PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER OCTOBER 2021
Decoding COVID-19 THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Dr Ridhwaan Suliman makes sense of COVID-19 stats
The sky’s no limit Orefile Mthombeni’s aviation career takes off
Digital transformation OCTOBER 2021
How to build trust in government
PSM
Contents: October 2021
30
REGULARS 4
Trailblazer
Dr Ridhwaan Suliman – the COVID-19 numbers man
8
Women in the public sector
Orefile Mthombeni blazes a trail in aviation
10 From the Union Buildings
Government is forging ahead
with efforts to instil a culture
8
of ethics in the public service 30
International relations
BRICS celebrates 15 years since formation
FEATURES 12 Newly-launched unit
14
Ethics Integrity and
2
Assistance Unit is boosting
vaccine initiative will be a
the fight against corruption
game changer for South
in the public sector
Africa's healthcare and
COVID-19, cancer vaccines initiative to
corruption
The Public Administration
COVID-19 and cancer
pharmaceutical industry
strengthens fight against
Disciplinary Technical
16
Get your digital
revolutionise SA’s
COVID-19 vaccination
healthcare
certificate
The launch of a new
A vaccine certificate has
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
40
0
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 Director-General Phumla Williams Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Gcobisa Soci
16 been rolled out as proof that a person
20
has been vaccinated against COVID-19 18
your right
Treasury supplier payment
efforts
vote in the 6th Local
through digital
Government Elections
transformation
Communities investment in
ensuring State
Opinion: Building trust in government
benefit from
Government is
suppliers receive
26
24
Governments across
the world move to digital to better serve citizens
infrastructure
Acting Head of Editorial and Production Zanele Mngadi zanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za
Exercise your right to
strengthens
Acting Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Tyrone Seale
government at work
Local Government Elections: Exercise
Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin
Managing Editor Irene Naidoo irene@gcis.gov.za News Editor Irene Naidoo Contributors More Matshediso Silusapho Nyanda Jauhara Khan GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Senior Designer Tendai Gonese
© Copyright: GCIS
The construction of
payment of invoices
Msikaba Bridge in
and continue to
the Eastern Cape
flourish
is an example of a
LIFESTYLE 22
Health and wellbeing
36
Grooming and style
COVID-19 vaccines:
The art of
Your questions
38
accessorising
answered 38 Travel
Johannesburg to Cape
32
Food and wine
Make-it-yourself
Town and the beauty
mocktail magic
in between
35 Nice-to-haves
Lounge around in style
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
3
MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Become a vaccination ambassador is largely thanks to the
counteract any vaccine
our economy and both
sterling efforts of public
hesitancy.
save and create jobs.
servants. ing 300 000 vaccines per
vented countless deaths.
eligible to be vaccinated –
day is now in sight.
At its peak, polio para-
and the process has been
lysed or killed over half a
made very easy.
more than 18 700 000 vac-
million people worldwide.
cines had been adminis-
According to the World
registered on the Elec-
tered.
Health Organisation, polio
tronic Vaccination Data
The success of the
Walk-ins by people not
cases have decreased by
System are allowed at all
campaign is proof of what
over 99% since 1988, from
vaccination sites – and
government can collec-
an estimated 350 000
this includes people who
tively achieve, and those
cases to 22 reported cases
do not belong to a medical
involved deserve high
in 2017. This reduction is
aid. Spread the word!
praise.
the result of a global vac-
Vaccination is our best Minister in The
South Africa’s entire adult population is now
As of 8 October 2021,
Mondli Gungubele
History has many examples of how vaccines pre-
The target of administer-
defence against COV-
cination campaign.
Another commendable aspect of our vaccination
In the 1950s, between
campaign is the out-of-
ID-19. Health Minister Joe
three and four million peo-
the-box ideas, such as
Phaahla has explained
ple in the United States
pop-up vaccination sites,
that we could face a num-
contracted measles each
drive-through vaccination
ber of waves in the future,
year. Of these, 400 to 500
sites and partnerships
but that mutations and
people died, 48 000 were
with religious and busi-
viral loads will decrease
hospitalised and 1 000 suf-
ness sectors.
role as Minister in The
as the percentage of vac-
fered swelling of the brain.
Public servants must
Presidency and it is one
cinated people increases.
Today, thanks to the devel-
be vaccination ambassa-
that gives me great pride,
This will eventually result
opment of a vaccine in the
dors. It is our duty to help
particularly when I con-
in fewer surges in infec-
1960s, measles outbreaks
spread the word that while
sider your contribution to
tions.
are rare and occur largely
being vaccinated might
in communities with low
not prevent COVID-19, it
vaccination coverage.
will lower the risks of se-
Our people need to
vere symptoms and death
Presidency
T
his is my first message to public servants in my
largest mass vaccination
Unlike most medicines,
programme ever rolled out
which treat or help cure
in South Africa
diseases, vaccines actually
The significant strides we are making in the fight against COVID-19
2
help prevent them – this
know that vaccines are
and will ultimately help
is the message we need
safe, they are effective and
defeat the pandemic.
to convey to the public to
they are essential to grow
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
A government that cares
S
In addition, government is contributing R400 million to the Humanitarian Crisis Relief Fund established by the Solidarity Fund. The COVID-19 TERS scheme has also
ocial Development
August, the first payments
been extended to those
Month, commemo-
had already been made.
sectors affected by Alert
rated annually in
Level 4 restrictions.
The SRD grant and
Regrettably, some public
October, highlights govern-
caregiver allowance
ment’s commitment to
proved hugely effectively
servants have fraudu-
the well-being of the most
last year, with the National
lently applied for the SRD
vulnerable in society.
Income Dynamics Study:
grant, as well as other
Coronavirus Rapid Mobile
social grants. I call on all
Disease (COVID-19)
Survey estimating that
government employees
taking a huge toll on the
between March and June
to remember the ubuntu
economy, and the recent
2020, COVID-19 relief
values that make up the
unrest destroying many
measures reduced the
livelihoods in KwaZulu-
number of households
Natal and Gauteng,
with incomes below the
providing a safety net for
food poverty line from
be applauded for under-
to putting the people of
at-risk people is a respon-
20.6% to 18.8%. Research
standing the everyday
South Africa first and
sibility our caring govern-
confirmed that the major-
challenges imposed by
acknowledge how fortu-
ment takes very seriously.
ity of recipients used the
poverty. It has responded
nate you are to have a job
money to buy food.
to these by making the
that pays a decent living
application process as
wage, unlike so many of
With the Coronavirus
The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD)
This time around, more
Phumla Williams, GCIS Director-General.
backbone of the public service. Recommit yourselves
Grant of R350 is one gov-
people are eligible for
accessible as possible,
the people we are here
ernment’s mechanisms
the grant – which is set
through a user-friendly
to serve. They deserve
for cushioning people
to run until the end of
application system and
our humanity and tireless
from the blows of poverty.
March 2022, because
the introduction of new
service to bettering their
It benefits unemployed
government has extended
application channels, such
lives.
people, many of whom
it to unemployed caregiv-
as the GovChat app and
lost their jobs as a result
ers who receive a child
Facebook Messenger.
of the pandemic.
support grant, but do not
Government’s other re-
spirit of caring and rekin-
President Cyril
receive a personal grant.
sponses to the hardships
dle our passion for South
faced by so many include
Africa and its people. Let’s
Ramaphosa’s announce-
By the beginning of Sep-
This Social Development Month, let us unite in the
ment in July that the grant
tember, nearly 12 million
widespread food relief
also protect each other by
was being reintroduced
people had applied for the
and assistance to small
stepping up to get vacci-
brought hope to many
grant.
businesses impacted by
nated against COVID-19.
people. At the end of
Our public service is to
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
the unrest.
3
TRAILBLAZER
Writer: Allison Cooper
Dr Ridhwaan Suliman – the COVID-19 numbers man D r Ridhwaan Suli-
has seen his reputation
happy to explain COV-
significant input for the
man (35) has
– along with his Twitter
ID-19 trends, anomalies,
National Joint Operational
become re-
following – grow expo-
limitations and nuances
and Intelligence Struc-
nentially.
in the data and what they
ture, Inter-Ministerial
nowned in South Africa for
mean in South Africa’s
Committee on Vaccina-
daily Coronavirus Disease
on Twitter, I had a fol-
efforts to curb the spread
tion and other govern-
(COVID-19) data analysis,
lowing of approximately
of the virus.
ment departments, such
trends and updates.
90 people, who were
his accurate and credible
“When I started updates
as the Department of
primarily friends and peo-
Social media
personal hobby to keep
ple I had met in person.
Initially he tracked and
Evaluation and Govern-
him busy during the
Almost 18 months later,
analysed COVID-19 data
ment Communication
hard lockdown in March
that following has grown
and trends in his personal
and Information System.
2020, has seen the
to just under 29 000,”
capacity and shared this
Senior Researcher in the
says Suliman.
on his personal social
daily statistics to make
media platforms.
sense of the numbers. I
What started as a
NextGen Enterprises and
He explains that he tries
Planning, Monitoring and
“I started tracking the
“I now continue to do
wanted to understand if
making use of graphics
this analysis as part of
the trends were improv-
to visually represent and
the National Policy Data
ing, to determine if we
(CSIR) become the
explain the trends in the
Observatory, which is
would exit the hard Level
country’s go-to guy for
various data metrics, in
a government-led data
5 lockdown initiated in
the analysis of COVID-19
an easily digestible man-
observatory currently
March 2020,” says Suli-
data.
ner.
incubated at the CSIR,”
man.
Institutions Cluster at
to share data consistently,
the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Suliman’s ability to ob-
“I also try to remain
says Suliman.
jectively and accurately
open and honest in the
turn complex daily data,
communication of all data
analysis of COVID-19
From numbers to graphs
derived from reputable
and use the data to drive
data is one component of
He decided to transform
sources, into simple,
communication efforts.”
the National Policy Data
the daily numbers into
Observatory.
graphs to better
clear messages that are understood by everyone,
4
Suliman conducts regular interviews and is
The tracking and
The insights are a
understand national and
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
Dr Ridhwaan Suliman turns complex COVID-19 data into simple visuals all South Africans can under tand.
provincial trends.
sible to analyse and
numbers and quantities
“This ranges from data
into perspective to tell a
collection tools and data
manage this without the
uncertainty and con-
better story. I saw it as
storage facilities to the
smart and effective use of
spiracy theories around
my way to help during
use and development of
technology.”
the pandemic (there still
this unprecedented time,”
software to automatically
is), so I wanted to use the
he adds.
update the data and gen-
CSIR’s Aeronautics group
erate data visualisations
within defence, peace,
and graphics.
safety and security as a
“There was a lot of fear,
data to counteract the
Suliman joined the
ries, and to make sense
The role of technology
of the various statistics.
Technology plays a key
are reported daily, with a
2009, while completing
role in examining and
large set of data to track
a master’s degree in me-
tell a thousand words,
analysing the COVID-19
and analyse. As the data
chanical and aeronautical
so too can a graphic put
data, says Suliman.
accumulates, it is impos-
engineering.
fear and conspiracy theo-
“Just like a picture can
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
“Most of the metrics
candidate researcher in
5
TRAILBLAZER
“I remained in the group for several years, before taking up an opportunity to pursue a PhD in applied mathematics at the University of Cambridge.” When he returned to the CSIR and it restructured, he moved to modelling and digital science, which merged to form the NextGen Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. Suliman’s primary role is in applied mathematical modelling, computational modelling and simulation. “I work on developing mathematical models
data and trends is used
project-specific delivera-
and advisory councils,
and computational tools,
to drive decision making
bles.
and being invited to de-
to understand and simu-
and inform policy.
Suliman highlights
liver keynote addresses at
publishing research
national and international events,” he says.
late physical systems,
Suliman, who has been
primarily involving the
working from home since
in international sci-
flow of fluids or dynamic
the start of the pandemic,
entific indexing-rated,
behaviour of structures
goes into the office when
peer-reviewed journals
milestones include sum-
and the interaction of
needed.
and presenting research
miting Mount Kilimanjaro,
Suliman’s personal
at international scientific
surviving a week in the
Examples include
depending on where
conferences as two of his
Amazon, memorising the
modelling wing flutter
in the epidemiological
professional milestones.
Quran, completing a half-
of aircrafts in flight, the
trajectory of COVID-19
“Completing my PhD
marathon and meeting
combustion of coal in a
we are, with COVID-19
abroad was a significant
the late iconic physicist
power plant and the sim-
commentary taking up
milestone, as it came with
Professor Stephen Hawk-
ulation of smart biomate-
more time as the num-
multiple challenges, but I
ing.
rials in tissue engineering
bers surge.”
believe it created oppor-
both.”
applications.
Informing policy
“My days now vary,
In his spare time, he
He typically spends a
tunities for my career too.
enjoys nature and hiking;
few hours a day updat-
“More recently, I value
sport, particularly squash
ing virus indicators, a few
being involved in and
and road-running; read-
In addition to this, his
hours in meetings and
serving on national
ing; travelling and good
analysis of COVID-19
the remaining time on
research working groups
food.
6
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Writer: More Matshediso
Oref ile Mt hombeni is reac hing new heights in t he aviation industr y.
Orefile Mthombeni blazes a trail in aviation
A
t just 30 years
within ATNS, as well as
of age, Orefile
the first female SAATSEPA
Bachelor of Technology
Mthombeni is
executive president,” she
in Business Administra-
says.
tion from CUT and she is
ed to her current position
currently studying towards
at the ATNS Safety Office.
already shattering the glass ceiling in the aviation industry.
ATNS provides air traffic,
In 2019, she obtained a
cher International Airport in Bloemfontein. In 2018 she was promot-
As a technical standards
nagivation, training and
a Bachelor of Commerce:
Bloemfontein-born
other related services
Honours (Business Man-
specialist, Mthombeni is
Mthombeni is a techni-
to South Africa as well
agement) at the University
responsible for the assur-
cal standards specialist
as 10% of the world’s
of South Africa.
ance, development and
at state-owned company
airspace.
Air Traffic and Navigation
Mthombeni joined the
maintenance of a techni-
Lift-off
cal standards oversight
Services (ATNS). She is
company in 2012 through
Mthombeni’s career in the
also the Executive Presi-
the Aviation Training
aviation industry took off
dent of the South African
Academy, where she
in the same year, when
there is compliance with
Air Traffic Safety Electron-
completed practical com-
she accepted a trainee
the regulatory require-
ics Personnel Association
ponents of her National
position at Air Traffic
ments of the ATNS com-
(SAATSEPA), which ATNS
Diploma in Electrical En-
Safety Electronics Person-
munications, navigation
launched in 2017.
system. She also ensures that
gineering (Light Current).
nel (ATSEP) at OR Tambo
and surveillance (CNS)
“Women do not usually
She obtained that quali-
International Airport.
systems.
occupy these positions. I
fication from the Central
After a stint at the Cape
am the first female techni-
University of Technology
Town International Airport,
vestigate failures of these
cal standards specialist
(CUT) in 2013.
she moved to Bram Fis-
systems and provides
8
Mthombeni helps in-
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
recommendations. “What I most enjoy about my work is assuring safety through techni-
president of SAATSEPA is another milestone,” she says. SAATSEPA is a vol-
cal audits and technical
untary, independent,
investigations on our CNS
non-profit association of
equipment, which are
individuals who exchange
navigational aids used by
experience and technical
the aircraft.
knowledge on techni-
“I love the fact that I am
cal support for air traffic
part of the bigger picture,
control and management.
and that when an aircraft
These individuals have the
lands safely, I played a
collective goal of making
role in that,” she adds.
the skies safer.
Mthombeni also enjoys and external stakeholders,
Overcoming challenges
and ensuring there is a
Any leadership position
common understanding of
comes with challenges,
Time for change
aviation safety.
which Mthombeni strate-
With the aviation indus-
record and maintenance
gically navigates.
try being hard hit by the
contracts.
engaging with internal
Room for growth
These challenges
myself available for further
corrective maintenance
engagements,” she adds.
records for conducted
Coronavirus Disease
maintenance, service level agreements, training
“As soon as the lock-
include ensuring the
pandemic, Mthombeni
down restrictions were
Becoming a technical
regulatory compliance of
and her team have had to
eased to allow for safe
standards specialist is one
different business units
change the way in which
domestic travel, I was able
of the highlights of her
within the organisation,
they operate.
to go and verify what was
career.
which sometimes neces-
“It showed me that I continue to grow in ways
sitates change. “This is not always well
“I could no longer travel
found during the virtual
to airports for the manda-
inspections at the various
tory safety inspections
airports and CNS equipment sites,” she adds.
that I had never imagined
received and can come
due to the lockdown travel
possible,” she says.
with great resistance if not
restrictions. However, I
properly understood,” she
overcame this by ensuring
young women who would
says.
that my team and I started
like to hold leadership
Another highlight for Mthombeni was being awarded the CEO’s Award
Mthombeni encourages
to conduct virtual inspec-
positions to not allow
as the specialist of the
key to overcoming such
tions using Microsoft
other people’s opinions
year at the annual ATNS
resistance is being able
Teams,” she explains.
or intimidation to dictate
Heroes Rewards and
to translate the need for
During the virtual
their success trajectory.
Recognition Ceremony in
change in an organisation
inspections, documents
2019, in her very first year
into a desire for change.
used in the operational
believe in and always
field for compliance are
remember that it is on you
requirements are well
verified, such as preven-
to get you where you want
communicated and make
tive maintenance and
to be,” she says.
as a technical standards specialist. “Being elected executive
Mthombeni says that the
“I ensure that regulatory
“Stay true to what you
FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS
A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa
No room for
corruption in the public service T
he revelation in
also found that around
those who receive an in-
need in the country, one
Parliament that
16 000 employees on
come from the State are
that our public servants
thousands of
the government payroll
not eligible to apply.
know too well, this willful
And yet they did. Some
public servants have been
were irregularly paid the
illegally receiving social
COVID-19 Social Relief
17 000 people employed
public purse is unforgiv-
grants every month shows
of Distress grant. It is
at national and provincial
able.
we still have a long way
common knowledge that
government submitted
Government is now
to go towards instilling
applicants with other
applications in a bid to
stepping up its efforts
a culture of ethics in the
sources of income do not
top up their salaries with
to prevent this kind of
public service.
qualify for this grant. It
money meant for the
abuse and act against
is also self-evident that
poor. Given the extent of
anyone in the public ser-
Earlier this year, it was
10
intent to steal from the
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
vice involved in wrong-
ruption and unexplained
everything we can to
the foundation for the
doing.
wealth, the cases will
change this attitude.
attainment of all our na-
As we work to end
tional priorities. Without
Recently, government
be referred to the South
launched a new Public
African Police Service.
corruption, there must be
improving accountability
Administration Ethics,
The new unit has
equal focus on inculcat-
and promoting ethical
Integrity and Disciplinary
already begun its work
ing ethical behaviour,
conduct, none can be
Technical Assistance
in earnest, helping to
because what may not
achieved.
Unit. The unit will build
identify public serv-
necessarily be illegal
capacity within pub-
ants involved in cases
can be unethical and
public servants are com-
lic bodies to institute
related to COVID-19
unbecoming of a public
mitted, law-abiding and
disciplinary proceedings
procurement, the special
servant.
ethical.
in cases of misconduct
COVID-19 grant and Un-
The new unit will set
The task before us is
and cooperate with other
employment Insurance
norms and standards on
to work together to root
organs of State in hold-
Fund fraud.
ethics, integrity and con-
out those who are not,
The cases of govern-
duct. It will also build the
and correct the miscon-
ing those responsible to
The vast majority of our
ment officials referred by
capacity of departments
ception that all those
The unit will refer cor-
the Special Investigating
to discipline officials
employed in government
ruption cases to govern-
Unit for disciplinary ac-
found guilty of miscon-
are either self-serving or
ment’s Anti-Corruption
tion will be monitored by
duct. Last year more
corrupt.
Task Team and follow
the unit to assess their
than 200 employees
up with departments to
progress.
were trained as presiding
and women who serve
officers and initiators.
our country every day to
Building an ethical,
recommit themselves to
account.
ensure criminal cases
Another important
I call on all the men
involving public servants
aspect of the unit’s work
translate into disciplinary
will be institutionalising
capable State contin-
the values of selflessness
cases. Working with the
ethics and integrity in
ues to be a focus of this
and service, and to recall
multi-agency Fusion
the ranks of the public
administration.
that their conduct must
Centre, the unit will help
service. A few public
identify employees in pri-
servants have over the
dals involving public
ority cases investigated
years taken the view that
servants illegally ben-
by law enforcement
doing business with or
efiting from the State
this unit is another one
authorities.
unduly benefiting from
have shown, the process
of the ways that we are
As a number of scan-
at all times be both legal and ethical. The establishment of
the State is permissible
will be difficult and will
working on to end cor-
the conduct of lifestyle
for them, their friends
take some time. We are
ruption in government
audits of public service
and their families, pro-
nonetheless committed
and indeed in all spheres
employees. Where de-
vided there has been no
to stay the course.
of South African life.
partments identify cor-
illegality. We must do
The unit will monitor
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
A capable State is
11
FEATURE
Newly-launched unit strengthens fight against corruption
T
he Public Administration Ethics Integrity and
Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit is bolster-
ing government’s efforts to fight corruption in the public sector.
The unit, which has already started its work, was launched by Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo recently. The Minister emphasised that the unit has no criminal jurisdiction
Public Ser vice and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has launc hed a unit t hat is tac kling corruption in t he public sector.
or investigative mandate, but as part of the AntiCorruption Task Team, collectively contributes to the fight against corruption. the unit has assisted to
2017, approximately 8 500
are concluded with these
the unit, law enforcement
curb the tide on employ-
employees were listed as
employees,” she said.
and other relevant agen-
ees conducting business
suppliers on the Central
cies are key to identify
with the State.
Supplier Database. As
“Cooperation between
Ethics
public administration
“When the Depart-
at the end of July 2021,
The unit has also been
employees involved in
ment of Public Service
this amount stands at
dealing with the issue of
corruption,” she said.
and Administration first
96, and is interrogated
precautionary suspen-
started to monitor this in
to ensure no contracts
sions in the public sector.
The Minister added that
12
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
“The work of the unit in addressing the issue of whistleblowing has to increase going forward, especially by holding departments which do not have reporting policies accountable.”
“With the assistance of the Canadian Government, through the
provide regular progress
and offer protection to
partments which do not
reports.”
whistle-blowers.
have reporting policies
The result was an im-
“It is time that we revisit
accountable,” said the
Strengthening of Ethics
provement in discipline
South Africa’s whistle-
and Integrity Project, the
management, with a re-
blowing regime and
unit adopted strategies
duction in backlogs from
examine it vigorously,
its bit in tackling corrup-
to address the increase
provinces and a decrease
not only the legislation
tion and promoting ethi-
in precautionary suspen-
in costs for precautionary
and its effectiveness, but
cal conduct, the Minister
sions that contributes to
suspensions.
also the lack of a single
reminded public servants
high costs.”
Minister. While the unit is doing
repository that can be
that it is their individual
Ethics and Integrity
used for research to
duty to behave ethically.
launched a project,
Project is developing a
strengthen the system
which saw it have
case backlog reduction
and practice.”
discussions with depart-
strategy, which will be
ments that had officials
rolled-out across the
cooperation is needed
promotion of a high level
on lengthy precautionary
public service, after it has
across government to
of professional ethics in
suspensions, to discuss
been piloted.
protect whistle-blowers
the Public Administration.
and identify those who
This not only speaks to
abuse their power to stop
the role of public serv-
whistle-blowing from
ants performing their
happening.
work in an efficient and
Last year the unit
the challenges.
The Strengthening
She added that better
“Section 195 of the Constitution requires the maintenance and
up with workshops
Protection for whistle-blowers
conducted by the unit.
The Minister stressed
Departments were pro-
that any anti-corruption
vided with an electronic
and professionalisa-
addressing the issue of
those in leadership posi-
tool, developed under
tion initiative must allow
whistle-blowing has to
tions to act ethically at all
the Strengthening Ethics
employees to blow the
increase going forward,
times,” she added.
and Integrity Project, to
whistle on corruption
especially by holding de-
“This was followed-
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
“The work of the unit in
ethical way, but also for
13
FEATURE
Source: SAnews.gov.za
COVID-19,
cancer vaccines initiative to revolutionise SA’s healthcare P
was born in South Africa but left the country during Apartheid, said the initiative is the realisation of a lifelong ambition. “It has been a dream of mine, since I left the country as a young physician, to bring stateof-the-art, 21st century medical care to South Africa and to enable the country to serve as a scientific hub for the continent. “There is such an unmet need to treat lifethreatening infectious
NantWorks is most time-
diseases such as AIDS,
ly. For our fight against
TB and now COVID-19.
launched by Dr Soon-
COVID-19, for infectious
Of equal concern is the
COVID-19 and cancer vac-
Shiong’s digital health-
disease management,
poor survival rate of
cine initiative launched by
care company Nant-
for cancer research and
patients suffering from
Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong as
Works and is aimed at
treatment, and for future
cancer in South Africa
a game changer for South
building pharmaceutical
pandemic preparedness,”
and elsewhere in Africa.”
Africa's healthcare and the
and vaccine capacity
President Ramaphosa
not only in South Africa
said.
resident Cyril
Ramaphosa has hailed a new
pharmaceutical industry.
The initiative was
but for the entire African
science have enabled
The initiative is a col-
new paradigms of care
laboration between
involving activating the
NantWorks’ African
immune system and
transfer technology used
division NantAfrica, the
changing outcomes for
in the manufacturing of
Council for Scientific
these diseases.
COVID-19 and cancer
and Industrial Research
vaccines and next-
(CSIR) and the South Af-
laboration will give rise
generation cell-based
rican Medical Research
to:
immunotherapies.
Council.
• The implementation
continent. This will kickstart the
“The investment by
14
He said advances in
Dr Soon-Shiong, who
The multi-layered col-
of state-of-the-art
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
biologics manufacturing capacity to
ring in Africa. • The launch of clinical
est COVID-19 caseload
South Africa and Africa
in Africa, the largest
at the cutting edge of healthcare, science,
expedite transfer of
centres of excel-
number of people living
COVID-19 and cancer
lence for the treat-
with HIV and AIDS, and
technology and innova-
vaccine biologics
ment of cancers and
a massive TB problem.
tion.
between CSIR and
infectious diseases,
“We do have current
NantAfrica.
such as COVID-19,
treatment programmes
third investment into the
The collaboration is the
HIV/AIDS and TB,
for all of these, but COV-
country’s pharmaceutical
Centre for Epidemic
with the help of
ID-19 has brought new
sector following the R10
Response and Inno-
Wits University and
challenges, not least of
billion investment into
vation with the help
the Universities of
all resource constraints.
Aspen Pharmacare for
of the Universities
Stellenbosch and
The setting up clinical
the production of Africa’s
of Stellenbosch and
KwaZulu-Natal.
centres of excellence will
COVID-19 vaccines and
contribute to quality im-
the World Health Organi-
• The launch of the
KwaZulu-Natal, which
President Ramaphosa
will enhance rapid
said the initiative will
provement in managing
sation’s establishment of
genomic surveillance
boost the country’s
these other diseases.”
the mRNA manufactur-
of and response to
healthcare sector as the
He added that the
ing hub in the country.
viral mutations occur-
country battles the high-
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
collaboration will place
15
FEATURE
Source: SAnews
Get your digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate
P
eople living in
ter of Health, Dr Joe
people who are vacci-
ties and activities that
South Africa can
Phaahla, the certificate
nated.
some have been missing,”
now access their
can be used for travel
“Our role is to make
he explained.
digital COVID-19 vaccina-
and tourism, sport
this tool available to the
The first phase of the
tion certificate as proof
and recreation events,
nation to provide people
vaccination certificate
that they have been vac-
music festivals, and at
with the proof of vaccina-
has been launched and
cinated.
shops that are providing
tion so they can have ac-
more improvements
discounts and prizes for
cess to many the ameni-
to the certificate are
According to Minis-
16
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
paign, public and private health sectors, organised labour, business and community and faithbased formations will join forces in the vaccination drive on Fridays and Saturdays. During Vooma Vaccination Weekends, vaccination centres and points, including pop-ups, will be People queue to receive their vaccines at the Sekgosese Wholesale Taxi Rank in Limpopo during the Vooma Weekend Vaccination Campaign.
open all day across the country. President Cyirl Ramaphosa commended
expected in the coming
the same document that
next two months, there
the more than 353 000
months.
you presented when you
will be an app that you
people who heeded the
got vaccinated and the
can use to download the
call to be vaccinated
developed by the Depart-
cell phone you included
certificate,” Wolmarans
against COVID-19 during
ment of Health and the
on your registration,” she
said.
the first Vooma Vaccina-
Council for Scientific and
said.
The certificate was
tion Weekend.
Vaccination Data System
SMS. The code can also
Vooma Vaccination Weekends
project manager, Milani
be accessed from the
South Africa is aiming
this opportunity to get
Wolmarans, said the cer-
COVID-19 call centre on
to ensure that 70% of
vaccinated during hours
tificate can be download-
0800 029 999.
country’s population is
that were convenient for
vaccinated by December
everyone.
Industrial Research. National Electronic
ed through a web portal
Vaccination codes are being sent to people via
“With regards to the
by anyone who has
recognition of the digital
received the COVID-19
certificate, most countries
vaccine in South Africa.
this year.
“We can all be proud of the more than 350 000 people who seized
“We would have liked
To encourage vac-
this number to be higher
around the globe would
cination, government
but this was a very surge
accept the certificate.
launched the Vooma
towards greater protec-
cination code from the
It is, however, depend-
Vaccination Weekend
tion of our nation,” he
SMS you received after
ent on the policy of the
Campaign on 1 October
said.
your vaccination, South
country that you would
2021. It aims to mobilise
African ID or Foreign
be visiting and also what
people to get vaccinated
Passport number or
their verification require-
as a means of fighting the
Asylum or Refugee
ments would be.
COVID-19 pandemic.
“You’ll need your vac-
number. This should be
“Towards the end of the
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
As part of the cam-
To obtain your vaccination certificate, go to https://vaccine. certificate.health.gov.za
17
FEATURE
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
Treasury strengthens supplier payment efforts
G
overnment is
invoices by the State.
strengthening
According to the
nesses and many small,
to the retrenchment of
medium and micro
employees.
National Treasury, the
enterprises (SMMEs). As
suppliers do not run into
COVID-19 pandemic has
a result, some SMMEs
pliers' operations con-
financial difficulty because
had a negative impact
have been forced to close
tinue without strain,
of the non-payment of
on the economy, busi-
their doors, which has led
government institutions
18
efforts to ensure
“To ensure that sup-
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
are urged to pay their
ers' invoices within the
suppliers on time and
prescribed period, the
not contribute to the dire
National Treasury issued
pliance shows that eight
Incomplete
effects of the pandemic
Treasury Instruction Note
national departments or
supporting
that is already putting
Number 34.
entities paid all their in-
documents.
strain on these suppliers
It requires depart-
that a payment is made. The report on non-com-
voices within the 30-day
Unresolved invoice discrepancies;
The reasons for the
to remain sustainable,”
ments to submit 30 days’
timeframe in the 2020/21
late and non-payment of
says the department, in
exception reports to the
financial year.
invoices as provided by
its Annual Report on
relevant treasuries by the
Non-Compliance with
7th day of each month.
School of Government,
2020/2021 financial year
Payment of Suppliers’
This report has informa-
Departments of Planning,
were the same reasons
Invoices within 30 Days.
tion pertaining to the
Monitoring and Evalua-
as those provided during
preceding month.
tion, Public Service and
the 2019/2020 financial
Administration, Traditional
year.
Queries portal
These were the National
departments during the
To assist suppliers,
Invoices
Affairs, Communications
the National Treasury
The information that
and Digital Technologies;
the fact that the root
established a 30-day
departments are required
Small Business Develop-
causes identified in the
queries portal, which is a
to submit includes the
ment; Sports, Arts and
2019/2020 financial year
centralised email that can
number and value of
Culture; and Trade, Indus-
were not addressed in
be accessed by suppliers
invoices paid after 30
try and Competition.
the 2020/2021 financial
to address their non-
days of receipt of the
payment queries.
invoices; the number and
on non-compliance, com-
mendations provided in
According to the report
“This is mainly due to
year. Furthermore, recom-
value of invoices that are
mon reasons provided
the 2019/2020 financial
up with transgressing
older than 30 days, which
by departments for late
year were also not con-
institutions and suppliers
remained unpaid; and
and/or non-payment of
sidered in the 2020/2021
are given reasons for the
the reasons for the late
invoices include:
financial year,” notes the
delay, and the date on
and non-payment of the
Misfiled, misplaced
report.
which payment can be
invoices.
The department follows
expected. At a provincial level,
Treasury Instruction Note Number 34 requires
or unrecorded invoices; Inadequate budget
Departments have been urged to address the root causes of the
these queries are
departments to imple-
and/or cash flow
payment delays and non-
escalated to provincial
ment manual or electron-
management;
payments. They were also
Accountants-General to
ic systems and processes
Inadequate internal
elevate the matter to
that will enable depart-
the respective Chief
ments to track invoices
IT system issues.
Financial Officers.
from the time they are
Standard Chart of
capacity;
To monitor progress
received at the relevant
Account related
on payment of suppli-
cost centres, to the time
system problems;
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
asked to implement the recommendations. For the full report,
go to www.treasury.
gov.za
19
FEATURE
Source: SAnews
Local Government Elections: Exercise your right
S
outh Africans will
is now sealed, the last
age category 16-29
soon have an
voter registration week-
accounted for
opportunity to
end before the elections,
402 401 of the new
exercise their right to vote,
on 18 and 19 September,
registrations, which
when they cast their ballots
resulted in more than 1.7
is 91%.
in the sixth Local Gov-
million people turning
ernment Elections since
up at voter registration
bolo, innovations such as
democracy.
stations to either register
the voter management
for the first time or check
device, increased the
A solid basis was laid
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
According to Mama-
their registration details.
speed at which voter reg-
for its future use,” said
Minister, Dr Nkosazana
The Electoral Commis-
istration applications were
Mamabolo.
Dlamini-Zuma, recently
sion’s Chief Electoral Of-
gazetted the date for the
ficer, Sy Mamabolo, said
municipal elections, which
433 198 people registered
have taken weeks to
will take place on
as first time voters. This
capture address details of
1 November 2021.
accounts for 25% of the
new applicants following
unable to visit voting sta-
total registration activity.
a registration event,” he
tions due to infirmity will
said.
be visited at their homes
“We are now all looking towards voting day. We
Voters who re-registered
processed.
Special votes for the
“Previously, it would
election will be cast on 30 and 31 October 2021. Applicants who are
Since its inception in
or places of confinement
or changed their voting
July, the online registra-
while all other success-
free and fair municipal
district accounted for
tion portal has processed
ful candidates will cast
elections.
1 277 811 applications.
499 488 applications.
special votes at the voting
urge all South Africans to
in the same voting district
ensure peaceful, credible,
The province with the
“This digital chan-
far proved true - our
highest registration activ-
nel provides voters the
noble intentions to keep
ity was KwaZulu-Natal
convenience of use in
sults are confirmed, coun-
the flame of democracy
with 358 384, followed by
terms of time of applica-
cils for all 48 districts,
burning by voting on 1
Gauteng with 315 282 and
tion as well as place of
eight metropolitan and
November 2021,” said the
the Eastern Cape with
application. It will become
207 local municipalities in
Minister.
240 514.
an anchor mechanism of
each of the country's nine
registration in the future.
provinces will be elected.
“Our actions have thus
While the voter’s roll
20
Young persons in the
stations. Once the election re-
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
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.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Writer: Allison Cooper
COVID-19 vaccines: Your questions answered
declare the ingredients to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority before the vaccine is approved for use. Q: I have heard that vac-
W
cines have the mark of the ith South
Q: Can the vaccine
Africa’s
cause COVID-19 or make
COVID-19 vac-
me test positive?
the vaccine.
Beast – 666. Is this true? A: Vaccines have no
Q: Is it true that there’s a
cination programme now
A: None of the vac-
microchip in the vaccines,
connection with any religious organisations and
in full swing, PSM has put
cines used in South Af-
that tracks people’s move-
cannot be infused with
together information from
rica contain the live virus
ments?
spirits, demons or other
the Department of Health
that causes COVID-19. It
to help answer some com-
does not cause the virus
or tracking device in the
mon questions about the
and you will not test
vaccines. Vaccine manu-
vaccine.
positive after receiving
facturers are required to
22
A: There is no microchip
abstract ingredients. Q: Should I get vaccinated if I am pregnant?
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
A: Yes. A pregnant
dose of the Pfizer vaccine
ID-19. They will therefore
Is the vaccine safe for the
woman is more likely to
earlier than 42 days after
benefit the most from
elderly?
get ill from COVID-19.
my first shot.
getting the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated can
A: You are only eligible
prevent a pregnant wom-
for your second jab after
an from being severely ill.
42 days.
Q: Should I stop breast
Q: Do I need to be vac-
feeding to get vacci-
cinated if I have recovered
nated?
from COVID-19? Can my
A: The World Health
and highly effective to Q: If I previously had
prevent severe COVID-19
an allergic reaction to
disease and death.
medication or a vaccine
Through the use of the
should I get the COVID-19
vaccine, there has been
vaccine?
a huge drop in COVID-19
A: Anyone with a history
body not fight the disease
of allergic reactions to
Organisation and the
on its own, without suffer-
other vaccines or medi-
Department of Health do
ing the side effects of the
cines should first speak to
not recommend stopping
vaccine?
their health practitioner.
breastfeeding in order to
A: The vaccine is safe
A: Evidence shows that
deaths in the elderly in several countries. Q: Why do some people still get COVID-19 within two weeks of getting the
get vaccinated. Vaccines
your body’s response,
Q: How dangerous is
are safe for use in breast-
when you are sick from
an allergic reaction to the
feeding mothers.
COVID-19, is much
vaccine?
vaccine? A: You are only fully vaccinated 30 days after
weaker and shorter than
A: Severe allergic reac-
Q: Can I get a vaccine
the response to the vac-
tions are rare. An allergic
Johnson vaccine or two
soon after being infected
cine. Getting the vaccine
reaction usually happens
weeks after the second
with COVID-19?
will give you a much
within seconds or minutes
dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
stronger and longer-
after getting the vaccine.
If you are exposed to the
been infected with
lasting immune response.
This is why all people
virus before you are fully
COVID-19 must wait at
The side effects of the
must wait in the observa-
vaccinated, you may get
least 30 days from when
vaccine are mild and do
tion area for 15 minutes
the disease.
their symptoms stop.
not last more than a day
after their vaccine.
A: Anyone who has
or two, while getting sick Q: I have COVID-19 symptoms, is it safe to get
from COVID-19 can cause hospitalisation or death.
A: You should not get
Q: Does the vaccine Q: Is it safe to get the
completely prevent
vaccine if you are allergic
COVID-19 infection?
to eggs?
vaccinated? Q: Can people with
getting the Johnson &
A: Yes. None of the
A: No. Even after you are fully vaccinated you
the vaccine if you have
chronic diseases, such as
COVID-19 vaccines have
can still get COVID-19.
symptoms of COVID-19.
high blood pressure, get
any egg proteins.
However, the vaccine
You should rather be
the vaccine?
tested. Q: Can I get my second
A: People with chronic
reduces risk of severe Q: I have heard of el-
diseases are at higher risk
derly people dying shortly
of getting severe COV-
after getting the vaccine.
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation and death.
23
FEATURE
Source: SAnews.gov.za
Communities benefit from investment in infrastructure
President C yril Ramaphosa assesses the progress of the construction of Msikaba Bridge in Eastern Cape.
24
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
P
resident Cyril Ramaphosa says the job creation
and support for small, micro and medium enter-
prises (SMMEs) resulting from the construction of Msikaba Bridge is an example of a government at work.
Speaking during a visit to assess the construc-
Africa and Mozambique,
set to be created during
time jobs and around
Swaziland and Lesotho.
the lifespan of the N2
19 000 indirect jobs.
The President said in-
Wild Coast road project,
tion of the bridge in
frastructure projects not
with already 62% of the
said the job creation
Lusikisiki, in the Eastern
only boost investor and
workforce at Msikaba
and investment in
Cape, the President said
business confidence,
Bridge alone being local
SMMEs is a sign that
the project is a sign of
but also bring a wealth
people.
government is working
government’s determi-
of benefits to communi-
nation to proceed with
ties.
infrastructure build. “We are committed to
“Mobility is a major challenge for our people
In addition, about R4 billion has been earmarked to flow to local SMMEs. “Already, some R120
President Ramaphosa
for the benefit of communities. “What we are seeing here makes it clear it
ensure that we grow our
in the province, espe-
economy through infra-
cially rural communities.
million has gone to
munities do not benefit
structure development.
This highway will nar-
local SMMEs as part of
from big government
Infrastructure is the
row travelling distances
upgrading and linking
projects.
flywheel of our economic
and time, and it will also
of roads, and there are
growth,” he added.
be safer. There is the
several more projects
ated jobs, especially
Infrastructure invest-
benefit to tourism from
in the pipeline.
for women and young
ment is a central pillar
both inside and outside
of the Economic Recon-
the province.
struction and Recovery
“There is the benefit
“Work on the N2 Wild
is not true that com-
“This project has cre-
people and it has
Coast project will lead
supported livelihoods
to the creation of 8 000
for entrepreneurs and
Plan, with 88 projects
to the provincial and
direct full-time jobs and
SMMEs. More of such
valued at more than R2.3
national economy. This
between 21 000 and
benefits will be realised
trillion in the pipeline.
highway will support the
28 000 indirect jobs
as the project is being
transportation of goods
during the construction
rolled out.”
kaba Bridge is one com-
and services to the
phase.”
ponent of the 410km N2
entire southern African
Wild Coast road project,
region,” he said.
The R1.65 billion Msi-
which will link four provinces and improve con-
Job creation
nectivity between South
Thousands of jobs are
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
The N2 Wild Coast
Once the road is
Road project is one of
completed, ongoing
the country’s biggest
maintenance work is
road infrastructure pro-
anticipated to create
jects and is expected to
another 900 direct, full-
be completed in 2024.
25
OPINION
*Writer: Greg Gatherer
Building trust in government through digital transformation G overnment
must play an essential
tion that employs digital
trust and confidence in
organisations
role in today’s govern-
technology to put users
agencies.
around the
ment, it’s important that
first.
There are two main
reasons for the gap in
world are being pushed to
its mindset, goal and
become more digital and
long-term strategy must
innovate to better serve
be built on trust. Regard-
Understanding the trust game
their citizens.
less of the industry, digital
How people experi-
transformation is an
ence government digital
government services
organisational reorienta-
services influences their
during high-stress
While it is acknowledged that digital transformation
26
trust between people and government departments: •
People are accessing
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
situations, and failure to meet expectations can damage trust; and • Expectations are
What makes a digital service trustworthy?
tions to a local office.
purchase process so that
One of the reasons for
it looks familiar to people,
distrust among people
they will be more con-
Not every problem re-
is that they worry that,
fident that the payment
formed by the private
quires complex solutions,
if they make a mistake
went through correctly.
sector’s services, but
and focusing on getting
on a form, they will be
digital transformation
the detail right can often
denied services they
applicable, departments
is more challenging
have bigger gains than re-
should qualify for. Make
should make sure they
for public agencies
vamping an entire system.
it easy for people to ask
have a similar look and
questions and receive an
feel across every device
accurate answer.
on which their services
because they have to
Here are some of the
7. Consistency: When
navigate regulations
key tactics that the public
and policies that the
sector can apply across
private sector doesn’t
its current web and
next steps: When a
need to worry about.
mobile services to create
user arrives at a site, it
experiences that build
should be immediately
cess government services,
trust for citizens.
obvious what action they
Developing the right digital skills
it’s often during unpleas-
1. Modern design and in-
should take. By laying
Beneath the service of
When people try to ac-
4. Clear actions and
may be used.
ant situations, such as
terfaces: Interfaces that
out clear steps, you can
use-centric, friendly digital
reporting an infrastruc-
are simple and modern
reassure users that they
services, one of the keys
ture failure or navigating
reassure people that
are following the correct
to sustaining trust is to
immigration, taxes, child
they have found services
process, whether they’re
take a careful look at how
welfare or other services.
that are up-to-date and
filling out an application
your agency designs and
They’re frustrated and
relevant.
or just viewing a com-
delivers these services on
munity calendar.
the back end.
searching for solutions online. When the government
2. Plain language: Plain and friendly language
5. Pre-screenings: When
The digital skills your
in place of government
applicable, short pre-
team needs to develop
fails to meet expectations
jargon helps citizens feel
screenings that confirm
aren’t just about coding or
in these moments of need,
that they are interacting
whether people qualify
hardware. They’re about
it is the public trust that
with real people, rather
for services can save
understanding the current
takes the hit. When we
than a faceless agency.
time and reduce later
technology landscape and
consider when and why
Try to convey the mes-
frustration. This can be as
embracing the innova-
people access govern-
sage that the department
simple as a short survey
tion processes that others
ment services, it’s clear
is on the citizen’s side to
or list of requirements for
have found successful.
that what people are ask-
make services feel more
people to review.
ing for is very reasonable:
approachable.
6. Familiar processes: Many
This includes the idea that more eyes on a pro-
people have made online
ject are a good thing, that
ent processes that give
Offer plenty of options
payments through an e-
good ideas won’t neces-
them confidence that the
for assistance, such
retailer, but not through
sarily come from people
government is working for
as self-service portals,
a government service.
sitting in the room with
them.
call centres or direc-
If you can mimic that
you and that development
simple, fast and transpar-
3. Easy access to help:
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
27
OPINION
2. Accountability: Share details on project statuses, survey results, future plans, and the thought behind current service offerings, including why certain pieces of information are needed, how long processes may take, and who a person can contact if they have questions. 3. Community data: Build community calendars with data on local events and activities open to the public. Information is itself a service, and you can build trust by being a
should be fast, transpar-
striving to choose modern
ent and open to empirical
and innovative technology
step in repairing any
what citizens are look-
feedback, no matter what
will create a better plat-
unfavourable percep-
ing for and what other
stage the project is in.
form as digital services
tions and initiating fresh
groups in the commu-
continue to evolve.
participation by putting
nity are offering.
These are the principles that enable tech innova-
You can take the first
effort into developing
connector between
Digital services offer
they do, and government
Initiating citizen engagement
departments will benefit
Although engagement is
from incorporating the
a two-way activity, peo-
want insights into things
efficient. By focusing on
same ideas into their
ple will not engage if they
like government salaries
these as a means to build
digital strategies.
believe it will be a waste
and data. Open data
trust, government can
of their time. While some
includes presenting the
give people personalised
ple as a self-service portal
input can be gathered
story behind the data,
interactions and reduce
can benefit from modern
through data and analyt-
rather than daily dumps
the frustration or anxiety
development practices
ics, departments must
of numbers, so that peo-
with which they regard
and standards. The best
also find a way to receive
ple can understand the
government services.
choice will depend on the
individual feedback from
impact of what they’re
department’s goals and
people to achieve true
seeing and how it af-
its current systems, but
engagement.
fects them.
tors to create the products
Even something as sim-
28
better services.
new ways to win people
Here are some ideas:
over while remaining
1. Open data: People
productive and cost-
*Greg Gatherer is an Account Manager at Liferay Africa.
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
*Writer: Sifiso Moshoetsi
BRICS celebrates 15 years since formation
T
he 13th Brazil,
virtually, for the second
by the Republic of India.
Russia, India,
consecutive year, due to
This year’s theme was
China and South
the Coronavirus Disease
‘BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS
Africa (BRICS) Summit
(COVID-19) pandemic,
Cooperation for Continu-
held recently, reflected on
which continues to dis-
ity, Consolidation and
various developments that
rupt global relations.
Consensus’.
continue to affect the globe
All BRICS leaders
The five leaders made
sion, which reflected on BRICS’ future.
A call to end vaccine nationalism President Cyril Ramapho-
and the role that BRICS
participated in the sum-
their opening remarks, in
sa called for an end to
plays in shaping interna-
mit, which this year cel-
an open session, to the
vaccine nationalism and
tional developments.
ebrates 15 years since its
media, before going into
equal access to vaccines
formation. It was chaired
the closed leaders ses-
by all countries.
The summit was held
30
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
support to respond to the
UN, including its Security
intra-Afghan dialogue
we must continue to
health crisis and support
Council, with a view to
so as to ensure stability,
safeguard people’s lives
its economic recovery.
making it more repre-
civil peace, law and order
sentative, effective and
in the country,” read the
efficient, and to increase
declaration.
“As the BRICS countries,
and livelihoods, support
resilience of all our public
New Delhi Declaration adopted
systems.
global economic recovery and enhance the
the representation of the
BRICS countries
developing countries so
condemned the terrorist
The summit adopted the
that it can adequately re-
attacks near the Hamid
BRICS 2021 New Delhi
spond to global challeng-
Karzai Kabul Internation-
access to COVID-19 vac-
Declaration that empha-
es,” reads the declaration.
al Airport that resulted in
cines, diagnostics and
sises the Indian Chair-
In addition, China and
a large number of deaths
therapeutics,” he said.
ship’s 2021 priorities.
“We must ensure equal
President Ramaphosa
These include reform of
Russia reiterated the importance they attach
and injuries. “We underscore the
urged countries to con-
the multilateral system,
to the status and role of
priority of fighting terror-
tribute their fair share to
counter-terrorism coop-
Brazil, India and South
ism, including prevent-
the Access to COVID-19
eration, the application of
Africa in international
ing attempts by terrorist
Tools Accelerator and
digital and technological
affairs and supported
organisations to use
support the Agreement
solutions for achieve-
their aspiration to play a
Afghan territory as terror-
on Trade-Related Aspects
ment of the Sustainable
greater role in the UN.
ist sanctuary and to carry
of Intellectual Prop-
Development Goals and
erty Rights waiver at the
enhancing people-to-
BRICS members will
countries, as well as drug
World Trade Organisation
people exchanges.
be represented at the
trade within Afghanistan.
to ensure a rapid expan-
President Ramaphosa
This year, at least four
UNSC, thus the call for
out attacks against other
“We emphasise the
sion of COVID-19 vaccine
called on BRICS to be
the representation of
need to address the
production across the
bold and determined in
South Africa should gain
humanitarian situation
world.
seeking reform of the
more impetus.
and to uphold human
“We welcome the deci-
United Nations Security
rights, including those
sion of our Ministers of
Council (UNSC), among
Health to operationalise
other things, to enable
Reflection on Afghanistan
a virtual BRICS Vaccine
Africa to take its rightful
The New Delhi Declara-
Research and Develop-
place among the col-
tion also reflected on the
Next year, the baton to
ment Centre,” he added.
lective of nations in the
situation in Afghanistan.
lead BRICS will be taken
President Ramaphosa
crucial body. represented at the UNSC
ments in Afghanistan. We
ship.
was endorsed.
call for refraining from
Development Bank for swiftly and efficiently
“We recall the 2005
violence and settling
lated financial support to
World Summit Outcome
the situation by peace-
BRICS members.
document and reaffirm
ful means. We stress
the need for a compre-
the need to contribute
hensive reform of the
to fostering an inclusive
US $2 billion in budgetary
over by China, as India hand overs chairperson-
South Africa’s call to be
South Africa received
minorities,” the declaration added.
cern the latest develop-
also thanked the New
disbursing COVID-19-re-
“We follow with con-
of women, children and
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
*Sifiso Moshoetsi is Chief Director: Social Sector, Government and Administration Cluster at GCIS.
31
FOOD AND WINE
Compiled by: Reneé Fortune
Make-it-yourself mocktail magic I
syrup
ice blocks with the
f you’re up for some
flavours like rose, lime and
make-it-yourself magic
grapefruit, these mocktails
• 1l sparkling water
minimum amount of
in the kitchen this sea-
can be made in minutes
• Rose petals
bubbles, use distilled
son, look no further than
(provided you have some
• Water for your ice tray
water that is boiled
this guide to how to make
ice handy).
simple mocktails. We also them up with creative
Bed of roses mocktail
touches and perfect food pairings. Inspired by iconic
have tips on how to jazz
and cooled before beDirections:
ing poured into the ice
First, make rose-infused
tray.
ice blocks by filling your
• For a sweet finish, add
Ingredients:
ice tray with water and
three drops of elder-
• 200ml cherry flavoured
adding a petal (or two) to
flower syrup to the
each block. Once the ice
water in your ice tray
blocks have set, add the
before allowing to set.
cherry flavoured syrup and sparkling water into
Pairing tip:
a jug, stir and served
As a general rule of
chilled. Serves four.
thumb, rose-infused drinks go well with fruity
Feeling creative?
flavours, so this mocktail
• Swop the cherry
works best as a dessert
flavoured syrup for
drink. Pair it with pavlo-
watermelon syrup.
va, chocolate mousse
• Swop sparkling water
ish delight.
for tonic water. • Swop rose petals for other edible blooms
Faux mojito
like nasturtiums, pan-
Ingredients:
sies and honeysuckle.
• 2-4 limes
• For crystal clear
32
or homemade Turk-
• 1l sparkling water
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
• Fresh mint leaves
• Swop spar-
• Water for your ice tray
kling water
• 200ml simple syrup
for lemonade to add to the
Directions:
sweetness of
Prepare ice blocks and
the drink.
add them to four double
• Add crushed
rocks glasses. Squeeze
berries to
the limes in a lemon
make your own
squeezer and distribute
berry-flavoured
between the glasses. Add mint leaves, sparkling
variation. • Mint is delicate, so
water and simple syrup,
never over stir or crush
stir and serve chilled.
the mint before adding
Serves four.
it to your mojito – it only needs a subtle
Feeling creative?
touch to release its
• Use a heavyweight
flavour.
blender or food processor to crush the ice
Pairing tip:
nutty and neutral flavours,
• 1l sparkling water
before adding it to the
Mint has an exceptional
so pair your virgin mojito
• Water for your ice tray
glasses.
ability to add crispness to
with dishes that contain
• A few sprigs of rose-
avo and you won’t go wrong. Think salads or
mary • 200ml simple syrup
Mexican food like tacos or nachos with guacamole.
Directions:
You could even make
Prepare ice blocks and
your own avocado boats
add them to four double
by adding grated cheese,
rocks glasses. Cut the or-
fried bacon bits and
anges into circular rounds
scrambled eggs to halved
and distribute between
avos and baking them for
glasses. Add sparkling
eight minutes.
water and simple syrup,
Citrus drop spritzer
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
stir and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Serves four.
Ingredients:
Feeling creative?
• 1–2 oranges
• Add some mint leaves
33
FOOD AND WINE
grapefruits into circular rounds and distribute between glasses. Add white grape juice, lime juice and soda water, stir and serve chilled. Serves four. Feeling creative? • Swop the soda water with ginger ale for a deliciously sugary spin on this mocktail. • Use fresh limes instead of lime juice for the best results. • Add two tablespoons of lemon juice for a zesty finish. • Add canned peaches or slices of apple for a boost of fruity flavour. before stirring, for a
ade virgin daiquiri by
refreshing twist that
adding frozen ber-
complements the cit-
ries, lemonade and
rus and resinous notes.
crushed ice.
touch to the dish.
Pairing tip:
Virgin grapefruit sangria
Traditionally, sangria is a blend of sweet and citrusy fruits that
Ingredients:
are especially refresh-
native, you can swop
Pairing tip:
• 1–2 grapefruits
ing when the warm
the simple syrup for
Lemon pairs excellently
• 500ml white grape
weather sneaks in. Pair
liquid stevia sweet-
with spicy dishes, espe-
ener.
cially those that include
• Water for your ice tray
pork dishes or gammon
cardamom, nutmeg,
• 4 tablespoons of lime
garnished with pineapple
• For a sugar-free alter-
• For a boost of citrusy
your virgin sangria with
juice
sweetness, swop the
coriander or tarragon as
sparkling water for
main flavours. A seafood
lemonade or replace
or meat curry dish would
the simple syrup with
be the perfect pairing,
Directions:
grapefruit so bring the
200ml of Oros.
with the lemon cutting
Prepare ice blocks and
heat – you’ll have exactly
through the spiciness and
add them to four double
what you need to cool
adding a zesty finishing
rocks glasses. Cut the
yourself down.
• Turn your mocktail into a strawberry-lemon-
34
and cherries. Alterna-
juice • 200ml soda water
tively, dishes with lots of chilli work brilliantly with
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
NICE-TO-HAVES
Compiled by: Nicholas Francis
Lounge around in style T
3
he lounge is where most of us go to kick back and unwind. Whether it is binge watching a series or snuggling up with a
good book, the lounge is the place to be. To add
6 4
some character to this all-important living space, try mixing and matching these items.
5
2
7 1
1. Luna fabric three-seater couch, available at Decofurn, R5 799. 2. Ultrasonic USB fragrance diffuser, available at Woolworths, R499. 3. Cascade mango wood mirror, 60cm, available at Mr Price Home, R699.99. 4. Sixth Floor Jessie floor lamp, available at Superbalist.com, R1 999. 5. Potted bamboo, 46cm, available at @Home, R349. 6. Paros set of two tables available at Decofurn, R799. 7. Jacquard loop geometric Drummond rug, 160x240cm, available at Mr Price Home, R1 500. * Prices correct at the time of publishing.
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
35
GROOMING AND STYLE
Compiled by: Gilda Narsimdas
The art of accessorising
A
cost-effective way to spruce up your look,
1
2
without acquiring a new wardrobe, is through accessories. Investing in some key pieces, such
as a watch or hat, is a sure-fire way to elevate your outfit. Here are some items to help you get the most out of your wardrobe.
3 1 – These gold earrings by Parisian jewellery designer Isabelle Toledano are perfect for formal wear or to sleek up a smart-casual look, available from 24s.com, R818. 2- Fashion and function can be found in one item. This black bag also has a vintage-inspired silhouette, Steve Madden, R1 099. 3 – There’s nothing quite like a Panama hat. It never goes out of fashion, Rubi, Superbalist.com, R314. 4 – The pastel shades on these retro-inspired trainers from Puma are perfect for summer. The shoes are also super comfortable, thanks to the cushioned sole, Puma.com, R1 300. 5 – It’s sophistication meets elegance with this gold-plated, rose gold and pink Tommy Hilfiger watch, with smooth leather straps, takealot.com, R2 995. 5 4
36
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
6
7
8
6 – This classic range of New Balance sneakers combine heritage designs with a contemporary style, Newbalance.co.za, R1 599. 7 - Danish watch maker Skagen is known for its timeless range of watches. The colour contrast of the black and blue, with the sun dial face, makes this watch the perfect statement piece, Watch Republic, R2 799. 8 – Bucket hats have dominated the trend list for a while now and with summer almost here, why not try it out? This one from Kangol is available from takealot.com, R1 095. 9 – Keep it cool with these trendy Emporio Armani sunglasses. They have a square face and the lenses are available in black, brown and grey, Superbalist. com, R1 980. 10 – Looking for comfortable sandals to slip into? The Birkenstock brand comes in a variety of colours and fabrics, Superbalist.com, R999.
10
9
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
37
TRAVEL
Writers: Duane Stacey and David Batzofin
Johannesburg toand theCape Town beauty in between
Scenic mountain landscapes in the Boland.
T
he drive from
thanks to the support of
is the geographical centre
Johannesburg to
the local farming com-
of either the Free State
Winburg to Graaff-Reinet
Cape Town may
munity. There is a peanut
or South Africa – you can
After a leisurely Sunday
be long, but with plenty of
plantation and the nearest
decide as there is
breakfast, it was time
interesting stops along the
big supermarket is in
no plaque to confirm or
to brave the rain and
way, it is one you should
Welkom (55km away)
deny either claim. It’s just
mist and head to our
definitely consider.
or Bloemfontein (114km
a pity that most travel-
next overnight stop in
away).
lers rarely take the 8km
Graaff-Reinet. A 500+km
trip from the main road to
journey awaited us but
Jozi to Winburg
According to the local
Like many small towns,
hotel manager, the el-
discover this little
thankfully, like all great
Winburg seems to survive
ephant statue in Winburg
gem.
road trips, there had to
38
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
Elegant accommodation is a highlight of this trip.
Canola fields in full bloom.
be stops along the way.
also used to be the centre
we stopped in each town
Albert. The views were
Stops on a Sunday in this
of tequila production in
along the way. Each town
breathtaking and this
part of South Africa, we
South Africa? Roughly
has its own charm. For the
route is an absolute must
quickly realised, have to
20 years ago, the town
most part, there are coffee
if you are in the area.
be planned in advance
became the only place
shops and antique stores
as most of the places
outside of Mexico where
in each town that give
tiny hamlet consists of
we wanted to visit were
tequila – marketed under
tourists a reason to stop
coffee shops, craft deal-
closed!
a different name – was
and visit.
ers, antique shops and
A lunch stop in NieuBethesda is always worth
made by Agave Distillers.
Oudtshoorn was the
It seems as though this
B&B establishments. If
next overnight stop. The
you have the time, a visit
town and its surround-
to “Die Hel” is also worth
the Owl House offers
Graaff-Reinet to Oudtshoorn
ing areas offer plenty of
the 37km (two hour) drive.
great food at reasonable
With a plethora of small
things to do, such as visit-
prices.
shops and museums to
ing crocodile and ostrich
shoorn via Klaarwater
visit, as well as the ex-
farms as well as the spec-
and De Rust as the road
discovered that the back
travagant Dutch Reformed
tacular Kango Caves.
is tarred all the way. The
road out of Nieu-Bethes-
Church that dominates
The standard route in
attraction of this route is
da offers spectacular
a part of the main road,
the caves is astounding,
that it crosses the Meir-
scenery and the road is
we spent the morning
with its fantastic forma-
ingspoort River 27 times
in a far better condition.
exploring Graaff-Reinet
tions varying in age from
and is as spectacular as
This meant that the rest of
before leaving on the next
1.2 million years to baby
the Swartberg Pass, but
our drive towards Graaff-
leg of our journey towards
formations of around 400
for different reasons.
Reinet was pleasant.
Oudtshoorn.
years old. If you are feel-
it as the coffee shop near
On our departure, we
We returned to Oudt-
Graaff-Reinet, the fourth-
N9, via Aberdeen, Wil-
time, try the adventure
Oudtshoorn to Paarl
oldest town in South Afri-
lowmore and De Rust.
tour!
We took the road to
ca - after Cape Town, Stel-
This is a well-maintained
lenbosch and Swellendam
alternative to the N1 and
Did you know that
We decided to take the
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
ing daring and have the
We took Swartberg Pass on the route to Prince
Paarl via Mossel Bay and Swellendam. The road
39
TRAVEL
from Swellendam to Paarl was less busy than the N2, there were no toll roads, and it was less than 10km longer than the toll road! By skipping the Huguenot Tunnel, we were also able to enjoy the stunning scenery that the Du Toits Kloof Pass offers. Our guesthouse in Paarl was built in 1812, and the building that currently houses guest rooms used to contain an indoor swimming pool. Locals gather outside a local shop in Kontrei.
Paarl, like most of the other towns we visited, offered coffee shops and art galleries, one after the other, as well as various antique shops.
Know before you go: •
•
• •
Long dust y roads take us off the beaten track .
40
Winburg Accommodation: The Win-
Paarl to Cape Town
burg Guesthouse. Cell: 072 474 0344
To get to Cape Town, we
Graaf Reinet Accommodation: De
took the coastal road via
Kothuize. 083 233 1227 / www.de-
Pringle Bay and Gordon’s
kothuize.co.za
Bay, hoping to see some
Oudtshoorn Accommodation:
Southern Right Whales
Cul de Sac Country House. 044-279-
in Walker Bay. Although
2322 / www.culdesac.co.za
there were a lot of whale
Paarl Accommodation: Klein Vreden-
watching boats visible, the
burg Guest house. 021-872-9898.
whales were elusive.
Hermanus Accommodation: Arabella
Was it worth the cost in
Hotel & Spa. 0282840000 / www.
petrol and mileage? You bet
arabellacountryestate.co.za
it was, we got to see and appreciate so many special parts of South Africa.
Public Sector Manager • October 2021
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