PSM March 2023

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

MARCH 2023

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Dr SemeteMakokotlela

moving SAHPRA to a more responsive regulator

Government continues

with fight against TB

CSIR driving excellence through work-life balance

MARCH 2023

Contents: March 2023

8 REGULARS 8. Conversations with leaders

Dr Nobert Ndjeka is intensifying the fight

against TB as South Africa commemorates TB month

28

30

FEATURES 20. SoNA in numbers

A glimpse at this year’s State of the Nation Address

10. Women in the public sector

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo SemeteMakokotlela, keeps an eye on medicine quality

22. SA beefs up protection for whistle blowers

Government is working towards capacitating the Witness Protection Unit

24. Crime stats record a spike in murder

Law enforcement rises up to combat violent crime

14. Trailblazer

Archaeologist and researcher in Palaeoanthropology, Dr Keneiloe Molopyane,

26. South Africa declares State of Disaster to address energy crisis How will SA lessen the impact of the current energy deficit?

invited to join the prestigious Explorers Club 50 (EC50), class of 2023 (on back of her pushing the boundaries of exploration of the Deep Human Journey) 16. Profiles in leadership

Being certified as a Top Employer con-

28. National State of Disaster declared on floods

Creating a coordinated response to the devastating floods caused by the La Nina global

weather phenomenon 30. Ministers welcome Budget

SA’s economic woes to receive much-needed budgetary relief

firms the CSIR’s dedication to a better world of work, exhibited through excellent human capital policies and people practices 19. From the Union Buildings

We need to work harder to close the gap

32. 3D construction printing technology to reduce housing backlog Innovation and speed key to building infrastructure.

36

between men and women in the economy

2

Public Sector Manager • December 2022/January 2023

LIFESTYLE 52. Grooming and style

Top five tips on how to take care of ethnic hair

54. Food and wine

Asian inspired at home

58. Travel

Soaking and floating in the land

58

of fire and ice

34. SA addressing challenges to

46. Innovative learning tools to reach the

increase mining investment

needs of learners across SA

seize opportunities to re-estab-

one; learners, teachers and caregivers

The mining industry is ready to

Making remote learning work for every-

lish its global role 48. Government pays tribute to SA radio 36. Northern Cape’s proposed

industry

Praise for radio’s ability to promote

green hydrogen hub can help

culture and nation building

open region’s full energy potential

Green energy to meet needs

50. Water leaks management system pro-

far and wide in the heart of

vides integrated system to manage

Boegoebaai

50

40. Chemical SETA lays a solid foundation for digital transformation

Youth and women pivotal to transforming the sector 42. Charting Tshwane’s liberation heritage route

Taking a tour through Tshwane’s contribution to South Africa’s struggle for freedom

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

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 Acting Head of Editorial and Production Zanele Mngadi Zanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za

Acting Director-General Michael Currin

Managing Editor Tshepo Nkosi tshepon@gcis.gov.za

Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Nomonde Mnukwa

News Editor Miriam Mokoena miriam@gcis.gov.za

water loss

App to manage water challenges in municipalities

GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Production Assistants Jauhara Khan | Sebastion Palmer Graphic Designers Tendai Gonese | Benny Kubjana

3

MINISTER MONDLI GUNGUBELE’S MESSAGE

Serving the people to advance human rights we are enjoying today. On this

to work hard to provide ser-

sible for the implementation of

day in 1960, apartheid police

vices that serve the interests of

these plans and programmes.

shot and killed 69 protesters

South Africans and meet their

The President also high-

marching against apartheid

needs, as enshrined in the Bill

lighted the challenges in the

laws in Sharpeville. The mas-

of Rights.

public sector, citing weak-

sacre exposed the apartheid

As we carry out our duties

nesses in state-owned entities

regime’s brutality and violations

and responsibilities, we must

and poor performance by some

of human rights.

remember that everyone has

municipalities. This is especially

Human rights, which the

the right to human dignity,

concerning since municipali-

majority of South Africans

equality, freedom, language

ties operate closest to citizens

whom we are serving today

and culture, among other

and are in charge of providing

were previously denied, form an

things. It is our responsibility as

direct services to communities.

integral part of the Constitution

citizens and public servants to

While government is imple-

of the Republic of South Africa

protect these rights and build

menting measures to address

of 1996. The Bill of Rights, as

the South Africa that we want,

these challenges, we must

the cornerstone of our con-

leaving no one behind.

continue to work hard and

stitutional and representative

Let us support programmes

collectively to ensure that

democracy, addresses South

that aim to combat actions and

South Africans receive quality

arch is a politically

Africa’s history of human-rights

practices that undermine the

services. On the other hand, let

and socially significant

violations, including oppres-

basic human rights of South

us ensure that we give them

month in South African

sion, colonialism, slavery, rac-

Africans such as racism, cor-

the right to human dignity that

history as it marks Human Rights

ism and sexism. It also embeds

ruption, and gender-based

was fought for by the men and

Month. The commemoration

the rights of all people in South

violence and femicide.

women who risked their lives

reminds us of the sacrifices that

Africa in an enduring affirma-

In his State of the Nation

and died in the fight for human

accompanied South Africa’s

tion of the democratic values

Address on 9 February 2023,

rights on that fateful day in

struggle for freedom and democ-

of human dignity, equality and

President Cyril Ramaphosa

1960.

racy.

freedom.

outlined government’s key

Let us recommit ourselves to

Mondli Gungubele Minister in The Presidency

M

4

The democratic government

As public servants, we are

plans and programmes for the

advancing a shared prosperity

declared 21 March as Human

at the forefront of serving the

year ahead. His message also

for all as we steer South Africa

Rights Day in honour of the he-

people of South Africa and

focused on issues that are most

towards achieving Vision 2030

roic efforts of those who fought

must ensure that their rights

important to South Africans. As

of the National Development

for the democratic dispensation

are protected. Let us continue

public servants, we are respon-

Plan.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Data from Oct 2020 to Feb 2023

Previous week

1,370

NUMBER OF ARRESTS

1,377 Previous week

8,121b

VALUE OF ASSETS

8,124 b Previous week

313

CONVICTIONS

323

Anti-Corruption Headlines 27 February 2023 o Five accused appeared in Kimberley Magistrates’ Court facing nine counts of fraud for submitting fraudulent VAT returns worth R16 million. o President Ramaphosa signed Proclamation R114 of 2023 to authorise the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption in the Ilima/Letsema Project managed by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. o The Hawks and the Bloemfontein’s Asset Forfeiture Unit secured a preservation order for a Standard Bank employee who issued a fraudulent bank card using another client's details to transfer R1 million into their own account. o A shareholder at Aesh Refineries in Pretoria was arrested for defrauding the company of R215 million. The shareholder changed the company’s bank account with SARS into his own without other shareholders knowledge.

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Observing TB Awareness Month D

morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) associated with HIV, TB and STIs in South Africa.

The NSP, which will take us to Agenda 2030 for the elimination of both HIV and TB as Public Health Threats, is expected

uring Tuberculosis (TB)

In South Africa, the pandemic

to be launched on World TB

Awareness Month in

resulted in reduced testing, di-

Day.

March this year, Friday,

agnosis, treatment and comple-

Minister Phaahla has urged

24 March will mark World TB

tion of treatment. Government

Parliament to revive the TB

Day, which is intended to raise

is, however, adhering to the

Caucus as part of the Global

public awareness about the global

WHO’s recommendations that

TB Caucus, which comprises

epidemic. The theme of World

countries urgently restore ac-

130 countries united in rais-

TB Day 2023 is “Yes! We can end

cess and provision of essential

ing awareness and supporting

TB!”, which according to the World

TB services in order to mitigate

efforts to eradicate TB. Partner-

Health Organization (WHO),

and reverse the impact of the

ships are critical in the global

conveys a message of hope that

COVID-19 pandemic.

fight aganst TB.

getting back-on-track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible through high-level

Michael Currin, Acting GCIS Director-General.

The Minister of Health, Dr Joe

Within the context of com-

Phaahla, has revealed that gov-

munication, we agree with the

ernment is implementing a TB

NICD’s recommendation that

leadership, increased investments,

dence, resulting in South Africa

Recovery Plan in collaboration

addressing the challenges

faster uptake of new WHO recom-

being one of the six countries

with the South African Na-

posed by TB should be done

mendations and adoption of in-

to achieve the End TB Strategy

tional AIDS Council (SANAC)

through integrated processes

novations, accelerated action and

milestones for 2020.

partners. The plan focuses on

that focus on raising awareness

multisectoral collaboration.

According to the NICD, South

finding the estimated 120 000

about the disease, encourag-

South Africa, according to the

Africa is one of 18 high-burden

missing TB-positive people per

ing health-seeking behaviour,

National Institute for Commu-

countries with greater than

year, and strengthening linkage

and rallying community and

nicable Diseases (NICD), is one

80% coverage of testing resist-

to treatment and retention to

stakeholder support for TB-

of the countries grappling with

ance for Rifampicin, a key drug

complete treatment. It also rec-

prevention programmes.

high-burden TB, drug-resistant

for the treatment of drug-

ommends the use of improved

In July 2022, the Stop TB Part-

TB and HIV-co-infected TB.

susceptible TB. It further notes

methods of diagnosis and

nership published the “Global

The NICD has since acknowl-

that while great strides have

shorter-time treatments, includ-

Plan to End TB 2023 –2030”,

edged that the country has

been made in reducing the

ing for multidrug-resistant TB

which outlines priority ac-

made significant progress in

number of TB cases, the bur-

and for children.

tions and estimated resources

the fight against TB by, among

den remains high and efforts

SANAC partners are near-

needed to end TB as a global

other things, adopting the WHO

to reduce the disease’s burden

ing completion of the 2023-

health threat by 2030.

recommended diagnostic tech-

must continue.

2028 National Strategic Plan

Let us do our best to turn the

nologies and therapies for both

Unfortunately, the Coronavi-

(NSP) for HIV, TB and Sexually

tide against TB in our respective

prevention and management to

rus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Transmitted Infections (STIs),

communities and leave no one

reduce the disease’s burden.

pandemic has reversed the

which outlines the strategic

behind in preventing the infec-

By 2022, these far-reaching

progress made in providing

framework for a multi-sectoral

tious disease from spreading

interventions had caused a

TB treatment and reducing

partnership to further acceler-

widely before it is completely

year-on-year decline in TB inci-

the disease’s burden globally.

ate progress in reducing the

eradicated by 2030.

6

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Writer: Keitumetse Rampoporo

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Intensifying the fight against TB A

says Ndjeka.

According to Ndjeka, TB, the longest-running epidemic, kills approximately two million people around the world every year.

TB is an infectious bacterial lung-attacking disease that can be spread from one person to another, often through coughs

s the world commemo-

or sneezes. The good thing,

rates World Tuberculosis

though, is that although TB

(TB) Day on 24 March

weakens the immune system

and South Africa commemorates

and can affect other parts of the

TB Month in March, the country

body, it is treatable and curable.

is among the 30 high TB burden

Ndjeka describes the epidemic

countries, accounting for 87% of

as “a social problem more than it

the burden. It is one of 10 coun-

is a medical problem. If we could

tries with a triple burden of TB,

investigate the impact that dis-

TB/HIV and multidrug-resistant

eases such as TB and HIV have

TB and is among five countries

on the economy... it is too much”.

with TB incidence of more than

While the COVID-19 pandemic

500 people per 100 000 popula-

affected progress made in the

tion.

fight against TB globally, Ndjeka

Chief Director for TB Con-

says there are valuable lessons

trol and Management at the

learnt from the pandemic that

National Department of Health

can help in the fight against the

(NDoH), Dr Nobert Ndjeka,

epidemic.

details the challenges caused by

“COVID-19 has provided sev-

the disease and what govern-

eral lessons in relation to public

ment is doing to ensure that TB

communication, social mobilisa-

is not a global health threat by

tion, use of dashboards and par-

2030.

allel processes of research and

“We are a high TB burden

HIV among our people with TB.

ment. There are approximately

implementation. Also, several

country due to several factors. If

Diabetes, poor nutrition and

320 000 people who develop TB

resources used for COVID-19

someone is HIV negative, their

other diseases weaken the im-

every year in South Africa.

have been repurposed to TB, for

chance of getting TB is 10%

mune system and also contrib-

“We are only able to find and

example, some of the GeneX-

during their lifetime but people

ute to TB,” explains Ndjeka.

treat between 160 000 and 200

pert machines purchased for

living with HIV have a risk of 5%

While South Africa has man-

000. We are missing approxi-

COVID-19 tests are now used to

to 10% per year of getting TB.

aged to decrease TB incidence

mately 120 000 of people living

test TB,” explains the passionate

“HIV is the largest factor

in the recent years, there are still

with TB every year. It is estimat-

TB-fighting doctor, with more

leading to TB. We have approxi-

several people living with the

ed that 61 000 of these people

than 31 years’ experience in the

mately 60% of people living with

disease who are not on treat-

died in 2020 and 56 000 in 2021,”

South African health sector.

8

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

On whether government is

sues regarding communication,

screening and diagnosis of TB

of the normal nine months and

doing enough to fight epidemics

data systems and governance

have recovered from COVID-19

improve adherence counselling

in the country, Ndjeka believes

are also covered. Essentially, it is

disruptions.

to ensure that patients complete

that more can still be done. “We

a continuation of the TB recov-

“We also work with TB Think

treatment.

need finalisation of the Multisec-

ery plan with more components,”

Tank, a national network of TB

Ndjeka agrees with the World

toral Accountability Framework

explains Ndjeka.

experts who advise the depart-

Health Organization’s recom-

ment on evidence-based TB

mendations that multisectoral

prevention,” he says.

actions are needed to achieve

to enhance the response of other government departments”.

Measures in place

Challenges in ending TB

the End TB Strategy and that de-

Ndjeka says one of the major

Ending TB

In 2017, the South African Na-

challenges that the department

One of the lessons the NDoH

that the disease is driven by so-

tional AIDS Council (SANAC)

faces is patients who default on

learnt from the COVID-19 pan-

cial and economic determinants;

partners launched the 2017-2022

their TB treatment, which means

demic is that effective commu-

the TB response is still mainly

National Strategic Plan (NSP),

that they do not recover fully

nication and timeous response

focused on the health sector.

which calls for the reduction of

and can still spread the infection.

is crucial.

Ndjeka joined the NDoH in

mortality and morbidity associ-

Furthermore, he says poor

Ndjeka points out that his

2009 as a Director for Drug Re-

ated with HIV, TB and sexually

socio-economic conditions con-

department now sends SMSes

sistant (DR) TB, TB & HIV. Under

transmitted infections (STIs) The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, recently revealed that government is implementing a TB recovery plan in collaboration with SANAC partners.

“The recovery plan aims at

“We also work with TB Think Tank, a national network of TB experts who advise the department on evidence-based TB prevention.”

finding missing people with

spite universal acknowledgment

his leadership, there has been a decline in the number of cases of DR TB in South Africa and a remarkable improvement in proportion of patients successfully treated for DR TB. He holds a Master of Medicine (Family Medicine) from Sefako

TB, linking them to care, and

tribute to high TB infections and

to people who test for TB, uses

Makgatho Health Sciences

retaining them in care. TB pre-

mortality rate.

digital chest X-Ray technol-

University and was awarded

vention is another focus area,

Solutions to address these

ogy as a means to enhance the

an Honorary Doctorate from

improvement of data systems

challenges include “coming up

screening, and tests can now be

the University of Cape Town in

and governance, improvement

with a TB recovery plan to ramp

done using the patient's urine

recognition of his outstanding

of advocacy, communication and

up screening and health educa-

sample. He adds that high-risk

contribution to the fight against

social mobilisation,” explained

tion by various clinics around

people, including close con-

DR TB, both locally and globally.

Phaahla.

the country. The department is

tacts of people with laboratory

He also holds a Medical

The SANAC partners are also

working with communication

confirmed TB, people who have

Degree from the University of

in the process of finalizing the

departments and community

recently completed TB treat-

Kinshasa in The Democratic

2023-2028 NSP for HIV, TB and

leaders in educating the public

ment and people living with HIV

Republic of Congo, a Diploma

STIs.

and raising awareness about

are now tested regardless of

in Health Service Manage-

“Regarding TB, the NSP con-

TB,” adds Ndjeka.

symptoms.

ment from the University of the

tinues with finding missing peo-

The department also works

Additionally, he says the

Witwatersrand, and a Diploma in

ple with TB, linking them to care,

with the National Institute for

department plans to give out a

HIV Management from the Col-

retaining them and [ensuring]

Communicable Diseases, which

shorter treatment regimen of six

lege of Medicine of South Africa.

TB prevention. Cross-cutting is-

has recently confirmed that the

months to TB patients instead

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

9

Writer: More Matshediso

FOOD AND WOMEN IN THE WINEPUBLIC SECTOR

Removing barriers and promoting access to health products T

he COVID-19 pandemic

a barrier for companies that

ant, it shows that [the] SAHPRA

Science and Technology Forum

turned the spotlight on the

manufacture health products.

is part of a well-functioning

Awards for successfully leading

South African Health Prod-

The SAHPRA, an entity of the

sector and that patients are

the authorisation of a number of

ucts Regulator (SAHPRA), with

National Department of Health,

protected,” she says.

COVID-19 diagnostic tests, vac-

many people expecting the regu-

has at the core of its mandate,

Her key role is to ensure that

cines and therapies during the

lator to approve medication that

the well-being of human and

the regulator delivers on its

pandemic.

would see the end to the virus, but

animal health.

functions, has adequate capacity

“This is really a great achieve-

more often with limited under-

“Our mandate is to provide

to deliver, complies with good

ment, not only for myself but for

standing of the processes involved

regulatory oversight for health

governance practices, and that

the team because it was in rec-

in reaching such a decision. Like

products, including therapeutics,

it is compliant with the Public

ognition of the work done by the

many other organisations around

vaccines, medical devices, and

Finance Management Act, 1999

SAHPRA under my leadership.

the globe, the regulator had never

In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs). In

(Act 1 of 1999) while executing

The team really worked hard to

been in a situation where it need-

essence, our job as a regulator is

its role.

ensure that we are responsive

ed to urgently react to a pandemic

to ensure that we evaluate, mon-

of such magnitude.

itor and regulate these products.

Dr Boitumelo Semete-Ma-

We also conduct inspections of

Leading during a pandemic

kokotlela led the country’s health

the facilities, where these prod-

As CEO of the SAHPRA,

“It was good for the organisa-

products regulator through the

ucts are manufactured, we look

Semete-Makokotlela contributes

tion to be recognised in this

pandemic and did so with excel-

at the control of these products,”

to access to health products,

manner. I was quite thrilled

lence, stringency and integrity.

she explains.

including medical devices, IVDs,

personally because it then

and support the country during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she enthused.

As the Chief Executive Officer

Furthermore, the SAHPRA

medicines and vaccines.

speaks to my ability to lead a

(CEO) of the SAHPRA, Semete-

provides regulatory oversight for

She joined the institution at the

team during very tough times

Makokotlela says the COVID-19

clinical trials that are conducted

beginning of 2020, shortly before

and to ensure that we come out

pandemic demonstrated that

in the country. It also issues li-

COVID-19 hit South Africa, and

successful,” she assented.

while her organisation is strin-

cences to companies that manu-

her extraordinary leadership is

Among other achievements,

gent in executing its work, it

facture health products and

already being recognised.

she has also received an award

must also be responsive and

ensures that they are compliant.

In 2022, she won a manage-

from the Charlotte Mannya Max-

agile so that it does not become

“When companies are compli-

ment award at the 24th National

eke Institute for the leadership

10

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

role that she exemplified during

that are of an urgent nature such

the COVID-19 period.

as HIV and AIDS, cancer and

Semete-Makokotlela’s advice to

COVID-19.

other leaders in the public sector

As COVID-19 is still a looming

is “ensure that you are able to pull

threat, she says the registration

your team together so that you

of Paxlovid heralds a welcome

are able to deliver during very dif-

signal in the fight against the

ficult periods, as we saw with the

pandemic.

pandemic.”

She adds that some of the les-

She admits that it is not always

sons learnt from COVID-19 are

easy but reckons that leaders

around the efficiency and the

have to find tools to enable them

urgency required in authorising

to get the buy-in.

health products, particularly for

Ground-breaking medication

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

public health emergency.

“This period showed that we are able to execute our mandate with

In January 2023, the authority

urgency, although it was a tough

registered Paxlovid, an anti-viral

process because we had limited

medicine manufactured by

resources. Our team had to work

Pfizer, to treat mild to moderate

lengthy hours, and we had to

COVID-19 in adults who do not

deploy teams into other areas,

require supplemental oxygen and

which is understandably a public

who are at increased risk for pro-

health emergency,” she explains.

gression to severe COVID-19.

In December 2022, the author-

She says the regulator is

ity achieved another milestone

committed to fast-tracking the

when it registered Cabotegravir

registration of all health products

(Apretude 600 mg/3ml injection),

11

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

phasised that as the regulator works towards building efficiency, it cannot compromise on making evidence-based decisions. Where the regulator is not satisfied with the information that has been provided, the product will not be authorised.

She views being a public servant as an opportunity to shape the country and how it is run and urges others to ensure that they operate with the required stringency, uphold the mandate of their respective institutions and focus on

“She views being a public servant as an opportunity to shape the country and how it is run.”

mechanism, therapy and a tool

serving the public with excel-

that they can utilise to protect

lence, integrity and principles

themselves,” she says.

of Ubuntu.

Semete-Makokotlela’s wish

Accolades from the WHO

is to leave behind a legacy of a agile.

company that is responsive and

a long-acting HIV pre-exposure

it is being rolled out,” she says.

The SAHPRA has recently

prophylactic. The treatment is

Through monitoring, the

received the World Health

expected to be accessible to the

authority takes note of any

Organisation maturity Level 3

Career journey

public from 2023.

adverse events that are being

status, which means that the

Semete-Makokotlela holds a

In another win towards the

reported by patients who are

regulator is well functioning

Master of Science in Manage-

fight against HIV and AIDS, the

consuming the product.

and has integrated systems.

ment Finance and Investment

regulator also approved the

“There are many other prod-

“This means that people can

from the University of the

use of the monthly dapivirine

ucts for HIV that we continue

rely on the decisions that we

Witwatersrand Business School

vaginal ring by adult women in

to look at, and these forms part

make. It also means that any

and a PhD in Biochemistry from

March 2022.

of our priority review pipeline,”

product that has been au-

North-West University.

“Our role was to review the

she says.

thorised by [the] SAHPRA is

Her career journey includes

product, the basis of its quality,

The more the ranges of

compliant with the required

working the Council for Scien-

safety and efficacy. As a regula-

products that the authority

legislation and authorisation,

tific and Industrial Research as

tor, we do not get involved in

approves, the more options for

it can be exported to other

a researcher before taking up a

the roll-out of products. We en-

citizens as far as combating

countries, and there can be

postdoctoral research fellowship

sure that the product complies

the spread of HIV and AIDS is

confidence that the product has

with the University of Notting-

with safety, quality and efficacy,

concerned.

been reviewed by a stringent

ham in the United Kingdom and

and we monitor it through phar-

For example, “the dapivirine

regulator,” explains the CEO.

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de

macovigilance processes once

vaginal ring gives women a

Semete-Makokotlela em-

Lausanne in Switzerland.

12

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Source: Wits University

TRAILBLAZER

Photos: Wits University

Wits researcher

invited to her second exclusive global explorers’ club

First selected as an Emerg-

global institution such as EC50

ing Explorer for the National

provides that professional

Geographic Society in 2021,

acknowledgement that you are

Molopyane says her nomination

doing the right thing at the right

into a second global explorers’

time,” says Molopyane.

organisation is proof that she is

The EC50 comprises a group

niversity of the Witwa-

the world that the world needs to

“doing the right thing”.

of people who do extraordinary

tersrand (Wits University)

know about”.

“It is difficult for a woman of

things in their own field, whether

Archaeologist, Dr Keneiloe

Molopyane, a researcher in Pal-

colour navigating the world of

it is photography, conservation,

Molopyane, has been invited to

aeoanthropology at Wits Univer-

palaeosciences that is mostly

science or advocacy.

join her second exclusive explor-

sity, and currently the Principal

dominated by white men and

“The programme amplifies

ers’ club, the prestigious Explorers

Investigator of the Gladysvale

women. You constantly have to

explorers from around the globe

Club 50 (EC50), class of 2023.

Cave site, was one of 50 explor-

work hard overcoming inter-

and across a wide field of disci-

The EC50 is branded as a

ers selected out of 300 nomina-

nalised ‘imposter syndrome’. So

plines that push the boundaries

group of “50 people changing

tions from across the world.

being recognised by a second

of exploration,” says Richard

U

14

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Garriott, President of the Explor-

virtual talk at the Women Blaze

was announced as part of the

the opportunity to work with

ers Club.

Trails Festival, says the platform

National Geographic Society’s

National Geographic to pursue

Molopyane is, as far as can be

affords her another opportunity

2021 Emerging Explorer cohort.

new projects, collaborate with

established, the first South Afri-

to advocate the role of women –

According to the National Geo-

other explorers, amplify her

can woman to join the club since

and especially women of colour

graphic Society, “The Emerg-

work to National Geographic

its establishment in 1904.

– in the world of science.

ing Explorer cohort comprises

audiences, and do educational

Headquartered in New York

“Not all scientists are seen as

individuals breaking through in

outreach through the society.

City, with a community of

equal. More often than not, a

their respective fields with big

She also participated in public

Chapters around the world, the

person of colour is still not seen

ideas. They are nominated by

speaking and media training.

Explorers Club has been sup-

as a true counterpart. It is a hor-

the National Geographic Society

Molopyane joined the Ris-

porting scientific expeditions of

rible feeling and I would like to

to become a part of the global

ing Star Cave research team in

all disciplines for over a century.

shield others from going through

National Geographic Explorer

2018 as a junior underground

Some of the achievements of

that,” she says.

community of changemakers.”

astronaut. She completed her

some of its members include

In 2021, the young scientist

As an explorer, Molopyane had

PhD in Biological Anthropol-

the first exploration teams that

ogy at Wits in 2020, and then

reached both the North and

“Not all scientists are seen as equal.

South Poles in 1909 and 1911 respectively, as well as the landMore often than not, a person of ing on the moon by the Apollo 11 colour is still not seen as a true mission in 1969.

Molopyane, who was nomicounterpart. It is a horrible feeling nated to the EC50 by Joe and I would like to shield others Grabowski, the Director and from going through that” Founder of Exploring by the Seat

became involved in the UW105

of your Pants, after she gave a

by fellow Witsie and National

Cave excavations, where she took on a leadership role in the expedition.

Molopyane has since become the first postdoctoral research fellow at the Wits Centre for Exploration of the Deep Human Journey, which is headed up Geographic Explorer at Large, Professor Lee Berger.

Molopyane’s postdoctoral research entails deep exploration of the famous Gladysvale Cave system, which is located in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.

She did her first degree at the University of Pretoria before heading to York University in Britain for her Master of Science Degree in Bioarchaeology and back to South Africa for her PhD in Biological Anthropology at Wits University.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

15

Writer: David Mandaha and Chumisa Ndlazi

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Pictures: Supplied by CSIR

CSIR driving excellent working environment T

he Council for Scientific

wavering commitment to foster-

organisation, the CSIR also

influence their careers, while

and Industrial Research

ing a work environment that pro-

contributes towards the de-

fighting youth unemployment

(CSIR), an entity of the

motes science and innovation

velopment of management

and providing the youth with

Department of Science and Inno-

and a healthy work-life balance,

and leadership skills through

skills development opportuni-

vation, is not only at the vanguard

cares for the overall wellness of

various programmes – from

ties. The programmes include

of research and development in

our people, and strives to create

junior management to execu-

the CSIR Bursary, Graduates-in-

South Africa, but it also fosters a

mechanisms that support their

tive development – in partner-

Training and Youth Employment

work environment that encour-

professional growth and career

ship with business schools.

Service (YES) programmes. This

ages innovation.

aspirations. A combination of all

The organisation has a sports

year alone, the CSIR awarded

Through its proactive strate-

these elements reflects the heart

club to provide its staff and the

24 bursaries to students ranging

gies that support a healthy

of the CSIR, which is its people,

surrounding communities with

from those who are in their first

work-life balance, the company

and contributes to touching the

support services on a range of

year, to those doing their post-

was recognised as one of the

lives of South Africans,” pro-

sports and recreation activities,

graduate studies. Six of these

2023 Top Employers in South

nounced Mabindisa.

including top-class facilities to

are from the schools that the

Africa, an accolade that the

Through its Young Researchers

improve their well-being.

CSIR adopted in Gauteng and

organisation is receiving for the

Establishment Fund, mentor-

“A very big part of achieving

KwaZulu-Natal.

sixth time.

ship and executive coaching,

our vision of being accelerators

One of the beneficiaries of the

Group Executive: Human Capi-

Accelerated Principal Research-

of socio-economic prosper-

CSIR Bursary is Katlego Mbatha

tal and Strategic Communica-

ers Development Programme,

ity through leading innovation

from Mamelodi, Pretoria, who is

tion, Andile Mabindisa, attributed

Accelerated Chief Researchers

means putting our people first.

currently studying towards his

the recognition to the organisa-

Development Programme and

Our staff is the engine that

Master’s in Electronic Engineer-

tion’s commitment to fostering a

Capability Investment Develop-

drives the core of our business,”

ing at Stellenbosch University.

work environment that promotes

ment Programme, the CSIR con-

adds Mabindisa.

“I had a dream of becoming an

creativity, underpinned by values

tinues to strengthen its capabili-

that pursue excellence, celebrate

ties and build high-end skills to

Skills development

people, personify integrity and

ensure the transformation of its

Additionally, the CSIR imple-

applied for and was awarded the

welcome collaboration.

human capital.

ments programmes to assist

CSIR Bursary towards my first,

“This is an indication of our un-

Being a people-centered

the youth with skills that will

second, third, and fourth year of

16

engineer, but I could not get any funding for my tuition. In 2018, I

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

study in electronic engineer-

ployer confirms an organisa-

CSIR to create an organisa-

ing”.

tion’s dedication to a better

tional culture that supports a

“I am currently studying

world of work, which it exhib-

healthy and balanced work

towards my Master’s degree

its through excellent human

environment.”

and I am still funded by the

capital policies and people

As part of creating a vibrant

CSIR. The organisation cares

practices. The Top Employers

and inclusive organisational

about the student’s well-

Institute programme certifies

culture that encourages the

being. With all the challenges

organisations based on the

empowerment of women and

each student experiences at

participation in and results

young professionals, the CSIR

university, the only thing I

of their Human Resources

established a Youth Forum

must worry about is maintain-

(HR) Best Practices Survey.

for its young professionals

ing good academic perfor-

The survey covers six human

under the age of 35, as well as

mance because everything

capital domains consisting of

a Women’s Forum. Both plat-

else is taken care of,” re-

20 topics, including people

forms enable CSIR employees

marked Mbatha.

strategy, work environment,

to share their ideas, express

Mihlali Gotyana, a Commu-

talent acquisition, learning,

their views and collectively

nications intern placed at the

well-being, diversity inclusion,

work towards creating an

CSIR, is one of the beneficiar-

and more.

inclusive and productive

ies of the YES programme.

Mabindisa adds: “The

organisational culture.

Gotyana says the CSIR allows

organisation continues to

“During the establishment

her to explore all the aspects

prioritise strengthening and

phase of the CSIR Youth

of communication. “The CSIR

building a strong and diverse

Forum, we received a lot

takes personal development

pipeline through ongoing

of support from the execu-

seriously, which is why I

initiatives such as the bursary,

tive leadership who saw and

can confidently say that the

work integrated learning,

believed in the potential of the

organisation is indeed people-

internship and graduates-in-

platform. The organisation’s

centered in its approach.

training programmes, and

resources and commitment

Naturally, I am a very shy per-

studentships, which have

to investing in the growth

son, but during my internship,

attracted and exposed young

of young professionals have

I was encouraged to express

people to careers in science –

now led to the forum having a

my ideas within the team. This

a key component to building

fully-fledged, multidisciplinary

has boosted my confidence

a robust national system of

team of young CSIR profes-

and my verbal communication

innovation in South Africa.

sionals who are committed to

skills. The work environment

knowledge-sharing, providing

at the CSIR is truly collabora-

Work-life balance

tive and this, in my view, is

Onsite and virtual well-

lectively contributing towards

what has made my experience

ness initiatives, reward and

an organisational culture that

memorable,” she says.

recognition programmes and

embodies the CSIR values,"

a hybrid workplace are also

enthused Nkosinathi Mbong-

among some of the many

wa, HR practitioner and CSIR

initiatives implemented by the

Youth Forum Chairperson.

Top employer Being certified as a Top Em-

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

thought leadership, and col-

17

A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa

FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS

We need to work harder to close the gap between men and women in the economy

O

n 8 March, we joined

the economic empowerment

passed the matric exams and

pillar of our struggle to end

the rest of the world in

of women. We must tackle the

got more distinctions than their

gender-based violence and

celebrating International

many challenges that stand in

male counterparts. There are

femicide. We have recognised

Women’s Day. This is a day to cel-

the way of women’s full partici-

currently more female students

that unequal access to re-

ebrate achievement and progress,

pation in economic activity.

enrolled at institutions of higher

sources and economic oppor-

but it is also a day to focus on

From the beginning, we must

learning than males.

tunity makes it more difficult for

what must still be done to achieve

ensure that girls and young

This is great progress. But

women to escape situations of

equal rights and opportunities for

women have equal access to

it has yet to translate into the

abuse and violence. On the oc-

women.

education and an equal chance

economy, where women are

casion of International Women’s

At the centre of this effort is

to succeed. They need to be

more likely to be unemployed

Day, we call on men and women

able to pursue studies of their

than men. Around half of all

across society to strengthen

choice, especially in areas that

women in South Africa are un-

the fight against gender-based

have traditionally been the

employed, including those who

violence.

preserve of men. One of the

have given up looking for work.

Globally, South Africa is active-

achievements of the demo-

Moreover, on average, women

ly involved in the United Nations

cratic South Africa dispen-

still earn far less than men.

Women’s Generation Equality

sation is that girls and boys

We must overcome the idea

campaign, which is mobilising

are equally represented in

that a woman’s place is in the

countries and people worldwide

primary and secondary edu-

home. Even women who have

to achieve gender equality in

cation. It is significant that

jobs are often expected to do

this generation. South Africa is

last year, more females

housework and childcare, mak-

co-chairing the Action Coalition

ing it more difficult for them to

on Economic Justice and Rights

find employment, earn a decent

as part of this initiative. Through

wage, be promoted or start a

this we are working for econom-

business.

ic transformation that empowers

This is the situation we are

and benefits women. Practically,

determined to change in South

this means improving access

Africa and advocate for change

for women to financial services,

across the world.

business opportunities, land and

18

The economic empowerment

technology.

of women is an important

On the African continent, we

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Picture: unwomen.org

nities for women businesses in

the Nation Address, the IDC

lus, for example, has provided

a Protocol on Women in Trade

the broader economy. We held

has earmarked approximately

work and employment oppor-

to promote the participation of

the Women Economic Assembly

R9 billion to invest in women-

tunities to more than a million

women in the African Conti-

for the first time in 2021, bringing

led businesses. Other entities

people since it was launched in

nental Free Trade Area. This is

women-owned businesses and

including the Public Investment

2020. Of these more than 60%

a huge opportunity to enable

established businesses together

Corporation and the National

were women. Similarly, of the

women-owned businesses to

to explore partnerships and

Empowerment Fund have also

140 000 small-scale farmers to

benefit from the rapid growth in

make deals. The second Women

committed to establish special

whom government provided

trade between African countries

Economic Assembly was held

purpose vehicles to support

vouchers to buy seeds, ferti-

over the next few years.

last year.

women-owned businesses.

liser and equipment, 68% were

South Africa needs to be ready

From these events, opportuni-

At the same time as we de-

women.

to make use of the opportunities

ties for women-owned busi-

velop business opportunities,

These initiatives are making a

that arise on the continent. As a

nesses are being created in

we need to ensure that women

real difference in women’s lives.

country, we must shift economic

several industries. These include

and men receive equal pay for

They are giving meaning to

power into the hands of women

agreements for women farmers

work of equal value. Across the

the commitments we’ve made

through, among other things,

to provide large retailers with

economy, women are paid on

through Generation Equality and

earmarking 40% of all public

produce ranging from dried

average less than their male

other international and continen-

procurement for women-owned

chillies to chicken. A new black

counterparts doing similar work.

tal campaigns.

businesses. To achieve this,

women-owned textile manufac-

Ending the gender wage gap

On this International Women’s

government has been providing

turing plant began production in

must, therefore, be a priority of

Day, we should celebrate these

training to women entrepreneurs

October last year with support

all social partners, especially

achievements. But we must also

so that they can tender for gov-

from the Industrial Development

government, business and la-

recognise that the gap between

ernment work and successfully

Corporation (IDC). As part of

bour, if we are to achieve an

the economic position of men

provide the goods and services

the commitment of the motor

equal and just society.

and women is still huge. We

that government needs. To date,

industry to gender transforma-

There are other areas where

must use this and every day to

we have trained more than 6

tion, four new car dealerships

government is working with

reaffirm our shared commitment

000 women-owned enterprises.

owned by black women were

partners to improve the eco-

to work even harder to narrow

But that is only a start. Our

also launched last year.

nomic position of women. The

that gap and to, within a genera-

ambition is to open up opportu-

As I reported in the State of

Presidential Employment Stimu-

tion, get rid of it.

are supporting the adoption of

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

19

Public Sector Manager The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) was recently delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa who provided feedback on government programmes over the previous year.

The President also unveiled new plans for 2023 and beyond. Public Sector Manager unpacks the programmes in numbers.

SoNA

Employment

• One and a half million – new jobs created in our economy between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022.

• More than one million – people provided with work and livelihood opportunities by the Presidential Employment Stimulus.

• 50 000 – participants recruited by the Social Employment Fund in its next phase to work for the common good.

• 36 000 – opportunities to be created through non-profit and community-based organisations by the revitalised National Youth Service.

• 10 000 – the first cohort of unemployed young people appointed by the Department of Home Affairs to digitise more than 340 million paper-based civic records.

• More than 340 million – paper-based civic records to be digitised by the first cohort of 10 000 unemployed young people appointed by the Department of Home Affairs.

• More than three million – users registered on SAYouth. mobi, a zero-rated online platform for young South Africans to access opportunities for learning and earning.

Energ

• 4 000 dresse • 80% – • R400 • 300 – alread • 43 – a Eskom • More genera • 6 – mo • Over t increas • R1.5 tr Just E in new electric • Over R project

I

•

•

•

•

•

•

Education and training

• 80% – a pass rate achieved by matriculants in 2022.

• 76% – a pass rate achieved by matriculants in 2021.

• R800 million – money to be provided by the National Skills Fund in 2023 to develop skills in the digital and technology sector through an innovative model that links payment for training to employment outcomes.

• Over 10 000 – Technical and Vocational Education and Training college graduates placed in employment by government in 2022.

• 20 000 – Technical and Vocational Education and Training college graduates to be placed in employment in 2023.

• From 17 000 to 30 000 – number of students entering artisan training in Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges to be increased in the 2023 academic year.

• 150 000 – a new cohort of school assistants who started work at more than 22 000 schools in February 2023.

• More than 22 000 – schools where a new cohort of school assistants started work in February 2023.

• One and a half million – children who receive the Early Childhood Development subsidy.

Infrastructure

• 13 – commuter rail lines reopened by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, significantly reducing the cost of travel for many workers.

• 90 – days of the reduced turnaround time for applications for water-use licences.

• R600 million – money allocated to Infrastructure South Africa for project preparation, specifically in rural and under-resourced areas.

• R232 billion – value of infrastructure projects under construction, by January 2023.

• Nearly R4 billion – value of completed infrastructure projects, by January 2023.

• R18 billion – value of South African National Roads Agency road construction contracts awarded over the last three months.

• 24 – bridges under construction in KwaZulu-Natal, by February 2023.

SoNA in Numbers

A IN NUMBERS

gy

0 to 6 000 – megawatts of electricity shortfall to be aded.

– electricity produced by coal-fired power stations. billion – Eskom’s debt burden. megawatts of excess power from private generators dy secured from neighbouring countries. arrests made through intelligence-driven operations at m-related sites. than 100 – projects of private developers allowed to ate electricity. onths within which Eskom can deploy emergency power. the next 12 to 18 months – period for a massive se in power to the grid. rillion – money to be invested in the economy through the Energy Transition Investment Plan over the next five years w frontiers such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and c vehicles.

R100 billion – value of investment in renewable energy ts attracted by the Northern Cape.

Investment and economy

• R367 billion – investment commitments raised at the 4th South Africa Investment Conference in 2022.

• More than R2 trillion – value of a new 2028 target in new investment to be mobilised at the 5th South Africa Investment Conference in April 2023.

• Almost 1 000 – black industrialists participating in the Black Industrialist Programme.

• More than 400 000 – workers who own shares in the firms they work for.

• Over 90 000 – entrepreneurs set to benefit from the R1.4 billion that government, through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, plans to provide.

• R10 billion – value of the fund government plans to establish, in partnership with the SA SME Fund, to support small, medium and micro enterprises’ growth.

Agriculture and land

• Around 140 000 – smallscale farmers who received input vouchers to buy seeds, fertiliser and equipment, providing a boost for food security and agricultural reform.

• 640 000 – hectares of cultivated land of small-scale farmers.

• 68% – percentage of women among around 140 000 small-scale farmers who received input vouchers to buy seeds, fertiliser and equipment, providing a boost for food security and agricultural reform.

• 250 000 – more vouchers government aims to provide to small-scale farmers in 2023.

Social security

• More than 25 million – people who receive some form of income support.

• Around two million – indigent households receiving free basic water, free basic electricity and free solid waste removal.

• Around 60% – budget government spends on the social wage, providing various forms of support, basic services and assistance to households and individuals to combat poverty and hunger.

• Around 7.8 million – people who continue to receive the Social Relief of Distress Grant to counter the rising cost of living.

Safety and security

• 12 000 – new police personnel government undertook to recruit in 2022.

• More than 10 000 – new recruits who graduated from police academies since 2022.

• 10 000 – further new recruits to be recruited and trained in 2023.

• 20 – identified hotspots in which Multidisciplinary Economic Infrastructure Task Teams are now operational.

Crime and corruption

• 187 – accused persons taken to court by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate in 32 state capture and corruption cases.

• 32 – state capture and corruption cases of 187 accused persons taken to court by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate.

• Over R7 billion – money returned to the State from state capture cases.

• R12.9 billion – funds and assets frozen

by February 2023.

• R27 billion – a potential saving that National Treasury estimates govern-

ment could achieve in the medium term if it deals with overlapping mandates, closes ineffective programmes and consolidates entities, where appropriate.

Source: Vuk’uzenzele

FEATURE

SA beefs up protection for whistleblowers P

22

resident Cyril

Public Procurement Bill

been frozen. This year, the

Ramaphosa says

to address weaknesses

Investigating Directorate

government is

identified by the State

will be established as a

working on mechanisms to

Capture Commission and

permanent entity within

improve protection for those

improve efficiency, value

the NPA,” he said. These

who blow the whistle on

for money and transparen-

efforts are in line with the

corruption. “We are working

cy. Our reinvigorated law

President’s appointment of

to capacitate the Witness

enforcement agencies are

the National Anti-Corrup-

Protection Unit and will

taking firm action against

tion Advisory Council in

introduce amendments to

companies and individu-

August 2022. The Council

the Protected Disclosures

als alleged to have been

consists of people from

Act [2000 (Act 26 of 2000)]

involved in state capture,”

across society who advise

and Witness Protection Act

President Ramaphosa

on suitable mechanisms to

[1998 (Act 112 of 1998)] to

said.

stem corruption, including

strengthen protection for

President Ramaphosa

an overhaul of the insti-

whistleblowers,” he said dur-

said the National Pros-

tutional architecture for

ing the State of the Nation

ecuting Authority (NPA)

combatting corruption.

Address (SoNA).

Investigating Directorate,

President Ramaphos-

President Ramaphosa

established in 2019, has

aemphasised that for the

said work is already un-

taken 187 accused persons

country to achieve any

derway to improve access

to court in 32 State cap-

progress in addressing

to the witness protection

ture and corruption cases.

the urgent challenges it

programme for public

“Over R7 billion has so

faces, there can be no

servants who expose mal-

far been returned to the

compromise in building a

administration, corruption

State from State capture

capable and effective state.

and unethical conduct.

cases. To date, R12.9 billion

– SAnews.gov.za

“We will finalise the draft

of funds and assets have

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

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

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

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

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

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

A

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2

FEATURE

Source: SAnews

South Africa declares State of Disaster to address energy crisis

24

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

E

skom has been battling to

“In considering all these matters and the crisis that few months, leading to we are in, the National Disaster Management Centre increased stages of load shedhas consequently classified the energy crisis and ding and a devastating impact on lives, livelihoods and businesses. its impact as a national disaster. We are therefore As a response to the current endeclaring a national state of disaster to respond to the ergy crisis gripping the country, electricity crisis and its effects.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa keep lights on for the past

announced the State of Disaster during the State of the Nation

the debilitating energy short-

it will also enable us to exempt

ducing the “severity and

Address.

age in which the country finds

critical infrastructure such as

frequency of load shedding as

“In a time of crisis, we need a

itself requires government to

hospitals and water treatment

a matter of urgency” and to

single point of command and a

move with increased urgency.

plants from load shedding.

expedite government’s work to

single line of march. Just as we

“Extraordinary circumstances

It will enable us to acceler-

ensure the full implementation

address the cause of the crisis,

call for extraordinary measures.

ate energy projects and limit

of the Energy Action Plan.

we also need to address its

The energy crisis is an existen-

regulatory requirements while

“To effectively oversee the

impact. The crisis has progres-

tial threat to our economy and

maintaining rigorous environ-

electricity crisis response, the

sively evolved to affect every

social fabric. We must spare no

mental protection as well as

appointed Minister will have

part of society.

effort, and we must allow no

procurement principles and

political responsibility, author-

“We must act to lessen the

delay, in implementing these

technical standards,” he said.

ity and control over all critical

impact of the crisis on farm-

measures,” he said.

President Ramaphosa as-

aspects of the Energy Action

sured the public that expendi-

Plan. This will help to deal with

ers, on small businesses, on our water infrastructure, on our

How it will work

ture related to the State of Dis-

the challenge of fragmentation

transport network and a num-

The President explained that

aster will be monitored closely

of responsibility across various

ber of other areas and facilities

the declaration will enable gov-

by the Auditor-General’s office

departments and Ministers

that affect our people’s lives.

ernment to “provide practical

to guard against “abuse of any

which, while appropriate under

“In considering all these

measures” to assist businesses

funds needed” to address the

normal circumstances, is not

matters and the crisis that

that have been devastated by

energy crisis.

conducive to a crisis response.

we are in, the National Disas-

the effects of load shedding.

ter Management Centre has

“The state of disaster will

consequently classified the energy crisis and its impact

“The Minister will be expect-

enable us to provide practical

Minister of electricity

tion of the numerous depart-

measures that we need to take

On 6 March 2023, the Presi-

ments and entities involved

as a national disaster. We are

to support businesses in the

dent appointed Dr Kgosient-

in the crisis response, work

therefore declaring a national

food production, storage and

sho Ramokgopa as the new

with the Eskom leadership to

state of disaster to respond

retail supply chain, including

Minister in The Presidency for

turn around the performance

to the electricity crisis and its

for the rollout of generators,

Electricity. He explained that

of existing power stations and

effects,” President Ramaphosa

solar panels and uninterrupted

the Minister’s primary goal

accelerate the procurement of

affirmed.

power supply.

will be to drive government’s

new generation capacity,” he

The President stressed that

“Where technically possible,

programme of significantly re-

concluded.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

ed to facilitate the coordina-

25

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

National State of Disaster

declared on floods G

overnment has declared a National State of Disaster to enable an intensive, co-

ordinated response to the impact of floods in the country.

The declaration, made in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002), and was gazetted by the then Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002), classified the impact of the heavy rainfall in various parts of the country – with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape as the most affected – as a national

damage to roads, bridges and

son Vincent Magwenya.

and the South African National

disaster.

hospitals.

He explains that “with the

Defence Force, may be required

A national disaster may be de-

“In agriculture, farmers have

continued strengthening of the

to play a role in the response to

clared by the Minister of CoGTA

suffered crop and livestock

La Niña event, the country can

the disaster.

where disastrous events occur

losses, and anticipate further

expect above-normal rainfall and

The National Disaster Manage-

or threaten to occur in more than

losses as the South African

below-normal temperatures over

ment Centre continues to moni-

one province.

Weather Service predicted that

the summer rainfall areas. Taken

tor, coordinate response and re-

The Presidency said the

heavy rains would persist.

together, these conditions de-

covery measures by the relevant

National Disaster Management

“These conditions have been

mand the provision of temporary

organs of state and stakeholders.

Centre has received reports

brought on by the La Niña global

shelters, food and blankets to

This further includes the dis-

ranging from flooded homes,

weather phenomenon which

homeless families and individu-

semination of early warnings and

vehicles swept away by flood-

occurs in the Pacific Ocean but

als and the large-scale, costly

advisories on weather forecasts

waters and overflowing dams

impacts on a country like South

rehabilitation of infrastructure.”

by the South African Weather

and sewerage facilities, to the

Africa with above-normal rain-

National entities, including the

Service.

loss of basic infrastructure and

fall,” said Presidency spokesper-

South African Police Service

26

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

Ministers welcome 2023 Budget

G

overnment Ministers have welcomed the

told SAnews.

we have our letters of alloca-

document, an annexure to

2023 Budget Speech,

“He has tried to cover all the

tion. The main thing for the

Godongwana’s speech, said

saying Finance Minister Enoch

corners, from the electricity

Department of Home Affairs

R3.3 billion would, over the

Godongwana did his best to

problems to the grants given

in the letter of allocation is to

next three years, be allocated

extricate the country from an

to the [elderly], and child sup-

increase the border guards at

to setting the BMA’s wheels in

economic conundrum.

port. He has really tried to get

the border gates,” he said, in

motion.

"The conditions under which

a balance; to give everybody

reference to the newly estab-

The authority will be estab-

the Minister had to work were

something in this budget,” he

lished Border Management

lished as a Schedule 3A public

extremely toxic but he has

said.

Authority (BMA).

entity with effect from 1 April

done his best," Home Affairs

“He doesn’t have to mention

In this regard, National Treas-

2023.

Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi,

department by department but

ury in the 2023 Budget Review

Its mandate is to manage the

28

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

legitimate movement of people and goods at borders and at ports of entry. It will also be responsible for enforcing border law and preventing illegal activities, including cross-border criminality, illegal crossing and

“We are looking forward to a direct injection that will enhance the business developments that enables people who want to do start-ups, in terms of them getting access to the support and equipment.”

undue delays in the movement of goods and services.

the economy, for me, it’s quite

for being able to prioritise the

ship Fund to support 120 000

National Treasury said in

important. Issues of how al-

issue of electricity.

township and rural enterprises

order to successfully set up the

locations [are made] on safety

On her department’s plans for

welcomed the budget.

authority, assets and inventories

and security, and corruption

the upcoming financial year, she

“It was a good budget,” she

need to be verified at ports of

[is important] because that’s

told SAnews that high on the

said.

entry, and border functions and

what we, as the ANC from the

priority list is the focus on revi-

“It has looked at all areas that

related staff – such as frontline

December conference commit-

talising communal areas that fall

affect small businesses. It’s not

immigration, health, environ-

ted to. In order for the country to

under traditional leadership.

just only about the allocations

ment and agriculture – need

see economic growth, the issue

The department has been

that go to small businesses but

to be shifted from their current

of crime – which is sabotaging

allocated R12.5 billion, over the

also issues like infrastructure,

departments to the authority.

the economy – has to be dealt

next three years, for the Land

access to water and all the

Staff will also be seconded

with,” she emphasised.

Restitution Programme. Accord-

things that the Minister spoke

from other organs of state,

She welcomed the Finance

ing to the Budget Review docu-

to,” said.

where necessary, to strengthen

Minister’s pronouncement on

ment, government will focus on

Ndabeni-Abrahams also

capacity in the authority.

the continuation of the So-

finalising outstanding restitution

welcomed Godongwana’s

“To fund its operations over

cial Relief of Distress grant

claims and supporting resettled

pronouncements on the Bounce

the MTEF period, the author-

for another year. Kubayi also

farmers to sustain productivity,

Back Loan Guarantee Scheme.

ity will receive additional funds

welcomed budget allocations on

create jobs and reduce poverty.

“We are looking forward to a

amounting to R250 million

infrastructure, saying it would go

To continue managing bio-

direct injection that will enhance

in 2023/24, R300 million in

a long way in the development

security, increase agricultural

the business developments that

2024/25 and R350 million in

of the country. The funds will be

production and manage natural

enables people who want to

2025/26,” reads the document.

sourced from the departments

resources, the department

do start-ups, in terms of them

of Health; Forestry, Fisheries

would be allocated R7.8 billion

getting access to support and

and the Environment; Agricul-

between 2024 and 2026.

equipment,” she said. the Bounce Back Loan Guaran-

Addressing challenges

ture, Land Reform and Rural De-

Godongwana said changes to

Human Settlements Minister

velopment; and Home Affairs.

Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed

Meanwhile, Agriculture, Land

Assisting small business

government’s move of taking on

Reform and Rural Develop-

Small Business Development

posed to incentivise renewable

some of Eskom’s debt, saying

ment Minister Thoko Didiza,

Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abra-

energy uptake, rooftop solar

that it was important that there

said while the economic climate

hams whose department was

installations to address energy-

were stringent conditions with

was not “an easy situation”, the

allocated R2.8 billion, over the

related constraints experienced

this.

Budget “was balanced”.

next three years, for the Town-

by small and medium enter-

“Seeing how we deal with

Didiza praised Godongwana

ship and Rural Entrepreneur-

prises.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

tee Scheme have been pro-

29

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

Crime statistics

record a spike in murder

A

total of 7 555 people were

of the 7 555 people murdered in

must be had about what is at

“At the core of the matter, is

killed in South Africa

the three months of reporting,

the heart of violent crime in the

human behaviour. We have to be

between October and

3 144 people were killed with a

country”.

honest as South Africans about

December 2022.

firearm, 2 498 people were killed

While gun violence is problem-

the causes of violence and ad-

This was annouced by Police

with other weapons such as

atic and poses a serious threat to

dress them.”

Minister Bheki Cele on 17 Febru-

knifes, sharp and blunt instru-

lives and livelihoods, an analysis

He attributed high unemploy-

ary 2023, when he released the

ments, bricks and in many cases

of current and previous statistics,

ment rates and poverty levels,

2022/23 third quarter crime

bare hands.”

he said, illustrates that firearms

mushrooming informal settle-

statistics.

He said this was a clear indica-

were only part of a bigger prob-

ments with little to no services

The Minister stated that “out

tor that “a broader conversation

lem.

and other socio economic ills

30

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

breeding criminality as leading

Sexual offences

contributors.

The Minister revealed that be-

Other attributors included the

tween October and December

high number of undocumented

2022, South Africa recorded an

foreign nationals that were hard

alarming 5 935 rape incidents.

to trace after the commission of

He said the reported rape cases

a crime.

took place at the residence of the

“The violence that is stalking

perpetrators/victims, including

communities is translated to

residences known by victims/

increased number of assaults,

perpetrators. These were family,

which escalate to attempted

friends and neighbours.

murders and in some cases

In the same period, he said 4

murder.

992 suspects were arrested for

“The reality is [that] assaults

gender-based violence and femi-

are feeders of domestic violence

cide (GBVF) and related crimes.

sentences and 259 and-a-half

crucial and can assist in police

and other violent crimes,” he

In the three months, sexual of-

years behind bars, for the grue-

investigations,” he stressed.

added.

fences increased by 9.6%.

some murder and rape of the

Notwithstanding the grim

The Minister called for an

All Sexual Contact Offences

young girl.

picture, Cele said police were

“intense community-centered”

decreased by 25.4%.

and intelligence-led solution to

Over the three months, 71

fully address the proliferation of

accused persons were handed

Working with communities

firearms.

down 89 life sentences for sexual

The Minister called on communi-

He revealed that the Crimi-

“Someone somewhere, some-

related crimes.

ties to be allies against crime,

nal Law (Forensic Procedures)

how, knows something.

Above this, 219 accused per-

saying this cannot be under-

Amendment Act, 2022 (Act 8

sharpening their responses to GBVF from an operational and legislative point of view.

Police are also on the pulse in

sons were sentenced to between

stated.

of 2022) also referred to as the

removing illegal weapons from

one and nine years’ imprison-

“When it comes to the preven-

DNA Act, would come into op-

our streets,” he said.

ment, culminating to a total of 1

tion and combating of GBVF, it

eration on 3 March 2023.

In the past twelve months

079 years behind bars.

remains a betrayal of humanity,

“The DNA Act is a crucial

alone, police had permanently

A further 143 were sentenced

to look away and ignore abuse

weapon in the police’s arsenal

removed and destroyed 65 519

to between 10 and 19 years’

and violence of anyone, let

of crime fighting tools against

firearms.

imprisonment, which was a com-

alone women children and other

GBVF, specifically with regard to

Minister Cele emphasised that

bined sentence of 2 063 years’

vulnerable groups in society,” he

the identification of offenders,”

the South African Police Service

imprisonment.

said.

said the Minister.

would continue to intensify

Another 67 accused were col-

He said that the taking of vid-

This piece of legislation, he

operations to detect and remove

lectively sentenced to 20 years

eos on cell phones and sharing it

explained, would remove serial

illegal firearms and ammunition,

and more for GBVF-related

on social media cannot be a nor-

rapists from the streets.

whilst legislation intervention

crimes.

mal response to a pandemic that

“It is our resolve to ensure

through the Amendment to the

The Minister welcomed the

the country is grappling with.

perpetrators of violence against

Firearms Control Act, to address

sentencing of the killer of

“When you see something, say

women, children and vulnerable

the availability of guns from

eight-year-old Tazne Van Wyk,

something and do something.

groups are brought to book,” he

communities, was underway.

who was convicted to nine life

Information from communities is

concluded.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

31

Source: DSI Additional reporting: Malphia Honwane

FEATURE

Pictures: Supplied

3D construction printing technology to reduce housing backlog burg (UJ) in partnership with the

made significant progress in the

KwaZulu-Natal Department of

provision of housing in the past

Human Settlements.

28 years, the housing backlog

Speaking during the launch of

remains high.

the project at the UJ Doornfon-

"We believe that the construc-

tein Campus, Higher Education,

tion 3D printing will significantly

Science and Innovation Minister,

alter and positively disrupt how

Dr Blade Nzimande, enthused

human settlements will be

that the 3DCP demonstrates the

delivered in South Africa," added

DSI's commitment to increas-

Nzimande.

ingly employ innovation in challenges.

Changing the construction sector

addressing people's day-to-day "Using innovative building

The 3D printing represents a

outh Africa has unveiled

able smart, green and resilient

products in South Africa has

novel technology in the manu-

its three-dimensional (3D)

settlements, the 3DCP's objec-

significant potential economic

facturing sector, which is associ-

Construction Printing for

tives include demonstrating its

ramifications, including eradicat-

ated with potentially strong stim-

Sustainable Human Settlements

potential in improving housing

ing the housing backlog and pro-

uli for sustainable development.

Project (3DCP) with the aim of

delivery and investigating the

viding better-quality housing and

It encompasses additive means

reducing the country’s housing

cost-benefit analysis of adopting

construction products, possibly

of production and its advantages

backlog, which currently stands at

the technology to help increase

reducing the life-cycle cost of

in construction relate to lower

more than 2.3 million houses.

the speed of delivering houses.

the houses," said the Minister.

costs, environmental friendliness,

Pioneered by the Roadmap

The project is funded by the

Providing safe and qual-

reduced fatalities and injuries on

for Science, Technology and In-

Department of Science and In-

ity housing is one of the most

sites and reduced time of con-

novation for Sustainable Human

novation (DSI) and implemented

urgent challenges facing South

struction. Other advantages of

Settlements to achieve sustain-

by the University of Johannes-

Africa. While government has

this project are that the cement

S

32

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

used in 3D construction dries

structural development.

cluding reluctance in the sector

ity and efficiency models and

quicker than the one currently in

“This includes the fight against

to embrace technology, resulting

embrace technological advances

the construction sector, and that

what we came to know as ‘the

in low and outdated productiv-

such as building information

virtually any structure can be

construction mafia’, and those

ity which “lacks dynamism and

modelling, construction 3D print-

printed.

who are disturbing construc-

creativity”.

ing and augmented reality”.

This will contribute to the coun-

tion sites in demand of a 30%

“For example, there is an insuf-

The KwaZulu-Natal Depart-

try’s infrastructure development

[share]”.

ficient collaboration between

ment of Human Settlements has

programme, one of the priorities

“For us as government to fight

technology suppliers and

committed to provide serviced

of the Economic Reconstruc-

against corruption, we must

contractors, inadequate knowl-

sites for the demonstration and

tion and Recovery Plan, as it

develop and deploy technologies

edge transfer from one project

building of 10 houses in eThek-

advocates for a massive roll-out

that target the prevention, detec-

to the next, fear and anxiety by

wini Municipality, as well as pilot

of infrastructure throughout the

tion, investigation, prosecution,

built environment professionals

the construction 3D printing of

country.

and monitoring of corruption

to explore innovative ideas and

full-scale houses in the province,

and corrupt practices,” added the

solutions, and misperceptions of

with an identified construc-

Minister.

the cost and acceptability of the

tion small, medium and micro-

technologies,” he said.

enterprise to implement physical

Despite these challenges, the

construction. The UJ has made

Minister added that the industry

a piece of land available on its

Corruption in the construction sector tion in the construction industry

Lack of collaboration

remained an obstacle in govern-

Nzimande noted challenges fac-

“is well-positioned to refine its

campus to print a demo house

ment’s efforts to provide infra-

ing the construction industry, in-

business-as-usual productiv-

while conducting training.

The Minister noted that corrup-

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

33

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

SA addressing challenges to increase mining investment T

50 million tonnes – the worst performance in some 30 years.

Coupled with that, infrastructure inefficiencies effected a 15% decline in mineral sales.

“We therefore welcome the partnership announced late last year between the Minerals Council of South Africa and Transnet to stabilise and restore the operational performance of our rail lines and ports.

“The reforms we announced to improve the state of freight rail are moving ahead. One of these – opening key routes to

he Investing in African Min-

ing and damage to infrastructure.

energy programme is being

ing Indaba is held annually

Fourthly, improve the regulatory

strengthened. In the last six

much-needed investment for

in February, at the Cape

environment,” he said.

months, we have signed agree-

upgrading, maintenance and

Town International Convention

Honing in on energy, the Presi-

ments for 25 projects represent-

rehabilitation.

third party operators – will bring

Centre. During his opening ad-

dent told delegates including

ing 2 800 MW of new capacity.

“A new policy framework for

dress, President Cyril Ramaphosa

investors that government has

These projects will soon be

rail sets out actions to mod-

assured investors that govern-

already introduced the Energy

proceeding to construction.

ernise the rail network, enable

ment is addressing the challenges

Action Plan to improve “perfor-

“We are facilitating investment

private investment, improve

facing the country to ensure that

mance of our existing power sta-

in new generation capacity by

regulation and restore rail as a

South Africa reaches its full mining

tions and to add new generation

private producers by, among

competitive mode of both freight

potential.

capacity to the grid as quickly as

other things, removing the li-

and commuter transport. Similar

“We have a responsibility as

possible”.

censing threshold for embedded

efforts are underway to enable

government, industry, labour and

“Eskom has assembled expe-

generation projects,” President

private investment in our ports

communities to ensure that our

rienced technical teams to im-

Ramaphosa revealed.

and certain container corridors,”

mining industry is able to grow,

prove performance and recover

Furthermore, he said, Eskom

he said.

to become more globally com-

capacity at power stations, with

is also looking to “purchase sur-

Turning to illegal mining and

petitive and to be a pioneer in

an initial focus on the six least

plus power from companies with

infrastructure damage, President

the global drive towards sustain-

reliable stations. Through a re-

available generation capacity” to

Ramaphosa said specialised law

able development.

gional power pool arrangement,

further strengthen the grid.

enforcement teams are on the

“To realise these objectives, we

we have already imported 300

President Ramaphosa an-

ground to tackle that criminality.

need to firstly, achieve a secure

MW of capacity from neighbour-

nounced that another area ear-

“The South African Police Ser-

supply of electricity. Secondly,

ing countries and are working

marked by government is reform

vice has established multi-disci-

accelerate economic reforms to

to increase this by an additional

in logistics.

plinary economic infrastructure

improve the operating environ-

1000 MW.

He highlighted that last year

task teams that are operational

ment. Thirdly, tackle illegal min-

“The successful renewable

coal exports dropped by at least

in 20 identified hotspots. In the

34

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

last six months, these teams have conducted hundreds of operations and made a significant number of arrests.

“Transnet has developed partnerships with the industry and private security to address cable theft and vandalism on

“We have the means to overcome our difficulties and forge a brighter future for this industry. As the world changes, mining is changing with it and the industry stands ready to seize the opportunities that the future presents.”

the freight rail network through advanced technologies and

eliminate the backlog in the

“These are some of the ef-

“This is a challenging time for

additional security personnel,”

short to medium term.

forts we are undertaking as

mining, both in South Africa

President Ramaphosa explained.

“The Department of Mineral

South Africa to improve the

and across the continent.

According to the President,

Resources and Energy has indi-

business operating environ-

“However, we have the

government is working with the

cated that the process for pro-

ment for a sector that is the

means to overcome our dif-

sector to reduce the backlog of

curing an off-the-shelf cadastral

lifeblood of our economy and

ficulties and forge a brighter

prospecting and mining applica-

system, which can be custom-

that of the continent,” he said.

future for this industry. As

tions and to improve the indus-

ised to South Africa’s needs,

The President insists that

the world changes, mining is

try’s regulatory environment.

is underway. This is essential

although the country faces

changing with it and the indus-

“I understand that over the

for the operation of a modern

several challenges, “investors

try stands ready to seize the

past 18 months we have reduced

mining rights administration

will find South Africa as an at-

opportunities that the future

the backlog of applications by

system, which in turn is vital

tractive destination for mining

presents,” President Ramaphosa

42% and plans are in place to

for the growth of the industry.

and associated sectors”.

concluded.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

35

Source: Creamer Media’s MiningWeekly.com

FEATURE

Pictures: Supplied by NCEDA

Northern Cape’s proposed green hydrogen hub can help open region’s full energy potential

A 36

24-month study of the

breadth of reaching the halfway

and wind energy to be generated,

jobs to be created. The initial con-

strategic potential of the

mark. Part of the planning being

400 000 t of green hydrogen a

cession is for a 5 GW electrolyser

hub is within a hair’s

done is for 9 GW of renewable sun

year to be produced, and 6 000

to be deployed.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Boegoebaai, situated 60km

a request for qualification for

approach being investigated

newable economic development

north of Port Nolloth, Northern

the financing, development and

for Boegoebaai envisages first

zone eight, or REDZ8.

Cape has large tracts of land and

operation of the port and linked

production in 2030, within an

As lead project integrator, Sasol

globally competitive renewable

rail line infrastructure. Also to be

ecosystem of partnerships.

will need significant partnerships

energy factors.

developed will be a special eco-

At last year’s Sustainable Infra-

and ecosystem development.

Integrated energy and chemi-

nomic zone and other supporting

structure Development Sympo-

“We have done a prefeasibility

cals company Sasol, a seasoned

infrastructure.

sium, President Cyril Ramaphosa

in which all the potential con-

grey hydrogen campaigner, is

In line with South Africa’s

highlighted Boegoebaai as

figurations were assessed, given

evaluating Boegoebaai for green

Hydrogen Society Roadmap,

strategic to South Africa, as was

that we have the optionality of

hydrogen derivative exports,

Sasol signed a memorandum

done in his state of the nation

doing either green ammonia or

together with the Northern Cape

of agreement with the Northern

addresses.

methanol or sustainable aviation

Economic Development Agency.

Cape Provincial Government in

Sasol is drawing up an over-

fuels (SAFs), or a combination

“We are working extremely

October last year to determine

all master plan, in parallel to

thereof,” said Davison during her

well, especially with government

the hub’s economic feasibility.

determining what its investment

presentation.

and the State-owned entities,”

If selected, in the spirit of the

will be.

“We are currently determining

Sasol hydrogen programme

roadmap, the 5 GW electrolyser

The Boegoebaai project will

the scale at which we want to

management head, Rilet Davi-

will be a proton exchange mem-

provide access to export markets

invest, what that ramp-up profile

son, told the Hydrogen Economy

brane (PEM) electrolyser, which

and highlight potential regional

will look like, and then the actual

Discussion, covered by Mining

will highlight South Africa’s

integration with Namibia, which

master plan,” she added.

Weekly.

platinum group metals (PGMs)

has major green hydrogen devel-

Hydrogen is not transported

The associated deep-water

endowment and serve as yet

opment plans of its own.

as hydrogen over long distances

port envisaged would be an im-

another acknowledgement of the

Already registered as a strate-

and a possible carrier of the hy-

portant greenfield development.

superior performance of plati-

gic integrated project (SIP), the

drogen will be green ammonia.

The State-owned Transnet Na-

num-using PEM technology.

green hydrogen hub is awaiting

“We are working very closely

tional Ports Authority has invited

The agile modular project

gazetting as an SIP, linked to re-

with ports in Europe and Japan

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

37

FEATURE

to look at what that green am-

green hydrogen pipeline from

potential to be a leader in green

which is mandated to go global

monia chain will look like and

Secunda to Boegoebaai for

hydrogen and hydrogen-derived

on FT licensing to broaden entry

the infrastructure required, based

export is also being undertaken,

chemicals.

into the field of SAFs.

on the applications at the import

with Boegoebaai definitely

Dytor pointed out that the

The business development

location.

strategic from a country point of

JSE-listed chemicals group could

arm established under Sasol VP

“Currently it is not economically

view.

play a meaningful role in devel-

business development Dumisani

feasible to crack the ammonia

Sasol is working closely with

oping such clean chemicals and

Nkala is trying to incubate local

back to hydrogen use, so we are

other entities in South Africa on

energy owing to its many years

demand through partnerships

doing quite a lot of studies, espe-

their national green hydrogen

of experience in producing and

and lining up opportunities for

cially with the Port of Rotterdam,

strategies. “We believe it will be

selling ammonia, which will be

future investment in pursuits

to see how that can be done

essential for industry to work

derived from green hydrogen in

such as mobility and the green-

more cost effectively and on a

together because an ecosystem

the future. He further disclosed

ing of industry.

larger scale,” said Davison.

needs to be developed. I also

that a number of high-level

Meanwhile, the green hydrogen

The green transitioning of

agree that it is not a competition.

discussions are underway and a

department is focused on ex-

Sasol’s existing energy and

There are more than enough

range of models and strategies

ecuting mega projects, of which

chemicals complex at Secunda,

opportunities for projects to

are being considered.

Boegoebaai is the only one that

in Mpumalanga, will take place

develop and to support one

Sasol has new business units

has been announced, “but we

simultaneously, involving a re-

another,” added Davison.

to add impetus to globally rising

are working on others that will

newable energy programme with

Interestingly, AECI Chief Execu-

momentum in the green space.

be announced in the near future.”

many tranches.

tive Mark Dytor, expressed the

These include its Eco Fischer-

Davison disclosed, in response

The feasibility of building a

view that South Africa has the

Tropsch (FT) business unit,

to questions posed by discussion

38

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

populated, has little alternative

load factor and an operating life

and its existing facilities, includ-

use for the land and is uncom-

of 20 years for the electrolyser.

ing a 60 MW electrolyser with

plicated topography. Collectively,

In terms of yearly platinum

the first green hydrogen planned

this is exceedingly supportive

demand, this equates to be-

for the end of 2023, a project

of renewable energy generation

tween 400 000 oz and 1.3-million

looking at SAFs at Secunda and

and green hydrogen develop-

ounces in 2030, depending on

Sasolburg, in the Free State,

ment.

PEM electrolyser market share,

which are reportedly progress-

The renewable energy capac-

which will be a major boost for

ing well.

ity of the Northern Cape is more

Southern Africa’s PGMs mines

Currently, Sasol produces

than sufficient for what South

and their recycling commit-

2.5-million t a year of grey hydro-

Africa would require based on

ments.

gen at its Secunda complex, in

its projections, but far-reaching

A little over a year ago, on its

Mpumalanga, and a number of

consideration is being given as

capital markets day, Sasol intro-

pathways are being looked at to

to how the renewable capacity is

duced its strategic decarbonisa-

decarbonise.

developed and scaled up.

tion target of reaching net zero

The plan is to transition from

The significant support the

by 2050 and showed keenness

coal, using natural gas as a

Boegoebaai project is receiv-

to lead the energy transition in

transition feedstock, and then

ing from both the public and

Southern Africa.

ultimately ending up with green

private sectors is highlighting its

As one of the world’s largest

hydrogen, and sustainable car-

chairperson Bernard Swanepoel.

promise.

producers of grey hydrogen,

bon sources by 2050.

Although Boegoebaai has

As part of the feasibility study,

Sasol is well positioned to par-

A pipeline of projects is being

been identified as a key hub

Sasol’s final master plan report

ticipate in the hydrogen envi-

considered that could potentially

for the development of a green

will be made public.

ronment, given its track record

also supplement a supply of

hydrogen sector, green hydrogen

Platinum’s role in enabling the

of producing ammonia and

green hydrogen to help decar-

projects are also being studied

achievement of global decar-

synthetic fuels.

bonise Secunda with a Boegoe-

in other domestic and regional

bonisation targets with the help

Sasol’s own energy transition

baai link.

locations, including Saldanha

of PEM electrolysers has been

plan involves first decarbonising

Sasol expects to invest the bulk

Bay in the Western Cape, Nelson

highlighted by the World Plati-

existing operations, preserving

of the R15-billion to R25-billion it

Mandela Bay in the Eastern

num Investment Council. When

its existing customers and opera-

is budgeting to facilitate a 30%

Cape, an emerging Hydrogen

powered with renewable energy,

tions base and finally introduc-

reduction in its carbon emissions

Valley linking Mogalakwena,

PEM electrolysers generate

ing new value pools such as

by 2030 between 2025 and 2027,

Johannesburg and Durban and

green hydrogen, a zero-emis-

Boegoebaai supplying green

having spent only modest capital

Lüderitz, in Namibia.

sions energy carrier that can be

hydrogen to domestic and export

on such projects to date, Engi-

used in a range of applications to

markets.

neering News has reported.

Biggest province by land mass

replace fossil fuels.

The expenditure forms part

electrolyser capacity – when

Secunda and Sasolburg

of Sasol’s yearly ‘maintain and

The Northern Cape has excellent renewable energy resources as

powered by renewables – can

Sasol’s own portfolio of green-

is expected to rise to between

the biggest South African prov-

displace 10 000 t of carbon diox-

field projects embrace mobility,

R26 billion and R27 billion in its

ince by land mass is sparsely

ide emissions, assuming a 48.8%

green steel, power generation

2023 financial year.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Every megawatt of PEM

transform’ capital budget, which

39

FEATURE

Source: CHIETA

Chemical Seta lays a solid foundation for digital transformation

I

Pictures: Unsplashed.com

Business School (CEIBS) in

successfully delivering its skills

Accra, Ghana, but we have also

development mandate through

seen the first cohort of graduates

cross-sector collaboration and

come through from our training

international partnerships.”

programme at the University of

CHIETA’s role in the partner-

Johannesburg,” says CHIETA

ship will involve sourcing corpo-

CEO Yershen Pillay.

rate entrepreneurs who can be

“As a training authority, we are

upskilled and identifying Fourth

deeply rooted in ensuring that

Industrial Revolution-linked

our efforts are impactful and

programmes that can benefit

transform not just the sector

skills development within the

alone, but society through in-

sector. CEIBS has campuses in

novative means which are fit for

Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Zu-

purpose and meets the needs

rich and Accra and is ranked as

of the population, especially

one of the top business schools

women and youth,” opined Pillay.

globally.

On 10 November 2022,

International collaboration

CHIETA, in partnership with

He is particularly proud of the

Business School and Chemin,

partnership with CEIBS’s Entre-

a not-for-profit South African

preneurial Innovation for Impact

technology incubator, held its

Programme reached in August

first graduation ceremony for

2022. “This is the first-ever Pan-

small businesses completing

the University of Johannesburg

n 2023, one of the Chemical

transformation of South Africa’s

African agreement between a

their inaugural entrepreneurship

Industries Sector Education

chemical industry.

business school in Ghana and a

programme, which began in

“Not only have we signed a

skills authority in South Africa.

February 2022.

plans is to build on its sterling

ground-breaking Pan-African

It aligns perfectly with CHIETA’s

The programme is part of the

work in ensuring that women

memorandum of understand-

four strategic pillars – innovation,

authority's long-term vision to

and youth are equipped with the

ing between CHIETA and the

digitisation, collaboration, and

fund 2 000 young entrepreneurs

requisite skills to play a part in the

China Europe International

transformation – and its focus on

by 2025.

Training Authority's (CHIETA)

40

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Writer: Sihle Manda

FEATURE

Pictures: GCIS

Charting Tshwane’s liberation heritage route Freedom Park.

holders about the respective site and services as well as experiences offered by the sites.

The department said it was aware that tourists get different narratives at the various sites.

“Some [tourists] will get a different story about one site. The purpose of this was to educate the guides and operators,” says Deputy Director for Experiences and Route Development at the department Fundiswa Mbam.

The department first developed a framework for route development to assist municipalities, the

Pictures: www.gauteng.net

T

private sector and other government departments to develop

he formation of the

sustainable tourism routes.

Ga Motlhe.

democratic South Africa

“We decided to pilot it in the

was not a singular event.

City of Tshwane through this re-

It was a decades-long tumultu-

sistance and liberation heritage

ous voyage of dispossession and

route. We established a commit-

deprivation that would ultimately

tee to implement the guidelines.”

lead to freedom.

At each of the 12 sites visited,

Twenty-nine years into democ-

a tour guide shared extensive

racy, the Department of Tourism

information about the tourist

has embarked on a journey of

attractions.

displaying this history in a tour-

“We wanted the operators and

ism route reel.

guides just to know more about

The department is developing

each of the sites that are part

the Tshwane Resistance and

of the route,” she says, adding

Liberation Heritage Route, a

cently took tour guides and tour

sub-route of the South African Chapter. The department re-

42

a role in the liberation struggle.

that the plan is to launch the

operators on an educational tour

The purpose of the tour was to

Tshwane Resistance and Libera-

of the Tshwane sites that played

share information with stake-

tion Heritage Route during the

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Palace of Justice.

2022/23 financial year.

a national heritage site, are

The group then headed to the

It was during this trial that

“We want it to be a finished

known to the public.

gallows at the Kgosi Mampuru

Mandela, who later went on

product for Gauteng Tourism to

“Most people know about

Correctional Centre. Between

to become South Africa’s first

sell, for the various tour opera-

Freedom Park but they don’t

1961 and 1989, the apartheid

democratically elected President

tors to sell, and for South African

know about the Palace of Jus-

regime executed 134 political

made his famous speech, which

tourism to sell,” she said.

tice. The purpose is to showcase

prisoners. Liberation struggle

concluded as follows: “During

The route is expected to fill a

even those sites that are less

icon Solomon Mahlangu was

my lifetime, I have dedicated

gaping hole in the telling of the

visited,” she explains.

executed by hanging in April

myself to the struggle of the

1979, at what was then known as

African people. I have fought

the Pretoria Central Prison.

against white domination, and

The tour guides and operators

I have fought against black

painful history of the country. liberation heritage tourism route.

Touring Tshwane’s sites

We have many liberation sites

The daylong excursion made its

then had a brief history lesson

domination. I have cherished the

such as Robben Island, the

first stop at Freedom Park, in

on the formation of the city and

ideal of a democratic and free

Apartheid Museum but there are

Salvokop, a cultural institution

sightseeing of the Palace of

society in which all persons live

none that are linked. So, we are

housing a museum and a me-

Justice, where former President

together in harmony and with

trying to establish a route, espe-

morial dedicated to chronicling

Nelson Mandela and other Af-

equal opportunities. It is an ideal

cially in a place like in the capital

and honouring the many who

rican National Congress (ANC)

for which I hope to live for and

city of Tshwane.

contributed to South Africa's

leaders were the accused during

to achieve. But if needs be, it is

Some sites like Freedom Park,

liberation.

the Rivonia Trial.

an ideal for which I am prepared

“We currently don’t have a

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

43

FEATURE

The Old Synagogue.

Africa's government that houses The Presidency. Designed by renowned architect, Sir Herbert Baker, it was originally built in 1913 to house the public service for the Union of South Africa. In 1994, the Union Buildings hosted the inauguration of former President Mandela.

Mbam said while there are other routes across the country, none were liberation itineraries.

“For instance the Drakenstein Prison is included in the Wine-

Union Buildings.

lands route, but the Drakenstein Prison has a liberation significance. There are sites that are packaged with other things, like museums and such. This is specifically for liberation, which are few and very specific,” she said.

Enhancing knowledge Pretoria-based freelance tour guide, Minky Seloane was part of the group that experienced the route first-hand. Even she confessed that she got a different perspective of the sights visited.

“With us guides we do ‘general’ tours. But when you get to specific sites, that’s when you get specifics, you get to expand on the topics and enhance your to die.”

ginalised Black citizens. Those

which heard the Treason Trial

knowledge. Knowledge is critical

The tour then proceeded to

who transgressed the law were

where ANC leaders were tried

when you are with clients,” she

Ga-Motlhe which was estab-

also detained at this centre.

for acts of sabotage intended

pointed out.

lished as required by the 1932

Another site visited was the

to overthrow the government of

This knowledge would hence-

New Group Areas Act, as an

Old Synagogue. Originally a

the day.

forth enhance her commentary

administrative building where

Jewish house of worship, the

Other stops made during the

when guiding tourists in the

marriage and identity docu-

synagogue was, in 1952, con-

tour included the Union Build-

city adding that she is grateful

ments were issued for the mar-

verted into an apartheid court

ings, the official seat of South

for the department’s initiative. –

44

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

What will people say?

There is no excuse for abuse.

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

People can only help if they know.

TELL SOMEONE.

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

Source: NECT

EDUCATION

Innovative learning tools to reach the needs of learners across SA F

or the past three years,

has managed to slowly assist in

the country’s education

bridging the learning gap by un-

system has had to recover

derstanding learners' needs and

and adapt to new methods of

how, where and when technol-

learning. Educators and thought

ogy can play a role in meeting

leaders had to go back to the

those needs and when it can’t.

Tswelopele

Grade R - 11 Learne

r Support

Tswelopele Learner Suppor

t 2021

drawing board and find innovative

The success of the campaign

solutions to meet the curriculum

can be seen in its two support

requirements while focusing

programmes namely; Woza

on the safety of learners. The

Matrics and the Tswelopele

unequal learning loss reared its

campaign. These programmes

ugly head and systems had to be

provide learning continuity, cur-

put in place to address the socio-

riculum catch-up, support, revi-

economic inequalities that are so

sion and exam preparation via

prevalent in our society.

multiple digital and non-digital

The National Education Col-

platforms for pupils, teachers

laboration Trust (NECT) and the

and parents. It also focuses

Department of Basic Educa-

solely on increased quantity and

a village to raise a child” has

lost time due to the COVID-19

tion (DBE) joined forces and

quality of learning in support

never been more evident than

pandemic.

launched the Remote Digital

of the classroom and remote

through the establishment

In 2021, an average of 5.8

Learning programme (RDL).

learning.

of the RDL campaign . As an

million people viewed Woza

Fast forward to 2023, the

The creation of the cam-

organisation, the NECT has

Matrics on SABC 1 per month.

campaign continues to address

paign has been to mitigate the

garnered a village of organi-

From March to October 2022,

systemic learning challenges,

systemic effects of structural

sations, institutions from the

Tswelopele users between the

digital inequality and system

learning loss, which became a

private, public, civil society and

ages four and 65 had been

capacity constraints. As they

central concern in the national

corporate sectors to harness

reached with an average reach

say, “ the proof is in the pud-

education system. Thus, the

its resources to help schools

of 1 569 461 viewers per month.

ding” and the RDL campaign

African adage that says “it takes

across the country recover from

In 2023, 600 000 Grade 12s, in-

46

LEARNING SU

Exciting ne

PPORT

w platform

s Mobile chat and Online Programm to help you es learn and rev ise.

Broadcast,

www.tswe Tswelopele lopele.org. za Learner Support

www.woza matrics.co.z a

2021

Tswelopele

Grade R - 11 Learner

Support

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

cluding second chance learners

rics and second chance learners

platform for virtual tutoring and

year. More resources can be

and 600 000 general education

are well underway. While, 600

learner support. MTN Online

viewed on the DBEtv channel

training (GET) learners will be

000 GET learners, 50 000 teach-

School for lessons and as-

122 on Openview.

able to have more opportunities

ers and parents or caregivers will

sessments, the South African

The RDL campaign for 2023

for psycho-social support, cur-

also be reached through these

Depression and Anxiety Group

is taking into account changes

riculum catch-up, revision and

agreements. This showcases

and LoveLife helplines for care

in how people have been living

exam assistance. Furthermore,

the RDL’s commitment towards

and support which have all been

in the past two years. While the

50 000 teachers and parents

bridging the gap between lower

made accessible to provide

problem of systemic and unequal

or caregivers will be provided

and higher income households,

added support. For Grade 12s,

learning loss will continue to pre-

with opportunities to support

which in-turn provides equal op-

Matric Live creates access to

vail over the next few years, the

their learners with catch up and

portunities for all.

educational resources and ex-

focus of the RDL is to support

resources.

Through innovative methods,

aminations for 16 subjects.

learners before and after school

students are able to access

Moreover, there are weekly

hours. For more information,

learning materials from mobile

broadcasts on 12 radio stations

click this link: https://www.wo-

Partnerships with 20 learning

platforms like the Chat App with

across the country which focus

zamatrics.co.za or https://www.

platforms to reach 600 000 Mat-

the use of Velle Telegram-based

on 624 lessons throughout the

tswelopele.org.za/about-us/

Partnerships

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

47

Source: SAnews Nicholas Francis

FEATURE

Additional reporting: Miriam Mokoena Pictures: Supplied Pictures: Unsplashed.com

Government pays tribute to SA radio industry G

overnment has expressed

(WRD), which was celebrated

role in fostering democ-

appreciation to the radio

on 13 February under the theme;

racy and expressing our

industry for its unique

“Radio and Peace”. The day is

diversity in this country.

role in promoting the identities

specifically set aside to raise

The media, such as radio,

of South Africans across cultures

awareness of the importance of

continues to shape opin-

and languages, as well as fostering

radio.

ions and perceptions and

peace domestically and interna-

The theme “calls for coopera-

influence public discourse.

tionally.

tion among radio broadcasters

“Radio holds particular impor-

“Radio, in particular, is still one

internationally and encourages

tance in framing narratives on

ment agency for promoting and

of the most accessible mediums

decision-makers to create and

issues or events and has great

ensuring media development

in the country. During the dark

provide access to information

power to influence people. In a

and diversity, is a partnership

days of apartheid South Africa,

through radio, including (es-

post-pandemic environment, ra-

between government, and major

radio was used as a revolution-

pecially) the community radio

dio, like other media, has a criti-

print and broadcasting compa-

ary tool to keep the people

sector,” noted the Media Devel-

cal role to play in contributing

nies to assist in, amongst others,

informed of the struggle being

opment and Diversity Agency

towards social cohesion, peace

developing community and small

waged against the crime against

(MDDA) in a statement.

and nation-building,” remarked

commercial media in South

the Minister.

Africa.

Radio stations are among the

“Since its inception to date, the

key stakeholders of govern-

MDDA has funded 545 com-

ment, as they disseminate key

munity media projects, includ-

humanity.

anti-apartheid struggle. Radio

Keeping communities informed

Freedom in South Africa used to

In South Africa, radio is a very

information about government

ing about 284 community radio

communicate and send mes-

powerful communication me-

programmes of action and op-

stations. These community radio

sages to people on the ground.

dium, which is easily accessible

portunities that the public can

platforms feed into the mandate

People would gather together in

even in the rural parts of the

use to improve their lives.

of the MDDA, which amongst

the homes [of those] who had

country. It brings people from all

According to the MDDA,

others, is to provide information

radios just to hear the broad-

walks of life together through its

South Africa is celebrating 76

and entertainment to ordinary

cast,” Minister in The Presidency

role of entertaining, educating

years of SABC Radio, 18 years

South Africans from all corners

Mondli Gungubele said.

and sharing important informa-

of community radio and 62

of the country,” reported the

The Minister was speaking on

tion.

years of commercial radio. The

agency’s Acting Chief Executive

International World Radio Day

“Similarly, it played a crucial

MDDA – a statutory develop-

Officer Mzuvukile Kashe.

“For example, radio played a positive role in society during the

48

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

FEATURE

Source: Technology Innovation Agency Pictures: Unsplashed.com

Water leaks management system provides integrated system to manage water loss

S

outh Africa is considered a

36.5% of which 25% is due to

to a variety of other water and

mining. The water sector seeks

water stressed country and

leaks. In response to this chal-

sanitation challenges.

to support technologies that

loses a substantial amount

lenge, City Park Trading, a

The development of the App

solve the water crisis, improve

of treated water through leaking

KwaZulu-Natal-based company,

was supported by the Technol-

water security and support

pipes and inadequate infrastruc-

developed the WaterLeaks App

ogy Innovation Agency (TIA)

sanitation programs.

ture. Data gathered in 2012 from

system for municipalities to moni-

through the Natural Resources

The WaterLeaks App was

132 of 237 municipalities showed

tor and manage water and sanita-

Unit. The focus areas of the unit

developed using Open Source

that the country’s level of non-

tion faults to significantly reduce

are in water resources manage-

platforms that allow members of

revenue water is estimated to be

water loss and improve responses

ment, waste management, and

the public and Community Leak

50

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Inspectors to easily record de-

nicipal applications, which only

ing tools allowed the Non-

manner of data collection, verifi-

tails of leaks including positions

provide a communication link

Revenue Water (NRW) team at

cation and translation.

and level of urgency required.

to members of the public and

eThekwini to review water bal-

Through the integration of the

Water loss management

communities, the WaterLeaks

ance improvements by compar-

App, the NRW manager has

systems currently in use rarely

App solution provides man-

ing bulk meter results with indi-

received significant support

work efficiently and this can be

agers of different municipal

vidual meter readings. The App

from city management, includ-

attributed to capacity. Current

departments and field teams

was thus able to assist with the

ing the City Manager and City

systems are also not seamlessly

with a fully integrated opera-

saving of significant amounts

Treasurer. The support includes

integrated with other water con-

tional tool.

of unaccounted water and

the provision of five additional

servation and water demand

The technology was demon-

consequently make significant

staff to the NRW.

management systems such as

strated in the eThekwini Mu-

savings in operational costs for

A municipal budget of R40

meter reading infrastructure

nicipality, KwaZulu Natal where

the municipality. Through the

million over the next 3 years

management or Geographic

a database processing system

automated reporting system, the

has been approved for the

Information System (GIS) data

was developed to allow the leak

NRW manager was also able to

expansion of the project. This

sets.

manager or water loss manager

identify fault and water loss hot

will assist City Parks Trading to

The Expanded Public Works

to visually track the leak status

spots, types of faults, and work

further develop the technology

Programme’s “War on Leaks”

on GIS maps or directly on the

efficiency of field staff.

and be able to deploy it in other

has not been fully effective in

database. Using the system,

The App system is also being

municipalities.

many municipalities because

leak repair reports and area-

used to generate automated re-

The City Parks innovation is a

there has not been a system to

based reports can easily be

ports and dashboards based on

testament to TIA’s commitment

manage, repair and analyse the

generated to identify “hot spots”

the captured field data, which is

to support the development

leaks in an effective manner.

which would then be prioritised

then able to be translated into

of innovative solutions to the

The WaterLeaks technology

for infrastructure upgrades or

a water balance which many

challenges faced by the country,

provides this functionality.

similar.

municipalities are unable to

thus supporting a capable state.

In contrast to existing mu-

The App and data base report-

produce due to the inefficient

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

51

GROOMING AND ST YLE

Top five tips on how to take care of your ethnic hair

E

cortex (middle layer of your hair).

The comb stretches the hair strand past its elastic limit and breaks your hair as it moves from the roots towards the hair ends.

Rather finger detangle, that is,

thnic hair requires a certain

Hair Profile refers to the condi-

use your fingers to gently sepa-

level of maintenance to keep

tion of your hair based on your

rate the knots and tangles. Heat

it healthy, but this doesn’t

scalp genetics; sebum (oil) pro-

(curling irons and blow driers)

have to be hard. Trichologist

duction, scalp sensitivity, the size

dehydrate your hair and can alter

Botlhale Tshetlo shares her top five

and shape of your follicles. These

the internal protein structure of

tips on taking care of your ethnic

factors create the four profiles –

your hair, resulting in breakage.

hair.

dry, sensitive, fragile and oily.

1. Know your scalp and hair profile:

hair due to the low produc-

5. Sleep with satin/silk bonnet or pillowcase:

tion of sebum.

Cotton can dehydrate your

The first step in taking care of

Sensitive Profile: prone to

move product buildup from you

hair leaving it dry and brittle

allergies with skin-based

scalp and hair.

and prone to breakage while

Dry Profile: dry scalp and dry

reactions like eczema.

satin helps maintain its mois-

Fragile Profile: small follicu-

3. Moisturize daily:

lar opening resulting in fine,

Your ethnic hair just like the rest

fragile hair prone to break-

of the body, needs water. When

age.

the body doesn’t get enough

Oily Profile: oily scalp result-

water, it gets dehydrated, and

ing in greasy, dehydrated hair

this affects its ability to function.

with low porosity.

Similarly, the hair gets thirsty if it

ture because it prevents friction

doesn’t get water, and this leads to hair breakage. Unlike the

your ethnic hair is similar to

2. Cleanse and condition weekly:

taking care of your skin – you

Cleansing and conditioning

ternally through drinking, it gets

need to know your skin type in

your hair weekly is an impor-

its moisture from the air around

and frizz. During colder months,

order to buy the right products

tant step in maintaining healthy

it – so it must be sprayed onto

choose satin-lined hair acces-

that match your skin’s needs.

ethnic hair. Avoid shampoos with

the hair. That is why when you

sories.

Similarly, having healthy ethnic

sulphates in them (they strip the

are in a place with high humid-

hair starts with knowing your

hair of its natural oils, leaving it

ity the hair will feel softer. Water

hair profile, so that you can buy

brittle and prone to breakage).

provides the best hydration; a

the right products, and follow

If you have an active lifestyle

moisturizer must have water as

the right hair care regimen that

(like going to gym regularly),

the main ingredient.

caters to your specific needs.

you might want to cleanse or

Buying products without know-

co-wash (cleansing with a con-

ing your hair profile is like buying

ditioner) your hair more often.

4. Avoid heat and stop combing your hair:

shoes without knowing what

Include a detox treatment at the

Combing is the main cause

shoe size you wear. The Natural

salon once in two months to re-

of mechanical damage to the

52

scalp, hair doesn’t get water in-

*Tshetlo is the founder of Hairtural, an an eco-friendly ‘hairlth’ spa that specialises 100% in only ethnic hair.

Visit https://www.hairtural. com/ for more information on how to maintain your hair.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Gilda Narsimdas

Asian inspired at home home FOOD AND WINE

Pictures: Sourced

Fancy a try at making some of your favourite Asian food? We will take you on a journey from Thailand to China with recipes inspired by food from the wonderfully diverse continent. So instead of ordering in, why not give these a try – they are simple, delicious and healthy.

Recipes courtesy of Christine Capendale.

Grapefruit, Strawberry and

Asian Honey Dressing

fruit, spring onion, rad-

Ŋ

One egg white (beaten).

Smoked Trout Salad

Ŋ

15 ml low sodium soy

ishes, strawberries. and

Ŋ

80 g cooked, chopped &

sauce.

spoon onto four serving

30 ml oil (Sunflower or

plates (or one large plat-

Ŋ

30 g feta cheese.

peanut oil).

ter).

Ŋ

20 g cream cheese.

(Serves four) Ingredients: Ŋ

Ŋ

300 g smoked trout rib-

drained spinach.

bons.

Ŋ

One garlic clove, crushed.

Divide the smoked salmon

Ŋ

Five ml chopped chives.

Ŋ

150 g baby salad leaves.

Ŋ

40 ml grapefruit juice.

between the plates, add

Ŋ

salt and pepper for sea-

Ŋ

20 g fresh coriander.

Ŋ

15 ml rice wine vinegar.

the avocado and sprinkle

Ŋ

Four grapefruit, peeled

Ŋ

20 ml honey.

with the toasted sesame

and cut into segments.

Ŋ

10 ml fish sauce.

Ŋ

Four spring onions, sliced

Ŋ

30 ml rice vinegar.

dressing.

Ŋ

20 ml sweet chili sauce.

Ŋ

Five ml sesame oil.

Ŋ

15 ml chopped spring

Four radishes, thinly sliced.

Ŋ

Ŋ

200 g strawberries, halved.

ingredients together (use

Spinach and Feta Steamed

Ŋ

40 ml toasted sesame

a stick blender) and keep

Dumplings (serves two)

seeds.

aside.

Ingredients:

Toss together the salad

Ŋ

ted and sliced.

54

Blend all the dressing

leaves, coriander, grape-

sauce. Ŋ

Ŋ

Ŋ

30 ml low sodium soy

Drizzle generously with the

Method:

Two avocados, halved, pit-

Ŋ

seeds. Ŋ

in lengths.

Ŋ

soning.

onion.

12 sheets of won-ton pas-

Method:

try/wrapper.s

Ŋ

Mix the spinach, feta

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

cheese, cream cheese and the chives together. Use salt and pepper for seasoning. Ŋ

Spread out the pastry sheets and brush with the beaten egg white.

Ŋ

Place some of the filling in the middle of each sheet.

Ŋ

Bring the corners of each pastry sheet together and press to seal.

Ŋ

Place the bamboo steamer Combine the soy sauce,

Chicken Chow Mein

boiling water.

rice vinegar, sweet chili

(Serves two)

Line the steamer with

sauce, sesame oil and the

Ingredients:

cabbage leaves to prevent

spring onion to make the

Ŋ

dumplings from sticking.

dipping sauce.

on top of a saucepan with Ŋ

Ŋ

Place dumplings on top of

Ŋ

Ŋ

Serve the steamed dump-

the cabbage leaves, cover

lings with the dipping

with the lid and steam for

sauce on the side.

about 10 minutes.

Ŋ

Ŋ

sauce.

150 g chicken thigh fillet

Method:

(cut into bite size pieces).

Ŋ

Five ml low sodium soy sauce.

Mix the chicken, soy sauce and sesame oil together.

Ŋ

In another dish mix the

Ŋ

10 ml sesame oil.

cabbage, mange tout peas,

Ŋ

100 g cooked Chinese egg

baby corn, carrot and

noodles.

spring onion together.

Ŋ

One clove garlic (crushed).

Ŋ

80 g shredded cabbage

pan on medium heat and

Ŋ

30 g sliced mange tout

add the garlic and then the

Ŋ

Heat a non-stick frying

peas.

marinated chicken pieces.

Ŋ

50 g sliced baby corn.

Cook the chicken until it is

Ŋ

40 g carrot ( julienned).

just done and remove from

Ŋ

60 ml chopped spring

the pan.

onion.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

Five ml low sodium soy

Ŋ

Add five ml sesame oil to

Sauce:

the pan on medium heat

Ŋ

30 ml oyster sauce.

and add the vegetables.

Ŋ

15 ml sweet chili sauce.

Stir fry the vegetables for

Ŋ

Five ml sesame oil.

about three minutes. Add

55

FOOD AND WINE

the cooked noodles and

Ŋ

100 g broccoli florets.

the chicken to the pan and

Ŋ

60 ml sliced celery.

mix well. Add all the sauce

Ŋ

100 g rice noodles.

Ŋ

ingredients, stir through quickly and serve.

little salt and remove the

Pour 750 ml of boiling

cooked meat and onions

water over the rice noodles

from the frying pan. Keep

and leave to soak for 10

aside.

Sauce

minutes. Drain very well

Ŋ

and keep warm.

the frying pan, turn down

Stir a little extra oil through

the heat to medium and

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

40 ml low sodium soy sauce.

Ŋ

Ŋ

Add the rest of the oil to

Ingredients:

Ŋ

15 ml honey.

the noodles to prevent

add the peppers, broccoli

Ŋ

20 ml sunflower oil.

Ŋ

Five ml organic, free range

them from sticking to-

and the celery. Stir-fry for

Ŋ

200 g rump or sirloin steak

chicken stock powder

gether. Add half of the oil

a few minutes until the

to a non-stick frying pan

vegetables are cooked but still crisp.

(at least 50% lean meat), cut into thin strips.

To serve:

on medium heat and fry

Ŋ

Five ml toasted sesame

the onion, garlic, ginger

seeds.

and chilli until the onion

onions to the vegetables in

Fresh herbs (e.g coriander,

is slightly browned. Stir all

the frying pan and add the

parsley or chives).

the time.

sauce. Cook whilst stirring

Ŋ

½ small onion, sliced thinly.

Ŋ

One garlic clove, crushed.

Ŋ

Five ml grated fresh ginger.

Ŋ

Pinch of chilli flakes.

Ŋ

¼ small red pepper, cut

Ŋ

Ŋ

Ŋ

Ŋ

Return the meat and

Turn the heat up and add

for two minutes. Serve with

into strips.

Method

the meat. Stir-fry until it

rice noodles and sprinkle

¼ yellow pepper, cut into

Ŋ

Mix together the sauce

is cooked and starts to

with the toasted sesame

ingredients in a small bowl

brown. Season with a

seeds and some herbs.

strips.

56

and keep aside.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

I KNOW.

I ACT. I STOP P

EVE S I N O TI

FIGH

RRU O C G N TI

RYO

NESS I S U B NE’S

Writer: Sam Bradley

TRAVEL

Pictures: Supplied

Soaking and floating

in the land of fire and ice

I

58

celand is known as the land

and this is clearly a memorable

welcome the traveller into its

reaches the lagoon. Bathers

of fire and ice, and for a good

place to visit. It’s also a mag-

warm and rejuvenating pools

benefit from two by-products

reason. Situated on a remote

nificent place to relax. The icy

of relaxation. The setting is

only found here: silica (a form

island in the middle of the Atlan-

waters mean the local fish dishes

unforgettable: as far as the eye

of white mud which is formed

tic Ocean, continuously pounded

are plentiful and delicious, and

can see the landscape is a lava

from oxygen being heated up

by snowstorms and with winter

the shifting tectonic plates also

field, covered in stark volcanic

by magma as it filters up to-

temperatures well below freezing,

mean an abundance of natural

rock and blanketed by Ice-

wards the earth’s surface) and

Iceland has more than its fair

hot springs and geothermal spas

landic moss in a multitude of

blue-green microalgae, which

share of frigid weather. It also lies

to relax in. One of those is Blue

green hues. Blue Lagoon has

somehow grows in these hot

on the boundary between the

Lagoon, just a 20-minute drive

been welcoming visitors for 30

waters. The lagoon is man-

Eurasian and the North American

from the airport.

years now, most attracted by

made rather than a natural

tectonic plates, so there’s always

All it takes is one look and

the healing properties of the

hot spring, as it’s formed from

a possibility of earthquakes and

it’s obvious to see how Blue

mineral rich water, which is

erupting volcanoes, providing

Lagoon got its name, as the

240°C when it begins its

many spectacularly fiery scenes.

steaming waters (an impos-

journey from two kilometres

Add in the possibility of seeing

sibly bright blue when con-

underground but a more

the spectacular Northern Lights,

trasted against the white silica)

soothing 39°C by the time it

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

different spaces for relaxing,

Restaurant, located between

from the icy cold plunge pool

the hotel and the Blue Lagoon.

to the spa or sauna. It also

The setting is spectacular, built

offers float therapy and float

into an 800-year-old lava cliff

massages, a very relaxing

and with views looking out

water pumped up to be used in

day). A stay at the more luxuri-

experience. In the spa itself

onto the lagoon. The unique

the nearby geothermal power

ous Retreat Hotel is focused on

guests can enjoy ‘The Ritual’, a

cocktail menu deserves a men-

plant, which uses the steam to

wellness and relaxation. The

process of covering your body

tion (especially the neon blue

generate electricity. However,

62 suites all have views over

in silica, algae and salt minerals

but surprisingly delicious “Blue

that doesn’t make the lagoon

the baby blue waters, some

from the lagoon.

Lagoon Anniversary” drink) as

any less beautiful, or less

with their own private lagoon

While staying at the Blue

do all the local additions which

healthy.

to float in, and the rooms are

Lagoon there are a few dining

make the food unmistakably

There are two hotel options

large, comfortable and modern.

options. The Moss Restaurant

Icelandic, such as the skyr

at Blue Lagoon: The Silica

One of attractions to staying

is led by renowned Chef Aggi

(similar to yoghurt) and the

Hotel and The Retreat Hotel.

at The Retreat is the access to

Sverrisson and is Michelin-

astarpungar (literally translated

The Silica Hotel is the less

the private lagoons, which are

recommended, with a wonder-

as ‘loveballs,’ which turned out

glamorous of the two, but still

only for guests. The swim-up

ful tasting menu and many fine

to be decadent balls of mango

very comfortable. Importantly,

bar service is a popular option

wines. Diners may also prefer

chocolate mousse, vanilla ice

it has its own lagoon as well as

at any time, and a large part of

the more casual Spa Restau-

cream and salted caramel).

premium access to the general

the day can be spent idly relax-

rant. The meals are good (par-

There are many other attrac-

lagoon, allowing guests time

ing in the soothing waters.

ticularly the sushi, beef tataki

tions to see and do in Iceland,

to relax in solitude (not to be

If you can pry yourself out the

and ceviche) and the vibe is

but starting or ending your

taken for granted, with the la-

water, it will probably be for the

relaxed (at least half the diners

stay with a visit and a soak at

goon also welcoming between

two main attractions: the spa

are in dressing gowns). The

the Blue Lagoon comes highly

2 000 and 3 000 visitors per

or the food. The spa has many

third dining option is the Lava

recommended.

Public Sector Manager • March 2023

59

UNITE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Nicholas Francis 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 Investigating Unit Public Sector Manager • March 2023