PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER JULY 2022
THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Border management South Africa looks at ways of controlling its borders
Black Industrialists JULY 2022
Transforming the economy
PSM
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
1
Contents: July 2022 REGULARS
8
14
LIFESTYLE
Progress made in transforming the South African economy
8
Acknowledging the past at the
Conversations with leaders
Exporters Conference
talks youth unemployment, GBVF
12
16
New border agency set
Winter Warmers
18
A step into vibrant Venda
24
the tax filing process SA continues to be competitive South Africa remains the destination of choice 20
NSG strengthens ties with African training institutions
entry
public sector
10
2
Changes to the 2022 tax
to secure SA
Managing the country’s ports of
Travel
Easy, automatic changes improve
We can and will do more to end loadshedding
10
24
filing season
From the Union Buildings
FEATURES
Food and wine
inaugural Black Industrialist and
Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and mental health
22
Building a more efficient African
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
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Public Sector Manager • July 2022
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
3
MINISTER MONDLI GUNGUBELE’S MESSAGE XXX
Building a better society
W
e live in a world un-
society and the world at large a
dergoing tumultuous
better place than we found it.
times, more so than
ever in the last few years. We not
makes a nation a nation? Is it
only have had to deal with the
our people, our beautiful coun-
harsh reality of a global pandem-
try, our iconic landmarks? Or is
ic and react quickly to the most
it our steadfast belief that we
unforeseen change in the way
are one, that we get up when
we live, but had to also embrace
we stumble, that we stand to-
the best within ourselves to stand
gether in the face of adversity?
together and get through these challenges.
More than ever, we have
Mondli Gungubele Minister in The Presidency
These intangible things are
We are encouraged to look
of young women falling prey to
often the glue that holds a na-
deep within ourselves, commu-
so-called “blessers”. We must
tion together, in good and bad
nities and society. We need to
also do more to tackle the lev-
learnt the value of social cohe-
times. In addition to celebrating
see what we can do in the face
els of corruption and criminal
sion – that we are not alone,
July as Mandela Month, we also
of challenges to our moral val-
activities that affect the quality
that we need each other and
celebrate the month as Moral
ues. These challenges include
of life of all South Africans as
that we are stronger together.
Regeneration Month, where we
those elements of society who
resources intended to improve
seek to strengthen the nation’s
organise and partake in violent
their lives are sometimes used
African of all, former President
social cohesion and foster
protests and riots, as seen a
for personal gain. We can over-
Nelson Mandela, was iconic in
greater nation-building.
year ago, destroying property
come the moral degeneration
The most famous South
and damaging the economy –
by fostering social cohesion
not only social cohesion among
others encouraged by Mandela
affecting the lives and liveli-
and working together as one.
the rainbow nation, but live as
Month, during Moral Regenera-
hoods of our fellow South
an example of what we can
tion Month, we are encouraged
Africans. Another challenge
tion Month, let us take a deep
achieve if we work it together.
to recommit our efforts to build
faced by our nation is alcohol
look at ourselves and play our
stronger communities and a
and drug abuse, which is often
part to tackle this decay – our
ebrates Nelson Mandela Inter-
more caring society. Former
fostered from a young age,
combined actions can help
national Day. We have extended
President Mandela is consid-
as seen in the recent tragedy
bring about change.
this celebration to a whole
ered as the leader of the Moral
where 21 young people, mostly
month; during which we strive
Regeneration Movement and,
teenagers, lost their lives in a
beyond the Mandela Month
extra hard to build a better
as such, we can also follow his
tavern that allowed underaged
and Moral Regeneration Month,
society by doing what we can,
example by doing our part in
drinking. Economic pressures
and make our nation great.
be it big or small, to leave our
the fight against moral decay.
have also led to a resurgence
his efforts to create and build
On 18 July, the world cel-
4
But what forms society? What
In line with the service to
During this Moral Regenera-
Let us take the good deeds
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
XXXMESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
An unstoppable force in making South Africa better Phumla Williams, GCIS Director-General.
P
resident Cyril Ramaphosa
ernment and civil society when
work together to get rid of these
will host the Presidential
addressing developmental chal-
scourges.
Social Sector Summit from
lenges confronting South Africa
The engagements between government and civil soci-
The importance of NGOs and
ety organisations form part of
4 to 5 August 2022. This comes
cannot be overemphasised. Each
CBOs can be found in the Non-
President Ramaphosa’s call for
after the Department of Social De-
sector has unique strengths and
Profit Organisations Ammend-
all key sectors of our society to
velopment held Presidential social
capabilities that, when combined
ment Act, 2000 (Act 17 of 2000),
work together to renew and grow
sector dialogues with community-
and complementing each other,
which provides an administrative
South Africa.
based, faith-based and non-
can be an unstoppable force in
and regulatory framework within
profit organisations in the various
making our country function bet-
which these organisations can
Summit is expected to establish
provinces over the past few years;
ter, be more productive, proac-
conduct their affairs and contrib-
an ongoing dialogue between
the latest being an imbizo held in
tive, and a greater place to live.
The Presidential Social Sector
ute to the advancement of South
NGOs, CBOs and government.
The Presidential Social Sector
Africa’s development agenda.
This will determine ways in
Summit will emphasise the criti-
The National Development
which greater cooperation and
tion Address, in 2018, President
cal role played by non-govern-
Plan: Vision 2030 calls for an
collaboration can be fostered to
Ramaphosa emphasised the
mental organisations (NGOs) and
active citizenry, a critical step
encourage the public and private
importance of convening social
community-based organisations
towards building a South Africa
sector to combine their efforts
sector summits to improve the
(CBOs) in tackling inequality,
we want. The importance of
and resources in the fight against
interface between the State and
poverty, unemployment, gen-
civil participation and proactive
the challenges facing our social
civil society, and strengthen
der-based violence, economic
involvement in endeavours to
cohesion and finding ways to
cooperation and mutual under-
imbalance, and substance and
improve the interrelationships of
build a stronger, more resilient
standing.
alcohol abuse. A safer environ-
the Government of South Africa
society that promotes equal-
ment for our nation to grow
and its people can, therefore, not
ity and prosperity for all South
calls for all sectors of society to
be understated.
Africans.
Gauteng recently.
In his maiden State of the Na-
The importance of cooperation and collaboration between gov-
6
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
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.
By: More Matshediso
XXX CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS
‘We must tackle
youth unemployment, GBVF and mental health’
T
he Minister in the Presidency
According to the survey,
responsible for
the unemployment rate for
labour market,” says the
based economy and the
Minister.
impact of automation
She attributes the
as well as the COVID-19
Women, Youth and Persons
the first quarter was 63.9%
unacceptably high youth
pandemic on jobs also
with Disabilities, Maite
for those aged 15 to 24, and
unemployment in South
contributed to youth
Nkoana-Mashabane says
42.1% for those aged 25 to
Africa to an economy that
unemployment.
the high rates of youth
34 years, while the current
has not been growing,
unemployment in the
official national rate stands
structural challenges to
the harnessing of youth’s
country can no longer be
at 34.5%.
growth, and the high rate of
potential to grow the
dropout at basic education
country. “This includes the
and higher education.
political will by government
ignored. She was responding to
8
the first quarter of 2022.
“Despite the slight decline in unemployed youth
The Minister also calls for
the Quarterly Labour Force
demonstrated by Stats SA,
Survey (QLFS) released by
young people still remain
from a labour-intensive
to ensure an integration of
Statistics South Africa for
on the margins of the
economy to a service-
youth across all strategic
She adds that the shift
and captains of industry
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
sectors of our society, espe-
widespread unrest, raging
the coordination of the
population. This includes
cially the economy. Our
fires in the Western Cape,
National Strategic Plan on
increasing access
growing youth population
the flooding in KwaZulu-
GBVF.
to education for all,
is our greatest source of
Natal and Eastern Cape,
potential to advance social
and gender-based violence
interruption of basic
and economic development
and femicide (GBVF).
sexual and reproductive
must encourage inclusion
healthcare services during
to ensure that persons
in South Africa,” she says.
“Youth continue to bear
She adds that the
particularly girls. She says education
the brunt of structural
the pandemic has made
with disabilities have
a mandate to advocate,
inequalities that manifest
young girls vulnerable to
equal opportunities to
monitor, evaluate and
in violent ways. We must
teenage pregnancies and
access education and
regulate for the rights and
recognise the gendered
exposure to HIV infections.
work opportunities.
empowerment of women,
experiences of young
youth and persons with
people in our country,”
the experiences of young
approval of the National
disabilities, as enshrined in
says the Minister.
men and boys cannot be
Strategic Framework
ignored, particularly the
on Disability Rights
The department has
the Constitution.
The Minister says young
Equally, the Minister says,
She welcomes Cabinet’s
women and adolescent
mental health issues they
Awareness-Raising
people’s abilities to move
girls are at higher risk of
face. “It is also this group
Campaigns for Persons
South Africa forward to
sexual and gender-based
that is most vulnerable
with Disabilities.
become a global competi-
violence.
to alcohol and substance
“I believe in young
“The framework seeks
While women played a
abuse and exposure to
to guide both private and
development,” says the
crucial role in the drafting
criminal behaviour,” the
public sectors in ensuring
Minister.
and development of our
Minister says.
that the rights of persons
tor in social and economic
She also urges young
country’s world-renowned
The Minister calls on all
with disabilities are
people to be central in
Constitution, women
to make use of existing
protected,” the Minister
shaping a sustainable, in-
continue to suffer GBVF
frameworks, including
says.
clusive and resilient South
perpetrated by men as well
the National Youth Policy
Later this year,
Africa for all. She believes
as economic exclusion, the
2030 and the Presidential
the Minister says,
that youth must pioneer a
Minister says.
Youth Employment
the department will
Intervention, to facilitate
convene the Economic
new generation of thought
As the Chairperson
leaders who will develop
of the Inter-Ministerial
youth investment and
Empowerment Summit
solutions to the challenges
Committee, the Minister
development.
for Persons with
of the nation, continent and
says the committee
world.
continues to coordinate
Disabilities to plan and design a strategy that will
the implementation of the
Addressing GBVF, mental health
Inclusive education
National Strategic Plan on
The Minister calls
process of persons
Gender-Based Violence
on government and
with disabilities in the
In recent years, South
and Femicide.
society to continue to
mainstream economy of
advocate and leverage
the country.
Africa has experienced
Regrettably, the
many challenges, including
Minister says, only R5
off the productivity of
the COVID-19 pandemic,
million is allocated for
South Africa’s youthful
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
accelerate an inclusive
9
Source: SAnews
FEATURE
New border agency set to secure SA Government departments involved in the country’s border management environment are Home Affairs (DHA); Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Health, as well as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Police Service and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). In March, Treasury disbursed R67 million to capacitate the
W
entity, which is currently incuork to establish the
secure travel and legitimate
ensuring that it functions
bated at the DHA. The author-
Border Manage-
trade in accordance with the
effectively. Masiapato was
ity has completed the recruit-
ment Authority’s
Constitution, and international
appointed in November 2021,
ment of 200 border guards:
(BMA) footprint at the country’s
and domestic law. South
while Deputy Commissioner
five chief border guards, 13
many ports of entry continues to
Africa has 72 ports of entry, of
Major-General David Chilem-
senior border guards and 182
take shape.
which 53 are land borders, 10
be and Deputy Commissioner
ground forces.
airports and nine sea ports.
for Corporate Services Jane
“When we advertised we
Ramaphosa signed the Border
The country’s borderline is 4
Thupana joined the team in
wanted people who were al-
Management Authority Bill
773km long, sometimes mak-
December.
ready trained in terms of either
into law, with the new legisla-
ing it difficult to safeguard.
In 2020, President Cyril
Masiapato’s two main pri-
military or police protocols,
Dr Nakampe Masiapato is
orities are to capacitate the
people trained in the use of
the authority’s first Commis-
authority by bringing in new
firearms,” says Masiapato.
sioner and has his work cut
staff as well as the integration
a need for an integrated
out for him. He and his team
of staff from other govern-
Deployment
and well-coordinated bor-
are tasked with getting the
ment departments involved in
The guards, some of whom
der management service to
authority off the ground and
border management.
hail from various metro police
tion coming into effect in July of the same year. The legislation addresses
10
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
departments around the coun-
will be deployed to is between
will also have to fill some posts
Integration
try, are currently being orien-
South Africa and Zimbabwe on
prior to exiting incubation.
Six work streams have been
tated on their new duties and
the east and west of Beitbridge.
From 1 April 2023, the BMA
established to guide the pro-
will be declared a standalone
cess of integration. The border
them to Lebombo, the border
Schedule 3(A) public entity re-
guards will be integrated with
The guards will be deployed
between Mozambique and
porting to the Minister of Home
officials from departments
along vulnerable segments of
South Africa. We will send
Affairs. The accountability matrix
involved in border manage-
the country’s borderline. “The
another group down to northern
of the BMA will be linked to a
ment, excluding the SANDF
border guards will go to the
KwaZulu-Natal.”
team of 10ministers under the
and SARS.
will start their duties after the authority’s launch in July.
vulnerable segments of the bor-
“We will also be sending
The Free State-Lesotho and
banner of the Inter-Ministerial
“When it comes to BMA’s
derline, which are those parts
Eastern Cape-Lesotho areas
Committee (IMCC) on Border
operation, mother departments
of the borderline where people
have also been identified as
Management.
will retain their policy as well
have destroyed the border
vulnerable segments.
as their legislative responsi-
Southern Africa, we have situ-
National Targeting Centre
ations where communities are
Work is also under way to create
and policies from the mother
the work of the SANDF which
cut in half by a border fence. We
a National Targeting Centre,
departments.
already patrols the borderline.
refer to these areas as informal
which will support the work of
“The BMA reflects South
fence and cross in and out with goods,” he explains. The guards will complement
“Because of our history in
bility. The BMA is merely the implementing arm of laws
“The guards are going to be
crossing points since people
the border guards. Individuals
Africa’s move away from a
deployed statically. Currently,
crisscross the border without
working at various departmental
multi-agency approach to
the SANDF is doing high mobil-
being regulated. We will deploy
border desks will be seconded
border management into an
ity deployment so they move
guards in those areas to make
to the centre, which will operate
integrated approach with a
around patrolling the border-
sure criminals do not take ad-
as an intelligence structure.
single command and control
line,” says Masiapato, who has
vantage of the situation.”
served on several border-related forums such as the Border Con-
The BMA guards will have the power to make arrests.
“We will have some people
structure. Each port will have
within BMA on intelligence
one port commander who will
issues. At the same time, we
be responsible for immigra-
trol Operational Co-ordinating
The new entity, which is due
are going to get intelligence
tion issues, agricultural-related
Committee and the Inter-Agen-
to exit incubation at the DHA on
people from the other exist-
issues, environment issues,
cy Clearing Forum.
31 March 2023, will augment the
ing structures. The centre will
health-related issues and ac-
number of border guards in the
function through a multi-agency
cess control at the border,” he
new financial year. The authority
concept.”
explains.
Among some of the vulnerable border segments where guards
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
11
XXX
A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa
FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS
As the system recovers and generation capacity is restored, Eskom will be able to reduce load shedding to lower stages. The agreement reached between Eskom and labour unions will enable critical repairs and return additional units to operation. The transmission line from Cahora Bassa in Mozambique has been restored, adding 600 MW to the grid, and Medupi Unit 6 returned to service recently, adding another 720 MW. Additional units are expected to come back online, further easing the current shortfall. At the same time, law enforcement agencies are working hard to tackle sabo-
We can and will do more to end load shedding
O
ver the past few weeks, severe load shedding has disrupted our
economy and caused extreme
12
hardship for all South Africans.
Stage 6 load shedding was
tage, theft and fraud at Eskom of generation capacity due
to address the threat that these
to unit breakdowns and an
criminal actions pose to the
unprotected strike by Eskom
electricity system.
workers. After more than a decade of
In the end, the bottom line is that we need to add more
electricity shortages, South
capacity to the grid. This will
Africans are right to feel frus-
create space for Eskom to
trated and angry. At times like
undertake critical maintenance
this, it can feel like there is no
and increase the reliability of
end in sight.
its fleet. It will also create a
Yet, while load shedding
buffer so that even if several
appears to worsen, the reality
units experience breakdowns
is that we have already taken
at once, other sources can be
several important actions to
used.
address the shortfall in electricity supply.
One of the first steps I took in 2018 was to revive the
triggered by the loss of more
Our immediate priority is to
renewable energy procure-
than 18 000 megawatts (MW)
stabilise the electricity system.
ment programme. In addi-
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
Image: Eskom
tion to the procurement of new
Medupi units 1, 2 and 3 and are
have been working with the
detailed work and consultations
generation capacity through
underway in units 5 and 6.
relevant Ministers and senior
needed to finalise these further
officials on a range of additional
measures. We will then, soon,
this programme, the increase
While these actions are signifi-
of the licensing threshold for
cant and will bear fruit over the
measures to accelerate all efforts
be able to announce a compre-
new generation projects to 100
coming months, they are clearly
to increase our electricity supply.
hensive set of actions to achieve
MW means that private inves-
not enough to address the crisis
The message is clear: this is no
much faster progress in tackling
tors do not require a license to
that we face.
time for business as usual. We
load shedding.
build generation facilities up to
What the past few weeks have
this size. This simple reform has
demonstrated is that we need
unlocked a massive potential
to do more and do so with the
pipeline of investment.
utmost urgency.
Eskom has made land available
There is no reason why a coun-
need to act boldly to make load shedding a thing of the past. While the measures we have
There are no easy solutions to our electricity crisis. But we are committed and determined to
already taken will secure the
explore every avenue and use
supply of reliable and afford-
every opportunity to ensure that
next to existing power stations
try like ours – with the skills, ca-
able electricity into the future,
we generate enough electricity
for private investment in renewa-
pabilities and resources we have
we have been looking at what
to meet the country’s needs.
ble energy projects. Design mod-
at our disposal – should have to
additional measures we can take
ifications have been completed
endure a shortage of electricity.
now to bring that goal closer.
to improve the performance of
Over the past few weeks, we
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
We will soon be completing the
13
FEATURE
Progress made in
transforming the South African economy
P
14
resident Cyril Ramapho-
sector,” said the President. In
noted that as the conference
mitment to promote emerging
sa says it is undeniable
addition to the progress made
recognises and celebrates the
enterprises to drive inclusive
that South Africa has
in management, shareholding
successes of the Black Indus-
industrialisation.
made gains in transforming a
and ownership of businesses
trialists Programme, it needs to
skewed and racialised economy.
by black and female South
also set out what the respon-
that we secure greater repre-
He said this at the opening of the
Africans, there has also been
sibilities are – individually
sentation across the economy,
inaugural Black Industrialist and
substantial progress made in
and collectively – to advance
all the while generating greater
Exporters’ Conference held at
employment equity.
inclusive entrepreneurship.
prosperity and employment.
He said the country’s black
“Our strategy aims to ensure
Over the past six years, the
the Sandton International Con-
The President added that
vention Centre in Johannesburg
while the country reflects on
industrialists strategy is
Department of Trade, Industry
on 20 July 2022.
progress made so far, it is im-
underpinned by two core com-
and Competition, the Indus-
“Today, there are well over
portant to also critically exam-
mitments – securing greater
trial Development Corporation
300 000 black entrepreneurs
ine areas where transformation
diversity in ownership and con-
(IDC), the National Empower-
who own over half of all small
has been slow and imple-
trolling the economy and social
ment Fund and other agencies
businesses in the formal
mentation has been weak. He
solidarity as well as a com-
have supported approximately
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
900 black industrialists. “Estimates by the IDC sug-
ter that all shall share in the
towards the horizon. While we
country’s wealth, we have not
are here to deliberate on learn-
the shortest possible time. “We are currently engaged in
gest that the socio-economic
yet overcome the structural
ings from the Black Industri-
consultations with social part-
returns of this programme
defects of our economy,” added
alists Programme and other
ners on these measures, and
have been more far-reaching.
the President.
initiatives, this conference is
will soon be able to announce
also about shifting the trans-
a package of measures that
formation agenda into higher
provides an effective response
gear.”
to our energy crisis,” he said.
Panel discussions
growth and job creation in any
Getting black businesses talking to one another
economy.
Trade, Industry and Competi-
ing the impact of the BEE,
tion Minister Ebrahim Patel has
strengthening and facilitat-
This includes supporting and creating some 55 000 jobs
Barriers
and adding over R160 billion
President Ramaphosa em-
to our country’s gross domes-
phasised the importance of
tic product,” said President
self-employment and entre-
Ramaphosa.
preneurship as the engines of
Championed by the President since its inception in 2015, the conference highlighted pro-
“They support innova-
The conference held high-level panel discussions on assess-
gress made by government in
tion, boost competitiveness
described the conference as a
ing transformation, the role
promoting access and trans-
and bring new products and
platform for black businesses
of supplier development and
formation to black industrial-
services into an economy. To
to showcase their experiences.
procurement, challenges and
ists in the economy and the
a large extent, this entrepre-
“As government, we are get-
opportunities with financing
opportunities that the Africa
neurial deficit is the legacy of
ting black businesses talking to
black industrialists, promot-
Free Continental Trade Area
the policies of the past. But 28
one another and networking,”
ing exports and the AfCFTA,
(AfCTA) offers. It also high-
years into democracy, there are
said the Minister.
as well as master plans to
lighted how broad-based black
still barriers preventing black
economic empowerment (BEE)
entrepreneurs from meaningful
Load shedding
enables growth and job crea-
and equitable participation in
The President reiterated that
the BEE. Panelists included
tion, specifically on the value it
the economy,” he said.
government needs to find
Ministers, business leaders,
The President added that
ways to end load shedding as
civil society and prominent black industrialists.
adds to the economy. The Black Industrialists
promote economic inclusion and quantifying the impact of
these barriers are particularly
it is having a negative impact
Programme has, to date, em-
challenging for women, youth
on the economy and society,
powered over 800 businesses,
and persons with disabilities,
including the black industrial-
opportunity for delegates to
including new entrants, women
and entrepreneurs in town-
ists, whose businesses cannot
meet with potential funders,
and youth. Small businesses
ships and rural areas because
grow without a reliable supply
customers and suppliers.
continue to benefit from prefer-
they have difficulty accessing
of energy.
ential procurement and receive
finance, markets, technology
support to grow and expand
and infrastructure. He also
the last four years to transform
and business representatives,
from the State.
spoke of red tape and other
the country’s energy landscape
conducted a walk-about at the
bureaucratic obstacles.
and bring new generation
stalls erected by the various
capacity online.
companies showcasing their
“These successes are testament to a shared commitment
“On a wider scale, there is
Much has been done over
The conference created an
The President, accompanied by some Cabinet Ministers
to transformation, and to a
also the concentrated nature
deep collaboration between
of the economy and ownership
we need to move faster. That
the State, the private sec-
patterns, and exclusion from
is why I have brought together
recognised outstanding black
tor and other actors in the
major value chains.
all relevant departments and
industrialists at the Presidential
entities to work on an inte-
Awards for Excellence Dinner. – SAnews.gov.za
“But that is not enough. And
economy. And yet as much as
“For this reason, even as we
we are working to achieve the
celebrate black entrepreneurial
grated set of measures to add
vision of the Freedom Char-
success, our eyes must look
additional power to the grid in
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
products and services. President Ramaphosa also
15
XXX FEATURE
Changes to the 202 2 tax filing season W ith the 2022 tax filing season
underway, the
The introduction of auto-
assessments, among other
“Taxpayers should be aware that the SARS has access to various sources of data, which enables us to track economic activities and verify the completeness and accuracy of tax declarations.” An understatement penalty is charged up to 200% in
to help foster a culture of
cases where the SARS or the
voluntary compliance,” read
fiscus suffers prejudice as a
the statement.
result of failure to submit a
South African Revenue Service
enhancements, is in line
(SARS) has made significant
with the authority’s journey
of technology and data
return; an incorrect statement
improvements to the process.
of building a smart, modern
has enabled the SARS to
in a return; if no return is
The filing season, which
At the same time, the use
return; an omission from a
revenue service with
significantly sharpen its
required, the failure to pay
opened during the first week
unquestionable integrity, while
capability to detect non-
the correct amount of tax or
of July, includes all categories
trusted and admired by all.
compliance and make it hard
an impermissible avoidance
of individual, provisional and
“Technology, the use of
and costly.
arrangement.
non-provisional taxpayers, as
data, artificial intelligence and
well as trusts.
algorithms have enabled the
understatement penalties to
non-compliance penalty is
SARS to make it easy and
taxpayers who deliberately
charged up to R16 000 per
individual non-provisional
seamless for most individual
attempt to claim impermissible
month for every month that a
taxpayers have been auto-
taxpayers to comply with
expenses or understate
tax return remains outstanding.
assessed by the SARS and
their legal obligations. All
their income, as well as
will not have to file a tax return
these innovations support
administrative non-compliance
if they are satisfied with the
our strategic objective of
penalties to those who do
Auto-assessments for easy compliance
outcome,” said the revenue
providing clarity and certainty
not adhere to the applicable
In line with the strategic
“This year, over three million
16
service in a statement.
deadlines of this filing season.
“The SARS will impose
Meanwhile, an administrative
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
objective to make it easy
including the MobiApp
for taxpayers to comply, the
and eFiling, to review and
Objections and appeals
government to provide
SARS has conceptualised the
verify the completeness
Where taxpayers submit a
basic services to vulnerable
auto-assessment process.
and accuracy of the
return, thus indicating that
individuals and households,
The authority has identified
information used to assess
they are not in agreement
including the payment
a large segment of non-
them.
with the SARS’s auto-
of grants, as well as the
assessment, the authority
provision of education and healthcare services,” he said.
provisional taxpayers in formal
• There is no further action
“This will enable the
employ who receive salaried
required if the taxpayer is
will process the return and
income and have deductions
satisfied with the auto-
issue a revised assessment,
like retirement annuity and
assessment.
which may result in a
to enhance its service by
different financial obligation,
adding more digital offerings
there is missing and/or
for example, reduced refund,
to ensure minimal visits
received from employers,
inaccurate information
increased refund or payment
to branches. Its offerings
pension fund administrators
pertaining to either income
due to SARS. If not in
currently include eFiling,
and medical aid schemes,
or expenses, which may
agreement with the revised
MobiApp, SMS, the website
the SARS is able to complete
have affected the outcome,
assessment, a taxpayer can
and the contact centre.
the tax declaration on behalf
they must declare this
initiate an objection.
of this segment of taxpayers
to the SARS within 40
and issue them with an auto-
business days – by
who are required to file a
book an appointment
assessment.
submitting a tax return.
return can do so until
to ensure an efficient
medical aid contributions. By using third-party data
• If the taxpayer finds that
Non-provisional taxpayers
The SARS is working hard
Those who still prefer to visit SARS branches should
24 October 2022. Provisional
experience. This can be
Risk screening
taxpayers and trust
done by either sending
For all auto-assessments
submissions can file returns
an SMS to 47277 with the
started notifying relevant
issued, the SARS will perform
until 23 January 2023.
word “Booking” (Space) ID/
taxpayers of their auto-
the necessary risk screening
assessments via SMS or
and unless a taxpayer submits
Innovation
number, or visiting the
email.
a return, no verification,
“Auto-assessment is a
SARS website (www.sars.
• If there is a refund due
audit or recall process will
key innovation designed
gov.za) and clicking on the
to a taxpayer, it will be
be initiated. In exceptional
to improve our offering to
“Book an Appointment”
paid directly to their bank
cases, banks may flag risks
taxpayers. It follows the
icon. Taxpayers can also
account within 72 business
to the SARS, which will be
principle that the best service
use the SMS number, 47277,
hours. If there is money
communicated to the taxpayer.
is no service and will allow
to request a tax reference
The auto-assessment process works as follows: • From 1 July, the SARS
passport/asylum seeker
us to explore the possibility
number, find out if they need
be paid to the authority’s
by taxpayers, the normal
of eventually having no
to submit a return and get a
bank account and through
SARS risk-screening process
filing season as we have
statement of account.
eFiling or the MobiApp by
will apply. This may initiate a
come to know it,” said SARS
the stipulated date.
verification, upon which the
Commissioner Edward
urging tax practitioners
SARS will request taxpayers to
Kieswetter.
to strictly use their
owing to the SARS, it must
• Taxpayers can access
For all returns submitted
The revenue service is
their auto-assessments
submit supporting documents
He added that they will
via any of the revenue
to substantiate the information
spare no effort in collecting
appointment.
authority’s channels,
declared on the tax return.
revenue due to the State.
– SAnews.gov.za
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
channel when booking an
17
FEATURE
SA continues to be competitive S
outh Africa continues
investment, against two
investors and travellers from 13
of the respondents said that
to be a competitive and
yardsticks:
countries.
their perception of the country
attractive destination
•
Brand SA says trade and
had improved, compared to 3%
comparison to countries in
tourism proved to be South
who said it had worsened.
investors.
key international markets,
Africa’s strongest attributes,
According to Brand SA’s
including the United
with up to 70% of the
acting chief marketing officer,
the Global Reputation Study,
Kingdom (UK), United
respondents indicating their
Thoko Modise, the findings
released in June. The study was
States, Switzerland and
willingness to visit or do
confirm South Africa’s status as
conducted by the country’s
the United Arab Emirates
business with the country.
a low-risk, attractive investment
official marketing agency,
(UAE).
These are the findings of
Brand SA, in collaboration
Many respondents rated
destination that is a location
Its performance in
South Africa among the
of choice for multinationals
with Bloom Consulting, an
comparison to its emerging
Top 5 places they were willing
looking to expand across
international specialist in nation
market competitors,
to visit, invest in, do business
Africa.
and place branding.
including Nigeria, Thailand,
with or relocate to.
Bloom Consulting measured South Africa’s international reputation and perception in
18
Its performance in
for tourists, businessmen and
•
UAE, Turkey and Brazil, among others. Bloom surveyed and rated
Despite some respondents
“South Africa is not only blessed with mineral wealth,
raising concerns about
but it also possesses
crime and safety, the overall
world-class infrastructure,
the areas of tourism, talent,
the perceptions of 10 000
perception of the country
an experienced and
prominence and trade and
participants, comprising
improved in 2021. Up to 45%
entrepreneurial management
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
pool and a skilled workforce
they experienced in the UK,
meaningfully to its
Research, Shamiso
that gives companies that
UAE and Turkey.
strategic positioning and
Hlatshwayo.
set up shop on our shores a
The study showed that
competitive edge...,” explains
expatriates enjoy their time
Modise.
in South Africa. They rated
unpredictable global
to continue showing
South Africa as the second
environment, it is necessary
improvement as the country
rated South Africa among
preferred destination for
to understand how
implements the Economic
the Top 5 countries in
international workers, along
stakeholders perceive
Reconstruction and Recovery
which to do business. Some
with the UAE and ahead of
a country and how that
Plan and Operation Vulindlela
respondents, including
Thailand and Brazil.
impacts its investment,
– a programme led by The
Many of the respondents
businesspeople and investors
Brand SA says it is
competitiveness. “In a competitive and
Modise expects South Africa’s competitiveness
Presidency and National
important to have insights
environments, reputation
Treasury to fast-track
Africa, rated their experience
into the nation’s brand
standing and favourability,”
implementation of structural
in the country as among the
reputation internationally
says Brand SA’s acting
reforms in key sectors, such
best, comparing it to what
because it contributes
general manager for
as energy and logistics.
Photo by Amy Harrison on Unsplash
trade profile and policy
who are familiar with South
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
19
FEATURE XXX
NSG strengthens ties with African training institutions
T 20
he National
education, training and
expanding its cooperation
Minister for Public Ser-
School of Gov-
development in the three
within the African conti-
vice and Administration,
ernment (NSG),
spheres of government, as
nent.
provides compulsory and
a premier South African
well as state-owned enti-
institution responsible for
ties and organs of state, is
The NSG, which reports to the South African
demand-led education and training for public
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
servants as well as public
ment Institutes’ Network,
their understanding of
• The African Char-
representatives in a hy-
a network of management
the global and domes-
ter on Values and
brid fashion: face-to-face
development institutes
tic economic challeng-
Principles of Public
classroom learning, online
from African Union mem-
es and to inspire in-
Administration
learning, eLearning and
ber states that work to
novative thinking about
The African Charter
virtual training.
strengthen the Public Ser-
reigniting the economy
on African Values
vice across the continent.
and rethinking institu-
Programme cur-
The NSG programmes
tions meant to manage
riculum defines the
long-term social and
principles and gen-
economic change.
eral rules governing
The NSG aims to contribute to the building of a more efficient African public sector as
include the following: • Economic Govern-
envisaged in the Agenda
ance for Members of
2063, the African Union’s
the Executive
Project Khaedu has
African public admin-
development blueprint to
The NSG has launched
been designed to
istration. It provides a
achieve inclusive and sus-
the Executive Educa-
prepare managers
sound framework for
tainable socio-economic
tion Portfolio, which
for site visits at the
ethical government
development on the
includes the Economic
coalface of service
and encourages the
continent. As a result, the
Governance School for
delivery. The project
modern-
institution collaborates
Members of the Execu-
comprises a theoreti-
isation of public and
with several sister training
tive. The third iteration
cal part and a visit to
civil services.
institutions on joint pro-
of this programme was
service delivery points.
jects to exchange infor-
a residential winter
Senegal, Ghana and
Programme
mation and best practices
school between 27
Nigeria participated in
The Governance in
on capacity building in
June and
the Training of Trainers
Africa Programme is
the Public Service. Some
1 July 2022. The en-
workshop, which was
being developed as a
of these partnerships are
rolled cohort included
held in South Africa
postgraduate diploma.
with the Ghana Institute
ministers from Côte
in November 2018. In
Currently, the NSG is
of Management and
d’Ivoire, South Sudan
2019, the NSG pro-
seeking accreditation
Public Administration, the
and South Africa, as
vided training of the
of the programme
Seychelles Agency for
well as directors-
Khaedu programme
with one of the higher
National Human Resource
general from Lesotho,
to the Administrative
education institu-
Development and the
Zambia, Democratic
Staff College of Nigeria
tions in South Africa
Democratic Republic of
Republic of Congo,
and in September last
and plans to offer this
Congo National School
Tanzania and Ghana.
year, the training was
qualification jointly
offered to officials from
with one or more African institutions.
of Administration. Agree-
The Economic
• Project Khaedu
the transformation of
• Governance in Africa
ments are being negoti-
Governance School
the Ghana Institute
ated for inception or
for Members of the
of Management and
renewal.
Executive is aimed at
Public Administration.
to stronger partnerships
ministers, deputy min-
This year, the training
in building a more effec-
a member of the African
isters and political of-
took place in Lesotho
tive African public sector.
Management Develop-
fice bearers to sharpen
and Cote D’Ivoire.
Importantly, the NSG is
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
The NSG looks forward
21
By: Nicholas Francis
GROOMING AND ST YLING XXX
Winter Warmers
A
1
n extra chill is in the winter air. Just because it’s cold it doesn’t mean you don’t have to look good when you head out to the office. The best thing is to layer up and keep cosy in all that you wear this season.
Here are some winter warmers that will make you look great and warm.
2
4 3
5
For Her 1. Daniel Hechter Burgundy Coat R1 699 available at Truworths 2. Foschini Soft Touch Polo Neck Column Dress R350 available at Foschini
6
3. TRS Grey Cardigan R599 available at Truworths 4. Woolworths Faux Fur Hat R199 available at Woolworths 5. Foschini Pleather Quilted Gloves R199 available at Foschini 6. Mango Edu Heeled Boot Black R1 499 available at Superbalist * Prices correct at the time of publishing.
22
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
10
8 7
9
11
For Him 7. Uzzi Camel Melton Coat R1 350 available at Uzzi 8. MKM Slim Cross Hatch Suit Jacket Natural R1 400 available at Markham
12
9. MKM Slim Cross Hatch Suit Trouser Natural R599 available at Markham 10. Identity Black Smart Polo Neck R340 available at Identity 11. Polo Dylan Leather Distressed Lace Up Boot Brown R1 649 available at Superbalist 12. The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves Black R419 available at Superbalist * Prices correct at the time of publishing.
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
23
By: Jill Langley Photos by: Bevan Langley and Jill Langley
TRAVEL XXX
A Step into Venda Nelson at Lake Fundudzi: The drought-affected Lake Fundudzi.
W
e parked our
So, sunblock and hats on,
Maphaha, commented
The sound of drums that
car and, the
we climbed out into the
mournfully about the
echo out of stones and
moment the
sweltering heat. Walking
recent drought, comparing
ricochet around the rocky
air conditioner stopped,
over the hard-baked
what we saw with what
valley, and ancient human
we were assaulted by the
earth, the ground-hugging
was usually the view.
sacrifices. Finally reaching
blazing midday heat of
vegetation made it clear
Limpopo. Getting out of
that this area was usually
trudged on and he began
us to each select a stone,
the car was only marginally
under water. As we
to relate the history and
get ready to spit on it and
worse than staying in it.
walked, our guide, Nelson
mysticism of the area.
toss it backwards through
Nevertheless, we
the water’s edge, he told
our legs into the water to make the traditional greeting of the lake. So, where were we? In a land most famous for its Big Five wildlife and fossil-rich caves, we had come in search of a cultural adventure. Venda’s Vhatatsindi people inhabit the lush mountainous regions of northern Limpopo in the region of Thohoyandou. Under the
24
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
care of Nelson, we were
muddy tracks high in the
touring some of their
Soutpansberg Mountains,
sacred sites.
Nelson spun a web of
Three sacred sites are situated close enough to
intrigue about the lake. According to locals,
make them possible to visit
villagers at a local kraal
in one day, considering
refused to offer food to a
the approach is usually
passing leper. There was a
over bumpy forestry roads
landslide and the kraal was
of varying condition!
submerged by the rising
First on the list was the
waters of the newly-formed
Phiphidi Falls, a beautiful
lake. The villagers drowned
plunging waterfall on the
– punishment for their hard
Mutshindudi River. Phiphidi
hearts.
Falls is sacred to Venda’s
They say, the hills echo
Ramunangi clan and home
with the rhythmical beating
to their ancestral water
of drums. A Python god
spirits. This site is used
lives in these hills and he
to communicate with the
uses the lake’s waters to
elders. We didn’t stay
bathe. As he emerges from
long here; soon we were
the water he beats large
off to the most intriguing
stones near the shoreline.
of the three sites - Lake
Locals judge his mood
Fundudzi.
by the changing colour of
On the approaching drive
the water. The Vhatatsindi
to the lake, through steep
people celebrate him every
mountain passes and
year with the Domba, or Tea Estate: We hadn’t expected to find tea growing in the hills close to Lake Fundudzi.
Lake Fundudzi: The drought-affected Lake Fundudzi.
Fundudzi parking lot: Leaving our car for the long trek to the water’s edge at Lake Fundudzi.
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
25
TRAVEL
Python Dance, performed by young girls from the
tranquillity soothed and
and dry, cracked ground of
stayed with us long after
Lake Fundudzi’s shoreline,
we’d emerged, blinking,
the cool and quiet of the
back into the dying heat of
After our long walk from
last Venda sacred site, the
the summer afternoon.
the car to the water’s edge
Tshidzivhe people’s Thathe
we felt a little parched
Vondo forest, enfolded us
but before we could find
like a balm. The forest is
somewhere to sit and
the burial site of Venda
rest, we had to greet the
royalty and often used for
lake in the traditional way,
performing sacred rituals.
if you wish to visit
To us, this was the most
these sacred sites. The
Needless to say, our curiosity was piqued.
the ukodola. Following
The Phiphidi Falls were sadly affected by the drought too.
undergrowth. Its peace and
After the exposed heat
surrounding villages.
Phiphidi Falls:
was safe for fishing.
Know before you go A guide is essential
Nelson’s instructions, we
beautiful Afromontane
bent over and, looking
forest we’d ever seen. The
has expert guides as
backwards at the lake
swirling mist and echoing
well as comfortable
through our legs, repeated
birdcalls held promise of
accommodation in
a Venda phrase, and each
so much more hiding in the
their Fundudzi Camp.
one spat on a stone and
verdant green of its giant
www.africanivoryroute.
tossed it through the legs
Yellowwood trees and lush
African Ivory Route
co.za
into the water. With the Limpopo summer sun beating down on us, we watched as a group of local boys ran past us and entered the water, laughing and splashing. Nelson told us that the lake was infested Nelson at the drums: Our guide next to the Python god’s beating stones.
with crocodiles, but that it
Village scene: Rural Venda life close to Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
Fundudzi parking lot: Leaving our car for the long trek to the water’s edge at Lake Fundudzi.
26
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
Public Sector Manager • July 2022
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