PSM Feb 2015 Edition by Topco Media

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

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MAKING

FEBRUARY 2015

COMMUNITY BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

HAPPEN

High standards Minister Angie Motshekga is raising the bar

Young aspirations Deputy Minister Buti Manamela on setting up SA’s youth for success

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Public Sector Manager the MagaZine for PUBLiC seCtor DeCision-MaKers Publishers: Department of Communications Information Enquiry Service: +27 (0)12 473 0269 Switchboard: +27 (0) 12 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.doc.gov.za Head of Editorial and Production

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Contents February 2015

Regulars 10

Conversations with leaders Deputy Minister Buti Manamela puts the spotlight on youth matters

Profiles in leadership SITA CEO Freeman Nomvalo has big plans to turnaround the state-owned company

Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips

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

Women in the Public Sector Protecting the victims of sexual abuse is a top priority for award-winning Warrant Officer Rene Nel

Trailblazer SKA engineer Shagita Gounden is contributing to society through computer engineering

Aerial view The Public Service Commission’s Phumelele Nzimande on building a capable, developmental, skilled and professional Public Service

Management and professional development Sharing ideas on boosting productivity in the Public Service

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

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 (0)82 739 3932 nardine.nelson@topco.co.za Traﬃc Manager: Candice Land candice.land@topco.co.za Advertising Tel +27 (0)86 000 9590 Subscriptions and Distribution Aziza Banderker aziza.banderker@topco.co.za

------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Phumla Williams Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Nebo Legoabe Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Harold Maloka Chief Financial Oﬃcer Zwelinjani Momeka ----------------------------------------------© Copyright: Department of Communications Printed by Paarl Media

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

The time is now!

People used to talk about the weather but that has been replaced by load shedding, and this is no joke. It is for this reason that Xuma Infrastructure took to source an alternative and effective energy solution to combat this national crisis.

This was a daunting task because of imperatives that could not

needs of each client from a 10mwh plant to 1000mwh plant; the

be compromised, such as setting-up time, effective supply chain,

output depends on the feedstock, which is not an issue in this

environmental considerations, and skills acquisition. The technol-

country. The set-up time is an impressive eight to 12 months and

ogy that met our requirements was only available overseas. We

the benefits are endless. This is a power plant that uses literally

therefore engaged with international partners who have been

anything to produce power, from municipal solid waste (MSW) to

actively involved in this field for a number of years.

sewage, wood, hemp, water algae, or medical waste â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the possibilities are endless.

The technology uses your everyday municipal solid waste and puts it through a gasification process that allows us to separate

This is one of the few technologies that is able to deliver on its

the gases the way we want them. In all this, there is no pollution.

core function and support communities, without any damage to the environment. The spin-offs include job creation, enterprise

The process serves two purposes and we are able to deal with

development, bi-products, and skills transfer.

two major issues that our country is facing: Electricity and fuel. Clean environment, clean energy. The choice of what fuel is produced at the end of the process is totally up to the client. Our plants are highly scalable to meet the For more information on how we could bring this ground breaking technology to your municipality, please contact on:

Telephone: +27 (0)861 711 117

Physical Address: No 11, Craddock Street,

Email: info@xuma.co.za

Postal Address: PO Box 1153 Jukskei, 2153

Fax: +27 (0)11 477 3968

Website: ponatshego@xig.co.za

7th Floor The Mall offices, Rosebank

International relations SA, China cement relations 15 years on

Provincial focus Gauteng Department of Education leads the pack with the best performing matriculants

Financial fitness Tips on how to achieve financial freedom

Public Sector appointments We take a look at who is new on Persal

Book reviews Empowering reads for your reading pleasure

Features 46

Basic Education raises the bar Minister Angie Motshekga reflects on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement and 2014 matric results

Tracking the progress of the 2014 State of the Nation Address An account of what government committed to in the SoNA 2014 and progress made so far

Departments and entities with clean audits on the rise An encouraging number of national and provincial departments are getting their houses in order

Broadening access to water, sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane is at the forefront of addressing water and sanitation challenges

Development Finance Institutions boost economic development A look at DFIs’ role in growing the economy and improving the lives of South Africans

Government rolling up sleeves to fight corruption Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe on measures to tackle corruption

New Act to transform legal profession South Africans can now enjoy legal services from a transformed legal profession

Minister Muthambi: The force behind digital migration Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is spearheading efforts to ensure digital migration gains momentum

Parole: An opportunity to start afresh How parole gives offenders a chance to mend their ways

2015 State of the Nation Address expectations Public servants share their expectations of the upcoming State of the Nation Address

Winds of change sweep across the country Minister Gugile Nkwinti on transforming South Africa’s rural areas

Lifestyle 94

Travel Holiday destinations to spark the romance this Valentine’s Day

Grooming and style How to dress to impress

100 Car reviews Powerful, environmentally friendly rides 104 Nice-to-haves Love is in the air

94 Public Sector Manager • February 2015

N K W A L I M C O N S U LT I N G Established in 2004 as a Close Corporation, Nkwali M Consulting is a 100 percent South African black female-owned company. The company has 10 years’ experience of HR Solution and Advertising support to clients. MISSION • We strive to offer our clients high-level human capital consultancy services which enable them to achieve strategic objectives. VISION • To be a cutting-edge professional human resources consulting firm offering end-to-end solutions for our clients. HR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Core Human Resource services • HR strategy formulation and implementation • Change management • HR policy and procedure audit and review • HR capacity building • HR structure design • Employee benefits

RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYEE RESOURCING • Executive search • Recruitment at all levels • Response handling • Interim or temporary placements • Recruitment fast-tracking projects LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICES • Review and design of Labour Relations policies

• • • • • •

dvice and capacity building of HR and line managers on LR Matters A CCM representations Chairing of disciplinary hearings Review of employment contracts Collective engagement strategy design Strike management

WHAT SETS NKWALI M APART? We differentiate ourselves through our high-calibre professionals who are at the cutting-edge of their respective technical fields of expertise.

CONTACT DETAILS:

“Cutting-edge professional human resources consulting firm”

CEO: Mandisa Makolomakwe

Contact: +27 11 797 2060

Email: info@nkwalim.co.za

Website: www.nkwalim.co.za

Company Details Managing Director: Bulelwa Maki Telephone: 011 026 5207

Email: info@executelab.co.za Website: www.executelab.co.za

Software quality assurance and testing ExecuteLab’s software quality assurance and testing services bring people, process, and technology together and optimise the efficicacy of all three, delivering increased benefits for our clients.

SERVICES Hardware: • Servers • Network storage devices • Networks and all network components • Personal computers and laptops • Printers • Scanners • Folding and sealing equipment Software: • Operating systems • Office applications • Antivirus software • Backup software

EXECUTELAB CLOUD CloudWare benefits: • Optimal electricity savings • Minimise IT support costs • Reduce bandwidth costs • Improve security and backup • Minimal management effort • On-site and web access Desktop and application delivery with ExecuteLab ExecuteLab Cloud substantially reduces IT support costs at userlevel, and minimises software management costs at all levels. All upgrades, patches, security, and storage will take place at one location, and thus will be more efficient, cost-effective and secure. ICT hardware support We facilitate the design, sourcing, specification, and delivery of networks including, radio networks, cable networks, and other connectivity methods.

Message from the Minister

et me take this opportunity to welcome you all to 2015 and

Years of Freedom. The changes we have made in the

wish you all the prosperity. Our government once again renews

first two decades of freedom are immense. We have

its commitment to work with the people of South Africa to

transformed an undemocratic, unrepresentative, op-

tackle poverty, inequality and unemployment. I therefore also call

pressive state serving a minority, into a unitary, non-

on you, public servants, to put an extra effort to make South Africa

racial democratic state, answerable to and representa-

a better place and build on the achievements of the past 20 years

tive of all South Africans.

of democracy.

Some of the achievements that we are most proud of

It is often said that the legacy of any government administration

were highlighted by President Zuma in his last Christ-

is only truly measurable by the passage of time. This belief holds

mas message. He made reference to the expanded ac-

water since the fruits of most government projects are only felt in

cess to basic social services, which have been a hallmark

years to come due to their complex and demanding nature.

of our drive for change.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. There are instances

President Zuma noted that our country is on track to

where the work of administrations begins to bring meaningful

achieve most of the United Nations Millennium Devel-

change to the lives of ordinary people from day one.

opment Goals by the 2015 deadline.

Since April 2014, the government of President Jacob Zuma has

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have made good progress with the eradication of

been hard at work to turn plans to move South Africa forward into

extreme poverty, the achievement of universal primary

action. The next four years leading up to 2019 will be characterised

education, attaining gender equality and the empower-

by an intense focus on delivery and achieving targets.

ment of women. We are reducing maternal and child

In late December 2014 President Zuma signed performance agreements with all Ministers, which will guide departments and entities reporting to the departments on targets until 2019. Simply put, we dare not rest on the achievements of the past 20

mortality and continue to mobilise global partnerships for development,â&#x20AC;? said the President. Another success has been our fight against HIV and AIDS. To date, 2,7 million South Africans are on antiretroviral treatment, which has improved life expectancy, and 20 million people have been tested since the launch of the HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign in 2010. This administration is determined to build on these efforts and we are convinced that the National Development Plan (NDP) will be at the heart of our drive to move South Africa forward. The NDP is beginning to take shape and has been mainstreamed into government's programme of action for the next five years. In a few short months Phase 1 of Operation Phakisa, which aims to unlock the ocean economy, has delivered on its promise and is spearheading our drive to tap into our vast natural and human resources. Following on its heels is Phase 2 of Operation Phakisa, which will ultimately improve the functioning of clinics, thereby reducing the health care burden on our nation. What makes both projects all the more remarkable is the unparalleled cooperation between government, business, labour, academia and civil society. The success of these projects is a clear signal that South Africans from various sectors of society are determined to make our nation work. To ensure our youth are able to learn in a conducive

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

President Jacob Zuma at the release of Ocean Economy Delivery Plans during the Operation Phakisa open day in Durban.

environment and become the leaders of tomorrow, we have

lished in May 2014. In 2014, the number of bucket toilets

to deliver much-needed infrastructure. In the early days of this

eradicated in the five most affected provinces stood at

fifth administration, 45 schools were completed. Eighty-one

6 021 in Free State, 777 in Limpopo, 1 675 in Eastern Cape, 379

schools were provided with sanitation, 58 with electrification

in North West and 2 694 in Northern Cape.

and 88 with water. Work continues on the three new universities that we are establishing in Gauteng, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga and 16

However, the task is far from complete as the bucket sanitation backlog in formal areas is estimated at 88 127 and 185 000 in informal areas.

sites have been identified for the construction of 12 new Techni-

In October 2014 the lives of people living in 55 villages in Gi-

cal and Vocational Education and Training College campuses.

yani, in Limpopo, were drastically changed with the provision

Government is aware that a stable supply of electricity is vital

of water. Life-giving water will also soon be made available to

if we are to move South Africa forward. We are therefore working around the clock to bring the Medupi and Kusile power stations onto the grid to promote energy

16 200 households in the Umkhanyakude District in KwaZuluNatal. For the first time in 30 years, they will get water from the Jozini Dam, which was built in 1973 for agricultural use.

security. Our vision has always been for sustainable energy;

Since 1994 government has sought to provide dignity to our

therefore we are also licensing independent power produc-

citizens through the provision of housing. In this period the

ers, while exploring various energy options including coal, gas,

lives of millions of people have been transformed, affording

nuclear, solar and renewable energy options.

them the dignity of a house and a place to call home. Over the

On the other side of the energy coin, government can point

next two years government has set aside R2.4 billion to assist

to a highly successful electrification programme, which has

in the delivery of over 200 000 houses for mining employees.

steadily eradicated apartheid backlogs. To date we have con-

These are however, just some of the priorities for government

nected more than 11 million households, double the number

over the next few months and years. This administration has

of households with access to electricity in 1994. From April to

achieved a lot in a short space of time but we must continue

October 2014, 131 089 electricity connections were concluded.

the journey towards a South Africa in which there will be im-

It is often easy to forget the devastating damage of our past

proved quality of life for all.

and to overlook the progress made in just 20 years. In the years

Our ultimate vision is to have a South Africa without poverty,

ahead government will expand and upgrade water infrastruc-

inequality and unemployment. We therefore call on all South

ture, which had been designed to serve just a few before the

Africans to join us on the journey to make our great nation

dawn of freedom.

even better and more equitable for all.

Our efforts in this regard have been bolstered by a standalone Department of Water and Sanitation that was estab-

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redouble our efforts together to move South Africa forward.

Message froM the aCting DireCtor-generaL

s the country’s 1,3 million public servants settle down for the year ahead, I hope we do so with renewed energy as the implementation of the Na-

tional Development Plan (NDP) shifts into fifth gear. The NDP is government’s bold policy aimed at addressing the challenges facing our economy with the goal of improving the lives of our people. We are writing a new story for South Africa. Minister in the Presidency for Performance, Planning,

A diverse, socially cohesive society with a common national identity. As all departments tabled their Budget Votes in Par-

liament recently, Ministers ensured that the annual performance plans were aligned to government’s key priorities and the NDP. Cabinet has decided that the MTSF will be used to monitor the implementation of the NDP. These are very exciting times in government.

Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe released the Me-

And to ensure that government’s mandate is imple-

dium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) documents to the

mented effectively, in line with the NDP, a common

public, outlining the battle plan through which the main

understanding needs to be communicated across all

outcomes should be realised. The MTSF is our five point-plan that serves as a guide to all departments to plan their work and a basis through which resources are allocated to their departments. The plan will set the country on a path to grow the economy by a rate of five per cent over the next five years. The MTSF is anchored by 14 priority outcomes in focus areas that have been identified by the NDP. These include quality basic education, a long and healthy life for all South Africans, the promotion of safer communities, creating decent employment through inclusive growth, forging a skilled and capable workforce to support an inclusive growth path and investing in an efficient, competitive and responsive economic infrastructure network, among others. This also includes: -

Vibrant, equitable, sustainable rural communities contributing towards food security for all.

Sustainable human settlements and improved quality of household life.

A responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local government.

Protecting and enhancing our environmental assets and natural resources.

Creating a better South Africa and contributing to a better Africa and a better world.

An efficient, effective and development-oriented Public Service.

A comprehensive, responsive and sustainable social protection system.

Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

government departments, entities and institutions to ensure that everybody understands the state’s mandate.

ing our people is equally important. A range of actions has been introduced through the MTSF to improve municipal management. This

The MTSF thus forms a basis for the President to have

includes the provision of basic water, sanitation, re-

Ministers sign performance agreements in line with

fuse removal and road services as well as fixing billing

their respective departments.

problems, traffic lights and potholes.

Accordingly, Ministers were tasked with the responsi-

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

bility of ensuring that all actions and targets reflect in

Minister Pravin Gordhan has already set in motion the

the performance agreements of all Directors-General

“Back to Basics” approach, which is aligned to the MTSF

and are filtered into the agreements of managers.

and the NDP, to address these delivery challenges.

This process has already taken place and we can say

Finally, the President will announce the state of the

that government departments are already implement-

country’s affairs at the National Assembly on 12 Febru-

ing the NDP.

ary during his State of the Nation Address.

The implementation will take place over five years.

While we await the President’s speech with bated

The NDP is, in a nutshell, a plan that seeks to elimi-

breath, it is important to mention that some of the

nate poverty and reduce inequality to improve the

interventions that he announced last year, like Opera-

lives of all South Africans by 2030.

tion Phakisa, have been rolled out and communicated

For this to happen, we need to stimulate the economy so that we can create the desirable number of jobs. Through the MTSF, government aims to increase the

to members of the public. These are interventions that were designed to ensure that basic and essential services are fast-tracked.

investment rate to 25 per cent of the Gross Domestic

We are a nation at work. While the NDP received

Product (GDP), as well as increase Public Sector invest-

criticism from young and old after its initial launch,

ment to 10 per cent of the GDP.

we have since seen the majority of people embracing

The MTSF also aims to add 10 000 megawatts of electricity, while increasing employment and reducing unemployment to 14 per cent. While growing the economy remains an important task which all of us, the Public Sector, business, labour and civil society must work together to achieve, serv-

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

the plan as theirs. Our role as the Department of Communications will be to ensure that all government departments across all spheres understand the mandate and that we all speak with one voice. Here is to a great year of implementation ahead.

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Deputy Minister Manamela:

A champion of SA’s youth

or most of his career in politics, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Buti Manamela, has fought challenges facing the youth, like

unemployment, drug abuse and HIV and Aids. In a country where young people are increasingly vulnerable to these social ills, the Deputy Minister has consistently remained at the forefront of the fight to improve the lives of all South Africans, especially the youth. Having started his journey as a student leader in the Congress of South African Students in 1993, the Deputy Minister’s profile continued to grow throughout the years. He held several youth activist roles that led to his appointment as the inaugural national secretary of the Young Communist League (YCL) – the SA Communist Party’s youth wing – in 2003. He was appointed Member of Parliament (MP) in 2009 and wore the lawmaker’s cap for five years until he received a call from President Jacob Zuma in May 2014, asking him to take up his post as new Deputy Minister in the Presidency. Given his traceable track record on youth matters, his appointment came as no surprise given that five years ago, when South Africa – like the rest of the world – was still recovering from the 2008 global financial meltdown, the Deputy Minister sat in one of the Parliamentary committee rooms with other MPs drafting the early stages of the Youth Employment Accord. In an interview with PSM, Deputy Minister Manamela said the road to becoming a Deputy Minister had prepared him for his current role of driving youth development issues. This includes his participation in the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Buti Manamela.

“For me, it is quite instrumental that I have participated fully in the development of the accord and I am now in a position

by government, business, labour, and community and

to be able to take forward what is in it.

youth organisations at the Hector Pieterson Memorial

“The NDP does not exist in a hollow. It is a policy intervention that should be taken together with the New Growth Path

The social pact is a commitment to prioritise youth

and the Industrial Policy Action Plan policies, which I actively

employment and skills development as part of a series

contributed to in their determination.”

of pacts intended to contribute to the New Growth

The Youth Employment Accord is a social pact that was signed

in Soweto in April 2013.

Path goal of five million jobs by 2020.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

The accord has helped place tens of thousands of young South Africans in internships and created jobs

that have the responsibility and resources to implement. …We want to move away from that,” he said.

at all spheres of government, as well as state entities.

In its last meeting of 2014, Cabinet approved that the Draft

The Deputy Minister said while there had been

Youth Policy 2014 – 2019 be made available for public comment

progress in putting a dent in youth unemployment since the pact was signed, more needed to be done,

to solicit input on what the youth policy should prioritise. In its current form, the National Youth Policy outlines several interventions to advance youth development. These include eco-

particularly by the private sector. “The interventions contained in the Youth Employ-

nomic participation, education and skills development, health and

ment Accord… also laid the basis in which South

well-being, civic participation and social cohesion, the National

Africa was able to respond to worsening unemploy-

Youth Service and youth work.

ment rates in the aftermath of the global economic

At the centre of the NYDA’s mandate is its task to lobby and advo-

meltdown. We also need to remember that the in-

cate for the integration and mainstreaming of youth development

terventions have not only been about one solution.

in all spheres of government, the private sector and civil society.

“Yes, we need to get young people employed but we also need to get young people in educational and skills institutions. We need to get young people into entrepreneurship. We need to get young people into internships,” he stressed.

National Youth Policy under the microscope The Deputy Minister explained that to track the progress made in youth development since the National

Its role is also to initiate, implement, facilitate and coordinate

"The NDP does not exist in a hollow. It is a policy intervention that should be taken together with the New Growth Path and the Industrial Policy Action Plan policies, which I actively contributed to in their determination..."

youth development programmes, as well as monitor such progress. “We are reviewing the mandate of the NYDA. We will most probably review the way in which it is structured through the act and what we want to do is finalise the National Youth Policy. We have until March. “Once we have finalised those, we can then say what type of structures we need, over and above what government does,” he said.

Youth Development Agency (NYDA) was established

The Deputy Minister has instructed the NYDA board to align

in 2009, the National Youth Policy is being reviewed.

their turnaround strategy with the National Youth Policy and In-

This, he said, would help shape the youth agenda,

tegrated Youth Development Strategy so that it structures itself

reposition the NYDA and renew its mandate for it to

in a manner that meets the expectations and declarations of the

effectively tackle youth issues.

National Youth Policy.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the

He said that the policy rests on four pillars – youth employment,

youth – aged between 15 and 35 – constitute more

entrepreneurship, education and skills, and social mobilisation.

than 40 per cent of the population and 36 per cent

These will take youth development forward, working together

of them are unemployed.

with all government departments and state-owned entities.

When the NYDA was established, a misleading per-

“I have been a student and youth activist for the better part of

ception was created that the agency would be a solu-

my life and I believe I would at all times remain a youth activ-

tion to all challenges that faced young people, Deputy

ist mainly because our society, the world, and South Africa is a

Minister Manamela noted.

young society...

This led to the agency being left with a heavy burden due to many expectations from young people.

“The Secretary-General of the United Nations [Ban Ki-Moon] inspires all of us to take action and prioritise youth issues and the

“We put a burden on the NYDA [by believing] that

youth. Irrespective of anything else I do, I believe that we have

whatever problems young people have, the NYDA is

to dedicate our passion towards youth development issues,” the

the solution, even though there are line departments

Deputy Minister added.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

A challenging appointment The Deputy Minster said his appointment was a challenge as he had to come in when the National Planning Commission and the Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation departments were being merged into one department. The Deputy Minister said his vision was to lead with regards to the implementation of the NDP and the Medium Term Strategic Framework. “Part of the responsibility of planning, monitoring and evaluation includes that all government departments implement the NDP in their plans … “More importantly, it is ensuring that, especially at local government level, we are able to make sure that we have effective governance that meets the aspira-

Keeping public servants on their toes

tions of our people.”

Deputy Minister Manamela is equally passionate about his role in monitoring the performance of front office staff at key service

Keeping up with Twitter

delivery departments.

The Deputy Minister, who is very active on Twitter un-

He said spot visits – announced or unannounced - as with youth

der his handle @butimanamela, said while in the past

development, is an area that is close to his heart and a priority for

he used his account for personal reflections, he has

his department.

now found himself retweeting and replying to queries

“In that way, firstly, we get service to service delivery points to make sure that they deliver at all times,” he said. The visits vary from him visiting police stations, hospitals, clinics, schools, Home Affairs offices and even provincial NYDA offices.

from young people. He said this was an important platform, which government leaders should embrace and where they should increase their presence.

“I think the idea that at any given point either the President,

“It is a social space where unedited, young people

Deputy President, Minister or Deputy Minister would make an

get to say what they think. There is constructive criti-

unannounced visit keeps most public servants on their toes and

cism, there are issues that young people raise. I think

ensures that they get government to work.”

for the past six months, they have been tweeting

The Deputy Minister also oversees the performance of the Presidential Hotline and the Presidential Siyahlola visits. Following up on all concerns and complaints raised by members of the public is a great service to South Africans, he added. These initiatives also serve as a crucial platform for members of the public to interact with their leaders, and raise their concerns and aspirations directly. Service delivery has become one of government’s priorities, the Deputy Minister said.

about issues mainly about the NYDA. “Young people complaining about services [they are or are not receiving], and I have been forwarding them to the NYDA and they have been able to respond on the issues raised. So I have generally been getting constructive feedback.” Whether it is through Twitter or policies, Deputy Minister Manamela is certainly in touch with the youth of South Africa.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

ProfiLes in LeaDershiP

Freeman Nomvalo is getting

SITA’s house in order

e recently took over the reins at the State Information

And he vows that not even the persistent negative

with his plans to turn the state-owned company into

media reports on SITA will stop him from realising that

an information technology giant that can serve the needs of a modern Public Service. Chris Bathembu finds out more about Freeman Nomvalo’s plans. Perhaps living up to his name, Freeman Nomvalo comes across as a free-spirited individual as he talks about his role as the Chief Executive of SITA, a company that oversees the entire IT system of government.

goal. But Nomvalo speaks freely about the problems that have plagued the organisation, which has an annual budget of over R4 billion. These include alleged cases of maladministration and the reported exodus of clients unhappy with the level of service provided by SITA. “I took over an organisation that was hurting. We have been able to identify areas where we thought we had

With a first name like Freeman, it was not surprising to discover

challenges. Where people were suspected of wrongdo-

that several puns are doing the rounds in the corridors of the

ing action was taken against them. In the event that

SITA head office in Erasmuskloof, in Pretoria East.

we think somebody has acted inappropriately, we have

“He’s a real free man that one. You can chat to him any time. That is the kind of person he is - original,” said one staff member.

suspended and disciplined people with a few having been fired,” says Nomvalo.

Nomvalo’s determination to turn things around at SITA is evi-

“We also have, in the event that we were suspicious

dent from his hands-on style of management, which sees him

that there were criminal activities, reported those to the

visiting the agency’s clients on an ongoing basis to gauge their

police and those matters are being investigated. But it

level of satisfaction with the service they receive.

doesn’t end there - those are reactive processes. To deal

According to the company’s website, SITA was established in 1999 to consolidate and coordinate the state’s information tech-

with issues of maladministration, fraud and corruption, you need to build systems that are resilient.

nology resources in order to achieve cost savings through scale,

“We have been working on improving our systems, re-

to increase delivery capabilities and enhance interoperability.

designing the organisation and we have employed new

However, problems have emerged at the agency in the past.

executives. A number of executives who have joined

But Nomvalo, who became SITA’s 17th CEO, believes he can

the company have added impetus to the work that we

turn it into the best organisation it can be – much better than

do and we are confident that our delivery is improving.”

it has been over the past 15 years.

He maintains that his years of experience in finance

He’s confident that his previous position as the Accountant-

and accounting will help him steer SITA out of the

General at Treasury and the turnaround strategy he is leading at

muddy waters in which the organisation has found

SITA will transform the organisation for the better. He cautions

itself in recent years.

though that it could take years for things to get back to normal.

“I was an Accountant-General for nine years and I

“British Airways, which had a similar challenge took at least

worked in Treasury for 13 years. I worked in the private

four years to resolve,” he points out.

hopes will lead to improved customer service.

Technology Agency (SITA) and is going full steam ahead

sector for quite a while, where I played different roles at

His immediate mission to transform SITA includes improv-

PPC Transport (now Barlow Logistics) including work-

ing staff morale, fixing procurement systems, and addressing

ing in business development, credit control and later

infrastructure matters including security issues – all of which he

branch administration manager.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

“All that experience has given me the knowledge of

of belonging now. There were customers who were on the brink of

how business works. Throughout those years, I learned

leaving this organisation but we have spoken to them. As a result

and read about leadership and how organisations func-

we have increased our revenue in the past year, which means that

tion.”

customers are beginning to trust us again.”

It is this wealth of experience that makes Nomvalo think he is the best fit for SITA. He admits that the problems at SITA have harmed government service delivery and says a lack of stra-

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Government, which was for many years one of the largest SITA clients with all its departments using the agency, did not enter into a contract with SITA since 2011.

tegic direction was part of the leading cause for the

And so the KZN Government was one of the clients that Nomvalo

breakdown of trust in the agency, particularly by private

pursued and he eventually got them on board. Recently, the KZN

sector IT companies.

Cabinet approved a five-year contract with SITA.

“For the organisation to function you need to have a

Another client that he seems to have impressed is the Western

strategy but most importantly you need to have people

Cape Provincial Government where departments have been vocal

that are going to enable you to deliver on that strategy.

about their unhappiness with SITA.

My role is about ensuring that we galvanise all the re-

In February last year, Premier Helen Zille went as far as accusing

sources that we have in order to deliver on the mandate

the state company of being a hindrance to service delivery. But in

that this organisation was established to deliver on.” With just over a year at the helm, Nomvalo lists a few areas in which he thinks he has made progress in stabilising SITA. These include wooing back clients who had turned their backs on the company.

June, during her State of the Province Address, she commended SITA for its service. “Our relationship with the Government Information Technology Officers Council has also improved tremendously, which bodes well

“When I started here, employees were real-

for aggregating government ICT

ly disgruntled. People were afraid to express

needs and attaining the econo-

their views… we had clients who decided

mies of scale,” says Nomvalo.

that they were no longer going to work with us. We had clients that lost trust in us.

He is clearly a CEO with big plans and mentions the concept

“Over the past year, we have managed

of e-government throughout

to stabilise things, including the human

the interview. But how will he

resource side of our business. Our

go about making the public ser-

employees have got a sense

vice more IT savvy?

SITA CEO Freeman Nomvalo.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

“SITA will be an enabler of e-government. We think

ous overhaul of the entire IT infrastructure at SITA.

that is an area that we need to focus on but in order to

“We will need to rebuild our infrastructure and expand it. E-gov-

do that, you need to have the data in a secure environ-

ernment is going to bring with it huge demand on infrastructure.

ment and have the effective networks that connect to

So we need to upgrade SITA's infrastructure, expand it and make

that data.

it resilient and more modern.

“We will need to have good partnerships with the

“So the most critical area of our work relates to infrastructure

private sector to ensure that applications are developed

and making sure that our security is beyond reproach. If we can

to enable e-government services to be provided to

do all those things, we will create a space where there will be

those who need them.”

confidence from our customers that we can deliver and thereby

But for SITA to succeed and fully execute its role, the entire IT industry in South Africa will need to be transformed. “We do need to see big companies investing to de-

make the state more efficient,” he says. He has big plans and lots of passion for what he does but, as he has consistently indicated, only time and his track record will tell how it will all come together.

velop local intellectual property. We need to see better relationships between the bigger cooperation and smaller ones. We need to see women-owned companies taking their rightful place in the ICT industry,” says Nomvalo. He explains that the role of SITA is critical to service delivery and South Africa’s economic growth. In fact, if systems were to stop at SITA for long periods, the entire country could be thrown into chaos. Departments like Home Affairs and the South African Police Service use SITA to operate their computer systems. A crisis at SITA could easily affect millions of people who receive social grants. The government services customer line and the Presidential Hotline are solely operated by SITA. Despite his desire to speed up the full rollout of egovernment, Nomvalo is aware that this requires a seri-

How do you relax? I listen to music, I love music. I also read a lot of books and play golf whenever time allows. Your biggest fear in life My biggest fear in life is that I fail. Personally, I hate failures. When I get involved in something, it must work. Your favourite food? Healthy food and of course amasi nophuthu (sour milk and porridge). What was the first car you drove? Chevrolet 1982 model. Your role model? My father - he was a security guard, a wise man who did not allow his circumstances to determine the future of his family. The most forgiving and humble man I know. Favourite soccer team I’m an Orlando Pirates sympathiser.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Looking to simplify your IT procurement process? Organisations have switched to Mimecast’s unified email platform to: - Reduce the cost of multiple fragmented email point solutions - Radically reduce time in searching for archived emails - Decrease data storage costs - Ensure no email downtime “Mimecast is both a technology and a business solution. On the one hand, Mimecast deals with the technology challenges of email – archiving, continuity, security and policy control. On the other hand, Mimecast removes CAPEX costs, reduces OPEX costs and saves on resources.” Gauteng Department of Finance

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SECURITY

ARCHIVING

CONTINUITY

Compiler: Ursula Graaff

VITAL STATS

Fast facts at your fingertips

ith the 2015 academic year kicking off this

pus of the University of Limpopo and opened its doors

month, PSM takes a look at how the De-

to its first intake of just over 1 000 new students this

partment of Higher Education and Training

year.

is making education more accessible to South Africans.

•

All continuing students of the MEDUNSA campus will

Here are some facts and figure related to higher edu-

be registered as SMU students, with a total enrolment

cation.

of 5 000 students.

Funding

Upgrading universities

•

A new Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs)

This year, the two universities that opened in 2014 will

Development Grant of R410 million per annum has

expand as their infrastructure is upgraded.

•

been introduced from 2015/16 to assist in developing

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and Sol Plaatje

historically disadvantaged universities over a period

University (SPU) will get offices, laboratories, auditoria

of five years linked to approved business plans.

and information communication technology resource

The department has set aside R6,022 billion for the

centres, among others.

National Student Financial Aid Scheme in 2014/15.

•

At SPU the upgrades include the provision of 28 aca-

This figure comprises R3,914 billion for university

demic offices, six laboratories, five classrooms, a stu-

study loans and R2,108 billion for Technical and Vo-

dent admission centre, industrial kitchen and canteen.

cational Education and Training (TVET) college bur-

It also includes the conversion of a nine-storey block

saries.

of flats and a second two-storey building to accom-

The department's budget for 2015/16 amounts to

modate 180 students.

R6,299.6 billion and comprises R4,094.9 billion for

•

At UMP’s Mbombela campus upgrades include the

university study loans and R2,204.6 billion for TVET

provision of two large auditoria, expansion and re-

college bursaries.

configuration of a library, an Information Technology resource centre, computer laboratory and data centre.

Student Housing

It also includes the upgrading of existing student resi-

• The shortage of accommodation at universities has

dences and ablutions for 170 students.

been a major problem with the estimated bed shortage at 207 800 at the end of 2013. • For the 2012/13 to 2014/15 financial years the department allocated R1,6 billion for universities to build and refurbish student residences. The bulk of this amount (R1,4 billion) has been set aside for HDIs. • This amount, together with the R700 000 contribution from universities, will fund approximately 9 000 new beds for the system.

New university Last month, the University of Limpopo was demerged, giving birth to the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). •

The SMU will incorporate the former MEDUNSA cam-

National Skills Fund • The National Skills Fund (NSF) has disbursed R3.5 billion towards skills development during the past financial year, benefiting over 77 000 learners and contributing towards key skills infrastructure development. • The NSF funded bursaries for 29 136 undergraduate and 1 026 postgraduate university students, mainly in areas of scarce and critical skills, amounting to R1,776 billion. • The NSF funded 25 850 learners in the TVET college sector to gain technical and vocational skills, amounting to R1,702 billion. • The NSF will continue investing in skills development aiming to benefit over 70 000 learners in 2015.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Compiler: Maselaelo Seshotli

UPCoMing eVents

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS by President Jacob Zuma

State of the Nation Address 2015 12 February President Jacob Zuma will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in Parliament, in Cape Town, on Thursday, 12 February at 7pm. Every year the President delivers the SoNA to outline government’s plans for the coming year and to acknowledge role players who contributed to the achievement of plans outlined in the previous year. This year's SoNA is the second of the fifth administration with the first

English

taking place in June 2014 when the country celebrated 20 Years of Freedom.

of President Zuma’s responsibilities is to ensure that government implements the priorities through a Programme itOne live on television,

Catch of Action with strong outcomes and measurable outputs in order to improve the lives of people. radio and social media.

As usual, activities outside of Parliament before the SoNA will include different cultural groups entertaining spectators

through song and dance.

Thursday, 12 February 2015, from 19:00 Follow us on

#SONA2015 and participate in discussions on

@GovernmentZA

Together we move South Africa forward 20

2nd Local Government Tourism Conference 30 – 31 March 2015 The Department of Tourism will host the 2nd Local Government Tourism Conference under the theme, “Tourism: A Catalyst for Local Economic Growth, Job Creation and Transformation” from 30 – 31 March 2015.

Power & Electricity World Africa 2015 conference 24 - 25 March 2015 The 18th annual Power & Electricity World Africa conference will bring together thousands of industry professionals to share ideas on the latest innovations in electricity generation and the entire energy value chain. The conference takes place from 24 -25 March at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. The show, organised by Terrapinn with the Department of Energy as the host ministry, maximises learning through keynote speakers, project case studies, roundtable discussions and seminars. Power & Electricity World Africa is the continent’s longest running and largest power and energy show. The keynote speakers will include energy experts and entrepreneurs who are passionate about the power and electricity sector. Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson is also expected to join Energy Ministers from African countries in a ministerial panel that will discuss energy investment as a driver for economic growth. For more information call 011 516 4038.

The conference will take place at Emperors Palace, Gauteng, with Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom as the guest of honour. Stakeholders will come together to deliberate on how best to position tourism as a key economic sector that can create employment and contribute to poverty alleviation as advocated in some of the country’s economic growth strategies such as the National Development Plan (NDP). Objectives of the conference will include reflecting on the deliberations of the 2013 Local Government Tourism Conference and intensive discussions on various tourism policies, legislation and strategies and how they impact on local government. There will also be discussions on how best to empower and capacitate all spheres of government to align and integrate their tourism plans with national imperatives. Delegates will also reflect and deliberate on current institutional arrangements and resource allocation for the prioritisation of tourism across all spheres of government. For more information contact Boitumelo Lelokwane on 012 444 6300 or Xolisa Sirayi on 012 444 6323 or e-mail localgovconference@tourism.gov.za

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

www.gobigprojects.co.za info@gobigprojects.co.za

Go Big Construction and Projects is managed by two brothers who have more than 15 years combined experience in the construction industry. It was established in 2006 by Mzulungile Lupindo (Mzi) and later joined by his younger brother Sithembile Lupindo (Sthe). The organisation has conducted its business in the following provinces: Eastern Cape, North West, Gauteng, and currently has its major projects in KwaZulu-Natal. Mzi realised the lack of black professional project managers and black-owned construction companies that could consistently provide high quality work and on-time delivery. Wishing to capitalise on this opportunity, Go Big Construction and Projects was born. One of the company’s goals is to focus on high quality workmanship and retaining talent is crucial. Therefore, the company plans to add more skills and services to the firm as opportunities arise. Go Big Construction and Projects believes that service delivery is all about conversations and relationships.

KZN OFFICE (Head Office) Block C, Ground Floor, Left Hand Side, 18 Old Main Road, Hillcrest, 3650 Phone: (031) 765 2190 / 2420 Fax: 0866 9599 33 / (031) 765 3117

With the extensive experience the CEO has in the commercial projects management and construction fields, and through hard work and professionalism, it is predicted that Go Big Construction and Projects will have a significant social responsibility in providing shelter to the disadvantaged. Go Big Construction and Projects embrace commercial partnerships, not shy away from them. They think about what the client needs, not what they need to sell. Lastly, they aim meet a client’s brief with a unique idea and then deliver it on site with people who understand the set objectives.

SERVICES

• Project management • • • •

EASTERN CAPE OFFICE P.O BOX 1433 Matatiele, 4730 Phone: 0860 1111 21 Fax: 0866 9599 33

Cost construction Plant hire Building and civil Disaster management

• • • • •

Cleaning services Events management Social facilitation IT services Logistics

WESTERN CAPE OFFICE 59 Ottery Road, Ottery, 7808 Phone: 0860 400 408 / (021) 704 0331 Fax: 0866 9599 33

WoMen in the PUBLiC seCtor

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photograher: Mduduzi Tshabangu

Protecting the victims of sexual abuse T o be able to investigate rape cases, most would agree

at the crime scene and it also helps immensely to build

that you should have skin as tough as a rhino’s or made

and maintain a good relationship with the victims and

of Teflon.

their loved ones. Even when a case has been conclud-

Investigating rape cases for a living is not for the faint hearted.

ed, victims always keep me informed of how they are

But Warrant Officer Rene Nel, who is one of the country’s lead-

doing and coping with their ordeal when we meet in

ing detectives, says someone has to ensure that victims of rape

town, for example.”

get the justice they deserve.

Of the many cases Nel has investigated, the one that

Nel was recently awarded the Best Provincial and National

stands out is that of a 17-year-old who raped eight

Investigator Award for her success in investigating crimes

women - a case she investigated while at the Harrismith

against women and children. The award relates to cases she

Detective Services.

dealt with while at the Family, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in 2013. She was also crowned the Best Detective in the Free State for the 2013/2014 financial year. Based at the Bethlehem FCS Unit in the Free State, she says the best part of her job is when she makes an arrest and gets to tell the victims that the perpetrators

“I thought to myself that such a young man should not be involved in such crimes.” She said the teenager’s modus operandi was to hide in the bushes in the early hours of the morning and wait for his victims as they made their way to work. He would then drag them into the bushes and rape them. “I linked him to the crimes after finding

are going to jail for the crime they have

his DNA under the fingernails of one of the

committed.

victims who had scratched him. Once he was

“There is no better feeling in the world than when a case has been closed and

confronted with this evidence he confessed to the seven other cases of rape.”

the wrongdoers get the sentence they deserve.” Nel made headway when she successfully investi-

Nel, who has been working for the South African Police

gated three different

Service (SAPS) for 23 years,

cases of serial rapists

says getting the award

which resulted in 13

was wonderful but she

life sentences for

was just doing her job.

the rapes of

“I have been a de-

women and

tective for 15 years.

children in

I am not used to

2013.

the attention I

“I put myself mentally

Dedication rewarded

have since been receiving.”

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Along with a trophy, Nel also received an iPad for her outstanding performance.

“People like this make me angry because they waste the time of police officers when we could be working on more serious cases. Another

She says even though she appreciates the recognition, working with rape cases is not easy.

thing is that when a victim comes in and says they have been raped and I can tell that there are loopholes in the case but I cannot judge

“With cases like murder there is a funeral that makes

them unless I have all the evidence and look at all angles of the case.”

everything final. When a person is raped, every day they

Nel believes the government is doing a lot in terms of educating

are confronted with humiliation

people about sexual violence.

and that’s emotional.

“It’s up to the community to use this

This & That

information, government can only do so

a rock for the victims because you

What is your favourite colour?

much.”

are there throughout the investi-

Blue.

“As the detective, you need to be

Finding a purpose

gation process. You get emotionally drained. I sometimes cry with

What is your favourite food?

Nel, originally from Winburg in the Free

my victims because I am human

Pasta or a braai is wonderful.

State, did not always investigate rape cases.

too.” Her job has made her extra cau-

What do you do for fun?

She joined the SAPS in 1991 after turning

I love taking walks with my dogs.

her back on a possible teaching career.

roundings which keeps me alert

What is favourite holiday

ents paid the tuition for the whole year. I

at all times.”

destination?

changed my mind at the very last minute

Western Cape.

and decided that I wanted to be a police-

tious.

“I applied to be a teacher and my par-

“I am more aware of my sur-

After dealing with perpetrators

woman.

of rape, one thing that she has noticed is that people have lost

What are three words that

respect for themselves.

describe you?

the time I thought my purpose was to be

Honest, hardworking and reliable.

a teacher but I always had this feeling of

“If you don’t respect yourself,

“I believe we all have a purpose in life. At

how will you respect the females

wanting to see justice done and helping

and children next to you? Some of

other people. I believe this is what I was

the perpetrators see rape as hav-

put in this world to do.”

ing power over a person by forcing power over them. I think the key thing, though, is respect for themselves.”

After completing her police training she joined the Ladybrand Police Station.

“When I talk to the perpetrators, some of them do not

Nel was responsible for the charge offi ce and in 2001 she was

feel guilty, others are shy and remorseful and others do

introduced to investigative work when she enrolled for a six-week

not show any emotion – those are the worst.

detective course.

“I recently dealt with a 16-year-old boy who raped

She later joined the Harrismith Detective Services, where she be-

five children in his family. He didn’t show any emotion,

lieves she gained the knowledge and skills to become a good in-

which is very sad.”

vestigator.

She adds that there was a habit among young people of misusing the word rape.

In 2010, the FCS reopened and Nel was summoned to the Bethlehem FCS, where she is currently based.

“For example a young woman would come home

“Investigating rape cases is not something I chose, my superior as-

late after a night of drinking with her boyfriend and

signed me to this section. But I am very pleased to do the work I do.”

the next morning the easiest thing to tell her parents

Nel, nicknamed Mathabo (which means woman of happiness in

is that she was raped on her way home just to stay out

Setswana) in honour of her bubbly and strong personality, says after

of parental trouble.

so many years of serving, she is grateful for the recognition.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize

traiLBLaZer

SKA engineer aims for the stars

eing given a chance to work on the Square Kilometre Ar-

the clean logic of creating software but I decided to

ray (SKA) is an opportunity of a lifetime, which computer

pursue computer engineering and not computer sci-

engineer Shagita Gounden has grabbed with both hands.

ence because I wanted to work with hardware and

“I feel extremely proud to be part of this project that means so

much to our country. As an engineer, it’s a tremendous privilege

“I was also attracted to engineering as it involves the

to be associated with this project and to work with a world-class

application of science and technology to make real

team of scientists and engineers,” says Gounden.

contributions to the community around us.”

Through the SKA, astronomers will be able to research when the

While Gounden is contributing to society through

first stars were formed, whether or not there is life on other planets

computer engineering, she says there is a serious short-

and how galaxies evolved, among others.

age of engineers in the country.

In 2012 the SKA Organisation announced the SKA would be shared between South Africa and Australia.

“We have fewer people interested in pursuing careers in science and technology. I believe that these careers

The SKA will be the world’s largest radio telescope and will be 50

should be encouraged at school level. I think that a

times more sensitive than any other radio telescope in the world.

love and passion of mathematics and science should

Gounden, 31, who is originally from Pietermartizburg, is part of

be inculcated in young children, more especially in

this exciting innovative technology, bringing her expertise as a computer engineer to the project. She is part of the team that designs computer systems necessary for the development of the SKA. Gounden joined the SKA team at the Cape Town office in April 2014 and says the best part of her job is that it is challenging. She enjoys working with brilliant minds, which includes scientists and engineers. “I work as a system engineer, involved in the design process of

young girls.” Gounden completed matric at Clapham High School in Pretoria in 2001 with six distinctions. Her journey into the world of computer engineering began at the University of Pretoria where she obtained a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering in 2006. She had a bursary from Eskom where she worked for three years after her studies before moving to Siemens in 2010, where she was employed for a year.

the SKA. I am proud to be a South African woman who is a part

“I wanted to leave the corporate environment to re-

of this titanic project and also making a significant contribution.”

connect with engineering fundamentals and technical

She says the work of a computer engineer depends on what

work. That brought me to the Council for Scientific and

environment and field they find themselves in.

Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2011, where I worked in

“Computer engineers are trained to work with both hardware and

electronic warfare as an engineer, focusing on model-

software. I was drawn to the versatility of the profession. Primarily,

ling and simulation. After three years with the CSIR, I

engineers are problem solvers and they employ their specialities

left to join the SKA team.”

be it in chemical, electronics or computers to solve the problems faced by humanity.” She adds that since high school she was drawn to the sciences because it challenged her the most. “I became familiar with programming at high school and enjoyed

electronics in addition to software.

Electronic warfare refers to military action involving the use of electromagnetics. It is a niche speciality, which involves the techniques a country would use to protect itself in the case of war. Gounden is not only a computer ‘geek’ but is also

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

quite the athlete with a passion for running. “I love to run. My mother introduced me to the sport

Computer engineer Shagita Gounden is part of the team working on the Square Kilometre Array project.

and I began running races with her and my younger sister. Running keeps my mind and body healthy and is such a healthy outlet for any stress I experience. I love

What do you do for fun?

running in beautiful places and because I live in Cape

I enjoy trying new things, be it restaurants, activities or

Town, there is no shortage of places to run.

places.

“I have run the Two Oceans in 2010 and Comrades Marathon in 2012. I hope to run the next Comrades

How do you relax?

with my mum and also complete an international

I run, practice yoga and read.

marathon - hopefully the New York City Marathon.” With the SKA scheduled to be fully operational by

Who is your role model and why?

2024, Gounden says she is living in the present and

I have several. These are engineers and scientists that I work

making the most of working on the project.

with and admire, family members like my parents and sib-

“I find that if I stay focused in the present moment, I make the right decisions and find myself exactly where I need to be.” She says she is proud to be involved in a project that will leave a legacy for generations to come.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

lings, and sporting heroes like Rafael Nadal. They all inspire and motivate me in all facets of my life.

What is your favourite food? My mother’s food - anything she cooks.

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Some Trophies and Certificates to be proud of.

WHAT MAKES PHOENIX COLLEGE GREAT? ABOUT US:

The Phoenix in Greek mythology was a bird that died in flames. Out of the ashes, a baby bird was born. The name Phoenix College was chosen to be symbolic of the new dispensation that was arising out of the ashes of the old. A more suitable name could not be found and so Phoenix College was born. Phoenix College was founded by Fred Boltman, a retired engineer who used his pension funds and mortgaged his home in order to start the venture.

GREAT CARE FOR CHILDREN - 2007

Phoenix College is one of the few colleges that has been awarded the “World Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child” by a Swedish NGO.

TOP ACHIEVING SCHOOL IN GAUTENG SOUTH - 2008

Phoenix College was awarded Top Achiever Trophy in 2008 by the Gauteng Department of Education, District South, and we have also regularly obtained 100% Matric Pass rate since 2008.

Phoenix College was established in 1994 and has occupied Happiness House since 2001.The location of the building, conveniently close to rail and taxi services, has been a key factor underlying the success of the college.

DRAMA - 2008

The full-time school caters mainly for learners that live in the inner city. Many come from suburbs such as Hillbrow, Braamfontein and Joubert Park but learners from areas such as Soweto and Alexandra are also accommodated. The majority of these learners are from a population segment that has been historically disadvantaged and is representative of the poorer socio-economic classes.

NELSON MANDELA TROPHY - 2012

Phoenix College has now formed a classical orchestra similar to the “Soweto Strings”

CHESS - 2014

Phoenix College was awarded first place in Drama in (2005). In 2009 Phoenix College had two learners who came out best in Traditional dance.

The Trophy was awarded to Nkosinathi Sibanda for achieving the status of DUX learner for Gauteng in the 2012 Matric Examinations.

SEVEN DISTINCTIONS FOR MATRIC - 2013 Sazi Ngobese achieved 7 Distinctions for matric.

Winner of the 2014 Gauteng province chess Olympiad.

For further achievements see www.phoenixcollege.co.za | E-mail: registration@phoenixcollege.co.za

Aerial view

Writers: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver and Amukelani Chauke

Capable, developmental state needs skilled, professional Public Service them at clinics and other service points are the face of government, she pointed out. “For the majority of the 56 million-odd South Africans, government is that junior official in [the Departments of ] Home Affairs, Social Development, Water Affairs, or in a clinic that they expect to change their lives for the better … We need to rethink what we are and innovate to provide service.” Explaining the role citizens need to play in ensuring that the Public Service delivers, Nzimande said they should take advantage of forums for interaction such as Parliament, municipal meetings and local representation. “They have to stand up for their rights,” she stressed. Citizens had to assess public servants’ adherence to the Batho Pele principles for improving efficiency and accountability to the recipients of goods and services and hold them accountable. Nzimande was speaking on the final day of the PSC’s conference titled “Building a capable, career-oriented and professional Public Service to underpin a capable and developmental state in South Africa”.

PSC’s role Deputy Chairperson of the PSC, Advocate Richard Sizani, explained the PSC’s mandate is to monitor, evaluate and make recommendations about the organisation, administration, personnel procedures and practices Phumelele Nzimande, of the Public Service Commission, says the Public Service needs to be innovative to deliver services and impact the lives of South Africans.

of the Public Service. In the context of transforming the Public Service, the PSC has a role in building a capable and professional Public Service.

t is the responsibility of all civil servants and citizens to ensure that the Public Service functions efficiently and effectively.

Conference objective

Speaking to PSM recently, Commissioner at the Public

More than 400 delegates attended the three-day con-

Service Commission (PSC), Phumelele Nzimande, said it would

ference. They included former and current Ministers

“take all of us to the make the Public Service work”.

whose work was relevant to that of the PSC, senior

For most South Africans, the junior officials who attend to

and the efficient, economic and effective performance

public servants, past and present PSC commissioners,

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

academics and guests from other countries that had ex-

ernment’s key priorities for the next five years. The MTSF will drive the NDP’s implementation and

periences that could benefit South Africa. Representatives from non-governmental organisations, the private

achievement of its goals.

sector and organised labour also attended. The purpose of the conference was to present a discussion document on building a capable career-

Minister Molewa said the PSC had an important role ahead “as we progressively implement the NDP objective of building a capable and developmental state”.

oriented and professional Public Service for debate,

“A large part of the Commission’s work lies in moni-

leading to a strategic framework document contain-

toring and research, but it also runs a range of other

ing PSC recommendations on transforming the Public

processes that … it is uniquely placed to handle and

Service. The document resulted from a study by the

that contribute to its role in promoting the constitu-

PSC assisted by Brazil, Malaysia, China and the United

tional principles of public administration.” According to the Minister, the Constitution sets out

Nations Development Programme in South Africa. Botswana, Brazil, China, Malaysia and Mauritius shared

the principles of public administration, which were not

with the PSC their experiences in building a capable,

just of a rule-bound Public Service but of one that is de-

developmental Public Service.

velopment oriented, people centred and accountable. The NDP says a capable state can formulate and im-

The discussion document explores the characteristics of the Public Service and proposes how they should

plement policies effectively. “As we all know, our capacity to implement often falls

change. According to Nzimande, other countries taught South

short of how we approach implementation. Sometimes

Africa that at every stage of a country’s development

it is due to weaknesses in how policies are designed

it has to revisit how its Public Service is structured, un-

and how programmes are planned,” the Minister added.

derstand what has to be done, assess what has and has

To overcome the burden of poverty, inequality and

not worked and how to retain staff to, and in the case

unemployment and really transform South Africa, hav-

of South Africa, implement and deliver on the National

ing a capable state is not enough. It also has to be com-

Development Plan (NDP).

mitted to fulfilling its developmental role and focus its efforts on overcoming the root causes of poverty and

National Development Plan

inequality, said Minister Molewa.

The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030.

A capable and developmental state can be achieved by ensuring the Public Service is professional and “im-

Addressing a plenary session, Department of Plan-

mersed in the developmental agenda of government”.

ning, Monitoring and Evaluation Director-General Dr

During panel discussions conference delegates dis-

Sean Phillips reflected on the Public Service of the past

cussed the priorities in the NDP relating to the Public

and the road ahead.

Service. Minister Molewa said that these priorities were

He noted that the NDP states, “we must remedy the

carried forward in the MTSF through eight priority areas:

uneven and often poor performance of the Public Ser-

•

A stable political-administrative interface.

vice because there is a risk that South Africa’s devel-

•

A Public Service that is a career of choice.

opmental agenda could fail if the state is incapable of

•

Sufficient technical and specialist professional skills.

implementing it.”

•

The keynote speaker, Environmental Affairs Minister

Efficient and effective management and operations systems.

Edna Molewa, explained that the role of the Public Ser-

•

Procurement systems that deliver value for money.

vice in building a capable and developmental state was

•

Increased responsiveness of public servants and ac-

•

Improved interdepartmental coordination and >>

a major focus of the NDP and a priority of the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which sets out gov-

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

countability to citizens.

Aerial view

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa says the role of the Public Service in building a capable and development state is a major focus of the NDP.

institutionalisation of long-term planning. •

He noted the importance of the PSC’s role in aiding the Human

Improved mechanisms to promote ethical behaviour

Resources Development (HRD) Council to be “a powerful structure

in the Public Service.

that directs our work and puts pressure on us as line ministries and departments to do our delivery” was such that the Deputy President

Public Service is the engine room

had invited the Chairperson of the PSC to serve on the HRD Council.

The Minister reiterated that working in the Public Service should not be a job like any other.

Political-administrative interface

“The Public Service is the engine room that will drive

Minister Molewa and others spoke about the need to change the

the implementation of the NDP and public servants

way the political-administrative interface is managed, especially

have huge responsibilities in taking forward this de-

the high turnover of heads of departments (HoDs).

velopmental agenda.”

This was one of the most discussed aspects of the NDP because

Public Service and Administration Minister Collins

democratic accountability requires that heads of department are

Chabane said that although the extension of access

accountable to their political principals but professionalism requires

to basic services had been a major achievement, access

a degree of stability in the top levels of bureaucracy.

remained uneven. “The state’s capacity is weakest where socio-economic pressures are the greatest,” he noted.

“The PSC had done a great deal of work on this problem, producing high quality reports that helped inform the thinking of both the National Planning Commission and government on how to

The Minister added that the NDP clearly identified that

approach this complex issue. It is a good example of how the

unevenness in capacity leads to uneven performance

work of the PSC informs and contributes to improving the quality

at local, provincial and national government, which

of public administration,” she said.

together with “a complex set of factors”, had forced government to respond with evidence-based policies. There was great emphasis on improving the state’s capacity by managing the political-administrative inter-

By institutionalising long-term planning government would achieve greater policy adherence, said Minister Molewa.

face and strengthening capacity “through appropriately

This would include establishing institutional mechanisms and

suitable and skilled personnel”, said Minister Chabane.

building necessary capacity in the state to undertake long-term

In his address to the conference, Higher Education

Institutionalising long-term planning

planning, drawing on the expertise available in wider society.

and Training Minister Blade Nzimande said that with

“We will also be introducing measures to improve the effective-

an estimated 1.3 million employees, the Public Service

ness of short and medium-term planning and to improve the qual-

was the single largest employer in the country and also

ity of programme plans. We need to move to a situation where all

an important training space.

of our plans are based on evidence, contain a clear theory of >>

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

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Aerial view

change and contain measurable indicators by which their

processes and introduced the Case Conference

success can be judged,” she said.

Committee and another unit called the Panel on

Institutionalising planning is expected to contribute to bet-

Grievances.

ter policy consistency and a greater focus on continuously

According to the PSC Chairperson Ben Mthem-

working through obstacles to implementation. This requires

bu, this made the process of resolving grievances

that the Public Service adopt a culture of “learning through

more efficient.

doing” and continuous improvement without performing the

“Although these two re-engineered processes

same activities repetitively without considering their actual

are still in their infancy, they have improved the

impact on society, the Minister added.

finalisation rate of cases, despite challenges that

The transformation of the Public Service is a work in progress, an ongoing project.

often arise when new processes are introduced.” The PSC had 785 grievances on its database that

Dr Phillips said significant progress had been made in de-

were forwarded by aggrieved employees follow-

mocratising the Public Service that, 20 years into democracy,

ing the failure of several departments to finalise

serves the needs of all of society.

complaints within three months.

“Workers have democratic rights, they can join unions of

Grievances that topped the list included 275 sal-

their choice and they cannot be discriminated against … but

ary-related dissatisfactions, 175 of unfair treatment

the vestiges of racism, sexism and less than optimum levels

and 131 related to performance assessments.

of accountability still remain,” he said.

With the help of the new Panel on Grievances, a total of 498, or 63 per cent, of all grievances had

Addressing public servants’ complaints

been finalised by March 2014.

A productive Public Service depends on public servants who

However, 30 per cent, or 239 grievances, could

perform their duties willingly and without any unresolved

not be finalised due to an increasing number of

grievances.

grievances that were referred from departments

To help address public servants' complaints, during the 2013/14 financial year the PSC re-engineered its business

which failed to resolve the cases within the prescribed time frames.

Delegates at the Public Service Commission conference.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

PROFILE / LIMPOPO GAMBLING BOARD

THE RULES OF THE GAME

Serobi Maja – Chief Executive Officer

The Limpopo Gambling Board (LGB) was established in terms of the Limpopo Gambling Act, Act 4 of 1996, and retained in terms of the Limpopo Gambling Act, Act No. 3 of 2013. LGB is listed in the Public Finance Management Act 9 (PFMA) as a Schedule 3C public entity.

VISION

LGB envisages a credible, viable and regulated gambling industry in the province, which provides exciting leisure opportunities that contribute to economic development.

MISSION

LGB is committed to the promotion of the gambling industry for the benefit of the people of the Province by ensuring: • Compliance with the law • Provision of appropriate leisure facilities • Sustainable local economic development

VALUES

• To operate in accordance with the highest moral and ethical standards • To accept responsibility towards our most important resources, our employees, and to maximise the development and utilisation thereof • To strive towards a healthy relationship with our stakeholders

STRATEGIC OUTCOME-ORIENTATED GOALS

To regulate, control and monitor gambling activities in the Province in line with the LGB’s Act.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct requires all employees to maintain the highest standards of behavior and provides clear guidance on the expected behavior for all employees.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD

• Registering of persons engaged in such activities • Registering of gambling devices • Collection of appropriate taxes and levies • Ensuring compliance with all legislation in connection with gambling • Eradicating illegal gambling • Promoting responsible gambling

ACHIEVEMENTS

The Board managed to issue gambling licenses for casinos, limited payout machines’ route operators, bookmakers and totalistor without being taken on review by the losing applicants. It has managed to deal effectively with illegal gambling activities in the province. The Chief Executive of the Board was the first black African to be elected as President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators for 2010/11 financial year and is currently the Chairperson of the Gaming Regulators of Africa Forum as well as being the Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. For the period 2001 to 2014, the Board has always received unqualified audit reports from the Auditor General.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

Licensed gambling is intended to be a form of entertainment or a leisure activity to be enjoyed by patrons of 18 years and above. However, some patrons regard it as a means of income and thus they become addicted to gambling. Effective mechanisms and processes are in place, as provided by national legislation, to address the issues.

Casino Operators in Limpopo: 3 Route Operators: 2 Limited Payout Machines (LPMs): 1 020 Bingo Operators: The Board has recently advertised invitations for Bingo Operator licences and is in the process of assessing the applications received.

The Board is responsible for overseeing and controling gambling activities in the province through: •L icensing of individuals and companies to conduct gambling and related activities

CONTACT DETAILS Tel: +27(15) 230 2300 Cell: 083 627 8933 fax : 086 505 3460 / (015) 295 3566

8 Hans van Rensburg Street Polokwane 0699

Private Bag X9520 Polokwane 0700

Management and Professional Development

Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver

Capacity in the Public Service essential for productivity

easuring productivity is generally quite simple in the private sector, as its focus is on efficiency and maximising profits. But in the Public Service it is a more complex

exercise involving intangible goods and services. Productivity involves efficiency and outputs, and also effectiveness and outcomes. This emerged at the 17 th Public Sector Trainers’ Forum (PSTF)

Conference held in Pretoria recently. The three-day conference was hosted by the National School of Government (NSG). The theme of the conference was “Building capacity for higher productivity in the Public Sector”. Representatives from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), senior public servants and members from the structures of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa attended the conference that set out to interrogate productivity in the public sector. After 20 years of democracy, South Africa has a good story to tell, but the country’s citizens are appealing to the Public Service to improve its level of productivity and deliver quality services. Increasing the Public Service’s productivity calls for such things as capacity development programmes designed for public servants and workplace conditions where skills can be put to meaningful use.

Sharing ideas on boosting productivity Professor Lekoa Mollo, principal of the NSG, which manages the PSTF, told PSM that the multi-stakeholder audience had been Principal of the National School of Government, Professor Lekoa Mollo.

“brought together in a collaborative forum to share ideas and plant the seeds of change”. He said that the PSTF conference had attracted about 430 delegates, including business leaders, representatives of organised

achievement of higher productivity in the Public Ser-

labour federations and trainers from across the country.

vice.

Speaking at the conference, Professor Mollo explained that par-

•

Implementation and coordination challenges and op-

ticipants were encouraged to contemplate:

portunities of human resource development (HRD) in

•

Perspectives of productivity in the Public Service.

the Public Service.

•

Strategies and programmes for the achievement of higher productivity in the Public Service.

Measuring what matters

•

Partnerships among sectors, institutions and departments for the

Deputy Director-General of the DPSA, Colette Clark,

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

said in the context of public sector services, produc-

nificant economic implications, said Janse van Rensburg.

tivity had become a measure of how effectively and

She announced that the DPSA and Productivity SA were de-

efficiently labour, finance and infrastructure inputs had

veloping a tool for measuring labour productivity, operational

been translated into high-quality goods and services

productivity and performance productivity in an effort to address

for the benefit of citizens.

productivity challenges in South Africa’s Public Service.

Citizens were not interested in the relationship between output and input, but in outcomes and the value

Strategic training

they received in return for public funds.

CEO of the Public Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA),

According to Clark, measuring Public Service produc-

Shamira Huluman said the PSETA’s mandate was to develop the

tivity had to include the quantity and quality of goods

Public Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and it had produced this research-

and services delivered to the populace. “Changes in the

based document in 2014 in collaboration with the Public Affairs

public sector’s productivity could have a big impact on

Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand.

the economy and citizens’ lives,” she added.

Building the capacity of public servants mattered for the performance of the state and the workforce as a whole yet many depart-

Productivity

ments were not shaping their training strategically, she added.

Lalane Janse van Rensburg of Productivity SA, a public

“Training priorities are often simply those that the majority of

entity whose governance board includes representa-

officials in the department have requested. This approach will not

tives from government, business and labour, said the

build organisational performance as a whole.”

organisation’s mandate was mainly to enhance the country’s productive capacity.

The PSETA’s research over the past 20 years had found, among other things, that retention rates were low, a great deal of training

She pointed out that South Africa’s Public Service

took the form of short courses which were not enough to deal with

faced many challenges, including a lack of capacity

skills gaps, the quality of training was uneven and departments

and having to balance service delivery with difficult

often did not shape training strategically.

global economic conditions.

Huluman pointed out that many departments had struggled to

“This is forcing both public and private sector organi-

stabilise their senior leadership levels, develop career paths, retain

sations to refocus spending priorities to maximise ef-

staff, develop effective operational processes and systems and

ficiencies.”

develop accountable leadership, among other things.

Productivity in the Public Service was topical not just

“Fixing these is a condition for building a capable state. The focus

in South Africa but across the world with stakeholders

over the medium term should be on building capacity in those

having different views on productivity and understand-

skills sets which are most directly linked to stabilising and improv-

ing the concept in different ways, Janse van Rensburg

ing the way in which organisations are managed and routine work

added.

is performed on a daily basis”.

She noted that productivity is related to concepts

The skills implicated, said Huluman, were human resource man-

such as operational performance, which is the efficien-

agement and development, management, supply chain manage-

cy and effectiveness of business processes. Intangible

ment, professional and technical skills, green skills and e-learning.

factors that affect productivity in a Public Service are

These were the priority skills in the 2015/16 SSP.

employee competence, employee satisfaction, the work atmosphere and subjective output quality.

Developing a clear vision

Productivity in the Public Service contributes to a

The National Development Plan (NDP) calls on the public sector

country’s economic performance because of its size

to develop a clear vision of where the next generation of public

as an employer, its role as a major supplier of services

servants will be sourced, which means that career pathing and

especially business and social services and because it

youth development are now essential components of HRD prac-

is a consumer of tax resources.

tice in the Public Service.

Changes in Public Service productivity may have sig-

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Chief Director of Research and Development at the Centre >>

Management and Professional Development

for Public Service Innovation, Pierre Schoonraad, said that in-

wayo, noted that the “capacity of government to deliver

novation and learning should become part of the Public Service

on its mandate lies in its people, the people’s ability to

culture as required by the NDP.

undertake their assigned responsibilities as public of-

The relationship between productivity and innovation is not a simple one.

ficials, and, in their level of commitment to serve and perform to the best of their ability.”

“Innovators (at least some of them) are lazy but they have

He said the National Integrated HRD Plan for 2014

passion and compassion. They’re dreamers and ideas people

to 2018 acknowledged that the Public Service had a

and thus not implementers, but when they are part of a team

severe shortage of staff and specialised skills, especially

they can do extraordinary things because they are solution-

in health, policing, infrastructure planning, engineering,

focused,” he said.

finance and information technology. This adversely af-

Most leaders, however, were not innovators but visionaries, enablers and up-to-date with the best in their field, Schoonraad noted.

fects not only front-line service delivery, but also longterm planning and coordination. The plan also reported that productivity in labour-

“Innovation implies risk-taking and the likelihood of failure,

intensive parts of the Public Service such as health,

resistance and poor short-term performance but the pay-offs

education and policing remained low and that chal-

can be significant”, said Schoonraad.

lenges in local government had also emerged.

Innovation cannot be a substitute for getting the basics right

The Youth Employment Accord calls for a compre-

such as recruitment, competency, the management of perfor-

hensive strategy to deal with youth unemployment

mance and procurement. Nor can it be a substitute for poor

as part of a broader focus on expanding employment

policies, practices and implementation.

in the country.

Innovation did not amount to using new technology, said Schoonraad.

As the single biggest employer in South Africa, the Public Service can make a difference to youth unem-

Examples of innovation included addressing congestion at

ployment by attracting talented graduates and youth

RK Khan Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal by turning community

with potential. For this reason the DPSA’s strategic pri-

centres into distribution points and using the Kaizen business

orities for 2014 to 2018 include pursuing the establish-

process improvement approach at the Job Semankana Thabane

ment of an effective entry into the Public Service and

Hospital in North West, where the mean waiting time dropped

HRD standards to ensure development.

from 62 to 20 minutes and the time taken to dispense medicine plummeted from 20.8 to 3.9 minutes.

This was in line with the NDP’s recommendation that the state should make the Public Service a career of choice. The NDP recommends that the state focus on

Recruiting graduates

producing the skills and expertise needed for future

Acting Chief Director: HRD at the DPSA, Zamokwakhe Khuz-

Public Service cohorts, said Khuzwayo.

Delegates at the 17th Public Sector Trainers’ Forum.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

The AG’s report for 2012/13 shows that 90% of auditees had findings on compliance with laws and regulations, many relating to supply chain management. Irregular expenditure was reported at 83%, due to the lack of basic controls and inadequate implementation of appropriate consequences where there has been poor performance or transgressions. Municipalities are currently experiencing deficiencies within their divisions due to a lack of communication. The following challenges have been identified as critical problem areas: • • • • • •

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IN OTHER NEWS

Compiled by: Ursula Graaff

Padayachie, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Dr Glenda Gray, Molefi Oliphant, Lindiwe Mabuza, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, Mary Burton, Dr Fazel Randera and Peki Emelia “Nothembi” Mkhwebane. National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, via the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals. The council processes deserving nominations and advises the President to assist him in the execution of this responsibility.

Commissioner Phiyega takes over SARPCCO reins Public Works getting it right

National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, was re-

The Department of Public Works’ turnaround strategy is start-

cently appointed Chairperson of the Southern African Regional

ing to bear fruit, three years into the seven-year plan.

Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO).

Evaluating the progress the department made in 2014, Pub-

“The handover means a lot to South Africa and to the SAPS.

lic Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said: “In the first phase of this

The gesture demonstrates the confidence the region has in

turnaround we have managed to stabilise the department.”

South Africa,” said General Phiyega.

This included the department receiving an unqualified audit. A lease audit was also carried out with National Treasury.

She highlighted some of SARPCCO’s important successes to date and thanked member countries for their contributions.

“We have taken control of the leases – after multiple scandals

“As an intergovernmental organisation which promotes so-

– and laid charges against corrupt elements,” the Minister said.

cio-economic cooperation across the region, SARPCCO has

For the first time in its history, the department is close to

achieved a lot. I believe I am indebted to all member states

having a credible and comprehensive register of its properties, with 98 per cent of these physically verified. Minister Nxesi said the department was now in the second phase of the turnaround strategy, which is aimed at improving the way it does business.

that play their role in furthering the objectives of SARPCCO. “Together, we have been able to communicate and derive insights into and direction on pressing matters that our regions face in terms of security,” she said. Member countries in attendance at the ceremony, included

Key programmes during this phase include the full opera-

Angola, Botswana, the DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius,

tionalisation of the Property Management Trading Entity and

Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia

the Governance Risk and Compliance Branch to fight fraud

and Zimbabwe.

and corruption as well as broadening the Expanded Public Works Programme.

SARPCCO was established in 1995 for police forces to combine resources and expertise in fighting transnational crime in Southern Africa.

New members for the National Orders Advisory Council Former Cabinet Minister Brigitte Mabandla was recently appointed as the Chairwoman of the National Orders Advisory Council, while Mandla Langa was appointed Deputy Chairperson. The announcement was made by President Jacob Zuma, who thanked the outgoing council members for their hard work and dedication during their time in office. Other members of the council include James Motlatsi, Sally

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Compiled by: Chris Bathembu

President Jacob Zuma and his delegation engaged with the Chinese government on a range of issues.

SA, China cement relations 15 years on

or more than 15 years, South Africa and China have been

Today, China is South Africa’s largest trading partner,

hard at work harnessing their diplomatic relations and

largest export market and largest source of import for

growing their trade.

the past four years. The two countries' political ties were

Having grown from a mere R12 billion in 1998 to an esti-

mated R300 billion in 2014, trade relations between Pretoria and Beijing could not be better.

a member of BRICS in 2010. It is this strategic importance of China to Pretoria that

Established on 1 January 1998, a month after Chinese Vice

placed President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to Beijing

Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen visited South Africa,

in the spotlight as the two countries sought to further

bilateral ties between China and South Africa have witnessed

expand their partnership. The visit reinforced the close

smooth development since then.

ties shared between China and South Africa and high-

Although diplomatic relations between South Africa and

lighted the depth of relations between the two coun-

China were established only in 1998, the bonds of friendship

tries, not only in the political realm of BRICS but also

and solidarity between the Chinese and South African people

in business, agriculture, tourism, cultural exchanges,

go much further back in history.

academic cooperation and scientific research.

The governing ANC, which turned 103 this year, is said to be

South Africa, as the continent’s most diverse economy,

the same age as the Communist Party of China and established

has become a critical partner for China ever since the

political ties with the party many decades ago.

Asian nation sought to increase its presence in Africa.

The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have also been staunch supporters of liberation movements in South Africa, particularly the Pan Africanist Congress.

further cemented when South Africa was admitted as

China regards South Africa as a key partner in advancing its relations with the African continent. This is seen in the context of investments the Chinese

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

have made in South Africa over the past few years and the

opment of a science and technology and industrial park, and

value of such investments to the country’s economy.

in other key areas such as the ocean economy.

Last year, the Chinese went a step further in investing in

As part of the industrialisation process, China agreed to

South Africa’s economy when automobile manufacturer

South Africa’s request to assist in the creation of black in-

First Automobile Works (FAW) invested R1.1 billion to build a

dustrialists, who would participate in the mainstream of the

vehicle assembly plant in Coega, in the Eastern Cape, which

economy.

is expected produce up to 35,000 passenger vehicles in the coming years.

With regard to infrastructure development, China committed to support the establishment of railway parks in South

In 2013 technology producer Hisense opened a factory in

Africa, which are linked to the localisation of railway carriage

Atlantis, north of Cape Town, employing 300 South Africans

manufacturing processes to facilitate inward buying missions

in the production of goods for export to the broader African

into South Africa.

market. Cement producer Jidong Development Group and

During the discussions, an agreement was reached on sup-

the China-Africa Development (CAD) Fund recently agreed

porting tourism promotion activities conducted by South Af-

to establish of a R1.8 billion cement plant in Limpopo, with

rica and China to increase investment in the tourism industry

a projected production rate of one million tons of cement

and facilitate growth in tourism.

at full production.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation

“We have built durable partnership with nations of the

said the visit achieved its goal of uplifting bilateral relations

South, and in particular with China with whom we enjoy

with China, focusing on the priority of development in South

mutual strategic priorities in our foreign policies. These rela-

Africa as outlined in the National Development Plan.

tions should enable us to face all challenges such as food

“The state visit afforded [President] Zuma’s high-level gov-

security, climate change and conflicts,” President Zuma said

ernment and business delegation the opportunity to discuss

in Beijing.

South Africa’s socio-economic priorities with the Chinese gov-

“The future looks bright for our country and for Africa in all respects. There is work to be done, to build a good positive African story. South Africa is a pivotal part of that African story, and China remains a good and trusted friend,” he added. During that visit, China announced the signing of a series of agreements, including a memorandum of understanding

ernment and business sector,” it said. Agreements signed during the visit were to improve economic cooperation in trade, investment and agriculture. “Our two countries will continue to work together to further the south-south cooperation objectives and tackle global challenges within the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa bloc and on the multilateral front,” the department said.

on nuclear energy cooperation between the China National Nuclear Corporation and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. It was also agreed that China would encourage buying missions to South Africa starting early in 2015, as part of promoting a balance in trade relations. Beijing also committed to expedite market access negotiations for the export of South African fresh produce to China. China agreed to increase short-term skills development programmes in a bid to reduce the skills gap in South Africa. It will gradually increase training opportunities for South Africans and will provide training for 2 000 South Africans from 2015 to 2020. China has also committed to supporting South Africa’s industrialisation agenda by agreeing to assist in the devel-

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

President Jacob Zuma met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Writer: Albert Pule

PROVINCIAL FOCUS

Gauteng Department of Education leads the pack

The best performing matriculants from Gauteng with Premier David Makhura (far left) and MEC Panyaza Lesufi (far right) at the announcement of the province's 2014 matric results.

he M1 Studio at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is packed to capacity with educators and journalists. Television cameras are rolling.

Photographers are jostling for the prime spot as Minister of

Basic Education Angie Motshekga takes to the stage to announce the 2014 matric results. Somewhere in the studio MECs of Education are anxiously waiting to hear how their respective provinces have fared. “The top performing province for 2014 is Gauteng,” says Minister Motshekga. As the Minister makes the announcement Gauteng MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi jumps up screaming and punches the

have big plans for the 2015 school year. “While the performance is down by 2.3 per cent on the 2013 (87 per cent) performance, I remain convinced that we can do better provincially,” he said at the announcement of the provincial results. While the MEC has a number of plans to take education in the province to greater heights, two major programmes are being implemented. The programmes will see modern technology being used at seven schools in the province and former Model C schools and township schools sharing resources under the Twinning Programme.

air as if he has just won a million rand. Gauteng has been declared the top-performing province in the country with a pass rate of 84.7 per cent, taking over from

In January, the department implemented an Informa-

Free State. Free State achieved an 87.4 per cent pass rate in 2013.

tion Technology Communication (ICT ) in Education

Gauteng’s class of 2014 not only outperformed their counter-

Project called “One Learner One Tablet” across seven

parts in other provinces but also produced the highest number of Bachelor passes. The province achieved 36 843 Bachelor passes followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 35 724.

schools in the province. Boitumelong Secondary School (Tembisa), Diepsloot Secondary School, Thandi Eleanor Sibeko Secondary

The province’s districts also performed well. Of its 15 districts,

School (Duduza), Tlamatlama Primary School (Tembisa),

13 achieved a pass rate of above 80 per cent and three Gauteng

Sunward Park (Boksburg), Ponelopele Oracle Second-

districts were among the top five in the country.

ary School (Ivory Park) and Tshepisa Primary School

Despite these successes, MEC Lesufi and his department are not resting on their laurels. They are already hard at work and

ICT in Education

(Tembisa) have been identified for the pilot project. MEC Lesufi says his department wants to do away

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

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with the old teaching methods which includes saying goodbye to the duster and chalk. “We mean business when we say ‘One learner One Tablet’. Seven schools in the province have been identified for the implementation of the ICT in Education Pilot Project. Every learner will have a tablet and every class will have an interactive white board.” The department launched the project at the start of the 2015 school year. The launch, named “The Big Switch On” took place at Boitumelong Secondary School in Tembisa. MEC Lesufi adds that pupils would be given tablets at school but would not be allowed to take them home, as they could become the target of criminals. He says the department is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the tablets are easily traced if stolen. In an effort to prevent the user from accessing inappropriate sites, the tablets will have security features that will block anyone trying

MEC Panyaza Lesufi hands out trophies to top performing Gauteng schools and matriculants.

to access such sites. If it succeeds, the project will be implemented in townships and rural schools across the province.

Prepaid electricity Recently, schools in Pretoria were plunged into darkness when the department failed to settle outstanding

Twinning programme

amounts owed to the City of Tshwane. To save electric-

MEC Lesufi says one of the steps his department will take to improve

ity, MEC Lesufi plans to introduce prepaid electricity

education in the province is the implementation of the Twinning

at schools.

Programme. This is a programme where better-off schools will be paired with those that have fewer resources in an effort to improve the poorer schools. “We have identified seven sets of schools to initiate the Twinning programme. The first round of consultation with the respective

More than 130 schools in Pretoria, the West Rand and Ekurhuleni will implement the use of prepaid electricity in a pilot project. “This will encourage the schools to use electricity sparingly,” says MEC Lesufi. The department has since paid the City of Tshwane the money it owed.

School Governing Bodies has been concluded,” he says. The MEC says the programme will ensure that learners integrate

New schools

positively and benefit equally from education provided by the state.

The 2015 school calendar will usher in a new era for

The twinning of schools is intended to, among other things, create

education in the province as the department is ex-

a blueprint to strengthen the quality of education, provide learners with multiple curriculum packages, accelerate social transformation and improve governance within the schooling system. The programme will also ensure that resources are optimally and efficiently used within and among schools. “This programme will increase collaboration and sharing of re-

pected to open 16 new schools. “We are pleased that in 2015, 16 new schools will be ready for occupation when schools reopen in January 2015. This will assist the department in dealing with the increasing demand for space in Gauteng schools,” says MEC Lesufi.

sources between schools that presently have unequal resources,

All the plans are in place and if MEC Lesufi and his

are relatively close geographically in one district, and who are able

team can implement them effectively, there is no rea-

to offer benefits to one another and to the learners, for the greater

son why he won’t be celebrating once more, come the

benefit of education in the province,” explains MEC Lesufi.

announcement of the 2015 matric results.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

011 232 8000

solutions@nashua.co.za

Writer: Allison Cooper Photographer: Linda Mthombeni

FEATURE

Basic Education raises the bar

he South African basic education system is on safe

sion to raise the bar, to increase the cognitive demands

ground with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy

of the curriculum and the exam paper questions, the

Statement (CAPS), which has proved to be a “solid”

slight decrease of 2.4 per cent in the matric pass rate

curriculum. This is the view of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshek-

ga, who was reflecting on the curriculum, shortly after the release of the 2014 matric results. CAPS replaced Outcomes-based Education (OBE) and 2014

the exams it was a good result overall,” says Minister Motshekga. She acknowledges that the many changes to the system were a contributing factor to the decrease.

marked the completion of the internationally benchmarked

“We could have done better, but I am quite com-

curriculum throughout the education system, when the first

fortable that with all of the changes we brought into

Grade 12 learners wrote CAPS-aligned final examinations for

the system we had to expect a drop. Each province is

the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

committed to assisting learners who qualify for sup-

The class of 2014 achieved a pass rate of 75.8 per cent.

plementary exams.”

Although this is slightly lower than the pass rate in 2013 the

Minister Motshekga is confident about CAPS.

overall story is one of success and achievement for learners

“What gives me great hope and confidence is that

who have overcome great obstacles.

prominent educationists in the country reviewed the

CAPS was phased in during 2012 (Grade 10), 2013 (Grade

pass requirements and they agreed that we should

11) and 2014 (Grade 12). The National Curriculum Statement,

keep the curriculum for at least 10 years. This confirms

Grades R-12, underpinned by CAPS, was also implemented

that it is a good curriculum.

in 2014 in Grades 7, 8 and 9 for the first time. “Knowing that we consciously and deliberately took a deci-

was expected. With 688 600 students registered to write

“In addition, CAPS has been benchmarked internationally. It is not perfect and can still be improved, but

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

The top matriculants of 2014 were honoured for their achievements.

CAPS is solid and we are on safe ground.” Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty, shares the same view.

South Africans have assessed the system. “So when we say it’s a quality curriculum, we are being honest. It’s the same with the exam papers, they are set and moderated externally.”

“The CAPS examination results tell us that there are huge

The Minister is, however, concerned about the time that

systemic changes taking place. Despite this, not one district

learners had available to write of business economics and

across the country performed under 50 per cent. This is

maths literacy exam papers, as the time allowed was less than

evidence of the overall effort to ensure that interventions

the department anticipated.

take place at the lowest level.

“Whilst we wanted learners to think critically and analytically,

“We can see the results across the provinces and within

I think the demands were a bit too high and the questions

the provinces, which ushers well for the future. It suggests

were a bit too difficult to interpret. We have, however, taken

that systemically, across the system, we have stability and

these issues up and are engaging on them.”

are tapping into the potential to improve year-on-year.”

A challenge in the education system is that of ensuring that

He adds that learners’ knowledge had to be broadened.

educators and learners in Grades 7, 8 and 9 work as hard as

“We have raised the bar and the paradigm has changed

they do in Grades 10, 11 and 12.

in this respect. Learners have to be encouraged to be more critical, proactive and innovative in terms of responding to exam paper questions. Their scope of knowledge has to be expanded, which means that we have to review the curriculum content so that it’s responsive to both social and economic demands.

Educators tend to focus more on the higher grades than they do on the lower ones. “Every class and every grade must be taken seriously and there will be no more resting grades,” says the Minister. She also stresses that the implementation of national plans and policies must take place on the ground in each province.

“We now have national papers and a national standard,

“Success comes from inside each school. Those that have

which means that we can measure the ability of our learn-

good improvement plans and get their teachers, learners and

ers across the system. There’s also uniformity in terms of

parents involved will succeed.”

content. CAPS aligns the curriculum in a way that responds positively to the demands of a 21st century learner.”

Another challenge the department faced is that of teachers failing students without ensuring that they have the proper support to succeed.

A quality curriculum, despite rollout challenges

ally and this number is high. Internationally, the failure rate

The CAPS rollout, as with any new curriculum, had its chal-

is one per cent; in SADC it’s five per cent and in South Africa

lenges.

it’s 10 per cent.

“Our system is inefficient. We fail over a million kids annu-

“Despite this, I am confident that we are on a good tra-

“When we have educational challenges, we resort to failing

jectory as we move forward as a country,” says Minister

learners instead of giving them additional support. We need

Motshekga.

to ensure that they receive additional support so that they

She explains that independent, credible, prominent

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

can progress through the system.”

FEATURE

The migration challenge Another challenge highlighted is that of people migrating to provinces that historically have better resources, more highly skilled educators and a higher pass rate. Deputy Minister Surty points out that migration is a reality, not only in South Africa but globally as well. Migration takes place from rural to urban areas, from within provinces and beyond provinces. “Urbanisation is a reality that we have to deal with and

The quintile system is the classification of schools according to economic profiles of communities. Quintile 5 schools (the highest level) are those based in more affluent communities, where parents can afford to pay for fees and books, and are able to support the system through the forming of governing bodies. Quintile 1 schools are located within the poorest and deep rural communities where parents cannot afford to pay school fees.

socio-economic conditions affect learners. In the Eastern

“We took a conscious and deliberate decision to provide

Cape, for example, if we look at the deep rural areas, it’s

greater support to ensure that learners in these schools

not only hard to teach there, it’s hard to reach there.

have an equal education opportunity,” says Minister Mot-

“These communities have the challenge of retaining

shekga.

skilled and competent educators, even though humanities

“The distinction results from the lower quintile schools

in the area have been improved. We deliver new schools

means that we are contributing positively and meaning-

in the Eastern Cape, but how do we retain competent,

fully. We have not yet bridged the gap, but we have nar-

dedicated and committed educators?”

rowed the gap between the deep rural and the urban,

He says this is a challenge that needs to be addressed

between the poorer community schools and the more

and the department is doing just that by providing better

affluent. This is where our work is and this is the enormous

rewards and incentives to educators and developing skills

challenge that we face,” says Deputy Minister Surty.

within the community. Despite these challenges, a positive from the class of

CAPS has brought quality and efficiency with it. “We cannot compromise on either,” he says.

2014’s examination results is the number of distinctions

“Indications are clear that we are making steady improve-

obtained from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools when compared

ments. We recognise the difficulties with regard to literacy

to those from quintile 4 and 5 schools in the past.

and numeracy and are thus focusing on foundations >>

Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Deputy Minister Enver Surty congratulate Michael Bila, one of the best performing matriculants.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

FEATURE

for learning because early childhood development is critical,” adds the Deputy Minister.

This achievement is attributed to the unwavering commitment demonstrated by examination officials at the depart-

Every learner from Grade 1 to 9, in every public school across

ment, across the nine provinces.

the country, receives a literacy and numeracy resource pack, free of charge. Over 50 million books are delivered to schools

Provincial pass rates

to enhance these two learning areas.

In terms of the class of 2014’s pass rate, five provinces

“This goes to the heart of quality. If you remove these two

showed a decline and four showed an increase.

elements, which are the foundations for learning, you are

Gauteng took top honours with a pass rate of 84.7 per cent,

going to have quality and learning difficulties in the future.

followed by the North West (84.6 per cent); Free State (82.8 per cent); Western Cape (82.2 per cent);

Our children are performing above average in the foundation phase and in primary schools,” says Deputy Minister Surty. South Africa examines more than seven million learners each year, in terms of their literacy and numeracy skills. “No other country in the world does this. We know school by

•

compares on the basis of interna-

The class of 2014 was the first to write the CAPS matric examinations.

•

No province achieved a pas rate below 50 per cent.

•

No district achieved a pass rate below 50 per cent.

•

Gauteng was the best performing province, with an 84.7 per cent pass

school, district by district and province by province how each learner

Mpumalanga (79 per cent); Northern Cape

Fact and figures

rate. •

tionally benchmarked tests. “ These are credible initiatives which give us a good indication of

Four provinces recorded a pass rate above 80 per cent - Gauteng, Free State, North West and Western Cape.

(76.4 per cent); Limpopo (72.9 per cent); KwaZulu-Natal (69.7 per cent) and Eastern Cape (65.4 per cent). While Eastern Cape had the lowest pass rate in 2014, it has increased its pass rate from 61.9 per cent in 2012 to 64.2 per cent in 2013 and 65.4 per cent in 2014. Three of the top districts were located in Gauteng. Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi attributes Gauteng’s success to good guidance from the Minister and support from Premier David Makhura, teachers and learners.

where the deficits are and what we

The Free State recorded a drop from 87

should do better. We have not per-

per cent in 2013 to 82 per cent in 2014.

fected it, but we are certainly moving away from mediocrity

Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe says: “For the past three

and working towards excellence,” he adds.

years we have had a pass rate above 80 per cent. In addition,

According to the Deputy Minister, partnerships are needed to ensure the success of the country’s learners “These positive steps cannot take place on their own. There

in 2009, there were no township schools that were achieving a 100 per cent pass rate. This year about seven schools have again achieved this.”

has to be collaboration and I must say that the unions have worked extremely well with the Department of Basic Educa-

Raising the bar

tion.

Minister Motshekga stresses that the standards must be raised.

“The class of 2014’s results are a celebration of the fact that

“We cannot postpone the importance of raising the bar in

educators in general have put a lot of effort into ensuring

the basic education sector. The journey has commenced in

that learners perform adequately.”

earnest.”

The Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further

“The benefits of CAPS in the long-term will out-live our

Education and Training, UMALUSI, which plays a critical role

generation of leaders and managers in the sector. We have

in protecting the integrity of the NSC examination, has, after

learnt from this process which will propel us to greater heights

rigorous verification of all examination processes, declared

when it comes to improving learning outcomes,” says Minister

the 2014 NSC examinations as free, fair and credible.

Motshekga.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

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Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Tracking progress of SoNA 2014

ll eyes will be on President Jacob Zuma when he

tution, which gave vulnerable groups of society human

walks up the stairs of the National Assembly in Par-

rights like the freedom of movement and association,

liament on 12 February, to deliver his second State

the right to own property, the right not to be detained

of the Nation Address (SoNA) for the current term of office.

without trial, freedom of expression and freedom of

All sectors of the economy, in particular, will be waiting

the press, religious freedom and freedom of sexual

to hear about progress made in tackling the social ills of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

orientation. While the review highlighted all the achievements,

In his SoNA in February 2014, the President gave a com-

it also acknowledged that socio-economic challenges

plete report card of what government had done to improve

persisted and therefore much still needed to be done

the lives of all South Africans since 1994. The President later

to address them.

launched the Twenty Year Review that detailed the strides

According to Statistics South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarter three

government had made in growing the economy and ad-

data of 2014, the unemployment rate for South Africa

dressing challenges.

stood at 25,4 per cent. The Gross Domestic Product

The review focused on several economic and social inter-

(GDP) stands at 1,4 per cent.

ventions that were put in place to revive services and restore

While the February SoNA was also an opportunity

the dignity of previously marginalised South Africans as a

for President Zuma to give a report card on progress

result of decades of apartheid laws and policies.

made between 2009 and 2014, he pointed out that

Such interventions included the Reconstruction and Development Programme, introduced during former President

government aimed to create six million job opportunities by 2019.

Nelson Mandelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration, which placed millions of South Africans in social security programmes. As a result,

Key interventions, targets

many people have benefitted from subsidised housing and

In his second SoNA of 2014, the President, in June, an-

basic services such as electricity, water, quality education

nounced a number of initiatives aimed at bettering the

and health care.

lives of South Africans.

The review also highlighted the importance of the Consti-

Among these was that a subcommittee on energy

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

would be established to work on an “energy-mix” plan

line with the goals to grow the economy and create jobs, as

that would incorporate the current coal-powered sta-

outlined by the National Development Plan.

tions with alternative means of power generation such as shale gas exploration and solar. He also revealed plans to revitalise mining towns

In November, the President launched Phase 2 of Operation Phakisa, aimed at transforming all public sector clinics to provide quality health care to all South Africans.

following challenges that mineworkers around the country had been experiencing. The platinum belt, in

Youth, SMMEs empowered

particular, has been plagued by industrial tensions re-

Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile

lated to poor living and working conditions.

Nkwinti recently announced that government would

The President also said it was important for the country to provide support to communities as well as to

continue to empower the youth through various interventions.

engage in food production and subsistence farming

Reflecting on government’s youth development contribu-

to promote food security, in line with the Fetsa Tlala

tions under the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infra-

food production programme.

structure Development Cluster, the Minister said government

To help the economy create jobs, he said that over the

facilitated the placement of 3 159 youth by the end of March.

next five years, government would prioritise support

The Minister also said that about 5 335 youth, including

to small business, and township and informal sector

those registered under the National Rural Youth Service

businesses in particular, and use the small, medium and

Corps, were enrolled in skills development programmes.

micro enterprises (SMME) development programme to boost broad-based black economic empowerment.

He said 100 learners had been recruited for mentoring on the environmental practice learnership programme.

As the President once again sets the course for the

To contribute towards the support for SMMEs, the Minister

nation during his 2015 SoNA, significant progress has

said 386 enterprises and industries were supported through

already been made with initiatives revealed in the June

rural development, agriculture and tourism initiatives.

2014 address.

Operation Phakisa launched President Zuma officially launched Phase 1 of Operation Phakisa - a new initiative to accelerate economic transformation - in Durban in October. Phase 1 focuses on the ocean economy. Operation Phakisa is a new approach derived from the Big Fast Results methodology that was successfully applied by the Malaysian Government in the delivery of its economic and government transformation programmes. The word “Phakisa” means “accelerate” or “hurry up” in Sesotho. The President said the programme would have four priority areas, including marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture as well as marine protection services and ocean governance. Collectively, these projects are expected to contribute more than R20 billion to the GDP by 2019. Government adopted Operation Phakisa as it is in

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

President Jacob Zuma.

FEATURE

More South Africans now have access to housing.

Revitalising mining towns Soon after delivering his SoNA in June last year, President Zuma announced the appointment of five InterMinisterial Committees (IMC) – one of them to look at mining towns. The IMC, chaired by Minister Radebe, was tasked with implementing the Special Presidential Package at 14 distressed mining towns across five provinces – North West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Free State. To date, government has set aside R2,1 billion over the next three years to fund housing projects in mining towns. Briefing Parliament on the progress of the implementation of the Special Presidential Package recently, Mpho Ndaba, Director: Revitalisation of Distressed Mining Communities Outcomes Monitoring and Evalua-

New measures to improve power supply

tion, said R290 million had been approved to upgrade

At its last meeting of 2014, Cabinet adopted a five-point plan to ad-

informal settlements for the 2014/15 financial year, a

dress electricity challenges facing the country.

project under the Department of Human Settlements.

Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Performance, Monitoring and

He also said the Department of Health had secured

Evaluation Jeff Radebe announced that government was implement-

R500 million from the Global Fund for TB screening for

ing an energy mix comprising coal, solar, wind, hydro, gas and nuclear

current and ex-mineworkers and community members.

energy to meet the country’s future needs. “In future biomass, wind power, solar power and hydro-power will contribute 11.4 Gigawatts of renewable energy to the grid,” he said. He also said that Eskom would present a detailed plan to improve the

The Department of Social Development has over the past year been handing out food parcels to povertystricken community members and more than 8 000 sanitation packs have been given to young women.

utility’s cash flow beyond 2015, and that there would be special focus

While the country benefits from the initiatives an-

on improving the strategic maintenance and operational efficiency

nounced by President Zuma in his June 2014 SoNA,

in order to increase the level of efficiency from 72 per cent currently

those he commit to on 12 February will undoubtedly

to the target of 80 per cent.

further move the country forward.

Government continues to launch and implement programmes aimed at growing the economy and creating jobs.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

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mining sector where projects such as

towards a safe and healthy environment

conveyor belt maintenance, construction, belt sweeping, stonework and roof support

CONTACT DETAILS: Mr Bongani Masuku

Dlamzak Mining and Construction Adress: 30 Mark Street- Piet Retief Cell: 073 133 0111 Tel : 017 826 2836

were undertaken and some still ongoing.

for future generations • Reduce any negative impact our operations might generate by implementing strict control measures

On the civil and construction project in road construction and paving, storm water drainage, general building works were undertaken while some are still on going.

and risk assessments to minimise all forms of pollution • Further demonstrate our commitment towards the environment by empowering our communities in establishing

The company owns plants and equipment

economically viable environmental

ranging from excavators, tractor-loader-

projects

backhoe (TLB), tipper trucks, rollers, water tankers, graders and vehicles.

FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Departments and entities with clean audits on the rise

Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu.

n increasing number of national and provincial government

a qualified audit outcome – the same number as the

departments and state-owned entities are getting their hous-

previous financial year.

es in order.

This was reflected in the audit results of departments and entities

released by Auditor-General (A-G) Kimi Makwetu recently.

Those with an adverse or disclaimer audit outcome with findings dropped to four per cent, or 18, in the year under review from five per cent, or 21, in 2012/13.

His report revealed that there was an increase in national and pro-

Makwetu said what set apart the best performing

vincial departments, and their entities, that received clean audits for

departments and entities from the rest was the fact

the 2013/14 financial year.

that they had managers and principals who understood

The A-G said the outcomes reflected an improvement.

their responsibilities and also carried out their duties in

“I am pleased to report that the audit outcomes … show an improve-

an ethical and effective manner.

ment, with 119 (25 per cent) of the 469 auditees attaining clean audit

Some R1 035 billion was allocated to national and

outcomes compared to (96 or) 22 per cent in the previous year,” he said.

provincial governments, including their entities, for

“The 40 departments and 79 public entities (provinces and nationally)

2013/14.

in this category have control environments characterised by strong

National departments that received clean audits in-

leadership control, good governance and financial and performance

cluded Environmental Affairs; Performance, Monitoring

management controls that prevent or detect and correct errors and

and Evaluation; Public Enterprises; Social Development;

non-compliance,” Makwetu noted.

Sport and Recreation, and Tourism.

Fifty-one per cent of departments and entities (238) achieved unqualified audits with findings in 2013/14 compared to 56 per cent, or

How departments got it right

242, that achieved the same outcome in 2012/13.

The A-G said it was encouraging to see departments

Sixteen per cent, or 73, of the departments and entities achieved

and entities getting it right in areas that auditors previ-

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

ously red-flagged as areas that needed improvement.

decessor Terence Nombembe had raised in his audits over the years.

“We are seeing positive improvements in … the fair

The Office of the Auditor-General has become a Chapter 9 institution

presentation and the absence of material misstate-

that government has come to rely on as a credible partner to improve

ments in the financial statements. Material misstate-

matters of governance.

ments refer to errors or omissions that are so significant

“I am encouraged by the responses and commitments of the execu-

that they affect the credibility of the financial state-

tive and oversight to continuously work on solutions with the auditees,

ments,” he explained. Another positive trend was departments meeting their targets as set out in their annual performance

key role players and my office to drive financial and performance management in national and provincial government in order to build the public’s confidence in government. “My office remains firmly committed to making a positive contribu-

plans. “[We are seeing] useful and reliable measurement and

tion towards this journey and we will continue to make ourselves

reporting by auditees on their performance in the an-

available to provide proactive insights and recommendations,” he said.

nual performance report in accordance with the predetermined objectives in their annual performance plan.”

Senior managers must address audit concerns

He said the improvement in the quality of their annual

The A-G called on all government leaders to play a crucial role in

performance reports was a year-on-year improvement,

ensuring that government departments and entities improve their

adding that 62 per cent of all auditees now reported

audit outcomes. He raised concerns over irregular expenditure, non-compliance with

their performance in a useful and reliable manner. “However, only 42 per cent of auditees submitted

legislation, auditees with financial risk indicators and financial misstate-

annual performance reports without material mis-

ments – where auditors have to help auditees correct their annual

statements.

performance reports to achieve better outcomes.

“This means that 20 per cent of the auditees had good

While audit outcomes had improved, much still needed to be done to

outcomes only because they corrected the misstate-

ensure that all departments achieved better outcomes, the A-G noted.

ments identified during the audit.”

“We again emphasise that particular attention should be given to the

Makwetu added that he was pleased with the pres-

assurance provided by senior management, as the accounting officers

ence of strong financial accounting capabilities al-

and executive authorities are relying on senior management to imple-

though “a concern still exists on the stability of these

ment financial and performance management controls. Accounting

disciplines as evidenced by material corrections to

officers must also improve the level of assurance they are providing.”

financial statements that are processed during the

He said senior managers and executive authorities should take a

audit”. He said 80 per cent of the financial statements re-

leadership role in ensuring that all departments implement and embrace measures to improve audit outcomes to achieve better results.

ceived a financially unqualified audit opinion but, most

Measures to improve outcomes include:

importantly, “37 per cent received such an opinion only

•

Responding to the A-G’s recommendations through action plans in

because they corrected all the misstatements that we

order to improve key controls and address these risk areas – the quality

identified during the audit”.

of submitted annual performance reports, supply chain management

If these corrections had not been made, only 43 per

(SCM), financial health, human resource management and information

cent of the auditees, instead of 80 per cent, would have received an unqualified audit opinion, he said.

technology controls. •

Focusing more on getting the basics right, including filling vacant posts with competent officials, implementing basic internal controls and

Pleasing response from government

insisting on regular and credible reports on the state of their finances

The A-G said he was pleased with how those in the

and performance in accordance with their performance plans.

higher echelons of government were responding to

•

Enforcing compliance with legislation by implementing processes and

and supporting the work of his office through their

procedures that will make it part of the daily disciplines and monitor to

action plans to respond to various challenges his pre-

determine whether auditees have complied.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

Makwetu added that public servants should be held accountable for

Funding Agency, Gautrain Management Agency and

poor performance and transgressions, which would go a long way

Gauteng Partnership Fund.

in showing non-performance was unacceptable and in order to en-

Ten entities improved to obtain clean audits.

courage a responsible, accountable and transparent administration.

KwaZulu-Natal – The province retained seven clean au-

He also called on all departments to encourage and support robust

dits - Provincial Treasury, Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali, Dube

and proactive audit committees and internal audit functions to ensure

TradePort Corporation, Growth Fund Managers, Natal

that their recommendations and reports are responded to.

Joint Municipal Pension Fund: Provident, Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund: Retirement and Natal Joint

Audit concerns

Municipal Pension Fund: Superannuation.

The A-G said there were several audit observations that needed the attention of those in leadership.

poration Ltd, which received praise for its performance

He pointed out that 72 per cent of all auditees failed to comply with key legislation. If departments addressed issues like misstatements in submitted financial statements, non-compliance with SCM, recurring unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, the results would be better, the A-G said. The number of auditees bearing negative financial risk indicators

The Ithala Ltd and Ithala Development Finance Corwhen it recently appeared before Parliament’s Portfo-

"The number of auditees bearing negative financial risk indicators had increased, and attention should be given to entities where “significant uncertainty exists about their ability to operate in the foreseeable future”.

lio Committee on Small Business Development, improved to get clean audits. Limpopo - The province, which recently had a Section 100 (b) intervention lifted after it showed signs of stability, saw one department – Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs – improve to a clean audit. Mpumalanga - The Department of Finance and the Mpumalanga Gambling Board – retained clean audits, while

had increased, and attention should be given to entities where “significant uncertainty exists about their

three others improved to clean audits.

ability to operate in the foreseeable future”.

Northern Cape - The Department of Social Development

However, the A-G noted that there was commitment to address these issues.

retained a clean audit, while four others - Economic Development and Tourism, Environment and Nature

“I am encouraged by the responses and commitments of the ex-

Conservation, the Provincial Treasury and Northern

ecutive and oversight to continuously work on solutions with the

Cape Tourism Authority - improved to receive clean

auditees, key role players and my office to drive financial and perfor-

audits.

mance management in national and provincial government in order

North West - The Provincial Treasury Department re-

to build the public’s confidence in government,” he said.

ceived a clean audit. Western Cape - Ten departments and entities in the prov-

A look at the provincial outcome audits

ince retained clean audits. These included Agriculture,

Eastern Cape - In the Eastern Cape, Provincial Treasury, the Office of

Cultural Affairs and Sport, Community Safety, Econom-

the Premier and Eastern Cape Socio-economic Consultative Council

ic Development and Tourism, Transport and Public

retained clean audits. The Eastern Cape Department of Local Govern-

Works, the Gambling and Racing Board, Government

ment and Traditional Affairs improved to a clean audit.

Motor Transport, the Western Cape Cultural Commis-

Free State - In the Free State, Provincial Treasury, the provincial Depart-

sion, Western Cape Investment and Trade Agency and

ment of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Free State Fleet

Western Cape Language Committee.

Management Trading Entity retained clean audits. The Provincial

Eight departments and entities - Human Settlements,

Legislature improved to a clean audit.

Local Government, Office of the Premier, Provincial

Gauteng - The province retained eight clean audits, which included

Legislature, Provincial Treasury, Social Development,

the Office of the Premier; Provincial Legislature; Provincial Treasury,

Heritage Western Cape and Western Cape Nature Con-

Social Development, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng

servation Board – improved to achieve clean audits.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

141

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FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

Writer: Allison Cooper

Water is life and sanitation is dignity

ithout water, life as we know it, would cease to exist.

Minister said at a recent briefing hosted by The New Age.

At the forefront of ensuring that this does not happen

She explains that 20 years after democracy it was un-

and that South Africans have access to clean water is

acceptable that women still had to walk long distance

Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane. Her department leads the effective management of our na-

start looking into other ways of providing people in

tion’s water resources to meet the needs of current and future

rural areas with clean water. Women are becoming vic-

generations. It also strives to ensure that all South Africans gain

tims of rape and abuse because of a lack of sanitation.

access to safe sanitation. Minister Mokonyane says she is guided by the basic principle that water is life and sanitation is dignity. Of particular importance to the Minister is how the lack of water and sanitation affects women. “If we are to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) things have

to fetch water. “The time has come for government to

“As part of the drive towards radical socio-economic transformation, we need to ensure that solutions to water and sanitation challenges are about opening the sector to those that have been disenfranchised. This will be done by providing skills development, economic empowerment and access to quality water and dignified sanitation,” she says.

to be done differently. Finding solutions to the current challenges

The department is focusing on revisiting water owner-

calls for our collective wisdom in changing the lives of women,” the

ship and water use rights in South Africa; educating and

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

creating awareness in communities about the conser-

and people will not be able to employ their ‘comrades’ that

vation, preservation and security of scarce resources;

don’t have the skills to do the job,” says Minister Mokonyane.

innovation in the sector; and harmonising the role and

Everyday lives are affected by the Department of Water

responsibility of institutions and all spheres of govern-

and Sanitation and the work that it does. “That’s why radical

ment in the best interests of the end-user.

social economic transformation, through the accelerated

“We can only achieve this if we put communities first and demonstrate that business cannot go on as usual.

delivery of water and sanitation services, is one of our core focus areas,” explains the Minister.

The department has a national obligation to ensure

With 67 per cent of South Africa’s water used for agriculture,

that it infuses life in the provision of quality water and

the Minister says her department also has a firm focus on

restores the dignity of our people through sanitation,”

how this water is being used.

adds Minister Mokonyane.

“We need to ensure equality and focus on unemployment and poverty. Water is a scarce resource and the public and

Tackling challenges head-on

private sectors thus need to work together to ensure that

The Minister attributes poor planning to some of the

they utilise water responsibility and conserve water where

challenges that have affected parts of the country and

they can.”

left people without water for days.

Ordinary South Africans also have a role to play.

She stresses that people cannot continue to blame

“Water scarcity is a global challenge and South Africa,

ageing infrastructure because in some areas equipment

ranked the 30 th driest country in the world with annual

was designed to cater for a small number of people

rainfall levels about half the world average, is hard pressed

instead of the current larger population.

to make every drop count. We call on every citizen to join

South Africa has made great strides in the provision

us in preserving this precious resource,” adds the Minister.

of water and sanitation services since 1994, but various challenges remain and are being addressed.

Way forward

Orlando in Soweto, for example, was not originally

In the future, she says, those that consume large quantities

designed for the current population. The area was origi-

of water should be charged higher rates for their use. In

nally reserved for migrant labour and there were no

addition, the department will focus on how to exploit ground

plans for expansion and growth.

water and invest in infrastructure to ensure water quality.

“Communities like this have multiplied 12-fold and it is

“Business cannot carry on as usual, we need to explore

in this context that we need to view ageing infrastruc-

alternative technology and materials to see how we can best

ture in South Africa. Whilst these areas were designed

recycle water and to hold those who pollute our resources

to perpetuate divisions, we now need to plan and go

accountable for their actions. Acid mine drainage can also

back and invest in neglected areas.”

not continue.”

This is being tackled by the Integrated Urban Development Plan, which forms part of the NDP.

As a result, both the Water Act and the Water Services Act are being reviewed so that they are better aligned with the

The department has to invest in maintenance, and

NDP; the right skills are being sought to address challenges;

also ensure that local government has the capacity

and the department is focusing on attracting investment into

and budget to carry out this task. As a result, the

water infrastructure, eradicating the bucket system, good

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional

urban governance and alternative energy sources.

Affairs, Pravin Gordhan, is ensuring that 10 per cent of

The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Pam Tshwete

municipal budgets be dedicated to operations and the

says the department, established last year, hit the ground

maintenance of infrastructure.

running.

“At the same time, we have to ensure that we have the

“The first thing we did was to visit all provinces and interact

right people in the right jobs. As game changers, those

with district and local municipalities and water boards to

who have been in the sector must transfer their skills

understand what is happening on the ground.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

FEATUREIN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

The Department of Water and Sanitation is spearheading efforts to ensure that South Africans have access to clean water.

Various issues of concern were raised, including

to sign a memorandum of understanding with that coun-

ageing infrastructure, the non-payment of water and

try, which will see 30 engineers coming to South Africa to

sanitation services, vandalism and theft of infrastruc-

mentor the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s university graduates and help them

ture and a lack of communication between some local

to tackle water shortage challenges.

governments and their communities.â&#x20AC;? She believes that the participation of South Africans in the water sector is key.

which the water boards were invited. While many challenges are being tackled, there is still

The department will extend its stakeholder relations

more work to do. The department is working hand-in-hand

by ensuring that water and sanitation forums are estab-

with other government departments to ensure a holistic

lished in every metro and district representing commu-

approach.

nities, business, academia, women, youth and people with disabilities.

While the December 2014 target to eradicate the bucket system was not met due to plans and budgets in various

The department has already hosted several summits,

municipalities not being in place, the intervention has been

the first of which was for the youth to encourage them

accelerated and the department is confident that the target

to study science and maths as there is a shortage of

will be met in the 2015/16 financial year. In addition, 10-year

engineers in South Africa.

water and sanitation master plans are being put in place to

In addition, Deputy Minister Tshwete travelled to Cuba

A strategic planning workshop has also been held, to

ensure proper planning going forward.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

Contact Details: Dr Bongani Maseko Tel: 012 844 0126 Address: Suite 9 Enterprise Building Mark Shuttleworth Street Innovation Hub, Pretoria, 0081

D r Ma ma bo l o Rra ph e s u

HELPING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS GROW

Food insecurity at household level is one of

food to feed a growing population. Farmers are on the front line of this battle and are usually the first to feel the heat.

M otl ats i Mu s i

Africa. The country needs to grow enough

Tep s y N t s e o a n e

the great challenges facing many in South

www.africabio.com

The farmers are expected to produce enough food sustainably

The farmer support program begins with the selection of 10

and, at the same time, overcome the effects of climate change and

farmers with at least two hectares of land that are willing to use it

charge a fair price for their goods. Smallholder farmers are the

to grow a biotech crop side-by-side with a conventional crop for

backbone of economic activity in the rural areas of South Africa

at least one season. Farmers are encouraged to open their field

where they play a crucial role in supplying food to the country and

to neighbouring farmers and share their experiences about the

bringing about economic transformation.

benefits of the technology.

Smallholder farmers are mostly resource poor and experience

Smallholder farmers benefit from the use of insect resistant crops,

low crop yields. In addition, they face a number of constraints

save on insecticide costs and also enjoy higher yield. Due to benefits

resulting in food insecurity and low income. Agricultural

of the technology, smallholder farmers who started with two to six

biotechnology is one of the many tools available to smallholder

hectar plots, have now expanded their area of crop cultivation to

farmers to improve their crop yields and productivity. It offers an

between 25 and 70 hectares that are running highly productive and

attractive opportunity for smallholder farmers to address current

profitable farms.

and future food security challenges, especially in the light that South Africa is prone to drought.

According to Dr Bongani Maseko, a plant pathologist working as Project Manager at AfricaBio, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farmers are the primary beneficiaries

Ag-biotech is of one of the strategic pillars identified in the

of the technology; hence it is important that farmers must be put at

South African bio-economy strategy that supports other policies

the forefront in order to improve food sufficiency and food security in

instruments such as the Food Security and Nutritional Policy and

the country.â&#x20AC;?

the National Development Plan. South Africa cultivates, imports and exports genetically modified maize, cotton and soybean crops and

Since its inception in 1999, AfricaBio has provided technical support

these have been commercially available for more than 15 years.

to more than 3 500 smallholder farmers to produce more and better quality crops, conserve water and soil by using appropriate

AfricaBio, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture

agricultural tools.

& Rural Development (GDARD), have been assisting smallholder farmers with expert agronomical advice to biotech crops to control

AfricaBio is an independent, non-profit biotechnology stakeholder

stalk borers and weeds. The maize stalk borer robs farmers of their

association that provides accurate information and promotes

production and the damage can cost farmers up to 80 percent of

awareness, understanding and knowledge of biotechnology and

their yield.

biosafety in South Africa and the African region.

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

featUre

Development Finance Institutions boost economic development

evelopment Finance Institutions (DFIs) have over the past

differ from banks because they are capitalised and fully

five years played a crucial role in helping government

owned by government – have realigned themselves to

carry out its main mandate – to grow the economy and

ensure that they are in sync with the state’s spending

improve the lives of South Africans.

direction.

Following a bruising global economic meltdown that saw some developed states bailing out several institutions in a bid to save

DBSA review complete

jobs, the South African government took a countercyclical policy

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, who is also a governor

stance that meant that the state increased its spending to stimu-

of the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), said

late the economy while it was on a downturn.

over the past five years, the institution had gone under

To alleviate poverty, reduce inequality and create jobs, several

an extensive review of its operations and that it had

DFIs needed to review their operations or business models in

repositioned itself to support government’s objectives.

order to realign themselves to government’s priorities and spend-

“In this regard, I am pleased to report that this restruc-

ing needs across key priority programmes. After President Jacob Zuma declared 2011 as the “Year of the Job”, DFIs received a much needed shake up to contribute to

will enable the DBSA to increase its levels of targeted support in the years ahead.

economic development on a large scale – some of them funding

“For the 2013/14 financial year, this Integrated An-

government projects and sponsoring industrial projects across

nual Report shows a meaningful acceleration in the

various sectors, while some catered for socio-economic needs,

Bank’s infrastructure development activities, which was

like housing finance.

achieved despite a difficult operating environment,”

Recently released annual reports show that some DFIs – which

turing process has been successfully concluded and

he said.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

According to DBSA’s 2013/14 annual report, the institution – which mainly finances physical, economic and social infrastructure – disbursed a total of R12.7 billion in funding to projects aligned to its mandate. Within the municipal market – which remains an important phase that provides basic services to all South

an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to get into the

Africans - DBSA disbursed R1.7 billion over the year

productive sectors of the economy. The Industrial Develop-

under review, and it is estimated that 263 000 house-

ment Corporation (IDC) is at the centre of this mandate.

holds will benefit once all these projects have been completed.

In the institution’s annual report for the 2013/ 14 financial year, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said

More still needs to be done to assist under-capaci-

when he assumed office five years ago, his department

tated municipalities, and Minister Nene and Coopera-

initiated a process of transforming the IDC to play a role of

tive Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Pravin

empowering small, medium and big corporations to cre-

Gordhan will work together to ensure that this happens.

ate jobs and respond to economic and social imperatives.

In this regard, DBSA has over the past year found an

“The IDC heeded our call, realigning its focus areas and

innovative finance solution by providing bridging fi-

strategies with industrialisation priorities. These included

nance to these municipalities before they receive their

the broadening and deepening of productive value chains,

annual municipal infrastructure grants.

both domestically and regionally, the beneficiation of our

Minister Nene estimated that some 109 000 house-

country’s resource wealth and the green economy.

holds will benefit through access to electricity, water

“The corporation geared itself for a more proactive and

and sanitation once these projects have been com-

catalytic role in the expansion and diversification of South

pleted.

Africa’s industrial base, with a special focus on labour-

DBSA further funded the construction of 32 schools,

absorbing investment activities. It thus joined forces with

41 doctors consultation rooms and the refurbishments

other public sector entities in signalling to the marketplace

of 68 clinics – on top of 560 rural houses.

the desired orientation, inclusivity and pace of economic

In support of the “year of the job” campaign, DBSA launched a Job Fund and after three funding cycles, 93 projects were approved for an overall funding of R5 billion while a further R6.1 billion was leveraged through project partners. To date, R969.2 million has been disbursed. It is esti-

development in the years ahead,” he said. Over the past five years the corporation has certainly been busy. When the recession was on a verge of choke-slamming local and foreign markets, South Africa’s economy shed just over one million jobs when the melt down peaked in 2009.

mated that 140 000 jobs will be created by these pro-

During that period, the IDC stepped up its funding sup-

jects and 56 000 work seekers will be placed in employ-

port and played an important role in creating and saving

ment during the projects’ life-span.

almost 130 000 jobs. It then stepped up its efforts in the years that followed,

IDC focuses on industrialisation

and in the year under review, it created and saved 160 000

The Department of Trade and Industry has taken a bold

jobs.

stance and announced its plans to create 100 black

In April 2012, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa)

industrialists by 2016 to grow an economy that will

– a subsidiary of the IDC – was established following the

create jobs.

merger between Khula, the SA Micro Finance Apex Fund

The plan is to use empowerment policies to create

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

and the IDC’s small business funding. Sefa has since >>

FEATURE

approved R1.5 billion in direct and indirect lending to about

these challenges through quality education, skills train-

74 000 to small and micro enterprises.

ing, internship provision and various business support

“As part of its capital raising process to permit higher levels

programmes which the National Youth Development

of financing activity at a lower cost, the IDC issued a public

Agency (NYDA) – formed in 2009 – has been carrying

bond in 2013. This was the first such issuance in more than

out.

20 years and the fact that it was substantially oversubscribed

In May 2013, the NYDA shifted its core focus from

reflected the extent of investors’ confidence in the corpora-

enterprise finance to skills and education and instead

tion’s financial standing.

of offering loan finance to young people, it now of-

“In its efforts to build a more inclusive economy, the IDC will focus on jobs-rich investment opportunities and increase

fers grant finance of between R1 000 and R100 000 to individual and youth cooperatives.

funding to black industrialists. Its subsidiary, Sefa, in turn, will

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Performance,

enhance direct and indirect lending to small businesses and

Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe, said he was

micro-enterprises.

pleased with the NYDA’s year-on-year improvements

“In support of regional integration on the African continent,

in relation to its governance and administration; the

the IDC will strengthen its con-

fact that it met 86 per cent of its key

tribution to the development

performance indicators (KPIs); and for

of cross- border value chains

its new flagship programmes.

and assist domestic players

“We have observed with interest the

intending to do business in

impact that these flagship programmes

other African markets, both

have had on the lives of many of our

as investors and exporters,”

youth.”

Minister Patel said.

Linked with the mandate to ensure that government creates black indus-

A quick view of DFIs

trialists, the National Empowerment

Agriculture has become one

Fund (NEF), according to its 2013/ 14

of government’s priority areas that the National Development

annual report, has a responsibility to ensure the ad-

Plan envisages will create one million jobs by 2030.

vancement of black entrepreneurs to close the trans-

Minister Nene said the Land Bank, which has a mandate to fund commercial farmers and create an enabling environment

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies says in the

for farmers from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to

report that his department would work actively to

enter as new sector players, had done well over the past five

refinance the NEF in a bid to reposition it to fulfil its

years.

empowerment mandate.

“The Land Bank has reviewed its Operations Business Unit,

“The Department of Trade and Industry is proudly

which identified challenges in the financing of emerging

aware that since its inception 10 years ago to date, the

farmers.

NEF has approved 549 transactions worth more than

“In order to overcome these challenges and to determine

R5.47 billion for black empowered businesses across

how these could be best addressed, the bank decided to es-

the country, and these are virtually all sectors of the

tablish a dedicated unit called the Retail Emerging Markets

economy,” he said.

(REM) through which it lends to emerging farmers who would not typically have qualified for funding,” he said. R100 million has been allocated to the REM programme by the National Treasury over the next couple of years. With unemployment and lack of skills among young people remaining a ticking time-bomb, the state prioritised tackling

formation gap and growing the economy.

Minister Davies added that to support the state’s plan to also grow black industrialists, the NEF – together with local and international investors – had developed 21 industrial projects amounting to R32 billion and that this had a potential to support 80 000 jobs once the projects were commercialised.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

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featUrein LeaDershiP ProfiLes

Writers: More Matshediso and Noluthando Mkhize

Government rolling up sleeves to fight corruption

outh Africa is implementing one of the most comprehensive

South Africa had placed the fight against corruption

anti-corruption strategies in the world and has made fight-

high on the agenda.

ing the scourge one of its key priorities, says President Jacob

Zuma.

The Public Service Commission hosted the event in partnership with the Department of Communications,

“This is reflected in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF),

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

which has the reduction of corruption in the private and public

and the University of South Africa under the theme

sectors as one of the critical goals for the next five years,” stressed

“Break the Corruption Chain”.

the President, in a written reply in Parliament. The President’s establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee

Measures to tackle corruption

(IMC) to lead and oversee government’s efforts to combat corrup-

Minister Radebe said the drafting of government’s

tion is also testimony to how determined the state is to eradicate

Anti-corruption Framework in 2001, which is aligned

corruption, he added.

with international best practices, showed how serious

The IMC is chaired by the Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe and comprises various Ministers.

government was about addressing corruption. The establishment of specialised anti-corruption units

According to Corruption Perceptions Index 2013, which is pub-

such as the SAPS Organised Crime Unit, the Directorate

lished by Transparency International and measures the perceived

of Priority Crime Investigation, the Asset Forfeiture Unit,

levels of public sector corruption worldwide, South Africa was ranked

the Financial Intelligence Centre as well as Specialised

72 out of 177 countries. In 2014, the ranking had improved and

Commercial Crime Courts where also mechanisms to

government wants to see further progress in the year ahead.

fight corruption, he added.

“In 2014, South Africa’s ranking improved by five positions, placing

In addition, the Twenty Year Review, released by The

it at 67. This [improvement] no doubt attests to the good progress

Presidency, noted that government had set itself the

that we have made as well as the political will demonstrated in the

goal of prosecuting and securing the convictions of

fight against corruption.

individuals for corruption and corruption-related activi-

“These results are a fitting testimony that we are on course to meet the MTSF target of improving our ranking to be below 50,” said Minister Radebe. Speaking at an event marking International Anti-corruption Day recently, the Minister noted that since the advent of democracy,

ties involving large sums of money. According to the Twenty Year Review, between 2009 and 2013, criminal investigations were carried out into allegations of corruption against 298 people. During the same period there were successful con-

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

victions of 48 individuals for corrupt activities involving R5

Corruption a global problem

million or more.

In a written message to those attending the event, UN

“In addition, a list of the names of 42 people who were con-

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, said corruption is a global

victed for corruption was released as an effort to name and

phenomenon that strikes the poor the hardest; hinders

shame them. The Twenty Year Review goes on to report that

inclusive economic growth and robs essential services of

freezing orders totaling R1.3 billion were obtained over the

badly needed funds.

same period, while assets to the value of R157 million were forfeited to the state,” the Minister pointed out. Despite the good progress recorded, there are still many challenges. “The MTSF 2014-2019 acknowledges that the country continues to face intolerably high levels of corruption both within the public and private sectors.” “Corruption undermines the rule of law and impedes government’s authority and efforts to achieve its socio-economic development and service delivery objectives.” He added that some local and foreign investors were not willing to invest in the country on account of perceptions of high levels of corruption. The National Security Strategy, adopted by government in 2013, declares corruption as one of the key threats to South Africa’s national security. Minister Radebe said the MTSF reiterated the vision of the National Development Plan – that anti-corruption agencies have adequate resources and be staffed by highly skilled and experienced officials. It is also envisioned that these officials would be free from

“From cradle to grave, millions are touched by corruption’s shadow… We call on people everywhere to get involved in breaking the corruption chain,” he urged. Ban noted that this year the world would agree on a new post-2015 sustainable development agenda. “Our aim is to empower individuals and catalyse governments, the private sector and civil society to help lift millions out of poverty, protect the planet and achieve shared prosperity and dignity for all.” “Eliminating corruption and its harmful impacts is crucial the future well-being of the global community,” said Ban. He called on the Public Service to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that appointments were driven by merit. “Public servants, as well as elected officials, must be guided by ethics, transparency and accountability.” The private sector also has a crucial role to play, he added. “Good behaviour is good business. Business groups can convert anti-corruption action into firm support for sustainable development.

political influence, have powers to investigate alleged cases

“I call on everyone to help end corruption and come to-

of corruption and prosecute those suspected to be involved

gether for global fairness and equity. The world and its peo-

in corruption.

ple can no longer afford nor tolerate corruption,” said Ban.

Minister Jeff Radebe addresses an Anti-corruption Day event.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

FIVE YEARS ON,

THE HRDC CONTINUES TO MAKE STRIDES The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) is a national, multi-tiered, and multi-stakeholder advisory body under the leadership and stewardship of the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, established in March 2010. It is managed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande. Membership is comprised of Government Ministers, senior business leaders, organised labour, academia, training and research institutions, and civil society. THE HRDC AIMS TO: • Build the country’s required human capital base, and to ensure a prosperous and inclusive South African society and economy • Approve various initiatives to address human resource development in the country The Council meets at least four times a year to identify and address blockages in human resource development. Its work is supported by a Technical Working Group (TWG), which is co-chaired by business and labour, and reinforced by Technical Task Teams (TTTs). The TWG comprises experts appointed on an issue-basis to provide expert input with regard to all matters pertaining to HRD. In addition to the above mentioned sub-structures the HRDC Provincial Co-ordination Forum was established

in 2011. The mandate of the forum is to create a link between the HRDC and HRD activities at provincial level. The forum provides a platform for provinces to engage and share human resources related successes, challenges, solutions, and best practices to address those challenges based on the priorities of the HRDC. Most provinces have formed their own HRD Councils which are chaired by their Premiers and driven by the Secretariat to work in alignment with the national structures. One of the HRD Council’s key responsibilities is to build the human resource development base aquired through the implementation of the 2010-2030 Human Resource Development strategy of South Africa. The strategy seeks to remove bottlenecks along the entire education and training pipeline from early childhood development through to the world of work. In the short term the focus is on the implementation of the Integrated Human Resource Development Plan based on the following five goals: • Universal access to quality foundational learning • Expand access to the post-schooling education system • Capable public sector with effective and efficient planning, and implementation capabilities • Production of appropriately-skilled people for the economy • Improved technological innovation and outcomes

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA / ADVERTORIAL

Telephone: +27 (0)12 943 3188 Website: www.hrdcsa.org.za Address: 6 Floor Ndinaye House 178 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, 0001

TECHNICAL TASK TEAMS Once the TTTs have completed their work and presented their reports to Council, the HRD Council Secretariat engages with the relevant implementing agencies to ensure that the recommendations of the reports are carried forward. All the TTTs have completed and presented their work to the council. Recommendations and outcomes of the reports will be followed-up and implemented. As part of strengthening access to and the quality of education in TVET colleges, council launched a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college campaign known as Adopta-TVET College. The campaign which came about as a result of the work of the Further Education and Training Task Team promotes cooperation and partnerships between industry and TVET colleges to work together on projects that will enhance the quality of education for students while improving skills that are critical to success in the workplace. The nature of the partnership will be determined by the partners to the benefit of all involved. ACHIEVEMENTS The HRD Council boasts numerous achievements since its inception in 2010. It entered into a number of partnerships with various stakeholders in the pursuit of human resource development issues. The following are amongst the established partnerships: • T he International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship (INAP for the 5th International Network and Innovative Apprenticeships Conference) to gain a better understanding of how Technical Vocational and Training (TVET) sector functions internationally as compared to the South African one, through collaborative research studies

• T he Public Service Trainers Forum (PSTF) with the aim of ensuring professional trainers for the public service • National Skills Authority on general improvement of skills development and delivery in the country • Department of Higher Education and Training together with economic departments on increasing skills planning and delivery, and improving the accessibility of post-school education and training • Encouraging Professional Councils to play a more active role in the enabling of individuals to enter the professions • South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) on increasing skills within the maritime sector and ensuring awareness for career opportunities in the sector • Maritime Sector work with Phakisa initiatives • Working with the provinces to ensure that the work of the Council is advocated nationwide CONCLUSION The above highlights the important role of the HRDC in job creation, seeking to address unemployment, poverty, and inequality to ensure a prosperous and inclusive South African society and economy. It is hoped that the HRDC will continue to implement the various initiatives and deliver on its mandate as outlined in the 2010-2030 HRD Strategy.

FEATURE

Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver

New Act to transform

legal profession

outh Africans can look forward to enjoying the benefits of a

belong to law societies. These exercise professional

transformed and independent legal profession, after President

control over their members. However, for advocates,

Jacob Zuma recently signed the Legal Practice Bill into law.

membership of law societies is voluntary, and many

Announcing the signing of the Bill, The Presidency said it brought

“to fruition many years of discussions, negotiations and even concessions that began in the time of the late Dullah Omar, democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Justice”. The lengthy deliberations preceding and during the passage of the Bill ensured that its many provisions had been carefully considered, it added.

practice without being subject to control of any regulatory authority other than the High Court. The Act will bring together all lawyers – attorneys and advocates – under a single regulatory body called the South African Legal Practice Council (SALPC). Provincial Councils will help the SALPC in its daily operations.

The new Legal Practice Act, 2014 (Act 28 of 2014) is aimed at

The SALPC will comprise mainly “legal practitioners

ensuring South Africa has a legal profession that is transformed,

but also other important role players whose expertise

independent and promotes the values underpinning the Constitu-

and experience will enhance the objects of this body,”

tion, while upholding the rule of law.

said The Presidency.

The transformation of the legal profession, like the transforma-

It added that although there would be a single

tion of the judiciary and court system, was essential as “the legal

regulatory body, the Legal Practice Act allowed for

profession constitutes part of the judicial machinery that provides

attorneys and advocates to continue in their respec-

services aimed at promoting access to justice”, said The Presidency.

tive areas of specialisation. “Legal practitioners, being officers of the courts, will

Lawyers and attorneys to get one regulatory body

continue to be admitted as such by the courts and

During a public lecture at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Uni-

the courts will continue to remove them from practice

versity, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha

should this be necessary.”

explained that in terms of current law, attorneys are obliged to

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has welPublic Sector Manager • February 2015

comed the Act. The LSSA’s co-chairmen Max Bo-

a code of conduct for legal practitioners, candidate

qwana and Ettienne Barnard said the Act signalled

legal practitioners and juristic entities.

the formal start to a new dispensation that would usher in a transparent, transformed, public-centred

Matters of transformation

and responsive profession.

Government will oversee that the profession is transformed in line with Constitutional imperatives and

National Forum

enhances access to justice. “Access” means access to

The Act will be implemented in increments with the

the profession as a career and access to legal services

transitional phase entailing Chapter 10 of the Act

and to improve this, the legal profession must become

being put into operation, namely the establishment

representative of the diversity of South African society.

of a National Forum for the Legal Profession.

The Admission of Advocates Act, 1964, the Attorneys

One of the Forum’s tasks will be to develop an elec-

Act, 1979, the rules of court made by the Rules Board for

tion procedure for the constituting of the first SALPC.

Courts of Law and practice directives by judges presi-

Boqwana and Barnard said the LSSA would cooper-

dent, as well as rules made by bar council and statutory

ate actively with all relevant stakeholders during the

law societies are examples of the legislative framework

transitional phase.

that regulates the legal profession in South Africa. It is

The National Forum will lay the foundation for the

the overarching legislative framework that is to blame

transformation of the profession set out in the Act.

for anomalies between the branches in the profession.

“The mandate of this Forum is to put systems in

“The distribution of practising lawyers who deliver

place for the full implementation of the legislation.

legal services to the public is also skewed. Most lawyers

It is trusted that the deliberations of the Forum will

practise in cities and they service corporations and rela-

facilitate consensus on the remaining issues that are

tively wealthy people. Rural attorneys tend to be white,

still required to be dealt with as set out in the Act,”

male and Afrikaans speaking. They generally provide

said The Presidency.

legal services to the white farmers and local businesses.

Law Societies will be invited to provide names of

“There are few lawyers who service the areas in which

designees to constitute the National Forum which

most black people live - the townships and rural settle-

will comprise eight attorneys from the LSSA, five ad-

ments. The few that exist generally have poor resources,”

vocates from the General Council of the Bar of South

said the Minister.

Africa, one advocate from the National Forum of Ad-

Besides the comparatively small number of women

vocates and one from Advocates for Transformation.

and black lawyers in private practice and the public

The National Forum has three years in which to

sector, very few women and black people are senior

complete its mandate. Within two years from its in-

partners in large law firms or members of senior council

ception the Forum must make recommendations on

at the Bar. Until recently they were also absent from the

various matters affecting the legal profession, the

controlling bodies of the Bar Councils and Law Socie-

establishment of the Provincial Councils, their areas

ties, he added.

of jurisdiction, composition, functions and manner of their election.

“In order to effect a coordinated and sustainable change with a lasting impact on the diversification

The forum will also define all the practical voca-

and access to the legal profession, there is a need for

tional training requirements that candidate attor-

the integration of the profession and the creation of

neys must fulfil for them to be admitted to court as

a single controlling body for the profession,” Minister

legal practitioners. It also has to prepare and publish

Masutha pointed out.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

FEATURE

Another matter associated with the problem of access is finance: most members of the broad middle class of

on cases of alleged misconduct be open and transparent and comprise lawyers and laypersons.

South Africa cannot afford lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees.

Legal Services Ombud Role of the SALPC

The Act calls for a Legal Services Ombud to be established with

The task of facilitating the realisation of the goal of

the mandate of protecting and promoting the public interest

a restructured and transformed legal profession that

in terms of the provision of legal services and also to ensure the

is accountable, efficient and independent will fall to

fair, efficient and effective investigation of complaints against

the SALPC.

allegations of misconduct by legal practitioners. The Ombud

It will also ensure the fees that legal practitioners

will be a retired judge.

charge for legal services are reasonable and promote access to legal services and justice. The SALPC will play an important role in the profes-

The Minister of Justice has no role in the Forum or the SALPC.

sional conduct of legal practitioners and develop a

In terms of the Act, the Minister may designate three fit and

single code of conduct applicable to all lawyers, said

proper persons to serve on the council by virtue of their knowl-

The Presidency. The council will also have to develop

edge, experience and ability to help the council achieve its

norms and standards to guide the conduct of candidate

objectives.

legal practitioners.

If the council becomes dysfunctional the Minister has the

The council will work to promote and protect public

power to dissolve it, but only after the Legal Services Ombud

interest, regulate all legal practitioners and candidate

has done an investigation and made recommendation and

legal practitioners and ensure accessible and sustain-

then only after a High Court grants an order for the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

able training of law graduates who aspire to be admit-

dissolution.

ted and enrolled as legal practitioners. It would also

It took over a decade of deliberation and careful considera-

promote access to the legal profession with a view

tion before South Africa got the Legal Practice Act. However,

to having a corps of legal professionals whose demo-

its effect on the legal professions and citizens needing access

graphic profile matches that of the country.

to legal services is likely to be a powerful one and last for

The Act states that disciplinary bodies that adjudicate

Dissolution

decades to come.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

PSETA GRANTS TO FUND CRITICAL SKILLS PROGRAMMES About PSETA

The Public Services Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) is established in terms of the Skills Development Act (Act No 97 of 1998), as amended. This Act makes provision for the establishment of SETAs for each national economic sector and provides an institutional framework for the SETAs to develop and implement national, sectorial and workplace strategies in order to develop and improve the skills of the national workforce. Funding model

SETAs are funded from the Skills Development Levy (SDL) paid in accordance with the Skills Development Levies Act (Act no 9 of 1999), as amended (SDLA), comprising one percent of the salary and wage bill of employers. The SDLA however exempts government departments from paying the skills levies, however departments must budget one percent of their personnel budgets for training and development. Levy contribution to the PSETA

In terms of the DPSA HRD Directive 1 of 2013, a contribution of 30 percent of the one percent of total departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual personnel budget for training and development of its personnel and potential employees is to be paid over to the line function SETA and a portion thereof to PSETA for transversal occupations in the respective department. One third of the 30 percent levies received from government departments will be used for administration and operational costs and two thirds allocated back to the sector through discretionary grants. The two thirds is further allocated at 80 percent for PIVOTAL programmes and 20 percent for interventions that support PIVOTAL programmes. PSETAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention is to open two discretionary grant windows per year, one in April and the other in September. The opening of such windows depends on PSETA receiving levies from the departments and the relevant public entities. Added to this, PSETA does not intend supporting departments and entities that do not pay or are in arrears with their levies.

The account details to which transfers may be made is as follows: The Public Service Sector Education & Training Authority ABSA Bank Account Number: 40-5196-0384 (Current Account) Branch Name: RBB Commercial Northern Region Branch Code: 632005 By funding the SETAs, government departments are effectively funding meso-level co-ordination in ways that should achieve results more economically, efficiently and effectively than they would be able to, if done in isolation. Gratitude to all the Departments who have started making the transfers to PSETA.

www.pseta.org.za

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

FEATURE

Minister Muthambi: The force behind digital migration

ith the June 2015 deadline for the migra-

the ministry include the GCIS, Independent Communica-

tion to digital terrestrial television (DTT)

tions Authority of South Africa, the SABC, Brand SA, Media

fast approaching, Communications Min-

Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Film and

ister Faith Muthambi is spearheading efforts to ensure

Publication Board.

the migration from analogue signal to digital gains momentum. There has been a protracted stalemate between

In a bid to resolve the dispute that has, for a while, put the

government and two broadcasters – MultiChoice and

entire project on ice, Minister Muthambi has been consult-

SABC – over the roll-out of DTT and the Minister is

ing with the industry to find a way forward.

determined to end the impasse. Since taking office

“I have indeed already broadly consulted with various

in May 2014, the Minister has been consulting with

stakeholders in the communications industry, including

media players.

the manufacturers, the broadcasters and the regulator. This

MultiChoice and SABC declared a dispute with Cabinet’s decision in 2013 over the use of a control access on Set Top Boxes (STBs) once DTT is rolled-out. Government wants a control system used on STBs to protect the local market from being flooded with cheap, low quality DVB-T2 STB imports. Also, changing the specifications on the STBs would delay the roll-out of the digital migration project. Government needs to meet the International Tel-

consultative process is still continuing. “I [recently had fruitful consultations] with all the key stakeholders in a workshop in Pretoria where a number of key issues were identified that will be expedited to pave the path for a successful delivery of the project,” she said. The Minister added that some of the issues that were raised during the consultations included policy clarity and legislation from government on the digital migration project.

ecommunications Union (ITU) deadline of June 2015

A DTT task team has been put in place to allow govern-

to switch off the current analogue signal and migrate

ment to work with the broadcasting industry in a bid to

to digital terrestrial television – a move that is also

finalise the implementation plan for the project.

expected to release spectrum that has the potential to unlock next generation broadband. The consequences of missing this crucial deadline will mean that South Africa can no longer be protected from disruptions of radio frequency used for analogue television broadcasts. After President Jacob Zuma signed a proclamation to establish the Department of Communications, the

Finding a way forward

The Minister said after much deliberation, it was decided that government would still use STBs to roll-out the project instead of integrated digital tuners (IDTVs), which were deemed unacceptable. “I am happy to confirm that after extensive consultation with various key stakeholders, we have reached the conclusion that STBs must still remain as the preferred device to be used for the digital migration in South Africa.

Broadcasting Act, among other functions, was trans-

“The new digital landscape will include IDTVs which we

ferred to Minister Muthambi’s authority. Entities under

encourage as an evolving technology for the second phase

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

of the digital migration process.” The Minister said consultation with industry players also deliberated at length about the use or non-use of the access system on STBs. “As you well know, the contestation led to the court challenge and decision that brought the then Minister to a halt in December 2013. “As a result, I am sure you will also understand that to pave a way ahead under those circumstances would require great caution and consultation with all stakeholders and parties involved. “This is because the issue of control access or no control access will undoubtedly have a major impact on the STB and IDTV production industry and the future of broadcast communication for the majority of citizens in this country.” Minister Muthambi said she had considered all the concerns that were raised from both sides and was very close to making a recommendation to the Cabinet.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is working hard to ensure the migration from analogue signal to digital gains momentum.

The Minister said despite the outstanding policy matter of the use of control access, the DTT project team

major communications campaign on digital migration.

– comprising of government and industry experts –

The Minister said the mandate of her department had

was finalising a number of matters. These related to

expanded due to the Broadcasting Act being assigned to

network readiness, regulatory aspects, standards of

her authority, and this necessitated more funding.

STBs, manufacturing and distribution capabilities, the

“The mandate of government communications has ex-

readiness of broadcasters to deliver digital content and

panded. We are going to digital migration. We will need

the launching of an extensive public awareness cam-

more funding for us to have more content because digi-

paign to inform South African about DTT.

tal migration is about increasing more content. That will need a lot of funding.

DTT communications campaign

“Secondly, we have the responsibility to also support

When she briefed the Portfolio Committee on Com-

and empower community media so it is one of our re-

munications on the DTT project, the Minister said her

sponsibilities to ensure that for this community media to

department would need more funding to roll-out a

be empowered, there will need to be a lot of funding >>

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

FEATURE

to this effect so that people are able to see their stories all over the country,” she said. The new Communications Ministry came into being after a proclamation transferred powers and functions to new Ministers as announced by President Jacob Zuma last year after the announcement of the new Cabinet. The Minister said with the formation of the new department, more funding would be needed to carry out the expanded communications mandate. “As you will recall, when the President established this Ministry… he announced that this department is responsible for the over-arching communications policy. That includes the branding of the country locally and internationally. “So in essence he was saying the scope of government communications be expanded to include entities

take a broadcasting policy review, which would, among others, ensure that the broadcasting regulation framework is brought in-line with new practices.

like SABC, Brand SA, Independent Communications Au-

She said the broadcast media landscape had changed over

thority of South Africa (ICASA), Films and Publications

the years, and that a review was necessary to ensure that the

Board (FPB) and the Media Development and Diversity

broadcast sector is revived in terms of content, transformation

Agency (MDDA),” she said.

and funding. “A new policy and regulatory framework is needed to sup-

Government overhauls Broadcasting Act

port these outcomes and reposition our industry for the com-

Government has released a Gazette in terms of section

plex and unpredictable technological future ahead and also

3(2) of the Broadcasting Act (No. 4 of 1999) with the

to enable us to respond to the mandate given to us by the

intention of undertaking a comprehensive broadcast-

President,” she said.

ing policy review. In terms of the Gazette, Minister Muthambi has requested the public and industry to submit issues for consideration. According to the Gazette, issues to be included for

papers. She explained that during the review process, the department would hold individual meetings with leaders of media

submission can include, but are not limited to:

organisations, industry associations and community interest

•

Mandate and funding of public broadcasting services.

groups.

•

Regulation of broadcasting services.

•

Content of local and national interest.

tres and provinces to solicit public views expressed through

•

Development of languages through broadcasting ser-

new media platforms such as Mxit, Facebook and Twitter and

vices.

the review’s online discussion pages.

The Minister said public forums would be held in major cen-

•

Broadcasting landscape beyond digital terrestrial television.

process, together with commissioned research and analysis,

•

Institutional arrangements to support the develop-

will be considered in finalising the new White Paper on Broad-

ment of the sector.

casting Policy in South Africa, the Minister said.

•

Media development and diversity. Minister Muthambi said government would under-

Minister Muthambi said once public inputs have been consolidated, the department would release a set of discussion

A wide range of views expressed throughout the consultation

“This is to ensure that those issues requiring intense discussions are given adequate attention.”

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

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featUre

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize

Parole: An opportunity

to start afresh P

arole offers offenders a second chance to reintegrate into society and become law-abiding citizens.

“This is also to combat the probability of reoffending

This is the view of Acting National Commissioner

by ensuring gradual integration back into the commu-

for Correctional Services, Zach Modise, who recently

nity under controlled circumstances. This gives com-

explained the parole process to PSM.

munities the opportunity to accept their responsibility

According to Modise, parole is an internationally

in the rehabilitation of offenders.”

accepted method that allows the conditional release

Modise emphasised that parole was not a right for of-

of offenders from a correctional centre into the com-

fenders but rather based on the offender’s merit while

munity before the end of their sentence.

at a correctional centre.

He said in South Africa, parole is known as a placement option from a correctional centre into the system of community corrections. “The offender serves the remainder of the sentence outside of a correctional centre based on specific

Parole also gives offenders an opportunity to mend their ways.

The decision to grant an offender parole lies with the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. During the 2013/14 financial year, correctional supervision and parole boards considered 35 666 offenders for parole.

conditions. This also gives the offender the oppor-

There are currently 53 boards designated to correc-

tunity to reintegrate in the community while under

tional centres across the country, which are responsible

supervision,” he said.

for dealing with parole matters and supervision.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

“The correctional supervision and parole boards have decision-making powers of granting parole to people

The decision to grant parole also depends on the merit of the offender and the offender’s sentence plan.

who were declared dangerous criminals in terms of Section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act.”

When an offender is sentenced, a sentence plan is allocated to determine how the offender can be rehabilitated.

The boards comprise community members appoin-

For example, it is established if an offender may need counsel-

ted by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

ling or education. These factors are included in their sentence

and officials from the department.

plan and addressed in the quest to rehabilitate the offender.

“Intensive training in respect of processes, legisla-

As part of monitoring behaviour, a case management com-

tive implications and relative policies is provided to

mittee is appointed to meet with the offender every six months

members of the boards by the department,” Modise

up until the date of release.

explained. To qualify for parole, an offender must have served half

of the sentence.

“The committee looks at whether the offender is showing remorse; whether there is willingness to change and if the rules and regulations of the correctional centre are being followed.

“Offenders who received life imprisonment can be eligible for parole after serving 25 years of their sentence

“The committee then makes recommendations to the parole boards for the offender to be paroled.”

but the decision to grant parole lies with the Minister.

When considering an offender for parole, special attention is

Persons declared habitual criminals could receive pa-

given to the type of crime committed, length of the sentence,

role after serving at least seven years.”

how the crime was committed and the offended, among others.

The manager of a correctional centre decides pa-

“The conduct of the offender, their adaptation in a correc-

role for offenders sentenced for 24 months and

tional centre, progress on the way to rehabilitation and correc-

less.

tion of the offender’s behaviour also plays a role. When consideration is given to release an offender, the potential risks related to placement are thoroughly considered and measures are put in place.” The offender, however, continues to be under supervision until the sentence has expired. Different types of methods to monitor paroled offenders include house arrest, community service and electronic monitoring. “It all depends on the type of sentence the offender was given. If an offender wants to find a job or leave the area they are restricted to, they need to seek permission from the department.” Offenders are allocated their own free hours but they need to adhere to the parole conditions. People affected by the crime committed also have the right make representations to the parole board before an

Offenders are granted parole based on the merit of the offender and the sentence plan. Public Sector Manager • February 2015

offender can be paroled.

FEATURE

When parole is considered for offenders special attention is given to the type of crime committed, length of the sentence and how the crime was committed.

“The offended may make representations to the board and they may even be allowed to attend sessions of the

When the offender is released on medical parole, strict

board. This is regarded as a significant milestone in the

measures are followed including being monitored by the

quest to establish and promote restorative justice as an

department until the end of the sentence.

acceptable and viable mediation process.” The different types of parole include day and medical parole. An offender granted day parole may leave the correctional centre during the day and return at night. “Day parole allows offenders to be part of the community; it is part of gradual integration.” According to Modise, day parole is for long-term prisoners to help familiarise them with changes in the outside world.

Modise said placement under supervision could be considered for offenders with a sentence of five years and less. “When an offender serves one sixth of their sentence they can be considered for placement outside a correctional centre on conditions.” These conditions include being placed under house arrest or monitored electronically until the end of the sentence. The method of monitoring also depends on the sentence plan and crime committed. “The department has an office dedicated to monitoring

This also gives offenders a chance to strengthen their

offenders released on parole. If offenders violate their parole

ties with their families or to find employment before

conditions, the court issues a warrant of arrest and they are

being released.

sent back to the correctional centre.”

Regarding medical parole, Modise explained that if a hospitalised offender’s health condition deteriorated rapidly, the hospital would write a report to the case management committee. The committee would make a recommendation to the Medical Advisory Board, which then advises the

Minister to release the offender on medical parole.

Modise encouraged communities to support offenders when they reintegrate into a community. “We urge the public to allow offenders a second chance into the community, especially if they have changed.” Everybody deserves a second chance in life, Modise pointed out.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE & TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS / ADVERTORIAL

COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE & TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE & TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS MEC cleaning Mthatha Park during Mandela Day

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Eastern Cape has been extremely busy and productive in 2014. The 100 day programme, which the Ministry conducted, ran until 30 September 2014 and achieved impressive milestones. These include: The publication of a Public Access to Information Act manual - and capacity building of all responsible officials on PAIA. A Section 32 Report was also compiled and submitted to the Human Rights Commission for compliance purposes. The Department is close to achieving compliance with Efficient Human Resource Management, including consequence management and has Employment Equity (EE) plans in place: it employs 48 people with disabilities - slightly above the national target of 2% and employs 34%females at senior management level. The Service Delivery Improvement Plan (SDIP) 2014/17 (inclusive of a Service Delivery Charter) has been developed and tabled in the Provincial Legislature together with a Policy Speech. On implementing the SDIP the department provides support in the following 3 main/key services: * Support strategies and capacity for Local Economic Development (LED) and Urban and Rural Development to create decent work and sustainable livelihoods; * Improve municipal capacity for infrastructure development programmes in relation to provision of Free Basic Services; * Facilitate participation of traditional institutions and traditional communities in developmental initiatives.

In line with the Provincial Transformation Strategy launched by the Premier in 2010 for the implementation of a programme to build a professional, caring and development oriented public service, the Department has 10 culture change agents which have been taken through various culture change programmes with the assistance of the OTP. The Department has also focussed on the eradication of fraud and corruption regarding the following municipalities: Amahlathi Local Municipality, AmahlubiTraditional Council (Matatiele), OR Tambo District Municipality, Great Kei local Municipality and Ikwezi Local Municipality. Seven municipalities have been supported with LED strategies and implementation plans -Great Kei, Joe Gqabi DM, Koega, Cacadu, Ikwezi, Port St Johns and Ntabankulu. DLGTA and SALGA are integrating the platforms of municipal engagement to improve LED planning and collaboration and integrate common areas of support to eliminate overlapping of functions and promote joint planning. R2.9 m has been transferred to 23 municipalities to support LED capacity. The Department maintained, coordinated and monitored the implementation of a Community Work Programme creating 35 000 job opportunities in 29 municipalities with 7 municipalities being supported towards implementation of the Small Towns Revitalisation initiatives (Engcobo; Alice; Idutywa; Peddie; Port St Johns, Jansenville and Kirkwood). A programme to strengthen collaboration with the traditional leaders around nation building, social cohesion, moral regeneration, and rural development has been established. Traditional leaders

Contact: Mr M. Ngam at 071 685 7981 / 040 609 5056 or www.eclgta.gov.za

“In line with the Provincial Transformation Strategy launched by the Premier in 2010 for the implementation of a programme to build a professional, caring and development oriented public service, the Department has 10 culture change agents which have been taken through various culture change programmes with the assistance of the OTP.” MEC for EC COGTA, F Xasa during the signing of Delivery Agreements

developed on each of the identified areas of collaboration, thus a provincial policy on male circumcision is born. An Implementation plan on the resolutions for 2013 Mohair International Summit along with a report to cabinet is being developed. Three municipalities were supported in the implementation of urban development and 272 EPWP job opportunities in four identified municipalities were created.

Minister P Gordhan during a Munimec meeting held at Port Elizabeth, EC

With the aim of promoting linkages and cross pollination on service delivery issues across the three spheres of government, CoGTA-EC convened a very successful Provincial Political MuniMEC characterised by robust discussions on strategic service delivery. The session was graced by the presence of the Honourable Minister P. Gordhan for National CoGTA who engaged intensively with the municipal leadership on key service delivery issues. CoGTA: EC, in collaboration with the Office of the Premier, has since started a process to review the Provincial IGR Strategy with the view to enhance its effective implementation to realise government’s developmental outcomes within the province. The “Whole of Government” approach that Eastern Cape CoGTA adopted in the implementation of the KSD Presidential Intervention will be replicated in other municipalities in the province. The department has also facilitated the development of IGR convergence framework to streamline government reporting in KSD Local Municipality. The document advocates one central structure in the form of the KSD IGR Forum wherein all IGR related matters are reported into this structure. This approach will inform similar interventions in other municipalities within the

MEC, EC Premier: P Masuale and Prince Burns-Ncamashe

Contact: Mr M. Ngam at 071 685 7981 / 040 609 5056 or www.eclgta.gov.za

DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE & TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS / ADVERTORIAL

Traditional Dancers

province, some of the targeted municipalities to be considered for replicating this “Whole of Government Approach” are Chris Hani District municipalities and the two Metros. Eastern Cape Province will proactively address service delivery protests through the Municipal Public Participation Programme by taking the government to the people. This will be done by putting more emphasis on the hot spot municipality and those with huge infrastructure backlogs. Furthermore, the National Elections results will be critically analysed to inform a comprehensive approach to address the discontent on service delivery by various communities. In terms of free basic services, the Department held strategic meetings with all municipalities to discuss forward planning, sharing of best practices and remedial actions. The Department was also proactive regarding disaster management and emergency services, supporting municipalities in the development and implementation of the Public Awareness Plan Roll-Out Plan – and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is nearing completion.

provincial spatial planning and land use management legislation has been completed. A lands-need database was created and letters written to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRD&LR), National Department of Public Works (NDPW) and Department of Human Settlements (DoHS) for the release of land parcels to Emalahleni, Gariep and Sakhisizwe for the extension of municipal offices, the formalisation of informal settlements and upgrading of leasehold rights respectively. Meetings were held with the Rate Payers Association of Matatiele and Ntabankulu on the implementation of the Valuation Rolls and the Ward Based Planning (WBP) Concept was introduced to Amahlathi, Ndlambe, Intsika Yethu, Gariep municipalities. The development, adoption and submission of District IDP Frameworks and municipality Process Plans have been monitored. These impressive achievements reflect the commitment of the Ministry to service delivery and to continue to build a professional, caring and development-oriented public service.

Municipal profiles for 45 municipalities were developed highlighting the five municipal KPAs and “hotspots” were visited to present turnaround plans. New National Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Guidelines were received in August 2014 from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and these were workshopped by all the planning staff of the Directorate. All land use applications received have been processed for consideration by the relevant Planning Boards and the terms of reference and advertisement phases for the appointment of a service provider to assist the Directorate in preparing a Green Paper (policy document) for the

Contact: Mr M. Ngam at 071 685 7981 / 040 609 5056 or www.eclgta.gov.za

sona eXPeCtations ProfiLes in LeaDershiP

Compiled by: Albert Pule, Noluthando Mkhize, Ursula Graaff and Maselaelo Seshotli

hen President Jacob Zuma plots the way forward in his State of the Nation Address (SoNA), public servants will be paying close attention.

After all, they will play a leading role in taking forward Presi-

dent Zuma’s vision for the country. Public Sector Manager magazine spoke to public servants about their expectations of the SoNA.

Tendani Tsedu, Media Relations Manager at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) I am expecting the President to tell the nation more about government’s plans to address the problems

Charles Mooke, Director: Leadership, Management and Administrative Training, Department of Justice and Correctional Services

facing the country such as the power outages, water

I am expecting the President to speak about public sector

tored to ensure that they are not just ink on paper.

shortages and other service delivery issues. I am not only expecting to hear about the plans but also how these plans will be implemented and moni-

development, especially in terms of the NDP. I hope there

I also want the President to address the issue of edu-

will be more emphasis on getting the National School of

cation. We need an educated nation and government

Government to start playing a central role in the develop-

needs to invest more in education and improve the pass

ment of public servants.

rate at our schools, especially in subjects such as math-

I also think the President should focus on what the gov-

ematics and science.

ernment is going to do to improve the performance of departments.

SoNA 2015 must also speak to how government will continue to fight poverty.

Isaac Dhludhlu, Deputy Director: Strategy and Media Liaison, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport I, like the rest of South Africa, am waiting to hear from the President how his commitment to make decent job creation a top priority will be converted into new jobs on the ground. Another critical issue is the energy crisis that has plagued the country in recent months with load shedding stagnating economic growth and small companies suffering. Crime, especially the violent killing of women and children, has become a norm. I would like the President to detail a plan to deal with crime that would make us feel safe in our homes.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Conny Mametja, Municipal Manager: City of Polokwane When President Zuma addresses the nation I would like him to deal with the challenge of internet access, especially in rural areas. I think we need to stop paying lip service to e-government. Rural broadband connectivity lies at the centre of everything. The President should tell the Department of Communications to work closely with municipalities to roll out broadband. People in the rural areas need to access the services that we, as municipalities, offer. At times they do not need to physically come to our offices. If they have access to the internet, they can access them from where they are. Schools in rural areas should also be given attention when it comes to rolling out broadband. We are robbing our children of quality education by sticking to old methods of sending memos to each other. For the country to realise the goals set out in the NDP, people need to have access to the internet.

Patrick Tsibolane, CEO of Mokopane Hospital I hope the President will speak on the issue of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the progress of its implementation. The NHI remains one of the best policies of government in providing quality health care to all its citizens. The NHI will, in all probability, introduce a different funding model for the public health sector and this will remove dependency on provincial funds, which have been dwindling over the years. To achieve this, it is my hope that government will strengthen the implementation of the NHI in pilot districts so that they start to reflect the path to an effective but cost- effective health system. The other priority I would like the President to address is education. I would like to see a greater emphasis on the availability of bursaries for pharmacists in all provinces. The shortage of pharmacists contributes to long waiting times in hospitals and clinics. I would also like to see increased funding for black PHD students, aimed at increasing the number of doctorates substantially in the next 10 years.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

Writer : *Gugile Nkwinti

FEATURE

Winds of change sweep

across the country

scape of our country and an improvement in the livelihoods of rural communities,” said President Jacob Zuma. Moreover, our investment in these communities is reversing the stranglehold that apartheid’s policies had inflicted on the country’s rural poor. South Africa’s rural communities were disenfranchised the most by apartheid’s spatial planning which consigned the majority of black people to remote areas. The neglected infrastructure and poor basic services meant that millions of people languished in poverty and were deprived of suitable housing, education, access to safe water and sanitation or sustainable energy sources. It was also difficult for rural communities to access the benefits extended to society or participate in the economy. Today the development of rural areas is one of our five key priorities. We have invested more than R2 billion in the past five years to improve basic needs, develop rural enterprises and provide socio-economic infrastructure. Government’s rollout of rural infrastructure projects at Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti.

uMsinga in KwaZulu-Natal, launched recently by President Zuma, is a prime example of how we are revitalis-

ing our rural areas.

here are winds of change sweeping across the length and

The project aims to develop the community around

breadth of rural South Africa that are transforming these outly-

the Tugela Ferry area through the refurbishment of an

ing areas into hives of economic activity and sustainable com-

irrigation scheme that waters 726 hectares of land along

munities. This has not happened by chance but is a result of a deliberate de-

velopment strategy to revitalise the country’s rural areas into vibrant and sustainable communities.

the Tugela River. This scheme will ensure that more than 1 000 small-scale farmers are economically viable through the production of vegetables. The restoration included repairs to the weirs and con-

Our investment in irrigation schemes, marketplaces for livestock

crete canals, lining the existing earth dams, upgrading

trade, bridges to connect communities and the provision of basic

the irrigation system, upgrading three pump stations

services such as clinics, water and sanitation is spurring the change.

and the construction of a new pump station.

“Our people in rural areas deserve a better quality of life and through

Highlighting the importance of the project during its

the implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Development Pro-

launch, President Zuma said: “I am certain that these

gramme, we are beginning to see a transformation of the rural land-

projects will change the lives of many and further

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

catalyse development, job creation and investment in uMsinga.â&#x20AC;?

our national development. Government determination for vibrant and sustain-

The initiative improves food security for the local com-

able rural communities is strengthened by the Vision

munity and boosts economic activity through the sale

2030 of the National Development Plan (NDP). It com-

of their surplus produce. When the scheme is operating

mits the country to develop rural communities that can

at full capacity it will create 2 000 seasonal jobs.

fully participate in the economic, social and political

Government is investing R39 million in the project, which will be completed early next year when two additional pump stations are upgraded. We are also building a bridge over the Tugela River

life of the country. The NDP calls for the better integration of rural areas through successful land reform, infrastructure development, job creation and poverty alleviation.

that will link the Mashunka community on one side of

It compels us to expand irrigated agriculture to 2 mil-

the river with government services and medical facili-

lion hectares and establish more than 300 000 small

ties on the opposite side at Ngubo.

scale farmers.

To access the clinic Mashunka community members

Vision 2030 identifies agriculture as the main eco-

currently have to cross the Tugela River or, when the

nomic activity in rural areas which can significantly re-

river is in flood, travel 30 kilometres by road. It posed

duce our overall unemployment by creating a million

a huge challenge for those in poor health, or those

jobs by 2030.

unable to afford transport.

Our path towards these long-term objectives is has-

In addition, the new bridge will give farmers easy ac-

tened by our Medium Term Strategic Framework goals

cess to markets at the Tugela Ferry Central Business

of increasing the percentage of productive land owned

District.

by previously disadvantaged people from 11.5 per cent

Economic activity in the area is also be boosted

in 2013 to 20 per cent in 2019.

through the R1.9 million construction of a permanent

Government is confident that the change sweeping

animal sale yard in partnership with the local livestock

though our rural areas will be lasting change. It will

association in uMsinga.

ensure food security, agricultural competitiveness and

Our work in uMsinga mirrors what government is do-

lift marginalised households out of poverty.

ing throughout the country. It has begun a snowball effect that is creating jobs, uplifting families in these

*Gugile Nkwinti is the Minister of Rural Develop-

areas, breaking the cycle of poverty and supporting

ment and Land Reform.

Vision 2030 identifies agriculture as the main economic activity in rural areas which can significantly reduce unemployment.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

FINANCIAL FITNESS

Writer: Financial Services Board

The road to ﬁnancial freedom

e all need money for food,

ing what is a ‘need’ and what is a ‘want’.

medication, electricity, trans-

This will require discipline and buy in

port, clothing, accommodation

from all family members if you are

and many other necessities. And in these trying

serious about getting out of debt.

economic times, it can become increasingly

A good tip is to have a notebook

difficult to balance a budget.

where you write down all your ex-

When this happens, people are often left with

penses, as every purchase needs to be

little option but to borrow from a credit provider

budgeted for. Ensure you keep the slips of all your

and as a result find themselves in more debt. No matter the reasons for such indebtedness, the bottom line

purchases, big and small, for record purposes. It may sound like a daunting exercise but it does work.

is that debt can become a downward spiral, which becomes very difficult to escape from and the consequences may be severe. But all is not lost. If you are stuck in the debt spiral and would like to get out of it, here are some tips.

Have a payment plan Make a payment plan for yourself that is realistic. This plan will require you to prioritise debts in order of importance.

Start with a budget Once people are indebted, there is a tendency to take more

and then add these payments to larger debts. By pay-

credit in order to finance their lifestyle. Many people have a

ing off the smaller debts you may feel you are making

tendency to “borrow from Peter in order to pay Paul”. This only

headway while tacking the larger debts first may make

serves to get you deeper into the debt spiral.

you feel overwhelmed.

The hardest part is to stop, take stock of your situation, be real-

Another way to prioritise is paying those debts with

istic about your wants and needs and develop a plan of action.

the highest interest first. However you prioritise, re-

A budget is a spending plan and is an essential part of under-

member all your debt needs to be paid every month.

standing where your money is going and how to allocate money

Where necessary, negotiate with the credit providers

to avoid taking unnecessary credit.

for an extension of the payment period.

Know your income

Look for an extra source of income

One way to avoid debt is to evaluate your

It is good that you take the above steps seriously

income honestly and then start drawing up

but it is also important that you consider increasing

a list of necessities.

your income.

Assessing what you can spend on necessities

This may mean getting an extra job or a busi-

will prevent you from spending on things that

ness on the side. This can increase your ability to

you do not need. Avoid spending

clear debts faster and you may even have some

more than what you earn.

Reduce your expenses

money to save.

Plan for the unexpected

If you have come to the realisation that you are

Consideration should always be given to things

unable to service your debts, you need to change

that could happen when you least expect them

your spending habits or patterns. An important part of this is identify-

One way of doing this is to pay off smaller debts first

to. It is important that you have some money set aside to pay for unexpected emergencies.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

PUBLiC seCtor aPPointMents s against s schools, h children m working acting as stitutional

Compiled by: Mduduzi Tshabangu

Phyllis Difeto Chief Operating Officer, Transnet National Port Authority Phyllis Difeto has been appointed the new Chief Operating Offi cer of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). She is an advocate. Her qualifications include a BProc and LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Masters in Law from the University of Johannesburg, Programme in Business Leadership and Masters in Business Leadership from UNISA School of Business Leadership, and Masters of Commerce in Maritime Law from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Difeto has extensive experience at TNPA and the Transnet Group. Her previ-

Tasneem Carrim, Nkele Sebas Lennox Klaas pose after obser moment of silence in rememb of Madiba. ous position was general manager in the office of the group chief executive.

She is the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) auditor for govern-

ment under the IMO Voluntary Organisation Audit Scheme and has experience as the secretariat for the SA and Global BRICS Business Councils. She also served as a senior commissioner with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

She will be responsible for ensuring that operations at eight South African

ports provide effective, efficient and affordable services.

er to the acting in Themba Sepotokele ption Day Chief Director: Media Engagement, Department of Communications n against on how lopment. and act

Themba Sepotokele is a seasoned journalist turned government communicator-cum-media trainer with more than 20 years experience in the media, Public Service and academia.

He studied journalism at Peninsula Technikon (now Peninsula University

of Technology) and also completed a Masters Programme in Management of Technology and Innovation (MSc MOTI) from the Da Vinci Institute. He also has various certificates in journalism and communications from the University of South Africa, Rhodes Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sol Plaatje Institute for Media Leadership and the Institute of the Advancement of Journalism. He worked for the Sowetan and The Star newspapers for more than 10 years. A recipient of the International Journalistic Programme (IJP) Scholarship by the German Embassy, he completed a six week internship at Radio Deutsche Welle Africa Desk of in Cologne, Deutschland. He is the former spokesperson and speech-writer for Gauteng Local Government MEC Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu and also worked as Acting Chief of Staff in the Office of the MEC and as Acting Director: Communication before he was appointed Director: Stakeholder Liaison. He was recently appointed Chief Director: Media Engagement at the Department of Communications.

ur festive ts, crime,

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

Themba Sepotokele is the C

Compiler: Maselaelo Seshotli

BooK reVieWs

The Role of the Chief Human Resources Officer: Perspectives, Challenges, Realities and Experiences, edited by Dave van Eeden The challenges facing the human resource (HR) fraternity and the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), in particular, have never been greater. Among these challenges are economic stagnation, high unemployment levels, volatile labour relations, low labour productivity levels, transformation requirements and change at break-neck speed. Leaders have to be developed who can elevate an organisation to new heights through innovation and transformation. Also, managers are needed who can deliver on the vision and promise of the organisation, and can provide and maintain a consistent pipeline of high-quality talent. Above all, the CHRO should guide the organisation to be sensitive to the contextual realities of poverty, unemployment and present levels of societal distrust. This book provides CHRO and HR leaders across the African continent and in other emerging markets with the inspiration, direction and guidelines to effect much-needed change, specifically within HR functions. The contributors to this book have done an outstanding job in providing different perspectives, challenges and realities for CHROs to consider so that they are better able to deliver on their critical transformational role. Review by: Pearl Maphoshe *Pearl Maphoshe is the Human Resources Director at Massmart. The African Human Capital and Labour Reports The African Human Capital and Labour Reports is the only high-level work of its kind in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from Africa for Africa and the rest of the world. The African Human Capital and Labour Reports

The Crisis of Authority, Workforce

are the most comprehensive and integrated

Tensions: A Desperate Call for

reports on human capital in African countries,

Attention by Myrah Tshabalala

constituting a definitive piece of work on Afri-

This book explores factors that affect

can labour markets.

the performance of public servants. It

The reports go beyond the current rhetoric

also discusses the effect and impact

about lucrative business opportunities, vast

of poor leadership and management,

potential and unlimited economic growth in

as well as the hardship endured by

African countries to provide a balanced perspective and reality check about top priorities for building human capital in Africa. The central theme in all the country profiles is that human capital development will be imperative for business success and sustainability in African markets.

people at the workplace. According Tshabalala, who is a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Department of Health, troubled workplaces

Current short-term approaches to exploiting labour and keeping human capi-

are over laden with many souls bro-

tal costs down in low educated markets cannot be perpetuated and will not be

ken, particularly by a disconnection

sustainable.

between employees and authorities.

Likewise, African governments and business leaders need to step up and prioritise

She says the workplace needs to be

good governance, leadership and human capital development as their top three pri-

liberated from negativity, which can

orities in making labour markets, and ultimately their countries function optimally.

be achieved through mechanisms

Review by: Marius Meyer

that strike a balance to heal the work-

* Marius Meyer is the CEO of SA Board for People Practices.

place and restore tranquillity.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

traVeL

Writer: Sam Bradley

Holiday destinations to spark the romance

hoosing a romantic destination for a holiday is not an

fly with birds we can at

easy task. Many couples can’t agree which side of the

least nest with them”).

bed to sleep on, never mind having to

Of particular interest to

decide between a mountain cabin and

star-crossed lovers will

seaside cottage. So whether it’s to flame a

be the aptly named

new romance into life or rekindle an old

“Romantic Treehouse”

one, we’ve selected South Africa’s four

– a snug escape hid-

quirkiest romantic getaways for you to

ing six metres from

enjoy. These are places guaranteed to

the ground in an oak

please both partners and ignite the

tree. Guests will want

passion.

Luxurious extras in the romantic tree house, like this Jacuzzi, will make the stay extra special.

to make use of the Jacuzzi spa bath as

Staying in a tree house will definitely provide couples with a unique romantic getaway to remember.

KwaZulu-Natal – Sycamore Avenue Treehouse and Guest House

well as the indoor and

Just a 10-minute journey from

a hammock, which is

Mooi River in the KwaZulu-Natal

great for whiling away

Midlands lies Sycamore Avenue

the time mesmerised

Treehouse and Guest House, a

by the starry night sky.

outdoor shower, while the balcony also has

family run guesthouse with a

Other tree houses

memorable difference. There

include Fantasy (a tri-

are various accommodation

ple-storey with space for four), Bottle (so named for

options available to visitors

the glass-doored shower on the top level looking out

and all of them have you gaz-

over the Drakensberg Mountains) and Planequarium (a

ing down on the world from your comfort-

double-storey six-sleeper cottage). Once guests have

able tree house lodgings (as the website boasts, “If we can’t

acclimatised to their unique lodgings there’s plenty to do in the area, such as hiking at Giant's Castle, Monk's Cowl, Cathedral Peak and Royal Natal Park or river rafting on the Tugela River. Other attractions include wildlife in the Weenen Game Reserve and the region's plentiful and historic battlefields. However, it isn’t necessary to leave the estate, as the tree houses are surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful English-style gardens, which can be slowly and peacefully explored. Meals are also taken at the guesthouse, with all meals prepared in the

All the tree houses are tastefully furnished to ensure guests a comfortable and relaxing stay.

kitchens and using as much local produce as possible. All in all, it is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your significant other.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

facilities so privacy is assured, and the natural surroundings of fynbos and mountain will most certainly create an imprint

The deck of one of the cabins, which looks out onto beautiful mountain vistas.

on your memory. The Kolkol Cabin was the first to be built, taking owner Rudi a year and a half to complete by hand. Since then, five more cabins have been painstakingly added to the collection, all with the same personal touch and attention to detail. Of the

Western Cape – Kolkol Mountain Lodge

There’s no better way to spend a winter’s evening than in a mountain cabin with a roaring fire.

There’s something

six cabins, four are two-sleepers, while only the King Cabin and the Kolkol Cabin are available for larger numbers of guests. With romance in mind, guests can also choose the honeymoon package, which includes a meal and a bottle of wine as well as gowns and slippers.

intrinsically roman-

Activities at the lodge include hiking, picnicking, bird-

tic about the cold.

watching and mountain biking. The nearby towns of Her-

Too many Hollywood

manus, Villiersdop, Caledon and Grabouw also offer attrac-

chick-flicks may be to

tions such as wine-tasting, eating-out, scenic flights and

blame, but the result

even whale watching. Capetonians looking for a romantic

is an automatic asso-

escape from the city will do well to look no further than

ciation in our minds

Kolkol Mountain Lodge.

between a chilly winter’s evening and an

Mpumalanga - Belgrace Boutique Hotel

affectionate cuddle in front of a roaring log fire. If that’s a scene you can identify with, then Kolkol Mountain Lodge will most probably fulfil your every wish. Set in the beautiful Babilonstoren Mountains in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (just an hour from Cape Town), Kolkol has everything needed to turn a grim Cape winter’s day into a date to remember. The Canadian-style log cabins boast wood-fired hot tubs, big stone fireplaces and an

An intimate wedding held at The Belgrace Boutique Hotel.

abundance of peaceful solitude. The cabins have self-catering It has long been known that getting in touch with nature is the best way to spark the flames of love, and that’s certainly the case at Belgrace Boutique Hotel in Mpumalanga. Created specifically with romance in mind, the hotel combines sensationally decadent furnishings with a beautiful natural setting to create a holiday experience that will not be quickly forgotten. In keeping with the romantic theme, weddings can also be held at the hotel, with various arrangements available depending on the size of the wedding. The wood-fired hot tubs provide the perfect way to greet a new day. Public Sector Manager • February 2015

Just five minutes from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Belgrace Boutique Hotel is the perfect

traVeL

Some of the lavish furnishings at the hotel which make a visit that much more memorable. The outdoor lifestyle and peaceful solitude of Saamrus Guest Farm.

gateway to explore the Kruger National Park. Spread over more than 19 000 square kilometres and holding

cottages, which are all private and secluded. Meaning

over 800 species of animals, the park can keep visitors

“rest together,” Saamrus has built up a large list of clients

entertained indefinitely. Once the novelty has worn off

who have enjoyed the traditional hospitality and relaxed

though, the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden

atmosphere it offers. Each cottage has an inside fireplace,

is close by, as are the spectacular sights of the Blyde

an outside braai area and a fully equipped kitchen. Most

River Canyon and God’s Window. For the more adven-

of the cottages have romantic baths for two. The majority

turous, Hazyview Skyways Trails is a three-hour canopy

of cottages only sleep two people, and rates range from

tour with great views of the Sabie River. The Sudwala

R250 per person sharing (midweek) to R400 per person per

Caves, close to Nelspruit, offer an exciting scramble

night. Just to make sure all your loved ones are included

through the caves as well as a look at some almost

in the holiday, pets are allowed as long as they are well

life-size dinosaur statues.

trained and sociable.

Leaving Belgrace Boutique Hotel is easier said than

Saamrus has over 500 hectares of grassland and forest

done. The rooms are classically elegant and deliciously

waiting to be explored (including a river) with beautiful

opulent, with beautiful furnishings such as crystal chan-

walking routes. Bird watchers, nature lovers, hikers and

deliers, Jacuzzis and four-poster beds. Candlelit dinners

photographers will all be easily entertained in the lush

can be served in the suites, and the continental break-

grounds in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains.

fasts in bed will have guests feeling like royalty. The

There are plenty of picnic spots and animals spotted on

restaurant, set under a sprawling wild fig tree, serves de-

the farm so far include warthogs, dassies, jackals, porcu-

licious French-themed meals, and the cocktail lounge

pines, mongooses and a variety of buck. What better way to

is also available for guests to enjoy. Leaving the hotel

unleash your romantic side than in the wide-open spaces

at the end of a stay feeling refreshed and rejuvenated

of Saamrus Guest Farm? Enjoy the sights and sounds of

is as good as guaranteed.

nature as you completely relax and enjoy the peaceful solitude of farm living.

Gauteng – Saamrus Guest Farm Romance is all about escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and spending some time relaxing with your loved one. Saamrus Guest Farm aims to do just that, offering a quiet paradise to recharge the batteries and rejuvenate the mind. Situated close to Magaliesburg on the West Rand in Gauteng, Saamrus Guest Farm is just over an hour’s drive from both Sandton and Pretoria. In operation for 15 years, the farm is now run by the Geldenhuys family and consists of nine self-catering

Well trained and sociable pets are welcome to join owners on their holiday.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

BROADENING HORIZONS

EWSETA CEO Mr. Errol Gradwell

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) recently opened its first regional office outside of Gauteng in a bid to provide the organisation with a stronger presence in all provinces within South Africa. Choosing Cape Town as its base was a strategic move based on what it can do for stakeholder relationships and investments. The Western Cape offers EWSETA what it needs to achieve its aims delivery of services, strategy, targets, and performance. “A bulk of the EWSETA’s stakeholders are positioned in Cape Town, and being situated on their doorstep will ensure important investments relationships are maintained and the stakeholders are excited about this prospect,” says EWSETA CEO, Errol Gradwell.

EWSETA has cultivated relationships with international entities to allow for information and knowledge exchange. “We hope to bring into this country new and innovative technologies and knowledge which can contribute to the training and skills development to the sector. There is also a social advantage – student exchange programmes will open knowledge sharing avenues,” Gradwell says. Funding is an added advantage to such partnerships. “From a collaborative relationship a few years back, The Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence in the Northern Cape was born and this is now the hub of skills development, research and development, and the testing certification centre. Such collaborations create endless opportunities for this sector,” adds Gradwell. However, the sector is not without its challenges. The water sector, for example, currently is not recognised as a trade. “Registering Process Control as a trade and a profession will allow for skills

Additionally. EWSETA is heavily involved in tertiary education institutions, the organisation aligned itself with Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). According to Gradwell, the aim is to get all FET colleges, universities, and SETAs together in one family to interface and share resources to help them all achieve their goals.

development for artisans within this sector. The acceleration of artisan development and training within this industry is in deliberation,” says Gradwell. “We are currently discussing the accelerated artisan development implementation so that our efforts are not wasted and to make sure we have a more comprehensive plan to repositioning ourselves and

“Collaborating with specific institutions that can work with and provide EWSETA with the resources it requires is what motivates partnerships and investment. We look to extend a hand to those institutions which have a strong footprint on South Africa, and Africa as a whole. For example UJ has the largest engineering faculty in the country and strong ties to processed energy and environmental etymology allowing for research, development, and a collaborative partnership between the two entities,” says Gradwell.

be more focused in terms of artisan development.” EWSETA is active in other structures set by the National Artisan Regulation Bodies, establishing strategic positions that allow for quick responses to newly tabled policies, and creates opportunities for their own policies. “Since focusing on the skills development and training of the artisans in the industry, the artisanal workforce has grown from a mere 50 000 to almost 145 000,” concludes Gradwell.

Head Office Physical Address

Postal Address

Web: http://www.ewseta.org.za/

2nd & 3rd Floors, Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park

P.O. Box 5983

Email: info@eseta.org.za

32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg,

Johannesburg

Telephone: (011) 274 4700

South Africa

2000, South Africa

Fax: (011) 484 8953 or (011) 484 1078

grooMing anD stYLe

Writer: Nicholas Francis

DRESS TO IMPRESS

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Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

Car reVieW

Compiler: Ashref Ismail

Powerful, environmentally

friendly rides

he Ford Kuga is now available with a significant range of

Ford’s latest sales data reveal a high adoption rate for

upgrades that include the smart utility vehicle’s most pow-

the Kuga’s advanced driver assistance technologies -

erful diesel powertrain to date.

more than half feature Active Park Assist technology

Improvements to the Kuga’s diesel and petrol engine range also

that helps drivers to parallel park.

deliver lower CO2 emissions. The Kuga will have more advanced

On top of the Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed

technologies as standard to help reduce fuel consumption and

Limiter that is offered as standard, the Kuga also of-

lower emissions, including Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shut-

fers Adaptive Cruise Control including Forward Alert,

ter.

which warns drivers if they are travelling too close to

Ford has increased peak power of the TDCi engine by 12kW to

the vehicle ahead. Another standard technology is the

132kW and peak torque to 400Nm, up from 340Nm. This engine

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, which warns if any

choice will deliver the most pulling power ever for the Kuga, par-

of the tyres lose significant pressure during a journey.

ticularly when combined with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Other available technologies include Hands-Free Tail-

system. The Kuga facelift also introduces the most powerful petrol

gate, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop,

engine in the mid-SUV segment - the 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine,

Auto High Beam, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert

which also powers the Focus ST, and delivers 177kW with 340Nm

and Driver Alert.

of torque.

The Kuga, featuring the new 2.0-litre TDCi and 1.5-litre

Another new powertrain for the Kuga is the 1.5-litre Eco-

and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines, is currently on sale. It

Boost petrol engine, reducing CO2 emissions to 143g/km from

will also be offered in three additional colours, includ-

154g/km – an improvement of more than seven per cent over the

ing Ruby Red Metallic, Magnetic Metallic and Tiger Eye

outgoing 1.6 litre EcoBoost engine. The engine also offers 134kW

Metallic.

with 240Nm of torque.

100

In South Africa, the Kuga has seen consistent demand

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

since it was launched with EcoBoost engines proving

characteristics. Using either a scroll wheel on the centre console

popular among buyers.

or a touchscreen on the dashboard, drivers can choose from: •

Hybrid: This is the default mode, suitable for everyday use. Here,

Volvo XC90 T8 – the world’s most powerful and cleanest SUV

the vehicle will automatically alternate between drawing power

The first Volvo designed from the ground up for plug-in/

to deliver the best overall fuel consumption.

electrification compatibility, the all-new Volvo XC90 T8

from the 2-litre, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine and the electric motor •

Pure electric: In this mode, when the high-voltage battery is

delivers all the performance of a luxury SUV, but with

fully charged, it serves as the car’s sole energy source, power-

emission levels that even small hybrid cars struggle

ing the electric motor over the rear axle. The Volvo XC90 T8 has

to match.

a range of more than 40km using just electricity, which covers

When designing the Volvo XC90 T8, Volvo Cars refused

the total distance most people drive in one day. And thanks to

to compromise on performance, driving pleasure, ef-

the regenerative braking system, this mode is super-efficient in

ficiency or even luggage space. By building on the new

the stop-and-go traffic of city environments. If more power is

modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform

needed, the Drive-E combustion engine starts up automatically.

and successful Drive-E petrol powertrain, the com-

•

Power mode: Here, drivers get the combined performance of

pany has created a uniquely roomy 7-seater SUV that

the combustion engine and the electric motor. On start-up, the

delivers 290 kW (400hp) and 640Nm combined with

SUV takes advantage of the electric motor’s superior response

ultra-low emissions (59g/km) and high fuel efficiency

and instant torque curve, while the combustion engine gets up

(2.5 l/100km). The fuel economy according to the U.S.

to speed. This combination offers better torque at lower revs,

driving cycle is 59 MPGe.

equivalent to that of a large displacement engine like the V8. •

AWD: This mode offers constant all-wheel drive on demand.

A driving mode for every need

The advantage of being able to select AWD manually is that the

The Volvo XC90 T8 can go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9

driver can use it when needed, or choose to save energy for later.

seconds, delivering all the driving pleasure customers

•

Save: If the battery is charged, this mode allows the driver to

have come to expect from a Volvo SUV. But driving

“freeze” the battery level and save it for later use with Pure Electric

pleasure is only a fraction of what the Volvo XC90 T8

drive. On the other hand, if the battery is low, the driver can use

offers - the car has five different driving modes that de-

the combustion engine to charge the battery to a certain level

liver a range of performance and efficiency-enhancing

for later use with Pure Electric drive.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

101

car review

Under the skin Many of the Volvo XC90 T8’s powertrain features have been optimised specifically for hybrid technology. Here are the main components of the system: •

Drive-E engine: A specially modified version of the 4-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine is under the hood. Already known for its ability to more efficiently deliver the power of an engine twice its size, the

•

Drive-E engine is enhanced in the XC90 T8

stop-and-go city traffic rhythms. This placement also

by a supercharger and turbocharger for a total power output of 235

makes efficient all-wheel drive possible because each

kW and 400Nm torque from the engine alone.

axle has its own power source.

Automatic gearbox: The 8-speed automatic gearbox has also been

Two-step braking system: The XC90 T8 features a

specially adapted for the hybrid - shift-by-wire technology allows

blended braking system that partly uses brake-by-wire

drivers to control the transmission electrically (a luxurious touch is

technology to recover and transmit energy back into

the handmade Swedish crystal gear-lever). A larger oil pump provides

the car, either to recharge the battery or for immediate

the necessary lubrication during electric drive and enables quicker

use. The system is also equipped with a unique stabil-

pressure build-up when seamlessly going from electric to combus-

ity function that controls the amount of energy that

tion drive.

may be safely regenerated.

CISG: The crankshaft-mounted starter generator (CISG), located be-

•

Unique cooling and climate system: The unique cool-

tween the engine and the gearbox, performs three important func-

ing system is composed of two extra circuits. The first

tions. It is a powerful, 34kW starter motor that allows the car to go

cools the CISG and the large electric motor on the rear

from pure electric drive to combination combustion drive seamlessly,

axle, while the second cools the battery in one of two

so drivers can experience the car’s petrol engine and electric motor

ways: passively, via the radiator, or actively through

as one unit. It is also a powerful electric generator; and finally, it acts

integration with the car’s climate system.

as an electric engine booster, working with the supercharger and

•

Pre-conditioning: For convenience and efficiency, driv-

turbocharger when extra power is needed, providing up to 150 Nm

ers can pre-condition the XC90 T8’s drivetrain, battery

of extra torque.

and cabin, either directly from within the car or by us-

Battery: The high-voltage (270–400V) battery, delivering 65kW of

ing a mobile app. This ensures that, whether it’s freez-

power, is an excellent example of Volvo’s success with the XC90 T8.

ing or hot and humid outside, the car will be heated

While other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a bat-

or cooled as necessary and ready to go by the time

tery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, Volvo has managed

the driver enters. Pre-conditioning can be done while

to overcome this challenge by placing the battery centrally in the

the car is plugged in, which is beneficial from a CO2

tunnel of the car. There are several advantages to this position. For

perspective since it ensures that the battery will last

example, the battery does not impact the amount of available space

as long as possible in Pure Electric Drive mode.

inside the car. This means that there is room for three rows of seats – plenty of space for people and luggage. Furthermore, the battery

•

102

placement gives the SUV a low and central centre of gravity, making

A heritage of innovation

the XC90 T8 easier to handle and safer to drive.

As the world’s most powerful and cleanest SUV,

Rear electric motor: Delivering 82hp/60kW and 240Nm torque, the

the XC90 T8 joins a long list of Volvo Cars inno-

large electric motor sits on the rear axle and drives the back wheels

vations designed to create a more comfortable

in electric and power-boost modes. The rear placement is significant

driving experience, a cleaner environment and

because it allows for a larger motor, which is useful for following

safer roads.

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

State of the Government Rate February 2015

Extending your 2014 Government Rate until end Feb 2015

Book now

Leisure Bay Luxury Suites Hotel R1040 DBB

to avoid disappointment

Adderley Hotel R1050 DBB Leisure Bay Luxury Suites

Harbour Bridge Hotel

T’s & C’s apply Rates based on single occupancy Subject to Availability Block out dates 09 - 12 February 2015 (Mining Indaba)

Inn On The Square

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niCe-to-haVes

Writer: Nicholas Francis

Love is in the air

It’s the month of love and PSM has some useful tips to help you choose the perfect gift for the special person in your life this Valentine’s Day.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne 750ml R450

Ferrero Rocher Chocolate 300g R140 You can never go wrong with

Nothing is

chocolates, no matter what the occasion and Ferrero Rocher is a

more romantic

favourite of many.

than sharing a glass of bubbly with your loved

Hermes Victoria II Handbag R54 000

one. Veuve Clicquot has

A good handbag never goes out of fashion. The Hermes Victoria

a crisp, clean

II handbag can be a lady’s best

and fruity

friend.

taste.

Guiseppe Zanotti Black Dylan High Heel Pump R11 350 The ever stylish Guiseppe Zanotti Black Dylan High Heel Pump in quilted black nappa, with 4.5 inch heel, inner platform and statement zip

Jo Malone Diﬀuser Pomegranate Noir Scent Surround™ Diﬀuser 165ml R990 Give your home a scent of its

is a shoe for every

own with the Jo Malone

occasion.

Diffuser Pomegranate Noir Scent Surround Diffuser.

Jimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum 60 ml R950

Arabella Sterling Silver Bracelet, Swarovski Zirconia Tennis Bracelet R3 672

Flash, by Jimmy Choo, is

A woman cannot have enough jewel-

an exciting fresh and fruity

lery. Get her this stunning tennis brace-

fragrance that was de-

let, which combines dozens of round-

signed to be an accessory

cut Swarovski zirconias in polished

that would be as desirable

sterling silver.

as the brand’s shoes.

104

Public Sector Manager • February 2015

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

12199

MAKING

FEBRUARY 2015

COMMUNITY BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

HAPPEN

High standards Minister Angie Motshekga is raising the bar

Young aspirations Deputy Minister Buti Manamela on setting up SA’s youth for success

By supporting the public sector, we can see our communities grow.

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

Nedbank Limited Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

PSM

nedbank.co.za

FEBRUARY 2015

R29.95 (VAT INCL) SOUTH AFRICA

Leadership lessons We hear from Ministers: • Jeff Radebe • Faith Muthambi • Gugile Nkwinti • Nomvula Mokonyane

Aiming high Sky’s the limit for SKA computer engineer Shagita Gounden