PSM October 2022

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Lekala

leading transformation in the maritime sector

Transport Month a focus on infrastructure development

Social Media power OCTOBER 2022

Do we fully utilise it?

OCTOBER 2022

18 Contents: October 2022

LIFESTYLE 36

Grooming and style

38

Food and wine

40

Travel

The fashion bucket list

Picnic picks

Finding rest in Zululand

REGULARS 8

From the Union Buildings

26

Government working to recover rail Working to get rail services up and

Hawks National Head Godfrey Lebeya

New book offers smart solutions for a developing world

running post-COVID-19 Conversations with leaders

Exploring smart communities in SA

services in all corridors in SA

A million work and livelihood opportunities, and counting

10

34

28

Municipalities not fully utilising the power of social media, study finds

is eradicating corruption one step at a

Social media key in addressing service

time

22

delivery concerns 14

Women in the public sector

Professor Mandisa Kakaza leads

30

innovation in the medical field

Sanral’s road network helps drive SA

Upholding good governance in building better roads

16

Trailblazer

SANSA software developer Nteboheng Molefe is a problem-solver

32

Former taxi driver’s record-setting course to the top of maritime sector Chief Harbour Master Rufus Lekala

18

Profiles in leadership

transforms SA’s harbours

Ngwako Makaepea is rising to challenges in the transport sector

FEATURES 22

A rising star in biotechnology

CSIR Senior Researcher Dr Bathabile Ramalapa is a problem-solver

24

Take care of your mental health

Mental wellbeing can spell success in the workplace

2

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 Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Nomonde Mnukwa

Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin

GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane

Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Regomoditswe Mavimbela

Production Assistants Jauhara Khan | Sebastion Palmer Graphic Designers Tendai Gonese | Benny Kubjana

Acting Head of Editorial and Production Zanele Mngadi Zanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za Acting Managing Editor Tendai Gonese | tendai@gcis.gov.za News Editor Miriam Mokoena | miriam@gcis.gov.za

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

UNITE AGAINST CORRUPTION

T U O K SPEA NOW!

30916 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

MINISTER MONDLI GUNGUBELE’S MESSAGE XXX

Transport Month: a focus on infrastructure development

J

ust a few days before the

ing public transport a viable

start of Transport Month,

alternative to single-occupancy

the National Assembly ap-

vehicles.

proved two Bills – the Economic

This year’s Transport Month

Regulation of Transport Bill and

theme is; “Sishov’ingolovane:

the National Road Traffic Amend-

Together building transport

ment Bill.

infrastructure that builds and

The first Bill aims to bet-

sustains livelihoods”. Transport

ter regulate and consolidate

Month is marked in October to

the transport industry so that

raise awareness of transport as

it is positioned to contribute

one of the critical elements in

to South Africa’s economic

economic growth and spatial

growth, while the latter will

development.

strengthen mechanisms to

While Transport Month is often used to reflect on achieve-

improve road safety.

ments and highlight challenges

These could not have come at a better time. The recent hor-

that need to be addressed,

rific accidents involving trucks

the recent truck accidents

have emphasised the urgency

prompted hard questions to

with which road safety needs

be asked and saw government

to be tackled. We are also

announcing several measures

expediting government’s plan

to reinforce current road regu-

to shift cargo off our roads and

lations, even before October

onto our rails, and the need to reduce congestion by mak-

4

Mondli Gungubele Minister in The Presidency

dawned. The Pongola crash, which killed 21 people, mainly

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

school children, highlighted the

tion Address, President Cyril

temerity with which too many

Ramaphosa emphasised the

truckers drive.

importance of efficient ports

Government has committed

and railways to economic

to clamping down on reckless

growth and job creation. To this

drivers, lax truck owners and

end, several infrastructure pro-

non-compliant public trans-

jects are underway, such as the

port operators. In addition, all

R100 billion expansion projects

provinces should implement a

at the Durban and Richards

24/7 shift system to ensure traf-

Bay ports, and the upgrading

fic police visibility. The National

of the Central Rail Line in Cape

Southern African Development

technologies and additional

Traffic Police should also be de-

Town and the Mabopane Line

Community countries. The

security personnel.

ployed to help under-resourced

in Tshwane, at a cost of R1.4 bil-

R640-million project created

areas, as needed. The rules

lion each. In addition, in March

over 275 full-time jobs for locals

vere transport challenges – and

relating to the operation of

2022, Cabinet approved the

and provided opportunities for

thus creating the foundation for

trucks on public roads will also

White Paper on National Rail

local communities and small,

economic prosperity – requires

be revisited.

Policy, which aims to promote

medium and micro enterprises.

action from all sectors of soci-

Combatting South Africa’s se-

With road, rail, air and sea

broader participation and pub-

However, operational inef-

ety. The Public Service has the

passenger, and freight trans-

lic investment in passenger and

ficiencies, thuggery, vandalism

biggest responsibility, however.

port powering the nation’s

freight rail.

and theft need to be addressed

It is our business to implement

if progress is to be made in

projects smartly and speedily

economy, the development and

Another positive develop-

maintenance of infrastructure

ment is the recent opening

advancing infrastructure de-

to ensure that talk becomes

and the efficient management

of the Musina Ring Road in

velopment. It is encouraging to

action.

of transport services cannot be

Limpopo, which will facilitate

note that Transnet has already

underestimated.

trade and economic activity

partnered with the private

transport months occasions for

between South Africa and the

sector to deploy advanced

celebration.

In his 2022 State of the Na-

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

Let us unite to make future

5

XXXMESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Vulnerable citizens rely on a caring society

O

ctober marks Social

change. Among others, caregiv-

June 2022. It pays an additional

Development Month.

ers who want to have full pa-

R240 – over and above the

The good news this year

rental responsibilities and rights

standard Child Support Grant

is that the Children’s Amend-

to children who need care,

of R480 – to lessen the burden

ment Bill, which will reform foster

such as orphans, in the care of

placed on relatives who care for

care in South Africa, should be

relatives, will now be able to ap-

an orphaned child.

finalised in November. Once

proach the Children's Courts to

enacted, it will significantly

apply for guardianship.

improve the lives of vulnerable

Social Development Month

children and their caregivers.

aims to highlight the commit-

The Bill pays particular at-

Around 13 million children

Phumla Williams, GCIS Director-General.

benefit from the Child Support Grant.

On the eve of Social Develop-

Development and Labour Council Community Constitu-

ment of government and civil

ment Month, Social Develop-

ency signed the Social Sector

tention to children in care by

society to caring for vulnerable

ment Minister Lindiwe Zulu

Framework Agreement. The

providing legal solutions to the

people, while Older Persons

explained that a recent review

agreement lays the foundation

overburdened foster care sys-

Week (27 September to 3 Octo-

undertaken by the department

for a state-civil society collabo-

tem and addressing challenges

ber) pays tribute to our veteran

showed that as a result of the

ration that will work to improve

in the child care and protection

citizens and highlights the chal-

Child Support Grant being ex-

the lives of the vulnerable.

system.

lenges they face.

panded to reach more children

According to the South

Focus areas this year include

The recently published NPO

between 2003 and 2013, child

Amendment Bill is also ap-

African Human Rights Com-

making social services more

food poverty decreased from

plaudable. It creates a more

mission, around one-fifth of our

accessible to all people through

53% to 33% in that period.

enabling environment for civil

children are orphaned and in

a coordinated portfolio ap-

need of care. Compare that to

proach that integrates the ser-

Know Your Status campaign

duct their vital social develop-

the critical shortage of social

vices of both the South African

that aims to ensure that non-

ment work.

workers in the country and it

Social Security Agency and the

profit organisations (NPO) are

These are some of the many

is clear that swift change is

National Development Agency.

compliant with the NPO Act,

initiatives undertaken since the

Government has put in place

1997 (Act 71 of 1997). This will

advent of democracy to ensure

needed if tomorrow’s leaders

Also worth a mention is the

society organisations to con-

are to get the start they need to

various programmes to support

ensure they are eligible for

that people with special needs,

thrive.

the vulnerable. These include

government support.

impoverished people and other

The Bill will help to bring about this much-needed

6

the Child Support Grant TopUp, which was introduced in

In August 2022, government and the National Economic

vulnerable groups receive the support they deserve.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

M A SC LERT! A It has come to the attention of the GCIS that unknown people are approaching suppliers of the GCIS soliciting bribes in exchange to be awarded tenders advertised by the GCIS. The GCIS conducts its procurement processes in a fair and lawful manner and has a policy of zero tolerance regarding corrupt practices by any person including its employees and suppliers.

The GCIS encourages and urges all members of the public who are approached by these unscrupulous individuals to immediately report such conduct to law enforcement agencies.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

7

A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa

FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS

A million work and livelihood opportunities, and counting

L

ess than two years

that the contribution of the

ago, we launched the

school assistants has im-

Presidential Employ-

proved the learning environment in schools.

ment Stimulus to create jobs

Many self-employed people

and support livelihoods as part of supporting the economic

found their livelihoods dis-

recovery from the COVID-19

rupted by the pandemic. The

pandemic.

creative sector was particu-

The Presidential Employ-

larly badly affected. In this

ment Stimulus has just

sector, support was provided

reached the milestone of one

to people to create jobs for

million participants since its

themselves and others. The

inception.

movies, music and plays

This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort

sustainable employment

barrier to finding work, these

generate further income from

across government and the

at a much larger scale, we

programmes are providing

the sale of rights, tickets and

wider society, including the

will continue to build on the

high-quality work experi-

royalties. All of this has been

private sector, community-

success of the Presiden-

ences.

contributing to the growth of

based organisations and

tial Employment Stimulus

In the largest programme

many others.

and expand its reach. It is

supported by the stimulus,

still very much needed to

for example, nearly 600 000

ment Stimulus has also

uting to employment creation

complement recovery of the

young people have been

supported sustainable liveli-

while the economy takes time

job market. It also supports

placed as school assistants in

hoods. Over 140 000 subsist-

to recover and create jobs at

economic recovery in impor-

over 22 000 schools in every

ence farmers have received

the scale we need.

tant ways.

corner of the country. School

production input vouchers to

management, teachers and

assist them to resume and

other stakeholders all agree

expand production after the

The programme is contrib-

As we pursue economic growth to deliver decent and

8

produced are now able to

In a context where a lack of work experience is a major

the sector.

The Presidential Employ-

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

That is why we call it a stimulus, because the entire economy benefits along with society.

Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we have unlocked energy, commitment, creativity, innovation and opportunities. In the process, we are building a society that works.

Over one million people have benefited directly. Many more people, in the families and communities of participants, tion Trust, which employs local

in response to the unemploy-

have felt the impact of the

youth as Enviro-Champs to

ment crisis that was deepened

Stimulus.

36-year-old Phindile Ngcoya

empower communities to re-

by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our task now is to expand

from Richmond in KwaZulu-

habilitate local water sources.

Although the pandemic may

and deepen the impact of this

Natal. She is one of ten

Another programme by the de-

have abated, unemployment

work.

members of a family farm-

partment helps entrepreneurs

has not.

ing cooperative and says the

to develop business proposals

voucher she received helped

in the green economy.

disruptions of COVID-19.

One such beneficiary is

The incomes earned in Presi-

As a result of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we now

dential Employment Stimulus

have hundreds of thousands of

programmes have been an

people with valuable work ex-

grammes also have a direct

economic boost to small enter-

perience. Most of these people

positive impact on commu-

prises and informal businesses

are easy to find through the

Stimulus is also supporting

nities because they create

in local economies across the

SAYouth.mobi platform.

graduates, with opportunities

work for the common good.

country. School assistants

provided to nurses, science

In the case of the Presidential

employed in Umgungundlovu

these young people with

graduates, artisans and others.

Employment Stimulus, this

are spending their wages in

newly-acquired work experi-

Twenty six universities are

includes improving learning

Umgungundlovu. The same in

ence as they leave these

helping to place unemployed

in schools, upgrading informal

Putsonderwater.

programmes.

graduates in work relevant to

settlements, supporting survi-

their qualifications.

vors of gender-based violence,

effect, money is being put

Presidential Youth Stimulus as

the new cooperative survive and become profitable.

The Presidential Employment

Public employment pro-

Instead of the ‘trickle down’

We call on business to hire

Once employers see the

environmental conservation

directly into the hands of com-

a place to find young talent,

and Innovation has introduced

and innovating in waste-

munities that need it most.

then we will be able to realise

a range of innovative citizen

recycling.

That money then circulates

the full potential of this innova-

locally and ‘trickles up’ into the

tive and hugely successful

wider economy.

initiative.

The Department of Science

science programmes, such as

The Presidential Employ-

the Duzi uMngeni Conserva-

ment Stimulus was launched

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

9

Writer: Sihle Manda

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Eradicating corruption one detail at a time H awks National Head

table at his modest office in

Lieutenant-General

Silverton, Pretoria, Lebeya

Godfrey Lebeya is a

reflects on his tenure and

man of immense attention to

the journey that still lies

detail.

ahead.

Attention to detail is

The scale of the office’s

needed if one is to nab those

work is the polar opposite of

involved in crime.

the calm demeanour of the

His deep disdain for cor-

man who was appointed to

ruption is evident in the

the top post in May 2018.

Hawks’ 94% conviction rate

directorate and implemented

Known formally as the Directorate for Priority Crime

the necessary changes.

“You first have to do the

Investigation (DPCI), the Hawks have, since founda-

assessment. Then you do

tion in 2009, been responsi-

the implementation after the

ble for combating, investigat-

assessment. You then do the

ing and preventing national

monitoring I designed and

priority crimes.

called AIM. [In that way], you

These are in the areas of

don't find that you move into

serious organised crime, se-

a new environment and start

rious commercial crime and

making changes as if you

serious corruption.

know what the weaknesses

Lebeya is most passionate about conquering the latter,

10

He recalls how he assessed the workings of the

of prosecuted cases.

and strengths are.”

Lebeya has come a long

as he believes it eliminates

way since the day he took

any chance of the former

his oath of office as a police

two occurring.

officer in Polokwane (then

Sitting at the edge of his

Pietersburg) in the former

four-chair oval ochre board

Northern Transvaal (now

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

Limpopo province).

Having joined the police service with only a matric

retire when they reached 60.

agement service appointments

National Prosecuting Authority

That is not in line with the Act,”

can’t be made without top-

is applying its mind.

he says.

secret security clearance.

certificate in 1984, Lebeya now

According to the Hawks

“We have advertised the

Over this period, the Hawks have secured 4 447 convictions

holds a Doctorate in Criminal

boss, the Police Act, 1995 (Act

posts and [have] already done

Law, with a specialisation in

68 of 1995) requires that such

the selection. What is left is the

organised crime.

appointments be on non-

vetting process, as well as the

corruption in local government,

renewable contracts of seven

Cabinet process.”

the Lieutenant-General set up

Asked why he pursued academics when he entered the

to 10 years.

service, he says that when off

To remedy the anomaly, the

Caseload

Team (NCATT) shortly after

matter was discussed with the

Turning his attention to the

indulge in unsavoury activities.

affected staff and an agree-

directorate’s caseload, Lebeya

ment reached with

attacked at taverns and the

the majority of

like when they are not sober. I

those who

decided to choose something

were ap-

else. I love reading and this is

pointed,

what I enjoy. I decided that let

having since

me improve my qualifications so that when I enforce law, the

with.

courts across the country.

Building confidence dedicated task teams inves-

left office.

cases is R1

tigating various matters, includ-

“There

574 874 806

pointments that

advocates for in the DPCI.

tors are tasked

profile cases pending before

value of our

undermine me.

This is something that he

work investiga-

The NCATT has a few high-

The directorate has several

are new ap-

“That is why I decided to [do

lays bare the intricate

commencing his duties.

“The total

people I interact with must not

the] police diploma.”

Taken aback by the rate of

the National Clean Audit Task

duty, officers are tempted to “Our members are getting

across the country.

355.57 (R1.5 trillion)”.

have been done. Six

With a staff comple-

ing infrastructure damage, cash-in-transits and narcotics.

Lieutenant-General Lebeya’s zero-tolerance stance against

provincial heads are new, [it is]

ment of

corruption is a principle he

only three that I found in the

2 672, the DPCI has the unen-

strives to instil in staff on a

office,” he said.

viable task of investigating the

daily basis. He also insists that

With the latter, he says, con-

over 22 477 cases clogging its

probes be conducted without

office in June 2018, the soft-

tracts will expire on 31 Decem-

system. Since 2018, the DPCI

fear, favour or prejudice, and

spoken general, who became

ber 2022, and processes to

has arrested 12 000 suspects

that they be “fair and honest”.

an attorney in 2015, recollects

appoint successors are already

identified in cases currently

discovering a raft of irregulari-

afoot. This was done to avoid

before the courts.

ties that needed rectification

posts remaining vacant for

without delay.

lengthy durations and to allow

suspects. While 11 159 suspects

Hawks, we know they will do

for “smooth transitions”.

were yet to be arrested,

the right work.

When he first set foot in his

“There were officials that were appointed not in line with

“To fill the posts takes time

The cases involve 23 519

12 360 had already been apprehended.

“People must have that confidence [to say] I know that when a matter is with the

“To be able to achieve that, we obviously have to build it. I

the law. First, all the provincial

because they have to be adver-

heads (and deputy national

tised and selections need to

Of the cases under inves-

don't want to leave this organi-

head) were sort of given a

be made. After that, there is

tigation, 1 998 have reached

sation as an empty shell, which

permanent appointment, to

vetting because senior man-

decision stage, where the

is why I need to capacitate it.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

11

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

categorises from the top 100,

grows, every other thing

30 and 10, saying due to the

needs to grow in line with it,”

seriousness of the matters,

he says, referring to court,

“they cannot be treated like

prosecutorial and policing

ordinary cases”.

capabilities to deal with

He bemoans the soaring rates of corruption at local government level.

“That is where service

He says that other forms of

ing. I'm not sure if it is the

crime, namely serious organ-

incompetence of those that

ised crime and commercial

are given the responsibility

crime, come as a result of

of managing these munici-

corruption.

involved in criminality.

“The municipal managers,

will find it better than how I

day is always busy. There is

found it.”

no rest – Sunday to Monday,”

Early morning and late

he says of his 18-hour days.

nights are the order of the

To stay abreast of opera-

that I’m passionate about. All these other [forms of crime] are possible because those

it appears that they know

who are supposed to do

that [their] time in office

something [about it] are not

is limited and by the time

doing it because they have

it comes [to an end], they

been corrupted.

“If all of us can do what is

[At times] I doubt the com-

expected of us, these other

mitment to service delivery,”

forms of crime will not be

he explains.

easily committed. When

Addressing system challenges

you talk of serious organised crime, it is happening because some of us are working with those organised

day for the career police

tional matters and to ensure

On the period it takes to

manager.

that sullied narratives do

finalise matters, Lebeya

not sway investigations,

says the directorate works

government corruption and

one has just been think-

Lebeya randomly requests

to complete its investiga-

commercial crimes.

ing policing,” says the man

to be briefed by his respec-

tions timeously but due to

whose day begins at 04:00.

tive commanders on certain

prosecutorial and court chal-

if you deal with those

cases.

lenges, these take long to

who are corrupt,” he says.

bring to a close and secure

-SAnews.gov.za

“For more than 38 years,

“There is actually no day where there is no success

12

“So, corruption is the area

the chief financial officers,

must have gotten something.

hear from the media, so a

Fighting corruption

delivery must be happen-

palities [or not]. Officials are

When I leave, my successor

societal demands.

From his office, the at-

and you have to be kept

torney keeps an eagle eye

informed. You can't wait to

on the priority cases that he

criminal groupings.”

This is the same with

“You can reduce all of this

convictions.

“When the population

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

What will people say?

There is no excuse for abuse.

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

People can only help if they know.

TELL SOMEONE.

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

Writer More Matshediso Writer: More Matshediso

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Steve Biko Academic Hospital transforms stroke care in SA interrupted because one of

patients were outside the

the arteries carrying oxygen

period for acute treatment,

and nutrients to a part of

so they could not be treated

the brain suddenly becomes

for acute stroke because we

blocked or bursts.

were too late for that,” says

Rapid treatment increases

To address the need

mise complications. Kakaza

for urgent treatment, the

says that, ideally, neurolo-

neurology unit collaborated

gists must provide treatment

with the Angels Initiative,

for acute stroke within four-

a global partnership that

and-a-half hours of the onset

helps hospitals around the

of the first symptoms. These

world improve their stroke

include weakness, numb-

response. The collaboration

ness and speech difficulty.

saw doctors and nurses in

Acute strokes result in neu-

T

he Head of Neurol-

the emergency unit of the

ronal damage and subse-

Steve Biko hospital undergo-

quent neurological deficits.

ing three months of training

“As soon as the patient ar-

at the beginning of this year

rives, we must diagnose that

to equip them to treat stroke

it is a stroke, we must do a

patients as emergency

computerised tomography

cases.

ogy at the Steve Biko

her team to improve the care

(CT) scan and we must pro-

Academic Hospital and

given to stroke patients and

vide treatment. In the past,

goals with the head of

University of Pretoria (UP), Prof

earned the hospital a global

it would take a minimum of

radiology at the hospital

Mandisa Kakaza (54), believes

award in the process.

eight hours from the time

so that one of the three CT

that the patient arrived at the

scans could be prioritised for stroke patients.

that managers do not need

14

This has inspired Kakaza and

Kakaza.

survival rates and may mini-

According to the Heart and

more staff members to improve

Stroke Association of South

hospital to get the CT scan,”

outputs – they simply need to

Africa, a stroke happens when

she says.

revise how they do things.

the blood supply to the brain is

“This meant that all our

They also shared their

“We immediately saw improvement. The officials that

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

both under Gauteng Health and the university [UP], is smooth,” she says.

Steve Biko is the main teaching hospital of the UP. Kakaza’s journey in the medical field started in 1985 when she was accepted to study for a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Biochemistry at Rhodes University.

“We were the first batch of black South African students we trained are already medical

a stroke patient who could

female to obtain a Master of

to be accepted at Rhodes

doctors and health practition-

have been saved, dies or is

Medicine in Neurology in 2001

University without permis-

ers, so we were just reinforcing

permanently disabled because

from the UP.

sion from the then Minister of

what they already learnt in

they were treated in the wrong

school.”

hospital.

She was appointed to her current position in 2021 when

Education,” she says.

She furthered her studies

“It is nice to be recognised

her predecessor retired. Be-

at the former University of

is that stroke patients receive

for the work that you do. We

fore then, she was a consult-

Transkei, now Walter Sisulu

care within 15 minutes, and no

decided as a cluster that we

ant neurologist at the hospital

University, and obtained a

longer wait up to eight hours,

want to improve the care pro-

for 10 years.

Bachelor of Medicine, Bach-

as was the case previously.

vision for stroke patients within

The result of the intervention

Global recognition

our cluster,” says Kakaza.

The cluster consists of

“When you are a consultant, you treat patients and

elor of Surgery in 1994.

She was later accepted at

you teach undergraduate and

the UP to study neurology and

This significant improvement

Kalafong Provincial Tertiary,

postgraduate students,” she

obtained her Master of Medi-

earned the hospital a Diamond

Steve Biko Academic and 1

says.

cine in Neurology in 2001.

Status award, in July 2022,

Military hospitals. There is one

from the World Stroke Organi-

In her current position, she

In February 2022, she was

consultant neurologist based

must ensure that students are

appointed Acting Chairperson

sation – a non-profit medical

at Kalafong and two based at 1

taught well so that they can

of UP’s School of Medicine.

association that raises aware-

Military hospital.

pass their modules. She also

However, she has made it

has to ensure that the uni-

clear that she is not perma-

ficient neurologists in South

versity continues to produce

nently available for the posi-

research.

tion because she wants to stay

ness on the prevention and treatment of stroke.

Kakaza says there are insuf-

Kakaza says Steve Biko be-

Africa. According to the Uni-

came the first hospital in South

versity of Cape Town, roughly

Africa to receive recognition

150 neurologists are equipped

ensure that the department

for introducing new techniques

and skilled to treat patients in

continues to be innovative so

the trick is to never give up,

and measures to save the lives

South Africa, but only about 35

that it stays on par with the

even when they get ignored

of patients affected by acute

work in public hospitals.

rest of the world. I am also

and overlooked.

stroke.

According to the Angels Initiative, every 30 minutes

A trailblazer Kakaza became the first black

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

“Most importantly, I need to

involved in administration

in neurology.

To women leaders, she says

“When you are finally given a

because I have to ensure that

chance, show them what you

the running of the department,

are capable of,” she says.

15

Writer: Allison Cooper

TRAILBLAZER

SANSA intern to present to global space community T

alented software

which the signal is lost. It then

the times when the signal

if I could tackle the problem,

developer intern

records the information in a

was captured and lost. As

under the guidance of our

Nteboheng Molefe

file. It also assists to prepare a

the entire process had to be

software developer, Jamie

has developed first-of-its-kind

specific antenna for the next

monitored and then manually

Moses,” she says.

software for the South African

scheduled satellite pass and

captured, this resulted in too

National Space Agency

enables the streams three

many errors,” she adds.

(SANSA).

minutes before,” says Molefe.

automatic or manual mode,

Based at SANSA Space Op-

depending on the user’s

Molefe’s Mission Assistance

“Before the development

Software (MAS) has automat-

of the MAS, SANSA’s Space

Gauteng, Molefe came up

ed an important process that

Operations team had to

with the idea of creating

has long been done manually.

manually configure the an-

the MAS when she became

A challenge becomes an opportunity

tenna so that it could read the

aware of how human error

“One of the challenges faced

at which a SANSA antenna

satellite’s signal. Once it had

affected the data captured

when creating the MAS was

picks up a signal from a satel-

read the signal, staff members

and wanted to simplify the

that staff were resistant to us-

lite and records the time at

had to manually write down

process. “I asked my manager

ing new technology. I started

“The MAS captures the time

16

The MAS can be used in

erations in Hartebeesthoek,

choice.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

doing research to determine

met with resistance? In this

how best to resolve this chal-

case, the software devel-

lenge,” she says.

oper would have to consider

Little did she know that

whether the resistance is

by doing this research, she

because the user doesn’t

would be selected to present

know how to use the soft-

a paper to the global space

ware properly, or if the new

community at the 17th

system has design flaws.”

A well-designed system

International Conference on Space Operations, which will

such as the MAS must

be held in Dubai in March

include automation, which

2023.

reduces human error; and

The conference is hosted

standardised practices,

by the International Commit-

which create familiarity and

SCANNER, an android ap-

tee on Technical Interchange

consistency. “Even though

plication that will be used by

degree in Information Tech-

for Space Mission Opera-

the system may have both of

SANSA’s finance department

nology, majoring in com-

tions and Ground Data Sys-

these elements, its business

to scan all the assets in the

puter science and chemistry.

tems (SpaceOps), which was

practicality is dependent on

Space Operations building

“After I graduated, I spent

formed to create a technical

the user,” she says.

and provide feedback on

two years searching for a

which are in the database

job. I was very lucky to be

and which are not.

accepted to the programme

and managerial forum for space agencies, academia

Software solutions

and the space industry.

In addition to developing

Conceptualised by Moses,

in 2019, with a Bachelor’s

and placed as a software

the MAS, Molefe works on

the application will automate

industry members with

SANSA’s Network Time Pro-

the manual stock-taking

an opportunity to submit

tocol (NTP) script software,

process. “I am responsible

she thought she would be

papers for consideration to

which compares time.

for the back-end coding and

taught how things are done

“Everything at Space

SpaceOps provides

be presented at its bian-

developer intern at SANSA.” When she started her job,

designing the graphical user

and would do that for the

nual conference. And even

Operations deals with time.

interface. My manager, Si-

rest of her internship.

though Molefe is only an

If our NTP server loses time,

mon Chaba, and Moses are

“I came here with C#

intern, her paper was one of

even one second, it can

my mentors and the entire

as my only programming

the chosen ones.

cause problems. This is why

information communication

language, but all the sys-

the NTP script software was

technology team plays a

tems I have created are in

factors and behaviour that

created. It compares two

big role in my projects,” she

Labview, Python and Java,

can hamper the use of new

NTP server times – a SANSA

says.

and I have played around

software applications, just as

server and a pool/network

I experienced when develop-

server. If the times are out of

the Free State and grew up

me an opportunity to show

ing the MAS,” says Molefe.

sync or if the SANSA NTP is

in QwaQwa, was selected for

my ability and achieve goals

down, the software alerts the

the Department of Science

that I thought I wouldn’t get

software developer, creating

user. All of these activities

and Innovation and Human

the opportunity to do,” says

technological solutions that

are recorded for research

Sciences Research Council

Molefe, who enjoys spend-

automate or simplify an op-

purposes,” says Molefe.

internship in October 2021.

ing time with her children

She graduated from the

and making TikTok videos

“My paper is about human

She explains that as a

eration’s processes is crucial.

“But what if your system is

Another project she is working on is the F-QR

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

Molefe, who was born in

University of the Free State

with C++. SANSA has given

after a busy day.

17

Writer: More Matshediso

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Makaepea: steering SA to the right direction ment. Getting this far has been a dream that I followed and a passion that I nurtured,” he says.

Makaepea obtained a Bachelor

tor; provide oversight and

ours degree in History and Polit-

monitoring of the Passenger Rail

ical Science from the University

Agency of South Africa’s (Prasa)

of Pretoria before completing his

capital programme, including

Master of Management in Public

the new rolling stock acquisition

Policy from the University of the

programme; provide general

Witwatersrand.

oversight of rail operations and ensure coordination among stakeholders.

“What is key for the depart-

to his current position. Along the

ment is to ensure that the sector

way, in 2021, he was appointed

works very well and that we

as the first-ever Deputy Direc-

coordinate the implementation

tor-General (DDG) responsible

of policies,” he says.

for Rail Transport in South Africa – a position he still holds.

“This is really a milestone for

He previously served as a board member for the Railway Safety Regulator for two years

me because I am responsible

and is currently a shareholder

for charting the way forward

representative on the Prasa

in terms of rail transport in the

Board.

meteoric career has seen

hard work and dedication that

him progress from a

Makaepea ascended to this

As the DDG, he is responsible

senior government position.

for providing policy and regula-

His current appointment was an-

tory oversight within the rail

nounced by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula in June 2022.

policy analyst intern at the former Department of Communications

He says he saw education

country,” he says.

in 2000 to the Acting Director-

as the path to leadership. “It

sector in the country, and for the

General (DG) of the Department of

was not by coincidence that

development of a rail regulatory

Transport (DoT).

I became a leader in govern-

framework, inclusive of safety

18

infrastructure strategies and

versity of Venda, and an Hon-

Adviser and moved up the ranks

N

development of sustainable frameworks for the rail sec-

the Assistant Director: Policy

It was not by luck but through

He also has to facilitate the

of Arts in History from the Uni-

He joined the DoT in 2004 as

gwako Makaepea’s

and economic regulations.

Keeping SA moving

Because the department is responsible for regulating different

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

modes of transport, including

The National Road Safety

road, rail, maritime and avia-

Strategy 2016 – 2030 estimates

tion, he helps oversee the entire

that the cost of road accidents

transport sector.

to the South African economy is

mindful of the fact that corrupt

approximately R142.9 billion per

activities within road traffic law

implementation of regulations

annum, equating to 3.4% of the

and policy across all modes of

Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

enforcement contribute to road

“I have to provide and ensure

“The transport sector is also

crashes and fatalities.”

transport, working with the pro-

“This has a serious impact

vincial departments of transport

on the health system, social

and our entities,” he says.

development and the economic

ed problem is the poor condition

kept pace with growing needs.

“I always call myself the chief

productivity of the country. The

of roads.

As a result, our highways, ports

adviser to the Minister because

transport sector is also mindful

he has the role of leading the

of the fact that corrupt activities

provinces with the most com-

traffic facilities, and passen-

transport sector, but it is the

within road traffic law enforce-

plaints about the conditions of

ger rail facilities face growing

department’s officials, under

ment contribute to road crashes

the roads were the Free State

maintenance and modernisation

the leadership of the DG, who

and fatalities,” he says.

(29.2%), North West (24.5%),

needs,” he says.

ensure that citizens benefit from our programmes,” he adds.

Addressing challenges From time to time, South Africans mourn the loss of life due

Makaepea says various measures are in place, including, but not limited to, anti-corruption

The study shows that the

the Eastern Cape (21.4%) and Limpopo (19.9%).

To address this, Makaepea

and waterways, airport and air

According to Makaepea, transport contributes 6.5% to the country’s GDP.

awareness campaigns and in-

says there is a need for targeted

vestigations in collaboration with

investments to preserve mobility

we continue to provide an effi-

other law-enforcement agencies.

and accessibility of the travelling

cient transport system and infra-

public and freight movements.

structure for both our travelling

According to the 2020 National

“In terms of aviation transport,

to car crashes, and this is among

Household Travel Survey, 13.2%

“Investment in maintaining,

public and air freight. We have

the big challenges that the de-

of households reported that their

rehabilitating, upgrading and

built and revitalised our major

partment grapples with.

most significant transport-relat-

expanding infrastructure has not

strategic airports to cater for the

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

19

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

demand of both passenger and

the department and Prasa will

The South African National

international standards and

freight movement,” he says.

intensify the implementation

Roads Agency as our entity,

the recovery of rail priority

of the Capital Expenditure

is responsible for managing

corridors.

ports rate among the best in

Programme, with a focus on the

the national road network and,

the world.

Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal,

along with the DoT, plays a key

port Month, the DoT aims

Repair and Modernisation of

role in influencing policy and

to promote safety across all

transport, the department must

Stations and the Rail Signalling

setting standards,” he says.

modes of transport by running

provide a responsive policy and

Improvement programmes.

He says South African air-

When it comes to maritime

legislative framework environ-

Recent initiatives

awareness campaigns.

Makaepea implores public

ment through both the Na-

kaepea says South Africa’s road

Among the initiatives that the

servants to work together

tional Ports Act, 2005 (Act 12 of

network is approximately

department has recently intro-

across all spheres of gov-

2005), and the Comprehensive

750 000 kilometres (km), of

duced are the Vala Zonke Pot-

ernment to improve service

Maritime Transport Policy.

which 618 081 km are pro-

hole Repair Programme, which

delivery and to commit to ad-

claimed.

seeks to close potholes on

dressing challenges that face

the roads; the rapid response

the country.

“Both the policy and legislation strive to increase efficien-

“The responsibility for ad-

cies in terms of our exports

ministration, planning, funding,

to repairing infrastructure

to the world market. It is only

construction, maintenance and

damaged by floods in three

that we are guided by the

through exports that we will be

operations of the road net-

provinces (KwaZulu-Natal,

Batho Pele principles,” he says.

able to improve our GDP trajec-

work is a concurrent function

the Eastern Cape and North

tory,” he says.

between national, provincial

West); the new driving licence

and municipal road authorities.

card design that complies with

For the rail sector, he says

20

For road infrastructure, Ma-

With October being Trans-

“We must always remember

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

I KNOW.

I ACT. ICORRUPTION. STOP

FIGHTING

CORRONUE’SPBTUSIINOEN SS IS EVERY

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

Writer: Allison Cooper

FEATURE

A rising star in biotechnology in Africa

“This was a humbling experience, a stamp of approval that I am one of the leaders to look out for amongst the young women doing research in biotechnology,” she says.

As a rising star in biotechnology, she will put programmes together to develop and train young women in the field. “It’s an exciting venture that’s still in its infancy, but I can’t wait for it to launch and create a generation of young female leaders in biotech innovation,” says Ramalapa, who will partner with entities such as BioAfrica, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Emory University in the United States and Oxford Africa in the United Kingdom (UK).

Ramalapa has also been recognised by Inspiring Fifty, a global initiative that seeks to increase diversity in tech by recognising and amplifying the next generation of female leaders excelling in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

While her research at the

S 22

CSIR initially focused on enior Researcher in Advanced Drug Delivery at

she does.

Her work in nanotechnology

patients in Africa, saw her

drug delivery systems for

recently profiled as one of the

communicable diseases,

and nanomedicine, which

first cohorts of rising stars in

such as tuberculosis (TB)

and Industrial Research (CSIR),

develops drug delivery

biotechnology in Africa at the

and malaria, she realised

Dr Bathabile Ramalapa (37), has

formulations that offer more

2022 BioAfrica Convention,

that there was an increase in

shaped her career by demon-

patient-centric drug treatments

which was held in Durban from

non-communicable diseases

strating excellence in everything

for breast cancer and diabetes

29 to 30 August 2022.

affecting underserved African

the Council for Scientific

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

communities.

“Available treatment regimens

involved in getting treatments to patients, and a lack of education

medical doctor.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

“Growing up, I did not know

at the University of Angers in

do not necessarily serve our

in administering the treatment,

what a scientist was and that

France (2014 to 2017) while also

people’s specific needs, due to

specifically for diabetic patients

someone like me could have the

studying for a PhD in Chemical

the challenges of accessibility

who must self-administer

opportunity to become one. My

Sciences at the University of

and affordability,” she explains.

it intravenously,” Ramalapa

passion for innovation attracted

Liege in Belgium (2015 to 2018).

explains. Her research aims to

me to a career in STEM. I was

A European Union Nanofar Dual

address this challenge.

In 2019, Ramalapa started conducting research on

inspired by the need to find

PhD Grant made this possible.

developing drug treatments for

“The initial goal is to develop

simple and innovative ways

Following her studies, she

breast cancer and diabetes for

treatments that are more suited

to solve African problems. I

rejoined the CSIR as a senior

people in Africa.

to the African climate. Ensuring

did not like the one-size-fits-

researcher in 2018.

that biotherapies used in the

all approach to solving our

“Breast cancer and diabetes

Ramalapa is also involved in

mortality rates are increasing

treatment of

problems based

programmes with the DSI that

exponentially each year in

insulin and

on what was

foster European Union-South

Africa. My ultimate dream is the

Trastuzumab

working for

Africa collaborative networks

development and manufacturing

[Herceptin]

the rest of the

and human capital development

of drug treatments and tools to

are effective

world,” she adds.

in science and technology.

manage such diseases locally

at ambient

and affordably,” she says.

temperature

With October being Breast

will eliminate

“Breast cancer and diabetes mortality rates are increasing exponentially each year in Africa.”

Ramalapa

She is also a member of the

joined the CSIR

National Research Foundation

in 2007 as an

Grant Review Committee for

intern, after

Chemistry and Material Sciences

Cancer Awareness Month,

the burden

Ramalapa highlights that the

of ultra-

completing her

(2020 to 2023), and she recently

three-year survival rate for breast

cold chain

undergraduate

started working with the

cancer patients in South Africa

logistics.

degree in

Science Diplomacy Capital for

is 56%, compared with 90% in

This will greatly reduce the cost

Chemistry at Tshwane University

Africa, for which she will be an

high-income countries. “The

of getting these treatments to

of Technology (TUT). She then

ambassador.

biggest contributor to this is

patients.

worked as a CSIR researcher,

access to treatment, which is

She also supervises PhD

from 2009 to 2013, developing

chemistry students at the

influenced by high costs. Our

alternative delivery systems for

drug delivery systems for TB.

University of Johannesburg

goal is to develop lower-cost

treatments. For self-administered

From 2011 to 2013, she also

and is a visiting lecturer in

treatments,” she says.

insulin, intravenous delivery

conducted research at the

nanomedicine at the North West University.

While breast cancer treatment

“The second goal is to develop

promotes patient non-

CSIR towards her TUT MTech

Herceptin has only been around

compliance and some patients

Chemistry degree.

for a decade, insulin has been

do not administer correctly

used to manage diabetes for a

due to a lack of education,” she

Scholar Travel Grant for the

regularly visiting play parks. “I

century. “There are challenges

explains.

University of Nottingham in

love the outdoors and enjoy trail

the UK, where she attended a

walks on Saturday mornings. I

six-month course. After being a

also enjoy champagne picnics,

Norvatis Fellow in Switzerland

markets with friends and fine

in 2013, she studied towards a

dining with my partner,” she says.

of access for both treatments low- to middle-income countries

A passion for innovation

is exacerbated by the logistics

Ramalapa always wanted to be a

due to their cost. The situation in

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

In 2010, she received a Visiting

A mother to two toddlers, Ramalapa spends her downtime

23

Writer: Allison Cooper

FEATURE

Take care of your mental health I n South Africa, employee ab-

General Yoliswa Makhasi noted

for employees. In terms of

senteeism costs the economy

that mental health remains

these regulations, each depart-

between R12 and R16 billion

a major challenge in society

ment is expected to have a

when you start feeling the

per year, largely attributed to

as it is still clouded by stigma

policy that promotes the health

pressure building. Don’t ignore

workplace stress, burnout and ill

and feelings of shame, which

and well-being of employees,

warning signs. Figure out

health.

stop people from seeking help

said Makhasi.

what’s causing your stress and

This is according to Michel’le

for emotional distress. This

Donnelly, the Project Leader:

October, Mental Health Aware-

Advocacy and Awareness at

ness Month 2022, gives public

Mental health in the workplace

the South African Federation

and private sector managers

Donnelly says the workplace is

for Mental Health. “Each year,

the opportunity to gauge how

a strong contributor to mental

lost productivity due to anxi-

successful they have been in

well-being.

ety and depression costs the

addressing their staff’s well-

global economy US$1 trillion,”

being.

portive relationships.

“It’s important to recognise

determine what you need to keep yourself well immediately and in the short- and longterm,” says Donnelly.

Dr Shafeeka Dockrat, a psychologist and Director of Student Development and Sup-

“It provides employees with a sense of purpose and social

port at the Tshwane University

contact and contributes to

of Technology, offers tips on

nisms in place to help public

social and personal identity. It

how to destress. These include

mental health impacts employ-

sector managers maintain

also helps to create structure in

good time management;

ee performance, staff turnover,

healthy workspaces, including

people’s lives, which many may

determining which stressors

absenteeism and accidents, all

government’s employee health

find beneficial to their mental

you can eliminate from your life

of which cost money.

and wellness programmes.

health.”

with minimal consequences;

she adds.

Donnelly explains that poor

In October 2021, at the

24

Dr Shafeeka Dockrat , a psychologist and Director of Student Development and Suppor t at the Tshwane Universit y of Technology.

There are several mecha-

Public Service Regulations 53

Her strategies for dealing

focusing on the basic aspects

Department of Health’s World

and 54 of 2016 place an obliga-

with stress include under-

of well-being, such as sleep-

Mental Health Day commemo-

tion on heads of department to

standing your stress, identify-

ing, eating well and exercising;

ration webinar, Public Service

establish and maintain a safe

ing what you can change and

investing time in daily self-care

and Administration Director-

and healthy work environment

seeking guidance from sup-

and relaxation activities, and

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

strengthening your support

to also talk about burnout,

to access the support they

mental health. These are

systems.

as it is different from stress,

require,” says Donnelly.

supported by the Employee

Dockrat says leaders

Health and Wellness Strate-

should attempt to create

gic Framework for the Public

“Time management is a stress management 101 tool.

explains Donnelly.

“Burnout may be the result

Planning your tasks in a

of too much stress, but

a workplace culture that

Service, which ensures the

timely manner reduces the

stressed people can still

prioritises mental wellness

management of compre-

pressure associated with

imagine that if they can get

by ensuring that they and

hensive health and wellness

trying to complete a task

everything under control,

their team members take

programmes and services

or multiple tasks at the 11th

they’ll feel better. When peo-

their leave, public holidays

in the Public Service. The

hour,” she says.

ple are burnt out, they are in

and lunch breaks. “It is a fine

policy aims to “build and

a total state of exhaustion.

balance between rewarding

ble, Dockrat says it is better

They often have no hope,

outstanding performance

to identify those that can be

feel empty and mentally

and promoting a healthy

easily eliminated with minimal

exhausted, have no motiva-

work-life balance.”

significant consequences,

tion and are beyond caring,”

and remove them.

she says.

While stressors are inevita-

Recognising burnout

Dockrat and Donnelly

Feeling overwhelmed?

agree that leaders can look

If you are feeling over-

after their teams’ mental

whelmed daily, you need

Dockrat says some symp-

health by emphasising men-

to focus on self-care, says

toms of burnout overlap with

tally healthy workplaces.

Donnelly.

other mental or physical

This can be done by

“Self-care is about making

conditions. “If you are feeling

providing in-depth mental

sure to continue to do things

exhausted, getting ill more

health awareness, educat-

that are good for you, make

often, are apathetic and

ing employees about mental

you feel good and bring

detached, and your work

health, creating a more toler-

meaning and fulfilment to

performance has declined

ant work environment for

your life. Self-care looks dif-

substantially, you should

employees living with mental

ferent for everyone. It could

consult a psychologist.”

illness, encouraging people

be a good night’s sleep,

to seek help when struggling,

connecting with a colleague

associated with various men-

and involving employees in

or going for a walk. It’s im-

tal disorders differ substan-

decision-making and career

portant to find what behav-

tially. “If you have no physical

development opportunities.

iours make you feel fulfilled

She adds that symptoms

health issues and are expe-

“By doing this, you are

and bring you joy, and what

riencing severe challenges

creating a workplace that ac-

things you should do when

and difficulties in your ability

knowledges the importance

you are struggling with your

to go about your day-to-day

of good mental well-being

mental health,” she says.

activities and maintain rela-

and enabling a supportive

tionships, it is best to consult

environment where persons

partments have policies that

excellent service delivery for

a psychologist.”

with mental illness are not

support employee health

the benefit of employees and

stigmatised and may feel free

and wellness, including

their families”.

It is critical for managers

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

Various government de-

maintain a healthy workforce for increased productivity and

25

Source: SAnews

FEATURE

Govt working to recover rail services in all corridors in SA

G

overnment is working

Pretoria-Pienaarspoort line,

access to a safe and reliable

the introduction of advanced

hard to resume com-

Transport Minister Fikile Mbal-

public transport system.

signalling technology, modern-

muter rail services,

ula has assured the public that

As part of this year’s Trans-

ised high-speed circuit break-

which were suspended due to

work to recover services is

port Month campaign launch,

ers, and the use of aluminium

destruction and vandalism at

ongoing in all the rail corridors

the Minister boarded a new

wires to counter copper theft.

the hands of syndicates and op-

in the country.

train from Pienaarspoort in

portunistic criminals during the

will ensure that South Afri-

to curb the spread of COVID-19.

cans, who have been severely

With the successful resumption of services on the

26

The resumption of services

hard lockdown – implemented

The service officially re-

Mamelodi to Pretoria A Sta-

sumed with the new trains on

tion.

26 September 2022, following

The Pretoria-Pienaarspoort

impacted by the suspension

line alone has undergone

of commuter rail services have

major reconstruction, with

approval by the Railway Safety Regulator.

“This is in line with our com-

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

mitment to return 10 priority

is being accelerated to achieve

corridors to service this year.

the limited electrified train

The Passenger Rail Agency

service in the area,” said the

of South Africa (PRASA) is on

Minister.

track to rebuild and recover

The eight stations, which are

these commuter rail corridors,

being revamped in prepara-

three of which are in Gauteng,

tion for service resumption are

with an allocated budget of

New Canada, Mlamulankunzi,

R2.7 billion,” said the Minister.

Orlando, Nancefield, Kliptown,

In December 2019, PRASA

Midway, Lenz and Tshiawelo.

“Work is currently underway

had to suspend the majority of its electrified train services in

to recover rail services on the

the Gauteng North and South

Cape Town Central Line. This

regions due to extensive theft

entails the relocation of the

and vandalism of the power

illegal settlements that are

supply system and other rail-

currently on the rail track and

way infrastructure assets.

reserve.

spending less time in queues.

“We have no doubt that

The National Assembly

This suspension affected in

“We have recently signed

excess of 200 000 commuters

a social compact with all the

services will improve exponen-

Road Traffic Amendment Bill,

that rely on the commuter rail

parties that are involved and

tially with the combination of

bringing it a step closer to

service for their livelihoods.

affected by the situation on the

online services, deployment of

becoming law.

central line, outlining the roles

smart enrolment technology

and responsibilities of each

and the new eye test arrange-

regulatory framework, through

party,” he said.

ment.

this amendment Bill, will pro-

Recovery plan In April 2021, a programme

recently passed the National

“The strengthening of the

was designed to recover train

As part of the Transport

“We are also strengthening

vide us with more instruments

services between Pretoria and

Month campaign, government

measures that will enable us to

to hold the motorists account-

Pienaarspoort, Pretoria and

will visit KwaZulu-Natal to

uproot corruption and impose

able on the road.

Kaalfontein, Leralla and Johan-

assess progress made on the

heavy penalties on those who

nesburg, as well as Naledi and

rehabilitation of rail and road

continue to flout the rules of

sifying traffic policing as a

Johannesburg.

infrastructure that was de-

the road,” the Minister said.

24-hour, seven-day job is pro-

A diesel service was introduced on the Pretoria to

stroyed by floods.

major rehabilitation – including

Improving services at driving licence testing centres

refurbishment of substations.

The Minister said the depart-

Pienaarspoort corridor before it was closed in May 2022 for

“Our work towards clas-

Mbalula emphasised that

gressing in earnest, with the

road safety remains a critical

majority of provinces having

cornerstone in government’s

taken the required decision,”

efforts to arrest the carnage on

the Minister said.

the roads.

“We continue to implement

The department continues to roll out the Taxi Relief Fund,

ment’s work with provinces

innovative measures that not

which was conceptualised

services is ongoing in all the

and municipalities to improve

only ensure that the law bites,

to mitigate the impact of

rail corridors in the country.

service at driving licence

but also inculcate responsible

COVID-19 on the taxi industry.

This includes lines such as the

testing centres is beginning

behaviour by all road users,”

– SAnews.gov.za

Naledi to Johannesburg. Work

to bear fruit, with motorists

he said.

“Our work of recovering rail

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

27

Staff writer

FEATURE

Municipalities not fully utilising the power of social media, study finds T he National School of

South Africa’s Eight Metropoli-

Government Deputy

tan Municipalities, looks at how

Director-General Lakela

municipalities use e-participa-

Kaunda has scooped an award

tion mechanisms to effectively

for the Best Paper in Local Gov-

communicate with the public.

ernment Administration.

Her paper was chosen among other academic papers deliv-

titioners and public administra-

ered at the South African Asso-

tion students to deliberate and

ciation of Public Administration

share ideas and solutions on

among those delivered under

ogy. She says they chose the

and Management (SAAPAM)

issues affecting public admin-

the various themes, following a

topic because local government

Conference held in East London

istration.

rigorous review exercise.

is the sphere that is closest

from 26 to 30 September 2022.

Over 350 delegates from more

Nine winning papers were an-

to the people. Municipalities

than eight countries attended

nounced at an awards ceremo-

provide basic services that

sessment of the Utilisation of

the conference and more than

ny held at the conclusion of the

people use daily, such as water,

the Facebook Social Media

200 academic papers were

conference on 30 September.

electricity, refuse removal, street

Platform to Communicate with

presented. A special SAAPAM

Kaunda co-authored the pa-

the Public on Governance and

committee of renowned schol-

per with Prof Ricky Mukonza of

verges of roads and road main-

Service Delivery Matters by

ars selected the best papers

Tshwane University of Technol-

tenance, and also promote local

The paper, A Critical As-

28

SAAPAM brings together academics, public service prac-

lights, cutting grass on the

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

en the number of people who

time. Social media can thus en-

Findings and recommendations

hance e-participation and make

The study found that the mu-

the platform is an important

engagement between govern-

nicipalities had an official pres-

tool that should be utilised

ment and the people possible.

ence on Facebook and used

more effectively and exten-

I was, therefore, curious to

their pages to post information.

sively to communicate with the

The paper explores the use of

see how municipalities used

However, they did not engage

public on service delivery and

social media, in particular Face-

Facebook to communicate with

the public on an ongoing basis.

governance issues as a form of

book, by metropolitan munici-

the public, especially during the

palities to engage in two-way

lockdown period when physi-

capability of Facebook, com-

communication with the public.

cal contact was impossible.

munication with the public is

The country’s eight metros

I was encouraged by

are Buffalo City Metropolitan

the fact that the public

The municipalities post

pies the minds of residents

Municipality, Nelson Mandela

continued to reach

information on the page,

and respond accordingly. It

Bay Metropolitan Municipality,

out to government via

but do not interact with

can be a useful online imbizo

City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni

social media,

Metropolitan Municipality,

which provided

City of Johannesburg, City of

an opportunity

“Questions,

Tshwane, eThekwini Metropoli-

for continuous

tan Municipality and Mangaung

engagement,”

complaints and

Metropolitan Municipality.

says Kaunda.

economic development and job

munication with citizens in real

creation.

Do metropolitan municipalities fully utilise social media?

Municipalities are obliged by

The research-

“Despite the interactive

primarily unidirectional.

comments from users largely go

use Facebook in South Africa,

e-participation.

“Municipalities should use the pages as a source of information on what occu-

and engage

on an ongoing basis,” notes

followers on an

Kaunda.

ongoing basis.

“Questions,

Among the recommendations made is that munici-

complaints

palities should direct staff to

and comments

monitor the pages regularly

from users

and respond to the inquiries,

largely go

comments and complaints,

unanswered,

especially those relating to

law to undertake their responsi-

ers scrutinised

bilities in consultation with their

content posted

unanswered,

residents, which means that

on the munici-

which defeats

service delivery. Communica-

public participation is the cor-

palities’ Face-

which defeats

the purpose of

tion units should also have

nerstone of the country’s local

book pages in

the purpose of

e-participation.

access to technical experts

government system. Members

November 2021.

The users in-

who can respond to issues

of the public can participate

This was a sig-

teract amongst

raised by the public.

through formal structures, such

nificant month

as ward committee meetings

because the country was still

on some occasions and assist

respond frustrate the public

and public meetings. Given the

under lockdown and the local

one another with responses,

and defeats the purpose of

advent of the Fourth Industrial

government elections were held

for example on service delivery

a participatory local govern-

Revolution and the adoption

on 1 November. Information

inquiries,” adds Kaunda.

ment as defined in the White

of e-government, the public is

sought included whether the

able to access services digi-

municipalities had a Facebook

municipalities responded

(1998) and other legal instru-

tally and to communicate with

page, the number of follow-

occasionally to inquiries, but

ments,” the paper concludes.

stakeholders through online

ers, the type of information

not as frequently as the user

and social media platforms.

e-participation.“

themselves

The study noted that three

“The failure to engage and

Paper on Local Government

“The need to respond to the

posted by the municipality, the

responses demanded. Some

comments and queries from

“Social media has brought

responses and comments of the

of the municipal responses

the public is critical and will

along a powerful capability of

followers, the nature of engage-

tended to be automated notic-

assist to minimise frustrations

being an interactive social en-

ment on the page and whether

es informing users to contact

and negative sentiments

gagement tool. Government can

the information flow was multi-

certain toll-free numbers.

against government,” says

thus engage in two-way com-

directional or one way.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

The study concluded that giv-

Kaunda.

29

FEATURE

Writer: Owen Mngadi

was severely damaged by the floods and the alternative routes, the R102 and M4, were also impacted. As a result, Sanral’s board decided to suspend toll fees at both the uThongathi and Umvoti toll plazas on the N2, she says.

Memeza has been successful in re-advertising five tenders for major upgrades in the country. This was after the Sanral board declined to approve the awarding of these

Sanral’s road network helps drive SA

tenders, worth around R17 billion, in May 2022 – as a result of lapses in the due process.

In response to this, Minister Mbalula explained that the board was bound by its fiduciary duties which, amongst others, enjoin it to act with fidelity, honesty, integrity and in the best interest of the company at all times. He said turning a blind eye to what

L

would have resulted in irregueading a multi-billion

CEO almost a year ago, three

local and provincial roads. At

lar expenditure and possible

rand institution that is

years after joining the agency

the launch of the programme

litigation, would have held

mandated to manage

as the Chief Audit Executive.

in August 2022, Minister

up some of these projects in

South Africa’s national road

While she admits that being at

Mbalula said that maintaining

courts for years.

network and infrastructure

the helm of Sanral is challeng-

good road infrastructure starts

takes strength. This is a trait

ing, Memeza has made her

with preventing the deteriora-

Memeza says the agency is

that Lehlohonolo Memeza,

mark. She is spearheading the

tion of existing roads, many

proud of the many projects

Acting Chief Executive Officer

recently launched Operation

of which have outlived their

that have been completed

(CEO) of the South African

Vala Zonke – an initiative by

original design lifespan.

during the course of the year,

National Roads Agency (San-

Transport Minister Fikile Mbal-

ral), believes is helping her

ula to eradicate potholes by

KwaZulu-Natal flood disaster

are progressing well and it is

implement the national roads

March 2023. While the nation-

response – conducting as-

hoped they will be completed

agency’s plans.

al roads are largely pothole

sessments and repairs that

in record time.

free, this is not the case with

amounted to billions. The N2

Memeza became acting

30

Memeza also led Sanral’s

As part of Transport Month,

adding that other projects

“We have several projects

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

under construction, includ-

a good understanding of

ing the N2 Wild Coast Road

governance, a good under-

(N2WCR) in the Eastern

standing of people, to be able

Cape, the N2/N3 upgrades in

to implement and run with

KwaZulu-Natal, and the Mol-

what has already been set as

oto Road (R573), which runs

parameters,” she says.

through three of South Africa’s northern inland provinces –

Horizon 2030

Gauteng, Mpumalanga and

Despite its successes, Me-

Limpopo.”

meza says she is mindful of the challenges that impede

The latter was incorporated into Sanral’s network of roads

Sanral’s progress in fully

in 2015.

meeting its mandate. The agency is guided by its long-

The N2WCR project contains two of the biggest bridges

term strategy – Horizon 2030,

ever to be built on the African

but she says more progress is

continent.

needed in some areas, includ-

“One of the projects that we

“As a state-owned entity, it is of utmost importance that we ensure compliance in all of our procurement processes to uphold applicable fiduciary duties.”

completed recently was the upgrading of the lighting in the Huguenot Tunnel in the Western Cape, which necessitated extensive engagement with various stakeholders, to

ing transformation.

“We have brilliant documents governing transformation, but if you look at the actual implementation, we can do better. We are currently revising our proforma documents to ensure that we

ensure that they planned their “As a state-owned entity, it

accelerate the achievements

many state-owned enterprises

is of utmost importance that

of our transformation objec-

to deliver on their core man-

we ensure compliance in all

tives, especially for construc-

Presiding over multi-billion

dates, but says Sanral always

of our procurement processes

tion and consulting engineer-

tenders comes with sig-

upholds and enforces proper

to uphold applicable fiduciary

ing. We are also rolling out

nificant pressure but, with the

governance when awarding

duties. Sanral is enjoined by

our nationwide training plans

government having declared

tenders. She explains that

Section 51 of the Public Fi-

for small medium and micro

war on corruption, Memeza is

projects over R500 million

nance Management Act, 1999

enterprisess and have supplier

determined to provide good

are subjected to a proactive

(Act 1 of 1999) to ensure that

development desks in all our

governance at all times. As a

assurance review by both

it maintains effective, efficient

regions to assist,” she says.

manager, she is committed

Sanral’s internal audit and

and transparent systems of fi-

To advance its Horizons

to raising awareness on what

legal departments. Anything

nancial and risk management

2030 progress, Memeza

constitutes good governance

above R750 million is further

and internal control.

says the agency is finalising

and what it means to Sanral

scrutinised, at board level, to

projects.

ensure compliance at every

of Sanral had engineers as

strategy to deal with backlogs

step of the procurement pro-

leaders, but taking it forward,

and delays.

cess, she says.

you need somebody with

travel accordingly,” she says.

Good governance

She acknowledges that ineffective governance has

compromised the ability of

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

“I am glad that the formation

a procurement turnaround

31

FEATURE

Writer: Owen Mngadi

Former taxi driver’s record-setting course to the top of maritime sector

A

chieving a 50%

eight harbour masters who are

female representa-

accountable for the safety of

come great things and he

bemoaning the state of the

tion in the previously

vessels coming in and out of

went on to become the coun-

country’s ports, he is adamant

the harbours.

try’s youngest harbour master

that they are satisfactory. He

male-dominated top management of Transnet National

Despite media reports

(at the Port of East London) in

does, however, acknowledge

Ports Authority (TNPA) and

determined to find a meaning-

2002 and, in 2011, the coun-

that there is work to be done

recapitalising key infrastruc-

ful career but with limited op-

try’s first black Chief Harbour

to improve efficiency and turn

ture for harbours are among

portunities, he ended up driv-

Master and the youngest

TNPA into a world-class ports

Rufus Lekala’s most significant

ing a taxi for four years after

person in the world to hold

operator. To this end, he says

achievements in his 10 years

matric, all the while seeking

this position.

nine tugboats, four dredg-

as South Africa’s Chief Har-

opportunities to better himself.

bour Master.

That opportunity came in the

commemorated in October,

The 52-year-old marine pilot,

32

From humble beginnings

As a young man, Lekala was

With Transport Month

ers and four helicopters have been procured.

form of a Portnet advert an-

Lekala says maritime trans-

who hails from Mamelodi in

nouncing that bursaries were

port is critical to the country’s

Pretoria, is in charge of op-

available to youngsters with

economy.

erations at the country’s eight

matric maths and science. Af-

ports – Cape Town, Durban,

ter applying, he won a scholar-

revolves around maritime,

over, gender transformation,

Richards Bay, Mossel Bay,

ship to study maritime studies

saying that over 80% of goods

particularly in management

Saldanha Bay, Port Elizabeth,

at the then Cape Technikon

distributed around the world

positions in the maritime

East London and Ngqura.

(Cape Peninsula University of

are distributed via maritime

industry, was among his priori-

In addition, he oversees the

Technology).

vessels.

ties and he is proud to reveal

He believes that everything

Successes and challenges Lekala says when he took

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

that he has achieved that. He

which discourages people

that person. You first have to

“How you conduct yourself

says when he was appointed

from joining the industry.

trust and be honest with your-

as an individual distinguishes

self; that is the ethos system

you from the rest,” he says.

as chief in 2011, there were

Another concern of his is the

In 2004, when the harbour

no female harbour masters.

lack of ships owned by South

that I have developed,” says

He set a target that by 2020,

Africa. “We only have four

Lekala.

Transnet would have four

ships as a country; we cannot

female harbour masters, which

train people as much as we

the top, Lekala says that as a

there. In 2007, he was rede-

is a 50-50 gender scale.

would want.”

youngster, he never imagined

ployed to the Port of Durban,

becoming a harbour master.

which is one of the biggest

Reflecting on his journey to

master of Cape Town retired, Lekala was called to take over

“We have them now, and if

While COVID-19 wreaked

you look at the structure, we

havoc in many sectors of the

This was not a profession that

ports in Africa. He described

have enough female pilots

economy, Lekala says the

was popular among black

this appointment as his big-

and tug masters; we pride

maritime industry was spared

people back then, he says,

gest achievement as it set him

ourselves on that. I believe in

as it was classified as an es-

but through hard work, he has

up to take over as Chief Har-

transformation and empower-

sential service.

been a trailblazer in the sector.

bour Master in 2011. He says

Mammoth task

He remembers the transfor-

the Port of Durban receives

not come easy, but I’m glad in

mation period in the maritime

more than 60 vessels a day,

the 10 years of my leadership,

Being at the helm of such a

industry in the late 1990s and

which requires the harbour

I achieved this 50-50 [ratio],”

key sector of the economy

says he was among the first

master to have a high level of

he says.

comes with huge responsibil-

black people to occupy man-

intelligence and experience.

ity and requires experience

agement positions.

ing others with skills. It did

However, the gender equality fight is not over, he says,

and leadership skills, he says.

because many shipping lines

After finishing his training,

“I strive to do my job to the best of my abilities when I

Lekala, who reports directly

he trained as a tug master

am given a chance. Manag-

are reluctant to hire female

to the Chief Executive Officer

and then as a marine pilot.

ers know their staff and they

employees, despite their capa-

(CEO) of the ports authority,

“I became a pilot in 2001 at

will always acknowledge

bilities.

says his management style

Saldanha Bay. Within a year,

your input. I guess among

was inspired by his mother’s

in 2002, aged 32, I was ap-

the rest, I showed maturity in

the female harbour masters,

values of respect, honesty and

pointed harbour master of the

my work and I was promoted

he also reflects on the chal-

trust.

East London Port; the rest is

and deployed to leadership

history,” he says.

sooner than others. But I must

While Lekala boasts about

lenges in the industry. One

“You will not respect some-

of the biggest is the lack of

body that you do not trust and

infrastructure transformation,

you will not be honest with

Lekala says the Port of East London was not doing well

ers] guidance, I would not be

when he took over. He had to

here.”

implement immediate change.

Lekala says while he has

He managed to turn the port

spent his life in the marine

around and demonstrated

industry, he plans to resign

good leadership qualities,

before retirement age and

which earned him the CEO's

become an academic.

Employer of the Year Award in 2004.

He attributes his early suc-

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

say, without their [manag-

He is currently studying towards a Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies through

cess to his humble beginnings

the University of KwaZulu-Na-

and the appreciation he re-

tal, with the potential of doing

ceived from his subordinates.

a PhD in maritime studies.

33

Writer: Allison Cooper

FEATURE

Exploring smart communities in SA W

hile the concept of

Improvement and Develop-

social benefits and environmen-

smart cities has been

ment Trust (Seidet), of which

tal sustainability,” Phahlamohla-

explored in academic

Phahlamohlaka is the founder

ka explains.

of Seidet.

In 2011, Phahlamohlaka started exploring the concept

The book features 10 chapters

literature and implemented by

and Board Chair. It contains

several countries around the

unique recommendations

on the building of smart com-

challenged his CSIR colleagues

world, the idea of smart commu-

informed by the researchers’

munities and the topics range

to see if possibilities existed for

nities has not been substantially

years of academic work and

from entrepreneurship training

the Seidet Centre to be mor-

explored in underdeveloped coun-

direct involvement in commu-

to digital ecosystems and smart

phed into a smart community

tries, which are still predominately

nity development through the

infrastructure as the basis of a

centre. Several papers were

rural.

use of information and com-

smart community. Twelve re-

co-authored and published.

munications technology and

searchers collaborated on each

cil for Scientific and Industrial

This is according to the Coun-

architectural and engineering-

chapter.

Research’s (CSIR) Chief Re-

type experimental development

searcher in Information and Cy-

work.

of a Seidet Digital Village and

“I then realised that one approach based on the Seidet experience would not be

“The book is expected to help communities around the globe

enough to assist communities

bersecurity, Dr Jackie Phahlam-

Since the advent of the Fourth

find a suitable approach to try

in developing countries. I identi-

ohlaka, who conceptualised and

Industrial Revolution (4IR), there

themselves and, by doing so,

fied other researchers who had

edited the book, Approaches to

has been a strong drive to es-

find something that positively

done related work that qualified

Building a Smart Community: An

tablish smart cities. “This refers

contributes to the quality of

them to propose an approach

Exploration through the Concept

to reconfiguring urban areas

lives of people in those commu-

to building a smart community

of the Digital Village.

into modern spaces that utilise

nities,” says Phahlamohlaka.

that others could try, from a de-

Researchers from the CSIR

different types of electronic

and various South African

methods and sensors to effi-

universities recently launched

ciently collect data and manage

Inspiration behind the book

the handbook, which provides

assets, resources and services.

Another book edited by

practical approaches to building

“A smart community, on the

Phahlamohlaka, launched in

veloping country’s point of view.

This is how the [latest] book was conceptualised,” he says.

The book was also inspired by challenges posed by the 4IR.

smart communities for under-

other hand, advocates the

2008 and titled Community-

“We are in a developing

developed and information-de-

building of an interconnected

Driven Projects: Reflections

country and well-developed

prived communities in develop-

community that leverages smart

on a Success Story, A case

concepts such as smart cities

ing countries.

technologies to benefit citizens,

study of science education and

only apply to a small propor-

businesses and service organi-

information technology in South

tion of our geographical spread.

sations for economic growth,

Africa, chronicled the success

The bigger spread is made of

The book was commissioned by the Siyabuswa Educational

34

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

villages, townships and rural communities that also need to benefit from the digital revolution. There was good research work done by the contributors that needed to be implemented at community level,” says Phahlamohlaka.

To put the book together, he presented his high-level thoughts on what he hoped to achieve to the researchers.

“I wanted a book that would latch onto their personal work.

I want the readers to see for themselves that the approaches proposed are made by people with first-hand experience and interest. I selected the contributors based on these criteria and worked with each researcher to complete the chapters,” he explains.

Improving service delivery The book is expected to add value to government pro-

collaboration with local govern-

Mpumalanga, completed his

Technology Professionals of

grammes and departments,

ment ... an observation from the

Master of Science in Computa-

South Africa, a member of the

which can try various ap-

Presidential National Commis-

tional and Applied Mathemat-

South African National Commit-

proaches to improve service

sion on 4IR is that the concept

ics at Dalhousie University in

tee for the International Federa-

delivery in communities.

of smart cities would best be

Canada and a PhD in Informa-

tion for Information Processing

implemented as smart commu-

tion Technology at the Univer-

(IFIP), and represents South

nities in South Africa.”

sity of Pretoria. He also com-

Africa in Technical Committee 9

pleted the Executive National

of the IFIP.

“I believe some communities will be inspired into action to try one or more of the approaches

The plan is to turn each of the

proposed, and am hoping that

chapters into a costed proposal

Security Programme at the

when they do, the book will

and obtain funding to try the

South African National Defence

purchase a copy, visit https://

serve as a guide,” says Phahl-

approaches.

College in 2007.

www.cambridgescholars.com/

amohlaka.

“The book plants the seed for

Phahlamohlaka, from Ga-

He is an Honorary Fellow

Phaahla Village in Siyabuswa,

of the Institute of Information

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

To read the book’s preface or

product/978-1-5275-7152-5

35

GROOMING & ST YLE

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

The fashion bucket list T

1

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1 A pair of Chuck Taylors? Yes, you heard right, these shoes have been around since 1917 and have proven to be versatile and are 3

always on trend. Wear them casual or smart casual, Converse: R950.

2 Everyone needs a little black dress, or just a good black dress in general. Find something easy to wear and with a simple style, like this knit one from Forever New: 1 599.

3 Invest in a beautiful leather bag, whether it’s a clutch or tote. They last forever and will smarten up anything you wear. We love this one from French designer Vanessa Bruno, vanessabruno.com: R7 600.

2

4 A signature scent will always leave a lasting impression, so choose wisely. There are constant new editions from various fragrance houses and designers. A classic scent that’s been popular for ages 4

is Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, Woolworths: R2 155 (50 ml).

5 A statement pair of shades is a must-have accessory. They needn’t be expensive, but help you stand out from the crowd. If you can splurge, opt for a designer like Celine, Sunglass Hut: R5 710. * Prices correct at the time of publishing.

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Public Sector Manager • October 2022

9

6

8

6 The perfect white tee. Yes, it does exist. Together with the perfect, crisp white shirt, these are wardrobe must-haves.

7

Keep it simple like these classics from Levi’s: R350.

7 Just like the ladies, there is nothing like leaving a lasting impression long after you have left the room. A signature scent is a must-have and wearing a fragrance you love if a great mood enhancer, we love Tom Ford’s Black Orchid, Woolworths, R2 250 (50ml).

8 How cool are these Oakley sunglasses with the purple lens?

The Manorburn Prism sunglasses is a lightweight frame and classes shape, Sunglass Hut: R1 930.

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A leather card holder or wallet is another must for the distinguished gentleman. These can last you for years if they are of high quality. We especially love the print on these black and orange ones from Burberry, 24s.com: R2 900.

10 There is nothing more iconic – or versatile – as a pair of Levi’s 501 jeans. Get them in dark blue and you’ll have a blank

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canvas you can style any way you like, Levi’s: R999.

* Prices correct at the time of publishing.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

37

FOOD AND WINE

Writer: Nicholas Francis

tablespoons of the yoghurt

• 1 Red pepper ( julienned).

mixture, repeat until the

• 1 Cup red cabbage (shred-

mold is full.

Picnic picks

A

fter long cold winter days, the sun has finally come out to

ded).

• Place the mold in the

• 1 Cup lettuce (shredded).

freezer for two hours.

• 1 Avocado (thinly sliced).

When popsicles are

• 1 Mango peeled (thinly

slightly set, take it out of

sliced).

the freezer and insert popsicle sticks in the centre of

Instructions:

each popsicle, this allows

• Have your fillings laid out

the sticks to firmly stay in

for assembly. In a shallow

place.

dish add warm water and

• Freeze overnight and enjoy the next day.

Veggie Rice Paper Wraps

soak one rice paper sheet at a time.

• Once the rice paper starts getting loose remove

Ingredients:

from the bowl and gently

• 12 rice paper wraps.

place it on a damp cutting

• 1 English cucumber ( julienned).

• 3 Carrots peeled ( julienned).

board.

• Arrange a thin layer of lettuce, followed by some avocado, mango in the

• 4 tablespoons honey divided.

• 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice.

play, and we are ready for it.

It’s time to pack those picnic

Instructions:

bags and head out and enjoy

• In a blender add lemon

the summer sun. We have put

juice, fruit, three table-

together some picnic treats that

spoons honey and blend

are delicious and quite easy to make.

Fruity yogurt popsicles Ingredients:

• 2 cups fruit of your choice.

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence.

• 1 cup Greek yogurt.

38

until smooth texture.

• Whisk the yoghurt, vanilla essence and one tablespoon of honey in a bowl.

• Fill your popsicle molds with two teaspoons of the fruit puree followed by two

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

middle of the rice paper and

• Place the tray in the freezer

add a small portion of pep-

for 15 minutes, until the

pers, carrots, cucumbers and top with red cabbage.

bananas are slightly frozen.

• Melt chocolate in the

• Fold rice paper over filling gently and tuck in the ends whilst slowly rolling it over until the seam is completely

Instructions: • Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.

• Place chocolate chips, cher-

microwave and give it a

ries, honey, mixed spices,

quick stir to make sure it is

butter and two cups of

completely melted.

muesli in a food processor

• Dip in bananas one at a

and blitz until mixed well.

sealed. The rice paper will

time in the melted choco-

be very delicate and sticky

late making sure the ba-

plate. Using a tablespoon,

so make sure you are care-

nana is covered in choco-

scoop muesli mixture and

ful during assembly.

late.

roll into a ball then roll in

• Cut rolls in half once com-

• Place on baking tray and

pleted.

Chocolate bananas

sprinkle topping of your choice.

• Put baking tray back into

Ingredients:

the freezer for an additional

• 150g Plain Milk Chocolate.

30 minutes until bananas

• 6 Bananas cut in half.

• Popsicle Sticks.

Toppings: • Chopped nuts.

• Sprinkles.

are frozen. * This is a good one to get the

• Place remaining muesli in a

muesli in the plate and place on baking tray.

• Repeat until mixture is finished then place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Watermelon Cooler Ingredients:

kiddies involved in the prepa-

• 7 cups watermelon cubed.

ration.

• 2 Tablespoons honey.

Muesli Balls

• 1 Lemon (squeezed).

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Instructions:

• 1 cup pitted cherries.

• Place watermelon cubes

• Line a baking tray with

• ½ cup chocolate chips.

that were frozen overnight

• ¼ teaspoon mixed spice.

into a blender, add in honey

• 50g melted butter.

and lemon juice.

baking paper. Put popsicle sticks in the cut end of the bananas and place on baking tray.

• ¼ cup honey.

• 2 ½ cups muesli.

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

• Blend until smooth then strain through a sieve to re-

move any seeds and to have a nice smooth texture.

• Serve with ice and enjoy.

39

TRAVEL XXX

Finding rest in

Zululand By: Duane Stacey.

Additional reporting by Ilse Burger

T

here are some places

travellers live oblivious to

you discover as you

the fact that this part of

travel that you just know

the country even exists as

you will come back to – for us,

they habitually rebook their

it’s usually places where rest

Garden Route, Ballito, Kruger

comes naturally.

and Hermanus holidays year

Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal is

after year. The region offers

a corner of South Africa that

fauna and flora in abundance,

does not get nearly enough

pristine beaches, and an op-

publicity. Many South African

portunity to soak up nature in all its glory.

In March 2022, we travCoast to Mtunzini, a small

River is a common affair for

The Raphia Palm Forest

coastal village where much

locals and on such a river

The Raphia Palm Forest is

of the coastline forms part of

cruise, you can expect to

a must visit. If you are lucky,

a protected area called the

see vibrant bird life. We also

you can see one of our coun-

Umlalazi Nature Reserve.

enjoyed a relaxing walk along

try’s rarest birds of prey – the

This lush, green strip with its

the boardwalk through the

palm-nut vulture – feasting on

coastal forests encompasses

mangrove forest and stopped

the fruit of the Raphia palm

a beach, a lagoon, and beau-

every so often to observe the

tree. These trees are breath-

tifully preserved mangroves.

fiddler crabs and amphibious

taking. Not only are they mas-

The reserve is clean and

mudskippers. Remember to

sive and majestic, reaching

includes boardwalks, camp-

look up every now and then

up to 25 meters, but they are

sites, chalets, ablutions and

and you might spot a man-

unique in that they produce

braai facilities.

grove kingfisher.

fruit once every 20 years,

elled north from the Dolphin

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Barging on the Umlalazi

Public Sector Manager • October 2022

and then they die. We mean-

hand sanitizer, and off we went

months at a time. This allows

the car (since we did not have

dered through the forest and

to Cape Vidal.

them the freedom to make the

a fancy camping trailer) and at

marveled at the gigantic palm

We gave ourselves enough

most of good weather during

night we zipped ourselves in

leaves – some of the largest in

time to enjoy the drive through

the season. We stood out like

our tent and listened as the hy-

the entire plant kingdom.

the park, driving all the various

a sore thumb with our basic

enas came to feast on leftovers

loops in search of animals and

camp setup and two-man tent.

in the bins around the camping

way to St Lucia for a pit-stop

viewpoints. We did not really

Many a camper (and by ‘camp-

site. Thankfully they came, ate,

before heading to the iSiman-

know what to expect of Cape

er’ we mean someone with a

and left, so going to the ablu-

galiso Wetland Park to set up

Vidal apart from a reef for

camping trailer that costs a

tion at night was not danger-

camp at Cape Vidal. In St Lucia,

snorkelling and rumours about

small fortune, and possibly a

ous, yet it somehow filled one

we stocked up on export-

hyenas and monkeys that rule

boat) would walk past and feel

with adrenalin. We snorkeled

quality avocados and mangoes

the camp site.

sorry for us in our happy sim-

daily along the rock reef and

plicity. We got gifted everything

the rest of our time was spent

From Mtunzini, we made our

and popped in at the renowned

Visiting in the month of

Banana Box. The only way to

March, we thought we might

from firewood to freshly caught

walking on the kilometres

describe this shop is that it is

strike the campsite empty, so

fish fillets for dinner.

of deserted beach, reading,

an ‘all-you-could-ever-want,

the thought of us versus the

find-whatever-you-don’t-really-

wild animals was daunting. To

need’ kind of general dealer.

our surprise the campsite was

But don’t underestimate it.

bustling. In fact, it turns out that

Living in harmony with the wild animals

We walked away with superb

many of the sugar cane farmers

The wild animals were not just

snorkel gear, a nifty flashlight,

in the Zululand area book a

a rumour – during the day we

biltong, a massive bottle of

camping spot for a couple of

kept everything locked away in

cooking on the campfire and, ultimately, finding rest for our souls in Zululand.

Know before you go: March is a great time to visit Mtunzini and Cape Vidal as the weather is warm and bearable. Mtunzini has many quaint restaurants and cafés – the Clay Oven has great pizzas and the Country Club offers good food from a diverse menu. You don't need a 4x4 to get to Cape Vidal, but if you want to visit surrounding spots such as Sodwana Bay or Mabibi Beach, a 4x4 is recommended. Take your time to drive through the park on your way to Cape Vidal. Pack a picnic basket, drive all the loops and keep your eyes open for game, stop at the viewpoints, and enjoy your picnic at one of the bird hides. Ask for a camp site as close to the beach as possible. Take all your food and other supplies such as fire wood as the little shop at Cape Vidal is limited.

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XXX