PSM JUNE 2023

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

JUNE 2023

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

SAPS K9 team

flies SA flag high

MISA’s new strategy set to revamp the management of municipalities

JUNE 2023

A focus on Youth Month

FEATURE

Contents: June 2023 FEATURES 22. Young South Africans pioneer a child safety App PasswordKid strives to protect school children

24. Government delivering youth employment at unprecedented scale Youth educator programme is making an impact in schools

26. Partnering to build a solid pipeline of future scientists and engineers Developing the skills of youth in STEM

12

28. A professional public service essential for a developmental state New framework is a game changer

REGULARS 8. Conversations with leaders

MISA CEO Mapatane Kgomo sets sights on greater impact on municipalities

12. Women in the public sector

Dr Bernice Hlagala is championing youth development in

Equal access to healthcare a passion for young audiologist

18

Dr Zandile Shezi

32. Bridging the digital divide through artificial intelligence

South Africa 16. Trailblazer

Bots are becoming an essential tool for communication processes

18. Profiles in leadership

Saluting excellence: Turkiye honours SAPS K9 Rescue Unit

34. SA awarded prestigious ISSA Good Practice Award Recognising SA’s efforts in caring for its children

20. From the Union Buildings

Our immediate priority is to end cholera outbreak and ensure water for all

2

36. Working for water: improving the country’s water sector Agency to improving access to clean, safe water

Public Sector Manager • May 2023

40. Empowering South Africans through communication

GCIS intensifies its work towards effective communication

42. GreenBook Metroview for resilient metropolitan municipalities Online planning tool to support climate change in municipalities

44. SA forging ahead with National Health Insurance

Everyone deserves equal access to quality healthcare

20

46. DBE in talks with Treasury to fund a national reading strategy Improving literacy levels key to economic success

48. Beyond unemployment: time-related underemployment in the SA labour market

Targeting full employment for all

54

LIFESTYLE

32

58 54

52. Grooming and style

Gearing up for winter: ladies’ edition

54. Food and wine

Balanced meals have great benefits for your health

58. Travel

Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za

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

Plan your perfect holiday with the newly

Acting Director-General Michael Currin

Managing Editor Tshepo Nkosi tshepon@gcis.gov.za

revamped KZN South Coast App

Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Nomonde Mnukwa

News Editor Miriam Mokoena miriam@gcis.gov.za

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

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

FEATURE EDITORIAL

Youth empowerment is integral in building a stronger nation S

4

outh Africa’s youth have

would never again be the

a history of resilience.

same.

Their strength was

As we commemorate their

demonstrated on 16 June, 1976,

courage and sacrifice, we

when thousands of schoolchil-

must also celebrate the youth

dren stood up for their rights to

of today, who show the same

a fair education. What started

fortitude of spirit. Each year,

as a peaceful Soweto protest

we hear how disadvantaged

became a national uprising after

matriculants defy their difficult

the youngsters were met with

circumstances to achieve

atrocious police brutality.

multiple distinctions. We have

The world reacted with hor-

also seen youngsters using

ror, condemning and punish-

their COVID-19 Social Relief

ing the apartheid government.

Grant to start businesses and,

Global allies of the liberation

in so doing, securing their

movement strengthened their

future. We learn about unem-

support and the freedom fight

ployed people who succeed as

was reinvigorated. South Africa

entrepreneurs despite having

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

nothing but determination when

Harambee and the NYDA are

they start.

partners in SAYouth.mobi, a

One such young person is

zero-rated online platform for the

Namhla Dotwana, who cre-

youth to access opportunities.

ated the Namhla Collection, an

Part of the PYEI, this success-

organic cosmetics and home

ful public-private partnership

spa range, from a home garage.

has over three million registered

She impressed judges in a fund-

users.

ing pitch competition that she

Another private sector partner-

received R1 million in funding

ship is the Youth Employment

from the Small Enterprise Devel-

Service (YES). Launched five

opment Agency and today owns

years ago, it has placed more

a successful online store. Zintle

than 100 000 South Africans

James saved money from the

between the ages of 18 and 29

stipend she earned as an intern

in local businesses for a year of

at the Eastern Cape Department

work experience. In addition, the

of Education to buy two pigs.

programme operates training

She received R45 000 in funding

hubs in several industries.

from the National Youth Devel-

Leading by example, the public

opment Agency and now owns

sector no longer requires that

90 pigs, creating a bright future

entry-level candidates (levels

for herself.

1–5) have work experience. This

Despite the challenging

will enable thousands of young-

global and domestic economic

sters to get a foot in the door

conditions and South Africa’s

and start growing their careers.

high youth unemployment rate,

in response to the COVID-19

tion is the Social Employment

Public servants must continue

youngsters like Dotwana and

pandemic. Since then, the PES

Fund, which is recruiting 50 000

to run mentorship programmes,

James are grasping the many

has delivered more than a mil-

participants to work with non-

create internship opportuni-

youth empowerment opportuni-

lion jobs and opportunities. Over

governmental organisations in

ties and support youth-owned

ties created by government and

80% of beneficiaries are young

upliftment programmes, such as

enterprises. As the largest em-

its partners.

people.

food kitchens.

ployer in the country, the Public

One of the most compre-

One of the most visible PES

More established programmes,

Service can be a powerful tool

hensive programmes is the

initiatives, responsible for 75%

such as the National Youth

for change.

Presidential Youth Employ-

of all jobs created, is the Basic

Development Agency (NYDA),

This Youth Day, in addition to

ment Intervention (PYEI), which

Education Employment Initia-

the Expanded Public Works Pro-

celebrating that historic day 47

moves young people from

tive, which places unemployed

gramme, the National Student

years ago, we must keep our

learning to earning. The PYEI is

youngsters in schools for eight

Financial Aid Scheme, and the

public employment programmes

funded by the Presidential Em-

months as teaching assistants or

Harambee Youth Employment

top of mind and focus on cham-

ployment Stimulus (PES), which

general workers.

Accelerator continue to help

pioning the rights of our young

was launched in October 2020

Another worthwhile interven-

young people earn a livelihood.

people.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

5

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Reignite the

democratic spirit of 1994 A s the countdown builds

tion from the polls, because

to the 2024 National

these behaviours come with

and Provincial Elections

several dangers that also have

and we are in the last year of the

the power to change the coun-

Programme of Action of the Sixth

try – for worse.

Administration, it is important for

During the first democratic

us as leaders in the public sector

elections in 1994, voter turnout

to encourage citizens to vote.

was 86.9%. Sadly, there has

The Bill of Rights grants all

been a steady decline since,

citizens aged 18 and older the

with 73.48% in 2014 and 65.99%

right to choose who governs the

in 2019. Youth participation is

country.

especially important, with the

As public servants in our

percentage of young people

workplaces and in our com-

who voted in 2019 far below the

munities, let us remind relatives,

national average.

friends, neighbours, colleagues,

According to Statistics South

Uber drivers and other compa-

Africa’s 2022 mid-year popula-

triots the importance of voting

tion estimates, of the 60 million

– a simple, efficient, personal

people in South Africa, over

act with the power to change a

14 million are young people

country.

aged between 15 and 29. The

Within the context of gov-

Electoral Commission of South

ernment’s engagement with

Africa (IEC) notes that there are

citizens, we are bound by the

just under seven million regis-

Constitution of the Republic of

tered youth between the ages of

South Africa, 1996, which stipu-

Michael Currin, Acting GCIS Director-General.

lates that South African citizens should be provided with infor-

16 and 29 on the national voters’ roll.

The declining voter turnout

mation that is timely, accurate

prioritise campaigns like voter

This will, in turn, impact voter

trend needs to be reversed

and accessible.

education to ensure that citizens

turnout.

because inclusive political

As such, departments and

understand their rights, the

Part of this message has to be

participation is vital to a thriving

entities tasked with empowering

political system, as well as how

the consequences of cynicism,

democracy. If a large percentage

citizens on how to vote should

and where they should vote.

the spoiling of votes or absten-

of the population chooses not to

6

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

vote, politicians will be account-

able and well informed to cast

able to fewer people.

ballots that are legally valid and

properly supported by legis-

Abstaining from voting does

to participate meaningfully in the

lative and policy changes.

not send a statement that you

voting process”.

Over and above investigat-

encouraging and assisting

do not trust the system or that

This will be needed now more

ing the amendments needed to

people to register and holding

you feel powerless. It takes away

than ever because next year’s

the Political Party Funding Act,

dialogues with team members,

your voice and give others the

national election will herald a

2018 (Act 6 of 2018) as a result

family and friends on the impor-

power to vote for candidates or

new dimension in South Africa’s

of the amended Bill, the panel

tance of voting. One ripple can

parties that represent their in-

political landscape, with the

has been charged with making

become two and ultimately a

terests, at the expense of yours.

inclusion on the ballots of inde-

non-binding recommendations

tsunami, spreading far and wide.

This needs to be the message

pendent candidates. This follows

to further reform the electoral

As former President Nelson

driven home in voter education

the signing into law of the Elec-

system, post the 2024 elections,

Mandela said on the impor-

campaigns.

toral Amendment Bill of 2022 by

and this too is exciting news for

tance of citizens’ involvement

to ensure that the Bill is

According to WomenWatch, a

President Cyril Ramaphosa in

our democracy.

in democratic processes, “since

joint United Nations project cre-

April.

What can you as a public sec-

my release, I have become more

ated in March 1997 to provide an

The updated legislation pro-

tor manager do to improve voter

convinced than ever that the

Internet space for global gender

vides the legal certainty required

turnout? Imagine how many

real makers of history are the

equality issues, “for an election

to prepare the country for the

people could be reached if every

ordinary men and women of our

to be successful and democratic,

2024 General Election.

manager in every department,

country. Their participation in

voters must understand their

Significant work still needs to

across all tiers of government

every decision about the future

rights and responsibilities, and

be done by the Electoral Reform

and in all government entities,

is the only guarantee of true

must be sufficiently knowledge-

Consultation Panel and the IEC

become voting ambassadors,

democracy and freedom”.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

7

Writer: Sihle Manda Photos: Sibusiso Mokoena, CoGTA

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

MISA sets sights on greater impact T

he dire straits of the coun-

Government.

“We don’t want to create a

not even able to raise capital

try’s municipal infrastruc-

Speaking to PSM, the acting

dependency syndrome in the

because we are an entity of gov-

ture demand pragmatic

CEO described her appointment

municipalities that whenever

ernment,” she said, adding that

as “quite a huge responsibility”.

there is a problem, we send in

there was some willingness from

of governance.

An agency of the Department

experts to address a particu-

the private sector to partner

It is a reality Mapatane Kgomo,

of Cooperative Governance

lar challenge, but as soon as

with government on municipal

the acting Chief Executive Of-

(DCoG), the MISA thrives on a

that resource is withdrawn, the

infrastructure.

ficer (CEO) of the Municipal

programme towards improv-

municipality goes back to its

She was of the view that some

Infrastructure Support Agent

ing municipal infrastructure

original state,” said the acting

grants should not be allocated to

(MISA), is patently cognisant

provisioning and maintenance

CEO.

municipalities but rather be al-

of. This was apparent during a

for accelerated service delivery.

The strategy, she said, will also

lotted to the agency for it to roll-

recent in-depth interview with

Its interventions are executed

look at sustainable mechanisms

out the respective programmes.

Public Sector Manager (PSM)

through the provision of techni-

of how the MISA supports mu-

“This is our long-term vision.

magazine at her office in Cen-

cal capacity deployment such

nicipalities to ensure that they

We are only 10 years [old], [but]

turion.

as engineers, town planners,

are capacitated while receiving

I see us doubling up what we

A seasoned administrator,

project managers, and other

support. It also addresses the

currently have and currently do

Kgomo was in April tasked with

built environment fields in vari-

issues of recruitment and at-

in terms of our mandate in the

holding the fort by Coopera-

ous municipalities.

tracting the skills sets, as well as

next 10 years, so that we are

tive Governance and Traditional

“MISA is relatively a small

empowering the youth.

more visible and our impact is

Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadi-

entity, we [should] ideally be

“We have a young graduate

felt by municipalities,” she said.

meng. Her full-time job is as

supporting all 257 municipali-

programme and the artisans

Due to the severity of challeng-

Deputy Director-General for

ties, but because of our capacity

programme. We take youths that

es in some councils, the agency

Infrastructure Delivery Manage-

constraints, we have resolved

are unemployed and get them

is, at times, required to have a

ment Support at the agency, a

that we will target most under-

into apprenticeships, that way

“very hands-on” approach with

position she has held since Jan-

resourced municipalities,”

we are able to make a contri-

regard to providing support,

uary 2020. Before this, she spent

explained Kgomo.

bution towards growing that

especially on infrastructure

technical skills pool.

delivery.

“The other area that we feel we

She revealed that the organisa-

interventions at the highest level

five years as head of business development and stakeholder

New strategy

relations at the Development

With 2023 marking a decade

need to be strong on as MISA, is

tion is also working to ensure

Bank of South Africa. Between

since the MISA’s formation, the

to be able to directly intervene

that there is an improvement in

2004 and 2015, she held director

agency recently set in motion a

where there are challenges.

the way municipalities spend

and chief director posts at the

process of developing its long-

The way we are structured as

infrastructure grants. “Some of

North West Department of Local

term strategy.

an organisation is that we are

these municipalities, because of

8

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

a lack of capacity, do not spend their infrastructure grants, which affects service delivery,” she added.

“We have also implemented some projects as interventions in areas where there is a dire need, especially in the water and sanitation sector. We have utilised some funding from our own budget to implement those water projects, especially in the most rural municipalities.”

These, she explained, had been capacitated with site teams for the equipping and drilling of infrastructure, such as boreholes.

Poor grants management Kgomo decried the deplorable state of infrastructure at municipal level, despite millions of rands in grant infrastructure availed to address such challenges.

One of the conditional grants that municipalities receive is the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), to eradicate service delivery backlogs. Chiefly, these relate to backlogs in water, sanitation, roads and electricity. The Acting CEO’s concern is that the money is used to build more new infrastructure at the expense of old and existing ones.

“Over the years, what we have noticed is that there is too much focus on building new infrastructure, there has been a lot of investment that has been made countrywide.

“Over time, this infrastructure is not properly maintained and operated. It then deteriorates to a point where it no longer serves the households with the required quality,” lamented Kgomo.

To remedy this defect, the MISA has proposed that National Treasury should introduce reforms on the use of the grants.

“Knowing the municipalities and the state at which they are in, they do not have the expertise and means to refurbish and repair and upgrade the infrastructure. We then built a case to National Treasury that part of the MIG must be utilised for infrastructure asset management. We also proposed that the policy

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

9

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

of the grant administration itself

This is a category of municipali-

nicipalities were “very weak”.

that is not cognisant of potential

be reformed to accommodate

ties with no proper governance

With concerns of poor gov-

disasters. For example, the roads

the asset management element,”

structures, lax administration,

ernance consistently rearing

and bridges that are being built

she said.

poor financial management and

their ugly head in the Auditor-

by municipalities, are being built

Kgomo added that the lack of

a compromised and unreli-

General’s consolidated gen-

in areas that are very prone to

capacity and financial resources

able quality of service delivery.

eral report on local government

natural disasters.

in municipalities is also the

The report also revealed that

audit outcomes, the agency has

“We have identified munici-

reason for water and sewerage

this group of councils was also

developed a programme to curb

palities mainly in KwaZulu-Natal

spills on the streets of most of

plagued by political instability.

the scourge.

and the Eastern Cape, because

these local authorities. Through

Of these, the MISA identified

Through it, the MISA provides

those are the two areas that are

the introduction of the reform,

those that required direct inter-

guidance and support on how

more prone to flood disasters.

the agency now guides councils

vention. These are municipalities

municipalities can improve

We are supporting them in a

on how to plan for the usage of

that do not have the capacity to

infrastructure procurement

way that whenever there is a

this portion of the grant for asset

spend their grants.

processes.

flood, the infrastructure is not

management.

affected. It is a priority for us,”

To address the issue of under

explained Kgomo.

usage and misuse of conditional grants, the agency is working with municipalities that continuously face this challenge to ensure that funds are used to benefit residents.

“The money (if not used) then returns to the national fiscus. It is a worrying factor because it means services that communi-

“There is a programme that we

have put in place to ensure that the funding that goes to these

municipalities is not used for the

wrong reasons and that it does not get returned back to the national fiscus."

ties are supposed to receive are going to get compromised as a result.

The agency has also partnered with the National Disaster Management Centre to build municipal capacity in this regard.

“Some municipalities do not even know the infrastructure that they have because it was built [so many] years ago,” she said, adding that reforms being introduced in the MIG will also enable municipalities to identify their infrastructure assets.

“If you do not know where your

“There is a programme that we

In recent years, perilous infra-

assets are, you will not even

resolved as a department [the

have put in place to ensure that

structure at the local govern-

know their condition. You will

DCoG] is that whatever grants

the funding that goes to these

ment sphere, which is at the

not know when the assets are

that municipalities are unable

municipalities is not used for the

coalface of service delivery, has

broken, you will just see sewers

to spend, the department would

wrong reasons and that it does

been left battered by severe

spilling," she said.

have to spend on their behalf.

not get returned back to the

natural disasters. These events,

She added that the challenge

The law does make provision for

national fiscus," she said.

said Kgomo, were testing the

is so deep that even metropoli-

resolve of meagre resources,

tan municipalities are struggling.

“What we have then done and

that – the Division of Revenue Kgomo explained.

Procurement processes

A 2021 state of local gov-

revealing that the agency has

“You would think that metros

come up with a programme to

would be in a position to know

Kgomo revealed that the agency

address this challenge.

and maintain their assets, but it

ernment report identified 66

has, over the years, noted that

“Municipalities have been plan-

has become a phenomenon that

municipalities as “dysfunctional”.

procurement processes in mu-

ning their infrastructure in a way

even they are battling with”.

Act, [2022, (Act 5 of 2022)],”

10

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Writer: More Matshediso

Championing youth development in South Africa 12

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

R

aising awareness about

come up with their own strate-

five key priorities, and Hlagala

“We cannot expect the

critical issues that affect

gies that align with the strate-

said there has been progress

majority of our youth to

the youth and advocating

gies that the chief directorate

recorded in some areas, while

learn entrepreneurship now

for their development has always

has developed,” she said.

more still needs to be done to

when they are a little grown

been Dr Bernice Hlagala’s insatia-

Essentially, the chief direc-

address persistent challenges

up, because that is when

ble desire. She has been involved

torate exists to ensure the

affecting the youth. These

they are supposed to be

in youth development throughout

mainstreaming of policies and

include:

running actual businesses,”

her career of more than 20 years.

programmes within various

1.

Having started her career jour-

sectoral departments to ensure

development and second

ney as a social worker, Hlagala

that they become an integral

chance programmes:

This includes combating is-

ascended the corporate ladder

part of the policies of various

“South Africa is recording

sues such as gender-based

over the years and is now Chief

sectors, and that programmes

an increased enrolment of

violence and femicide

Director for Youth Development

and policies are biased towards

young people in the educa-

(GBVF) and COVID-19.

at the Department of Women,

youth empowerment.

tion system because the

“Due to many problems

majority could not afford

facing the youth, many

university fees in the past,

of them resort to alcohol

but now they have access

and substance abuse,

Youth and Persons with Dis-

she said.

Quality education, skills 3.

Physical and mental health:

The DWYPD has a mandate

National Youth Policy

to regulate the socio-economic

As an experienced policy maker,

to free higher education,

they battle with depres-

transformation and implemen-

Hlagala has managed and

thanks to government

sion and other mental

tation of the empowerment and

ensured the approval of the

interventions,” she said.

illnesses, and some even

participation of women, youth

National Youth Policy (NYP) for

Economic participation, job

see suicide as an answer

and persons with disabilities. It

the periods 2009 – 2014; 2015 –

creation and entrepreneur-

to their problems,” she said.

is responsible for the advocacy

2020 and 2020 – 2030.

ship: Because unemploy-

She acknowledged that

and mainstreaming of the rights

She has also ensured the

ment is stubbornly high in

government does not even

of women, youth and persons

approval of the Monitoring and

the country, and the fact

have adequate services in

with disabilities.

Evaluation (M&E) Framework

that the youth make up the

communities to assist with

As a Chief Director, Hlagala is

for the NYP; and the National

majority of the population,

this challenge. “Some of

responsible for overseeing the

Youth Service Framework.

it means many of them are

the diseases that affect our

development of the organisa-

“The first NYP was approved

unemployed.

youth’s physical health are

tion-wide youth development

under my watch, and that is

Hlagala believes that entre-

also related to risky life-

strategy and implementing

something that I am proud of.

preneurship is one vehicle

style, among other reasons,

its monitoring and evaluation

I have been able to review it

through which young

including HIV, diabetes,

framework.

twice and went further to put

people can get employ-

cancer and others,” she

She provides strategic leader-

the M&E Framework for the

ment because the economy

said.

ship to ensure that there are

NYP in place,” she said.

is currently not creating

She added that teenage

advocacy instruments like

The department uses the NYP

enough jobs for citizens.

pregnancy is also high in

legislation and policies in place

2020 – 2030 to support the

She believes that entrepre-

the country, and it also

for youth development.

work of its entity, the National

neurship is supposed to

affects the education of

“I also support stakeholders

Youth Development Agency.

be taught from as early as

the youth and it further per-

in all spheres of government to

The NYP 2020 – 2030 has

primary school.

petuates intergenerational

abilities (DWYPD).

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

2.

13

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Ubuntu and emulate the self-

“We are still organised alongside the racial lines.

Another factor is that many young black people are

migrating from rural areas to urban areas. This move

has its own challenges because they are leaving behind communities that do not have resources.”

lessness of the youth of 1976.

“They fought for our democracy and liberation, which they did not even benefit from. It is the generations that came after them who benefitted. You cannot stand back and do nothing while the next person is being violated,” she said.

“Our justice system must also improve in order to encourage

4.

poverty, the risk of contin-

young people actually

development workers,” she

more people to speak out and

ued GBVF due to unre-

become divorced from their

said.

act against abuse,” she added.

solved traumas that young

own families and com-

With regard to monitoring and

Hlagala’s work over the years

people grow up with.

munities. They also feel

evaluating the implementation

has ensured the signing and

Social cohesion and

alienated from their families

of the NYP across all sectors,

ratification of the African Youth

nation-building: Hlagala

because there is lack of

Hlagala said the public sec-

Charter and hosting the first and

said South Africa is not

support once they move

tor responds well to requests

second Commonwealth confer-

as cohesive as govern-

away from their families,”

for data on progress made in

ences on Education and Training

ment wants it to be, noting

she said.

implementing youth develop-

of Youth Workers in South Africa.

Effective and respon-

ment programmes but the

For her outstanding work, she

programmes she has been

sive youth development

private sector and other civil

has received the All-America

part of are predominantly

machinery: According to

society organisations are not as

Scholar Award; Africa Region

attended by the black youth

Hlagala the country needs

responsive.

Best Commonwealth Youth

while other racial groups

youth workers who are well

are not represented.

capacitated to run sustain-

“We are still organised

able institutions, but the

GBVF versus bystander effect

alongside the racial lines.

challenge is that youth

While South Africa continues to

the past years.

Another factor is that many

development work is not

increase efforts to combat GBVF,

She obtained a PhD from the

young black people are

recognised as a profession

a lot of citizens suffer from the

University of Pretoria; Master’s

migrating from rural areas

in South Africa.

bystander effect, or bystander

in Social Work from How-

to urban areas. This move

“Although there are insti-

apathy – a situation where

ard University in the United

has its own challenges

tutions that offer youth

individuals are less likely to offer

States; Bachelor in Social Work

because they are leaving

development qualification,

help to a victim in the presence

from the University of Venda;

behind communities that

it does not help that it is

of other people.

National Diploma in Public

do not have resources,” she

not recognised as a profes-

Hangala has called on the youth

Relations from the University of

added.

sion in the country. Within

not to be part of this social chal-

South Africa; and a Certificate

“This does not contribute

every professional sector,

lenge, encouraging them to go

in Management from Technikon

to nation-building because

we need to have youth

back to their primary values of

South Africa.

that most of the outreach

14

5.

Worker’s Award; and the overall winner for the Pan-Commonwealth Youth Worker’s Award in

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

Writer: Sihle Manda

TRAILBLAZER

Equal access to healthcare a passion for young audiologist

A

see people-centred ear and

chance encounter with audiology at university

hearing care become acces-

birthed in Dr Zandile Shezi

sible to all.

a burning desire for universal ac-

Shezi said the programme

cess to hearing implant services

was of significant importance.

for all patients, regardless of socio-

She takes pride in being part

economic status.

of a team that is changing

The service, she told the

people's lives.

Public Sector Manager (PSM)

“We are intentional about

magazine in a recent interview,

providing a service that is

should not be reserved for the

globally recognised for excel-

privileged few.

lence in research, education

Shezi, who holds a PhD in

and clinical practice, as well

the discipline, was, in May,

as relevant to our local African

part of a specialist medi-

context.

cal team that switched on

“The team thrives on acces-

the cochlear implants of two

sibility to auditory implant ser-

patients at the Inkosi Albert

vices for all patients through-

Luthuli Central Hospital, under

out KwaZulu-Natal, regardless

the KwaZulu-Natal Health

of context or socio-economic

Department's new auditory

The recipients were Xolani

10 patients to benefit from the

status, as the narrative is,

implant programme.

Sikhosana (43), who lost his

KZN-AIP, since its launch in

hearing is not a privilege, it is

The 37-year-old, who has

sense of hearing after devel-

March 2021. The programme

a fundamental right. The pro-

extensive experience in the

oping an undisclosed ailment

is a collaboration between the

gramme is based on the spirit

Public Service, doubles as

and two-and-a-half-year-old

KwaZulu-Natal Department

of ‘Ear and Hearing Care for

an audiology lecturer at the

Uminathi Mafisa, whose family

of Health and the UKZN, and

All’,” she told PSM.

University of KwaZulu-Natal

had to endure an anxiety-filled

draws on the expertise of ear,

(UKZN) and coordinator and

18 months after the toddler lost

nose and throat surgeons and

Career path

lead audiologist in the Kwa-

her auditory senses at just six

audiologists. It also includes

Reflecting on her journey in

Zulu-Natal Auditory Implant

months old.

deaf community advocates. It

audiology, Shezi reminisced

Programme (KZN-AIP).

The two were among the first

was premised on a vision to

how she landed in the medical

16

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

status.

Equal access to treatment

prehensive health screenings

God into audiology. I stumbled

“We are keen on ensur-

Reiterating the importance

that include issues such as

into the department of audiol-

ing that our services are

of the programme, Shezi said

auditory senses.

ogy with my mom, after I ma-

quality-driven, available and

accessing specialist medical

“... not much is done [on

triculated, trying to find some

accessible to all our patients

procedures should not be a

health screenings]. There have

space within the university. On

regardless of the context they

service reserved for only those

been attempts for hearing

the day I arrived, interviews

come from. There should be

with deep pockets.

screenings to be facilitated,

were being held for potential

no difference in the patient's

“This [programme] will mean

however, until we have a

students,” she recalls.

experience in terms of public

that we are all equal regard-

Universal Newborn Hearing

It was then that she remem-

or private sector when receiv-

less of our socio-economic

Screening (UNHS) programme

bered she had included the

ing the services.”

status, context or background.

in South Africa, we will never

degree in her application.

She added that it was always

It will mean that everyone

obtain the outcomes we desire

humbling to be part of the

deserves to hear because

when it comes to cochlear

option on my CAO [Central

entire surgery process, saying

nobody would ever choose

implants,” said Shezi.

Application Office] form but I

she understands that she was

deafness or hearing loss.

Until this is achieved, the

had no clue what it was about.

part of a procedure that was

“Our patients do not choose

country “will never obtain the

I saw that I qualified because

life-changing.

to be deaf as some are born

benefits of improved speech

of the science and maths

“I can only imagine what this

that way and some acquire

and language development,

requirements. So the lady who

will do for the patient, their

the hearing loss for various

academic performance,

attended to me on that day

entire family and quality of life,”

reasons, sometimes beyond

socio-emotional development,

asked for my CAO number.

Shezi said.

their control,” she said.

cognition and employment op-

I shared it with her and was

In the procedure, the audiol-

The team’s first cochlear sur-

portunities.”

then called to write a test and

ogist does the intra-operative

gery was performed in 2021,

She said the lack of the

interview the following day. So

testing.

on two adult patients.

screening programme in

I am not sure if I chose it or it

“The tests that I do give us

chose me,” she said.

an indication of the integrity of

discipline by chance.

context or socio-economic

“My path was directed by

“I had included it as an

She decried the lack in com-

South Africa takes away the

Speaking about the recent

the insertion of the electrode.

Universal newborn hearing screening

surgery, she said being part of

So when I get good imped-

“This is not to say that we do

ing loss.

the team had been a privilege

ances and autoNRTs [an auto-

not have children born deaf,

“There is research that has

and an honour.

mated system that measures

but rather our current health

proven the return on invest-

opportunity to benefit from evidence-based treated hear-

“I feel very privileged and

electrically evoked compound

systems do not allow for us to

ment and cost-effectiveness of

honoured as I work with an

action potential thresholds

catch them early or at an early

cochlear implants. The UNHS

amazing team. I think what

from the auditory nerve with

age that we know scientifically

facilitates early identification,

is amazing about our team is

the Nucleus Freedom coch-

they would still benefit from

which leads to early inter-

that we are a group of health

lear implant], I always feel like

the cochlear implant. They

vention, because untreated

professionals who are like-

dancing and rejoicing on be-

reach us very late when we

hearing loss in South Africa is

minded in the sense that we

half of the patient. My reaction

cannot do much for them with

costing the government a lot

all want better ear and hearing

is always of gratitude because

cochlear implants as they are

when you look at healthcare,

care services for our patients

so much can happen during a

above the age of the standard

education and [the] cost of

regardless of background,

surgery,” she detailed.

criteria,” Shezi said.

loss of productivity,” she said.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

17

Writer: Neo Semono PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Moodley recieving the Medal of Supreme Sacrifice.

Saluting excellence H

province of Hatay.

“The earthquake caused a disaster of such a magnitude, that of such a magnitude that a whole city was destroyed. It was more like an apocalypse had befallen the city.

“It was our first experience of such a nature and due to the calibre of handlers we have, it

elping one another in a

teams. The SAPS K9 team,

mounted units in the East-

is an experience they will never

time of crisis is perhaps

together with the Gift of the

ern Cape, was tasked to lead

forget. However, they [handlers]

one of the world’s most

Givers Foundation, also joined

the well-prepared K9 team to

are mentally strong and have

in on the rescue efforts.

Türkiye.

appreciated life more now and

widely understood languages.

In April, the South African Po-

Like other rescue teams,

She recalled how the team

also the fact that we do not

lice Service’s (SAPS) K9 search

what was top of mind for the

was in good spirits and eager to

experience such disasters in our

and rescue team was honoured

team, was finding survivors

depart and commence work to

country,” she said.

for their courageous work, fol-

and recovering the bodies of

save lives.

The SAPS K9 search and res-

lowing a deadly earthquake that

deceased victims.

The team was made up of

cue dogs are trained and used

rocked Türkiye and neighbour-

Brigadier Vimla Moodley, who

herself, five dogs and their

to search for missing persons

ing Syria.

is the provincial Head for Police

handlers.

and recover human remains,

The world responded to the

Emergency Services which is

The team was deployed to the

as they are able to detect. They

disaster by sending rescue

responsible for K9, divers and

city of Antakya, located in the

also detect human scent and

18

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

remains and are able to find

The team’s efforts were

organisation. He said the team

unit commander post at the

victims of floods and collapsed

rewarded with a Medal of

had displayed commitment

East London K9 Unit and was

buildings.

Supreme Sacrifice bestowed by

and dedication to the cause of

successful and promoted to

Asked about what training

Turkish President Recept Tayyip

serving.

superintendent, [which is] now

was put in place prior to their

Erdogan.

departure, Moodley explained

The mother of three flew back

Breaking barriers

that the team is trained for such

to Türkiye to receive the medal

Moodley joined the SAPS in

“In 2015, I was promoted to

purposes. The handlers are also

on behalf of the SAPS in April.

April 1991. She later applied to

the Provincial Commander

[known as] lieutenant colonel in 2005.

assessed, moderated and certi-

“I was totally honoured [to]

join the K9 unit in Durban. Hav-

Police Emergency Services in

fied annually.

represent my country, espe-

ing met the necessary criteria,

the Eastern Cape, which has

“[The] only planning is the

cially the SAPS and person-

Moodley became the first

a larger porfolio inlcuding; K9,

medical check-up by a veteri-

ally being bestowed by the

woman of colour to be placed

mounted, diving and search and

narian for the dogs and relevant

President of the country with a

at a K9 unit in the country the

rescue, hostage negotiations,

medication should the need

medal of supreme sacrifice. It

following year.

disaster management, 10111 call

arise,” she explained.

was an incredible experience,”

She was trained as a patrol

centres and Flying Squad”.

she gushed.

and explosive K9 handler and

Moodley, who has a passion

Success

The team also received praise

served as an operational mem-

for working with animals, was

Among the successes achieved

from National Police Com-

ber until she was promoted in

promoted to the rank of Briga-

by the team was the recovery

missioner, General Fannie

2000 as the provincial coordi-

dier in February 2023. She has

of an 80-year-old woman who

Masemola, who described it

nator for K9 and Mounted Units

served the SAPS for a total of 32

was found alive in a collapsed

as the epitome of pockets of

in KwaZulu-Natal.

years.

building.

excellence that exist in the

“I further applied for a K9

“Search and rescue is close to my heart [the] duties require [one] to be mentally strong due to the horrific things they experience and see,” she said, adding that the handlers were all doing well following the mission.

Following the team’s heroic work, a dinner in honour of the team and the Gift of the Givers was held at the Turkish ambassador’s residence in Pretoria in May. Asked about the lessons learnt from the experience, Moodley said: “Appreciate life more and the simple things. Life is short and a disaster can take away everything in a second.”

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

19

FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS FEATURE

A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa

Our immediate priority is to end cholera outbreak and ensure safe water for all

R

ecent outbreaks of cholera

However, this waterborne

in Hammanskraal in Gaut-

disease is highly transmissible

eng and in the Free State

in conditions where there is in-

have shown the vital importance

adequate access to clean water

of safe and effective water and

and sanitation facilities.

waste water management.

Unreliable and poor-quality

The deaths of people in

drinking water has been a

Gauteng and the Free State are

problem in Hammanskraal for

deeply tragic. Our thoughts and

many years. The Rooiwal Waste

prayers are with the families

Water Treatment Works, which is

who have lost their loved ones.

upstream of Hammanskraal, has

Hundreds more people have

not been well-maintained and

been hospitalised following the

has insufficient capacity to deal

outbreak.

with the volume of waste water

Earlier this year, the World

entering the works.

Health Organisation (WHO) and

Over the years, in its role as

international relief organisations

the regulator of the water sec-

warned that after years of steady

tor, the DWS has issued many

decline, cholera has made ‘a

directives to the City of Tshwane

devastating comeback’, putting

speedily assist all those affected,

of Tshwane, the Department of

to address pollution from the

over a billion people in 43 coun-

including setting up a field hos-

Water and Sanitation (DWS),

Rooiwal Waste Water Treat-

tries at risk.

pital in Kanana in Hammansk-

and the provincial and national

ment Works. Regrettably, these

According to the WHO, 24

raal, providing additional water

departments of Health are car-

directives were not acted upon.

countries have had reported

tanking services to residents

rying out water quality tests at

Consequently, the Department

cases since the beginning of

and going into communities to

distribution points and at water

initiated legal action to force the

the year, including in parts of

raise awareness about proper

treatment works in the area.

city to use its grant from national

Malawi, Mozambique and Zim-

hygiene.

They are also tracking and

government to refurbish and

babwe.

An investigation is underway

tracing infections. To date, the

upgrade the waste water treat-

Authorities are to be com-

into the source of the outbreak.

original source of the cholera

ment works.

mended for their efforts to

Technical teams from the City

infection has not been located.

While there must be full ac-

20

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

countability for the failings that

plans have all contributed to

have resulted in the outbreak in

poor water quality.

Hammanskraal, at this time we

Under these circumstances,

must focus on the problem at

the fact that many councils un-

hand. We must stop the spread

derspend critical infrastructure

of cholera and take remedial

grants is unacceptable.

measures to safeguard human

Across the country, the DWS

health.

is working with municipal

Generally, water quality in

managers and technical teams

South Africa is of a high stand-

to ensure local councils use

ard, which, according to our

their water infrastructure grants

Water Research Commission,

effectively. Support is being

“compares well with the best

provided, among others, to

in the world”. It is important to

water infrastructure projects

note that the dual water sys-

like the Nooitgedacht Water

tems supplied by Magalies and

Transfer Treatment Scheme

water resource infrastructure.

is fundamental to the dignity of

Rand Water to the Tshwane

in Nelson Mandela Bay, the

Last week, I was in Lesotho

every South African.

area meet national standards.

Greater Mbizana Regional Bulk

to mark the start of construc-

I have, therefore, asked the

After they were abandoned

Water Scheme in the Alfred

tion of the second phase of

Minister of Water and Sanita-

nearly a decade ago, govern-

Nzo District Municipality, and a

the Lesotho Highlands Water

tion to make recommendations

ment reinstituted the Blue and

number of projects in Maluti-

Project, which will supply water

to strengthen the governance,

Green Drop programmes to

a-Phofung in the Free State,

to Gauteng and its surrounding

management and regulatory

help improve national water

and Emfuleni and Midvaal local

areas.

framework for municipal water

quality and to assist munici-

municipalities.

As we wait for the results

and sanitation services. This

palities with compliance. This

National government and

of the investigation into the

includes ensuring that national

formed part of Operation

Umgeni Water are helping

cholera outbreak in Ham-

minimum norms and standards

Vulindlela, a collaboration

eThekwini Metro to improve the

manskraal, it is critical that

are comprehensive, adequately

between The Presidency,

management of its waste water

local government authorities

monitored and adhered to by

National Treasury and govern-

treatment systems. Similarly,

continue to work closely with

all water service providers.

ment departments to fast-track

the Drakenstein Municipality

national government to address

Disease outbreaks such as

economic reforms.

in the Western Cape and the

and overcome the immediate

the cholera outbreak in Ham-

The most recent Green Drop

Lekwa Municipality in Mpu-

challenges with water quality in

manskraal are made far worse

Report shows there has been a

malanga are being helped to

Hammanskraal.

in situations of poor govern-

steady decline in the quality of

address waste water treatment

It is encouraging that the City

ance, weak management and

water and sanitation services

system challenges.

of Tshwane and the DWS are

poor maintenance of infra-

in municipalities. Poor govern-

As announced in the State of

working together to ensure the

structure. We have responsibil-

ance, ineffective management,

the Nation Address in February,

various water supply systems

ity – and are determined – to

increasing debt and under-

government is proceeding with

meet drinking quality stand-

remedy those shortcomings

spending on public infrastruc-

a number of significant projects

ards.

in a sustainable way and as a

ture like wastewater treatment

to improve our national bulk

Quality water and sanitation

matter of urgency.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

21

Writers: More Matshediso

FEATURE

Young South Africans pioneer a child safety App

Ntokozo Hlomuka and Keletso Lekwakwe collaborated to protect children from being abducted at schools.

M

from school.

inspired by similar experiences

adults to fetch their children in

of being abducted when

“Through the PasswordKid

of the pair regarding child safety,

order to avoid paying for after-

their parents or guard-

App, parents are able to register

and they also share the same

care. In this case, it becomes dif-

ians are unable to pick them up

a delegate that they trust to

vision of protecting children.

ficult for ECD teachers to verify

from school. To address this chal-

pick up their child from school,”

Hlomuka who hails from

who is authorised to collect the

lenge, two young people have

explained Lekwakwe, who is

Soshanguve in Pretoria, has pre-

child,” said Hlomuka, who is the

come up with an innovative idea

the Chief Executive Officer of

viously worked as an assistant

Chief Technology Officer at the

to ensure child safety in schools.

PasswordKid.

at his aunt’s Early Childhood

company.

Ntokozo Hlomuka (26) and

This means that only author-

Development (ECD) centre.

His business partner, Lekwake,

Keletso Lekwakwe (24) are the

ised people with parental rights

“I realised that many parents

originally from Rustenburg in the

founders of PasswordKid, a sys-

or approved delegations can

who worked a little far from their

North West, used to alternate

tem that helps to verify parents,

gain access to and pick-up the

children’s schools would run

with his mother to pick up his

transport drivers or trustees

child from school.

late to pick up the children, and

younger brother from pre-school

when they pick up children

This innovative idea was

they would sometimes ask other

few years ago, but sometimes

22

any children are at risk

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

the child would be stranded

that they have been author-

because of miscommunication

ised to pick up the child.

between the adults.

“The app also works for trans-

Because of their shared

port providers, who in many

concerns around child safety,

cases collect kids from school.

the two friends, who met while

They must be registered by par-

studying towards a Bachelor of

ents,” explained Lekwakwe.

Science in Information Tech-

The system is currently being

nology at Richfield Graduate

rolled out in ECD centres and

Institute of Technology in Preto-

primary schools Gauteng, but

ria, decided to come up with a

Lekwakwe believes that it will

business solution to address this

eventually be rolled out across

challenge.

the country as the business

“We conducted research and

grows.

the results gave birth to Pass-

Installation cost for the Pass-

wordKid,” said Lekwakwe.

wordKid Station at school is

ing and pharmaceutical), smart

How it works:

a once off payment of R8 459.

industries (information commu-

•

Download the App and reg-

App users pay a monthly fee

nication technology (ICT) and

ister the person who is sup-

of R39.99 per month per child

advanced manufacturing) and

posed to pick-up the child

which is billed to the parent.

green economy (water purifica-

from school by punching in

There is also a once-off registra-

tion, waste management and

their identity (ID) number

tion fee of R59.99.

renewable energy).

and other details, as well as

The PasswordKid App was

It operates a range of en-

details of the child.

among the winners of the 2022

terprise development, skills

The ID of the delegated per-

Gauteng Accelerator Pro-

development and innovation-

son must be scanned using

gramme Innovation Competition

enabling programmes both in

the App and be accepted as

hosted annually by the Innova-

the science park and throughout

a designated party with ac-

tion Hub – a subsidiary of the

Gauteng.

the local economy and enhance

cess to the child.

Gauteng Growth and Develop-

Every year, the competition

the quality of life of ordinary

When the delegated party

ment Agency. It was established

looks for innovators, researchers

citizens.

gets to the school, they

by the provincial government

and entrepreneurs who work on

Categories that are normally

present their ID and the

through its Department of Eco-

novel technologies that improves

part of the competition include

teachers at the school will

nomic Development to promote

the efficiency of service delivery,

ICT, medical, biosciences, green

scan their ID to confirm the

economic development and

increase the competitiveness of

and township economy.

pickup.

competitiveness in the province

Once the ID has been con-

through fostering innovation and

firmed, the person will be re-

entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit www.passwordkid.co.za email info@

quired to provide a one-time

The hub also offers a number

passwordkid.co.za or WhatsApp/call: 0672462328. You can also

PIN generated and sent to

of incubation programmes in

them by the App to confirm

the bio-economy (agro process-

•

•

•

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

visit www.theinnovationhub.com for more information.

23

Writer: Dr Kate Philip, Programme Lead on the Presidential Employment Stimulus in The Presidency

OPINION

Government delivering youth employment at unprecedented scale assistants support teachers in the classroom or are deployed to assist with administration or support school’s information technology (IT) as e-cadres. Beneficiaries need to have a matric certificate but young graduates are prioritised. General Assistants are not required to have a matric certificate. They assist with tasks such as school maintenance, security, food gardens, sports and after-school care.

The training options available for school assistants have strengthened with each phase.

“They are so good at technology, they are [even] teaching

A

the teachers”, relates Lala Maje, s of May 2023, a further

Run by the Department of

programme reaches every corner

100 000 school assistants

Basic Education (DBE), BEEI

of the country, with over 850 000

programme at the DBE.

started their placement

forms part of the Presidential

young people having benefited

The assistants are trained to

Employment Stimulus. It is cur-

from access to work experience,

support the delivery of core

bringing the total number of youth

rently the largest youth em-

in a context in which the lack of

curriculum priorities, such as

placed in employment opportuni-

ployment programme in South

this on their curriculum vitaes is

maths and science outcomes.

ties through the Basic Education

Africa’s history – in response to

often a barrier to employment.

Many become reading champi-

Employment Initiative (BEEI) up to

the unprecedented scale of the

The BEEI includes opportuni-

ons – with the National Educa-

850 000.

youth unemployment crisis. The

ties for all skills levels. Education

tion Collaboration Trust crediting

at schools across the country,

24

National Project Lead for the

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

these with strengthening the

focus on lesson-preparation and

culture of reading in schools,

teaching.

by running reading groups, setstories and giving one-on-one

Where to next for participants?

support to struggling learners.

After completing the programme,

As one participant posted on so-

school assistants exit into a

cial media, “My CV is no longer

tough labour market. Much effort

empty. Before this programme

continues to go into support-

it was blank, now it has five

ing them to transition to other

certificates”.

opportunities. The DBE has pro-

ting up library corners, reading

This year, government is

moted Funda Lushaka bursaries

introducing entrepreneurship

and other scholarships for those

education. School assistants will

who want to pursue careers in

support learners while also get-

education.

ting a chance to explore this as a

One such beneficiary is Lisa

career beyond the programme.

Sikhosana who worked as a school assistant in the first phase

Success

of the programme. She is cur-

The programme’s impact is be-

rently studying teaching though

ing displayed mainly on social

UNISA.

media platforms as beneficiaries

There has been CV-writing

share their achievement. The

support, letters of reference

DBE has embraced the plat-

from principals and engagement

forms and uses them to provide

with stakeholders, including in

feedback and engage the youth.

the private sector to encourage

There are pictures of housing

all who can to assist the young

improvements, posted with pride

people to find pathways to new

by participants who give credit

workplace.

participants at laptops doing

opportunities – and to post such

to the programme. There are

Participants take pride in the

school administration.

opportunities on SAYouth.mobi.

pictures of graduation ceremo-

work undertaken too: posting

Principals and teachers are

The sector has absorbed some

nies, with thanks to the pro-

photos of reading corners and

champions of the programme,

into literacy, library and after-

gramme for enabling payment

libraries established, and videos

with surveys showing their

school programmes while some

of outstanding fees. While the

of newly-trained sports enrich-

support for the programme has

are now self-employed as tutors.

programme has provided much

ment coaches running exercise

remained consistently above

As the programme matures,

needed income, participants

classes, before-and-after pic-

93%. Teachers say that the

the scope to deepen its impacts

have also pointed to how it has

tures of barren school grounds

school assistants bring energy,

is also growing, including the

empowered them with a deeper

now bursting with cabbages,

enthusiasm and passion into

potential for it to help move the

understanding of the world of

dull and dilapidated classrooms

schools; they also say that their

dial on critical learning outcome

work and prepared them for the

gleaming with new paint, and

support gives them more time to

areas.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

25

Source: CSIR

FEATURE

Partnering to build a solid pipeline of future scientists and engineers

T

young people can be mitigated

The partnership, which

through meaningful training

started in 2020, resulted in 55

programmes that enhance their

experiential learning opportu-

skills.

nities for YES youth placed at

CSIR senior engineer Prisha

the CSIR. Of the 55, 14 young

Mandree has first-hand experi-

people were placed with small

ence of the importance of invest-

and medium-sized enterprises

ing in young professionals as

(SMEs) that have, at some stage,

supervisor of an intern under the

been supported by the CSIR’s

YES programme.

industry-facing centres, such as

“The youth are finding it

the Biomanufacturing Industrial

increasingly difficult to find em-

Development Centre (BIDC),

ployment due to a lack of work

the Biorefinery Industry Devel-

experience, and this is exacer-

opment Facility, the Photonics

bated by the many challenges

Prototyping Facility and the Na-

currently facing South Africa. The

nomaterials Industrial Develop-

he Council for Scientific

professionals in science, engineer-

relationship between YES and

ment Facility, with process and

and Industrial Research

ing and technology.

the CSIR gives young people a

product development.

A partnership between Youth

chance to get practical train-

Two young professionals were

strength in partnerships not only

Employment Services (YES) and

ing in the fields of science and

placed with the CSIR’s bio-

applies to jointly developing or

the CSIR is a testament to how

engineering, which

processing research group and

localising technologies, but also to

national challenges like the high

contributes to them being more

two with the biorefinery research

building a strong pipeline of young

unemployment levels amongst

marketable,” said Mandree.

group in KwaZulu-Natal.

26

(CSIR) has shown that

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

“We placed the selected candi-

producing bio-based materials,

instruments in the lab on a

“Most young graduates are

dates with SMEs because of the

which is very valuable for the

regular basis, which means that I

willing to learn and develop

increasing need to assist these

career path I want to follow.

now have experience in operat-

themselves; they merely seek an

enterprises with additional man-

“The CSIR workforce has been

ing many of the sophisticated

opportunity to further their skills

power to grow their companies

friendly and welcoming, and it

equipment in the lab. I have

and gain work experience. It is

and increase revenue. In turn,

has been easy for me to learn

thoroughly enjoyed working

indeed a privilege to positively

interns stand to gain a wealth of

and adjust quickly because the

with a supportive and diverse

impact their personal develop-

experience from working along-

environment is conducive to

team; I feel that by the time I

ment,” he said.

side entrepreneurs,” explained

rapid learning. The opportunity

complete my internship, I will be

The YES programme interns at

BIDC Programme Manager Lara

that the YES programme and the

fully equipped with all the skills I

the CSIR come from Gauteng,

Kotze-Jacobs.

CSIR have provided me with, has

need to build my career.”

KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

Interns testomonials

served as a great career founda-

CSIR Senior Researcher, Dr

Before being placed, each of

tion for me, and I will forever be

Ghaneshree Moonsamy, who

them went through a rigorous

grateful,” beamed Thembelihle

also supervises interns, said it

interview and selection process.

“My experience as a CSIR intern

Mdakane.

has been an enriching experi-

During the 12-month internship

has been nothing short of amaz-

Sharing these sentiments is

ence to contribute to the skills

period, they are equipped with

ing. I have gained experience in

Alley Maluleke from Ga-Molapo

development, training and work-

suitable skills for industry uptake

biosciences and the process of

in Limpopo. “I get to work with

place exposure of the interns.

and receive a monthly stipend.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

27

Writers: Yoliswa Makhasi: DG, DPSA and By Mataywa Busieka, DPSA

FEATURE

A professional public service essential for a developmental state

Minister Noxolo Kiviet centre flanked by officials.

T

he Department of Public

er in achieving government’s pri-

that requires the full participa-

plement the framework were on

Service and Administra-

ority of building a capable, ethical,

tion and implementation of

track and highlighted four princi-

tion’s 2023/24 Budget Vote

and developmental state.

all sectors, including the 10

ples that will guide its execution.

Speech highlighted the approval

During the presentation,

legislatures, local government,

These are:

of the Professionalisation Frame-

Public Service and Adminis-

national and provincial depart-

work for the Public Sector as its

tration Minister Noxolo Kiviet

ments, and government-owned

Tenure of HODs

key feature. The framework has

pointed out that the framework

entities.

The Minister emphasised the

been described as a game-chang-

is a ground-breaking approach

She revealed that plans to im-

need to establish measures

28

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

that regulate the tenure of

specific challenges, dynamics,

is regulated and tied to their

heads of government depart-

and intricacies of their respec-

performance is expected to

ments (HODs) – to ensure

tive departments. This deep

incentivise effective leadership,

Abolishment of experience requirements

stability and continuity within

understanding enables them to

responsible decision-making,

Minister Kiviet also highlighted

leadership positions in the

make more informed decisions,

and the achievement of desired

the significant step of abolish-

public sector. By implementing

provide effective guidance to

outcomes. It can also create

ing experience requirements

specific guidelines, the frame-

their teams and implement

a culture of performance and

for entry-level posts (levels 1

work seeks to prevent frequent

sustainable policies.

results-oriented governance

to 5) within the public sector.

changes in leadership posi-

The decision was inspired by

tions, which can disrupt the

the pronouncements made

functioning and effectiveness

President Cyril Ramaphosa in

of government institutions.

his State of the Nation Address

Stable leadership allows for the

earlier this year. The objec-

development and implemen-

tive of this move is to promote

tation of long-term strate-

equal opportunities and foster

gies, fostering consistency in

a more inclusive recruitment

decision-making and policy

process.

implementation.

This will address potential

Moreover, establishing tenure

barriers that may hinder indi-

regulations helps to safeguard

viduals, particularly those from

against political interference

disadvantaged backgrounds

and undue influence in the

and young professionals from

appointment and dismissal of

entering the Public Service.

people in leadership positions.

By setting clear guidelines and criteria for tenure, the process becomes more transparent and less susceptible to manipulation. This, in turn,

“Often, long-term projects

require consistent leadership

and management to ensure their successful completion”.

enhances the credibility and

The removal of experience requirements opens entry-level positions to a wider pool of applicants, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive recruitment process that would foster an intergenerational mix.

integrity of leadership posi-

It provides an opportunity for

tions, ensuring that they are

individuals who possess the

occupied by individuals who

necessary skills, qualifications

possess the necessary qualifi-

The establishment of tenure

within the public sector.

and potential but may not have

cations, skills and experience.

regulations also facilitates the

The framework outlines

had the chance to accumulate

Tenure regulations can con-

continuity of ongoing initiatives

specific criteria for the ap-

significant professional experi-

tribute to building institutional

and projects. Often, long-term

pointment and dismissal of

ence.

memory and expertise within

projects require consistent

accounting officers, includ-

This shift ensures that hiring

government departments.

leadership and management

ing qualifications, experience,

decisions are based on merit,

When HODs have longer

to ensure their successful

demonstrated leadership

skills, and potential rather than

tenures, they can accumulate

completion.

capabilities and performance

solely on experience, creating a

valuable knowledge about the

Knowing that their tenure

evaluations.

level playing field for all can-

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

29

FEATURE

didates but more importantly impacting, significantly on the challenge of youth unemployment.

Pre-entry tests and competency assessments Pre-entry tests and competency assessments, which are already implemented in certain areas, will be extended to cover the entire Public Service. This aims to ensure that individuals entering government roles possess the essential skills and competencies required to perform their duties effectively.

This will enhance the quality and professionalism of the Public Service. The assessments will be used to evaluate

while these assessments serve

expectations for these manag-

mechanisms for ongoing per-

the aptitude, knowledge, and

as a screening tool, they should

ers’ performances, ultimately

sonal development and growth,

capabilities of prospective

be complemented by other

enhancing accountability and

including provisions for regular

employees before they are

factors, such as interviews and

effectiveness in their leadership

performance reviews, construc-

appointed. This measure will

reference checks, to ensure a

roles.

tive feedback, and opportuni-

ensure a standardised recruit-

comprehensive evaluation of

The revised PMDS is expect-

ties for skills enhancement and

ment process based on merit

candidates.

ed to provide clearer guidelines

professional development.

within the public sector.

on performance expectations,

Moreover, the system will

ensuring that HODs have a

foster a culture of excellence

comprehensive understanding

and professionalism within the

of their key deliverables and

Public Service. Effective perfor-

targets. This intervention will

mance management promotes

set clear performance metrics,

a sense of pride, motivation,

al knowledge and skills related

Revised performance management and development system

to their specific roles. These

The Minister also announced

including measurable targets

and dedication. This, in turn,

assessments will cover a range

the introduction of a revised

and key performance indica-

creates a positive ripple effect

of areas, including technical

performance management and

tors, as the system enables ob-

throughout the system, foster-

expertise, problem-solving

development system (PMDS)

jective evaluation of the HODs'

ing a high-performing and

abilities, communication skills

specifically designed for public

performance.

results-oriented organisational

and ethical decision-making.

sector HODs. This aims to

The revised system is also

culture.

It is important to note that

provide clearer guidelines and

expected to incorporate

Implementing pre-entry tests and competency assessments will ensure that candidates have the necessary foundation-

30

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

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

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

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

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

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

- Wait for 30 minutes before use.

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

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

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

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

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

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.

@GovernmentZA

GAUTENG PROVINCE HEALTH REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Asibe GP Healthy Asibe

Writer: Remogoditswe Mavimbela, DDG: GCIS OPINION

Bridging the digital divide through artificial intelligence I

n today's digital age, technol-

a sender and receiver – everyone

the use of chatbots powered by

communication processes by

ogy has transformed the way

has the potential to be a sender.

Generative Pre-trained Trans-

providing citizens with quick

we communicate with each

The rise of citizens’ access to

former (GPT) models, which can

and easy access to informa-

other. Gone are the days of the

social media and messaging

be used to facilitate government

tion and services. For instance,

traditional communication flow of

applications has made it increas-

communication.

citizens can use chatbots to ask

ingly important for governments

Chatbots are computer pro-

questions about government

around the world to leverage

grams that simulate conversa-

programs and services, check

these platforms to reach and

tion with human users, using

the status of their applications

engage with their citizens.

artificial intelligence (AI) and

or requests, or report issues and

One innovative solution that

natural language processing

complaints. Chatbots can also

has emerged in recent times is

technology to understand and

provide personalised recom-

respond to written or spoken

mendations based on citizens'

queries.

preferences or interactions with

GPT models are a specific

the government.

type of AI that use deep learn-

Another advantage of using

ing algorithms to process vast

chatbots in government commu-

amounts of data and generate

nication is that they can operate

coherent and natural-sounding

24/7, providing instant support to

language in response to a given

citizens even outside of business

prompt.

hours. This can save time and ef-

Streamline communication processes

ment staff, as well as reduce the need for call centres or customer support personnel. Chatbots can,

Using chatbots powered

furthermore, be programmed to

by GPT models can help

handle large volumes of requests

governments streamline their

32

fort for both citizens and govern-

simultaneously, making them

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

Photo by Aideal Hwa on Unsplash

particularly useful during times

particular start-ups, to develop

challenges, and to take the conti-

relevant data protection regula-

of crisis or emergencies.

digital content.

nent forward.

tions and ensure that chatbots

You may ask; will the use of

The AI Institute of South Africa

There are, of course, potential

do not collect or misuse citizens'

chatbots eliminate humans? The

at the Johannesburg Business

challenges and limitations to

personal information. Moreover,

answer is that the use of AI does

School of the University of

consider when using chatbots

chatbots need to be designed

not replace human interaction,

Johannesburg is a collabora-

for government communication.

with accessibility in mind, so

it is there to create an enabling

tion between the Department

One concern is that chatbots

that citizens with disabilities or

environment that multiplies the

of Communications and Digital

may not always provide accurate

language barriers can still use

efficiency of our efforts.

Technologies and Tshwane

or relevant information, espe-

them effectively.

University of Technology. This

cially when dealing with complex

In conclusion, using chatbots

first-of-its-kind institute ushers a

or sensitive topics. To address

powered by GPT models can be

new era in South Africa’s digital

this, government departments

a valuable tool for government

Government recognises the

transformation efforts.

need to ensure that chatbots are

to enhance their communication

need to invest in relevant skills

The institute is designed to en-

well-designed, regularly updated,

and engagement with citizens.

that will multiply our efforts in

sure that government, academia

and supported by human opera-

However, careful planning and

addressing the challenges facing

and industry work together to

tors who can intervene when

implementation are necessary

the country. Government’s focus

apply their collective knowledge,

necessary.

to ensure that chatbots are reli-

on digital skills includes creat-

expertise and experience to im-

Another challenge is ensuring

able, effective and respectful of

ing platforms to support and

plement coordinated solutions to

the privacy and security of citi-

citizens’ rights.

promote the ability of youth, and

some of South Africa and Africa’s

zens' data when using chatbots.

small and medium enterprises, in

most critical and long-standing

Government must comply with

Keeping up with changing times

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

33

Compiled by: Miriam Mokoena

FEATURE

SA awarded

prestigious ISSA Good Practice Award

S

outh Africa has been

sion of social security coverage

government introduced the

and expanded the coverage

awarded the prestigious

to vulnerable children: The case

Child Support Grant (CSG) to

to all eligible children. Subject

International Social Secu-

of the Child Support Grant,

replace the racially based State

to a means-test threshold, the

rity Association (ISSA) Good Prac-

South Africa, recognises the

Maintenance Grant (SMG),

CSG was introduced at a value

tice Award in Social Security for

country’s efforts in extending

which had been in existence

of R100 and has increased over

Africa 2023, at the ISSA Regional

social security coverage to vul-

from the 1930s, providing

the years to R500 as at 1 April

Social Security Forum for Africa

nerable children. A total of 138

income protection to white

2023. The grant has grown over

Awards ceremony held on 17 May

entries were received from 48

families, excluding most black

the years with an increase in the

2023 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

member institutions in over 30

families and their children.

age limit from 7 to 18 years old.

The Good Practice Award on

countries in Africa.

The new grant removed the

More than 13 million children

the entry titled: Gradual exten-

At the dawn of democracy,

racially discriminatory features

are currently receiving the grant

34

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

monthly, amounting to approxi-

at the onset of the COVID-19

and further reiterated the need

ficial launch of the Africa Social

mately R76 billion per annum.

pandemic and beyond.

to accelerate the implementa-

Security Institutions Coordina-

The agency also received a

tion of reforms and foster coop-

tion and Cooperation Forum in

of Social Development (DSD)

certificate of merit on the intro-

eration among all stakeholders

the framework of the activities

introduced a supplementary

duction of electronic deductions

within the social development

of the AU.

provision as an additional pay-

on funeral insurance premiums

sector.

Whilst in Abidjan, Minister

ment to the CSG to the value of

for social grants beneficiaries.

R250, bringing the total amount

The ISSA is the world’s lead-

to R750. This was to assist rela-

ing international organisation

Regional social security forum

tives taking care of orphans and

for social security institutions,

South Africa took part in the

solidarity and the fight against

children living in child-headed

government departments and

ISSA Regional Social Secu-

poverty, having recently signed

households – to provide for

agencies. It was founded in 1927

rity Forum from 17 to 19 May

a partnership agreement with

their basic needs and promote

under the auspices of the Inter-

2023 in Abidjan. Minister Zulu

the latter on comprehensive

family preservation.

national Labour Organization

participated in the joint session

social security, poverty eradica-

Receiving the award on behalf

(ILO) and currently has over

of the African Union(AU)-ISSA

tion and development welfare

of her department, Social

320 member institutions from

Regional Social Security Sum-

services.

Development Minister Lindiwe

over 160 countries.

mit that featured other African

During the Forum, South

Zulu reiterated government’s

Minister Zulu emphasised

states, the AU Commissioner

Africa showcased interventions

commitment to protect children.

the importance of sharing best

on Health, Humanitarian Affairs

implemented to ensure that the

“We view the CSG as an

practices on social security

and Social Development and

country's social security system

investment the government is

related matters to improve the

the ILO on 19 May 2023.

provides the much-needed pro-

making in the lives of our chil-

wellbeing of all African people

The summit featured the of-

tection to vulnerable children.

In June 2022, the Department

Zulu met her counterparts responsible for employment and social protection, as well as

dren, especially those from poor and vulnerable households. The State continues to play a pivotal role in the social protection of children, ranging from social grants to free schooling and free healthcare amongst others.”

More accolades At the same awards ceremony, the South African Social Security Agency – a DSD agency – received two certificates of merit with special mention on the Social Relief of Distress for victims affected by floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Social Relief of Distress: social assistance for people in distress

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

35

Writer: Neo Semono

FEATURE

Working for water: improving the country’s water sector O

ngoing work in South

of national water resources

Council has put in place a task

The office has been set up to

Africa’s water industry is

infrastructure assets, whilst the

team to consult on the Bill and

support municipalities to put

expected to not only en-

department retains responsi-

that the current lenders to the

in place partnerships with the

sure the provision of the precious

bility for planning, regulation,

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority

private sector. This is expected

commodity, but also to respond

policy and price setting.

have requested an independent

to enable more private sector

to challenges.

The agency also seeks to en-

financial and legal review of the

investment in water services,

In the past year, the Depart-

sure sustainable, equitable and

implications of the establish-

and to enable municipalities to

ment of Water and Sanita-

reliable supply of water from

ment of the NWRIA for their

draw more on the expertise and

tion (DWS) made progress in

the national water resources

current loans.

management capacity in the

unblocking important reforms

infrastructure.

“These processes are cur-

private sector.

and major water resource infra-

The DWS recently closed the

rently underway. When they are

“Standard partnership pro-

structure projects that had

extended public consultation

completed, we will be taking

grammes are being developed

process of the draft NWRIA Bill

the Bill back to Cabinet with

in the areas of non-revenue wa-

Progress has been

that will establish the agency.

a report on the consultations,

ter, management of waste-wa-

made on the decision to

The department has reported

recommendations for any

ter treatment works, water-use,

establish the National

that the National Economic

amendments to the Bill, and

and the general management of

Water Infrastructure

Development and Labour

recommendations for the Bill to

been delayed.

Agency (NWRIA), the

be submitted to Parliament,” the

reconfiguration of

DWS Director-General (DG), Dr

water boards and

Sean Phillips said.

the catchment

The department has also set

management agen-

up the Water Partnership Of-

cies.

fice, a ring-fenced unit housed

The agency is

within the Development Bank

envisaged to un-

of South Africa (DBSA).

dertake the building, operation, financing and maintenance

36

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

the municipal water and sanitation function,” explained Phillips.

The office is jointly overseen by the DWS, the DBSA and the South African Local Government Association.

In addition, the recruitment process for the appointment of a chief executive officer is underway in the office that is currently being managed by DBSA officials.

Water boards The DWS has also been working on reconfiguring the country’s water boards to improve their financial sustainability and scale. This work is being done to extend services to areas that are not currently serviced and

tively good state,” but were all

tions or restrictions for non-

Reconstruction and Develop-

to clarify institutional confusion

affected by the problem of non-

paying municipalities as well

ment Programme level of ser-

caused by having multiple water

payment by municipalities.

as collaboration with National

vice in terms of water supply.

boards serving the same areas.

“Unless this problem is ad-

Treasury to withhold equitable

“However, the reliability of the

Earlier this year, Parliament’s

dressed, the financial sustain-

share allocations for municipali-

water supply through municipal

Portfolio Committee on Wa-

ability of the water boards will

ties not paying their accounts.

water distribution services has

ter and Sanitation expressed

increasingly be put at risk.”

concern that as at 31 December

The DWS is currently con-

Reliability of supply

2022, water boards were owed

sulting with municipalities on

While government has made

of householders now receive a

R16.1 billion due to the non-pay-

measures to improve revenue

good progress in increasing

reliable service.

ment by municipalities’ clients.

collection by the boards. Inter-

access to water infrastructure

“This means that while water

The committee noted that this

ventions include installing bulk

since 1994, municipal challeng-

services infrastructure may

has a negative impact on the

prepaid meters to allow munici-

es remain, with the key issue

be in place, it often does not

board’s ability to raise funds for

palities and legal processes to

being the reliability of water

function properly or does not

capital projects.

attach municipal bank accounts

supply to communities. Accord-

provide water of an adequate

Asked about the state of these

where necessary.

ing to the DWS, more than 90%

quality, due to poor mainte-

entities, Phillips stated that

It also includes consistent

of the country’s households

nance and operation by munici-

the boards were “in a rela-

enforcement of water limita-

now have access to at least a

palities,” noted Phillips.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

deteriorated markedly over the last ten years, so that only 68%

37

FEATURE

This is done though ongoing

Water Service Act, 1997 (Act 108

by President Cyril Ramaphosa

engagement with municipalities.

of 1997) that will enable the Min-

in the 2023 State of the Nation

“The Minister [of Water and

ister of Water and Sanitation to

Address.

intervene more effectively where

This feat was achieved through

prioritised the

there is gross and persistent

cooperation between the DWS

municipali-

non-compliance with national

and Operation Vulindlela, where-

ties with the

norms and standards is also

in the department received

most de-

receiving attention.

technical support from Opera-

Sanitation] has

teriorated

tion Vulindlela to implement a

water and

Floods

sanitation

Meanwhile the country has, over

use licences within reduced

plan for the granting of water-

services

the years, seen more incidences

timeframes.

and in

of flooding, which have affected

The improved operating

the remaining 10% of house-

many of these

water services infrastructure.

processes included training

holds that do not have supply,

the Minister and

National water resource in-

employees and and temporar-

obtain access.

mayors have

frastructure such as dams have

ily moving staff to regions with

“In this regard, the depart-

agreed on

withstood the floods well and

large backlogs of applications.

The DWS aims to ensure that

ment is prioritising working

turnaround

the DWS has been releasing

The department is also in

with water boards and mu-

action plans

water from the dams to protect

the process of advertising and

nicipalities to extend water

which the

them as and when required in

recruiting more employees for

distribution infrastructure to

department

terms of the hydrological rules

water-use licensing to ensure

all areas that are not yet sup-

is supporting

governing such releases.

the processing of closer to 100%

In addition, the DWS is encour-

of new applications within 90

plied.

the municipalities to

aging municipalities to design

days.

is working with Lepelle Northern

The DWS is also addressing

and build water services infra-

“There has been a positive

Water and the Mopani District

the issue through the strength-

structure with flood-resistance

response from business and in-

Municipality in Limpopo to en-

ening of its regulatory functions

in mind. It is also encouraging

dustry. However, they would like

sure the installation of distribu-

for municipal water and sanita-

municipalities not to allow the

us to improve further, which we

tion infrastructure to communi-

tion service. It is working on

building of human settlements

intend to do,” added the DG.

ties in and around Giyani that

revised minimum norms and

within the 100 year flood lines of

Established in October 2020,

have never had piped water.

standards for these services. It is

rivers.

Operation Vulindlela aims to

“For example, the department

implement.”

“The department prioritises

also in the process of standard-

these projects with its Regional

ising its responses to non-com-

Water-use licenses

Bulk Infrastructure Grant and

pliance with these norms and

Meanwhile, the DWS has also

to shift its economic growth tra-

Water Services Infrastructure

standards across all its regional

cleared the backlog in the is-

jectory and enable investment

Grant which it allocates to mu-

offices.

suing of water-use licenses

and job creation.

nicipalities,” he said.

Proposed amendments to the

within 90 days as highlighted

–SAnews.gov.za

38

drive a far-reaching economic reform agenda for the country

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

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

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

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

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

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

- Wait for 30 minutes before use.

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

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

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

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

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

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.

@GovernmentZA

GAUTENG PROVINCE HEALTH REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Asibe GP Healthy

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

Empowering South Africans through Communication gain access to relevant information.

“It also provides channels for citizens to engage with the administration on issues that matter most to them. The GCIS will develop content for its online accounts and develop streams of information that will empower citizens to access social and economic opportunities.

“We will develop content for our own print media and for its audiovisual outlets, as well as through advertising, the purchasing of which we coordinate on behalf of departments and agencies,” the Minister said.

A

The GCIS will work with s government navigates

information on these priori-

social and economic opportuni-

departments, provinces, state-

through the present day

ties through, among others, the

ties,” Minister in The Presidency,

owned enterprises and part-

challenges, it has com-

regular briefings we present to

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.

ners in civil society to deepen

mitted to provide citizens with

the nation on all the priorities.

Delivering the GCIS Budget

communication of government’s

communication informed by its

The Government Communica-

Vote, for the 2023/24 financial

programmes and the nation’s

work to address load shedding,

tion and Information System

year, the Minister emphasised

promise as a destination and

unemployment, crime, the rising

(GCIS) will develop content for

that communication plays a

partner for tourism, trade and

cost of living, corruption and ser-

its online accounts and develop

fundamental role in bridging the

investment.

vice delivery.

streams of information that will

divide between government and

She also committed to redou-

“We will sustain the flow of

empower citizens to access

citizens, as it allows the public to

ble efforts to strengthen coordi-

40

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

nation of the GCIS, and harness

the Five-point Energy Action

cal cooperation that drives the

the biggest challenges faced by

partnerships with labour, busi-

Plan,” the Minister said.

forum,” the Minister said.

the private sector and commu-

ness and civil society.

During the 2023/ 24 fi-

She said the BRICS Fo-

nity media alike.

Government will also inten-

nancial year, Brand South

rum has played a vital role in

"The long-term sustainability

sify community engagements;

Africa (BrandSA) will work

strengthening mutual learn-

of any medium is critical for the

increase the use of digital

to strengthen the country’s

ing among participants and

GCIS, as government relies on

platforms to reach a wider sec-

brand position and reputation

promoting the BRICS spirit of

these platforms to disseminate

tion of the population; improve

as part of the ERRP, and the

openness, inclusiveness, coop-

government information to the

communication in all official

Better Africa and Better World,

eration and mutual benefit.

citizens," she said.

languages; and empower com-

and Leaving no One Behind

munity radio stakeholders as a

campaigns.

local medium of communica-

Strengthening the relationship with media

GCIS budget allocation

The Minister affirmed that the

The GCIS has been allo-

“Amid the challenges we face,

International collaboration

we understand the need for our

“As South Africa ventures into

media remains a key stake-

cated R750.746 million for

messages to be substan-

the opportunities presented by

holder, and it is through this

the 2023/24 financial year

the African Continental

relationship that government is

and R782,847 million for

able to communicate and reach

2024/25. The department’s

the majority of citizens.

current budget of R750.746

tion with a national footprint.

tiated by the underlying

Free Trade Agreement

perfor-

and a continental

mance

market of more

“During this financial year,

million for the 2023/24

of the

than a billion peo-

we intend to strengthen these

financial year is allocated

adminis-

ple, we will commu-

relations and, as such, we are

as follows:

tration at

nicate programmes

looking at lessons that we

•

that support regional

learnt during the COVID-19

to the entities: R256.6

period, which yielded very solid

million (34%), of which

the national, provincial and

integration and the

Transfers and subsidies

municipal level.

African Agenda 2063.

relations between government,

R219.526 million is for

“With this in mind, we

“[The]GCIS will put its best

particularly the GCIS, and the

Brand SA and R37.039

will consistently involve the

foot forward later this year in

media.

million is for the Media

implementers of government

hosting an expected 200 jour-

“This partnership is essential

Development and

programmes in our commu-

nalists from our continent and

to ensure that citizens have

Diversity Agency;

nications roll-out, as part of

elsewhere, who will constitute

access to information, which is

ensuring that communications

the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India,

the heartbeat to the health of

GCIS budget) R8.2 mil-

hold implementers to account.

China and South Africa] Media

our democracy, the develop-

lion;

“Our long-term programme of

Forum, from 18 to 19 August

ment of our country and an

communication will be inspired

2023.

enabler to government to get

by and serve as a support

“Media organisations and

into every home, despite the

mechanism to our realisation of

institutions from BRICS, devel-

distance and time,” she said.

the National Development Plan,

oping countries and emerging

Minister Ntshavheni noted the

ployees (38%) R284.1

the Economic Reconstruction

economies have had in-depth

decline in advertising revenues

million.

and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and

exchanges and initiated practi-

and circulation figures as one of

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

•

•

Capital budget (1% of

Goods and Services (27%) R201.8 million; and

•

Compensation of Em-

41

Source: CSIR

FEATURE

GreenBook

Metroview for resilient metropolitan municipalities T

he first of South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities are now benefiting from an online planning tool for climate

resilience that has been developed specifically for

their context. The first metro to benefit was the City of Tshwane, while work for the eThekwini Municipality has started.

The GreenBook (www.greenbook.co.za) was first launched in 2019, offering planning support and evidence around climate change, risk and vulnerability to all local municipalities in South Africa.

Funded by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Treasury and the International Development and Research Centre, the tool supports local government in South Africa with developing climateresilient cities and towns. Its research methodologies were all co-developed with stakeholders from government and the scientific community.

Since the launch of The GreenBook, the research team, together with stakeholders, have identified a need for a more detailed view for metropolitan municipalities. Given the uniquely complex nature of these municipalities, a different

approach to planning support is needed in these spaces.

The GreenBook MetroView was conceptualised to address

42

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

metropolitan planning needs

all sectors and departments

and developed for the City of

in the metro,” explained CSIR

Tshwane as a proof of concept in

principal researcher and urban

2020/21 through CSIR research

and regional planning expert

and development funding, in

Willemien van Niekerk.

close collaboration with the City

The MetroView edition

of Tshwane, and with input from

comprises two tools. The

National Treasury’s Cities Sup-

Climate Risk and Vulner-

port Programme.

ability Profile Tool provides

The investment resulted in

a current and 2050 picture of

The GreenBook MetroView, a

climate change and its related

planning support system that

impacts on three levels namely;

provides spatialised and quanti-

municipal, planning region and

fied scientific evidence of climate

ward level.

change projections, multidimen-

The tool consists of six sec-

sional vulnerability indicators,

tions, including an overview, a

population-growth projections

vulnerability section, climate

and climate hazard risk model-

information, a section on hazard

ling to assist practitioners, poli-

and exposure, coping capacity,

cymakers and decision-makers

and climate risk zones. These

to effectively inform and support

zones provide spatialised and

based on its climate action plan

plans. Ultimately, you do not just

climate risk and vulnerability

quantified climate risk for the

and reflects on the functions,

want to know and understand

assessment related planning

city. The Tshwane climate risk

outcomes and actions as con-

the likely challenges, but con-

processes.

and vulnerability profile is avail-

tained in the climate action plan.

sider the possible interventions

“The GreenBook MetroView

able online at https://tshwane-

The Tshwane Climate Action

as well,” added Van Niekerk.

creates a shared understanding,

riskprofile.greenbook.co.za/

Tool is also available online at

The second metro to benefit

across the different sectors and

The Climate Action Tool con-

https://tshwane-climateactions.

is the City of eThekwini. The

departments in a city, as well as

sists of various adaptation ac-

greenbook.co.za/

CSIR, in collaboration with Na-

other stakeholders, of the pos-

tions, as well as greenhouse gas

While each of the two tools in

tional Treasury’s Cities Support

sible impacts of climate change

mitigation actions. Each of the

the MetroView can be used on

Programme, Absa, and the City

and the decisions that need to

actions within the tool speaks

its own, they are complementary

of eThekwini, is developing a

be made to respond to it.

to themes that relate to specific

and were designed to be used

MetroView for the city.

“The spatialised communica-

city functions that should con-

together for maximum impact.

As part of the GreenBook

tion of climate-related risks

sider climate change adapta-

“If you have explored the cli-

research and development

and vulnerabilities will primarily

tion, greenhouse gas mitigation

mate risk and vulnerability profile

programme, the team intends to

inform land-use planning and

and disaster risk reduction. The

of a metro, you can also explore

develop a MetroView for each

spatial investment-targeting

themes are linked to certain

the range of adaptation actions

of the metropolitan cities in the

processes, while the adaptation

strategic priority outcomes as

available to be considered for in-

country over the next few years,

and mitigation actions speak

identified by the city. The City of

tegration and implementation in

building on existing partnerships

to the responsibilities across

Tshwane’s climate action tool is

various local strategic and sector

with government and industry.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

43

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

SA forging ahead with National Health Insurance

the readiness to implement NHI. The President told delegates that to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), government must prioritise several key areas, including funding.

“Resources will need to be pooled to provide access to quality healthcare for all, starting with government funding health services that have experienced a massive budget reduction in the past few years.

“We will also need to mobilise resources to address perennial problems such as HIV, TB and other non-communicable diseases.”

Even though South Africa was negatively affected by COVID-19, the President believes the health systems have proven to be remarkably “resilient”.

He acknowledged that the pandemic disrupted the implementation of the nine pillars of the Presidential Health Compact, which lays a foundation for a five-year roadmap for health systems strengthening reforms towards accelerating UHC.

G

“But work did not grind to a overnment is forging

Ramaphosa at the second Presi-

ported by effective management

halt. On the contrary, it contin-

ahead with the National

dential Health Summit held at

and leadership,” he said.

ued despite the difficult terrain

Health Insurance (NHI) to

the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg

The summit reviewed the im-

we were navigating at the time.

enable the country to ensure every

in May.

plementation of the interventions

“We were also fortunate in that

citizen receives quality health ser-

“Such a healthcare system

agreed to during the 2018 sum-

we put the legislative wheels for

vices, correct diagnosis and free

should be adequately staffed

mit, assessed the performance

NHI in motion before the pan-

treatment at the point of care.

with well-trained and motivated

of the health system against the

demic struck.”

This was said by President Cyril

healthcare professionals sup-

Health Compact, and evaluated

He announced that the NHI

44

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in 2019, would be debated in the National Assembly in May before being considered in the National Council of Provinces.

Equality in accessing healthcare He also explained that UHC falls under the United Nation’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development – to ensure that everyone can access quality health services without incurring financial hardship, promote health equity and reduce health disparities.

He believes it will also provide

integrate health departments,

in training programmes for

from the experiences of others

essential health services to all

quality of healthcare is still

healthcare professionals and in-

as well as adopt best practices

individuals regardless of their

largely influenced by where you

crease staffing levels to meet the

in implementing UHC policies

socioeconomic status or geo-

live.”

population's needs and ensure

and programmes.

graphic location.

“It [NHI] aims to reduce health

essential medicines and medical

“Our goal as South Africa is

“To achieve this, health sys-

disparities between different

devices are available.

to create a healthcare system

tems need to be strengthened,

population groups and regions

He said the highly publicised

that is the world's envy; that is

health coverage needs to be

of the country and to protect

situation at Tembisa Hospital

accessible, efficient, and effec-

expanded, and out-of-pocket ex-

individuals and families from the

and many such examples in vari-

tive in meeting the needs of all

penses for health services need

financial burden of healthcare

ous provinces are unacceptable.

citizens.”

to be reduced.”

expenses.

“We must protect whistle-

Recommendations from the

He said government cannot do

The President also called on

blowers to ensure we can root

summit included the need for

it alone and will rely on collabo-

strong governance and lead-

out corruption that has become

collaboration between the pri-

ration between the State, civil

ership by the Department of

endemic in our health system.”

vate and public health sectors,

society organisations, the private

Health to ensure that the entire

President Ramaphosa said he

the need for better assessment

sector and other stakeholders.

health system, public and pri-

hoped that this year’s United

and monitoring tools to measure

The President raised concern

vate, is well-managed, trans-

Nations General Assembly in

the functionality of clinics and

about the disparities between

parent, and accountable to the

September will be an opportune

hospitals and creating incen-

public and private healthcare,

public.

time to share progress made by

tivisation schemes for provinces

which continue to increase.

He reiterated government’s

the country towards the NHI.

that manage their health budg-

“Moreover, despite efforts to

commitment to investing more

“We have been able to learn

ets efficiently.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

45

FEATURE

Source: SAnews

DBE in talks with Treasury to fund a national reading strategy

B

asic Education Minister

Reading Strategy.

resourced is justified. We are

age Grade 4 leaner could read.

Angie Motshekga says

She said that from their con-

engaging National Treasury in

The average Grade 3 learner

her department is engag-

tinuous consultations, and les-

this regard,” she announced.

could read before the pan-

ing with National Treasury to

sons learnt from the regional

demic.

fund an integrated national read-

and international assessment

Effects of COVID-19

ing literacy strategy.

studies, there was an emerging

Minister Motshekga added that

been a loss of one year of

The Minister said this while

view that they should reduce

she had requested research-

learning, meaning the country

tabling the department’s

the 10 pillars to four key inter-

ers to analyse the impact of

slid backwards in terms of

Budget Vote for the 2023/24

dependent strands.

the COVID-19 pandemic on

the PIRLS progress by a few

financial year.

These are: explicit reading

the country’s basic education

years.

This comes after a report on

literacy policy; skilled and agile

system, the lost ground and

“The overall reading scores

the 2021 Progress in Interna-

teachers; age-appropriate and

the return of the schooling sys-

of our Grade 4

tional Reading Literacy Study

culturally relevant learning and

tem to its earlier improvement

learners, who

(PIRLS) revealed that 81% of

teaching support materials;

trajectory.

participated

South African Grade 4 pupils

and involved parents and com-

The researchers reported

in PIRLS 2021,

cannot read for meaning.

munities.

that prior to COVID-19, the

dropped from

She noted that there had

PIRLS is coordinated on

“This approach is critical,

country had seen progress in

320 points at-

a five yearly basis by the

as the PIRLS 2021 has also

the reading abilities of children.

tained in 2016, to

International Association for

observed that learners with

“According to the PIRLS,

288 points in 2021.

the Evaluation of Educational

higher home socio-economic

reading in Grade 4 had im-

“Our Grade 4 girls per-

Achievement (IEA) and is

status had much higher

proved substantially between

formed better, at 317 points,

the global standard for moni-

achievement than learners

2006 and 2016. Between 2011

than their boy counterparts,

toring reading achievement

with a lower socio-economic

and 2016, South Africa saw the

who achieved 260 points.

at Grade 4.

status.

second-fastest improvement

PIRLS 2021 shows that the

The Minister highlighted that

“Therefore, the consensus

among all PIRLS participating

longer the children stay in

in 2019, the sector had reached

that the implementation of an

countries, after Morocco,” the

school, the better their perfor-

consensus on 10 pillars to

integrated national reading

Minister explained.

mance,” she said.

anchor its 2019 National

literacy strategy must be well

By the end of 2021, the aver-

This is supported by the

46

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

PIRLS 2021 Grade 6 score, which shows an upward shift of 96 points when compared with the Grade 4 score.

The Minister added that her department will be embarking on report back and engagements sessions with its critical stakeholders, including renowned local and international scholars, to ensure that they all understand the conundrum about reading for meaning as different from oral performance in reading.

While acknowledging the devastating effects of COVID-19, she said these assessment studies continue to sharpen their understanding and plans on improving the

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

sector’s performance on reading for meaning.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

47

FEATURE

Source: Stats SA

Beyond unemployment: time-related underemployment in the market

S

outh Africa’s unemploy-

The prevalence of underem-

ment rate in the first quar-

ployment increased during

ter of 2023 was recorded at

COVID-19, increasing from 4.7

32.9%, and is among the highest

% in Q1:2020 to 5.2% in Q1:2021,

in the world. According to the

followed by a significant increase

Quarterly Labour Force Survey

in the proportion of persons af-

(QLFS), this is an increase of 0.2

fected by time-related underem-

of a percentage point compared to

ployment in the first quarter of

the fourth quarter of 2022.

2022 at 5.6%.Quarter-to-quarter

While the unemployment rate

changes indicate an increase

may be high, there is also an

by 0.5 of a percentage point in

increase in time-related un-

time-related underemployment,

deremployment. Time-related

from 4.4% in Q4:2022 to 4.9% in

underemployment refers to all

Q1:2023.

persons in employment who

Although the underemploy-

wanted to work additional hours,

ment rate increased for both

had worked less than a specified

females and males, females were

hours threshold (working time

more likely to be in time-related

in all jobs) and were available to

underemployment (6.3%) than

work additional hours given an

their male counterparts (3.9%).

opportunity for more work.

Also notable is the persistent vul-

Statistics South Africa defines

nerability of women in the labour

time-related underemployment

market, with the time-related underemployment for females

as those persons who worked less than 35 hours in the refer-

of time-related underemployed

is consistent with underemploy-

being higher than the national

ence week and were available to

persons to employed persons. In

ment recorded in Q1:2020 pre-

average.

work additional hours.

the first quarter of 2023, 4.9% of

COVID-19 with a slight increase

Females may desire to work

Time-related underemployment

employed persons were in time-

of 0.2 of a percentage point over

more hours; however, various

rate is defined as the percentage

related underemployment. This

these years.

reasons may force them to work

48

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

fewer hours than they desire:

Graduates are the least af-

4.9%. The lowest underemploy-

highest underemployment rate

their disproportionate care work

fected by underemployment,

ment rate is recorded in the age

at 9.8% in Q1:2023 and 8.8% in

could make them less likely to

recording the lowest under-

groups 35 to 44 years and 55 to

Q4:2022.

be available to work more hours

employment rate at 1.2% for

64 years, both at 4.6%.

or take up an extra job; there

Q1:2023

may be other family responsi-

As with the unemployment

The 19th International Confer-

Persons employed in private

ence of Labour Statisticians

households were more likely to

defines labour underutilisation

bilities and commitments; or

as the mismatches between la-

they may be discouraged to a

bour supply and demand, which

greater extent in their job search

translates into an unmet need for

compared to their male coun-

employment among the popula-

terparts.

tion. An important component

With the highest time-related

of labour underutilisation is

underemployment rate of 5.9%,

time-related underemployment,

Black Africans remain vulner-

which can bolster the analysis

able in the SA labour market as

of the labour market’s effective-

they desire to work more hours.

ness. The international standard

Indian/Asian and White popula-

defines persons in time-related

tion groups have the lowest

underemployment as all persons

time-related underemployment

in employment who, during a

rates (0.9% each). The only de-

short reference period, wanted

crease in time-related underem-

to work additional hours, whose

ployment was recorded among

working time in all jobs was less

the Indian/Asian population

than a specified hours threshold,

group (1.7 percentage points).

and who were available to work

With the exception of Free

additional hours given an oppor-

State, which showed a decline

tunity for more work.

of 1.7 percentage points quarter-

According to the latest data,

on-quarter, all other provinces

the first quarter of 2023 indicates

recorded an increase in the

an increase in the prevalence

percentage of people affected

of time-related underemploy-

by time-related underemploy-

ment. Statistics on time-related

ment. Employed persons from

under-employment are useful

Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and

rate, young people experience

be underemployed than those in

as a supplement to information

Mpumalanga recorded the high-

underemployment at far higher

other sectors. The underemploy-

on employment and unemploy-

est prevalence of time-related

rates than older persons. For the

ment rate for those employed in

ment, particularly the latter, as

underemployment. The Western

first quarter of 2023, the under-

private households was 18.4% in

they enrich an analysis of the

Cape, North West and Gauteng

employment rate was 6.3% for

Q1:2023 and 16.7% in Q4:2022,

efficiency of the labour market in

recorded the lowest underem-

those aged 15 to 24 and 5.2%

an increase of 1.7 percent-

terms of the ability of the country

ployment rate in the first quarter

for those aged 24 to 34, which is

age points quarter-on-quarter.

to provide full employment to all

of 2023.

higher than the national rate of

Agriculture recorded the second

those who want it.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

49

Writer: Zinhle Dlamini-Mugabe Photo supplied.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

SA-South Korea

relations creating opportunities for young people

A

s South Africa and South Korea's

2022. According to the South Korean

bilateral relations continue to get

Embassy website, the K-ETA system

stronger, young people from the

allows South Africans to authorise their

two countries are reaping the benefits.

trip to Korea through an online applica-

One such young person is Ayanda

tion.

Pieters (26), a South African living in

A visa is, however, required for long-

South Korea. She is one of the many

term stay for work, study and reloca-

South Africans teaching English in

tion. It can be obtained from the South

South Korea.

Korean Embassy in Pretoria.

Last year, the two countries marked the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic

ing in South Korea, the South African

relations.

Embassy in Seoul, South Korea’s

Pieters has been teaching in South

capital city, states that: “many Korean

Korea for just over a year. She says

students travel to South Africa as an

that at the moment “South Africa is the

alternative destination for English

only country in Africa that is recognised

learning”.

as an English native speaker by the

50

In addition to South Africans teach-

South Korean government”.

Opening opportunities

The Korean government has pro-

Growing up, teaching was not part of

grammes such as EPIK and hagwons

Pieters's career aspirations, but the

which provide after school services like

diplomatic relations between South

English teaching. Besides South Africa,

Africa and Korea opened a whole new

these programmes are open to citizens

world of opportunities for her and many

of the United States of America, the

South Africans.

United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Aus-

Originally from Newcastle in Kwa-

tralia, New Zealand and India.

Zulu-Natal, Pieters holds a National

Travelling to South Korea has also

Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology

been made easy.

Degree in Journalism from the Tshwane

There is a visa waiver for South African

University of Technology. While at the

tourists and those engaging in busi-

university she was a student assis-

ness for a short period. The visa waiver

tant and an editor for the institution’s

called K-ETA was introduced in April

publication.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

“I taught five-year-olds who had

very little to no understanding of

the English language and it was very challenging. I then learnt how to use non-verbal communication to get through to them.”

However, when she completed

it was very challenging. I then

themselves. “I miss random hu-

patriotism of South Koreans and

her studies, she struggled to

learnt how to use non-verbal

man interactions especially from

how they keep their environ-

find a job as a journalist. With

communication to get through

the younger generation. I miss

ment clean, “they look after their

her dream job deferred, it was

to them. One day it was like they

people who are my age, who

environment. Recycling here is

time for her to realise her other

woke up and were suddenly

will just randomly chat me up,”

taken so seriously. I like that so

calling.

able to use English. Being able

says the young teacher.

much”.

“I come from a lineage of

to communicate with them was

Pieters says she has had to

But as the saying goes, no

teachers and I wanted to avoid

very fulfilling,” adds the proud

adjust to Korea’s ppalli-ppalli

matter how far you travel, there

the profession at all costs. But

teacher.

(fast-fast) culture. “This means

is no place like home.

somehow I found myself gravi-

Pieters has settled in and is

that decisions are made and im-

“I miss the weather and the

tating towards teaching. Before

feeling more at home.

plemented right there and then”.

great air quality we have in

I went to university I was an

“At first, I did not think I would

She says that she admires the

South Africa,” Pieters concluded.

English tutor. So when I could

enjoy teaching as much as I cur-

not find something stable in

rently do. The highlights of my

journalism, I gave in to fate and

career are the letters and mes-

took a leap of faith.”

sages of appreciation I get from

In 2022, she moved to South

parents. They give me validation

Korea to teach English.

that I did not make a mistake by

"I work at Hillside Collegiate

choosing teaching over what I

in Ulsan, a coastal city in South

went to school for.”

Korea. I teach Grade 1s,” she

She was even recently re-

says.

minded about the 2010 Vuvuzela

Pieters says when she ini-

legacy by a Korean friend.

tially started teaching, the task

The instrument became so

seemed insurmountable.

popular in 2010 that it was en-

“I taught five-year-olds who

tered into the dictionary.

had very little to no understand-

Pieters’s biggest culture shock

ing of the English language and

was that a lot of people keep to

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

More on South Africa and Korea’s bilateral relations: “Increasingly the main focus of the bilateral relationship is on economic and business links. Today Korea is South Africa's 4th largest trading partner in Asia. South Africa is Korea's largest trading partner in Africa. While complementary, there is considerable opportunity for the expansion and diversification of trade. South Africa is well positioned to supply South Korea with the following products: mining and metal, steel, automotive components, agro-processing, textiles, jewellery and chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.” - South African Embassy in Seoul.

51

Gearing up for

Writer: Neo Rangaka

GROOMING AND ST YLE

winter: ladies edition I

t is the season for layering.

With so many clothes needed to keep your warm, choosing

1

how to put it all together can be quite challenging. I am going to show you how to get more out

3

of every item you purchase this season.

Black excellence The simplest way to coordinate winter items and to get layering right, is to use colour as a guideline. Our first colour is black – sliming, sophisticated and perfect for every occasion.

Tip: Black goes well with white, to help tone down its intensity.

To get the most out of your wardrobe, feel free to buy a summer dress and layer it with stockings, a shirt or turtleneck underneath, then throw on a black coat on top.

2 4

7

Chic classique Shades of neutral colours always pair well together – white, cream, beige, grey and nude.

Tip: The classic white shirt can be worn with wide leg pants or jeans; or unbuttoned with leggings or a tube skirt for a pretty preggy look.

Hoodies are the best way to be comfortable and look cool during your pregnancy. You can buy one size bigger than usual to get the look.

6 * Prices correct at the time of writing

52

Public Sector Manager • May 2023

12 Lady in red Femininity has never been more celebrated. With Viva Magenta as the PANTONE Colour of the Year 2023, expression and bravery are the message behind this lady-like shade.

Tip: Do not be afraid of dressing in all pink or red; mix lighter shades with darker ones to add depth to the monochrome look.

10

1.

2.

3.

5

11

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Ostrich Feather Elasticated Pant and Lined Blazer in Linen Check. Each R899: Me&B, 44 Stanley or www.meandb.shop Maternity inner support tank dress, R299: www.superbalist.com Black Tights with Animal Mesh Detail, R299: Me&B, 44 Stanley or www. meandb.shop Embossed Dome Bag (black), R2 000: www.galxboy.co.za Faux Leather Pinafore Dress, R799: Woolworths Nsuo Drawstring Oversized Shirt, R3 950: Asantii, Sandton City Thebe Magugu Hoodie, R1 149.00: Shelflife Milk Embroidered Denim Jacket, R899: Me&B, 44 Stanley or www. meandb.shop Sun Ava Bone, R500: www.galxboy.co.za Exposed seam detail funnel neck (purple), R244: www.superbalist.com A-Line Boucle Skirt in Pink/Red, R599, Lined Jacket, R1 499 and Cerise Pink Beret, R299: Me&B, 44 Stanley or www.meandb.shop Emolyne Johannesburg Vibrant Pink Red Velvet Lip: www.emolyne.com

11

9 8

About me *Rangaka is the founder of NEO by Neo Victoria Rangaka (NVR), a premium African brand aimed at creating designs that redefine the African identity.

You can contact her on 082 929 7653 or nvrangaka@gmail.com or Instagram: @neovictoriarangaka or @neobynvr.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

* Prices correct at the time of writing

53

Writer: More Matshediso Photos: Chef Moleleki

FOOD AND WINE

Balanced meals have great benefits for your health

hef Moleleki Lelimo en-

are good for dietary require-

rich with nutrients, have beau-

Coconut chicken:

courages everyone to eat

ments,” he says.

tiful crunchy texture and are

Ingredients:

balanced meals because

In this edition, the chef

good for the digestive system.

• Chicken thighs and drum-

they contribute to the well func-

shares one of his favour-

“This is a flavourful family

tioning of the human body and

ite go-to recipes – coconut

style meal that will win the

• 3 cloves of garlic.

help to build the immune system,

chicken. The meal is served

hearts of your loved ones. It is

• 1 onion finely chopped.

lowering the risk of getting ill.

with blanched vegetables and

simple and cost-effective, and

• Red bell pepper chopped in

“Vegetables provide impor-

couscous. He prefers blanched

you can have it every week,”

tant minerals and fibre, which

vegetables because they are

he says.

C

54

sticks.

chunks.

• Salt and pepper.

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

• Paprika.

• Fresh coriander.

cayenne pepper, herbs and

dish and bake on 200 °C for

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for

• Phyllo pastry.

paprika.

about 35 minutes or till cooked

heat.

• Dried mixed herbs (preferably

• 3 tablespoons of butter.

• Place a skillet or pan on me-

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

dium to high heat with olive

through.

• While the chicken is bak-

oil and sauté the seasoned

ing, prepare the sauce in the

• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.

Method:

chicken till lightly crispy and

same pan used to brown the

• Diced canned tomatoes.

• Pat dry the chicken using pa-

golden brown.

chicken.

• Coconut milk 400 ml.

per towel and place in a bowl.

• Remove from the skillet or pan

• Sauté onions and peppers till

• Chicken stock.

Season with salt, black pepper,

and place in an oven-proof

onions are translucent, then

oregano).

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

55

Nicholas Francis

FOOD AND WINE

Pictures: Supplied

add garlic and sauté further till nicely fragrant.

• Add tomato paste and mix well.

• Add diced tomatoes and let

entertainer. Return the pan to

sauce in, toss sesame seeds

the oven and bake further till

then transfer to the serving

• When the sauce is done. The

the phyllo ribbons are golden

dish.

chicken should be cooked

brown. Remove from the oven

through. Pour it over the

and garnish.

• Taste for salt and pepper, and adjust if necessary.

Couscous: Ingredients:

simmer for a few minutes. At

chicken in the same pan it is

this stage, taste the acidity

baked in (we do not want lose

Vegetables:

in the tomatoes and add a

any flavours, set aside).

Ingredients:

• 1 onion finely chopped.

bit of sugar if necessary. Add

• Brush 2 or 3 sheets of phyllo

• Green beans.

• Bell peppers, diced.

dissolved chicken stock and

pastry generously with but-

• Rainbow carrots.

• Black beans.

simmer further till slightly

ter, roughly place it over the

• Radishes.

• Chicken stock.

reduced.

• 1 cup couscous.

one side of the chicken in the

• Broccoli.

• Parsley finely chopped.

• Add coconut milk and cook till

oven. This step is optional,

• Sweet corn.

• Salt and pepper to taste.

the sauce is nicely thickened,

but it adds a bit of crunch to

• Sesame oil.

lastly add chopped coriander

the meal and eye catching

• Toasted Sesame seeds.

Method:

and preserve some for garnish.

if you are a show stopping

• Light soy.

• Place couscous in a bowl.

Pour over hot chicken stock

Method:

covering the entire couscous,

• Blanche all vegetables indi-

cover and set aside.

vidually and place in a bowl

• While the couscous is absorb-

of ice water, this prevents the

ing all that stock, sauté the

vegetables from overcooking

onion and peppers till nicely

and helps preserve colour.

soft.

When completely cooled,

• Once the couscous has ab-

remove from the ice water and

sorbed all the liquid, use a fork

place on a strainer.

to stir and loosen it up, then

• When ready to serve, heat up

add the sautéed items.

a large pan and sauté veg-

• Add ½ cup black beans and

etables with sesame oil for

parsley.

about 3 minutes. (This step is

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

for bringing them back to heat

This is a meal to be enjoyed with

and flavouring). Once fragrant

a glass of crisp cold chardonnay.

and warmed, drizzle the soy

*Lelimo is a sous-Chef at one of the high-end restaurants in Cape Town and he is originally from Excelsior in the Free State. He also does private functions. You can check out some of his work on Instagram: @molelekiskitchen

56

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

Source: SCTIE

TRAVEL

W

ith the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province and

a wealth of unique nature-based activities, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice along the KZN South Coast. And now, plan-

Plan your perfect holiday with the newly revamped

KZN South Coast App

ning everything from accommodation to family-friendly outdoor activities has never been easier.

Visitors just need to download the newly revamped, Explore KZN South Coast App, free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

“We are so fortunate that KZN South Coast enjoys a year-round subtropical climate, boasts world-famous

who are planning a trip to ex-

dive sites, Blue Flag beaches

plore these once-in-a-lifetime

and great hiking trails, mak-

sites and experiences, we have

ing it an incredibly popular

relaunched our innovative

tourism destination,” com-

ficer of South Coast Tourism and

Phelisa Mangcu.

Explore KZN South Coast [App],"

mented the Chief Executive Of-

Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)

“To better assist holidaymakers

she said.

58

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

Mangcu added that, “the

fingertips, any time of day,

offers throughout the KZN

platform features interactive

wherever they are.

South Coast, from sea-

The App features:

side campsites to 5-star

digital Visitor Information Centre (VIC), Google Maps

•

Direct access to operators

•

resorts.

The region’s best eateries,

connectivity, an updated

by simply clicking on the

events calendar, scenic routes,

contact to immediately call

cafés, fast food spots, res-

extensive tour information,

or email for more informa-

taurants, pubs and other

and not-to-be-missed outdoor

tion.

dining options.

•

•

•

from Google Play and Follow the South Coast

A wide selection of retail

Tourism on Facebook;

and services found in the

South Coast Tourism and

area.

Investment Enterprise

The latest local specials

on YouTube; @infos-

The constantly updated

and tour packages offering

outhcoast on Twitter or

out, no matter what device

events calendar, featuring

fantastic deals.

Instagram and Info Ugu

you are using. In addition, it is

the best local markets,

The best local attractions

South Coast Tourism on

completely free for all users.”

social events, festivals and

such as 11 top golf courses,

LinkedIn.

shows.

two world-renowned dive

Hundreds of things to

sites, nature reserves,

adventures found along the

GPS coordinates to

To find out more about the KZN South Coast’s tourism offerings: • Download the free App

Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.

navigate to the best sites,

By virtue of the fact that the

eateries, venues and more

App is connected to our desti-

on the KZN South Coast.

nation website, you never miss

Explore the KZN South Coast

•

•

• •

•

Visit the SCTIE website to check out the events

‘Sea’ and do, including

lagoons and waterfalls.

Visitors can simply go to the

Blue Flag Beach offerings,

Alongside the many ben-

Google Play or Apple App

top fishing spots, charter

efits for local residents and

Coast Meeting Planner

Stores to download the newly

boats, microlight tours,

holidaymakers, the Explore

Guide.

updated KZN South Coast

cultural excursions, hin-

KZN South Coast App also

Follow the hashtag #kzn-

App or load the new version.

terland tours, hiking and

provides tourism establish-

southcoast #extendy-

Once downloaded, visitors

biking trails, and extreme

ments with a far-reaching

ourstay #endlessoppor-

have access to all relevant

adventures.

marketing platform that

tunities.

Various accommodation

will drive business.

tourism information at their

Public Sector Manager • June 2023

•

•

calendar.

Check the KZN South

59

UNITE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Nicholas Francis

FEATURE

Pictures: Supplied

T U O K SPEA NOW!

30916

60

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 Special InvestigatingPublic Unit Sector Manager • June 2023