks

Through the use of the FIC’s

registered in South Africa and

financial intelligence, more than

banking industry representa-

R5.1 billion was recovered in

tives.

The purpose of the task force

2021/22. In this way, the FIC

is to enhance the regulatory

plays a central role in the pursuit of crime and the criminal

It is this collaborative ap-

justice value chain, which is essential as the centre is not

law enforcement authorities

reporting regime by allowing

proach that Khanyile is also

and investigative bodies in the

SAMLIT members to have a

embedding at the Egmont

Justice, Crime Prevention and

coordinated, team-based and

mandated to conduct investiga-

Group of Financial Intelligence

Security Cluster and the FIC,

targeted approach in fighting

tions.

Units, to which she was ap-

has made significant headway

financial crime. This allows the

pointed as Chair in July 2022.

since its work took off in 2020.

FIC to sit with several banks in

“Focusing on following the money is essential to uncover-

The Egmont Group, with a

ing individual and syndicated

membership of 166 financial

enforcement agencies, the

erations groups (made up of

crimes and criminal behaviour,”

intelligence units, facilitates

Fusion Centre has preserved

SAMLIT members) and receive

says Khanyile.

and prompts the exchange of

and recovered approximately

information from several banks

information, knowledge and co-

R1.75 billion in criminal assets,

on a specific matter.

operation among its members.

since its inception two years

Through the partnership, the

ago. Of this amount, at least

FIC can receive a comprehen-

R660 million was preserved

sive, better and single view

and recovered in the previous

of the subject's suspicious

financial year,” she says.

financial transactions from sev-

“It is most crucial that we take away the business of crime, the profitability, from criminals,” she adds Khanyile believes that nurtur-

The power of collaboration

“As a collective of law

one room with tactical op-

ing collaboration and forging

One initiative that Khanyile is

partnerships is an important

most proud of is the public-

aspect of fighting financial

public collaboration of the

creation of the public-private

transaction report emanating

crime.

Fusion Centre. This alliance of

partnership of the South Afri-

from one bank. This better view

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

The FIC also championed the

eral banks instead of a single

13

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

“Much good work has been

engage in corrupt activities, the

duced this document without

negative impact is felt by us all

outsourcing this huge task,”

socially, economically and we

says Khanyile, adding that,

all suffer due to the loss to the

“Some of the high risks identi-

fiscus as a result”.

Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

fied in the assessment were the use of cash, corruption

Challenges

and bribery, tax-related crimes,

Despite the FIC’s achieve-

fraud, cybercrime, illicit wildlife

ments, Khanyile says a key

trade and environmental

challenge is for the FIC to

crimes, modern slavery, human

retain its talent. Due to their

trafficking and illegal mining”.

technical abilities and skills, the

Khanyile is of the view that for the country to strengthen the fight against financial crime,

employees are sought after by the private sector.

“In comparison to the previ-

there is a need to start build-

ous financial year, the FIC ex-

ing fit for purpose skills, such

perienced a significant increase

as forensic accountants, cyber

in the number of voluntary

experts, data technologists,

resignations. This decreased

financial investigators and

the employee complement from

analysts. “Half of the reported

205 to 183, against the FIC’s

allows the centre to submit

have been concluded – illegal

crimes in the country are finan-

approved establishment of 216,”

detailed, comprehensive and

wildlife trade, terror financing,

cial crimes and our resources

says Khanyile.

actionable intelligence to law

and modern slavery and human

need to match our high risks”,

enforcement agencies.

trafficking.

she says.

In this way, there is a close

She believes that it is the

Based on the FIC’s achievements, strategic initiatives and partnerships over the last few

responsibility of every South

years, Khanyile believes she

umbrella of SAMLIT and the

National risk assessment

African to play a role in the fight

has created a legacy that will

Fusion Centre, allowing the Fu-

In addition, through its part-

against corruption and in the

stand the centre in good stead

sion Centre to speedily enter-

nership and collaboration, the

implementation of the coun-

now and in the future.

tain comprehensive intelligence

FIC led the development of

try’s national anti-corruption

reports prepared by the FIC,

the National Risk Assessment

strategy.

emanating from the tactical

on Money Laundering, Terror-

operations groups of SAMLIT.

ist Financing and Proliferation

ity to fight corruption extends

of Jurisprudence and Bachelor

The taskforce also has various

Financing. Once published,

to all who work in the public

of Laws from the University of

expert working groups, which

this assessment will allow the

service.

Zululand, as well as a Manage-

conduct research on spe-

country to reprioritise and focus

cific crimes to develop trend

its resources on combating the

to be alert to and desist from

qualification from the Business

analysis for use by the mem-

high-risk threats identified in

engaging in corrupt activities.

School of the University of the

bers. Three research projects

the national risk assessment.

What we need to remember

Free State.

working relationship under the

14

at all times is that if we do

done by the team that pro-

Khanyile says the responsibil-

“It is our duty and obligation

Khanyile holds a Master of Law degree from the University of the Free State, a Bachelor

ment Development Programme

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

TRAILBL A ZER

Writer: More Matshediso

Dr Lephoto develops community through science

E

ver thought academic life is boring? Young scientist

that innovation and technol-

Dr Tiisetso Lephoto is here

ogy have the potential to drive

and Microbial Genomics in

analogues for products and

2016 – at the age of 26.

services.

Nematology is the scientific

Currently, Lephoto is the Prin-

to prove that wrong. Balancing

and grow the economy, and

study of nematodes or round-

cipal Investigator and Research

her job as a lecturer and re-

thus grow South Africa’s gross

worms, while biotechnology

Leader of the Nematology and

searcher at the University of the

domestic product.

is the integration of natural

Bioprocess Laboratory in the

sciences and engineering sci-

School of Molecular and Cell Biology at Wits.

Witwatersrand (Wits) and run-

16

The young scientist believes

The 33-year-old academic

ning a foundation that empowers

graduated with a PhD in Nema-

ences in order to achieve the

young scientists, Lephoto’s life is

tology and Biotechnology, with

application of organisms, cells,

nowhere near boring.

an emphasis in Bioinformatics

parts thereof and molecular

“We all have the responsibility to do better in order to contrib-

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Empowering young scientists

cides with an aim to service

As an innovator myself, I highly

local and national farmers with

oped through Nematech

recommend more public serv-

Lephoto’s passion for science

organic farming products using

include hairline repair oils, Afro

ants to innovate products that

and innovation goes beyond

sophisticated technologies

Royal hair growth organic oils,

will truly positively impact our

the lecture hall – she has es-

for effective application of the

organic hair butter, organic

way of living,” says Lephoto,

tablished a foundation to create

products,” she says.

skin and hair products and are

who was born and raised in

jobs and expose young

Soweto.

people to opportuni-

ute positively in our societies.

As a lecturer and researcher, she believes that her job is im-

ties in the field of science.

She adds that the foundation aims to improve general

Products that were devel-

already in the market.

“We are about empowering people through training science

health through

graduates and unemployed

innovating

youth. In 2022, Nematech

organic products

hosted a two-day workshop

portant because she transfers

“Nematech Bio-

knowledge to young aspiring

sciences Founda-

scientists, and she motivates

tion specialises

and teaching

that targeted 100 unemployed

them. She teaches both

in innovation that

people about

STEM [science, technology,

undergraduates at all levels

involves biopesti-

living green.

engineering and mathematics]

and postgraduates courses

graduates and postgraduates

such as plant and invertebrate

who were presented with vari-

pathology, current topics in

ous opportunities in the field of

microbiology, application and

science,” says Lephoto.

complementary life sciences, among others.

Nematech has a team comprising young black qualified

“All these courses are im-

professionals whose expertise

portant in helping students

is multi-sectoral across indus-

learn and understand how to

tries of agriculture, biotechnol-

solve societal problems using science. This implies that I

ogy, entrepreneurship and innovation as well as finance.

contribute in the breeding of

The foundation has so far

future scientists that will bring

created three permanent

solutions to our world through

jobs and also employs

scientific knowledge, research and application,” she says.

To date, Lephoto has supervised 30 postgraduate

part-time workers and welcomes volunteers.

Through the foundation, Lephoto is

students, including one PhD,

heeding government

12 Master of Science, and 17

calls for individuals

Honours students, of which 24 have successfully completed their degrees and have graduated. She says the remaining six students are still studying at the university.

and companies to be part of creating jobs and building the economy.

She encourages public servants to never

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

17

TRAILBL A ZER

underestimate the power of

not leave the university without

their dreams, to work hard,

it,” she recalls.

believe in themselves and keep moving forward so that they

Honours in Genetic and Devel-

impact other people’s lives

opmental Sciences focusing on

positively.

throat cancer and the following

As an extensively qualified

year she enrolled for a Master

and experience young black

of Science (MSc) degree in

scientist, Lephoto leads the

Microbiology and Biotechnol-

foundation with a vision of

ogy, focusing on insect pest

ploughing back to local com-

management and biological

munities and exposing regions

control.

outside South Africa to innova-

“While waiting for my MSc

tive products that contribute to

results, I had dually registered

socio-economic wellbeing and

for a PhD programme, which I

sustainable behaviours.

resumed in the middle of 2013,

The foundation recently

completed it in 2015 and gradu-

hosted a science graduate in-

ated in March 2016. Of course, I

daba, which was supported by

went through challenges along

Business Administration degree

when the crops were affected

the Gauteng Provincial Govern-

the way associated with finan-

with the University of Read-

by pests.

ment, to expose unemployed

cial exclusion but I had destiny

ing Henley Business School

“Fast forward to 2007, when

science graduates to opportu-

connectors and opportunities

in 2019, focusing on brand

I enrolled for a BSc at Wits, all

nities that government has and

that enabled me to successfully

management, marketing and

came full circle when I ended

how to access them.

complete my studies,” she says.

strategy.

up in the field of biological

Academic journey

scholarships, including the

In 2006, Lephoto was one of

National Research Foundation

the top learners in Soweto and

excellence in science com-

Contributing to the body of scientific research

her District.

munication travel grant in 2019,

Lephoto has published 11 arti-

she came across an article that

Wits Faculty Research Commit-

cles in international and nation

reported that one of the factors

achievements to date,” she

tee research grant in 2020, the

science journals and recently

contributing to development of

says.

Wits Chancellor’s Female Aca-

submitted more than 10 articles

throat cancer is the consump-

“That set the tone for all my

She has received multiple

control,” she says.

While she was doing her research on DNA methylation patterns in throat cancer cells,

demic Leader Fellowship 2021,

which are currently under

tion of chemical pesticide con-

of Science (BSc) at Wits before

and the National Research

review.

taminated crops. She immedi-

she turned 18 in 2007.

Foundation Thuthuka Research

She enrolled for a Bachelor’s

“While attending the welcome

Grant in 2022.

Her love for anything agricul-

ately felt the need to be part of

ture started at a tender age of

the solution and grew passion-

five years when she asked her

ate about biological control and

made interesting remarks about

Lephoto knew she needed

parents to help her grow a veg-

innovation for advancement

the red gown, what it meant

business management skills to

etable and fruit garden at the

of agricultural practice, which

and why I need to study further,

run it professionally. As such,

back of her home in Soweto.

led her to join the Nematology

and he thus encouraged me to

she enrolled for a Master of

She says she was disappointed

Laboratory in 2011.

day with my parents, my father

18

In 2010, she enrolled for a BSc

As CEO of her foundation,

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

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

Vuk’uzenzele 850 000

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cooperative that will create in the touris jobs m sector becau our comm unity is situat se the borde ed at rs of Kruge r National Park and Many eleti Game Reserve,” he says.

Mathebula adds that sustaining the vision and keepi the coope ng rative runni ng has not been a smooth ride, but giving up has never been an option.

More Mats “In the hediso first few years of our existe nce, we managed to secure group of 50 hectares youn g of with land gradua in the tes in Welv erdie community nd Welv erdie , and the nd in National Depa Bush buck rtment of ridge , Mpum alang Tourism funded our a, came project of toget her in 2001 building the lodge to form with appro a coop erative that ximately R10.9 millio has so far n between creat ed more and 2008.

2005 than 35 jobs in the Unfortunat touri sm ely, we could not secto r. finish the Mutlhwarh project and ran eni Coop out of funds erative Ltd is a true ,” says Mathebula example . of what can be achiev While ed if comm ties join hands uni- comp looking for ways to lete the projec and collab with exper orate perat t, the cooienced comp ive decid anies to ed to start fight pover Wild Olive the ty and unem Tree Camp ment in societ ploy- to in 2013 off er tented y. accommoda According for touris tion to the coope ts, which tive’s Gener ra- opera came into al Secretary, tion in 2014.

Clifort Mathebula In 2021, , the coope the coop rative was establ erativ e received ished in 2001 a R5 millio unemploye by 17 from n grant The new d youth the Indus in rural trial Deve Welverdiend Kruger LodgeMont d’Or Opern ment Corp lopwho were created more in Mpumalanga oration graduhas ates in different (IDC) of than 35 South Africa locals to fields of study date. Picture jobs for Ltd to finish including , ding the : GCIS builteaching, lodge. The accounting and touris IDC has a role to fund m, amon g others. programme “The aim s and was to establ ish a

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2

Owen Mngadi

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Picture supplied by SCTIE

Rebuilding the tourism sector Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding, is one

Mangcu is confident that

of the thriving tourist destina-

with her extensive knowledge

tions in the country with various

and experience in the tour-

tourist attractions. South Coast

ism industry, she will resurrect

tourism attractions include 11

the industry and draw in more

quality golf courses, Blue Flag

investors.

beaches, world-class dive sites,

T

region,” she says.

Having worked in the tourism

incredible outdoor adventures

industry in Washington, DC in

and cultural excursions.

the early 1990s, Mangcu brings

While the area has great po-

a wealth of knowledge to the

tential, Mangcu acknowledges

table. In 1999, she returned to

some odds that have been

the country where she took

urning around the unfa-

South Coast Tourism and Ugu

stacked against tourism growth

on a position in the tourism

vourable circumstances

South Coast Development

in the past few years.

unit at Industrial Development

of the burgeoning tourism

Agency to create a public entity

"The onset of COVID-19, the

Corporation, before relocating

industry and unleashing its full

to promote tourism and spur

2021 July riots, the floods and

potential are among the top pri-

investment for Ugu District

ongoing water challenges, has

orities for the recently appointed

Municipality, Mangcu made

made it incredibly difficult for

SCTIE marked a significant

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

history when she became the

tourism operators. But there

turning point in the develop-

of KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast

first CEO of the newly created

are so many positive attributes

ment of the South Coast of

Tourism and Investment Enterprise

tourism entity.

along the KZN South Coast

KwaZulu-Natal because it

that continue to attract new

brought together the knowl-

and returning visitors to the

edge and assets of two

(SCTIE), Phelisa Mangcu.

Following the merger of Ugu

20

The KZN’s South Coast, which stretches 120 km, from

to Johannesburg Tourism.

She says the creation of the

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Green Flag Trail where visitors explored the hinterland with overnight stays in authentic Zulu homesteads.

“This not only creates employment in the previously marginalised areas, but also provides visitors with a much more diverse tourism offering. These authentic cultural activities and unique outdoor adventures are exactly what visitors are looking for today, so we’re making sure we meet

CEO of KZN South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise Phelisa Mangcu.

organisations to create a more

in marginalised communities,”

cohesive and practical vision.

she says.

Promoting local tourism

this demand,” says Mangcu.

The SCTIE prides itself in using various campaigns to

She plans to introduce new

Mangcu reveals that SCTIE

"To inform locals about the

market tourism attractions

strategies to market the re-

has partnered with the Tour-

nearby attractions from which

found along the KwaZulu-

gion’s tourism and investment

ism Grading of South Africa

they can also benefit, we col-

Natal South Coast.

offerings while eradicating

(TGCSA) to conduct a quality

laborated with the KwaZulu-

barriers along the way.

assurance workshop to pro-

Natal Department of Econom-

on both national and interna-

mote the recovery and devel-

ic Development, Environment,

tional platforms thanks to our

opment of rural tourism. The

and Tourism Affairs and held

participation in roadshows,

organisation will also partner

community awareness ses-

exhibitions, workshops,

Mangcu says she is com-

with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal to

sions. There are numerous

seminars, and summits. This

mitted to rural development

raise awareness and allow for

[governmentl] funded pro-

also provides valuable insight

initiatives. “As SCTIE, our role

information sharing on tourism

grams that, in our opinion, will

into current market trends and

is to drive tourism and invest-

products and enterprise devel-

help locals support business

assists our tourism establish-

ment in the area by shining a

opment opportunities.

development, funding require-

ments in better packaging

ments, and compliance stand-

tourism products to meet existing needs,” adds Mangcu.

Driving tourism and investment

spotlight on the many incred-

Mangcu says that while the

“We promote our products

ible attributes, from our Blue

aim is to promote tourism,

ards for KwaZulu-Natal South

Flag beaches to our hinterland

local communities would be at

Coast entrepreneurs."

adventures, as well as the

the centre of everything they

endless investment opportuni-

do to ensure development and

agri-culture tours, opening up

number of Blue Flag beaches

ties that can be found here.

transformation. She adds that

agricultural areas into tourism

in the province, two world-

We are rebuilding and there is

the entity also assists in the

destinations. As part of the

renowned dive sites at Aliwal

a lot of positive momentum in

development of tourism Small,

2022 Heritage Month cel-

Shoal and Protea Bank’s two

the local tourism industry.

Medium and Micro Enterprises

ebrations, the entity opened

iconic gorges – Oribi Gorge

in rural communities, as well

the exciting Umzumbe River

and Umtamvuna Gorge, as

tourism economy reaches the

as training, skills development

Trail and the Ntelezi Msani

well as many outdoor adven-

entire region and uplifts those

and business support.

Heritage Centre – a 70-km

tures.

“This is key to ensuring the

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

The SCTIE recently launched

The KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast boasts the highest

21

FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS

A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa

We need to work more closely in the struggle for affordable electricity T

he recent announce-

a call for the Eskom board to

prices are fuelling a cost of

ment of an increase in

consider measures that can

living crisis around the world,

electricity tariffs comes

help to mitigate the impact

and the poor are being hardest

at an extremely difficult time for

of the 18.65% increase from

hit. In South Africa, food prices

citizens and businesses alike,

an implementation timeframe

have increased on average by

who are already contending with

point of view.

12% over the past year.

the high costs of fuel, food and other essentials.

It is in this context that I made

The new tariff was approved

This is the problem we face:

by the National Energy Regula-

we have to ensure that Eskom

tor of South Africa (NERSA),

has the resources it needs to

following a prescribed process,

resolve the electricity crisis

which includes wide-ranging

while protecting South Afri-

public consultation. It is impor-

cans from the effects of higher

tant that we affirm the inde-

prices.

pendence of NERSA and the

this problem. That is why all

legal process in setting tariffs.

stakeholders, including govern-

Tariffs that reflect the cost

ment, Eskom, business, labour

of producing electricity are

and communities, need to work

necessary for Eskom’s financial

together to achieve a very dif-

sustainability and for the utility

ficult balance. At all times, we

to be able to service its debt

must be guided by the needs

and to undertake the critical

and interests of South Africans,

maintenance that is needed to

especially the poor, both now

end load shedding.

and into the future. We should

Yet there is little doubt that increasing the price of electricity now, at this challenging time, will add to the difficul-

22

There is no simple answer to

importance of following the due

be wary of short-term solutions that we will regret in years to come.

As government, we will

ties South Africans are fac-

continue to implement policies

ing. Rising food and energy

and measures to mitigate the

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Photo: Chelsea on Unsplash

hardship being experienced by

cost for the poor.

The National Minimum Wage,

All of these measures provide

other basic services if govern-

an important ‘social wage’ that

ment and municipalities in

earliest days of democracy we

which was introduced in 2019,

has helped to cushion poor

particular have the means to

have implemented a policy of

has improved the remuneration

households from the worst

do so. Non-payment and illegal

free water and electricity for

of many workers, especially

effects of rising prices. Govern-

connections make electricity

indigent households. The free

farmworkers, domestic workers

ment is considering additional

provision more expensive and

basic electricity allowance, if

and other vulnerable workers.

mechanisms to address the

less reliable.

vulnerable citizens. Since the

implemented properly by municipalities, should shield the

Another means by which the

rising cost of electricity. These

The global cost of living crisis

State is supporting society’s

include measures such as

has been described as a once

poorest households from the

most vulnerable from exces-

helping households and small

in a generation economic

effect of the tariff increase. We

sive price increases is through

businesses install solar power

shock, and it is being wors-

remain absolutely committed

competition policy. During the

and energy saving devices,

ened by global events that are

to this policy.

pandemic, the Competition

supporting households with

beyond our control.

As government, we will con-

Commission used its powers

rechargeable lights, and work-

the social wage include the

to bring down the prices of

ing with learners to catch up

tinue with our efforts to expand

provision of free primary

COVID-19 tests and suppliers

where load shedding interrupts

the social wage, just as we

healthcare, exempting learners

found guilty of overcharging for

lessons. We should be able to

accelerate our efforts to restore

from poor families from paying

face masks were fined.

provide further information on

a reliable and secure electric-

these and other initiatives in

ity supply. We will continue to

the coming weeks.

pursue closer cooperation with

Other programmes to expand

school fees, a school nutrition

The Competition Commis-

programme that supports over

sion monitors essential food

nine million learners country-

prices, and recently found

wide, and the provision of free

that consumers were facing

come the energy crisis, I call

entities to find sustainable

tertiary education for students

‘opportunistic increases’ in the

on all South Africans to pay

ways to shield South African

from poor families. The zero-

prices of sunflower oil, a basic

for the electricity they use. We

households from the worst ef-

rating of basic food products

cooking staple for millions of

can only improve and expand

fects of rising energy and other

for VAT helps to decrease their

households.

the provision of electricity and

costs.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

As we work together to over-

all social partners and public

23

FEATURE

Writer: Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak, DPSA

SA's eDisclosure system used as yardstick to help other countries S

outh Africa’s electronic disclosure system (eDisclosure) continues to shine on the African map, following a second

invite to share the invention with a neighbour-

ing country.

In November 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) invited the Department of Public Service (DPSA) to share the system’s experience with neighbouring Botswana. This followed an earlier invite to share the experience with Malawi in September 2022.

As the custodian of the system, the DPSA’s Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEID-TAU) shared information on the eDisclosure System with the Ethics and Integrity Directorate (EID) of Botswana.

This was to ensure that the neighbouring country complies with the United Nations Convention against Corruption’s (UNCAC) requirements regarding asset declaration.

24

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Photo: Unsplash

The UNODC is providing technical assistance to all members of the UNCAC to ensure implementation of the Convention. The PAEID-TAU was requested to present the eDisclosure system as a case study during the training

The system allows designated public servants from level 9 to level 16 to disclose financial interests – annually for senior management service members and bi-annually for non-senior management service members.

session. until it became an electronic

ethics officers scrutinise the

and provides them with a tool

binding instrument adopted

system in 2016 to detect con-

submitted information and

to perform lifestyle reviews

by the UN in 2003 and was

flicts of interest.

compare it to databases from

and identify employees with

the electronic National Traf-

unexplained wealth.

The UNCAC is a legally

ratified by 187 states. South

The system allows desig-

Matshego said with the

Africa and Botswana are both

nated public servants from

fic Information System, the

signatories to this Convention.

level 9 to level 16 to disclose

Deeds Office, the Companies

element of lifestyle audits

Botswana’s EID is mandated

financial interests – annually

and Intellectual Property

introduced, the South African

to manage the asset declara-

for senior management ser-

Commission and databases

financial disclosure system is

tions of about 4 000 public

vice members and bi-annually

maintained by departments,

currently adapting to become

officials, including public

for non-senior management

such as gifts registers and the

a dual declaration system that

servants, politicians and

service members.

register for employees having

is similar to that of Botswana.

judges. The PAEID-TAU also

Disclosure of financial

permission to conduct other

Botswana’s EID and PAEIDTAU also shared insights on

presented this case study to

interests is compulsory and

the Office of the Director of

is regulated by regulations 18

Public Officers Declarations of

and 19 of the Public Service

Dual declaration

Malawi in September 2022.

Regulations, 2016. Informa-

By comparing information to

ruption and Ethics units. This

tion that must be disclosed

external databases, available

highlighted the need for ethics

Ms Pleasure Matshego, who

includes amongst others:

on the eDisclosure system,

and integrity bodies in South-

developed the eDisclosure

properties, vehicles, business

the information of public serv-

ern African to work together to

System explained that the

interests and other remunera-

ants is verified for accuracy.

develop a sustainable model

system was developed in

tive work.

This enables ethics officers

of ethics management for the

to detect conflicts of interest

region.

A Director in the PAEID-TAU,

2000 and gradually evolved

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

The national and provincial

remunerative work.

challenges experienced by newly established Anti-Cor-

25

Writer: Nthambeleni Gabara, DPSA

FEATURE

Minister urges South Africans to stand united against corruption ration of the International Anti-corruption Day, Public Service and Administration Acting Minister Thulas Nxesi emphasized the importance of partnerships between all sectors of the economy in the fight against the scourge.

“To achieve this, we must continue to foster anti-corruption partnerships with all sectors of society such as the private sector, civil society and academia to ensure that everyone is united in the resolve to eradicate corruption,” he said.

The Minister noted that corrosive consequences of corruption have caused great sufferPhoto: DPSA

ing and harm to the country

S 26

and Africa.

“Corruption proliferates under conditions where the integrity infrastructure is weak

outh Africans must stand

ability, transparency and good

goal of eradicating poverty and

and ineffective the successful

united against corruption

governance to realise the Na-

increasing economic growth.

application and implementation

and embrace account-

tional Development Plan (NDP)

Speaking at the commemo-

of laws is predicated on strong

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

leadership and the ability of

ferred to national and provincial

of potential corrupt practices

NACAC has a three-year term

leaders to set a vision, based

departments as well as public

to supplement the reactive

and will ultimately pave way for

on the rights, values and princi-

entities for investigation.

measures executed by law-en-

the establishment of a perma-

forcement agencies and other

nent overarching entrenched

anti-corruption bodies.

national anti-corruption archi-

tion,” added the Minister.

“I don’t think that I would

Reaffirming commitment

The collective effort of society

tecture (single agency) consti-

be alarmist to suggest that

The Minister pointed out that

and an integrated approach

tuting government, civil society

South Africa finds itself on the

commemorating International

will help mitigate the risk of

and business. The agency will

precipice of deep societal divi-

Anti-Corruption Day presents

costly commissions of inquiry,

be responsible for the imple-

sions caused by corruption and

the nation with the opportunity

forensic investigations and

mentation of the National Anti-

general malfeasance. Without a

to reaffirm the commitment

other legal processes.

Corruption Strategy.

moral compass to place it on a

to eradicate corruption in the

path in which the aspirations of

country.

must be uprooted. Despite

“Corruption is an evil that

tion of a truly capable, ethical

Nations Convention against

National AntiCorruption Advisory Council

and developmental state are

Corruption on 9 December

In August 2022, President Cyril

optimistic, as even simple steps

realised,” he said.

2003, later ratified it, our

Ramaphosa appointed the Na-

can move a country in the right

government made a commit-

tional Anti-Corruption Advisory

direction,” added the Minister.

the Minister said it must be

ment and took a conscious

Council (NACAC), a multi-sec-

acknowledged that the chal-

decision that we shall not allow

toral advisory body established

lenges regarding corruption

our country to be insidiously

to implement and monitor the

have stubbornly prevailed and

devoured by the scourge that is

anti-corruption strategy and

seem to continue unabated.

continuing to bedevil societies.”

render advice on the

he said.

reports related to the

the Constitution and the crea-

Despite government efforts,

“We have seen an increase in the number of complaints

“When we signed the United

the 2021/22 financial year, a

National AntiCorruption Strategy

total of 1 563 complaints were

In 2018, Cabinet approved the

reported through the hotline.

National Anti-Corruption Strat-

reported through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline. During

“Out of the 1 563 complaints

work and action plan for South

departments, 324 relates to

Africa. The strategy is based on

provincial departments and

the principle that there should

760 relates to public entities,”

be prevention and combating

he said.

of corruption through good governance, transparency,

as at 31 October 2022, 930

integrity management and

complaints had been reported

accountability in soci-

through the hotline and re-

ety, and early detection

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

headway and we must remain

Judicial Inquiry into State Capture.

Chaired by Professor Firoz Cachalia, the

egy, which provides a frame-

reported, 479 relates to national

The Minister revealed that

its obstinacy, we have made

Photo: Unsplashed

ples enshrined in the Constitu-

27

FEATURE

Source: NHBRC

Equal economic

opportunities in the human settlements value chain people with disabilities, and military veterans through skills development, job opportunities, and support of their businesses and entities,” said Booi.

More than five hundred women have participated in this programme since its inception.

It was initially a four-month programme with networking and

A

mentorship support. s part of its Women

successful company,” said the

Empowerment Pro-

Council in a statement.

gramme, the National

NHBRC CEO Songezo Booi

“We believe that our pro-

It now entails training conduct-

gramme will assist in unlocking

ed by leading academics and

obstacles and boost women's

key influencers in the industry,

Home Builders Registration

says the organisation's social

empowerment. It will further

and is followed by a mentorship

Council (NHBRC) partnered with

transformation and empower-

assert measurable goals for us

programme. Additionally, can-

the Gordon Institute of Business

ment programme seeks to

to achieve on the road to a radi-

didates develop comprehensive

Science to develop a programme

address issues related to the

cally transformed home-building

business plans and are evalu-

aimed at enhancing leadership

advancement of equal economic

industry,” said Booi.

ated for individual and company

potential and boost business skills

opportunities in the human set-

for women in the construction

tlements value chain to optimise

industry.

meaningful participation of

The partnership, which started in 2014, saw 92 women entrepre-

vulnerable groups.

“Women are under-represent-

Transformation agenda The NHBRC said it will con-

revenue growth.

The NHBRC, an agency of the Department of Human Settlements, is responsible for the

tinue to support government

protection of housing consum-

neurs receiving their certificates

ed in the construction industry.

initiatives for empowerment and

ers and to regulate the home

after completing their 24-month

We aim to bring about trans-

access to economic opportuni-

building industry. The council

training in December 2022.

formation by assisting women

ties.

also offers services such as

“Through this programme,

in developing their entrepre-

“With this programme, the

enrolment of new homes, home

women entrepreneurs develop

neurial skills, business skills, and

NHBRC demonstrates its

builder registration, home build-

their entrepreneurial, business,

leadership skills so they can fully

commitment to the transforma-

ing inspections, builder train-

and leadership skills which

realise and operate profitable

tion agenda, and elevating the

ing, geotechnical and materials

enable them to fully operate a

businesses,” says Booi.

empowerment of women, youth,

engineering.

28

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

I KNOW.

I ACT. ICORRUPTION. STOP

FIGHTING

CORRONUE’SPBTUSIINOEN SS IS EVERY

Report fraud and corruption on 0800 701 701 Follow the conversation on #SAAgainstCorruption

Source: DSI and SKAO

PROFILES FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP

Photo: SKAO

South African company awarded major contract as part of SKA construction

S 30

outh Africa is set to

in the Northern Cape.

comed the awarding of the

Speaking at an event sig-

contract – the largest to be

the most advanced radio

nalling the commencement

awarded to a local company

Square Kilometre Array (SKA)-

telescope on Earth when

of the on-site construction

by the international SKA

Mid infrastructure contract as

completed. Located at sites

of the mega science project,

Observatory (SKAO).

part of the construction of the

in South Africa and Australia,

the Minister of Higher Edu-

mid-frequency components of

the telescope will explore

cation, Science Innovation,

Power Adenco Joint Venture

the SKA telescope in Carnarvon

the origins of the universe

Dr Blade Nzimande, wel-

(Pty) Ltd, which has been

benefit economically from the awarding of the

The SKA telescope will be

among others.

"I wish to congratulate

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Photo: SARAO

appointed as the successful

South Africa has already

bidder for the tender to build

constructed the 64-dish

the major civils infrastruc-

MeerKAT telescope/instru-

ture, which includes a rollout

ment that will eventually

of power, fibre and roads,

form part of the SKA-Mid

and will be the biggest con-

telescope.

tract awarded by the SKAO

Dr Nzimande pointed out

to a South African-based

that local participation in the

company, amounting close

construction of the SKA-Mid

to R890 million," said the

telescope is a key require-

Minister.

ment of the SKAO, making

The telescope will be built at a cost of €1.3 billion and will be completed in 2028.

the awarding of the contract highly significant.

"A proportionate amount of

The construction and opera-

the contract value will indeed

tions of the telescope will be

be spent with local small,

managed by the SKAO. As

medium and micro enter-

part of the commencement,

prises (SMMEs), employ-

€300 million worth of con-

ment of local people, training

Observatory (SARAO)," said

Vivo Technical, Zutari and

tracts awarded to companies

and transferring skills to local

the Minister.

EMCOM. A total estimated

across the SKAO partnership

people, supporting local

was announced, including

businesses and implement-

Investment

the production of the tel-

ing community development

This contract is in addition to

awarded to South African

escope dishes and antennas

initiatives in conjunction with

recently awarded contracts

entities, with further con-

and the major infrastructure

the SKAO and the South

to SARAO and other South

tracts expected. Furthermore,

work at the telescope sites.

African Radio Astronomy

African companies, such as

it is expected that the leasing

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Photo: SARAO

value of contracts worth R1.2 billion have now been

31

PROFILES FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP XXX

of buildings to be constructmaintenance and operations

International recognition

of the SKAO for the next 50

The MeerKAT telescope,

years, will deliver long-term,

which will eventually be inte-

sustainable foreign invest-

grated into the SKA-Mid tel-

ment to South Africa.

escope, continues to receive

ed, and ongoing technical

The Minister congratulated

scientific accolades from across the world for several

its promise of ensuring that

amazing discoveries made

South Africa and other mem-

since it was launched in 2018

ber countries get their fair

– the latest being the Royal

Photo: NASA on Unsplash

the SKAO for delivering on

share of returns, demonstrating that scientific projects can make positive socio-economic impacts.

Over and above direct for-

Astronomical Society's 2023 Group Achievement Award.

Many of these discoveries have been delivered by the local astronomy community,

eign investment and indirect

which has grown exponen-

return on investment in the

tially and transformed over

form of job creation, SMME

tional reputation as a partner

the past 20 years. The local

the past decade to become

development, human capital

and destination for science

design, manufacturing and

globally competitive.

development, science tourism

and technology investment

construction of the MeerKAT

and other related benefits,

and collaborations.

telescope by SARAO proved

will ultimately see 133 dishes

that the country has extremely

added to the existing 64-

The SKA-Mid telescope

South Africa’s membership in

This return on investment

the SKAO will continue to en-

is testament to the hard work

competent technical and

dish MeerKAT telescope,

hance the country’s interna-

done by South Africa over

engineering capabilities.

totalling nearly 200 dishes.

Most dishes will be concentrated in a core, with three

About the SKAO The SKAO is an intergovernmental organisation that comprises countries from five continents and is headquartered in the United Kingdom.

Its two telescopes, each composed of hundreds of dishes and thousands of antennas,

spiral arms extending over 150 km.

The involvement of South African entities in the construction of the SKA project

will be constructed in South Africa and Australia, and eventually be the two most ad-

and the transfer of benefits

vanced radio telescopes on Earth. A later expansion is envisioned in both countries and

through these contracts to

other African partner countries.

the local communities is, but

Together with other state-of-the-art research facilities, the SKAO’s telescopes will ex-

one of the many ways that

plore the unknown frontiers of science and deepen the understanding of key processes,

the country will continue

including the formation and evolution of galaxies, fundamental physics in extreme envi-

to realise the rewards of its

ronments and the origins of life.

involvement and investments in the global SKAO.

32

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

What will people say?

There is no excuse for abuse.

Police: 10111 Stop Gender Violence: 0800 150 150 Childline: 0800 055 555

People can only help if they know.

TELL SOMEONE.

Violence and abuse are poison to society. Let’s make it stop.

FEATURE

Compiled by Miriam Mokoena

Building the future through Artificial Intelligence S outh Africa’s first-of-its-

but also contribute to economic

of Basic Education has intro-

skills includes creating plat-

kind Artificial Intelligence

growth.

duced robotics and coding as

forms to support and promote

school subjects in primary and

the ability of youth, and small

high schools.

and medium enterprises, in

(AI) Institute will not only

In a statement, Cabinet noted

enhance the teaching of robotics

that the institution, which was

and coding in public schools

launched in November 2022,

thousand schools are designing

Africa’s digital transformation

and producing robots both for

efforts.

gaming and to complete tasks

out by the Presidential Com-

the learners find tedious for hu-

mission on the Fourth Industrial

man completion.

Revolution, the institute posi-

growth, address unemployment and create a

“Next year [2023], learners in

digital content.

Founded upon the vision set

tions itself as an adjacent in-

positive social impact.

these and additional schools

novation engine for public and

The AI Institute will

that will join this category will

private sectors. The institution’s

expand the teach-

compete in a National Robotics

website states that it intends to

ing of robotics and

Development Challenge,” said

“generate knowledge and appli-

coding currently

the Minister.

cations that will position South

being offered in public

The AI Institute is a collabora-

schools,” Cabinet said.

tion between the Department

Speaking at the G20

of Communications and Digital

Africa as a competitive player in the global AI space.

“Al is the most transformative

Technologies, Tshwane Uni-

tool of our era. Its applications

isters’ Meeting held in Bali,

versity of Technology and the

are ubiquitous across all sec-

Indonesia in September 2022,

University of Johannesburg.

tors, enhancing production and

Communications and Digital

“The institute is designed

Digital Economy Min-

services like never before.

Al might be poised to take

Technologies Minister Khum-

to ensure that government

budzo Ntshavheni noted the

academia and industry work to-

over roles occupied by people,

importance of investing in the

gether in a unique partnership

but the technology has the

development of the youth

to apply their collective knowl-

potential to actually enhance

edge, expertise and experience

industry and address unem-

to implement coordinated solu-

ployment. It presents South

invest significantly to

tions to some of South Africa

Africa with the opportunity to

provide our youth with

and Africa’s most critical and

re-skill the labour force for a

access to modern train-

long-standing challenges, and

digital future, whereby working

ing, skill sets and formal

to take the continent forward,”

collaboratively with machines

education. To achieve

noted Cabinet.

will be the norm”.

through technology.

“It is essential that we

Photo: Unsplash

particular start-ups, to develop

ushers a new era in South

“It will stimulate economic

34

“At present, learners in over a

this, [the] Department

Government’s focus on digital

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

35

FEATURE

Source: BrandSA

Attractive investment destination “The South African delegation did a fantastic job in Davos

Photo: BrandSA

where it sold our country to

SA supports calls for co-operation to address global challenges

T

ble market to do business and invest in. Notwithstanding the energy supply constraints that our country is currently grappling with, South Africa remains an attractive investment destination given its excellent infrastructure, sophisticated financial markets, and a skilled workforce,” says Brand South Africa Acting CEO Sithembile Ntombela.

The South African government is currently implementing structural reforms that have opened the energy sector to private investment to

he 53rd Annual Meeting

inflation could be resolved if

Human Settlements Minister

boost energy generation and

of the World Economic

nations addressed global sup-

Mmamoloko Kubayi.

bring an end to load shed-

Forum (WEF) in Davos,

ply disruptions that are leading

This year’s event was held

ding that is constraining the

Switzerland, concluded on Friday,

to commodity shortages and

under the theme: “Cooperation

20 January 2023. World lead-

driving up energy and food

in a Fragmented World” and

ers and corporate executives

prices.

covered many interconnected

are currently being implement-

topics, including the impact of

ed by government are making

expressed hope that the looming

The delegation was led by Fi-

economy.

“The structural reforms that

recession facing the global

nance Minister Enoch Godong-

the ongoing Russia-Ukraine

progress in removing invest-

economy could be avoided if

wana, accompanied by leaders

war on commodity markets,

ment bottlenecks and reduc-

countries collaborated to boost

of South Africa’s major cor-

skyrocketing cost of living

ing the cost of doing business.

global trade and investment.

porations operating in various

caused by rising inflation and

These reforms will enable

sectors of the economy. The

monetary policy tightening by

South Africa, a preferred

government and business

delegation also included Trade,

central banks, climate change,

destination by local inves-

delegation has returned home

Industry and Competition

and the growing impact of arti-

tors and global multination-

from the meeting more upbeat

Minister Ebrahim Patel; Interna-

ficial intelligence on workplaces

als looking to expand across

than before that the current

tional Relations and Coopera-

and labour markets.

Africa, to take advantage of

economic slowdown and rising

tion Minister Naledi Pandor and

A high-level South African

36

global investors as a favoura-

the opportunities presented by

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

the African Continental Free

growth in terms of production

full motion around the world,

tion of the Paris Agreement,

Trade Area (AfCFTA),” says

and trade volumes under the

the delegation that represent-

which calls on all countries to

Ntombela.

AfCFTA.

ed South Africa at WEF 2023

cut carbon emissions to limit

African Continental Free Trade Area

expressed support for calls

global warming to around 1.5

the most industrialised and

to reskill and upskill work-

degrees Celsius and strive

sophisticated economy in

forces, particularly the youth,

towards attaining net zero

The AfCFTA, which officially

Africa, it is well positioned to

to prepare them for future

emissions by 2050.

launched in 2021, will create

take advantage of opportuni-

workplaces and to mitigate job

the world’s largest free trade

ties presented by AfCFTA.

losses.

area, stimulate intra-African

The development of the free

trade, develop regional value

trade area will require massive

by the progress made by the

fuel energy sources like coal

chains and promote industri-

investment in logistics and

WEF’s Reskilling Revolution;

and crude oil, and adopting

alisation across the continent.

telecommunications infra-

an initiative launched in 2020

clean and environmentally

structure to reduce the cost

to empower 1 billion peo-

friendly energy sources such as

and WEF revealed in a report

of doing business and enable

ple. So far, the initiative has

wind and solar power.

unveiled at this year’s Davos

free movement of people,

reached 350 million people.

meeting that the AfCFTA is

goods and services,” explains

projected to create a single

Ntombela.

The AfCFTA Secretariat

market that will grow to 1.7

“Given that South Africa is

The delegation is impressed

Climate change

This commitment requires countries and businesses to move away from using fossil

The new Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate, which brings together over 50 coun-

Climate change also took cen-

tries, was also a highlight of

tre stage at WEF with world

this year’s WEF.

in consumer and business

Reskilling Revolution

spending by 2030.

With the green energy transi-

tives committing themselves

climate change by promot-

tion and digital transition in

to supporting the implementa-

ing trade and investment that

billion people and $6.7 trillion

By 2050, the continent is

leaders and business execu-

The coalition aims to tackle

estimated to be home to 2.5

encourages the adoption of

billion people and a market

goods, services and tech-

with a combined business and

nologies that mitigate climate

consumer spending of $16.12

change in both developed and

trillion.

developing countries.

The report titled; A New

“However, the global chal-

Era for Global Business and

lenges that were highlighted at

Investment in Africa lists four

WEF 2023 cannot be resolved

high-potential sectors that

in a fragmented world in which

hold lucrative opportunities for

countries are pulling in different

companies looking to invest in

directions. These challenges

Africa.

require collaboration and unity

These sectors are automo-

by the nations of the world,

tive, agriculture and agro-pro-

where countries are working

cessing, pharmaceuticals, and

together to find solutions in an

transport and logistics, which

integrated global economy,”

are all expected to see rapid

concludes Ntombela.

Photo: Gonz DDL on Unsplash

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

37

FEATURE XXX

Photo: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Source: SAnews

Photo: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

SA sets up new frontier against prostate cancer T 38

through this collaboration.

According to the European Commission, TAT is based on the coupling of alpha particle-emitting radioisotopes to tumour-selective carrier molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies or peptides. These molecules can selectively target tumour cells, even if they are spread throughout the body.

he fight against prostate

Steve Biko Academic Hospital

Centre in 2017 to offer services

cancer – one of the top

(SBAH) in Pretoria.

for prostate cancer to South

to prostate cancer patients

African patients.

through compassionate use

five cancers reported

The setting up of the crucial

More than 300 South African

“The treatment is offered

among men in South Africa,

unit emanated from collabora-

is being given another boost

tion between the University of

prostate cancer patients have

patient treatment,” the Health

through the construction of a

Pretoria (UP) and the European

been successfully treated with

Department said.

new state-of-the-art facility at

Commission’s Joint Research

Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT)

and improved protocols for

According to UP, other joint

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

over the past years

death and suffering among

played by the new modality, an

in the area of nu-

communities in low and

alpha-emitting Actinium-225

clear medicine.

middle-income countries.

in the treatment of prostate

“I agree that the concept of nuclear medicine is not spo-

The top five cancers in men include prostate (25.29%), followed by colorectal (5.63%),

cancer, which will contribute to reducing the burden of disease.

“I believe that the ongoing re-

ken about. However,

lung (4.01%), non-Hodgkin's

search collaboration between

nuclear medicine has

lymphoma (3.2%) and mela-

the Department of Health, the

noma (2.74%).

SBAH and our EU counterparts

played a critical role in the health sector over many

In women, the top five can-

years in the diagnosis of many

cers include breast (23.22%),

treatment modality to other

cervix (15.85%), colorectal

types of cancer, such as breast

(4.46%), uterus (3.6%) and

cancer, in the future.”

ailments.

“It is quite encouraging to see how this practice has

non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

evolved over the years to play

(2.55%).

an increasingly important role

“As we aim to create equity

will help expand the use of this

He believes that the Nuclear Medicine Research Institute, having reached a construction

in therapeutics as well. I am in-

in access to care among all

completion stage at SBAH, will

formed that there is a new area

our communities, government

immensely contribute toward

of radiation medicine called

has an obligation not only

the realisation of this mission.

studies will lead to the develop-

theranostics, which engulfs

to ensure implementation of

Dhlomo paid tribute to the

ment of TAT for other types of

both diagnostic and therapeu-

preventative strategies where

hospital for reaching this mile-

cancer, with a particular focus

tic use of nuclear medicine,”

applicable, but also to create

stone and recognised the out-

on breast cancer.

Dhlomo said.

access to early detection as

standing research work done

well as appropriate and time-

by Professor Mike Sathekge,

The Deputy Minister of

South Africa, the Deputy

Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo,

Minister said, continues to

ous treatment of cancers to

the Head of the Nuclear Medi-

has described the move as a

experience a quadruple burden

improve our survival rates.

cine Department at UP and

signal to an important era of

of disease, including a high

collaboration with the Euro-

burden of HIV and AIDS, TB

to recognise the need for

pean Union (EU) to enhance

and an increasing burden of

research and innovation to

ment of the facility, the EU

healthcare research, as both

non-communicable diseases, of

enhance treatment outcomes.

Commissioner of Health and

parties jointly endeavour to

which cancer is a high priority.

I firmly believe that creating

Food Safety, Stella Kyriak-

“Nuclear medicine plays a

basic access to diagnosis and

ides, said Europe and South

critical role in enhancing our

treatment can co-exist with our

Africa have a strong partner-

response to our complex bur-

endeavours to be innovative,”

ship through the development,

Dhlomo thanked the SBAH

den of disease,” Dhlomo said.

said Dhlomo.

manufacturing and access to

team for the commendable

He said cancer has become

“leave no one behind”.

Nuclear medicine research they have undertaken

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

one of the leading causes of

“It is also necessary for us

He expressed enthusiasm to learn more about the role

SBAH, and his team.

Commending the develop-

COVID-19 vaccines in Africa and worldwide.

39

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

President urges education system to provide learners with more choices

P

resident Cyril Ramaphosa

neurship that are so sorely

“The high numbers of unem-

has called for the broad-

problem of learner dropout

needed, can best be achieved

ployed young people is some-

ening of learner access

makes the theme of this year’s

by increasing learner access

thing no country can afford, but

lekgotla even more relevant.

to technical and vocational

it is even worse if they are also

subjects.

not in education or training,”

to technical and vocational subjects in order to provide them

“The theme, which focuses

he said.

with more choices and better

on equipping learners with

“I am pleased to hear about

guidance, as well as mitigate the

knowledge and skills for a

the progress that we are mak-

dropout rate.

changing world, raises the

ing in institutionalising the

gotla that inclusive growth and

The President said providing

important issue of whether all

three-stream model,” President

shared prosperity can only be

learners with more choices and

learners who enter the basic

Ramaphosa said.

achieved when more people

better guidance should make

education system are able to

an impact on the number of

follow the educational paths

specialisations have already

those who drop out.

that best suit them and their

been introduced in more than

ductive workforce cannot be

aspirations,” he said.

550 schools, and a growing

achieved if South Africa does

He said the improved matric

Various technical vocational

The President told the lek-

are working.

He emphasised that a pro-

number of schools are piloting

not evolve into a nation com-

holders in basic education to

that the three-stream model –

the subjects in the technical

mitted to lifelong learning in

redouble efforts to address the

academic, technical vocational

occupational stream.

various forms.

extremely serious problem of

and technical occupational – is

President Ramaphosa said

learner dropout.

results must encourage stake-

The President emphasised

“If the economy is not creat-

critical if the country is to adapt

subjects, including Agriculture,

ing enough jobs at scale to

President Ramaphosa was

and thrive in the new world of

Maritime and Nautical Science,

support the growing numbers

delivering the keynote address

work. The strategic objective

Electrical, Civil and Mechani-

of the unemployed, we have

at the Basic Education Sec-

of the model is to increase the

cal Technologies, are among

to think creatively and innova-

tor Lekgotla at the Sandton

quality and access to quality

the types of subjects he wants

tively. This starts with devel-

Convention Centre, in Johan-

education through increasing

to see being offered at many

oping skills for a modern and

nesburg, on 26 January 2023.

learner access to technical,

schools.

dynamic workforce through

The three-day lekgotla was held under the theme: “Equipping Learners with Knowl-

40

“In many respects, the

vocational and skills subjects and schools.

“These are all vocations our economy sorely needs.

basic education.

“It cannot be emphasised

“The skills that our country

They are the kind of vocations

enough that the greater the

edge and Skills for a Chang-

needs, the jobs that can grow

that we need to promote and

scope of basic education

ing World in the Context of

our economy, and importantly,

develop if we are to tackle

streams, the better our learn-

COVID-19”.

the avenues for entrepre-

unemployment.

ers’ prospects are for securing

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

employment after school,” the

Meaningful development

President said.

President Ramaphosa said the

employment and for self-

Rising performance of learners in poorer schools

racism, substance abuse and other ills.

The President said just as

ture Delivery Initiative (ASIDI).

“The Department of Basic Education assures me that all

Lekgotla is one of the most im-

education fights inequality and

remaining SAFE sanitation pro-

portant events on the country’s

poverty, improves a nation’s

jects at approximately

calendar.

health outcomes, and con-

1 000 schools are scheduled for

tributes to economic growth,

completion in the next financial year.

Officials, educators, teacher

The President further lauded

unions, policymakers, the

investment in quality education

the class of 2022 for their

private sector and civil society

extends beyond learning itself.

remarkable 80.1% pass rate,

use the platform to chart the

despite the impact of lock-

course for basic education

ensure that learners are able to

strained in many of our schools

downs, school closures,

for the next 12 months and

receive education in dignified

by high learner-teacher ratios,

learning disruption, curriculum

beyond.

conditions that support their

amongst others. The burden of

health and well-being. Through

expectation on our educators

involves more than the skills

the Sanitation Appropriate

to teach, do administration and

trimming, rotational timetables and numerous hurdles.

“This year’s results, par-

“We know that education

“We are working hard to

“We know that conditions of learning are seriously con-

needed to work; it is also

for Education programme,

meet the needs of their learn-

ticularly the performance of

about developing the capa-

known as SAFE, we have so far

ers is stressful,” he said.

learners from poorer schools,

bilities needed to participate

been able to construct 50 000

show the deepening impact of

in a democratic society,” the

sanitation facilities at 2 388

the introduction of learning as-

education spending and the

President said.

schools,” he said.

sistants in classrooms, as part

social wage more broadly. We congratulate all the learners.

“The rising performance in poorer schools is like touch-

He called for schools to

A further 15 000 appropri-

President Ramaphosa said

of the Presidential Employment

become places that are free of

ate toilets were constructed

Stimulus, has been a bless-

corporal punishment, sexual

at 1 047 schools as part of the

ing for many educators and

abuse, gender-based violence,

Accelerated Schools Infrastruc-

schools.

ing the Holy Grail. As we are improving particularly in poorer schools, results are becoming more and more positive.

This is a sign of a revolution we always thought we want to achieve and I dub it 'touching the Holy Grail',” the President said.

The President also congratulated and thanked all those who contributed towards this outcome, including Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, and the respective MECs and their teams.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

41

FEATURE

Source: NECT

NECT

promotes home language reading

T

he National Educa-

more and are more likely

tion Collaboration Trust

to stay in school for

(NECT) has devel-

longer if they are taught

oped 189 indigenous language

in a language that they

storybooks to promote home

speak and understand.

language reading in foundation phase classrooms across the

ter Angie Motshekga has

country. At least 21 titles have

previously noted that

been developed in nine of South

given the demographics

Africa’s official languages, namely

of South Africa, more

Siswati, Setswana, Sepedi,

than 80% of children

Tshivenda, Xitsonga, IsiXhosa,

are taught in a language

IsiNdebele, IsiZulu and Sesotho.

that is not their own.

This comes ahead of the com-

Through the devel-

identities and they will also

memoration of Mother Tongue

opment of these 189 home

assist in bridging the gap be-

Day (21 Febaruary) – a remind-

language titles, the NECT is

tween home and school,” said

ing them through a digital

er that linguistic diversity and

supporting the Department

National Reading Coalition

campaign with the aim of

multilingualism are essential for

of Basic Education’s efforts to

(NRC) Project Manager Bailey

improving access to home lan-

sustainable development.

elevate home languages by

Nkuna.

guage resources,” he added

The idea for the creation of

42

Basic Education Minis-

providing reading resources

programmes.

“We will also be disseminat-

The NECT’s reading pro-

The NRC's goal is to make

these storybooks stemmed

that will support the teaching

gramme manager, Dr John

age and content appropriate

from the need to support

of reading and also promote

Thurlow said hard copies will

reading resources available to

teaching and learning in home

reading for enjoyment.

be made and distributed to

learners, teachers and parents.

children in disadvantaged

languages, particularly in the

“The stories should help

early grades. According to the

learners identify with their

communities through the or-

World Bank, children learn

personal, social and cultural

ganisation’s focussed reading

The books can be downloaded from https://nrc.org.za/books/

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

HAR382

RECRUITMENT OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTH FOR

THE DIGITIZATION OF DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS RECORDS The Department of Home Affairs, (DHA) has started the digitization process of converting over 350 million paper records into electronic format for improved service delivery. The DHA, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour and Harambee

Youth Employment Accelerator as part of the National Pathway Management Network seek to contribute to the employment creation goals and strategic priorities of the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme by hiring unemployed youth on a fixed term contracts to assist.

WHO CAN APPLY? (this will all be verified) South African citizens aged between 18-35 years old Your qualification must match the minimum requirement of the role you are applying for

Contracts will be for 36 months

No criminal record; and a clear credit history

ROLES AND STIPENDS Each role has different education requirements - these are available on the opportunity cards when applying on sayouth.mobi Document Warehouse Controllers (16 Posts), Runners (240 posts), Preppers (735 posts) , Re-assemblers (734 posts), Receiving Clerks (100 posts), Scanners (125 posts) and Drivers (10 posts) – R5,000 per month Indexers (1600 posts) – R5,500 per month

Quality Controllers (200 posts) – R6,000 per month Team Leaders (210 posts) – R6,500 per month Tech Support (24 posts) – R9,500 per month Managers (6 posts) – R14,250 per month

ENQUIRIES?

LOCATION All roles will be at the Department of Home Affairs in Gauteng Province

You can reach us Monday - Friday (9am - 4.30pm) :

(Pretoria) and the North West Province (Brits).

0800 727272 support@sayouth.org.za

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FROM 1 FEBRUARY - 2 MARCH 2023

Go to sayouth.mobi The site is zero-rated so free to visit

If you have forgotten your password click “forgot password” to receive an SMS, if you have changed your number call 0800 727272

Home Affairs Employment & Labour

Register - the process will take 4 mins.

If you have already registered on SA Youth or Harambee you can just log in using the same log in details

Once you’ve registered search for “Home Affairs”. If you don’t live in Pretoria or Brits remove your address before searching.

SAYouth.mobi HomeAffairsZA Department-of-Labour

FEATURE

Celebrating International Mother Tongue Day O

Nomgqibelo Motha: GCIS Language Services Additional reporting: Miriam Mokoena

n 21 February, South

Africa will join the world

in commemorating Inter-

Photo: PanSALB

national Mother Tongue Day. But how does South Africa support the use of local languages?

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 gives a directive for the establishment

cal and positive measures to

Promoting indigenous languages

of the Pan South African Lan-

all languages commonly used

and isiZulu. There is an obliga-

guage Board (PanSALB). The

by communities in South Africa.

tion on the State to take practi-

board’s mandate is to promote

Furthermore, the Constitu-

and create conditions for the

tion recognises the historically

elevate the status and advance

The United Nations General

development and use of all of-

diminished use and status of

the use of these languages.

Assembly has proclaimed the

ficial languages, as well as the

the nine marginalised South

These obligations and the Use

period between 2022 and 2032

Khoi, Nama and San languag-

African indigenous official

of Official Languages Act, 2012

as the International Decade of

es, and the South African Sign

languages: Sepedi, Sesotho,

(Act 12 of 2012) in essence

Indigenous Languages, to draw

Language. It is also obliged to

Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenḓa,

fosters multilingualism within

global attention on the critical

promote and ensure respect for

Xitsonga, isiNdebele, isiXhosa

working spaces and beyond.

situation of many indigenous languages and to mobilise stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalisation and promotion.

To commemorate International Mother Tongue Day, and as part of the institution’s efforts

Photo: Nalibali

to promote the use of mother

44

tongue and further multilingualism in South Africa, the PanSALB launched Language

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Activism Month on 1 February,

ble, given the scope of some

system wherein mother tongue

Africans, we communicate ef-

2023. The launch kickstarted

subjects and the availability of

is expected to play a crucial

fectively and in a manner that

various activities that will be

study material in all levels of

role as a language of teach-

promotes understanding. Citi-

conducted by the institution

education.

ing and learning to ensure the

zens have the right to access

learners’ cognitive develop-

information and it is critical that

ment,” added the board.

those entrusted with dispatch-

throughout the month.

International Mother Tongue

“It is estimated that 40% of the population globally does

According to PanSALB, the

ing any information in the pub-

Day 2023 is commemorated

not have access to an educa-

under the theme; “Multilingual-

tion in a language they speak

“Language Activism Month

lic interest do so with sensitivity

ism education, a necessity to

or understand. Subsequently,

campaign aims to create

of language.

transform education”.

more focus and emphasis will

awareness of multilingualism

be placed on advancing the

as an important educational

national Mother Language

adoption of the Department

instrument that adds academic

Day was approved at the 1999

of Basic Education’s Mother

value and also promotes ap-

United Nations Educational,

Tongue Based Bilingual Educa-

preciation of cultural aware-

Scientific and Cultural Organi-

The Constitution grants learn-

tion (MTBBE) programme

ness and the preservation of

zation General Conference. The

ers the right to receive educa-

and fast tracking its roll-out

indigenous languages”.

day recognises the importance

tion in the language of their

in schools throughout the

choice. Most research suggest

country” said PanSALB in a

that learners entering school

statement.

are able to learn best through

As part of the Language

their mother tongue, and that

Activism Month Campaign

a second language (such as

Month, the PanSALB will hold

English) is more easily acquired

a seminar in Limpopo, where

if the learner already has a firm

delegates will discuss the roll-

grasp of their home language.

out of the MTBBE programme

However the question of

celebration on International

South Africa remains a vexed

Mother Language Day.

sity for sustainable societies.

“The two-day event will in-

able and desirable that learners

clude the launch of 75 schools

should be able to receive edu-

(25 for each indigenous African

cation in their mother tongue,

languages in Limpopo – Tshiv-

there is still a long way to go

enda, Sepedi and Xitsonga)

to ensure that this is possi-

that are starting the MTBBE

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

now to ensure that, as South

of cultural and linguistic diver-

in the province, followed by a

mother-tongue education in one. While it seems reason-

There is no better time than

Photo: Nalibali

Mother tongue in South African Classrooms

The idea to celebrate Inter-

45

More Matshediso

FEATURE

What young public servants expect from SoNA E

very year in February,

to hear more on what the

Speaker of Parliament

nation’s plans are to address

invites the President of

the energy crisis, the effects of

South Africa delivers the State

the COVID-19 pandemic and

of the Nation Address (SoNA) to

an update on the economic

the Joint Sitting of the National

recovery plan.

“I would like to hear about

Assembly and the National

measures that the govern-

Council of Provinces.

This year, President Cyril

ment together with Eskom will

Ramaphosa will deliver the

implement to improve the cur-

SoNA on 9 February at 19:00,

rent critical condition of energy

at the Cape Town City Hall.

generation. Many businesses have not yet recovered from

The SoNA sets out government’s key policy objectives

COVID-19 and many others are

and deliverables for the year

now closing down because of

ahead, highlights achieve-

load shedding.

ments, flags challenges and

“The COVID-19 pandemic has

outlines interventions to

contributed to a rise in poverty.

unlock development interven-

I would like to know govern-

tions for the coming financial

ment plans on creating more

year.

job opportunities as well as

During his address, Presi-

helping the economy recover.

dent Ramaphosa is expected

In addition, I am expecting to hear about other issues

to highlight what has been achieved by the sixth admin-

Reatlegile Ratlagane

such as education, safety and

istration since his last address in 2022. The SoNA is also an

46

security and Gender-Based and This is what young public

Reatlegile Ratlagane, an

Femicide (GBVF)”.

opportunity for government to

servants would like to hear

Intern in the Media Relations

redouble efforts to build a bet-

more about during the Presi-

unit at the Department of Basic

nications Intern at the Depart-

ter future for all.

dent’s address:

Education, says she expects

ment of Women, Youth and

Funeka Zondo, a Commu-

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Funeka Zondo

Matshidiso Lemao

Persons with Disabilities, ex-

doing to come up with ways

instability of Eskom, we are

like to see more young people

pects the President to address

that will help drive and move

currently witnessing small

being absorbed into work-

challenges in the education

the economy of the country

and medium-sized businesses

forces without experience, so

sector.

forward post-COVID-19?

being forced to shut down

that they can grow, gain expe-

“One of the main issues

because of load shedding.

rience and learn on the job”.

“Education is one of the most significant issues in South

that must be addressed is the

“We as the youth would also

Africa. A nation cannot advance without a well-educated population”.

Matshidiso Lemao, Media Relations Intern at the Department of Basic Education, expects the President to address the high rate of youth unemployment.

“The biggest question for me is what is government

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

47

Nicholas Francis

GROOMING AND ST YLE

Pictures: Supplied

Fashion mix and matches “I 1

don’t have anything to wear” is something we have all said at some point whilst looking at a full wardrobe. A quick and clever fix is to make sure we have pieces that can compliment each other and allows us to play around and mix and match outfits. We have selected a few pieces that will allow you to make your outfit choices in the morning easier.

3

4

2

* Prices correct at the time of writing

48

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

6

5

7

9

1. Zara bodysuit with sweetheart neckline: R699 available at Zara.

2. Finnigans Mustard Bodycon Skirt: R220 available at Truworths.

3. RE Sculpt & Lift Skinny Jeans: R599 available at Woolworths.

4. Foschini Black Draped Bodycon Dress: R399 available at Foschini.

5. Oakridge Formal White Shirt: R179.99 available at Mr Price.

6. Zara Fuchsia Basic Blazer: R1 099 available at Zara.

7. Steve Madden Festive Rainbow Heels: R999 available at Steve Madden.

8. Truworths Stone Relaxed Cardigan: R460 available at Truworths.

9. Foschini Smart Belted Shorts:

8

10.Footwork Pearl Slip-On Black: R636 available at www.superbalist.com.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

10

R350 available at Foschini.

* Prices correct at the time of writing

49

Nicholas Francis

FOOD XXX AND WINE

Pictures: Sourced

Love on a Plate

Nothing says, “I love you!” like a meal made from the heart. This month of love, we have put together a great and easy menu that will be quick, easy and impressive for that special person in your life. Paired with your favourite wine, this meal will be food for your soul.

Brown Butter Chargrilled

Ingredients:

Prawns

• 12 large king prawns, peeled,

*Courtesy of www.delicious.com.au

50

butterflied (tails intact).

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

• 125g unsalted butter,

chopped.

• 10 curry leaves.

• Juice of 1 lemon.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

on a serving platter.

• Fresh parsley for garnish.

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When

Instructions

the butter starts to foam,

• Season each side of each

add curry leaves and cook

pounded chicken breast

for 2 minutes or until butter

with Italian seasoning and

has browned and curry leaves are crisp.

• Stir in lemon juice and

salt and pepper.

• Combine flour and grated parmesan in a shallow bowl.

mustard seed, then pour

Dredge each chicken breast

over prawns. Spoon turmeric

in the flour mixture, coating

pickle over prawns and

both sides.

serve.

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the 2

Tuscan Chicken in

tablespoons butter and stir/

Parmesan Cream Sauce

melt. Cook the chicken (in

*Courtesy of www.thecookierookie.com

batches if necessary) for 4

Ingredients:

to 5 minutes per side or until

For the chicken:

its fully cooked (165°C in the

• 4 large chicken breasts

center and no longer pink)

lightly pounded to even thickness.

• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs.

• Salt and pepper.

and browned on both sides.

• Remove from the skillet and place on a plate.

• Cover with foil. Wipe the

• 4 tablespoons flour.

skillet clean and return the

• 3 tablespoons grated par-

skillet to medium high heat

mesan cheese.

• 2 tablespoons butter.

and add the remaining ¼ cup butter.

• Use a wooden spoon to

• 1 ½ tablespoons brown mustard seeds.

• Place sugar and vinegar in a small pan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dis-

Turmeric Pickle • 100g turmeric, peeled, thinly sliced

solves.

• Bring to the boil, then remove from heat and pour

• 1/4 cup castor sugar

over turmeric. Set aside to

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

cool. Toss prawns with oil and season.

For the Sauce

scrape the bottom of the

• ¼ cup Butter.

pan as the butter melts.

• 4 garlic cloves minced.

The brown bits hold a lot of

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes

flavor, so no need to remove.

drained and rinsed.

• Add the garlic and sun-dried

• 1 tablespoon flour.

tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2

• ½ cup heavy cream.

minutes or until fragrant.

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth.

• ½ cup parmesan cheese grated or hand shredded.

• Whisk in the flour and allow to thicken for approximately 1 minute.

• Whisk in the heavy cream,

• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs.

chicken broth, parmesan

high heat. Cook prawns,

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

cheese, Italian seasoning,

turmeric in a heatproof bowl

turning, for 3-4 minutes until

• 1 cup baby spinach

and pepper. Stir to combine.

and set aside.

just cooked through. Place

Instructions • For turmeric pickle, place

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

• Heat a chargrill pan over

chopped.

Add the spinach and reduce

51

FOOD XXX AND WINE

heat to simmer.

• Allow to cook until the sauce slightly thickens and the spinach wilts. Add the chicken back into the skillet and turn to coat in the sauce.

• Allow to simmer until the chicken is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

• Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve with rice or couscous.

Chocolate Soufflé with Chocolate Sauce *Courtesy of www.taste.com.au

Ingredients: • 60g butter.

• ¼ cup plain flour.

• 1 cup milk.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

• 175g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely chopped..

• 5 egg yolks • 50g castor sugar.

• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (Orange Liqueur).

• 6 egg whites.

Double cream, to serve

ovenproof dishes.

• Melt butter in a heavy-based

• Add chocolate mixture and

18 minutes or until puddings are well risen.

Chocolate sauce:

saucepan over low-medium

• ¼ cup brown sugar.

heat, stir in flour and cook

• 1 cup pouring cream.

for a few seconds. Remove

whisk whites and a pinch of

ter in a small pan. Stir over

• 40g butter.

from heat. Gradually whisk

salt to soft peaks. Gradually

medium heat until sugar

• 180g dark chocolate

milk and vanilla into flour

add remaining sugar and

dissolves. Stir in chocolate

(70% cocoa solids), finely

mixture until smooth. Add

whisk to stiff peaks. Careful-

until melted. Serve puddings

chopped.

chocolate and whisk until

ly fold whites into chocolate

immediately with chocolate

melted. Do not worry if the

mixture in 2 batches until

sauce and double cream

mixture separates a little.

just combined.

passed separately to spoon

Instructions: • Preheat oven to 200°C. Butter 8 x 150ml soufflé or

52

sugar until thick and pale.

• Using an electric mixer, whisk yolks and half the

liqueur. Stir well.

• Using an electric mixer,

• Spoon into dishes (mixture

• For sauce, combine ¼ cup water, sugar, cream and but-

into the centre.

will fill dishes) bake for 16 to

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

MInsight Content Creation

TRAVEL

Pictures: Supplied

Support local tourism: visit Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge

I

n search of the best among the best in responsible tourism? Look no further – the

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is one of the best responsible tour-

ism destinations.

This Free State establishment was the overall winner at the 2022 World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards.

It also won gold in the Local Economic Benefit category at the same awards, beating 26 finalists from 21 countries.

Nestled in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains in Phuthaditjhaba, the lodge boasts some of the best hiking trails in the country, including Sentinel Peak Trail and its

The lodge offers affordable

with unrivalled views of the

fast at the panoramic Vulture

majestic Sentinel Peak and a

Restaurant, a sufficient meal

Sources, the Amphitheatre,

accommodation that’s ideal not

backpacker’s cabin located just

to sustain you for an adventur-

Eastern Buttress and parts of

only for hikers, but for families,

below the main reception area

ous day as you explore the wild

Maluti Mountains. All these

and small or large groups.

of the lodge that is perfect for

and breathtakingly beautiful

are easily accessible from the

Your choice of accommoda-

backpackers on a budget.

scenery.

Chain Ladders, the Mont-aux-

54

outdoor enthusiasts.

lodge, making it the best ac-

tion is from the cozy bunga-

commodation for hiking and

lows, the large sentinel rooms

All accommodation comes standard with buffet break-

In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing,

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

mountain biking, bird watching

It is currently managed and

Lodge’s workforce. Local com-

local Tseseng village and meet

or even camping in the wild.

marketed by the Transfrontier

munities also benefited from

wonderful traditional crafters

There is an option of having a

Park Destinations on behalf of

the refurbishment of the lodge,

and artists, and enjoy interest-

guide for hiking trails – to help

Batlokoa, a partnership that

with local seamstresses mak-

ing elements of the Batlokoa

with the deep knowledge of

was formed just as the com-

ing curtains, a potter creating

culture, such as traditional

the area, its bird species, the

munity thought it was best to

unique bedside light pieces

music and oral poetry.

rich flora and fauna, but most

close the lodge down.

and other décor items and

importantly its local communi-

Since re-opening in 2011, the

home carpet weavers supply-

lodge has benefited the local

ing bedside and décor rugs.

economy to the tune of R77.

With the skills gained from

7 million and 46% of that re-

There is also a growing number

Creating jobs for local communities

of local mountain and bird

With an eye firmly focused on a

being trained partly by Witsie-

sulted from local procurement

guides who can help you find

viable and sustainable tour-

shoek Mountain Lodge, many

policies and practices.

and identify the local birdlife.

ism model that balances the

of these businesses are still

Originally built in the 1970s

needs of the local community

standing and supplying other

knowing that your vacation has

as State property, Witsieshoek

with those of nature, the lodge

tourism establishments in the

helped develop the lives of the

Mountain Lodge is now owned

ensures that the bulk of its

area.

people and the Witsieshoek

by the Batlokoa community

revenue remains within the

of King Morena Mota – after

community.

ties made up of loving people.

government gradually gave it over to the traditional council.

Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Batlokoa provide the majority of Witsieshoek Mountain

Tseseng village

There is no better feeling than

Mountain Lodge does just that.

While you are at this holiday destination, you can visit the

55

UNITE AGAINST CORRUPTION XXX

T U O K SPEA NOW!

30916

56

086 726 1681 siu@thehotline.co.za www.thehotline.co.za www.thehotlineapp.co.za

Report corruption in government, municipalities and state owned entities to the SIU SIU Hotline: 0800 037 774 @RSASIU Public Sector Manager • February 2023

Special Investigating Unit