PSM December/January Edition 2016/2017 by Topco Media

BLUEPRINT 971

i-TRAFFIC SYSTEM. i-TRAFFIC SYSTEM. KEEPING YOUYOU INFORMED, KEEPING INFORMED KEEPING YOUYOU ON ON KEEPING THE THE MOVE. MOVE.

The i-Traffic The traveller information is a real timeistraffi c time traffic i-Traffi c traveller system information system a real monitoring system that keeps watch overacongestion, monitoring systema that keeps watch over road congestion, road works, road conditions forwardsand traffi c alert information. works, roadand conditions forwards traffic alert information. Currently available in Gauteng, Western the Cape and Cape and Currently available the in Gauteng, Western KwaZulu-Natal. The i-Traffi c system usesc the latest technology Kwa-Zulu Natal. The i-Traffi system uses the latest technology traffi c flowing smoothly across the country. to keep traffito c flkeep owing smoothly across the country. So, stay informed touchby of registering a button by registering So, stay informed at the touch at of the a button www.itraffi c.co.za and opt by foreither updates by either sms, at www.itraffiat c.co.za and opt for updates sms, twitter or email. twitter or email. Safer roads safer and safer driving. Safer roads means safer means journeys andjourneys safer driving.

SANRAL. SANRAL.

Beyond Beyond roads. roads.

@sanral_za www.sanral.co.za www.sanral.co.za

www.i-traffic.co.za www.i-traffic.co.za

@sanral_za @sanral_za www.facebook.co/sanralza/ www.facebook.co/sanralza/

@sanral_z

Regulars 10 Conversations with leaders Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane on the success of SA’s mining industry 16 Profiles in leadership Dr Fareed Abdullah is leading the fight against HIV and AIDS 20 Women in the public sector National Arts Council CEO Rosemary Mangope describes her dream job 24 Trailblazer CSIR’s Mangalani Miyambo is having a blast as a mechanical engineering technologist 28 Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips 30 Provincial focus KwaZulu-Natal is growing into an economic powerhouse 34 In other news News you need to know while you are on the go 36 Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information

Contents

DEC 2016 / JAN 2017 38 International relations Relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe continue to strengthen 76 Public sector appointments Find out who is new on Persal

Features 42 Improved audit outcomes for departments, entities National and provincial audit results show a slight improvement 46 Digital broadcasting milestone for SA Communications Minister Faith Muthambi made history when she switched off the analogue transmitter in Carnarvon 48 Opening doors of opportunity for youth The National Youth Development Agency is unlocking opportunities for young people 52 Working towards economic growth The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement focuses on growing SA’s economy 56 Addressing the non-payment of service providers Government steps up efforts to pay suppliers and service providers within 30 days 60 SA aims to grow investment in Africa The Department of Trade and Industry is helping local companies invest in the continent

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

GEMS – simply the best Medical Scheme for Government Employees At GEMS we are always looking out for our members’ best interests. From providing cover for your extended family to speaking to you in your own language, we know what’s best for your health! If you are a qualifying Government Employee, here are more great reasons to choose GEMS: 1. GEMS is affordable Your employer subsidises your GEMS contribution by up to 75%. If your income is within salary levels 1 to 5 and you choose the Sapphire option, you could qualify for a 100% subsidy! Subsidy limits increase by medical price inflation (MPI) every year.

2. GEMS offers you ‘Big Scheme’ security GEMS is the biggest restricted medical scheme and the second largest scheme in South Africa. Less than 5% of contributions are spent on non-healthcare services, compared to an industry average of 9%.

3. GEMS benefits are accessible You can cover your extended family. No waiting periods for l principal members who join the Scheme for the first time; l beneficiaries who join at the same time as the principal member; and l new-born babies and newly-adopted children added as beneficiaries for the first time.

4. GEMS is not too big to serve its members GEMS provides you with free face-to-face consultation services at your workplace. You can ask for assistance in the language of your choice.

5. GEMS is there for you in an emergency Our committed network of emergency medical services staff is ready to help you in times of crisis, no matter where you are in South Africa.

Lesoba 16708

6. GEMS is easy to reach Our Self-help Kiosks bring personalised service to you at the touch of a button. Conveniently located at your local GEMS walk-in centre, selected Government buildings as well as a pharmacy near you!

7. GEMS protects your funds through selective underwriting Underwriting protects GEMS against anti-selective behaviour, fraud, waste and abuse, thereby protecting your funds. Unlike other medical schemes that apply underwriting to all members, GEMS applies underwriting to the following categories of members only: l Principal members who resign from the Scheme with their dependants (without also resigning from the Public Service) and then re-join the Scheme. l Dependants who are resigned from the Scheme and who are then re-registered by the principal member at a later date. l Dependants who join GEMS on a different date from the main member (excluding new-born babies and newlyadopted children).

8. GEMS gives you value-added services across all benefit options In-hospital, Prescribed Minimum Benefits are covered at 100% of scheme tariff. No co-payments when you make use of GEMS network providers.

What’s new and happening in 2017? A new app to help you manage your GEMS membership from A to Z An electronic Patient Health Record allowing you to track the usage of your benefits Roll-out of more Self-help Kiosks for added convenience Additional Client Liaison Officers (CLOs) Lifestyle Rewards Programme for great added value and benefits Enhanced GEMS Fitness Programme New Disease Management Programme Working towards a healthier you

Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0089 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 Head of Editorial and Production

Managing Editor Dorris Simpson dorris@gcis.gov.za News Editor

64 Reaching for the stars Funding injection into an innovative telescope will increase the possibility of detecting the first stars and galaxies 68 SANRAL paving the way for economic and social upliftment South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national roads network plays an important role in the economy 70 EPWP changing lives The Expanded Public Works Programme is creating thousands of work opportunities 72 African retirement funds in the spotlight Retirement funds are reviewing their laws and policies to provide for modern needs and challenges

Lifestyle 74 Book reviews How law professionals can play a role in the fight against HIV and AIDS 78 Food and wine Scrumptious festive delights 82

Financial fitness Spend wisely during the festive season

84 Grooming and style We bring you summer essentials 86 Car reviews The new Tiguan is a stunner 88 Nice-to-haves Setting the perfect table 90 Health and well-being How to be sun safe this festive season 94 Travel We explore the Cederberg

Tasneem Carrim tasneem@gcis.gov.za

Irene Naidoo

Copy Editors Elias Tibane Irene Naidoo Ongezwa Manyathi Contributors Dorris Simpson Albert Pule Noluthando Mkhize Sekgabo Kedijang Chris Bathembu Nthambeleni Gabara Priscilla Khumalo

GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Siyasanga Mbambani Senior Designer

Tendai Gonese

Junior Designer

Mmankoko Moshweu

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 Advertising Tel +27 086 000 9590 Subscriptions and Distribution Ingrid Johnstone ingrid.johnstone@topco.co.za ------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Phumla Williams Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin Acting Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Tasneem Carrim Chief Financial Officer Zwelinjani Momeka -----------------------------------------------

ADVERTORIAL

Absa opens doors for SMEs Absa opens doors for SMEs

Absa is investing in individuals, communities and enterprises and through its enterprise development programmes is changing the South African business landscape one entrepreneur at a time. Absa is investing in individuals, communities and enterprises and through its enterprise development programmes is changing the South African business landscape one entrepreneur at a time.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in a vast majority of economies. In South Africa, SMEs employ almost 60% of the employable population - with over 12 million livelihoods relying directly on SMEs. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in a vast economies. South Africa, SMEs Absamajority Bank Ltdof(Absa), whollyInowned subsidiary of employ Barclays almost 60% of the employable population - with 12 million Africa Group member of Barclays, recognises the over importance livelihoods relying directly on SMEs. of small businesses as catalysts for economic growth and job creation. Absa Bank Ltd (Absa), wholly owned subsidiary Barclays As a responsible corporate citizen, Absa lends itsofsupport Africa member the importance to the Group national agendaoftoBarclays, promoterecognises a thriving SME sector. of small businesses as catalysts for economic growthofand While financial support is a key driver of the success thejob creation. SME, access to markets and building business skills are also As a responsible corporate citizen, Absa lends its support significant challenges to address. to the national agenda to promote a thriving SME sector. While financial development support is a key driverfrom of the success The enterprise offering Absa aimsof tothe open SME, to markets and building aremarkets, also doorsaccess for SMEs by providing access inbusiness three keyskills areas: significant challenges to address. funding and non-financial support (business support). The enterprise development offering from Absa aims to open Access to markets doors by is providing access inobstacle three keyfacing areas:SMEs markets, Accessfor toSMEs markets a more pressing funding and to non-financial support support). than access funding. The market(business exists, but the linkages

don’t. Access tobuyers, markets Corporate for example, in terms of preferential Access to markets a more pressing obstacle facing SMEs procurement, face is the challenge of locating and identifying than access funding. And The the market exists, butstruggle the linkages suitable SMEtosuppliers. SMEs in turn don’t. with accessing these corporates in order to secure supplier Corporate contracts. buyers, for example, in terms of preferential procurement, face the challenge of locating identifying Absa’s Procurement Portal – a virtual marketand place – creates the suitable suppliers. SMEs inSMEs turn struggle linkages SME between buyersAnd andthe suppliers. on the portal are with accessing these corporates in orderusing to secure supplier validated and verified. They are located various searchable contracts. fields such as geographic location, size or BEE status. To date Absa’s Procurement Portal virtual market place – creates the there are 30 000 SMEs and–3a500 corporates actively using the linkages portal. between buyers and suppliers. SMEs on the portal are validated and verified. They are located using various searchable fields such is aspart geographic size or BEEtostatus. To date The portal of Absa’slocation, value proposition go beyond there areand 30 000 3 500 corporates actively using the banking openSMEs doorsand by addressing a primary obstacle portal. facing SMEs. Furthermore, Barclays Africa’s presence in 12 The portal is part of Absa’s value proposition to go beyond banking and open doors by addressing a primary obstacle facing SMEs. Furthermore, Barclays Africa’s presence in 12

countries across the continent creates opportunities for these entrepreneurs and emerging small businesses beyond South Africa’s borders. countriestoacross the continent creates opportunities for these Access funding

entrepreneurs and emerging small(or businesses beyond South Considering that five out of seven 80%) SMEs in South Africa’sfail borders. Africa in their first two years of operation – mostly due to cash-flow problems – it is clear that improved financial Access to funding support will empower more SMEs to realise their ambition, and Considering five out of sevenin(or 80%)Africa. SMEs in South contribute tothat sustainable growth South Africa fail in their first two years of operation – mostly due to cash-flow problems – it is clear that improved financial in In addressing SME challenges Absa needs to be innovative support will empower more SMEs to solutions. realise their ambition, and its approach to providing pioneering It can advance contribute sustainable in South valid Africa. funding to to SMEs that havegrowth been awarded and viable contracts. Cash-flow principles are the primary lending drivers In challenges Absaorneeds to be innovative in as addressing opposed toSME traditional collateral security-based lending. its approach to providing can advance Absa has committed R250pioneering million persolutions. annum inItnon-traditional funding to SMEs that have been awarded valid and viable lending aimed entirely at the SME sector in South Africa. This is contracts. are the primary lending in order to Cash-flow fund SMEsprinciples that typically would not meet thedrivers normal as opposed to traditional lending criteria required bycollateral banks. or security-based lending. Absa has committed R250 million per annum in non-traditional lending at the SMEAbsa sectorhas in South This is Over andaimed aboveentirely the R250 million, createdAfrica. specialised in order to fundfunding SMEs that typically not meet the normal non-traditional solutions to would assist SMEs: lending criteria required by banks. • The Women Empowerment Fund provides credit to women entrepreneurs who have the skills and demonstrable Over and above the R250 has created specialised potential to service theirmillion, debts. Absa The funding is available for non-traditional funding to assist SMEs: all women SMEs whosolutions do not have sufficient security to start • The Empowerment Fund provides creditcriteria. to women theirWomen businesses under ‘normal’ banking lending whoCredit have the skills and demonstrable • entrepreneurs The Development Fund in partnership with USAID. potential debts. The funding issecurity available This fundto is service offered their to SMEs with insufficient forfor all women SMEs who do not have sufficient securityby to astart existing business and start-ups. The fund is backed their 50% businesses guarantee. under ‘normal’ banking lending criteria. •• The Credit to Fund partnership withbeen USAID. The Development SME Fund is offered BEEinSMEs who have This fundcontracts is offeredor totenders SMEs with insufficient security fordoes awarded by Government. The fund existing business and start-ups. The fund is backed by a not require security. 50% guarantee. • In partnership with the French Development Agency, Absa • The SME an Fund is offered to BEE in SMEs who have been of up can offer exclusive incentive the form of a rebate awarded contracts or tenders byThis Government. The driving fund does to 7% of the total loan amount. is for projects not require security. • In partnership with the French Development Agency, Absa can offer an exclusive incentive in the form of a rebate of up to 7% of the total loan amount. This is for projects driving

Absa Bank Limited Reg No 1986/004794/06 Authorised Financial Services Provider Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7

energy efficiency and renewable energy. • The Thembani International Guarantee Fund supports business with a minimum of 51% BEE business in South and Southern Africa. The fund offers 50% and 75% guarantees energy to SME efficiency clients. and renewable energy. • The Thembani International Guarantee Fund supports business with a minimum of 51% BEE business in South and Access to non-financial support Southern Africa. The fund offers 50% 75% guarantees Another critical challenge facing SMEs is and structural in nature. to SME clients. SMEs fail, not for lack of technical ability, but rather because of a lack of general business skills.

Access to non-financial support

Another SMEs is structural nature. Absa hascritical seven challenge Centres offacing Entrepreneurship locatedinacross the SMEs fail, notthe for purpose lack of technical ability, but rather because of country with of providing a support environment a of general business tolack SMEs. The centres are askills. perfect example of private and public sector cooperation that have led to the costs traditionally Absa has seven Entrepreneurship located across the associated with Centres starting of and running a business being reduced. country theinclude purposeeverything of providing a support environment Serviceswith offered from providing access to to SMEs. The centres are a perfect example of private and infrastructure (computers and printers) and meeting rooms, public sectortraining cooperation that on have led toissues. the costs traditionally to providing seminars various Topics range associated starting and running a business reduced. from SARS with and labour regulation to financial skillsbeing training. Services offered include everything from providing access to Mentoring services are also provided. infrastructure (computers and printers) and meeting rooms, to providing training seminars variousAbsa issues. Through non-financial supporton offering, hasTopics helpedrange over from SARS anddevelop labour their regulation to financial 42 000 SMEs businesses in theskills past training. year through Mentoring servicestools, are also provided. training, business seminars and networking. By offering non-traditional support, the Centres of Entrepreneurship will Through non-financial support offering, Absa has helped bring more small businesses online and make it easier forover 42 000 SMEs develop theirand businesses in the past year through entrepreneurs to establish grow their businesses. training, business tools, seminars and networking. By offering non-traditional support, theand Centres of Entrepreneurship Access to markets, funding non-traditional support iswill a bring more small online and make easier for complex recipe forbusinesses a successful business. Like it any masterpiece entrepreneurs to establish andextra growdetermination their businesses. it takes time, effort and some to get the ball rolling. By investing in individuals, communities and enterprises, Access to markets, funding and non-traditional support is a Absa, through its Enterprise Development programmes, complex recipe a successful business. Like any masterpiece is changing the for South African business landscape, one it takes time, effort and some extra determination to get the ball entrepreneur at a time. rolling. By investing in individuals, communities and enterprises, Absa, its Enterprise Development programmes, 0860through 040 302 / absa.co.za is changing the South African business landscape, one entrepreneur at a time.

0860 040 302 / absa.co.za

Message from the Minister

Ministry of Communications

on the move

ctober 28 will go down as an historic day for the country. It was the day the analogue transmitter in Carnarvon, serving several small Karoo

towns around the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), project was switched off. About 25 000 households in Carnarvon, Van Wyksvlei,

Brandvlei, Williston and Vosburg are now able to enjoy high-definition TV. We prioritised this area because the analogue signal can potentially cause harmful interference with the radio telescope operation at the SKA site. The event marked the first major milestone towards the complete analogue switch-off in the country, which we plan to do when more than 80 percent of the country has

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.

migrated to digital transmission. In Xigalo, a Limpopo village near the Kruger National Park, those like 81-year old Masingita Majoko will never again be

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitting that Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milestone comes 40 years after South

subjected to the frustrations of rotating rooftop antenna

Africa first began receiving television broadcasts in 1976. Since

searching for better television reception.

then, the local television industry has grown to include a number

Digital migration will also help improve internet access

of flourishing community stations.

in the country. Once analogue transmissions are switched

Digital terrestrial television will build on this, by introducing

off, it will free a large amount of radio frequency spectrum

many more channels for users. This will require a lot fresher

which can then be used for new broadcasting and other

content. For Africans to fully enjoy digital television, foreign media

communications services such as broadband.

houses should prioritise the employment of newsgatherers from

On the road to digital migration

the continent itself, who are keenly aware of the various social, political and economic intricacies.

The rollout to digital transmission will take place in phases

The switch off of the analogue transmitter in Carnarvon is just

across all provinces and we are aiming to complete the

but one of the many highlights we can look back on in 2016. There

process of migrating to the broadcasting digital system by

have been many positive developments within the department

the end of 2018.

and the entities I oversee.

Border-lying areas have been prioritised in digital migration to prevent signal interference from neighbouring countries.

Media transformation

Government will also be rolling-out five million subsidised

In 2016, the departments of Communications and Government

set-top boxes to poor households in a phased approach.

Communication and Information System (GCIS) also held a

This has already started in the Northern Cape and Limpopo.

successful colloquium on print media transformation. The two-

A set-top box converts signals from a digital television

day event was attended by government officials, civil society,

broadcast into a form which can be viewed on a traditional

business, academics and media owners.

television set.

For us, transformation in the print media is non-negotiable,

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ December 2016 / January 2017

as it is part of our constitutional mandate and government

providers in protecting consumers and children against sexual

agenda. Further, we believe that there is room for the media

content, hate speech and racism contained in user-generated

and government to engage around a common vision for South

content. It must be stressed that the bill is not aimed at gagging

Africa and the role that media plays within this.

the internet in the country.

We also believe that there is room for deeper and more

Meanwhile, work is also at an advanced stage regarding

meaningful coverage of our exciting developmental journey.

the finalisation of the broadcasting policy review process.

In addition, more media should publish and air material in

Among other things, the policy aims to create a level playing

local and African languages to reach a broader readership and

field for emerging audio-visual media services. It also aims to

listenership. But coverage should never be at the expense of

protect and empower consumers, in particular, to guarantee

the media’s role as a watchdog.

key societal values for the protection of minors and human

To support the transformation of the sector, the Department of Trade and Industry in April gazetted the Marketing, Advertising and Communications (MAC) Sector B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice. Among other things the codes aim to increase black ownership to 45 percent by the end of March 2018. They also stipulate

dignity, and promoting the rights of visually and or hearing impaired persons. It also aims to promote local content to support social cohesion and nation building and safeguard media diversity, pluralism, freedom of expression and information.

that black women should hold 25 percent of executive board

Clean audit

positions and 30 percent of executive and senior management

I must also commend the departments on doing well to

positions.

achieve a clean audit for the 2015/16 financial year.

Companies have a two-year window period that started on

Notably, the Department of Communication's clean audit was

April 1 to deliver against their business’ transformation plans.

achieved without the use of a single consultant in the past

They will then be required to submit themselves for annual

financial year and despite funding constraints, which have

verification against the new codes.

limited staff to 65 employees (far from the 400 described in our

Government will use its sizeable spending in the advertising

organogram). Instead, many employees worked extra hours

and communication space to support the implementation of

beyond the call of duty, while many staff from GCIS also lent

the codes, which will be monitored by the MAC Sector Council.

a hand.

Through the State Owned Enterprises Communicators

In all, the department achieved 63 percent, or 52 of the 82

Association, representing over 700 state entities and agencies,

targets set for 2015/16, and staff are implementing several

we will begin a process to affirm compliant companies through

measures to address the auditor-general’s previous concerns

the communications supply chain. We encourage companies

GCIS also obtained its second consecutive clean audit. I

that want to do business with the government and its entities

applaud the department’s unwavering determination to

to meet the commitments inscribed in the codes.

provide relevant, accurate and timeous information to the

Films and Publications Amendment Bill

South African public.

In early 2016 the Portfolio Committee on Communications

Media freedom

okayed the Films and Publications Amendment Bill and agreed

Finally, it is important to note that media freedom in South

to take the bill for public consultation across the country.

Africa is not in decline. The country is still blessed with a free

The bill seeks to align South Africa with international best practice on matters regarding the regulation of distribution of online content. It further seeks to strengthen efforts to combat the online distribution of illegal content as defined in the Films and Publications Act of 1996. It also seeks to increase the responsibilities of internet service

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

press, where the safety of journalists is guaranteed. Journalists can still report without fear or favour. There is no journalist who is in jail for doing his or her work. We encourage the media to continue to play a vital role in our democracy. A free media is an essential partner in strengthening any democracy.

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Turning the tide

belie the steady progress that South Africa has made in combatting the

against HIV and AIDS

epidemic. Gover nment has played a significant role in this fight and has also stepped in to bring down the

orld Aids Day on 1 December was an opportunity

cost of treatment. In July, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi

to reflect on the strides South Africa has made in

told the International AIDS Conference in Durban that the

the fight against HIV and AIDS.

price of ARV drugs had been reduced from about R10 000 a

For one, there has been a drop in the number of new HIV

person per year to around R1 728 per person, which South

infections from more than 500 000 in 2004, to about 380 000

Africa was able to lobby for from manufacturers. This has

in 2015. The rate of babies being born with HIV decreased

been reduced even further with the introduction of single-

significantly from eight percent in 2008 to 2.6 percent in

dose ARV treatment.

2013.

Among the present challenges, is the high prevalence

In addition, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/

of HIV among learners and girls in particular. To address

AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that AIDS-related deaths have fallen

this, the Department of Basic Education has increased its

by a third over three years – from 270 000 in 2012 to 180 000

focus on educating learners about HIV and AIDS. In May,

in 2015. A lot of this is down to improved treatment.

the department approved a national policy on HIV, STIs and

South Africa runs one of the biggest HIV treatment programmes in the world.

TB, while the Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa launched a campaign for girls and young women in June.

The National Treasury noted in October that South Africa’s

In addition, government’s latest five-year National Strategic

antiretroviral (ARV) treatment programme now reaches 3.5

Plan to tackle the epidemic includes a target to reduce new

million people (about a fifth of those on treatment globally,

HIV infections by at least 50 percent using a combination of

according to UNAIDS). This is up from 400 000 in

prevention approaches.

2004. More than 12 million people were

It will be backed by a significant increase in ARV therapy

tested for HIV in 2015.

expected, with the Department of Health having adopted

Millions across the world

a new World Health Organisation approach in September

have lost their lives as result

which will initiate treatment in all age groups regardless

of AIDS-related illnesses over

of CD4 count.

the years. Some estimate

It’s hoped that these will contribute to the National

this figure to be about 35

Development Plan’s goal of increasing life expectancy

million.

to at least 70 years by 2030, from the current 61 years.

Globally, 36.7 million people

Added to this, scientists at the Medical Research

were living with HIV by the end of 2015, with seven million of these in South Africa, according to

Council are to launch a ground-breaking Antibody Mediated Prevention study, the biggest in seven years, in a bid to find a cure for

UNAIDS.

the disease. At least 5 000 patients

In 2015, about 1.1 million

will be enrolled on the vaccine.

people died of AIDS-

It is only through concerted

related illnesses, about

effort that we can meet the

15 percent of these

UN’s goal of an AIDS-free

deaths were in South

world by 2030. It’s a worthy

Africa.

ideal that we should all

These are sobering

continue to strive for,

statistics, but they

together. Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

CMY

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS

Minister Zwane

Writer: Chris Bathembu

ensuring transformation and sustainability in mining

he South African economy has been built on the

see improvements. We are doing well with gold and we are

back of mining. For more than 150 years, South

optimistic that we are starting to climb the ladder.”

Africa’s mining sector has been resilient and a leader

in employment for many people, including migrant workers

The mandate of the department

from neighbouring countries.

South Africa is known for its abundance of mineral

More recently, gross fixed capital formation in the mining

resources. It is estimated to have the world’s fifth largest

industry increased from R18 billion in 2004 to R87 billion

mining sector in terms of gross domestic product value

in 2014. Foreign direct investment in the industry grew

and its mining companies are key players in the global

considerably, from R112 billion in 2004 to R377 billion in

industry.

2014, while employment increased from 448 909 in 2004 to 495 592 in 2014.

and an efficient regulatory framework, these precious

These are the figures that give Mineral Resources Minister

minerals can be open to abuse. This is where the

Mosebenzi Zwane the confidence to say that mining in

Department of Mineral Resources comes in, says Minister

South Africa is here to stay.

Zwane.

“There are natural resources estimated to the tune of

“The department is at the centre of ensuring ongoing

R50 trillion that are still untapped in South Africa. What

transformation of South Africa’s mining industry. We

we need to do, as a country, is ensure that we, inter alia,

provide the regulatory framework and implement policies

commit to continuous research.

that ensure all South Africans benefit from our mines.

“We have been on visits to many countries. People are

“We are of the view that the wealth of the country should

eager to come to South Africa to invest, so the future looks

be shared among the people and our department is there

bright in our mining industry, contrary to other views,” he

to ensure that this is done. Our priorities are in the areas

says.

of policy certainty, health and safety and meaningful

In an interview with PSM recently, Minister Zwane commended the mining industry for working with

transformation.”

government during the difficult economic times that

Saving jobs

began in 2008. Despite slow growth and a drop in demand,

One of the key achievements of the mining sector over

South Africa’s mines continued to be resilient, he says.

the years has been the industry’s ability to provide jobs to

“The economic downturn was not a South African

both skilled and unskilled workers. But with the economic

problem. What we have been saying to the industry is

downturn and drop in demand, job losses have become

that during the times of economic boom for the sector,

a reality. A challenging environment, both locally and

which I like to compare with summer, we must also prepare

globally, has placed a strain on commodities.

for winter. “We do this so that when winter comes, we do not call it a crisis. The industry itself is cyclical and we are starting to

However, without proper management of these mines

The department is aware that job cuts in the mining sector are likely to have a negative impact on the country's economy and increase unemployment.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane.

“Saving jobs remains our priority. We have been saying the

The Mining Charter

issue of retrenchments should be the last resort. There is

In 2002, government introduced the Mineral and Petroleum

progress in all the discussions we are having and the majority

Resources Development (MPRD) Act, which sought to

of companies are cooperating with us.”

promote equitable access to the nation’s minerals. Section 100 of the Act provides for the Mining Charter, to

Small scale mining

facilitate the sustainable transformation and development

Minister Zwane says the department is also promoting the

of the country’s mining industry, with emphasis on a target

small scale mining sector.

of 26 percent black ownership of the country's mining assets

“This sector has great economic potential to sustain

by 2014.

livelihoods, reduce poverty and generate revenue for the

Minister Zwane says the department is now in the process

state, through ensuring that it becomes at least as important

of finalising a review of the Charter, which was gazetted in

as large-scale mining in South Africa.”

April 2016 for public comment. He says given the centrality

The department provided technical support to 125 small

of mining to the economy, the department will leave no

scale mining projects throughout the country during the

stone unturned in making sure meaningful transformation

2015/16 financial year. This support included assistance

is achieved in the sector.

with legislative compliance, facilitation for access to skills

“The Mining Charter should clearly reflect what South

and finance, as well as encouraging the beneficiation of the

Africans want to see in the mining sector as far as

produce to ensure the sustainability of projects.

transformation is concerned. We are also serious about the

“Women, youth and historically disadvantaged persons are inherently over-represented in this sector of mining and will be specifically targeted for financial and technical assistance,” he adds.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

development of our youth and make sure they play a role in the sector,” he adds. The final Mining Charter was expected have been published by the department in December 2016.

STATS SA

STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA

28 TH INTERNATIONAL POPULATION CONFERENCE (IPC) 2017 T O BE H OST ED IN CAPE TOW N, SOUTH AFR ICA 2 9 OC T OB ER – 4 NOVEMB ER 2017

“Population is not simply a problem of numbers. The growth in Africa’s population in the last decade has not been accompanied by the necessary structural transformation nor has it translated into equitable human development and improved livelihoods.” - Dr. Pali Lehohla, Statistician-General and President of the International Organising Committee The International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) has been in existence for 87 years and for the first time, after the succesful bid made by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the 28th International Population Conference (IPC) of the IUSSP will be held in sub-Saharan Africa in 2017. The IPC is a platform to discuss pressing global and regional population issues. Decision-makers from the public and private sectors will be exposed to a wealth of information at the conference to assist in attaining “The Africa we want”.

Conference Themes Population issues, which are relevant to policy and planning, are addressed at the conference and include sessions on the following themes: 1.

Ageing and intergenerational relations

Biodemography

Children and youth

Culture, religion, language and demographic behaviours

Demographic methods and data

Education and labour force

Fertility

Gender and population

Health, mortality and longevity

10. Historical demography 11. HIV/AIDS and STIs 12. Marriage and union formation, families and households 13. Migration and urbanisation 14. Population and development 15. Population and human rights, 16. Population, consumption and the environment 17. Sexuality and reproductive health

On behalf of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Stats SA will host the IPC in Cape Town, South Africa at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) from 29 October to 4 November 2017. The conference brings together people from all over the world who are at varying stages of their careers, from senior researchers, practitioners and policymakers to students. It provides opportunities to network with experts in their field, showcase research and move the population debate forward.

18. Spatial demography 19. Population and policy challenges in Africa Be part of the change Join the conversation by submitting a poster or paper abstract online by 15 December 2016 at ipc2017capetown.iussp.org or join as a delegate in 2017 to share ideas and move the country and continent forward.

For more information: InfoIPC2017@statssa.gov.za

ipc2017capetown.iussp.org

Sponsorship and Exhibition: The conference offers Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities. For more information contact, sponsorshipIPC2017@statssa.gov.za • exhibitionIPC2017@statssa.gov.za

IPC2017

ADVERTORIAL

SOUTH AFRICA HOSTS THE FIRST UN WORLD DATA FORUM The first UN World Data Forum will be hosted by Statistics South Africa from 15 to 18 January 2017, with support from the Statistics Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, under the guidance of the United Nations Statistical Commission and the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Statistics is a conduit of trust that creates the possibility for, and can in fact facilitate, global peace, progress and prosperity. Society in its entirety should understand the value and beauty of statistics, and that without society as collective respondents and purveyors and actors on data, without statistics and measurement, without high-quality statistical evidence, without appropriate indicators to communicate the evidence, without informed issue identification and informed policy action for results and remedy, and without the statisticians themselves, the world would not have an information system the implementation of coherent, sustainable development. Under the auspices of the United Nations, the first World Data Forum, as agreed by the United Nations Statistical Commission, has a number of strengths that can be leveraged to deliver meaningful outcomes. The involvement of the network of national statistical offices that the UN Statistical Commission works with will be significant. We have the support of UN system organisations with large-scale data capacity e.g. the World Bank and UNICEF, and the UN Statistics Division that is acting as the secretariat for the Forum. Many of the major players in the data field are affiliated in some way with the UN. The UN is a major connector among all these players, and the Forum can draw on that. The fact that the Forum arises out of an agreement by the UN Statistical Commission gives us a strong link to the mechanisms to ensure good and appropriate data governance. The UN Statistical Commission is the body that will ultimately decide on how to integrate new data sources, how to protect privacy and confidentiality and how to set the necessary new standards. It also gives us a close link to the Sustainable Development Goals indicator process and the challenges we face to find out-of-the-box ways to use statistics and data and fill in the data gaps to measure progress on all the 169 targets and guide policy decisions needed to achieve them. The link with the UN and the Commission will be a key value-added element in drawing people to collaborate and deliver results in Cape Town, since there is every possibility that those ideas, those initiatives, those solutions will wind up reflected in the UN SDG process. Excerpt from an interview with Dr Pali Lehohla, Statistician-General and Head of Statistics South Africa. For more information and to pre-register go to www.UNDataForum.org

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS

issue of safety. There is a committee of CEOs that is taking up these matters.” The Minister says he was saddened by the accident that occurred at Lily Mine, outside Mpumalanga, when three workers were trapped underground. “We continue to do everything in our power to support efforts by the mine to ensure that the container is retrieved.” Tripartite stakeholders in the sector met at a two-day Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Summit in November 2016 to look at the state of health and safety at mines and recommit themselves to the 2014 OHS set milestones in pursuit of zero harm in the mining industry. The milestones set during the 2014 summit included that: •

In terms of occupational safety by December 2016 there would be a 20 percent reduction in serious injuries per year and from January 2017 there would be a 20 percent reduction

Minister Zwane and officials from the Department of Mineral Resources on a health and safety visit at Harmony Mine in Carletonville.

in lost time due to injuries per year. •

Promoting beneficiation

below the milestone level for respirable crystalline silica, coal

One of the ways to transform the mining sector in South Africa lies in the strengthening of legislation.

In terms of occupational health, the target is that by December 2024, 95 percent of all exposure measurement results will be dust and platinum dust.

•

By December 2024, the TB incidence rate should be at or

In November 2016, the National Assembly passed the

below the national TB incident rate and 100 percent of

MPRD Amendment Bill, and referred it to the National

employees should be offered HIV counselling and testing

Council of Provinces to consider the issues which were raised

annually with all eligible employees linked to an anti-retroviral

by the President relating to the public consultation process undertaken. “The conclusion of the process will contribute towards the

treatment programme as per the National Strategic Plan. The Minister says that the department’s focus on the health and safety of mineworkers is yielding results.

ease of doing business in the country and thus also promote

“It is encouraging that during 2015 we experienced the

economic growth and mineral and petroleum resources

lowest fatalities in the mines which stood at 77 and we are

development,” says the Minister.

working together with the stakeholders to ultimately achieve

The Bill obliges the Minister of Mineral Resources to initiate

a goal of zero harm.”

or promote the beneficiation of mineral resources in the country and requires the Minister to “designate any mineral or mineral product for local beneficiation”.

Mine health and safety One of the areas that concerns Minister Zwane is the issue of health and safety at the country’s mines. Although the government has put laws in place to safeguard the health and safety of mine employees and communities affected by mining operations, accidents still happen. “As a department we will be sitting down to map the way forward to ensure that our ultimate goal of zero harm is realised. We are happy that the sector has also taken up the

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Kimberley Process Working Group on Monitoring. The Kimberley process is a joint initative of governments, industry and civil society to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. This is the first time a country outside the European Union has taken up this position. The Working Group on Monitoring monitors impleMinister Zwane interacting with exhibitors at the 2016 China Mining Congress and Expo in Tianjin, China.

mentation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme by participants and is responsible for the peer review

Tackling illegal mining

mechanism. Botswana has been endorsed as the vice-

Another priority for the department is curbing illegal mining

chair of the Working Group. Both countries were expected

activities.

to take up these positions in January 2017, for a period

Illegal miners, also known as ‘zama zamas’, operate mainly in semi-used mines and do not only endanger themselves, but their communities as well. Minister Zwane says that working together, government and the relevant stakeholders have made strides in combating illegal mining and the trafficking of precious metals and diamonds. The department has established forums, which meet once

of three years.

Women and youth in mining The department is on a drive to involve and skill more youth and women in the mining sector. Youth summits, aimed at attracting young people to the mining industry, were held in Gauteng and KwaZuluNatal recently.

a month, in Mpumalanga, Free State, Gauteng and Northern

The department is also in the process of visiting all the

Cape, for the purpose of implementing measures to stamp

provinces where young people will be targeted for skills

out illegal mining activities.

development in the mining sector.

These forums comprise officials from the department, the

As part of the resolution taken at the summits, 22

National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service, as

procurement sessions have been held with different

well as officials from the South African Diamond and Precious

mining companies. These sessions are part of the journey

Metals Regulator, Department of Home Affairs, Council for

to advance youth, women and historically disadvantaged

Geoscience, municipalities affected by these activities, mining

individuals, and develop realistic programmes to mentor

companies and organised labour.

and support young people in the mining industry. This is

Operations by law enforcement agencies have netted the kingpins, who benefit the most from illegal mining.

in line with the goals of the National Development Plan and the Mining Charter.

“In the past we used to arrest the miners that were working

“While we acknowledge all the work that has been

for the kingpins. We were not able to crack down on the

done in changing the sector for the better since the

kingpins but now we are seeing more of the people who

dawn of democracy, we are also the first to admit that

work behind the scenes being arrested. We attribute this to

much more must still be done in order to ensure that the

teamwork,” adds Minister Zwane.

sector is meaningfully transformed, and that the wealth

The Kimberley Process South Africa was recently endorsed as the new chair of the

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

beneath our soil benefits all South Africans. We urge our stakeholders to continue to partner with us in this journey,” says the Minister.

Profiles in leadership

Writer: Chris Bathembu

Dr Abdullah leading the fight against AIDS A s a long distance runner, Dr Fareed Abdullah knows the importance of endurance. It’s a concept that also applies to his work.

He has been involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS for the past 22 years and

the CEO of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) says he is not about to give up.

As South Africa marked International World Aids Day on 1 December, Abdullah told PSM that while there’s still a long road to go, the fight against AIDS appears to be winnable. His experience, coupled with years of medical training, makes him one of the most qualified to make such a statement.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

The interview takes place on the same day that Deputy Presi-

infections significantly. It’s a welcome development for the

dent Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to field questions in the

world that has been battling with reducing the spread of the

National Assembly. One of the questions the Deputy President

virus since the early 1990s. For South Africa to lead this ground-

will be asked pertains to the historic HIV vaccine trial that be-

breaking research is a boost for the country which has one of

gan in South Africa during the first week of November.

the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. The results of

Abdullah’s phone does not stop ringing. He and his team have to contribute to the answers the Deputy President gives

the trial are expected towards the end of 2021.

to Parliament. As he finally gets off the phone and sits down,

Working together to fight AIDS

Abdullah immediately explains the importance of the trial.

While research forms part of the initiative that Abdullah and

HIV vaccine trial

his team support, as head of SANAC, his responsibilities are wide-ranging. He has to make sure that there is coordination

“It’s nothing that has been tried anywhere else in the world,” he

in the fight against AIDS in South Africa and the prevention

says with visible excitement. The first participant in the large-

of the spread of HIV. Without bodies like SANAC, it would be

scale vaccine trial received a shot of the vaccine that very week.

difficult for the government to formulate policy and implement

The HIV vaccine clinical trial, known as the HVTN 702, involves

tangible interventions aimed at addressing the pandemic.

more than 5 000 HIV-negative men and women across South

“HIV is such a multi-faceted problem that requires multiple

Africa. The study is designed to determine whether the regi-

government departments, civil society, non-governmental

men is safe, tolerable and effective at preventing HIV infection

organisations and the private sector to work together. We need

among South African adults.

a body that brings together all those different players to devise

Should South Africa prove that the vaccine is at least 50

a common approach to the problem of HIV,” says Abdullah.

percent effective, it could lead to the first licensed preventive

SANAC is also crucial in long-term planning and through its

HIV vaccine in the world. If successful, it could set the country

five-year strategies, the organisation is able to provide crucial

apart in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.

information to government and other role players in the HIV

“Basically, there have been only two vaccine trials that we have conducted globally; the last one was in Thailand seven years ago. That one was partially effective as it showed a 39 percent reduction.

sector. These, in turn, assist in decision-making and policy direction for the country. “At the moment we are in the middle of finalising yet another five-year strategic framework for the whole country. That

“Our scientists took that vaccine and modified it, adding pro-

means we have to involve everybody and all the departments.

teins and changing other proteins and they created a new vac-

We have meetings with Ministers and Deputy Ministers who

cine which pulls a better response from the body,” he explains.

give us guidance as to what should be in this strategic plan.”

The vaccine has gone through all the mandatory safety tests

The plan Abdullah and his team are working on contains

to ensure that it does not lead to undesired consequences.

details of how South Africa will tackle HIV in the next five years.

Although the vaccine is likely to be highly effective, scien-

SANAC is also obliged to monitor the implementation of HIV

tists have cautioned that it is not yet the answer to the AIDS problem. “We need to be circumspect about all of this. The scientists are saying we should get to about 50 percent reduction through this vaccine. It’s not as if this will be a 100 percent

intervention programmes on an ongoing basis. This is crucial to measuring the impact such interventions are making and ensuring South Africa retains its spot as the model in the fight against HIV and AIDS on the continent.

effective vaccine so we must be cautious about the expecta-

Reflecting on progress

tions,” Abdullah says.

South Africa was lauded for its HIV policies at the International

But he notes that any vaccine that proves to be 50 percent

AIDS Conference held in Durban. Delegates were impressed

effective in preventing HIV would bring down the number of

by the commitment to reduce infections among women >>

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Profiles in leadership

Protecting the vulnerable One of the latest innovations cited by Abdullah is the new pre-exposure pill that helps prevent infection among vulnerable people such as sex workers, gay and transgender groups. “These groups, who we deem as vulnerable, can take this pill once a day and reduce their risk of getting infected with HIV. The pill has been tested and there are hundreds of thousands of people in the US and Europe who are on it,” he says. Deputy President Ramaphosa announced recently that government would be facilitating the provision of the pill to sex workers in South Africa. About 400 have already been enrolled. On World Aids Day, it was announced that men who have sex with other men would also be given the pill. and children, as well as providing treatment to the people who need it. Abdullah attributes the achievements to partnerships with

The pill is also registered and is available over the counter at leading pharmacies across the country.

the private sector and political will on the part of government

Counting the success

to do the right thing.

While the fight against HIV and AIDS is an ongoing one, Abdul-

Since 2009, the country’s Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission programme has been one of the flagship pro-

lah believes South Africa should be proud of the significant milestones the country has achieved so far.

grammes in government’s efforts to curb the spread of HIV,

“The biggest achievement for us thus far is the 3.5 million

particularly among the vulnerable members of society -

people on treatment. What this has done is increase life ex-

women and children.

pectancy for all South Africans by up to 10 years. If a child is

HIV prevalence among newborn babies fell from 8.5 percent in 2008 to below 2.4 percent in 2015. As a result, more than 100 000 babies were protected from HIV infection. Today, fewer South Africans are dying from AIDS thanks to access to treatment and rigorous prevention campaigns.

born with HIV, that child can expect to live 10 years longer. “As a country we have also brought down the number of people dying from AIDS. We achieved a 25 percent reduction in child mortality. Normally it takes a few years to achieve that, but South Africa has achieved it in a few years,” he says.

Funding the fight

About Dr Fareed Abdullah

But to fight the spread of HIV and provide treatment to those

Before he joined SANAC, Abdullah was Africa Direc-

who are infected requires money. South Africa today has the

tor at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and

largest anti-retroviral treatment programme globally and its

Malaria in Geneva from 2008 to 2011 and Director

efforts have been largely financed from domestic resources,

of Technical Support at the International HIV/AIDS

spending around R15 billion annually to run HIV and AIDS

Alliance in the UK.

programmes. This is no doubt putting pressure on the national fiscus and the health budget.

He trained at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s medical school in Durban and qualified as a specialist in

Abdullah says over the years, SANAC has been knocking

Public Health Medicine at the University of Cape Town.

on several doors to raise funding to assist government in its

He received an honorary doctorate from the University

fight against AIDS.

of Cape Town for his role in the successful scale-up of

“A lot of money comes to this country from several donors

a province-wide anti-retroviral treatment programme.

such as the Global Fund. SANAC raises up to R1.5 billion a year

Abdullah and his colleagues at SANAC have been in-

towards HIV prevention and treatment initiatives.”

strumental in promoting the upscale of treatment and

That money is used for research and other measures aimed

prevention of HIV in South Africa.

at preventing HIV.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

WOMEN INin THE PUBLIC SECTOR Profiles leadership

Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Lauge Sorensen

Arts are in Rosemary

Mangope’s blood R

osemary Mangope needs no extra motivation to get out of bed and ready for work in the morning.

“My love for the arts was nurtured in my home. My fa-

In fact, there is nothing else she would rather be

ther used to play the saxophone and was a jazz lover. He

doing than leading the National Arts Council (NAC), a role she describes as her dream job.

introduced me to music. “My home was a melting pot of performing artists and

“This job is like a dream come true for me because the arts

even at the height of apartheid we hosted jazz legends

have always been in my blood and arts administration has

like Champion Jack Du Preez, Lamont Dozier and Harare

always been my passion,” she tells PSM.

(Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse) as a band.”

Mangope is the CEO of the NAC, a position she has held since 2013. Her love and involvement in the arts dates back decades

and was prompted by watching her father play jazz.

Mangope was later responsible for creating a chain of arts centres in the former Bophuthatswana homeland. In the mid-80s, she played an important role in the

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

establishment of the Mmabana Cultural Foundation in

the NAC receiving an unqualified audit in the 2013/14

the former Bophuthatswana.

financial year. In the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 years it

The Mmabana Foundation used theatre, dance, sports

received clean audits.

and art to build self-esteem among children and com-

“The first thing I concentrated on was to ensure that

munities. The foundation led to the establishment of the

the governance structures are in place and that Public

Bop Arts Council, which spearheaded cultural develop-

Finance Management Act processes are above board and

ment in the province.

documented.”

Now she is ensuring that the NAC develops and promotes excellence in the arts. The NAC was established in April 1997 through an Act of Parliament (Act 56 of 1997) and its vision is to promote, through the arts, the free expression of South Africa’s cultures.

Another major achievement during her time as CEO has been the stabilisation of the management team and getting a coherent team to sing from the same hymnbook, she adds. “One of the other things I’m proud of is the inroads we have made into the sector through partnerships. Develop-

It is a national agency mandated by the Department

ing the arts cannot be the responsibility of government

of Arts and Culture, with the responsibility of developing

alone and that is why we are working on these collabora-

South Africa’s creative industry by awarding grants to

tions.

individuals and organisations in the arts.

A change in mindset

One such partnership is a social cohesion project called 99.9% Alike. “This is a programme aimed at fostering social cohesion.

When Mangope took over as the CEO, the NAC was

The NAC and Wits University’s Paleontological Scientific

“just getting by”. She was determined to change that

Trust have entered into an agreement to fund a global ini-

and instil a new culture of doing things.

tiative that uses the science of humankind’s shared origins

Mangope says her approach is already paying off with

in Africa to promote tolerance of diversity, African dignity >>

CEO of the NAC Rosemary Mangope and Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi with dancers from Garage Dance Ensemble in Okiep.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Profiles in leadership

and social cohesion. The project promotes arts education.”

Nurturing talent South African artists are immensely talented and that talent needs to be nurtured, says Mangope.

particularly literature, and visual art can be used to teach maths, she adds. According to the Mangope, shapes in Ndebele cultural paintings can be used to explain shapes.

“There are pockets of excellence and development but

The NAC has also produced learner work books for

more can still be done. We have a number of artists, in

Grade 9: Creative Arts, Mathematics and Social Sciences

various disciplines, who are doing well overseas,” she adds.

and Grade 10: Visual Arts, Mathematics and History.

One such artist is Simphiwe Simon Shibambu who is funded by the NAC. He is studying towards his Masters of

Choreographing success

Performance in Vocal Performance at the Royal College of

As part of its support to artists, the NAC has committed

Music (Jette Parke Young Artist Programme) in London.

almost R1 million over the next three years to sponsor

Mangope boasts that Shibambu was chosen to sing for Queen Elizabeth during her 90th birthday celebrations. She says that with the immense talent South African artists possess, it is important that they develop an entrepreneurial spirit.

90 choreographers. This included 30 choreographers each from Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape. The training of the choreographers is being done in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology.

“We are calling for artists to create employment for them-

“The partnership is about creating opportunities to

selves and to employ others so that they don’t become a

build a strong base for an ongoing national programme

burden to the state.”

that will continue to empower youth and transform as-

The NAC is working closely with Business Arts South Africa (BASA) to provide artists with the skills they would need to build sound businesses.

pects of our society through exposure and engagement with the performing arts,” explains Mangope. Artists, organisations, groups and institutions can ap-

“We want them to build capacity and to enable benefi-

ply for funding from the NAC in a number of disciplines,

ciaries, specifically those who had been declined funding

including craft, dance/choreography, literature and pub-

in the past due to incapacity, to become entrepreneurs

lishing, music, theatre/drama, multi-disciplines and visual

and to grow small creative businesses.

arts.

“We are creating a platform to help beneficiaries un-

The NAC provides funding for things like projects,

derstand and fulfil the compliance requirements, and to

touring projects, residencies, conferences, studies and

increase their skills and knowledge around pitching and

workshops. “We also support individuals and institutions

business presentations.”

through bursaries for national and international under-

In recent years, a number of South African artists have reportedly died as paupers, despite their success. Mangope

graduate and postgraduate studies,” she says.

says the NAC is helping artists manage their finances better

About Rosemary Mangope

so that they will not go down the same road.

Mangope has a BA Social Work degree and Honours De-

“The emphasis is on equipping them so that they are able

gree in Sociology from the former University of the North,

to balance their books, understand their bank statements

now known as the University of Limpopo. She also has a

and have their taxes in order,” she explains.

Master’s Degree in Sociology from the former University

Arts in education

For example, drama can be a useful tool to teach English,

of Bophuthatswana, now known as North West University. She is a former Chief Director at the Department of Arts

Mangope says she would love to see the arts used more

and Culture and was also Acting Deputy-Director Gen-

often in classrooms and believes they can be used to help

eral, Divisional Executive: Communication, Marketing and

learners understand subjects better.

Public Affairs at the Development Bank of South Africa.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Stop malicious, targeted email attacks with Mimecast Targeted Threat Protection - a cloud solution that: • Scans every email hyperlink in real-time, as you click • Protects against CEO Fraud/whaling attacks • Adaptive cloud security service that easy to deploy for all organizational sizes • Includes granular security monitoring and reporting • Supports end user security education

To find out more please email us at:

infosa@mimecast.com or call 011 722 3709

Add

TRAILBLAZER

Writer: Noluthando Motswai

Mangalani Miyambo is having a blast E xplosions are not for the faint hearted but for Mangalani Miy-

ambo, a mechanical engineering technologist, testing the im-

The demonstrator was also showcased at the Africa

Aerospace and Defence exhibition.

pact of an explosion on a military vehicle is all in a day’s work.

He adds that the vehicle took four months to put to-

The 30-year-old works for the Defence, Peace, Safety and Security,

gether and one of its features, once completed, is that

Landward Sciences situated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial

it would be possible to operate it using remote control.

Research (CSIR), a job that he says is fun but challenging at the same

“This will be an autonomous vehicle expected to be

time as it requires a lot of thought. As a mechanical engineering technologist, he provides technical

driven with a remote control and will better the lives of those who will be using it in dangerous situations.”

support services to institutions such as the Department of Defence. A lot of his work is of a confidential nature. Some of the work that Miyambo and his colleagues are involved in examines the results of a military vehicle being exposed to a blast. “We use blast test rigs to test what would happen to the human being inside the rig in the case of a blast. We blow up the vehicle and measure the impact of the blast on the rig.” A test rig is a scientific term for a replica of a military vehicle used in an explosive laboratory.

Ensuring safety Miyambo explains that when conducting such research, crash test dummy "humans" are placed in the vehicle to determine the likely impact on the human body if the vehicle exploded. “If the design of the rig fails during our test, it could have a negative impact on the military personnel inside the vehicle. “This is one of the purposes of our work, to ensure the safety of those inside the military vehicle.” He adds that this work includes testing the seats in the military vehicle, which contain energy absorbers. “This is to test how much force the seat can handle so that the Department of Defence will have the knowledge of the best seats to use.” Miyambo is part of the team working on the light armoured technology demonstrator, which is a military tactical vehicle used to test different types of technologies.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

A change of direction

the use of mechanical equipment. I do not compromise qual-

Miyambo, who is originally from Malamulele, Limpopo, but

ity in any task that I am assigned to complete. I always pay

grew up in Fordsburg, Gauteng, says that as a child, mechani-

attention to detail and always try to find methods of validat-

cal engineering was not at the top of his list of career choices.

ing my work by conducting extensive research or theoretical

“I actually wanted to become a scientist so that I could find a cure for HIV and AIDS. It saddens me to see so many people are dying from the disease.”

calculations.” Miyambo says he always tries to find cost-effective and feasible techniques to solve complex problems.

It was his passion for art and drawing that led him to the

“I constantly try to find ways of improving the mechanical

world of design and ultimately made him want to pursue a

systems which have been designed by myself or other en-

career in the industry.

gineers to allow for the development of more user-friendly

“I was privileged to attend a high school that offered com-

mechanical devices,” he says.

mercial and technical subjects. In Grade 10, I chose the tech-

Miyambo encourages other young people to pursue a career

nical subjects, such as mathematics, science, electronics and

in mechanical engineering by choosing the right subjects at

technical drawing which exposed me to the technical field

high school and working hard.

of study: I was most interested in electronics and technical

“Always aim high and never give up, regardless of any chal-

drawing since these subjects were new to me and I was eager

lenging circumstances. Be positive and set realistic goals for

to learn.

your future.”

Miyambo was accepted at the Central University of Tech-

His future plans include obtaining his Engineering Council of

nology’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Free

South Africa Technologist certificate and continuing to be part

State in 2007.

of research and innovation within mechanical engineering.

“This was my first year of higher learning education and I managed to obtain good academic results which earned me an academic bursary from the City of Joburg.” The bursary did not cover his residence fees and, as a result, he continued his studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) while living with his parents in Fordsburg. After completing his second year at UJ, Miyambo did his practical training at Videx Mining Products and Hayes Lemmerz South Africa. He obtained the National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 2011. In the same year he joined the CSIR as an intern, working in the Defence, Peace, Safety and Security, Landward Sciences and was permanently employed in 2012. Miyambo has not looked back since and completed a BTech in Mechanical Engineering at UJ in 2014. In 2015 he was awarded the CSIR Defence, Peace, Safety and

This and that

What is your favourite food? Chicken à la king.

Security Certificate Excellence Award in Technical Support for

How do you relax?

his work.

Spending time with my loved ones, going to the movies and travelling.

The key to success He attributes his success as a mechanical engineer to his ability to meet project deadlines and stay within the allocated budget. “I comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act when executing scientific and engineering experiments, including

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Are you are pirates or chiefs supporter? I am an Orlando Pirates supporter.

If you were not in engineering what would you be doing? I would be a fashion designer or fine artist.

ADVERTORIAL

LIMPOPO ECONOMIC SUMMIT

By Matodzi Makananisa

POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO - The people of Limpopo have an opportunity to rebuild the province as a place of innovation, production and commerce. This opportunity should be used to revive the region as the bread basket of Africa by exploiting the full value chain of agriculture and agro-processing. To realise the great potential for Limpopo to become an industrial hub, government needs to build partnerships with the private sector. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the Economic Summit in Limpopo

This is according to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was speaking at the Limpopo Economic Summit on 4 November at The Ranch, outside Polokwane. Addressing the 500-strong delegation representing different sectors of the economy, Deputy President Ramaphosa encouraged Limpopo to ensure that it becomes an attractive destination for local and foreign investment. He was vocal against corruption, saying it hindered progress and if not stopped in its tracks, has the potential to undermine efforts of good governance: “Good governance must be our creed. We must also cut red tape and lower the cost of doing business. We must inculcate the culture of hard work, attract the best talent and continually develop the capabilities of our people. We must value the practice of openness and transparency,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa to a round of applause. The Deputy President wasted no time reminding the CEOs of state-owned entities that they must use their spending muscle to empower small businesses. “We want a provincial administration that is efficient, clean and places a premium on excellent service. Government must continue to focus on the social needs of the people, ensuring they are healthy, secure, skilled and housed. Just as technological progress drives growth and development, social progress provides a conducive environment for investment,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa. “We must all work deligently to promote peace, dialogue, social cohesion and the rule of law. It is only in such an environment that we can increase the confidence for others to participate in mutually beneficial public-private partnerships. Partnerships for growth and development require trust and confidence. To promote such collaboration, the national Cabinet recently endorsed a framework for the participation of the private sector in infrastructure delivery. This framework recognises that state owned companies charged

with provision of economic infrastructure are often constrained in their ability to finance projects,” continued Deputy President Ramaphosa. Deputy President Ramaphosa, who was given a standing ovation by the delegates, made his entrance with the Premier of Limpopo Stan Mathabatha, Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng, MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture Onicca Moloi, MEC of Safety and Security Nandi Ndalane and MEC of Agriculture Mapula MokabaPhukwana. In welcoming the delegates, Premier Mathabatha explained the need for such a summit. “Consistent with the National Development Plan, in 2014 we convened an all-inclusive provincial development summit to discuss and adopt the Limpopo Development Plan. The plan clearly defines and provides a framework for the economic growth and development agenda of our province. Most importantly, it reflects our shared vision and strategic imperatives towards poverty reduction, elimination of social inequality and a creation of sustainable jobs in our province. It is in this context that we have decided to convene this summit to give more meaning to the Limpopo Development Plan. “We want to leave this place with clearly defined imperatives on how we are going to achieve the envisaged sustainable socio-economic, infrastructural and institutional development in our province. “We have anchored the Limpopo Development Plan around the competitive advantages of our province which include mining, agriculture and tourism as strategic economic growth points. This summit must therefore guide us on how we are going to industrialise through mineral beneficiation, development of the agro-processing

cluster, the development of viable tourism offerings and logistics. We must also re-affirm the role of SMMEs and cooperatives as critical game-changers in our effort to expand the productive capacity of our economy,” said Premier Mathabatha. The Deputy President echoed the Premier’s sentiments, telling the summit to deliver on the promise of a better life for the citizens of the province, whose experience had largely been defined by social exclusion, underdevelopment, unemployment, inequality and poverty. “This is a summit whose outcomes must demonstrate the quality and depth of the leadership from across society. It must unequivocally demonstrate that we are committed to selfless service to our people. It must prove that we remain passionate and committed to free our people from the clutches of indignity, poverty and want. It must prove to the world that when South Africans unite and roll up their sleeves and work together, they are capable of moving their country forward,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa. The Limpopo provincial government, according to Provincial Treasury MEC Tooley, adopted its provincial master plan – the Limpopo Development Plan (LDP) – in 2015. He said the plan demonstrates high level alignment with the NDP and the 14 government outcomes for ensuring that the national priorities are realised, particularly the reduction of inequality, elimination of poverty and improving the lives of our people. MEC Tooley said the LDP is intended to make meaningful contribution to the attainment of the current NDP and national MTSF 2015-2019 priorities. He said the LDP further provides a blueprint for the strategic plans of each provincial government department, as well as the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and sector plans of district and local municipalities. He said there were key strategies expressed in the LDP of which the 2017/18 budget seeks to address: “Government continues to fight persisting challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. Limpopo is a predominantly rural province, a condition that makes it difficult to address the actual realities faced by its communities on a daily basis. These relate to the provision of basic services and creation of a conducive environment for economic growth and development. Funding has been made available for the stimulation of economic growth through the provision of infrastructure, supporting cooperatives, Small Medium and Micro Enterprises and the promotion of agro-processing industries with an emphasis on Special Economic Zones.” Premier Mathabatha broke it down further – “Our province is not immune from these challenges. We must therefore accelerate the envisaged industrialisation to our identified economic regions given their huge potential for growth. Some of these areas include, but are not limited to Polokwane, Lephalale, Tubatse, Tzaneen and the Makhado-Musina corridor – these are priorities in terms of integrated human settlements and economic development.” “We can confirm that there are already a significant number of economic projects and infrastructure investments that are being implemented in some of these economic regions. They include the Presidential Strategic Infrastructure Programme targeting both Waterberg and Sekhukhune District Municipalities, and the envisaged Special Economic Zones earmarked for implementation in both Greater Tubatse and Musina Local Municipalities.” MEC Tooley said rural development is one of the key focuses of the LDP Vision 2030. “This vision manifests itself through service delivery programmes aimed at growing the economy, food security, job

creation, and poverty alleviation. This budget cycle will continue to provide support to needy farmers through direct and indirect farmer support programmes like technical, financial and infrastructure.” MEC Tooley said other challenges facing rural development are as a result of climate change due to global warming. The province has experienced excessively dry weather conditions, storms and heavy rains in selected areas which left rural communities vulnerable. “In this regard, government remains focused to respond and intervene accordingly through drought relief and disaster management programmes,” he said. Deputy President Ramaphosa concluded by calling for strong collaboration: “To grow our economy and develop our people, we need new roads, railway tracks, broadband networks, port facilities, dams, power stations, colleges and clinics. We need them on a significant scale and without delay. This framework sets out the key principles to ensure that private sector participation in infrastructure projects yields socio-economic benefits, delivers value for money and allocates risk appropriately. This represents significant progress in our efforts to more effectively harness the country’s resources to meet our economic and development needs.” He said this approach to private sector participation is part of a broader overhaul of the landscape in which state owned enterprises operate. “Cabinet approved a range of measures to ensure SOEs are more effectively governed, use their resources more prudently and are better able to fulfil their economic and developmental mandates. At the centre of these reforms is a new government shareholder policy that will make for better coordination, accountability and strategic purpose.” He said the provincial government must continue to do its part to strengthen integration and implementation. “We also need to examine the province’s growth drivers, such as mineral resources and energy, which can be positioned to attain inclusive, sustainable economic development.” Deputy President Ramaphosa said the implementation of the industrial policy is paramount as it promotes labour absorbing sectors. Premier Mathabatha responded: “Deputy President, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Cabinet for positively considering our application for Musina to become a Special Economic Zone. It will go a long way towards developing the economy of the country in that part of the province. We would also like to implore you, Deputy President, to once again persuade the Cabinet to also consider Tubatse as an SEZ. Tubatse municipality has the economic potential to become the platinum production hub of this country. “It is also worth mentioning that the Limpopo Development Plan appreciates the fact that for us to realise our developmental objectives, we need to craft strategic partnerships between government, the private sector and institutions of learning. This we must all work on as a matter of urgency.” He said in the same vein, they needed to strengthen an active collaboration with business and labour to revive investment growth, provide greater policy certainty and improve labour relations. “What we need most right now is faster, inclusive, job-creating growth. I have no doubt, whatsoever, that we all want to see Limpopo on a higher trajectory of economic growth and development. The task before us here today, is to do exactly that. We need to work together to realize the full potential of our economy, and with broad-based participation we can build a firm foundation for a stable and prosperous province”.

To be continued on page 40

VITAL STATS

Compiled by: Dorris Simpson

Fast facts at your fingertips PSM takes a look at statistics that tell the story of the latest developments in the country. Manufacturing income increases According to Statistics South Africa, the manufacturing industry report indicates that total income for the industry increased by 9.4 percent per annum, from R1.68 trillion in 2011 to R2.20 trillion in 2014. The report is a periodic survey which measures economic activity in the manufacturing sector of the South African economy based on a sample of private and public enterprises operating in the manufacturing industry. Comparing 2011 and 2014, large increases were reported for coke, petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic (+R248.1 billion); food products and beverages; (R88.6 billion) and transport equipment (+R81.3 billion). The contribution of the top 100 enterprises has risen from 53.5 percent in 2005 to 58.1 percent in 2014. Employment declined from 1 436 000 in 2005 to 1 190 000 in 2014 (a loss of 246 000 jobs). The biggest loss in jobs was in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (-91 000), followed by food products and beverages (-52 000). Job losses were also recorded in metals, metal products, machinery and equipment (-35 000); furniture, other manufacturing and recycling (-32 000); as well as transport equipment (-30 000). Jobs were only gained in coke, petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic (+20 000) sectors. Large enterprises contributed 46.4 percent of employment while small, medium and micro enterprises created 53.6 percent of employment.

Construction industry on the rise The construction industry 2014 report indicates that the total income for the construction industry increased by 13.4 percent per annum, from R269 billion in 2011 to R392.3 billion in 2014. Comparing 2011 and 2014, large increases were reported for construction of civil engineering structures (+R46.8 billion); construction of buildings (+R26.6 billion); and other building completion (+R11.8 billion). The contribution of the top 100 enterprises rose from 34.8 percent in 2004 to 40.0 percent in 2014. The number of persons employed as at the end of June 2014 was 502 000. Employment declined from a high of 541 000 in 2007 to a low of 485 000 in 2011 before a slight recovery to 502 000 in 2014 (a loss of 39 000 between 2007 and 2014). Since 2007, most jobs were lost in construction of buildings (-61 000) and other building completion (-19 000). The highest growth in employment was in construction of civil engineering structures (+45 000 jobs). Large enterprises contributed 37.3 percent of employment while small, medium and micro enterprises created 62.7 percent of employment.

Tourist arrivals continue to grow Tourist arrivals in South Africa continue to grow unabated, says the Department of Tourism. The current trend of tourist arrivals in the country has shown consistent growth, with a total of 822 416 tourist arrivals recorded for July 2016. This indicates an increase of 12.2 percent (89 525 tourist arrivals) compared to the same month of the previous year. The total tourist arrivals for the period January to July 2016 were 5 791 504, which is an increase of 14.9 percent (751 388 tourist arrivals) compared to the same period of the previous year. When comparing July 2016 with July 2015, the increase in tourist arrivals from Asia increased by 47.7 percent, followed by Middle East (35.1 percent), North America (26.1 percent), Central and South America (24.4 percent), Europe (17.5 percent) and Australia (16.4 percent).

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ December 2016 / January 2017

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

V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253

SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 011-783-4636

Provincial focus

*Writer: Ndabezinhle Sibiya

Making KZN an

economic powerhouse

waZulu-Natal is looking to capitalise on bilateral relations

investment, said the KZN Premier.

between South Africa and other countries to drive socio-

There will also be the joint commitment to initiatives in

economic development and become an economic pow-

areas such as tourism, agriculture, ports, education and

erhouse. “We cannot prosper in isolation. We want to state unequivocally

cultural exchanges, among others.

that our long-term success lies in the integration of our economy

Increasing trade

with economies of the world.

In addition, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism

“We are determined to take advantage of opportunities offered

and Environmental Affairs Sihle Zikalala took a delegation

by being part of BRICS [the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South

from Guangdong on a tour of areas to be considered for

Africa grouping]. Having hosted the BRICS Summit we understand

investment such as Dube Trade Port Economic Zone. The

that this bloc is an organisation established to safeguard the inter-

delegation was also made aware of the potential of Rich-

ests of the so-called developing nations,” said KZN Premier Willies

ards Bay Industrial Development Zone as a host for foreign

Mchunu.

direct investment.

KZN and China’s Guangdong Province have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Premier Mchunu and the Governor of Guangdong Zhu Xiaodan agreed to enter into a twinning arrangement. To promote shared development and prosperity, the two provinces will proactively push for the growth of two-way trade and

KwaZulu-Natal is China’s largest trade partner in South Africa and contributed $10.6 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product. The Guangdong province achieved $25.5 billion (R350 billion) worth of trade with South Africa in 2014. The MoU between KZN and Guangdong provides a firm

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu with the Governor of Guangdong Zhu Xiaodan.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

foundation for entrepreneurs from KZN to explore the Chinese market and gain inroads in the Asian region.

FDI is a source for economic development, income growth and employment creation. More importantly, FDI helps cre-

MEC Zikalala, who is also the Leader of Government Business,

ate a more competitive business environment and enhances

has already been to Guangdong. His visit is the beginning of

enterprise development. All of these contribute to higher

the implementation of the MoU.

economic growth, which is a potent tool for alleviating

Building a stronger province

poverty.

Premier Mchunu says the focus of government after the local

Skills development

government elections is on building a stronger KZN socially

The Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede has

and economically.

also undertaken to strengthen relations between the City of

“We cannot afford to disappoint those who voted in the

Durban and the City of Guangzhou in Guangdong Province.

elections as they made it loud and clear that they want jobs

Over the years, there have been exchange programmes fo-

and a better life.

cusing on culture, entertainment and education.

“We want to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into all

The Mayor said she envisioned a future where every young

corners of the province. It is for these reasons that we invited

person in Durban will be armed with a skill, a trade, a quali-

mayors, local chambers and entrepreneurs to interact with

fication and knowledge that they can apply to grow the

the delegation from Guangdong, a province regarded as a

economy of the city.

global manufacturing hub,” he stressed.

“In this regard we are committed to creating exchange

The Premier believes that for South Africa to create 11 mil-

programmes focusing on skills development and transfer of

lion new jobs by 2030, KZN will have to create 2.1 million jobs.

skills. We see a future where, as a result of being skilled, in a

“To achieve this, we have to ensure that the KZN economy

wide variety of fields, young people will become entrepre-

grows at an average of at least four percent per annum be-

neurs of note, competing with the best in the world, and in

tween now and 2030,” he said.

line with global trends.”

One of the areas the KZN government is focusing on is FDI.

“We are confident that your visit to our city will make it pos-

Over the years, countries like India, Brazil and China have

sible for us to usher in a new era. We want to work with you,

grown at a higher rate because they are benefiting from FDI.

train our civil servants and elected public representatives to

KZN is learning from these countries.

be better equipped to improve service delivery,” she added. >>

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Provincial focus

Opportunities for the youth

Saharan Africa, thanks to its rich natural resources and

Apart from the opportunities in China, KZN youth will also

well-developed infrastructure. Economic activities in the

be able to broaden their skills and grow their knowledge in

province are mainly concentrated in Durban and Pieter-

other countries.

maritzburg, with significant contributions in the Richards

This comes after ambassadors and consuls general from a number of countries committed to work with KZN to provide opportunities for KZN youth to study in their countries.

Bay, Ladysmith and Newcastle regions as well as the Ugu region. Premier Mchunu explained that the province had iden-

Premier Mchunu recently met with the foreign representa-

tified nine prime targets for inward investment. These

tives in Durban during the launch of the KZN Youth Interna-

include textiles, clothing, plastic products, chemicals,

tional Scholarship and Exchange Programme. More than 64

fabricated metal products, automotive components,

students have already been accepted to study overseas.

wood and wood products, footwear, machinery and ap-

“We are very confident that with your support and presence

pliances. Of these, primary and processed aluminium at

here in this province, no challenges will be insurmountable.

world competitive prices from local suppliers provides a

We pay tribute to your governments and all the people from

real opportunity for investors in these sectors.

your countries for choosing KwaZulu-Natal for foreign direct investments,” the Premier said at the event.

Creating a prosperous province

He emphasised that as part of solutions to provincial challenges the province was encouraging twinning of cities, provinces and academic institutions and partnership amongst the business fraternity.

The provincial government has a programme aimed at unit-

“We are encouraging our institutions to collaborate with

ing the people of KZN behind a common goal of creating a

academics across the world and to host regular confer-

prosperous province.

ences to share ideas and exchange academic staff and stu-

The province is investing more in social infrastructure such as education and health and to build transport networks that

dents and help to create an African identity of academic excellence across the boundaries,” said the Premier.

will become catalysts for socio-economic development, added the Premier. KZN is an important hub of industrial development in sub-

*Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

tbspFOUNTAINHEAD 34416/REV

LISTING FOR

GROWTH

CONTINUING

TO SERVE

Alexander Forbes listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on 24 July 2014. We are confident this will accelerate the growth of our business while providing for new investors to support us. The listing will serve to strengthen our pledge to create, grow and protect our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wealth and assets. We thank you for your support and remain committed to securing your financial well-being.

www.alexanderforbes.co.za An Authorised Financial Services Provider

IN OTHER NEWS

Compiled by: Dorris Simpson

SA best for debt management

per is testament to the success the country continues to

South Africa claimed a brief moment in the limelight re-

enjoy in global capital markets.

cently when the country received recognition for excel-

Julies said South Africa’s deep capital market system,

lence at a ceremony that was part of the International

credible judiciary and strong banking system built con-

Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank annual meetings in

fidence in investors.

Washington, USA.

“This is partly the results of the regular engagements that

South Africa was named the best country for debt man-

investors have with senior policymakers, which ensures

agement/sovereign bond issuance in sub-Saharan Africa

that there is constant communication on key policy issues

by Emerging Markets Newspaper, an affiliate of the IMF/

which are pertinent to investors.

World Bank Annual Meetings.

“The country is not only recognised for the ‘quality of the

“This comes just after the World Bank also acknowledged

deal’ (price and duration) but also National Treasury’s pro-

South Africa's excellence in debt dynamics/composition,”

fessionalism in debt management operations (operational,

said National Treasury.

and sustainable composition of the sovereign debt portfo-

After receiving the award in Washington, Deputy Direc-

lio), a continuance of its debt management commitment,

tor-General of Assets and Liability Management at National

given challenging political and economic environment

Treasury, Anthony Julies, said the endorsement by the pa-

globally and domestically,” he added.

Park, as one of the globally competitive locations within 3M, he added. The investment will create jobs for an additional 75 skilled individuals, with more opportunities arising across the company due to the extension of 3M’s domestic operations. Managing Director of 3M South Africa, Ismail Mapara, said the company believed that the investment in manufacturing and the creation of new jobs further cemented its history in South Africa and commitment to the same growth and skills upliftment initiatives that the Department of Trade and Industry promotes. “Our US$500 000 automotive line investment offers 3M customers the high quality products and service they expect, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

3M makes massive investment in SA

but with even more agility now that we are able to manufacture our film products for the industry with only a ‘to-scale’ drawing of the vehicle,” said Mapara.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has welcomed 3M’s

He said the fully automated scourer production line com-

R120 million investment that will expand the company’s op-

prised equipment tailor-made for the South African market

erations in South Africa.

and was built within the country with the support of local

“Such investment is important and demonstrates the con-

and international 3M engineers.

fidence that 3M has in the long-term future of South Africa

“The US$800 000 scourer production technology ranks as

as a regional manufacturing hub,” said Minister Davies of the

among the best in the world, and is now the fastest line in

science and technology company’s investment.

the 3M network.”

The investment is a major boost for the manufacturing sec-

Mapara said to ensure both operational safety and efficiency,

tor, as the enhancement is designed to improve productivity

3M was employing experienced individuals from within the

and will position the Maple Park plant in Pamona, Kempton

industry, while developing skills among new employees.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

SARS opens state-of-the-art branch The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially opened a new state-of-the-art branch in George, in the Western Cape. Opened on 28 October 2016 by SARS Commissioner Tom Moyane, the George branch is the first SARS branch in the country to offer free Wi-Fi to taxpayers. At the branch taxpayers can eFile or use the eFiling App from their tablet or phone and file their tax returns. Commissioner Moyane said the revenue service is committed to delivering excellent services to taxpayers. “SARS is wholeheartedly committed to expanding our service footprint throughout the country. Our goal is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for taxpayers to interact with us. We are committed to ensuring that our branches are more taxpayer-centric and modern, giving taxpayers a pleasant experience,” he said. The George office is the prototype for future branches. The office sports the newly introduced eDNA taxpayer verification system, which assists in safeguarding taxpayer information and preventing fraud. The eDNA system validates taxpayer identity against information on the Department of Home Affairs databases using both the ID number and biometrics (fingerprints) of the taxpayer. The branch is the first to launch digital signage which displays posters, notices and signs that provide real-time information to taxpayers while they wait. There are also dedicated small business desks aimed at servicing the small business sector. Information packs of small business material as well as specialised services will be offered at the small business desks, providing a one-stop shop for those with small business queries. Small business queries such as business registrations, requests for tax clearance certificates and general business tax issues will be dealt with at these desks. The vision of the revenue service is to have a self-service area where taxpayers can use SARS equipment while being advised by SARS staff. In addition to the opening of the branch, SARS has also deployed 15 mobile tax units to service remote areas of South Africa. Since opening its doors on 27 June 2016, the George branch has assisted 36 356 taxpayers. Approximately 16 000 of these taxpayers visited the branch to file their income tax returns.

Deputy Minister receives conservation award Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi recently received the Lifetime Achievers’ Award for Conservation from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). WESSA Director Jim Tailor said in celebration of WESSA’s 90th anniversary of caring for the Earth, they were delighted to present Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi with one of 90 Lifetime Conservation Achievers’ Awards. “As humanity moves into the 21st century, one is left wondering just what we are doing to planet Earth, our only home. Despite this, a few dedicated individuals have dedicated their lives constructively to the conservation of planet Earth,” said Tailor. Accepting the award, Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi dedicated the award to all who worked for the environment. “The environment is about people’s lives. We have to care about air, water and biodiversity to nourish future generations,” Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

she said.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Compiled by: Sekgabo Kedijang

Conference of the Digital Humanities Association of Southern Africa

6th World Sustainability Forum 27 – 28 January 2017

17 – 20 January 2017

The World Sustainability Forum is an annual sustainability

The inaugural conference of the Digital Humanities As-

conference. Held for the first time in 2011, the forum covers

sociation of Southern Africa (DHASA) 2017 is set to bring

research in many areas relating to sustainability and sustain-

together both national and international scholars in the

able development.

digital humanities (DH) domain.

The 6th World Sustainability Forum is sponsored by the jour-

Sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture, the

nal Sustainability under the patronage of the University of the

conference will cover applicable topics in the humani-

Western Cape, University of Cape Town, University of Basel and

ties and social sciences fields, with a specific focus on

the National Research Foundation.

DH within the African and southern African contexts,

The forum aims to contribute not only to international de-

as well as topics related to methodological or compu-

bates but, more specifically, to enable an exchange, which sen-

tational aspects in DH.

sitises the international community to the urgency, specifics,

There will be a two-day pre-conference programme

and existing knowledge base of sustainability on the African

comprising workshops and tutorials followed by two

continent, and in the African research community about in-

days of peer-reviewed oral and poster presentations.

ternational perspectives on sustainability.

The event is expected to attract high-level academic

It will also include contributions from national and interna-

discussions and collegial sharing of experiences and

tional academic perspectives and attract a diverse audience

insights.

that includes members from the political and business sectors.

The conference takes place at Stellenbosch University

The forum takes place from 27 to 28 January at the Cape Sun

from 17 to 20 January 2017.

Hotel, Cape Town.

For more information, go to www.dh2017.digitalhu-

For more information, go to www.sciforum.net/confer-

manities.org.za

Investing in African Mining Indaba 6-9 Februaryin 2017 Investing African Mining Indaba //

ence/wsf-6

6-9 February 2017

Investing in African Mining Indaba is the world’s third largest mining conference and Africa’s largest mining event. The indaba, which is sponsored by the Department of Mineral Resources, Transnet and Industrial Development Corporation, aims to bring together leading figures from the mining investment community, the world’s top mining houses and African government ministries to share insights into how the mining sector can drive investments and capitalise on the opportunities available to Africa's mining industry. The indaba will include interactive presentations, panel discussions and enhanced networking opportunities designed to support the current challenges within the mining sector. It takes place in Cape Town from 6 to 9 February 2017 For more information email: info@miningindaba.co.za or call 021 526 9000.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Writer: Priscilla Khumalo

SA, Zimbabwe international relations

cement economic ties

President Jacob Zuma with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

outh Africa and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their com-

of doing business, including but not limited to, the establish-

mitment to strengthen cooperation across numerous

ment of a one-stop border post for facilitation of free move-

fields, particularly trade, investment and finance.

ment of people, goods and services, policy certainty, among

The neighbouring countries held their inaugural Binational

Commission (BNC) Summit in Harare recently. The BNC was co-chaired by President Jacob Zuma and his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe.

others,” he said. The BNC stressed the urgent need for the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post at Beitbridge-Musina, as decided by the Joint Permanent Commission at Victoria Falls in 2009. “To that end, the commission decided to finalise the modali-

Agreements signed

ties for its establishment by the time of the next BNC in 2017,”

According to a joint communique issued at the end of the BNC,

said the communique.

to date, South Africa and Zimbabwe have signed 38 agreements and memoranda of understanding. Presidents Zuma

Drought and wildlife matters

and Mugabe urged the various departments to implement

The BNC noted that illegal trade in ivory and other wildlife

these instruments as a matter of urgency.

products remains a concern for both countries. The two coun-

During the BNC, a Bilateral Air Service Agreement was also signed. President Zuma said the BNC must be used to further the development goals of both countries.

tries agreed to further collaborate in finding solutions to the illegal wildlife trade challenges, including through joint law enforcement operations. The two Heads of State took note of the effects of the El Nino-

“Our business communities stand ready to play their part, if

induced drought in the region. They stressed the importance

as governments we create a conducive environment for ease

of adopting appropriate mitigation measures to deal with not

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

only the environmental impact, but also the socio-economic

Strong historical and fraternal relations

impact of the drought.

The BNC has made considerable progress in strength-

Presidents Zuma and Mugabe also called for further progress

ening bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade,

in the implementation of the Southern African Development

investment, finance, health, labour, education, train-

Community (SADC) Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap.

ing, women and gender, sport and recreation, mining,

“In this context, they looked forward to the adoption of the

tourism, energy, transport, infrastructure development,

Costed Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy and

information communication technology, science and

Roadmap at the forthcoming SADC Extraordinary Summit to

technology, tourism, immigration, defence and security.

be held in March 2017,” the communique read.

Peace and security

“The two Heads of State expressed satisfaction with the strong historical and fraternal relations existing between the two countries and reiterated their commit-

The two Heads of State also exchanged views on the political

ment to continue to enhance these relations. They also

and security developments in the region. They reaffirmed the

reviewed a wide range of regional and international

need to sustain peace and stability for the economic growth

issues.

and integration of the region.

“… The BNC also expressed satisfaction with the excel-

They condemned the upsurge of terrorism and extremism in

lent cooperation in defence and security, and encour-

some regions of the continent and they called for enhanced

aged the respective agencies to continue to collaborate

cooperation by African Union (AU) member states and other

on issues of mutual concern,” said the communique.

stakeholders in combating the scourge. Presidents Zuma and Mugabe also expressed concern over

The Presidents noted the growing economic cooperation between the two countries, and agreed to

the migration crisis affecting certain parts of the African conti-

establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee by

nent and called for the humane treatment of migrants.

the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Regarding the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, the Heads

They placed emphasis on the importance of business-

of State reiterated their support for the right to self-determi-

to-business interaction and the promotion of public-

nation of the Saharawi people. They emphasised the need for

private partnerships and joint ventures.

Africa to speak with the same voice on this matter to highlight the plight of the Saharawi people.

The two Heads of State discussed the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Trade and the Bilateral

They noted Morocco's application to join the AU and wel-

Trade Agreement between Zimbabwe and South Af-

comed the statement by the AU Commission chairperson

rica, including various statutory instruments adopted

highlighting the procedures for membership

by Zimbabwe related to import control management.”

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi sign agreements at the Binational Commission Summit. Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

ADVERTORIAL

RESOLUTIONS OF THE LIMPOPO ECONOMIC SUMMIT “This province has extensive mineral resources. It has fertile soil and significant agricultural capabilities. And it lies between the industrial heartland of South Africa and the rest of the African continent. Limpopo has a unique opportunity to become a strategic export hub for Southern African road freight.” – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Premier Stan Mathabatha

In line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the Limpopo Development Plan (LDP) aims to reduce poverty, inequality and unemployment. The development priorities it outlines are a blueprint for all sectors to ensure the transition to a vibrant, growing provincial economy which feeds into the national plan and Vision 2030. The objects of the LDP include the creation of employment and sustainable development for all the citizens of Limpopo - and it was to ensure the achievement of these objectives that the Limpopo Economic Summit held in Polokwane on 4 November 2016, focused on harnessing the full potential of the following growth drivers:

Mining Mineral beneficiation in the mining sector was defined as a major catalyst for the economy. To this end the establishment of a Limpopo Mining Forum was earmarked as a priority as well as the setting up of a task team to focus on illegal mining. For beneficiation to become a sustainable reality and grow the local economy it was noted that local businesses have to be included in the supply chain and provision of services.

Agriculture Agro processing and the establishment of AgriParks in the agricultural sector were seen as key to achieving an upswing in the provincial economy and the commensurate increase in job creation through the establishment of co-operatives and agri-related industries.

Industrialisation Growth in the mining sector and the establishment of Agri-Parks will result in increased industrialisation, the establishment of industrial parks, the encouragement of inward investment and flourishing of export potential.

Tourism, wildlife and the green economy

Some of the delegates in attendance were the political management teams of local municipalities

SMMEs Whilst ensuring the inception of massive projects such as industrial parks, the encouragement of entrepreneurs and SMMEs was also a key focus and the need for a regulatory framework was flagged. Small businesses are responsible for more than 60% of jobs in South Africa and therefore this was focused on at the Summit as a major contributor to the alleviation of poverty and unemployment in the province. The participation by women, people in the rural areas, youth and people with disabilities with regards to the development of small businesses and co-operatives was a key objective, as was increasing access to local and international markets. The availability of funding and information regarding how to start a business were highlighted as areas of concern - with which the Industrial Development Corporation and the National Empowerment Fund are able to assist.

ICT In line with Polokwane Municipal Smart City 2030 Vision, the Summit resolved to establish an affordable, secure, reliable wide area network (WAN), providing speedy, real time information and data.

Infrastructure The key infrastructural requirements that underpin growth in these sectors is the provision of bulk water from surrounding dams and wastewater treatment plants (planned for 2017) as well as an increase in the number of road transport links.

Contact Details Mr Phuti Seloba Government Spokesperson 015 287 6060 segooar@premier.limpopo.gov.za

One of the resolutions of the Summit was that there should be a seminar held on the environment, the green and the wildlife economy for the province. The youth will play a pivotal role in the this sector and it is crucial that they are involved in planning, incubation, skills development and possible job opportunities. To ensure the growth of these sectors is planned and executed in a sustainable manner, the provincial government aims to establish a Centre of Excellence linked to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The realisation of these objectives will see the MusinaMakhado SEZ development corridor grow from strength to strength, playing a crucial role in the development of the region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the realisation of the premierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective of increasing the contribution of the province to the national GDP from 7 to 8%.

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

FEATURE

Improved audit outcomes for departments, entities the year under review. He said for the three-year period, which covers the audits between the 2013/14 and the 2015/16 financial years, 24 percent of the auditees showed an improvement, 14 percent regressed and 62 percent remained unchanged. The audit outcomes were testament to leadership efforts in accelerating the pace of dealing with internal control shortcomings of prior years, the AG pointed out. “Accelerating the pace basically requires auditees to constantly and properly perform the basics my office has persistently pointed out to

Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu.

leadership over a while now. “These doable actions include

auditees implementing plans to ational and provincial government departments have

address shortcomings in financial controls based on com-

shown a slight improvement in their audit outcomes

mitments already made, providing effective leadership and

over the years. This is an indication that shortcomings

monitoring achievement of performance targets, as well as

related to their finances and process are being addressed. Auditor-General (AG) Kimi Makwetu recently released the audit results for national and provincial departments and entities for the financial year that ended on 31 March 2016. National and provincial government departments, as well as their entities, are bound by the Public Finance Management Act, and the AG audits them based on the reliability of their financial statements, credible reporting on service delivery and compliance with key legislation.

reviewing and monitoring compliance with key laws and legislation over financial matters.”

Making progress Makwetu said there had been an improvement in the number of clean audits over a three-year period. A clean audit is an unqualified audit outcome with no findings. “That is the progressive growth … it is promising to see

Makwetu’s consolidated report covers a total of 484 au-

that there is a significant number of entities if one looks at

ditees, made up of 169 national and provincial departments

a three-year window that are starting to gain traction with

and 315 public entities with a total budget of R1.2 trillion for

regards to the area of clean audits.”

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

The AG said out of the 484 departments and entities that

Only one department – Finance – received a clean audit in

were audited in the 2015/16 financial year, 152 or 31 percent,

KwaZulu-Natal, while in the Northern Cape four departments–

achieved a clean audit.

the Office of the Premier, Provincial Legislature, Provincial Treas-

This was an increase compared to the 29 percent of 137 auditees during the 2014/15 financial year, and the 26 percent or 122 during the 2013/14 financial year.

ury and Social Development – got clean audits. In North West, the Economic and Enterprise Development and Provincial Treasury Departments received clean audits.

He said 43 percent, or 214 departments and entities, received

In the Western Cape, 13 departments – Agriculture, Commu-

an unqualified audit with findings for the 2015/16 financial

nity Safety, Cultural Affairs and Sport, Department of the Premier,

year.

Economic Development and Tourism, Education, Environmental

This was a regression when compared to 48 percent in 2014/15 and 50 percent in 2013/14. Approximately 14 percent or 66 departments and entities were given qualified audit opinions with findings for the 2015/16 financial year, compared to 17 percent for both the 2014/15 and 2013/14 financial years. One percent of all audited departments and entities got an adverse audit opinion with findings for the past three years. Five percent of the departments got adverse audit opinions both in the 2015/16 and the 2013/14 financial years.

Departments with clean audits

Affairs and Development Planning, Human Settlements, Local Government, Provincial Treasury, Social Development, Transport and Public Works and the Western Cape Provincial Parliament – achieved clean audits.

Public entities Makwetu said public entities also contributed to the improved audits. Of the 315 entities that were audited during the 2015/16 financial year, 108 or 34 percent, received clean audits, an increase compared to the 27 percent in the 2013/14 financial year. Those with unqualified audit outcomes with findings dropped

According to the AG’s report, national departments and en-

to 39 percent during 2015/16 compared to 49 percent in the

tities that achieved clean audits include the Government

2013/14 financial year.

Communication and Information System, Department of

“The major effort in terms of an increase in the number of

Communications, Department of Energy, Parliament of the

these clean audits has come from quite a number of public enti-

Republic of South Africa, Department of Planning, Monitoring

ties …The difference between the departments and the public

and Evaluation, Department of Public Service and Administra-

entities, is that public entities have at least fared best in terms

tion, Department of Social Development, Department of Sport

of improvement year-on-year on audit outcomes,” he added.

and Recreation, Statistics South Africa and the Department of Tourism. At provincial level, departments that obtained clean audits in the Eastern Cape include the Provincial Treasury and Safety and Liaison Department.

Areas of improvement The AG also noted that the departments and entities audited had shown improvement in complying with key legislation. “There has been an improvement in compliance with key leg-

In the Free State, the Provincial Legislature received a clean

islation as the number of auditees with no material findings on

audit, while in Mpumalanga, four departments – Cooperative

compliance has increased from 27 to 33 percent since 2013/14.”

Governance and Traditional Affairs, Economic Development

However, he warned that the non-compliance rate was still

and Tourism, Provincial Treasury and Social Development –

too high and auditees needed to pay significant attention to

got clean audits.

this area of concern.

In Gauteng, seven departments – Cooperative Governance

Areas in which improvement was recorded in the pe-

and Traditional Affairs, e-Government, Economic Develop-

riod under review included procurement and contract

ment, Office of the Premier, Provincial Legislature, Provincial

management – also referred to as supply chain management

Treasury and Social Development – received unqualified audits

– for public entities.

with no findings.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

On the quality of annual performance reports, the AG noted >>

FEATURE

that 65 percent of departments, compared to 61 percent three

expenditure, it continues to be non-compliance with supply

years ago, are producing annual reports that are reliable and

chain management.

credible.

Outstanding audits According to Makwetu, 27 audits were not completed in time to be fully included in the consolidated report. He said 18 out of the 27 audits were still in progress at the date of the report. “The main reason for this was non-submission or late submission of financial statements and information. “However, there were audits that were delayed as a result of disagreements on accounting matters.”

Irregular expenditure

“So if a department does not comply with supply chain legislation, even if they have made a great effort to source the goods and services, they still remain non-compliant and that non-compliance triggers irregular expenditure,” he explained. The controls that should be put in place in the procurement process emanate from the constitutional requirements of supply chain management, as set out in section 201 of the Constitution, Makwetu said. Fruitless and wasteful expenditure in the 2015/16 financial year was 14 percent higher than in 2013/14, at R1.37 billion. He said the increase was incurred due to an increasing number of auditees. Unauthorised expenditure decreased by just over 50 per-

Of concern is the rise in irregular expenditure, which the AG

cent since 2013/14 to R925 million as a result of interventions

said had increased by nearly 40 percent since 2013/14 to R46.36

at national and provincial levels.

billion. “If you look at the main reason for the increase in irregular

The main reason for the unauthorised expenditure remained overspending of the budget.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

IT SECURITY SOLUTIONS for public sector & government

Protects data & ensures continuity of operations at every level of government. ESET technology helps you meet your IT needs, even as budgetary restrictions require you to make do with legacy technologies, and an increasingly mobile work force pushes you to embrace new ones. With a light system footprint that extends the life of legacy systems while supporting mobile platforms, ESET gives you the latest data protection & control.

www.eset.co.za

FEATURE

Writer: Nthambeleni Gabara

Digital broadcasting

milestone for SA

esidents in the core towns of the Square Kilometre Array

logue TV broadcasting is converted to and replaced by digital

(SKA) area became the first South Africans to enter the

TV.

digital broadcasting space in the country.

The SKA radio telescope in the Karoo is one of the biggest

To much applause, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi

international research infrastructures in the world and will

recently turned off the analogue television (TV) transmission

assist scientists all over the world to work towards answering

and more than 3 700 households in the towns of Carnarvon,

previously unsolved questions.

Vanwyksvlei, Brandvlei, Vosburg and Williston were successfully migrated to the much-awaited digital platform.

Analogue switch-off The Minister said the days of TV screens full of “snow” were over for the locals.

The analogue sunset in the SKA area is signalling the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy extra choice of more channels of perfect digital reception. The world is going through a TV revolution of migrating from analogue to digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting is far more efficient, allows better pic-

“We have moved from analogue to digital and this chapter

ture and sound quality. Once analogue transmissions are

has been closed in this area. We will be doing it in phases in all

switched off, a large amount of radio frequency spectrum

the nine provinces.

will be released, which can then be used for new broadcast-

“We are witnessing a historic moment with the transmission

ing and other communications services such as broadband.

of analogue signals for terrestrial TV being officially phased

Minister Muthambi said she was looking to complete the

out nationwide. “Turning off the analogue terrestrial TV transmission meant that a digitalised era of high-definition TV has come for our

process of migrating to the broadcasting digital system by December 2018.

people in the SKA area. Indeed, analogue TV transmissions in

Registration of set-top boxes

our country is fading,” added the Minister.

Residents living in the SKA community of Keimoes and Kai

The analogue switch off (ASO) is the process in which ana-

Garib in the Northern Cape were the first South Africans to

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

experience Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) in the country fol-

ensure 100 percent DTT access for South African citizens.

lowing the unveiling of the registration process for set-top

SENTECH’s CEO Mlamli Booi said, “It is an honour for SEN-

boxes (STBs) in the area on 3 October, last year by Minister

TECH to be a part of this milestone event and we remain

Muthambi.

committed to ensuring connected citizens through a digital

Subsequent to this, the Minister launched the first installa-

network.

tion of government subsidised STBs in Keimoes in Decem-

“The migration from analogue to digital TV presents more

ber 2015. Government will be rolling out subsidised STBs

opportunities for broadcasters in terms of content prolifera-

in a provincial phased approach. It has already started in

tion and affords South African audiences a wider range of

the Northern Cape and Limpopo.

higher quality television channels. The DTT platform is also

More registrations are underway in the Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Poor households who qualify for the government subsidy are urged to register for free STBs at their local Post Office branches.

an alternate revenue stream within SENTECH’s broadcasting signal distribution services”. SENTECH was mandated to enable the DTT Contact Centre to assist the general public with technical and logistics

Registrations will open in the North West, Eastern Cape,

related questions such as decoder activation process, in-

KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng at a later stage.

stallation troubleshooting and general DTT roll out infor-

The ASO forms part of the country’s Broadcasting Digital

mation.

Migration (BDM) process.

SENTECH SENTECH, the state-owned broadcasting signal distributor,

To deliver on its mandate, the DTT Contact Centre administers all inbound calls to provide South African audiences DTT support by channelling all DTT queries to the relevant digital migration stakeholders.

fulfilled its mandate by concluding its DTT infrastructure in-

The DTT Contact Centre has been instrumental in en-

stallation process of the 178 transmitter stations nationwide

suring an average of 99 percent activations within the

and Direct-To-Home (DTH) broadcasting infrastructure to

Northern Cape’s SKA areas.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi with some of the beneficiaries of the first phase of ASO in Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Opinion

*Writer: Khathutshelo Ramukumba

Opening doors of opportunity for youth

he National Development Plan, government’s vision for

testimony to this reality.

2030, puts young people at the centre of South Africa’s

In recent years, the NYDA has implemented an organi-

developmental agenda. This means that for every ac-

sational realignment and culture change programme. The

tion and programme that government undertakes, the primary

organisation has, since the merger of the Umsobomvu Youth

beneficiaries should be young people.

Fund and the National Youth Commission, been faced with

Government has introduced all the necessary policies that seek to realise the integration of youth into the mainstream

an array of human resource challenges, which included, among others, a high salary bill.

economy. The introduction of the Youth Employment Accord

The project undertaken to correct these issues was exhaus-

demonstrates commitment by government, civil society, and

tive, sensitive and detailed, but ultimately, took the NYDA

the private sector to work together to realise this objective.

into a new era with its successful completion.

The establishment of the Presidential Youth Working Group, by President Jacob Zuma, is one of the ways in which government

Ploughing into youth development

prioritises and oversees the implementation of all legislation,

The organisational salary bill has been reduced, in real terms,

programmes and policies aimed at youth development, such

from R189 million to R145 million, which translates into a

at the National Youth Policy (2015–2020) and the recently con-

R34 million reduction that can be ploughed back into youth

cluded Youth Employment Plan.

development. Governance continues to be the focal point of the execu-

Addressing youth unemployment

tive of the NYDA. Matters of emphasis have reduced from

There are many issues facing the youth of this country, the

six to one, as noted by the Auditor-General. There have been

most prevalent being youth unemployment. Of the 5.5 million

also massive improvements that have been achieved in the

officially unemployed people in South Africa, 65.9 percent are

areas of financial management, performance information

youth.

reporting and compliance as required by the law.

Extremely high youth unemployment numbers have an im-

The NYDA has managed to reduce irregular expenditure

pact on both the economic and social landscape of a country.

from R133 million in 2011/2012 to R256 000 in 2015/2016.

It means young adults cannot buy homes, get married and

We are confident that all irregular expenditures will be elimi-

begin families. More and more young people find themselves

nated in the next financial year. This simply means that in the

in frustrating situations.

past four years more young people benefitted from better

In response to the many challenges facing young people,

governance.

government recently adopted the National Youth Policy (NYP)

The NYDA has also sustained its clean audit opinion from

2020. The NYP 2020 calls for young people to be given a hand

the Auditor-General of South Africa. In the previous finan-

up and not a hand-out, as young people articulated in consul-

cial year, the NYDA was lauded for its ability to turn things

tations with them. The National Youth Development Agency

around so quickly. It was, therefore, important that such an

(NYDA) is the catalyst for the development of young people

audit opinion was sustained by the agency, as this was an

in our country. The results of the 2015/16 financial year bear

external confirmation that the organisational governance

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

structures, financial and performance systems, and strategies are functioning effectively. It also provides evidence to the people of South Africa that public money is being spent prudently.

Making achievements count In respect of performance, the NYDA has once again increased its performance against target, from 93 percent to 96 percent, which represents the highest achievement in organisational history. In the year under review (2015/16), the NYDA achieved the following: R107 896 883 in funds and resources leveraged from third parties (donor-funding). R256 433 00 in youth development project disbursements. R29 975 000 disbursed in grant funding to youth and youth-owned enterprises. 1 079 139 youth supported through individual and group career guidance. 241 000 youth who participated in campaigns and special projects that NYDA implemented in health and wellbeing. 63 412 youth who received nonfinancial Business Support Development Services. 61 392 youth supported through life skills training, job preparedness and job placement programme. 14 907 youth enrolled in the National Youth Service Volunteer Programme. 4 736 youth enrolled in the NSC 2 nd

CEO of the NYDA Khathutshelo Ramukumba.

Chance Matric Rewrite Programme. 3 672 jobs created and sustained through grant funding, cooperatives and business development services. 673 youth and youth-owned enterprises supported through the NYDA Grant Fund.  406 youth who had their university studies fully funded through the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund. >>

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Opinion

Other notable achievements include the launch of the

hotspots. This is so to enable young people who visit our

Youth Development Institute of South Africa, in partner-

branches to use their own devices to apply for opportuni-

ship with the University of Johannesburg, launch of the

ties while waiting to use our internet café’s or waiting to be

Collins Chabane YouthBuild School in Pietermaritzburg

attended to at the branch.

and the opening of a full service branch in Thulamela, Thohoyandou.

New developments on the horizon

A NYDA mobile outreach vehicle will be introduced soon, which will be fitted with internet connection and computer equipment to allow young people to apply for products and services during the outreach activities. The vehicle itself will

As we look forward to completing the current financial

be a mobile WiFi hotspot. This will be used to reach rural

year (2016/17) and building on our achievements; more

and peri-urban communities.

so because there are a number of developments on the horizon. The NYDA Head Office Operations will move towards the end of this year as the restructuring has resulted in

From a strategic point of view, the NYDA is conducting assessments of its products and services to determine which have evolved, and how they may have to be amended to meet the needs of young people more effectively.

the agency requiring smaller facilities. This will result in

Youth development remains a critical component of our

significant cost saving that can be redistributed towards

society, with young people bearing the brunt of the triple

youth development projects.

challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Gov-

In addition, the budget of the NYDA has been read-

ernment, the private sector and civil society must continue

justed with significant cost saving being allocated to

to work closely together in addressing the challenges faced

critical areas of economic development, education and

by young people and implementing interventions which

skills development.

can make a lasting impact on the youth of this country.

The NYDA Mobile App is expected to be launched soon, which will further enable the youth to access the

When we come together and pull our resources, more can be done to change the lives of the youth of South Africa.

Agency’s products and services. All NYDA branches will also be turned into WiFi

* Khathutshelo Ramukumba is the CEO of the NYDA.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Contact : 080 0033 000 www.mitras.co.za

FEATURE

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Working towards economic growth

he Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)

With global economic growth slowing and affecting trade

was a delicate balancing act of implementing meas-

and investment in many developing economies, National

ures to stabilise the public purse in tough economic

Treasury has taken measures to raise tax revenue while put-

times, while also making provision for social priorities. “Our central message is that stable and sustainable public

ting a lid on spending, he added.

finances, alongside economic reforms and a transparent

Economic growth

monetary policy, can support a return to the higher growth

When the Minister delivered the budget in February,

rates needed to achieve the National Development Plan’s

he projected that the economy would grow at a rate of

goals. But macroeconomic tools are not enough. If we are to

0.9 percent in 2016.

nurture the 'green shoots' in the economy, then our holistic package of measures must be implemented.

“The MTBPS revises our growth expectation for the South African economy to 0.5 percent for the 2016 calendar year,

“No one measure will work: our approach is to mobilise

somewhat lower than the February estimates of 0.9 percent.

efforts across many fronts, and to recognise a diversity of

For the current fiscal year, the revised growth estimate is

contributions in an open and multi-faceted development

1.0 percent.

framework,” said Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan when delivering the MTBPS recently.

“We currently expect growth to rise to 1.7 percent next year. With appropriate policies in place, we will see the recovery strengthen more rapidly,” he said. More rapid and inclusive growth requires concerted efforts to improve the investment environment, particularly for export-oriented and more employment-intensive manufacturing, he added. “In advancing inclusive growth and transformation we have to frame our policies and interventions in ways that reinforce confidence and investment.”

Hope in challenging times The Minister commended efforts by various sectors of society for their efforts and collaborations in dealing with the challenges the country faces. Several interventions were being implemented to tackle the current

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

challenges, he noted. These include: • Invest SA, which was established as a facility that seeks to assist potential investors with the procedures required to meet regulatory requirements. • Conditions being imposed on recent merger transactions that will open up retail space in spaza shops to smaller producers. • Efforts of the Department of Science and Technology that are contributing to the international competitiveness of South African industrial innovation, including fuel cells, titanium powder, medical devices and composite materials. • Resources being re-prioritised for the Department of Small Business, including efforts to strengthen agencies that support small enterprises. • The CEO Initiative, which has established a new fund to support the expansion of small firms, providing support through mentorship and market access. • The business sector is also developing an internship programme to improve the job-readiness of young work seekers. “Some R17 billion worth of investment and 5 000 jobs have been unlocked in the oceans economy. Licences for oil and

Contracts are also being renegotiated with airlines, hotel

gas exploration have been issued as part of the sector growth

groups, software suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, prop-

strategy.

erty owners and construction firms. This aims to achieve sav-

“Active work by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration has brought greater stability in the workplace this year,” he added.

Supply chain management

ings of R25 billion a year by 2018/19. The Minister said the eTender portal that was introduced in May 2015 has seen over R80 billion in tenders published, saving R650 million a year in printing and advertising costs. The Central Supplier Database, which was launched in Sep-

The Minister reiterated that supply chain management reforms

tember 2015, has significantly simplified procurement admin-

and transparency were important elements in achieving value

istration. More than 342 600 suppliers have already registered .

for money and combating corruption. He pointed out that in just over three years of existence, the

Financing higher education

Office of the Chief Procurement Officer has taken bold steps

As the Minister prepared to table the MTBPS, the country was

to modernise systems and combat abuses.

dealing with a nationwide student protest over university fees.

A Public Procurement Bill, that will strengthen accountability

After a brief meeting with protestors outside the Parliamen-

and oversight in supply chain management, while providing

tary precinct ahead of delivering the MTBPS, the Minister told

flexibility and promoting empowerment, small enterprise de-

the nation that the present phase of the country’s develop-

velopment and job creation, is being finalised.

ment, financing of education, had to be the highest priority.

In addition, the Preferential Procurement Regulations are

“We are especially mindful of the need to expand access to

being revised to ensure that at least 30 percent of govern-

post-school education opportunities. But this is not enough:

ment procurement goes to designated groups, including small

our progress rests on improvements in the entire education

and medium enterprises, cooperatives and rural and township

system.

enterprises.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

“Minister [Blade] Nzimande has rightly emphasised >>

FEATURE

that expanded opportunities in our universities cannot rely

telecommunications, will amount to over R900 billion over

on government funding alone.

the next three years.

“Public expenditure on post-school education and training

“The budget framework forms part of an enabling environ-

has in fact grown considerably faster than other budget alloca-

ment for investment-led growth, recognising that a turna-

tions in recent years, and this will continue. At the heart of the

round in the business cycle will create opportunities for ex-

issue is that access has expanded faster than resources. As a

pansion by South African firms. “Infrastructure investment and financing of housing and

result, many students face financial hardships that undermine their ability to succeed academically,” he noted.

enterprise development will give greater impetus to growth

The Minister announced that in addition to the R16 billion

over the period ahead. As GDP growth accelerates, tax rev-

added to higher education funding in the February budget,

enue will grow and our capacity to finance public services will

National Treasury proposed that a further R9 billion be allo-

strengthen. By taking the right steps now, we lay the founda-

cated to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme over the

tions for progress ahead,” Minister Gordhan added.

period ahead, raising its funding by over 18 percent a year.

Social sector spending plans outlined in the MTBPS include:

Over R8 billion would be allocated to meet the costs of fee

•

which now reaches 3.5 million people.

increases for students from households with incomes up to R600 000.

A further expansion in the HIV and AIDS programme,

•

Increases in the National Health Insurance conditional

“We will work with the corporate sector and financial institu-

grant to continue the contracting of general practition-

tions to expand bursaries, loans and work opportunities for

ers and bring professional capacity into the School Health

students.

Programme.

“In seeking a balanced, sustainable roadmap for student fi-

•

nance, we appreciate that graduates who go on to earn higher

•

An extended child support grant for orphans.

incomes will in due course contribute a share of these gains

•

Funding for 39 000 Funza Lushaka bursaries for prospective

to the next generation,” he added.

A new conditional grant for employment of social workers.

teachers.

Balanced fiscal consolidation Over the next three years, measured and balanced fiscal consolidation will be implemented that will see the budget deficit declining from 3.4 percent in 2016 to 2.5 percent in 2019/20. The main budget deficit, which is equivalent to government’s

In support of inclusive economic development, spending plans over the medium term include: •

economic transformation and sustainable resource

borrowing requirement, is set to stabilise at 3.2 percent of GDP over the next three years, said Minister Gordhan. Debt is projected to stabilise at just less than 48 percent

management. •

R43 billion through tax measures,” he added.

ing. •

corporate tax or through an introduction of a new tax – will be announced in the February budget. The expenditure ceiling will be lowered by R26 billion.

in large towns and cities. •

proposed for post-school education, health services and social protection.” Infrastructure investment, mainly in energy, transport and

Establishment of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute.

•

Funding for the N2 Wild Coast road, the Moloto road and improved maintenance of both national and pro-

“Consolidated government expenditure will rise by 7.6 percent a year over the MTEF period. Additional allocations are

A shift of housing funds to speed up investment in rental housing units and planning of catalytic projects

Details on how the additional revenue will be raised – whether it will come from Value Added Tax, personal income tax,

Implementation of the agri-parks initiative, to help small farmers with production, marketing and train-

of GDP. “Over the next two years, we propose to raise an additional

A proposed R45 billion to promote industrialisation,

vincial roads. •

High-speed internet access in government buildings.

•

A supplementary R1 billion for the local government equitable share in 2018/19.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

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

V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253

SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 011-783-4636

FEATURE

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Addressing the non-payment

of service providers

ational government departments have stepped

Cabinet took resolutions in 2009 and 2010 that depart-

up their efforts to ensure that suppliers and service

ments must implement mechanisms to ensure payments

providers are paid within 30 days.

are processed within 30 days.

Irene Mathenjwa, who is Outcome Facilitator: Public Service

The National Treasury then issued a communique in

at the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

May 2010 that non-compliance with the Public Finance

(DPME), said while the department is concerned about the

Management Act and Treasury Regulations constituted

number of departments that still fail to pay their invoices on

grounds for financial misconduct.

time, the picture is not all “doom and gloom”.

To enforce monitoring of the payment of suppliers,

“We have got about 23 departments that have demonstrated

the National Treasury issued an instruction note on 30

an improvement in the payment process of their invoices within

November 2011, requiring national departments and

the first quarter. So if you look at the beginning of the quarter

provinces to submit monthly exception reports for late

and the end of the quarter, those invoices have gone down.

or non-payment of suppliers within 30 days and reasons

“We are also heartened by some of the departments that have

thereof.

maintained a clean record of zero [unpaid] invoices throughout

In 2012 and 2013, Cabinet also agreed that financial

the quarter. So from the beginning of the quarter to the end of

misconduct proceedings should be instituted against

the quarter, they paid all of their invoices on time.”

errant officials, and that the executing authorities and

Supporting the small business sector

accounting officers should enforce compliance. In April 2015, a special unit was established within the

After noting the devastating impact that the non-payment of

DPME to tackle the problem of non-payment of suppliers

invoices within 30 days has on suppliers, especially small, me-

within the required 30 days.

dium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), several measures

Since the unit was formed, the number of legitimate

were taken to address the issue as the small business sector

invoices paid as at June 2016 stood at 17 668, with a

has been identified as a crucial source for jobs.

combined value of R340 million.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

National departments getting it right

Underperforming departments get a helping hand

Mathenjwa said that out of 40 national departments, 23

Chief financial officers and provincial accountants-general are

showed an improvement in the payment of invoices in the

engaged regularly by the unit to alert them where performance

first quarter of 2016/17, with 10 of these maintaining a clean

is poor. In addition, the department visits departments and

record of zero invoices throughout the quarter, thus fully com-

provinces whose performance was cause for concern.

plying with the 30-day payment rule. However, the remaining 17 departments showed a downward trend. In April 2016, national departments paid 11 375 invoices after 30 days, and this represented a monetary value of R327 million.

Mathenjwa explained that the purpose of the visits is to identify the root causes of non-payment of invoices. An inspection is carried out to assess the entire value chain of the payment of invoices, identify blockages and assist departments in putting improvement measures in place.

In May, there was a spike, with 20 948 invoices being pro-

The visits are also meant to share best practices and obtain

cessed and paid. However, the monetary value of those in-

commitment from chief financial officers on improved compli-

voices went down to R305 million.

ance with the payment of invoices.

In June, there was a slight reduction in terms of the number

In areas where there is non-compliance, cases are lodged

of invoices that were paid (17 668), however the monetary

with the unit, investigations are conducted and payment to

value went up to R340 million.

the service provider is facilitated where invoices are proven

The number of invoices that were older than 30 days and were still not paid amounted to 9 881 (April), 12 780 (May) and 12 870 (June). This represented a regression of 2 899 unpaid invoices from April to May, and a slight improvement of 90 invoices from May to June. In monetary terms, this means that invoices that are older

to be legitimate. Since the inception of the unit, a total of 102 cases have been lodged and 47 of those have been closed, while 55 cases are in progress. To date, a total amount of R177 million has been paid to various service providers as facilitated by the unit.

than 30 days and not paid amounted to R499 million in April,

Nationwide roadshows on the cards

R55 million in May and R62 million in June.

Following an imbizo held in Gauteng recently on the issue of

This represented an overwhelming improvement of R444

unpaid invoices, Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsi-

million from April to May, and a regression of R7 million from

ble for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Buti Manamela,

May to June.

stressed that the failure to pay invoices within 30 days was

Performance of provincial departments

financial misconduct. “We cannot emphasise this anymore than it has been. What

As at June 2016, the total number of invoices paid after 30

we can do is repeat it and understand that to not pay within

days was 29 306, with a value of R1.8 billion. In June 2015, the

30 days is serious financial misconduct,” he said.

number of invoices paid after 30 days by provincial departments was 30 466, with a value of R1.6 billion. Mathenjwa said that a number of invoices are decreasing over the quarter and the rand value remained the same in May and June 2016.

He added that he would go on a nationwide roadshow to engage small business enterprises – who are the hardest hit by the non-payment of invoices – to discuss the challenges they face. “We are taking the work seriously because it is linked to the

Between April and June 2016, only three provinces - Gauteng,

economy. It is linked to jobs, it is linked to sustainable SMMEs

KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo demonstrated an improvement

because we believe that is where the solution for dealing

in the payment of invoices older than 30 days, while the rest

with unemployment broadly lies; that is why are taking this

have shown a downward trend.

seriously.”

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Writer: Stephen Timm

FEATURE

SA aims to grow investment in Africa W ith growth slowing in South Africa and many

countries and better transport links that the country

neighbouring countries, the Department of

shares with many SADC members.

Trade and Industry (dti) is looking to help local

However, she believes that the continental-wide

companies to ramp up investment elsewhere in the conti-

Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) will help change the

nent.

investment patterns of South African business. The

The dti’s new unit Trade Invest Africa, launched in July 2016, aims to get SA Inc to invest more in the continent and wants to promote better trade between African countries.

to take years to roll out. While Trade Invest Africa replaces the multi-sectoral

There’s good reason to do so. Intra-continental trade cur-

Africa Export Council, Mataboge stresses that the the

rently stands at just 14 percent in Africa, compared to about

name change does not amount to a rebranding ex-

60 percent in Europe.

ercise, but a shift in strategic focus. Rather than fo-

In addition, growth in much of

cusing on driving South African

sub-Saharan Africa has stalled.

exports, the new unit will drive

The region is set to grow at just 1.4 percent in 2016, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted in October. But to the north, Ivory Coast can expect 8.5 percent growth, while a number of countries in East Africa will grow by over six percent.

Expanding trade on the continent

The dti has also realised the need to change its approach to promoting investment on the continent – from holding multi-sectoral trade missions to running sector-based and project-specific missions to maximise the limited time businesses have when abroad.

our investment on the continent, particularly in building factories and new infrastructure. Doing so, she believes will provide a more sustainable economic relationship between South Africa and those countries in which local companies invest.

Opportunities for suppliers Promoting investments in other

Trade Invest Africa Chief Executive Lerato Mataboge believes

Africa nations will also help provide opportunities for

that while South African companies have done well to invest

suppliers in South Africa to grow exports to the con-

in other Southern African Development Community (SADC)

tinent.

member countries, they are poorly represented on the rest of the continent.

For example, Mataboge singles out a project that the dti is involved with to get car makers based in South

Figures that the dti has compiled show that between 2006

Africa to partner with Nigerian car assemblers to pro-

and 2015, 86.4 percent of South African exports to the conti-

mote an automotive manufacturing sector up north.

nent went to other SADC member countries, while 1.3 per-

“That’s really the only way we can industrialise our

cent went to North Africa and 1.2 percent to Central Africa.

continent. “We need to create those regional market

Mataboge attributes the country’s concentrated trade patterns to the shared language of English of most nearby

TFTA was officially launched in June 2015, but is likely

chains amongst ourselves,” stresses Mataboge. She points to a trade mission that visited Nigeria in

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

August. Two promising deals are in the pipeline for black in-

Mataboge says the guidelines are aimed at encouraging

dustrialists – one involving export orders and another involv-

South African companies to become good corporate citizens

ing setting up a factory there.

on the continent.

Overcoming challenges

for us it’s ideal for us to apply a similar governance expecta-

While tariffs between countries on the continent have gen-

tion to our companies that operate on the African continent,”

erally come down, non-tariff barriers remain a challenge,

she says.

Mataboge adds.

“In South Africa we have a similar system, the King Codes, so

Her unit is now preparing to set up an e-portal to provide

Top of the list are border regulations and efficiencies, such

local companies with matchmaking possibilities to those in

as long queues, which are often cited by South African busi-

other African countries, as well as provide regular trade alerts.

nesses as the biggest challenge to doing business on the

The development of the portal has already gone out to tender

continent.

and Mataboge expects it to go live in early 2017.

Another challenge is that each region on the continent often relies on different product certification standards. Through our

A change of approach

network of foreign missions and the dti itself, South African

The dti has also realised the need to change its approach

companies that face challenges related to customs issues,

to promoting investment on the continent – from holding

where goods are held up at borders, are also getting assis-

multi-sectoral trade missions to running sector-based and

tance, says Mataboge.

project-specific missions to maximise the limited time busi-

At the launch of Trade Investment Africa, Minister of Trade

nesses have when abroad, she adds.

and Industry Rob Davies unveiled guidelines for good busi-

In doing so, Trade Invest Africa is working closely with the

ness practice for companies operating in the rest of Africa,

country’s various provincial trade and investment agencies.

including things such as respect for local labour laws. The

The unit, together with the Export Credit Insurance Corpora-

guidelines were signed by representatives of government

tion (ECIC) is identifying key projects and sectors that promise

and business at a roundtable discussion organised by the dti.

opportunities for local companies. To help South African >>

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

FEATURE

companies to take advantage of more African opportunities, the ECIC set up a business development unit in 2015.

will be able to get direct finance to cover working capital

ECIC Chief Operating Officer Mandisi Nkuhlu says the unit

for export-related transactions. Such an entity would also

has been mandated to actively seek out trade and invest-

be able to provide loans to foreign companies that buy

ment opportunities and approach companies in South Africa

goods and services from South African companies.

it believes may be interested in pursuing such opportunities.

This would not necessarily require large allocations from

The unit is part of a “paradigm shift” in the organisation, to

the fiscus, as the ECIC could, for example, gear its existing

respond to growing competition on the continent, he adds.

capital base, which currently stands at just under R5 billion

The organisation is also working more with export councils to alert them of trade and investment opportunities.

in net assets, explains Nkuhlu. Business to Africa is picking up. The share of companies

The ECIC, which currently has a portfolio of 38 insured pro-

that have used the dti’s Export Marketing and Investment

jects and had guaranteed projects worth R25.8 billion as of the

Assistance scheme to attend trade shows and trade pavil-

end of March 2016, has historically supported a large number

ions on the continent edged up from 498 or 41 percent

of mining projects. But Nkuhlu says the organisation has re-

of all beneficiaries in 2012/13, to 552 or 43 percent of all

cently diversified into other sectors and has also increased its

beneficiaries in 2015/16.

backing for projects from West and East Africa.

New possibilities

If converted into an export-import bank, local companies

When it comes to export sales generated from trade shows and missions, the share from the continent, although still small, has climbed over the same period –

The ECIC is also continuing with a review it began in the past

from 1.6 percent or R60.7 million to 4 percent or R164

financial year on whether to set up an export-import bank.

million.

Currently, the organisation only offers insurance or guaran-

With local growth slowing at home, the dti is working

tee cover for exporters, investors and banks or development

hard to get more South African companies to invest in

finance institutions.

the rest of the continent.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

C O F F E E TA B L E B O O K S NEWSLETTERS

C U S TO M E R M AG A Z I N E S

WEBSITES

BROCHURES

ANNUAL REPORTS

DIRECT MAILERS

C o n t a c t : Va n F l e t c h e r 14 Roodehek Street, Gardens, C a p e To w n

Cell: 082 3311158 Te l : 0 8 6 0 0 0 9 5 9 0 E m a i l : v a n . f l e t c h e r @ t o p c o. c o. z a

FEATURE

Supplied by: SKA SA

Reaching for the stars

multi-million rand funding injection into the Hydro-

An innovative telescope

gen Epoch of Reionisation Array (HERA) telescope

This innovative telescope aims to detect the distinctive

will increase the possibility of detecting the first

signature that would allow astronomers to understand the

stars and galaxies ever to be created. Recently, the US National Science Foundation announced

the first stars and galaxies in the Universe. The HERA radio

a US$9.5 million (approximately R136 million) investment to

telescope follows in the footsteps of a precursor instrument

expand HERA’s capabilities.

called PAPER (Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reioni-

HERA is located only a few kilometres from the MeerKAT ra-

sation), also located in the Karoo.

dio telescope, which began initial science operations in July.

The much more sensitive HERA, operating in the Karoo

HERA, which was recently granted the status of a Square

with minimal man-made radio interference, will explore the

Kilometre Array (SKA) precursor telescope, currently has 19,

billion-year period after hydrogen gas collapsed into the

14-metre radio dishes at the SKA South Africa Losberg site

first galaxies, a few hundred million years after the Big Bang,

near Carnarvon in the Northern Cape. These radio dishes will

through the ignition of stars throughout the Universe – the

soon increase to 37. The US$9.5 million in funding will allow

first structures of the Universe we observe today.

the array to expand to 220 radio dishes by 2018.

formation and evolution of the very first luminous sources:

“The Universe was formed in a hot Big Bang of particles

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

and radiation 14 billion years ago, but soon cooled down and

nology” customer base, to be a part of this awesome science

was dark for hundreds of millions of years, before any stars

instrument.

formed. Nobody yet knows when these stars formed. Today’s

“We have local contractors installing our main support poles,

announcement increases the chances that signs of the first

cutting our structural elements to size, and making up our re-

stars and galaxies ever to be created will soon be detected –

flector surface panels from bulk supplied material. Similarly, for

in South Africa’s Northern Cape,” explained SKA South Africa

our construction crew in the prototype phase, we assembled a

Chief Scientist, Dr Fernando Camilo.

team of local young people who have taken on the construc-

The potential to transform knowledge Four hundred thousand years after the Big Bang, the Universe

tion and made it their own," said Rosie. Two SKA South Africa interns who were part of the fibretraining programme in 2015 are part of the team of four.

was largely made up of neutral hydrogen, the simplest and

“They have rapidly developed into very capable HERA build-

most common element. Eventually, while the Universe at large

ers who can hold their own with everything from land survey

expanded, ever-larger clouds of hydrogen gathered due to

equipment to general construction and the maintenance of

their mutual gravitational attraction. In time, some of these

the front-end signal chain of a radio telescope,” added Rosie.

clouds became dense and hot enough that hydrogen atoms fused and the first stars formed.

A global partnership

These first brilliant objects flooded the Universe with ul-

The University of California, Berkeley, leads the experiment in

traviolet light that split or ionised all the hydrogen atoms

collaboration with partner teams from the USA, UK, Italy and

between galaxies into protons and electrons – the beginning

South Africa. Participating South African institutions include

of cosmic reionisation.

Rhodes University, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Univer-

“HERA, which operates at low radio frequency, has enough sensitivity to detect cosmic reionisation and we hope to map

sity of the Western Cape, the University of the Witwatersrand and SKA South Africa.

it very precisely by statistically measuring how the fraction

Connecting HERA to MeerKAT, Dr Rob Adam, SKA South Af-

of neutral hydrogen changed with cosmic time. HERA has

rica Managing Director, said that “among other investigations,

the potential to transform our knowledge in one of the main

MeerKAT will study evolved galaxies in the later Universe, while

SKA science areas,” said SKA South Africa Senior Astronomer,

HERA will peer back nearer to the dawn of time, when the first

Dr Gianni Bernardi.

stars and galaxies were being formed. In this way they address

The work is all the more impressive because the telescope’s

complementary scientific questions”.

minimalist design makes it a relatively inexpensive structure.

“This shows that the site selection for SKA South Africa was

As each antenna will point in a fixed direction, they do not

of such a good standard that we attract more international

have to move around, so no expensive moving parts are re-

funding to South Africa and the site is a host for other scientific

quired.

instruments,” he added. Over the next decade, MeerKAT will become integrated into

Proudly Karoo-based

SKA1-MID, Southern Africa’s portion of the largest astronomical

Project Engineer Kathryn Rosie, who is responsible for HERA’s

project of all time, the SKA.

construction in the Karoo, described HERA as a truly Karoobased instrument. “Construction materials are sourced and fabricated from

This will be complemented by SKA1-LOW to be built in Australia, which in turn will study in much greater detail the pioneering detections expected from HERA.

within South Africa, predominantly from the Carnarvon area.

HERA is one of a number of low frequency telescopes, includ-

Because the bulk materials of construction are light industry

ing the Murchison Widefield Array in Australia and the LOw

materials such as wood and PVC pipe, there is opportunity for

Frequency ARray in the Netherlands that are pathfinders for

local businesses, which don't necessarily have a “high tech-

SKA1-LOW to be located in Australia.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Proud category sponsors of the

National Business Awards

2016

Great spaces, perfect locations

Billion Group (Pty) Limited is an award winning 100% black- owned property development and investment company driven by unparalleled entrepreneurial expertise. Our development philosophy is to develop dominant regional shopping centres complimented by a mixed- use component geared for ultimate lifestyle and success.

Live. Work. Play.

JSE main board listed Rebosis provides investors with access to an R18 billion portfolio of predominantly large, defensive retail malls located in key growth nodes across South Africa and in the United Kingdom. Rebosis was the first- black managed and significantly black-held property company to list on the JSE in 2011. In 2013 the Fund converted to REIT status.

Tel: 011 511 5335

info@billiongroup.co.za

info@rebosis.co.za

www.billiongroup.co.za

www.rebosis.co.za

INTEGRITY AND PASSION

CHALLENGE CONVENTION

Billion Group (Pty) Limited (“Billion” or “the Company”) specialises in retail, commercial and mixed-use developments located in major South African cities. The Company was founded more than 18 years ago by property entrepreneur Sisa Ngebulana. With a reputation for delivering creative, highly functional developments on time, Billion Group continues to surpass expectations.

On 17 May 2011 Rebosis Property Fund Limited (“Rebosis” or “the Fund”) became the st blackmanaged and substantially black-held property fund to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The Company, at the time, successfully raised R1.66 billion through an oversubscribed private placement, one of the largest capital raises in the listed property sector at the time. The Fund’s investment portfolio at the time was valued at R3.8 billion.

GREAT SPACES, PERFECT LOCATIONS The Company has conceptualised and developed some of South Africa’s land-mark retail assets, including Forest Hill, located in Monavoni, Centurion, one of the fastest growing residential areas in South Africa. Other developments include Hemingways Mall in East London and Mdantsane City, located just outside of East London in the township of Mdantsane (the country’s second largest township after Soweto.) Billion also co-developed Baywest Mall, one of the country’s largest shopping centres at 87 707m 2 in Port Elizabeth and BT Ngebs City in Mthatha, bringing a sophisticated retail experience to a vastly undersupplied region. ENTREPRENEURIAL Billion boasts an enviable South African retail and overall mixed use development pipeline with a total value of over R40 billion and a total gross lettable area (GLA) of exceeding 1.9 million m 2 .

Rebosis has right of st refusal on Billion Group’s development pipeline matching its investment criteria. Following overwhelming shareholder support, Rebosis is in the process of acquiring Baywest Mall and Forest Hill City from Billion Group in a t r a n s a c t io n t o t a llin g R 4 . 9 b illio n .

INSPIRED This transaction will increase Rebosis’ asset portfolio to a value of R18 billion and underpin the Fund’s performance with large scale, early stage retail assets that are generally regarded as more defensive in tough economic times than other property classes. EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Despite its considerable size, Rebosis’ portfolio only consists of 19 properties currently, allowing for focused approach when it comes to cost savings initiatives, tenant optimisation and lease renewals, improving the overall quality of the Fund.

FEATURE

Supplied by: The Department of Transport

SANRAL paving the way for economic and social upliftment

he national roads network, which spans the length

upgrading existing routes whilst also investing in new infra-

and breadth of South Africa, plays an important role

structure that will open new vistas for economic emancipa-

in the economy.

tion and social upliftment.

Over the years, the length of the network has increased

“Deteriorating roads are being repaired; additional capacity

significantly. In April 1998, the South African National Road

is being added; dangerous segments are being eliminated;

Agency Limited (SANRAL) managed 6 622km of national

and new routes that are shorter and safer are being carved

roads. By 1 September 2016, the length had increased to

on the national landscape,” says the Minister.

21 946km. As the network increases, so too does the need for mainte-

sources in managing road infrastructure and activities with

nance, says Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters, under whom

the use of Variable Message Signs during the construction

SANRAL falls.

of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. This was later

She points out that there is a general lack of infrastructure maintenance by all sectors of society – government, private big business and every individual in South Africa.

extended to fixed points along some of the major corridors in Cape Town and Durban. “SANRAL also introduced solar-powered toll plazas at two

“We South Africans do not look after our assets very well.

of its plazas. The Dalpark Plaza – a SANRAL-run plaza - uses

We have a mind-set of buying or building new things all

a solar plant for its mainline toll plaza operations and the

the time instead of maintaining what we have.

Diamond Hill Plaza (managed by Trans African Concessions)

“We must change this mentality, whereby we see government, private business and every individual adopting a renewed mind-set in looking after the infrastructure we currently have,” Minister Peters adds.

Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure

started using solar power as an alternative energy source in September 2014. “The two plants serve as pilot projects and the objective is to roll out further solar-powered toll plazas along the 3 120 km of freeway that constitute SANRAL’s toll road portfolio. In addition, energy-efficient lighting has been fitted to

SANRAL’s philosophy is to maintain its assets first and only

reduce consumption. This means that by replacing conven-

then allocate funds towards upgrades or new infrastructure.

tional luminaires with LED technology, the agency is able to

“SANRAL is spending billions of rands in maintaining and

In 2008, SANRAL introduced the use of renewable energy

save 30 percent of its power requirement,” she adds.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

N3 upgrade

will also include the much-needed investment in passenger

There is construction work in progress as part of the upgrading

rail to offer commuters a safer, faster and more accessible

of the N3 from Durban to Cedara outside Pietermaritzburg.

connection between Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

The upgrading of the N3 is essential if one of government’s

The full upgrade will take five years to complete, totalling

Strategic Integrated Projects linking the Port of Durban with

approximately R4.5 billion. The project will result in job op-

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic heartland, is to succeed. It

portunities for locals from within the districts and municipali-

is currently the busiest road freight corridor in South Africa.

ties in the area. In addition, people will be trained in various

Developments in the Eastern Cape

aspects of engineering to enable them to look for jobs elsewhere once the project has been completed.

In the Eastern Cape, SANRAL has completed road infrastruc-

Minister Peters says the Moloto Road project will create

ture to the value of R1.4 billion at the close of the 2015/16

about 5 500 jobs. In addition, significant portions of the con-

financial year.

tracts will be packaged to enable small and medium enter-

SANRAL is in the process of appointing service providers for the construction of two new mega-bridges that will bring

prises to perform the work and gain experience.

communities closer to each other, as well as other urban cen-

N1 Ring Road

tres such as Mthatha. Construction of the bridges, along with a

Regular travellers between the economic heartland of Gaut-

new greenfields section of road, are part of the N2 Wild Coast

eng and Zimbabwe will soon experience much-improved

Toll Road project.

journeys following major improvements to the N1 freeway.

The “greenfields” portion of the road entails a 112km stretch,

A ring road near Musina, in the far north, will significantly

between Ndwalane (outside Port St Johns) and the Mtamvuna

reduce traffic pressure on the border town and contribute

River (between Mzamba and Port Edward). It will include nine

to a better traffic flow through the Beit Bridge border post.

major bridges, three interchange bridges and new roads. Minister Peters says the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road project is a catalytic initiative that will unlock higher levels of prosperity.

Two hundred kilometres to the south, construction is well underway on the Eastern Ring Road close to Polokwane in Limpopo.

“With the full support of local communities and traditional

The volume of traffic passing through Musina has rapidly

leadership of the Mpondo kingdom, we have the consent and

increased in recent years causing severe congestion for road

support of the people to put roads in place that will have a

users and major safety concerns. The high volumes of traffic

snowball effect on tourism, agriculture and public infrastruc-

in a town of about 35 000 people have caused conflict with

ture, such as schools and hospitals.”

local traffic movement and complaints from local residents,

Moloto Road Project Moloto Road, dubbed one of South Africa’s roads of death, is to be transformed into a road of hope. “The Moloto Road has become synonymous with crashes, bus accidents, injuries and death. It has robbed communities of breadwinners and beloved mothers,” notes the Minister. The 160 km stretch of Moloto Road runs through the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and is used by about 60 000 commuters on a daily basis.

business and communities about safety, access to business premises and lack of parking. The solution identified by SANRAL is to build a ring road around the town. The 30-month construction project commenced in early 2016. The value of the project is set at R700 million and about R85 million of the work will be undertaken by small and emerging enterprises, creating an estimated 200 local jobs. The Minister says effective infrastructure is considered a key precondition for national economic growth. By investing in

The road has not been upgraded for many years and has had

such infrastructure, the cost of transport and communica-

to cope with increasing traffic in recent years. Statistics from

tions can be reduced, thereby facilitating trade and creating

January 2012 to May 2014 show that there were 489 crashes on

wealth.

Moloto Road, resulting in 158 fatalities and 594 serious injuries.

“Roads are known to be an enabler of growth and a guaran-

The modernisation of this road forms part of the Moloto

tor of national integration, both linking internally and exter-

Road Development Corridor, initiated by government, which

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

nally with the global economy,” she adds.

FEATURE

Writer: Stephen Timm

EPWP changing lives which kicked off in 2014, is expected to produce a further six million work opportunities by 2019, with a third of these already having been created by the end of June this year. In a mid-term evaluation of the EPWP by the Department of Public Works in 2011 almost half of all beneficiaries indicated that their financial situation and that of their families had improved after they took part in the programme. Importantly, the department projects that South Africa’s unemployment rate would have been 2.8 percentage points higher in 2012 had it not been for the EPWP. The review also found that the programme’s second phase lowered the poverty rate by less than 0.5 percent. The department attributed this partly to the programme providing job opportunities for only about 2.5 percent of the poor in the country or about seven percent of the unemployed.

The average job during the second phase lasted only 65 holiwe Skom spent seven years unemployed after

days, at an average daily wage of R62. By June 2015 the av-

completing a business college diploma, until she

erage had climbed to R105.85 a day, according to statistics

found work earlier this year as a school administrative

from the department.

assistant as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Recalling the years she tried to get work while volunteer-

ing her services with various organisations, she says: “I cry when I think about it.”

in the form of stipends.

Wide range of initiatives needed

But today Skom, 31, who works at Joe Slovo Primary School

Deputy Minister of Public Works Jeremy Cronin says that

in Port Elizabeth, is more optimistic. “I think it [the work op-

while many lessons have been learnt over more than a dec-

portunity] is going to count for something.”

ade of the EPWP, it would be wrong to imagine that public

She was placed at the school by Sophakama, a non-profit organisation which is funded in part by an allocation from the EPWP.

employment programmes alone can tackle unemployment and poverty. “Achieving a more sustainable, inclusive, job-creating

Her aim is to use the work experience to get a permanent

growth and developmental trajectory will require a wide

job. In June and July, she completed training in computers,

range of initiatives,” he points out, in a publication released

time management and written business skills at Khanyisela

by the department and the SA Cities Network to commemo-

TVET College. The monthly stipend she receives allows her

rate 10 years of the EPWP.

to take care of her two children aged seven and three.

Creating work opportunities

The department estimates that since the programme’s inception over R200 billion has been paid to beneficiaries

In addition, he says that the EPWP should be seen as more than just a stop-gap measure to create jobs. It can also help create and maintain important assets.

Between its inception in 2004 and the end of the second

He points to data that shows that in 2014/15, a total of 33

phase in 2014, the EPWP produced more than 5.6 million

070km of fencing, 109 923km of pipeline, and 64 632km of

work opportunities. The third phase of the programme,

storm-water drains were installed through the programme.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Added to this, the Department of Environmental Affairs’ EPWP

lesson on how to do more with less.

initiative, Working for Water, has helped clear 2.8 million hec-

The non-profit organisation was founded in 2005 in Kwa-

tares of land of invasive species since its inception in 1995.

Zakhele township, Port Elizabeth, by a group of women with

This has helped save over 180 million cubic metres of water a

funding from Oxfam and some local corporate support. It

year (about the size of Hartbeespoort Dam), estimates Christo

began by providing home-based care to households affected

Marais, the department’s Chief Director of Natural Resource

by HIV and AIDS, with five volunteers.

Management Programmes. In 2015/16 over 69 000 participated in the programme.

Addressing challenges

In 2012, it was able to expand participant numbers when the private funders were joined by the Department of Public Works. Working with local clinics, fieldworkers help counsel treat-

A key challenge is ensuring that training carried out as part

ment defaulters. The organisation also runs food gardens for

of the EPWP helps improve participants’ chances of finding

those receiving treatment.

permanent employment. To address this, the third phase of the EPWP envisages an

Sophakama Manager Michael Matanzima says 360 participants are currently employed.

improved focus on training through collaboration with Tech-

Across the two programmes – the home-based care pro-

nical Vocational Education and Training colleges and other

gramme and the new school ambassador programme - EPWP

institutions, in an attempt to improve the quality of training

funds cover about 80 percent of wages, while the rest is

courses by offering accredited training.

covered by Terre des Hommes, a global organisation that

Another challenge is trying to get more contractors that undertake infrastructure projects to employ labour-intensive methods. Stanley Henderson, the EPWP Deputy Director-General at the Department of Public Works, says the department is plan-

supports disadvantaged children. In the schools programme, which covers 47 Port Elizabeth schools, those employed offer administrative assistance, cleaning and guarding services.

ning to set up a labour-intensive training institution and is

Developing skills

also in talks with the Engineering Council of South Africa on

Continuous training is offered in areas such as grass cutting,

compulsory labour-intensive training for the civil engineering

tree felling and computer literacy. The organisation, with help

profession.

from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Department

He believes those contractors with experience in using labour-intensive methods should also help mentor new and emerging contractors. The department is also finalising a memorandum of under-

of Public Works, is also looking to help grass cutters to form cooperatives. Matanzima adds that some of those doing administrative work find fulltime work at a school.

standing with the Department of Small Business Develop-

He says the Deputy Minister gave the programme a

ment to channel more EPWP projects to small enterprises and

thumbs-up during a visit in June, while an internal evaluation

cooperatives.

last year revealed that the home-based care programme has

Henderson says that in the current fiscal environment, project

improved the percentage of patients who take medication

leaders should look to employ participants for longer in the

for HIV and other chronic illnesses. The programme has also

programme (a 24-month limitation on the time a worker could

reduced the burden and cost for clinics.

be continuously employed in the programme was removed some years ago), while more projects should focus on the maintenance of assets.

A model of success

Demand is also growing. Matanzima says 200 people are on the waiting list to join Sophakama. With the National Development Plan noting that the challenge of unemployment has become too big for marketbased solutions alone to solve in the next decade or two,

With less money to go around, the hybrid character of some

public employment programmes like the EPWP are expected

EPWP programmes, such as Sophakama, might provide a key

to continue to play an important role.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

FEATURE

African retirement funds in the spotlight

*Writer: Mack Lewele

epresentatives of the retirement industry from various

management were discussed thoroughly as some of the main

African countries recently met in Durban to discuss

weaknesses among many funds.

collaborations, sustainability and the growth of the

industry.

Delegates emphasised the need to get rid of unclaimed pension benefits. Poor data management, member education and

The Government Pensions Administration Agency was

communication are the main reasons for unclaimed benefits.

among those that participated in the 2016 Institute of Retire-

In the South African context, the Government Employees Pen-

ment Funds Africa (IRFA) Conference, which took place under

sion Fund (GEPF) has embarked on an ambitious programme

the theme “Navigating the future”.

to modernise its processes, which include membership man-

The IRFA is a body that attempts to bring the retirement

agement, data management, pension case management as

industry together to share best practices, discuss challenges

well as a host of other automations. These enhancements will

and chart a way forward on how players in both the public

be deployed (some are already in place) to improve services

and private sectors can work together to improve efficiency

from the member admission, maintenance and ultimately exit

and innovation

phases. This will reduce the time it takes for members to receive

Delegates at the 2016 conference represented both the pri-

their benefits.

vate and public sectors. Representatives from Zimbabwe, Gha-

While members and their employer departments have the

na and Uganda shared their views in a conversation themed

responsibility to inform the fund when members exit it, the

“An African Perspective: The Role of Pension Savings Within

GEPF acknowledges that it also has a role to play in making

the Social Security System”.

pension claims easier.

They all emphasised that they were constantly reviewing

For this reason, the GEPF has decided to deploy technolo-

their fund laws and policies to be in line with modern needs

gies and processes that will alert it when a member stops

and challenges. The challenges facing retirement funds are

contributing due to resignation, retirement, contract expiry

similar in both the public and private sectors in countries

or suspension without pay.

across the continent.

The GEPF’s systems will alert it and the fund will then contact

Miriam Musaali from Uganda received the biggest applause

the member and find out the reason for contribution discon-

when she lamented the fact that the legal frameworks in many

tinuation. In this way unclaimed benefits will be eliminated.

countries on the continent did not help the growth and sus-

Direct communication with members will also improve their

tainability prospects of pension funds.

knowledge of the fund’s processes, making it easier to claim

“In Uganda, our fund cannot invest beyond West Africa. In

and pay benefits.

Ghana, they cannot invest outside the country, let alone the

The conference also emphasised the need to match the com-

region. The Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) is a cel-

munication tools with the profile of the members. It was in

ebrated market and is doing well. Why can’t my fund invest

line with this view that the GEPF was awarded a Special Merit

in the JSE?” Musaali asked.

Award in Communication for using Braille to provide informa-

The conference also focused on administration efficiency

tion to its blind members.

and innovation. Aspects such as member education and communication; unclaimed pension benefits; as well as data

* Mack Lewele, Head of Communication at the GPAA.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

The leader in South African business-to-business communications www.topco.co.za

BOOK REVIEWS

Amelia Vukeya Motsepe

awareness ion South and must – give them the

A Practitioner’s Guide

of South HIV/AIDS. It is ers to provide ith HIV in such he rights of

HIV AND THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA

s a peerelds.

Supplied by: Knowledge Resources

HIV and the Law in South Africa: A Practitioner’s Guide, edited by Amelia Vukeya Motsepe Law professionals can, and must, play an active role in the fight against HIV

HIV AND THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA

and AIDS by advising the millions of South Africans who are infected and

A Practitioner’s Guide

HIV and the Law in South Africa: A Practitioner’s Guide, published by LexisNexis

affected by the epidemic. This is according to respected law, public health and human rights consultant, Amelia Vukeya Motsepe, who spoke at the launch of a new publication dissecting South African legislation, regulations, policies and case law on HIV and AIDS. South Africa and edited by Motsepe, includes contributions from some of the

Edited by Amelia Vukeya Motsepe

foremost practitioners and theorists in the field. The book is intended to serve as a useful resource to enable legal practitioners to provide professional, efficient, quality legal advice to people living with HIV.

0409127829

“HIV and AIDS, human rights and the law manuals

0409 127829

and pamphlets have been produced by HIV/ AIDS organisations, however, these information tools are targeted towards all legal, non-legal organisations and the public and do not meet the requirements and needs of legal practitioners and those that are being trained as lawyers in universities,” she said. “The aim of the guide was not to reinvent the wheel but to make sure that legal issues covered in the guide are relevant to people living with HIV and those that are affected by HIV,” Motsepe added. HIV-related stigma and discrimination continues to undermine the efforts aimed at prevention, treatment and care for people living with HIV across the world, she pointed out. “The law has the ability to impact health outcomes and thus has a critical role to play in advancing public health in general, and in promoting the health of marginalised populations in particular. The Global Commission on HIV and the Law, for instance, has documented the positive role that strong legal protections can play specifically in addressing HIV.” She said publication of the guide was made possible through support from the M.A.C AIDS Fund Leadership Initiative at Columbia University, in collaboration with the University of California and Los Angeles, the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, HIVOS People Unlimited Collaborative Funds for Leadership and HIV Prevention Programme, as well as other partners in South Africa.

About the editor Amelia Vukeya Motsepe has extensive consulting experience in law, governance, public health and human rights. She was previously employed as an Assistant Programme Manager at the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa’s (OSISA) HIV and AIDS programme and the Law and Health Coordinator for the Open Society Foundation’s Public Health Programme. She worked as a researcher and project lawyer for the AIDS Law Project (now Section 27) and was also Senior Associate at Bowman Gilfillan Africa Group, practicing in the Competition Law, Lobbying and International Trade Department.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGE R

MARCH 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

R S

State of the Nation 2016

SA’s economy takes centre stage

A common destiny Working towards a united nation

Promoting investment

des the funding and banking e of the ways we embrace our

MARCH 2016

One-Stop Shop to help investors

w w w. g c i s . g o v. z a

Drought relief

Government gives farmers a helping hand

PSM

R30.00 (VAT INCL) SOUTH

AFRICA

2015/07/29 10:59 AM

SUBSCRIBE NOW! E - m a il: p s ms u b s @ t o p c o.c o .z a | Q u o te fo r d i s c o u n t: A UW01

BE THE FIRST

TO KNOW PUBLIC SECTOR’S

DEVELOPMENTS • TRENDS • INSIGHTS

SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS 1 .1 Year Su b scrip tio n (11 I s s u e s ) A t 1 5 % Discount – R280

3 . 5 x 2 Year Subscriptions A t 3 5 % D i s c o u n t – R2141

2 . 2 Year Su b scrip tio n (2 2 I s s u e s ) A t 2 5 % Discount – R494

4 . 10 x 2 Year Subscriptions At 40% Discount – R3953

topco media

EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

Compiled by: Sekgabo Kedijang

Public Sector Appointments Choice Sihiya Stakeholder and Communications Manager, Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Choice Sihiya has been appointed Stakeholder and Communications Manager at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ). She also holds a law degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a prolific writer. Sihiya also holds a Public Relations and Communications Diploma from Damelin Business Management School and a Certificate for Management Development Programme (MDP) obtained from the University of Stellenbosch in 2015. Prior to her appointment at the RBIDZ, Sihiya served her articles with VS Ntuli Attorneys as well as the Road Accident Fund in Durban. At the RAF she was also the Senior Marketing and Communications Officer and was later appointed as Manager: Claims Originations. As the Stakeholder and Communications Manager at the RBIDZ, Sihiya will manage community engagement with the view of ensuring, nurturing and developing skills for Richards Bay community members. She will also present the RBIDZ to the national and global community as an ideal home for investors in an effort to boost the local and provincial economy for the benefit of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

Dion Pillay Chief Audit Executive, Ithala SOC Limited Dion Pillay has been appointed as the Chief Audit Executive at Ithala SOC Limited, a subsidiary of Ithala Development Finance Corporation. Pillay has more than 20 years’ experience in the auditing profession and has worked at several companies prior to joining Ithala, including Nedbank Limited, Foskor Limited, McCarthy Limited, Telkom SA Limited, BoE Limited, Investec Limited and Desai Jawdat Incorporated where he served his articles of clerkship. He also served as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Pillay’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences from the University of South Africa, Certified Internal Auditor certification and Certification in Risk Management Assurance from the Institute of Internal Auditors in USA. He also completed a Global Executive Development Programme with the Gordon Institute of Business Science. During his tenure at Ithala SOC Limited, he will oversee the development and implementation of internal audit and risk management strategies for the organisation, while working closely with other assurance and business divisions.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

26 - 27 JULY 2017 JOHANNESBURG HR i s rap i dly becoming one of t he m os t influent ial depar t m e n ts o f a n orga ni sa tion from cons t r uct ing t he cor porate brand ide n ti ty a nd alig ni ng stra tegi c and organis at ional goals, to ens ur ing th e i mp l e mentation of legi slat ion t hrough t he s ys tem s and process e s of t he com pany. The F uture of H R Awards s eeks candidates who repres ent th e b e st in the H uma n Resources Managem ent ( HR) profes s ion i n S o ut h Afri ca. I ndustr y leader s are brought toget her to celeb ra te exc e llence in the H R p rofes s ion, recognis ing individuals, team s a nd orga ni sa tions for th eir out s tanding achievem ent s in peo p le m a nag ement by show cas ing s t rategies and pract ices t hat de li ve r d i re ct i mp a ct on busines s per for m ance and innovat ions t ha t s e t new standards for t he indus t r y. future ofhr

B R O U G H T TO YO U B Y:

GOLD SPONSOR:

@f ut ure_o f _hr

S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R :

Fut ure o f HR Award s & Summit

B R E A K A W AY S P O N S O R S :

SPONSOR:

Festive delights

FOOD AND WINE

Writer: Nicholas Francis

o festive season is complete without a traditional roast on the table, be it beef, chicken or lamb. With the usual preparation and cooking time, you could be spending

hours in the kitchen to prepare the perfect roast. We have some

garlic mixture all over the roast. Transfer the roast onto a

quick and easy recipes that will cut out all that tedious prepping

baking tray and place into the preheated oven and bake

without losing the great taste, which will give you more time to

for one to one and a half hour. Periodically brush with

work on the rest of your spread.

leftover herb and garlic mixture.

After the feast there’s always some leftovers and we share some great ideas for a quick meal for the next day. Happy feasting!

Roast beef This one is for the kids.

Leftovers: Roast beef submarine Use a roll, bagel or wrap. Spread on some cream cheese or mayonnaise and add a few slices of roast beef, cheese, tomato, cucumber and lettuce.

Ingredients 2kg boneless rib eye roast ¼ cup chopped fresh rosemary ¼ cup chopped garlic Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided.

Roast chicken Ingredients 1 whole chicken 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions Preheat the oven to 180°C. Tie the roast and season generously

1 medium lemon, thinly sliced Freshly chopped parsley, rosemary or thyme.

with salt and pepper. Mix the rosemary, garlic and two table-

Directions

spoons of olive oil and stir. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in

Heat the oven to 220°C. Pat the chicken dry with paper

a skillet over medium heat and once hot; sear all sides of the

towels. Drizzle the oil on the chicken and rub it all over the

meat. Remove the skillet from the stove and brush the herb and

skin. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped rosemary 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped oregano 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons sweet paprika 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.

Place the herbs and lemon inside the cavity of the chicken. Put the chicken breast-side up in a large casserole dish and roast the in the oven for 15 minutes, on the middle tray in the oven. Reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue roasting for a further 50 minutes to one hour. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Leftovers: Chicken mayonnaise sandwich

Directions

Use any bread of your choice and butter both slices

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut small slits all over lamb

of bread. Shred the chicken in a bowl, add some may-

and stuff each incision with a slice of garlic. In a small

onnaise, finely chopped celery or peppadews. Mix to-

bowl, combine lemon juice, 1/4 cup oil, rosemary, fresh

gether and place on one slice of the bread.

and dried oregano, two teaspoons paprika, one teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Place the lamb in a roasting pan; pour mixture over the lamb to coat evenly. Cover lamb with foil and roast for one hour. Remove the pan from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Stand for 15 minutes before carving.

Leftovers: Roast lamb salad Place baby butter lettuce with rocket and basil on a plate. Half six rosa tomatoes and place over your bed of greens. Add a few slices of the roast lamb on the greens, shave some parmesan cheese over the plate and sprinkle some cashew nuts as well. Drizzle some olive oil over the salad.

Roast lamb Ingredients Leg or shoulder of lamb 4 cloves garlic, sliced Juice of one lemon and finely grated rind

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Small. Medium. Large. Local or abroad. Whatever your courier needs, we always deliver!

• • •

The shortest distance between two points.

• •

The most extensive domestic overnight express network in Southern Africa Also delivers to 200 international destinations Available at a Post Office near you or choose the door-todoor option for extra convenience Counter-to-counter pre-paid 1kg bag available Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277. 0860 023 133

speedservices.co.za

Delivers documents, packages and bulk freight across South Africa and to over 200 international destinations • Overnight Express delivers by 10:30 to any of XPS’s 26 branches • Perfect for SMMEs, retail and manufacturing businesses, and business-to-consumer goods delivery • Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277. •

0860 000 977

When your business depends on it.

xps.co.za

• Tailored freight distribution across SA and neighbouring countries • Containers dispatched daily • Perfect for manufacturing industry • High security – constant control over consignments • Less stringent packing requirements save costs • Delivery into warehouse for easy receiving, checking and packing. 0800 015 600 Lesoba 13653

Courier & Freight. We deliver.

Supplied by: Credit Ombud

FINANCIAL FITNESS

Spend wisely during

the festive season A

large number of South African consumers have im-

spending, causing them to fall into the debt trap as credit

paired credit records (accounts which are three months

cards are maxed out.

or more in arrears), which suggests that millions of con-

sumers are still struggling with too much debt. The Credit Ombud, Nicky Lala Mohan, says that many households rely on credit to cover their day-to-day expenses, which

“Consumers need to be warned that it is irresponsible and dangerous to spend too much on credit just because it seems like everybody else is doing so in the shopping malls.

suggests that they are not living within their means. The latest

“What consumers should realise is that come the end of

stats show that of the 24.08 million credit active consumers, there

January, you have to pay back the loans as well as school

are 9.67 million with impaired credit records. With the festive

fees etc. If you cannot afford the repayments and fall be-

season approaching, this gives rise for some concern, says Lala

hind, it can be very costly in terms of interest. This is usually

Mohan.

the first step to a debt spiral. If it’s not in your budget, don’t

Overspending during this time of year is often an emotional response. Consumers feel that they have worked hard all year and deserve to spoil themselves and family members.

borrow to get it,” he cautions.

New regulations

However, many consumers are already struggling to pay their

The Credit Regulations were amended recently and the

debts and others don’t budget for the additional festive season

effect, especially in the clothing retail space, is that con-

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

sumers may find it more difficult to open credit accounts.

•

Have a festive budget. List and add together all your income

The purpose of the stricter rules related to the granting

and list all your expenses for December and January. Sub-

of credit is to curb reckless lending and prevent consumers

tract your expenses from your income and what is left over can be your budget for the festive season.

from obtaining credit which they can not afford. Lala Mohan says consumers may find the process of open-

•

Avoid ‘buyer’s remorse’. Make a list of items you want to

ing new accounts during this year's festive season more dif-

purchase before going to the stores to avoid compulsive

ficult than in the past, and they should be aware that certain

shopping.

documentation, as well as credit checks, will be required.

•

Eat at home. Before going out to the shops, eat at home

Another new regulation that came into effect on 11 No-

to avoid unnecessary spending on luxury food items on

vember 2016 relates to the requirement for all providers of

display or spending too much for the whole family to eat

credit to register with the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

at restaurants.

This means that any credit granted by an unregistered credit

•

Consumers are advised to take care to only do business with

•

Be creative with gifts. Instead of buying gifts, make them at home. This is one of the best ways of saving.

registered entities and report illegal activities to the NCR. Each year consumers spend thousands on items such as

Compare prices. Before you spend, compare prices between stores to get the best deals.

provider after this date will be unlawful and unenforceable.

•

Be wary of festive adverts. Don’t be misled by stores offering

gifts and other luxuries because they get carried away with

you ‘gift vouchers’ with purchases or when you open ac-

festive spending. With a little bit of extra cash from their bo-

counts as you might find yourself buying things you don’t

nuses, consumers get sucked into advertising and marketing

need and opening accounts unnecessarily.

deals such as “take two for the price of one” or “buy now, pay

•

Avoid end of season sales.

your first instalment next year”. These advertising campaigns

•

Only enter into credit agreements with registered lenders.

are designed to manipulate consumers into spending more over the festive season.

Helpful tips

Consumers can contact the office of the Credit Ombud for free assistance for any issues relating to credit agreements with non-bank credit providers such as the clothing and furniture retailers as well as micro-lenders, fraudulent list-

Heeding the following tips will help ensure that you still

ings, emolument attachment orders (garnishee orders) or

have some money in your bank account come January:

general complaints about their credit bureaux listings. The

•

Avoid new debt. If you have not saved for it, don’t take out

office can be contacted on 0861 66 28 37, on the website

debt for it. Make sure you can afford the goods before you

www.creditombud.org.za, by email at ombud@creditom-

purchase them.

bud.org.za or by sending an SMS to 44786.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

grooming and style

Summer essentials S

ay hello to summer with our hand-picked essentials to get you through the season. From fragrances to trendy shades, moisturisers and flip flops, this is your list of must-haves.

1. Keep the sun out your eyes with Pringle of Scotland basil fedora, Zando, R899.

2. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to moisten your chin with this Beard Boys, spiced citrus and sandalwood beard balm, www.spree.co.za, R169.

3. We love the light scent of Dolce & Gabbana light blue pour homme eau de toilette, Edgars, R1 060.

4. Keep cool in these Levis Levon sandals, Zando, R399.

5. This pair of stylish gold tone Ray-Ban sunglasses is perfect for summer, Zando, R2 289.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ December 2016 / January 2017

7 6

WoMEN

6. Designer Kenzo teamed up with H&M. This silk top is just one of the KenzoXH&M range, H&M, R799.

7. There is nothing better than Marc Jacobs Daisy this season, Edgars, R1 230.

8. Add to your style with these Ray-Ban Erika polarised sunglasses, www.spree.co.za, R1 989.

9. Free your feet with these slim organic Havaiana flip flops, Zando, R399.

10. Keep yourself fresh while on the

go with the Oh So Heavenly body spritzer range, Clicks, R25.95. Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ December 2016 / January 2017

CAR REVIEWS

Writer: Ashref Ismail

The new Tiguan is a stunner

s this the most sensational design improvement from

An exciting drive

Volkswagen? While we must admit the superior quality

The new Tiguan remains capable off-road, with a rugged

of this German marque, one cannot dismiss the fact

4MOTION all-wheel drive system that includes premium

that many of their recent designs suffered from an elegant

class technology for use on and off road. With its new

“blandness”. However, the new Tiguan, clad in “R-Line” trim,

4MOTION Active Control, the Tiguan guarantees smooth

is absolutely stunning and will grow old gracefully given

acceleration and an exciting driving experience in all situ-

its classic but sophisticated, sporty lines.

ations and every type of driving surface.

The first generation Tiguan, which was launched in 2007

The completely redesigned Tiguan benefits from a broad

(2008 in South Africa), is a compelling sales success story.

engine selection. For now, it will be offered in two 1.4

Since then, 2.8 million (over 19 000 in South Africa) units

TSI engines - 92kW and 110kW. The 2.0 TDI engines with

have been sold worldwide. Tiguan is sold in more than 170

81kW, 105kW and 130kW, as well as the 2.0 TSI with 162kW,

countries, which makes it one of the important models of

were expected to be introduced at the end of 2016. The

the Volkswagen brand alongside the Golf, Passat and Polo.

high-powered engines will be offered with 4MOTION drive

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

system as standard. The Tiguan comes in three equipment

secondary collisions. The active bonnet – a first for any

levels - Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

Volkswagen - reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians

Safety is paramount in all Volkswagen passenger cars, and the Tiguan includes driver and front passenger airbags, an

and cyclists.

airbag curtain system and front seat side impact airbags.

Versatility and practicality

Hazard lights flash automatically under hard braking, while

Naturally the latest Tiguan retains all the versatility and practi-

Electronic Stability Control, XDS transverse differential lock

cality for which the previous model was renowned. This five-

and fatigue detection (Rest Assist) are all standard. The new

door, five-seat SUV even includes an adjustable 40:20:40 split

Tiguan received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP making it

bench rear seat that can slide front or back by up to 18 cm,

one of Europe’s safest cars.

maximising either rear legroom, or boot space. A spacious

The new Tiguan’s MQB platform has allowed Volkswagen

interior paired with a significant gain in boot space – when

to integrate even more active and passive safety systems

the rear bench is folded the cargo space, at 1 655 litres, is

and features. The new Tiguan, like all Volkswagen cars based

145 litres larger than its predecessor – makes for even more

on the MQB platform, also comes with an automatic post-

practicality in everyday use.

collision braking system which helps to avoid dangerous

The new Tiguan – with an interior 26 mm longer than previously – is now one of the most spacious cars in its class. At the rear, up to three passengers can now enjoy 29 mm more knee room. Despite its lower overall height, the vehicle has a clever ergonomic design that actually offers more headroom than before and seat height, which customers consider so very important in an SUV of any class, was raised 8 mm. Navigating is also supported by the optional retractable head-up display that is integrated into the Tiguan’s dashboard and boasts laser-etched texturing. Using technology originally developed for fighter pilots, relevant driver information such as driving speed, current speed limit, direction arrows for navigation and indicators for the driver assistance systems are projected directly onto the display and into the driver’s line of sight. The New Tiguan is priced at R378 000 for the base model and R457 680 for the current flagship 1.4 TSI 110kW Comfortline DSG. The Tiguan comes standard with a five-year/90 000km Service Plan, three-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Nice to haves

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

Setting the

perfect dinner table

othing says holidays like sitting down to a delicious meal at the dinner table with family and friends. We have chosen some serve ware, tableware and trinkets that will add that extra sparkle to

your dinner party.

4 6 1.

Damask Table Runner, Woolworths, R399.

Napkin Ring Textured Set/2, @Home, R109.

Medium Glitter Reindeer, Woolworths, R199.

Glitzy Geometric Porcelain Dinner Plate, Mr Price Home, R69.99.

Crystal Decanter, Woolworths, R1 200.

Madagascan Vanilla Aromatic Diffuser, Woolworths, R330.

10 5

Vintage Glass Hurricane, Mr Price Home, R199.99.

Pillar Candle Carved Cream 8x9cm, @Home, R95.

Kota Metal Salad Bowl, Mr Price Home, R169.99.

10. Saloma Wine Glass, @Home, R65.

11 88

11. Copper Plated Wine Cooler, Woolworths, R625. 12. Kota Metal Platter, Mr Price Home, R169.99.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ December 2016 / January 2017

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Source: Government Employees Medical Scheme

Be sun safe

ccording to the Council for Scientific and Industrial

Research, South Africa could well be heading for the hottest summer on record with temperatures over

large parts of the country on average two degrees Celsius higher than normal. “Increased temperatures and changing levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can result in sunburn and skin-damage, which in turn leads to skin cancer. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors should take extra care this summer to protect themselves from over exposure to the sun,” cautions Dr Guni Goolab, principal officer of the Government Employees Medi-

cal Scheme (GEMS). “Melanoma, which causes around three-quarters of all deaths related to skin cancer, can usually be successfully treated if it is diagnosed and treatment begins before it has had a chance to spread to other parts of the body. The most common skin cancer symptoms are usually a change in skin, such as new growths or a sore that does not heal,” he adds. Although these can occur anywhere, they are most often observed on the head, face, neck, hands and arms, as these areas get more sun. Dr Goolab says skin cancer tends to be

According to Dr Goolab, sunscreen is the first vital line

more common in people over 50 because it can develop as

of defence. Applying sunscreen with a sun protection

a result of a lifetime of exposure to the sun.

factor of 16 daily can help reduce the risk of developing

Invest in sunscreen

“The skin of children is particularly vulnerable and

“Sunscreen is a lifelong investment, whether you are five or 50.

people need to remember that being sunburnt during

We need to apply sunscreen daily and realise that with global

childhood may increase the risks of developing skin

warming, temperatures are rising and it has become more

cancer later on in life,” Dr Goolab stresses.

important to apply sunscreen and to ensure our children do not leave the house without it.” Not only are December and January some of the hottest months of the year in South Africa, but they are skin cancer

skin cancer by as much as 50 percent.

Skin cancer Skin cancer is a preventable lifestyle disease and early skin cancer detection can be life-saving.

awareness months in a country known for its sunny climes and

Dr Goolab recommends that people should inspect

fun-filled outdoor life. In addition, these months coincide with

their skin and moles regularly and watch out for chang-

the school holidays meaning that children may spend more

es in size, texture or colour. Those who have fair skin or

time playing outside and swimming on sunny days.

have a family history of melanoma should have their

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

skin checked by their dermatologist once a year.

•

that burns easily, with a lot of moles or freckles, a his-

•

tory of sunburn or who have had significant sun exposure throughout life, red or fair hair, light coloured eyes, and

Even 30 minutes in the sun without protection is too long.

•

those who have a personal or family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer.

Always wear protective clothing, hats and shirts before going out into the sun.

According to Cancer Research UK, those with fair skin

As you move inland, above sea level, the sun’s rays become more intense.

•

Exposure to the sun while overdressed only adds to

People with naturally dark brown or black skin have a

skin distress, so do thick lotions and oils, such as pe-

lower risk of skin cancer, but people with darker skin can

troleum jelly, which prevent moisture evaporation and

still burn and develop skin cancers, especially on non-

therefore block pores, resulting in heat rash.

pigmented parts of the body like the soles of the feet.

•

Beware of the glare, particularly at the seaside, where you are unlikely to find natural shade. Do not rely on

Caring for your skin

a beach umbrella alone since it cannot protect the

Tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa on

very young or elderly from the reflected glare of sun

how to care for your skin include:

on sand. Instead, pitch a small beach tent, which will

•

provide adequate shelter.

Don't wait for a healthy red glow to appear before reaching for your hat or sunblock. In fact, most sun-

•

UV rays pass through glass. A person sitting near a

burns do not reach their peak colour until six to 24

window (unless tinted for sun screening) is also sus-

hours after sun exposure.

ceptible to the damaging rays of the sun.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

Sizwe Simplicity Print Advert_RR_04092015_297mm

CMY

x 430mm.pdf

2015/09/04

3:38 PM

TRAVEL

Writer: Dale Barrow

Exploring Cederberg rocks. The most famous of the rock features include the Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks. These sandstone structures – brutally and carefully sculpted by wind, rain and snow – are mesmerising in their magnitude and shape. The rocks in the region also display a burnt orange iron oxide staining, which set against the complimentary blue sky creates an ambiance of happiness, stability and excitement. This, along with the vast expanse, instils a sense of perspective.

Hiking and climbing The scenery and mountains draw mountain climbers and

hikers from all around the world, and there are a multihe Cederberg is one of South Africa’s great mountain regions

tude of walks and hikes available. These vary in length,

and located just three hours from Cape Town, it offers the

difficulty and duration, and maps and permits are avail-

perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

able at the various camp sites and lodges throughout the

The Cederberg wilderness area covers about 70 000 hectares of

rugged mountainous terrain, and offers a host of activities, sights and experiences. People are drawn from near and far, and I set out to uncover the reason why.

The scenery

area. The Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch are surely the most popular and make for a perfect day trip. After getting your map and permit from the Sanddrif Reception, which is at Dwarsrivier Farm, a steep ascent leads out of the Sanddrif campsite which takes you to the Wolfberg Cracks. The cracks are a wonder to behold

We are not all geologists but it is hard not be left breathless by the

and cut through the massive sandstone cliff face, leading

wonder of the rugged landscape with its cliffs, ravines and jagged

hikes up to the plateau. A scramble and climb option is

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

available for those looking for a slightly more challenging and

Arch and Varkkloof. The routes and sites are well-documented,

adventurous experience, while the main route (Adderley Street

and sign boards at the various caves and paintings allow one

as it is known) is suitable for most with minimal scrambling.

a glimpse of how life was lived a few centuries back.

Once through the cracks you are greeted by a lunar landscape, low-lying vegetation with sandstone boulders dotted

Flora and fauna

around. From here the trail is fairly level, with signs and cairns

Nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy the Cederberg. While it is

pointing the way to the arch, a perfect spot for lunch.

not the Kruger National Park when it comes to the abundance

The Cederberg is also one of the best places in the world for

of game, it is rich with the typical Cape wild life. You are likely

rock climbing. As a novice to the sport, I was not aware of the

to see baboons, dassies and the smaller antelope (grey rhebok,

different forms (traditional climbing, where you pioneer your

klipspringers, duiker and grysbok). Also resident in the area,

route using your own fastening gear; sport climbing, where

although far more shy, are the porcupine, honey badger, Cape

you follow a route with anchors permanently secured in the

clawless otter, aardvark and leopard. The region is also a world

rock; and bouldering, where you climb small climbs without

heritage site, rich in the fynbos of the Cape floral kingdom,

ropes or protection).

boasting the endemic snow protea and the rare Clanwilliam

Cederberg is considered to be one of the top 10 places in

cedars after which the region is named.

the world for bouldering, drawing professionals from across

After a day of activity, there is nothing better than sitting

the globe who base themselves here while they train. I was

around a fire and watching the sunset with an ice-cold re-

definitely not going climb without a rope, and fortunately

freshment. The Cederberg sunset is particularly striking, as the

Cederberg has a host of routes mapped out for sport climbing.

golden light fades on the orange stained mountains and rocks.

The routes, details and permits are readily available â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and

The sound of the river, the birds, maybe even a call from a

we picked up our permits at Kromrivier before heading to

wakening nocturnal animal, implants a sense of peace and

the climbing routes at Truitjieskraal. This was my first climbing

relaxation that is just not attainable in our concrete jungles.

experience and I was completely blown away. The combina-

And as the light fades to darkness, the starry sky puts on a

tion of adrenaline and endorphins, coupled with the serenity

display that is captivating. Located only about 150 km west

and beauty of the setting made it an invigorating experience.

of the Southern African Large Telescope, the Cederberg is an

Rock art

excellent setting for stargazing.

For the less adventurous, the heritage of the Cederberg is un-

Accommodation

mistakable and makes for an interesting outing. The range is

The vast expanse of the Cederberg range means that there are

full of caves which, if searched hard enough, reveal evidence

a variety of accommodation options to match your preference

of their early inhabitants. Rock art paintings are prevalent and

and budget. Whether you choose a luxury lodge or a riverside

paintings are on display at Stadsaal, Truitjieskraal, Southern

campsite, the fresh air and exercise means you are bound to

The clear blue sky of the Cederberg is complimented by the orange stained sandstone cliffs. Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ December 2016 / January 2017

Credit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dale Barrow

TRAVEL

sleep well. Here are four great accommodation options: Sanddrif Holiday Resort is probably one of the most popular and wellknown places in the Cederberg. The resort is situated on the farm Dwarsrivier, which is home to Cederberg Private Cellar. The farm is in the heart of the Cederberg, and located at the base of the Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch. Accommodation at Sanddrif includes both self-catering

are built into the sandstone rocks. They also

cottages and campsites (equipped with electricity points). The setting

offer thatched hut suites which are reminiscent

is perfectly established to accommodate climbers and hikers, catering

of the traditional huts of many years ago. And

for singles, families and friends.

then for my favourite – their beautiful open air

Gecko Creek is a great self-catering accommodation camp located on a 517 hectare private nature reserve north of Citrusdal. The reserve is

the starry host overhead.

stunning with mountain vistas and typical Cederberg flora and fauna. The

The reserve has a lot on offer, along with 4x4

accommodation offers double cabins and tents which overlook the valley.

tours, stargazing tours, rock art tours, a quad

Mount Ceder is a stunning resort situated in the southern portion of

bike safari, as well as a tranquil sundowner

the Cederberg. It is nested in the mountains, with private self-catering

tour. For those wanting to get active, there are

cottages located along the river.

mountain biking routes, rock climbing, walks

The panoramic views are stunning, and there are numerous activities

and hikes.

on offer. There are horses, mountain bike trails, a bubbling river, hikes and

With the lodge restaurant serving breakfast,

walks and rock art on show. The self-catering units are equipped with

lunch and dinner, the outdoor boma offers din-

all the amenities you may need. The main restaurant offers a wholesome

ner under the night sky.

three-course meal and local wine is on offer as well. The roads to Mount Ceder are good, making it a perfect weekend getaway.

rooms which allow you to fall asleep with just

All in all, there are a variety of options available for your stay. From basic camping to luxury cha-

Another option is the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve. It is located in

lets, the Cederberg is most definitely a holiday

the untouched wilderness near Ceres and is characterised by the typical

experience for everyone. And no matter where

Cederberg rock formations and breathtaking views. A signature accom-

you end up sleeping, you will be encompassed

modation option of Kagga Kamma is their unique “cave” suites, which

by the majestic Cederberg Mountains.

Public Sector Manager • December 2016 / January 2017

101593

Bloemfontein

Durban

East London

Lusaka

Johannesburg

Hoedspruit

George

Harare

Kimberley

Lubumbashi

Maputo

Port Elizabeth

Windhoek

Walvis Bay

Gaborone

Richards Bay

Cape Town

17 Destinations all over Southern Africa, non-stop. You could choose other ways of getting to your holiday spot but flying with us is easy and non-stop. Flying with us is also convenient, because we fly to major destinations and smaller cities all over Southern Africa and the DRC, every day. Taking a break? Then make the most of your time off. Because we fly for you.

SA Express is a proud member of the SAA Voyager programme. Visit www.flyexpress.aero for domestic flights to Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Hoedspruit, George, Johannesburg, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and regional flights to Lubumbashi, Gaborone, Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Maputo, Lusaka and Harare.

It’s all in the details... Woodford Car Hire provides a superior range of vehicles to clients with a taste for distinction and class. We believe that anyone can provide the vehicle, but there aren’t many who can provide the premium service and tailored packages that goes with it... At least, not the way that Woodford Car Hire can.

Speak to Woodford Car Hire today for a premium experience. 031 207 8669 | woodford@woodford.co.za | www.woodford.co.za

South Africa’s largest independent car hire company.

Join the journey with Woodford Car Hire’s new rewards programme, Woodford Advance.