PSM May 2018 Edition

Page 1

MAY 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

20

TIN CELEBRA

MAY 2018

12073 9

772221

672007

R30.00 (VAT INCL) SOUTH AFRICA

0Y G2

EARS OF GCIS

PSM


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Contents: May 2018

Regulars 12

Conversations with leaders Former GCIS leaders reflect on how the department has progressed over the past 20 years

18

Conversations with leaders GCIS Acting DG Phumla Williams celebrates the department’s contribution to supporting the Constitution

22

30

70 52

Profiles in leadership DDGs are working hard to ensure that GCIS is the pulse of government communication

Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information

54

Women in the public sector Dr Ntombifuthi Nala is passionate about the role of research in communicating government’s messages

Management and professional development How to be an effective leader – It’s not about success alone

80

Financial fitness Get on top of dubious debit orders

46

In other news News you need to know when you are on the go

44

Provincial focus GCIS’s Eastern Cape office keeps residents informed and empowered

48

Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips

50

International relations Africa Month provides an opportunity to commemorate the founding of the African Union and reflect on our past, present and future

18

2

Features 36

Staff reflect on 20 years at GCIS GCIS employees reminisce about their journey at the department

40

Communicators hail GCIS work Government communicators share their experiences of working with GCIS

58

SA calls in big shots to woo investors Government has launched an investment drive to net US$100 billion in investments

62

SA says YES to youth work experience The Youth Employment Service will prepare young people for employment

64

National Minimum Wage Bill to be fine-tuned The national minimum wage will improve the lives of millions of low paid workers

66

Opinion: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela: Community activist and leader

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

“There can be no greater gift than

Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za

that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” Nelson Mandela

70

Farewell to the mother of the nation SA lays to rest an icon and freedom fighter

74

Opinion Reflecting on the legacy of human rights fighter Dr Zola Skweyiya

Lifestyle 82

Health and well-being Strong bones may decrease osteoporosis

84

Grooming and style How to keep warm this winter

88

Food and wine Less is definitely more

90

Nice-to-haves The ultimate essentials

92

Travel Finding calm in the Kgalagadi

94

Car reviews Lexus makes a statement

xxxx

Head of Editorial and Production

Des Latham des@gcis.gov.za

Managing Editor

Ongezwa Mogotsi ongezwa@gcis.gov.za

News Editor

Irene Naidoo

Contributors

Noluthando Motswai More Matshediso Chris Bathembu

GCIS Photographic Unit

Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane

Senior Designer

Tendai Gonese

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Phumla Williams Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services

Keitu Semakane

Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management

Michael Currin

Acting Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Tasneem Carrim Acting Chief Financial Officer Hennie Bekker ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 info@topco.co.za www.topco.co.za CEO Ralf Fletcher Marketing & Sales Director Karla Fletcher National Project Manager Nardine Nelson Tel: +27 082 739 3932 nardine.nelson@topco.co.za Production Director Van Fletcher van.fletcher@topco.co.za

92

Advertising Tel +27 086 000 9590 Subscriptions and Distribution Ingrid Johnstone ingrid.johnstone@topco.co.za © Copyright: GCIS Printed by Colortone Aries


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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Building an informed citizenry

T

his month we celebrate 20

such as the Promotion of Access to

years of the existence of

Information Act, which was passed

Government Communica-

into law in 2000.The Act aims to ac-

tion Information Service (GCIS).

tively promote a society in which

This organisation has played an

the people of South Africa have ef-

important role in our democracy as

fective access to information, which

it is integral to transparency, com-

allows them to fully exercise and

municating the actions of govern-

protect all of their rights.

ment with our citizens, the media, business and civil society.

Background of GCIS In 1995, Thabo Mbeki (then Depu-

Right to information

ty President) established the Task

Freedom of expression, as well as

Group on Government Commu-

the public’s right to information,

nications (Comtask), which was

form the backbone of any true

tasked with making recommenda-

democracy. The citizens of South

tions to transform government com-

Africa have the right to be informed

munications in line with democratic

public about government policies,

about what their government is do-

ideals. In 1996, the Comtask team’s

plans, programmes and achieve-

ing, as many of these actions have

final report included no less than 83

ments.

a direct impact on their lives. They

recommendations dealing with the

Dr Essop Pahad’s description of

also have the right to be heard; to

structure of government communi-

GCIS’s role, as stated in May 1998,

freely express their views on govern-

cation, media diversity and access

still rings true today: “It is to see to it

ment decisions which may affect

to information.

that all South Africans receive com-

them, and to have their concerns

Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.

GCIS was officially launched on

ment and information that enable

18 May 1998, as the government

them to make rational choices

After the first democratic elections

organisation responsible for imple-

about their lives. It is to see to it that

in 1994, one of the new ANC gov-

menting and upholding the recom-

they themselves can pass on infor-

ernment’s priorities was to put these

mendations made by Comtask.

mation and views about their ac-

taken into consideration.

ideals into action. The principles of

Over the past 20 years, GCIS has

tivities as they change their lives for

freedom of expression, access to

coordinated, guided and advised

the better. They have got the right

information, press freedom and ar-

on government communication in-

to know, and to be heard,” he said

tistic freedom are all enshrined in

cluding media liaison, development

at the time.

the Bill of Rights of our Constitution.

communication and marketing. Its

For 20 years GCIS has played a

One of the primary reasons for form-

stated mission is to deliver effective

key role in keeping South Africans

ing GCIS was to ensure that these

strategic government communica-

informed about government's

important rights are promoted and

tion; set and influence adherence

work. We applaud the department

upheld.

to standards and coherence of

for the sterling work it has done with

The right of access to information

message and – most importantly –

the limited resources at its disposal.

is further supported by legislation

proactively communicate with the

Long may it continue.

6

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



EDITOR’S NOTE

From the editor’s desk is a disregard for consequences. It is also an impulse, a licentiousness, recklessness, unrestraint and wantonness. Look at freedom of speech. It is not a free-for-all, or a right to say whatever you want to and to

F

freedom of scientific research. 2. The right in subsection (1) does not extend to: a. propaganda for war; b. incitement of imminent violence; or c. advocacy of hatred that is

whomever. Vicki Momberg found

based on race, ethnicity, gender

that out to her detriment when she

or religion, and that constitutes

reedom is a seven-letter word

repeatedly shouted racial insults

incitement to cause harm.”

that can be defined in various

at black police officers helping

ways.

her after an attempted smash-and

right does not include the incite-

grab.

ment of imminent violence or ad-

It can be a noun and is defined

as the power or right to act, speak,

She was sentenced to three years

The Constitution is very clear. The

vocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion.

or think as one wants. We are

in jail, one suspended, after the

entitled to and have the right to

magistrate found that she was

freedom – the privilege, the pre-

an unreconstituted racist with no

Africans: we now have a leading

rogative, it is our due.

hope of redemption. This serves

case in the courts and if you are

as a warning to all South Africans

found guilty of hate speech, you

state of not being imprisoned or

who believe in freedom of speech.

could find yourself behind bars.

enslaved, its the synonyms are

There is a limit to the freedom we

many. Liberty, liberation, release,

fought for and it stops at race.

Freedom can also mean the

So be warned my fellow South

I hope those, particularly on social media platforms, who are

The reality here in South Africa

trying to hide behind apparent

is that our Constitution protects

anonymity realise that they too

freedom of speech but not if you

will eventually be accountable for

which is a state that surely can be

abuse that freedom. So what does

their tirades engendering race ha-

welcomed after imprisonment and

the clause say in our Constitution?

tred and end up facing the short

emancipation, deliverance, delivery, discharge, amnesty. It can also be linked to wildness,

oppression of any kind. To wildly

“1. Everyone has the right to free-

enjoy freedom without reckless-

dom of expression, which includes:

ness is what millions of South

a. freedom of the press and other

Africans did after democracy was ushered into South Africa in 1994. However, there’s a downside to this little seven-letter word when some abuse the very idea. Here it is linked to abandon where there

8

walk to prison.

media; b. freedom to receive or impart information or ideas; c. freedom of artistic creativity; and d. academic freedom and

Head of Editorial and Production Des Latham

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



FEATURE CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

GCIS: A pioneering department that continues to evolve

T

he Government Communica-

adequate planning of information

tion and Information System

campaigns, and communications

(GCIS) has evolved significant-

has a low priority as reflected in its

of a new government communi-

ly over the years, having to adapt,

budgets and the status of commu-

cation and information system to

refocus and innovate to meet the

nicators”.

be centred around three pillars

communication needs of the state. A

In its report, which became known

improve their lives. The report favoured the creation

– Media Liaison, the Communica-

number of former senior managers

as "The Comtask 2000 Report", the

tion Service Agency and Provin-

were crucial in this process by using

group made 83 recommendations.

cial Liaison.

their skills to shape the de-

Merging the old and new

partment. PSM spoke to some of these pioneers about the

Abba, who is now the

journey GCIS has travelled

Head of Strategy and

and what it needs to do

Communications at the

to improve.

Banking Association of South Africa, said be-

GCIS’s first Deputy CEO Yacoob Abba Omar said

cause he was among the

the Comtask 2000 Report

first managers to join GCIS,

formed the foundation of

he had to sit on almost

everything that happened

every interview panel to

to make the agency the

appoint chief directors.

communications machin-

He added that a decision

ery it is today.

was taken to retain staff from the old SA Commu-

Commissioned by the

nications Service which

then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki in January 1996, a panel of experts

GCISʼs f irst Deputy CEO Yacoob Abba Omar.

transformed into GCIS. “Those that remained

known as the "Task Group"

from the old machinery

produced the Comtask re-

were actually not the

port after eight months of research

These focused on a communi-

and consultation with government

cations system that would ensure

had left. So these were more

and international institutions.

that information on government

professional; they were committed

policy and programmes would

to doing a good job and actu-

“Overall, Government lacks cen-

be accessible to the majority

ally were quite happy with with

tral coordination in messaging,

of South Africans in order to

the transition and were pleased

The Task Group found that,

10

ideologues. A lot of the ideologues

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


that 1994 had happened,” Abba

been a juniorisation of govern-

ference but will not be available

recalled.

ment communications as a whole

to communicate with the media.

and that it is important for more

In a press conference, you do a

new organisation and had limited

emphasis to be placed on getting

briefing but you have to follow it

resources, it was constantly moti-

a permanent head of GCIS.

up with interviews. If the media did

He added that since GCIS was a

vating for more in terms of budget

not understand what you were

According to Abba, one of the

Importance of the Cabinet spokesperson

major projects for the GCIS was

Business Leadership SA Communi-

in getting a politician to be a

the development and launch of

cations Director Themba Maseko

spokesperson, I think there is still

the central government portal.

also highlighted the importance of

some scope to get a civil servant

communicators, saying he would

to communicate. Ensure mes-

like to see GCIS go back to the

sages are professional and do not

allocations and human resources.

“This was such a big thing when we launched www.gov.za. We

talking about, you must still be available. So whilst there is merit

launched it when Thabo

appear to be party politi-

Mbeki was still the Deputy

cal,” he suggested.

President and I insisted

Maseko also highlighted

that he be there because

areas in which he believes

he was paying a lot of at-

GCIS can do better.

tention to the potential of

“I think the system has

the information economy

been weakened. The fact

and information commu-

that you don’t have a

nication technology,” he

permanent head for such a

said.

long time, I think the voice

Looking to the future,

of government has declined

Omar said GCIS needs to

quite substantially, the

revisit the Comtask Report

public is not well-informed,”

and what it sought to

he said.

achieve. He added that

Maseko said more needs

there was a need for gov-

to be done to bolster its

ernment communicators

capacity to intervene where

to be taken more seriously. “There has been a

Former GCIS CEO and Cabinet spokesperson Themba Maseko.

tendency to ignore the

municators and the media appear to be strained.

advice that communicators

days when the CEO also served as

provide and I have often said that

a Cabinet spokesperson.

communicators must learn to

relations between com-

A former GCIS CEO and Cabinet

He said his recent interactions with colleagues in the media space have led him to believe

have a thick skin … they need to

spokesperson himself, Maseko

that relations between the media

be prepared to tell the truth to the

said it would be a good idea to

and government communicators

principals,” he said.

go back to the old system.

are not as healthy as they used

Abba added that there has

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

“A Minister can do a press con-

to be. This, he said, appears to

11


CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS FEATURE

have changed from the time he

initiative was a very short-sighted

was at the GCIS.

move and that is why we are start-

programme was refined at GCIS

ing to do too much crisis man-

at a later stage, the concept of

the culture among communica-

agement because government is

Izimbizo came about during the

tors to be less arrogant and more

seen not to be listening to people,”

democratic transition and at a

open to communications and

he added.

time when the country was on

“I think we were able to transform

accessible to the media. The

Former Deputy CEO of Strategy

Trew explained that while the

a knife’s edge, particularly with

little interaction I have

the political violence in

with media people now,

KwaZulu-Natal.

their overall sense is that

He said following sev-

government communica-

eral attempts to diffuse

tors and Ministers are not

the violence, an Imbizo

as accessible. You have a

called by the Zulu King

generation of communica-

eventually calmed ten-

tors who project an image

sions.

of [being] very arrogant,”

“[Former President]

Maseko pointed out.

Thabo Mbeki had a great push towards unmedi-

Imbizo programme

ated communication in the form of Izimbizo. It was

Reflecting on what GCIS

partly through him and

has done well over the

us that it was developed.

years, the former CEO

But it took a long time – I

called for the Imbizo

think any big change

programme that was led

in government takes at

by the President to be

least two years and I

intensified. “The fact that people

Former Deputy CEO of Strategy and Content Management at GCIS Tony Trew.

think we probably almost gave up. Then there was

are generally not in-

one year when the com-

formed about government

munication strategy went

processes and decisions, I think

and Content Management at

to Cabinet and President Mbeki

there has been a rolling back or

GCIS Tony Trew understands all

said: ‘Where are the Izimbizo? Why

reversal of the achievements of

too well the importance of the

have they been left out?’ Then it

the past. From where I am sitting, it

Izimbizo programme.

was picked up again.”

is more government broadcasting

After years of refining the Izimbi-

sponding to what people need to

Important intervention in communications

know because it is more one-way

He described it as one of the

egation of Ministers and Premiers

engagement.”

most important interventions in

to listen to the 'general' concerns

communication.

of citizens, GCIS eventually

its messages and not so much re-

“The cancellation of the Izimbizo

12

zo programme, which would see then President Mbeki lead a del-

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

adopted the programme in 2005.

While Trew would not be drawn

and was appointed Deputy CEO

into giving his views on the current

of Strategy and Content Manage-

was the Masakhane Focus Week,

state of the GCIS's affairs, saying

ment in 2007.

an element of the Masakhane

he did not want to “rule from the

campaign (launched by Presi-

grave”, he said it would go a long

ment newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele,

dent Nelson Mandela in 1995),

way if the department was run un-

was a product of scientific

which was a week of interaction

der the guidance of the founding

communications research. She

between government and com-

document - the Comtask Report.

participated in the management

“Other antecedent of Imbizo

Tyawa pointed out that govern-

of a communication re-

Mandela's presidency, the

search project, headed

Maskhane Focus Week was transformed into the Imbizo process,” Trew said.

Impacting development

Image: Parliament of South Africa

munities. At the end of

by Trew to establish the communication and information preferences of communities across South Africa. The result of the

Trew, who joined GCIS in

“scientific research”

1998 as a Chief Director

resulted in government

of Policy and Research, is

launching a magazine

extremely modest when

called Vuk’uzenzele,

describing his work at GCIS

in 2005. The magazine

and said the only contribu-

later transformed into a

tion he was proud of was

newspaper. She recalled that

when communications had an impact on devel-

research was very

opment.

significant as it became an important interven-

“I just think we thought we were doing something that had the respect of

Former Deputy CEO of Strategy and Content Management, Baby Tyawa.

tion tool that helped to assess how government

government and the

informed the public on

public and the fact that

the programmes of gov-

development is right. To be doing

Ground-breaking research

communication in that framework

For Acting Secretary to Parliament

lives, as well as assessing people’s

is a rewarding thing,” he said.

Baby Tyawa, the communications

communication needs.

communication can contribute to

Trew and a team of researchers were also instrumental in getting the Media Diversity and Develop-

research carried out by GCIS was ground-breaking. Between 2002 and 2005, she was

ernment and how to access programmes that may improve their

“There was never communications research and I am not talking about public opinion, I am

ment Agency up and running in

a Chief Director responsible for

talking about communications

2002.

Policy and Research at the GCIS

research. GCIS was the only entity

14

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


doing it and we got departments to buy into that too. I’m very proud that,” she said.

because of the changes.

Internal communication

faced was integrating communicators from provincial offices. Several policies had to be introduced

Ilva Mackay Langa joined the

to avoid neglect and abuse of

GCIS was able to continuously

GCIS in 1999 as the Chief Director

state resources at regional offices

assess trends on the mood of the

of Corporate Services and said

where management could not

country and on the impact of

internal communication and staff

monitor affairs with an “eagle eye”.

communication.

induction were crucial in ensuring

“With a lot of those issues, it was

Tyawa said through this research,

She said over a couple of years,

that unforeseen issues related to

about very clear communication.

they were able to build

We brought in a whole lot of

data that revealed pat-

young people from regional

terns and out of those pat-

offices and that is where a

terns, “we then developed

lot of problems could have

strategies to intervene”.

emanated. People have

Currently an Acting Sec-

cars, phones, laptops and

retary to Parliament, Tyawa

they are not very close to

said she has used the

head office.

research tools after leav-

“So we had very strict com-

ing GCIS at the National

munication making sure that

Gambling Board to assess

people understood. There

the impact of gambling

were policy documents that

on the gambling popula-

will tell you how you are sup-

tion.

posed to look after things,

Upon joining Parliament,

this is what you are entitled

Tyawa used her experi-

to and this is how you have

ence from GCIS to intro-

got to look after things and if

duce research to assess the public’s awareness of how Parliament works. The

something happens, this will Former Deputy CEO of GCIS, Ilva Mac kay Langa.

data collection methodol-

produced.

said. Mackay Langa recalled

ogy is in its third phase and three reports have been

be the consequence,” she

that at the time of her governance were addressed early. “We had a very strong internal

appointment, the entire public service was going through an

communication system, which

era of transformation and her job

other department had been af-

was critical, especially when you

was about how to strengthen the

fected by the changes in political

are dealing with issues of transfor-

corporate service section.

leadership over the years. She said

mation,” she said.

Tyawa noted that GCIS like any

“There were aspects that we

Mackay Langa later became

developed when we worked in

managers who can restore sys-

Deputy CEO of GCIS and noted

the human resources section –

tems that may have taken a knock

that one of the challenges GCIS

performance management.

going forward, GCIS still has strong

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

15


FEATURE CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

There wasn’t really a performance

Joel [Netshitenzhe, GCIS’s CEO at

of her colleagues were finding

management and development

the time] and said ‘the President

it hard to get along as they had

system in government. This was

has got his letterheads, they are

been inherited from the old South

implemented through the De-

launching in Bloemfontein tomor-

African Communications Services.

partment of Public Service and

row’, and he said: ‘I hope you kept

Administration because it had a

one of those pieces of paper to

dent a few years later that made

government-wide performance

write yourself a letter of congratu-

her realise the country had come

and development management

lations’.”

a long way on the journey towards

system. This was one of the things

Of course, she had not. “The

However, she pointed to an inci-

unity and reconciliation.

that we implemented,”

“I will never forget walking

she said.

into the office when we had just lost the first World Cup

New Coat of Arms

bid. I walked into the area where the designers and

During Patti McDonald’s

other people were and one

time at GCIS she worked

of my Afrikaner designers

on several projects that

was just sobbing at her

reflected the transforma-

desk. I suddenly realised we

tion in South Africa.

had become a whole na-

She joined GCIS at the

tion,” McDonald added.

end of 1998, to head up

She said that the attitude,

the print department in

humanity and vision of a

the Communications

number of her colleagues

Service Agency.

helped make GCIS “hu-

One of her best memo-

man” back then.

ries was delivering the President’s letterheads that contained the new-

McDonald, who eventuFormer Chief Director of t he Communications Ser vice Agency at GCIS, Patti McDonald.

ally became Chief Director of the Communications

ly-designed Coat of Arms

Service Agency, worked on

ahead of Freedom Day

several significant projects

27 April 2000 to the then President

thing is I never did because you

during her time at GCIS, including

Thabo Mbeki.

couldn’t take the President’s

project managing the design of the new Presidential Medals.

“I was running up the stairs

letterhead, you know.' I often wish I

of the Union Buildings. We had

had kept it, just for my son[to show

printed the new Coat of Arms on

it to him one day]. I never did that

a racist automobile advert trig-

the President’s letterhead so it was

because that was the ethos,” she

gered her final project, where she

embossed, it was not printed, just

said.

coordinated a dialogue between

an embossed beautiful Coat of Arms on this thick, beautiful paper. “As I was walking out, I called

16

McDonald recalled that joining

Before she left the department,

government and the advertising

GCIS in those years came with

sector on racism in this particular

challenges, including that some

environment in 2002.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Writer: Noluthando Motswai

The power behind government communications

A

s Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting

Director-General Phumla Williams looks back on the past 20 years of the department, it is with a sense of pride particularly because of the department’s efforts to ensure that South Africans are informed. “As we celebrate 20 years of

GCIS I want us to celebrate government’s contribution in adhering to Section 195 of the Constitution by making information available to South Africa through the work of GCIS,” she told PSM. This section of the Constitution deals with the basic values and principles governing public administration.

Phumla Williams, GCIS Acting Director-General.

The section in full states: “Public administration must be governed by the democratic values and

ciples are entrenched in govern-

body as what it was envisaged in

principles enshrined in the Con-

ment, GCIS has made some in-

1998,” said Williams.

stitution, including the following

roads.

GCIS was launched in 1998 with

She pointed out that GCIS has a

a mandate to provide leadership

(a) A high standard of professional

presence in municipalities, prov-

in government communication

ethics must be promoted and

inces and in national government.

and ensuring that the public is

“We have tried with our limited

informed of government's imple-

principles:

maintained. (b) Efficient, economic and effec-

budget to make information avail-

tive use of resources must be

able to South Africans and that is

promoted.”

mentation of its mandate.

a cause for celebration. As we cel-

True to the mandate

Williams added that although

ebrate let us look at what needs

Williams said GCIS has been true

much work still needs to be done

to be done to strengthen this or-

to this mandate but also acknowl-

in ensuring these values and prin-

ganisation and make it a strategic

edged that it can do so on a

18

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


much larger scale. She added that GCIS has been able to excel, even with limited resources. “The fact that we are a fullyfledged organisation that is able

contributions to almost every Inter-

likes with a reach of almost four

Ministerial Committee.

million. Similarly, the social media

“Whenever there is a crisis, GCIS is called on and takes charge of communication activities,” Williams added.

sites of various GCIS platforms are continually growing.” “We also launched the SA Government App with the intention

to produce with little money is still

The department has also had

to make government information

a highlight. We still have high qual-

to come up with innovative solu-

and services easily available to

ity products. If we had more money

tions to overcome budgetary con-

citizens,” she said.

imagine what we could do.”

straints.

Williams is also pleased with

“We feel we could do more with

“We have been running a num-

how government’s newspaper

more resources. Our advantage is

ber of campaigns, including those

Vuk’uzenzele newspaper, has

that we have young people in this

on gender-based violence and

evolved over the years.

organisation who are very passion-

employment, on social media plat-

“ Vuk’uzenzele has progressed

ate about the work that we do,”

forms. Although we’ve been allo-

from a monthly publication to

Williams added.

cated no new resources, we have

twice-a-month and also has a jobs

grown the social media function

section. We now print 1.7 million

considerably. Recent figures show

copies a month, translate selected

that the GovZa Twitter account has

pages and distribute countrywide.

Noting the important role of GCIS,

126 801 followers and more than

Through the funds generated from

she pointed out that the depart-

10 million impressions, while the

recruitment advertising we have

ment is represented on and makes

Facebook account has 275 592

managed to increase the print

Reflecting on the positives

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

19


CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

run of specific editions of the newspaper,” explained Williams.

Management that excites

the department as Director for Finance.

On a personal level, Williams said

Williams said in her previous posi-

Time for review

one of the highlights of her role

tions she had to juggle adhering

After two decades, Williams be-

is working with people and being

to the demands for revenue while

lieves it is time for a review of GCIS.

able to collectively achieve some-

also ensuring that she is compli-

thing.

ant with all the relevant regulations

“When we conceptualised it we thought things would happen in a

“What makes my role exciting

certain way but there have been

is that I get to work with people.

“When you are in finance you are

a few lags. For example, GCIS is a

I put out an idea and people run

debating between compliance

system that should provide strate-

with it. What has defined my man-

and the organisation’s demands,”

gic leadership where communica-

agement is that I have never seen

she explained.

tors get a mandate from our or-

myself as a person with answers. I

Williams said one of the high-

ganisation. We were of the opinion

have always seen myself as part

lights of her time at GCIS was when

that communicators would be on

of a collective that brings in bril-

the department achieved its first

board. Currently this is not the situ-

liant ideas.”

clean audit in 2004.

and the budget is spent wisely.

ation when it comes to providing

“Everything that I have managed

“I remember when I joined GCIS

leadership in government commu-

to do in GCIS is because of the

we had the most terrible audit re-

nication,” she noted.

team that I have worked with this

port. We underspent and we also

“We have to go back to the

is how management should be. I

didn’t have systems in place. I took

drawing board. The problem is

don’t have all the answers,” she

a resolution that this thing of get-

that there is nothing forcing com-

noted.

ting a clean audit was not going to beat me.”

municators to follow the strategic leadership that comes from GCIS,”

GCIS a second home

Williams explained.

“My highlight was the day we got

Williams has been at GCIS for

a clean audit. I am not a person

She added that going forward

nearly all of its 20 years, having

who allows herself to say that she

GCIS wants to ensure the profes-

joined the department in June

is defeated,” she added.

sionalisation of government com-

1998. She described GCIS as her

munications.

second home.

Williams wished the organisation success in the future and said she

“It is important that there is more

“In terms of the culture of this

recognition for the profession. We

organisation I think we are a big

have developed a curriculum to

family. I have never had a situa-

“I like working for South Africa. I

standardise the professional skills

tion where I feel pressured by my

am continuing with what I have

of government communicators

supervisor,” she explained.

always been passionate about

that is currently with the National School of Government.”

was proud that she was able to serve the Information System.

Prior to her role as Acting Director-

which is changing the lives of

General, Williams was the Deputy-

South Africans. The fact that the

Williams also wants to see

Director General for Corporate

work that we do here changes

GCIS empowered to centrally run

Services and prior to that the

every day makes it more exciting,”

government campaigns.

Chief Financial Officer. She joined

she said.

20

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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FEATURE IN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

Writers: More Matshediso and Noluthando Motswai

Leading from the front: DDGs ensuring excellence at GCIS

G

overnment Communi-

The functions of this branch

cation and Information

include conducting research to

very much like a family. It is a very

System (GCIS) is known

assess how government should in-

fair environment. It is not punish-

for being the pulse of government

form the public's communication

ing. I am lucky to be working with

communication, having excellent

needs monitoring media cover-

amazing professionals in the

stakeholder relations and uphold-

age of government programmes

branch and even beyond,” she

ing high standards when it comes

from a communication’s perspec-

said.

to governance.

tive, as well as providing strategic

Carrim has had the privilege of

This is all because it is in the

much we fight internally, we are

guidance on the evaluation and

working in this environment for the

hands of experienced senior

analysis of print and electronic

past 10 years.

managers who have an intricate

media to contribute to profes-

understanding of the department

sional and timeous government

Director for Policy and Research,

and vast experience in their areas

communication.

having started off her career as

of work.

The branch is responsible for all content that GCIS produces,

Communicating government messages As a professional communica-

research.

South Africa gained democracy,

for other departments and we

Tasneem Carrim is entrusted with

generate content for the public

the responsibility of ensuring that

through our news platforms us-

the department delivers on its twin

ing information from other gov-

mandate of providing information

ernment departments. We have

to the public in order to better

a role in directly communicating

their lives while at the same time

to the public,” Carrim explained. While overseeing the branch

government-wide communication

and all of its components and the

system.

ad hoc requests it receives is a demanding role, Carrim

General for Content Processing

still has time to ap-

and Dissemination, a branch that

preciate the working

oversees three Chief Directorates

environment.

including Products and Platforms,

“What I love most

the Communications Service

about GCIS is that

Agency, and Policy and Research.

no matter how

22

Presidency in 1994.

to disseminate information and “We write content messages

She is the Acting Deputy Director-

a Communications Officer in the

including with the platforms it uses

tor who started her career when

coordinating and leading the

She joined GCIS as a Chief

Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination, Tasneem Carrim.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


Acting Deputy Director-General Tasneem Carrim wit h t he team t hat makes up t he Content Processing and Dissemination branc h.

Carrim worked her way up to

She is proud of the work being

through which we keep the pubIic

Deputy Director, before joining lo-

done by GCIS employees despite

informed and government's news-

cal government as a Director and

the limited resources available

paper Vuk'uzenzele has continued

later the South African Revenue

to them.

to grow from strength to strength,

Service in a Chief Director position. She has an Honour’s degree in

“We have very few resources, we are being stretched all the time.

moving from a daily publication to twice-a-month." However, she said she would like

Industrial Sociology but decided to

So we must realise that compared

pursue a career in communication

to what the resources are, we are

to see the organisation achieve

research.

doing an amazing job and the

more impact.

employees are the best resources,”

A decade of learning Spending a decade at GCIS

Carrim pointed out. She added that GCIS lost posts

“We do a lot of the right things but I am not sure if we are doing enough to achieve impact. I would

has taught her a few lessons on

and budget from its baseline to

rather see us do fewer things with

the governance side, such as

aid the creation of the Depart-

more impact,” Carrim explained.

the need to constantly develop

ment of Communications and has

people.

struggled to recover since then.

“We must be managing people

"Despite these limitations, we

in such a way that it gives them an

have soldiered on. We have a

opportunity to grow,” she said.

growing presence on social media

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

She called for GCIS to be acknowledged for the important role it plays. “If we could get more recognition from the political principals,

23


FEATURE IN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

including National Treasury and

These tools are available for com-

the Department of Public Service

municators to make use of,” said

and Administration, about the

Carrim.

monitoring processes. Semakane also provides guidance to the GCIS information

work that some of the people

technology department.

Across the system we have a low

Good governance is key

leadership in the application of

recognition of the status of com-

In another branch at GCIS, Keitu-

the Human Resource Manage-

munication, so GCIS is always the

metse Semakane is hard at work

ment Strategy.

last one to get resourced,”Carrim

ensuring policies are applied

pointed out.

consistently – a key factor that has

Acting DDG, he was the Chief

led to the department achieving

Director for Human Resources.

at GCIS do, it would be good ...

She added that a number of issues raised by the Comtask 2000 Report had not been addressed as yet. “Some progress has been made, such as the policy GCIS has devel-

His favourite role is providing

Prior to being appointed as the

five clean audits.

“In all the directorates that I over-

Semakane is the Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate

Human Resources. This is an area

Services.

where I learnt to understand how

“It is important to apply poli-

people need to be managed in

oped to help standardise the de-

cies consistently because when

liverables of communicators and

you are consistent you will win

a scorecard that helps their supe-

the respect of everybody,” said

riors manage their performances

Semakane.

better.

an organisation.” Training and development also falls within Semakane’s branch. “I have produced a lot of gradu-

The functions of his branch

ates due to our internal bursary

include providing strategic leader-

scheme. This shows that educa-

ship in financial administration

tion is very important. When you

and supply chain management.

improve your education and

He is also responsible for ensuring that the organisation has

knowledge, you become more effective,” he noted.

professional project management services along with providing strategic leadership planning Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Ser vices, Keitumetse Semakane.

see the one that I enjoy the most is

and

Semakane added that his second love is finance and supply chain because of his no-nonsense approach when it comes to spending government funds wisely. “I like good governance; hence we always get clean audits,” he said.

Good stories Semakane has been at the department for 23 years and has

24

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

nothing but good stories to tell of how the organisation has evolved. “When I joined this organisation it was called the South Africa Communication Services (SACS). I was

ployees of GCIS,” he recalled. In 2002 the department was expanded and he was appointed

which is headed by Acting Deputy Director-General Michael Currin. He started off his career with the

the Chief Director of Human Re-

department 27 years ago as a

sources.

Communication Officer.

“When I was the director for

In his current role, Currin is com-

one of the first black directors to

administration I found the depart-

mitted to ensuring that the organi-

work for GCIS,” he recalled.

ment in tatters in terms of audit

sation builds stakeholder relations

He was the Provincial Director in

findings. I looked at the outcome

with other government depart-

the Gauteng region from 1995

of the audit report and at each

ments and different community

to 1997.

and every finding. I read it line

organisations in the country as

by line, looking at where we went

well as the media.

Prior to joining GCIS, he was one of the first public relations officers

wrong and how we could improve.

in the North West Department of

This is how we were able to turn

rates which include Provincial and

Education.

things around,” said Semakane.

Local Liaison, Media Engagement

Semakane has a Master’s degree

He added that some of the big-

in Education and has also worked

gest challenges facing GCIS is

as a teacher and a radio DJ at

how to do more with less.

Motsweding FM.

His branch has four Chief Directo-

and two Cluster Communication Support components. The branch provides leadership

“People are overworked. When

and strategic advice to provincial

they do exit interviews they com-

and local government communi-

seasoned communicator who

plain about getting burnout due

cation systems.

just happens to head corporate

to the amount of work that we do

services.

here,” said Semakane.

He describes himself as a

When the process started of con-

His message to GCIS staff on the

Its purpose is to strengthen the system of government communication and implement develop-

verting SACS to GCIS Semakane

milestone of celebrating its 20th

ment communication through,

was asked to head up administra-

anniversary is that they must con-

unmediated communication. It

tion.

tinue to be an example to other

does this through sound stakehold-

government departments.

er relations and partnerships to

“During that time the organisation experienced a large number

“Let’s continue to shine ensuring

ensure that the public is informed

of people resigning and most of

that we give people everything

about government policies and

them were senior managers. There

that they need. Informed leaders

programmes to improve their lives.

was no one to head administra-

take good decisions,” he added.

The programme also coordinates

tion and salaries had to be paid,

the roll-out of the Thusong Service

I was appointed to head the

Building stakeholder relations

administration sector. I am the one

The third branch at GCIS is

who converted people from being

Intergovernmental Coordination

tant to build a strong team and to

employees of SACS to being em-

and Stakeholder Management,

be informed of developments in

administration had to continue.

26

Centre programme as part of the government-wide access strategy. According to Currin, it is impor-

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


one's area of work.

ocratic, people-centred govern-

thought there were more things

ment communication service, we

that we could do to strengthen

You have to read the policies, and

cannot forget that. Sometimes we

the manner in which the media is

programmes and documents

have to celebrate our achieve-

engaged by government. We had

that are written about the work of

ments. If you do not celebrate your

also looked at the degree in which

government,” he said.

achievements you become disil-

the messaging of government can

lusioned,” he added.

be more coherent domestically

“The greatest thing is to read.

He said he is proud of what GCIS has achieved over the past 20 years.

Currin said that GCIS has to become the best communication

and internationally,” he said. Out of that review, GCIS ended up

“We have inherited the culture

force in the next decade and that

with three branches including the

of a progressive, democratic and

its staff have to be the reason why

Intergovernmental Coordination

professional government commu-

people have hope in South Africa.

and Stakeholder Management,

nication operation that has stood

Content Processing and Dissemina-

the test of time over 20 years. It is

Highlights at GCIS

a history that we must jealously

Currin has many memorable

guard and actively develop fur-

moments during his nearly three

ing Currin’s time at GCIS was the

ther,” said Currin.

decades at GCIS.

funeral of the former President

“We have a wonderful

He was involved in the creation

tion, and Corporate Services. Another significant event dur-

Nelson Mandela.

legacy built on a very strong

of the Multi-Purpose Community

journey towards a dem-

Centres, which are now called

the day of the funeral, the hearse

the Thusong Service Centres. It is

was driving from the airport to

here where local, provincial and

Qunu. I was standing on the side

national government as well as

of the road. It was a moment of

other sector service providers offer

reflection and I was filled with pro-

services and developmental infor-

found sadness. Not at a familiar

mational to local communities.

level, but because it was a flash-

Currin was also part of the government delegation that travelled

“My father had also passed away recently and I was very close

to assess the institutional arrange-

to my father. I suddenly felt like the

ments of GCIS.

country has lost its father and no one is going to hold its hand no

we had done very

more. It was such a strange mo-

well in the first

ment yet so symbolic,” he said.

decade as GCIS but we

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

back to 1994.

to various countries on a project

“We understood that

Acting Deputy Director-General of Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management, Mic hael Currin.

“I had not slept for a week. On

Currin holds Master’s in Professional Youth Development and a Master’s degree in Education specialising in Youth Work Policy in South Africa.

27


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South African transport sector. The organisation is, however,

sector as one of the sectors that can play a key role in

aware that the role it plays within the sector is still unclear to

the realisation of the country’s development and growth

many in the industry. Moreover, TETA realises that its success

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demand and supply mismatch. As a result, the need for

recognised and rewarded for their contributions. Hence the

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country’s skills deficit requires immediate attention.

crafts a roadmap towards a desirable future for the sector.

Like other sectors of the economy, transport is faced with rapid

The sector profile mandated to TETA with reference to

technological changes that may render some skills obsolete

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and result in a growing demand for new ones. A trend identified

clearing, freight handling, maritime, rail, road freight, taxi

in this sector is that employers are increasingly demanding

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technologically based skills. This is not surprising because most

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driven and exposed to global competition. The need for

to remain current in the use of technological solutions to match

a technologically skilled workforce in these subsectors is

global standards. Consequently, TETA is gearing up towards

therefore becoming critical.

supporting programmes with a technological skills base – with the objective of making the industry workforce globally competitive.

STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Over the years, TETA has fostered relationships with several

UNDERSTANDING THE MANDATE OF THE TRANSPORT

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITY (TETA)

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WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Writer: More Matshediso Photographer: Jairus Mmutle

Dr Ntombifut hi Nala is Director for Researc h and Knowledge Management at GCIS.

30

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


Dr Ntombifuthi Nala: Leap into the unknown leads to success

W

hen Dr Ntombifuthi Nala

something else,” she recalled.

joined Government

She excelled in her position;

Information System (GCIS) 14 years

Beyond the comfort zone

ago, she had no idea what she was

Although excited about the new

getting herself into.

opportunity Nala said she was also

Communication and

She was busy with her Doctorate studies in Water Quality Management at Technikon Witwatersrand

the public,” Nala explained. barely a year-and-a-half later she applied for a Deputy Director post in the unit and got the job. “At this level, I was exposed to

anxious about leaving her comfort

making presentations at high-level

zone.

meetings and was also trusted with

“I had many thoughts about it

giving advice where it was needed.

(now known as the University of Jo-

later. I was also thinking about all

This instilled confidence in me,” said

hannesburg) and all her previous

the complaints I had heard about

Nala.

experience was in academia.

the low work ethic in the public

Part of her job while she worked

She was the project manager at

sector and how I would regret my

GCIS as it was being reviewed with

at the Water Research Institute

move. But I thought I should give

regard to the department’s role in

included writing articles and assist-

it a try because if all else failed I

the government-wide communica-

ing her supervisor by editing pro-

could always go back to academ-

tion system.

fessional journals. It was then she

ics,” she said.

decided to refocus her energies.

Clearly Nala did not fail and is

Nala was part of the delegation that travelled to various countries

“I told myself that I had been in

now the Director for Research and

to investigate and assess differ-

the academic field for almost my

Knowledge Management at GCIS.

ent communication systems in

entire life and it was about time

Looking back, she recalled the

that I tested other waters,” ex-

important work she initially under-

plained Nala.

took at GCIS.

She applied for a Deputy Director

She was part of the qualitative

countries such as the United States, Tunisia and Brazil. “The idea was to learn how similar departments like GCIS were run in

post at GCIS in 2004, went through

research team in the Research

those countries, in terms of coordi-

the interview process and was

Directorate. The other teams were

nating communication and being

offered a job two days later at As-

working on quantitative research

effective. Out of that process, some

sistant Director level.

and in-depth analysis of the data.

restructuring was done at GCIS to

“Our work used to inform policy

make it more effective,” Nala said.

“I didn’t even think twice about it. I said it’s fine, I will take it. I think

and strategy development at a

I was just excited by the sense of

very high level. We made submis-

Tough decisions

achievement that came with it

sions to Cabinet, and Cabinet re-

Nala’s achievements at work came

because although it was not the

lied on the arm of GCIS research to

at a price as she dropped out of

position that I wanted, I had per-

provide guidance and way forward

the Doctorate programme she

formed well enough to be offered

in order to speak to the needs of

had entered earlier as her

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

31


WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

workload increased. Not one to leave things hanging,

“My study supervisor asked me to make a decision between

ate in Public Health in public institutions,” she said.

Nala decided to register at the

working and studying so I had to

University of South Africa for a Doc-

take a break from my studies in

to the support of my family. It was

torate in Public Health in 2006.

2008 and focus on my job,” she

not easy but I am glad to say that

explained.

I endured until the end. I would

“I was trying to align my qualifications with the priorities of gov-

In 2010 she returned to her

“I managed to pull through due

study the entire night and come

ernment. What I was doing at work

studies, determined to finish her

to work the next day like all other

was the same as what I did with

Doctorate.

employees. I had to put all my

“I re-registered and from there

time into it because I wanted to

GCIS bursary and it was granted,”

on I did not have a life, even my

finish and I did in 2014,” she said.

she said.

kids knew that when mommy

my studies. I had applied for the

comes from work she goes

Climbing the ladder

her work meant she had to make

straight to the study room. I had

In 2015 there was a vacancy for

tough decisions.

to work hard to finish my Doctor-

a Director post in her directorate.

Once more, the demands of

Being the go-getter that she is, Nala applied for the position and was successful. She recalled the position took some adjustment. “Managing a team, I had to learn group dynamics. It was a bit frustrating in the beginning because you never know what will work for everyone. I had to find a balance. I had a very supportive supervisor and other Directors assisted me to develop character for this role. With time, things settled, I found my feet and the team started gelling,” Nala said. The projects done by her team are mainly aimed at improving the work of GCIS and ensuring that the department is relevant to stakeholders including Cabinet, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Communications and members of the public.

32

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

includes having an overall view of

used especially when develop-

campaigns that inform the public

government machinery and being

ing content for GCIS products for

about programmes that can

at the centre of everything.

members of the public and when

“We also assess communication

improve their lives and that alert

Employees at the department

them to opportunities that they

have an opportunity to be versa-

can take up,” she explained.

tile and knowledgeable about all

GCIS does media planning and scheduling. “Even today, we still need to fig-

of government, unlike when one

ure out how to work together with

the public regards as important

is in an isolated department that

the Media Buying and Content

at a point in time, the accuracy of

focuses on only one area. Nala

Development units. It will be an

the research of the unit is vital.

believes that this helps develop

ideal situation to sit and plan to-

employees.

gether and explore ideas to come

For GCIS to know what exactly

“The type of research we are doing is not academic. It needs

“The level of openness among

up with the holistic approach or

to be current, which is one of the

colleagues and managers is

strategy that takes into account

challenges that we always try

also encouraging, and the open

the insights from research, not just

to address. The challenge that

door approach is what I like most

as additional information,” she

we are continuously faced with

about the organisation. It is not

said.

is doing research that is current

status orientated. This makes room

enough to inform decision-mak-

for the young employees in the

she has learned how to deal with

ing,” she said.

organisation to know that they

criticism.

Nala explained that she ap-

can engage with officials who are

On a personal level, Nala said

“There have been times when I

proaches every work day with a

at different levels in GCIS without

had to take punches in terms of

flexible mindset, aiming to get

feeling intimidated,” she said.

my work. I was made to feel that

through her "to-do list" for each

“What I like about my job is the

my work was not worthwhile due

day, but is well aware that her

different research projects that

to some silly mistakes, but choos-

schedule is subject to change

we do. I don’t think anyone can

ing to look on the brighter side

due to requests that need to be

get experience like that from

of things helps me to not always

reprioritised.

anywhere other than GCIS. The

focus on the negative. I always

variation keeps you on your toes.

try to make something out of the

sometimes I leave around 10pm

You get to explore new fields and

criticism and turn it into a positive

and there are times where we left

learn new things based on public

outcome,” she said.

around 4am the next morning

perception,” she added.

“I spend long hours in this office,

learnt to develop a thick skin

because we just wanted to finish a very flexible team and I know

Making the most of research

that I might be a bit of a perfec-

Nala’s job also comes with its

tionist,” she said.

unique challenges. Ensuring that

tasks and meet deadlines. I have

A bird’s eye view Nala added that one of the advantages of working at GCIS

34

“During my stay at GCIS I have when it comes to criticism and to translate it into a plan for a game changer,” she added. Nala believes GCIS is the best

research is used effectively is one

employer in government. She would

of them.

not choose any other environment

She constantly has to make sure that research findings are being

to learn in. “It is a really warm environment,” she added.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



FEATURE

Writer: Noluthando Motswai

Staff reflect on

20 years at GCIS radio unit, photography and design Este Koor ts says she has witnessed and par ticipated in histor y while working for GCIS.

studio. This unit often receives requests from other government services to render its service. Koorts ensures that all requests that are submitted to her are implemented by the departments in her directorate. She began her journey with GCIS in 1986 when it was known as the Bureau for Information under the apartheid government. “I was doing media monitoring at the time. It was in the days of censorship in the media. We had to check the newspaper and indi-

A

cate which articles needed to be s Government Commu-

rations, state funerals, the creation

nication and Information

of the national flag and the coat of

The Bureau for Information

System (GCIS) celebrates

arms. I have watched government

evolved into the South African

its 20th anniversary, employees of

change before my eyes. It has been

Communication Services and later

the department have taken time

an interesting place to be with its

to GCIS, which was in 1998.

to reminisce about their journey at

culture of young people,” she said.

GCIS. Some have walked every step

Koorts is a traffic manager in the

it was full of middle-aged men in

of the road with GCIS from its launch

Chief Directorate Communications

grey shoes. Now there are young

on 18 May 1998.

Service Agency (CSA).

and vibrant black ladies with

responded to,” Koorts explained.

“When I joined this organisation

PSM spoke to Este Koorts, Geor-

She describes herself as the

strong personalities. This is what

gina Mokoena and Thomas Chau-

"bird's eye" of the unit, having to

GCIS looks like today. It is such a

Chau who told us how GCIS has

manage all requests for assistance

vibey place,” she added.

shaped their lives and careers.

and products which are channeled

Koorts said being part of GCIS meant that she witnessed and participated in history. “I have been involved in inaugu-

36

to her office. Koorts and her team also ren-

Koorts reflected that over the years she has formed meaning friendships and views her col-

der administrative support to the

leagues as family. She added that

Production Unit. CSA consists of the

there is an advantage working for

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


the GCIS because the department

GCIS LAUNCH

is respected by government. “I think we lost some of that integrity and respect but we are getting out of that space and heading to

1998

better times. Our vision and mission

2002

2006

is very important to me – I really want this organisation to be the best,” said Koorts. Looking to the future, Koorts said

receiving documents that are de-

Protecting staff and assets

livered to the building and checking if there are any problems in the

she wants GCIS to become the

One of the most familiar faces at

best-performing department in

the GCIS building in Hatfield is that

government.

of Thomas Chau-Chau, who is a

1997, prior to which he was a

security officer.

construction worker building roads

“I would like to see the experts that work here be given the

His job is to supervise and moni-

building. He joined the department in

in Pretoria.

freedom to use their skills. We

tor the external security service,

“When I got the news that I got

have very talented people in this

monitor access at the reception

the job I was so excited that I did

organisation. I have a lot of respect

area and escort visitors.

not sleep. I could not believe that

for some of my colleagues,” she added. Koorts is optimistic about the future, adding that GCIS can only get better over the next 20 years.

“It feels great to do my job, especially receiving Ministers and handling VIP guests who enter our building,” he said. Chau-Chau is also tasked with

I was going to work for this department,” recalled Chau-Chau. He added that one of the most important lessons he has learnt over the years is what it means to be a public servant and serve the public. In 2001 Chau-Chau was asked to

Thomas Chau-Chau is one of t he most familiar faces at t he GCIS building in Hatf ield.

be part of the team doing stocktaking at GCIS's provincial offices. “This made me so proud because I felt like my efforts to protect the organisation’s assets were being recognised and appreciated,” he explained. Chau-Chau said one of the challenging times he faced at the department was when GCIS moved from its offices from the Midtown building in Pretoria Central to a new building in Hatfield, Pretoria. “This was both exciting and

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

37


FEATURE

challenging as I was part of the team that was implementing the

Georgina Mokoena is delighted to be celebrating 20 years wit h GCIS.

security system for a building that had never been used before,” he explained. Chau-Chau said he loved his job and was excited for whatever the future held for GCIS.

A love of communicating Georgina Mokoena joined GCIS in 1998 and is delighted to be celebrating 20 years with the department. Mokoena is the secretary for the Chief Director: Platform and Products. Her job entails checking the Chief Director's diary for meet-

“I wanted a new challenge. I was

“When we launched Vuk’uzenzele,

ings, preparing his packs and other

in the security department for a

I was involved in organising the

administrative duties.

long time and when I made the

event. I came up with the idea of

transition, I was happy and people

inviting the embassies and to this

were happy for me,” she said.

day the success of that event still

As part of her new role, she

blows my mind,” added Mokoena.

When Mokoena was initially appointed, she was a security officer at the reception area and while

Understanding the use of words

she enjoyed her work she wanted

was part of the team that started

to broaden her knowledge and

the government newspaper

and its impact are among some of

skills.

Vuk'uzenzele. She said being part

the lessons she has learnt during

of the organising team for the

her time at GCIS.

She registered for short courses in secretarial studies and was ap-

launch of the paper was a most

pointed as a secretary in 2002.

memorable time for her.

“I learnt a lot about writing in plain language and how to communicate with all government departments. Working for GCIS has made it easy for me to talk about any government programme and share this information with people on the street,” she said. Mokoena's advice to public servants is to serve and honour their

2010

38

2014

2018

country and to remain humble and open-minded.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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Public Sector Manager A4 Advert.indd 1

2018/05/16 9:39:28 AM


FEATURE

Compiled by Noluthando Motswai and Chris Bathembu

Communicators hail GCIS’s work

O

ver the years, Govern-

that enlightens South African

ment Communication

society about the progress made

and Information System

in implementing all government

(GCIS) has played a pivotal role in

programmes.

the government communication

Mahlaku added that GCIS also

space, providing training to commu-

provides a relevant platform for the

nicators while offering advice and

public to engage constructively

support to various departments on

with government departments

their campaigns.

regarding their mandates.

As GCIS celebrates its 20th an-

Bongiwe Gambu.

“The two-way nature of this en-

niversary, PSM spoke to several

gagement enhances the demo-

government communicators to give

cratic ideal that our government

them an opportunity to reflect on

continuously strives for, a govern-

porting government departments,

their experience of interacting with

ment in which the voice of ordinary

including the Presidency, in com-

the Communication System.

people plays a critical role,” he said.

municating the programme of

Her unit was in charge of sup-

Media Relations Manager at

“It can only be proper to wish

the South African Social Security

GCIS a happy 20th anniversary

Agency (SASSA) Tshediso Mahlaku

and wish for many more years

Gambu said her exposure to

believes GCIS has made it easier

of success in carrying forward

government departments along

for government departments and

your mandate. Your success as a

with the ability to access local and

agencies to reach out to the public

department is clearly visible in the

international media, while being

over the years through its ad-

levels of consciousness of govern-

able to dip into an extensive media

vanced and sophisticated commu-

ment displayed by ordinary South

database, are some of the advan-

nication technology.

Africans in their day-to-day discus-

tages of working for GCIS.

He described GCIS as the all-

sions. Well done,” said Mahlaku.

important voice of government

40

transversal projects.

“What I loved most about working at GCIS was the endless opportuni-

Supporting government departments

Tshediso Mahlaku.

action of government as well as

ties to influence public discourse and inform the nation on how to

Former GCIS Director for Media Li-

participate in democracy. It was

aison Bongiwe Gambu has worked

great to work in such a dynamic

at the System for six years and re-

organisation that exposed me to

members starting her days in Rapid

so many different opportunities. I

Response meetings where she and

also loved the people, the sense of

colleagues from other units would

comradeship and the relationships

identify issues in the media that

that outlived my time there,” she

needed further communication by

added.

government.

Gambu said the most meaningful

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


lesson she learnt at the depart-

nication arising, GCIS has an im-

ment was the power of the govern-

portant role to ensure government

ment communication system when

policies are communicated using

it was running efficiently.

these new tools that digital media

Moving forward, Gambu added that GCIS should adopt a better tal-

is bringing to the fore,” he noted. With regard to the work of his

ent retention strategy and improve

organisation, Tsedu said media

succession planning and imple-

coverage of South African science,

mentation.

technology and innovation has

Her message to GCIS is: “May you grow and take your rightful place in

been lacking. Linda Page.

“However, there has been a slight

government communication and in

increase recently due to the part-

shaping the lives and experiences

nerships that GCIS is building with

ued support and I have constant

of ordinary South Africans through

different media houses to ensure

interaction with with colleagues

providing information on active

that organisations such as CSIR

through the various communica-

participation in our democracy.”

can showcase its capabilities and

tion platforms that they have cre-

expertise,” he added.

ated,” she said.

Providing leadership

“I would like to congratulate and

Group Manager: Marketing and

commend GCIS for the outstanding

provided guidance and advice on

Communication at the Council

role it has played since its incep-

strategic communication cam-

for Scientific and Industrial Re-

tion. Surely it would not have been

paigns, including the provision of

search (CSIR) Tendani Tsedu said

easy for us as communicators to

services such as media buying and

that for the past 20 years GCIS

communicate without the assis-

content production, and through

tance and guidance we receive

this she has gained knowledge

from GCIS.”

and a deeper understanding of

“We also appreciate the community radio platforms provided by

Page added that GCIS has

the government communications environment.

GCIS to ensure that we continue

She stressed the importance of

to educate and inform the public

GCIS in the government communi-

about our work, especially those

cation space because government

in rural areas. Keep it up. Continue

must have a collective voice.

informing and educating the nation,” he said. Tendani Tsedu.

“Government communications is key to nurturing social cohesion and fostering nation building,”

Guidance and advice

said Page.

has provided good leadership to

Head of Communications at the

government communication and

Department of Rural Development

your 20th anniversary. May GCIS

ensured that the public is informed

and Land Reform Linda Page, said

grow from strength to strength

of government's implementation of

her experience with GCIS has been

and continue to lead and serve

its mandate.

positive.

the country with distinction,” she

“With new methods of commu-

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

“GCIS provides me with contin-

“Congratulations on reaching

added.

41


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PROVINCIAL FOCUS

Writer: Chris Bathembu

Keeping the Eastern Cape informed

T

he Government Communica-

nicipality Presidential Intervention

ment communication agenda of

tion and Information System

Project in Mthatha,” said Pinyana.

a democratically-elected govern-

(GCIS) office in the Eastern

Other projects of the provincial

Cape is at the centre of efforts to

office include expanding the local

provide government content to

government communication sys-

Looking to the future, he high-

those in the province.

tem and pioneering the first ever

lighted the need for more capacity-

Presidential Siyahlola Monitoring

building in provinces and empow-

Visit in the province.

ering officials in that space in their

Headed by Director Ndlelantle Pinyana, the office is tasked with

ment where constitutionalism is the order of the day”, said Pinyana.

informing the public about govern-

Pinyana took up the position of

ment policies, plans, programmes

Provincial Director in 2009 and was

Reflecting on GCIS’ 20th anniversa-

and achievements and creating

immediately confronted by chal-

ry, Pinyana called for a continuation

informed stakeholders.

lenges.

of the key values GCIS has nurtured

roles as they are at the coalface.

“This requires the development of

“The most vivid challenge was to

over the years. “Durability, reliability,

a broad stakeholder database that

transform the ineffective and ineffi-

reputation and trust remain key val-

reflects the provincial and local dy-

cient office at output level to a well-

ues that contribute to a successful

namics,” explained Pinyana.

oiled machine that now earns the

company. It takes 20

respect and admiration of all

years to build a repu-

ment information must reach is ex-

stakeholders it has and con-

tation and five min-

tensive. It includes MECs, chiefs of

tinues to interface with in the

utes to ruin it,” he

staff, heads of department, heads

province,” he noted.

The list of stakeholders that govern-

of communication, media liaison

ith these challenges now With

officers, municipal mayors, mu-

a thing of the past, Pinyana

nicipal managers, speakers, chief

said he and his team are fo-

whips, municipal heads of commu-

cused on equipping those

nication, community development

in need of information to

workers, communicators, legislature,

empower themselves.

media, civil society organisations,

Some of the high-

youth structures and heads of ter-

lights of the work

tiary institutions.

of his office are the

The GCIS provincial office also

“progressive com-

provides communication support

petitive spirit and

to key campaigns.

sharing of best prac-

“We provided communication support for the OR Tambo Cente-

Ndlelantle Pinyana is helping ensure t hat t he GCIS of f ice in t he Eastern Cape takes government content to t he people.

tices amongst provinces”.

nary and the University of Fort Hare

he provincial ofThe

Centenary celebrations as well as

fice also prides itself in

the King Sabata Dalindyebo Mu-

“driving the develop-

44

pointed out.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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IN OTHER NEWS

Compiled by Jauhara Khan

New scheme set to widen market access for SMMEs

inclusive, equitable and fast growing, with the SMME

Small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) will

2030,” Minister Zulu said.

soon benefit from a programme that will offer business development services and improve access to markets.

sector contributing 90 percent of all new jobs by She added that government has identified small business development as a priority. “We will ensure that the programme deliberately

Recently, Small Business Development Minister Lindi-

targets enterprises in the townships and rural areas,

we Zulu and the European Union (EU) Commissioner

and those owned by women, youth and people with

for International Cooperation and Development

disabilities. We must not forget that the townships

Neven Mimica launched the Employment Promotion

were created as hostels to house people working in

through SMME Support Programme for South Africa

the Central Business Districts of cities and scant ef-

at Riversands Incubation Hub in Diepsloot.

fort was made to develop entrepreneurship in these

The programme will improve SMME access to finance and help ease the administrative and regulatory burdens they face.

areas,” Minister Zulu said. She said her department’s partnership with the EU must assist enterprises to occupy their rightful place

“Through this programme, we seek to contribute towards inclusive economic growth and employ-

in the mainstream economy. The Employment Promotion through SMME Support

ment creation through support for SMMEs. More

Programme seeks to ensure that private-sector role

importantly, it is aligned to our National Development

players, as well as state actors, work together in the

Plan, which articulates a vision of an economy that is

best interests of SMMEs and cooperatives.

Call for submissions on land expropriation without compensation The Joint Constitutional Review Com-

public interest without compensa-

The closing date for written submis-

tion, and propose the necessary

sions and requests for oral presenta-

constitutional amendments.

tion is 31 May 2018.

As part of its constitutional obliga-

Enquiries and written submissions

mittee has called for written public

tion to facilitate public participation,

can be addressed to:

submissions to make it possible for

the committee has invited written

Pat Jayiya

the state to expropriate land without

submissions from all stakeholders on

Committee Section

compensation.

the necessity of and mechanisms for

PO Box 15,

expropriating land without compen-

Cape Town 8000

sation.

or email pjayiya@parliament.gov.za.

The committee which has been set up to review Section 25 of the Constitution was instructed by the National

In addition to the written submis-

Hand-delivered submissions can

Assembly and the National Council

sion, the public is urged to indicate

be submitted at W/S 091, 3rd Floor,

of Provinces to make it possible for

their interest in making an oral pres-

90 Plein Street, Cape Town.

the state to expropriate land in the

entation to the committee.

For more information, members of the public can call 021 403 3661 or 081 441 0345 or send a fax to 086 465 0678. The committee has until 30 August 2018 to report back to Parliament.

46

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


Tourism Ministers commit to creating jobs

Hanekom said.

Tourism Minister Derek

like the T20 to formulate

Hanekom and his G20

policy and devise in-

counterparts have com-

novative strategies that

Road D670 rehabilitation project launched

mitted their countries to

create decent, meaning-

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi

create more jobs and

ful work for the people

launched a R90 million Road D670 rehabilitation

promote entrepreneur-

who need it most,” he

project between Bronkhorstspruit and Ekangala, east

ship in tourism, espe-

added.

of Tshwane, in April.

cially for women and the youth.

“We need to work together through platforms

The T20 statement

The 19 km road project was funded by the de-

notes that tourism ac-

partment and completed eight months ahead of schedule.

The G20 forum aims to

counts for 10 percent of

strengthen cooperation

the world’s gross domes-

between advanced and

tic product.

emerging countries.

Tourism creates jobs

Road D670 is located north of Bronkhorstspruit towards the R513 intersection and forms part of the northern corridor.

The Tourism Ministers

within the sector and

The rehabilitated road will not only ensure con-

from the G20 countries

in many other linked

tinuous and effective operations of the coal power

form the T20 group,

sectors, and supports a

station but will also provide safer conditions for daily

which held its annual

higher share of employ-

commuters traveling to work, especially Ekangala

meeting in Buenos Aires

ment for women and the

residents working in Bronkhorstspruit, Cullinan, Ray-

in April.

youth, entrepreneurship

ton, Bapsfontein and Delmas.

Minister Hanekom was

and business opportuni-

MEC Vadi said the completion of the project

invited by José Gustavo

ties in rural areas, com-

ahead of schedule demonstrated the department’s

Santos, the Minister of

pared to many other

commitment to adhering to set timetables and al-

Tourism in Argentina,

sectors of the economy.

located budgets.

the host country for this

It also contributes to the

year's meeting.

preservation of natural

coal trucks running between various mines and

resources and cultural

power stations.

“The global focus on creating jobs in tourism

heritage.

The road carries heavy traffic volumes, including

“The rehabilitated road will stimulate local economic participation and growth. Furthermore, it will

fits in perfectly with South

All member countries

Africa's strategy to tackle

committed to establish-

improve traffic capacity, particularly coal haulers

unemployment, poverty

ing tourism innovation

travelling from Ekangala towards the N4. This is part

and inequality through

centres, incentives and

of the Gauteng provincial government’s efforts to roll

inclusive tourism growth.

programmes to stimulate

out road infrastructure aimed at stimulating eco-

The digital revolution,

innovation and entrepre-

nomic growth,” said MEC Vadi.

and the sharing econ-

neurship, and to linking

omy that it supports, is

start-ups, main com-

velopment to local labour as well as empowerment

changing the nature of

panies, investors and

of BBBEE contractors, with the main contractor sub-

jobs in tourism,” Minister

governments.

contracting a percentage of work to local SMMEs.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

He added that the project also provided skills de-

47


VITAL STATS

Source: Statistics South Africa

SA economy on an upward trend the previous quarter. The increase in earnings was dominated by the trade industry which registered R11 billion. This was followed by the community services industry with R9 billion, the manufacturing industry with R8 billion, business services industry with R7 billion, transport industry with R6 billion and the construction industry with R4 billion. Earnings in the electricity industry decreased by R390 million and in the mining and quarrying

F

industry dipped by R60 million. igures from the Quarterly Em-

jobs and the community services

ployment Statistics (QES) sur-

industry was up by 21 000 jobs.

measured at R20 004 in the for-

vey show that South Africa’s

Average monthly earnings were

Moderate gains were reported in

mal non-agricultural sector of the

formal non-agricultural sector add-

the manufacturing industry with a

economy in November 2017. This

ed 81 000 jobs in the fourth quarter

slight increase of 3 000 jobs in the

was a 0.7 percent increase when

of 2017, bringing the total number

quarter.

compared to August 2017, and

of persons employed in the formal

However, the construction and

non-agricultural sector to 9.8 million.

mining industries shed 19 000

According to the QES, formal sec-

and 7 000 jobs, respectively, while

tor jobs rose by 18 000 in the fourth

the transport industry reported a

quarter, compared with the same

moderate loss of 3 000 jobs.

period of 2016.

Gross earnings paid for the

an annual increase of 6.8 percent.

Working out percentage increase:

quarter ending December 2017

New number – old number

dustries continued to trend up in

increased by R45 billion. The total

then divide the difference

the quarter, adding 56 000 jobs.

amount of gross earnings

with the old number x 100

Growth in employment was also

measured for the quarter was

Therefore:

reported by the business services

R662 billion. This was a 7.28 per-

industry which added 23 000

cent increase from R618 billion in

Employment in the trade in-

48

45/618x100= 7.28 percent

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


©2015 TUMI, INC.

©2015 TUMI, INC.

O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE 011-390-2088

O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE

V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253

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SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 011-783-4636

SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE


Writer: President Cyril Ramaphosa

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

A beautiful tomorrow beckons for Africa

May is Africa Month which not only commemorates the founding of the African Union (AU) more than half a century ago but gives us a chance to reflect on our past, present and future.

A

frican unity should be

receptions on my recent visits to

Africa that was marred by fear,

close to the heart of every

Southern African Development

pain, loss and disappointment. It

South African because the

Community (SADC) countries, both

left many wounded and scarred

greater our level of regional and

as the new President of South Africa

for life. To this day our society is

continental integration, and the

and the SADC Chair. The countries

still hurting, damaged by our past,

more aware we are of what can be

visited are some of those that sup-

numbed by our present and hesi-

achieved collectively, the brighter

ported South Africa through the

tant about our future.

Africa’s future will be.

dark days of the liberation struggle.

Many of our brothers and sisters

Therefore, revitalising South Af-

Remember, the triumph over

rica’s international relations policy

apartheid was a joint effort. We

wipe our tears, ease our pain and

and regenerating important bilat-

were offered support, sanctuary

carry us through the difficult times.

eral, continental and international

and funding from our allies to allow

relationships is high on govern-

our struggle to continue despite

ment’s agenda.

immense odds.

I have enjoyed overwhelming

50

Apartheid was a period in South

from the continent were on hand to

Helping Africa fulfil its potential And just as these countries once

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


fought side-by-side with us to attain

is therefore welcomed as a new

equality for all South Africans, today

beginning that will catapult African

mitted to building a country in

we must be equally united in our

countries and companies to much

which a person’s prospects are

quest to help Africa fulfil its vast

higher levels of growth.

determined by their own initiative

potential.

Free trade has the potential to

In South Africa, we are com-

and hard work, and not by the

significantly foster the development

colour of their skin, place of birth,

and stability, economic growth,

of all countries on the continent, as

gender, language or income of

food security, infrastructure de-

well as big business, small compa-

their parents. We should honour

velopment and environmental

nies and micro-traders.

Madiba by putting behind us the

Of common interest are peace

change and management. These

The Tripartite Free Trade Area

era of discord, disunity and disil-

can be better addressed through

agreement, which brings together

meaningful intercontinental

SADC, COMESA and the East

partnerships that help realise our

African Community, will combine

learn about each other’s cultures

collective might.

the markets of 26 countries with a

to better understand them and to

The AU has adopted the theme:

population of nearly 625 million.

contribute to nation-building and

“Winning the Fight against Corrup-

It will open market access op-

lusionment. I encourage South Africans to

the healing of past wounds.

tion: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s

portunities for South African export

Transformation” for 2018.

products, and contribute to job

from whom it was taken is an im-

creation and the growth of South

portant step towards healing the

us and our still new government is

Africa’s industrial sector. At the

divisions of the past.

committed to freeing South Africa

same time we are aware of the

from corruption, which takes a

challenges to labour in these new

of broad consultation to see

huge toll on a country’s govern-

opportunities and these will be

how land expropriation without

ment, economy and citizens.

taken into account before any

compensation can proceed law-

final document is signed.

fully and without damaging the

This resonates strongly with all of

If the AU’s Agenda 2063 is to be a catalyst for the continent’s socio-

At some point we would like to

The return of land to the people

We must focus on a process

economy or food production.

economic transformation, it needs

see a single currency being intro-

the participation of governments

duced for AU countries instead

inside our borders and across the

that are committed to improving

of us relying on other people’s

continent, but there can be no

the lives of its people, rather than

currency.

doubt that Africa’s time is now. Af-

governments that jeopardise their

We have lots of work to do both

rica is the origin of humanity and

citizens’ future by allowing corrup-

Embracing differences

it is vital that people respect their

tion to take root.

Just as African governments seek

origins and that Africans, in particu-

closer alliances, so too must Afri-

lar, acknowledge their strengths.

Higher levels of growth

cans themselves be more willing

Also urgently required is both an

to accept each other and em-

collaboration and partnership to

improvement in inter-Africa trade

brace our different cultures, both

overcome the greatest of difficulties

as well as business relations. The

on the continent and at home. We

and I believe it is through the same

adoption by the AU of an agree-

all have a lot to contribute and

sense of unity that we will create

ment of free trade on the continent

can learn from one another.

the Africa of our dreams.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

Throughout history, we have used

51


UPCOMING EVENTS

Compiled by Jauhara Khan

Manufacturing Indaba 19 – 20 June 2018

Key areas that the event will

includes the Department of

focus on include efficiencies in

Trade and Industry and the

The Manufacturing Indaba is

manufacturing, how this can

Manufacturing Circle as its

the leading manufacturing

help manufacturers grow and

strategic partners and will take

event in Sub-Saharan Africa. It

become more profitable and

place from 19 to 20 June 2018

aims to bring together busi-

access to new markets.

at the Sandton Convention

ness owners, industry leaders,

The event is designed spe-

government officials, capital

cifically for private and public

providers and professional

company representatives to

experts to explore opportuni-

hear from industry experts as

ties, grow their manufacturing

they unpack challenges and

operations and look at local

find solutions for growth across

and global manufacturing

the manufacturing sectors.

trends.

Centre in Johannesburg. For more information, go to manufacturingindaba.co.za

The annual two-day event

44th National Arts Festival 28 June – 8 July 2018

BRICS Summit 2018 25 – 27 July 2018

The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown is in its 44th

South Africa will look to strengthen its ties

year, making it the biggest annual celebration of the

with emerging economies when it hosts

arts in South Africa and on the African continent.

the 10th BRICS Summit in July.

The programme this year has grown to include

South Africa has been a member of

exciting new elements such as the Creative Digital

the emerging economies bloc, which in-

Arts Festival, the Festival of Film and Ideas, and the

cludes Brazil, Russia, India and China, since

new home for the Village Green. It will also feature

2010, and has assumed rotational chair-

its popular platforms, the Standard Bank Young Art-

ship of the summit for 2018. The country

ists segment and the Standard Bank Jazz Festival.

has committed to using its role as host of

Each year the festival comprises a main and a

the summit this year to plan towards the

fringe programme that includes drama, dance,

goals of the next decade of BRICS coop-

physical theatre, comedy, opera, music, jazz, visual

eration.

art exhibitions, film, student theatre, street theatre,

For 2018, South Africa has identified key

lectures, craft fair, workshops and a children’s arts

priorities that will focus on virtual vaccine

festival.

research platforms, a gender and women’s

Core sponsors include the Department of Arts

forum, peacekeeping working groups and

and Culture, the Eastern Cape Department of Sport,

strategies for improving economic partner-

Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Office of the

ships with other BRICS countries.

Premier, and Standard Bank of South Africa. The festival takes place from 28 June to 8 July 2018.

The summit will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 25 to

For more information go to

27 July 2018. For more information,

www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.

go to www.brics2018.org.za

52

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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Convention Centre

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Pretoria/Tshwane | www.csiricc.co.za | +27 (012) 841 3884

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MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Writer: Des Latham

How to be an effective leader – It’s not about success alone

T

here are always acronyms in training and development and sometimes these really

do sound odd. One of the best, in leadership terms, is VUCA. That resonates in South Africa because it sounds like “vuka” or wake up. VUCA is an acronym that stands for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous which is an accurate description of the leadership environment in government. The volatility comes from political change, uncertainty because there

ship (CCL) has put together a

competencies of a boss or peer or

are always things that shake up the

database tracking the 16 key

by delivering a direct report using

future, complex because running

leadership skills and five others they

the CCL assessment template.

a country is difficult, and ambigu-

called “derailment factors”, in a

ity because goals are sometimes

paper published in 2018. It stands

ment sector leaders are unlike

based on citizens’ happiness and

to reason each of 16 skills are not

corporate leaders because working

not just a number.

equal, that there are more impor-

for the state means addressing is-

Before you reject this, let us quickly

tant and less important items on

sues such as gender, race, ethnicity

understand why VUCA is thought of

the list. Knowing the most impor-

and even culture ahead of simple

as an accurate representation of

tant ones can help create a more

budget planning. There are also

the challenges facing government

robust leadership strategy.

political pressures which corporate

leadership. We have to possess the

What they found was that govern-

leaders do not face.

skills to survive an uncertain world

Core skills

and yet be under observation by

The evaluation of these 16 core

leaders who are quick to gain

our citizens. These days the citizens

skills was conducted after analys-

knowledge or use limited resources

keep us under pressure by using

ing nearly 161 000 responses by

with creativity and who are willing

their smartphones. There is virtu-

16 431 government leaders. The

to change were high on the list of

ally no place to hide and therefore

data came from a range of indi-

successful managers.

when VUCA is involved, we have to

viduals operating in the US federal

“vuka”.

register, where respondents were

ated by staff included interpersonal

asked to evaluate the leadership

skills, intelligence and commitment.

The Centre for Creative Leader-

54

The CCL assessment found that

The other combinations appreci-

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


The highest skills appreciated by government workers are an ability to lead, manage change

interact with both junior and

Leadership is about participa-

senior staff in a complex way.

tion and enabling others while

2. Doing whatever it takes.

building consensus and

and engage in what’s known as

The major skill is being able to

participative management. Being

persevere and focus in the face

able to lead a diverse group is the

of obstacles, while also taking

most important competency by a

charge and making decisions

Managing change is a real

human resources department, but

that sometimes mean standing

threat, but also an opportu-

it was rated second to last by co-

alone once you know that your

nity. Organisational change

workers in terms of effectiveness.

position is correct.

is far more difficult to achieve

Change management also

3. Being a quick study.

influencing others in decisionmaking. 8. Change management.

than personal change, mainly

languished on this list, finding a

The ideal leadership skill at

position in the bottom half of the

a time of change is being

core skills when it came to analys-

able to master new technical

ing effectiveness. The major lesson

knowledge quickly, while also

Knowing how to build and

here is that good senior managers

incorporating new business

maintain working relationships

knowledge.

with co-workers and external

and leaders learn from a variety of experiences over their career.

4. Decisiveness.

because you need to overcome resistance to change. 9. Building relationships.

parties is vital, while also nego-

The potential to lead effectively

How quickly you respond and

tiating and handling work prob-

increases exponentially when they

act is regarded as a vital skill

lems without alienating people.

are provided with opportunities to

while at other times you need to

reach outside their own functional

know when to slow down and

In our multicultural environment

areas and departments.

be more precise.

being able to understand and

So what are these main 16 skills?

5. Leading employees.

10. Compassion and sensitivity.

being genuinely interested in

As you will read, they make for inter-

A core leadership skill, is being

others is a core and valuable

esting analysis.

able to delegate to employees

skill.

The benchmarks used include

effectively, while also broaden-

11. Straightforwardness and com-

155 behavioural descriptors

ing employee opportunities

grouped in 21 overall scales. While

and acting with fairness toward

People respect others who are

we do not have enough space to

direct reports.

direct and honest, but also use

describe these, take some time to

6. Confronting problem

posure.

fact-based arguments and do

look over the list of 16 below.

employees.

not blame others for mistakes.

One of the most draining

Troubled situations develop.

1. Resourcefulness.

aspects of leadership is deal-

How well can you deal with

A good leader can think

ing with a problem employee.

challenges that crop up

strategically and make good

However, you have to do this

suddenly?

decisions under pressure as well as set up complex work systems.

fairly and with decisive acts. 7. Participative management.

12. Balance between personal life and work.

You need to engage in flexible

Another core skill is being able

We are not automatons. We

problem-solving behaviour and

to listen and communicate.

need to ensure there is a

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

55


MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

balance between work and our

acteristics? The CCL research

personal lives. Being exclusively

found that there are five main

objectives.

a “work” person is regarded as

“derailment” factors that could

We are goal-orientated in gov-

somewhat warped by human

cause some damage to govern-

ernment and finding it difficult

resource experts.

ment leaders and managers.

to follow up on promises and

They are:

completing a goal can dam-

13. Self-awareness. Self-awareness is not the same

age your career. So much of

as being self-obsessed. So often

relationships.

what happens in government

you will find working with staff

The main mistake made by

is linked to performance and

difficult as your employee can-

leaders is being too closed off

service delivery.

not take a step away from them-

and unable to develop good

selves to assess their successes

working relationships with others.

orientation.

and failures. Good leaders have

It is often said that the most suc-

We all like to think we’re ex-

an accurate picture of strengths

cessful people in both govern-

perts at something; however,

and weaknesses and are willing

ment and the corporate sector

in government leadership, we

to improve.

are those who have excellent

often need to manage issues

interpersonal relationships.

that are outside of our current

14. Putting people at ease. You have heard that interper-

2. Difficulty building and leading a

5. Too narrow a functional

function. Often we are called

sonal skills and being able to

team.

on to deal with issues that are

display warmth and a good

Can you select and then

related to what we do, but

sense of humour are very im-

motivate an effective team?

not directly our function. Too

portant. It is said that those with

Too often subjective analysis

often the failure to do so has a

a diminished intellectual ability

leads to hiring and promotion

knock-on effect throughout an

have no sense of humour.

decision-making instead of

organisation. Leaders who suf-

15. Differences matter.

looking at managing a team

fer from this often are a major

This is so important as South

which includes various types of

problem inside an organisa-

Africa has so many different cul-

people.

tion or government.

tures. We need to demonstrate

3. Difficulty changing or adapting.

So to sum up. An effective

respect for varying backgrounds

This includes actively opposing

leader in government needs to

and perspectives while valuing

change and resistance to de-

apply him/herself to the top 16

cultural differences.

veloping an ability to respond

skills and to approach each as

to mistakes. This area is possibly

honestly as possible, while avoid-

One of the most telling skills is

the most difficult for managers

ing the pitfalls of the five main

an ability to mentor other staff.

to cope with as government

mistakes that we make. Good

We need to develop and main-

features systems which are

luck.

tain a professional relationship

historic and hard to change.

with coaching, feedback and

Yet effective leaders always find

an open door policy to discuss

a way to cope in this situation

staff education needs. But what

so it’s no excuse for failing to

about weak leadership char-

change.

16. Career management.

56

1. Problems with interpersonal

4. Failure to meet business

For more on creative leadership patterns, visit the CCL’s website at https://www.ccl.org

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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FEATURE

SA calls in big shots to woo investors

G

overnment has launched

boost to our economy,” added the

Liberty Group and former CEO of

an ambitious new invest-

President.

Standard Bank Jacko Maree.

ment drive that aims to bring

In preparation for the Investment

The President explained that the

US$ 100 billion in new investments into

Conference, President Ramaphosa

special envoys will travel to major

the country over the next five years.

appointed four special envoys on

financial centres in Asia, Middle

President Cyril Ramaphosa an-

investment, who are expected to

East, Europe and the Americas to

nounced the initiative, which will

spend the coming months engag-

meet with potential investors.

culminate in an Investment Confer-

ing both domestic and foreign

ence, on 16 April 2018.

experts on the opportunities that

will be to seek out investors in other

exist in this country.

parts of Africa, from Nairobi to La-

“The Investment Conference,

A major part of their responsibility

which will involve domestic and

“These are people with valuable

international investors in equal

experience in the world of business

“This is part of a broader push by

measure, is not intended merely as

and finance and extensive networks

government to advance economic

a forum to discuss the investment

across major markets,” noted the

integration in the Southern African

climate,” said the President.

President.

region and across the continent,”

“Rather, we expect the Conference

They are former Minister of Finance

gos and from Dakar to Cairo.

he said.

to report on actual investment deals

Trevor Manuel, former Deputy Minis-

that have been concluded and

ter of Finance Mcebisi Jonas, Execu-

Trudi Makhaya as his economic

to provide a platform for would-be

tive Chairperson of Afropulse Group

adviser.

investors to seek out opportunities

Phumzile Langeni, and Chairman of

He added part of Makhaya’s im-

Trevor Manuel.

Mcebisi Jonas.

The President also announced

in the South African market. We are determined that the conference produces results that can be quantified and quickly realised,” he said. The Investment Conference is expected to take place in August or September 2018. “We are aiming, through the Investment Conference, to generate at least US$ 100 billion in new investments over the next five years. Given the current rates of investment, this is an ambitious but realisable target that will provide a significant

58

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


mediate responsibilities would be the coordination of the work of the

time job seekers. “In addition, work is underway to

strengthened rand and improved growth estimates,” said the Presi-

special envoys and a series of in-

rationalise and streamline invest-

vestment roadshows in preparation

ment regulations and reduce the

for the Investment Conference.

cost of establishing and running

sessment by Goldman Sachs that

businesses. Through the more ef-

South Africa is at the top of the list

pect to take place will also be part

fective use of industrial incentives,

of potential candidates to be the

of a process towards the establish-

special economic zones and local

“next big emerging market story”

ment of a Presidential Council on

procurement requirements, we aim

of 2018. It notes that the growth

Investment,” he explained.

to increase investment in manufac-

cycle is picking up after an earlier

turing and related sectors,” he said.

downturn in investment growth. It

“The engagements that we ex-

The President added that government is making progress in

Government is also creating

dent. He welcomed the recent as-

says that improved confidence is

stabilising strategic state-owned

more opportunities for new market

likely to lead to a better outlook for

enterprises, improving the function-

entrants through its competition

growth and investment.

ing of key institutions like the South

policy, preferential procurement

African Revenue Service, finalising

measures and expanded support

Africa Economic Update released

a new Mining Charter through

to small and medium-sized busi-

this month by the World Bank. While

consultation with all stakehold-

nesses.

the economy’s performance is im-

ers, processing legislation for the

“After several difficult years, South

“This was confirmed by the South

proving, it notes that higher growth

implementation of the national

Africa is emerging as an increas-

will require ambitious structural

minimum wage and the promotion

ingly attractive destination for

policies. It estimates that a suc-

of labour stability, and launching

investment. We are encouraged by

cessful conclusion of the Mining

the Youth Employment Service to

the growth in business confidence

Charter deliberations, for example,

increase the employability of first-

over the past few months, the

could increase investment in the sector by 25 percent,” added Presi-

Image supplied by Standard Bank

dent Ramaphosa. He explained that it was for these reasons that government was embarking on an ambitious investment drive alongside the implementation of necessary economic reforms. “South Africa has entered a new era of hope and confidence. The task we have now is to ensure that this becomes an era of investment, growth, job creation and meaningJac ko Maree.

Phumzile Langeni.

ful economic transformation,” said President Ramaphosa.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

59


Advertorial

Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Brings Power to Rural School

Ministe HySA P mineral South A would reducin

The la showca Learner learn a opport develop benefits about t value o Kubayiby scien

Learner both in ensured the DST can help life easi to prot commu High Sc “The m project

The 2.5 kW HFCT system will enable the school to have access to low-cost, off-grid, primary clean energy for ICT and lighting needs.

DST Minister Ms Kubayi-Ngubane addressing the audience at Poelano High School,Ventersdorp

138378 Public Sector.indd 1-2

The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, launched a Hydrogen Fuel Cell System at Poelano High School in Ventersdorp in the North West Province, to help solve the energy challenges. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction, using hydrogen as the basic fuel and platinum-based catalysts. In order for this process to take place, solar photovoltaic panels have been installed at the school to capture and convert energy from the sun into electricity that is needed to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Since water is needed to produce the hydrogen for the fuel cells, and there are water shortages in Poelano High School, DST installed a borehole to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The school now has a reliable water supply as well as a reliable power supply. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) standby power solutions are efficient, safe and quiet, ensuring a non-intrusive standby and potentially primary power solution. The project also provides an opportunity to demonstrate to learners, teachers and the community that science can help solve socio-economic problems in rural areas. The project was implemented through the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme, a DST initiative promoting the use of local platinum group metal (PGM) resources to create knowledge and skills, and enabling the development of high-value commercial activities in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. South Africa is endowed with about 75% of global PGM reserves, located in North West and Limpopo, and there are various initiatives aimed at beneficiating the resources.

Backg Demo (HySA

In HySA Techno decision industry to stimu industri us on F

Poelano


el and nstalled drogen water of the

uring a nity to oblems a DST d skills, ologies. o, and

Minister Kubayi-Ngubane, who addressed the launch, said the HySA Programme had huge potential for local manufacturing and mineral beneficiation. The Minister said that the beneficiation of South Africa’s natural resources was one way in which the country would be able to expand its industrial base, creating jobs and reducing poverty and inequality. The launch at Poelano High School included an exhibition showcasing a wide variety of HFCT and solar energy products. Learners from schools in the Ventersdorp area were able to learn about these alternative energy technologies, and had the opportunity to interact with the scientists involved in their development. These learners are experiencing first-hand the benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) and learning about the technology. They also received information about the value of studying science, and were encouraged by the Minister Kubayi-Ngubane to consider the many career opportunities offered by science.

The onsite installation of the fuel cell and hydrogen gas cylinders at Poelano High School, Ventersdorp.

Learners Tshegofatso Motaung and Mantshonyane Keleabetswe, both in Grade 12, said that they welcomed the technology, as it ensured that the school always had power. Mantshonyane thanked the DST for the project. “I have learned that science and technology can help bring innovation to communities and this project has made life easier for all of us,” she said. The Minister appealed to parents to protect the infrastructure that government had brought into the community for their children’s benefit. The Principal of Poelano High School, Gerald Mhlanga, echoed the Minister’s sentiments. “The most important thing for us is to make sure we maintain the project and benefit many generations to come,” he said.

Background of HySA Public Awareness, Demonstration and Education Platform (HySA PADEP)

Ms Takalani Nethavhanani from SAASTA explaining the fuel cell technology to learners during the exhibition session.

In HySA Public Awareness, Demonstration and Education Platform (HySA PADEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology. Its main objective is to create public awareness, visibility and acceptance amongst the public, industries, entrepreneurs and key decision makers in South Africa about the challenges, benefits and safety of using hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the alternative energy industry. Given the relative newness of this technology, it is HySA PADEP’s intention to introduce this technology to the youth of South Africa to stimulate future careers in this field, showcase cutting-edge research and present new business opportunities that this technology offers to industries and entrepreneurs. For more details and contact information, visit: www.hysa-padep.co.za and www.saasta.ac.za or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HySA-Public-Awareness and on Twitter: @HySA_Outreach.

Poelano High School learners explaining to the Minister how a fuel cell works.

DST Minister Ms Kubayi-Ngubane interacting with exhibiting companies at Poelano High School, Ventersdorp.

2018/04/26 9:39 AM


FEATURE

SA says YES to youth work experience

S

outh African youth are set to

for employment and provide them

the skills and capabilities of young

benefit from an initiative that

with the technical skills needed to

people,” said President Ramaphosa.

aims to create over one mil-

underpin the industrialisation of the

lion paid work opportunities over the next three years.

economy. “We see this initiative as one pillar

The initiative is a collaboration between government, labour and business.

The Youth Employment Service

of a broad and comprehensive na-

Research undertaken by stake-

(YES) that was recently launched

tional effort to create opportunities

holders indicates that one year of

by President Cyril Ramaphosa

for young people. Another central

work experience on a CV and a let-

intends to prepare young people

pillar must be the development of

ter of reference increases a young

62

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


person’s chance of finding employ-

year’s experience. Once I get ex-

small businesses, those which em-

ment threefold.

perience, I will be able to work and

ploy black youth, between the ages

support my daughter,” he said.

of 18 and 29, will be eligible for the

At the launch, President Ramaphosa was introduced to the

According to YES CEO Tashmia

Employment Tax Incentive which is

first 100 youth, who will be em-

Ismail-Saville, out of 15.5 million

ployed by ABSA, Investec, Netcare,

people in South Africa aged

Sasol and Unilever through the YES

between 18 and 34, 5.8 million are

a new Youth Employment Broad-

programme.

unemployed.

Based Black Economic Empower-

Akani Mbondzisa, 26, a benefi-

The YES programme particularly

equivalent to R1 000 per month. Businesses will also qualify for

ment initiative, which will be gazet-

ciary of the initiative from Somerset

aims to create opportunities for

in Mpumalanga, said he was par-

those who lack the necessary skills

ticularly excited as he wants a job

required for formal employment.

businesses that sign up to YES will

“YES aims to give that portion

be screened to ensure that their

to support his daughter. “I was unemployed for a year and

ted shortly. Prior to joining the programme,

of our youth, which are largely

proposed work experiences are

whenever I applied for a job they

overlooked by the country’s current

good quality and that the youth will

said they

employment models, a crucial first

gain the relevant skills they need.

wanted one

chance to gain a decent quality, paid work experience. Youth will not be excluded based on academic

Youth who wish to take part in the programme will sign a contract committing to it and must comply with various requirements.

ability or the skills they may or may not possess,” said Ismail-Saville.

YES youth must be: •

Between 18- and 34-years-old.

Unemployed for more than six months.

He called on small businesses to play their part as they have

Black people (African, Coloured or Indian). Should companies wish to claim

a huge employment base.

the Employment Tax Incentive, the

“Large businesses alone can-

youth must be between the ages of

not absorb sufficient youth. Over two-thirds of South Africa’s employ-

18 and 29. The salary is expected to be set at

ment base consists of medium

the national minimum wage of

companies and smaller, making it

R3 500 per month, which includes

critical that small businesses are

associated training and support.

involved,” said Ismail-Saville.

The average cost per annum is

As an additional incentive for

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

R55 000.

63


FEATURE

Writer: Dale Hes

National Minimum Wage Bill to be fine-tuned

T

he introduction of a National

workers receive a minimum pay-

Minimum Wage Bill has been

ment of R20 per hour from their

a key focus for President Cyril

employers. The minimum hourly

Ramaphosa, even before his inau-

wage for domestic and farm

guration.

workers would be R15 and

Government has a constitutional

R18 respectively, but the aim

obligation to respect, protect, pro-

is for these wages to be brought

mote and fulfil the rights of the Bill

up to 100 percent of the national

of Rights, which includes the right

minimum wage within two years of

said

to fair labour practices.

the Bill coming into effect.

that

While he was still Deputy President,

the Bill

wage agreements in February 2017

Where do we stand at present?

after extensive consultations with

More than 40 public submissions

ing after consideration of the

labour federations, business and

were made during public hearings

public inputs.

the community sector, under the

regarding the National Minimum

umbrella of the National Economic

Wage Bill, which has pushed back

take its time and rework the Bill for

Development and Labour Council

the original implementation date

submission again to the committee.

(NEDLAC).

of 1 May.

This piece of legislation is critical in

Ramaphosa established minimum

“The national minimum wage,

“We know that these bills, like any

would be sent for redraft-

“The Department of Labour must

our country, not only in fighting in-

which is a floor below which no

matter that has to do with labour

equality, but also addressing abuse

worker may be paid, will significant-

relations in SA, deal with highly

of the vulnerable workers in some

ly improve the lives of millions of low

contested policy propositions. We

sectors,” she explained.

paid workers and begin to address

are aware of a number of impor-

the challenge of wage inequality.

tant issues that are being raised

ated on the Bill clause by clause

South Africa will join several coun-

which parliament will have to con-

and made changes according

tries around the world that have

sider as part of concluding the bill,”

to several concerns brought to its

implemented a national minimum

said Department of Labour Minister

attention.

wage as an instrument of eco-

Mildred Oliphant in a media

nomic and social development,”

briefing in March, adding that the

will change the course of vulner-

Ramaphosa pointed out after the

department would be ready to take

able workers in our country for a

signing of the agreements.

instruction from the Parliament.

long time, and it ought to be close

Cabinet approved the National

In April, Acting Chairperson of

The committee had deliber-

“This is a piece of legislation that

to perfection when it is tabled

Minimum Wage Bill in November

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee

before the National Assembly,” said

2017. The Bill proposes that most

on Labour Sharome van Schalkwyk

van Schalkywk.

64

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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OPINION

Writer: Phumla Williams

Winnie MadikizelaMandela: Community leader and activist

P

rior to our democratic break-

ment and oppression. Yet she never

through in 1994, life in South

wavered and stood strong as the

Africa was unbearable for the

public face of the struggle for

Nelson Mandela and they subse-

liberation and freedom.

quently married in June 1958. The

majority of the people. State- sponsored violence, torture and murder

As a woman and mother, she

nath Hospital in Johannesburg. While in Johannesburg, she met

couple suffered constant harass-

were common. Restrictive laws kept

must have faced untold pressures

ment by the apartheid state. When

the majority of the population under

but she stood defiant nonetheless.

Mandela was sentenced to life

subjugation. Being black in apartheid

She will forever be remembered

imprisonment in 1964, they already

South Africa was a crime, and being

as a firebrand leader, who despite

had two daughters, Zenani and

a woman simply added another layer

constant harassment by the op-

Zinzi. From 1964 she was left to

to the oppression.

pressive violent system of the time,

raise the girls on her own and cre-

remained unshaken until the end.

ate some semblance of normalcy

At the time, thoughts of freedom and democracy seemed a far

From an early age Mama Winnie

at home for the children.

off yet, there were patriots who

wanted to help others and this

faced this tyranny head on. Winnie

drove her to pursue a career as a

might have sought refuge in the

Madikizela-Mandela came to na-

social worker. She excelled in her

shadows away from the constant

tional prominence through sheer

studies and was offered a scholar-

spotlight of apartheid tyranny.

force of will. As the wife of arguably

ship to study in America which she

Instead, she took up the fight for

the most famous prisoner in the

never accepted, instead opting

freedom and democracy, and

world and an activist in her own

to take up a post as the first black

found strength in the belief that in

right, she faced constant harass-

medical social worker at Baragwa-

her own small way she could help

66

Faced with such harassment she

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


others. Words alone cannot do justice to the immense legacy and contribu-

orphans and juvenile delinquents

property, inheritance and justice.

and a day-care centre.

There has also been much better

Twice she took up the leadership

female representation in politics,

tion of Mama Winnie to our strug-

of the ANC Women’s League, first

the judiciary, corporate boards

gle for freedom and democracy.

in 1993 and then again in 1997.

and civil society in general. The

Her personal circumstances never

During this period she tirelessly

promotion of gender equality and

deterred her from her focus in the

advocated for the empowerment

women’s empowerment is central

fight for justice. For many years she

of women.

to our efforts to combat poverty

became a symbol of our resistance

Following the dawn of democra-

and stimulate sustainable devel-

and often fought a lonely struggle.

cy in 1994, she became a Member

opment. Government iintroduced

To her, constant harassment was

of Parliament and Deputy Minister

the Women Empowerment and

part and parcel of her struggle to

of Arts and Culture; thereafter, she

Gender Equality Bill to accelerate

bring about change for the better-

served as a Member of Parliament.

the empowerment of women and

ment of the people.

When she left Parliament she dedi-

attain 50/50 gender parity for the

cated her energy to working with

country.

It was during these most dark days that she emerged as the

different communities, especially

Legislation, policies and laws on

"Mother of the Nation" due to her

people affected by HIV and AIDS,

their own are not enough. The em-

empathy for others and her devo-

and poverty.

powerment of women is everyone’s

tion to keeping the flame of free-

Her sad passing robbed our

business and needs the support

dom alive. Her passion for commu-

nation of a mother, grandmother

of government, business and civil

nity development and advocacy

and loving matriarch. However,

society.

led to the establishment of a local

her legacy has to live on in us. The

gardening collective, sewing club,

struggle for the rights of women

less patriots like Mama Winnie to

soup kitchen and mobile health

in South Africa has come a long

continue the fight for equality and

unit while she lived under house

way since 1994. We have worked

women empowerment. Let us all

arrest in Brandfort. Mama Winnie's

to ensure that women enjoy the

work to remove the barriers which

love of the community also saw

same rights as their male counter-

prevent women from entering and

her establish an organisation for

parts in education, employment,

thriving in the labour market. Let

Our nation is crying out for self-

us work to ensure that women and children are safe in their homes, communities, schools and places of work. Together we can replenish the flame of freedom and justice which Mama Winnie lived and died for. Her long journey is now over, but ours is just beginning. We dare not fail and must remain resolute as we continue to move South Africa forward.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

67


MINISTER JEFF RADEBE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY

In the centre of the picture is Minister Jeff Radebe and to his left is Professor Thoko Mayekiso, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga. The Minister and VC are flanked by other UMP, Department of Energy and industry executives.

To kick off the annual Energy Month activities of the

The Minister took the opportunity to highlight some of the

Department of Energy, Minister Jeff Radebe held a

persistent barriers affecting the realisation of the full potential

public lecture on energy efficiency at the University

benefits of energy conservation and savings. However, he

of Mpumalanga (UMP) on 4 May 2018. The event was

assured the guests attending the public lecture that it is the

attended by students and distinguished guests who

responsibility of his department, through implementation by

included, among others, the Vice-Chancellor of the

the relevant energy entities, to ensure that the people have

university, Professor Thoko Mayekiso.

access to reliable and sustainable energy.

ENERGY MONTH

ENERGY-SAVING MEASURES

The Department of Energy utilises the month of May

The Department of Energy has put a number of measures

(Energy Month) to create awareness of the need for

in place to promote energy efficiency. One of these

energy efficiency and the challenges associated with the

includes programmes to improve the efficiency of street-

irresponsible use of energy, as well as an understanding

lighting infrastructure, traffic lighting, and water pump and

that being energy efficient means being energy smart

waste treatment plants.

while still achieving the same output. Enhanced energy efficiency has a major role to play in meeting South Africa’s local and international commitments to the

Further to this, Minister Jeff Radebe mentioned that energy efficiency in everyday home appliances can

reduction of fossil fuel emissions.

save households significant amounts of money, as

These Energy Month activities aim to educate people about

home energy usage.

the basics of saving energy. Some of the simplest savings strategies include switching off lights in spaces that are not in use at a particular time and using energy-saving bulbs, as well as buying energy-smart home appliances. “We have already started with our ‘Standards and Labelling Campaign’, where we remind people to always check for appliances that save energy when buying. This will help them make informed choices and help the entire country save electricity,” said Minister Radebe.

these appliances account for up to 30 percent of

The department has introduced an intervention measure in the form of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). This programme will be implemented in conjunction with various stakeholders and seeks to improve the efficiency of everyday household appliances. On the issue of the cost of fuel, Minister Radebe recognised that the price of fuel has been on an upward trajectory since


ADVERTORIAL

April 2018 due to both local and international factors. The main contributing factors to the fuel price changes are the movement in the rand/US dollar exchange and the price of crude oil, which then impact the prices of finished products. “Unfortunately, there is no crude oil in South Africa and, therefore, both crude oil and the finished products are imported, because our demand outstrips the supply from local refineries,� said Minister Radebe. TRANSFORMATION IN THE INDUSTRY The Department of Energy, together with industry and respective associations, is also extensively engaged in unlocking impediments to find solutions to effect radical socio-economic transformation in the petroleum and liquid fuels sector. The Department will complete a retail audit which aims to verify and measure the extent of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) at the retail level in the industry, as informed by the Petroleum Products Act of 1977 (amended in 2005), the Liquid Fuels Charter, and

Second from left is Minister Radebe with the Vice-Chancellor of the

the Broad-Based Economic Empowerment Act of 2003

University of Mpumalanga to his left, together with other executives

(amended in 2013) and revised Codes of Good Practice.

from the UMP, Department of Energy and industry.

The Minister encouraged the private sector, which has larger procurement muscle, to embrace broad-based black economic empowerment by actively buying from black-owned companies and supporting SMMEs. The Minister emphasised that his department is committed to the goals set out in the National Development Plan (NDP), which seeks to eradicate poverty in South Africa by 2030. Despite the challenges, the department will continue to promote a climate that is conducive to reasonable profits and sustained investments in the liquid fuels industry. The department will also continue to set margins in a fair and transparent manner in order to encourage investment in the industry and to ensure that the liquid fuels products are sold to the end user at the cheapest possible price. Following a robust and informative question-and-answer session with the audience, which included UMP students, Minister Radebe expressed his appreciation at the level of engagement from the participants and committed the department to future discussions focusing on matters of

A member of the audience engaging the Minister and department

interest to the community.

during the question-and-answer session.

CONTACT DETAILS: Telephone: +27 12 406 8000 Website: www.energy.gov.za


FEATURE

Writer: Dale Hes

Farewell to the

mother of the nation

On 14 April, the mother of the nation was laid to rest at an official state funeral at Orlando Stadium. The admiration of the iconic and courageous Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was clearly reflected in the words, songs and tears of the thousands who attended. President Cyril Ramaphosa joined family members and government leadership in paying powerful tributes to this one-of-kind woman. President Cyril Ramaphosa

Madikizela-Mandela, focusing on

illness. Yet‚ like many of the great

“Just as we are burdened by the

a life of service to all those around

leaders of her generation‚ she

sorrow of her death‚ so too are we

her.

understood that the suffering she

comforted by the richness and profound meaning of her life.” President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a touching eulogy to

70

“She trained and worked as one

encountered did not happen on

who provides support and care

the edges of society. Such suffer-

and comfort to those most deeply

ing defined society.”

affected by poverty‚ hunger and

Ramaphosa said that she had

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


been fearless in her conviction to

around when my mother took on

for themselves. It lives on in your

fight for the oppressed.

the Apartheid State‚ to those who

stories. When we tell the story

“She saw for herself the deliber-

hail from the African Diaspora‚ we

of her, I hope it is to remind our

ate intent of the apartheid rulers

have been reminded of how she

children that to be a hero, you

to impoverish the people of this

touched so many‚ in ways that

only need to be yourself. She was,

country. Her conscience‚ her con-

are so deeply personal,” she said.

above all, remarkable herself,” he

victions‚ left her with no choice

Mandela-Dlamini said that, even

said.

but to resist. She felt compelled to

with the weight of a nation on her

Mandela recalled how Madiki-

join a struggle that was as noble

shoulders, her mother never forgot

zela-Mandela had always taught

in its purpose as it was perilous in

her family and her community.

her family to stand tall.

its execution. She felt compelled

“When we were with her‚ she did

“I grew up watching her un-

to pick up the spear where it

not even have to say anything:

flinching courage in the face of

had fallen. It was a spear that‚

her love for us was written on her

confrontation. She did not give

throughout the darkest moments

face. But because she had such

up, she did not cower away; she

of our struggle‚ she wielded with

a big heart‚ my mother could also

stood tall, she taught me and all

great courage‚ unequivocal com-

love the community where she

her children to stand tall. We are

mitment and incredible skill.”

lived‚ no matter where that was.

all blessed to have had her wis-

So that when she was banished

dom and counsel – the void she

Zenani Mandela-Dlamini

to Brandfort‚ she immersed herself

leaves is gaping,” he added.

“She dared to take on one of the

in the affairs of this little commu-

most powerful and evil regimes

nity and improved the lives of the

Bathabile Dlamini

of the past century and she

people‚ who‚ in turn‚ received her

“She spoke the truth and re-

triumphed.”

with so much love,” she added.

mained the moral compass of our movement and our country.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, the daughter of Madikizela-Man-

Zondwa Mandela

dela and former President Nelson

“She was one of us, she was one

Women’s League. Dlamini said

Mandela, Zenani Mandela-Dlami-

of you. She was one of the people.

that Madikizela-Mandela was

ni, said that her mother had been

She was just a woman who dared

one of the greatest heroines the

a role model to all who witnessed

to survive.”

world has ever seen.

her actions.

Delivering the grandchildren’s

Speaking on behalf of the ANC

“Mam’ Winnie was one of the

message, Zondwa Mandela

greatest liberators and hero-

close to her‚ we have always

reminded every South African that

ines the world over and she will

appreciated just how much she

his grandmother had become

always be. South Africa will never

meant to the world. But even we

the force she was simply by being

have another Mother of the Na-

were unprepared for the scale

herself.

tion. South Africa will never have

“For those of us who’ve been

of the outpouring of love and

“The story of Winnie Madikizela-

a woman who sacrificed all she

personal testimonies from so

Mandela lives on in all the

had – her beautiful daughters;

many. From the rising generation‚

women who wake up every day

her family; her heart; her eve-

which is too young to have been

carving out a life and a livelihood

rything to ensure that South

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

71


FEATURE

Africa becomes a better country

President Geingob said that

forefront of people’s thoughts.”

and a better world,” she said.

Madikizela-Mandela remained firmly grounded despite her promi-

personal friend of Madikizela-Man-

Gauteng Premier David Makhura

nence.

dela, spoke about the unforget-

“We miss her warm embrace‚ her

peers was that Comrade Winnie

release after 27 years of imprisonment.

“What distinguished her from her

Campbell, who became a close

table images of Nelson Mandela’s

wise counsel‚ her loyal protection

never elevated herself above the

and compassion. We are weeping

people. In her own words, 'I am the

but we are not broken.”

product of the masses of my coun-

image of Winnie and Madiba

try, and a product of my enemy'.

hand-in-hand on that day? Every

Madikizela-Mandela’s actions will

She remained rooted to the people

decent person in the world cel-

echo on.

of South Africa, even when she

ebrated what was a new day for

Premier Makhura said that

“She personified the true mean-

“Who does not remember the

South Africa and a pivotal moment

ing of the phrase ‘speaking truth

in world history. That victory against

to power’. She was never silent in

Apartheid was a new equality.

times of challenge and contro-

Would it have been possible with-

versy. Mama Winnie was the most

out Winnie? I think not,” she said.

authentic voice in the people’s war

Campbell said that Madikizela-

against apartheid tyranny. Human

Mandela had taught all women

mortality is too weak to put her

to push the limits of what was

down because a powerful and

possible.

defiant voice still echoes today.

“She taught us not to be limited

Mama Winnie did not die but has

in our thoughts, reminding us to al-

multiplied,” he said.

ways stay true to who we are. Win-

Makhura urged all South Africans to follow Winnie’s example. “Can we all multiply in our hearts

assumed higher responsibilities,”

nie helped us overcome our fears,

he said.

and gave us courage to dig deep,

President Geingob further invited

discover things about ourselves

and in our practical actions as

Madikizela-Mandela’s family to

and always strive for freedom,” she

we continue to strive for a deeper

come to Namibia to accept “the

added.

meaning of freedom and democ-

country’s highest civilian honour”.

As her coffin was carried out of

racy in our country,” he added.

Namibian President Hage Geingob

In the capital city of Windhoek,

the jam-packed Orlando Stadium

discussions are currently underway

to the chants of tens of thousands

to name a street after Madikizela-

of people, no-one could possibly

Mandela.

deny that Winnie Madikizela-

“A woman who did not choose to

Mandela was boundlessly loved,

be larger than life, but through her

Naomi Campbell

respected and admired. Rest in

selfless actions, became a towering

“She was always striving for equal-

peace, Mama Winnie, South Africa

figure in the liberation struggle.”

ity and to keep South Africa at the

will miss you.

72

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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OPINION

ite

o

n

l

ini- u

The legacy of Dr Zola Skweyiya

S

outh Africa is mourning the

attain our democracy and secure

better quality of life for our people,

passing of another gallant

a better-quality life for our people.

especially those that continue to

human rights fighter and serv-

What a privilege to have known

be marginalised especially the

ant of the people of the country: Dr

him as a friend, comrade and

women, children, youth and people

Zola Sydney Themba Skweyiya.

colleague; to have learnt from

with disabilities. Through comrade

There is no doubt that the life of

him and to have sponged off his

Zola’s leadership, the Department

Comrade Zola is one of struggle,

wisdom which he acquired over

of Public Services and Administra-

compassion and human conquest

the years.

tion was established uniting 14

over adversity. Leaving his birth-

public services at various stages

place of Simonstown, not out of

Lessons to learn

of development and the ethos

choice but due to evictions, he was

Reflecting on his life, I came

of Batho Pele, putting our people

to find a childhood home in what

across four profound "dangers" he

first in the delivery of services was

we now know as Nelson Mandela

highlighted during the Launch for

established. It was through his lead-

Bay. His quest and pursuit for edu-

A Safe South Africa Convention

ership that social grant recipients

cation was to find him at that great fountain of knowledge of Lovedale, wherein he was to interact with many of our leaders including Oom Govan Mbeki. His life is also one which is interwoven with our story of the struggle and is interspersed with the portraits of many of our struggle heroes and heroines including

moved from four million to just over

“I believe that in this generation those with the courage to enter the conflict will find themselves with companions.”

Chris Hani who he served with in

12 million, providing a lasting blow in our fight against hunger and poverty. The second danger is that of expediency; of those who say that hopes and beliefs must be sacrificed before immediate necessities. “Of course if we must act effectively we must deal with the world as it is. We must get things

the Luthuli Detachment, Florence

back in August 2008. Lessons which

done. However, it is the belief that

Mposho who he worked with in

remain valuable for our journey

idealism, high aspiration and deep

the promotion of children’s rights,

ahead and towards economic

convictions are incompatible with

Gertrude Shope who he worked

emancipation for our people. He

the most practical and efficient of

with in Zambia, OR Tambo who he

warned that: “We as South Afri-

programmes – that there is no ba-

served under in various capaci-

cans need to safeguard against

sic consistency between ideals and

ties including in the Legal Depart-

the dangers of futility, expediency,

realistic possibilities – no separation

ment and Nelson Mandela who he

timidity and comfort.”

between the deepest desires of

courageously served under in the

The movement which we serve re-

heart and of mind and the rational

CODESA negotiations and in his

mains the leader of society. If mar-

application of human effort to hu-

Cabinet, to name but a few.

shalled well, in unity, we can make

man problems. Poverty is in itself a

the requisite step change to bring

form of oppression and we are all

about economic freedom and a

too aware of the extent of poverty

What a giant. What a great man who selflessly sacrificed for us to

74

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


in our society,” he said.

Improving lives Indeed, many of us who have the privilege to serve our people often fall into the expediency mode and see the trees while forgetting the forest. The task that therefore lies ahead of us is one in which we must continue to improve the living conditions of poor, vulnerable and

the easy and familiar path of

once took a step backwards,

underprivileged South Africans.

personal ambition and financial

so strong was their belief in the

Comrade Zola further warned us

success so grandly spread before

unstoppable destiny of a free and

of a third danger, that of timidity.

those who have the privilege of

democratic country.

He said: “Few men and women are

an education – to hide behind our

willing to brave the disapproval of

high walls and security estates.”

of us that millions of fellow South

their fellows, the censure of their

Comrade Zola was steadfast in

Africans still remain marginalised,

colleagues, and the wrath of their

his belief that deployed cadres

poor and bereft of hope for a bet-

society. It is as Aristotle put it '[it

have a responsibility to ensure

ter future. This simply cannot be,

is not] the finest or the strongest

the the dignity of our people. As a

certainly not in a country with our

men who are crowned, but those

government, we are proud that his

resources and economic, intellec-

who enter the lists.’ How often have

legacy continues today.

tual and social capital.

we sat on the fence and cowered

It remains an indictment on all

Our nation is undoubtedly

that in this generation those with

A humble and dedicated leader

the courage to enter the conflict

Throughout his long years in pub-

erase his legacy; he lives in the

will find themselves with compan-

lic service and the countless years

hearts and minds of millions of our

ions in every corner of the world.”

that he spent fighting to bring

people especially those who are

at the face of adversity? I believe

poorer for Comrade Zola's passing, but not even death can

about democracy and freedom,

public servants and social grant

comrade Zola applied himself

he always remained a humble

recipients.

especially when it came to his

and dedicated leader. By any

work in the constitutional Com-

measure his legacy is immense

Qhawe lama Qhawe, may your

mittee which was established to

and will never falter.

soul rest in peace, confident in

It was with this outlook that

develop a position for our move-

What he and others of his gen-

ment towards the Constitutional

eration achieved is truly inspiring.

negotiations at CODESA.

Isolated, constantly harassed or

The fourth danger is one of

forced into exile, patriots like Dr

comfort, especially for those of us

Zola Skweyiya lived knowing that

who are more fortunate. He said:

they might never see or taste the

"There is the temptation to follow

fruits of freedom. But they never

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

Hamba Kahle Comrade Zola,

the knowledge that your legacy continues.

*Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

75




APPOINTMENTS

Compiled by: Jauhara Khan

Trudi Makhaya Economic adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa Economist Trudi Makhaya has been appointed as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic adviser. Prior to her appointment, Makhaya was a member of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Panel, which oversees all economic and infrastructure plans in Gauteng. Makhaya possesses an MCom in Economics, an Honour’s degree in Economics and a BCom in Law and Economics from the University of Witwatersrand. She also holds an MBA and an MSc in Development Economics, which she achieved as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Makhaya is the CEO of Makhaya Advisory and a former Deputy Commissioner at the Competition Commission of South Africa. As the President’s advisor, some of Makhaya’s duties include coordinating the work of the recently appointed investment envoys, which will be working to attract new foreign direct investment to South Africa over the next five years.

Advocate Seeng Letele Chief Ombud, Community Schemes Ombud Service Advocate Seeng Letele has been appointed the Chief Ombud of the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS). She holds BA (Law), LLB, LLM and MBA degrees. Letele is an accredited commercial mediator who has a special interest in international law and human rights and has extensive experience in mediation and conflict resolution. She has previously worked as the Head of Public Law and a lecturer in Labour and Administrative Law at the National University of Lesotho, and has served as Acting Judge in labour courts in South Africa and Lesotho. Letele was the Human Resources Manager at the National Union of Mineworkers; legal advisor to the Development Bank of South Africa; Acting CEO of the Social Housing Regulatory Authority and Chief Director of Legal Services at the Department of Human Settlements. She has also worked as a mediator and arbitrator in her private capacity at various organisations and bargaining councils. Letele served as a judge at the 5th and 6th International Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris. As Chief Ombud of the CSOS, her focus will be on making the service known, accessible and efficient.

78

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



FINANCIAL FITNESS

Source: Ombudsman for Banking Services

Get on top of dubious debit orders is determined that the debit order was unauthorised, it is reversed. Ideally the dispute must be logged with the bank within 40 days of the transaction. “However, you cannot put a stop to debit orders because your budget is suddenly under pressure. You have to give your bank reasonable warning to change the debit order. If your bank objects, you

U

may have recourse with the OBS. nauthorised debit orders

“If you suspect any unlawful trans-

It will conduct a full investigation

can cost you a lot of money

actions you should contact your

of both parties and determine an

so it is important to be aware

bank immediately. The bank will be

outcome,” it added.

of where the money in your bank

able to lodge a query by tracking

account goes.

the reference number recorded

According to the Ombudsman for

The services provided by the OBS are free of charge.

next to the transaction. All legal en-

Banking Services (OBS), unauthor-

tities must comply with the rules set

How to complain

ised debit orders are becoming an

out by the Payments Association

■ Lodge a formal, written com-

area of concern.

of South Africa, the organisation

plaint directly with your bank’s

that determines the guidelines for

dispute resolution depart-

ing volume of complaints related

service providers to collect monies

ment.

to unauthorised debit orders. What

via debit order,” said the OBS.

“The office is seeing an increas-

■ Ask for a complaint reference

is really disturbing is the loss of

DebiCheck is a new system that

number from your bank.

income to banking customers

will be implemented in all the major

■ Allow the bank 20 working

and the emotional turmoil that it

banks which will process all debit

days in which to respond to

causes,” said the OBS.

orders. The agreement will be con-

your complaint.

It advised people to start check-

firmed when a person signs a new

■ Obtain a written response from your bank.

ing their bank statements and

contract and verifies their consent.

make sure they understand all the

It is thought that this will minimise

The public can contact the office

transactions.

the margin for error and help deal

of the OBS on 011 712 1800 for

with unauthorised debit orders.

assistance if they experience any

“Make sure you authorised all the debit transactions that reflect as minus numbers,” stressed the OBS. It pointed out that an unauthorised debit order constituted fraud.

80

“Collectively banks in South Africa

banking problems or would like

process millions of disputes per

to lodge a complaint against

month,” said the OBS.

their bank.

When a dispute is raised and it

Public Sector Manager • May 2018



HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Strong bones may decrease osteoporosis

L

ooking after your bones during

lems. It is much more common in

your youth can help prevent sick-

women, especially in menopause.

nesses as you age. It is important

About one third of women over the

exercises are some of the factors.

to go for a check-up for osteoporosis

age of 65 will suffer a fracture of a

to determine if your bones are healthy

vertebra. Another common site of

How can osteoporosis be prevented?

and strong.

fractures in elderly women is the hip

Start by maintaining

bone.

bone health in your

Osteoporosis is a disease that oc-

youth. These same

curs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.

How does this condition come about? The bones in our body are not solid

Risk factors

bones will then be

Genetic factors.

able to better resist

A family history of osteoporosis or

osteoporosis in middle

a fracture due to osteoporosis.

and old age. Exercise

As women get older, the level of

regularly - walk or jog

and unchanging. Every day there

hormones, especially oestrogen,

for an hour three times

is a process of breakdown and

drops. This causes a decrease in

a week. Avoid or reduce

rebuilding going on; the bones are

the absorption of calcium and a

alcohol, smoking and tea

being constantly remoulded.

tendency to osteoporosis.

and coffee intake.

Usually the two processes are in maintain a certain thickness and

Medical and surgical problems

Diet and supplements

strength. However, as we get older,

Certain drugs cause loss of bone

Increase your calcium intake by

an imbalance develops and there

mineral. These include cortisone and

drinking milk and eating yoghurt

is more breakdown of bone than

anti-epileptic medication. Having a

and cheese. Calcium can also

repair. The bones therefore become

hysterectomy before menopause,

be taken in the form of a supple-

thinner.

especially if the ovaries are also

ment, particularly for women who

removed, increases the risk of osteo-

cannot tolerate dairy products.

a state of balance and the bones

The body needs calcium for the normal function of all the cells. The

porosis, as do overactive thyroid or

bones form a sort of calcium bank

parathyroid glands.

for the body. If there is a shortage,

Prevention is better than cure

then calcium will be drawn out of

Lifestyle

the bones and the bones will remain

Lifestyle plays a very definite role in

to the well-being and lives of mil-

lacking in calcium.

the development of osteoporosis.

lions of women. It is much easier to

Osteoporosis poses a real threat

It can increase the likelihood or

prevent it than to treat it. Lifestyle

Why is this important?

aggravate osteoporosis. Smoking,

changes play as important

The importance of osteoporosis

alcohol intake, drinking a lot of

a role in your bone health as

check-ups lies in the fact that the

tea or coffee, insufficient intake of

all the medicines that are or can be

condition may cause serious prob-

calcium and lack of weight-bearing

used.

82

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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GROOMING AND STYLE FEATURE

Writer: Nicholas Francis

All covered up Winter is around the corner and to

1

survive the cold you need to have the correct gear in your wardrobe. From jerseys and coats to jackets,

2

you need to have an array of options to not only keep warm but also look good.

3 4

5

1.

Daniel Hector texture sweater, R575.

4.

The North Face Nuptse vest, R1 600.

2.

Oak Ridge bomber jacket, R249.99.

5.

Trenery wool blend overcoat, R3 327.93.

3.

David Jones chunky knit button down cardigan, R705.13.

84

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


1. 2. 3.

c(inch) Sports Luxe cardigan, R329. u ot

o

ed

et R950.

4.

Trenery leather biker jacket, R5648,11.

5.

Amara Reya poncho with button detail, R399.

David Jones belted wrap coat, R857.45.

1

3

2

4

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

5

85


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FOOD AND WINE FEATURE

Writer: Nicholas Francis xxxx

Less is definitely more T

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced Salt and freshly ground pepper 700 g cauliflower, cored, separated into florets and cut into slices a quarter of an inch thick 5 cups of water Directions

hey say less is more and we to-

low pan on medium heat. Turn the

Warm three tablespoons of olive oil

tally agree. Using just a hand-

chops occasionally until cooked

in a pot over medium heat. Throw

ful of ingredients, you can

to your desire. Add in carrots and

in the onion and sauté until tender.

whip up these delicious meals. They

garlic cloves and turn the carrots

Add the cauliflower and a pinch of

are packed with flavour and require

regularly.

salt followed by one cup of water.

minimal preparation.

Lamb chops with rainbow carrots Ingredients

6 lamb chops

Peel strips of zest from one or-

Simmer until the cauliflower is

ange. Sprinkle them into the pan

tender and then add another four

with thyme and toss it all together

cups of water. Raise the heat to

for just 30 seconds to get the fla-

high and bring to the boil. Reduce

vours going.

the heat to maintain a low simmer

Remove the chops from pan and

and continue to cook for another

200 g rainbow carrots

squeeze the juice from the oranges

8 cloves of garlic

into the pan. Let the juice reduce

3 oranges

until sticky. Add the chops, toss

sor or blender until smooth. Pour

½ a bunch of fresh thyme

together and serve.

the blended cauliflower back into

Creamy cauliflower soup

the pot and heat through over low

Salt and black pepper to season Directions Season lamb chops with salt and black pepper and place in a shal-

88

20 minutes. Let it cool slightly. Purée the soup in a food proces-

heat. If necessary, thin the soup with water and season with salt.

Ingredients

Ladle into serving bowls, drizzle

3 tbs olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

with the olive oil and season with

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


pepper.

Pasta salad Ingredients

1 packet penne or pasta of your choice 3 handfuls of fresh arugula

Directions

¾ cup of basil pesto

In a greased dish, place biscuits

1 ball diced mozzarella cheese

in rows, covering the bottom of the

1 red pepper

dish. In a separate bowl, add the cara-

Directions

mel, cream and ¾ of the grated

In a large pot, cook the pasta in

chocolate.

salted water until al dente. Drain

Whisk together by hand or an

1 tablespoon castor sugar ⅔ 1 teaspoon vanilla essence Berries Directions

the pasta and place aside. Place a

electric mixer until smooth and stiff

Combine the chocolate and

pan on high heat. Half the pepper,

peaks form; do not over-whip.

cream in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until smooth,

clean out the seeds and place in

Spread a generous amount of

the pan to sear. Once the pepper

the mixture over the biscuits and

stirring continuously. Remove from

is seared, remove from the stove,

spread evenly.

the stove and transfer into a large

allow to cool and dice. In a large salad bowl mix the

Add another layer of biscuits, followed by caramel mixture. Con-

bowl. In a small bowl, beat remaining

arugula, mozzarella, pepper, basil

tinue this process until the dish is

cream until it begins to thicken.

pesto and pasta together. Serve as

full. Sprinkle the remaining choco-

Add the sugar and vanilla essence

desired.

late over the top and place in the

and beat until light soft peaks form.

Peppermint tart

fridge for an hour to set.

Fold ¼ of the whipped cream into

White chocolate mousse

chocolate mixture, then fold in the

Ingredients

frigerate while covered for at least

1 slab of mint chocolate (grated)

1 slab of white baking chocolate

two hours. Top with berries of your

1 can caramel treat

500ml fresh cream

choice before serving.

Ingredients

1 packet tennis biscuits 500 ml fresh cream

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

rest. Spoon into dessert dishes. Re-

89


NICE TO HAVES

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

The ultimate

essentials

1

With the dry winter weather on its way, PSM takes a look tt e

u t

e

o

ou

e-u b

nd be ut

en l

4

1 If you love a quality nude nail colour, we suggest this one from Morgan Taylor. It’s a salon quality colour with an equally cute name –

e

i l- iend

ude

e

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ou li

oi tu i ed

it lon -l

tin

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colours from the Beautiful Colour Moisturising lipstick range from Elizabeth Arden, Red Square, R320. 3 Put the moisture into your locks with this Kardashian

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Beauty black seed dry oil, Foschini, R353. ou i

ou

in

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ishing mask. Its indulgent and soothing mixture is perfect

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for a DIY facial, The Body Shop, R310.

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bon i

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dramatic look, Yardley, Red Square, R149.

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7 Kerastase has selected the most luxurious oils at their highest concentration for this shampoo, Kerastase Bain Elixir Ultime, Everythinghair.co.za, R300 for 250ml.

90

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


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TRAVEL FEATURE

Writer: Simcha van Bel

Finding calm in the Kgalagadi area which borders Namibia and

returning to light the fire. We slept

spreads between Botswana and

very little as we were roused every

South Africa. It’s a dry and sandy

so often by the lions roaring some

landscape and lives up to its name:

distance away. Dawn approached

“place of thirst” (Kgalagadi).

and as we packed the car, the kids watched the birds hop around and

Sand angels and squirrels It was a long drive and when the

I

peck at the braai grid in the hope of savouring some leftover flavours from the night before.

cars stopped, the energy-charged

In the car, the kids competed to

kids jumped out to lie down, mak-

see who could find the most wild-

ing sand angels with their arms

life. We ticked off giraffes, gemsbok,

and legs. Not long after, they were

jackals and birds as we drove

in the bushes walking among

along the dirt road to the inner

Cape ground squirrels. Every now

part of the national park – Mata

and then they would squeal with

Mata. Halfway through our journey,

excitement as one popped its

we were forced to a sudden stop

head out of its home in the sand

as we spotted a hyena and her

n the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life

to say "hello". From the top of the

cub feasting on the remains of

moves pretty fast. If you don’t

hill, we watched the sunset and

what we assumed was a lion kill. A

stop and look around once in

did cartwheels in the dusk before

shout from one of the kids alerted

a while, you could miss it”. We decided to ditch work and school to heed the call of nature. We packed the camping gear, attached the trailer and filled two cars. Among the passengers were four excited kids below the age of six. Some may call it brave, others may call it crazy but we set off for a visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This is a large wildlife conservation

92

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


What you need to know Transport: It is best to have a 4x4 or a 4x2 vehicle when t

ellin

ound t e

l -

gadi as many roads can be di fi ult to n

i

te

it out

high clearance vehicle. Accommodation: Available South Africa

through SANParks (www. n

o

e ulti

te e -

perience is camping, which can be as luxurious as you choose

us to the fact that the hyena had

The water ran brown as we washed

company. It was sneaky jackal

the Kalahari sand off their bodies.

in the Kgalagadi is booked at

wanting to share the hyena’s feast.

The second night we slept with the

least a year in advance so it is

We watched as the kids told stories

humming sounds of a lioness as

best to plan ahead.

about what they thought might un-

she roared, near us, over the hill. A

The best time to go: It is a very

fold – an indication that they were

little while later there was a noise

hot and dry area, so travel is

learning about cause and effect

and we all pulled down the zips of

much more comfortable just

and the laws of nature. Perhaps the

our tents to explore in anticipation.

after the rains between March

kill had taken place here and the

There she was – walking just a few

and May. This is also when you

hyena and jackal stumbled upon it

metres away from us, behind the

have better wildlife sightings.

or maybe the hyena and the jackal

fence along the plain. We watched

were friends. The children’s imagina-

the lioness as she moved in the

tions danced with ideas and spar-

direction of her cubs. She was hunt-

kled with creativity. Despite their

ing and the next day we discov-

resistance, we finally drove away

ered the nearby lion den with a

from this wildlife documentary that

number of cubs.

played out before our eyes.

to make it. All accommodation

Our early morning drive took us along the path of a family of ado-

Lioness on the prowl

lescent cheetahs. We travelled with

We arrived at Mata-Mata Rest

them for several hundred metres

Camp and established camp

as they strolled along to some un-

along the fence that divides the

known destination. We exchanged

campsite from a large open plain.

glances and time almost came to

A yellow mongoose stood on its

a standstill as we shared this mo-

hind legs and watched us with

ment. They were eventually out of

interest. As darkness approached,

sight and it seemed like a dream.

we lit the fire and the kids packed

Cuddling in the car, with blankets

drinks, the kids were calm and cap-

away their marble games and cars.

and enjoying rusks dipped in warm

tivated by the show.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

93


CAR REVIEWS FEATURE

Writer: Ashref Ismail

transmission. The established 2.0l turbocharged ‘four-pot’ engine remains intact on NX300 variations, serving up 175kW with 350Nm on tap between 1 650 and 4 000rpm. The engine utilises a combination of port and direct injection, known as D-4ST, along with Variable Valve Timing Intelligent Wide to optimise combustion in the pursuit of both power and efficiency. The twin-scroll turbocharger delivers a wide-spread of torque assisting with effortless acceleration. Lexus has refined the suspension of the NX SUV range to further improve stability, body control and

Lexus makes a statement

ride comfort. Refinements include a new calibration for the rear stabiliser bar and stabiliser bar bushing, as well as new front dampers with reduced friction. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) on F Sport models has been upgraded to the latest iteration, as

T

debuted on the LC premium sports he Lexus NX was Lexus’ first

freshened up the exterior appear-

foray into the compact pre-

ance without altering its sporty and

mium SUV market. Featuring

dynamic demeanour.

coupé. Both traditional spring and damper (on E and EX) and Adap-

an angular design language, with

All models receive front styling

tive variable suspension systems

strong body lines and prominent

refinements with new headlamps,

are designed and calibrated to

contouring – the NX certainly makes

a bold new front grille utilising a

maximise dynamic performance

a statement. Underpinned by the

chrome frame, altered side grille,

and cabin space, including sepa-

iconic Lexus spindle grille, the NX is

bumper and lower bumper ele-

rate spring and damper units at

a prominent member in the Lexus

ments.

the rear, for a lower centre of gravity

family. The NX300 F Sport, like its siblings,

and minimal intrusion into the rear

Power and efficiency

cargo area.

builds on the original model’s

The EX and F Sport derivatives

strong design language. The

retain the all-wheel drive configu-

suspension calibration and alloy

cosmetic enhancements have

ration and six-speed automatic

wheel design. Rear stabiliser-bar

94

F Sport models have a unique

Public Sector Manager • May 2018


stiffness on the refreshed NX has been increased to suppress roll angle and hence optimise vehicle turning posture.

Sporty appearance In F Sport guise the NX packs an even greater visual punch. The spindle-grille ‘frame’ is finished off in a striking ‘black chrome’ effect which ties in with the dark ‘F-mesh’ grille. The brushed-aluminium-effect

dynamic handling.

In addition, the button design has been modernised and the

lower apron runs the full length

The Custom mode allows driv-

of the front and creates a sporty

ers to personalise the powertrain,

analogue clock redesigned with

appearance and ties all the frontal

electric power steering, AVS and air

increased contrast between the

design elements together. Graphite-

conditioning settings. A key feature

hands and background for ease of

coloured vent trim on the edges of

is the new 10.3-inch display audio

viewing. The clock is now linked to

the bumper accentuate the power-

screen with enhanced graphics

the GPS function so the time is set

ful stance and F Sport identity.

and clarity–employed on EX and F

automatically.

In terms of function, the Drive

Sport models equipped with satel-

Mode Select feature on F Sport

lite navigation. The NX interior over-

been grouped according to opera-

models comprise Eco, Normal,

haul saw special attention paid to

tions, while the overall panel layout

Sport, Sport + and newly-added

the centre cluster, with the climate

has been made cleaner by revising

Custom modes. Sport + works

control panel refreshed and the

the size of the switches. Metal tog-

alongside the AVS to increase

number of switches reduced for

gle switches have been adopted

dampening and allow for more

ease of operation.

directly below the LCD tempera-

Air-conditioning switches have

ture/air volume and direction displays for improved operability and enhanced aesthetics. The usual comprehensive active safety systems are on-board and include ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Enhanced VSC, Hill-start Assist and Trailer Sway Control. The F Sport model also includes Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Public Sector Manager • May 2018

95


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