Municipal Focus Volume 66

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

It is without a doubt that some of our most measurable achievements as a country have been through the collaboration of our corporate sector with government.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), our cover feature in this edition, is undoubtedly a company that has an ethos of giving back to, and transforming our municipalities and communities with remarkable results. MD, Velaphi Ratshefola has made a long-term commitment to a sustainability strategy which encompasses water management, contributing to a world without waste through deliberate waste collection, women-and youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and localisation, amongst others.

Municipal Focus took up the opportunity to speak with Ratshefola on these issues and on receiving the 22nd annual Top Empowerment Lifetime Achievement Award this year.

We have also covered Santam, which for over a decade has been instrumental in supporting critical skills development and capacity building within municipalities in response to government’s call, and within the framework of the Business Adopt a Municipality (BAAM) programme.

Another corporate that is also fast becoming a leader in re-imagining local government to create smart cities, is Ntiyiso Consulting. Its innovative, citizen-driven and customercentric Future City campaign being driven by Miyelani Holeni, Group Chief Advisor and Local Government Expert, is integral in unlocking economic opportunities on behalf of communities and regions through end-to-end project conceptualisation and development. The company’s growth is synonymous with the sustainable and evidence-based growth of our cities.

Championing waste management and coordinating our coastal region clean-ups

is Plastics SA, that has for the past 27 years been committed to preserving our beautiful coastlines.

The City of Polokwane puts its best foot forward to take first place in the 2023 National Arbor City Awards. The city’s contribution to the Presidential Ten Million Trees campaign was justly rewarded with a R140 000 cheque, and is testimony that the municipality gives prominence to tree planting and waste management.

In our Municipal News section, we showcase the rollout of ‘first of its kind’ safety technology for the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officers, the handover of agricultural assets to the Amampondomise Kingdom in Mhlonto Local Municipality, and highlight the Alfred Nzo District Municipality’s SODA that communicates Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana’s commitment to prioritizing the rural communities during his tenure.

Indeed, local government is faced with a crisis of note, but as citizens of the country we cannot hang up the gloves, and it is assuring that the cogs of workable public-private partnerships are “resetting the button” to inspire change.

Enjoy the read and keep safe!

Nardine Nelson Publisher & CEO Kweda Media & Communications

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Managing Director, Velaphi Ratshefola

Tree planting in Polokwane for National Arbor Week 2023

Together, we can build a capable, ethical & developmental South Africa.

• Service delivery

• Reputation & credibility

• Ethical practices

• Audit outcomes

• Risk identification & mitigation

• Management

• A robust ethical approach

• Stronger stakeholder relationships

• Efficient & economic ways of working

• A competitive edge

• Full control through performance measurement

Ensure Decrease

• Accountability

• Employees are highly skilled & competent professionals through up-skilling

• Costs

• Wastage

• Complexity

Assisting Local Government and Municipalities to strengthen their Procurement & Supply Chains and help deliver better services to communities. Now is the time.

10 CCBSA - MANAGING DIRECTOR, VELAPHI RATSHEFOLA SPEAKS

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WALKING THE TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY TOGETHER

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Managing Director, Velaphi Ratshefola speaks to Municipal Focus about the company’s ethos of transformation

When our company was formed in 2016, our transformation journey also started and it is the ethos that underpins how we do business,” says Velaphi Ratshefola, the Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA). “While B-BBEE is a regulatory requirement in South Africa, for us, it is a way of life and how we do business and it aligns seamlessly with our sustainability strategy which encompasses water management, contributing to a world without waste through deliberate collection strategy, women and youth empowerment, economic inclusion, localisation, amongst others.

Over and above the strong diversity and inclusion plans CCBSA put in place to ensure the company reflects South Africa’s demographics, Velaphi committed to achieving a 50% target for women in leadership.

“We currently have 51% women representation in leadership with women represented across our business including core businesscommercial, manufacturing and logistics, supply chain, etc., where they play a significant role in shaping the future and legacy of CCBSA.” >

“I am proud of the work we have done to transform our organisation.

"Correcting past imbalances is not easy, but it has to be done. In South

Africa we face the threats of deep unemployment and associated poverty, and together these reinforce the levels of inequality along race, class, and gender lines. The importance of diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment of women to end poverty and inequality cannot be overstated. For example, it is estimated that gender gaps can cost an economy about 15 percent of GDP.”

Empowering women has a cascading effect in communities.

By default, women, are the primary caregivers, typically spending more of their income on household essentials, food, health, and education, leading to improved developmental outcomes. But more often than not, women put others’ needs before their own, so we have a strong case for why we must invest in women’s economic empowerment. Doing so, enables us to create shared value and a brighter future – enabling improved livelihoods for themselves, their families, and their communities, while inclusively expanding our businesses.

In July this year, Velaphi was awarded the 22 nd annual Top Empowerment Lifetime Achievement Award, and on three occasions has been the recipient of the Standard Bank Top Women Male Driving Gender Empowerment Award.

About the recognition, Velaphi said, “It’s about making a difference and not just making profits”, says Velaphi. Whether it be making economic, social, or environmental difference, CCBSA has taken to heart the need to contribute to a better, transformed society. It is critical, if we want to advance our country and our business, that we tap into the talent of all our peopleirrespective of gender.”

He sees the award as an inspiration to the people at CCBSA and corporate South Africa that is responding to the call to be part of the transformation agenda. “It is an affirmation of our commitment to diversity and inclusion in our business, as well as our value chain.”

Velaphi recognises the important role which leaders play in shaping their organisation’s strategy and culture. “I have been intentional

“I have been intentional in my vision to empower women within our own ranks, as well as our network of partners and suppliers, to shift the needle on gender empowerment.”

in my vision to empower women within our own ranks, as well as our network of partners and suppliers, to shift the needle on gender empowerment. For me, it’s not just a buzzword, but it’s an important strategic objective that must find expression in how we run our businesses. We have to reflect the demographics of SA.”

But Velaphi added that he is cognisant of the fact that we should not create an unintended consequence of our boy children and men thinking they and their struggles don’t matter.

“I don’t think that as a country and the world, we have done anything wrong with driving the gender agenda. But perceptions can be people’s truth. What we should all agree on, is that it does not make sense to have more than half of the world’s population being relegated to the margins of society.”

“Women have the capacity to think, to invent, to lead and drive growth. We must leverage their skills to grow our economies. In South Africa we have the benefit of a history of women in the struggle against apartheid, women running banks and major corporations. We will become an even greater and prosperous society if everyone’s potential is recognised and men and women’s skills are leveraged.” >

“Our actions are informed by the belief that women are capable of running businesses, leading, and developing teams and tangibly contributing to the longterm profitability of institutions.”

Velaphi Ratshefola with Michael Tsholo – Regional Commercial General Manager: Gauteng Region, CCBSA

Velaphi with his children: Velaphi Jnr; Mmamorwa & Rebaone

Velaphi Ratshefola delivering his thank you speach.

CHANGING THE TRAJECTORY

Velaphi explains that having inclusion programmes across the organisation is how CCBSA goes about achieving the vision of creating inclusive growth opportunities for black people, women, youth, and people with disabilities.

“Because of our acute awareness and appreciation of past disparities, how marginalised women in particular were and in some areas continue to be – we understand our role in ensuring women are not only integrated in our business but are given the tools to succeed,” says Velaphi. With this end in mind, CCBSA sets aside a significant amount of funding for skills development and capacity building initiatives for both women within CCBSA and its suppliers. “Our actions are informed by the belief that women are capable of running businesses, leading, and developing teams and tangibly contributing to the long-term

profitability of institutions. Further, we have invested in the health and wellness of all our employees but are particularly passionate about women’s mental and emotional health and stability. Economic inclusion is a catalyst for an enhanced quality of life and broader societal development.”

Soon Velaphi will be handing over the reins to CCBSA’s next Managing Director, but that won’t stop him from continuing to play his part in driving gender empowerment and transformation.

“I am going to continue working hard to shine the light on gender equality and the inclusion of women in meaningful conversations. I will do that while also ensuring men understand their role in creating an enabling environment for women to thrive. This includes the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV) and all its forms – verbal, physical,

psychological, and financial. As a nation, we need to do better, and I will play my part to give a voice to women through action.” 

Contact Details:

Tel: 011 848 2600

E-mail: media@ccbagroup.com

Website: www.ccbsaco.com

Address:

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

15 Axle Drive, Clayville, 1666

Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo is counting down the days to the first Registration Weekend for South Africa’s historic 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

COUNTDOWN TO REGISTRATION WEEKEND BEGINS

South Africa celebrates a historic 30 years of democracy in 2024, when it will hold its seventh democratic national and provincial elections sometime between May and August.

The elections will also be historic for another reason: independent candidates will contest the national elections for the first time.

Sy Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer

(CEO) of the Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa, says that the Chapter 9 institution is making good progress with its preparations for holding the 2024 general elections. “We are on the right

side of the curve in terms of the project planning process for the 2024 elections. Our planning timeframe of 18 to 24 months puts us less than a year away from the elections, and our plans are taking shape,” Mamabolo explains.

A crucial aspect in the build up to the elections is the voter registration drive. The IEC announced earlier this year that the first voter registration weekend would take place on 18 and 19 November 2023. This event will see the activation of nearly 24 000 voting stations countrywide where voters can register in person and update their addresses on the voters’ roll.

The reason for this mammoth

undertaking is to ensure that a registration facility is made available in each community, meaning that nobody will have to travel a significant distance to exercise their right to be on the voters' roll.

“A voter registration weekend, in comparison with online registration or registering at a local IEC office, is an equaliser of opportunity because everybody is placed in the same position. As a voter, you wake up, walk or drive to your nearby voting station, and register,” says Mamabolo.

A second voter registration weekend will follow in early 2024, but the date will only be announced once President Cyril Ramaphosa officially sets the date for the 2024 elections.

Registering voters is a critical step in election preparations, especially for citizens aged 18 and older who are eligible to vote, because it:

• Ensures that voters know the location of their voting station;

• Assures voters that they can verify their voters’ roll particulars and will be able to participate in the forthcoming elections;

• Enables voters to actively participate in the elections by nominating candidates and supporting the nomination of a candidate;

• Enables a voter to be nominated and stand as a candidate.

Voters who have internet access can register (or update their voters’ roll address) online anywhere, anytime up until the proclamation of the election, which is expected soon after the President announces the election date.

The online voter registration portal available at www.registertovote. elections.org.za was launched

in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic as an additional method of registration.

Mamabolo says that some 750 000 voters have used the online registration portal since its inception, a number which he is hoping to build on for the forthcoming elections.

“There are many ways of registering as a voter. We urge citizens to register as voters using the online platform which is available 24/7.

Citizens without internet access or data, can get a family member or friend to assist with registering them online, or they can register at their local IEC office, or visit their voting station on the weekend of 18 and 19 November, between 8am and 5pm on both the Saturday and Sunday.

In terms of South African citizens abroad who wish to vote, Mamabolo says that a voter registration weekend will take place at various diplomatic missions, including consulates, in addition to the online voter registration portal.

"Before year-end, a voter registration weekend will be held for citizens abroad, while they too will have access to the voter portal. London in the United Kingdom always has the highest concentration of citizens wishing to vote, followed by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and The Hague in the Netherlands. On average, some 20 000 citizens vote in South African missions abroad in national elections." Mamabolo adds.

Mamabolo calls on municipalities to support voter registration for the 2024 elections by:

• Supporting the campaigns of voter registration drives by the Electoral Commission; >

• Encouraging citizens to register to vote by mounting their own voter education and information campaigns;

• M aking free wirele ss connectivity available, to facilitate online voter registration.

“The inherent benefit for the municipalities is that the voters’ roll of the 2024 general elections will be the basis for the determination of council seats, and the determination of ward

boundaries. We call on municipalities to support the call for citizens of all ages, especially young first-time voters, to register to vote,” he adds.

What’s new in the 2024 Elections?

The Electoral Amendment Act, 1 of 2023, was signed into law by President Ramaphosa in April.

The Act is an amendment of South Africa's Electoral Act of 1998 and enables independent candidates

to contest national and provincial elections. The basis for the amendment was a Constitutional Court judgement of 2020.

“Practically what this means is that, prior to 2024, voters only used two ballot papers – one a national ballot and the other a provincial ballot.

In these elections, that changes: voters will be presented with three ballot papers – two ballots for the National Assembly and one ballot for

The number of ballot papers to be printed has increased by 50% and the number of days available to print the ballot papers (following the closure of nominations) has not increased, so there is that logistical complexity that has been introduced by the new Act.”

Two civil society organisations are challenging aspects of the revised electoral system, in particular, the election deposit amounts and the number of endorsement signatures, regarded as barriers to entry for independent candidates and unrepresented parties. They are also challenging the distribution of seats in the National Assembly, as well as the replacement of elected officials who wish to withdraw mid-term. Judgement on the Constitutional Court matter, the hearing for which was held in late August 2023, is anticipated any day now.

The reason being, as Mamabolo clarifies, that the outcome of such challenges will have a significant impact on the IEC’s election preparedness. “Our candidate nomination system, which is an internally-coded business application,

has had to be extensively revised to accommodate independent candidates. Similarly, the results system, which calculates, captures, and processes the results, is undergoing a complete rewrite.”

The next major challenge for the IEC is informing and educating would-be independent candidates, as well as voters, about the new electoral dispensation. For this to be successful, Mamabolo says that a mixed approach is required.

An on-the-ground education drive will be carried out by the IEC’s Democracy Education Facilitators, who will hold community workshops in townships and villages, as well as at existing congregations within communities such as churches, football associations, youth groups, and women groups. This, says Mamabolo, provides a “human element to the delivery of civic and democracy education.”

“Our research tells us that TV and radio remain the most credible sources of news in the country, so we will also be running voter education programmes on these media."

The third avenue for delivery is social media platforms. A significant

proportion of young persons converse and engage politically on social media, hence the dedicated civic education component that is being delivered through social media,” he adds.

The IEC is launching its election campaign in October, but it has already kicked off with a ‘Get your ID’ campaign in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, and has an education campaign on the Electoral Amendment Act under way on its social media platforms.

The final element of its education drive pertains to stakeholder liaison, sessions which are needed to ensure that business, civil society organisations, community and religious organisations and the media, among many other social groupings, are up to speed on the electoral process and that their members are appropriately mobilised for election participation.

“As the IEC, we need to provide voter education and run campaigns that capture the imagination of the country so that every citizen of age is aware of the fact that they can and should vote in the 2024 elections. This is what we need to secure a prosperous future for South Africa, so stay tuned,” Mamabolo concludes. 

PAVING THE WAY FOR PHASING IN OF OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Learners who obtain academic training and qualifications find workplaces challenging when having to apply what they have learned within an unfamiliar environment.

It is with this in mind that Occupational Programmes which are being phased in, will be offered by TVET colleges in partnership with various SETAs to bridge this gap.

Occupational Programmes are skills acquired through practice and application. This is done through Work-based learning (WBL) which is essential in developing learners and preparing them to be ready for the workplace. Their ability to excel at the workplace also grows exponentially, hence the need to introduce them in the training and development arena.

The success of these programmes is

fuelled by the collaboration between various partners and stakeholders and SETAs play a key role in facilitating these programmes and financing some of them, whilst other funders and employers also play a key role.

In this regard Taletso TVET College has implemented a number of successful skills programmes that incorporate workplace-based practical learning in collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, namely:

• Operations and Finance Skills Programme with the Wholesale & Retail Sector Training Authority (W&RSETA) in which Taletso achieved a 69% pass rate.

• Bricklaying and Electrical Apprenticeships funded by the Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA) which are now in their second phase. Here 35 learners

were enrolled in the programme at the beginning of July 2023. The programme is a dual system based on a German model. The duration of the programme is three years. They cover theory modules, simulation, and workplace modules before they

Occupational Programmes Manager, Ms ID Mothusi

can go for trade test. The quality assurer for trade testing is Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The competent apprentices who pass their trade test will get a red seal certificate from QCTO.

• Plumbing and Carpentry Programme that was funded by the Provincial Department of Health. The first cohort of 12 beneficiaries are on their last phase of the programme, the fourth month. They are currently in various workplaces in different parts of the province. A further 30 learners on the same programme are still at the workplace and are expected to be back in class before the end of the 2023 academic year

• The 12-month Community House Building Level 2 Learnership Programme that was funded by CETA started in March 2023. Fifty (50) learners were enrolled for the programme. This group is back in class for theoretical tasks while they are busy with their experiential learning.

• The Bricklaying Apprenticeship Programme recruited 20 learners who are constructing a Law Clinic Building at the North West University as part of their workplace training component. The learners worked on the building from its inception. It will be handed to the university at the end of August 2023.

The Electrical Apprenticeship Programme enrolled 20 learners who are currently at various workplaces such as Bophelong Hospital, Monnamere Primary School and North West Development Corporation for their practical experience. The learners will be back at the campus for their phase 2 workshop and theoretical component.

• The 50 learners who had been enrolled for the Community House Building Learnership have completed their theoretical learning and will be starting

their workplace component from 1 September 2023.

• The Plumbing Apprenticeship and Carpentry Apprenticeship Programmes that are being run in partnership with the Provincial Department of Health recruited 21 learners each. The learners are at various departmental hospitals for their practical component.

Further, six Plumbing and six Carpentry learners are expected to go for their trade tests in April 2024 having completed their 36 months Apprenticeship Programme.

The implementation of these programmes at Taletso TVET College form a strong foundation that will pave a way for phasing-in of Occupational qualifications. As a demonstration of its commitment to the programmes, the college appointed two contract facilitators for both the Artisan Program and the Skills Programs that are running on the two sites at Mafikeng Campus. Best practices are implemented in the artisan program and skills program with regular informative meetings held with the funders and the beneficiaries.

For the skills program, stakeholder meetings are held every Monday morning. All the Colleges from various provinces attend the meeting. Ideas are shared by all during discussions hence we are all on the same wavelength as far as the delivery of the program is concerned. 

Central Office: Tel: +27 (0) 18 384 2346/ 50

Fax: +27 (0) 18 384 7511

Email: info@taletsofetcollege.co.za

Website: www.taletso.edu.za

Address: 761-762 Setlogelo Drive, Montshiwa Unit 2, Mahikeng, 2790

W&RSETA Graduation - 16 August 2023, hosted at Olive Convention Centre in Durban

"To the few women who have risen through the ranks to lead positions in various institutions across the country – you must take someone with you. What this means is that wherever we are, we must never forget where we came from," - Deputy Minister Dr Pilane-Majake.

DEPUTY MINISTER

CHANA-MAJAKE URGES SUCCESSFUL FEMALE LEADERS TO FOSTER A CULTURE OF EMPOWERMENT AMONG THEMSELVES

In her keynote address delivered at the start of the inaugural Public Service Women in Leadership Retreat held at Sun City Convention Centre, in the North West Province during Women’s Month, Deputy Minister Dr Pilane-Majake acknowledged progress in women's empowerment in most sectors of society. However, the Deputy Minister also stated that the current statistics show that more ground needs to be covered, given the feminised face of unemployment, inequality, and poverty.

Deputy Minister Dr Chana Pilane-Majake called on the gathering of 200 mostly female leaders and managers within the Public Service to use their influence to empower women still climbing the ranks of the Public Service.

The inaugural Public Service Women in Leadership retreat, organised in collaboration with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), the Premier's Office of the North West Province, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), served as a fitting end to the Women's Month programme, which concluded on 30 August 2023.

Nearly seven decades ago, on August 9, 1956, thousands of women marched to Pretoria's Union Building to protest the apartheid regime's severe Pass Laws. As

a result, the Deputy Minister instructed the retreat's female senior managers and leaders to "reflect on their role in Government and the extent to which they are contributing to changing the socio-economic imbalances that continue to have a negative impact on the lives of women."

The three-day retreat, according to Deputy Minister Dr Pilane-Majake, is just one of many efforts to improve the situation of women in society, with much more to be done.

"A catalytic approach is required to develop practical interventions for women's advancement and

inclusion in all trade and businessdriven departments and state institutions...towards economic inclusion of women that will, in general, accelerate economic growth with improved GDP for a better life for all," said the Deputy Minister.

Senior management from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and the National School of Government (NSG) also spoke during the retreat's morning session, delivering updates on the National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service. 

DPSA HOSTS EMERGING LEADERSHIP AT THE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS CEREMONY

In April of this year, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) piloted the innovative Emerging Leaders in the Public Service (ELIPS) programme after identifying a gap in how young public servants are prepared for future leadership and management roles in the Public Service.

On Friday, August 18, 2023, one hundred and twenty (120) pilot Emerging Leaders in the Public Service (ELIPS) participants received certificates of completion at the graduation award ceremony in Boksburg, Gauteng! The awards ceremony marked the successful culmination of their coaching and mentoring journey under the guidance of ten professional coaches drawn from the Public Sector.

group would gel, given the different levels,” said the DPSA DirectorGeneral, Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, an active sponsor of the ELIPS concept. “ELIPS is about building the next layer of leadership for the Public Service. It is to ensure that the current young public servants are ready and comfortable with leading when they eventually occupy leadership positions,” DG Makhasi explained.

In the public sector, there are many prospects for developing young workers. However, these are typically regulated and institutionalised, primarily focusing on technical aspects of professional development.

Although crucial, it has been observed that existing development programmes tend to offer more of what young public officials have

through formal qualifications, such as degrees and certificates, even when all they need is a warm and guiding hand throughout their professional paths.

In the build-up to the launch of the ELIPS pilot programme to the awards ceremony, the young public servants and interns participated in coaching and mentoring sessions delivered in 5 blocks. The two-hour-long virtual sessions designed for ten people per coach progressively cover the following areas:

• Leading Self

• Leading Change

• Leadership Effectiveness

• Leading Teams

• Leading Performance

“The ELIPS pilot brought together young people who were already employed in the Public Service and interns, who are 35 years and below, and so we were not sure how this

Through the ELIPS programme, participants can receive guidance and support from experienced coaches who understand the challenges and intricacies of the public sector, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in leadership positions.

The ELIPS programme aims to address this gap by providing personalised coaching and mentoring, allowing young public servants to develop not only their technical abilities but also their leadership and management capabilities. Through this unique approach, participants can receive guidance and support from experienced coaches who understand the challenges and intricacies of the public sector, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in leadership positions.

During the awards ceremony, some ELIPS awardees provided testimonies of their journey and how the immersive coaching and mentoring experience impacted their outlook on themselves and the world of work, with one directly attributing her securing a higher position to the programme. Notably, a common thread that ran through most of the testimonies emphasised the “personal touch”, which seemed to affirm the ELIPS programme’s emphasis on “soft skills” as much as traditional competencies.

“I remember the coach saying that we are responsible for paving our own way regardless of what happens around us and that the most important thing is how we respond,” said Modjadjie Maphunye, echoing the general sentiment among the awardees. Beyond providing knowledge and

tools that will guide the awardees in pursuing their career aspirations, it is also hoped that the first cohort of ELIPS participant will gradually coalesce into a network of a cadre of leaders and a community of practice within the Public Service that would facilitate an exchange of knowledge, expertise and experiences in resolving the challenges they confront.

On the part of the ELIPS pilot, which ended with the awards ceremony,

DG Makhasi said the positive stories from the coaching and mentoring initiative were encouraging. However, critical feedback from the young people, coaches and project managers would help chart the way forward for the programme.

“It is good to tell the good news and be positive, but I am also keen to hear about the things that we need to improve through the feedback processes that have been undertaken,” said DG Makhasi.

ELIPS participants will gradually coalesce into a network of a cadre of leaders and a community of practice within the Public Service that would facilitate an exchange of knowledge, expertise and experiences in resolving the challenges they confront.

THE MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT INDABA RE-ASSERTS THAT INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION IS CRITICAL TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Municipal Infrastructure Indaba hosted by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Ms Thembi Nkadimeng, concluded with a promise and commitment to support municipalities to ensure effective functioning infrastructure that benefits communities.

The Indaba, held under the banner of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) was held in Kempton Park on the 18th of August 2023.

Minister Nkadimeng emphasised that Functional Infrastructure was a bedrock of vibrant communities and economic prosperity.

Stakeholders and role players who shared their ideas and views at the Indaba included Deputy Ministers Parks Tau and Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; MECs from Provinces; the South African Local Government Association (SALGA); representatives from different provinces and municipalities; the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA); the University of Cape Town and the Council for the Built Environment, among others.

MISA Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Reflecting on the past decade of MISA, the Indaba emphasised the District Development Model (DDM) approach to unlocking catalytic projects and resources to ensure the development of communities.

Minister Nkadimeng reflected on the role of MISA since its establishment in 2012. She congratulated MISA for having been at the forefront of working with municipalities to address the acute capacity challenges they are facing. The Minister further emphasised the importance of agility and pragmatism in addressing local government challenges, especially as they relate to poor or no infrastructure.

She indicated the need for policies to be enablers rather than obstacles in the pursuit of progress. The Minister challenged officials to recognize that the impact of infrastructure delivery is magnified when women are its primary beneficiaries, highlighting the broader societal implications of the work being done.

Even though the last decade was characterised by collaboration, capacitybuilding, and responsive governance, the Indaba called for more partnerships to work towards ensuring socioeconomic development.

MISA was established in 2012 through a Presidential Proclamation 29 of 2012, which was gazetted on the 11 May 2012, in terms of section 7(A) of the Public Service Act,1994.

MISA is mandated to:

• Support municipalities to conduct effective infrastructure planning to achieve sustainable service delivery;

• Support and assist municipalities with the implementation of infrastructure projects as determined by the municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs);

• Support and assist municipalities with the operation and maintenance of municipal infrastructure;

• Build the capacity of municipalities to undertake effective planning, delivery, operations and management of municipal infrastructure.

Building Technical Capacity for Municipalities

Participants agreed that whilst MISA’s core mandate is on building and providing technical capacity to municipalities, the reality is that most municipalities require a holistic intervention, to include issues of governance, infrastructure procurement and financial management.

as they relate to poor or no infrastructure.

A recurring theme echoed by numerous speakers throughout the Indaba was the pressing issue of infrastructure that enhances community development and economic growth.

While there has been considerable emphasis on building new infrastructure units, the poor or lack of infrastructure maintenance and preserving existing assets has emerged as a critical concern. The broader sentiment underscored the importance of a holistic approach to infrastructure development, one that encompasses both expansion and maintenance to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of investments.

Other speakers drew attention to the interconnectedness of challenges faced by municipalities and how these can often be traced back to weaknesses in the implementation of the key legislations to ensure full provincial and national support to municipalities as per section 154 of the Constitution.

The Indaba acknowledged that South Africa’s infrastructure is still skewed as urban areas continue receiving priority over rural areas. This calls for a shift to also include rural areas to ensure socioeconomic development which is key in reducing migration to cities and also alleviating inequality and poverty.

The Indaba was indeed an opportunity to not only reflect on the decade of MISA’s excellence but was also a platform to reflect on the evolving landscape of municipal infrastructure development in South Africa. >

The Minister emphasised the importance of agility and pragmatism in addressing local government challenges, especially

Better infrastructure for a better life

“Effective and efficient infrastructure is pivotal in alleviating poverty in South Africa. While our nation boasts a robust core infrastructure network, ensuring equitable distribution remains a challenge. This Indaba marks our commitment to bridging this gap and revitalizing communities through strategic infrastructure development and maintenance,” Minister Nkadimeng said.

The second pillar of MISA’s mandate therefore becomes critical; to create conditions for decent living by consistently delivering municipal services to the right quality and standard. This includes planning for and delivery of infrastructure and amenities, maintenance and upkeep, including the budgeting to do this. Ensure no failures in services and where there are, restore with urgency.

This then requires that MISA also

monitor and analyse the extent and condition of existing municipal infrastructure, and proactively support and intervene where problems are acute. The agent will also assist in developing municipal infrastructure procurement processes and capacity as well as ensuring that national

norms are met in the maintenance of infrastructure. Through its monitoring, MISA will also proactively support and intervene where these are not being met.

The Indaba concluded with a clarion call for all stakeholders and role players to embrace collaboration, leverage synergies, and adopt a comprehensive approach to infrastructure evelopment. MISA was also called upon to forge ahead with a formal relationship with Traditional Leaders through the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), in order to close the visible gaps in infrastructure within the institution of traditional leadership.

Participants from the Indaba left inspired and invigorated to collectively shape a future marked by resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. 

The message from the Indaba was clear: “South Africa stands at the crossroads of infrastructure advancement and development.”

EMBRACING THE HEART OF THE TOWNSHIP ECONOMY:

WHY MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD BE CHAMPIONING LOCAL BUSINESSES

By Mongezi Mtati, Brand Strategist at Rogerwilco

South Africa’s township economy is the lifeblood of many communities and an unsung contributor to the country’s GDP. A quarter of the population lives in townships, almost 12 million people, who account for billions of rands in spending power. As the country grapples with socioeconomic challenges such as high unemployment, load shedding and rising food prices, understanding the nuances and better serving this market is not just beneficial, but essential.

Municipalities and local governments are well-placed to help harness this potential. Supporting, promoting, and investing in township businesses will not only drive local economic growth but also ensure that the communities' needs are met authentically and effectively.

Rogerwilco has been working with Survey54 over the past three years to better understand township residents' spending and saving habits, and get a deeper understanding of local economic dynamics.

One of the key findings of this year’s Township CX (Customer Experience) Report, which polled more than 1,000 individuals living in townships nationwide, is that consumers are spending more within the townships. 25% of respondents reported spending over 50% of their income within the township. More than 22% said they have bought clothes and furniture, as well as paid for services that were offered in the township, while just under 50% say they have bought food that was prepared and manufactured in their respective townships.

But we are seeing a shift in how they are spending their money with a growing preference for value over brand affinity as consumers adapt to the tough economic conditions. When asked about their motivation for choosing a particular brand, the survey found that 59.3% of

respondents considered price as the decisive factor. Additionally, 24.9% of participants emphasised the importance of a brand's understanding of their needs, while only 10.4% mentioned advertising as a motivating factor.

consumers tend to show loyalty to locally produced products more than those from outside their communities. This trust isn't just about 'local is lekker'; it's built on a profound understanding of the unique challenges and cultural nuances that township residents face daily. Brands born and bred within these communities inherently 'get it' in a way that outsiders struggle to.

For many, a significant portion of their salaries is spent on transportation, leaving little for essential food, clothing and personal care. Brands that understand this and offer genuine value earn more than just trust; they earn loyalty.

Another enlightening trend in the Township CX Report is that township

Local township businesses, particularly spaza shops, are not just surviving but thriving in this environment. We’ve seen a rise in patronage of local spaza shops, with 51% of respondents claiming to shop at spazas daily—an increase from 44% in 2022. In comparison, supermarkets only garner 28% of daily shoppers, with 48% of respondents saying they shop once a week at supermarkets and 18% saying they do so once a month.

Recognising the unique tastes, preferences, and economic realities of their clientele, these businesses are providing residents with affordable, flexible, and >

One of the key findings of this year’s Township CX (Customer Experience) Report, which polled more than 1,000 individuals living in townships nationwide, is that consumers are spending more within the townships.

locally-tailored solutions including repackaging items into smaller quantities, offering weigh-and-pay options and even buy-now-pay-later solutions for regular customers.

entrepreneurs in running their businesses by providing business development training, facilitating local partnerships, or even offering incentives for sustainable business practices.

But these spaza shops and small stores need more support from the brands they sell and the government to ensure the quality of their products remains high.

One of their biggest challenges is that unlike big supermarket chains, they don’t have direct relationships with suppliers, and they don’t have the storage space for goods. So if an item has been on the shelf for longer than it should be, the quality can deteriorate.

To avoid this from happening, brands need to collaborate closely with the people who are selling their products to understand how it’s going to be sold and who sells them. That involves trust, not just between the store owner and customer but the big brand on the other end as well. Close partnerships with these local businesses will allow brands to increase their basket sizes as customers top up their supplies throughout the month.

Municipalities and local governments also need to intervene to ensure that those businesses selling legitimate quality products are not undermined by fake products and brands— which stretch way beyond highfashion labels to everyday products, including bread, soft drinks and cigarettes— through streamlining regulation and using existing structures to beef up oversight on the ground. They also need to have resources available to assist township

Another means of better understanding the township economy is through communication with consumers. In the advent of digital, it’s much easier to build that relationship and target the consumer directly. The availability of affordable and high-speed internet has significantly impacted internet penetration in South Africa, which now stands at 72.3%.

Contributions made by initiatives like Isizwe.com's Kayamandi Fibre Project and others led by Vumatel have helped in achieving this milestone.

Improved internet access benefits individuals and presents numerous opportunities for small businesses to thrive. One sector that has experienced notable growth is food delivery services, driven by the surge in e-commerce and the unique circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. While established platforms like Uber Eats and Checkers Sixty60 enjoy strong brand recognition, local services such as Zulzi and YeboFresh have successfully addressed specific needs within the township ecosystem. For example, Zulzi offers a wide range of products, including food and pharmaceuticals, and even facilitates instant loans. On the other hand, YeboFresh focuses on bulk orders via WhatsApp for local businesses, leveraging economies of scale.

The loyalty towards local businesses extends to the fashion industry as well. The popularity of homegrown brands is on the rise among township consumers.

In 2022, 75% of respondents expressed a higher likelihood to purchase local fashion brands if they were easily accessible through store cards at frequented shops.

This year, the survey delved into the actual expenditure on local fashion. Nearly 17% of respondents reported spending between R1,000 and R2,000 in the past year, with almost 6% investing over R3,000 in local fashion over that time. Footwear brand Bathu leads this demand, with 7% of respondents stating they purchased the brand within the last twelve months, followed by Drip (4.4%) and Amakipkip (purchased by just over 1% of respondents). In comparison, 6.3% of respondents bought international fashion brands.

Nurturing these local brands and understanding the significance of townships and their residents, is key to driving growth. By allocating funds to infrastructure, enhancing the quality of services, and backing local enterprises, we can harness the full potential of these areas. Policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs need to collaborate in establishing a conducive environment that encourages economic expansion and employment opportunities within South African townships.

The township economy isn't just about businesses. It's about communities, relationships, trust, and value. By championing these local businesses, municipalities can play a pivotal role in fostering an economy that is resilient, vibrant, and reflective of the community's true needs. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Cape Town

Tel: 021 975 8181

Email: info@rogerwilco.co.za

Johannesburg

Tel: 010 045 0316

Email: jhb@rogerwilco.co.za

Download the 2023 Township Report @: www.rogerwilco.co.za/south-africascx-township-report-2023-here

Municipalities and local governments also need to intervene to ensure that those businesses selling legitimate quality products are not undermined by fake products and brands.

Registrationiseasy, gotowww.psira.co.za andclickone-PSiRA logo,gotoSSP Registration and followthepromptsto registerasan In-houseservice provider.

REGULATING PRIVATE SECURITY

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority is a regulatory body for the private security industry.

WHAT IS AN INHOUSE SECURITY SERVICE

Inhouse refers to Government Departments, State Owned Entities and Municipalities that employ Security Officers directly.

Inhouse security service providers need to be registered with PSiRA by law through the PSiR Act as they are providing a security service by employing security officers that offer a security service for the respective government department, municipality or state-owned entity.

Security Managers of In-house Security Service need to be registered and accredited with PSiRA with at least a Grade B.

PSiRA registers and accredits Security Businesses and Security O cers in order to operate within the Private Security Industry in South Africa.

Obligations in terms of private security industry regulations for inhouse security providers:

• Only use employees registered as security service providers (ensure registration / training)

• Comply with deductions of annual amounts payable by security service providers

• Keeping of Regulation 10 documents at an accessible administrative office for minimum of 4 years

• Updating records within 7 days after changes

• Keeping records electronically or in document format. If electronic, back-up copies must be made.

RE-IMAGINING LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO CREATE SMART CITIES.

Twenty-four years after the birth of local government, we have reached a point where there are more questions than answers regarding the functioning and performance of this crucial sphere of government. Frustrations are certainly reaching boiling point from all quarters of society. Things have deteriorated to the point where there are challenges with each and every aspect of municipal function, whether it’s refuse not collected on time, delays in solving queries, irreparable infrastructure, mismanaged finances or no service at all. The truth is that the current state of South African local government system is totally different from what was envisaged when the system transitioned from the pre-1994 regime to the democratic dispensation. The assumption that municipalities will be able to depend mainly on their own revenue to finance the delivery of basic services, underpins the Local Government White Paper of 1998. With benefit of hindsight, it has now become apparent that the assumption was wrong. Municipalities are struggling to fund their budgets, other challenges about their governance notwithstanding.

Another assumption made by the White Paper was that municipalities would be able to play a key role in local economic development without the powers to create tax incentives and other legislative powers necessary to facilitate the same. It has to be accepted that these assumptions were made using data that was collected before the dawn of democracy.

The failures that were caused by these incorrect assumptions notwithstanding, there is a silver lining, after all. The fact that we have endured twenty-four years of post-apartheid local government means we have at least collected relevant data points to re-imagine, re-purpose and resource local government for the next twenty-five years. We must now use this statistical data available to inform changes to the statutes enshrined into our Constitution and other legislative instruments such as the PFMA, DORA (Division of Revenue Act) to henceforth govern local government in pursuit of cities of the future.

We should infuse into this new legislative undertaking lessons and principles from successful cities around the world. Even as we adopt the lessons, we must aim to build a local government regime that will create cities with an African characteristic and cater to the needs of us Africans in Africa. In line with the African Union Agenda 2063, the new cities must look, feel and behave differently from the past that was characterised with the collapse of governance and infrastructure, and incessant financial crisis.

To achieve the above and more, the rewriting of legislation should also be accompanied by design and implementation of programmes to build state capacity and capability as envisaged in the National Development Plan. The capacity and capability must be built across citizen, council and administrative levels to be able to tackle the complex problems that will inevitably come with building cities of the future.

We have a golden opportunity to build new cities, Future City is perhaps an apt name for these new engines of growth for all African countries. Future City is citizen-driven and customer-centric; it must be characterised by integrated thinking and planning, allowing for co-creation with societal stakeholders, coherent with provincial and national governments, and has solid governance. Future City has its citizens actively involved in governance and accountability value chain. It is characterised by functioning technology infrastructure that ensures that there is ease of communication and active engagement with it through digital or virtual platforms. Future City is relentless in customer centricity by having multiple platforms that customers can communicate, receive feedback and pay for their services. In fact, Future City is open for 24 hours to deliver services to all its stakeholders without prejudice.

In Future City, nothing happens by accident nor luck but through careful design of every facet of the system! Integrated thinking and planning are mature and institutionalised to the point where all the master plans have been developed and taken through feasibility studies. The master plans are not just on paper but have been digitised in an interactive digital platform where citizens have access, financiers can identify projects that require financing and work is done overnight to deliver the promises in the new day. This has resulted in heightened appetite for co-creation between all stakeholders that have a role in developing solutions through transparent and intentional consultation processes. Smart use of intellectual capital among private sector entities and across private and public sectors is contributing towards an uninterrupted provision of socio-economic services which motivates customers to pay for services that they consume.

As a stakeholder in local government, we believe everyone has a duty to drive the conversation about how we fix and re-imagine local government for the sake of posterity. Our Future of Cities campaign is our small contribution and with it we encourage all the other stakeholders to join the conversation and hopefully create the critical mass of voices we need to press the reset button.

Ntiyiso Consulting Group –Group Chief Advisor & Local Government Expert

MIYELANI HOLENI

We unlock new economic streams for growth.

Through Industrialisation Consulting, we unlock economic opportunities on behalf of communities and regions. We achieve this through end-to-end project conceptualisation and development. We also develop strategic economic development plans and infrastructure master plans.

Infrastructure planning & development support

Industrial Project Development & implementation

OUR SERVICES

Economic planning

Conduct Project Feasibility Studies

WE UNLOCK DEVELOPMENT

Founded in 2005, Ntiyiso Consulting Group is an authentically African and globally wired management consulting firm which seeks to empower institutions that enable Africa’s development.

We develop economies that create jobs and improve quality of life for the citizen.

We develop organisations that are e ective in delivering their mandates and are responsive to societal needs.

We develop revenue value chains that create cash surpluses that can be invested back for community development.

We deliver sustainable and evidence-based solutions through three subsidiaries.

OUR SUBSIDIARIES

NTIYISO REVENUE CONSULTING

Through Revenue Consulting, we improve cash positions of large and medium-sized municipalities. Here we optimise all or some components of the revenue value chain.

“If it’s money, we will find it for you.”

NTIYISO BUSINESS CONSULTING

Through Business Consulting, we turnaround or improve the revenue, profitability or social mandate performance of large and medium organisations. We achieve this by aligning the organisational ecosystem viz. strategy, leadership, people, architecture, routines, and culture.

“We help organisations deliver tangible results.”

NTIYISO INDUSTRIALISATION CONSULTING

Through Industrialisation Consulting, we unlock economic opportunities on behalf of communities and regions. We achieve this through end-to-end project conceptualisation and development. We also develop strategic economic development plans and infrastructure master plans.

“We unlock new economic streams for growth.”

Nedbank partners with local government to deliver positive societal impact

payments due to them, and appreciate the need for our clients to thrive in this digital era where ease of transacting and convenience is the order of the day.

Nedbank’s partnership with the public sector, and our aspirations to become their bank of choice continue to grow. Since 2019 Nedbank Commercial Banking was appointed primary banker to Nelson Mandela Development Agency, Bloem Water, Amatola Water, and awarded the Free State Provincial Treasury account in 2022, as well as the following 24 municipalities:

1 Amathole District Municipality

2 Beaufort West Local Municipality

3 Bergrivier Local Municipality

4 Breede Valley Local Municipality

5 Cape Winelands District Municipality

6 Central Karoo District Municipality

7 Dr Ruth Segomotsi District

agencies face unique challenges, and that the public sector requires financial solutions to enable the broader mandate of service delivery. In response, we have established dedicated public sector teams across South Africa and now boast extensive experience in provincial and local government, state-owned entities, and educational institutions.

With an enduring belief in the value of strong partnerships in facilitating business growth, effective community development and environmental conservation, our teams draw on Nedbank’s innovative, seamless and hassle-free products and solutions to help build a greater nation. For example, local government plays a key role in providing critically required investments in infrastructure and, in response, we have provided medium-to-long-term loans and other funding solutions to various municipalities. We also offer convenient ways to help municipalities manage

During the same period we were appointed primary banker of four public entities, and we remain the bank of choice for the eThekwini and City of Cape Town metropolitan municipalities, as well as several local and district municipalities across the country.

We sincerely thank all our public sector clients for continuing to entrust us with their business. Being the preferred banking partner is a major accolade that we do not take lightly. It is testament to the strides we are making in meeting the banking needs of public sector clients through our experienced team of specialists.

Nedbank's dedicated team of public sector specialists is ready to discuss how we can partner with you to support your needs. To find out more, talk to your business manager or send an email to publicsector@nedbank.co.za

Commercial Banking

Want a bank that’s serious about public sector growth?

Nedbank is committed to being the business banking partner for the public sector. Our bigger-picture approach to banking is designed to provide groundbreaking solutions for your municipality. With the expertise and knowledge of our community specialists, we can ensure continuity, accessibility and quick decision-making that guides your business growth.

Think bigger. Think Nedbank Commercial Banking.

For more information email us at publicsector@nedbank.co.za.

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES THROUGH COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Santam initiated the Partnership for Risk and Resilience (P4RR) Programme in 2012 in response to the South African government's call for the corporate community to support critical skills development and capacity building within municipalities within the framework of the Business Adopt a Municipality (BAAM).

P4RR is Santam’s flagship programme aimed at building societal resilience through collaboration and partnerships with all spheres of government, state owned entities, research and academic institutions, community-based organisations, private sector agencies to co-create initiatives to enhance institutional capacity of mandated

organisations to manage disaster risks.

South Africa’s changing disaster risk profile.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report Six (AR6) of August 2021 identified the Southern Africa region as a climate change hotspot. A climate change hotspot is when a region that is naturally dry and warm becomes drastically warmer and drier, with limited adaptation options, Engelbrecht, IPCC, 2021.

Within the South African context, these changes are impacting severity, frequency, and intensity of hydro-

meteorological hazards such as veldfires, drought, floods resulting in unprecedented scale of devastation of communities, livelihoods, infrastructure & insurance losses as witnessed during the 2021 April-May KwaZulu-Natal flood disaster. Climate change is expected to significantly increase the likelihood of ‘day zero’ type droughts to occur with devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods.

Partnership for Risk and Resilience programme – alignment with Global and national Frameworks

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted by members of the United Nations in 2015 and serves as the primary instrument

Sendai Priorities for Action Seven Sendai targets

i. Understanding disaster risk;

ii. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk;

iii. Investing in disaster reduction for resilience

iv. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction

i. Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average per 100,000 global mortality between 2020-2030 compared to 2005-2015.

ii. Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to lower the average global figure per 100,000 between 2020-2030 compared to 2005-2015

iii. Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030

iv. Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, among them health and educational facilities, including through developing their resilience by 2030

vi. Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020

vii. Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of this framework by 2030

viii. Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030

guiding global Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts.

It aims to achieve the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries over the next 15 years.

The Sendai Framework has four outlines and four priorities for action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks and seven clear targets (as depicted in Figure 1).

The P4RR programme contributes to the achievement of both the Sendai Priorities and Targets including through (a) conducting community-based risk assessments, (b) supporting resilience building efforts, (c) strengthening municipal institutional capacity, (d) community education and awareness programmes, etc.

Within the South African context, the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No 57 of 2002) calls for the active participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector, NGOs, technical experts, communities,

traditional leaders and volunteers, in disaster risk management planning and operations.

Against this background, Santam has integrated the initiatives implemented through P4RR in its corporate strategy under the strategic theme namely Help build resilient societies. Santam has aligned focus areas of the P4RR programme to the Key Performance Areas (KPAs) of the National Disaster Management Framework to facilitate implementation and align reporting arrangements for partner municipalities.

FIGURE

partnerships

2: The P4RR underlying principles for collaboration and

FIGURE 1: Sendai Framework Priorities for Action and seven Sendai targets

SANTAM’S PARTNERSHIP FOR RISK AND RESILIENCE – SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

Santam’s approach to partnerships with municipalities and other organs of state

Santam believes in a collaborative approach which takes into consideration the needs and requirements of the partners in co-creation of programmes and interventions. This approach is underpinned by the principles (as shown in Figure 2).

• Risk-based approach; Shared value; Co-creation; Innovation; Alignment with existing initiatives; Sustainability

• Leveraging co-funding opportunities where possible; Avoiding parallel operations; Avoiding one size fits all approach; Adopting a targeted approach to optimise impact.

Key focus areas of Santam’s Partnership for Risk and Resilience Programme (Figure 3 above) provides an overview of the interventions that are implemented as part of the Partnership for Risk and Resilience Programme:

The implementation of these initiatives depend on prioritisation by parties involved in the partnership and may vary from area to area based on local context and priorities of the municipalities. The key outcome of the P4RR programme is to help build resilient societies and contribute to reducing the risk protection gap.

FIGURE 3

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION THROUGH GREEN BOOK

A seven-step process for development of climate change adaptation plans

1. Engagement

2. Induction

3. Maturity Assessment

7. Implementation

Climate change adaptation support through the Greenbook

Climate-induced disasters undermines efforts to build societal resilience. With this in mind, Climate Change adaptation (CCA) is an integral component of Santam’s P4RR programme. Against this background, Santam has partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Disaster Management Centre, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Climate and Disaster Resilience Fund (CDRF) to assist selected municipalities to develop CCA plans using the Green Book.

The Green Book is a multi-disciplinary, open-access planning support system that provides evidence to municipalities to adapt their cities & towns to current and future climate change impacts based on their risk assessment. In 2022-2023, Santam and the CSIR are supporting nine (9) Districts and one (1) metro to develop CCA plans.

(Figure 4) above shows the process for the development of climate change adaptation plans:

Overview of Santam’s P4RR achievements

The programme has to date supported 82 Municipalities, across South Africa, impacting over 12.5 million people. A recent independent study revealed that the P4RR programme is making a positive contribution to disaster risk management in South Africa and most significantly, it is doing so in areas of systems failures, plugging important gaps. These contributions include institution strengthening and capacity building, the forging of new relationships and modalities for stakeholder cooperation and prompting innovation in the sector.

Lessons learned

Santam, together with its partners, have learned these important lessons from the implementation of the P4RR programme:

• Importance of linking initiatives to mandated organisations.

• Alignment of programmes to existing initiatives and programmes.

• Adopting a targeted approach to optimise impact.

• Collaborative approaches integral to public-private partnerships.

• Importance of co-funding of initiatives in sustainability of initiatives.

• Partnering / collaborating at District and Metro level. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Tel: 021 915 7000

Web: www.santam.co.za

Address:

Santam Head Office,1 Sportica crescent, Tygervalley, 7530

4. Green Book Training

5. Risk Assessment

6. Adaptation Planning

FIGURE 4:

Santam is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 3416), a licensed non-life insurer and controlling company for its group companies.

PLASTICS SA CELEBRATES

27TH YEAR OF COORDINATING

SOUTH AFRICA’S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY

South Africa is not only known for its stunning coastlines but also for its commitment to preserving them. Plastics SA’s annual CleanUp & Recycle SA Week, which will take place this year from 11-16 September 2023, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability and combating the waste crisis plaguing our beautiful country.

“Plastics SA is proud to announce its 27th year of coordinating South Africa's active participation in the International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICC), taking place at beaches across the country and around the world on Saturday, 16 September 2023, which will also be World Clean-Up Day.

This year the Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week will again feature numerous clean-ups on beaches, at rivers, water sources and in communities and neighbourhoods around the country. Highlights of the week include National River Clean-up Day on Wednesday, 13 September and National Recycling Day SA on Friday, 15 September. The culmination of the week’s activities will be on Saturday, 16 September, when South Africans from all walks of life come together for International Coastal Clean-up Day and World Clean-up Day,” says Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA.

“This year the Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week will again feature numerous clean-ups on beaches, at rivers, water sources and in communities and neighbourhoods around the country,” - Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA.

To further emphasize their dedication and aid in clean-up activities, Plastics SA has increased the number of yellow refuse bags to an impressive 700,000, ensuring that the industry and coordinators of clean-ups can make a substantial impact on cleaning up our beaches and rivers.

Cleanup champions in Gauteng and Mpumalanga will also be recognized and rewarded with essential clean-up tools i.e. of bags, gumboots, gloves, rakes and other equipment needed to clean the roadsides and rivers on River Clean-up Day.

"South Africa is facing a waste crisis, and every citizen can make a difference to reduce the amount of litter that pollutes our environment or ends up in landfill. As far as possible, we try to ensure that all the clean-ups that we support are audited and that volunteers register online on our website: www.cleanupandrecycle.co.za

This allows us to build a detailed snapshot of the waste landscape in the country, the number of people who participated and how we as an industry can respond and provide support to community initiatives,” Douw says.

“During the entire month of September, Plastics SA with the support of all packaging streams, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO's), various sponsors, businesses, and industries, as well as national and local government entities, community organizations, and municipalities will be conducting clean-ups in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of effective waste management and recycling.

This collective effort underscores the importance of collaborative action in addressing environmental challenges. We encourage South Africans from all walks of life to make a difference where they work, live, learn or play this September by participating or coordinating a clean-up in order to create a cleaner, greener South Africa. Together, we can make a lasting difference!” Douw concludes. 

For more information about Plastics SA and the Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, please visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za or www.cleanupandrecycle.co.za

EMPOWERING WATER SUSTAINABILITY: SBS TANKS' INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO BULK WATER STORAGE SOLUTIONS

In a world where water scarcity and resource management are becoming increasingly critical, South Africa's public sector faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring reliable water supply to its communities. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, encompassing Gqeberha and Kariega, has been at the forefront of this battle, combating water shortages through innovative initiatives. As part of their endeavours, the installation of a 460,000-litre bulk water storage tank from SBS Tanks stands as a testament to the commitment to sustainable solutions.

For over 25 years, SBS Tanks has been a pioneer in the water storage tank industry, providing cutting-edge solutions to address the pressing issue of water availability. The recent installation of their modular steel panel water storage tank in the Bushy Park area of Gqeberha showcases their skill in delivering versatile and efficient water storage alternatives.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality has been grappling with water scarcity due to inadequate rainfall in catchment areas. To tackle this challenge head-on, the municipality embarked on various initiatives to enhance water supply sustainability. Among these initiatives, the development of a wellfield along the western border of Gqeberha included the strategic integration of a bulk water storage tank from SBS Tanks.

Mava Gwagwa, Director at SBS Tanks, stated, "Lack of rain in the catchment areas has meant that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality has had to come up with solutions to improve the sustainability of the water supply, and keep water flowing to businesses and residents. One of the initiatives was to develop a wellfield along the western outskirts of Gqeberha, which included a bulk water storage tank from SBS Tanks."

Innovatively addressing site-specific challenges, the installation involved the utilization of SBS Tanks' in-house engineering expertise. The modular and lightweight panel construction of their water storage tanks played a crucial role in accessing remote and challenging sites like Bushy Park.

Overcoming obstacles such as difficult sand road access and specialized pipework requirements, SBS Tanks demonstrated its commitment to seamless project execution.

SBS Tanks' approach extends beyond the technical aspects of installation. As an original equipment manufacturer, SBS Tanks offers a holistic solution encompassing engineering, technical support, project management, and installation teams. This comprehensive approach ensures that each project is handled with the utmost care and expertise, resulting in a smooth installation process and immediate commissioning with water.

The strategic positioning of the 460,000-litre SBS Tank alongside the main bulk supply lines highlights its significance in supplementing the water supply to the metro.

In collaboration with consulting engineers and municipalities, SBS Tanks successfully delivered a practical and sustainable storage solution that contributes to the broader water supply scheme.

For municipal managers seeking effective water storage solutions, SBS Tanks stands as a trusted partner. Their 25+ years of industry experience and commitment to innovation make them an ideal choice for those considering the time and cost of bulk water storage, as well as the environmental impact of water storage solutions.

SBS Tanks' track record in revolutionizing the water storage tank industry shines brightly in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality's pursuit of water sustainability. As South Africa's public sector navigates the complex waters of water scarcity, SBS Tanks offers a beacon of hope through their cost- and time-saving water storage alternatives that pave the way for a more water-secure future. 

To get in touch with SBS Tanks and find out more about our bulk, wastewater, potable, process or fire water storage tanks, email: info@sbstanks.co.za

IT Decision Makers’ views on cyber security in South Af rica

Cyber security measures put in place to mitigate cyber threats with remote/hybrid working

Advanced endpoint protection such as firewalls, HIPS, and malware

Business tendencies

77%

of South African businesses said cyber security threats had increased over the past year

Data backup

Secure VPN and remote access

Email content filtering and malware

56%

of businesses have appointed cyber security staff

63% of businesses have experienced a data breach in the past year

Top three concerns around cyber security in 2022

67%

Gaining unauthorised access to the organisation’s information systems and assets due to hacking

54%

Cyber-attacks (ransomware, other malware, phishing to gain personal information)

46%

of South Af rican businesses use a hybrid work model

27%

Data loss including data exfiltration or leakage/theft of confidential information

Biggest cyber security threat to

businesses

66% of South Af rican businesses said illegal access to company/client information was the biggest threat

Top three concerns around cloud-based ser vices

74% Managing user access to information

67% Data loss and recovery

57% Skills available to enable & manage MS Office 365 native security offerings

Constitutes hacking and gaining unauthorised access to organisations’ information systems and assets of all cyber threats in South Africa.

Cloud-based ser vices used by South Af rican businesses

89%

Microsoft Office 365

7 1% Online file sharing services (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive)

61% Online meetings (Teams, Zoom, Skype)

THE VANGUARD OF OUR NATION’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

The Public Protector is accessible to all persons and communities. Anyone can complain to the Public Protector.

The Office of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) is an independent institution established in terms of Section 181 of the Constitution, with a mandate to support and strengthen our nation’s constitutional democracy.

The PPSA receives its mandate from the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994.

The PPSA is one of six State Institutions supporting democracy in South Africa. These institutions are independent of the government, subject only to the Constitution and report annually to Parliament.

Therefore, anyone can file a complaint with the PPSA, and based on whether

the PPSA has the requisite jurisdiction, among other things, the matter may be investigated.

When lodging a complaint, ensure that you always include the following details; the nature of the complaint, context, and your justifications for believing the PPSA should investigate it, as well as what other remedies you have tried before approaching the PPSA. Include names, dates, and attach copies of any correspondence you may have had with state officials, as well as your address and contact details. Please be aware that private individuals, private corporations, and court judgements are not within the PPSA’s investigative purview.

The PPSA must be seen as neutral and objective, and thus will give

equal consideration to all parties in a dispute. Where the PPSA is of the view that the complaint has merit, alternative dispute resolution processes may also be used to bring the matter to finality. The PPSA’s services are provided free of charge, and a complaint must be lodged with the PPSA within two years of the incident's occurrence, unless special circumstances exist to justify the PPSA’s intervention in a matter that is older than two years.

The PPSA is vested with supreme administrative oversight and has jurisdiction over organs of state and state functionaries.

Section 182 of our Constitution outlines the functions of the Public Protector.

1. The Public Protector has the power, as regulated by national legislation:

a. to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice.

b. to report on that conduct; and

c. to take appropriate remedial action.

2. The Public Protector has the additional powers and functions prescribed by national legislation.

3. The Public Protector may not

Our vision

An empowered people and accountable public administration.

Please visit our website at www.publicprotector.

rg/?q=content/investigationreports-categories to access investigation reports which we have released, over the years.

These are reports of Improper or Dishonest act/corruption; Maladministration Investigations and Dispute Resolution; Executive Ethics Enforcement; Alternative Dispute Resolution/Settlement Agreements; Public Procurement Irregularities and Protected Disclosures/Whistle-Blower Protection

investigate court decisions.

4. The Public Protector must be accessible to all persons and communities.

5. Any report issued by the Public Protector must be open to the public unless exceptional circumstances, to be determined in terms of national legislation, require that a report be kept confidential.

Mission:

To protect all persons against administrative injustices, improve service delivery and promote good governance in state affairs.

Contact details:

The PPSA has Offices in all nine provinces.

Head Office contact details:

Tel: 012 366 7000

Email: registration2@pprotect.org

Website: www.pprotect.org

Address:

Head Office 175 Lunnon Street, Hillcrest Office Park, Pretoria.

Twitter: @Public Protector SA

Facebook: Public Protector South Africa

VODACOM TO INVEST OVER R500 MILLION IN EASTERN CAPE TO CONNECT THE UNCONNECTED, AND DRIVE DIGITAL INCLUSION

Vodacom Eastern Cape region will invest over R500 million into the network and power backup upgrades across the province during the 2023/2024 financial year. This significant investment into the network will help the region expand connectivity in deep rural areas and townships that had no connectivity before. This will enable hundreds of thousands of people to participate in the digital economy for the first time.

This coupled with a concerted effort to drive down the cost to communicate through innovative platforms such as Just4U and Just4YouTown has lowered voice and data rates across the province and enabled scores of people to be part of the digital economy underway.

The bulk of the capital expenditure will be used to deploy new base stations sites, improve network capacity, perform power backup upgrades due to power outages, and roll out 5G to accelerate digital inclusion. As a result, 106 new deep rural sites will be built in local municipalities such as Buffalo City, Matatiele, Mbashe, Mnquma, Nelson Mandela Bay, Ngqushwa, Ngquza Hill, Ntabankulu, Port St Johns, to mention a few.

LTE capacity expansions will be performed in 396 sites and 17 new urban sites will be deployed across the province. The Region switched on live 5G mobile network in three major municipal districts in the Eastern Cape in 2021 and plans to accelerate this deployment by rolling out over 50 new 5G sites.

Zakhele Jiyane, Managing Executive for Vodacom Eastern Cape region commented:

"We have always maintained that our mobile networks are our key differentiator, and as a result, we continue to invest more money to expand networks to give our customers exceptional service. It is important for us to invest in the next generation of communication technology to give our customers access to networks that provide faster speeds and support the digital economy. Therefore, our accelerated investment in 5G in this financial year is in line with our commitment to connect the unconnected and will ultimately help the region bridge the digital divide between the urban and rural areas of the province.”

“It can no longer be acceptable for people in rural dwellers to watch the internet revolution from the sidelines, they need to be part of it and reap the associated economic benefits. Therefore, we will be rolling out over 100 new deep rural sites across the province to connect the unconnected. We mean serious business when we say that rural and township areas should have the same network experience such as the people who reside in urban areas are accustomed,” adds Jiyane.

Jiyane added: "I am delighted about the strides we’ve made as a business to make data prices and smart devices more affordable, truly democratising the access to the internet and leading to a growth in the number of smart devices in our region. Data traffic grew

40% across the province due to attractive rates and our network resilience. Our customer consideration scores, including NPS, have been on the rise, with customers scoring us better on measures such as value for money as they see the overall value we provide, from service to network to price.”

Working with the Department of Basic Education, the region’s enterprise business unit rolled out ICT platform in government schools to support access to quality education and donated R2m to help the provincial government deal with severe drought. As part of the transversal contract, the region helped to digitise over 2,000 health community workers, connected over 120 000 smart meters in several municipalities and supported close to 3000 government vehicles with IoT solutions that helped to keep costs down and improved efficiencies.

Critically, there is a growing expectation for big businesses to serve a social purpose, and to use their resources and core capabilities to make a meaningful contribution to poor communities. In this regard, the region continues to accelerate its investment in education through ICT centres in schools, Teacher Centres, Schools of Excellence, e-School platform, establishing Early Childhood Development centres to improve education in the early years and by rolling out Vodacom’s #CodeLikeAGirl programme aimed at developing coding skills among girls. Critically, Vodacom is providing the KwaNobuhle Lovelife Youth Centre which attracts more than 5000 youths, uncapped internet wireless connectivity to connect the youth at the centre for free. 

THE 2023 NATIONAL ARBOR CITY AWARDS WINNER IS… CITY OF POLOKWANE

During Arbor week Polokwane Local Municipality lifted the trophy at the 2023 National Arbor City Awards, pipping runners up Stellenbosch and Kouga Municipalities to grab the coveted trophy of overall winner.

The launch of Arbor Week and the Awards ceremony was hosted by the Ministry for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and presided over by Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu under the theme “Forests and Health,” as adopted by the United Nations Collaborative Partnerships on Forests.

Speaking at the launch which was held at Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane on the 7th September, the Deputy Minister said, “The greening of the built environment by planting

trees is continuous work that needs everyone’s participation and support.”

“During this week we shall be honouring municipalities that have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the Ten Million Trees Programme as well as schools that have initiated and implemented successful greening projects,” said the Deputy Minister.

The introduction of the Million Trees Programme in 2007 commenced an initiative that brought different stakeholders in the greening space together to collaborate and plant 1 million trees annually. Because of the success of the collaborations, all targets were met and exceeded, and the President was motivated to double the annual target to 10 million trees in the next five years!

On receiving the award, Polokwane Executive Mayor Councillor Makoro John Mpe said, “For years now, Polokwane Municipality has always been excelling in greening and cleaning spaces within its jurisdiction. The award serves as testimony that the municipality gives prominence to tree planting and waste management. The award is not the end of it, but a source of encouragement to continue to do more.”

Executive Mayor Mpe said although there was one individual winner, it is a recognition of the work done by the municipal employees wherever they are: cleaning streets, clearing parks, planting trees along the roads for the improvement of the Polokwane Municipality, and the livelihoods of its people.

Executive Mayor Councillor Makoro Mpe receives the City's reward

Walter Matumba, an employee of Polokwane, was awarded a certificate for outstanding achievement by the DFFE.

The Polokwane Municipality was also recognised for its innovative work. They converted an open space, Skotipola park which used to be an illegal dumping area. The area was cleared of existing rubble and other waste material and developed into a recreational park. The fencing was upgraded, new lawn was planted, walkways were paved, play equipment for children was constructed, as well an outdoor gym were installed. The current conditions of the park encourage healthy living, work-out, and play.

Councillor Mpe continued also emphasised that the award also benefitted citizens of Polokwane. “As a winner the DFFE has allocated us 2000 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries who will assist the municipality with

environmental work on a 12-month contract. The allocation includes a stipend plus UIF and workman’s compensation in case they get injured at work – the cost being covered by the DFFE,” stated Mpe.

How the EPWP- Polokwane collaboration works

The Expanded Public Works Programme provides incentives for communities who are recruited to undertake tree planting activities. The delivery of housing for the underprivileged usually requires large tracts of land to be allocated for building “RDP” houses.

Trees and other vegetation are normally removed during construction leaving the area barren and there is a need to plant trees in those areas particularly on newly developed areas that are already occupied. This initiative contributes immensely to greening in the country.

With the high unemployment rate among the youth in townships,

employing the EPWP programme and the youth employment service will not only speed up delivery, but will also address issues of unemployment and provide a livelihood to the youth in these respective communities. It also alleviates the financial burden on municipalities whose environmental and parks management budgets are already stretched.

Beautifying barren spaces

As part of the launch of Arbor Week, Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu took part in tree planting activities around the municipality. Trees were planted at Nirvana Primary School and over 100 fruit trees were donated to households and planted around the city.

The Executive Mayor highlighted that greening the municipality also goes hand-in-hand with water preservation – so it should not be done in isolation. “Polokwane is in a water-scarce part of the Limpopo province so we need to preserve all the water we can get. We must use it sparingly and avoid wastage through leaks,” the Executive Mayor explains.

Nurturing our future

The Executive Mayor concluded, “Whilst September is Arbor Week, it is also Heritage Month and an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees and to nurture them and our future.” One of the areas of Limpopo’s heritage is the oldest, largest and culturally significant Sagole Baobab Tree.

Leaving a legacy of greening

The Executive Mayor made special mention of the role of the youth in greening the municipality.

“We are also proud of Monyong Secondary School here in the municipality which was 2nd Runner Up in the school’s category. This should encourage not just them but other schools to take up the challenge of saving the environment. It is the youth’s future legacy.” 

IMPALA RUSTENBURG HANDS OVER FOUR SLP PROJECTS VALUED AT OVER R53 MILLION

Four Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects, undertaken by Impala Rustenburg at an investment of more than R53 million, were handed over to the relevant local authorities in Rustenburg, North West Province, in May 2023.

The projects are designed to provide lasting benefits to Impala Rustenburg’s mine communities and were multistakeholder initiatives with the Rustenburg Local Municipality, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health, overseen by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The four projects collectively created more than 550 jobs and 115 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) benefitted during their construction.

Impala Rustenburg's commitment

to developing its mine communities is deeply rooted in its philosophy of working in partnership to create a better future for Rustenburg. The completed projects are focused on youth development, community infrastructure, health and wellness, and sports development.

Freedom Park Clinic: This project will bring significant health and wellness benefits to the community of Freedom Park. The clinic facilities can accommodate approximately 300 patients and will provide the local community with access to primary healthcare and other services with state-of-the-art equipment, including TB UV lights. This comprehensive facility includes consultation rooms, an emergency room, a maternity room, offices, kitchens, changing rooms, a pharmacy, a utilities area, and an

external mother and child welfare area. Completed at a cost of R14,7 million, the clinic represents Impala's latest investment in the Freedom Park community - previous projects included building a primary school and housing for Impala employees. During the construction of the clinic and the supplementary building, 165 jobs were created and 43 SMMEs benefited from project-related activity.

Freedom Park Sports Field:

Constructed at a cost of R10,97 million, this project provides the community of Freedom Park with much-needed space for sports and recreation. In addition, it serves as the sports field for the adjacent Vukuzenzele Primary School and Freedom Park Secondary School. The project included constructing the main sports grounds, male and female ablution facilities, and a guardhouse.

MEC Madoda Sambatha (North West Department of Health), Honourable Minister Gwede Mantashe (Department of Mineral Resources and Energy) and Mark Munroe (CE of Impala Rustenburg)

The project’s construction phase created 170 job opportunities, and nine SMMEs were awarded tenders.

support their efforts to create a better future for the children. A total of 143 jobs were created and 43 SMMEs were awarded tenders during the project.

Handover ceremony

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe was present at the launch of the SLP Projects and delivered the keynote address. Other dignitaries in attendance included the North West MEC for Education

Ms

Platinum Village Grade RR

Classroom Block: Designed to provide the Platinum Village community with additional facilities for early childhood development (ECD), this R8,75 million project includes two new Grade RR classroom blocks as part of the residential development of Platinum Village. The fully furnished classrooms can accommodate 50 learners and the construction included two storerooms, six learner ablution facilities, two sick bays, two kitchens, and a fully equipped children's play area. Electrical, water, and sewer networks were installed in the new structure and the guardhouse. During construction, 82 jobs were created and 20 SMMEs benefited from the project.

Kutlwanong School for the Deaf:

The R19 million project included renovating the existing classrooms, ablution facilities, administration block, computer rooms, economic centre, kitchen, school hall, perimeter fencing and Grade R classes and residences, and a new ablution facility was built for the Grade R section. Kutlwanong School for the Deaf has 269 learners enrolled from across the North West, from ECD to Grade 7. It provides the children in its care with a quality education, giving them the means to realise their full potential through vocational skills training in subjects such as carpentry, sewing, gardening, computers and hotel management. Impala Rustenburg has been deeply invested and involved in the school since 2019 and is proud to

MEC

Mark Munroe, Chief Executive of Impala Rustenburg, says, “For Impala, our investment into these projects is about more than just fulfilling our SLP obligations. Rather, it’s about the power to bring about change, to improve lives, and to work together with national, provincial and local government departments to create a better future for our mine communities.”

Viola Ntsetsao Motsumi, North West

for Health Mr Madoda Sambatha and Executive Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality Cllr Shiela Mabale-Huma.

Kutlwanong School for the Deaf

Platinum Village Grade RR Classroom Block

Executive Mayor Cllr Shiela Mabale-Huma (Rustenburg Local Municipality), Mark Munroe (CE, Impala Rustenburg), Honourable Minister Gwede Mantashe (Department of Mineral Resources and Energy), MEC Viola Motsumi (North West Department of Education)

Impala Rustenburg's commitment to developing its mine communities is deeply rooted in its philosophy of working in partnership to create a better future for Rustenburg.

OPERATION VALA ZONKE AKA THE WAR ON POTHOLES

The importance of road infratructure in any economy cannot be over-emphasised. Unlike in other forms of transport infrastructure, it is compulsory and not optional for all citizens; from the poorest to the richest.

The challenges of re-distribution of the government spending whilst addressing escalating economic factors has left roads, like other forms infrastructure, poorly maintained while it ages. Consequently bad roads are high on the citizen’s complaint list.

To arrest the deterioration of roads the

Programme “Operation Vala Zonke” was launched on 8 August 2022 in Gauteng with all other provinces simultaneously launching their own rollout programmes.

At the end of July 2023 the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) launched the Operation Vala Zonke War Room, to take the fight against potholes to the next level.

Ageing roads infrastructure

“Most of the South African road network has reached its 20-year-design lifespan with the maintenance

backlog estimated to be R197 billion,” said Minister of Transport Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga at the launch of the War Room. “To ensure that the roads are managed within a framework of national norms and standards to maximise their role in enabling economic activity and access to social amenities, the Cabinet mandated us to roll out a national pothole programme under the stewardship of SANRAL.”

The national drive to fix potholes across all nine provinces necessitated a collaborative engagement between all spheres of government leadership

Vala Zonke is a labourintensive programme to fix potholes throughout South Africa.The rollout of this programme is the implementation of an integrated, rigorous and comprehensive plan that will drive interventions to ensure that the Department of Transport improves the overall condition index of roads at local and provincial authorities. including Provincial Premiers, MECs as well as members of SALGA to formalise steps to be taken collectively.

The minister continued: “The very birth of this War Room remains a strong indication of the severity of the situation, especially expressed in the state of our road network and evidence of this is highlighted by worsening traffic congestions and dangerous driving conditions or other road uses in urban and peri-urban areas.”The Vala Zonke War Room carries with it the following benefits:

• Effective communication between members of the team and the public.

• Information can be managed easily through visual presentation, which will be conveyed more effectively with visualization of the data and facts. Specialists here will be able to analyse the data and respond appropriately.

• Better Focus as the team is there for the sole purpose of focussing on the Vala Zonke project and will not be distracted by any other issues.

• Better Interaction Between People, because the war room team will grow and develop better collaborative interactions between themselves, which can increase the chances of success. The room will work as one, and the focus of the people is on the same thing.

• One Stop Centre - The Vala Zonke war room will be the central hub where all pothole-related issues will be addressed and resolved. This will be done in real time as information flows into the centre and responded to expeditiously.

“There are over 250 road authorities in the country, there is a need to create a single portal for the public to report potholes and for this system to automatically redirect the complaint to the correct roads authority down to the correct maintenance depot level and to have a monitoring, tracking and feedback system in place,” Minister Chikunga continued.

Single point of contact

A new pothole web app was launched which the public can use to report potholes in their vicinity. Images can be uploaded, details of the problem, as well as real-time location of the road where the issue is raised on an interactive map that will show the owners of the different roads, as well as get status updates on issues raised using a pothole ticketing system. The app works in conjunction with the War Room. Once the War Room receives the information, it is assigned to the relevant authority responsible for that

part of the road and progress can be tracked.

There is a verification process built into the APP through the use of Geotagged photos that are date and time stamped to ensure that the reported potholes do indeed exist before funds are deployed; minimising the prevalence of ‘ghost potholes.’

SANRAL was given the responsibility of the war room because the issue being addressed is a national challenge, albeit it has to be addressed at municipal level as well. Moreover the agency has a relatively good road network and it is believed that some of its best practices and digital tools used can be shared with the other spheres of government to the benefit of all road users. Where there is a skills challenge, SANRAL will assist with the transfer of skills to other spheres of government.

A national collaborative effort "Closing potholes before they deteriorate further is a crucial intervention that must stand as a flagship of what is possible through effective interdepartmental cooperation, especially with integrated planning and budgeting towards common goals,” the minister added. “Where we have seen bottlenecks in effectively rolling out this programme nationally, there continue to be robust discussions to ensure that our pothole repair program is a success.”

Stressing the severity of the challenges involved with the local road network, with a high number of deaths and damage to vehicles having been attributed to increased accidents on roads, Chikunga stated that the DoT had recently visited and inspected a number of national roads.

“The benefit for our country will not just be better and safer roads to travel on, it will be longer life for their vehicles as well employment opportunities because Operation Vala Zonke is based on labour-intensive pothole repair systems,” Minister Chikunga concluded.

On its website this month operation Vala Zonke recorded over 91 000 downloads of the app and over 35 000 potholes reported. 

PMC - INVESTING IN EDUCATION IN BA-PHALABORWA BY BUILDING PRIMARY SCHOOL

Plan strategy as well as the desire to contribute towards fast-tracking of service delivery and support the Municipality Integrated Development Projects, PMC has overall spent significantly in Mashishimale through:

• Construction of a 3km road leading to the local clinic,

• Building a library,

• Construction of school ablutions and feeding scheme kitchen

• And thriving the local economy with the rollout of the Enterprise and Suppliers Development initiatives.

Palabora Mining Company (PMC) & Leolo Community Trust in partnership with Murray & Roberts Cementation (M&RC) and Masterdrill handed over a newly built and furnished school to the Department of Basic Education and Kgoshigadi Musubutjana Shai at Mashishimale village on the 15th of August 2023. Musubutjana Primary school was named in honour of the reigning queen in the area.

The school project is part of PMC’s Corporate and Social Investment commitment to enhance the infrastructure in its host communities. The opening of the primary school came at the right time to relieve the already overburdened nearby Primary schools.

Musubutjana Primary School is a first class 16 classroom school including a foundation phase block. This project has been a collaborative effort which delivered infrastructure comprising an admin block, kitchen, 16 classrooms, some of the furniture and ablution facilities. There is a fully equipped kitchen which will come in handy to prepare and serve learners with meals every day as part of the government nutrition programme. The ablution facilities at the school were funded by Murray & Roberts and learner school desks were funded by Master Drilling.

The Department of Basic Education promises to honour PMC, Kgosigadi Shai and the community at large by committing themselves to deliver world class education to approximately 500 learners at the school. Musubutjana Primary School is one of PMC’s strategic legacy projects aimed at empowering communities through education. The community of Mashishimale is now sustainable beyond the life of mine due to the completion and handover of the school to the honourable Limpopo Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.

Beyond the construction of Musubutjana Primary school, PMC is proud of its continuous investment towards Socio Economic Development to uplift the community of Mashishimale. Musubutjana Primary was built by four (4) local 100% Black-owned contractors and the construction phase created more than 100 temporary jobs for the local community. The school presented an opportunity for real empowerment of local Small Medium Micro Enterprises as the required technical expertise were provided by PMC to ensure that the project becomes a success, while a platform was created for local SMME’s to prove themselves and improve their Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) level in construction. To-date, in line with its Social and Labour

PMC, strongly believed in the institution of education and it is our intention to invest more as we are going to be the beneficiaries of this important and necessary investment. The communities of Ba-Phalaborwa will continue benefitting from the mining spinoffs in Education as it is our intention to make the necessary impact in education. We are encouraged by Kofi Annan’s quotation “Education is the great equalizer of our time. It gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for those without.”

The mining giant committed itself in an announcement at Musubutjana Primary handover ceremony to construct a brand new Technical high school in Mashishimale upon approval of the PMC Social and Labour Plan (SLP) by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

PMC Chief Financial Officer Dikeledi Nakene commented: “The construction and handover of Musubutjana Primary school strengthens the partnerships between business, government, the local community, its residents and particularly its young people. It enables the Department of Education to realize it’s commitment and end goal to provide quality teaching.”

The construction of this school is only one of PMC’s legacy projects which testifies that the multi-award-winning mining giant, is “More than just a mine”. 

Musubutjana Primary School unveiling ceremony

Women Empowerment and a better future for all

This Women’s Month we took the time to celebrate women’s achievements and contributions, and reminded ourselves of the work that still needs to be done to empower women in society and the economy.

Recognising the disparity in economic opportunities for women, the National Development Plan acknowledges the crucial role of gender equality as a catalyst for socio-economic progress. To this end, FP&M SETA is proud to have taken decisive action to make a tangible difference in the lives of women across the country, and particularly those in our nation’s townships and rural communities, through supporting various skills development programmes.

Simultaneously, transformation underpins both our Preferential Procurement and Discretionary Grant policies as we seek to champion a more fair and inclusive society.

The 2023 Women’s Month theme “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience” – ties in with global efforts to achieve gender equality by 2030.

FP&M SETA firmly believes that skills development and other economic interventions not only serve women as individuals – they are also vital for creating a stronger and more resilient society.

By actively involving women in the economy and propelling them into leadership roles across all sectors of society, these women deliver immense returns as drivers of positive change within their communities and sectors.

As we navigate the many challenges faced by industries during the post-pandemic recovery, let us continue to invest in gender equality and skills development as essential building blocks for a brighter future.

Dr Felleng Yende CEO (FP&M SETA)

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT (NSG)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRAINING

COURSES

ETHICS MANAGEMENT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The course provides a basic overview of ethics management within municipalities. It must be stressed that it is not primarily an ethics course, but focuses rather on how to manage ethics. It is designed predominantly to assist those people in municipalities who will play a role in ethics management, corruption prevention and ensuring high standards of professionalism within their organisations.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

LGLDP is to enable municipal leaders to provide effective governance to the municipalities that they run, and in particular, to structure governance arrangements so that municipalities are politically stable, well- administered, financially sustainable, and able to deliver municipal services optimally. The programme will also enhance the capacity of municipal leaders to achieve service delivery objectives in complex municipal environments, and to provide a platform for municipal leaders to share approaches to common governance problems. In addition, the LGLDP focuses on the capabilities and commitments that are essential to ensure inter-institutional cooperation and strategic coherence. Attention is given to the required leadership, management competences (foundational, practical and reflexive), for a strong level of personal and collective agency in order to embed the gains of democratic governance

MUNICIPAL STANDARD CHART OF ACCOUNTS (MSCOA) FOR FINANCIAL OFFICIALS

Aim of the course mSCOA refers to the standardised Municipal Chart of Accounts introduced by National Treasury and regulated in April 2014. The primary objective of mSCOA is to achieve an acceptable level of uniformity and quality: from the collection of data to annual reporting.

MAYORAL LEADERSHIP AND OVERSIGHT PROGRAMME

The overall design rationale for the Mayoral Leadership and Oversight Programme is that it would facilitate rapid learning and capacity enhancement for elected Mayors and their appointed executives through knowledge sharing, peer learning and reflective practical application. The primary design orientation is to focus on the leadership capabilities required for effective governance and oversight based on the foundations of the critical knowledge areas within the local sphere of government. The programme’s primary purpose is to enhance the ability of political executives to exercise political leadership and oversight on the foundations of engagements with core policy and implementation issues that impact the functioning of local government.

For more information and enrolment

Contact: juanita.fennelle@thensg.gov.za

MUNICIPAL STANDARD CHART OF ACCOUNTS (MSCOA) FOR NON-FINANCIAL OFFICIALS

mSCOA refers to the standardised Municipal Chart of Accounts introduced by the National Treasury and regulated in April 2014. The primary objective of mSCOA is to achieve an acceptable level of quality and uniformity in recording and classification of municipal budgets and financial information at transactional level, across all municipalities and financial systems from the collection of data to annual reporting.

PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL

The overall design rationale for the Module on the Implementation of the District Development Model (DDM) is that it would serve to facilitate rapid learning for the enhancement of capacity that would assist in the effective implementation of DDM as a policy approach and the effective execution of initiatives and projects within the broader fold of DDM. The primary design orientation focuses on building a clear understanding of DDM as a policy initiative and as an operational framework to facilitate the practical impact of public sector institutions within specific spatial locations. The Module's primary purpose is to enhance a practical and applied understanding of DDM implementation and initiative execution. The approach is both knowledgeintensive and applied to ensure that participants can use the knowledge and 5 learning to optimise their role and value-add within the DDM process. The learning will focus on the immediate and ongoing challenges associated with DDM implementation.

PROJECT KHAEDU (SERVICE DELIVERY & APPRECIATIONS)

Project Khaedu has been designed to prepare managers for site visits at the coalface of service delivery. “Khaedu” means “challenge” in Tshi-Venda, and Project Khaedu has been designed as an action learning programme to empower managers, through various processes of learning reinforcement and practice, to bring about change within their own area of operational control.

THE DETECTION AND COMBATING OF BID RIGGING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

The purpose is to equip Supply Chain Management officials and other role players to identify the different forms of bid rigging and to design internal supply chain processes and controls to minimize the risks of bid rigging. If illegal bid rigging practices such as price collusion are allowed to flourish in public Supply Chain Management, it would seriously undermine the benefits of a competitive marketplace and diminish public confidence in the competitive process. Bid-rigging conspiracies waste taxpayer’s money and cause government to pay more than a fair price. When bid-rigging impacts public procurement, it has the potential to cause great harm to service delivery.

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT MFMA

The purpose is to train and broaden the knowledge and skills base of practitioners involved in contract management on a regular basis. This will ensure that contemporary methods of dealing with and addressing issues within contract management are brought to the fore. The course is aligned to the basic values and principles governing public administration as contained in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, in that it promotes a high standard of professional ethics, the efficient, economic and effective use of resources and accountability. It also contributes toward the achievement of Strategy 10 of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) (2014 – 2019) in that it will lead to the improvement of capacity, efficacy, service delivery and quality of Supply Chain Management practices within the public service - entrenching a culture of an efficient and transparent public service. In terms of the outcomesbased approach, the course is in line with Outcome 9 for local government which is to develop a local government system which is sufficient, effective, responsive and accountable.

About South African Cities Network

The South African Cities Network (SACN) is an established network of South African cities and partners that encourages the exchange of information, experience and best practices on urban development and city management. Since 2002 the SACN's mandate has been to:

• Promote good governance and management in South African cities;

• Analyse strategic challenges facing South African cities;

• Collect, collate, analyse, assess, disseminate, and apply the experience of large city government in a South African context;

• Encourage shared learning partnerships among all of society and spheres of government to enhance good governance of South African cities.

SA CITIES NETWORK READIES FOR THE 2023 URBAN FESTIVAL 64 Municipal Focus

Cities have been facing a range of crises for more than a decade, from economic downturns to droughts caused by climate change, to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even social unrest leading to looting and destruction. Unfortunately, these will not be the last challenges that cities will encounter.

Cities play a vital role in people's lives by providing essential services and influencing local economic development, but many cities are struggling with systemic problems and are in a vulnerable state, making them ill-prepared for unexpected shocks.

The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of many municipalities. To build resilience, it is crucial to address the underlying systemic and structural problems of local government. However, these issues are complex and entrenched, requiring an all-of-society approach to find sustainable solutions.

Urban Festival 2023

In line with the theme of World Habitat Day 2023, the South African Cities Network's Urban Festival 2023 will focus on resilient urban economies and cities as drivers of growth and recovery. The festival taking place on 30 - 31 October in Durban will explore how data can enable resilience and actions for

growth and recovery in "The Working City."

During the first day, we'll take a closer look at how municipalities operate by examining their strengths, and weaknesses, and exploring ways to increase their resilience. We'll also go over the various sources of data available to municipalities, which they can use to gain valuable insights and improve their operations. The day's focus will be on internal challenges that can affect institutions, such as political instability, financial constraints, coalition governments, slow economic growth, and other similar factors.

On the second day, we'll emphasize the significance of data-driven decision-making, which is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by each city.

For growth and recovery, practitioners require customized solutions that are specific to their location, which is only possible through accurate and up-to-date data. We'll showcase how different sectors are utilizing data and introduce innovative data platforms that are available to cities.

Experts and practitioners from various sectors, including government, private sector, and civil society, will gather for the two-day festival to discuss a wide range of topics related to city governance, finance, sustainability, resilience,

inclusion, and innovation. These discussions will take on different formats such as keynote speeches, collaborative panel discussions, masterclasses where speakers will share their real-world experiences in addressing complex urban challenges, and visual exhibits. The goal is to bring together diverse voices and engage in meaningful conversations about important issues.

SACN and its partners invite civil society, organizations, designers, planners, storytellers, civil servants, and city-dwellers to join the conversation. The goal is to preserve stories, research, and voices to foster greater understanding and better solutions.

For more information visit : www.sacities.net/sa-urban-conference/

For more information about the Urban Festival 2023, press and interview requests, please contact:

Media Contact: LEBOGANG LECHUBA lebogang@sacities.net

Sponsorships and Partnership Queries: PHOLISA MAGQIBELO pholisa@sacities.net

Visit our website for more information at https://sacities.net/

The National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW) has grown to be THE LARGEST FUND WITHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT with a membership base of more than 56 000(employees and councillors) throughout South Africa and R27-billion in assets under management.

OUR MEMBERS ARE AT THE CENTRE OF WHAT WE DO, our decisions, our behaviours and the strategies that we employ in the management of the Fund. We pride ourselves in providing EXCELLENT SERVICE and the ADMINISTRATION COSTS ARE ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE INDUSTRY, which translates to less of our members’ contributions going towards costs and more towards retirement savings.

Our EXCELLENT LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE TRACK RECORD puts us on par with the best global balanced managed portfolios in South Africa and ahead of our peers in Local Government.

THE FUND HAS WON NUMEROUS INSTITUTE OF RETIREMENT FUNDS AFRICA BEST PRACTICES INDUSTRY AWARDS.

These awards are a testament to the Fund’s compliance with all regulatory and other statutory requirements and above all, recognition for setting the benchmark of excellence in Local Government.

INVESTED IN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL WELLNESS OF ALL OUR MEMBERS

The NFMW offers holistic personal financial planning, advice and retirement counselling, which include retirement planning, investment planning, estate planning and tax planning for all members. Our psychological and health wellness programme offered to our members and their immediate family members allows them access to a free and confidential health resource which provides counselling and support services in their personal life and at work. Living our vision of positively impacting the lives of our members, their families and their communities, today and tomorrow.

“Given our commitment to good governance, impactful investing with financially sound investment returns, care for our members and responsible leadership, value to our members is guaranteed”.

Leslie Ndawana, Chief and Principal Executive Officer of the National Fund for Municipal Workers

NEWS

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

Biggest bodycam, dashcam rollout in SA begins for Cape Town law enforcement

MHLONTLO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Agriculture for better livelihoods

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY

Secures third position in the highly coveted National Arbor City Awards 2023

CHRIS HANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

New mayor commits to champion service delivery

ALFRED NZO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Draws inspiration from the courage and works of anti-apartheid activist, Alfred Nzo

RUSTENBURG MUNICIPALITY

A mecca for tourists

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

Biggest bodycam, dashcam rollout in SA begins for Cape Town law enforcement

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

The City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officers are steadily being equipped with body worn cameras and in-vehicle cameras with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This rollout is the first of its kind in South Africa and forms part of the City’s R860m safety technology investment over the next three years to make Cape Town safer.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was accompanied by Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security as they City trialled the new body and in-vehicle camera tech

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

during a demonstration in Goodwood on Wednesday 30 August.

The mayor said that this was the next big step forward towards the City’s promised investment in new safety technology to make Cape Town safer. The City will equip 800 of its officers with bodycams and install 290 invehicle dashboard mounted cameras or ‘dashcams' in the current financial year.

“In the next couple of years, this technology will be standard across our safety services to make Cape Town safer. The 'dashcams' are equipped with

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology so that officers will be alerted to wanted vehicles and outstanding warrants instantly in their vehicles,” said Mayor Geordin HillLewis.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

He added that these devices are used widely around the world and have shown tremendous success, stating that this is the first time they are being deployed at this scale for a government agency in South Africa.

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

“We’ve already seen the gamechanging ability of the ANPR dashcams

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential.

crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

to be trusted by the public, even while trust in other law enforcement agencies is declining. There is also global evidence which shows a steep drop in attacks on law enforcement officers after the introduction of these cameras.

“Cape Town’s overall tech investment amounts to R860m over the next three years, including CCTV, dash and bodycams, aerial surveillance, drones, gunshot detection tech, and the master digital system to coordinate it all – known as EPIC," said Mayor HillLewis.

In summary, the City of Cape Town’s R860m+ safety tech investment includes:

• R118.4m on CCTV

• R118m on Dash and bodycams

expecting the body worn cameras on officers to provide crucial footage that can be used in court, ensuring a higher rate of successful convictions.

“Bodycams will also enhance officer safety by increasing situational awareness and serving as a deterrent to potential perpetrators of assault on officers. The cameras will also act as a safeguard for the public and city staff, particularly in situations where claims are made against officers, helping to maintain transparency and accountability thanks to independent footage that can be viewed in court. With this additional form of evidence, courts can instantly rule on matters, having to now only rely on a ‘single version of the truth,” said the Mayor.

He added that these interventions would in turn, greatly impact the prosecution process and conviction rate of matters brought to trial.

the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

• R109m for Aerial surveillance

• R22m on drones

• R10m on gunshot location tech

• R442m on Licence Plate Recognition, EPIC digital coordination, radios, comms systems, IT and network upgrades

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc...

NATIONAL FRESH PRODUCE MARKET

The Market is the property of the City of Matlosana and was established in 1980 and it is ranked 8th out of 17 Fresh Markets in the country according to turnover.

“We’ve been impressed with the successes of the Automated Number Plate Recognition pilot in identifying stolen vehicles, those involved in criminal activities, and motorists with outstanding warrants.

“The City is learning about best practices from international experts through a series of webinars and inperson workshops. The International Association of Chief’s of Police (IACP), Thames Valley Police, the Bavarian Police, Fairfax County Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department have all provided expertise to assist the City," said Ald JP Smith.

“This also increases trust and accountability in the municipal police and law enforcement, as interactions with the public will now always be recorded. This is important to us. We want Cape Town’s safety services

“The full rollout of an in-Vehicle Camera solution will now enable officers to record evidence of incidents as they happen, while also streaming live video to the control rooms for enhanced situational awareness of critical incidents.

“Digital evidence is vital in the prosecution of offenders, and we are

The aim is to keep on gradually rolling out this advanced equipment to help with the apprehension and conviction of offenders and enhance overall safety in Cape Town.

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: Cnr Braamfisher & OR Tambo Streets, Klerksdorp

With five Market agents, the market supplies customers as far as Botswana, Kimberly and Vryburg. piloted in our new Highway Patrol Unit launched last year. Based on these learnings, we’re now rolling out cutting edge in-vehicle cameras across our vehicles. Together with body worn cameras, this will massively enhance situational awareness and the quality of evidence gathering to ensure more convictions.

Tel: 018 487 8000/ 018 487 8800

Email: communications@ klerksdorp.org

CityofMatlosanaUpdates @MatlosanaCom

“In the next couple of years, this technology will be standard across our safety services to make Cape Town safer.

Cityofmatlosanamunicipal

- Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis

communities to the economic hub of

MHLONTLO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Agriculture for better livelihoods

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

A step towards empowering rural communities and advancing agricultural practices was marked on the 5th September 2023, as the MEC of the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonkqubela Peters, paid a visit to the Amampondomise Kingdom under the Mhlontlo Local Municipality.

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

MEC Peters’ mission was to deliver a valuable package of agricultural

assets, including a tractor with full implements, ten sets of garden tools with wheelbarrows, and a prestigious Nguni Bull.

The arrival of MEC Nonkqubela Peters was met with excitement and anticipation from the residents of the Amampondomise Kingdom, a community deeply rooted in agriculture. The visit highlighted the commitment of the provincial

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

government to bolstering agricultural activities in rural areas, thereby improving the livelihoods of local farmers.

The centerpiece of the day’s event was the formal presentation of a state-of-the-art tractor equipped with a range of farming implements. This machinery, complete with plows, harrows, and seeders, promises to revolutionize farming practices in the

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

region. The tractor and its implements will significantly enhance agricultural productivity, enabling local farmers to cultivate larger areas and increase their yields.

AGRICULTURE

“Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities, and these gifts are a testament to our dedication to strengthening this sector,”

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production success).

journey,” said a representative of the Amampondomise community. “We are deeply grateful to MEC Nonkqubela Peters and the government for their support.”

The visit by MEC Nonkqubela Peters to the Amampondomise Kingdom serves as a shining example of government

commitment to rural development and agricultural advancement. As the tractor’s engine roars to life, the garden tools find their place in fertile soil, and the Nguni Bull takes residence in the local livestock herd, the Amampondomise Kingdom stands poised for a brighter, more prosperous future in agriculture.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The sets of garden tools and wheelbarrows are tailored to meet the specific needs of the local agricultural practices, and they are expected to make the work of farmers more efficient and productive.

Aside from attracting investment, the N12 Treasure Route connects communities to the economic hub of Matlosana City. The improved road infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

The crowning moment of the visit was the gift of a magnificent Nguni Bull, a breed renowned for its adaptability and resilience. The Nguni Bull is expected to not only improve the local livestock population but also contribute to the production of highquality beef and dairy products.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

MEC Nonkqubela Peters, in her address to the Amampondomise community, emphasized the importance of rural development and the government’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of rural residents. “Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities, and these gifts are a testament to our dedication to strengthening this sector,” she stated. “We hope that these resources will empower our farmers and contribute to food security and economic growth in this region.”

Local leaders, including traditional authorities, expressed their gratitude for MEC Peters’ visit and the generous gifts bestowed upon the community. “This day will be etched in the history of our kingdom as a turning point in our agricultural

supplies customers as far as Botswana,

-

MEC Nonkqubela Peters

•

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY Secures third position in the highly coveted National Arbor City Awards 2023

•

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

Kouga Municipality proudly announced its outstanding achievement of securing the third position in the highly coveted National Arbor City Awards 2023.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

This prestigious accolade recognises municipalities that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to the Ten Million Trees Programme and have successfully embraced greening initiatives within their communities.

As a testament to their hard work and dedication, the municipality was awarded a generous prize of R150 000.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

“This achievement could not have been possible without the invaluable support and partnership of the Dorp van Drome, Patensie Pronk and other voluntary individuals and organisations,” said Kouga Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes.

“It is worth noting that the Dorp van Drome organisation previously played a significant role in the municipality's success by assisting Jeffreys Bay in winning the ‘Dorp van die Jaar’ title on the Kwêla platform in 2018.”

The NACA ceremony, organised by the National Department of Forestry,

Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), was held on Friday, 01 September 2023, in Polokwane, Limpopo, and marked the launch of National Arbor Month.

Marco Engelbrecht and Nomvelo Siwela of Kouga Municipality, alongside representatives from Dorp van Drome, were honoured to receive certificates acknowledging their outstanding contributions to this vital cause.

Deon Goosen, an elder of the Dorp van Drome organisation, expressed his pleasure in collaborating with the

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

Pictured are (from left) Christa Venter (Kouga Environmental Management Manager), Timothy Jantjes (Kouga Executive Deputy Mayor), Deon Goosen (Dorp van Drome Elder), Loulita Vosloo (General Manager Dorp van Drome), Nomvula Machelesi (Community Services Director), Rochelle Ludick (Kouga Parks and Open Spaces Manager), Councillor Daniel Benson (Community Services Portfolio Councillor), and Nomvelo Siwela (Kouga Environmental Specialist).

AGRICULTURE

municipality, saying, "It has been an absolute pleasure working with the municipality, who wholeheartedly support our projects to beautify and enhance the town of Jeffreys Bay. The municipality has dedicated four of their employees to assist with our special projects, with the mutual goal of maintaining gardens, trees, and public parks.”

According to Jantjes, this achievement is on par with the commitment of the municipality’s Keep Kouga Clean and Green campaign, which launched in 2019.

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production success).

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

“This campaign aims to develop a comprehensive greening plan that not only showcases current and future greening locations within the municipality, but also raises awareness about the numerous benefits of greening programs,” he said.

Aside from attracting investment, the N12 Treasure Route connects communities to the economic hub of Matlosana City. The improved road infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

“The greening plan, which will be implemented over the next five years, has already seen the successful planting of more than 3 000 trees within the municipality.”

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

- Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes

“The greening initiatives also serve as a platform to highlight the indigenous tree species native to the region, fostering a deeper connection with our environment,” added Jantjes.

According to Jantjes, collaborative partnerships with local non-profit organisations and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Community Works Program (CWP) are fundamental to the success of many projects within the municipality’s Community Services Department.

These partnerships not only contribute to Local Economic

Development in the region, but also enhance the skill sets of program beneficiaries.

Jantjes expressed his delight at this achievement, stating, "We are immensely proud of this accomplishment. The municipality remains committed to the sustainable development and beautification of our region through greening initiatives.”

“This award is a testament to the

dedication and hard work of our team and our contributing partners."

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: Cnr Braamfisher & OR Tambo Streets, Klerksdorp

Tel: 018 487 8000/ 018 487 8800

Email: communications@ klerksdorp.org

CityofMatlosanaUpdates

@MatlosanaCom

Cityofmatlosanamunicipal

The municipality extended its heartfelt gratitude to Patensie Pronk, JBay Surfers, Kromme Enviro Trust, Dorp van Drome, Woodlands Dairy, Gamtoos Irrigation Board and many others for their unwavering support and commitment to enhancing our environment. The prize money will be reinvested in further greening initiatives and community beautification projects.

CHRIS HANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

New mayor commits to champion service delivery

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production success).

Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) newly elected executive mayor, Lusanda Sizani has hit the ground running and developed a 100 Days in Office working programme that seeks to overhaul the provision of water and sanitation to communities in the district. His election took place at a Special Council meeting in Komani on 8th September 2023.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Recently Sizani was elected unopposed as ANC regional chairperson, the highest political office in the district, during a regional general council, and this paved his way to the mayoral seat, taking over the reigns from Wongama Gela without any opposition. Gela resigned with effect from 31 August, and now occupies the position of Chief of Staff in MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe’s office for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

Aside from attracting investment, the N12 Treasure Route connects communities to the economic hub of Matlosana City. The improved road infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

a region rich with agricultural potential.

In his maiden address, Sizani committed to the smooth running of Chris Hani District Municipality, promising to champion service delivery.

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

Speaking of his immediate plans for the municipality, the Mayor stated, “In anticipation of being given this responsibility, I sat with the municipal manager, Gcobani Mashiyi and we drafted a 100-day working plan. The plan will focus, in the main, on water and sanitation provision. It will also focus on revenue collection through the installation of smart meters. Job creation and health services will also be improved.”

With concern for the water challenges faced by the communities, the new mayor said no effort will be spared to ensure communities get the best services.

The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc...

“We will provide clean water without interruptions. The requests from local municipalities for us to cart water to them will come to an end. Local municipalities will focus on road construction, housing, and other responsibilities. We will improve water and sanitation infrastructure and clear all sewerage spillages, but we ask the communities to work with us and protect the infrastructure, "We will champion service delivery to ensure that much-needed services are delivered to our people. As the collective, we must function effectively and always put people first irrespective of our political affiliations,” said Sizani.

In addition to declaring Tuesdays as water days with a particular focus on water services provision across the district, Sizani said that he would prioritise the interests of the youth with an emphasis on job

the City of Matlosana and was established in 1980 and it is ranked 8th out of 17 Fresh Markets in the country according to turnover.

creation, and look for a socio-economic turn-around in the district by developing SMMEs.

With five Market agents, the market supplies customers as far as Botswana, Kimberly and Vryburg.

In concluding, Sinzani said he has full confidence in the collective capabilities of the councillors and administrative workers and was reassuring in his assertion that the district would work to improve service delivery to all residents in a way that would positively impact their livelihoods and businesses.

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: Cnr Braamfisher & OR Tambo Streets, Klerksdorp Tel: 018 487 8000/ 018 487 8800 Email: communications@ klerksdorp.org

CityofMatlosanaUpdates @MatlosanaCom Cityofmatlosanamunicipal

“The plan will focus, in the main, on water and sanitation provision. It will also focus on revenue collection through the installation of smart meters. Job creation and health services will also be improved.” - Executive Mayor Lusanda

Sizani

Executive Mayor Lusanda Sizani

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

ALFRED NZO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Draws inspiration from the courage and works of anti-apartheid activist, Alfred Nzo

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

Alfred Nzo District Municipality, a predominantly rural community, located in the north-eastern periphery of the Eastern Cape Province, is named after veteran politician and anti-apartheid activist Alfred Nzo.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

As South Africa commemorates Heritage Month, we pay tribute to a revolutionary par-excellent Alfred Nzo and the contribution of Alfred Nzo municipality to the social, economic and cultural development of our country.

Born Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo, Alfred Nzo was the longest serving African National Congress Secretary General, and the first Minister of Foreign Affairs after independence in 1994.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

Early this year, Alfred Nzo District Municipality approved and adopted a budget of R1.6 billion, with providing clean water to many rural villages marked as a priority.

expressed commitment to the development of his community, for which Alfred Nzo paid a price –arrested, tortured and exiled for his activism.

“We took a decision to put at the centre of our everyday effort, the prioritisation of our rural communities. Against this backround we prioritise our people that for the remainder of our term, we will prioritise rural development,’’ said Mhlelembana.

Like Alfred Nzo who became a champion of people’s health during apartheid when he became a Health Inspector, Alfred Nzo Municipality is committed to the provision of water, and health services to its community.

avoid the outbreak of waterborne diseases, as well as the eradication of poverty and unemployment through local economic development programmes.

As a result of effort towards achieving equality for all its people, Alfred Nzo District has a Gini coefficient of 0.52, which is the lowest, compared to the other districts in the province and is below the provincial index value of 0.62.

The smallest district in the province, covering only 6% of the geographical area, Alfred Nzo Municipality is comprised of the Matatiele, Ntabankulu, Mbizana and Umzimvubu Local Municipalities.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

In the true spirit of Alfred Nzo, and its quest to achieve development for its people, the Alfred Nzo Municipality, completed Ntabankulu Sewer Project, phase 1A of the reticulation of the Greater Mbizana Regional Bulk Water Supply, and allocated R70 million to complete Fobane Water Scheme.

Part of the budget went towards local economic development through Agri Parks, a project assisting in job creation.

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

Speaking during the State of the District Address (SODA), Alfred Nzo Municipality Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

A Category C municipality, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality has 72 clinics, 8 hospitals and 2 community health centers.

Mhlelembana expressed his commitment to prioritise the provision of clean water to

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

In spite of challenges, Alfred Nzo Local Municipality is inspired by Alfred Nzo, the revolutionary, to follow the path of growth, development and empowerment.

Historically part of the Transkei homelands, Alfred Nzo District Municipality has transformed over the years to become a force to reckon.

The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four

Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana

RUSTENBURG MUNICIPALITY A mecca for tourists

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Rustenburg Municipality, located on the eastern fringes of North West Province, is a fitting host for this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations, held on 27th September every year in South Africa and around the world.

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

Under the theme ‘’Tourism and Green Investment,’’ this year’s World Tourism Day commemorates South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings as well as the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy and job creation.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

As preparations for this year’s World Tourism Day festivities gained momentum, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said, “Let us be stewards of our natural treasures and ambassadors for our nation's warmth and hospitality… to create a legacy of prosperity and environmental stewardship for future generations.”

A perfect setting

Once one of the official host cities of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Rustenburg was little known, but the city had an immense tourist potential.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

products inspired by the outdoor life as well as history.

Situated right at the foot of Magaliesberg, one of the world’s oldest mountains in the world, visitors can experience close encounters with wildlife. The scenic region is a haven for indigenous Woodlands and birdlife, attracting nature lovers from far and wide.

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

Rustenburg include Hunters Rest Golf Course, Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve, Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, Magaliesburg Birding, Mountain Sanctuary Park, Pilanesberg National Park, Black Rhino Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, Borakalalo National Park and Cheetah Conservations. It is also home to the Lesedi Cultural Village.

A perfect setting for the World Tourism Day celebrations, Rustenburg has the vision of developing tourism as one of the key sectors used by the municipality to diversify its economy.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

Rustenburg Mayor, Sheila Mabale-Huma has an ambitious dream and great hope to make Rustenburg “a world class city.”

The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

Now a tourist’s mecca, its monuments, museums, historic churches and mosques, scenic views and numerous other tourist attractions offer up a bucket-list of activities for both local and international visors. Rustenburg is indeed transforming its tourism sector with its smorgasbord of

Home to the larger population of impala, brown hyena, lion, jackal, leopard, duiker, rhebuck, zebra, and baboons, Rustenberg also provides an opportunity for game hunting.

Some of the interesting places in

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

Conveniently situated a 90-minute drive and about 120km north-west of Pretoria and Johannesburg, Rustenburg is a perfect Sho’t Left to explore and experience the hospitality of its people, the breathtaking scenic landscape and incredible wildlife.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

With the festive season around the corner, make the decision to explore this beautiful city that provides something for everyone.

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

Rustenburg warmly welcomes you!

Follow these steps to obtain a Safety Permit:

The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Act 16 of 2002 (as amended) requires all operators, including municipalities with railway sidings, to apply for a safety permit issued by the RSR. To apply for a safety permit operators must follow these simple steps:

Applicants must have an Interface Agreement with Transnet.

RSR to arrange for a meeting with applicant to discuss their business intentions.

Applicants must send an email to (safetypermitsadmin@rsr. org.za and Cc: louisam@ rsr.org.za ) to get the requirements of the Safety Management System.

Applicants must register on the National Information Monitoring System (NIMS)

Applicants must pay a non-refundable safety permit application fee.

The applicant shall submit the application through, NIMS.

The RSR shall evaluate the safety permit application.

The permit fee is then calculated, and an invoice is issued.

The applicant will be required to pay the safety permit fee within 30 days of being issued an invoice by the Regulator.

The applicant will be issued with a Safety Permit.

The operator is expected to manage their Safety Management System. The RSR shall conduct regular audits and inspection to ensure compliance.