PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER
JULY 2016
Investing in people THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Free State committed to service delivery
Honouring an icon Madiba’s legacy lives on
AIDS 2016 JULY 2016 PSM
BA - Government highlife ad - Final.indd 1
2016/06/13 8:44 AM
SA’s success in fighting HIV and AIDS
R30.00 (VAT INCL) SOUTH AFRICA
Lifestyle • Keeping men healthy • Sampling Caribbean cuisine
Delivering travel solutions, bringing value to the public sector Current challenges facing the public sector
says Silas Phoshoko, National Business Development Manager at American Express® Card.
Current conditions under which the public sector operates are characterised by the country’s low economic growth, falling revenues and a rising budget deficit.
The American Express Business Travel Account solution
‘These challenges should also be seen as opportunities for public sector enterprises, together with their card provider, to drive change and accountability for all aspects of business travel expenses management, find savings in long-term value, simplify processes and reduce operating costs,’
The Business Travel Account (BTA) is a virtual card that is ‘lodged’ with the government department’s dedicated travel management company (TMC) or inhouse online booking tool (self-booking tool/SBT), and serviced by American Express.
Why the BTA lodged card solution works It provides monthly/weekly views of transactions
It limits spend to departmental budget Spend is restricted to travel-related transactions Preferred TMCs/SBTs are used
All suppliers are paid within 30 days It helps drive the small to medium enterprise development agenda
Control and security
Reconciliation
Improved Consolidated supplier view of all management spend
Matching of invoices to statement is facilitated by TMC It helps identify irregular spend
It provides a view of all spend by category It provides a consolidated view of any late payment Fruitless and wasteful expenditure can be tracked
Vendor negotiations are improved
It enables management of travel policy
Unique business model Reduce cost to serve
Improve compliance with Public Finance Management Act controls
Create insight, develop best practice
American Express® Business Travel Account
Challenge
BTA
Comment
Budget deficit
3
Can assist in monitoring actual spend to budget
Lack of institutional rates
3
Can help identify key categories for negotiation
Reconciliation
3
Card can streamline reconciliation of all travel expenses
Unauthorised expenditure
3
Card can help government departments to have transparency of their spend
Irregular expenditure
3
Card can help ensure that only travel-related expenses occur
Not paying in 30 days
3
All suppliers are paid within 30 days
Through its strategic partnership with various public sector companies and government departments, American Express has helped them to keep track of their travel expenses. Not only does the American Express BTA keep track of expenses, highlighting wasteful and fraudulent spend,
but it will also save costs by streamlining the reconciliation process. The enhanced management information enables the company or department to negotiate discounted rates from suppliers. At American Express we aim to deliver solutions and add value to the public sector.
About the team The team’s main responsibility is driving business development across different spheres of government and state-owned enterprises. The team helps government departments manage their travel-related expenses efficiently, while identifying and understanding challenges within the public sector and finding solutions that fit the need.
Silas Phoshoko has over 12 years’ experience in the financial services industry. His card career includes significant experience in card issuing and he has specific expertise in leveraging the benefits of card programmes, government payment solutions and payment solutions for travel, entertainment and procurement in corporate markets.
• 2386
For more information please contact Silas Phoshoko on +27(0) 11 294 9629 or at Silasp@nedbank.co.za.
American Express® is a registered trademark of American Express. American Express Cards is operated under licence in South Africa by Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06, authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).
Contents JULY 2016
78 Public sector appointments Find out who is new on persal 84 Financial fitness Working towards wealth
Features 20
40 Opinion Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa reflects on how SA is turning the tide on HIV and AIDS 44 Making a difference for Madiba Mandela Day seeks to develop an ethos and culture of selfless giving
Regulars
46 Improved audit outcomes in municipalities There has been an encouraging improvement in the audit results of municipalities
10 Conversations with leaders Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister Ayanda Dlodlo is spearheading the Open Government Partnership
50 Opinion Minister Des Van Rooyen says government will do all it can to ensure safe, free and fair elections
14 Provincial focus The Free State Provincial Government is committed to improving service delivery 20 Profiles in leadership Compensation Fund Commissioner Vuyo Mafata is at the forefront of the fund’s turnaround 24 Women in the public sector Pinky Zungu is making waves in the maritime industry 28 Trailblazer Laboratory technician Purvance Shikwambana is caring for the environment 30 Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips
52 Opinion SA is open for business, says Minister Jeff Radebe 56 IPAP key for inclusive growth IPAP 2016 envisages a massive, concerted and focused national industrial effort 60 Making Tshwane a capital of excellence City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa reflects on what goes into ensuring that the capital city it at the top of its game 64 Farewell Justice Moseneke After almost 40 years in the legal profession, one of the most respected legal minds in the country has retired 66 Opinion The Community Work Programme is helping government create decent work for all
32 In other news News you need to know while you are on the go 38 International relations The VIII International IT Forum expanded the horizons of cooperation in communication science and emergent technologies
24
39 Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information
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Public Sector Manager • July 2016
70 Opinion Automotive sector investments are rolling in, says Minister Rob Davies
Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
72 Fish farming unlocking the economy An Operation Phakisa initiative is creating jobs for people in the Eastern Cape 76 Partnerships help create and retain jobs The Industrial Development Cooperation and the Unemployment Insurance Fund have joined hands to create and save jobs
Publishers: Department of Communication and Information System Information Enquiry Service: +27 (0)12 473 0269 Switchboard: +27 (0)12 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Head of Editorial and Production
Harold Maloka harold@gcis.gov.za
Dorris Simpson Managing Editor dorris@gcis.gov.za News Editor
Irene Naidoo
Copy Editors Elias Tibane Ongezwa Manyathi Irene Naidoo Contributors Dorris Simpson Albert Pule Noluthando Mkhize Irene Naidoo Sekgabo Kedijang Chris Bathembu Nosihle Shelembe Nthambeleni Gabara
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GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Siyasanga Mbambani
Lifestyle
Senior Designer
80 Food and drink A taste of the Caribbean
Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions
85 Grooming and style Grooming essentials that will make your life easier 86 Nice-to-haves Bring your walls to life 88 Car reviews Crossovers meet new-generation needs 90 Health and well-being Men’s healthcare in the spotlight 94 Travel Captivated by the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Tendai Gonese
Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 info@topco.co.za www.topco.co.za
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CEO Ralf Fletcher Marketing & Sales Director Karla Fletcher National Project Manager Nardine Nelson Tel: +27 (0)82 739 3932 nardine.nelson@topco.co.za Production DIrector Van Fletcher van.fletcher@topco.co.za Advertising Tel +27 (0)86 000 9590 Subscriptions and Distribution Ingrid Johnstone ingrid.johnstone@topco.co.za
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------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Chief Financial Officer ----------------------------------------------Š Copyright: GCIS
Donald Liphoko Phumla Williams Nebo Legoabe Harold Maloka Zwelinjani Momeka
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Message from the Minister
Honouring Madiba’s legacy
T
his year South Africa marks three years since the pass-
He may be gone but his work must continue in communities
ing of former President Nelson Mandela. He will always
across the country and throughout the world. In our own
be remembered as a leader who valued freedom and
small way, we can make a difference to the lives of others by
was even prepared to sacrifice his life so that others could be
donating 67 minutes of our time every year on Mandela Day.
free. He understood that those in power would never concede
July 18 is the birthdate of former President Mandela and
anything unless someone stood up to demand justice and
was declared Nelson Mandela International Day, commonly
freedom for every South African.
known as Mandela Day, by the United Nations in recognition
Madiba also believed until his last day on earth that the posi-
of his work to make the world a better place.
tive impact we have on those around us is what really matters.
Fittingly, this year the 21st International AIDS Conference,
He once said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we
which South Africa is hosting, will officially open on Mandela
have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of
Day.
others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Time to make a difference
The conference will take place under the theme “Access Equity Rights – Now”, which is a call to action to work together and reach the people who still lack access to
This icon dedicated his entire life to improving the lives of
comprehensive treatment, prevention, care and support
others by helping those in dire need in various ways.
services. This is the largest conference on any global health or development issues in the world and will see the world’s top scientists, civil society members and policymakers convene to discuss the fight against HIV and AIDS. Madiba was a tireless and vocal campaigner in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “We are all human and the HIV/AIDS epidemic affects us all in the end. If we discard the people who are dying from AIDS, then we can no longer call ourselves people,” he said, while addressing the 14th International AIDS Conference in Spain. The former President was instrumental in raising the global awareness of HIV and AIDS through his 46664 campaign, which saw some of the biggest names in the music industry performing at concerts to raise awareness. He would indeed be proud of how far South Africa has come in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Progress in the HIV and AIDS fight We have the world’s biggest HIV and AIDS treatment programme, which started in earnest with the launch of the world’s biggest testing campaign, the HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) Campaign in 2010. Within 18 months of the HCT campaign, 18 million South
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Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Africans were tested and found out their status. Currently, about 10 million South Africans are tested every year. The country has also noted a decline in AIDS deaths, from 320 000 in 2010 to 140 000 in 2014, while motherto-child transmission of HIV reduced from 70 000 babies in 2004 to less than 7 000 in 2015. While there still many challenges that we need to overcome, it is important to acknowledge that government interventions are bearing fruit. While this years’ International AIDS conference gives us a platform to reflect on our success in the fight against HIV and AIDS, there are other milestones we should also not lose sight of.
Celebrating our Constitution This year we also celebrate 20 years of our Constitution. It was former President Nelson Mandela who signed the Constitution into law on 10 December 1996. South Africa’s Constitution is widely celebrated as one of the most progressive in the world and Madiba spent his entire
Uniting for common good
life fighting for the rights enshrined in it.
During Mandela Month, government encourages South
The month of July, which has popularly become
Africans to pay special attention to the vulnerable amongst
known as Mandela Month in South Africa, provides
us. These are the homeless, poor, orphaned and hungry. Moreover, we can use the opportunity
us with an opportunity to follow Madiba’s example and celebrate his life. We e n c o u r a g e S o u t h Africans to do their part by finding an opportunity to bring positive change in their communities. Even though the month is celebrated with
“We are all human and the HIV/AIDS epidemic affects us all in the end. If we discard the people who are dying from AIDS, then we can no longer call ourselves people.”
to fight the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse within our communities. Mandela Month provides us with an opportunity to unite and work together towards making our communities places where people are healthy, feel safe and cared for. We should not wait for someone to do it for us but start the change we want to
a specific focus and theme each year, people are encouraged to identify needs
see. We have a great role model in former President Mandela
within their communities and work towards addressing
who dedicated his life to the service of others.
them. Community members are best placed to know the specific needs and pressing issues in their areas. We all have the potential to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute towards moving South
As South Africans we can all play our part by helping others. To pledge a month or 67 minutes to help others in honour of Madiba’s legacy is a noble and humble gesture, and not too much to ask.
Africa forward. Your act of kindness, whatever it may be,
Let us use this opportunity to spread the message of hope
matters. No act of kindness can ever be considered too
and the spirit of working together as we strive to make South
small or significant.
Africa a better place for all.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
7
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Working together for change
T
he question of what defines a country is a complex
with doing simple things like promoting honesty, integrity
one. Some may point to visible symbols such as the
and loyalty. These are some of the key values that all societies
flag or national anthem. Others may suggest that it is
and communities must have and nurture.
encapsulated in well-known landmarks, its people or larger than life personalities. There is, of course, no one answer to this question as a country is defined by a myriad of tangible and intangible
It presents an opportunity for us to leave our comfort zones and interact meaningfully with other South Africans. By doing so we will begin to break down the artificial barriers based on race, class and cultural differences.
things. Most people are likely to point to tangible things,
To build a shared future, all South Africans must embrace
however, the intangible is often just as important for it is the
a common national identity that instils us with pride,
proverbial glue that holds a nation together.
patriotism, love for our country, nation building and social
Every year from 1 to 31 July we seek to strengthen the
cohesion.
nation’s social cohesion and foster greater nation building
We also cannot assume that the wounds of the past will
during Moral Regeneration Month. During this month, South
heal without tangible interventions, dialogue and honest
Africans are encouraged to recommit their efforts to building
conversations about the state of our nation.
strong communities and a caring society. It is a call for action
Together we can be the generation that builds a better
and fittingly coincides with the celebration of Mandela Day
future where we aim to maximise the things we have in
on 18 July. Our former President Nelson Mandela is an icon
common and minimise that which divides us; a future where
who is considered to be the leader of the Moral Regeneration
our diversity and unique heritage unites and inspires us as
Movement.
a nation.
The Moral Regeneration Movement is a networking
Government is confident that such a future is achievable if
platform that facilitates and coordinates all processes and
we stand together as a nation and a people. By harnessing
initiatives aimed at combating moral degeneration.
our collective strengths and human capital we can move
During Moral Regeneration Month, South Africans are
South Africa forward.
encouraged to take a deep look at ourselves, our communities and society. Every one of us has a role to play in this regard and our combined actions can help to bring about change. The change we seek is to rid our communities of the scourge of drugs and substance abuse. We must also do more to tackle the triple threat of poverty, inequality and unemployment. The levels of corruption and crime are also still too high, and must be fought by all of us. We also live in a society where material things are often valued above all else. This has manifested in a disturbing new trend where young women fall prey to so called ‘blessers’. Wherever one looks there are challenges that must be confronted and addressed. Moral Regeneration Month presents an opportunity for serious introspection and is a platform for ordinary people to make a difference and bring about change. This can take on any form, whether big or small. It begins Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.
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Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in a vast majority of economies. In South Africa, SMEs employ almost 60% of the employable population - with over 12 million livelihoods relying directly on SMEs. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in a vast economies. South Africa, SMEs Absamajority Bank Ltdof(Absa), whollyInowned subsidiary of employ Barclays almost 60% of the employable population - with 12 million Africa Group member of Barclays, recognises the over importance livelihoods relying directly on SMEs. of small businesses as catalysts for economic growth and job creation. Absa Bank Ltd (Absa), wholly owned subsidiary Barclays As a responsible corporate citizen, Absa lends itsofsupport Africa member the importance to the Group national agendaoftoBarclays, promoterecognises a thriving SME sector. of small businesses as catalysts for economic growthofand While financial support is a key driver of the success thejob creation. SME, access to markets and building business skills are also As a responsible corporate citizen, Absa lends its support significant challenges to address. to the national agenda to promote a thriving SME sector. While financial development support is a key driverfrom of the success The enterprise offering Absa aimsof tothe open SME, to markets and building aremarkets, also doorsaccess for SMEs by providing access inbusiness three keyskills areas: significant challenges to address. funding and non-financial support (business support). The enterprise development offering from Absa aims to open Access to markets doors by is providing access inobstacle three keyfacing areas:SMEs markets, Accessfor toSMEs markets a more pressing funding and to non-financial support support). than access funding. The market(business exists, but the linkages
don’t. Access tobuyers, markets Corporate for example, in terms of preferential Access to markets a more pressing obstacle facing SMEs procurement, face is the challenge of locating and identifying than access funding. And The the market exists, butstruggle the linkages suitable SMEtosuppliers. SMEs in turn don’t. with accessing these corporates in order to secure supplier Corporate contracts. buyers, for example, in terms of preferential procurement, face the challenge of locating identifying Absa’s Procurement Portal – a virtual marketand place – creates the suitable suppliers. SMEs inSMEs turn struggle linkages SME between buyersAnd andthe suppliers. on the portal are with accessing these corporates in orderusing to secure supplier validated and verified. They are located various searchable contracts. fields such as geographic location, size or BEE status. To date Absa’s Procurement Portal virtual market place – creates the there are 30 000 SMEs and–3a500 corporates actively using the linkages portal. between buyers and suppliers. SMEs on the portal are validated and verified. They are located using various searchable fields such is aspart geographic size or BEEtostatus. To date The portal of Absa’slocation, value proposition go beyond there areand 30 000 3 500 corporates actively using the banking openSMEs doorsand by addressing a primary obstacle portal. facing SMEs. Furthermore, Barclays Africa’s presence in 12 The portal is part of Absa’s value proposition to go beyond banking and open doors by addressing a primary obstacle facing SMEs. Furthermore, Barclays Africa’s presence in 12
countries across the continent creates opportunities for these entrepreneurs and emerging small businesses beyond South Africa’s borders. countriestoacross the continent creates opportunities for these Access funding
entrepreneurs and emerging small(or businesses beyond South Considering that five out of seven 80%) SMEs in South Africa’sfail borders. Africa in their first two years of operation – mostly due to cash-flow problems – it is clear that improved financial Access to funding support will empower more SMEs to realise their ambition, and Considering five out of sevenin(or 80%)Africa. SMEs in South contribute tothat sustainable growth South Africa fail in their first two years of operation – mostly due to cash-flow problems – it is clear that improved financial in In addressing SME challenges Absa needs to be innovative support will empower more SMEs to solutions. realise their ambition, and its approach to providing pioneering It can advance contribute sustainable in South valid Africa. funding to to SMEs that havegrowth been awarded and viable contracts. Cash-flow principles are the primary lending drivers In challenges Absaorneeds to be innovative in as addressing opposed toSME traditional collateral security-based lending. its approach to providing can advance Absa has committed R250pioneering million persolutions. annum inItnon-traditional funding to SMEs that have been awarded valid and viable lending aimed entirely at the SME sector in South Africa. This is contracts. are the primary lending in order to Cash-flow fund SMEsprinciples that typically would not meet thedrivers normal as opposed to traditional lending criteria required bycollateral banks. or security-based lending. Absa has committed R250 million per annum in non-traditional lending at the SMEAbsa sectorhas in South This is Over andaimed aboveentirely the R250 million, createdAfrica. specialised in order to fundfunding SMEs that typically not meet the normal non-traditional solutions to would assist SMEs: lending criteria required by banks. • The Women Empowerment Fund provides credit to women entrepreneurs who have the skills and demonstrable Over and above the R250 has created specialised potential to service theirmillion, debts. Absa The funding is available for non-traditional funding to assist SMEs: all women SMEs whosolutions do not have sufficient security to start • The Empowerment Fund provides creditcriteria. to women theirWomen businesses under ‘normal’ banking lending whoCredit have the skills and demonstrable • entrepreneurs The Development Fund in partnership with USAID. potential debts. The funding issecurity available This fundto is service offered their to SMEs with insufficient forfor all women SMEs who do not have sufficient securityby to astart existing business and start-ups. The fund is backed their 50% businesses guarantee. under ‘normal’ banking lending criteria. •• The Credit to Fund partnership withbeen USAID. The Development SME Fund is offered BEEinSMEs who have This fundcontracts is offeredor totenders SMEs with insufficient security fordoes awarded by Government. The fund existing business and start-ups. The fund is backed by a not require security. 50% guarantee. • In partnership with the French Development Agency, Absa • The SME an Fund is offered to BEE in SMEs who have been of up can offer exclusive incentive the form of a rebate awarded contracts or tenders byThis Government. The driving fund does to 7% of the total loan amount. is for projects not require security. • In partnership with the French Development Agency, Absa can offer an exclusive incentive in the form of a rebate of up to 7% of the total loan amount. This is for projects driving
Absa Bank Limited Reg No 1986/004794/06 Authorised Financial Services Provider Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7
Absa Bank Limited Reg No 1986/004794/06 Authorised Financial Services Provider Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7
energy efficiency and renewable energy. • The Thembani International Guarantee Fund supports business with a minimum of 51% BEE business in South and Southern Africa. The fund offers 50% and 75% guarantees energy to SME efficiency clients. and renewable energy. • The Thembani International Guarantee Fund supports business with a minimum of 51% BEE business in South and Access to non-financial support Southern Africa. The fund offers 50% 75% guarantees Another critical challenge facing SMEs is and structural in nature. to SME clients. SMEs fail, not for lack of technical ability, but rather because of a lack of general business skills.
Access to non-financial support
Another SMEs is structural nature. Absa hascritical seven challenge Centres offacing Entrepreneurship locatedinacross the SMEs fail, notthe for purpose lack of technical ability, but rather because of country with of providing a support environment a of general business tolack SMEs. The centres are askills. perfect example of private and public sector cooperation that have led to the costs traditionally Absa has seven Entrepreneurship located across the associated with Centres starting of and running a business being reduced. country theinclude purposeeverything of providing a support environment Serviceswith offered from providing access to to SMEs. The centres are a perfect example of private and infrastructure (computers and printers) and meeting rooms, public sectortraining cooperation that on have led toissues. the costs traditionally to providing seminars various Topics range associated starting and running a business reduced. from SARS with and labour regulation to financial skillsbeing training. Services offered include everything from providing access to Mentoring services are also provided. infrastructure (computers and printers) and meeting rooms, to providing training seminars variousAbsa issues. Through non-financial supporton offering, hasTopics helpedrange over from SARS anddevelop labour their regulation to financial 42 000 SMEs businesses in theskills past training. year through Mentoring servicestools, are also provided. training, business seminars and networking. By offering non-traditional support, the Centres of Entrepreneurship will Through non-financial support offering, Absa has helped bring more small businesses online and make it easier forover 42 000 SMEs develop theirand businesses in the past year through entrepreneurs to establish grow their businesses. training, business tools, seminars and networking. By offering non-traditional support, theand Centres of Entrepreneurship Access to markets, funding non-traditional support iswill a bring more small online and make easier for complex recipe forbusinesses a successful business. Like it any masterpiece entrepreneurs to establish andextra growdetermination their businesses. it takes time, effort and some to get the ball rolling. By investing in individuals, communities and enterprises, Access to markets, funding and non-traditional support is a Absa, through its Enterprise Development programmes, complex recipe a successful business. Like any masterpiece is changing the for South African business landscape, one it takes time, effort and some extra determination to get the ball entrepreneur at a time. rolling. By investing in individuals, communities and enterprises, Absa, its Enterprise Development programmes, 0860through 040 302 / absa.co.za is changing the South African business landscape, one entrepreneur at a time.
0860 040 302 / absa.co.za
Writer: Stephen Timm Photographer: Ntswe Mokoena
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS
Deputy Minister Dlodlo
spearheading Open Government Partnership
A
ccess to more information will help ordinary South Africans to plan and change the course of their lives. “If people have information that speaks to what-
tion will be on the system for them to scrutinise whether government has worked in the manner in which they said government should work,” she points out.
ever programme or project that will come in a particular
The new initiative, to be run in partnership with Na-
locality, in two or three years’ time it will help them to decide
tional Treasury, aims to get government to interact more
where to live.
with ordinary citizens on how state funds are spent.
“It will help them to decide what type of courses they take
It is one of eight commitments that form part of South
at universities, for them to be able to get better jobs. It will
Africa’s Third National Country Action Plan under the OGP.
help them to decide on their lives because they will have
Complementing this, Deputy Minister Dlodlo’s depart-
information at their disposal,” says Deputy Minister of Public
ment is currently piloting a data portal, which contains
Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo.
over 660 datasets on various subjects in areas relating to
These are just some of the many reasons government is forging ahead with efforts to make more information available to citizens.
government programmes, from the economy, healthcare and education to community safety. The Open Data Portal (www.data.gov.za) was launched
As a founding member of the Open Government Partner-
in October 2015 by the Department of Public Service and
ship (OGP), government is exploring ways to partner with
Administration. It will pilot the portal for a year to allow
civil society to improve transparency, accountability and civic
the partnership to test and refine datasets.
participation, which the OGP encourages. Deputy Minister Dlodlo serves as the current chair of the steering committee of the OPG. It was set up in 2011 and 69 countries are members of the partnership.
Feedback from citizens
Consideration is also being given to setting up a specific interactive data portal to enable citizens to engage with government officials and receive feedback on specific aspects of the budget process.
Engaging with communities A key proposal under the open budgeting initiative is for
While South Africa may be a world leader in budget transpar-
those companies that win government contracts, such
ency, government needs to do more to elicit feedback from
as the building of a school or hospital, to engage with
ordinary citizens on the quality of state spending, says the
the respective communities where the contract will be
Deputy Minister.
completed.
South Africa was last year ranked third in the Open Budget
They can then provide communities with details such
Index, which measures the transparency of budget
as the date the contract is expected to be completed,
documents, but Deputy Minister Dlodlo says many South
the planned cost and what subcontracting and employ-
Africans still battle to tell whether government expenditure
ment opportunities might be available to community
has been put to good use or not.
members.
“People don’t know whether that money or the ideas that
The Deputy Minister says face-to-face engagement will
have been brought to bare in the State of the Nation Address
be more effective than contractors simply putting up
and the Budget have actually been put to good use in those
information boards containing the details of contracts.
areas. “Whereas if we go the open data route, all of this informa-
10
In addition, more informed community members would then be able to hold contractors responsible for any
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
shoddy work and will not simply pin the blame on government,
improving service delivery and access to environmental
she points out.
information. She adds that work will continue in those areas
To showcase the value of publishing open data and to better
where targets still need to be met.
understand how citizens can use government data to innovate, the OGP has also hosted a number of hackathons and data
The seven commitments are: •
Implementing an accountability management framework for
“Our focus has been on the journey and interaction with
•
Setting up service delivery improvement forums.
communities with the understanding that as communities
•
Mainstreaming citizen participation in the public sector.
and government departments begin to see the possibilities
•
Developing a public portal of environmental management
challenges across the country.
public servants.
of collaborating in this way, more data will be released and more solutions will be developed,” explains Deputy Minister Dlodlo.
information. •
Developing a crowdsourcing tool on protected areas and conservation areas.
Seeking solutions
•
A schools connectivity project.
OGP South Africa and the Department of Water and Sanitation
•
A campaign to inform citizens of their rights.
recently launched the #hack4water challenge to get ordinary South Africans to solve South Africa’s water challenges using
Improving service delivery
public data to develop solutions to improve water security in
On progress in improving service delivery, Deputy Minister
the country.
Dlodlo says an accountability management framework for pub-
While South Africa may be held back by a lack of internet
lic servants, approved by Cabinet in 2013, will be implemented
coverage and internet that is often slow or expensive, the
in the current reporting period – which runs from 2016 to 2018.
Deputy Minister points out that citizens can still access
Bolstering this, the Public Administration Management Act,
the web via Thusong Service Centres, which disseminate
which prohibits public servants from doing business
government information and provide services at one
with the state, was passed
central point.
into law in December
She adds that the common perception that the internet is for
2014. >>
more well off people and not for ordinary South Africans is beginning to change, particularly with the spread of smartphones. “Slowly this perception is changing, especially if you look at ordinary poorer South Africans in the cities. The mobile penetration through telecommunications has become quite extensive.” However, she stresses that the OGP is not only about the use of technology and the internet, but is rather an advocacy tool across government for platforms to engage and provide information that will transform the lives of ordinary citizens. Turning to the progress made in meeting the seven commitments under the country’s second national action plan, Deputy Minister Dlodlo says an independent review mechanism report published this year notes the country’s key focus on
Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
11
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS
Deputy Minister Dlodlo says that partnerships with civil society organisations in all nine provinces will also be formalised to establish service delivery improvement forums and to provide timely citizen reporting on service delivery. The idea is to get more feedback from community and
tion maps of mammals in South Africa. Those on marine and coastal areas must still be added. An online crowd sourcing tool, the SA Protected Areas Database (also located on the same web link), became fully operational in April last year.
frontline staff to help better determine where state resources
It enables the public to submit data on protected areas and
should be allocated, and to set better targets to measure the
conservation areas to better facilitate the management of the
performance of public servants.
environmental impact assessment and commercial permit-
The process of setting up the forums will be guided by the
ting process. Deputy Minister Dlodlo points out that this could
Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, says the
help the government in the issuing of prospecting and mining
Deputy Minister.
licences.
Progress has also been made in meeting a commitment to mainstream public participation in the public sector. The
Internet portal
process of developing the guideline for citizen participation
Turning to meeting the commitment in improving schools
commenced during South Africa’s first national action plan as
connectivity, the Deputy Minister says the Department of
part of the OGP.
Basic Education (DBE), together with the Department of
Academics were consulted in the drafting of the guide to assist community development workers and stakeholders on
Telecommunications and Postal Services and Telkom, are busy developing an internet portal called DBE Cloud.
how to engage with citizens as well as educating citizens about
The project, which will enable learners and teachers to access
their rights to service delivery and what responsibilities are
free educational content and serve as a learner management
expected of them when exercising their rights.
system, is anticipated to be launched by the end of this year.
Government is also committed to enhancing the capacity
It follows a schools connectivity roll-out project with telecom-
and capabilities of communities to access and claim their
munication operators as part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy
socio-economic rights through the roll-out of national public
project. In all, 1 650 schools were connected to the internet and
education campaigns, specifically a public outreach campaign
provided with computer hardware in 2014.
on Know Your Service Rights and Responsibilities. Deputy Minister Dlodlo says between 2013 and 2015, 1 349 out of 3 201 community development workers participated
South Africa’s eight commitments under its Third National
in 11 workshops in all provinces.
Country Action Plan for the OPG, which will come up for
Access to environmental information On progress made to improve access to environmental infor-
review in two years’ time, are: 1. Strengthening citizen-based monitoring to boost accountability and performance.
mation, the Deputy Minister says the final phase of publishing
2. The Back to Basics programme.
environmental spatial datasets for an environmental manage-
3. Open budgeting.
ment information portal is expected to be completed by the
4. A data portal.
end of March next year.
5. A portal of environmental management information.
The first phase of the commitment involved centralising and integrating the datasets through a singular, easily accessible
6. Institutionalising community advice offices as part of the wider justice network.
portal hosted by the Department of Environmental Affairs
7. Running an open government awareness campaign.
through http://egis.environment.gov.za.
8. Implementing South Africa's action plan on the G20 high-
Datasets include those on land cover, conservation, protected areas, special data for environmental impact assessments for
level principles on beneficial ownership transparency, by implementing a register of legal persons.
renewable energy project proposals, solar data and distribu-
12
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
ADVERTORIAL
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Provincial focus
Writer: Cathy Grosvenor
Free State forges forward
T
he Free State Provincial Government has committed to
Focus on service delivery
improving service delivery and the quality of the lives of
The bottom line, he says, is creating a strong platform
those who live in the province.
for improving service delivery and the quality of the resi-
Premier Ace Magashule says strict fiscal discipline will be the
dents’ lives.
order of the day, as the province strives to ensure that service
There will be increased focus on bolstering engage-
delivery is not compromised by the prevailing tough economic
ments with stakeholders to implement the National De-
climate.
velopment Plan, with the aim of eliminating poverty and
The provincial government is exploring and supporting initiatives that will stimulate the local economy, he adds. “We will continue to channel our energy and resources towards advancing and protecting the gains made in the provision
reducing unemployment and inequality by 2030. The Premier adds that the province has created intervention units which comprise community development workers (CDW) and the Premier’s liaison officers.
of education and health services as well as the improvements
The intervention units seek to support government to
in our roads infrastructure and the development of integrated
accelerate services rendered, interact with communi-
human settlements.
ties to determine their needs and concerns and alert
“This will also be accompanied by continued investment in infrastructure as well as agro-processing and tourism with the aim to improve inclusive economic growth in the province,” says the Premier.
14
departments and municipalities about service delivery challenges. “We owe our existence to the people of the Free State. This I can never over-emphasise. It is their voices that
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
we represent and that we will listen to. Their problems are our
percent and disclaimer audit opinions decreased from 55
problems,” stresses the Premier.
to 11 percent. In addition, the provincial audit outcomes for the past
Leading the pack
financial year were the best by the Free State. There
Proof of the province’s commitment to service delivery
were seven clean audits achieved by the Provincial Treas-
came in February 2016 when the Presidential Hotline Report
ury, Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation,
declared that the Free State had achieved 99.58 percent on reso-
Free State Legislature, Department of the Premier, Fleet
lution of cases reported on the hotline, making it the best in the
Management Trading Entity and Provincial Revenue Fund.
country in this regard. The province is also stepping up efforts to take services closer to those who need it the most.
Providing education The provincial government plays a major role in bursary allo-
“In ensuring that we bring government services closer to the
cations, learnerships and artisan development programmes
people, we have directed that all government departments
in collaboration with various Sector Education and Training
should deploy senior officials in regional offices in Qwaqwa,
Authorities.
Thaba Nchu, Trompsburg, Welkom, Mangaung and Parys. The
Two hundred and sixty-seven Technical Vocational Edu-
extension of satellite offices in Tweeling and Vrede will also be
cation and Training (TVET) college students who received
considered.”
bursaries from the provincial government have been placed
A new development on the service delivery front is the
in graduate internship programmes in provincial govern-
integration of the CDW programme with the Thusong
ment departments, municipalities and the private sector.
Service Centres in order to achieve government’s objectives
Seven hundred are doing experiential training and 495 TVET
of closing the distance between services rendered and service
college students have completed their experiential training
delivery points.
and will now be able to get their diplomas.
Getting it right The provincial government has significantly improved the administrative capacity and financial management of the Free State mu-
The Free State government provided bursaries to more than 7 500 students for higher education. Its investment in bursaries increased dramatically from R5.4 million in 2009 to more than R510 million in 2015.
nicipalities. This is evident in the audit outcomes of the 2014/15
With regard to basic education, Premier Magashule says
municipal financial year, in which Thabo Mofutsanyane District
that the enrolment of Grade R learners has significantly in-
Municipality obtained the first clean audit status by a Free State
creased and the National Schools Nutrition Programme is
municipality, points out the Premier.
currently benefitting 573 284 learners.
Over the past five years, the number of municipal unqualified
The province also continues to sustain its significant
with findings audit opinions increased from 22 to 48 percent;
investment in education infrastructure. There are currently
the number of qualified audit opinions jumped from 15 to 30
15 schools under construction whilst the building of new schools will also commence this year. School hostels are also being developed across the region. “We are confident that putting learners in a safe and conducive environment will reduce the rate of learner drop-out and improve the pass rate,” he adds.
Agriculture takes root Despite the past year being one of the most economically challenging for farmPremier Magashule interacting with Free State learners.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
ers, given the devastating drought, >>
15
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Provincial focus
“Using the Kudubashree model we adopted from India, we have started with the implementation of Hlasela Tlala projects and economic development initiatives in Cornelia and Tweeling. “Local people have been provided with vegetable tunnels, dairy cows, fruit trees and seeds. Other activities include infrastructure enhancement, cleaning and greening and social services. Since work started in these towns, we have created more than 600 work opportunities,” he explains. Premier Magashule adds that the province’s efforts to address youth unemployment will continue to focus on training and development, and the implementation of Premier Magashule at the official opening of a solar energy plant training facility.
youth-led production and processing projects. “We are focusing on reducing overall dependence on industrial and imported inputs by promoting farming prac-
agriculture remains one of the province’s focal areas. While the sector has received support in the form of
tices, which are less reliant on increasing input costs.”
animal feed, medicine and assistance with water supply, initia-
A healthy province
tives to help grow the sector have continued.
With regard to heath care, milestones include an immuni-
Five sites have been identified for the development of agro-
sation coverage for measles first-dose-under-1-year rate
processing centres and the first will be open for business before
of 93.5 percent against the planned target of 90 percent;
the end of March 2017, says the Premier.
85 percent of Grade Four learners vaccinated against cer-
In addition, over 5 000 jobs have been created through the
vical cancer; the expansion of the condom distribution
development of 40 black farmers occupying 18 000 hectares
programme to 29 million male condoms and one million
of land.
female condoms; and 256 737 patients enrolled on the
Hlasela Tlala Ka Diratswana is a food security programme
antiretroviral therapy programme by August 2015.
>>
aimed at lessening hunger by encouraging families to grow food in their own backyards. The Free State programme has positively impacted 134 625 beneficiaries and has attracted national and international interest.
Rural development With food security of critical concern in rural areas, agricultural production in these regions has received much attention. Initiatives include replicating the two agri-villages at Wilhelmina and Diyatalawa in Cornelia and Tweeling and implementing Hlasela Tlala projects to cushion the needy against the high cost of living. In addition, Community Nutrition and Development Centres were established in Cornelia and Tweeling last year, bringing to 24 the number of these centres feeding people across the Free State. In a bid to develop small towns, Cornelia, Tweeling, Excelsior and Tweespruit were declared Comprehensive Rural Development Programme sites with the intention of establishing them into agricultural hubs.
16
Premier Magashule during the installation of fibre optic cables.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Provincial focus
In addition, only 4.4 percent of TB patients defaulted on
“Over the past two financial years we have delivered more
their treatment, which means that the target of less than five
than 9 000 housing units across all the human settlements
percent was achieved.
programmes,” notes Premier Magashule.
“The National Health Insurance was piloted in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. We are proceeding well with implementation,” says the Premier.
Social development
Attention is now being paid to the transfer of title deeds to beneficiaries, he adds. Milestones include the completing of 1 051 units of the Brandwag Social Housing project and the development of 400 of the 950 social housing units at Hillside View. The development
Over 900 Early Childhood Development facilities benefitting
of community residential units is underway at a number of
48 224 children are funded by the provincial government.
hostels across the province and around 495 hectares of
Additional centres will be built in Vogelfontein, Botshabelo
land have been acquired in Sasolburg. This property has the
and Thaba Nchu in the coming year, adds Premier Magashule.
potential to yield over 7 000 housing opportunities, while
A state-owned substance abuse treatment centre will be opened on the premises of the Botshabelo Hospital in the Mangaung Metro before the end of the 2016/2017 financial year.
the Vogelfontein mixed housing development project will create over 5 000 housing opportunities.
Economic transformation
To alleviate the shortage of social workers in the province,
According to the Premier, the Free State provincial govern-
two learnership programmes for 50 social auxiliary workers
ment will continue to support programmes to stimulate the
and 50 child and youth care workers will be implemented and
creation of sustainable livelihoods.
61 social work graduates will be deployed at various centres in the province.
Home sweet home The province has also made significant progress with regard to human settlements.
One such initiative is the youth entrepreneurial programme ‘Business in a Box’ that benefited 60 young people from Matjhabeng. The programme will be rolled out to other parts of the province to produce more job creators instead of job seekers. “Our focus this year will continue to be on reducing red tape, supporting hawkers and providing decent shelters for our micro enterprises in the province, the roll-out of the Black Industrial Development Programme and a focused approach to the value chains to grow our local enterprises,” says Premier Magashule.
Attracting investment Meanwhile, following the inaugural Free State Global Investor Trade Bridge, co-operation agreements were forged with India, Russia, Angola, Turkey and China. Other initiatives to boost the local economy include R5 billion in investment in the Harrismith Special Economic Zone, which will create a potential 5 000 jobs; the province’s power generation and distribution partnership with Bulgarian company Lemi Trafo Transformers and the establishment of a factory in Harrismith for the repair of damaged transformers and the production of new ones. Premier Magashule gets hands on to help build better communities.
Phase One of the Xhariep Solar Park, conceived as part of government efforts to promote investment in renewable energy, will be rolled out within the next year.
18
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Kopano Tlape
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
Compensation Fund improves services
B
y tackling skills shortages, modernising its procedures,
“We are a medical aid and we pay for medical expenses.
and focusing on better management of its people and
We pay for consultations, hospitalisation, medication and
finances the Compensation Fund (CF) is determined
we even assist a person to get a prosthetic. These are all
to shake its reputation for slow service. This is according to the recently appointed CF Commissioner Vuyo Mafata. For a long time, the CF was known for taking too long to
the things we pay for.” Only employees who are affected by occupational injuries and diseases are entitled to claim compensation.
pay claims submitted by people who had been injured or
Turnaround time
fallen ill while on duty. Mafata is determined to change this.
For years, the CF struggled to pay claims timeously. Mafata
The CF is an entity of the Department of Labour. It pays compensation to people injured on duty or who contracted a disease in the work place.
is aware of this hindrance to service delivery. “The CF has not had a good record when it comes to adjudicating funds and we’ve had instances where people
It pays for medical assistance where an injured person is tem-
would say they’ve been waiting for three years to be paid.
porarily or permanently disabled. The CF also pays compensa-
Unfortunately, that’s the history of the Compensation Fund.”
tion in line with the type of injury or disablement suffered. The fund covers a range of injuries suffered while on duty.
He says they currently aim to settle all claims within 60 days at most.
Employers pay levies to register with the CF, thus funding
Mafata adds that the claims procedure was a reason for
the entity. The levies are calculated based on the total salary
delayed payment of claims. “One of the delaying factors
bill of any organisation registered with the CF.
was that the submission process was manual and people
Types of claims The fund covers medical bills, pays compensation if a person injured at work is unable to work after being injured and pays a lump sum if an employee is temporarily unable to work.
had to take forms to a doctor for completion and that form had to be sent here and we would have piles and piles of forms to go through.” The fact that operations were centralised in Pretoria led to another delay. “You had everything from across the country coming here in many boxes. “That became a recipe for disaster and even fraud where people would submit fraudulent claims or pay people to deal with their claims before others.” With the introduction of an online claiming system, Mafata is confident this will be a thing of the past. “One of the things we are doing is to introduce an electronic process of submitting documents so that it reduces the time … required to adjudicate a claim.” He adds that another effort to reduce the long waiting period is to process claims at regional offices. “We are now decentralising our services to the provinces. Now a person can be assisted from anywhere. Previously everything was dealt with here in Pretoria.”
Compensation Fund Commissioner Vuyo Mafata.
20
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
He says that the new online submission method and decentralisation of claims have proved to be successful. “There are benefits to the new approach because we are able to deal with claims as quickly as possible.”
Plans to improve service delivery Mafata says for the CF to get to a high level of efficiency, the spotlight will be on doing the basic things right and focusing on four major areas. Financial management, rendering quality service, focusing on issues of business process and people management are
the public sector. I think that’s an area where we should be collaborating with the private sector. “We also need to collaborate in the medical sector because a lot of our clients are treated in many private medical facilities. I think we also need to work closely with the private sector because sometimes we find that the best place for a person to be treated is in a private medical facility.” He adds that the CF also needs to work closely with financial institutions to assist in dealing with the financial challenges it has faced in recent times.
the main areas that he says are important in running the
Leadership style
CF successfully.
With an organisation undergoing transformation, Mafata says
“We need to implement the basic fundamentals required
it is important to employ different leadership styles.
to manage our finances because if you look at the issues
“I do not have a specific leadership style that I embrace. The
the Auditor-General has raised you would see that we’ve
circumstances and the environment that I am operating in
failed to do even the basic things right and we need to
will determine the leadership style I need to use.
change that,” he says. The CF will strive to pay the right claim to the right person within the required time, stresses Mafata.
Skilling employees The 2014/15 financial report says the Auditor-General found that the CF had poor financial management and control systems. To deal with this, Mafata says the CF is recruiting people
“For example, in the current environment I use a combination of participative and transformational leadership styles. “In some areas we work with inputs from members of our teams but take the ultimate responsibility for decision making. In some cases as managers we need to be involved in the tasks of meeting the goals and objectives we’ve set for the fund.” With his inclusive leadership style, Mafata says his dream is to see the CF as an efficient organisation with a much more desirable customer experience.
with the right qualifications and skills, especially in finance. “Continuous training of our current staff is also important because you can’t just overhaul and change your staff; you need to make sure that the current staff gets adequate exposure and training on the relevant aspects.” The CF’s recent skills audit found the organisation has a shortage of crucial skills. “We need financial skills and medical skills and our skills audit found that we are heavier when it comes to social services skills and very little in finance and medical skills. “In the next year we will be putting systems in place to make sure that staff are trained in those areas,” he added.
Working with the private sector To improve its service delivery, Mafata believes that the CF should collaborate with the private sector, especially with regard to information and communication technology.
This and that
How do you relax?
Reading books and spending time with my family. What are you reading at the moment?
I am currently reading two books: The End of
the Free Market and The Fat Tail both written by American political economist Ian Bremmer. What are your qualifications?
I have a BCom and an MBA from the University
of Free State and a Master’s Degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Witwatersrand.
“In some cases we are unable to attract the best skills in
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
21
ADVERTORIAL
GROWING FREE STATE The Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre During the visit of a Chinese delegation to the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (FSDARD), the Gariep Fish Hatchery was identified as a training centre and breeding station that would focus on an aquaculture capacity building programme for South African officials, scientists and farmers. Following an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in June 2006, the Chinese government, through the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), initiated the development of the Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre (ATDC) – a fingerling supply station for rural aquaculture community projects in Free State province and beyond – to be jointly managed with DAFF.
Construction and facility handover (phase one) This project was divided in two phases, the construction phase (phase one) which focused on the construction of five buildings, landscape, roads and upgrading of water and electricity as well as upgrading of the sewage plant; and the technical cooperation phase (phase two) which ensured furnishing and equipping the buildings; and planning and rolling out the operational activities. In December 2012, the Chinese government visited South Africa and conducted verification processes which led to the formal conclusion of phase one and the project facility was handed over to South Africa in February 2013 through a signed hand-over certificate between DAFF and MOFCOM.
management. To date 170 trainees (30 officials and 140 farmers) have
Technical cooperation (phase two) Breeding of species is done during summer periods (January – March and October – December). The following table shows an overall calculation of the fish bred during the technical cooperation phase:
Breeding Year
Quantity of Broodstock
Quantity of Fries
September 2014
Gold Fish
5 males, 10 females
800
October 2014
Common Carp
11 males, 22 females
50 000
October 2014
KOI
2 males, 4 females
500
2 males, 2 females
6 000
5 males, 2 females
15 000
January 2015
African Catfish
February 2015
African Catfish
15 males, 45 females
30 000
September 2015
Gold Fish
50 males, 50 females
10 000
October 2015
Common Carp
11 males, 22 females
50 000
33 females, 14 males
40 000
12 males, 20 females
30 000
African Catfish
benefited from the courses.
Research The following research areas have been identified to be conducted in the
Breeding Species
January 2016
MEC, M.D KHOABANE
centre:
• Animal health and diseases • Aquaculture environments
• Genetics and fish breeding
• Aquaculture production systems • Aquaculture economics • Fish nutrition
Looking forward The Chinese Ministry of Agricultural and MOFCOM have set up a series of training programmes and seminars to recruit officials and fish farmers from South Africa. The Freshwater Fisheries Research Centre is enrolling aquaculture university students to study in China at Masters level and they are expected to work in the Centre once they finalise their studies. This China-South Africa Technology Demonstration Centre (also known as the Fish Hatchery) is currently the only one of its kind in the country – and is an excellent example of the benefits of international bi-lateral cooperation.
Six freshwater fish farms in Free State To assist with the development of the aquaculture sector, FSDARD allocated a budget for the establishment of six freshwater fish farms in the province – Bethulie, Zastron, Springfontein, Fauresmith, Koffeifontein and Petrusberg. In order for the freshwater fish sector to be incorporated into the agro-processing value chain, a fish processing plant will be
CONTACT DETAILS
for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Physical address: Gielie Joubert Street, Glen, Bloemfontein, 9360 Postal address: Private Bag X01, Glen, Bloemfontein, 9360
constructed in Bethulie.
Tel: 051 861 8510
Training
Web: www.ard.fs.gov.za
Priority was given to the farmers from the six farms in Xhariep District, followed by the other four districts (Thabo Mofutsanyane, Lejweleputswa, Fezile Dabi, Mangaung metro). Before starting training local farmers and 30 technical officials from Free State were trained in freshwater fish
Fax: 051 861 8578 / 086 723 8206
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver
Making waves in the
maritime industry
P
inky Zungu, 33, made news headlines and history, with her appointment as Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) first black female Deputy Harbour
Master – Nautical for the Port of Durban.
the world. “ Tr a n s n e t g ave me a bursary when my parents could not afford to pay
It is an appointment that is the perfect fit, given her fasci-
for my fees at DUT, so Transnet gave me a chance and
nation with ships. “I love ships … they fascinate me. I love
invested in me. I hope I have given them the best of
the sea and I happen to have an office that looks out onto
myself from the day I started working here.
the whole port, so I can see the ships coming in and out of the port … I am in the right place,” she says. Zungu explains that she is in charge of navigational safety. She works closely with dredging services to ensure that the Port of Durban is deep enough for ships to navigate the port safely.
“I went to sea through Unicorn shipping for my cadetship. I went on to do my exams with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) and I obtained my Class III Deck Officer ticket in 2005.”
Women making their mark
“As manager I have the marine pilots under my wing.
Zungu and her female peers are not put off by working
I am also in charge of the pollution department, which
in a male-dominated industry. She is one of the first three
ensures that our port is clean from all types of pollution”,
women in Africa to obtain a marine pilot open licence.
says Zungu. The marine pilots include a number of young
She encourages other women to pursue careers in the
black women.
maritime sector. “There is still plenty of room for women.
Her other responsibilities include incident management,
I would like to see more female captains, marine pilots,
ensuring vessels carrying dangerous goods comply with
marine engineers, helicopter pilots and the like,” she says.
control measures, and ensuring the safety of the port.
Investing in a future
During her time with Unicorn shipping Zungu experienced first-hand that hers is a male-dominated field. She spent the first eight months on a bulk carrier as the only
Her dream of becoming a pilot was out of her parents’
woman in a crew of 28 Russian men. “The only person
financial reach so she chose to pursue a career in the mari-
who could speak a little bit of English was the captain.
time industry.
“It’s a tough environment for women. On board you
The maritime sector entails activities on all vessels used
have to have the physical and mental strength to perform
at sea and associated with land-based services. Routes
the role. Only when you’re on land you can put on your
include oceans, coasts, seas, lakes, rivers and channels.
skirt and heels and be a lady again,” says Zungu.
The TNPA selected Zungu as a development candidate
She returned to Transnet and started training as a tug-
in 2001. She started her career with a two-year diploma in
boat master. She went back to Samsa for the master port
maritime studies at Durban University of Technology (DUT)
operations ticket, which she obtained in 2006. Zungu
when she realised that by working on ships she could travel
became a qualified tugboat master in 2006.
24
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
A tugboat master manoeuvres ships in and out of the port with the help of small tugboats.
South Africa, into the Port of Durban during a two-hour effort. At the time the ship was touted as the largest vessel ever to
In 2007 Zungu was nominated for the pilot training
dock in South Africa. This came soon after the entrance chan-
programme at the Marine School of Excellence in Rot-
nel had been widened to accommodate a new generation of
terdam in the Netherlands. “I only obtained my first pilot
container ships.
license in 2009, which was to handle ships that are up to
Zungu has since gained experience in guiding vessels of any
1 200 gross tonnage. I obtained my open license in 2011.
size up to super tankers and mega container vessels into the
That allowed me to handle ships of any size.”
Port of Durban, putting her in an ideal position to take on her
Zungu, Precious Dube and Bongiwe Mbambo were the
new role, says Transnet.
first three black women in Africa to obtain a Marine Pilot
She now also has a globally recognised distance learning in-
open licence in 2011. The three colleagues were among
ternational diploma for harbour masters that she obtained from
the TNPA’s earliest development candidates.
IBC Academy in the United Kingdom.
Going big
Zungu believes there are meaningful gender transformation efforts that are bringing about change.
In 2011, Zungu made the news again when she guided
“I would say things like Take a Girl Child to Work Day and
the giant MSC Chicago vessel, on its maiden voyage to
the adoption of some schools allows us to interact with the >>
Pinky Zungu is Transnet National Ports Authority’s first black female Deputy Harbour Master – Nautical for the Port of Durban. Public Sector Manager • July 2016
25
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
children while they are still in school and we get to advise them accordingly, in terms of them choosing Maths and Science at school,” she points out. The maritime industry and oceans economy hold opportunities, Zungu says. “The oceans are a world on their own. It has work opportunities. South Africa has over 2 500 km of coastline. We have eight ports that are gateways for the world to trade with us. We just need to train our people to be able to work on ships and rigs, tugs, dredgers, submarines and on dry docks for ship repairs … there is so much to be done.”
Being the best When she started her career in the maritime industry Zungu knew she wanted to be the best in the industry. “At the time I wanted to be the best female pilot. I did not see the Deputy Harbour Master position at the time. Being on the ship just gave me so much joy and an adrenalin rush. It was just right for me. I never thought that my passion for ships could end up making history.” Now that she is no longer involved hands-on with the ships, Zungu is more of an overseer to ensure that the operations proceed safely. “My day now involves a lot of meetings and at times going on board ships if need be. I have regular meetings with the dredging department due to the challenge with depths in our berths and the fact that the ships just keep getting bigger, so we always have to have safety in mind at all times,” she explains. As for being the first black female Deputy Harbour Master in the Port of Durban, she says it is unbelievable, exciting and an honour as Durban is amongst the biggest and busiest ports in Africa. The Port of Durban is South Africa’s premier multi-cargo port and among the busiest ports in Africa, handling over 80 million tons of cargo a year. It is the leading port in the Southern African Development Community region and the main trade gateway between South-South trade, Far East trade, Europe and the United States, East and West Africa regional trade. The Port of Durban is one of the few in the world located close to the central business district. Speaking of her future plans she says: “I plan to be the next Harbour Master, so go around the world and learn how the other ports manage to be the best in the world because I do see our ports being the best, not only in Africa, but in the world.”
26
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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TRAILBLAZER
Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver
Working on the wild side
T
Nearly two million hectares big, it is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. The park is home to 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 114 reptile, 507 bird and 147 mammal species. Shikwambana’s current research focus is on samples of
aking to the air on your first day of work is an unortho-
diatoms for the five perennial rivers that flow through the
dox way to start one’s career but that is what Purvance
KNP. “Diatoms are micro-algae that depend on sunlight and
Shikwambana, 29, experienced when she joined Kruger
nutrients to grow. They are good indicators of water quality.
National Park (KNP) as an intern laboratory technician in 2009.
In simple terms, diatoms indicate the state of health of a
“I got an opportunity to view the beautiful park from the air because we were scheduled to go out and catch rhinos on that day,” recalls Shikwambana.
river,” explains Shikwambana. Has she achieved any breakthroughs? “I looked at diatom samples collected in 1983 by other dedicated scientists
A year later the University of Limpopo BSc graduate, with
and compared them to diatom samples collected in 2015.
majors in Microbiology and Zoology, became a laboratory
Diatom scores showed an improvement in the health of
technician in the KNP, which is part of the South African
some of our rivers. I would call that a breakthrough!”
National Parks (SANParks), Scientific Services Department.
The perks of the job
Not your average lab tech Shikwambana says she is glad to work at the KNP because
Her work is to support research and actively participate in
“it is different from being a lab technician in an average
research done in the KNP or even other parks if necessary.
hospital or in a laboratory somewhere in an industrial area.
She clearly loves her work. “It is amazing that I have a chance
“My day at work does not always require routine. There
to work on big animals and also work on tiny species that
are days when I walk into the office and get asked to get
cannot be seen with the naked eye. How many people in
ready to urgently go out into the field to deal with an en-
the country have such an opportunity? People always find
vironmental crisis or pollution.”
it fascinating that I am allowed to work at macro-level in a park that has the Big Five.”
Sometimes her work involves setting up a laboratory in the field. This requires a great deal of planning, from pack-
The world-renowned KNP was estab-
ing a tent, tables, laboratory consumables, equipment, a
lished in 1898 to protect the wild-
freezer for samples and a generator for power, says Shik-
life of the South African Lowveld.
wambana. “Robust laboratory equipment that will not fall apart as we drive off-road to get to important sampling sites is also essential. Data and biological samples such as blood and scutes (tough scales called scutes protect a crocodile’s skin) when working on crocodiles are collected, prepared and well preserved for current and future research. This work only begins after a long hard day of physical field work and often continues until late in the evening, with the rumble of the generator in my ears,” she explains. Shikwambana is job may not be a nineto-five one but she loves it: “I love nature. Working for SANParks allows me to connect more with nature and I feel that I am contributing to … future generations.”
28
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
But why the interest in crocodiles? “Crocodiles are part of the aquatic ecosystem, which is under stress from over-utilisation.” She says that monitoring crocodiles and their habitat helps us understand the effect of environmental stress on the entire ecosystem and what the implications of this may be for the short-, medium- and long-term. Shikwambana says the nature of discovering information through science is not always understood. “Sometimes people feel it takes too long to provide answers. It would be naïve and simplistic to think that the complexities of nature and how the different parts interact with each other in different
Monitoring rivers
ways all the time can be easily untangled and predicted with certainty. One has to keep an open and enquiring mind and
What makes her particularly proud is her involvement in river
continue to challenge the very assumptions that underpin
monitoring. “The River Health Monitoring Programme has an
the research that we have done.”
important place in my heart. Water is life! The Big Five will not survive without water.”
Commenting on the importance of national parks in South Africa Shikwambana says South Africa is rich in natural re-
The then Department of Water Affairs and Forestry initiated
sources. “Our national parks are mandated to conserve nature.
the River Health Monitoring Programme (renamed River Eco-
National parks are a safe home to most animals and plants.
status Monitoring Programme in 2016) in 1994.
I believe that every South African citizen has a responsibility
SANParks has a team of scientists who adopted the programme for the KNP. Shikwambana says they dedicate their
to protect our natural resources, from a tree down the street to a rhino found in a protected area.”
time to monitoring the health of the five rivers using fish, macro-invertebrates and vegetation as indicators of water quality. Shikwambana explains that South Africans live in a water-
This and that
What is your favourite food?
scarce country and that “our freshwater resources and rivers
My grandmother’s traditional food; though it was not
are under a lot of additional pressure because of the drought.”
my favourite when I was a teenager. I guess we go
Research is necessary to monitor the health of the rivers in the KNP. “Plants and animals are important components of the biodiversity of our country. They are also dependent on each other and we as people depend on them. “In some instances particular species are also important and sensitive indicators of larger environmental health issues (think about chronic water pollution through industrial or other waste contamination, which also affects people and our wellbeing.” Doing research to better understand how these systems function or how species react to change helps protect conservation areas the environments, explains Shikwambana.
back to our roots as we advance in age.
What do you do for fun? Kids are close to my heart. I find spending time with them to be fun enough for me.
How do you relax? I am blessed that I am allocated a house by the river bank; watching the river flowing can be very relaxing. I am also a spiritual person so spending time in meditation and prayer is part of the things I do to rejuvenate.
Favourite holiday destination locally and internationally? Anywhere along the coast in South Africa (only in sum-
Taking on the science challenge
mer) and Madagascar.
This is a woman who is not afraid of a challenge, such as
What are your plans for the future?
studying science or crocodiles. Her peers saying that science is
The future is now. I always strive to become better than
“difficult” piqued her curiosity. Her passion grew “with the help
I was yesterday because the little things I do today are
of education and interacting with people who were already
likely to be part of my life in future.
in the scientific world.”
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
29
VITAL STATS
Compiled by: Dorris Simpson
Fast facts at your fingertips
T
he Departments of Human Settlements and
•
The catalytic projects have the combined value of more
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
than R300 billion and are expected to create and sustain
have achieved a number of key milestones since
more than 20 000 jobs in the construction sector and
democracy. PSM takes a closer look at some of these successes.
down industries. •
The department has secured 5 600 houses for military
Department of Human Settlements:
veterans, exceeding and clearing the housing backlog
•
for military veterans which stood at 4 909.
More than 4.3 million houses and subsidies have been delivered since 1994, benefitting more than 20 million
•
South Africans. These consist of 2.8 million completed houses, 986 000 serviced sites, and 121 000 social hous•
The country’s property markets have grown by approximately 1 300 percent since 1994.
•
The total value of the residential property market is
ing units.
valued at R4.25 trillion and consists of 6.18 million
Government is estimated to have spent over R500 billion for
properties.
top structures, bulk services, social and economic amenities • •
to achieve this.
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional
The department is working towards delivering 1.5 million
Affairs:
housing opportunities by 2019.
•
From 2002 to 2014, the number of households increased
•
The number of households accessing electricity in-
from 10.8 million to 15.6 million.
143 756 households in informal settlements were provided with access to water and sanitation from the inception of
creased from 69.7 percent in 2001 to 86 percent in 2014.
the Medium Term Strategic Framework on 1 April 2014 to 31 December 2015. •
•
5.8 million households have received electricity, with
Nationally, the percentage of households living in formal
over two million indigent households benefitting from
dwellings increased from 76 percent to 80 percent be-
the provision of electricity through indigent support sys-
tween 2002 and 2014.
tems.
•
Beneficiaries of state subsidised housing increased from 5.6 percent in 2002 to 13.6 percent in 2014.
percent to 90 percent. The provision of free basic water
•
Informal dwellings in settlements and backyards decreased
services increased from over 7 million citizens in 2007 to
from 17 percent in 2002 to 11 percent in 2014.
over 11 million in 2013.
•
101 catalytic projects will be rolled out in the next three to five years.
30
•
•
The provision of water infrastructure increased from 61.3
Access to basic sanitation services increased from over 62 percent in 2002 to over 79 percent in 2014.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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IN OTHER NEWS
Compiled by: Dorris Simpson
National and provincial departments join hands In the spirit of working together to improve the lives of people, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure held a series of discussions centred on improving service delivery in the province. “We are here to ensure that there’s greater alignment between the plans of state-owned entities, the Free State and the Department of Public Enterprises.
Director-General at the Free State Premier’s office Kopung Ralikontsane, MEC of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Sam Mashinini, Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Bulelani Magwanishe.
“We also want to make sure that there are no hindrances in the implementation of the
According to the Director-General in the Free State Pre-
apex projects of the municipalities, the province and the
mier’s office, Kopung Ralikontsane, these are Matjabeng,
state-owned companies,” said Public Enterprises Deputy
Maluti-A-Phofung, Ngwathe and Mafube, who collectively
Minister Bulelani Magwanishe.
owe Eskom more than R 2 billion.
The two departments identified various areas of col-
The DPE, Eskom and the provincial Public Works have
laboration such as aviation, municipal debt management,
resolved to assist the municipalities because many lack
education and growing the timber industry in the prov-
resources and capacity.
ince. Four municipalities will receive help with their Eskom debt.
A signed payment plan and the installation of smart meters are also some of the intervention plans to help reduce debt owed to the electricity parastatal.
Imams graduate as marriage officers Thirty-four imams from across Gauteng graduated as marriage officers recently. Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan officiated the graduation ceremony as the imams, who underwent intensive training and completed their exams successfully, received their marriage officer qualifications. They graduated under a special project designed by the Department of Home Affairs specifically to enable Muslim religious leaders to become certified marriage officers. Their new status will enable them to solemnise marriages in terms of the Marriage Act. While they will continue to perform their duties of conducting Islamic marriage ceremonies, they will perform the civil duties expected in terms of the Marriage Act to enable registration of these marriages into the National Population Register, thereby conferring legal certainty to these unions. The graduation follows similar ones in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where imams have also qualified as marriage officers. In total, approximately 130 imams around the country have been certified as marriage officers by the Department of Home Affairs. Deputy Minister Chohan congratulated the imams who graduated and expressed her gratitude to the department's Learning Academy and the Civics Service Branch for the role they played to make the occasion possible.
32
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
GCIS and Media 24 in digital publishing partnership
Media 24. Ten spots in the management programme have
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS),
sector collaboration.
been offered to members of GCIS as part of a private-public
together with Media 24 launched, an innovative partnership geared at training and developing GCIS employees. The
Speaking at the launch of the digital training programme, Media 24 CEO Esmaré Weideman said: “This is a partnership
partnership comprises a five-month digital
between a media company and government communica-
media training programme for 25 GCIS
tors who both have the same goal which is to communicate
employees and an APEX management
about various constituencies.”
programme geared at de-
The partnership is set to benefit both GCIS and Media 24
veloping black man-
and will further empower and develop managers in the com-
agement talent for
munications and media space. Weideman expressed her hope of seeing participants in the APEX programme from both GCIS and Media 24 occupying senior positions in the next few years through this partnership. GCIS Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko noted the department’s commitment to the initiative and expressed his wish for more public-private partnerships. “I hope this Media24/GCIS partnership will create an environment for the provision of communication services to all South Africans and to promote socio-economic development and access to information, necessary for people to participate mean-
GCIS Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.
Tourism Minister honoured
ingfully in our democracy,” he said.
Minister of Science and Technology.
The Federal Republic of Germany has awarded the country’s
“I am happy that your contribution to fruitful relations between
highest honour to South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Derek Hane-
South Africa and Germany is continuing on the same high level
kom. The Order of Merit was conferred on Minister Hanekom
in your position as Minister of Tourism,” said Ambassador Lindner
by Ambassador Walter Lindner, on behalf of Federal President
to Minister Hanekom.
Joachim Gauck, at a ceremony in Pretoria recently. The Order of Merit is the highest tribute that Germany pays to individuals for their political, economic, social and intellectual achievements.
In response, Minister Hanekom said he was extremely humbled and honoured to receive the award. “This is a tribute to all the people who are working hard to make a difference to our country. This is a big moment for all
Ambassador Lindner said the Order of Merit was made in
of us, and I am proud to share the honour with the people of
recognition of Minister Hanekom’s contribution to coopera-
South Africa, in recognition of the outstanding work that is be-
tion between Germany and South Africa during his tenure as
ing done in our country,” he said.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
33
ADVERTORIAL
CARING
FOR THE PROVINCE Awareness campaign In 2013 when the MEC, Dr Benny Malakoane, joined the department the screening level for TB was at 29.4%.; by 2014 this had risen to 58% and
in 2015 Free State was voted as the province with the highest screening
rate of 73%. Driven by the MEC, active TB screening started with the taxi
industry; there is a constant campaign to encourage taxi drivers to prevent infection in their vehicles through proper ventilation and in each October,
transport month, the TB teams pitch gazebos at the ranks and anyone who is screened and found to be positive is referred to the appropriate health facility. The Health Department also works in conjunction with the Arrive
Alive campaign and whilst the police are testing cars for roadworthiness,
the health workers are testing drivers and passengers for lifestyle illnesses.
Back to care outreach In line with Operation “Re ya Hlasela” and the service delivery focus espoused by the Premier, teams of primary healthcare workers led
by a professional nurse visit households in the wards and invite other
departments such as Agriculture and Social Development to join them.
These “family teams” go door-to door and include the MEC and executives. Every month there is a campaign in each district at the end of which Dr
Malakoane chairs the community dialogues that present opportunities for
all community members to voice their concerns – these are then referred to
the appropriate departments and directorates. Each district sends reports in terms of progress regarding the challenges they are facing – the monitoring and evaluation directorate collects all the data which is then fed into the
integrated service delivery system – and whilst health is part of this system it is the anchor of it all, because without health, other sectors cannot function.
Mental Health In Free State mental health is given priority status along with the quadruple burdens of disease (maternal and child mortality, HIV and Aids, TB and trauma).
The number of facilities for mental health patients grew from one (the Free MEC Dr Benny Malakoane Health service delivery and roll out throughout the province has been the clarion call of MEC, Dr Benny Malakoane. The Department of Health
has a number of directorates responsible for the health of the province;
the following pages provide insight into the significant achievements and
strides that have been made by the Tuberculosis (TB) directorate, Mental Health, HIV and Aids, Maternal, Child, Women, Nutrition and Health Promotion and the National Health Insurance (NHI).
TB TB is a priority programme in the province.
There are 2 multi drug resistant (MDR) units in Free State – one in Moroka
and one in Welkom. All MDR and XDR (extreme drug resistant) TB patients from remote, outlying areas are admitted to these units. In line with the
national norm of patients needing to have access to a facility close by, the
TB directorate has decentralised to 10 sites in the 5 districts. An average of 600 patients are diagnosed annually, 75% of whom are co-infected. Using the latest drugs Bedaqueline and Lenozalid, patients who were previously MDR and XDR are responding well to treatment.
State Psychiatric Complex in Bloemfontein) to another 2 in Qwaqwa and Kroonstad.
Dr Malakoane prioritised mental health, 19 hospitals were listed in 2015
to render 72-hour assessments and to provide care and treatment to nonviolent mental health care users in the facilities closest to their residential
areas. In Xhariep two hospitals were identified, three in Mangaung metro,
six in Lejweleputswa, four in Fezile Dabi and four in Thabo Mofutsanyana.
For the financial year 2016/17 another 10 additional facilities were added to render 72-hour assessments.
All districts have been tasked with ensuring service availability and the
building of capacity for 72-hour assessment of mentally ill patients in district and regional hospitals prior to admission with quarterly reporting being mandatory.
The MEC has also insisted on the establishment of a mental health directorate to ensure policy coordination and services are rendered
effectively – this came into effect in 2015. There are five district co-
ordinators, one for each district and in 2015, 11% of PHC patients were screened and 15 079 (7% of the screening) were referred for further
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
management – with conditions such as substance abuse, depression and anxiety being targeted.
The target for 2016 /2017 of screening for mental health disorder is increased to 632 558.
In a situational analysis of the ratio of mental health professionals to the number of patients, one of the most crucial requirements is in the field of child psychiatric nurses. To this end 3 nurses have been sent to the University of Free State (UFS) for training.
HIV and Aids Free State provincial HIV prevalence amongst pregnant women reduced from 32% in 2012 to 29,8% in 2013 – the HIV and Aids programme is aiming to achieve the UNAIDS targets of 90-90-90 by 2020: 90% of HIV positive people should know their status
90% of HIV positive people should be on sustainable ARV treatment
90% of people on ARV treatment should have suppressed viral loads Currently in Free State:
62% of HIV positive people know their status
69% of HIV positive people are on sustainable ARV treatment 86% of people on ARV treatment have suppressed viral loads The programme has the following subcomponents: • HIV counselling and testing (HCT)
HIV testing services are offered in all health facilities as well as in
communities by community health workers, HCT roving teams and accredited NGOs and CBOs, with specific focus on sexually active
individuals of 15-49 years. Community-based outreach services are provided throughout the province.
More than 3.6 million tests have been done in Free State since the launch of the service in 2009 by President Jacob Zuma. The numbers have increased from 550263 in 2013/14 to 650076 in 2015/16.
IN 2013 WHEN THE MEC, DR BENNY MALAKOANE, JOINED THE DEPARTMENT, THE SCREENING LEVEL FOR TB WAS AT 29.4%; BY 2014 THIS HAD RISEN TO 58% AND IN 2015 FREE STATE WAS VOTED AS THE PROVINCE WITH THE HIGHEST SCREENING RATE OF 73%.
ADVERTORIAL
amongst men by 60%. A total of 87667 males have been circumcised in the province since 2013; the procedure is carried out by trained
professionals (doctors, clinical associates and nurses) in all hospitals. In line with service delivery there is an outreach programme comprised of roving teams, taking circumcision to the community.
Free State was one of the first provinces to contract GPs to perform
circumcision – they can claim back from the department after each op. The department works closely with traditional initiation schools, providing them with sterile blades, gloves and packs, and if they are compliant they are then licenced.
• Anti-retroviral treatment (ART) All medical facilities in the province provide ARVs and the number of people on treatment have increased from 168 000 in 2013 to 192328 in 2016. In conjunction with UCT’s Lung Institute, Free State was the first province
that piloted nurse initiated management of ART (NIMART) which was then rolled out to the rest of the country.
To counter the overburdening of facilities the department has initiated a chronic medication decentralisation distribution (CCMDD) programme
in the pilot district Thabo Mofutsanyana. Once patients are stable they
are decanted into the community and can collect their medication from
a number of pick-up points (shopping centres, doctors’ rooms, factories,
NGOs) – there are currently 44 in all - with 27 000 patients collecting their medicine this way on a monthly basis. Another aspect of the outreach
programme are the 49 ARV Adherence Clubs providing 19 000 patients with medical and psychological support. Whilst the focus on testing was initially clinic-based, in line with the service
• Prevention of mother to child transmission
professional nurse, an enrolled nurse and an enrolled nurse assistant were
in 2013/14 to 1.3% in 2015/16 . HIV positive pregnant and breast
2016.
prevent HIV transmission to their babies and exclusive breast feeding is
delivery imperative the roving HCT outreach teams comprising of a
Mother to child transmission rate in Free State has reduced from 1.8%
targeted for growth – and indeed have increased from 22 in 2010 to 84 in
feeding women are given lifelong ART irrespective of their CD4 count to
Wherever there is a “ Re ya Hlasela” event you will find the health teams providing screening and testing for HIV, TB, blood glucose and blood
encouraged.
Availability of medication
pressure, with access to an ambulance in case of an emergency.
Dr Malakoane has initiated the Drug Stock Taking Committee to actively
• Condom distribution (male and female)
ensures necessary follow ups are made.
The province on average distributes 37 million male condoms and 1.5
monitor stock takes and report to the Provincial Council on Aids which then
million female condoms per annum, with a significant increase in male
Maternal, child, women and nutrition health promotion
of the family planning initiatives. The delivery rate for under-18s has
women’s, child and school health nutrition as well as health promotion:
of contraceptives to young people. In collaboration with universities the
In terms of maternal mortality rates the directorate is implementing the
counselling and treatment.
maternal deaths, and prevention strategies have been put into place to
• Sexual transmission infection management (STI)
hypertension. The maternal mortality rate in the province decreased from
condom distribution to 46 421 689 in 2015/16 – an indicator of the success dropped from 7.1% in 2014 to 6.5% in 2015, indicating the availability HEAIDS programme provides the tertiary institutions with condoms,
Screening, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections is done in all health facilities by trained health professionals.
The directorate houses a number of programmes to promote maternal,
recommendations of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into manage all causes of maternal deaths, e.g. post-partum haemorrhage and 217.8 per 100 000 live births in 2014/15 to 130 per 100 000 live births in 2015/2016.
Child health survival strategies include an expanded programme on
• Voluntary medical male circumcision Research shows that medical male circumcision can reduce HIV infection
immunisations, the integrated management of childhood illnesses, infant and young child feeding, and Vitamin A supplementation. Successes of
these strategies can be measured by the following indicators: In 2014/2015
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
the province reached the national target of 90.1% immunisations for children under 1 year; in 2015/2016 the department exceeded the
The Integrated School Health Programme screens grades 1 and 8 for
92.3%; the under 5 child fatality rate from diarrhoea dropped from 4.1%
Referrals are made to the Department of Social Development for social
national target of 83% for second dose measles coverage and attained in 2014 to 2.7% in 2015; severe acute malnutrition mortality decreased from 12.2% in 2014 to 8.2% in 2015 and child-under-5 pneumonia
fatalities reduced from 3.1% to 2.4% in the same years. The province has 6 breast milk banks situated in 5 regional hospitals and 1 tertiary
hospital to ensure that all babies have access to breast milk even if their mothers are incapable of breast feeding.
These achievements are remarkable in the sense that, despite budget
constraints the department has significantly reduced child mortality rates – which speaks directly to the quality of care.
As cervical and breast cancer are two of the main causes of death among women, the Women’s Health Programme focusses on
contraception and cervical cancer screening. For many years cervical
cancer screening was combined with family planning for early detection of the former. In the province cervical cancer screening coverage has
risen from 40.9% in 2014/15 to 58.1% in 2015/16 – this is higher than the national average of 56.6%.
CONTACT DETAILS Physical address: Cnr Charles & Harvey Road, Bloemfontein, 9301 Postal address: PO Box 277, Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 408 1108
Fax: 051 408 1950
Web: www.fshealth.gov.za
Email: hodpa@fshealth.gov.za
optical, aural, oral and mental health as well as weight/height ratios. workers to pay home visits and provide the necessary interventions for those children whose nutritional status is not satisfactory. Grade 8 screening improved from 15.9% in 2013/14 to 21.7% in 2015/16.
The national target was 10% and Free State was the second highest performing province in the country.
In 2014 the human papillomavirus (HPV) campaign was launched by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. The human papillomavirus
is responsible for cancer of the cervix and, using an immunisation
programme, this campaign targets grade 4 learners, who, by and large, are not yet sexually active. In Free State this has been rolled out to all schools so that the children who receive it will be protected for life.
This is indeed an impressive roll out and under the guidance of the MEC, the department can truly say “Re ya Hlasela” – we have delivered!
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Writer: Nthambeleni Gabara
Expanding horizons through partnerships
C
ommunications Minister Faith Muthambi has hailed the
“The creation of compatible integrated telemedicine sys-
recent VIII International IT Forum − which was held in
tems in the regions of the BRICS countries is well advanced.
Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia − as a success for the country’s
In fact, we are talking about the combined potential and op-
growing multilateral relations.
portunities of the largest economies of the world, containing
Minister Muthambi, who represented the country at the IT
more than 40 percent of the population of the planet, to put
forum, said as new participants, the forum allowed South Africa
their resources to protect human health, no matter where
to expand the horizons of cooperation in communication sci-
citizens live.
ence and emergent technologies.
“In this way, our proposal of joint action in the field of tel-
It also presented the opportunity to progress to new forms
emedicine is of particular importance because it is a tool for
of partnership within the communication and media space,
the entire population of the planet in the essential humanitar-
especially within the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
ian task of preserving human health. Healthy citizens can fully
(BRICS) grouping.
participate in economic endeavours and reach their potential,”
“The forum created an opportunity for us to develop mass
said Minister Muthambi.
media cooperation agreements and we believe that very soon,
This is a key pillar of the United Nation's Sustainable Devel-
the citizens of the BRICS nation states will be shown the true
opment Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being
picture of a grouping with growing economic and social ties
for all at all ages. This is embedded in Outcome 2: A long and
that complement our shared histories and political develop-
healthy life for all South Africans.
ment,” said the Minister.
Significant strides have been made in increasing life expec-
She added that work was already underway to enhance me-
tancy and reducing some of the common killers associated
dia cooperation and collaboration with the member states in
with child and maternal mortality. Major progress has been
BRICS, especially Russia, so that media houses can share content
made in increasing access to clean water and sanitation and
and technologies to reflect the achievements of the grouping.
reducing the spread of HIV.
“We interacted with industry experts on joint approaches to
Telemedicine is a new frontier that will
benefit from the emerging communication revolution. Data is
amplify efforts to fully eradicate a wide
at the centre of the new global economy and going forward,
range of diseases and address many dif-
data analytics will provide more government communication
ferent persistent and emerging health
and service is only going to get better,” she added.
issues. “I think that we can do this together
Forum highlights
- uniting our efforts to unlock
Minister Muthambi has initiated the process of linking the
communication and coop-
Gauteng provincial government and the autonomous region
eration between BRICS
of Okrug-Ugra to work towards entering into a techno park
states for the better-
partnership.
ment of our citi-
She said South Africa fully supports the idea of creating com-
zens' lives,” said
patible integrated telemedicine systems within BRICS countries,
Minister Muth-
an idea which was also echoed by the Governor of Ugra, Natalia
ambi.
Komarova. This would bring affordable medical services to the regional grouping’s three billion people.
38
Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
Compiled by: Sekgabo Kedijang
POWER-GEN Africa and Distribu TECH Africa 2016 conference and exhibition 19 – 21 July 2016 POWER-GEN and DistribuTECH Africa will address key issues affecting the region’s electricity market and provide pioneering and practical solutions to expand energy efficiency, technological excellence and implementation of smart solutions tailored to Africa’s power industry. The events will take place under the theme "Creating Power for Sustainable Growth”. In partnership with the City of Tshwane and Eskom, this leading forum seeks to provide an opportunity for delegates to meet with regional and international power sector leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa and across the globe to design and implement the course of power and electricity for 2016 and beyond. They are also expected to explore power needs, resources and key issues affecting the region’s electricity market. For more information, email: leigh@tradeprojects.co.za
6th International Biofumigation Symposium 24 – 27 July 2016
Green Building Convention 26 − 28 July 2016
The 9th annual Green Building Convention will be hosted in Sandton, Africa’s biggest square mile, from 26 - 28 July 2016. Considered a definitive event where experts and decision-makers gather to effect environmental The 6th International Biofumigation Symposium plans to focus on the progress and advances made in the field of biofumigation. Biofumigation plays an integral role in a holistic approach to managing soil-borne diseases, nematodes and weeds. Numerous research projects have indicated what an impact biofumigation has on overcoming these challenges. Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape together with other stakeholders in the agriculture and crop sector, the symposium aims to put research into practice in the field. It is also geared towards practical application of biofumigation in farms and is to benefit researchers and farmers. The symposium takes place at the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosh. For more information, visit http://biofumigation2016.co.za
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
transformation in the built environment within the African region, the convention is set to unify voices with a shared purpose under the theme “Build a better world now”. The conference will provide delegates with opportunities to get to grips with the green building initiative through site visits and other educational visits. The event, which is sponsored by the South African Local Government Association, City of Tshwane, PCC and Standard Bank, will give delegates the opportunity to connect with like-minded industry leaders. For more information email: contact @360degrees.co.za
39
feature
*Writer: Cyril Ramaphosa
Turning the tide on HIV and AIDS
S
outh Africa will once again focus the world’s attention
As Chair of the South African National AIDS Council, I
on the global struggle against HIV and AIDS when
look forward to South Africa’s participation in this con-
it hosts the 21st International AIDS Conference in
ference, where the partnership between government,
Durban from 18 July. Commonly known as AIDS 2016, the conference will promote the message of “Access Equity Rights Now”. The global AIDS conference is convened every two years
by the International AIDS Society. The 2016 conference theme is a call to action to work together and reach the people who still lack access to comprehensive prevention, treatment, care and support services.
civil society and the donor community will demonstrate to the world how, together, we are moving South Africa forward. AIDS 2016 therefore comes with the hope among 18 000 conference delegates from all over the world that we can reinvigorate HIV advocacy among civil society and leave no one behind. For South Africa, AIDS 2016 provides a serious and significant point of reflection on our own journey in pushing back the twin epidemics of HIV and tuber-
Taking stock
culosis (TB), since the International AIDS Conference
The conference is also an opportunity to take stock of the
was held in Durban in 2000 – the first time that the
progress the world is making to end the AIDS epidemic
conference was held on African soil.
by 2030.
Sixteen years ago, South Africa’s response to AIDS was characterised by discord and division and by a severe shortage of funding for prevention and treatment. The crisis affecting South Africa in 2000 – as the country with the greatest HIV burden in the world – did, however, focus the world’s attention on the epidemic in Africa. The 2000 conference was a watershed in the global quest for fairness and justice in access, distribution, availability and affordability of antiretroviral drugs. It served as a catalyst for change, launching a global movement to bring life-saving and affordable HIV treatment to South Africa and other developing countries.
Leading by example Our fight against HIV and AIDS has indeed come a long way. South Africa has turned the tide on HIV and AIDS and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
40
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
is now a model country in the management of this disease. South Africa has the largest ARV programme in the world, with 3.4 million people on treatment. A key success is our programme of prevention of motherto-child transmission of HIV. The percentage of new born children infected with HIV has dropped from 8 percent in
decisions on preventative measures, treatment, care and support. We have to fight HIV together to attain the vision of zero new infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths and mother-to-child transmission. If you are sexually active, protect yourself and your sexual partners by always using a condom.
2008 to 1.5 percent in 2015. While we are encouraged by this progress, we cannot
Female and male condoms are freely available at all
be complacent. The fight against HIV, AIDS and TB is not
public health facilities and there is no excuse not to
over and must accelerate towards the elimination of these
practice safer sex. Between preparations for the local government elec-
diseases.
Working towards an AIDS-free generation
tions, the decisions of international credit ratings agencies on our economy and the daily cycle of life in our
Government is committed to reaching the target of a zero new HIV infections by 2030. Nearly half of all new HIV infections occur among the most vulnerable populations. There are an estimated 210 000 South African children under the age of 14 who live with HIV, according to a 2015 UNAIDS estimate. To ensure an AIDS-free generation by 2030 we must ensure that we close the gap. This means preventing new HIV infections in
country, there are many
For South Africa, AIDS 2016 provides a serious and significant point of reflection on our own journey in pushing back the twin epidemics of HIV and tuberculosis (TB), since the International AIDS Conference was held in Durban in 2000 – the first time that the conference was held on African soil.
children now!
competing priorities duelling for our attention and our action. With the country hosting AIDS 2016, it is my hope that the nation will focus on this critical global issue and renew our commitment as South Africans to achieving as much in the time ahead as we have in the 16 years since the Durban conference of 2000. It was at this conference
Women and girls continue to bear a disproportionately
that our individual and national conscience was shaken
heavy HIV burden: in sub-Saharan Africa, they make up
by child activist Nkosi Johnson, whose self-penned ad-
nearly 60 percent of all adults living with HIV.
dress in which he appealed for treatment and care for
Social practices and attitudes continue to block access
persons living with HIV was broadcast globally.
to HIV prevention and care for many groups most at risk
Nkosi Johnson died several months later at the age of
for HIV, including men who have sex with men, injecting
12, having been the longest-surviving child born with
drug users and sex workers.
HIV in the country.
We must invest in research that can lead to new options for a vaccine and a cure for HIV. While these efforts unfold, we must be clear that preven-
Sixteen years on, the world returns to Durban in July, to a very different South Africa, but a South Africa where we must work hard to make an even greater difference.
tion remains the only solution. All sexually active South Africans should get tested for HIV at least once a year so that they can make informed
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
* Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President of South Africa.
41
ADVERTORIAL
A DEPARTMENT
THAT WORKS FOR YOU
MEC, MR P MAKGOE
In his provincial budget speech for Free State this year, MEC for Education, the Honourable Tate Makgoe, announced an increased
allocation of R244-million ‑‑ a reflection
of the fact that the Free State Education
Department continues to receive the largest share of the provincial budget: an allocation of R38.7-billion over the 2016 medium-term expenditure framework, R12-billion for the
2016/17 financial year, R13-billion in 2017/18, and R13.7-billion in 2018/19.
“We congratulate MEC Tate Makgoe and
his team for ensuring that the stability and consistency in our education sector gives
effect to the Namibian proverb that ‘learning expands great souls,’” says Finance MEC Elzabe Rockman.
Milestones Achieved In 2016 the department increased the
enrolment of Grade R leaners to 53 704 in
663 public schools and 263 community-based sites across the province. An additional 2 900 learners will gain access to Grade R in the next financial year.
Efforts to enhance learners’ capacity to focus on learning by alleviating hunger through
the National Schools Nutrition Programme is currently benefitting 573 284 learners.
This programme enables learners to receive nutritious meals at their schools, which
not only benefits their ability to focus on
learning but also promotes local economic development and job creation.
A total number of 35 160 candidates
registered for the 2015 National Senior
MEC Makgoe with MEC for Economic and Small Business Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Mr Sam Mashinini, Public Works MEC Ms Dora Kotze and Social Development MEC Sisi Ntombela.
Certificate exams – the highest enrolment in the history of the province. Free State obtained an
81.6% pass rate, maintaining its third position amongst the best-performing provinces in the country.
2012 pass rate:
81.1%
2013 pass rate:
87.4%
2014 pass rate:
82.8%
2015 pass rate:
81.6%
Operation “Re a Hlasela” delivers On Wednesday, 22 June 2016, Letlotlo Naledi Primary School in Bothaville was officially opened by
the Premier, a tangible reflection of the success of Operation “Re a Hlasela” we have delivered – an outreach programme aimed at advancing service delivery.
Driving through Bothaville there was an atmosphere of vibrancy, activity and celebration – crowds were making their way along a newly swept, newly laid road, lined by banners from government
departments. The entrance to the primary school was flanked by the award-winning Letlotlo Naledi drummies and the hall in which the celebrations were to begin was full to capacity with local
community members, business people, learners, teachers, HoDs, municipal managers, mayors and district managers.
The programme director, Mr RS Malope, introduced Councillor TA Mogoje, Executive Mayor of Nala Municipality who welcomed everyone and was followed by a representative of Councillor NW Speelman, the Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa who provided introductions and acknowledgements.
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
MEC Mashinini visits the school.
MEC Makgoe, unveiling the plaque of LetlotloNaledi Primary School.
The principal, Mr MI Mofokeng, then took the stage and presented an
in-depth history of the school: it started out in 1971 as a farm school with two educators and 120 learners housed in two rooms. Over a span of 25
Grade R class at Letlotlo Naledi Primary School.
Introduced by MEC, Honourable Makgoe, Premier Ace Magashule joined the choir on stage and the whole hall erupted into song.
years, the number of learners had grown to 335 with a complement of five
The Premier said: “As it is youth month we are looking at where we have
and Japan. Today it comprises 1 330 learners, employs 46 staff and its
throughout the country, not only in Soweto…
staff members. In 2003 the school secured sponsorship from local farmers infrastructure includes: • A maths lab
• A computer lab
• 2 ECD classrooms • An ablution block • A hall
• A library
• A kitchen, with a feeding scheme • A school bus
Mr Mfokeng, who has twice been named as best principal in the district,
come from, where we are and where we want to go. June 16th happened
“We need to ensure we live in a non-racial, non-sexist, united democratic
society. South Africa belongs to all who live in it – black and white; we must build Free State and a better South Africa.
“Education is key, it is the treasure of the people of South Africa, once you are educated, no one can take that from you.”
At the close of the keynote address the school was officially handed over. Operation “Re a Hlasela” has delivered.
paid tribute to all the people, past and present who had contributed to
the growth and success of the school, the learners and the community. Needless to say he left the stage to thunderous applause.
CONTACT DETAILS
Physical address: Free State Provincial Government Building, 55 Elizabeth Street, Bloemfontein, 9300 Postal address: Private Bag X20565, Bloemfontein, 9300
Tel: 051 404 8430/32 • Fax: 051 404 8269 • Web: www.education.fs.gov.za
FEATURE
*Writer: Sello Hatang
Making a difference for Madiba
J
uly is an important month for the Nelson Mandela Foun-
South Africa's vibrant, unique food culture while helping
dation (NMF) as we celebrate former President Nelson
with the dire need for dealing with poverty in our country.
Mandela’s birthday on 18 July.
It will feature 67 top South African chefs, cooks and food
As we all know, the day is now known internationally as
artisans in a unique celebration of South African cuisine. All
‘Mandela Day’ and is a day associated with selfless public
proceeds from the sale of the book will be used by the NMF
service.
to bolster efforts around food security.
Our aim is to use the day to develop an ethos and culture
It is the ethos of selfless giving and service that we hope
of selfless giving. Over the past two years and into the future,
to spread across the country. This dedication is also required
we aim to make ‘every day a Mandela Day’ across South Africa
of those in the public service.
and internationally. The theme is Take Action, Inspire Change, Make Every Day a Mandela Day.
Madiba once said: “Whether you change the linen or stitch up wounds, cook the food or dispense the medicines, it is in
This year, Mandela Day activities will centre around four key areas, namely literacy and education, food security, shelter and infrastructure, as well as the environment. Mandela Day
your hands to help build a public service worthy of all those who gave their lives for the dream of democracy.”
is about going beyond doing good and addressing societal
Becoming agents of change
systemic problems.
This statement identifies what every public servant and every South African should aim to do. While we all cannot
No mountain too high
be leaders of movements and take on glamorous positions, it
This year, two key Mandela Day activations are Trek4Mandela,
is through dedicated and hard work and going the extra mile
which is in its fifth year; and the launch of the Great South
that we strengthen our democracy. There is no silver bullet
African Cookbook.
that will instantly address all the challenges we face. But there
The Trek4Mandela Kilimanjaro climb aims to raise enough
are thousands of actions that we can take to inspire change.
funds to ensure that 350 000 girls will not miss a day of school
Every day we hear stories about the amazing work being
due to menstrual challenges.
conducted in the public sector. Of educationists who spend
Research has shown that girls from marginalised back-
hours tutoring struggling students and dipping into their
grounds could miss up to 50 days of school each year due
own pockets to provide for the less privileged. Of doctors
to these challenges.
who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives. And of po-
Trek4Mandela aims to create
lice who risk everything for the sake of a common good. Yet
awareness of the Caring-
behind all these positions, there are thousands of additional
4Girls programme and
service officials who go the extra mile and don’t receive the
give much-needed ac-
credit. The administrator who triple checks work to make sure
cessibility to sanitary
there aren’t any errors, the supply chain clerk who does extra
towels.
work to save an additional thousand rand or the cleaner who
The main objective
makes sure that his or her ward is sparkling. If we want to
of the project is to
make every day a Mandela day we should always push harder
help keep two million
to build our country and live our lives in true public service.
girls in school by 2020.
In the words of Madiba: “What counts in life is not the mere
Fighting poverty The Great South African
fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Cookbook showcases the diversity and creativity of
44
*Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
feature
Writer: Amukelani Chauke
Municipal audit improves
T
here has been an encouraging improvement in the
The A-G also pointed out that the leadership supported
audit results of municipalities across the country
and participated in initiatives to improve audit outcomes,
over the past five years.
such as operation clean audit, and used forums and work-
Auditor-General (A-G) Kimi Makwetu recently released
ing relationships between municipalities and provincial
his report on the local government audit outcomes for
government to strengthen the administration of munici-
the 2014/15 financial year.
palities.
“We are pleased to report that these audit outcomes have shown an encouraging five-year improvement.
Municipal managers and senior managers also did their bit through improved financial and performance man-
“We have seen this improvement in the area of financially
agement by implementing audit action plans to address
unqualified opinions with no findings, which are those that
the audit findings as well as the root causes of the audit
we commonly refer to as clean audits,” he said.
findings. They also improved record keeping at the mu-
While only 13 municipalities achieved clean audits in the
nicipalities, ensured that the basic controls around trans-
2010/11 financial year, by 2014/15, the number of munici-
actions and reconciliations were in place and enabled
palities with clean audits increased to 54.
monitoring and oversight through regular and credible
The A-G announced that an 18 additional municipal entities also achieved clean audits, taking the total number of clean audits to 72 in the current period. Another welcome development in the audit outcomes was the significant reduction in adverse and disclaimed
reporting on important matters such as supply chain and contract management. In addition, governance at the municipalities with clean audits was greatly enhanced by well-functioning audit committees and the support of internal audit units.
opinions, which decreased from in excess of 30 percent
The A-G also commended the efforts of the South Af-
in 2010/11 to about 11 percent of municipalities in the
rican Local Government Association, the National Treas-
current period.
ury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and
Getting it right
Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in addressing the root causes of disclaimers.
The A-G singled out several disciplines and practices that
He said these developments and improvements augur
were major contributors to the improvements in audit
well for further tightening of financial management dis-
outcomes.
ciplines in local government.
He said that political, municipal and provincial leader-
“We commend the mayors and other oversight struc-
ship delivered on commitments to fill key positions with
tures for their focused attention and decisive leadership
competent people, stabilised the administration and
that have ensured that basic administrative and financial
provided officials the opportunity to meet the minimum
disciplines are restored and observed,” the A-G said.
competency requirements. In addition, the leadership showed courage in dealing
Provinces at the top of their game
with transgressions and poor performance and insisted
The provinces that had the highest proportion of clean
on credible in-year reporting by officials, which in turn
audits in the reporting period was the Western Cape (73
resulted in improved year-end processes and enabled
percent), followed by Gauteng (33 percent) and KwaZulu-
improved decision-making.
Natal (30 percent).
46
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu announcing the local government audit outcomes for the 2014/15 financial year.
The A-G commended the leadership in these provinces for having “proved the value of investing in strengthening internal control, valuing stability in the administration of
governance systems of their municipalities were Limpopo, North West and the Northern Cape.
municipalities and taking decisive action on both internal
Reliance on consultants
control failings and audit findings”.
The A-G said that municipalities continued to rely on con-
“There are still other internal control weaknesses and a
sultants to prepare financial statements and underlying
lack of administrative and financial disciplines, largely con-
records and relied on auditors to identify material misstate-
centrated at municipalities in the Central Karoo, West Rand,
ments to be corrected.
and Umkhanyakude districts,” he said. The A-G said there were provinces with municipalities that have shown the right momentum in their audit outcomes, including the Eastern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga.
Consultancy costs for financial reporting services continued to increase over the past five years to R892 million in 2014/15. “The management of consultants …continues to be in-
“I am particularly encouraged by the solid outcomes re-
adequate. Weaknesses in the planning and appointment
ported at municipalities within the Joe Gqabi district in the
processes, performance management and monitoring, and
Eastern Cape, as well as the Thabo Mofutsanyana District
transferring of skills were identified at 68 percent of the
Municipality in the Free State.
municipalities that used consultancy services.”
“I encourage leadership in these provinces to re-emphasise the benefits of good governance at all municipalities
Concerns over expenditure
as a key mechanism to create a fertile environment for ap-
The A-G said irregular expenditure had more than doubled
propriate service delivery…” he said.
since 2010/11 to R14.75 billion and was being incurred by
The A-G added that each of these provinces faces immense challenges in specific areas. He said provinces that still needed to strengthen the
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
an increasing number of municipalities. He pointed out that one of the reasons for the increase in irregular expenditure was due to continued >>
47
feature
non-compliance with supply chain management legislation.
The Minister added that another major contributor to im-
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure in 2014/15 was more
proved audit outcomes was due to the role played by the
than R1 billion higher than in 2010/11 at R1.34 billion, he
A-G’s office, which instead of pointing out mistakes, focussed
added.
its efforts on assisting municipalities improve their financial
2. Overall audit outcomes management and administration. Municipalities in Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, North West,
With the A-G having identified areas of mismanagement,
Free State and Northern Cape were the main contributors
the and Minister the department consists of 278 municipalities 52stressed municipal entities. would The work more closelyinwith the A-G’s2office mitigate areasof of potential Unauthorised expenditure alsomunicipalities increased threefold from audit outcomes of the are analysed sections to 5toand those mismanagement. 2010/11 to R15.32 billion. municipal entities are summarised in section 6. to this increase. Local government
This will include instituting a cooperative relationship with
The main reason for the unauthorised expenditure was
We set the cut-off date for inclusion of the audit outcomes in this report as 31 the A-G’s office, specifically in the troubled provinces and overspending of the budget; however, more than 60 percent January 2016. By this date: municipalities.
of the overspending related to non-cash items.
•
the financial statements of Phumelela (Free were still measure, outstanding “As anState) immediate stopgap the Back-to-Basics
Minister outcomes (Northern Cape), team will identify low-hanging fruit interventions that will • welcomes the auditsaudit of Dikgatlong Ikwezi (Eastern Cape), Responding the report, (Free Cooperative Governance and Trareduce some of the financialwere mismanagement that has been Ngwathe State) and Renosterberg (Northern Cape) still being ditional Affairs Minister Desas Vanthe Rooyen noted thestatements positive identified. performed, financial had not initiatives. impact of his department's legislated submission
date
been received by the
“CoGTA will intensify its financial management support at
“The A-Gs report shows that the department’s interven-
identified problematic municipalities, in conjunction with
the Back-to-Basics programme, are starting to bear positive
“This will entail proper quarterly or monthly reporting by
• the audit of Bojanala district (North West) was still underway, although tions over the past few years, from Operation Clean Audit to the A-G. the financial statements had been received by the legislated date. Figure results.
1 reflects the audit outcomes of the 278provinces municipalities table 1 to support and financial management and governanalyses audit outcomes typeespecially of municipality over that fivehave consistently in those provinces “This report isthe quitemovement encouraging ininthat it shows that there perance, years. showed breaches of Supply Chain Management policies,” has been a considerable improvement in audit outcomes in added. Figure 1: Improvement in audit outcomesheof municipalities
Table 1: Mov Movement Audit outcome
Unqualified with n findings = 54
Unqualified with find = 109
Qualified with findin = 76
Adverse with findin =4
the past five financial years,” he said.
22 19% (54)
3% (9)
8% (22)
14% (40)
39% (107)
35% (98)
5% (13)
Unqualified with no findings
42% (117)
39% (109) 40% (109)
24% (68)
30% (83) 26% (71)
1% (4)
28% (76)
1% (4) 10% (29)
20% (55) 3% (9)
3% (9) 1% (3) 24% (66)
20% (55)
33% (90)
30% (84)
2% (6) 2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
278 municipalities
278 municipalities
278 municipalities
278 municipalities
278 municipalities
Unqualified with no findings
Unqualified with findings
Qualified with findings
Adverse with findings
Disclaimed with findings
Disclaimed with find = 29
Outstanding audits
Public Sector Manager • July 2016 48 Consolidated general report on the audit outcomes of LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2014-15
Unqualified with findings
There has bee Qualified with findings with 53% of m Adverse with remained unch findings metros, 21 (49 Disclaimed with findings have improved Audits outstanding
Audit outcome followed as a r municipal man mayors and ne municipalities and KwaZulu-N
As from 2012provinces, with
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OPINION
*Writer: Des Van Rooyen
Your
A
counts
nyone who has ever stood in a voting booth and
Government encourages South Africans to come out
made a mark for the party or candidate of their
in their numbers on election day to make their mark. We
choice knows the satisfaction of being involved
are a maturing democracy and worldwide the issue of
in the democratic process. In South Africa our democracy
voter apathy is often more marked in well-established
is strengthened and reaffirmed every few
democracies.
years through the national and local elec-
However, if one was to judge from the
tions.
millions of people who registered and re-
On 3 August, millions of South Africans
registered during the two voter registration
will go to the polls and vote in the 2016
weekends, our democracy remains strong
Municipal Elections. Many seasoned voters
and vibrant.
will, no doubt, be transported back to the
A total of 26 333 3535 voters have been
historic first free and fair vote in 1994, while
certified on the voters’ roll and are eligible
first time voters will revel in the experience
to cast their ballots on 3 August. The voters’
of making their mark for democracy.
roll contains 2 678 307 more voters, which
Whatever the experience on voting day, one thing is certain - every vote counts.
Minister Des Van Rooyen.
We dare not take our vote for granted as
translates to an 11 percent increase from the previous local government elections in 2011. Government is, however, concerned about
countless South Africans paid the ultimate price so that their
the sporadic incidents of violence and intimidation that we
fellow citizens could be free to select a government and
have witnessed in various parts of the country. There have
public representatives of their choice.
also been threats by certain individuals and communities
The right to vote is protected by the Constitution under
to disrupt elections.
the Bill of Rights. Regular elections are an essential part of
Such behaviour is not in keeping with the spirit of our
any democracy. A vote is more than just democracy in ac-
hard-fought democracy and deprives other citizens of their
tion, it puts direct power in the hands of every eligible voter
democratic right to vote. It is also totally unnecessary giv-
to determine who will govern the country, provinces and
en that our democratic space has ample mechanisms for
municipalities.
communities or individuals to make their concerns heard
Our participation in the 2016 Municipal Elections is there-
without resorting to violence and intimidation.
fore critical. The choices we make in these elections will re-
Government remains hopeful that those with grievances
main with us for five years. The councillors we vote for and
will follow the appropriate channels to make their voices
elect will be responsible for governing our municipalities for
heard. We will, however, also put in place the necessary
the next five years. The registration period for the elections
security and safety arrangements to ensure a safe and free
has now closed, however voters who are already registered
and fair elections.
can SMS their ID number to 32810 (at a cost of R1) to receive confirmation of their voter registration details, including the
*Des Van Rooyen, Minister of Cooperative
name of their voting stations.
Governance and Traditional Affairs.
50
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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*Writer: Jeff Radebe
OPINION
SA open for business
S
outh Africa has proven itself to be an investment
African market and plans to open more than 20 stores
destination that consistently attracts some of the
across the country. It follows other global fast food brands
world’s top businesses to its shores. Recently, a num-
such as Burger King and Krispy Kreme.
ber of high-profile international brands have announced their
In another exciting investment in the automotive sector,
expansion into the country.
Japanese car maker Toyota plans to build its
Their decision to invest in a country is not
new Toyota Hilux and Fortuner at a manufac-
simply decided by the roll of a dice. Decisions
turing plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. BMW
are always deliberate and calculated solely
has begun construction of a new, state-of-
on the potential for growth and receiving
the-art body shop as part of a massive R6
solid returns.
billion investment in the country.
South Africa has on a number of occasions
These investments should not come as a
consistently come out on top as the invest-
surprise given our stable democracy, sound
ment destination of choice. This is a strong
financial system and highly regulated bank-
vote of confidence in the economy and our future economic prospects.
ing sector. Investors are supported by worldMinister Jeff Radebe.
It demonstrates that government is hard at work to support the economy and is a solid signal to rating agencies that our investment grade status is solid. Recent investments include Dursots & All Joy Tomato’s
established manufacturing base. These investments also bear testament to government’s commitment to provide an environment that is conducive for business to flourish.
investment of R100 million in a processing plant near Tza-
We are supporting companies that want to take advan-
neen in Limpopo. The company uses South Africa as a base
tage of opportunities within the country. Our 12i Tax Allow-
to export 25 percent of its products to the Middle East,
ance Incentive Scheme helps investors with their capital
China and the rest of Africa.
investment and training for new industrial projects.
US coffee franchise Starbucks also entered the South
52
class infrastructure, exciting innovation, research and development capabilities and an
Through our Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Programme, 22 new factories have opened and 68 000 jobs have been safeguarded in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather industry. The Automotive Production and Development Programme
of the country’s Nine-Point Plan. As part of the plan, we are taking the lead in developing economic infrastructure by investing in electricity, bulk water, ports and rail.
has attracted investment of R25 billion over the past five
This investment will continue through these difficult eco-
years, making the country an automotive manufacturing
nomic times so that we maintain our competitive advantage
hub.
and continue to attract investors. It will keep the country on
South Africa is also a frontier for new sectors of investment such as the green economy, oil and gas, shipbuilding and the
course to take advantage of the next up-cycle in the world economy.
oceans economy. Through our Renewable Energy Independ-
Government is doing all it can to draw in more investors
ent Power Producer Programme, the country has emerged
so that it can grow employment, reduce poverty and turn
as one of the biggest markets in the world for renewables.
the economy around.
At the same time government is working hard to address
We believe that these investments contribute significantly
the constraints in the economy and create the necessary
to our national goals of rapidly growing the economy and
environment to ignite growth through the implementation
support socio-economic development. They begin a cycle of employment and consumer demand. However, the responsibility to create the environment that attracts inward investment is not of government alone. South Africans as shareholders in the country have a vested interest in promoting the country in a globally competitive environment. We should never lose sight of the positive attributes that make our country an investment destination of choice. Let us use every opportunity to profile South Africa and share our lucrative investment offerings with the world. * Jeff Radebe, Minister in The Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
53
ADVERTORIAL
AT HOME IN FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE, TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS Local government is everyone’s business. This is where all of government’s work finds meaning in its implementation on the ground. We, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements are at this core. Our work is enshrined in the Constitution; the right to a home and the right to a government that serves its people justly and consistently through providing basic services. These responsibilities are outlined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, in the clause: There shall be houses, security and comfort; and in Chapters 3 and 7 on cooperative governance. Chapter 12 of the Constitution is the cornerstone of our work in Traditional Affairs. The overarching National Development Plan (NDP), the Back-to-Basics Approach (especially regarding local government), Batho Pele Principles and government’s outcome approach all underlie our work, with Outcome 8: Sustainable Human Settlements and Improved Quality of Household Life and Outcome 9: Responsive, Accountable, Effective and Efficient Local Government System from the NDP underpinning all that we do. Jointly, these two departments are at the centre of human development and nurturing the people of Free State. We are at the core of the human factor. It is at this core that our work and the rate of its impact is measured and illustrated. Guided by the principles of sustainability and integrated development, we have used human settlements development to address other sustainability goals
MEC: S.M MLAMLELI
such as economic development, job creation, education, health and fighting crime towards overall nation building. Targeting previously disadvantaged individual, we have also created entrepreneurs in construction including women and youth contractors; material suppliers and project managers. There is little space in the economic spectrum that is not impacted by our human settlements development value chain.
For those we have reached, we have changed their lives for the better. For those that we are yet to reach, ours is a PROMISE we will keep! You too will have a home you can call your own. The people shall govern! There shall be houses, security and comfort. Together we move South Africa forward.
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE,TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
UNPRECEDENTED WINDS OF CHANGE
Nic Fereirra houses in Sasolburg CBD, the epitome of perfection! Meticulousness and the quality we aspire to accomplish in all our human settlements is exemplified in these houses, which also address spatial disparities of the past where our people were placed in areas far from cities and places of work.
At the core of the human factor lies the innate need to survive, to thrive, and to grow towards self-actualisation. For this, humanity needs a nurturing environment: first a home, then a community, a society, a country and the world. These homes must be provided in a well-coordinated, integrated and sustainable manner. The creation of an enabling environment for nurturing humanity is at the core of the responsibilities of government in its mandate for the development of human settlements – providing decent shelter and security of tenure is critical for sustainable development and human progress. We have come a long way in working towards achieving our outcome 8 of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2014-2019: Sustainable Human Settlements and Improved Quality of Household Life. Core to this mandate is the ultimate goal of creating a nation housed in decent homes. Freedom is not complete without a HOME. Humanity too, is incomplete without homes, for they are the basis for a better and productive life. As Free State, we are proud to say that we have come a long way in working towards achieving the ideals of the Freedom Charter. The journey has been long and challenging yet rewarding. Previously termed “housing”, the human settlements concept was introduced in 2009. This brought about unprecedented winds of change in Free State that led the evolution of the development of integrated human settlements. As a learning curve, our houses evolved from four walled, mainly grey brick structures to the current much bigger, differently designed beautiful and colourful homes, some of which are up to 100m² in size. The Military Veterans’ homes and homes built for Land Restitution beneficiaries fall into the category of larger houses due to additional government funding.
We have built houses and developed settlements that have changed the landscape of many townships and rural areas, contributing to the country’s achievement of over 4.3 million housing opportunities delivered since 1994, from which over 20 million people have benefited to date.
A dilapidated 2-room house making way for a better home. In the driver seat, Premier Magashule bringing about change!
These houses have made our people proud as they became homeowners, slowly gnawing at the shackles of continued rental. Each house, illustrating one of the 15 plans, emphasises the individuality of each beneficiary and illustrates variety in our townships. These designs also break away from traditional uniformity that characterised apartheid planning – they give our people comfort, security and dignity. Re ya hlasela, we have delivered and continue to do so with pride!
CONTACT DETAILS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
COGTA
Physical address: 7th Floor, OR Tambo House, Cnr Markgraaff & St. Andrew Street, Bloemfontein, 9300 Postal address: PO Box 211, Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 403 3224 Fax: 051 403 3699 Web: www.humansettlements.fs.gov.za Email: hod@fshs.gov.za
Physical address: 7th Floor, OR Tambo House, Cnr Markgraaff & St. Andrew Street, Bloemfontein, 9300 Postal: P.O. Box 211, Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 403 3224 Fax: 051 403 3650 Web: www.cogta.fs.gov.za Email: hod@fscogta.gov.za
Compiled by: Irene Naidoo
FEATURE
IPAP key for inclusive growth T
here is a pressing need for structural change in South Africa’s economy and to break out of commodity dependence.
According to Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies,
there is a need to move to a more diversified base in
Key focus areas include public procurement and in particular greatly enhanced and enforced compliance with localisation targets set for government departments and state-owned companies.
which increasing manufacturing-based value addition,
In addition, there is a strong focus on spillover and
employment creation and export intensity come to
labour-intensive sectors such as agro-processing, the
define South Africa’s growth trajectory.
Clothing, Textiles, Leather and Footwear (CTLF) sector,
These are the changes that the recently launched
the component manufacturing and sub-assembly
eighth iteration of Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP)
sub-sectors in automotives; rail, light manufacturing
2016/17-2018/19 aim to achieve.
and engineering in the metals sector; plastics and
Speaking at the launch, Minister Davies said that
associated sub-sectors; electro-technical assembly,
economic growth should not be based on unsustainable
sub-assembly and component manufacturing;
models and that IPAP was key for inclusive growth.
downstream timber and pulp products, including
“Inclusive growth cannot be achieved by sticking to
furniture and boatbuilding.
an imbalanced and unsustainable economic model
IPAP 2016 also places emphasis on carefully targeted
based on the service sectors growing at twice the rate
industrial financing and incentives, including a much
of the productive sectors, on the back of credit-fuelled
stronger export credit and export credit insurance
consumption and import intensity.
support, in combination with a wide range of sector-
“Especially in tough times, there can be no retreat from Industrial Policy. It must be strengthened, deepened and embraced by all the social partners,” he said.
specific incentives as well as the implementation of the Black Industrialists Incentive. There is also a focus on leveraging the devaluation of
IPAP 2016 was launched at Guestro Naledi Inhlanganiso
the rand to make South African manufactured products
Group Foundry in Benoni, emphasising the importance
more globally competitive and create opportunities
government attaches to developing close cooperation
for the expansion and further development of the
with cutting-edge local industrial (and especially black-
country’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
owned) companies involved not just in infrastructure
With regard to growing exports, the main pillars to the
development, transport and logistics, but in the widest
IPAP export strategy include building partnerships with
range of technologically sophisticated, export-ready
global original equipment manufacturers; partnering
and labour-intensive sectors of the economy.
with national export champions; strengthening
Key focus areas
56
stakeholders and economic partners.
existing industry associations and export councils, and developing export-orientated production hubs
IPAP 2016 envisages a massive, concerted and
in Special Economic Zones and regional clusters and
focused national industrial effort, involving all the key
fostering industrial decentralisation.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies during a walkabout at the Guestro Naledi Inhlanganiso Group Foundry.
The Department of Trade and Industry has also established
protective fabrics and chambray fabrics.
a team of technical experts to develop a post-2020
The value of public procurement of locally produced
Automotives Master Plan, which will create a framework to
clothing and textile products recorded by National Treasury
secure even higher levels of investment and production,
increased from R264 million in 2013/14 to R479 million in
higher exports, deepening localisation and expanding
2015/16, an increase of 82 percent.
employment.
Alongside the rejuvenation of the bus industry for
The mandate of the team is to examine the entire
the various Bus Rapid Transit systems, there has been a
automotive sector and not just the existing Automotive
substantial increase in medium and heavy commercial
Policy Development Plan, which means that it will now
vehicle exports. In 2012, South Africa exported just R1.3
include light, medium and heavy vehicles and motorcycles.
billion worth of these vehicles. By 2014, this had almost
IPAP 2016 further introduces a medium-term programme
tripled to R3.7 billion and the performance in 2015/16 is
to ensure that gas-based industrialisation increasingly
expected to improve even further.
develops into one of the spines of the industrial strategy -
Under the Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy, SA
leveraging natural gas as both a source of power generation
Shipyards (SAS) won a R1.4 billion tender to build nine
and a driver of industrial diversification.
Tugboats for Transnet National Ports Authority. The contract
With regard to minimising red tape, the focus will be
has to date created approximately 200 new jobs and more
on opening up space for more streamlined and business-
than 60 apprentice artisans and mine engineers are being
friendly governance processes.
trained. More than R700 million has been earmarked for
Success so far
the supplier development agreement entered into by SAS and Transnet's local suppliers, employees and graduates.
Some of the achievements of 2015/16 include those relating
In the automotives sector, R7.8 billion in government
to public procurement, where the CTLF’s 100 percent
incentives has yielded R28.5 billion worth of investments by
local content requirement has seen the reintroduction of
original equipment manufacturers. Exports grew to R151.5
products where local production had been discontinued.
billion in 2015, while 113 360 jobs are currently supported
These include technical fabrics, protective footwear,
in the sector.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
57
ADVERTORIAL
ENSURING CHILDREN
HAVE A BETTER TOMORROW The Department of Social Development’s core business is to manage the provision of integrated social welfare services and programs. Herewith follows some of the above mentioned services. private providers. These centres operate at varying infrastructure levels, from formal to informal with no equipment or tools for their intended trade. The informal structures in most instances are dilapidated and not conducive for productive learning and are found lacking as per the Children’s Act and Regulations (Act 38 of 2005).
MEC, Ms SH Ntombela
The Department of Social Development in Free State is taking the lead in transforming the Early Childhood Development and partial care (ECD) sector by: • In terms of the childrens Act (Act 38 of 2005) the Department of Social Development is expected to provide funding for the qualifying ECD’s in order to become financially sustainable. • The funding criteria for ECD’s are based on the daily unit of R15 per child per day. The number of children qualifying is 48 675 which totals R192 753 000 per year. • In line with the MEC injunctions 2016/17, the matrons stipends are increased with R251 per matron. The Free State matrons are 937 in total and this increment amounts to R2 587 057 in the 2016/17 financial year. • The ECD practitioners stipends are increased with R551.00 per practitioner and there are 2854 practitioners currently receiving stipends from the department. This therefore yields a total amount of R17 298 094 • The total to be spend on ECD’s in 2016/17 is R212 638 151
The ECD Project Most ECD centres are run by non-profit or community based organisations and
The Department of Social Development and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) embarked on a drive to source applications for funding in the province. This is NLC’s legacy project contributing towards 21 years of democracy. The purpose is to provide our communities with state-of-the-art buildings that can accommodate a maximum of 120 children and ready to occupy containers that can accommodate a maximum of 30 children. Following this undertaking, a number of applications for the construction of ECD centres were forwarded to the National Lotteries Board (NLB). The exercise resulted in the approval of funding for 26 ECD organisations in the province. The partnership between the NLC and the Department of Social Development – which resulted in the construction of ECD centres – is one of the vehicles to transform the sector. The project will contribute towards the upliftment of learning and a better life for the children, which has positive spinoffs for the communities in general.
The Launch of the ECD Project The National Development Agency (NDA) published a research report entitled “Challenges facing the Early Childhood Development sector in South Africa.” The report confirms that key challenges to this sector relate to access, infrastructure and institutional capacity of ECD sites. In recognition of this research, Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) in partnership with the NLC hosted the launch of the ECD project in Parys during
February 2016 to highlight the milestone achievements of Free State government and the importance of working in partnerships to achieve a better life for its communities.
The Project Benefits Through this project, there was a capital injection of R50.7-million from the NLB, which entailed the supply of ECD fully equipped 17 containers at R12.7-million and the construction of 10 brick and mortar buildings (ECD centres) at R38-million. There are 26 ECD centres in 12 municipalities across the province that have been earmarked for the project with a total number of 2 021 children expected to benefit.
Community Nutrition and Development Centres The Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDC) model is a programme located under the Food Security and Nutrition Programme. The programme ensures that the most vulnerable and poorest members of households, especially children and women, have access to nutritious food. The Department of Social Development has managed to fund and support 24 CNDCs, which are operating in various areas of the province and benefiting 3 154 people from all four districts and the metro. In total, there are 32 CNDCs in Free State across the five districts including eight food distribution centres supported by the national department. The provincial department intends to strengthen the food security programme by establishing an additional 8 centres in Cornelia, Villiers, Excelsior, Tweespruit, Theunessin, Winburg, Soutpan and Vrede. Around R1.2-million will be used to build the Cornelia CNDC and will also have a dining hall as mandated by the Honourable Premier during the State of the Province Address. Around 612 work opportunities will be created by this initiative.
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
MEC Social Development Ms Sisi Ntombela during the opening of one of the CNDC’s in Qwaqwa
Isibindi Model and Safe Parks Children have a right to be children – to play and to dream. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child requires all ratifying countries to “recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child; and participate freely in cultural life and the arts”. But in South Africa, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has forced many children to take on adult responsibilities. They care for dying parents, look after younger siblings, learn to cook and clean. Playing is so vital for a child’s development and is often compromised as children become parents to younger siblings. Child and youth care workers were recruited and trained to implement the Isibindi Model (community based child protection service) and more than 2 300 children have been reached. Social Workers, Social Service professionals and officials from other Departments i.e. SAPS, Home Affairs and Labour were also trained on the Children’s Act which came which came in operation in April 2010 The Safe park concept seeks to remedy this reality for children by providing them with the time and the place to play, within the protective circle of trained child and youth care workers. National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW) has developed the safe park model which is currently being replicated across South Africa by over 20 organisations. Safe parks are safe places for children to play where they have access to adult supervision and can play in peace and safety, especially important for children headed households. The model is
The Safe Parks established adjacent to the CNDC for children’s recreation and activities with Child Care workers
implemented by organisations in a formal way where the land is allocated by local authorities and equipment is in place. This model is also implemented informally where resources are scarce. The department provides the equipment to be used in safe parks in designated areas which at the same time allow the Isibindi child and youth care workers an opportunity to engage with children at a more relaxed environment.
There are currently 428 Child and Youth Care Workers and they all have a Youth Care Worker’s qualification.
The ingredient for the success of the model is the nurturing of children in the presence of youth care workers. Children like to play where adults are, they also like to play with adults, and get involved in structured activities. The Safe Park model offers the possibility of wholesome fun in the context of desperate lives, an essential ingredient for overcoming hardship.
This office will coordinate all departments and ensure that services to children are mainstreamed. Children will also have a “children’s parliament” where their voices will be heard. We hosted the first children’s parliament in the province in 2015 and 500 children participated.
The Department of Social Development started rolling out the programme throughout Free State in 2013 and it has a total of 12 safe parks, three of which are formal and the rest are informal. Two hundred and twenty two (222) child and youth care workers received training and are paid stipends by the department. On the 2nd of December 2014, the National Department of Social Development officially launched the Isibindi programme in Frankfort, Fezile Dabi District. Currently there are 25 Safe parks in the province; in Reitz, Tweeling, Thaba Nchu, Odendaalsrus, Qwaqwa (x2), Vrede, Memel, Dewetsdorp, Gariepdam, Harrismith, Steynsrus, Heilbron, Koppies, Zastron, Cornelia, Clarens, Bultfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Dealesville, Frankfort, Gariepdam and Senekal. There are also 9 informal safe parks.
CONTACT DETAILS Physical address: Civilia Building, 14 Elizabeth Street, Bloemfontein Postal address: Private Bag X20616, Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 409 0623 Email:hodsec@fssocdev.gov.za • Web: www.socdev.fs.gov.za
Services to Children To ensure that advocacy and mainstreaming of children’s issues are coordinated in one programme, the Rights of Children office relocated from the Department of the Premier to the Department of Social Development.
The provincial department not only focuses on statutory services but strengthens its community–based delivery using the Isibindi model which ensures that services to vulnerable children reach those communities where social workers are not able to render services to children on a daily basis. From 2013 to 2015, 165 Isibindi jobs were created for youth working with children and a further 222 jobs will be created for the period 2015 to 2017. There are 15 Isibindi sites with five formal safe parks that are operational; 12 additional sites were established in 2015 and by the end of 2017, a total of 650 unemployed youth will have undergone training and received qualifications. The provincial department is working with stakeholders and youth within communities to create job opportunities for youth who completed grade 12 and to ensure that ultimately there are no children living on the streets.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
Writer: Chris Bathembu
Making Tshwane a capital of excellence B eing an executive mayor is no easy task.
And being executive mayor of South Africa’s capital city and the single largest
metropolitan municipality in the country is even tougher. It comes with much responsibility and many complex issues to tackle daily. But for City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, it’s all in a day’s work. He tells PSM that tough decisions, criticism and high expectations are all part of the job of leading a municipality with more than two million residents. When he took over as executive mayor in 2010, Ramokgopa set himself the goal of positioning Tshwane as the “capital of excellence”. He sought to do this by leading the introduction of a state-of-the-art public transport system in the form of the Bus Rapid Transit system, refurbishing roads, renaming streets and public buildings, and introducing free Wi-Fi at several public spaces.
Executive Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
“I regard myself as a democratic leader who is always open to innovative ideas that can help enhance the quality of life
to residents. There are currently 776 TshWi-Fi zones in the
for all South Africans.
city, with 261 sites activated within the past 12 months alone.
“I believe in the shared vision of the future. I dream of a so-
Ramokgopa says the project promotes social inclusion,
ciety where we can all live in peace along the different races,
stimulates inclusive growth and supports learning through
ethnic groups, sexual orientation, beliefs and creed,” he says.
the accessibility of digital education material.
Tshwane has no choice but to maintain high standards if
“Citizens are now able to telecommute and study afterhours
it is to maintain its status as the capital city of South Africa,
near their places of residence, as opposed to having to find
Ramokgopa adds.
transport to traditional places of study.
Improving lives through free Wi-Fi
10 percent increase in broadband penetration increases a
As a dynamic city, home to three major universities and
country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita by 1.28
a string of top schools and colleges, he explains that the
percent; increases employment by 0.28 percent and facilitates
decision to introduce free broadband in certain public spaces
the growth of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises.
within the city was a deliberate one. As a result, the project earned accolades at the Africa Technology Awards, recently.
60
“Independent research indicates that, on average, every
He says the City is now one big internet hotspot earning the brand name “TshWi-Fi” which characterises the city’s full digital offering.
According to research conducted by BMI-TechKnowledge,
Since the free broadband project inception in 2013, over
Tshwane is one of the leading metros in providing free Wi-Fi
1.4 million unique devices have accessed the TshWi-Fi net-
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
work, representing a 328 percentage increase since March 2015, a monthly growth rate of 15 percent on average. The initial daily cap was 250MB and speeds of 1MB per second. Today, the daily cap has been increased by 100 percent to 500MB and the average speeds are 15 times faster.
Youth participation in the economy
Within the past five years, Tshwane has recorded a rand-value in investment of approximately R12.5 billion, exceeding the fiveyear target by R3.5 billion. “The city approved a Development Investment Incentives Policy in May 2015 which aims to attract catalytic investments into the capital. “The role of the automotive industry is notable as the
Another successful project for the city is Tshepo 10 000, which is
transport industry in Tshwane grew from R23.9 billion in 2010
in its second year and has significantly increased the participa-
to R28.9 billion in 2015,” points out Ramokgopa.
tion of youth in the economy. Ramokgopa says the project has created 508 jobs through technical opportunities.
But there are also challenges. The mayor says slow payment and non-payment of municipal bills by residents remains one of the
“This is a job creation initiative to empower 10 000 youths
major challenges. He warns that non-payment impacts on the
with entrepreneurial skills, and it continues to grow in leaps
city’s ability to roll out services and maintain key infrastructure.
and bounds. To date, more than R380 million worth of con-
During 2015, the city initiated the Mmogo Re A Gola pro-
tracts have been awarded to the beneficiaries of Tshepo
gramme which means ‘together we grow’. It is aimed at
10 000,” he says.
enhancing the importance of revenue collection within the city
The best three Tshepo 10 000 cooperatives, as measured by
to ensure its ability to deliver ongoing services to residents.
the value of contracts awarded, are Legae Housing and Pro-
“As a result, some of our successes include a cumulative
jects Primary Cooperative, Ikageng Primary Cooperative, and
increase in payment levels of R400 million in the first half of the
Leseding 10K Primary Cooperative.
financial year, a total of R850 million being collected through the
The Ga-Rankuwa Eco-Furniture Factory, which was launched
newly established Revenue Recovery and Credit Control Centre,
in 2014, has produced more than 49 000 school desks valued
and a net reduction in our debtors book in excess of R400 million
in excess of R30.9 million.
by the end of March 2016,” he says.
Tshwane also scooped the Expanded Public Works Programme Awards for its Youth Job-Creation and Greening projects.
About Kgosientso Ramokgopa
“The programme created 30 280 new work opportunities in
The mayor of the capital city of South Africa has a number
the 2013/14 financial year and a target of 40 000 opportunities
of qualifications under his belt, including a Master's of Busi-
for the 2014/15 financial year.
ness Leadership from the University of South Africa. He is
“In both 2014 and 2015, the city won the best project within the metropolitan and district/local category for its youth and greening project ‘Vat Alles’,” boasts the mayor.
City attracts investments
currently completing a PhD in Public Affairs through the University of Pretoria. Before joining the City of Tshwane, Ramokgopa served as the CEO of the Metropolitan Trading Company, which is an entity of the City of Johannesburg. He was also Johannesburg Market
While innovation is important in ensuring that young
CEO, and a deputy chairperson of the Board of Trade and Invest-
people have access to technology and skills, it has not been
ment in Limpopo. He developed an interest in politics while
the number one money spinner for the city. Ramokgopa
studying towards his first degree, BSc Civil Engineering, at the
says the main sectors of investment have been real estate,
then University of Durban-Westville (now called University of
automotive and other manufacturing sectors.
KwaZulu-Natal).
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
61
ADVERTORIAL
FREE STATE ECONOMY FIGHTING BACK
“The government is working with civil society, labour and the private sector to mitigate against harsh economic situations.”
M.S Mashinini, MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Tabling the 2016/17 Budget earlier this year, MEC Sam Mashinini, responsible for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs made a bold commitment to improve collaboration and partnerships to tackle economic challenges facing Free State. “Every activity of each department from primary education, feeding schemes and matric results in the Department of Education, early childhood and eradication of poverty in Social Development, building of infrastructure in Public Works, establishing emerging farmers and agro–processing in the Department of Agriculture, provision of decent housing in Human Settlement, fighting crime and moving goods in Police, Roads and Transport, the development of artists and sports men and women in Sports, Arts and Culture, local economic development and provision of basic services in all municipalities coordinated by COGTA, prudent fiscal management in the Treasury and the coordination role of the Premier, all contribute towards the economic wellbeing of this province,” said Mashinini. This, he said, remains one of the few options left to the Free State Government because of the economic
legacy of apartheid where race and class were inextricably linked to systematic discrimination, dispossession and superexploitation on the basis of race.
agricultural sector and mining output, which declined on the back of weak global demand and historically low commodity prices.
To ensure that all people benefit, equitably, from the government’s programme of action – as declared in the Freedom Charter: People shall share in the country’s wealth, and that Free State’s economy responds sufficiently to cater for all its citizens – decisive steps are needed. To this end, the Free State Provincial Government’s economic programme of action will focus on:
This prevailing economic environment is impacting negatively on efforts to reduce the high rate of unemployment in Free State. The difficult economic situation notwithstanding, employment absorption in the province during Q1: 2016 was the highest in Community and Social Services followed by Trade, Private Households and Agriculture. These industries recorded a workforce of 201 000, 166 000, 99 000 and 72 000, respectively. The situation a year ago (Q1: 2015) was the same for the first two industries, followed by Agriculture and Private Households (with 200 000, 167 000, 82 000 and 75 000 respectively).
• C hampioning economic development in Free State • Radical socio–economic transformation • Addressing declining mining and agriculture • Implementing the National Development Plan • Broaden ownership of assets to historically disadvantaged groups • Enhancing manufacturing and industrialisation In the recent past, South Africa’s economic growth has been under tremendous pressure with the increasing the burden of unemployment. Annual domestic economic growth was only 1.3% in 2015, which is considered inadequate for reducing high unemployment, poverty and inequality, as well as creating inclusive growth going forward. Moreover, National Treasury forecasts economic growth to be below 1% this year, and the Reserve Bank expects growth to be below 2% in both 2017 and 2018. In the first quarter real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted at an annualised rate of 1.2%. Real production in the primary sector declined sharply in the first quarter of 2016, due to drought having a devastating impact on the
The recently released Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicates that the highest employment gains quarter-to-quarter (Q1: 2016 to Q4: 2015) were recorded in Agriculture, Private Households and Construction contributing 8 000, 6 000 and 5 000 jobs respectively. Unfortunately job losses were recorded in five industries with the highest job losses in Trade (21 000), Community & Social Services (11 000) and Manufacturing (9 000). It is expected that Free State’s real output growth will grow at an average annual rate of less than 2% from 2016 to 2019. The expected sluggish growth is due to the impact of ongoing drought (only 30% of hectares planted in 2015), livestock deaths, increased prices of feed and thus increased food prices. For 2019, Free State’s forecasted real output growth is estimated to be R174– billion or 5.1% of the total South African GDP. When looking at the regions within Free State, it is expected that from 2014
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
“ F O R 2 0 1 9 , F R E E S TAT E ’ S F O R E C A S T E D R E A L O U T P U T G R O W T H I S E S T I M AT E D T O B E R 1 7 4 – B I L L I O N O R 5 . 1 % O F T H E T O TA L S O U T H A F R I C A N G D P. ”
to 2019 the Xhariep District Municipality will achieve the highest average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The region that is expected to achieve the second highest average annual growth rate is that of Fezile Dabi District Municipality, averaging 2.4% in the coming three years. On the other hand, the region that is expected to perform the poorest relative to the other regions within Free State is the Lejweleputswa District Municipality with an average annual growth rate below 1%. To address the challenges of economic development and slow growth, the 2016 Provincial Budget Speech identified 14 strategic infrastructure projects including the following: • T he Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Tshiame in Harrismith as well as the Harrismith Logistics Hub with the focus on agro-logistics; fuel distribution depot; a vehicle distribution centre and a food processing plant. These projects support the objectives of the Industrial Policy Action Plan to stimulate the manufacturing sector. • Integrated urban space and public transport programmes, including the N8 corridor strategic development; aerocity concept for Bram Fischer airport node as well as the revitalisation of mining towns. • Integrated municipal infrastructure, including but not limited to the rehabilitation of water and waste water treatment works in various municipalities in the province as well as bulk water schemes in Xhariep, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Setsoto, Dihlabeng, Phumelela and Nketoana. • Green energy including development of a solar park in Xhariep, exploration of natural gas in Matjhabeng as well as underground coal gasification in Masilonyana. • The establishment of five agri-parks, which will boost agroprocessing for the province. • The implementation of the Black Industrial Development Programme that will bolster value for the benefit of local enterprises and thereby expand the manufacturing capacity chains in the province. • Agreements with other global partners, thereby promoting Free State as an ideal investment destination.
CONTACT DETAILS Physical: 34 Markgraaf Street, Westdene, 9301 Postal: Private Bag X20801, Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 404 9600 / 0861 102 185 Fax: 051 400 4732 • Web: www.edtea.fs.gov.za
• T he introduction of a tourism grant to capitalise on the current successes of the tourism industry. Free State Provincial Government’s economic programme has at its centre the deracialisation of the economy to make a fundamental break with the ownership patterns of the past. To achieve this, several programmes have been initiated. These include: The Black Industrialisation Programme aimed at black people directly involved in the origination, creation, significant ownership, management and operation of industrial enterprises that derive value from the manufacturing of goods and services at a large scale; acting to unlock the productive potential of our country`s capital assets for massive employment locally. The Enterprise Support Programme is aimed at changing the genetic makeup of township enterprises in Free State. The programme is focused at township enterprises that shows extra ordinary entrepreneurial desire to succeed. The Tourism Product Development is part of Free State government’s tourism transformation agenda which includes diversified tourism development so as to have variety of products and attractions for both domestic and international tourists to enjoy in Free State. The government has identified the Transformation of Game Industry to ensure entry of the previously disadvantaged into this lucrative business. Beneficiaries should up their game and identify the markets and understand the value chain and down streaming in this industry. The above strategic plans and programmes represent a bold effort to transform Free Sate’s economy, laying the basis for growth and jobs. They represent an opportunity to mobilise the nation and the inhabitants of Free State Province behind a common vision, develop a common platform for delivery to the nation and build partnerships with business and labour.
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize
FEATURE
Farewell
Justice Moseneke
D
eputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Dikgang Moseneke has retired from the bench after almost 40 years in the legal profession.
“What a privilege it was to serve you all and I am thankful for that. I
had the space to work, to think, and to write to my heart’s content. I have had the pleasure of writing on virtually every big political, social and commercial dispute in our land. “I have had the joy of going to law schools in this land and in other lands only to find extensive passages of what I have written taught to young lawyers at law schools. I have been blessed with remarkable colleagues who made judicial collegiality appear natural and inbred,” said Moseneke during a special farewell event hosted by the Constitutional Court. President Jacob Zuma was one of many to wish the former Deputy Chief Justice well on his retirement and also thanked him for his service to the judiciary and country. “Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke rose from almost impossible circumstances as the youngest prisoner on Robben Island through to becoming Deputy President of the PanAfricanist Congress, an astute businessman and pioneer of Black Economic Empowerment to being one of the country’s finest jurists and esteemed Justice of our Constitutional Court,” noted President Zuma. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng described his colleague as “a lawyer with exceptional abilities and a jurist that contributed enormously to South Africa". Mogoeng said he found it difficult to speak
Justice Dikgang Moseneke.
64
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
about someone as distinguished as Moseneke.
“So I knew when I came out of Robben Island that
“There are profound lessons that we can learn. He has
I had to make a choice either to go into exile or to
always been humble. He has told me, through tough
remain a combatant in the domestic struggle. I chose
times, that it is an honour just to be a judge,” said Chief
to do things the way I know best. To become a lawyer
Justice Mogoeng.
of remarkable excellence, of unfailing integrity and of
Leading legal mind Speaking during the farewell event, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development John Jeffery said
commitment to the broader struggle of our people in all their kinds, shapes and colours for an equal and just society,” he added.
Moseneke was one of the most respected and astute
The rise to the top
legal minds in the history of our country.
While on Robben Island, Moseneke obtained a BA
“We know him as a highly principled, fearless and out-
degree in English and Political Science and a B luris
spoken jurist – one who never shies away from speaking
degree. He later completed an LLB; all three degrees
his mind, one who pronounces on the law without fear,
were conferred by the University of South Africa.
favour or prejudice, a man who is not afraid to speak truth
Moseneke started his professional career as an at-
to power. I would argue, that what really makes him a
torney’s clerk at Klagbruns Inc in Pretoria in 1976. In
“constitutional rock star” is his humanity.
1978 he was admitted and practised for five years
“It is his ability to comprehend the human condition, to
as an attorney and partner at the law firm Maluleke,
see human beings as human beings, not as mere parties
Seriti and Moseneke. In 1983 he was called to the Bar
to litigation, which makes Dikgang Moseneke one of the
and practised as an advocate in Johannesburg and
most respected and astute legal minds in the history of
Pretoria. Ten years later, in 1993, he was elevated to
our country,” he added.
the status of senior counsel. In 1993 Moseneke served on the technical com-
Life-long commitment
mittee that drafted the interim constitution of 1993.
Moseneke was born in Pretoria in December 1947. He
In 1994 he was appointed Deputy Chairperson of
attended primary and secondary school there. But at
the Independent Electoral Commission, which con-
the age of 15, when in standard eight, Moseneke was
ducted the first democratic elections in South Africa.
arrested, detained, and convicted of participating in anti-
In September 1994 Moseneke accepted an acting
apartheid activities. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on Robben Island.
appointment to the Transvaal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court. Before his appointment as Justice of the Consti-
“The pain and adversity in my childhood prepared me
tutional Court, in November 2001, Moseneke was
for a life-long commitment to conduct that will bring
appointed a Judge of the High Court in Pretoria. In
true and full liberation of our land and all its remark-
November 2002 he was appointed as judge in the
able people. The sojourn on Robben Island set me on
Constitutional Court and in June 2005, Moseneke
a course of constantly asking: what are the features of
was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic
a good society?”
of South Africa.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
65
*Writer: Andries Nel
OPINION
Creating work opportunities
T
he Community Work Programme (CWP) is a
Currently all municipalities in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpuma-
government programme that aims to take us closer to
langa have CWP sites in operation. In 2017 we aim to ensure
our goal of decent work for all.
that all the municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North
The CWP was launched in 2009 to create thousands of work
West, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape will have at least one
opportunities for South Africans, particularly those who are
CWP site, and in the Western Cape sites will be established in
excluded because they lack skills or live far from jobs.
eight more municipalities.
The CWP does not replace existing jobs but provides regular part-time work in communities for two days a week or 100 days a year for each participant. There is no limit to
The programme has a positive impact on many people, families and communities.
how long a CWP worker may work for the programme. With a
CWP transforming lives
regular income for two days of work a week, participants can
For individuals, the CWP may be a chance to transform their life
use the remaining time for other livelihood
circumstances. In the Eastern Cape, Vumile Msoki
activities like food gardening or to look for
joined the CWP in 2012. While on the programme
other work. The CWP aims to provide a
he learnt to weld. Now he is responsible for all the
long-term and stable income.
welding work done at the Amahlathi CWP site. On weekends he gets private welding jobs in Keiskam-
Community participation
mahoek where he leads a team of welders.
The work that CWP members do is useful
Gogo Karlina Mvhendana, who is in her 90s and
and decent. A unique aspect of the CWP
lost her sight in 2004, benefitted from the CWP
is that the community itself decides what
with Bohlabela CWP participants building her a
kinds of work are most needed in the community. Through community meet-
one-room home and helping her to get groceries. Deputy Minister Andries Nel.
The programme also helped her to access eye care
ings and public participation, the pri-
and after a cataract operation she regained the
orities are agreed on. These differ in each
sight in her right eye.
community. Examples include community safety patrols,
Community care projects have become an important part of
homework support, gardening and landscaping, cleaning
the CWP, addressing a wide range of social welfare needs from
up illegal dumping sites, providing support for crèches,
support for child-headed households to organising group activi-
restoring school furniture, cleaning rivers, canals and
ties for community members with disabilities.
cemeteries, providing scholar patrols and assisting sick or elderly community members.
For some participants the programme has also been a stepping stone to formal, full-time employment through the skills gained
By doing things in their local communities participants do
while working for the CWP. Training and work experience are
not have to travel far to get to work and they benefit from
an important part of what the CWP can offer to its participants.
the improvements to community life that their work brings. So far 223 315 participants have benefitted from the CWP
Ensuring safer communities
and this number will continue to grow in the new financial
There is also growing awareness of the role that the CWP can
year, and into the future. An additional 21 423 participants
play in keeping communities safer. In communities where
will benefit by March 2017.
crime and violence are a problem, the CWP can provide
66
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
regular safety patrols and support to victims of crime. In
I’ve been working at CWP and I can show other people what
some communities violence against women has been identi-
to do also.”
fied as a priority. Work priorities identified to try and address
The CWP has been making steady progress since it was
this include CWP community safety guards being deployed
initiated in 2009. Its achievements have been through
at dangerous hotspots and the clearing of long grass and
the hard work of its participants, the involvement of the
bushes in areas where women have been mugged or raped.
community and the ability of skilled implementation agents
In areas like Munsieville, near Krugersdorp, discussions with
in the government and the private sector to keep up steady
local shebeens have been held and agreements reached
progress at each CDW site from day to day.
for them to close earlier. In Manenberg in Cape Town
A recipe for success
the CWP transformed a dan-
Clean, corruption-free management of a
gerous dumping site into a
programme like this is part of the recipe
peace garden for the com-
for success. The CWP can only work when
munity to use as a park.
participation is based on fair criteria and when oversight is strong.
Easing the burden on poor households
Our economy is growing slowly at present, so the CWP has a particularly impor-
While the money earned in
tant role to play. But even when economic
the CWP may be modest
growth picks up, as we expect it to do,
compared with some formal
there will still be some sectors of our soci-
and full-time employment,
ety that will struggle to access those parts
there is much evidence that
of the economy where growth is taking
this money makes life easier
place.
in poor households and con-
This may be because they have limited
tributes to the local economy.
skills or education, or live in areas that are
Research has shown that
far from formal jobs or educational oppor-
in some areas households
tunities. We need to take a long view of
have more nutritious food
the CWP and provide for members of our
than they previously did as a
community who will not be able to take up
result of the CWP. This is not
all of the opportunities that our dynamic
only because there is more
economy may offer.
on
We have proven that South Africa can
food, but also because
design and implement a public employ-
more than 50 000 home
ment programme that is among the best
money
to
spend
food gardens and community clinic, crèche or school
in the world.
gardens have been established through the CWP. The CWP
We must continue to build on this, to reach out to more
food gardens also mean that gardening skills are passed
vulnerable communities, and ensure that more people
on and participants in the CWP who have worked on food
can experience the dignity, companionship, skills and
gardens are more likely to start a garden at home than other
opportunity that come with regular, decent work.
community members. In Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, a CWP worker said: “I know things I didn’t know about how to grow food since
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
* Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
67
ADVERTORIAL
A DEPARTMENT
THAT WORKS FOR YOU Job opportunities created with road construction projects
Financial Year Jobs created Youths Women Person Days 2012/13
1 787
1 276
586
161 674
2013/14
1 605
1 168
509
94 643
2014/15
4 954
4 954
1 861
274 096
2015/16
4 572
4 572
1 747
191 060
HON. BM KOMPHELA - MEC
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPRT) is the custodian of Free State’s road
networks and infrastructure, oversees the SAPS service delivery standards in the province and is
responsible for law enforcement to ensure that everyone within the borders of the province feels, and is, safe.
Road Infrastructure The DPRT has 6 300 kilometres of tarred roads
to construct and maintain, which are needed to grow the economy of the province. We spent about
R1.1-billion per annum to maintain and construct our roads and excellent progress has been made thus far. The Thaba Nchu Access Road project won the National Department of Transport Bokamoso
Award for excellence under the construction category in 2015.
R74 ROAD
Contractor Development Programme The Department of Police, Roads and Transport has the most successful Contractors’ Development
Programme (CDP) in the country. The CDP supports emerging contractors to promote inclusive growth and job creation.
At this stage the CDP supports, develops and trains 132 contractors of whom 37 are women, 28
are youths and three are disabled contractors. Theoretical and practical training for the proposed
contractors are conducted by the department for a period of 36 months. Contractors can progress from level zero to level four.
Projects such as the upgrading of Parys and Kroonstad Through Routes are a demonstration
of the promotion of accessibility, mobility and integrated networks that are environmentally
sensitive and stimulating socioeconomic growth in the province. These projects together are valued
at a total of R143-million and have created job opportunities for local people in these areas.
Our resurfacing and maintenance projects also made a huge difference in the lives of local communities by linking the rural areas with bigger towns and providing access to clinics, schools and other services, including:
Contractor development throught training.
Bloemfontein-Bultfontein: 48km Vrede-Standerton: 28km
Frankfort-Villiers: 27.3km
Rouxville-Zastron: 29.3km, Bothaville-
Leeudoringstad: 17.5km, Bloemfontein-Bultfontein: 36km, Kroonstad-Vredefort: 36km, Petrus SteynHeilbron: 44.84km Warden-Standerton: 40km, Heilbron-Frankfort: 53.9km QwaQwa Route 4: 4.6km, Monontsha Route: 4.5km
Free State, the safest province for two years in a row! The Free State Province was announced as the safest province in the country for 2014/15 as it
recorded the highest decrease in crime. During the 2013/14 period, the Province topped the list of safest provinces where contact crimes like murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GHB) among others have dropped. The decline in provincial crime statistics over the years bears testimony to the success of a collaborative approach to crime prevention.
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, ROADS & TRANSPORT
Decrease in Crime In 2014/15 Free State recorded the highest decrease in crime in the country. During the 2013/14 period, contact crimes like murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GHB) among others also
dropped in the province. The decline in provincial crime over the years bears testimony to the success of a collaborative approach to crime prevention.
Social Crime Prevention Social crime prevention projects are key in combating crime and seek to
address social ills in various communities. These include campaigns against gangsterism and related challenges of alcohol, drug and substance abuse,
safety at high risk schools, anti-human trafficking and cross-border crimes
COMMUNITY POLICING KEEPING OUR STREETS SAFE
such as livestock theft, theft of vehicles, illicit substances and illegal migration.
The department has gone on massive community outreach programmes and
crime prevention campaigns to raise awareness and educate Free State communities on these social ills.
Community Policing and Liaison In total, 110 police stations are visited annually by the department to assess the functionality of CPFs and community participation. Furthermore, training
workshops are conducted for CPF executive committees in three clusters annually to ensure effectiveness of these structures in communities.
Promotion of Safety (Compliance Unit) The department’s Compliance Unit visits police stations to assess the level of compliance with the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) and monitor the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP). The Unit also conducts public education
LAW ENFORCEMENT ON THE ROADS
services by government in the province. This initiatives strengthens relationship between Taxi Associations and promotes stability as well as commuter safety.
Transport and Traffic
and awareness campaigns on the DVA and on basic human rights.
As a transport regulator, the department is responsible for establishing and
Transport Operations
this, the department is providing quality road traffic training and effective road
Responsible for planning, regulating and facilitating the provision of transport
services and infrastructure through provincial resources and co-operation with national and local authorities in order to enhance the mobility of all
communities – particularly those without any access or with limited access, the department has:
• Donated four learner transporter midi busses to the value of R1.88 million to the learners of Dihlabeng District.
• Empowered 278 learner transport operators through tendered contracts to the value of R40 million.
• Transported 8 053 children from rural areas to school daily.
• Donated 10 vehicles to the Provincial Taxi Council for the Hlokomela programme.
• Scrapped 6 463 old taxi vehicles as part of taxi recapitalisation; more than R3 million was paid to taxi operators in scrapping allowances.
• Donated R9 million to Taxi Operators as part of Maluti Bus Transformation (MBT).
• Distributed 5 174 bicycles to rural learners for them to attend school.
• Donated eight busses to the new Maluti Bus Services’ company with taxi operators as major shareholders.
• Paid 299 former employees of Maluti Bus Service an ex-gratia payment of R40 000 each as part of the MBT.
Inter-Modale Facilities To promote the delivery of a well-coordinated, safe and affordable public transport service, the Department conducts education and training for transport operators and the public to broaden accessibility.
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport has built three Intermodal Modale Facilities since 2013, one in Wepener at the value of R8.2 million, one
in Ficksburg costing R13m and another in Tweespruit at R3m to ensure the
intregration of all transport modes and uniformity in terms of administration of
CONTACT DETAILS
Physical: 45 Charlotte Maxeke Street, Perm Building, Bloemfontein, 9301 Postal: PO Box 119, Bloemfontein, 9300 Tel: 051 409 8849 • Fax: 051 409 8864
Web: www.policeroadstransport.fs.gov.za • Email: mec@freetrans.gov.za
maintaining a safe and efficient road traffic management system. To ensure law enforcement by ensuring that all vehicles are registered and licensed and that drivers are appropriately authorised to drive.
In 2015/16, 4 315 405 vehicles were stopped and checked for driver and
vehicle fitness, and the department collected the following outstanding eNATIS debt:
• 2013/14: R38 017 744.16 • 2014/15: R42 813 704.11
• 2015/16: R28 797 460.58 (period until end of October 2015) We conducted 361 401 speed operations, held 985 K78 roadblocks, had 7 017.5 hours weighbridges operations and ran 76 135 roadside vehicle checkpoint operations.
In July 2014 the department appointed 154 traffic officer trainees and has
taken them through an 18-month intensive training programme. They were officially on the roads for their practical training during the 2015 festive season.
The high visibility of law enforcement officers enhanced greater awareness in road users and resulted in a total of a 54% decrease in road crashes on our
provincial roads in the 2015/16 financial year. Statistics confirm that Free State had the second lowest number of road crashes in the country.
The department also created opportunities for unemployed youths, by
providing a training programme that enabled 900 youths to obtain learners’ licenses at the department’s cost. The training was done by contracted driving schools all over the province to ensure quality training. Through this project, the province added value to the lives of its people.
In the effort to uphold road safety, advance roadworthy equipment and
calibration of Lengau Testing Station and 13 other testing stations were recently tilled to ensure accurate testing of vehicles in Free State.
*Writer: Rob Davies
OPINION
Automotive sector investments rolling in
President Jacob Zuma at the Toyota plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
H
ardly a day goes by without South Africans being bom-
people, tools and equipment to produce cars and commer-
barded with stories dealing with the difficult economic
cial vehicles of world-class standard that are not only des-
situation.
tined for the domestic market, but will also fly our flag high
Among these negative stories, we often overlook the posi-
tive ones that clearly show that South Africa is an attractive investment destination.
on the international stage thanks to a robust export plan.” BMW is another automotive manufacturer that continues to increase its investments in the country. As part of a
The reality is that leading global multinational firms are
larger R6 billion investment, BMW recently started with the
investing billions of rands in our economy, with the most no-
construction of a new state-of-the art body shop in Rosslyn
table investments in the automotive manufacturing sector.
outside Pretoria.
New jobs
Plant Director Stefan Huelsenberg highlighted the opportunities the body shop would create, saying: “This expansion
Toyota recently invested R6.1 billion in its new Toyota Hilux
will result in an increase in the number of employees in
and Fortuner manufacturing plant in Prospecton, Durban.
the new body shop and the increased robotics will allow
This is the biggest single investment Toyota has made to
us to empower employees with new skills to run these new
date. It will support more than 4 000 jobs with the total
technologies.”
employment at the plant exceeding 8 000 jobs.
Another manufacturer that is investing in South Africa is
As a direct result, Toyota’s suppliers invested more than
the Volkswagen Group. It has earmarked R4.5 billion for new
R1.7 billion, which will create as many as 2 000 new jobs. It
models and infrastructure at its factory in Uitenhage, Eastern
also led to five new international suppliers coming to our
Cape, by next year.
shores.
To support its expansion plans at the Silverton assembly
Toyota Chief Executive Andrew Kirby confirmed the
plant in Pretoria, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa will
company’s commitment to South Africa, saying: “This
invest R2.5 billion to produce the new Ford Everest range.
latest announcement gives evidence of a company that is
The investment is set to create about 1 200 new jobs.
committed to South Africa by strategically investing in the
70
Ford Executive Vice-President Jim Farley said: “When your
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
plant gets a new vehicle, it’s a really big deal and it’s a solid
Plan and the Automotive Production and Development
vote of confidence in our team and in South Africa as a
Programme.
whole.”
Since the launch of the Automotive Investment Scheme
We are also thrilled about Volvo investing R60 million in a
in 2010, government’s support of R7.8 billion has leveraged
regional parts and distribution centre in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
investment of more than R28.5 billion in the automotive
This is in addition to Volvo opening a Competence Develop-
sector. This investment paid off with the South African au-
ment Centre at its headquarters in Boksburg in November
tomotive industry’s export earnings for 2015 reaching R150 billion, up from the R115.7 billion achieved the
last year. In another development, Beijing Auto-
previous year. In terms of vehicle exports, this
mobile International Corporation, China’s
growth translates to 333 802 units exported
fifth-largest car manufacturer, announced
last year, showing a 21.4 percent growth from
in December that it will invest R11 billion in a
2014.
completely knocked down vehicle manufac-
Industrialisation is a critical part of our Nine-
turing plant in South Africa. The investment
Point Plan, which aims to ignite economic
will create about 2 500 direct jobs and 7 500
growth and create jobs. To be able to implement
indirect jobs.
this plan, government has invested heavily in
These are all extremely positive devel-
Minister Rob Davies.
infrastructure development. Our Infrastructure
opments, which clearly demonstrate the
Development Plan does not only aim to redress
confidence investors have in the local
the wrongs of the past, but will also help us
economy despite the current difficult economic condi-
unlock the economic potential of the country and region
tions. South Africa, like the rest of the world, is still strug-
for decades to come.
gling in the aftermath of the global economic crisis of 2008.
Our work to grow South Africa’s investment profile and
This crisis caused a global slump in demand and lower
develop the necessary infrastructure makes us a prime
production volumes, which threatened the existence of
investment destination and places us in a strong position
some of the major automotive producers internationally.
to take advantage of any recovery in the global economy. As government, we have set a target of 1.2 million cars
Encouraging investment
to be produced in South Africa by 2020. Every investment
Government, through the Department of Trade and Indus-
brings us closer to that target. We will continue to work
try, has taken a conscious decision to support the automo-
with automotive investors to ensure we create a conducive
tive sector as it is critical for the economy and job creation.
environment for them to grow their businesses.
To encourage investment, the department implemented a number of initiatives such as the Industrial Policy Action
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
* Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry.
71
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
Fish farming unlocking the economy
I
Writer: Nosihle Shelembe
boiling water for a short time, then the mucus is removed and afterwards it is dissected. This process includes removing its head, tail, gut and skin, meaning that only 70 percent of the fish is used for human consumption. According to Baai, most of the processing for BKT is done at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology as the facility
n a rural Eastern Cape town, where more than 50 percent of the population rely on government grants and more than 20 percent of households live below the poverty line, a fish
has the equipment needed for it.
Operation Phakisa
farming project is changing lives and has brought hope for a
BKT is one of the initiatives which has been identified by
better future to many residents.
government to grow the aquaculture sector and provide
Located in Camdeboo, near Graaff-Reniet, the Camdeboo Satellite Aquaculture Project (CSAP) has created work opportunities for residents in an area plagued by high levels of unemployment. The CSAP is a project of the Blue Karoo Trust (BKT ) and uses a farming method called aquaculture to establish a preserved freshwater fish industry in Graaff-Reniet.
All in a day’s work In the small facility, employees of BKT, who pride themselves
jobs as part of the Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy project. The project aims to unlock the economy of South Africa’s oceans, which are estimated to have the potential to contribute R177 billion to the gross domestic product by 2033, compared to R54 billion in 2010. It is estimated that aquaculture projects, both fresh water and marine, will ensure growth of the sector to the tune of R3 billion by 2019.
on teamwork, can be seen wearing white overalls and gloves
BKT and its people
as they work with catfish, which is ready for harvest.
BKT is putting food on the table for 120 of its employees
Supervisor Margaret Baai, who has more than 20 years' of experience working with fish, explains that the catfish is brought to the small facility after it has been bred and grown for six months. When it is ready for processing, the fish is put into
72
who reside in Camdeboo, which is home to approximately 50 000 people. In an area where skills development and employment opportunities are scarce, BKT is empowering its employees as they are all required to achieve an NQF Level 1 qualification
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
BKT trustee responsible for project management Liesl de
in fish farming or processing. The training focuses on the theory, as well as the practical
la Harper says the company initially had a vision of farming
lessons on fish farming and processing. Trainees also learn
fish using farm dams as well as reservoirs, and selling them
about health and safety, life skills, workplace skills, and how
locally off the back of a bakkie.
to put together a business plan and a budget. Thabisa Zali, 25, who works as a demonstrator in the training tunnel, says her job has given her the courage to dream.
But as the company did its research the plan changed. BKT discovered that South Africa’s pilchard quota had dropped by 80 percent since 2004.
Zali says the programme has changed her life because when
The research also showed that imports of canned fish and
she was a trainee, she did a course on life skills which changed
tuna products had increased by over 333 percent from 2007 to 2009, while the pilchard prices
her outlook on life. “This job has allowed me to have bigger dreams for myself. I want to further my studies so I can grow in my career and work in the formal sector of agriculture. “One day I want to own my own farm. I know it won’t be easy, but with
"This job has allowed me to have bigger dreams for myself. I want to further my studies so I can grow in my career and work in the formal sector of agriculture."
had doubled, negatively impacting low-income households. “That is what made us shift from farm dams, reservoirs and selling off the back of the bakkie to a more intensive and larger-scale operation in order for the processing activities
the training that I have acquired on
to make commercial sense,” De la
this farm, it is possible,” she adds.
Harper says.
Her salary is helping support her family, which includes her grandmother, aunt and uncles. Hildegarde Johnson, who also works on the farm, says she is grateful to BKT because her job makes it possible for her to provide for her family. The 27-year-old works as a team leader in the aquaculture system where she trains people on how to work with fish. Johnson says she likes her job because she works with different people every six months and she enjoys teaching trainees.
BKT then decided to preserve freshwater fish. “We started out by converting old pigsties into fish tanks and training people in the garage at home,” she explains. As the business has grown, BKT’s farm now has a hatchery where the fish is bred, a grow-out section where the water is circulated and the fish are gown as well as a small facility where the fish are processed.
Overcoming challenges
“The job has equipped me with skills which have helped
The company, which is currently entering its commercial
me grow as a person and my family can also be inspired by
phase, has overcome many obstacles and defied the odds.
me as I am not sitting at home.”
Some believed the dream to breed and process fish inland
Company growth
was too ambitious and could not be achieved. “We are doing what has not been done anywhere else, so we
Established in 2006 and initially financed by its partners
encountered a lot of ‘you can’t do this, you won’t do that.’
who used income from a guesthouse which they ran in
That is a challenge because it takes a long time to prove
the Eastern Cape, BKT has received financial support from
them wrong.
various government entities.
“We were also told by a lot of people that the jobs that we
These include the Agricultural Sector Education and
wanted to create were too technical and that we could never
Training Authority, Camdeboo Local Municipality, the
train local people to do something so technical,” she recalls.
Sarah Baar tman District Municipality, Eastern
The company is currently waiting for the environmental
Cape Development Corporation, the Depar t-
authorisation for the processing facility and for the National
ment of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Depart-
Regulator for Compulsory Specifications to approve the final
ment of Economic Development, Department of
processed product.
Environmental Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Once this has been done, the fish will be sold locally to bulk markets which include caterers and public sector kitchens.
73
ADVERTORIAL
CHAMPIONING SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT P L AY S A C E N T R A L ROLE IN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND J O B C R E AT I O N AND IS CRUCIAL TO OFFSET HIGH LEVELS OF INEQUALITY AND U N E M P L O Y M E N T. ”
MEC Dora Kotzee of Public Works & Infrastructure and MEC Benny Malakoane from the Department of Health inspect one of the high tech machines at the Pelonomi ICU
Infrastructure development plays a central role in economic growth and job creation and is crucial to offset high levels of inequality and unemployment. It remains one of the key priorities of government as it catalyses economic development, economic growth and job creation. The department has, during the course of the 2015/16 financial year, successfully delivered an impressive body of projects that have impacted positively on the socioeconomic landscape of the Free State province: MEC, Ms D Kotzee
When delivering his 2016 State of the Province address, Premier of Free State, the Honourable Ace Magashule, declared 2016 as “the year of advancing people’s power”. For the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure this means ensuring that the wellbeing of Free State’s people is a top priority. Under the stewardship of Ms Dora Kotzee – a member of both the Executive Council and the Provincial Legislature – one of the key priorities of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is to make sure that it contributes meaningfully to the social upliftment of all communities in Free State.
• T he state-of-the-art Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein • New school hostels for Bainsvlei Combined School, Bloemfontein • Letlotlo Naledi primary school, Bothaville • Fakkel school for children with special needs, Sasolburg • Repairs at Makabelane Secondary School, Qwa Qwa for Department of Education • Upgrading of Pelonomi Hospital ICU, Bloemfontein for Department of Health • Upgrading of the KGI building, Kroonstad for Department of Social development • Upgrading of offices at Ratlou Complex in Thaba-Nchu for Department of Social Development
• U pgrading of FSSSI restaurant for Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation In order to deliver quality infrastructure projects within allocated budgets and with suitably qualified and trained human capital, the department is rolling out a rich human development programme of professionally registered personnel in the built environment. In 2015/16, through the bursary programme and in collaboration with the private sector, four departmental candidate professionals achieved professional registration at the Engineering Council of South Africa and the South African Council of Quantity Surveying Professions: two professional engineers and two quantity surveyors. Of particular note is Mr Petrus Kheswa from Frankfort who is the first black engineer to have attained registration through this mentorship programme. Infrastructure projects on course for delivery this year In real terms, the department spends in excess of R3-million per day on infrastructure development and for the current fiscal year, is on course to deliver projects that will boost the infrastructure portfolio in the province.
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
“ T H E D E PA R T M E N T I S ROLLING OUT A RICH HUMAN C A P I TA L D E V E L O P M E N T PROGRAMME AIMED AT T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F P R O F E S S I O N A L LY REGISTERED PERSONNEL IN T H E B U I LT E N V I R O N M E N T. ” EPWP participants hard at work paving streets in Cornelia, Free State.
These projects include: • The completion of the infrastructure hub at Hamilton in Bloemfontein for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure • A new community hall in Botshabelo and two new others in Qwa Qwa – one at Mbeki Section and the other at Lusaka Section • The construction of eight new schools; Bekezela Primary School in Sasolburg, Amelia; Malebogo Primary School in Hertzogville; Abertina Sisulu Secondary School in Welkom; Tlholo Primary School in Botshabelo; Grassland Primary School, Grassland Secondary School and Caleb Motshabi Primary School in Bloemfontein; and Rehopotswe Primary School in Bethlehem for the Department of Education • A completed drug rehabilitation centre in Clarens for the Department of Social Development In a bid to reduce expenditure and expand the use of internal resources, the department is engaged in game-changing infrastructure projects using Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants and internal artisans to complete upgrades to the Bonamelo Student College in Qwa Qwa, member of provincial legislature houses in Bloemfontein and the Government precinct at Ratlou Centre in Thaba-Nchu. In his State of the Province address, one of the key areas on which Premier Magashule focused was rural development, with the priorities being food security, the encouragement of agricultural production in rural areas and the development of small towns. To this end the towns Cornelia, Tweeling, Excelsior and Tweespruit have been declared as Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) sites with the intention of
An aerial view of the state of the art Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Mangaung.
establishing them into agricultural hubs. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure forms part of the Cornelia and Tweeling poverty alleviation strategy and is assisting in addressing the small towns’ socio-economic challenges. This programme is an inter-departmental partnership aimed at aligning service delivery initiatives. The model is adopted from India (the Kudubashree Model) and implemented as “Re a Hlasela” in Free State. Activities include infrastructure enhancement, cleaning and greening, social services and critically instilling the culture of savings to EPWP participants. A total number of 451 work opportunities have been created in Cornelia and 210 in Tweeling through this model. The department is ensuring that power is most definitely going to the people.
CONTACT DETAILS Physical address: OR Tambo House, Cnr Markgraaff & St Andrew’ Streets, Bloemfontein, 9301
Tel: 051 405 4037 • Fax: 051 405 4490 / 086 624 7915 • Web: www.publicworks.fs.gov.za • Email: hodoffice@fsworks.gov.za Enquiries can be directed to: Bandile Ntombela
Mlungisi Maqubela
Public Works & Infrastructure
Public Works & Infrastructure
Tel: 051 405 4361 • Cell: 076 199 0902
Tel: 051 403 3805 • Cell: 083 645 9311
Communications & Media Liaison Unit
Communications & Media Liaison Unit
Bloemfontein, 9301
Bloemfontein, 9301
Email: ntombelab@fsworks.gov.za
Email: maqubelam@fsworks.gov.za
FEATURE
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize
Innovative partnerships help
create and retain jobs A
partnership between the Industrial Develop-
Sustainable employment
ment Cooperation (IDC) and the Unemployment
“One of the IDC’s outcomes is to facilitate sustainable direct
Insurance Fund (UIF) has created and saved more
and indirect employment. It was decided that the UIF funds
than 50 000 jobs in the country.
would be used to save existing jobs which would be lost
The two organisations first came together in 2010 and
due to distress economic conditions among other reasons.
implemented an agreement that has been credited with
Both jobs saved and created would contribute to monthly
ensuring thousands of South Africans found and still have
UIF contributions,” she added.
employment. Head of Corporate Funding at the IDC, Lerato Mangope, explained that in 2008, while her organisation was scouting for cheaper methods of lending money to entreprenuers, it discovered a model through which the Brazilian Unemployment Equivalent Agency was funding the private sector.
While the UIF was very interested in implementing the idea that the IDC presented to it, its mandate did not allow it to lend. The role of the PIC was critical in the process as the institution is responsible for investing on behalf of the UIF. “ The PIC assisted the UIF in ensuring that a So-
“We thought that maybe we can implement the same
cial Responsible Investment Fund was established,
thing in South Africa. The UIF management, the Public In-
which would ring fence the funds. It is through this
vestiment Corporation (PIC), which was the fund manager
arrangement that it was agreed that the funds will be on
of the UIF, together with the IDC formed a team to set up
loan to the IDC with a fixed interest. The interest set was
the funding.”
below market rate but close to the inflation rate to ensure that the UIF capital was not eroded.” The PIC became a link for the IDC because it could not deal directly with the UIF. “We had to do the documentation with the PIC but the money comes from UIF. It took two years to work on the deal and in 2010 the first R2 billon bond was issued. We wanted to make sure we didn’t contravine any legislation. The PIC played a critical role and was very supportive.” Mangope said the IDC’s mandate is driven by government policies such as the National Development Plan.
Economic empowerment The IDC is a self-financing national development fi-
76
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
nance institution whose primary objectives are to contribute
Actuarial Services at the UIF said during the start of the
to the generation of balanced, sustainable economic growth
economic crisis in 2008, the UIF experienced an increase
in Africa and to the economic empowerment of the South
in benefit claims due to large scale retrenchments.
African population. It does so by promoting the economic prosperity of all citizens through the promotion of entrepreneurship through the building of competitive industries and enterprises based on sound business principles. “The IDC looks at developmental variables which range from providing food, which is needed by the country, or
“The net effect of the economic downturn was that every benefit claimant from the organisation meant a decrease in contribution revenue.” “The IDC approached the UIF with a proposal to fund it in order to assist companies in distress. Both parties agreed to a partnership to assist companies in distress. The benefits to UIF would be job retention and job creation.”
providing jobs. We are more in the manufacturing process-
Fourie said the UIF’s partnership with the IDC is located
es because we know that through manufacturing jobs are
under the developmental investment category, which is
created.”
also known as the social responsible investment asset class
Mangope said since its inception of the agreement, the IDC approved funding valued at about R3.82 billion to 251 entreprenuers. “The total jobs to be created were 29 437 while jobs that were saved stood at 21 644. Some of these jobs created and saved are co-funded with normal IDC funding.”
in UIF’s investment portfolio. She also said the biggest challenge the UIF faced when forming the deal was the fact that socially responsible investments was a new investment asset class and instrument, which was rare in South Africa in 2008. “We had to literally build an investment vehicle that suited
She added that all nine provinces benefited from the agree-
the organisation’s funding criteria with the IDC from scratch.
ment with 51 percent of jobs that were created and saved
The UIF had to develop a socially responsible investment
coming from the metals, chemicals and textiles sectors.
policy to cater for the new investment asset class.”
The IDC wanted to ensure that the UIF reaches as many clients and rural beneficiaries as possible.
Fourie said the UIF is considering partnering with other government agencies provided that due diligence on each
“Currently approximately 45 percent of the portfolio of
project is performed and all the UIF funding criteria are met.
approved transactions in the last R1billion tranche is in the
“The organisation is already partnering with PIC to in-
six poor provinces outside Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN,”
crease its developmental investment asset allocation. This
said Mangope.
asset class lends itself not only to partnering with the IDC
Assistance for struggling companies Christine Fourie the Director for Treasury, Investments and
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
and other government agencies but also includes partnerships with private initiatives in the unlisted sphere,” she added.
77
Public sector appointments
Compiled By: Sekgabo Kedijang
Makano Mosidi Chief Information Officer (CIO), Transnet Ms Makano Mosidi was recently appointed as CIO at Transnet. She has considerable experience in the ICT sector. In addition to serving as the CIO for Middle East and Africa at Dimension Data, she has extensive experience in the private sector, primarily in IT consulting. She has worked at global technology solutions firm IBM, as well as at business service and advisory firms Ernst & Young and Accenture, among others. She also has in-depth knowledge of the public sector, having worked as the Chief Operating Officer and acting Chief Executive of State Information Technology between 2000 and 2004. Mosidi, who started her career as a maths and economics teacher, holds a BCom Degree in Financial Accounting and Computer Science. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Commerce. She will join the Group Leadership Team at Transnet and will report to the Group Chief Executive in line with the company’s objective of ensuring that digitalisation is central to driving innovation efficiency and cost effectiveness across all operations. She is specifically tasked with enabling Transnet to standardise and rationalise the information technology environment in its railways, ports and pipelines business.
Thokozani Magwaza Chief Executive Officer (CEO), South African Social Security Agency Mr Thokozani Magwaza has been appointed as the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) with effect from June 2016. Magwaza joined the Department of Social Development (DSD) in 2013 as Deputy Director-General: Comprehensive Social Security and was responsible for, among others, overseeing the completion of social assistance policies, which include the creation of a comprehensive social security system for South Africa. In April 2015, he was appointed as the Acting Director-General of the DSD. Prior to joining the department, he served in various leadership positions including Executive Director at Isimilo Projects, CEO for Sechaba Medical Solutions, Acting CEO at the Road Accident Fund, Director: Operations for Government Employees Pension Fund and Administrative Manager for Old Mutual. Magwaza holds a Master’s Degree in Politics and Political Economy from the University of Port Elizabeth, Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Zululand and has a Certificate in Advanced Business Management from the University of Johannesburg. He also attended the Executive Development Programme at the Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand.
78
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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FOOD AND WINE
A taste of the
Caribbean Writer: Nompumelelo Mqwebu
B
arbadian born and Vincentian by descent, Chef
Caribbean so it makes sense to open our first restaurant
Jason Howard is making his mark as a modern
in London,” Howard adds.
Caribbean chef. Best known for creative menu
He says his visit to South Africa helped him learn about
development and plating of modern Caribbean cuisine,
his roots and more about authentic African cuisine and
his dream is to acquire Caribbean cuisine’s first Michelin
ingredients.
star. He has headed up the Caribbean Culinary Collective platform, showcasing the best of chef and mixology
indigenous food and culture. I was excited to taste and learnt from Venda dishes and culture among others.
from his region. Howard also pioneers rum dining
“The let-down though was not seeing any of these
centres around menu creation for rum inspired dishes
dishes in restaurants as we travelled between Johan-
and food pairing. He has worked as sous chef at The
nesburg and Cape Town. I wished I could have tasted
Connaught Hotel under two star Michelin Chef Helene
more as I travel a lot and enjoy the authenticity of each
Darroze and also had stints at four and five star hotels
country and city.”
in Barbados before moving to London. Howard recently showcased his talent at the Mzansi
His advice to young chefs is to look at their own culture and cuisine for inspiration.
International Culinary Festival organised by Africa
“South Africa is a hub of everything culinary; learn
Meets Europe Cuisine in partnership with the Depart-
the history and the future of your food becomes clear.
ment of Arts and Culture, Department of Tourism and
Support your own farmers and be historically correct.
Miele South Africa.
I will, of course, come back soon to work with African
“Although French-trained, French is not my heritage
chefs to uplift indigenous cuisine.”
thus my focus is Caribbean cuisine. I feel it’s time to
Howard shared two of his dishes with PSM.
get Caribbean food the recognition it deserves. I use
“The first dish comes from an old Bajan dish called
historical cooking methods and modern styles and
Pickle (conch) conch - basically a lager sea snail but my
equipment,” he says.
version of this dish has more seafood. Bajan pickle is a
Howard is currently working on the first Caribbean
bit deferent compared to the European way of pickling
Michelin star restaurant, which is expected to open
with vinegar. The marinade comprises loads of lemon
later this year in London.
juice thus oozes fresh flavours, making it a refreshing
“Judges of such accolades are not known to visit the
80
“I learnt where I come from. I saw the potential for
dish for those hot Caribbean days,” he says.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
Ingredients: 200g calamari (cleaned and cut in to small pieces) 200g scallops queen (cleaned) 200g prawns (cleaned and deveined) 200g clams/venus (washed and cleaned) 1 cucumber (finely chopped and deseeded) 1 red/yellow/green sweet pepper (chopped, finely diced) 2 red onions (finely diced) 2 fresh lemons 2 Scotch bonnet (finely diced) 100ml pomace oil 100g parsley (finely chopped) 20g thyme Fresh coriander Salt/pepper to taste.
Directions: In a medium pan, bring to the boil 1½ litres of water.
frying pan, on high heat, heat a little oil and then fry the
Turn the heat down to medium and let the parsley,
calamari. Season with salt and pepper. Keep swirling the pan
thyme, salt, scotch bonnet and ½ tsp lemon juice sim-
so not to overcook. Cool the seafood in the fridge and when
mer. Bring back to the boil and then reduce to medium
cool, place in the pickle marinade, which will be a combina-
heat. Blanch the clams for 30 seconds followed by the
tion of the onions, cucumber, lemon juice, peppers, parsley
prawns and scallops. Remove from the heat and set
and pomace oil. When ready, serve with fresh, sliced bread
aside for 10 minutes before draining. In a
Sweet potato velouté 2 medium sweet potato
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
and garnish with coriander.
Directions: Peel and chop the sweet potato into small
1 medium onion
cubes. Chop onions to medium dice. Sweat
100g butter
onions and sweet potato in butter on a low
8g salt
heat until soft and then add cream and water.
4 cups water
Bring to the boil. While boiling, add coconut
150g cream
milk and bay leaf.
100g coconut milk
Discard the bay leaf and blend the soup in the
2 bay leaf.
blender until smooth. It’s ready to serve.
81
ADVERTORIAL
BACK TO BASICS public sector finance-related legislation, including: - Public Finance Management Act, 1999
- Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 - Public Audit Act, 2004
- Annual Division of Revenue and Adjustment Appropriation Acts of national government as well as our provincial Appropriation and Adjustment Appropriation Acts
The last financial year was a turning point that saw a noticeable reduction in the number of disclaimed audit opinions in the province – from nine municipalities in 2013/14 to three in 2014/15. This improvement was
as a result of the provincial leadership’s decision to focus on providing the necessary assistance to the municipalities by giving attention to
commitments made, especially on improving key controls over records management. The audit results of two municipalities that had received
disclaimed opinions in the previous year were outstanding at the cut-off date for the final report. One of these has subsequently improved to an unqualified opinion with findings.
The provincial leadership committed to getting back to basics and ensuring a sound control environment.
Fight against fraud and corruption With regard to advancing the fight against fraud and corruption at all levels
of government, the Department of Provincial Treasury implemented various initiatives focusing on protecting the integrity of the provincial payroll, the
provincial central supplier database and supported initiatives to ensure the credibility of indigent registers in local municipalities. The department also continued its partnership with various stakeholders to facilitate the annual
International Fraud Awareness Week activities as well as regular information and education sessions throughout the province.
A group of 20 public servants was drawn from the provincial and local
government sector to attend the Certified Fraud Examiners training and this group wrote the prescribed international examination during May this year. In addition, all provincial departments have developed and implemented a
MEC, Elsabe Rockman
Fraud Prevention and Response Plan. There are 10 departments that have achieved a compliance rate of 85% or higher in an assessment against the
Although the Provincial Treasury does not render services directly to the
public, the department makes a substantial contribution to the creation of an enabling environment at the centre of government. Its mandate includes: • Preparing the provincial budget and monitoring and controlling the implementation thereof
• Promoting and enforcing transparency and effective management in respect of revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities of provincial departments and public entities
• Supporting and strengthening of the local government financial
management environment, including initiatives with provincial Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs and National Treasury
• Promoting financial governance and ensuring compliance with relevant
Fraud Risk Key Performance Indicators compared to only five departments in the prior year.
The Provincial Treasury will continue to partner with the ACFE, Standard Bank, PwC and the University of Free State to facilitate the province’s participation in the International Fraud Awareness week whilst further
expanding our pool of certified fraud examiners through the appropriate qualification process.
To improve risk management and internal audit practices in the province, the department will continue with the following:
• Formal training sessions will be held to build capacity and promote risk
Management, Internal Audit and fraud alertness for provincial departments and entities; and
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PROVINCIAL TREASURY
Anti Fraud Awareness Campaign
• Assessment of departments and entities to promote compliance with the
Risk Management Framework and Fraud Risk Assessments as well as the Internal Audit Framework.
• Continuous monitoring to ensure that no public servants hold interests in service providers listed on our Provincial Central Supplier Database and
ensuring compliance with the restrictions on public servants doing business within the public sector environment as prescribed by relevant legislation. • We will furthermore continue to support municipalities to ensure the credibility and integrity of their indigent registers.
Financial Governance Programme The Financial Governance Programme has been allocated R24.747-million
for its role in promoting and enforcing financial governance in the provincial government.
Financial management and reporting programme Much work has been done by this programme to improve financial
management and reporting in departments and entities. The department will continue with the initiatives, which include:
MEC Rockman visits Boitumelo Hospital
“ PROMOTING AND ENFORCING TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT IN RESPECT OF REVENUE, EXPENDITURE, ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC ENTITIES”
• Formal training sessions to build and strengthen capacity in provincial
Coordination and cooperation with the Department of Public Service and
• Regular engagements with CFOs to share information and best practises
Commission, the Presidential Hotline of the Presidency, the South African
departments and entities in accounting practises
• Assessing monthly and quarterly Key Control Matrix reports
• Assessing quarterly interim financial statements as well as draft annual
financial statements and work files of departments and entities to improve the quality of financial statements and ultimately audit opinions.
CONTACT DETAILS Physical address: 55 Elizabeth Street, Fidel Castro Building, Bloemfontein Postal address: Private Bag X20537, Bloemfontein, 9301 Tel: 051 403 3456 / 051 405 4229 • Fax: 051 403 3244
Web: www.treasury.fs.gov.za • Email: communications@treasury.fs.gov.za
Administration, the National Anti-Corruption Hotline of the Public Service Revenue Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and our Chapter 9
institutions will provide added momentum to the ongoing fight against fraud and corruption.
FINANCIAL FITNESS
Writer: Marina Abdo
Working towards wealth
O
ne of the certainties in life, is time. Whether you are pre-
goal for your money and a detailed list of your spending
pared for it or not, time will come to pass. You are allo-
habits over the past months.
cated time to pay debt and taxes, save for retirement, get
your will in order and take control of your spending habits, to name but a few financial necessities.
Now that you have your list of money spend, a crucial component is to be brutally honest with yourself. Are you addicted to debt? Would you rather save for a
I like to call it a grace pe-
few months and buy that couch for R10 000 or buy the
riod. When you move
couch today on credit at the cost of R796 per month for
out of the period
24 months?
of grace to fulfil
How tempting is the R796? Although it is affordable, it
certain financial
ends up becoming very expensive. You will end up pay-
obligations,
ing R19,104 for your R10 000 couch. Can you recover the
additional interest as
money paid to interest and debt? It is highly unlikely. Next, create two spending plans. One with your current scenario, and spending habits directly from your persal,
well as penalties are payable. Not taking action during the grace period,
credit card statements, and bank accounts and the other
will always end up you having to spend
your ideal spending plan. The next step is to identify where you can save, review
money unnecessarily. You can create your wealth by making the most of time and putting your SMART – specific, measurable, attainable and realistic - goals into action.
your SMART goals and take action. Make sure you are disciplined enough to stick to your goals. Do not fall into the trap of feeling overwhelmed if your finances seem to be in total chaos. The power is in your
Like with exercise, don’t fall into a trap
hands to take control and change the situation.
that it is quick, and requires no effort
Keep your financial dreams and goals alive by taking a
from you. It takes dedication, discipline,
look at it at least once a day. Make them part of the discus-
and a will to be in control of your own
sion with your family, especially when you opt for a picnic at home rather than dining out at an expensive restaurant.
financial destiny. An important step in achieving wealth is creating a spending plan. For this, you will need a SMART
(Disclaimer – Please note that this article is not financial advice.)
There is no fixed formula for your personalised spending plan. The rule of thumb is as follows: 35 percent
Rent, bond, insurance, maintenance, levies, rates and taxes, water and electricity, etc.
84
25 percent
Medical, food, education, clothes, child care, etc.
15 percent
Car payments, insurance, petrol, maintenance, etc.
15 percent
SMART goals, holidays, university fees, retirement, charity, etc.
10 percent
Credit cards, clothing accounts, furniture accounts, personal loans, overdraft, etc.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
grooming and style
W
Writer: Nicholas Francis
hether it’s getting ready to head off to the office in the morning or preparing for a night out, the
grooming ritual can turn into a time consuming affair. To help you along, we’ve chosen some grooming essentials that can help you achieve the look you desire and feel great throughout the day. These nifty gadgets are
The Philips Essential Care
quick and easy to use with less or no clean
hairdryer is ideal for optimum
Grooming essentials
up required.
drying, touch-ups, and creating beautiful hairstyles. This efficient dryer is powerful and has a pleasant sound. The ThermoProtect temperature setting offers greater protection from overheating the hair. R369.
The Braun Cruzer 6 preci-
sion trimmer is portable and lightweight. The extra-fine teeth on the trimming head help you achieve the look you want by styling your sideburns, moustache or other facial hair. This cordless versatile styling tool is easy to use and fits neatly inside any toiletry bag. R189.
The Braun Satin-Hair 7 Colour straightener will help you improve your hair’s moisture levels and say goodbye to frizzy hair. The superior ionic performance of this straightener is specifically designed to protect the health of your hair and leaves it looking naturally smooth and shiny. R849.
The BaByliss for men hair clipper kit comes with an adjustment lever with 5 different positions for better cutting and precision. It has 21 pieces, including different length combs, a cleaning brush, blade guard and more. R255.
The Philips AquaTouch electric wet and dry shaver offers you a protective wet or dry shave. Its rounded heads reportedly offer 10 times more protection than any other ordinary blade. R1 423. The BaByliss Curl Secret curling iron helps you create curls that are bouncy, have volume and are full of body. Its ceramic-coated plates protect your hair and leaves it shinier with softer curls. R1 900.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
85
Bring your walls to life Nice-to-haves
Writer: Gilda Narsimdas
walls to life
Bring your A
1
new piece on the wall can freshen a room without breaking
the bank. There’s nothing like beautiful wall décor to make a statement in a room in your home. These cool and trendy
ideas will help you create a focal point of interest easily. 1 Why settle for an ordinary clock when there are options like this Umbra Take 5 wall clock, Yuppie Chef, R619.
2 If you’re willing to splurge a little, grab this metal mirror, Coricraft, R1 295.
3 These chalkboard vinyls are perfect for
3
the kitchen, available from www. twiggy.co.za, R170.
2 4 6
4 You have to appreciate the creativity behind these floating book-
5
shelves by South African
Bring your walls to life designers Emerging Creatives.
They can hold up to 15 books on each shelf. Get the set of three,
5 Brighten up a bedroom with
from Yuppie Chef, R349.
these personalised name
decals from www.stikythings. co.za, starting from R475.
6 Show off your memories using
7
this wall decor clipboard, @ Home, R179.
7 Spruce any room in your home with this elegant gold Habitz mirror, Game, R280.
86
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
CAR REVIEWS
Writer: Itumeleng Motuba
t e e m s r e v o s Cros eration needs n e g w ne
T
interior with some fine finishes and leather seats add he first Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) introduced to the South African market were large and intimidating, especially the Hummer.
Such cars were too large and unwieldy for Mzansi’s congested
roads in urban areas. On the other end of the spectrum, South Africans could buy Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV). The next type of vehicle introduced to the motoring world was the crossover, which combines the features and functions of the traditional sedan, the SUV and MPV. The Hyundai Tucson is a product that blurs the lines between these three types of vehicle. We got to take a closer look at the new Hyundai Tucson and assess how it compares to the Renault Kadjar and Ford Kuga, which are good choices for buyers looking for family cars.
Hyundai Tucson The Tucson’s styling is eye-catching with a look that is more hip than that of its predecessors. Its beautiful grille and large
88
wrap-around headlights give this car attitude. A neat to its visual appeal. With passenger safety top of mind, parents will be comforted to know that the Tucson comes standard with six airbags and stability control as well as safety features such as Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP). Another handy feature is the reverse-view camera, which is completely invisible until the reverse gear is selected Bluetooth telephony, an MP3-compatible audio system equipped with a USB port and auxiliary socket, a handy 12V outlet, electric front seats, a multifunction steering wheel and a rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel are also part of the package. The Tucson performs well but isn’t designed to break any land speed records. The six-speed gearbox brings out the best in the 1.6 turbo petrol engine, which offers 130 kW of power. Prices for the Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo Executive start
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
at R419 900. A five-year/150 000km warranty is a standard
with all-round parking sensors at R10 000. Electrically ad-
part of the package.
justable, leather-upholstered seats that also offer heating
Renault Kadjar
are also optional at R12 000 (front). The top-of-the-range Kadjar is priced at R454 900.
Renault definitely makes beautiful cars and it did not short change the Kadjar in the looks department. The 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine, which delivers 96 kW of power, also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. It is a little cheeky drive that can stand its ground with a little bit of encouragement from the accelerator. It has a reasonable amount of internal space with a compact boot that can be enlarged by folding away the seats in the rear at the touch of a button. The instrument cluster is digital and the colours and style can be changed through the infotainment system. The instruments are all quite easy to read and display relevant information such as RPM, speed, cruise control speed and a full trip computer. The infotainment system is loaded with many features such as Bluetooth, USB ports, auxiliary capability and several types of settings for the car and lights. In ECO mode the Kadjar will rate your driving and offer tips on how to improve the vehicle’s fuel consumption. Additional extras include metallic paint at R2 500 and the self-parking system
Ford Kuga The Ford Kuga has been around a lot longer than the Tucson and Kadjar and is certainly due for an upgrade. Nevertheless, its 1.6 litre Ecoboost engine makes it the most fuel efficient of the three cars. It packs 110 kW of power and 240 NM of torque. Ford takes safety seriously: the car has seven airbags, ISOFIX child-seat attachments as well as ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and ESP. It has great features too, such as exceptionally comfortable seats that can be heated, keyless starting, a SYNC Bluetooth streaming audio system, steering wheel and voice control, auto-folding mirrors, rear-parking sensors and dual-zone climate control. The interior has eight cup holders and the centre console accommodates a 1.5 litre soft-drink bottle. Price-wise the Ford Kuga 1.6 Ecoboost comes in at less than the Tucson and Kadjar, with the bottom of the range model starting at R324 900 with a four-year 80 000km service plan included.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
89
Supplied by: GEMS
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Men’s healthcare in the spotlight
A
cross the world, women are outliving men by an
ments that is creating jobs Tshabalala’s decision to visit to his
average of seven years.
doctor ensured that the prostate cancer was detected and
This is a clear indication that men have their own
unique healthcare issues that they need to consider and ur-
treated early. This may well have saved his life,” says Dr Goolab.
gently address, says Dr Guni Goolab, Principal Officer of the
Men’s health problems
Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS).
Prostate cancer is one important male health issue, but
He warns that preventative healthcare for men is not receiving sufficient attention. In view of this, GEMS has compiled the following advice aimed at raising greater health awareness amongst men.
Prostate cancer
there are a number of others including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as asthma and emphysema), mental health problems and accidents. Other forms of cancers such as lung, colorectal and skin cancers are also relatively common among men and are important health concerns.
To illustrate the importance of early prostate cancer detec-
Dr Goolab cites a number of studies that have looked into
tion, Dr Goolab highlighted the case of *Vusi Tshabalala, a
why women live longer which have shown that men tend to
55-year-old civil servant from Cape Town.
be more reckless with their health than women. “Men drink
“About a year ago, Tshabalala thought he saw blood in his
alcohol, smoke, drive at higher speeds and engage in more
urine and decided to see his doctor just to make sure that
unprotected sex than women. In other words, as men we are
everything was in order. His doctor gave him a PSA blood test
generally more irresponsible with our health. The good news
to check if he was suffering from prostate cancer, a cancer
is that we can go a long way in avoiding many of our health
that starts in a small gland, the prostate, which is part of the
or potential health problems if we paid greater attention to
male reproductive system. This type of cancer occurs mostly
our wellbeing and improved our lifestyle.”
in men over the age of 40. “Unfortunately, Tshabalala’s PSA test came back with a high
Don’t smoke
PSA reading and he was referred to a specialist for further
Dr Goolab says that many more South African men than
tests. It turned out that he had prostate cancer but fortunately
women smoke.
it had been caught early and had not spread from the prostate gland to other parts of his body.
“This is not a healthy habit as smoking has been shown to help cause a range of cancers and also heart disease.
“He has since had surgery to have his prostate removed and
“Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits and
is completely cancer free today. Feature on IDC/UIF agree-
should be done without delay. There is a range of products
90
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
available to help you give up smoking, including nicotine patches and gum, which help reduce cravings. You can also ask your doctor about medications that are available to help reduce the desire to smoke,” he notes.
Eat healthily and lose weight Dr Goolab also warned against the perils of an unhealthy diet and becoming overweight as it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well as certain cancers. “A healthy diet can help prevent you from developing
Manage stress
these conditions and should be started as early in life as
Ongoing stress can have an extremely negative impact on
possible. Avoid too much red meat and pastries and rather
the body and cause your diet and other lifestyle habits to
eat vegetables, fruit, and high fibre and whole grain foods,”
suffer. Take steps to manage your stress better by learning
he adds.
some stress management strategies and get some exercise.
Get some exercise Exercise has many benefits for the body and it is important
Exercise is a good way to help your body to better deal with stress.
to engage in some or other form of exercise, be it sport or
Have regular check-ups
an enjoyable activity, such as walking, at least four or five
Since his brush with prostate cancer, Tshabalala has realised the importance of having regular medical check-ups with his doctor. All men over the age of 40 should have an annual check-up to ensure that they remain in good health.
Manage chronic medical conditions Dr Goolab suggests that men who have chronic medical conditions, such diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, make sure that they manage these conditions properly with the help of their doctor. Medical conditions such as diabetes can damage the organs of your body if times a week. Regular exercise is good for the heart and helps reduce high cholesterol levels. It has furthermore been
they are not managed properly.
shown to lift one’s mood and have an anti-depressant ef-
Taking responsibility for your health
fect, says Dr Goolab.
In many ways, caring for your body is not dissimilar to caring
Limit alcohol intake
for a motor vehicle, he adds. “Service your car regularly, drive it carefully and look after
“Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can potentially in-
it, and it will provide you with many years’ service. Similarly,
crease your blood pressure and can damage your liver over
if you look after yourself by having a sound diet and lifestyle,
the long term. It also tends to cause people to engage in
and undertake regular visits to your healthcare practitioner,
high-risk behaviour such as drunken driving and unpro-
your body should stay healthy for many years to come,”
tected sex. Such activities place your and other people’s
says Dr Goolab.
health at risk. If you decide to drink do not overdo it and limit the amounts you have,” he cautions.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
* The member’s name has been changed.
91
ADVERTORIAL
CELEBRATING THE FREE STATE
MEC, Ms N.S Leeto
MEC Leeto handing over school uniform and library equipment in Allanridge
One of the highlights in the Free State calendar, which is organised by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, is the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) – the Free
State’s annual African arts and culture celebration which has grown to be one of the biggest, most
recognised brands on the continent and abroad. This year the festival celebrates its 19th anniversary with the much anticipated event taking place from 1 to 9 October at various locations in and around Bloemfontein. MACUFE’s guiding philosophy – when your heart and soul is African – is reflected in the line ups
which never fail to please. Last year’s attendees were treated to the sounds of Flavour and Kunle,
Victor Kgantlape, Mafikizolo, Tshepo Tshola, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Unathi, The Soil and many others. MEC Leeto speaking on the importance of using sports, arts, and culture to deepen social cohesion
The festival is spread out over nine days and during this time people from all corners of the globe
will have a chance to experience some of the most interesting aspects of African culture. There will
be art, music, theatre, crafts and sport exhibitions at venues throughout Bloemfontein. Tickets will be sold at the door for individual events.
The developmental impact of the festival forms part of the vision of the department which aims to
assist, support and strengthen organisations, communities and individuals through arts and culture.
The MACUFE aftercare programme is successfully being implemented in partnership with PACOFS.
Arts and culture centres There are three arts and culture centres in the province: • Mmabana Arts and Culture Centre (Thaba Nchu)
• Lejweleputswa Arts and Culture Centre (Thabong/Welkom) • Fezile Dabi Arts and Culture Centre (Zamdela/Sasolburg)
MEC Leeto testing sport equipment at the newly-built Sipho Mutsi Indoor Sport Centre, Odendaalsrus
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
These centres provide arts and culture programmes and training, including visual and performing art to local communities and artists; they operate
regularly in one or more buildings/spaces in the target community and work with more than one art form in a coherent programme including production, participation, education and training.
Sport in Free State River rafting, quad biking, polo playing, sky diving and abseiling are just
some of the reasons extreme sports enthusiasts opt for Free State as their destination of choice.
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has undertaken
several infrastructure projects in an effort to maintain, restore, build and grow the infrastructure within the province. These projects include the restoration and building of stadia and the building of new multi-purpose sport facilities, including the Sipho Mutsi and Tumahole Indoor Sport Centres.
Various stadia have also been upgraded: the Dr Molemela Stadium
(Mangaung), Sipho Mutsi (Kutlwanong/Odendaalsrus), and the Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium (Botshabelo).
The Free State Sport Science Institute (FSSSI) was the first government
funded high-performance, talent development and coaching, training facility in the country – it provides sport science, conditioning and rehabilitation services to elite sport athletes and clubs. The multi-disciplinary team at
the FSSSI enables athletes to optimise their training, assists athletes in
achieving peak performance at major competitions, enables athletes and
coaches to prevent, reduce and manage sport injuries, to manage pressure and stress which enables athletes to develop strategies and tactics for competition.
The services of the FSSSI are now being rolled out to rural communities through mobile units that are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
Museums and heritage The Free State has a wealth of museums and heritage sites which are managed by the Department – they include:
• The Waaihoek Wesleyan Church, Bloemfontein, the birthplace of the
MEC Leeto at the 2016 SOPA which declared 2016 as The Year of Free State Artists
African National Congress (ANC) – at the church, members founded the
organisation as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) on 8 January 1912.
• Mapikela house, Batho, Bloemfontein built in 1926, home to Thomas
Mtobu ‘Map of Africa’ Mapikela, who was instrumental in uniting political
leaders and a founder of the ANC. He became known as Tatomkulu – or
Grandfather – and inspired freedom fighters such as Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
• The National Afrikaans Literature Museum houses Afrikaans literary works • The Sesotho Literary Museum houses Sesotho literary works
• The Caledon River Museum in Smithfield is in the old principal’s house in Smithfield, the third oldest town in Free State
• The Chris van Niekerk Museum in Boshof focuses on the history of Afrikaner folk dancing
• The Basotho Cultural Village, situated in the Golden Gates mountains is
an open–air museum which depicts the history and culture of the Basotho people
• The Caledonian Museum in Phillipolis depicts the history of the Khoi and
Library and archive services Free State has 171 library facilities and the department has embarked
on a programme to expand library infrastructure in the following towns:
Jacobsdal-Ratanang; Qibing; Clarens-Khubetswana; Arlington-Leratswana;
Memel-Zamane; Hobhouse-Dipelaneng; Smithfield-Mofulatshepe; LuckhoffRelebohile; Soutpan-Ikgomotseng; and Oranjeville-Metsimaholo.
The Archives Centre serves as the centre for the management of public
records. It is the final storage repository for significant records of government. These archives form the primary sources of information for research projects.
Celebrating the province The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation proudly holds
a portolio which celebrates the past, present and future of Free State, preserving its history and looking forward to the future.
the San
CONTACT DETAILS Physical: HOD Building, Sport & Recreation Grounds, Free State Psychiatric Complex
Tel: 051 407 3520/22 • Fax: 051 407 3541 • Web: www.fssacr.gov.za • Email: hod@sacr.fs.gov.za
TRAVEL
Writer: Dale Barrow
Captivated by the
K g a l a g a d i Tr a n s f r o n t i e r P a r k
I
have been to many game parks but my stay at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park will forever be entrenched in my memory. From the moment I entered the park near the
Tweerivieren camp I was captivated by the amazing beauty and harshness of the arid landscape. An amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises more than 3.6 million hectares. I was enroute from South Africa to Namibia, and it must be said,
This immature tawny eagle in the evening light was a special sighting.
my decision to deviate from the highway was not one I took lightly. I was well aware of summer desert heat and the extra time and distance, not This crimson breasted shrike lights up an old dead tree alongside the Nossob waterhole.
to mention the notorious corrugated roads.
Once you enter the park, you are quickly confronted by the
But it is often the
hardship that accompanies life in the desert. The summer
uncertain and some-
sun beats down on the dunes, water is scarce and the only
times daunting chal-
rule of law amongst the creatures that live here is ‘eat or
lenges that become
be eaten'.
the most rewarding.
Our welcome committee to the park consisted of a few
Needless to say, I left
eland carcasses dotted around the waterhole and a dry river
the park enthralled and
bed. Previous dry years forced thousands of eland to move
longing for an opportu-
south from the northern Botswana region of the park, but
nity to return.
94
Life in the desert
insufficient water, unsuitable grazing, and expectant preda-
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
tors were their demise. With the return of the summer rains, most of the eland returned north. The park has numerous sparsely spaced waterholes, which are a source of activity and life. At Kaspersdraai waterhole, between the Tweerivieren and Nossob camps, I was taking interest in the smaller, lessfamed residents of the park - a pair of squabbling Cape sparrows, a couple of jackal, and a thirsty eland.
A memorable sighting It was late morning, and so with my hungry stomach competing with the thunder overhead, I was starting to ponder the prospects of a skottelbraai egg and bacon breakfast back at camp when it happened. I recall hearing the eland bark and seeing the jackal look up. Following their eyes, I saw a sight that I will never forget - a beautiful,
The white-faced owl is a popular sighting at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
sleek, spotted shadow cautiously and stealthily moving down to the waterhole. I was mesmerised as I watched in awe as the leopard drank its fill. It was just the leopard, the great expanse and
I had seen one of the 150 leopards that roam in the South
me (the jackal and eland had beat a hasty retreat). Then,
African section of the park. They, along with the 130 Kalahari
as effortlessly as it had arrived, the shadow melted into
lions and 200 cheetahs, make the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
the grassland and it appeared as if nothing had changed.
one of the best places to view the big cats of Africa. This is
But in a very special way something had and for the rest
confirmed by the ‘Game Spotted’ notice board at each camp,
of the day I relived that moment, hypnotised by the mag-
where multiple sightings are recorded daily and which serves
nificent sighting.
as a useful guide when planning your afternoon game drive. >>
The Kalahari welcomes any rain it can get, but the same cannot be said for this mother cheetah and her cubs at the Marie se Draai waterhole.
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
97
TRAVEL
If you are looking for a Big Five experience in five minutes with hordes of people, then this is not for you. But if you are able to appreciate the sound of silence, the creative irony of the desert mirage and feel the coolness of the camel thorn tree shade even when the temperatures soar, you will certainly enjoy the experience. There is no single aspect of the park that can define it. It is not the ghostly leopard, the mother cheetah and her cubs huddled against the precious but unfamiliar rain, nor the black mane Kalahari lion gorging on his wildebeest, that singularly captures and defines the magic of this place. It is all of these and so much more. It is the colour of the red dunes against the ominous thunder This black-maned Kalahari lion was suffering from the combination of intense heat and having heavily overindulged on a wildebeest.
clouds, the cool shade of the camel thorn tree, and the clean and dry air. It is the proud tawny eagle with his feathered legs silhouetted against the red setting sun (along with the other 92 resident bird species within the park), and it is the
Game spotting
peacefulness of the water hole as gemsbok and springbok silently come to drink their fill.
The park spans a vast area, over 3.6 million hectares, and
Yes, the roads are not always the smoothest, short-notice
game spotting requires persistence, patience and petrol,
thundershowers are always a possibility during the summer
of which the latter is available at all three traditional camps
months, and your campsite is always vulnerable to a maraud-
(Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata). But during your
ing gang of ground squirrels, mongooses and jackal (so be sure
game viewing endeavours, beware of only pursuing the
to not leave any food out unattended). But this is after all the
grand game, as there is much joy to be had in the many
desert, the Kalahari, and it is truly captivating. When I returned
animal species that call the park home, none more so than
to civilisation I found that part of me had remained in the red
in the prevalent white-faced owls that are common to the
dunes and dry river beds. The park has taken me captive, and
campsites.
if you visit I bet it will do the same to you.
One moment it was there, and the next it was gone. This beautiful leopard was spotted at Kaspersdraai water hole.
96
Public Sector Manager • July 2016
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