W&RSETA Insider13 June2020

JUNE 2020 ISSUE 13

We wish the youth of the W&RSETA a reflective Youth Day #YouthPower – growing South Africa together in the period of COVID-19.

YOUTH DAY – 16 JUNE 2020

IN THIS ISSUE...

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE...

Page 3

CELEBRATING THE YOUTH OF W&RSETA Page 4

STREAMLINING OUR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Page 5

OUR VALUE OF THE WEEK Page 9

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EDITORIAL TEAM Martha Editor-in-chief Rhulani Editor Desmond Production coordinator

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Connie Support team member

YOUTH MONTH...

As we celebrate Youth Month, we reflect on our history that paved the way for the freedom that we enjoy today and contributed towards moving South Africa forward through our contribution to skills development in the Wholesale and Retail Sector. For the first time in 26 years of democracy, our country is commemorating the National Youth Month with restrictions due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. This year’s theme is “Youth power, growing South Africa together in the period of COVID-19”. We would like to remind the outstanding youth of our organisation to submit their inspirational stories that we can share to inspire others during this month.

The country still battles to contain the coronavirus with more than 1,000 people having lost their lives to coronavirus and over 50 000 cases recorded. Since the start of level 3 lockdown, the daily COVID-19 cases recorded has drastically risen by nearly 80%, higher than the daily cases recorded under level 4.

During a recent media briefing, the President encouraged us by saying that while the coronavirus infections continue to rise sharply in the coming weeks, we must remember that we are not helpless. We should also remember one simple but fundamental message: Don’t be alarmed, be prepared.

For this week’s update, we focus on the SSP stakeholder sessions that began on 3 June 2020, our youth inspiration of the week and a recap on the restructuring process.

~ Rhulani, Editor

PLAY YOUR PART TO REDUCE THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN RISK TO LEVEL 1: • Stay home if you have not been issued an essential work permit • Wear a mask or scarf in public including in the office • Keep the social distance • Wash and/or sanitise your hands often • Cough on your elbow to prevent the spread of coronavirus TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND BE SAFE!

Where can you get help or information?

Corona Virus(COVID-19) 24-hour hotline number: 0800 029 999 Corona Virus(COVID-19) WhatsApp Number: 0600 12 3456 W&RSETA COVID-19 Task Team: COVID19@WRSETA.ORG.ZA Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Emergency Number: 0800 428 428

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TIME TO SAY GOODBYE… FAREWELL BRA TEBOGO

On Thursday 4 June 2020, our dear colleague Tebogo Mokhudu was laid to rest in his home township of Katlehong, Johannesburg. Speaker after speaker confirmed the humility and kindness that Tebogo demonstrated in the workplace. He was a people’s person who was also committed to the development of others.

Tebogo’s family has conveyed their gratitude for the incredible support they have received from the SETA. They were particularly appreciative of the memorial service that was held in his honour and the presence of Management and staff at the funeral. Thank you to the CEO for representing us at the memorial service

and to the COO for leading the delegation comprising of Management from GPS, HR and M&C and the colleagues from GPS as well as NEHAWU representatives.

Let us honour him in our commitment to the mandate of skills development - exceeding stakeholder expectations through living the W&RSETA values.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

The recording of the memorial service is available from Teams

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CELEBRATING THE YOUTH OF THE W&RSETA

The 32-year old Mxolisi started his career in 2013 at a private company, AGITEC, as a temp Admin Assistant. His career background in skills development was firmly laid through an internship at DHET within the SETA Support and Learnerships directorate after which he was appointed as Senior Admin Clerk. While many of us have known Mxolisi in the research field, he is no stranger to operations. He joined the W&RSETA in 2015 when he was appointed as a TVET Regional Coordinator at GPS. It was only a year later that he moved to research as a Coordinator in the Skills Planning and Research department. Working in a small department that the SPR is, Mxolisi had to learn fast and take on more responsibilities.

He worked closely with Tsakani and at times the two of them had to conduct the SSP sessions without the assistance of an external research resource.

Mxolisi In celebration of Youth Month, we recognise and celebrate young people of our organisation who are doing well professionally, academically and also giving back to their communities.

The first profile of the week is Mxolisi Maphakela. We know him for his dapper dressing, often spotting a three-piece suit, and ever-formal even on a Friday, but this week we get to know the ambitious young man a little bit more.

Mxolisi’s story is similar to many young people from rural or township areas of our country. After matriculating in 2007, he went on to study Labour Relations at Tshwane University of Technology, but had to drop out and take a gap year due to financial constraints. Despite this, Mxolisi was determined to succeed. In 2009, he was accepted at University of Pretoria to pursue his studies where he later completed his Bachelor of Public Administration, majoring in public policy, public sector politics and research. That is where his passion for research was ignited

Mxolisi was appointed as Acting Manager: Skills Planning and Research in 2019 when Tsakani moved to Bursaries & Placements as EM. He proudly represents the W&RSETA in the MICTSETA 4IR Advisory Committee as Chairperson of the Research Stream.

Mxolisi doing what he loves – SSP stakeholder engagements

Mxolisi is an inspiration to many and has proved that hard work pays. He currently holds a postgraduate certificate in Green Skills Research and Planning from Rhodes University and is studying a Masters of Public Administration with UNISA.

Thailand tour

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STREAMLINING OUR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE TO MOVE US FROM GOOD TO GREAT OD process recap‌ It is almost three months since the first internal advert was published as part of the ongoing restructuring process. Management remains committed to finalising this process as soon as possible to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty among staff.

The restructuring is a necessary change for the W&RSETA to ensure that we effectively address our shortcomings from a people, systems and processes perspective which have impacted on our service delivery and overall performance. It has been exciting to note the appointments that have been made so far which have resulted in some of our colleagues moving up the corporate ladder.

This confirms that the process brings with it opportunities for career advancement.

WHERE ARE WE NOW? Since April 2020, the following appointments have been made:

People

Processes

Systems

Deborah Machard Strategic Planning, Performance and Evaluation Executive

George Mushaike Senior Regional Manager: GPN/MP/LP

Sindiso Malaku Senior Regional Manager: GPS/FS/NW

Lieza Blom Senior Regional Manager: WC/NC

Sipho Shoba Senior Regional Manager: KZN/EC

Bridgette Zwane Senior Manager: Performance and Reporting

Ben Khonyane Senior Manager: Facilities, OHS & Security

Wiya Mgobozi Provincial Manager: LP

Appointment effective from 13 July 2020

Ashley Goliath Provincial Manager: WC

Mushtaq Wajoodeen Business Analyst

David Muthumbu Specialist: Applications Developer

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NEW APPOINTMENTS Let us congratulate our colleagues for the following new appointments: • • • •

Ben Khonyane – Senior Manager: Facilities, OHS & Security (15 June 2020) Wiya Mgobozi – Provincial Manager: Limpopo (1 July 2020) Ashley Goliath – Provincial Manager: Western Cape (1 July 2020) Mushtaq Wajoodeen – Business Analyst (15 June 2020)

Colleagues, we wish you great success in your new positions that come with exciting challenges that will move us a step further into greatness.

LIFT & DROP As part of the lift and drop process, whereby current incumbent in positions that have not changed by more than 30% are confirmed in the new structure, the following colleagues will retain their current positions. This follows consultations with the employees to confirm the position including any changes.

Ntombi Dludla Chief Operations Officer

Lwazi Kuse Chief Financial Officer

Barnabas Masekwameng ICT Executive

Sibongile Motloung Chief Audit Executive

Libokanyo Khumalo Senior Manager: HR

Mosemeng Sebothoma Senior Manager: Internal Control

Jacob Moasa Senior Manager: Enterprise Risk Management

Martha Shingange Manager: M&C

Mxolisi Maphakela Specialist: Research and Innovation

Nazia Munsaur Specialist: Quality Assessment Partner

Pearl Makhudu Specialist: Disability

Vinnette Pretorius Executive Assistant: CEO

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IN PROGRESS…

Itebogeng Masibigiri PA: SPPE Executive

Aphia Serumula Qualifications and Quality Assurance Coordinator

Recruitment processes are currently underway for the following positions: • Senior Manager: Strategic Planning • QMS Specialist • Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist • Manager: SCM

Some issues to remember…

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I AM NOT PLACED IN ANY POSITION IN THE NEW STRUCTURE? You will be reskilled/upskilled and placed in a different position through a consultation process.

Transfers will only be done when all positions have been filled.

SALARY MATTERS No changes to salaries will be implemented yet.

Salary benchmarking must be conducted first and when all employees have been placed, a process of realignment will follow which will be implemented in a phased approach in consideration of budget implications. Salaries will be adjusted where applicable.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO RELOCATE? • Relocation support will be provided where the SETA requests employees to relocate to assume a new position.

• SRMs and other relevant employees will relocate to the regional location with the highest stakeholder base.

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REALIGNMENT COMMITTEE A Realignment Committee has been established to observe the implementation process and provide support to the Executive Management whose role is to oversee the implementation of the structure in line with the project plan, guiding principles and best practice. The committee comprises of representation from Executive Management, HR, Management level, staff level and NEHAWU. The following members have been appointed to the committee: • • • • • •

Barnabas Masekwameng – Chairperson Moshawa Modise – HR Sipho Shoba – Management/ Regions Sindiso Malaku – Management Ingrid Sikhwetha – Staff level Sikhumbuzo Zuma – Staff level

You are welcome to contact any of the for information on the implementation of the structure or to discuss any related issues and concerns.

Let’s engage…let’s move forward from good to great, together!

STAKEHOLDERS MAP UP SKILLS PRIORITIES UNDER COVID-19

The COVID-19 disruption has not impacted on our commitment to the Sector. In fact, now more than ever, the Sector is looking up to us to provide leadership to navigate the economic challenges that the pandemic has presented to our country.

On 3 June 2020, the SP&R department commenced with the annual Sector Skills Plan (SSP) national consultation process. This is the first time that we conduct these sessions virtually due to the new normal under COVID-19. It is pleasing to report that our stakeholders rose to the occasion with more than 150 stakeholders from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape participating in the first three sessions.

These sessions allow the SETA to receive inputs on critical areas around skills development, economic and labour market that will inform our SSP update. An obvious focus of the year’s sessions is the impact of COVID-19 on education and training.

Our Retail Leadership Chair at DUT, Yunus Doba, presented on the economy pre, during and post COVID-19, particularly the impact on our sector. Doba’s presentation also focused on key issues that we should be doing now to prepare the sector for economic recovery, curriculum alignment and new ways of learning.

The sessions will be concluded on 22 July 2020. SETAs are required to submit the first draft of the SSP on 15 July with the final draft due on 31 August 2020.

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STAKEHOLDER RECOGNITION At a time when we are experiencing challenges with our service delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is heartening to note that stakeholders recognise that we are doing our best under difficult circumstances. Well done to the KZN team for demonstrating the W&RSETA values and exceeding stakeholder expectations. The team, particularly KK, received positive feedback from a stakeholder after pulling all stops to ensure that a much-need payment was processed for a stakeholder.

Well done, team!

OUR VALUE OF THE WEEK

LIVING OUR VALUES TO TAKE US FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Week 15 – 19 June 2020

Living our values to take us from good to great Our value of the week is

Integrity and Trustworthiness In these challenging times, we must continue to demonstrate that our stakeholders can rely on us to serve them with the utmost commitment to the mandate of skills development.

Let us demonstrate the value of Integrity and Trustworthiness through the following:

• Keeping our word • Behaving in an ethical manner • Consistency • Compliance These are commitments to our external stakeholders and to each other.

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COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN Together, we can flatten the COVID-19 curve The new normal under COVID-19 means that we have to take precautionary measures including a mandatory use of a mask in public. Our offices are no exception and we are required to put on a mask at all times to help reduce the spread of the virus.

How often should cloth masks be washed or otherwise cleaned?

Cloth masks should be washed after every use. You should change your mask if you touched it with unclean hands.

How do I store my cloth mask?

Masks should not be placed in pockets for later use. You must fold the mask so the contaminated outside is folded inward.

Place in a clean paper bag and perform hand hygiene.

How can I safely clean a cloth face covering?

Machine or hand washing should suffice to properly wash a cloth mask with regular laundry detergent.

Peter (RM: KZN) geared up and safe

How do I safely remove a used cloth face covering?

When removing a cloth mask, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and perform hand hygiene immediately after removing.

It is encouraging that colleagues are taking these measures seriously demonstrating commitment to protect each other, and most importantly, to flatten the curve.

Here are few tips on the use of a cloth face masks Cloth face masks should: • Fit comfortably against the side of the face.

• Be secured with ties or ear loops.

• Allow for breathing without restriction.

Samela all masked up at HO

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OUR EVENTS 2020/2021 Online Sector Skills Plan (SSP) Engagement Sessions

DATE

REGION / PROVINCE

19 June 2020

Eastern Cape

24 June 2020

Mpumalanga

29 June 2020

Free State

06 July 2020

Northern Cape

20 July 2020

North-West

22 July 2020

Limpopo

FACEBOOK FANS OF THE WEEK Thank you to our new and regular followers on the SETA’s Facebook page. By liking and sharing the posts, you are increasing our reach to stakeholders and positioning the W&RSETA brand as an authority in skills development.

And a big high five to our super fans.

Thank you for liking, we like you too!

☺

Our Facebook page is Wholesale and Retail SETA…like and follow the page

Chris (HO)

Nozipho (HO)

C) Andrew (W

SUPER FANS!

Rodger (HO)

Christine (WC)

Portia (GPS)

Nolizwi (WC)

Lizzy (HO)

Busi (EC)

Mabusha (HO)

Mlungisi (MP)

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY WINTER BABIES! We may be under lockdown but celebrations and gratitude for life is not locked down. Here’s wishing the following colleagues a splendid day on their birthdays.

Birthdays are a new start, a fresh beginning and a time to pursue new endeavours with new goals. Move forward with confidence and courage. May your birthday and your days ahead be amazing!

Happy Birthday, colleagues

Samela (H O) 16 Jun e

Lerato (HO) 16 June

Pat (HO) 17 June

Sedzani (LP) 12 June

Sindiso (HO) 14 June

Andrew (WC) 19 June