ADVERTORIAL
p e e k s u t le our
d l r o w s i h c r a m 3
e v i l a y stor
y a d e f wildli
South Africa is home to a wonderful
Many animals and plants, alive or dead, including
natural
and
animal/plant based products are used in trade.
animals that are famed throughout
These include leather goods; clothing; ornaments;
the world. We are proud of our
jewellery; souvenirs and traditional medicines.
heritage
–
plants
biodiversity.
YOU CAN HELP our wildlife to survive Illegal trade in wildlife threatens the
Make sure that you are not breaking the law!
survival of some of South Africa’s
Some products purchased as curios need a permit
most iconic species. If a plant or an
to be transported across provincial boundaries or
animal becomes extinct – it is gone
out of the country. Please note, for some products
forever. When you choose not to
permits will not be issued.
support illegal trade in wildlife, you help to make sure your children
Importing and exporting includes for personal
and grandchildren can enjoy South
or commercial purposes; carrying items in your
Africa’s wildlife – our heritage.
personal luggage; sending or receiving items by mail, courier or internet orders and shipping via
Think before YOU SHOP!
land, sea or air.
South Africa is one of more than 180
member
together
to
countries regulate
working trade
in
endangered species through the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered
Species
of
Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES), which has become a part of South African law. In addition to the import and export of certain species, our laws also regulate activities occurring within our borders, such as the moving, owning, selling and buying of wildlife.
If
you
do
not
have
the
required
permits,
the products will be seized and you may be prosecuted! Department of Environmental Affairs
Green Scorpions Environmental
Management
Inspectors
(also
known as the Green Scorpions) are officials designated to monitor compliance with, and enforcement of, environmental legislation in South Africa. If there is something you want to report or are
unsure
of
contact
the
Environmental
Management Inspectorate (Green Scorpions 0800 205 005).
Contact details Cnr. Steve Biko (previously Beatrix Street) and Soutpansberg Road, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083 South Africa Private Bag X447 Pretoria 0001 South Africa Switch board Number: +27 12 399 9000 Fax: +27 12 359 3625 Hotline for tip-offs to report Environmental Crimes: 0800 205 005 Complaints@environment.gov.za
Contents: February 2018 42
International relations President Jacob Zuma and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa discuss the need to strengthen economic cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe
44
Management and professional development Fighting corruption is at the core of delivering services
78
Public sector appointments Who is new in government?
84
Financial fitness Know your consumer rights
12
Regulars 12
Conversations with leaders Sport and Recreation Deputy Minister Gert Oosthuizen on investing in sport for a brighter future
18
Profiles in leadership Increasing access to higher education is what drives National Student Financial Aid Scheme CEO Steven Zwane
22
Women in the public sector Department of Correctional Services Regional Commissioner in Gauteng Grace Molatedi on how the department’s rehabilitation programme is transforming offenders
26
Trailblazer Ratanang Maremane is making waves as a commercial diver at Transnet National Ports Authority
42
Features 48
Taking higher education to greater heights The Department of Higher Education and Training is investing in colleges and universities to increase access to these institutions
52
The road to SoNA The State of the Nation Address outlines the country’s performance for the past year and plans for the year ahead
32
In other news News you need to know when you are on the go
34
Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information
36
Provincial focus How the North West Department of Health is working hard to improve health access and services in the province
56
SA welcomes investors Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told the World Economic Forum that South Africa is in a state of renewal and is ready for business
40
Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips
60
Social grants an investment in human capital Social grants are helping transform the lives of the disadvantaged
2
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Gauteng gets tough on corruption The fight against corruption is being intensified with the launch of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Advisory Council in Gauteng
66
Climate change – the biggest environmental threat Government has measures in place to protect against the impact of climate change
70
94
Lifestyle
Health and well-being What you need to know about Listeriosis
79
Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Head of Editorial and Production
Des Latham des@gcis.gov.za
Managing Editor
Ongezwa Mogotsi ongezwa@gcis.gov.za
News Editor
Irene Naidoo
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GCIS Photographic Unit
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80
Grooming and style Fashion finds to spice up your wardrobe
85
Nice-to-haves Gadgets to drool over
86
Food and wine Home-made with love
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mESSAgE FROm tHE mINIStER FEAtuRE
Living the Mandela legacy
I
n 2018 South Africa will honour
the NMF will work closely with
one of its greatest sons, former
at least 50 projects that will
President Nelson Mandela.
honour the life and times of the
Nelson Mandela centenary and
former statesman.
details of the programme will be
Born on 18 July 1918, he would have turned 100 this year and
Four confirmed TV series that
man of Madiba’s stature. Plans for the launch of the
revealed as soon as possible. While we await the details,
a number of events have been
deal with different periods of
planned to pay homage to him.
Mandela’s life will be aired
public servants should see the
across the world.
year ahead as an opportunity
Madiba’s contribution to democracy in South Africa is
In addition a unique rose
well documented and the
that will be named 'Mandela'
sacrifices he made for our
has been bred by Horticulturist
freedom are truly remarkable.
Keith Kirsten’s company. It is to
to emulate an exemplary leader and gracious human being. As the world joins us in celebrating Mandela’s life and legacy, we can take a leaf out
This month marks 28 years since the former statesman’s
of the book of a man who was a
release from prison. It was on
true servant of the people. Madiba dedicated 67 years
11 February 1990 that Madiba walked out of Victor Verster
of his life to public service
Prison a free man after
promoting peace, defending
spending 27 years behind bars
democracy, fighting for human
for his role in the fight against
rights and putting the needs
apartheid.
of his people above his own interests.
His selfless sacrifices for the freedom of all South Africans remains an inspiration to people
Communications Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.
If public servants can show even a fraction of that dedication to their work, we can
the world over, regardless of their race, age or political
be sold internationally and the
help ensure that government
beliefs.
proceeds will go to the NMF.
services are delivered efficiently
It is therefore fitting that we
Government is also committed
dedicate the year ahead to
to honouring the legacy of the
him.
first democratically-elected
A number of events have been planned locally and abroad
President of South Africa. Last year, President Zuma
and speedily to those who are in need. While our individual roles in the functioning of government may seem small, when our efforts are
to remind us of the values and
appointed Inter-Ministerial
combined, we have the power to
principles that Madiba fought
Committee (IMC) to plan the
create change.
and strived for throughout his
historic centenary celebrations.
Mandela put it best when he
The IMC, NMF and Mandela
said: “We can change the world
lifetime.
family are working together to
and make it a better place.
Foundation’s (NMF) Chief
ensure that the programme that
It is in your hands to make a
Executive Officer Sello Hatang,
is developed is appropriate for a
difference”.
According to Nelson Mandela
6
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
CAN ACCOMMODATE CAN CUSTOM EVENT ACCOMMODATE RENTAL CUSTOMORDERS EVENT CAN RENTAL ORDERS ACCOMMODATE CUSTOM EVENT RENTAL ORDERS
mESSAgE FEAtuRE FROm tHE ActINg DIREctOR-gENERAL
SA sets sights on progress
T
his month President Jacob
beneficial to all South Africans.
Zuma will deliver the State of
We should not underestimate
the Nation Address setting
the contribution of entrepre-
improved sanitation increased
the agenda for the year ahead
neurs to the economy and job
from 62.3 percent in 2002 to 80.9
and taking stock of the progress
creation.
percent in 2016 and about 88.8
made with plans he announced last year.
We also need to support communities who receive basic
The economy will no doubt
2002 to 84.2 percent in 2016. Households with access to
percent of households now have access to piped water. Even with these developments
be in the spotlight following a
our work as government is far
challenging year in 2017. As
from over.
President Zuma has already in-
South Africans are relying on us
dicated radical socio-economic
to open the door to a better life.
transformation will be the main
In the year that we celebrate
focus of government in 2018
the centenary of former President
and will inform the delivery of all
Nelson Mandela, there can be
programmes.
no greater tribute to him than to
The country has formally
listen and attend to the needs
emerged from a technical recession after two consecutive quarters of decline. Statistics South Africa reports
of our people, regardless of their Phumla Williams, GCIS Acting Director-General.
colour, gender or religious belief. Whatever lies ahead in 2018,
services and identify with the
rest assured that Government
positive contributions to higher
importance of basic services in
Communication and Informa-
economic activity across most
government strategy for 2018.
tion System (GCIS) will keep our
industries lifted the gross domes-
Government is providing social
citizens informed about develop-
tic product Gross Domestic
assistance to over 17 million poor
ments in government as well as
Product by 2.5 percent quarter-
South Africans through social
its policies, plans, programmes
on-quarter.
grants.
and achievements.
In addition, about 13.5 percent
This year marks 20 years of
ments, much work still needs to
of South African households now
GCIS, having being officially
be done. For its part, govern-
live in RDP or state-subsidised
launched in May 1998. Since
ment will continue to promote
dwellings, as opposed to only five
then GCIS has focused its ef-
investments and lay the foun-
percent in 2002.
forts on becoming the pulse of
Despite these positive develop-
dation for increased growth
National statistics released in
communication excellence in
through the infrastructure rollout
the General Household Survey
government and 2018 will be no
programme.
2016 show that the percentage
different.
The private sector also has
of households connected to
Let us all unite to ensure that
a role to play in ensuring our
main line electricity supply has
South Africa takes another step
economy is inclusive and
increased from 77.1 percent in
forward in 2018.
8
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
EDItOR’S NOtE
From the editor’s desk a new website which is very excit-
public sector worker and one of
ing for our staff.
the areas we feel strongly about
As social media is fundamentally important, our team is hard
The citizens of South Africa
at work monitoring the best think-
demand our full attention and
ers in the public service man-
motivation as it's their money
ager space globally, on various
that we are using in the form of
platforms, and staying in touch
their taxes.
with them. The demands on our public
T
is the delivery of service.
We need to be vigilant against slippage and demotivation. One
workers have grown exponen-
of the ways to combat poor
tially over the past few years and
performance is ongoing self-
we have to keep track of these
education, and we’ll look at a
new challenges. Some include
host of online training sites and
human resource plans, the flex-
reference these in our stories
ible response to a weakening
about change.
he Public Sector Manager
currency and managing capital
magazine is going to go
expenditure and maintenance.
series profiling excellence in the
through a few changes over
With government’s anti-corrup-
public service, it just means the
the next year or so as we re-launch
tion drive in full swing PSM maga-
magazine will look at themes in
in a slightly smaller format with a
zine is going to feature a number
the government and even the
different look and feel.
of articles on how the drive to
private sector to improve our
eradicate corruption, nepotism
readership and relevance.
We are going to include more editorial material on the training
and abuse of power from the
of public sector managers which
state is progressing.
is important in today’s ever-
This initiative features three fun-
That does not mean ending our
As government workers if we turn our backs on change and improvement, we are letting both
damental actions any citizen can
ourselves and our families
These changes will be made
take around the phrase “I know, I
down.
during the year and we’ll keep
act, I stop”. Corruption starts with
you abreast of the latest develop-
each of us, and can be ended if
ments.
every person does their utmost to
changing world.
There are going to be more
avoid bribery and report crimi-
graphics and explainer-type
nals who use money and power
stories for our highly-motivated
in an attempt to undermine
readers to enjoy. We’re also going
democracy.
to launch a newsletter as well as
10
There’s always pressure on the
Head of Editorial and Production Des Latham
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
ADVERTORIAL
Buhle Waste (Pty) Ltd. is a 100% Black-owned and managed waste management service company that has been in the industry since 1997. We have capabilities and capacity
the best service in the management
in
chemical,
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hazardous and healthcare risk waste
to ensuring. that our clients are our
(aka medical waste); we further have
priority;we strive to provide them
capacity and capabilities in hygiene
with an efficient, reliable and cost-
services and cleaning, effectively
effective service that is in the best
general,
domestic,
Buhle Waste is a 2nd-generation, 100% black(B-BBEE), the waste industry would not have rendering Buhle Waste a holistic interests of our clients, their staff and owned and managed waste management changed much. waste management service provider. their communities. business. We began in the dusty streets of Over the years, we have become Katlehong in 1997, and we have grown from Today, we find a relatively fragmented industry of the inmarket leaders in Metropolitan the a smallone business the Ekurhuleni with lower barriers to entry, and overall greater management of hazardous waste nationally Municipality to a business operating economic inclusion leading to a spurring in in South Africa.than We boast a national with a fleet of more 70 trucks and 350 staff, the economy. We owe much of our success footprint with key clients and/or such astreatment as well as offices, warehouses to government; and we continue to support Free Gauteng, State, Gauteng, plants the in the FreeLimpopo, State, Limpopo the government initiatives that enable blackMpumalanga, provinces. and North-West and Mpumalanga We manage the owned businesses to grow. Departments Health; South African waste in our local of communities to bring a sense of beauty and pride our environment. We manage general, industrial, hazardous, National Blood to Services; National chemical, sanitation and medical waste. And Health Laboratory Services; and many Our dedication our community because we manage multiple waste streams, others. Buhleto Waste provides a unique and our respectservice for our environment continued to it allows us to be an ideal partner to businesses tailored to the needshas of each form the foundation for ourthey business in managing their waste on-site; a partnership organisation, ensuring receiveoperations to this day. Infused in our foundation of ensuring our clients’ success because they are operations is perseverance, resilience and not overly encumbered by the burdens of their Postal Address: 1634 Canon Cr T: waste. 011 866 2316 dedication to achieve success for our clients. Roodekop 1401
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Tel: 011 866 2316 Email: info@buhlewaste.co.za www.buhlewaste.co.za
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It is our mission to achieve our 2025 goals of zero-waste-to-landfill through the investment in technology and just as importantly, if not more so, to invest in our people and communities. It is imperative that we, as a collective within our communities, collate our resources and intellect to achieve the great positive impacts on beautifying our communities and ensuring environmental sustainability. We need the pillars of our business to operate in a synergistic fashion if we are to continue to hold true to our values of beauty, love, and respect.
Writer: Nolut hando Motswai Pictures: Ntswe Mokoena
FEAtuRE cONvERSAtIONS wItH tHE LEADERS
Investing in sport for a brighter future
T
here is more to sport than just entertainment value.
•
Investing in future sports stars.
According to Deputy Minister of Sport and Recrea-
•
Ensuring resources are available at grassroots
tion Gert Oosthuizen, sport also has the potential
to improve the lives of those who are active. “Sport not only plays an important part for health
level. •
Professionalising various sporting codes.
•
Ensuring transformation in sport.
reasons, but also has an impact on economic growth, social cohesion and nation-building,” he said.
National Development Plan goals
Because the sector is so important, the Department
Sport encourages people to lead healthier lifestyles
of Sport and Recreation has embarked on a number
which forms one of the goals of the National Devel-
of processes including:
opment Plan (NDP).
12
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released what the Deputy Minister called “alarming statistics” regarding the growing inactivity of people worldwide.
vision for 2030. It covers the expected outcomes and ideal future for a South African sport system by 2030. “When this plan is performing at its best, the country can expect better performing and healthy South Africans,” he added.
The WHO fact sheet on physical activity outlined a number of key areas including:
Focus on school sport
1.
Insufficient physical activity increased
Deputy Minister Oosthuizen said school sport is a key
the risk of death.
priority programme of the department.
2.
3. 4.
Not exercising increased the risk of
“Without a coordinated, integrated and aligned
cardiovascular diseases, as well as
sport system within which all components are focused
cancer and diabetes.
towards a common set of goals and objectives, the
Globally, one in four adults is not ac-
potential value of sport to South African society can-
tive enough.
not be fully realised,” he stressed.
More than 80 percent of the world’s
The department has a budget of R1 billion and 50
adolescent population is not active
percent of it goes to the provinces directly enabling
enough.
them to roll out programmes locally. That means provinces receive half a billion rand, and this is further
In addition, research by Discovery and the Sport
broken down to focus on schools.
Science Institute of South Africa in 2014 titled ‘Healthy
“About 20 percent [or R200 million] goes towards
Active Kids South Africa’ found that two in every three
school sport which is an indication of how important
adult women and one in every three men are either
the school sport programme is,” he added.
overweight or obese. It also found that nearly half of all adults are not active enough. “This is a wake-up call for many South Africans. We
In addition, the department funds the National School Sports Championship in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. That’s where govern-
need to be more physically active as part of our cul-
ment schools from across the country compete
ture and daily interactions, which also contributes to
at a provincial level in soccer, rugby, netball and
social cohesion and understanding,” said the Minister.
basketball, among others. When it was introduced in 2012 the champi-
National Sport and Recreation Plan
onship took place once a year but it has since
Deputy Minister Oosthuizen is clear that one of his
gained momentum and increased in frequency
main roles is to support the ministry as well as imple-
with three championships a year focusing on sum-
ment the National Sport and Recreation Plan.
mer, autumn and winter sports.
In 2011, the entire sport sector in South Africa con-
The 2016/2017 National School Sports Champion-
vened a National Sport and Recreation Indaba which
ship attracted more than 7 000 participants, includ-
led to the crafting of the National Sport and Recrea-
ing learners, teachers and sports administrators.
tion Plan which is the country’s blueprint for sport development. “It is the sport sector’s support of the NDP, with its own
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
These large gatherings also support the goals of the NDP by encouraging healthy lifestyles and reinforcing government’s message of support for
13
Image: Spor ting Chance
FEAtuRE cONvERSAtIONS wItH tHE LEADERS
our country. We have R300 million from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) that will be used to build sports facilities,” he said. This sports-related grant is in addition to the normal MIG that is received by municipalities. “It started in the 2015/16 financial year and continued in 2016/17 as the second cycle of the special grant ring-fenced for the development of basic sport and recreation infrastructure in local communities that are most in need.” “We also have another programme in partnership with the Sports Trust where we roll out multi-purpose facilities in communities and schools. More than 60 such facilities have been built in schools and communities in all nine provinces. These facilities are shared for use by neighbouring schools as well as communitybased sport clubs,” he explained.
Deputy Minister of Spor t and Recreation, Ger t Oost huizen.
Professionalising sporting codes
children starting from an early
placed in sports-focused schools
The Deputy Minister said there is
age.
in various provinces throughout
a need to professionalise sporting
the country,” he said.
codes, thereby contributing to the
“During these championships we also look for talented
economy.
can develop further. Currently
National Sports Facilities Plan
Sports Code of the Year ear-
more than 60 pupils received
To further encourage young
marked for additional targeted
a ministerial sports bursary of
people to participate in sport
funding and their structured
R100 000 each per year,” he
the department is rolling out the
national leagues.”
said. “These are stars that we
National Sports Facilities Plan.
sportsmen and women that we
are developing sports-wise and academically since they are
14
“We have what is known as
This means the particular code
“This is aimed at addressing the
federation receives financial sup-
lack of facilities in certain areas of
port for the duration of that year.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
ADVERTORIAL
THE ROLE OF PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS IN RIDDING THE STATE OF CORRUPTION AND ENSURING IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY TO THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH AFRICA Leadership is a critical component of good public governance. Governance can be briefly described as the way in which the values of our nation, as reflected in the Constitution of South Africa, are institutionalised in government institutions. Section 195 (1) of the Constitution, 1996 stipulates that public administration must be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, including promoting and maintaining a high standard of professional ethics. These values must guide the actions of public officials throughout
the system and be imbedded in the culture of government institutions. Ethical leadership and good governance are critical ingredients to ensure we improve the lives of the citizens of South Africa. Any strategy to get rid of state corruption should recognise the value of integrating ethics into the organisational culture of government institutions. Such a strategy will involve culture change which is difficult, usually takes place over a long period of time and in response to a variety of powerful pressures. Organisational culture is a system of shared assumptions, values, and beliefs, which governs how people behave in organisations and is regarded as the latest important management competency. Research has shown that the ability of leaders of the organisations that blossomed in the economic melt-down of 2008/2009 to manage organisational culture, differentiated them from their opposition who struggled. The importance of leadership as the driving force for ethical practices can’t be underestimated. Basically, there are three principles that guide ethical leadership: • Lead by example – if honesty is a value a leader wishes to instill in officials, model that behavior in all dealings with all the stakeholders. • Setting ethical standards – as a first step, ethical standards should be developed to make the ethical values clear to all public officials. There should be no doubt in public officials’ minds of what is acceptable and unacceptable conduct in the execution of government policies. • Compliance – once policies on ethical behavior are clear, the public-sector leader should monitor the conduct of public officials to ensure compliance with ethical standards. Quality information is needed on the degree to which leadership strategies have actually changed behaviour. Public officials should report ethical violations, conduct service delivery
surveys to ensure the public’s experiences with public officials are acceptable. It is also important to appropriately manage the consequences of non-compliance and to reward compliance to motivate public officials to remain ethical. Much work has been done by the Department of Public Service and Administration to build a professional leadership cadre in the South African Public Service as contemplated in Section 195(1) of the Constitution. Compulsory competency assessments for recruitment and development of senior managers in the Public Service count among the strategies that have been introduced in this regard. Other Public Service strategies involve Codes of Conduct for Public Service and Code of Ethics for all public servants. Considering the work that has already been done in defining ethical standards, it seems that strategies to rid the State of corruption should focus more strongly on managing and changing the organisational culture of state institutions, monitoring compliance to the ethical standards and to act appropriately in respect of non-compliance. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Francois Wilbers is the founder and managing director of Work Dynamics (Pty) Ltd. He has more than 25 years consulting experience in the areas of assessments, organisation development, performance management and remuneration. ABOUT WORK DYNAMICS (PTY) LTD Work Dynamics (Pty) Ltd is a black owned psychology consultancy that was established in 1993. The company services all the provinces of South Africa through a combination of permanent consultants and associate consultants. Services of Work Dynamics include: • Assessments for recruitment and development (including skills audits) • Organisation development including organisation design, organisation culture management, organisation climate surveys, team development and change management. • Performance management • Remuneration including remuneration surveys, job evaluation, remuneration policy and incentive scheme design. Work Dynamics serves the public sector (national, provincial and local government) and private sector (various industries) organisations nationally and internationally. CONTACT DETAILS The Vineyards Office Estate Pinotage House, 99 Jip de Jager Drive, Bellville, Cape Town Tel: +27 21 913 8371 Fax: +27 21 913 8379 Email: info@workdynamics.co.za
FEAtuRE
This helps the chosen federations
including women, persons with
federations that are being moni-
professionalise operations and
disabilities, youth, children and the
tored as part of the transformation
improve their governance while also
elderly.
agenda. Every year it adds two or
offering financial incentives to players in various leagues. In 2015 the chosen sporting code was boxing, in 2016 it was hockey and in 2017 it was volleyball. “Softball will be the recipient of this extra support in 2018/19. The basketball, hockey and volleyball leagues will continue to be supported during 2018/19 with the aim of making them self-sustainable in the near future,” explained the Deputy Minister.
more federations. The charter focuses on the establishment of a sport system that focuses on: •
ment. •
supported through provincial and
•
According to the Deputy Minister, for true transformation to occur in sport government needs to provide resources to communities so that they
Elimination of all inequalities.
•
Increased access to participation opportunities.
•
Skill and capability development at all
district sport academies.
Transformation in sport
Equitable resource distribution.
In addition, during 2016/17 more than 4 000 promising athletes were
Human capital develop-
levels and in all areas of activity. •
Greater community involvement through new sport infrastructure development.
can access diverse sporting codes. “Transformation is extremely impor-
“We see the difference that transformation is making to the lives of people. The federations also raised concerns that the government needs to put facilities [in place] and create opportunities for South Africans,” he noted. “Transformation is not a single thing; it is a holistic approach. Transformation speaks to on and off the field of play. It speaks to coaches, managers, referees and many more,” pointed out the Deputy Minister.
Looking to the future Losing the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 in South Africa “really dampened” Deputy Minister Oosthuizen’s spirit but not his or the country’s support for the Springboks.
The department started with
“This is the time for all South
tant and we realise that we need to
thebig five sporting codes – rugby,
Africans to rally behind the Spring-
support this process with resources,”
athletics, netball, soccer and
boks. I am disappointed about
he said.
cricket.
the outcome but the way forward
“We asked the South African
is that we must go to France in
tional Sport and Recreation Indaba
Rugby Union to tell us how they
2023 with a transformed squad
which saw the development of the
intended to reach their transfor-
and bring back the trophy,” he
National Sports and Recreation
mation targets. We looked at their
added.
Plan. It includes the Transformation
plans and we accepted it and
Charter which is a process of holisti-
started monitoring it.”
In 2011 the department had a Na-
cally changing the delivery of sport
“Rugby did so well in their
And just like the never-say-die attitude of the country’s sporting teams, the Deputy Minister said it
through the actions of organisations
transformation plans that we even
would be important to bid for the
in the sport sector.
lifted the ban on bidding for inter-
tournament again, especially for
national events because they did
the benefits it will bring in terms of
their part,” he explained.
sport tourism and its contribution
The idea is also to ensure increased sport and recreation opportunities for all South Africans,
16
Currently the department has 16
to the economy.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
Writer: Nolut hando Motswai
Increasing access to higher education
W
hen students from disad-
would introduce fully subsidised
vantaged backgrounds
free higher education and train-
approach the National
ing for the poor and working-class
Student Financial Aid Scheme (NS-
(students from households with a
FAS) for a loan or bursary they are
combined annual income of up to
hoping for a means to further their
R350 000) starting in 2018.
studies. But what they also get is the
This would only apply to stu-
opportunity to transform their lives.
dents in their first year of study
For NSFAS Chief Executive Officer Steven Zwane that is one of the best aspects of his work.
at public universities and tertiary institutions. “I believe that the decision
And he knows from experience
to increase the threshold
how the doors of opportunity open
to qualify for financial as-
following a NSFAS funding grant as
sistance to students from
he is a beneficiary of the scheme.
South African households
“I love being part of transforming
with a combined annual
things and being part of a team
income of up to R350 000
that gives solutions, basically con-
per annum reaffirms govern-
tinuing to fund deserving students
ment’s commitment to
and watching that unfold,” he told
opening access for poor
PSM.
and working- class youth
NSFAS has given more than three
and to ensure success
million South Africans an opportu-
in higher education and
nity to further their education since
training,” said Zwane.
its inception in 1991 by disbursing
He pointed out that
more than R60 billion in loans and
NSFAS had already been
bursaries.
providing elements of
In 1991 the scheme started with
free education through
R21.4 million in student funding
the provision of bursaries
and by 2017 this had grown to
to Technical Vocational
R12.4 billion.
Education and Training (TVET)
Free education
college students over
Last year President Jacob Zuma
the years, as well as
announced that government
some university stu-
18
Chief Executive Of f icer of t he National Student Financial Aid Sc heme, Steven Zwane.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
dents whose final-year loans were converted to bursaries based on
limit,” explained Zwane. In 2017, NSFAS funded over
Registration fees are paid faster and more efficiently.
their academic performance.
533 752 students – 255 725 from
Eligible students are allocated al-
“NSFAS is of the view that the
TVET colleges and 278 027 from
lowances directly through the sBux
universities.
system, which enables a student to
President’s pronouncement which involves doing away with the loan
“We expect to fund up to 600 000
portion of the funding will expand
students in 2018, taking into consid-
using their cellphone. Allowances
the reach and impact of the free
eration the new group that will be
such as accommodation, transport,
education that government has
accommodated under the
food allowance and allowances for
been providing through NSFAS over
R350 000 funding extension,” he
textbooks are provided to support a
the years.”
said.
student academically through their
Beneficiaries of NSFAS loans are
New applications
expected to pay back the loan
“Our processes have been partially
once they start working.
affected because on top of the
According to Zwane, NSFAS has
receive and spend their allowances
student life cycle. Through the student-centred model, NSFAS is able to trace the student’s academic progress
300 000 new applications we
also collected over R5 billion from
throughout the course of study and
received by 30 November 2017,
former students it had granted
a student only applies once for
there will be new applicants who
loans to.
funding, and not every year.
will be coming through academic institutions. We have already assessed 80 percent of the applications using the new
“NSFAS is reviewing its service
A student-centred model One of Zwane’s top priorities for
level agreements with the institutions and demanding to know what controls they are putting in
criteria and we have started
the organisation over the next two
place if they are disbursing money
communicating outcomes,”
years is to sustain the student-cen-
through third parties. As NSFAS, we
added Zwane.
tred model. That is where student
have no recourse with regard to
The funding budget for
loans and bursaries are granted to
what happens between academic
the 2018 academic year
individual students after an appli-
institutions and third party service
will be announced by the
cation is submitted to NSFAS and a
providers,” said Zwane.
Minister of Higher Educa-
student’s financial need and aca-
tion and Training Profes-
demic performance is evaluated.
its business model to implement
Students are notified by NSFAS
the new changes starting in the
sor, Hlengiwe Mkhize at a future date.
on their application results, which
The organisation is also reviewing
2018 academic year.
means that there is a direct rela-
“We have worked tirelessly to im-
from institutions of
tionship and communication be-
prove our systems, working closely
higher education on
tween the student and NSFAS from
with universities, TVET colleges and
how many additional stu-
first year registration until comple-
the Department of Higher Educa-
tion of studies.
tion and Training for 2018 and will
“We still have to hear
dents they have received, who did not apply for
Once a student is approved for
adjust our systems to deal with the
NSFAS last year and must
funding, NSFAS allocates funding
extended financial aid and the
be covered under the R350
for the student and pays it directly
expected increase in the number
to the institution for tuition costs.
of students who now qualify for
000 annual household income
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
19
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
financial assistance,” he added.
thing I want to do,” he said.
Finding 26 NSFAS gems
face to the NSFAS will also encour-
to lack of finance. His first job was
Looking at the future plans of the
age people to pay back their loans
as a cheque collector at a bank
organisation, Zwane would like
because they will have a better
before he “took a leap of faith”
to find 26 beneficiaries who are
understanding of where the funds
and applied for funding from the
“gems” and profile them to show-
are going.
NSFAS was was accepted at the
Zwane believes putting a human
case how NSFAS has transformed
being a mechanical engineer but couldn’t pursue those dreams due
University of Zululand to study BSC
their lives. He believes this will help
Giving back
give NSFAS a human face and mo-
As a NSFAS beneficiary, Zwane said
tivate other prospective students.
he “felt compelled to apply for his
executive management across
current post in order to give back to
banking, consulting, education
I believe that the organisation’s
the community and play a part in
and training, strategy develop-
good stories are not told and I want
ushering in a new dawn”.
ment, operations, technology,
“As an NSFAS beneficiary myself,
in Computer Science. Zwane has spent 12 years in
to be the one who will drive that
“I couldn’t believe that I was se-
conversation – thus giving NSFAS
lected as the head of the organi-
the human face that resembles re-
sation. This has been one of the
silience just like the Republic itself.”
best opportunities anyone could
Science from the University of Zu-
“For many years we have never
be given. The fact that the organi-
luland and an MBA from Durham
really given it a human face; we
sation has funded more than three
University in the United Kingdom.
have just looked at it as the fund-
million students, nothing could
ing machine that must give out the
ever come close to that. Essen-
prestigious Nelson Mandela Schol-
money but we have never looked
tially three million lives have been
arship that enabled him to attain
at who is this beneficiary of NSFAS,
changed for the better and that
his Master’s degree.
where does she or he come from,
says that I’m working for an agent
and why is this vehicle so critical
of change,” he added.
to their well-being. That is the one
Zwane always had ambitions of
sales, and youth development programmes. He holds a BSc in Computer
Zwane was a recipient of the
He also founded the Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme – an aspirational youth skills development programme that gives selected young people an opportunity to hone their interpersonal, leadership, career and entrepreneurship skills to aid their chances towards a better future. “I am passionate about youth development because I believe that through skilled young people, the future of our country will be bright. Education has been a cornerstone of my life and I have seen the consequences of a lack of
Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela and NSFAS CEO Steven Zwane during a visit to NSFAS of f ices.
20
education in other young people’s lives,” said Zwane.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
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Writer: Nolut hando Motswai Photographer: Mmatau Moloi
wOmEN IN tHE PubLIc SEctOR
Turning offenders into productive members of society
G
race Molatedi believes in second chances.
She also provides support to the approximately
As Regional Commissioner of the Department
8 000 officials employed in the Gauteng region whose
of Correctional Services in Gauteng she is re-
mandate is to create an enabling environment for the
sponsible for the rehabilitation of more than 36 000
rehabilitation of offenders.
offenders and has witnessed first-hand how people can turn their lives around when they are given the
Sentence plan a road map
opportunity to do so.
Molatedi explained that when an offender enters
While acknowledging that her job is challenging - re-
Correctional Services the individual goes through a
habilitating an offender is no easy task - Molatedi told
process of admission which includes being interviewed
PSM her work is extremely rewarding particularly when
by social workers and psychologists. Then a sentence
she sees a person change for the better. “This sector has a good story to tell. You will see an offender who has been sentenced to many years behind
plan is drawn up. “This sentence plan maps out the road that must be travelled by an offender
bars going through the various
in a correctional centre.
programmes the department offers
It also maps out the
and improving their lives – this is
needs of an offender,”
where the satisfaction lies. It doesn’t matter if it’s one person; when you
she said. It is during this phase
see the results you feel good. There
that the offender
are a lot of success stories in Cor-
identifies the skill they
rectional Services,” she said.
would like to develop
As the Regional Commissioner, Molatedi’s role is to give guidance and
and the training it requires.
leadership to the region’s 26 correctional centres.
Regional Commissioner of t he Depar tment of Correctional Ser vices in Gauteng Grace Molatedi.
22
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
An educator, nurse, social worker
completion of their sentence they
and psychologist assesses the
are given weekend passes which
person, looking at all their areas of
allow them to go to their family and
between Technical and Vocational
need when the sentence plan is
community over the weekend.
Education and Training colleges to
drawn up. “We also do a classification where
“This is done six months before they are released and gives them
provide training to offenders. There is also an MOU signed
provide training. Molatedi said the department is
we consider the type of crime the
an opportunity to experience all
aware that unemployment is one
offender has committed, if this is a
the changes that took place while
of the root causes of crime and is
first offence or not and then we put
they were behind bars. Sometimes
seeking to address this by empow-
them in a facility aligned with their
during a weekend pass they realise
ering offenders with work skills.
areas of need,” said Molatedi.
that there is no space for them at
is making sure that the offender
preparing them for reality and to
Communities have a role to play
understands the seriousness of the
find ways within the law to make a
According to Molatedi, communi-
crime they committed.
living,” she said.
ties should be supportive of people
An important step in the process
home or there is no food. We are
who have been released from a
“We take them through proinclude anger management
Skills development for offenders
courses and sexual offenders’
A key focus in rehabilitating an of-
the community they become an
programmes. During these they are
fender is skills development so that
outcast. They struggle to find a job
able to make decisions, understand
once released they can start their
and it becomes easier for them to
why they are in a correctional cen-
own business or find a job linked
return to their former ways. Every-
tre and plan the way forward.
to the skill they learnt while at the
body deserves a second chance,”
correctional centre.
she pointed out.
grammes with social workers which
“Social workers also interact with
correctional centre. “If a person is not accepted in
an offender’s family to assess the
“We try to focus on skills that can
Ordinary South Africans can also
kind of support system they have
enable them to find a job such as
become involved in the rehabilita-
at home.
plumbing, electrical work, comput-
tion of offenders by volunteering
“We help family members under-
er training, computer programming,
their skills to the department.
stand and accept that they have a
building and bricklaying. Offenders
“We have people in this country
loved one who is an offender. Some
are trained by our officials and we
who are skilled in various areas and
families are embarrassed to have
also have service providers,” she
in their spare time they could come
a family member in a correctional
added.
and do training and volunteer at
centre. We help family members
The department signed a Memo-
one of our correctional centres to
deal with these emotions and get
randum of Understanding (MoU)
train offenders. Even if someone
to a place where they can forgive
with the Manufacturing, Engineer-
is a good soccer player they can
the offender,” she said.
ing and Related Services Sector
come train the offenders over the
Education and Training Authority to
weekend as a recreational
When an offender nears the
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
23
wOmEN IN tHE PubLIc SEctOR
activity. South Africans can ap-
of deterring young people from a
you are a woman without even
proach a correctional centre to
life of crime,” she said.
knowing your capabilities. You
offer their services,” said Molatedi. While Correctional Services focus
Any school can approach the De-
need to always be on your
partment of Correctional Services
toes and lead by example,” she
is on rehabilitating offenders, they
to request a visit to a correctional
added.
are also involved in crime preven-
centre.
tion programmes along with the
Despite the challenges, Molatedi loves her job and the organisa-
Department of Basic Education
Challenges of the job
tion she works for, saying it has
which focus on schools.
Molatedi said being a woman in
given her an opportunity to grow.
“The school children are taken to
her field is challenging and she
“Once you have worked in
correctional centres so they can
has to work twice as hard as her
this organisation, you can work
see first-hand what life is like there.
male counterparts.
anywhere. Correctional Services
Sometimes being in a correctional
“As women we need to be
moulds you and helps you grow.
centre is glamorised while the
prepared to put in the hard work,
We also have a lot of good peo-
reality is quite different. The aim is
especially when the environment
ple in Correctional Services who
to raise awareness about life in a
isn’t receptive to women. People
are committed to their work,” she
correctional centre with the hope
doubt your abilities just because
said.
24
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
READ IT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET. www.gcis.gov.za
The Public Sector Manager magazine, produced by Government Communications and Information System, is targeted at middle and senior managers in the public sector, responsible for implementing government programmes and operations. The magazine helps public servants in understanding their mandate and share best practices in order to serve their country better. PSM critically examines issues of importance to senior public servants and the nation at large. In addition, PSM features various business and lifestyle features including travel, book and car reviews, financial fitness and healthy living – striking a balance between professional pressures and personal well-being. With PSM digital, you can get instant access to this content from your smartphone or tablet. Visit www.gcis.gov.za for more information.
Nardine Nelson: 082 739 3932, nardine.nelson@topco.co.za
tRAILbLAZER
Writer: Mmatau Moloi
Making waves in commercial diving R atanang Maremane’s wings may
surface supplied diving gear depending
have been clipped when she heard
on the nature of the job. She conducts
she would not be trained as a fight-
inspections, repair and maintenance of
er pilot but that has not stopped her from making waves as a diver. She dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot
harbour infrastructure.
“Divers are also the first line call where ships experience technical difficulties. We
and applied for a learnership programme
perform underwater inspection on the ship
with the South African National Defence
to identify the problem and where possible
Force. However, after completing the learn-
we resolve the issue underwater, otherwise
ership, she was instructed to report to the
the ship may require dry docking
SA Naval Base in Saldanha Bay instead of
facilities.”
an air force base. Maremane, who is originally from Soweto,
“On civil construction projects where struc-
took the change in her stride and after go-
tures emanate from
ing through extensive training she became
underwater the
the second black female navy diver in
diver is the brain
South Africa.
and eyes of
She served the South African Navy until
the engineer
2008 and is currently the first black female
underwater,”
commercial diver at Transnet National
she ex-
Ports Authority based at the Port of East
plained.
London. “Commercial diving is not as easy as
Currently in her
dropping in the water to swim with the fish.
third year
It is a very specialised and technical field
of her
with major risks as you work in a foreign
civil en-
environment where there is often limited
gineering
visibility, low temperature, extreme pressure
studies,
changes and marine life that can defeat
Maremane
you in seconds. It is not an easy career, but
hopes to
definitely an interesting one,” she said.
merge her
Commercial diver Ratanang Maremane is proof t hat hard work and determination pays of f.
commer-
First line of call
ial diving cial
Maremane is responsible for work below
qualification
the surface of the water, using scuba or
with civil engi-
26
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
neering in order to bridge the gap between divers and engineers. She will be able to do engineering work under the water as a diver instead of just relying on civil engineers on land for a way to solve problems. Maremane has learned a lot in this male-dominant field. One of her most valuable lessons is to not fear the unfamiliar. “I have to consistently prove that I can do the work that men are do-
she was initially not selected to be
was awarded the Best Female
trained as a navy diver.
Athlete Award in Croatia and Best
Fortunately for her, she was
Achiever award in Finland.
ing in this field. As a woman I am
among 50 candidate divers
usually undermined and some be-
selected for a three-month
fied as a fleet support diver and
lieve that I cannot perform certain
enablement programme to learn
acquired skills such as under-
tasks because I am a woman. But
swimming skills before undergoing
water damage control, air-sea
knowledge is power and that’s how
a final diving selection process.
rescue and chamber attendant.
I stay ahead of the game.”
This was an initiative of former
In 2010 she was chosen to rep-
first lady Zanele Mbeki and is
resent South Africa in Florida as
with knowledge about new tech-
aimed specifically at giving previ-
part of the Slave Wrecks Project in
nology and legislation in the diving
ously disadvantaged children an
partnership with Iziko Museums,
industry. Being physically fit and
opportunity to learn water skills
George Washington University and
mentally strong also makes it easier
before undergoing the intense
Biscayne National Park Services.
to keep up with the guys. I don’t
navy diving selection process.
Maremane converted her Mili-
expect special treatment,” she said.
This programme creates an equal
tary Diving license into a Com-
opportunity for young people who
mercial Diving qualification at the
were not exposed to water from a
University of Cape Town where she
young age.
received her Class Four commer-
“I never stop equipping myself
The grit to get ahead It has not been easy sailing for the go-getter. After Maremane’s
Maremane was the only suc-
In 2007 she successfully quali-
cial diving licence and Class Four
fighter pilot dream was grounded,
cessful female out of the 17
commercial diving supervisor’s
she suffered another setback when
students who completed the
licence.
enablement programme and was
Knowing first-hand the impor-
among the top elite 15 divers to
tance of a never-say-die attitude,
be selected at a final selection
she hopes to inspire the youth by
process in Cape Town.
showing them that anything is possible.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Representing South Africa
there is that the sky is not the
She represented South Africa in
limit - you are your own limit. If you
the World Military Champion-
want it, you will get it. It may not
ships in 2007 and 2008 in Finland
be easy, but it’s certainly attain-
and Croatia respectively and
able,” she added.
“My advice to the youth out
27
Premier Chupu Mathabatha delivering message of encouragement to matric class of 2017 at the Ranch Hotel, Limpopo
EDUCATION IN LIMPOPO – STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE MATRIC CLASS OF 2017 BY THE PREMIER OF LIMPOPO HONOURABLE CHUPU MATHABATHA ON THE OCCASION OF THE PROVINCIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRADE 12 RESULTS HELD AT THE RANCH, LIMPOPO There was a celebratory mood at the Limpopo provincial announcement of the Grade 12 results – and leading the celebration was Premier Chupu Mathabatha, who, together with the MEC for Education, was extremely pleased at the “whopping” 3.12% increase in the Grade 12 pass rate. This increase has meant, in real terms, an improvement from 62.6% in 2016 to 65.6% for the Class of 2017. The Premier congratulated and acknowledged the joint efforts of the learners, teachers, parents, SGBs and unions. “Today I talk to you not just as our Matric graduates, but as our future Engineers, Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers, Accountants, Auditors, so forth and so on. “Today you have accomplished a very important step towards unlocking the doors towards a great future.
We wish you well in your post Matric endeavours; you must never let your guard down. Go out and be the best that you can be!” - Premier Mathabatha
EDUCATION HAS BECOME A SOCIETAL ISSUE During the announcement of the 2017 matric examination results on 5 January 2018 at The Ranch, MEC for Education Ishmael Kgetjepe addressed the distinguished gathering on the importance of education. MEC Kgetjepe contextualised his speech by observing: “We exist in an era where education has been elevated from being a departmental issue to a societal issue, one that must occupy the attention and energy of all our people. All of us are tasked to contribute towards sharpening the
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religious leaders, teacher unions, school governing body associations representing parents, learner organisations and the community at large. We must do so because a child educated only at school, is an uneducated child. We must contribute in assisting our learners to construct a solid sound blueprint for their lives. We are encouraged that the private sector has also taken it upon themselves to take a keen interest in education. And together we can succeed in defeating the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.” - MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe
PASS RATES IMPROVING IN LIMPOPO Premier Chupu Mathabatha and MEC Kgetjepe with top students in the Province at Ranch Hotel. Pic: Elvis TShikhudo
minds of current and future professionals; we must equally understand the challenges and opportunities with a view of being part of solution providers in improving the education situation in the province.” He emphasised that it remained the mission of the department to find solutions to educational challenges through collective engagement in order to inculcate a culture of excellence – and took the opportunity to thank all the stakeholders who worked with the department to deliver an incident-free 2017 examination. This included writing of the exams and the marking of the more than 1.4 million scripts. Campaigns to ensure the incident-free examinations included signing an Examination Pledge, appealing to all candidates, raising awareness about the dangers of cheating and participating in any form of examination irregularities. “This is a special occasion precisely because we recognise that the National Senior Certificate results are an important indicator of the quality of our provincial education system.”
PARTNERSHIPS ENSURE SUCCESS The role of education is key to ensuring South Africa makes Vision 2030 a reality. “It is education that has a crucial role to play in realising the noble objectives of our democracy on matters contained in our constitution, the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal Four, which is all about ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. In many ways than one, today signifies our commitment to advance the values of education that are central to our liberation as individuals, as a province and a nation. It is in this regard that we cannot ignore the role of various education stakeholders and we shall as we have done in the past, secure the full undivided commitment of such partners, which include traditional leaders,
In 2017, of the 83 227 candidates who sat for the National Senior Certificate, 54 625 passed. The province increased the bachelor percentage passes from 18% in 2016 to 21% in 2017 with 17 790 candidates achieving bachelor passes, 20 011 candidates achieved diplomas and 16 809 higher certificates. This performance translates to a 65.6% provincial pass rate and depicts a 3.2% improvement on the 2016 grade 12 pass rate. Without progressed learners, the pass rate of the province is 67.4%.
TOP THREE DISTRICTS Position
Pass %
Passed
Wrote
District
1
76.6
15 322
19 993
Vhembe
2
69.4
4 214
6 068
Waterberg
3
67.7
11 425
16 870
Mopani
Vhembe not only remained the best performing district despite the disruptions they experienced last year in Vuwani, it improved on its 2016 performance of 70.3% to 76.6%. Waterberg moved from fourth position in 2015 to third in 2016 and second in 2017. Mopani improved from 65.7% to 67.7% in 2017. The MEC Special Award was bestowed upon Thulani Shikwambani from Rivoni School for the Blind who competed with candidates from special schools and public ordinary schools, and out-classed all of them by achieving the highest mark in Xitsonga Home Language. Kgetjepe concluded his address by looking to the future: “The Academic Year 2018 is upon us and we look forward to working with all our stakeholders in turning our schools into centres of excellence. We must work together to eliminate tolerance for mediocrity and complacency so as to ensure curriculum delivery to the highest level possible. American Hotelier Conrad Hilton says to us ‘Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit’.
ADVERTORIAL
Thulani ‘Tommy’ Shikwambani with his proud mother, Florah, sister Nhlanhla and Principal Conny Mabaso
LIMPOPO’S SHINING STAR TENACITY, COURAGE, DEDICATION PAY OFF For the second year in a row, despite facing enormous challenges, Rivoni School for the Blind – the best public special school in the province – succeeded in producing matriculants who were in the top cohort. In 2016 the school yielded three pupils ranking among the top 20 best performers countrywide and in 2017 Thulani Tommy Shikwambani not only obtained his matric certificate but was also heralded as the top candidate in the special public schools category. The special public schools category has stringent requirements: candidates have to attain a minimum of 900 aggregate marks from six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation). Strictly, only the cream of the crop make it. The accolades do not stop there. Shikwambani obtained an impressive 282 marks out of 300 in Xitsonga Home Language, thereby out-performing other pupils from public
and special schools by being one of the top candidates per subject. The category recognises candidates who obtained 80% and above in selected subjects. Not only did Shikwambani have the deep personal satisfaction of knowing that his hard work had paid off, he also received a special award from the Limpopo MEC for Education, Ishmael Kgetjepe, in the form of a braille typewriter with a key corresponding to each of the six dots of the braille code. “In this special category, I have chosen to recognise a special candidate who has defied all odds to perform excellently in the 2017 NSC examination. This candidate competed with candidates from special schools and public ordinary schools, and out-classed all of them by achieving the highest mark in Xitsonga Home Language”, Kgetjepe said.
Shikwambani’s achievements impressed Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha to such a degree that he pledged to buy him a braille computer. Conny Mabaso, dedicated principal of Rivoni School for the Blind, is justifiably proud of the performance demonstrated by the school, the learners and the teachers. We asked her to comment on Shikwambani’s remarkable successes. “Thulani was very hard working from primary level right through to secondary. He is a very respectful learner who was able to communicate politely with all educators and staff members. As a school we are proud of his achievements as the best learner in public special schools in Limpopo and the best Xitsonga learner. He was able to share information with his fellow learners hence the school is proud to be the best public special school in the province. “He was the president of LRC. We thank all staff members of Rivoni, Soutpansberg East Circuit, Vhembe District and Limpopo Province for the support to the school. To all our support structures we are grateful for their donations.”
Situated in the Elim area, near Elim Hospital, Rivoni School for the Blind is a community-based, non-profit organisation providing education and care services for children, youth and adults with visual disabilities and blindness. Services the school provides include: • • • • • • •
ABET classes. Business development. Project management. Craft work such as beadwork, sewing and weaving. TB, HIV and AIDS awareness workshops promoting health and wellness. HIV training and life skills training for the youth. Assistance with applications for birth certificates, identity documents and social grants.
The school runs a boarding school for visually impaired children from five years of age where they are provided with three meals a day.
TOGETHER WE MOVE SOUTH AFRICA FORWARD!” CONTACT DETAILS Tel: 015 287 6060 Web: www.limpopo.gov.za
Thulani ‘Tommy’ Shikwambani
IN OtHER NEwS
Source: SAnews
Health service centre for miners mining industry and workers asso-
treatment for various reasons when
ciations to launch the Kuruman One
they leave employment. These
Stop Health Service Centre. The cen-
centres offer medical examinations,
tre will provide integrated services
rehabilitation assessments, health
to both active and ex-mineworkers
promotion and counselling to all
focusing on TB and occupational
patients, as well as referrals to other
lung disease assessments. Admin-
medical specialists if necessary. That
istrative services for compensation
means patients can be diagnosed,
will be available at the centre which
treated and receive the help they
is a collaboration between various
need to remain healthy in one
stakeholders led by government and
place. The centres also help individu-
supported by captains of the mining
als prepare and submit claims to the
industry, organised labour and cur-
Medical Bureau for Occupational
rent and ex-mineworker associations.
Diseases for compensation.
The main aim is to de-centralise
In a statement the Department of
services to claimants and beneficiar-
Mineral Resources says these service
ies which will make it easier, quicker
centres will enable government to
Mineworkers in the manganese-rich
and more cost-effective for them to
trace eligible previous and current
town of Kuruman in the Northern
receive assistance.
mineworkers who have not claimed
Cape are set to benefit from integrat-
One stop centres are designed to
their compensation benefits over the
ed healthcare and social services
provide medical support to ex-mine
past 30 years after they contracted
after government partnered with the
workers, who often stop receiving
occupational lung disease.
Commission to probe state capture claims President Jacob Zuma has ap-
the Public Protector is binding and
vulnerable to control by forces other
pointed a Commission of Inquiry to
that the President is directed to ap-
than the public for which govern-
probe allegations of State capture.
point a commission of inquiry within
ment is elected. There should be no
30 days, headed by a judge solely
area of corruption and culprit that
selected by the Chief Justice.
should be spared the extent of this
“Pursuant to the investigation and remedial action of the Public Protector regarding complaints and
“The allegations that the State has
commission of inquiry,” he added.
allegations of the State of Capture,
been wrestled out of the hands of
President Zuma requested Chief
as well as the orders issued by the
its real owners, the people of South
Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to pro-
North Gauteng High Court in its
Africa, is of paramount importance
vide him with the name of the judge
judgment of 14 December 2017, I
and are therefore deserving of final-
to head the Commission.
have decided to appoint a Com-
ity and certainty,” said the President.
“He has selected Deputy Chief Jus-
“The commission must seek to un-
tice Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi
cover not just the conduct of some,
Zondo to undertake this task. I urge
but of all those who may have
everyone to cooperate with the
rendered our state or parts thereof
commission of inquiry,” he added.
mission of Inquiry,” the President said in a statement. The court ordered that, among other things, the remedial action of
32
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Educational support for military veterans, dependents The Department of Military
million for the 2017 academic year
financial year, the number of
Veterans provided educational
- R115 million for higher education
beneficiaries supported has
support to 7 712 military veterans
and training and R62 million for
climbed to 23 percent more than
and their dependents in 2017.
basic education,” Musi said.
the original estimate.
Department spokesperson
The programme has grown
“These numbers have increased
Mbulelo Musi said the programme
tremendously from an initial 200
considerably compared to the
is one of the most critical benefits
students supported in 2013 to
department’s forecasting due to
that the department provides
over 7 700. However, with the
the changing socio-economic
with the view to improve the lives
rising demand, the department
conditions of military veterans and
of military veterans and their
now needs an increased budget
the increased awareness amongst
beneficiaries.
to accommodate the spike in
military veterans about the benefit.
Of those supported, 4 966 were given financial assistance for basic
applications. Musi said while the department
“The department has received 9 645 new applications for the
education and 2 746 for tertiary
had planned to support
2018 academic year, a total for
studies.
4 500 military veterans and their
both new and continuing,” he
dependents in the 2017/18
added.
“The department has paid R177.5
New water restrictions for Cape residents Starting on February 1st, Cape Town
the city has been forced to imple-
residents will be limited to 50 litres
ment stringent measures in an at-
of water per person per day for five
tempt to delay the onset of Day Zero.
months as “Day Zero” draws closer.
The estimate at this point is that Cape
Day Zero is the day when taps will be
Town will run out of water on 21 April
closed and residents will be required
2018.
to get water from various designated
At the same time officials have
water collection points.
warned that the city’s seven aug-
“We have reached a point of no re-
mentation projects which are set to
turn. Despite our urging for months, 60
produce around 200 million litres per
percent of Capetonians are callously
day are not enough to avert Day Zero.
using more than 87 litres per day,”
“While our water augmentation pro-
said City of Cape Town Mayor Patricia
gramme will make Cape Town more
De Lille.
water resilient in the future, it was
“The new daily collective consump-
never going to be enough to stop
tion target is now 450 million litres per
Day Zero,” said the Mayor.
day. This will be in place for 150 days
Planning for Day Zero is at an ad-
after which the city will reassess the
vanced stage with approximately 200
situation,” she said.
sites having been assessed.
The Mayor said the city has had to
“We will also be making detailed Day
assume that high water users will not
Zero contingency plans available
residents and businesses might have,”
change their behaviour and therefore
soon to answer all questions that
said De Lille.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
33
uPcOmINg EvENtS
Compiled by: Mmatau Moloi
Africa Energy Indaba 20–21 February 2018 The Africa Energy Indaba is the definitive energy conference for Africa providing an annual programme that shapes energy policy for the continent. Key issues that impact the African energy sector will be discussed and debated at the event. The conference will provide an opportunity for delegates to probe policy, review industrial progress and market trends, discuss the efficiency of public support mechanisms and public-private partnerships across the continent, and review new data and the latest technological trends globally. The Africa Energy Indaba also focuses on services for major energy projects on the continent, rural energy solutions, urbanisation and energy needs and the renewable and sustainable energy industry and the management of alternative sources of energy. The conference takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. For more information, go to www.africaenergyindaba.com
South African Cultural Observatory 2018 International Conference 7–8 March 2018 The South African Cultural Observatory 2018 International Conference will explore the roles and challenges
Meetings Africa 26–28 February 2018
facing the arts, culture and heritage
In recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to
contributing to social and economic
recognise Africa as a sought-after destination. Meetings
development.
Africa showcases the continent’s diverse offering of services
sectors and the creative industries in
Policy issues and the nature and
and products and highlights how associations and meet-
scope of cultural participation and
ings industry professionals can partner to help transform the
cultural rights will be considered.
continent. The theme for Meetings Africa 2018 is “Shared Economies”
The impact of new technologies and the restructuring of popular
and focuses on cementing partnerships that will position Af-
culture in terms of production and
rica globally as an ideal meetings incentive, conference and
consumption will be discussed.
exhibitions destination. Shared economies will be promoted and positioned as a
The theme of the conference is “Beyond the creative economy? Trends
tool for collaborative and sustainable growth on the continent
and Issues on National and Regional
by illustrating how Africa’s tourism entrepreneurs can leverage
Economies”.
each other’s resources to achieve meaningful economies of scale. Meetings Africa takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. For more information, go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za
34
The conference takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. For more information, go to www. southafricanculturalobservatory.co.za
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
KETTLE CONSULTING: THINKING THE UNACHIEVABLE ABOUT KETTLE CONSULTING
SERVICES
Kettle Consulting has been in operation since 2010 with the view of providing access and professional consulting services to all participants in the South African economy.
Accounting • Technical Opinions • IFRS Implementation / Compliance • Payroll Administration • Company Secretarial • Financial Statement Preparation • Audit File Preparation • Management Accounts Reporting
We believe that we have the skills and expertise in all areas of financial management, audit and accounting to service enterprises of any size. At Kettle Consulting we appreciate that all businesses are different, which is why our service offerings are tailored to the expertise required for your business to achieve its goals. We direct our focus and skills to help our clients who face new and complex risks. As a result, we continuously lay the groundwork for redefining our scope of work in order to deliver “value for money” to our clients. Our cross-functional approach is an essential component of our delivery mechanism. We strike a balance between new regulatory risks and the traditional focus on business operational auditing while leveraging relationships and experience to mitigate risks, improve controls, and add value across organisations. Striking the right balance requires the evaluation and determination of an organisation’s core functions, together with individual and collective objectives. As a strategic partner, Kettle Consulting can be your valued advisor in providing skilled professionals to assist your company in establishing and enhancing the existing processes across your business. VISION To be the leading advisor of choice by developing trends.
Advisory • Data Analysis • Business Intelligence • Investment Consulting • Due Dilligence • Valuations • Risk Management and Corporate Governance • Design & Implementation of Systems of Internal Controls • Corporate Secondments • Business and Competitive Strategy • Tailored BEE Solutions • Business Process Management services include: - Business Process Outsourcing - Project Management Assurance • External Audit • Independent Review Tax • Tax services include: - Income Tax Returns (companies and individuals) - VAT Returns - PAYE / SITE Returns
MISSION By providing a holistic approach to serving our clients’ needs, powered by innovative thinking and professional experience from subject matter experts, who thrive on delivering quality in everything we do. We strive to optimise and mobilise the resources of our clients in order for them to become leaders in their industry and remain ahead of the competition. VALUES • Integrity • Innovation • Excellence • Service CONTACT Tel: 011 025 1446 • Fax: 086 551 7538 • Website: www.kettleconsulting.co.za • Email: justink@kettleconsulting.co.za Address: 8 Greenstone Place, Stoneridge Office Park, Block D, Ground Floor, Greenstone Hill, Johannesburg, 1609
Provincial focus
Writer: More Matshediso
The newly -built Weltevrede Clinic in Weltevrede village.
Improving healthcare in the North West
R
ural healthcare in the North
meet the standards residents
West Province requires more
deserve.
development and Health
“Residents in villages, townships,
Revitalisation programme He said the department is rolling
MEC Magome Masike is on a mis-
and small towns deserve the same
out the revitalisation programme for
sion to improve access to medical
standard of services as enjoyed by
local clinics and hospitals to ensure
services there.
those living in big cities, especially
they are upgraded and service
with regard to basic services and
delivery is improved.
The economy of the province is dominated by agriculture and is
human rights,” he said.
There are around 400 healthcare
rural in nature while areas suffer
“The only time I will be happy
from underdevelopment but the
with the state of healthcare ser-
MEC believes this should not be
vices in my province is when eve-
an excuse for residents to receive
rybody has access to healthcare
diagnose, treat and control dis-
below par healthcare.
on their doorstep, have access to
eases. Clinics are about prevention
medication and an ambulance
most of the time and that is why we
he would not rest until all clin-
can get to them quicker than
regard everything in clinics as vital,”
ics and hospitals in the province
before,” MEC Masike said.
added the MEC.
In an interview with PSM he said
36
facilities in the province, including clinics and hospitals. “Our core business is to prevent,
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
As part of the revitalisation programme in the 2016/17 financial year the Klerksdorp Hospital re-
ment, and information and
than just funding, there is also a
communication tools.
shortage of healthcare profession-
• One with adequate staff, suf-
als.
ceived a new boiler, Witrand Hospi-
ficient medicines and supplies,
“We need more staff. We do not
tal was upgraded and Bophelong
good administrative processes
have enough doctors and nurses,”
and adequate bulk supplies.
pointed out the MEC.
Psychiatric Hospital Phase II A (state patient wards) was completed. Construction also started on the new Madikwe Clinic, new Jou-
• A clinic that uses applicable
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi
clinical policies, protocols and
is on record saying that young doc-
guidelines, as well as partner
tors and other health professionals
berton Community Health Centre
do not want to work in hospitals
(CHC) and on the upgrading of
and clinics in rural towns. This is not
the Excelsius Nursing College. Projects expected to be completed in 2017/18 include the new Mmakaunyana, Weltevrede and Madikwe Clinics, refurbishment of JST Hospital Ward 10, new Mathibistad CHC. Others include the installation of a new boiler at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, replacement of lifts at Potchefstroom and Witrand Hospitals, upgrading of Boitekong CHC, new Sekhing CHC and the replacement of water supply network
“The HIV positive rate for the age group 15 to 49 years has decreased from 9.3 percent in 2015/16 to 6.8 percent in 2016/17.”
at Itsoseng CHC.
because they have an issue with the health facilities themselves but because the towns are underdeveloped and do not offer much to complement their lifestyles. MEC Masike echoed this sentiment, saying it is a challenge in the North West also. “You must remember that the development of a town includes many things like roads, shopping malls, better schools, international airports and other things. We don’t have that yet. Most young people want to live in Gauteng because
Ideal clinics
and stakeholder support,
the province has a lot to offer that
The MEC said that about 25 per-
to ensure the provision of
matches their lifestyles,” he said.
cent of the province’s 314 public
quality health services to the
clinics are in a good state and actually meet the ‘Ideal Clinic’ standards.
community. The department was allocated a
“But we appeal to their consciences to say the sick in the rural areas also need their help. They
budget of about R10.4 billion in the
have taken the profession oath and
2017/18 financial year but the MEC
some of them do listen and come
percentage because clinics are
said in order to improve services
to work in rural areas,” added the
the first line of defence to diseases,”
in 2018, the department will need
MEC.
he added.
about R15 billion in the coming
“We are looking at increasing this
According to the standards set by
year.
Despite all the challenges it faces,
the national Department of Health, • A clinic with good infrastructure
Doctors and nurses needed
in terms of physical condition
However, there are more to the
and spaces, essential equip-
challenges facing the province
an Ideal Clinic is defined as:
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Fighting HIV and AIDS the department is making progress in fighting against HIV and AIDS. It is estimated that about 474 768 people are HIV-positive in the
37
Provincial focus
North West, and 5.6 percent are
centres throughout its districts so
foreign nationals as well and this
children below the age of 15 years.
that patients are no longer referred
means having to spend more
to just a hospital for treatment.
money to meet people’s needs.
The MEC said of those who are HIV-positive, 234 454 are on lifelong
One of the challenges that ham-
antiretroviral treatment and are re-
pers the progress in fighting TB, HIV
ceiving treatment at public health
and AIDS is the language barrier.
Partnerships yield results
The department makes use of
To address some of the challenges
“The HIV positive rate for the
Community Development Work-
it faces, the department has estab-
age group 15 to 49 years has
ers to cascade information and
lished partnerships with the private
decreased from 9.3 percent in
continue to raise awareness about
sector and communities.
2015/16 to 6.8 percent in 2016/17.
diseases, but sometimes the mes-
This is a great achievement, how-
sage gets lost along the way as
ship, the department has opened
ever, the most vulnerable groups
some residents are foreign to the
a new Chemotherapy Unit within
and key populations still remain
heritage language.
the Radiation Oncology Unit at
facilities.
hard to reach,” he added.
“In mining areas in the North
Through a public-private partner-
Tshepong Hospital Complex in
With regard to TB, about 83 per-
West, many South Africans do not
cent of TB patients in the province
want to do manual work so they
are also HIV-positive.
leave the work for people who
tion of the unit came about as a
come from outside South Africa,
result of a donation by the Muslim
co-mobility of these two diseases,”
and because most of them do not
community.
said the MEC.
understand Setswana, the mes-
“Previously, patients had to be
“So we are conscious about the
Klerksdorp. MEC Masike said the construc-
sage that we are trying to com-
transported to Gauteng to treat
the first in the country to successful-
municate does not get across,” he
cancer but now they can be
ly treat a patient with extreme drug-
said.
treated close to their homes. We
The province prides itself on being
resistant TB at Tshepong Hospital.
He said hospitals in the prov-
are trying by all means to ensure
The province has since continued
ince do not only provide services
that our people do not have to
to establish multiple-drug resistant
to South African patients but to
leave the province to get services,” he said. Another success story from the partnerships is a maternity ward worth R6 million that was opened in May 2016 in Botshabelo CHC at Khuma Township in Stilfontein. According to the MEC, 446 healthy babies were born at the ward since it opened. Mining company Lonmin also donated 18 ambulances to the department, as well as two patient transport and a school health vehicle.
Nor t h West Healt h MEC Magome Masike at t he opening of t he Step Down Unit at Tshepong Hospital Complex.
38
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
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vItAL StAtS
Bumper harvest boosts economy
T
he South African economy
agriculture production since the
decline in economic activity in the
grew by two percent in the
second quarter of 1996.
third quarter. Falling employment
third quarter of 2017 (sea-
Increased production of field crops
numbers in the public sector saw
sonally adjusted and annualised),
and horticultural products were the
general government services post-
down from a revised 2.8 percent in
main contributors to growth, with
ing its third consecutive quarter of
the second quarter.
notable increases in the production
negative growth, contracting by 0.7
Agriculture, mining and manu-
of maize and vegetable products.
percent.
facturing were the main drivers of
Mining and manufacturing were
Other notable industries that saw a
the expansion while there was a
the other major contributors to
decline were trade and electricity,
contraction in general government
economic growth in the third quar-
water and gas. Despite a rebound
services resulting from low employ-
ter. Increased gold and platinum
in retail trade sales, falling whole-
ment numbers in the public sector.
production saw the mining industry
sale trade sales pulled the trade
After recording an increase of 38.7
grow by 6.6 percent, while the 4.3
industry down by 0.4 percent. The
percent in the second quarter, the
percent rise in manufacturing was
electricity, water and gas industry
agriculture industry continued to
spurred on by increased produc-
experienced a 5.5 percent contrac-
power ahead expanding by 44.2
tion of both petroleum and metal
tion, a result of falling electricity
percent in the third quarter.
products.
demand.
This is the largest quarterly jump in
Four industries, however, saw a
Source: Statistics South Africa
40
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
INtERNAtIONAL RELAtIONS
Source: SAnews-Xinhua
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a visit wit h President Jacob Zuma.
SA, Zim bolster trade relations S
trengthening economic trade and cooperation
They also discussed the need to strengthen
between South Africa and Zimbabwe was high
historical relations between the two countries and
on the agenda when the new Zimbabwean
neighbours.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited South Africa recently. President Mnangagwa paid a courtesy call to South African President Jacob Zuma. According to The Presidency, the two Heads of
President’s Mnangagwa and Zuma share a long history. Both worked together while in exile in Mozambique where they were responsible for intelligence and security services for ZANU-PF and ANC respectively.
State agreed on the need to strengthen economic cooperation and expand economic and trade rela-
Eyeing developments
tions between the two countries.
The Presidents agreed to keep in close contact on
This will be a key feature of the South Africa-Zim-
an ongoing basis to share their points of view on
babwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) agenda in
political issues as well as regional, continental and
support of President Mnangagwa’s mission to revive
international issues affecting national interests, as
the Zimbabwean economy which has been hit by
well as issues affecting the continent.
sanctions and other political and economic challenges.
42
South Africa and Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relations are marked by the annual convening of the BNC
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
signed in 2015 and co-chaired by the two Heads of State.
President Mnangagwa will serve as interim president until August 2018 when Robert Mugabe’s term was set
To date the two countries have signed more than 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and agreements covering a broad range of areas. These include trade
to expire. Thereafter, the people of Zimbabwe are set to elect their next leader. “My government is committed to entrenching a demo-
and investment, immigration, defence, transport, agricul-
cratic society driven by respect for the country’s consti-
ture, environment, energy, health, labour, water manage-
tution, rule of law, mutual tolerance, peace and unity,”
ment, taxation, as well as arts and culture.
President Mnangagwa said.
Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s top five trading partners on the continent. In 2016, South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe amounted to approximately R29.3 billion.
sectors including mining, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail and construction, as well as the fast food sector.
Zimbabweans called home The Zimbabwean President thanked President Zuma for the warmth and hospitality provided to Zimbabweans living in South Africa. “He [President Mnangagwa] appealed to the Zimbabweans to return home to put the skills that they have acquired in South Africa to great
economy. “Economic growth requires a clean government, a
There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zimbabwe in various
He reiterated that his government will have zero tolerance for corruption in order to grow the struggling
clean private sector. The goal of my government is to
“My government is committed to entrenching a democratic society driven by respect for the country’s constitution, rule of law, mutual tolerance, peace and unity.”
build a new Zimbabwe based on values of transparency, accountability and hard work,” he said. The Zimbabwean president further expressed optimism about next year's growth prospects driven by anticipated strong growth in agriculture and mining. During President Mnangagwa’s South African visit, he and President Zuma reflected on November’s developments in Zimbabwe which President Zuma said were handled with maturity. “We are very grateful for that because in a number of countries if the
use in rebuilding the Zimbabwean economy and the
army decides to stand up, they leave a trail of destruc-
development of their motherland,” the Presidency said in
tion generally, but in Zimbabwe, they were able to bring it
a statement.
under control,” said President Zuma.
President Mnangagwa’s visit to South Africa was just a
He took a moment to congratulate his counterpart on
day after his national address to a joint sitting of the Na-
the successful congress of the Zimbabwean governing
tional Assembly and Senate. It was his first since becom-
party, ZANU-PF, and on his election as President of the
ing president in November 2017 and during the sitting
organisation.
he voiced his government’s commitment to building a democratic, united Zimbabwe. He was inaugurated as Zimbabwe’s President on 24
He said he was assured by President Mnangagwa that former President Robert Mugabe would be looked after, especially in view of his contribution to the liberation of
November 2017, replacing President Mugabe after a 37-
the Southern African region and the decolonisation of
year stay in power.
the continent.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
43
ManageMent and Professional develoPMent
Writer: Des Lat ham
Warning – good
governance or else …
T
here has been a steady in-
tions of state in the fight against
while providing for the protection
crease in the number of public
corruption.
of employees who blow the whistle.
sector officials who have been
But how do you go about it if you
acts. Fraud, corruption, nepotism
Protection for whistleblowers
and theft are the scourge of a cor-
“There is legislation in place to pro-
good managers use to detect
rectly functioning public service.
tect whistleblowers. Whistleblowing
fraud.
Governance issues are at the
is something that is protected and
pursued in South Africa for criminal
are fearful of repercussions? There are various strategies that
forefront of citizen’s minds with izim-
it forms an integral part of the fight
1. Authority
bizo held by government Ministers
against corruption,” said Advocate
The first is clearly to have an author-
clearly highlighting this aspect.
Malini Govender of the Specialised
ity within a department who is dedi-
The major problem for community
Commercial Crimes Unit at the
cating to detect and investigating
members is being protected when
discussion.
fraud. Written policies are now de
blowing the whistle on corruption.
The reality is that citizens and
rigueur in the public service, so
government workers who report
staff know exactly what is and is not
anti-corruption was hosted by
corruption are protected by law. In
allowed.
the Government Communication
the case of the public service, the
and Information System (GCIS) in
Protected Disclosures Act makes
2. Whistleblower zones
Tshwane recently and was aimed
provision for employees to report
The second is using specific com-
at providing in-depth information
unlawful or irregular conduct by
munication techniques to allow
on the work done by various institu-
employers and fellow employees,
staff to pass on information about
A roundtable discussion on
44
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
“Public servants should be introduced to a culture of fraud detection and fraud reporting. As much as it is the responsibility of an accounting officer to ensure risk management and measures to prevent fraud in an organisation, it also becomes everybody’s responsibility to prevent and report fraud in every section of a department.” – Dr Batandwa Siswana corruption. What form of commu-
because govern-
nication is permissible and how
ance policies are
would a whistleblower be protected
now subject to
from the wrong people? This usually
routine audits them-
involves a trusted person within the
selves.
organisation who has clean hands and no record of financial and other abuse.
5. Document testing Be aware of details of
3. Internal fraud audit training
documents, inconsistent numbers, dates and
Each Chief Financial Officer is
addresses, alterations, the use of
Zero tolerance
trained to spot fraud because that
different pens, the varying thickness
GCIS Acting Director-General Phum-
is what good accountants have
of paper and the incorrect use of
la Williams said the fight against
as the basis of their studies. The
branding.
corruption is one of the foremost
investigators who audit should be
Advocate Gerhard Visagie of the
priorities of government which had
naturally inquisitive and persistent
Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
adopted a zero tolerance ap-
and must be able to process a
outlined the unit’s approach to in-
proach to corrupt activities in the
great deal of information and scat-
vestigations and said investigators
public and private sectors.
tered details.
always worked within the law. “We can only investigate cases
An Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee was established in
4. Audit alertness
once they are mandated through
2014 and is mandated to coordi-
Whether you are a financial man-
a proclamation signed by the Presi-
nate and oversee the work of state
ager or a generic manager, being
dent. In practice, what happens is
organs aimed at combating cor-
able to spot fraud from afar is a
that we receive cases of corruption
ruption in the public and private
real strength. Do not turn your back
and malpractice and we prepare
sectors.
on fraud because you are then an
a motivation that goes to the De-
accessory to a crime and can be
partment of Justice and Constitu-
ing Authority obtained convictions
charged in connection with that
tional Development and then The
against 311 government officials
crime. Saying you were unaware
Presidency before we investigate,”
between April 2016 and November
that it was a crime is no defense
said Visagie.
2017. Some of the cases
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
For its part, the National Prosecut-
45
ManageMent and Professional develoPMent
who are caught doing wrong must face the full weight of the law. So in light of these developments, there are various programmes at work in South Africa today as govGCIS Acting Director-General Phumla Williams addressing a roundtable discussion on anti-corruption.
ernment seeks to reduce corruption in the public sector.
involve three police officers who
The main weakness he noted
were convicted of fraud and cor-
then was the irregularity with re-
published online so that any mem-
ruption and sentenced to impris-
gard to reporting standards by de-
ber of the public can see who
onment ranging from seven to 10
partments, particularly on financial
has issued the tender, and who
years. The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has also recovered millions of rands including R144 million related
has successfully bid on a tender.
DEFINITION OF Tenderpreneur
to municipal land corruptly sold
In South Africa, a tender-
to private individuals and in the
preneur is a person in government who abuses their political power and influence to secure government tenders and contracts. The word tenderpreneur is a portmanteau of "tendering" and " entrepreneur".
Northern Cape the AFU obtained a confiscation order linked to R59.8 million that had been fraudulently claimed and charged by a company in respect of a lease agreement with provincial authorities.
Clean governance
For example, all tenders will be
The concept of clean governance
Furthermore, the full names of the owners of these companies must be accessible to ensure that tenderpreneurs are exposed. Good governance, in a nutshell, is often interpreted as a government that is free from corruption. So it’s imperative that the powerful groupings inside government including clusters of Ministers, corresponding clusters of DirectorsGeneral and the Forum of South African Directors-General or FOSAD and the forums for Ministers and
is as old as the concept of govern-
misconduct. Some departments
members of the Executive Coun-
ance itself. There are numerous
actually failed to submit reports
cil act in unison. The Batho Pele
stories through the ages of good
of irregularities as required by the
or “people first” culture is now
ideas corrupted by bad people
Public Finance Management Act
required in order for public sector
who destroy government by steal-
and Treasury regulations thinking
workers to have an impact as
ing budgets.
that they would simply get away
individuals.
Dr Batandwa Siswana delivered a thesis in Public Affairs in the
with it. According to Dr Siswana there
Fighting corruption is at the core of delivering services, because
Faculty of Economic and Manage-
was no sign of action on behalf of
the money lost to corrupt people
ment Sciences at the University of
the departments to institute proper
means it’s also lost to the citizen.
Pretoria on the reporting of finan-
disciplinary steps against employ-
cial misconduct in government
ees for unauthorised, irregular, fruit-
departments. What he found was
less and wasteful expenditure.
perturbing.
46
For governance to flourish, those
Any suspicion of corruption can be reported to 0800 701 701.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
FEAtuRE
Writer: Nolut hando Motswai
Taking higher education
to greater heights
G
overnment will invest about
the cost on the learner, university
plaining that they are required to be
R7 billion in Technical Voca-
and government,” said the Deputy
skilled,” he noted.
tional Education and Train-
Minister.
ing (TVET) colleges and universities as
He added the rising costs of edu-
He added that the Skills Education Training Authorities in South Africa
it seeks to increase access to these
cation is driven by elements such
has expressed a lack of coordina-
institutions.
as transport, accommodation and
tion in rolling out their programmes.
Speaking to PSM, Deputy Minister
food, and as such turning to virtual
TVET colleges have also raised
of Higher Education and Training
learning would make education
concerns about insufficient fund-
Buti Manamela said the R7 billion
more affordable and accessible.
ing saying this is one of the reasons
will go towards further developing
they cannot produce to their full
the country’s newest universities
potential.
including the University of Mpuma-
“It’s about getting our workforce
langa and the Sol Plaatjie University
adequately skilled and getting the
in the Northern Cape. TVET colleges
unemployed into the labour market
will also be refurbished and new
and also encouraging those who
campuses built over a two-year
are skilled to be entrepreneurs and
period.
create jobs,” he explained.
“About R 1 billion per year will be
The department is currently cham-
ploughed into the Mpumalanga
pioning the Decade of the Artisan
University and Sol Plaatjie University.
campaign which has been central
A further R 2.5 billion over the next
to producing more than 20 000
five years has been targeted at the historically disadvantaged universi-
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela.
ties,” he said.
artisans on an annual basis in the country. The Decade of the Artisan (2014
“The National Skills Fund has com-
– 2024) is an advocacy campaign
mitted R2.5 billion towards construc-
Skilled workforce
and a flagship project which aims
tion of new TVET college campuses
According to Deputy Minister
to motivate learners to consider
and the refurbishment of two exist-
Manamela, South Africa needs a
artisanship as a career of choice in
ing campuses,” said. Deputy Minister
skilled workforce to stimulate
the 21st century.
Manamela.
economic growth.
Expanding capacity
country is getting young people
Making TVET colleges more fashionable
Government is already investing
skilled and putting young people
The Deputy Minister wants to make
considerable resources to expand
into work places to stimulate our
TVET colleges a more appealing
the capacity of institutions to enrol
economy.
choice for prospective students.
“The key challenge we face as a
more students. “ It is the only way we can deal with queues and drastically reduce
48
“Employers have raised concerns
“We need skills that can be pro-
saying they are not getting a skilled
duced in TVET colleges such as til-
workforce. Young people are com-
ers, brick layers and plumbers. These
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
skills are at the centre of building
for Grade 12 students and other citi-
costs associated with the roll out of
our economy. We need to make it
zens who are seeking admission into
free education with more details ex-
fashionable and cool to be a TVET
post-school education and training
pected in Minister Gigaba’s budget
graduate,” he said.
for the first time.
speech.
“The TVET sector is a national
“It assists prospective students by
Last year President Zuma estab-
priority in our post-school education
sharing their National Senior Certifi-
lished the Commission of Inquiry
and training system. Mid-level skills
cate results with public and private
into Higher Education and Training
offered by TVET colleges are critical
further and higher education institu-
with Justice Jonathan Arthur Heher
for the development of our coun-
tions across the country, including
appointed as the chairperson.
try. TVET colleges are not second
TVET colleges, universities, SETAs and
The terms of reference of the He-
choices for students who cannot
registered private higher institutions,”
her Commission was to enquire into,
get into university. Our TVET col-
explained the Deputy Minister.
make findings, report on and make
leges are institutions that produce
recommendations on the feasibility
the technicians and leaders of the
New provisions
of making higher education and
future,” he added.
The National Student Financial Aid
training free in South Africa.
Scheme (NSFAS) has also put in
The Heher Commission projected
Education a top priority
place mechanisms with universi-
the cost to be around R40 billion.
In December President Zuma an-
ties and TVET colleges that take
It also recommended that govern-
nounced that government would
into account the provisions for free
ment increase its expenditure on
be introducing fully subsidised free
education.
higher education and training to
higher education and training
Manamela said Finance Minister
for poor and working class South
Malusi Gigaba would announce
Africans.
budget allocation for the depart-
“The policy decision communicated by the President to address funding challenges in higher education
at least one percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
ment during his February budget
Fast facts on free education
speech.
•
This policy decision on free education will be phased in
“There has to be an increase in
over a five-year period.
is proof that education remains a
the budget for NSFAS also looking
top priority of government’s pro-
at the funding formula to institutions
poor policies,” said Deputy Minister
of higher learning,” said the Deputy
session of a firm offer from a
Manamela.
Minister.
university or TVET college will be
“It is a pro-poor policy decision
•
All first year applicants in pos-
assessed for funding, including
As part of free education, those
to fight poverty, inequality and
who were beneficiaries of South
those who did not apply for
unemployment in South Africa and
Africa Social Security Agency grants
NSFAS funding.
to bring hope, opportunity and suc-
will continue to get assistance from
cess to the poor and working class,”
NSFAS.
he added.
•
Students who may not have applied at an institution or
“Free education also means that
NSFAS and are looking for
these children whose parents are on
a space in the post school
universities for a flexible approach
SASSA or receiving SASSA grants will
system will be assisted through
to registrations and institutions have
automatically receive free educa-
responded positively to the initiative.
tion, provided they meet admission
The department has agreed with
the CACH. •
NSFAS has already received in
requirements. They are not required
excess of 300 000 applications
mented the Central Applications
to undergo the NSFAS test,” he
for first year students for the
Clearing House service (CACH), an
explained.
2018 academic year at univer-
The department has also imple-
online application portal designed
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Government is looking into the
sities and TVET colleges.
49
SAHRC Commissioners (left to right standing): Angie Makwetla, Chris Nissen, Jonas Sibanyoni, Mohamed Ameermia, André Gaum, Bokankatla Malatji. Seated: Priscilla Jana (Deputy Chairperson) and Bongani Majola (Chairperson)
PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS The mandate of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), in terms of Section 184 of the Constitution, is to promote respect and protection of human rights, promote a culture of human rights; and monitor both the development of, and the attainment of, human rights. Additionally, the Commission is tasked by the Constitution to investigate and take appropriate steps to secure redress where rights have been violated, and to conduct research and provide human rights education.
disseminated via social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the resulting impact on social cohesion. The Commission was also concerned about the impact of social media on one of the SAHRC’s key constitutional mandate: the development of a culture of respect for human rights. The National Hearing on Racism and Social Media was one of three hearings on systemic human rights violations,
Commissioners provide the strategic oversight to the SAHRC; they operate as a board of governors and are integral to providing the strategic vision that guides the operational work of the Commission.
conducted by the Commission during 2016 to 2017. The other two – conducted prior to the appointment of the current board - included a National Hearing on The Impact on Mining Affected Communities, and a National Hearing on the Impact on Education of Protest Related Action.
In December 2016, President Jacob Zuma confirmed the appointment of a seven-year term of the new board of Human Rights Commissioners. In January 2017, six newly -appointed (and one returning) Commissioners assumed office under the Chairmanship of Advocate Bongani Majola. Within weeks of taking office, the Commission, under its new Board convened a National Investigative Hearing on Racism and Social Media in South Africa in February 2017, chaired by Advocate Majola.
Pursuant to its education mandate, during 2016-2017, the Commission conducted 47 outreach clinics in marginalised communities in remote rural and peri-urban communities, reaching 4240 people. It conducted training workshops on human rights to equip 531 people to become human rights focal points. Significantly, all the towns and villages in which it held clinics were all places the Commission had never visited before including: Kabokweni, Nomakhoi, Tseng, Senwabarwana, Ebilanyoni, Slangspruit, Vingerkraal, and Klipspringer.
The Commission utilises a range of mechanisms including litigation, alternative dispute resolution, investigations, and national investigating hearings (into systemic human rights violations).
The Commission’s advocacy and outreach activities, while intended to educate and inform on human rights, are also intended to research, monitor and gather information on human rights. As part of its advocacy programme, the Commission’s advocacy officers also gather information on pressing human rights concerns affecting these towns and villages, as told by the people experiencing them.
As the Chapter 9 institution tasked with monitoring the attainment of human rights, the Commission had become acutely aware of the rising levels of hate speech being
seeker - and ordered the Department of Labour to pay all Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) monies owed to the asylum seeker. The Court ordered the Department to amend its system in order to pay non-nationals working legally in the country and who had contributed to UIF. August 2017 saw the end of one of the Commission’s longest strategic interest litigation matters: the hate speech case
Coupled with its advocacy and outreach activities, the Commission, at Provincial Office Level, undertakes litigation in various courts across the country. Most of the litigation in Equality Courts relates to matters of hate speech. However, the SAHRC also litigates on a range of other rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights. In 2016, the Commission approached the Pretoria High Court on behalf of residents of Arthurstone Village in Mpumalanga, after they were evicted by the Amashangana Tribal Authority from communal land. The eviction and demolition of homes had a devastating effect on the evicted women, children and older persons. In June 2016, the High Court set aside the eviction order and declared the eviction and demolition of homes as unlawful. In 2017, the Limpopo Equality Court found in favour of
against former journalist and ambassador, Jon Qwelane. The case began in 2008 after Qwelane made disparaging statements about gay and lesbian people, which resulted in over 350 complaints to the Commission. In 2017, the South Gauteng High Court (acting as an Equality Court) found Qwelane guilty of hate speech. In January 2018, the Commission released its Annual Trends Analysis Report for 2015-2016, on the trends in human rights based on complaints received by the Commission. The right to equality remains the key obstacle to the attainment of human rights. The top five most violated human rights, based on complaints received by the Commission are: the right to equality, unfair labour practices, lack of access to Section 27 rights (water, health care, food, and social security), lack of access to just administration, and violations of the rights of persons who are arrested and detained. The SAHRC, the Public Protector, the Auditor-General, and all the other State Institutions Supporting Democracy, are independent of government, subject only to the
the Commission after the SAHRC approached the court for relief – on behalf of a transgender learner - based on the violations of the learner’s rights to equality and human
Constitution and the law, and report annually to Parliament. And all execute their mandates differently, as per the Constitution.
dignity. The Court found that the school principal, the MEC, and the Department of Basic Education guilty of violating
Constitutional mandates have to be adhered to in their
the learner’s rights to equality based on gender identity.
entirety. The Commission exercises its broad mandate with a staff complement of 193 staff members across all 9 provinces, serves approximately 55 million people, covering
In 2017, the Vereeniging Equality Court found in favour
an area of 1.2 million kilometres, from dazzling metropolises
of the Commission - acting on behalf of an asylum
to towns that time forgot.
CONTACT DETAILS SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ADDRESS: Forum 3 Braampark Offices, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, 2017 TEL: (011) 877 3600 WEBSITE: www.sahrc.org.za SPOKESPERSON: Gail Smith, gsmith@sahrc.org.za
feature
The road to SoNA
Lodge to the National Assembly. Here is a breakdown of the significance of some of those activities:
Presidential procession to the National Assembly Chamber The ceremony starts just outside the entrance to the Parliamentary precinct and is a combination of
A
public participation and a formal t the opening of Parliament
way into the National Assembly
every February, the Presi-
Chamber some ceremonial ac-
dent of South Africa deliv-
tivities and cultural performances
procession as part of making
ers the State of the Nation Address
usually take place along the route
Parliament more accessible to the
(SoNA), which outlines the country’s
and outside of Parliament. In keep-
people and to facilitate public
performance for the past year and
ing with customary proceedings,
involvement in law-making and
plans for the year ahead.
cultural groups perform along the
other parliamentary processes.
President’s route from the old Slave
This concept of public participa-
Before the President makes his
52
state ceremony. The public participates in the
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
tion was introduced by the former
14th century when cannons and
President Nelson Mandela.
firearms came into use. In 1842, the
Members of the public, includ-
21-gun salute became the interna-
ing a Junior Guard of Honour line
tional norm for the highest honour
the entrance of the parliamentary
a nation rendered and it is fired in
precinct to the end of the National
honour of the Head of State, the
Council of Provinces building, while
national flag, the Head of State of
a Civil Guard of Honour and nine
a foreign nation, a member of a
eminent persons line the red carpet
reigning royal family and a former
until the end of the Old Assembly
Head of State.
Wing. From there the procession
The red carpet
becomes part of a formal, state
The concept of rolling out the red
ceremony.
carpet was originally reserved for
A Ceremonial Military Guard of
kings and queens and signified
Honour takes up position in front of
a welcome of great hospitality
the National Assembly building and
and ceremony. Over time, the red
a military band sets up to the right
carpet has been used to welcome
of the building near Tuynhuys and
Heads of State.
plays the national anthem.
ture of the SoNA ceremony since
Air Force fly-past while the President
2005. They come from a variety of
takes the national salute from a
provinces and languages.
special dais in front of the National
The 21-gun salute
The SoNA guest list is made up of national, provincial and local government leaders, representatives of the House of Traditional Leaders, members of the public and representatives from civil organisations, among others.
Interesting fact
Praise singers have been a fea-
There is a 21-gun salute and an
Assembly building.
Who attends the SoNA?
What happens after the SoNA? • Political parties have an op-
The tradition of bestowing a salute
portunity to comment and raise
by firing cannons originated in the
questions on matters addressed
All guests in the public galleries of the National Assembly Chamber are able to listen to the SoNA in the language of their choice. Besides the interpretation of the address into all 11 official languages, there is also South African Sign Language interpreting available.
in the President’s speech during a debate on the President’s Speech. • This debate usually takes place over two days in a joint sitting. • The President will have the opportunity to reply to the debate. The SoNA will be broadcast live on: • SABC radio stations. • SABC TV. • Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408).
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
53
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O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE 011-390-2088
V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253
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FEAtuRE
Writer: More Matshediso
SA welcomes investors S
outh Africa has taken to the
This year, the forum was held from
global stage to tell investors
23 to 26 January 2018 under the
that it is ready and open for
theme “Creating a Shared Future
(SOEs), addressing corruption and state capture. He said through compact build-
business and the country is in a state
in a Fractured World”. South Africa’s
ing, government and business
of renewal.
theme for the WEF was “Reigniting
have managed to put their heads
Growth Momentum”.
together to ensure that they foster
This is the message that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and the
The WEF provides a platform that
Team South Africa delegation took
promotes the mobilisation of public
and address the issue of jobs, par-
to the World Economic Forum (WEF)
private sector partnerships, busi-
ticularly for young people.
in Davos, Switzerland recently.
ness investor engagements and
At a pre-WEF breakfast held in
media interface.
Sandton before he left, the Deputy
further investment in the country
“Compact building has put us in good stead and I believe it is going to continue to put us in good stead.
President emphasised the impor-
A time for renewal
Let us continue being committed to
tance of South Africa’s participa-
A key theme of the Deputy Presi-
this process.”
tion in the WEF. He said increasing
dent’s message was renewal.
investor confidence and address-
“We want to renew ourselves as a
The Deputy President said that while there would be obstacles, the
ing the prime challenges facing
country. We look at areas that need
country needs to “keep the mo-
the country are of key importance.
renewal. We take note that the po-
mentum and keep moving forward,
South Africa’s involvement at the
litical uncertainty that worried a lot
and address all the challenges and
WEF dates back to 2009, when
of our citizens last year has been
problems that we will face along
Team South Africa first participated
dealt with, and we now have a new
the way”.
and focused on stakeholder influ-
leadership [ANC National Executive
encer opportunities to lobby the
Committee] that is going to take
task is to address the challenge of
WEF community, business and gov-
the country forward,” he said.
jobs, inequality and poverty, which
ernment on the African Agenda. The WEF is an independent, inter-
Deputy President Ramaphosa stressed that compact building
Currently, the most important
can only be done by helping the economy to recover.
national organisation that aims to
would be an important feature of
contribute to more positive out-
what needs to be done to move
acknowledged that neither govern-
comes in the world by engaging
the country forward.
ment nor the private sector alone
Deputy President Ramaphosa
According to him, the key compo-
can transform South Africa and
demia and other leaders of society
nents of compact building include
urged all role players to work to-
to inform and shape the global,
policy certainty, economic recovery,
gether to achieve this purpose.
regional and industry agendas.
stabilising state-owned enterprises
business, political leaders, aca-
56
“We want to make South Africa an
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses a pre-WEF breakfast in Sandton.
attractive domain for investment.
for South Africa, not only to profile
a very advanced and modern
Given the country’s downgrading
the country but to showcase the
financial system, we have the most
by the rating agencies, it is going to
continent as a whole. He said
advanced infrastructure capacity
be a mammoth task to get us out
South Africa remains a gateway
on the continent, and we have a
of this trench,” he noted.
into the African continent.
number of other capabilities that
“We are working very hard to
Rebuilding investor confidence
will assist international investors
ensure that we streamline our visa
to be able to access the African
regime in order to provide head-
continent,” he said.
During the forum, Team SA sought
quarter facilities to many interna-
to reinforce the significance of
tional investors that wish to come
Gigaba sought bilateral engage-
Africa’s inclusive and development
into the continent,” said Minister
ments on the side-lines of various
agenda, and to rebuild investor
Gigaba.
formal platforms at the forum.
confidence in the South African economy.
“We will continue to highlight
As part of the delegation, Minister
South Africa participated actively
the positives about South Africa
through the business leadership
Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba
with regard to our deep capital
that accompanied the Deputy
said WEF is a very critical platform
markets, the fact that we have
President and Ministers.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
57
FEAtuRE
Other Ministers in the delegation to the WEF included Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe; Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel; Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies; Public Works Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite NkoanaMashabane.
Did you know? •
In 1971 Professor Klaus Schwab founded what was originally called the European Management Forum – a non-profit foundation in Switzerland. It drew business leaders from Europe, and beyond, to Davos for an annual meeting each January.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at t he World Economic Forum in Davos.
• Minister Gigaba said there shouldn’t be any doubt among international investors that South
In 1987 the European Man-
into state capture announced by
agement Forum became
President Jacob Zuma.
the World Economic Forum where government, business
“We are looking forward to the
Africa is open for business and
finalisation of the terms of refer-
and civil society leaders
respects property rights.
ence for this enquiry. We have said
meet to consider the major
that we want to see action being
global issues of the day and
Tackling corruption
taken against those who have
brainstorm on solutions to
With regard to the challenges fac-
done wrong things and we have
address these challenges.
ing SOEs, the Deputy President said
already started seeing the begin-
there is a need to work together to
ning processes of precisely that,”
rican President FW de Klerk
stabilise the entities.
he said.
met Nelson Mandela and
The Deputy President said a vari-
“The National Prosecuting Author-
•
In 1992, the then South Af-
Mangosuthu Buthelezi at
ety of measures need to be taken
ity is beginning to move and we
the annual meeting in what
at a governance level to ensure
welcome the actions that they
was their first joint appear-
that people of the highest calibre
are beginning to take and we
ance outside South Africa
are placed on the boards of SOEs.
want them to act with urgency, to
and a milestone in the
He also welcomed the establish-
increase the tempo of the actions
country’s political transition.
ment of the commission of enquiry
that need to be taken,” he added.
58
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
Writer: Nolut hando Motswai
FEAtuRE
Social Development Minister Bat habile Dlamini wit h some of t he social grant benef iciaries who excelled in 2017 matric exams.
Social grants an
investment in human capital
T
he progress and development
the Department of Social Depart-
exams were social grant benefi-
of social grant beneficiaries is
ment received a budget of R160
ciaries.
proof that South African tax-
billion. Of this, R151 billion went
“We are also very pleased with
payers are making a vital contribu-
directly to the social assistance
those who did exceptionally well
tion to disadvantaged communities
programme which the South
and have special needs; they
in the country.
Africa Social Security Agency
have succeeded against all odds
(Sassa) oversees.
and we are celebrating their
This is according to Social
achievements,” she said.
Development Minister Bathabile cently that honoured social grant
Investing in human capital
79.9 percent of the learners who
beneficiaries who produced out-
Dlamini reiterated that social
wrote the matric final exams were
standing matric results in 2017.
grants are an investment in the
grant beneficiaries and 5 016
human capital of the country
received bachelor passes while
proof that the grant money that
and contribute positively to the
5 997 achieved diploma passes.
comes from South African taxes is
education of our young citizens.
A further 2 863 achieved higher
Dlamini speaking at an event re-
She said the learners’ success is
having a positive impact on the lives of the country’s children. In the 2017/18 financial year,
60
The Minister was particularly proud that four of the country’s top achievers in the 2017 matric
Data from 2017 shows that
certificate passes and there were a total of 500 distinctions. Minister Dlamini also announced
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
that over 14 000 social grant ben-
Management and International
experienced many challenges.
eficiaries have been awarded bur-
Relations.
Her mother is unemployed and
saries from the National Student
“My mother is unemployed and
is dependant on her social grant
Financial Aid Scheme to further
from a young age I have been
their education at universities and
getting a disability grant from
Technical Vocational Education
Sassa which had a huge impact
ric at the Thohoyandou Second-
and Training colleges.
on my family.”
ary School in Limpopo, passing
for an income. Makonano completed her mat-
“It is important for young peo-
He said the grant helped his
ple to break the cycle of poverty
mom care for him by giving her
life sciences, life orientation, math-
in their families by focusing on
the means to put food on the ta-
ematics, geography and physi-
education. Their achievements will
ble and buy the things he needed
cal science.
inspire their peers and any other
for school.
social grant beneficiaries,” said Minister Dlamini.
Making dreams come true
with six distinctions in Tshivenda,
She is furthering her studies in
“I am very grateful to Sassa and
nursing and was accepted at
the South African Government for
the University of Johannesburg,
ensuring that my life continues to
Witwatersrand and the Nelson
progress,” he said.
Mandela Metropolitan University.
The 18-year-old lives in Tsakane
“I am very passionate about
Tumelo Mashigo said if it was not
in Gauteng and completed his
helping other people, especially
for the assistance of Sassa, his
matric at the Muriel Brand School
in my community. I know what it’s
dreams would not have come true.
in Brakpan which caters for learn-
like to go to bed without food. I
ers with special education needs.
understand what poverty looks
phocomelia, a rare birth defect
The young man was born with
He was also the school’s deputy
like,”she said.
and has underdeveloped hands.
head boy.
Makonano added that growing
Growing up with this condition
up in poverty was hard but she
did not deter Mashigo but instead
Future leaders
was thankful for the social grant
gave him the fighting spirit needed
As for his future, Mashigo said: “I
that she received from Sassa.
to make something of his life. His
have an interest in politics and
determination paid off as he was
helping people. I see myself as a
the second best performing learner with special needs in the matric class of 2017. With three distinctions on his matric certificate,
leader and I hope that
“The child support grant gave me a stepping stone; it is now up to me to empower myself by
one day I will be the
making sure that I do well edu-
president of South
cation wise. I want to make my
Africa.”
family proud and perform very
He added that it
well in university.”
Mashigo has been ac-
is not how you start
cepted by the University
a journey but how
to focus and study hard as this
of Pretoria to study Public
you end it.
would ensure that they become
Another 18-year-
better people in the future.
Tumelo Mashigo was t he second best per forming learner wit h special needs in t he matric class of 2017.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
old, Lutendo Makonano, also
She advised the class of 2018
“They must always remember that education is the key to success,” said Makonano.
61
PHOENIX COLLEGE JOHANNESBURG By Fiona Wakelin
PASSION, QUALITY, COMMITMENT, SUCCESS In 1994 Fred Boltman, a retired engineer with a passion for education and life, used his savings, insurance and pension payout to found Phoenix College. His dream was to empower the community by providing quality education at an affordable cost to historically disadvantaged learners. The phoenix, in Greek mythology, rose from the ashes – symbolic of the new democratic dispensation in South Africa that was arising out of the ashes of apartheid. A more suitable name could not be found and so Phoenix College was born. The services the college provides include: • A full-time school that offers classes from Grade R to matric and caters mainly for learners that live in the inner city. However, many also come from areas such as Katlehong, Thokoza, Soweto and Alexandra. • The Saturday School provides extra lessons to uplift learners from poorly performing public schools in outlying districts. • Matric rewrites. • A computer college. In 2006 Phoenix College took in 16 refugees from Rwanda whose parents had been massacred in the genocide. They were fed, provided with uniforms and after they passed matric, were united with family members that were traced in countries overseas. Many of them obtained their degrees in Sweden, Canada and the U.S.A. The ‘World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child” was awarded to the college by a Swedish NGO for the part played in educating the learners and re-uniting them with their families. In 1994, Phoenix College opened with 90 leaners. In 2017 the learner base had grown to 1 255 in the full-time school. In addition to the above, the college had: • 57 learners in pre-school. • 500 leaners in the Saturday school. • 80 learners in the matric re-write centre. Phoenix College is fully BEE compliant. The full-time staff complement has grown from 9 in 1994 to 48 teachers and 22 administrative staff, while the Saturday school and the matric rewrite centre have additional teaching staff. The staff members are professionals who place education above personal ambition.
Founder and Director, Fred Boltman
The college is an NPO that is run by an executive committee consisting of: Chairman: C.Levin Director: F.Boltman Financial Manager: P. Ndlovu School Principals: S.Mlalazi and F. Moyo Primary School Principal: C.Tshuma Secretary: L.Moyo I asked founder and Director, Fred Boltman, what separates Phoenix College from other educational institutions. “Commitment to quality education which has resulted in our extensive list of achievements that speak for themselves. We are running out of space for all the awards and accolades!”
ADVERTORIAL
These include: • 2018: Physical Science teacher from Phoenix named as top teacher in Gauteng. • 2017: isiZulu teacher from Phoenix named as top teacher in district south, Gauteng. • 2017: Top debating team in Gauteng province. • 2017: Talia Ndlovu Captained Gauteng Chess Team that came 2nd in SA National Competition. • 2017: No. 1 Volleyball team for U15 and 17 in the district. • 2017: Thabisani Sibanda obtained a UNISA certificate for cello. • Ms S Sebata – top matric educator in the district in isiZulu Home Language (2012, 2015, 2016). • 2015: Zakhele Mthembu top learner in Gauteng Maths Literacy. • 2014: Ms N Nleya – top matric educator In the district in English FAL. • 2013: Rachel Mhlomi 2nd in Gauteng school chess. • 2013: Top student in matric achieved seven distinctions. • 2012: Top student for 2012 in grade 12, Nkosinathi Sibanda, was the Top (Dux) student in Gauteng, thereby being awarded the Nelson Mandela Trophy. • 99% matric pass rate since 2008. “Our extremely high matric pass rate is a result of total commitment, total communication and good discipline. I have an open door policy and we have close relationships with our learners and the community – the parents help the children, the children help themselves and we help the children.”
“We aim for quality education and the results reflect this.” UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and other skills training courses in areas such as Entrepreneurship and Project Management are offered to learners to widen their horizons and improve their chances for university entrance and job applications. Computer/Mathematics lessons are offered to learners from public schools on Saturday mornings while all learners from Grade R to Grade 9 in the full-time school are offered free computer literacy lessons during school hours. “Every teacher at Phoenix has their technological requirements met and Mathematics is taught with interactive software. “Phoenix College is one of the few colleges to offer Information Technology, including Delphi programming language, according to the Department of Education curriculum. It is extremely important for our learners to be fully equipped to enter the fast moving, ever changing world of technology.“
ADVERTORIAL
FUTURE PLANS What is on the horizon for the college for 2018? “We are excited about our plans for expansion – our vision is to open a new school, which means we will be able to assist an increased number of previously disadvantaged learners. I mortgaged my house and used my pension to start Phoenix and keep it afloat. It is now the number 1 school in its group and in order to extend this level of education to a wider community we need backing. We are hoping with our proven track record and unflinching commitment to quality that a financial backer with a strong commitment to corporate social investment (CSI) – and paying back to the community – will provide the backing we need.” And what message does Fred Boltman have for the learners out there?
“Have a dream – remember you get what you aim for. Make it practical. Keep going. Invest in the art of living!” CONTACT DETAILS PHOENIX COLLEGE OF JOHANNESBURG Happiness House 120 Loveday St, Braamfontein Johannesburg, South Africa +27 11 720 1227 +27 83 449 5089 registration@phoenixcollege.co.za
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We give hope to underprivileged communities by making a meaningful difference through healthcare, educational and community based programmes.
CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, 2196. P O Box 1587, Gallo Manor, 2052, Gauteng. Switchboard: +27 (0) 11 239-6100
Writer: More Matshediso Picture: Gauteng Provincial Government
FEAtuRE
Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Terence Nombembe at t he launc h of t he and Et hics and Anti-Corruption Advisor y Council.
Gauteng gets tough on corruption
I
n what has been described as a first for the country,
commitment to fight corruption and promote clean
the Gauteng Provincial Government has established
governance, integrity and ethics.
a civil society-led Ethics and Anti-Corruption Advisory
Council to help fight fraud and corruption. Gauteng Premier David Makhura recently announced
“This is the first initiative of its kind in our Republic. As the Gauteng government, we want to subject ourselves to scrutiny by civil society on how we are doing in
the members of the council which is expected to be
building an ethical culture and fighting fraud and cor-
the anti-corruption watchdog of the province and help
ruption in our province,” said Premier Makhura.
the Gauteng Provincial Government to deal with corruption more effectively. He explained that the establishment of the council was a demonstration of the provincial government’s
66
Independent institution The council is composed of 10 members who are representatives from civil society, business, academia
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
and community structures and have all worked in the
for any nation to develop, however each of us need
promotion of integrity and ethics.
to acknowledge that individually and through the
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants Executive Officer (CEO) and former Auditor-General Dr
organisations we represent we can make a significant contribution to change,” he said.
Terence Nombembe is the Chairperson and 4 Africa Exchange CEO Advocate Fariyal Mukaddam is his
Promoting NDP goals
deputy.
“At this point in time, the council needs to ensure that
The council will make recommendations to the
it establishes a model or the mechanism that will be
Executive Council (Exco) and Legislature’s Integrity
used as a methodology to root out corruption and pro-
Commissioner on appropriate measures and actions
mote the National Development Plan’s (NDP) integrity
to enhance ethics, integrity and accountability in the
goals,” said Nombembe.
public sector. The roles and responsibilities include: • Monitoring trends in integrity and corruption. • Actively collaborating with stakeholders who can
He believes that one of the main challenges the NDP seeks to address is the high level of corruption which has the greatest impact on the poorest in the country. “The NDP envisions that by 2030 the language in
assist the council in the execution of its responsibili-
South Africa should shift from fighting corruption to
ties.
increasing integrity – from a reactive approach to a
• Advising the Premier and Exco on appropriate action to be taken. • Monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of
more proactive approach. It proposes a zero-tolerance approach to corruption,” noted Nombembe. He said the council must establish whether its starting
initiatives undertaken by the Premier and Exco.
point will be to measure the level of integrity or level of
• Reporting annually on the state of ethics, integrity
corruption in the province, and which is the dominant
and clean governance in the Gauteng City Region. • Promoting activism and public campaigns among
one. “What is important here is that we have got to elevate
citizens on rule of law, ethics, integrity and account-
excellence where excellence is demonstrated so that
ability in public and private sector organisations.
we do not tend to be negative all the time. We will work
Nombembe said collaborative advocacy and mobilisation needs to include a well-functioning judicial system and a public financial system free of corrupt
hard to highlight those areas of excellence, whether it is in government or society.” “I am hoping that we are not going to be inundated
practices, with transparency in the flow of funds, rev-
with a lot of complaints. I am hoping that this whole
enues and disbursements.
process will be based on the sharing of experiences,
He said it is essential that the process be accompa-
not complaints. We are not an executive structure and
nied by regulatory agencies and auditors who operate
we will definitely never have the capacity for investiga-
independently, professionally and with adequate
tion, ours is to track and be vigilant in sourcing the
resources.
reality of what we talk about regarding corruption and
Collaborative advocacy and mobilisation requires members of the council to join hands and put concrete plans in place to fight corruption. “This will lead to a much-needed increase of trust in public institutions, sustained economic growth and increased foreign direct investment. No doubt, upholding integrity in public governance is very important
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
integrity,” said Nombembe. He said the council will have the responsibility of ensuring that complaints are dealt with when raised, but will not directly be able to act against those who break the law. Besides working with members of the public, the council also considers all spheres of government
67
FEAtuRE
and the business community as its stakeholders.
stand the impact that corruption has on the average citizen.
Giving a voice to citizens The establishment of the advisory council is one of the Premier’s ambitions to
“The authentic voice of the primary victims of corruption is the one that has to be elevated here, so we do not talk about broad perception but episodes
give ordinary citizens and civil
or incidents of corrupt activities and how
society a voice in reversing
to reverse these,” he said.
the frontiers of corruption,
The council is expected to start its
said Nombembe.
work soon and will be reporting to
He said the council’s
the Premier annually. It will also
role is to ensure that it
use the media to teach the public
echoes these voices
about ethics, fraud and corruption
“We will … have to
through various campaigns.
make sure that those
Nombembe said the council could
members who are repre-
say its work has been completed once
sented by those sitting at that
it had helped stop corruption and sus-
table are given an opportunity to participate actively in this process.” Nombembe also highlighted the need to under-
tains integrity in the province. If the council proves to be a success, it should be rolled out to other provinces, he added.
Other members of the council include: • Nkululeko Leadership Consulting CEO Nonkululeko Gobodo. • Gauteng Chairperson of the South African NGO Coalition Puseletso Madumise. • Executive Director of Corruption Watch David Lewis. • The Ethics Institute CEO Professor Deon Rossouw. • Moral Regeneration Movement Chairperson Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa. • General Secretary of the Federation of Unions of South Africa Dennis George. • Gauteng Secretary of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union Lerata Joel Motsiri. • Professor Stella Nkomo of the University of Pretoria.
68
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
FEAtuRE
Image: Centre for Environmental Rights
Writer: Dale Hes
Climate change – Image: United Nations
the biggest environmental threat
C
limate change in the form of global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is the most serious environmental danger facing
the human race. Despite being caused mainly by the world’s largest economies, no country is immune to this threat. It therefore becomes essential for all levels of government to investigate ways to prepare and safeguard against the impacts of climate change. The effects of global warming are already being felt in South Africa. Parts of the country are in the grip of drought, while other areas have to contend with extreme weather events such as flooding and heat waves.
Environmental Af fairs Minister Edna Molewa at COP20 in Lima, Peru.
70
Cape Town is going to run out of water in April 2018,
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
the first large city in the
The Paris Agreement brings all nations into a
mature over time. Current
world to do so.
common cause to under-take ambitious efforts to
programmes include:
combat climate change and adapt to its effects,
• Creating energy
“Slow onset climate change will have severe
with enhanced support for developing countries.
efficiency in public
impacts on Southern
It charts a new course in the global climate effort.
buildings.
Africa, with shifting rainfall
The central aim of the agreement is to strengthen
• Rainwater harvesting.
patterns, more frequent
the global response to the threat of climate
• Renewable energy
droughts and flooding
change by keeping a global temperature rise this
causing devastating
century well below two degrees Celsius above pre-
health, water, food and
industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the
energy security impacts,”
temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees
said Environmental Affairs
Celsius. The agreement also aims to strengthen
Minister Edna Molewa in
the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of
a recent statement to the
climate change.
generation. • Sustainable urban transport. • Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. • Assessments of all key sectors affected by
High Level Segment at the
climate change.
23rd Conference of the
carbon economy and
Parties to the United Na-
society. This policy was
and future green-
mentation capability
tions Framework Conven-
adopted by Cabinet
house gas emission
has grown tremendously,
tion on Climate Change.
in 2011, well before the
trends of key sectors
characterised by more
Paris Agreement which
and identifying ways
effective systems and
ernment have in place to
commits all countries to
to reduce emissions.
processes, and a more
protect the communities
contribute to a global
• Ongoing countrywide
of South Africa?
greenhouse gas emis-
monitoring and evalu-
is better able to achieve
sions reduction goal and
ation that tracks South
strong, well-coordinated
was signed by 195
Africa’s transition to a
progress in responding to
low-carbon society.
climate change. Over the
So what plans does gov-
National government’s policy Government recognised
countries in 2015. Since the agreement,
• A review of current
• Youth awareness and
“South Africa’s imple-
capable workforce that
past five years, extensive
that climate change was
some of the actions taken
the forming of youth
work has been done to
a significant threat to our
by government include:
climate change activ-
translate the NCCRP into
development many years
• Developing long-term
ist organisations.
practical action,” stated
ago and this fact was
adaptation scenarios
formally acknowledged
to guide planning.
on climate change strate-
during the National
This involves analysing
gies is outlined every year
Climate Change Confer-
the potential socio-
in the Department of En-
veloped a Let’s Respond
ence in 2005.
economic and envi-
vironmental Affairs (DEA)
Toolkit, which guides
In the years that fol-
ronmental impacts of
Annual Climate Change
the actions that local
lowed the country final-
climate change, espe-
Report.
municipalities can take
ised the National Climate
cially for key sectors
The Climate Change
Change Response Policy
such as agriculture,
Flagship Programmes tell
(NCCRP) which outlines
water, health, forestry
the story of how South
the transition to a climate
and fisheries and hu-
Africa’s climate change
plans to combat climate
change-resilient, low-
man settlements.
response continues to
change require the
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
South Africa’s progress
the 2016 Climate Change Report. The DEA has also de-
to respond to climate change. National government’s
71
FEAtuRE
Image: US Embassy
Renewable energy suc h as solar power is key to government's plans for protecting against climate c hange.
willingness and ability
2011, although a Mu-
conducted extensive
damage to infrastructure,
of local government to
nicipal Climate Protection
research on municipal
impacts on agriculture,
implement them. Proac-
Programme (MCPP) had
climate change strate-
spread of disease, and
tive on-the-ground action
already been developed
gies as laid out in her
economic impacts. The
is crucial and several
by 2004.
2016 paper, “Inclusion of
poor will be the ones
climate change strategies
most affected by these threats.
municipalities across the
“An important interven-
country are setting good
tion included in the MCPP
in municipal Integrated
examples.
is the mainstreaming of
Development Plans”.
climate change consid-
eThekwini’s strategy
of the work undertaken
with seven priority areas
The eThekwini Municipal-
by the municipality. This
namely water, health,
ity has led the charge by
structure has ensured
biodiversity, food secu-
Mbombela setting an example for smaller municipalities
developing a city-wide cli-
that climate change
rity, sustainable energy,
The Mbombela Local Mu-
mate change adaptation
issues are not just linked
transport and waste and
nicipality in Mpumalanga
and mitigation strategy
to environmental matters
pollution.
is showing that less de-
which was approved by
but even in fields such
the municipal council
eThekwini leading the way
erations into all aspects
covers a broad spectrum,
The municipality has
veloped, rural provinces
as supply chain, market-
also been particularly
can also take measures
in 2015. Development of
ing and many more,”
good at recognising the
to protect against the im-
the strategy followed the
explained Dr Mankolo
seriousness of climate
pact of climate change.
successful hosting of the
Lethoko. She is a senior
change and the various
17th UN Climate Change
lecturer at the Univer-
risks it poses, such as
increasing impact of
Conference in Durban in
sity of Limpopo and has
stressed water availability,
global warming, the
72
Having realised the
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
municipality approached
“The development of
ity’s development zones
climate change threats
environmental manage-
a comprehensive policy
and breaking them down
to the area – floods and
ment consultants SRK
and strategy will enable
into economic sectors.
drought. Amongst the
Consulting.
the municipality, business
We also considered the
assessment’s findings, it
“The municipality ap-
and civil society to effec-
social resilience of the
was found that children,
pointed SRK Consulting
tively respond to climate
communities in the study
the sick and the elderly
to develop a climate
change pressures, risks
area, the resilience of the
are most vulnerable to
change strategy and
and opportunities. This will
environment, and the re-
climate change.
implementation plan.
allow us to make green
lationship between them.
The strategy is meant to
investments and provide
We believe this is a new
the findings to inform
guide and equip the city
guidance on future devel-
approach within South
actions we should take
to build climate resil-
opment,” Malaza said.
African local municipali-
in our climate change
ties,” said Stewart.
response strategy,” said
ience and improve the
SRK Consulting environ-
community’s ability to
mental scientist Warrick
adapt,” said Khethiwe Ma-
Stewart said that the
the tool will assist the mu-
laza, Head of the City of
tool takes various factors
nicipality with the biggest
Mbombela’s Environmen-
into account, including
tal Management Unit.
exposure (how exposed the area is to climate
its rapid vulnerability
change), sensitivity (how
assessment (RVA) tool, a
sensitive the area is to
pioneering method which
climate change) and
has huge potential to
adaptive capacity (how
assist local governments
well the area would be
in responding to cli-
able to cope and adapt
mate change. The tool is
to climate changes).
guided by the DEA’s Let’s Respond Toolkit.
Malaza.
Image: Western Cape Government
SRK Consulting applied
According to Malaza,
“We are already using
“The process involved analysing the municipal-
Yout h initiatives are an impor tant par t of Sout h Africa's National Climate Change Response Policy.
Climate change – the harsh reality -
97 percent of scientists agree that climate change is caused by human activity.
-
The Earth’s average temperature has risen by almost 1 degree Celsius since 1950, largely due to increased levels of carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
-
Due to weather patterns caused by global warming, 2015 was the driest ever rainfall year for South Africa, with a national average of 403mm.
-
Global sea levels have risen about 20cm in the last century. Rising sea levels will pose a threat to economically important coastal cities.
-
Since 2005, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased from below 380 parts per million (ppm), to more than 408ppm.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
73
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Compiled by: Mmatau Moloi
Zephania Nhleko Deputy DirectorGeneral: Economic Planning and Coordination, Department of Economic Development
and Business Governance for the
Zephania Nhleko has been
leadership and strategy.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. He possesses a variety of skills that span across fields such as economics, finance, investment,
appointed Deputy Director-
Nhleko has written economic
General for Economic Planning
policy briefs and published
and Coordination in the
several articles on the financial
Department of Economic
sector, non-bank financial
Development.
institutions, public finance, the
He has over 17 years’ experience as a senior
African Reserve Bank. Before joining the Department
real economy and the external economy.
economist interpreting economic
of Economic Development,
developments and formulating
Nhleko served as Deputy Director-
well as a Master’s in Business
economic policy at the South
General: Sector Development
Administration.
He holds a MCom degree as
Mandla Ngcobo Deputy Director-General: Chief Information Officer, Department of Public Service and Administration
Ngcobo was Chief Information Of-
Mandla Ngcobo has been ap-
ment at the Vodacom Group.
ficer at the Department of Labour. Prior to that he was Director: Information Technology at the Department of Health and was also a Senior Specialist in Risk Manage-
pointed as the Deputy Director-
He holds a Master of Manage-
General: Chief Information Officer
ment in ICT Policy and Regula-
at the Department of Public Service and Administration.
tion from the University of Witincluding experience in the for-
watersrand, a BTech degree in
He has 19 years’ experience in
mulation and implementation of
Business Information Systems from
the public sector and five years in
IT governance processes, policies
the Tshwane University of Tech-
the private sector.
and structures.
nology as well as a Bachelor of
Ngcobo has a vast understanding of corporate governance,
78
Before joining the Department of Public Service and Administration,
Education from the University of Zululand.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
HealtH and Well-Being
Source: SAnews
What you need to know about Listeriosis
To keep Listeriosis at bay, the Department of Health has advised all South Africans to practice basic food hygiene principles as outlined by the World Health Organisation which are: •
Keep clean. Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation.
•
If you are handling or storing raw food, don’t touch already cooked food unless you have thoroughly washed your hands and food
W
preparation utensils. In other words, separate ith South Africa currently dealing with an outbreak of Listeriosis, PSM takes a closer look at
raw from cooked food. •
what you need to know about the disease.
Cook food thoroughly. Never eat half cooked or uncooked food, especially meat products.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
Food that does not usually need cooking
describes Listeriosis as a serious but treatable and
before eating needs to be thoroughly washed
preventable disease caused by the bacterium Listeria
with clean running water. Families with no
monocytogenes. It is found in soil, water and vegeta-
source of clean running water need to boil
tion. Animal products and fresh produce such as fruits
their water before domestic use.
and vegetables can be contaminated from these
•
sources.
should be kept cold should be refrigerated
Although anyone can get Listeriosis, those at high risk
and food to be served hot should be served
of developing the disease include newborn babies, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with weak immunity
Keep food at safe temperatures. Food that
hot. •
Use safe water for domestic use at all times
such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney
and use pasteurised milk products. In situations
disease patients.
where pasteurisation is not possible, boil the
The age groups that are most affected are neonates
milk prior to use.
– those in the first 28 days of life - and the age group 15 – 49 years. These two groups make up 70 percent of
By mid-January more than 750 cases of Listeriosis had
all cases.
been reported in South Africa, with the disease caus-
Infection with listeria may result in: • Flu-like illness with diarrhoea including fever, general body pains, vomiting and weakness. • Infection of the blood stream, which is called septicemia. • Meningoencephalitis (infection of the brain).
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
ing at least 67 deaths. Members of the public can call the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) Emergency Operations Centre during working hours on 011 386 2000. Health workers can call the NICD Hotline for Clinical Emergencies after hours on 082 883 9920.
79
gROOmINg AND StYLE FEAtuRE
1
Writer: Gilda Narsimdas
Fashionable finds I
f you want to make a statement without saying a word look no further than our top fashion picks. From proudly South African designs to some luxurious old favourites,
these are our top 10 that you are also sure to fall in love with.
1.
This stylish Black Buttons Araba blue denim dress is perfect for a smart or casual affair, Zando.co.za, R 679.
2.
Designer David Tlale’s ready to wear collection is to die for. Try this paisley cropped turtle neck top, DAVID by David Tlale, Spree.co.za, R549.
3.
Bask in the summer sun and look stylish doing it in these snake eyes Bvlgari sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, R3 590.
4.
2
sequined cap, Zando.co.za, R89.
3
80
Shine bright with this black Utopia
4
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
5
6
5.
Graphic t-shirts are always a winner, like this Levi’s Chattering Teeth white ones, Spree.co.za, R349.
6.
This versatile Soviet military fletcher biker jacket is on point, Zando.co.za, R1 049.
7.
Keep with the trends with classic men’s Versace shades, Sunglass Hut, R2 890. 7
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
81
WE ARE TRAVELLING TO THE FOLLOWING REGIONS
WESTERN
15
MARCH
2018
CAPE
LIMPOPO
17
M AY
2018
PRESENTS
REGIONAL CONFERENCE CREATING ACCESS TO MARKETS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
w w w. t o p w o m e n . c o . z a
Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n c o n ta c t m a r ke t i n g @ to p c o. c o. z a
KWAZULU-NATAL 28
JUNE
2018
FINANcIAL FEAtuRE FItNESS
Know your consumer rights E
ver heard of prescribed debt?
agreements with non-bank credit
of debt means a debt that is
Revenue Service, rates and taxes
providers such as the clothing and
due to the municipality and TV
furniture retailers as well as micro-
licenses prescribe after 30 years.
lenders, fraudulent listings, emolu-
According to the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, a debt is prescribed if, during the past three years:
•
Section 126B (1) (b) of the
ment attachment orders (garnish-
National Credit Amendment Act
ee orders) or general complaints
The consumer did not admit
prohibits the collection of and the
about their credit bureaux listings.
to owing on the debt, either
sale of prescribed debt.
verbally or in writing. •
assist with issues relating to credit
monies due to the South African
expunged after a period of time.
•
But debt relating to home loans,
Just for the record, prescription
“Consumers can now find
Mohan urged consumers to arm themselves with information and
The consumer did not not
themselves free from debt that
make payment towards the
has expired, provided that they
outstanding amount.
don’t interrupt prescription by ac-
active consumers are struggling
The lender has not taken
knowledging the debt or making
to repay their debts and would
legal action against the
payment towards the debt after
rather avoid the problem than face
consumer.
the three years has lapsed,” said
the debt music. One of the main
Mohan.
reasons for consumers to hide
According to Credit Ombud Nicky Lala Mohan, the lender may not
He added that in some instances
learn more about their rights. He said almost 10 million credit
away from debt is due to a lack of
institute legal action against the
consumers unwittingly interrupt
consumer for the debt if one of
prescription by acknowledging the
these three points is involved.
debt or making a minimal pay-
their rights are, what to complain
ment towards the debt.
about and where to complain,”
Mohan said that not all debt can be prescribed after three years. Re-
Mohan said consumers who were
knowledge. “Consumers have no clue what
added Moha.
tail, credit cards, Telkom, personal
contacted for debts that have
loans, gym contracts, cellphone,
prescribed can contact the office
on 0861 66 28 37 or by email at
electricity accounts due to the mu-
of the Credit Ombud for free as-
ombud@creditombud.org.za. The
nicipality and school fees prescribe
sistance.
website address is www.creditom-
after three years.
84
The Credit Ombud can also
The office can be contacted
bud.org.za
Source: Credit Ombud
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
NIcE tO HAvES
Writer: Nic holas Francis
Gadgets to drool over
W
1 e are always looking for the next best thing to improve our health, lifestyle or home. If you’re not sure
what to splurge on, we’ve got you covered with our selection of gadgets for your kitchen, living area, kids and something to keep you fit.
4
3
2 5
1.
Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi smart scale, R2 299.
2.
Russell Hobbs Nutriblend, 1000W, R1 498.
3.
Apple watch Series 3, R6 499.
4.
Google Home personal assistant, R2 999.
5.
JBL Flip 4 wireless speaker, R1 799.
6.
Taurus automatic vacuum cleaner, R1 699.
7.
Jawbone Up24 activity tracker, R240.
8.
Nintendo Switch, R5 479.
7
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
6
8
85
FOOD AND wINE
Writer: Gilda Narsimdas
Home-made F
with love
ebruary is the month
• 6 rashers smoked
and thyme and then
mussels. Serve with crusty
of love and if you
streaky bacon,
sweat everything together
bread or as a main. Gar-
want to go all out
chopped into small
for four to five minutes
nish with micro greens.
pieces
until it is soft. Turn the heat
to impress that special someone in your life try
• 2 small leeks, sliced
up and add the mussels
your hand at a home-
• Handful thyme sprigs
and cider or wine, then
cooked meal. Here are
• Micro greens for gar-
cover and cook for four to
Sweetheart chocolate and hazelnut sandwiches
five minutes while shaking
Ingredients
the pan occasionally until
• 4 slices from a small
some recipes that are sure to add an extra spark to your romantic dinner for
nish • Small glass of cider or white wine
two. Bon Appétit!
the mussels have opened. Discard any that don’t
sliced brioche loaf • 3 tbsp chocolate
Method
open. Scoop the mussels
Scrub and de-beard the
and the other bits into a
• 1 large egg
mussels. Heat half the but-
dish and place the pan
• 75ml whole milk
ter in a pan and then siz-
back on the heat. Boil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients
zle the bacon for three to
the juices for one minute
• 1 tbsp castor sugar
• 750g mussels
four minutes until it starts
with the rest of the butter
• 2 tbsp chopped
• 25g butter
to brown. Add the leeks
and then pour over the
Steamed mussels with leeks, thyme and bacon
86
hazelnut spread
toasted hazelnuts
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
• 1 tbsp butter
as smooth as you can
• Icing sugar
get it and then use
• Ice cream
a wooden spoon or
• Raspberries
spatula to push as much of it through a sieve as
Method
you can. Discard the
Put a thick layer of the
seeds left behind.
chocolate hazelnut
Put the cream and
spread on two brioche
sugar in a saucepan
slices and then top with
and warm gently until
the remaining slices to
the sugar melts. Increase
make two sandwiches.
the heat until just boiling
Use a large heart-shaped
and then boil vigorously
cutter to cut the sand-
for two and a half min-
wiches.
utes while stirring con-
Whisk the egg, milk,
frying pan until melted
• 2 tbsp champagne
stantly. Turn off the heat
vanilla and castor sugar
and foaming. Add the
• 200ml double cream
and stir in the raspberry-
in a wide, shallow bowl.
sandwiches and cook for
• 4 tbsp golden castor
champagne purée. Cool
Tip the hazelnuts onto a
one to two minutes on
plate. Dip the sandwiches
each side until golden
into the egg mixture,
brown and puffed up.
raspberry pieces
allowing the brioche to
Dust with a little icing
• shortbread biscuits
soak up the liquid and
sugar and serve with ice
then dip one side of each
cream and raspberries.
sandwich into the nuts.
sugar • 2 tsp freeze-dried
for 15 minutes before dividing between two small pots or glasses. Chill for 30 minutes and then sprinkle over the
Method
freeze-dried raspberry
Put the raspberries
pieces and chill for at
and champagne in a
least two hours until set.
mini food processor or
To serve, remove the pos-
chilled like this while cov-
Champagne and raspberry possets
ered loosely with cling film
Ingredients
blender (or use a jug
sets from the fridge and
for up to one hour.
• 140g frozen raspber-
and a hand blender).
add some shortbread
Whizz until the purée is
biscuits.
The sandwiches can be
Heat the butter in a wide
ries, defrosted
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
87
WHY CYBER RESILIENCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DELIVERY BY NEIL DAVY, MIMECAST SOUTH AFRICA
E
mail downtime is frustrating for any
The benefits are obvious as different departments
organisation. In the business world, the
are able to not only share information and be more
frustration is commercial in nature as it
productive, but also save costs as creaking on-
results in a loss of productivity which often leads to
premises infrastructure can be decommissioned.
a loss of customers and revenue. It’s important that there isn’t single vendor However, when it comes to government
dependency for something as important as email.
departments and local authorities, downtime has a
In fact, these departments should implement a
direct impact on the delivery of vital services to the
cyber resilience strategy in the cloud to protect
community.
themselves from email-borne cyberattacks, business disruption and data loss. And yet,
In today’s cyber threat landscape, malicious actors
according to a Vanson Bourne and Mimecast
are constantly looking for new and improved ways
study, only 23% of surveyed businesses and
to attack government organisations’ sensitive
organisations in South Africa currently have a
data such as child protection, public safety or
cyber resilience strategy in place.
healthcare institutions. These organisations all run on email and because citizens depend on them to
Cyber-attacks and data breaches are becoming
constantly deliver services, they need to be secure,
common place and it’s often prominent
always online and able to recover data in the event
organisations with thousands or even millions of
of a crisis.
personal records that fall victim. It is therefore essential that any organisation that keeps the
The public sector in South Africa is increasingly
personal information of individuals should have
adopting the cloud, which is understandable as
the most advanced security in place. And when
integrated productivity tools can be instrumental
you consider the fact that several government
in improving how organisations operate and
departments are sharing the same service and
effectively deliver services. It is entirely plausible
hosting the data all in one place, the need for
to believe that the majority of public sector services
security becomes even more vital. An additional
will be dependent on Office 365 very soon.
layer of security on any cloud service will provide
ADVERTORIAL
protection against email-borne impersonation
result in several government departments being
attempts, malicious URLs, unknown malware
affected at once.
attachments and advanced attacks like ransomware.
The risks don’t stop with service continuity and security either. Hosting all your email and data with
However, it goes beyond keeping your
a single vendor raises important questions about
networks secure. In the event of a cyber-attack,
data assurance. Do you have an independently
organisations that deliver crucial public services
verifiable additional copy of your data for when you
can’t afford to be offline. They should be able to
need it?
guarantee the safety and availability of critical data without an independent copy. And they should be
Organisations need to consider the possibility
able to continue operating effectively and deliver
of data loss or corruption after a cyber-attack or
services that rely on the availability of email.
technical failure. The Vanson Bourne research showed that over half (53%) of respondents were
Breaches often lead to downtime, leaving
completely confident that they would be able to
employees unable to access every day tools like
restore all important files in the event of an email-
Microsoft Outlook or G-Suite by Google Cloud. This
borne ransomware attack.
halts the delivery of vital services, which can have disastrous consequences.
A multipurpose archiving solution can help mitigate that risk by creating a digital corporate memory
It’s not only cyber-attacks that affect continuity.
and allowing you to restore email on-demand.
If Microsoft suffers an Office 365 outage,
Government departments can be rest assured that
organisations that depend on the single cloud
their data is always available, always replicated
service don’t have much option but to wait until
and always safe in the cloud.
services are reinstalled. Many of us now live in a cloud-only world. So the Of course this is not limited to Microsoft. All IT
question to ask ourselves is: what will happen
systems and cloud services can fail, but when that
when Office 365 goes offline, is hacked, corrupted
happens in the public sector, it grabs headlines
or loses my data? Do we have a plan B? Do we
and affects lives.
have an effective cyber resilience strategy in place that will help us continue with business as usual
For years IT teams have built disaster recovery
when disaster strikes?
plans on the belief that if IT fails, you’ll need a plan B. Nothing changes in a cloud-first world.
Moving email and its data to Office 365 exposes public sector organisations to significant single
Cloud services clearly fail and if you don’t have
vendor continuity, security and data integrity risks
an independent continuity service, your email will
that Microsoft alone cannot mitigate. Additional
be down until Office 365 gets it back up again.
third-party cloud services are the only way to
Unfortunately, this could take hours or even days
mitigate these risks.
and could affect an entire region, which could
WWW.MIMECAST.COM
tRAvEL
Writer: Dale Barrow
Ultimate relaxation
at 57 Waterberg
T
he sharp slithers of caramel contrast beautifully
the still and hot bushveld dissolved into a sweeping
with the creamy richness of the ice cream and
driveway and cool, thatched portal. The lodge staff
then there is that burst of freshness from the clear
welcomed us with a cheerful song, refreshing fruit juice
apple gel. I look up dreamily from my plate half expect-
and warmed white face-cloths.
ing to see the judges from MasterChef, but instead I
Africa is all about the vastness of the sky and the
see the warm fireplace and soft lighting causing the
light. 57 Waterberg plays on this. It offers the neces-
plush dark furnishings and golden thatched room to
sary cool shade from the brightness but opens up
gleam comfortably. I am at 57 Waterberg, a lodge in
onto decks over-looking the hills, gently bluing into the
the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo.
distant haze.
The arrival at West Gate in the middle of the day had been a blur of tan and grey heat as we got our suit-
Alone in Africa
cases together to be transported from our campervan,
The lodge accommodates a maximum of 10 people
which was left at the gate, to the lodge in a game-
with each couple housed in their own chalet. The units
viewing vehicle.
are well spaced for that sense of being alone in the Af-
The lodge manager Simon Bjaloane greeted us
rican bush. We were given one of the two honeymoon
with icy champagne and a broad smile, loaded our
suites overlooking an animal watering pan which is
luggage and we were off. A short 15 minute drive later
lit up at night. The fragrant, steep thatched roof, the
90
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
large glass doors looking out onto the reserve and
of about 50 lodges in the park, built discreetly into the
the muted golds, greens and dark wood colours keep
mountainside and bush. It is an extremely attractive
the crisp white bedding and luxury of the chalet firmly
option if you are looking for a luxury bush experience
rooted in Africa.
at a superbly run reserve.
57 Waterberg is situated in the 35 000 hectare
Its convenience is hard to ignore – only a three-hour
Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg massif,
drive from Johannesburg in a malaria-free area and
a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
boasting the Big Five. The reserve spans the plateau of
Organisation biosphere reserve in Limpopo. It is one
the Waterberg and is marked by its extremely
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
91
tRAvEL
attractive rocky gorges and dry deciduous low forests
the vehicle and with the blazing sun setting behind the
of small trees and bushes.
branch-torn horizon we are plied with iced white wine, gin and tonic with lemon and snacks. Engines off, we
Game drives
gather in the deep quiet that descends between hot
The lodge offers morning and evening game drives.
sun and cool night.
I was surprised at how comfortable the ride was but Bjaloane has many years of experience driving more
Food, food and more food
sensitive tourists around and is an expert at it. The
Back at the lodge, between the morning and after-
emphasis is on good sightings so the different lodge
noon rides it’s all about eating, swimming, lounging on
vehicles are all connected by two-way radio.
the deck, sleeping and more eating. The pride and joy
No more than four viewing vehicles are allowed close
Chef Gabriel takes in his food is evident in each dish
to a sighting at a time so the others wait patiently
using techniques, textures and flavours that combine
or prowl nearby lesser sights until their turn comes.
beautifully to provide pop, creaminess and zing in
Thank goodness private cars aren’t allowed in. It is not
each course. Can you imagine a tender grilled fillet
uncommon to be caught up in frenzied parking-lot
served with chorizo mash, young onions poached in
experiences at good animal sightings in some parks in
white wine, a Parma crisp and some port jus? How
South Africa.
about a chilli-flavoured tulle shattering lightly as you
However, in Welgevonden the respect for other lodge vehicles is very evident in the way they share good news and move on. Another striking feature of the
bite into roasted hazelnut ice-cream with drippings of strawberry sauce? A five star establishment means different things in
reserve is how relaxed the animals seem to be. We
different countries. Here at 57 Waterberg those stars are
were able to watch a mother hyena and her cubs, a
well earned by the discreet yet warm care given by the
suckling baby rhino, elephants swimming and herds of
staff. From the softness of the air, the fragment of sky
different antelope grazing, all at relatively close
caught in the watering pan, the slow western crooning
proximity.
of the music as it gently blends with the sunlit slatted
A highlight of the game drives is definitely the sunset
deck to the dancing winter-cracked leaves twirling in
drink and the morning coffee breaks. We drive into
the almost imperceptible breeze; this is a place to relax
open areas, are given strict instructions to stay close to
and unwind.
92
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
101593
Bloemfontein
Durban
East London
Lusaka
Johannesburg
Hoedspruit
George
Harare
Kimberley
Lubumbashi
Maputo
Port Elizabeth
Windhoek
Walvis Bay
Gaborone
Richards Bay
Cape Town
17 Destinations all over Southern Africa, non-stop. You could choose other ways of getting to your holiday spot but flying with us is easy and non-stop. Flying with us is also convenient, because we fly to major destinations and smaller cities all over Southern Africa and the DRC, every day. Taking a break? Then make the most of your time off. Because we fly for you.
SA Express is a proud member of the SAA Voyager programme. Visit www.flyexpress.aero for domestic flights to Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Hoedspruit, George, Johannesburg, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and regional flights to Lubumbashi, Gaborone, Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Maputo, Lusaka and Harare.
cAR REvIEwS
Writer: Ashref Ismail
Open top
cruising pleasure
M
e rc e d e s - B e n z
comes standard. Its multi-
meets high-quality stand-
age, the driver does not
is continuing
layered structure with
ards in terms of durability
have to stop to operate
its tradition of
sophisticated insulation
and operation. It can be
the boot separator manu-
high-calibre cabriolets
reduces wind and driv-
fully opened and closed
ally. The boot capacity is
by completing its E-Class
ing noise which makes it
in 20 seconds when trav-
385l (310l when the roof
family with the new E-
easy for the occupants
elling at a speed of up
is open).
Class Cabriolet. This open
to hear each other talk
to 50km/h. After opening,
four-seater with a classic
even when driving at
it folds down quietly and
comfort is possible in the
fabric soft-top combines
high speed. The soft-top
precisely and is stored in
E-Class Cabriolet thanks
sensuous design with high
structure has an equally
the soft-top compartment
to the optional AIRCAP
long-distance comfort for
positive effect when it
in the boot. A retractable
automatic draught-stop
four occupants.
comes to climate comfort
cover separates the soft-
system and the AIRSCARF
and makes the Cabriolet
top from the remaining
neck-level heating which
available in dark brown,
suitable for use all year
boot space. Thanks to
make the fresh air much
dark blue, dark red or
round.
the fully electrical control
more enjoyable even at
Derived from the S-Class
included in the optional
low outside temperatures.
Cabriolet, the soft-top also
Cabriolet Comfort pack-
It consists of an electric
The fabric soft-top is
black. Fully automatic, the acoustic soft-top
94
Maximum open-air
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
wind deflector module
petrol and diesel en-
limiters on all front
with the A-pillar. Ac-
inconspicuously inte-
gines, including a version
grated into the roof frame
with 4MATIC permanent
and rear seats.
tive Brake Assist comes
PRE-SAFE® reversible
standard, warning the
and an electric draught
all-wheel drive for the
belt tensioner on the
driver of an imminent col-
stop behind the rear
first time. As standard, all
front seats.
lision, providing optimum
seats. At the press of a
models are equipped
Front airbags for the
support with emergency
button, this system reduc-
with the 9G-TRONIC
driver and passenger.
braking and, if neces-
es the interior turbulence
nine-speed automatic
A kneebag on the
sary, also autonomously
for the rear passengers
transmission which allows
driver’s side.
applies the brakes. In ad-
too. AIRCAP is part of the
fast gearshifts and lower
Thorax/pelvis bags for
dition to slower-moving,
Cabriolet Comfort pack-
engine speeds.
the driver and front
stopping or stationary ve-
passenger
hicles, it can also detect
Airbags integrated
pedestrians crossing in
age which also includes
■
■ ■ ■
In the event of an ac■
AIRSCARF neck-level heat-
cident, the high structural
ing for the driver and front
safety of the body and
into the top edge of
the danger zone ahead
passenger by circulating
the extensive array of
the front door panels
of the vehicle.
warm air around the neck
restraint systems offer op-
to protect the head
area when temperatures
timum protection. These
in the event of severe
include the Driving As-
are low outside.
include:
side impacts.
sistance package with
There is initially a choice of powerful and efficient
■
Further highlights
Pyrotechnic belt ten-
The roll-over protec-
the further developed
sioners and belt force
tion system has been
Active Distance Assist
developed specifically for
DISTRONIC including
the Cabriolet. It consists
Active Steering Assist – on
of two cartridges that are
all roads. It is not only
fully retracted behind the
able to keep the car the
rear seats and therefore
correct distance behind
invisible. If a roll-over is im-
vehicles in front, but for
minent these cartridges
the first time it can also
are fired pyrotechnically,
follow them automatically
shooting out to provide a
at a speed of up to
survival space together
210 km/h.
Model specifications E 220 d
E 300
E 400 4MATIC
Engine cc/ cylinders
1950 / 4
1991 / 4
2996 / 6
Power kW
143
180
245
Torque Nm r/min
400 (1 600–2 800)
370 (1 300–4 000)
480 (1 600–4 000)
CO2 emissions g/km
126
167
194
Price: Incl. VAT excl. CO2 tax
R919 500
R955 500
R1 134 500
Avantgarde package
Standard
Standard
Standard
Interior/Exterior Technical information provided by Mercedes-Benz SA.
Public Sector Manager • February 2018
95
ADVERTORIAL
PARTNERING TO MAKE HEALTHCARE AFFORDABLE IN SOUTH AFRICA Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) CEO Barlow Manilel (left) and Head of Basic and Speciality Chemicals business unit at the IDC, Hilton Lazarus unveil the pilot plant facility.
PILOT PLANT FACILITY WILL REDUCE THE COSTS OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND HEALTHCARE A pilot plant facility located in Waltloo, Pretoria, could be what South Africa needs to save on the billions of rands it currently spends importing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for medicines.
compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practice to scale up the production process, and the manufacture of batches for stability testing, as required for regulatory registration purposes.
The cost of medical products and pharmaceuticals are contributing to the high cost of healthcare in South Africa. The country spends around R15 billion a year on imported APIs.
“The success of this pilot plant will mark a significant step in the national priorities to enable local manufacturing and job creation, while providing much needed competitively priced medication,” says Hilton Lazarus, Head of the Basic and Speciality Chemicals business unit at the IDC.
The pilot facility, Chemical Process Technologies (CPT) Pharma, is the development vehicle established through a partnership between CPT, the Department of Science and Technology, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). It was launched in November 2017 to manufacture generic APIs for the Southern African pharmaceutical industry. CPT is currently conducting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies on the development of a commercial pharmaceutical plant, which will initially manufacture two TB drugs and two animal health medicines. The prefeasibility study includes the construction of a pilot plant
Dr Gerrit van der Klashorst of CPT Pharma regards the pilot plant as an important step towards developing a full-scale commercial manufacturing plant, which will be adjacent to the pilot plant. At the launch last year he said, “Importantly, the pilot facility can fast-track the in-licensing of technologies (particularly antiretroviral APIs) that require an existing Current Good Manufacturing Practices facility before a licence agreement can be negotiated.”
The CPT group has also developed strategic relationships with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and several universities in the country, harnessing their capabilities in the design of new and competitive synthesis technologies for APIs. These technological networks are extremely important to add to CPT Pharma’s existing technology development capacity. Barlow Manilal, CEO of TIA, is of the opinion that the CPT Pharma project contributes to the national Bio-economy Strategy by supporting research, development and innovation in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. He believes that this is critical for enhancing South Africa’s competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical industry. The pilot facility is in the process of obtaining certification from the Medicines Control Council (MCC). The manufacture of batches of four shortlisted APIs for stability testing is expected to commence shortly. It is expected that the commercial plant will be expanded as more APIs
are registered by the MCC and accepted by clients. The CPT Pharma board plans to make the plant available for external users to assess the scale-up of their API synthesis technology, to manufacture clinical trial material, to transfer technology, and to manufacture small volumes of APIs on a commercial basis. While the platform will initially focus on chemical APIs, it could later be expanded to include biologics and biosimilars. CPT Pharma aims to play a pivotal role in the establishment of an API manufacturing industry in South Africa. CONTACT DETAILS: ADDRESS: Department of Science and Technology CSIR Campus, Building no. 53 (South Gate Entrance), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria POSTAL ADDRESS: Private Bag X894, Pretoria 0001, Gauteng TEL: +27 12 843 6300
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