ECSA Internal Newsletter FA Interactive

CONTENTS

Dear ECSA Staff Member1

Over the years the ECSA brand has managed to build relations, gain momentum and work its way towards meeting its vision of engineering excellence. The relations with stakeholders has been key in building this organisation and solidifying its credibility in the engineering sector both locally and internationally.

While ECSA has made great inroads in building, strengthening and maintaining relations with external stakeholders, I also believe the relationship between the organisation and its internal stakeholders is equally vital in the success of the organisation.

The milestones the organisation has managed to reach over the years have been nothing short of the excellence, hard work and dedication the ECSA staff have put in to ensure that we become a thriving organisation.

While there are pockets of good communication with the staff, there is still an opportunity to improve the internal communication within ECSA.

This internal newsletter serves to do that, it serves to open the lines of communication, it serves to inform and educate, it serves to entertain and also to build a culture where the different Business Units work together.

This first edition, covers the main events ECSA participated in and profiles an employee who has progressed from being an intern to a permanent employee.

Staff members are encouraged to contribute to the publication on a quarterly basis through sending story ideas or contributions to Mbalenhle Dlamini on sybil@ecsa.co.za.

Happy Reading.

Millicent Kabwe

The milestones the organisation has managed to reach over the years have been nothing short of the excellence

Gerrison

has

SA unemployment rate

despite

Unemploymenthas for a number of years plagued the South African economy, the latest numbers released by Statistics South Africa on 30 July 2019 suggest that according to the official count, 6.7-million people are unemployed in South Africa, which is 29% of everybody who could be working. Youth between the ages 18-24 are reported to be the most vulnerable in the South African labour market.

While this news paints a current glim reality for many of the South African youth, there are pockets of success that can be noted and Mr Gerrison Moagi, a Debtors Clerk represents one of those good stories to tell.

I sat down with Gerrison to speak to him on his progression from being an intern in 2015 to being a Debtors Clerk. Millicent Kabwe.

Which three words would you use to best describe yourself and why?

I would say I’m calm, courageous, brave and generous. I was raised to always be considerate so I don’t like to see the next person suffering when I know I can do something. You started off as an intern and then progressed

to being permanently employed with ECSA, what key traits do you think you possessed that made you stand out from the rest and receive the offer to be permanently employed with ECSA?

I think it’s because of my potential to provide better service to our clients and that I understand the culture of the organisation.

What is the one thing about your job that pushes you to wake up in the morning?

I would say the love for my job and to propel the mandate of ECSA.

What have been some of the notable challenges you have encountered?

Getting forms updated on the website which sometimes presents a big challenge for the Finance Business Unit as clients arrive with the wrong information when making their payments.

Other than the changes we have with our system, sometimes we are dealing with difficult clients.

What has been your greatest career highlight/s with ECSA?

Mr Gerrison Moagi

Being permanently employed straight from internship, it motivated me that the management believe in me and know that I carry out the tasks given to me.

What is your favourite part about working at ECSA?

Having a supportive team in Finance and setting realistic targets.

What’s the first thing you do when arrive at work?

I start my computer, log in, make a quick cup of coffee and get ready to work.

The best financial advice you’ve ever received? You need to have a budget and stick to it. Don’t try and impress people. Discipline is key.

Tips for balancing studying and working at ECSA?

As soon as you leave work, get enough rest. Have a schedule that works best for you.

Parting shots for current interns at ECSA?

They should keep their heads up high, when the contract ends it does not mean it is the end of the world, yes I know sometimes it can be difficult. With the experience they possess they should take that as an advantage moving forward.

You need to have a budget and stick to it. Don’t try and impress people.

Discipline is key.

ECSA takes part in the 18th edition of the MTN Walk the Talk with 702

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) staff and their family members on Sunday 28 July 2019 braced the cold winter morning to participate in the 18th edition of the MTN Walk the Talk with 702.

This year’s event saw over 50 000 people from all walks of life participate in the 5km, 8km, 15km and the special 25km routes. The 25km route was earmarked to celebrate the 25 years of democracy and took walkers on a journey through Joburg’s iconic landmarks, such as the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Constitution Hill, the Johannesburg Zoo, the Anglo Boer War Memorial and Zoo Lake.

Gift of the Givers’ Imtiaz Sooliman as “For Good Icon”. During the hustle and bustle of the walk, Mashudu Tshifura was able to catch a few employees and ask them the popular question:

How was your experience at the MTN Walk the Talk with 702?

Kabelo & Kamogelo Senosi: I did the 15km walk, it was tiring but worth it as this was a networking session and outing for the family. For me the day brings ECSA employees together and also encourages team moral.

The MTN Walk the Talk with 702 also celebrated South African icons with displays on the 5km and 8km routes at the bridge that crosses Barry Hertzog and on the 15km and 25km routes at Jorissen Place in Braamfontein.

The colourful displays honoured icons such as the late AIDS activist, Nkosi Johnson as “Youth Icon”; star athlete, Caster Semenya as “Sporting Icon”; the late singer, Brenda Fassie as “Arts & Culture Icon”; and

Mmamako Sepato: I walked the 8km route with my family it was easy and we enjoyed it. Events of such nature helps me spend more time with family and makes one consider the routine of being fit as a person.

Valentine & Raquel Ndlovu: We did the 8km walk and for us it is more of a culture and awareness day. What stood out for us was the music at the different water stations which kept us moving. We are definitely joining the walk next year and going for 15km.

Tshepang, Mbali & Mathoto Malapile: We completed the 8 km walk and it was easy and also beneficial in a sense that you keep fit. You also get a chance to meet old friends and previous colleagues that you have not seen in ages.

Marshel & Tanya: We completed the 15 km, it was enjoyable and one cannot afford to miss next year.

Patricia Molefe: This is the 11th time I have participated in the walk, I usually do the 15km walk but because I was with family this year, I did the 8km. The walk for me is more of an opportunity to spend time with family.

ECSA adopts a sustainable approach for Mandela Day

Overthe past 10 years, the international community, government, the private sector and community at large have participated in the Nelson Mandela International Day which has enjoyed global solidarity and support to change the lives of millions of people for the better and thereby continuing the work of Nelson Mandela.

In wanting to create a more sustainable impact other than asking people to give up the 18th of July to do good every year for the community at large, this year the Nelson Mandela Foundation wanted to do things differently through adopting a different approach which would be implemented for the next ten years.

The new strategy titled, The Next Chapter, focuses on continuing to harness research and dialogue to build a sustainable impact for those who need it most and urges participants of the annual day to commit to taking more long-term, sustainable and collaborative action against poverty and inequality. The strategy has five key focus areas, which are Education and Literacy; Food and Nutrition; Shelter; Sanitation; and Active Citizenship.

In keeping with this new strategy of moving from doing more, to doing differently the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) in partnership with Mercedes Benz East Rand hosted the top 10 grade seven learners from Denver Primary School.

This approach by ECSA seeks to build a sustainable relationship between ECSA and Denver Primary School through solidifying the engineering information and education the learners receive.

Furthermore, the initiative meets one of the five key focus areas which is Education and Literacy and Nelson Mandela valued education and life - long learning and one of his famous quotes: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” continues to live on and has become a true

testament to many.

As part of the activities for the day, the learners were shuttled by Mercedes Benz vehicles and for the first time introduced to the engineering sector through a presentation on the Engenius programme which seeks to portray the “Life of the Engineer”.

The presentation educated the learners on the different disciplines the engineering sector has to offer as well as the subjects the learners would need to take to be accepted into the engineering faculty in a higher institution of learning. The learners were also entertained through various educational games.

While the day was in commemoration of Nelson Mandela, it also provided an opportunity for the learners to be exposed to a different sector in the market place and thereby exposing them to the life of an engineer.

Staff Members treated to a tale of “Thababosiu”

Staffmembers at the Engineering Council of South Africa were treated to a production titled Thababosiu “the mountain at night” a tale of issues between culture, traditions, customs, christianity and ancestral beliefs.

The production was in commemoration of 16 June 1976 when the uprising that began in Soweto spread throughout South Africa and changed the country’s socio-political landscape. The events were rooted in apartheid policies that resulted in the introduction of the Bantu Education Act in 1953.

The production is told through the eyes of the protagonist Mohale as he ventures into Thababusiu to connect with his father Masimphana.

Narrating the story Spider said, “Thababosiu was inspired by my journey to Lesotho in search of my father. I was meeting him for first time ever since my birth. The emptiness I felt for many years was what motivated me to embark on this search”.

Yearning to discover his roots Spider stated, “After my mother’s death, I had unresolved questions about my identity. My maternal family the Bataung clan raised me. There were certain gaps I felt in my upbringing. At times, I felt misplaced with the Bataung clan”.

This year’s youth day and month marked the 42nd anniversary and honoured the courage, brave and sacrifice of the courageous youth cadres who were at the forefront of the struggle against Apartheid and Bantu Education.

While it is commemorated every year, South Africa should take stock of the advancements made in the education system, the country might not be where it needs to be, but it definitely has a good story to tell.