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WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR WASTE?
108
MILLION TONNES Waste SA Generates Per Year
90% is sent to landfill
50%
of this is general waste (domestic, building and demolition waste, business waste)
10%
44%
is unclassified waste (electronic waste, sewage sludge, brine, bottom ash, dust) and 0.93% is hazardous (batteries, toxic chemical waste).
only 10% of this total waste is recycled
BUT TYRES ARE DIFFERENT - NOW 70% ARE BEING PROCESSED UP FROM ONLY 4% TWO YEARS AGO.
WHICH HAS RESULTED IN 3062 JOBS AND 226 SMMES
WHAT IS WHAT IS AAWASTE WASTE PICKER? PICKER?
SKILLS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT IS SUSTAINED IS SUSTAINED THROUGH THROUGH COLLABORATION COLLABORATION AND MENTORSHIP AND MENTORSHIP
Start Living Green’s Development Living Green Greenand andfull fulltime timeresearcher researcher University Start Living Green’s DevelopmentImplementation ImplementationMentor Mentor of of Start Start Living at at thethe University of of thethe Free State, Anita Ventor, shares and mentorship, mentorship,particularly particularlyononhow howit has it has helped make Free State, Anita Ventor, sharesher herthoughts thoughtson oncollaboration collaboration and helped to to make a difference in rural areas through ways towards towardsaasustainable sustainablefuture. future. a difference in rural areas throughengaging engaginginincreative creative and and innovative innovative ways Growing up up I always had a love other people peopleconsidered considered‘waste’ ‘waste’ and then repurposing Growing I always had a loveforforold oldthings, things,collecting collecting goods goods which which other and then repurposing thethe items in creative, useable were seeing seeingworth worthininwaste wasteininother other countries. I soon items in creative, useableways. ways.I was I wasalso alsoinspired inspired by by how how people people were countries. I soon discovered thatthat what is is seen the environment, environment,but butalso alsoasasa asource source income discovered what seenasaswaste wastecan canbe beused used to, to, not not only only help the of of income andand skills development in in thethe community. skills development community. Creating with waste brings peoplefrom fromallallwalks walksof oflife lifetogether, together, which is Collaboration allows Creating with waste brings people is why whycollaboration collaborationisisimportant. important. Collaboration allows opportunity have a farwider widerreach. reach.We Wehave haveaa range range of partners partners that on on ourour youyou thethe opportunity to to have a far thathelp helpwith withresearch researchand andimplementation implementation various projects, order producetangible tangibleoutcomes. outcomes. various projects, in in order totoproduce Currently mentoring communityprojects projectsthat that are are rolled rolled out State. Our drive to to Currently wewe areare mentoring 1313community out in in five five cities citiesand andtowns townsininthe theFree Free State. Our drive invest in human capital differs frommost mostsustainable sustainablelivelihood livelihood programmes programmes in or or community’s invest in human capital differs from inthat thatwe weadapt adapttotoeach eachindividual individual community’s mentoring needs. We engageininlong-term long-termcapacity capacitybuilding building activities activities until and areare able to to mentoring needs. We engage until our ourbeneficiaries beneficiariesare areindependent independent and able create self-sustainable livelihoodsfor forthemselves themselvesand and their their immediate immediate community. create self-sustainable livelihoods community. whole approach createclean cleanand andsafe safecommunities communities through through mentoring Since 2014 wewe OurOur whole approach is is totocreate mentoringand andupskilling upskillingthe theyouth. youth. Since 2014 have removed 3 000 tyres from the waste stream. Each tyre is filled with three wheelbarrows of soil and trash from mostly have removed 3 000 from the waste is filled with three of soil andInitiative trash from mostly illegal dumping sitestyres in the township. Withstream. the helpEach from tyre REDISA (Recycling andwheelbarrows Economic Development of South illegal dumping the township. With the helpcommunities from REDISA (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa), Start sites LivinginGreen is transforming several through positive development, showing the communities the Africa), Living Green is transforming several communities through positive development, showing the communities the manyStart opportunities that can be found in waste. many opportunities that can be found in waste. One of our notable projects has been Lebone Village Arts, Crafts and Cultural Hub. The project is aimed at creating a safe One of our notable projects has been Lebone Arts, Crafts and Hub. The project aimed at people creating a safe environment for the vulnerable children while Village also teaching them to beCultural entrepreneurial, and using is what most throw environment for the an vulnerable children while also teaching themmethods to be entrepreneurial, and using whatusing mostwaste people throw away to generate income. Some of the skills include teaching to construct housing or shelters tyres. away to generate an income. Some of the skills include teaching methods to construct housing or shelters using waste tyres. Each community is unique and needs custom-made action to roll out implementation that is suitable to the community’s needs. Each community unique and needs actionon toexperiences roll out implementation is suitable to with the community’s needs. Yes, there are is some guidelines, but custom-made mentoring is based gained whilethat working closely the communities. haveare been fortunate that, through organicisgrowth, we experiences have had many volunteers join the cause theycommunities. steer and Yes,We there some guidelines, but mentoring based on gained while working closelywhere with the projects within that, their own communities. Real social requires and investment humanand Wedevelop have been fortunate through organic growth, we change have had many long-term volunteerscommitment join the cause where theyin steer capital. develop projects within their own communities. Real social change requires long-term commitment and investment in human capital.
JOIN THE JOURNEY | www.redisa.org.za |
JOIN THE JOURNEY | www.redisa.org.za |
/wasteintoworth |
/wasteintoworth |
@wasteintoworth
@wasteintoworth 2016/05/23 3:36 PM
2016/05/23 3:36 PM
Contents JUNE 2016
36
Regulars 10
Conversations with leaders Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa is at the forefront of SA’s conservation efforts
16
Profiles in leadership CEO of the Housing Development Agency Pascal Moloi tells the good story of housing
20
Women in the public sector Portia Xaba is making a success of her career in the rail industry
24
Trailblazer Young teacher Siphiwe Sibanyoni is grooming a new generation of scientists
28
In other news News you need to know while you are on the go
30
Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips
32
Provincial focus Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has intensified its support for farmers in the province
42
42
International relations President Jacob Zuma’s state visit to Iran signaled a strengthening of relations and increase in trade between the two countries
10 46
Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information
76
Public Sector Appointments Who is new on persal?
80
Financial fitness Tips on how to work towards wealth
Features
10
2
38
Youth issues SA’s youth need a ‘hand up’
48
Building a better life for all President Jacob Zuma unpacks how government plans to shield South Africans from the global economic downturn
52
Monitoring progress in the public service Minister Jeff Radebe on why efficient service delivery is a key priority for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
56
Public finances to be better managed Despite the tough economic climate Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan remains positive about the country’s future
60
Enhancing communications for the benefit of all South Africans Communications Minister Faith Muthambi on transforming the media and enhancing communication between the state and citizens
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
64
Building better cities for Gauteng residents Gauteng’s three metros are committed to improving lives, creating jobs and delivering efficient services
70
Opinion IPAP 2016/17 to grow and diversify SA’s industrial base
74
Opinion Supporting the growth of township entrepreneurs
Lifestyle 78
Health and well-being Donate blood today, save a life tomorrow
82
Nice-to-haves Complete your look with the right bag
84
Food and drink Beat the cold with yummy soup recipes
88
Car reviews The new C-Class exudes elegance
90 94
Grooming and style Get the perfect winter wardrobe
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Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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Exceeding Expectations
LENMO PSM AD.indd 1
2016/05/12 10:50
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
Drawing inspiration from
the Class of 1976 T
his year marks 40 years since the historic June 16
democracy and will continue to play a vital role in helping
Soweto and other related uprisings, which helped
to move South Africa forward.
to turn the tide against apartheid tyranny and
oppression. But like many uprisings before it, the price paid by those in the frontline was steep. The June 16 Soweto uprising ended tragically with hundreds of young people
the example of the Class of 1976 and help build our country. They must channel their energies to transform the country. The National Development Plan singles out our youthful
brutally killed. However, the
population as an opportunity
innocent lives of young people
to boost economic growth,
lost that day became a rallying
increase employment and
point that inspired a nation and
reduce poverty.
people to rise up against the brutal apartheid system.
I n re c o g n i t i o n o f t h i s, government has prioritised
Following the advent of
youth development through
democracy in 1994 the new
initiatives such as the Youth
democratic government declared
E m p l oy m e n t Ac c o rd a n d
16 June as National Youth Day
the Youth Employment Tax
and June as Youth Month.
Incentive.
For ty years on from the
On the education and training
uprising in Soweto, our nation
front, we are working at better
is a very different place but the
integration and alignment
importance of young people
between sector education and
in shaping our future remains
training authorities, workplaces
constant.
and
The struggles of today’s youth are to entrench the freedom and
education
training
institutions. A big part of this approach is
democracy that the Class of 1976 fought and died for.
to make Technical Vocational Education and Training
Our youth must use their positive energy to tackle today’s
(TVET) colleges institutions of choice for young people.
challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. At
Government is of the view that TVET colleges can play a
the same time they face new challenges such as HIV and
role in transforming our economy.
AIDS, drug abuse and alcoholism.
Research and practical experience has shown that skills
The challenges faced by our youth today may seem
shortages in South Africa are often linked to a mismatch
far removed from those faced by the Class of 1976.
between education and the required skills that business
Nonetheless, there are parallels and young people can
need. Government strongly believes that TVET colleges
learn lessons and draw inspiration from the youth of
can deliver the skills and training that are essential to
1976.
addressing the skills gap in the South African economy.
Our youth played a pivotal role in the birth of our
6
Therefore, government calls on young people to follow
Government has established two new universities
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
- the Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape and the
government expenditure on youth programmes amounted
University of Mpumalanga. We are also confident that the
to R6.3 billion.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University will help to
“This figure does not represent government’s entire fiscal
address the shortage of medical professionals the economy
spend on youth but only the resources ploughed into the
needs in the country.
Employment Tax Incentive, the Jobs Fund, the National Rural
We have not forgotten about the importance of driving
Youth Service Corps programme, the Industrial Development
the spirit of entrepreneurship that is often inherent in young
Corporation, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency and the
people. It is for this reason that since 1994, government
NYDA,” he said.
has set up organisations such as the National Youth
The Youth Employment Accord was signed by government
Development Agency (NYDA) to among others, support
and its social partners in April 2013 and has resulted in
young entrepreneurs.
significant improvement in employment creation and support
The NYDA provides direct services to the youth in the form of information-provision, career guidance services, mentorship, skills development and training, entrepreneurial development and support, health awareness programmes and involvement in sport. It also encourages young people to be catalysts for change in their communities through involvement in community development activities, social cohesion activities, national youth service programmes and dialogues. Among the NYDA’s initiatives are the Volunteer Enterprise
for small, medium and micro enterprises. Progress made since the signing of the Youth Employment Accord include: • 433 000 new jobs for young people, representing a seven percent increase in overall youth employment. • Youth employment increased in eight provinces with Gauteng, Limpopo, Western Cape and North West recording the highest increases. • 114 223 young people were in learnerships over the 2013/14 and 2014/15 period. • 32 000 artisans completed their training.
Mentorship Programme that provides mentorship support
• Labour Centres have placed 22 546 youth in employment.
to youth businesses and the National Youth Service that
• The City of Tshwane’s Tshepo Youth Employment Initiative
helps develop the abilities of young people through service
provided 10 615 youth with entrepreneurship training
and learning.
and with technical training provided to 1 566 youth
The Entrepreneurship Development Programme is
cooperative members.
aimed at creating a conducive environment for young
• Since the Youth Employment Accord, the NYDA has
entrepreneurs to access relevant entrepreneurship skills,
facilitated 2 421 youth enterprises through its Grant
knowledge, values and attitudes for their businesses. The
Programme.
programme offers a package of entrepreneurship trainings
• The NYDA has created and sustained 11 677 jobs over this
that responds appropriately and adequately to the labour
period with a further 12 579 youth being placed in jobs
market and business needs of the young people. Further support for young people comes in the form of
• The NYDA has provided over two million young people with career guidance information.
the Department of Small Business Development’s National
It is clear that by working together we can build a society
Gazelles programme which identifies and supports a
where young people are free to pursue their dreams through
group of high-growth potential small and medium-sized
hard work and dedication. We can ensure a country where
enterprises every year for 10 years, through a comprehensive
opportunities are available for all, and where all South Africans
range of business growth-oriented programmes, activities
are afforded a chance to better their lives.
and partnerships. Throughout the system, government is doing all it can to support and empower our youth.
Government calls on all young people to take advantage of opportunities available to them to transform their lives and the country at large. It is equally important for government
As Deputy Minister in The Presidency Buti Manamela
departments and structures to ensure that many young people
recently pointed out during The Presidency’s Budget Vote,
across the country are aware of these opportunities and are
over the past two financial years (2013/14 and 2014/15),
able to access them in ever corner in the country.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
7
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Go wild for life
F
Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.
ew people are likely to mark 5 June as an important day
The department has increased its detection capacity at the
in their diaries. Even those who know that it is World
ports by training 712 multi-disciplinary border officials since
Environment Day are unlikely to pause and reflect on
January this year, in addition to the 1 047 trained last year.
its significance. Sadly, this is also how we treat our planet. We tend to view
training from Green Scorpions on the Illicit International
Earth as an inexhaustible resource that will continue to sustain
Cross Border Movement of Endangered Species to 1 759 in
us for thousands of years to come.
a space of less than eight months.
The reality, however, is very different. Our planet is running
Our interventions on rhino poaching are slowly beginning
out of natural resources, we are faced with overpopulation,
to bear fruit with less rhino being killed in 2015 than the
rising oceans and the Earth’s temperature is increasing.
year before. In the first four months of 2016, 363 rhino were
World Environment Day is therefore incredibly important
poached countrywide. During the same period last year, that
to raise global awareness among every citizen on Earth to
national figure was 404. Also, since the beginning of the year,
take positive environmental action to protect nature and the
206 alleged poachers have been arrested.
planet.
Minister Edna Molewa attributed this success to the
This year’s World Environment Day theme: “Go Wild for Life”,
Integrated Strategic Management Approach involving the
also addresses many of the environmental challenges South
various relevant government departments, private sector
Africa is facing. It aims to spread the word about wildlife crime
partners and stakeholders, the local and international donor
and the damage it causes.
community, as well as South Africans from all walks of life.
Our success in the conservation of our biodiversity has made
One of the most crucial elements in this approach was
us a prime target for organised, transnational environmental
bringing communities into the mainstream of conservation
and wildlife crime. Annually, poachers and thieves steal
so that they can realise the value of wildlife. The environment
millions of rands in animal, plant and marine life. Among the
will be less vulnerable to exploitation by poachers if we create
most prized items are rhino horns, abalone and cycads.
opportunities for surrounding communities in conservation
The effects of environmental and wildlife crime are devastating with a number of species on the verge of becoming extinct.
and wildlife management. The Department of Environmental Affairs identified 107 community projects adjacent to national parks through
To fight this government has put a number of initiatives in
which communities can benefit. A total of 60 projects are
place. The Department of Environmental Affairs continues to
already completed or under implementation, while 47 are
work closely with national security agencies to strengthen
at various stages of planning.
security at national ports of entry and exit.
8
This brings the number of offi cials that have received
South Africa is the third most mega bio-diverse country
In addition, Environmental Management Inspectors
in the world. A fact that should rightly inspire pride but also
commonly known as Green Scorpions are also deployed at
spur us on to protect our natural heritage for generations to
OR Tambo International Airport to ensure compliance with
come. Let World Environment Day be the catalyst to change
biodiversity laws and regulations.
our behaviour. We only have one planet, let us protect it.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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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
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS
Writers: Cathy Grosvenor and * Erica Mathye
Minister Molewa
leading conservation efforts
A
s the world reflects on its efforts to protect the en-
ensuring sustainable development and the advancement of
vironment during Environment Month in June, the
the green economy on the other.
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), with
One of the key investments in growing the green economy is
Minister Edna Molewa at the helm, is leading the charge lo-
the development of sustainable economic infrastructure. To
cally and has much to be proud of.
accelerate this development process, government launched
The department has achieved a number of milestones with regard to both safeguarding the country’s environment and growing the nation’s green economy. A total of 14 300 113 hectares have been declared conservation areas, which equates to a whopping 11.73
the Strategic Infrastructure Programme (SIP). The DEA is doing its bit by conducting strategic environmental assessments with a view to pre-assess potential environmental impacts. This helps streamline and integrate environmental authorisations for these developments.
percent of South Africa’s terrestrial surface. In addition, South
“In support of the renewable energy roll-out, we have
Africa is the third most mega bio-diverse country in the world.
finalised the pre-assessment of the grid expansion corridors. A
As custodian of all this natural wonder, the DEA is mandated
total of 137 renewable energy applications have already been
to ensure the protection of the environment as well as
authorised, representing an equivalent of 5719 megawatts,”
the conservation of natural
said the Minister during her Budget Vote in Parliament recently.
resources on the
“Recent legislative amendments have enabled us to
one hand, while
timeously finalise 35 SIP applications. Of these, 34 were concluded within the legislated period, translating to a 97 percent efficiency rate.” These achievements represent a significant investment in the highly successful Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPP) that has so far attracted investment valued at around R200 billion. The REIPPP is but one of many initiatives that underline the DEA’s commitment to international environment agreements, like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as encapsulated in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2015.
Getting industries’ buy-in 2016 marks the start of the first voluntary five-year cycle of implementing South Africa’s greenhouse gas emission mitigation system. After that, a Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa.
10
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
five-year mandatory system will be in effect.
the past financial year, in excess of 1.9 million people visited our
According to the Minister, key components of the system
SANBI-managed National Botanical Gardens. This is six percent
include a carbon budget for each company; submission of
higher than the previous year,” said the Minister, adding that
pollution prevention plans which will indicate how companies
the country's 10th National Botanical Garden was declared last
plan to achieve their carbon budgets; a reporting system to
year at Kwelera near East London.
gather information on emissions from companies; and a variety of other measures to be applied to support and/or complement
Job creation initiatives
the carbon budget system.
The DEA has created and sustained a number of job creation
South Africa’s sustainable development efforts have received much attention over the past years. In 2012, the DEA established
projects that focus on environmental protection and conservation:
the Green Fund with the objective of supporting the country’s
The Working for Water programme employs and provides
transition to a green economy through the provision of catalytic
training to the youth, people with disabilities and small,
finance to facilitate and stimulate investment in green initiatives.
medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), and works in
“A total budget allocation of R1.1 billion has been made and
partnership with local communities, government departments,
the board of the fund has approved 31 investment projects, 16 research and development projects and eight capacitybuilding projects. “Over 1 600 direct job opportunities and at least 11 300 indirect job opportunities have been created. More than 7 400 individuals have been directly trained and capacitated in the area of green skills,” said Minister Molewa.
Biodiversity boost
research foundations and private companies. Since its inception, the programme has cleared more than two million hectares of invasive alien plants and provided jobs and training to over 26 000 people per year from among the most marginalised sectors of society. In addition, over 50 000 people, particularly from the rural parts of the country, have benefited from employment opportunities. The programme runs over 300 projects across South Africa and has been globally recognised as one of the
The R300 million human capital development programme,
most outstanding environmental conservation initiatives on
Groen Sebenza, which recruited young people from across
the continent.
the country into the green sector, ended in December
Launched in 2003, the Working on Fire programme employs
2015. The project was spearheaded by the South African
more than 5 000 young men and women (85 percent are youth
National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and sponsored by the
and 29 percent are women). They have been fully trained as
Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Jobs Fund.
veld and forest fire fighters and are stationed in more than
It aimed at developing skills and bridging the gap between education and job opportunities in the biodiversity sector.
200 teams throughout South Africa. This initiative addresses the prevention and control of wild land fires to enhance the
The project focused on training, mentoring and workplace-
sustainability and protection of life and the environment
based learning with the objective of building a pool of young
through the implementation of Integrated Fire Management
and capable professionals for South Africa’s biodiversity sector,
practices.
which aims to boost job creation in the green economy. Since
Youth Jobs in Waste is a sub-programme under Working on
its launch in 2013, it created over 950 job opportunities and
Waste that focuses on providing employment opportunities
over 650 permanent jobs.
to the youth. The programme addresses a skills gap in
In July 2015, Cabinet approved the National Biodiversity
municipalities that allows for smooth landfill operations. The
Economy Strategy (NBES), which set out a number of strategic
year after its launch in 2013, over 4 000 jobs had been created
priorities required to develop the wildlife and bio-prospecting
across eight provinces of South Africa.
industries. The DEA has begun implementing the NBES
The programme aims to create job opportunities, on-
using the Operation Phakisa Delivery Model, which aims to
the -job training, continuous up-skilling, as well as
implement strategic policies and programmes better, faster
enterprise development for the youth. An estimated 1 000
and more effectively.
job opportunities will be created by placing young people
“We continue to drive the biodiversity economy through our national parks, heritage sites, botanical gardens and a vast network of public and private protected areas. During
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
in municipalities as landfill site assistants, waste collection administrators and environmental awareness educators. Further work opportunities will be created from
>>
11
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS
Deputy Minister of the Department of Environmental Affairs Barbara Thomson and the Deputy Director-General Mark Gordon get hands on during a Mandela Day clean-up campaign.
the construction activities associated with the building or
waste sector, we launched the Recycling Enterprise Support
erection of landfill site offices, ablution facilities, as well as weigh
Programme that will provide the initial capital set-up costs for
pad platforms at landfill sites across the country.
emerging entrepreneurs.
Extended Public Works Programme
of the three prioritised Industry Waste Management Plans
The Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) empowers
(IWMPs), namely for the paper and packaging, electrical and
people with skills through training, which in turn makes them
electronic and lighting industries respectively.
“This year, we aim to approve and begin the implementation
more employable. The EPWP uses labour intensive measures
“In line with the Pricing Strategy for waste and the SARS Waste
and it is through this national government initiative that the
Tyre Levy collection system, these IWMPs will set in motion a
DEA will launch the 2015/2018 cycle of the National Working
new economic paradigm for the management of these waste
for the Coast Programme on World Oceans Day in June.
streams in South Africa,” said Minister Molewa.
More than R303 million has been budgeted to create and
Plans have also been put in place for the management and
implement programmes to ensure sustainable and equitable
disbursement of funds through the Waste Management Bureau
maintenance of the coastal environments.
that will be fully operationalised this year. The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South
Putting waste to work
Africa (REDISA) Waste Tyre Management Plan, launched in
“Despite a total estimated value of R25 billion to the South
2012, received international acknowledgement when it was
African economy, the current rate of waste recycling has not
named runner-up in the Circular Economy Governments, Cities
been maximised,” the Minister noted.
and Regions Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos in
However, she added that the DEA has established a sound and
January.
comprehensive regulatory platform to accelerate the waste
The REDISA plan defines a unique approach to waste stream
recycling economy and waste beneficiation, thereby unlocking
management that is a world first, developed in South Africa
economic opportunities in the waste sector.
and making the local tyre industry a national and world leader
“To encourage the scale-up of recycling enterprises in the
12
in recycling.
>>
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
June is Environment Month June is Environment Month
GO WILD FOR LIFE GO WILD FOR LIFE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
The celebration of the Environment Month is an annual event on the calendar of South Africa’s environment sector. World Environment Day (WED), celebrated on 05 June is convened by the United Nations Environment Programme. This year’s theme is: Go wild for Wildlife: Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade
The celebration of the Environment Month is an annual event on the calendar of South Africa’s environment sector. World Environment celebrated on 05 trade, June is convened by thetoUnited Nations Programme. To turn the Day tide (WED), against the illegal wildlife more people need understand the Environment damage this illicit This year’s theme is: Go wild for Wildlife: Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade business is doing to the environment, economies, communities and security. There is a need to change habits and behaviour so that demand for illegal wildlife products falls. World Environment Day 2016 encourages the
all species threatwildlife and for people take action in order to help species future gen-this illicit To turn celebration the tide ofagainst theunder illegal trade, tomore people need to safeguard understand thefordamage erations. This year’s celebration of Environment Month comes ahead of South Africa’s hosting of the CITES CoP17 habits in business is doing to the environment, economies, communities and security. There is a need to change and Johannesburg. behaviour so that demand for illegal wildlife products falls. World Environment Day 2016 encourages the Do your part by reporting Environmental Crimes to: 0800 205 005 celebration of all species under threat and for people to take action in order to help safeguard species for future generations. This year’s celebration of Environment Month comes ahead of South Africa’s hosting of the CITES CoP17 in Key environmental days in June include: Johannesburg.
05 June: World Environment Do your part by reporting Environmental Crimes to: 0800 205 005
Day
08 June: World Oceans Day Key17environmental days in June include: June: World Day to Combat Desertification
05 June: World Environment Day Departmental events across the country in June will also showcase job creation initiatives in the environment sector 08 June: World Oceans Day environmental careers to young people, in celthrough the Expanded Public Works Programme, as well as showcasing ebration of Youth Month. 17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification Departmental events across the country in June will also showcase job creation initiatives in the environment sector through the Expanded Public Works Programme, as well as showcasing environmental careers to young people, in celCentre: 086 111 2468 Website: www.environment.gov.za ebration of YouthCall Month.
environmental affairs Department: Environmental Affairs REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Call Centre: 086 111 2468
environmental affairs Department: Environmental Affairs REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Website: www.environment.gov.za
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS
It supports and promotes tyre recycling, providing the collection and depot infrastructure required to collect waste tyres from across the country and deliver them to approved recyclers. By February 2016, 226 small businesses and 3 112 jobs had
innovation is a one-stop web-based portal to apply for licences and report for compliance. This portal will go a long way in reducing the reporting burden on industries’ side and ensuring the necessary information to assess and enforce compliance.
been created through the REDISA Waste Tyre Management
The South African Weather Service, which is an agency of
Plan. In addition, 20 935 tonnes of waste tyres had been
the department, hosts the South African Air Quality Information
collected and 12 728 tonnes processed.
System. It has increased the number of stations reporting to the
No time to waste When it comes to waste that cannot be recycled, the DEA
system to 143. This includes both government and privatelyowned stations.
has finalised a Hazardous Waste Roadmap that deals with the
Curbing rhino poaching
import, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste,
By the end of 2015, rhino poaching figures had stabilised
including medical waste.
somewhat, the Minister said.
“In the past financial year, we issued 53 remediation orders
She attributed this preliminary success to the Integrated
for contaminated sites,” said Minister Molewa, adding that the
Strategic Management Approach involving the various
department was close to eradicating a backlog of 341 unlawful
relevant government departments, private sector partners and
municipal landfill sites.
stakeholders, the local and international donor community, as
While the chemicals sector remains an important contributor to the economy, the unmanaged release of hazardous chemicals into the environment cannot be taken lightly. To curb the illegal trafficking of controlled and banned
well as South Africans from all walks of life. The Minister said this year, the DEA planned to conduct antipoaching awareness campaigns in a number of East Asian countries.
chemical substances, Minister Molewa said the department has
She added that Cabinet had appointed an Inter-Ministerial
worked with SARS and trained 170 inspectors from SARS and
Committee to provide guidance relating to the possibility of
the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Chemicals. These
proposing a legal, regulated, commercial international trade
inspectors are based at various ports of entry to South Africa.
in rhino horn to the Convention on International Trade in
Air pollution in the spotlight
Endangered Species (CITES) at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17).
One of the department’s important mandates is to ensure that
“Based on the Cabinet decision, South Africa will not be
South Africa’s air quality is in line with internationally accepted
applying for the opening of a legal, international commercial
standards. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards have
trade in rhino horn at this coming CITES COP17 which will be
been established to ensure full industry compliance while not
hosted in South Africa from 24 September to 5 October 2016.”
hindering sustainable economic growth. There is general compliance at a national level, with the exception of the Vaal (Zamdela and Sebokeng), Highveld (Emalahleni and Secunda) areas, as well as the emerging Waterberg-Bojanala area.
The Minister said COP17 would be preceded by a high-level Ministerial meeting to discuss the role of CITES in advancing Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. “A total of R15.2 million has been allocated to enhance South Africa’s legacy programme of the 17th COP to CITES and beyond.
“To address challenges in these areas, the department is
This includes the establishment of the Youth and Conservation
leading a Source Apportionment Study to assess different
Programme that will ensure the mobilisation and formal
contributors to the air pollution levels. We have also initiated
integration of the youth in conservation and the biodiversity
a Health Study in the Highveld area to assess the impact of
economy initiatives,” she added.
pollution on human health,” said Minister Molewa. In the past financial year, the South African Atmospheric Emission Licensing and Inventory Portal was established. This
14
* Erica Mathye works for the Department of Environmental Affairs.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Pr o t e c t Pr o t e c E t E
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17 June 2016 World Day 17Combat June 2016 World Day to Desertification to Combat Desertification
Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People Tsireledzani Lifhasi. Vhuedzedzani Shango. Dikwamanyeni na Vhathu Tsireledzani Lifhasi. Vhuedzedzani Shango. Dikwamanyeni na Vhathu Sireletsa Lefatshe. Thlabolola Naga. Golagana le Batho Sireletsa Lefatshe. Thlabolola Naga. Golagana le Batho Hlayisa Misava. Pfuxa Tiko. Burisana na Vanhu . Hlayisa Misava. Pfuxa Tiko. Burisana na Vanhu . Vikela Umhlaba. Buyisela uMhlaba. Xoxisana naBantu Vikela Umhlaba. Buyisela uMhlaba. Xoxisana naBantu Bewaar die Aarde. Herstel Grondgebied . Betrek Mense Bewaar die Aarde. Herstel Grondgebied . Betrek Mense
www.unccd.int www.unccd.int
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
Writer: Irene Naidoo Photographer: Siyasanga Mbambani
Building hope through human settlements
P
ascal Moloi finds it hard not to contradict himself. He is humble on the one hand
but feels the need to boast on the other - not of his own achievements but of government’s success in providing houses for its people. While every house handed over
to needy South Africans is an overwhelming experience for the CEO of the Housing Development Agency (HDA), he believes it is also reason to trumpet the success of government’s housing delivery over the past 22 years. “There is nothing more humbling than going to a site, accompanying a politician and coming across a family that’s never owned a home before and then handing them a key to their new home. For me that is the ultimate satisfaction. You work hard to see more of that happen,” he says. With millions of houses built for the poor since 1994, Moloi says, “South Africa has a right to brag...We have housed the poorest of the poor. “It’s not enough but this high level of delivery is unprecedented in the world and I think South Africa needs to be proud of it.” The HDA, an agency of the Ministry of Human Settlements, has been instrumental in the delivery of these houses.
16
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Established in 2009, Moloi says the agency has three main areas of focus. It was set up to ensure land assembly for human settlements purposes on behalf of the state. As such, the HDA identifies, acquires, assembles, prepares and releases land, mostly to municipalities. Secondly, it offers broad support to provinces or municipalities in human settlements work.
right of refusal before they alienate land. Despite these challenges, the HDA’s targets related to land are within reach. “This year the target is 10 000 hectares and we are just 500 hectares short of that.”
A bigger role to play While the HDA’s mandate has always been that of development
The HDA is also expected to be involved in property
agency, there is now a bigger push for it to look beyond land.
development as programme managers, implementing agents
“We’ve not been playing as big a role as a developer and the
or developers.
The land challenge
Minister is of the view that the state requires a development agency that will play a role in the whole value chain of property development, from inception right up to exit…
Moloi explains that when municipalities and provinces
We have now completed a business case taking us in that
identify a piece of land for potential human settlements, they
direction.”
approach the HDA. In some instances, private interests or non-
While the HDA will continue with land assembly and
governmental organisations that have identified land suitable
acquisition, going forward it will look into setting up
for development approach the agency.
partnerships with private sector developers and/or non-
“We’ll go in and do the investigations, studies and evaluations. We sometimes prepare the land ourselves and do the town planning schemes.” He adds that acquiring land for human settlements is not always an easy task.
governmental developers. “We’ll do project packaging, broker financial modelling and raise capital. We’ll continue giving support and do monitoring and evaluation and research on development on behalf of the state.
“The land question is an old one in the country. Issues
“We are now being challenged to be central in making sure
with land can relate to the location, price and sometimes
that there are project implementation plans, funds are raised,
typography.”
projects run and they make the impact that is expected.”
Another challenge is that much of the land is the property of stated-owned companies (SOCs). “You would expect that because we are all agencies of the
Moloi says the agency will work towards ensuring that there is economic development, sustainable development, access to amenities and old spatial patterns are undone.
state, if land belonging to SOCs is identified and it's suitable for
In her recent Budget Vote, Minister Sisulu announced
human settlements, there would be an agreement, politically or
the roll-out of catalytic projects that will trigger massive
otherwise and that land would be a donation, a straight transfer.
investments by the private sector and have huge economic
“But with some of the bigger SOCs, land is a serious
spin-offs over the next three years. The projects, in all nine
component of their balance sheet. It’s not easy for them just
provinces, have a combined value of over R300 billion.
to release and give it up for human settlements purposes so
These projects will provide fully subsidised houses; gap
there are very intricate discussions and negotiations that take
housing, especially for public servants; rental and social
place,” he says.
housing; and serviced sites for the poor and middle class
To address this issue, the Minister of Human Settlements,
close to places of economic activities.
Lindiwe Sisulu, put together a suggestion related to the
Government's investment in these 101 projects, which is
compensation for state-owned land, which she is discussing
estimated at R90 billion over five years, will trigger about
with the relevant stakeholders, explains Moloi.
R150 billion from the private sector.
He adds that there is a need for long-term regulation that would compel government bodies to give the HDA the first
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
The HDA will be integral in the successful roll-out of these programmes.
>>
17
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
“So we go into a Marikana, for instance, and make sure there is a plan to transform that mining town in such a manner that when the deposits that are underground are exhausted, we still have an integrated living environment and we don’t end up with ghost towns. “Transformation plans will include everything, including how it is going to be developed. Most of the mining towns are surrounded by informal settlements so it will also link up with our informal settlement upgrading programmes to the point that there is investment in basic services and ultimately, housing and community development can happen.”
Changing lives With previous experience as City Manager of Johannesburg, Moloi says his work at local government level, although different to what he is currently doing, has somewhat
Building homes, learning lessons
prepared him for his role at the agency. “As CEO of the HDA, I am only looking at one sector. Managing
Over the years, the agency has had a hand in a number of
a city is like managing a country. There are multiple sectors
housing projects across the country.
you have to worry about - safety, air quality, transportation,
Soon after it was set up, the HDA was given the responsibility of managing two major housing projects - Zanemvula in Port Elizabeth and N2 Gateway in Cape Town. Moloi says with each of them, the HDA experienced success, setbacks and learnt valuable lessons.
etc. It’s much broader than what we are doing here. “But if you look at what cities do and what their mandates are, ultimately they are responsible for human settlements because they touch every aspect of a citizen, living in it. We more or less share that ambition.”
“With N2 Gateway for instance, when the HDA took over there
He adds that after gaining an understanding of policies of
were multiple problems around beneficiary management
public sector management and dealing with finance as city
and shoddy workmanship. We had to start by reprioritising
manager, he can use that to also get his hands dirty and be
programmes, re-engaging communities and fixing some of
on site to witness developments unfold from the setting up
the units that were badly constructed.
of slabs, to window levels and then roof level.
“The target was about 18 000 units or more and currently we have a deficit of just over 3 000 units. So there are
The way forward
15 000 new homes, new families, new livelihoods that have
While Moloi is pleased with what the HDA has achieved so
benefited from our involvement.”
far, he believes the agency can still do more to better the lives
The agency is still working on Zanemvula, where it had to intervene and help the municipality upscale its delivery programme. The HDA is also involved in the Cornubia Housing project
of South Africans. “With the direction we are taking, I will be happy not just to see a person under a roof but also walking out of a yard that is well demarcated, onto a pavement next to a street that is
in KwaZulu-Natal and a number of others across the country.
tarred, with running water.
Transforming mining towns
or school less than five kilometres from their home and be
The new mandate also sees the HDA playing an active role in
employed. The ultimate goal will be to see a number of fully
the transformation of the 22 mining towns identified by the
functioning, sustainable communities across the country,” he
Inter-Ministerial Committee.
adds.
18
“They should also have access to either a healthcare facility
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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5 CONSUMER
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Siyabulela Duda
Making a mark in
the rail industry
20
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
G
rowing up in Escourt in KwaZulu-Natal as a shy
age of 23, in the rail industry - that is traditionally dominated
little girl, Portia Xaba never saw herself working
by men - was quite an intimidating thing to do.
in the male dominated rail industry.
Back then, the only time she came close to a railway line,
was at a railway crossing bridge on her way to school. Little did she know that one day she would be working on Gauteng’s rapid rail system, the Gautrain.
“For the very first time in my life I was confronted with having to deal with a male-dominated environment. Firstly as a black person and secondly as a young woman. I did not only have to deal with the issues of race, but also of gender,” she explains.
Xaba’s journey from rural KwaZulu-Natal to an air-
An additional challenge was that the signalling field is a
conditioned office at Gautrain’s office in Midrand has not
very specialised one that demands a lot and puts pressure
been an easy one.
on newcomers.
But with perseverance and hard work, she is now Senior
“There is a skills shortage in the signalling field and the
Manager: Signalling Systems at the Gautrain Manage-
generation gap between the signalling practitioners is quite
ment Agency (GMA).
significant.
She is responsible for all the signalling and telecommunications systems of the Gautrain. This includes managing the signalling technology and benchmarking against advanced systems
“It often requires one to be self-sustaining and this challenges one’s intellectual capabilities and independence. You often find that you have to lead yourself in a work environment.”
like the European Railway Agen-
Hard work signals success
cy. Among other responsibilities, she evaluates the signalling system’s assets.
How it started Xaba says her early ambitions never included a career in rail. “During my tertiary studies and as a teenager I did not have much understanding or insight of the railway industry and the opportunities that existed. I had always imagined
“For the very first time in my life I was confronted with having to deal with a male-dominated environment. Firstly as a black person and secondly as a young woman, I did not only have to deal with the issues of race, but also of gender,” she explains.
Xaba started off her career in rail at Transnet Freight Rail in Durban in 2005 as an engineering technician, specialising in railway signalling maintenance. In 2011, she was appointed as an interlocking training specialist (signalling) at the School of Rail. During this period, she acquired a qualification as an Education Training and Development Practitioner.
myself in an electronics laboratory or
In 2012, she joined Siemens Ltd
similar environments.” After completing matric, she got a bursary from Telkom to study for an Electronic Engineering Degree at Technikon Natal (currently known as the Durban University of Technology). “Straight after my tertiary education, I was released from
(Rail Automation department) as a project engineer and a year later she joined the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). “I was a national signalling specialist at PRASA, responsible for maintenance engineering, specification development and reliability engineering.
my scholarship obligations by Telkom and an opportunity
“I was responsible for giving direction to all the regions of
to work in the rail industry presented itself. I took it and
the organisation as far as signalling was concerned,” Xaba
the rest is history.”
explains. She then joined the GMA where she had an opportunity
Overcoming challenges
to work on a project that is “making a positive impact on
Xaba says she has faced many challenges in her career
commuters in Gauteng”.
so far. “Starting off my career as a young black woman, at the
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
“The Gautrain, being the first rapid rail service in the whole of Africa, has improved the lives of commuters in Gauteng >>
21
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
through improved accessibility and mobility in the Johan-
travelling from Pretoria to Johannesburg and suburbs in
nesburg and Tshwane corridor.
between, in much less time than it would take on the road.”
“It has also been instrumental in supporting the
“Commuters are able to plan their trips with comfort as
Gauteng Provincial Government’s efforts to accelerate eco-
the Gautrain is built on reliable and safe sub-systems,” she
nomic growth and development of infrastructure”.
explains.
She points out that thanks to the Gautrain, travelling time between Johannesburg and Tshwane has been significantly reduced.
Xaba is studying further to improve herself, as the world of signalling is constantly changing. Among the number of courses she has completed is
“It has provided the citizens of Gauteng with a quality
that of Systems Engineering Management (University of
service alternative to the congested roads between the
Pretoria) and she is expected to complete a course in Sys-
two cities.
tem Design: Railway Infrastructure Maintenance, from the
“Commuters are now provided with the benefit of
same institution, soon.
This and that What or who inspires you? Being a perfectionist is one inspiration, as I cannot afford to put out substandard work. All the women that have made a great success of their lives also inspire me. I am inspired by the single mom raising kids, in what seems to be impossible conditions, but still be able to ensure that her kids are happy. I am inspired by the women in the boardroom who ooze confidence in their work and decisions. I am also inspired by all the men who have the utmost respect for women and give their support to women in all areas of their lives.
How do you balance your work and home life? That’s a tough one, making time for my private life whilst being a workaholic. My fiancé makes this task manageable. He always manages to remind me that I am not my work.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? There isn’t a specific one but with all the business trips to France, I’d love to explore the French coastline one day.
How do you relax? Reading, playing chess, watching my fish swim in the fishpond at home and thinking about what to achieve next.
Describe yourself in two words? Determined and strategic.
22
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
At GEMS we strive for
GREATNESS Greater affordability, greater member understanding, greater health, greater partnerships… Is that not what you have come to expect from the pioneering medical scheme that continues to make a difference in the lives of South Africans? And if that was not enough, here are 10 more great reasons why GEMS is truly different: • Less than 7% of member contributions are spent on non-healthcare services. • For every R100 received in member contributions, GEMS spends R93 on healthcare costs alone. • Contribution rates on GEMS benefit option plans are maintained at 19% below those of similar benefit plans offered by other medical schemes, while offering similar or better benefits. • GEMS has significantly improved healthcare access for women employed within the public sector. • GEMS members are not subjected to waiting periods and can access their benefits the day they join. • GEMS does not charge late joiner penalties. • Members can cover their extended family. • Approximately R1 in every R5 spent on private healthcare is spent by GEMS. • Approximately R1 out of every R10 spent on healthcare (both private and public) in South Africa is spent by GEMS. • With the GEMS workplace Fitness Programme, leading an active, healthy lifestyle has never been easier.
Want to know more? Contact GEMS on *120*4367# or visit m.gems.gov.za or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GEMS1GEMOFASCHEME Working towards a healthier you
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize
TRAILBLAZER
The science of success W ith a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)
education first. I try to be an innovative teacher and ensure that
degree, Siphiwe Sibanyoni could very easily have
my learners excel and develop a passion for science. I also share
crafted a successful and lucrative career for him-
my knowledge with my colleagues,” he explains.
self in the private sector.
But instead the 27-year-old has chosen to instil the same love for science he enjoys in schoolchildren. In fact,
Sibanyoni believes that it’s his approach of using various teach-
ing strategies that is keeping his learners interested in their lessons.
Sibanyoni is doing such a good job at it that at the recent
After realising that some of his Grade 9 to 12 learners were
National Teaching Awards, he won the Excellence in Natural
struggling to grasp what was being taught in the classroom, he
Science Teaching Category.
decided that it was time to explore other avenues.
The National Teaching Awards is an annual event hosted
“I started after school classes for learners to help improve their
by the Department of Education where the cream of the
grades. I also participate in winter classes for Grade 9 to 12 learn-
crop in the teaching industry is honoured.
ers and use the Internet Broadcast Project as part of teaching
Innovation, hard work and determination Sibanyoni, who teaches at the Iketsetseng Senior Secondary School in Sasolburg, says it was hard work and determination that helped earn him the award. “I am very happy to have won. It has motivated me to
science.” In this way, learners are able watch videos and get real simulations of science concepts. “I also take my learners on education tours and encourage them to take part in science olympiads.”
continue working even harder to ensure my learners enjoy
A passion for teaching
science and do very well at it.
Apart from his science degree, Sibanyoni also has a Postgraduate
“I excel in natural sciences and I put my learners and their
24
Certificate in Education specialising in FET science education.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
“I am currently doing Honours in Education (Natural and Physical Science). I am inspired by education and I feel there is such a great need for science teachers in our country,” he adds. Sibanyoni has a passion for sharing his love of science with others.
come encouraged to follow science-related careers such as engineering, medicine and teaching science.”
Improving mathematics and science results Sibanyoni says to improve results in mathematics and science in South Africa, learners need to enjoy the sciences.
“The reason I did not go into the private sector is be-
“We need to show learners that science is not a subject that
cause I want to see more leaders in the science industry
you learn because you have to, but that science is around
through my students. We need more science experts in this
them every day; in this way they will love the subject.”
country, which is one of the reasons I decided to be a teacher.
“Also, teachers should ensure that effective teaching and
I love teaching science and want to see my learners achieve
learning take place. We as teachers need to ensure that we
distinctions,” he says.
engage learners during mathematics and science lessons.”
After completing his degree Sibanyoni worked at the
He adds that there also needs to be a strong focus on
then Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
ensuring that schools have the necessary equipment to
Environment (now known as the Department of Agriculture
do experiments, which is a teaching method that proves
and Rural Development) as an intern microbiologist specialis-
science theories.
ing in animal reproduction and biotechnology. He later participated in the Teach SA programme. Teach SA
Sibanyoni advises educators to be lifelong learners and continuously update their knowledge and skills.
recruits and selects top performing young graduates in the
He adds science educators face challenges in terms of
field of mathematics, science and English from universities
resources such as apparatus and chemicals for experiments.
across the country and places them in disadvantaged and
“However, as a science teacher I improvise and seek help
rural schools for a minimum period of two years to become
from other schools to ensure my learners receive the best,”
educators.
he adds.
“Teach SA trained me to be a science educator. I was then
Sibanyoni says he would like to make a lasting impact on
placed at Nkgopoleng Secondary School in Sasolburg in
his learners, by ensuring they take on science without fear
2012 until September 2015 when I was appointed as the
and are motivated to choose careers in science, including
head of department (HOD) of Science at Iketsetseng Senior
teaching science.
Secondary School.”
“My plans for the future include opening a science resource
Sibanyoni says he enjoys his work and his average day
centre where I can continuously interact with learners on
includes planning for his lessons in natural science and
science activities at a higher level. I also see myself being a
physical science.
leader in the teaching of science in the country,” he says.
“As the HOD, my work also involves monitoring the work of educators in my department as well as managing day-to -day running of the school.”
The best job in the world For Sibanyoni, being a science educator is the best job in the world because he is able to engage his learners and teach them about the world and skill of science. “The subjects I teach allow me to show my learners that science is about their bodies and the environment they find themselves in. I am able to equip them with the critical science skills that our country so desperately needs. “By making them passionate about science, they be-
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
This and that
What is your favourite food? Seafood.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy going to the movies and socialising with friends and family.
How do you relax? I love swimming.
Favourite holiday destination? Locally it is Cape Town and internationally, I would love to go to the Bahamas.
25
DID YOU KNOW THAT ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS NEED TO PAY A SKILLS LEVY? If you are a state entity operating within any of CATHSSETA’s subsectors, partner with us and pay your skills levy to access your mandatory grant. Let’s make every workplace a training place…
For more information, contact us on 011 217 0600 or visit our website www.cathsseta.org.za
LET US REMEMBER THE YOUTH OF 1976 BY EMPOWERING TODAY’S YOUTH This month marks the 40th anniversary of the June 16 1976 uprising that started in Soweto and spread to other parts of the country. The protest against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction at township schools ended in the tragic loss of lives of unarmed students. This year, we honour the students at a time when youth activism is once again on the agenda. The 1976, 1985 and 2015 (#RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall) student protests are a reminder of the power that the voice of the youth holds in this country and a realisation that our youth has always been central to the course of change in education. In recent months, there have been a series of reports that do not paint a pretty picture about the state of youth in South Africa. More than 20 years into our democracy, our youth are less skilled than their parents, according to a report released by Statistics SA in April. And in May, figures were released showing that the unemployment rate was now higher than 26%, with young people aged 15 - 35 years constituting nearly 70% of the unemployed. What this means is that we have not fully taken advantage of policy interventions to ensure that the youth are skilled enough to make a meaningful contribution to the economy of this country. The National Development Plan has set a target for us to create 11-million jobs by 2030. We cannot create these jobs if our youth are not in the classroom, but rather in the streets demanding affordable education and transformation at learning institutions. It is therefore important that South Africa increases efforts to create an environment where opportunities are opened up for the poor and well deserving students to access education and workplace training. Like the youth of 1976, the youth of today have made their voices heard. It is time for us to respond with real solutions to the challenges they face. Among these solutions are education and workplace training. This is where CATHSSETA and other sector education and training authorities play a major and a key role in ensuring that our government responds to the plea of the youth of our country. We need an affordable and accessible education that is relevant to today’s youth.
CATHSSETA has been under administration since 2014 – a
process that has allowed us to refocus on our core mandate – to facilitate skills development through funding. In the 2014/15 financial year, CATHSSETA provided discretionary grant funding worth nearly R65-million for our learning programmes, including bursaries, learnerships workplace integrated learning, internships and skills programmes. In the 2015/16 financial year, we increased our allocation to nearly R85-million for our learning programmes. Organisations do not have to be levy-paying employers to apply for our discretionary funding; even the smallest enterprise can apply for this funding if it is committed to upskilling the youth. We are mindful that we need to grow the number of people receiving training, particularly in the rural areas. CATHSSETA has therefore established regional offices in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Free State. Our Gauteng regional office will also service the North West province, while the Limpopo and Free State regional offices will service the Mpumalanga and Northern Cape respectively. This decentralised approach will allow us to reach out to stakeholders in all the provinces, thus extending our footprint. We are excited at the prospect of providing training opportunities to those learners we have previously struggled to access. CATHSSETA is just one player among many who are tasked with ensuring that we create a pipeline of future skilled workers for South Africa. We call on those who are committed to skills development to partner with us in collective efforts to address and respond to the needs of our youth. This year as we pay tribute to the youth of 1976, we should not only remember them as the generation that rejuvenated the liberation struggle, we should also honour them by ensuring that the youth of today successfully become the leaders of tomorrow.
IN OTHER NEWS
Compiled by: Dorris Simpson
Initiatives to boost SA’s economy
and mentoring to the target groups, especially black
Government, labour and business leaders agreed in a meeting
entrepreneurs.
convened by President Jacob Zuma to join forces and implement
Another initiative is to accelerate inclusive growth.
a number of interventions to boost the country’s economy.
“We must expand investment. In this regard, the
The President said that while South Africa has recovered from
model we used for renewable Independent Power
the global financial crisis, the level of economic growth has been
Producers offers valuable lessons. As part of scaling
much weaker than previously anticipated.
up investment, we will move with speed to extend the
“We recognise as government that there are also some domestic constraints that we must attend to. We are pleased that labour has joined these talks which are aimed at arresting slow growth and to save and create jobs,” he added.
model to coal and gas,” said the President. The third initiative is to expand government and private sector co-investment in infrastructure. This seeks to use the Independent Power Producer
The meeting came after Moody’s Investors Service’s in May
model for other infrastructure investments and
noted that South Africa was approaching a turning point after
explore the possibility of private sector investment in
years of weak growth.
state-owned companies.
President Zuma said this was confirmation that the collaborative approach had been successful. “We have responded to the crisis by introducing the Nine-Point Plan to boost growth and employment, within the framework
The fourth initiative involves exploring appropriate mechanisms of strengthening state-owned enterprises to reduce the risk they pose to the fiscus so they can play a stronger role in driving development.
of the National Development Plan (NDP),” said President Zuma.
The President added that the credit ratings work
To further respond to the challenges facing the country, the
stream would identify potential areas of reforms
meeting decided on some short-term interventions, in addition
and interventions to avert further credit rating
to implementing the Nine-Point Plan.
downgrades. The workstreams that were established
One of these is to reduce policy uncertainty and improve confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its promise of boosting growth.
in February will continue their work and come up with an implementation programme. Discovery Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Gore, said
One of the initiatives will be a joint private and public sector
business has committed funds of up to R1.6 billion
fund for small business support. It will be established with
with the intention of making a serious impact and he
roughly 50:50 contributions by the partners.
hopes that eventually the funds would increase to
The focus will be on providing venture capital-type funding
28
about R5 billion.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Joburg gets Moody’s upgrading
Moody’s noted the City’s prudence and
Development Plan and pushed hard
Moody's Investors Service has upgraded
consistency in managing its finances.
for its implementation. The accolades
its National Scale Rating of the City of
This was evident by the following:
now received are an affirmation of the
Johannesburg by four notches from
• The City’s financial performance has
correctness of our strategies in managing
A2.za to Aa1.
improved in the past three years.
the finances of the City,” said Mayor Tau.
The Global Scale Ratings has been
• Net direct debt has declined from 35
He noted that Joburg was last year
raised from Ba3 to Baa2, the same level
percent of operating revenue in 2011
the largest per capita infrastructure
as the sovereign rating. This is the highest
to 30 percent in 2015.
spender in government, after national
possible rating that can currently be
• The City has maintained its good
achieved by institutions with the best
liquidity position despite funding 30
The City has maintained healthy
credit quality in South Africa. The City of
percent of capital expenditure from
liquidity levels of around R5 billion while
Johannesburg is the only Metro to have
own sources.
embarking on a R100 billion capital
achieved such a feat of a Global Scale
• During the 2015 financial year the
Ratings upgrade in the current round of
City invested R10.2 billion on capital
rating reviews.
infrastructure, an increase of 37
This follows the recent upgrading of
percent from 2014.
government itself.
expenditure over the next 10 years, averaging R10 billion per year. The benefit of this dual upgrade is that credit spreads on the City’s listed
the City’s national long-term rating and
Executive Mayor Parks Tau said the
bonds should become narrow and make
the national senior unsecured rating on
successes and vote of confidence in the
them more attractive to investors while
outstanding bonds from AA- to AA and
City of Johannesburg demonstrated by
simultaneously lowering the cost of
the affirmation of its national short-term
Moody's was as a result of hard work.
new debt to fund capital expenditure.
rating at F1+ with a stable outlook by Fitch Rating Agency. In upgrading the City ’s ratings,
“We identified financial resilience
The upgrade is therefore expected to
as a priority for the City, set a team
lower the relative cost of rolling out
to put together the City's Financial
infrastructure in the City.
Opening doors for women in tourism
its efforts on women development through the incubator
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, hosted the
process as well as formal business development studies.
highly successful Women in Tourism initiative at the Tourism
• Skills development programmes offered by the department
Indaba recently. The establishment of the Women in Tourism (WiT ) forum is
that provide a leeway for women to venture into new areas, like being chefs and food safety assurers.
aimed at addressing the economic inequalities and challenges
• The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Educa-
faced by women within the sector. The WIT agenda is centred
tion and Training Authority’s formal training and development
on commanding respect, ascertaining recognition of women’s
and bursaries focusing on women development at PHD level.
contributions in the sector, encouraging representation in
• Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA), a non-profit organisa-
economic activities and leadership, and producing results, which
tion formed in 2011 with the mission to impact on the lives
will enhance the supply and demand for domestic tourism.
of women and youth, to be part of the mainstream socio and
Opportunities for women development and funding options
economic development in SA. WOVSA partners with govern-
available were highlighted at this event. These include:
ment, private sector and other social partners in programmes
• The Executive Development Programme for Women launched
that impact lives of women and youth in a sustainable
in March 2016 by the department working with the BEE Char-
manner.
ter Council. It is targeting 20 women who have been identified
At the event, recognition was also given to women that have
from the industry and will go through a selection process in
invested their resources in breaking barriers and advancing the
partnership with the selected Higher Education Institution.
course of inclusive participation.
• The newly established Enterprise Development Programme by the department that will focus more than 50 percent of
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Source: SAnews, City of Joburg.
29
VITAL STATS
Compiled by: Dorris Simpson
Fast facts at your fingertips
R
emarkable progress has been made in increasing access
These allocations are:
to electricity in South Africa, says Energy Minister Tina
•
R1.5 billion for KwaZulu-Natal.
Joemat Pettersson.
•
R1.3 billion for Eastern Cape.
Delivering her Budget Vote recently, the Minister acknowl-
•
R1 billion for Limpopo.
edged the achievements of the Integrated Electrification
•
R520 million for Mpumalanga.
Programme (INEP), and its implementing agencies Eskom,
•
R350 million for North West.
municipalities and non-grid service providers in ensuring South
•
R215 million for Gauteng.
Africans enjoy the benefits of electricity.
•
R208 million for Western Cape.
•
R165 million for Northern Cape.
•
R135 million for Free State.
Some of the achievements include: •
Over 6.7 million households have had access to Access to electricity now stands at 88 percent of
Independent Power Producer (IPP) procurement programme
all households.
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procure-
R5.6 billion was appropriated during the past
ment Programme (REIPPPP), established in 2010, has become one
financial year for the electrification programme
of the world's most progressive and successful alternative energy
to deliver 260 000 connections, utilising both
programmes. Since the introduction of the programme, solar, wind,
grid and non-grid technologies.
biomass, small hydro and landfill gas power plants have been going
electricity between 1994 and March 2016. • •
•
By the end of March 2016,
Did you know?
the INEP achieved 256 088 new connections as part of the 2015/16
up across the country, feeding more and more clean energy into the national grid.
Non-grid systems are those
•
consisting of solar cells (photovol-
procured 6 377 MW of renewable energy through the
taic cells) converting sun energy into
programme, and connected 44 projects with a capac-
financial year al-
electrical energy. The INEP programme
ity of 2 021 MW to the national grid.
locations, which
has been allocated R5.5 billion for the
•
2016/17 financial year, spread across
er producers is expected to grow to approximately 7
by municipalities,
all our provinces and munici-
000 MW, with the first 47 renewable energy independent power producers fully operational by mid-2016.
palities.
service
• Private investment in the programme currently exceeds
providers. The target of 260 000 new connections
R194 billion. is
•
expected to be achieved by the end of May 2016. •
•
The non-grid programme has progressed well
IPPs had planned to deliver 8 451 jobs during the construction phase, but actually achieved 14 334 new jobs.
•
The current renewable energy operational portfolio is con-
in the past financial year and has surpassed its
tributing an increasing percentage of the buffer between
target by over 5 000 by completing over 25 000
the available supply and projected demand for electric-
modern solar energy connections.
ity. Already a 16 percent contribution is made to the total
Since the inception of the non-grid programme,
energy produced during the morning and evening system
the INEP completed more than 123 000 installations of non-grid systems mainly in the
30
The energy contribution of independent pow-
were implemented Eskom and non-grid
•
As at 31 December 2015, the department had
peak periods in a 24-hour period. •
The department has procured private peaker stations to the
Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape
capacity of nearly 1 000 MW to be used when there is a larger
and Limpopo.
demand than what the Eskom generators can produce.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
PROVINCIAL FOCUS
Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Katlego Mosekoa
Cultivating growth in Free State
A
s farmers struggle to cope with the effects of the
might need everything, from access to water to animal
drought compounded by the onset of winter, the
feed.”
Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development is intensifying its support for struggling farmers. MEC Oupa Khoabane says farmers in the province are fac-
MEC Khoabane says educating farmers about what to
ing tough times, as the recent rains have not made much of
do during the difficult times of drought can play a big
an impact.
role in helping the province to deal with the aftermath
“The water level in rivers and dams is low. The rains that
of the drought.
we have seen have not been enough to reverse the impact
“We must educate our farmers in terms of preparing for
of the drought. The rain came late because the planting
disasters because once we are faced with such disasters,
season has long passed. The drought has done serious
they look to government for assistance,” he points out.
damage to the province crop output,” he points out.
Dealing with the drought
The MEC adds that farmers, especially smallholder farmers, need to adopt a more business-minded approach. “They need to understand that they are involved in
The worst hit areas in the province have been declared
a business. They must run their farms as they would a
disaster areas, meaning that more resources and efforts will
business with the aim to do everything possible to make
be channelled to them.
profits.”
“We set aside some money and when we combined it with the money from the Comprehensive Agricultural
Partnering for success
Support Programme, it amounted to R40 million,” says MEC
MEC Khoabane says it is important for all stakeholders in
Khoabane.
the agriculture sector in the province to come together,
The department’s financial intervention targets mostly emerging farmers because they do not have the resources to mitigate the effects of the disaster, he explains.
combine resources, expertise and ideas to deal with challenging conditions. “We need to bring together the different units and
“They are the ones that are severely hit by the drought. We
institutions like the South African Weather Services, Ag-
are also targeting those that do not have water. We want them
ricultural Research Council, Disaster Management and
to drill boreholes so they can get water from there.”
agricultural economists to come up with plans that assist
Unlike emerging farmers, commercial farmers have some resources to fend for themselves but they too will eventually need assistance from government. “When we meet with them, they all want some assistance. The only difference is the type of assistance they need, commercial farmers may not need what emerging farmers need.
32
Equipping farmers
in times of disasters.” The current drought presented the department and various stakeholders with an opportunity to learn valuable lessons, he adds. One of these lessons is the need to react quickly when disasters such as drought affect the province again.
“For example, a commercial farmer may need assistance
“The plans from these institutions should tell us what
with fixing a borehole and a windmill and an emerging farmer
we can do and our reaction should be early enough to
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
avert the impact of the disaster because with drought, there are other things that come with it such as animal diseases, veld fires and crop diseases.
where they focus on agricultural products,” he says. The MEC adds that in deep rural areas of the province, such as Thaba Nchu, the department, through its extension officers,
“We need to have a comprehensive plan that will spell out
look at the type of agricultural products that thrive in that region
what should be done once we have this type of disaster,” MEC
and focus on helping the community work with the product
Khoabane explains.
that is common there.
Land claims in the Free State
them with animals, animal feed and establish things like dams
In 2014, government reopened the land claims process giv-
to help them succeed.
“Where they have livestock farming, we look at how we assist
ing people who were removed from their land under the
“We need to assist them so that they can develop their own
apartheid regime a chance to lodge claims. The process will
economies but what we have seen is that we still need a lot of
run for the next three years, closing on 30 June 2019.
education,” he adds.
In the Free State, MEC Khoabane says since the process was reopened, it has been successful. So far, 21 000 claims have been lodged and the department still expects more applications. “We are still expecting more to come through. It’s not an easy thing to do especially with the evidence that has to be provided and the history that has to come with the claim.” He adds that his department will work hard to make sure that the arable land that has been handed over to the rightful owners will be used productively. “As we speak, you still find there’s land that was claimed and is still laying idle and not utilised productively. “You can’t say land claims alone make you happy, our concern is the productive use of land,” says the MEC.
Developing rural areas In 2015, MEC Khoabane applied to the provincial government to declare four areas agri-villages, with the aim to turn them into agricultural hubs and transform the economies into vibrant ones. The areas that have been identified are Cornelia, Tweespruit, Tweeling and Excelsior. Currently, two agri-villages are up and running in Diyatalawa and Welleminah. “We want to make these places agricultural hubs
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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YOUTH ISSUES
*Writer: Khathu Ramukumba
SA’s youth
need a ‘hand up’ Most recently, we have seen students at Rhodes University stand up against rape and sexual violence on campus. The outcry from the students and civil society saw some universities reviewing their sexual offenses policies to make them more responsive to the needs
A
of the students. s we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the June 16
Some of these protests snowballed into the
Soweto Uprising, other related uprisings as well as the
destruction of property, which is unacceptable but can
gallantry and sacrifices of the youth of 1976, we need to
be attributed to the frustration that young people are
reflect on the status of youth today. During the past few months, South Africa has seen youth
burning of more than 20 schools in Vuwani, Limpopo,
mobilisation increase around issues that affect them directly. We
which has a direct impact on the education and
have seen the recent student protests, such as the #FeesMustFall
future of the learners in the area. Whether the youth
campaign, which started at the University of the Witwatersrand
are involved or not, the bottom line is that they remain
and spread like wild fi re throughout the nation and received
affected by many of the issues that affect South Africa.
support from youth from across the world. The campaign high-
The youth must preserve schools and institutions
lighted the plight faced by many young people in this country
of higher learning for future generations. It is dis-
with regard to access to higher education. There is also the issue
heartening that the wave of protest that swept the
of food security whereby many young people on our campuses
country has resulted in the destruction of infrastruc-
go hungry every day.
ture. To honour the lives lost on 16 June 1976 we must
Youth taking a stand
collectively urge young people to be custodians and
There was also the University of Cape Town’s #Rhodesmustfall
protect all infrastructure that brings about fundamental
and the University of Stellenbosch’s #OpenStellenbosch protests
change in their lives and further assist in building better
about transformation, exclusion and the vast economic dis-
communities.
parities between black and white. Unemployed youth have also
38
feeling. We have also seen the widely condemned
taken to the streets in eMalahleni to urge government and the
The unemployment challenge
private sector to make more jobs available for youth in the area,
There are many issues facing the youth of this country
saying that the private sector isn’t offering employment
and the most prevalent is youth unemployment. The
opportunities for township youth.
latest unemployment figures by Statistics South Africa
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
The struggles of the youth have changed from those of the youth of 1976 but they remain struggles nonetheless. More needs to be done on youth development.
Addressing youth development issues The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) was established to be a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government level. The agency should be seen within the broad context of South Africa’s development dynamics. Similar to many developing countries, South Africa has a large population of youth between the ages 14–35, representing 42 percent of the total population. (Stats SA) shows that the gap between ‘the haves’ and ‘the have nots’ has widened even further, which has catastrophic implications for the country’s economic growth ambitions. The latest unemployment rate (26.7 percent) for the first quarter of 2016 means that 5.5 million people out of 35.8 million of South Africa’s working age were without a job during the first four months of the year. This is the highest reading since September 2005. South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world and what these unemployment fig-
Given the youthful nature of
Of the 5.5 million officially unemployed people in South Africa, 65.9 percent are youth. This makes unemployment predominantly a youth employment problem. Extremely high youth unemployment numbers have an impact on both the economic and social landscape of a country.
ures show is that 22 years later, after the
the South African population, many of the socio - economic challenges faced by the nation, such as poverty, inequality, joblessness and poor health, are borne by the youth. The gravity of the challenges requires multi-pronged efforts that simultaneously promote the development of sustainable livelihoods; reduce poverty and inequality; and prioritise the formulation of policies, which create an enabling environment for youth development. The NYDA plays a leading role in ensuring that all major stakeholders, such
advent of democracy, many people still struggle to make
as government, the private sector and civil society, prioritise
ends meet or afford a decent living.
youth development and contribute towards identifying and
Of the 5.5 million officially unemployed people in South Africa, 65.9 percent are youth. This makes unemployment
implementing lasting solutions, which address youth development challenges.
predominantly a youth employment problem. Extremely high
In April 2013, government led the signing of the Youth
youth unemployment numbers have an impact on both the
Employment Accord by business, government, labour, civil
economic and social landscape of a country. It means young
society and non-governmental organisations to improve
adults cannot buy homes, get married and begin families.
the equipping and placement of young people in jobs, and
Slowing economic growth makes things worse. Prolonged
generally make the economy sensitive to the employment
unemployment restricts social mobility and creates the risk
needs of young people. The aim of the accord is to realise the
of social instability. More and more young people find them-
creation of five million jobs for the youth by the year 2020. It
selves in frustrating situations.
aligns its objectives to the National Development Plan the >>
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
39
YOUTH ISSUES
New Growth Path and the Industrial Policy Action Plan and
•
gu Scholarship Fund, which enabled them to further their
other programmes to support economic transformation.
studies at various tertiary institution's fully funded.
Government continues to support the NYDA to realise its mandate. This is evident looking at the establishment of
300 youth were supported through the Solomon Mahlan-
•
937 949 young people were supported through individual
relevant structures, such as the Presidential Youth Work-
and group career guidance. The overwhelming majority of
ing Group focusing on youth matters to improve the
young people received support through outreach events
coordination of stakeholders and youth formations. Another critical achievement is the amendment of the National Youth
where NYDA goes out to communities. •
2 342 young people participated in the structured Youth
Policy (2009-2014) and the adoption of National Youth Policy
Build programme. Stakeholders such as the Department of
(2015-2020). The policy focuses on economic participation,
Human Settlements and Expanded Public Works Programme
transformation, education, skills development, healthcare and
contributed significantly, as they committed towards provid-
combating substance abuse, as well as nation building and
ing skills and practical experience to youth while delivering
social cohesion.
infrastructure projects.
NYDA making a difference The NYDA has made great strides in changing its focus and cleaning up its image to better serve the youth of this
•
12 490 young people were enrolled in National Youth Service
•
57 412 young people were supported through the job-
volunteer programmes. preparedness and life skills programmes.
country. Recently, the NYDA achieved its first ever clean audit
The numbers tell a story of improvement in service delivery
and was declared amongst entities of government that are
to the youth, but we still say more needs to be done. The need
fully complaint.
is much greater than what the NYDA can do alone; youth
In its endeavour to become a credible and capable
development is everybody’s business. We need all sectors
development agency, the NYDA shifted its core business
of society to come together and make it their business to
away from enterprise finance towards education and skills
change the lives of the youth. Everyone has a role to play.
development. The fundamental change in this area of economic
What is critical is the need to harness the potential pre-
development was the conversion from loan provision to grant
sented by the youth, make it work to the advantage of our
provision for young entrepreneurs.
country’s growth and development. We have begun writing a
During the 2014/2015 financial, the NYDA achieved the
different narrative - one of hope, determination, productivity and
following:
success; and at the centre of this new narrative is a
•
determined and empowered youth.
1 034 youth-owned enterprises received NYDA Grant Funding which resulted in 4 343 jobs being created and sustained.
•
•
62 916 aspiring and established young entrepreneurs were
Youth Policy, the youth of this country said that they don’t
supported through NYDA Business Development Support
want a ‘hand down’ but need a ‘hand up’. Help them to realise
services.
their full potential.
5 319 young people were enrolled in the NYDA 2nd Chance Matric Rewrite Programme.
40
As expressed in the national consultations for the National
*Khathu Ramukumba, CEO of the NYDA.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Writer: Stephen Timm
South Africa
and Iran strengthen ties
S
outh Africa is looking to increase trade with Iran, following the lifting of sanctions there earlier this
year, with President Jacob Zuma’s recent two-day state visit to the Middle-East state
having secured agreements in several areas. The agreements, signed between President Zuma and his Iranian counterpart President Hasan Rouhani, aim to boost economic and trade relations between the two countries following the lifting of sanctions in Iran in January. President Zuma’s visit comes amid reports that Iranian officials are putting together a package of incentives to lure foreign investors into sectors ranging from oil and gas, to agriculture and light manufacturing. It also comes ahead of an outward selling mission to the United Arab Emirates and Iran in August, organised by the Department of Trade and Industry. In recent decades the two countries have forged a close bond, with Iran having supported South Africa’s struggle for freedom, while the latter stood with Iran in the face of unilaterally imposed sanctions.
President Zuma and with the President of Iran, Hasan Rouhani.
Higher level of cooperation While on his visit to Iran, President Zuma told a gathering
capacity; agriculture; mining and mineral beneficiation; infra-
of South African and Iranian business people that President
structure development and transport; finance, banking and
Rouhani and himself had agreed to increase non-oil trade
insurance and tourism.
to $1 billion (about R15 billion) by 2020.
This resulted in the signing of eight agreements in a
The two presidents also agreed to take cooperation
number of areas. They include a memorandum of
to a higher level in the fields of trade, education and
understanding on the establishment of an investment joint
skills development; science and technology; energy,
committee, a roadmap on cooperation in trade and
including petrochemical gas exploration and refining
industry and a cooperation accord between PetroSA and Iran’s
42
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Research Institute of Petroleum Industry.
comparable to the highest international standards,” he said,
An agreement on insurance cooperation was also signed
adding that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
between Iran’s central insurance agency, Bimeh Markazi and
Development rates South Africa as among the least
the Financial Services Board, while another accord – between
restrictive jurisdictions for investment.
Iran’s Financial Intelligence Unit and the Financial Intelligence
He added that the National Development Plan provides a
Centre – aims to improve cooperation in the exchange of
coherent, comprehensive and pragmatic plan to transform
information on money laundering and the financing of
South Africa’s economy.
terrorism.
Value-added trade
“This plan enables investors to know exactly what we want to achieve, and what type of South Africa we are building,” said President Zuma.
In an address to the South Africa-Iran Business Forum, Presi-
He also thanked Iran for support during the struggle against
dent Zuma stressed the importance of focusing on value-
apartheid and for being a strong ally internationally and in
added trade between the two countries, adding that this will
the Non-Aligned Movement.
help create jobs and result in technology transfer.
President Zuma said Iran’s observer status within the African
South Africa, he said had condemned the imposition of uni-
Union augurs well for South Africa’s ambitions of advancing
lateral sanctions against Iran. He applauded the recent lifting
economic development on the African continent.
of many of these sanctions. “The imposition of sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran impacted negatively on our own economic development agenda as the Islamic Republic of Iran was one of the biggest
“We encourage Iranian business to intensify their interaction with Africa, which is now widely recognised as a promising new growth pole in the world economy,” he added.
suppliers of crude oil to South Africa prior to the imposition
Looking at the bigger picture
of sanctions.
The two presidents also discussed developments in the Mid-
“We, however, continued our engagements within the joint
dle East including in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, while emphasising
commission, the cornerstone of our bilateral relationship,
the need for dialogue and a political solution to the ongoing
which was established in 1995.
crises in these countries.
“In addition to this, owing to the strategic importance of the
The regional and global threat of terrorism was also dis-
South Africa-Iran relationship, we tasked the deputy ministers
cussed and the two leaders agreed to strengthen intelligence
of the respective foreign ministries to formalise a working
cooperation on strategic regional security and stability issues
group,” he said.
to combat international terrorism in particular.
The group has been mandated to achieve pre-sanction
They also agreed to intensify the call for the reform of the
trade levels and to significantly increase the size and quality
United Nations (UN), especially the UN Security Council, as
of economic engagements.
the interests of the developing world need to be protected.
President Zuma said the visit by Deputy President Cyril
President Zuma’s visit began with official talks and signing
Ramaphosa to Iran in November last year had resulted in
of agreements as well as interaction with the South Africa-
the signing of three memoranda of understanding, including
Iran Business Forum.
an agreement between Mintek, the Iranian Mines and Mining
He was also taken on a tour of cultural sites in Isfahan, as part
Industries Development and Renovation Organisation and
of promoting greater understanding and tourism between
the Iran Mineral Processing Research Centre.
the two countries. While in Tehran, the President also paid
Opportunities for growth
a courtesy call to Iran’s Supreme Spiritual Leader, the Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He told Iranian business people that South Africa of-
During his trip President Zuma was accompanied by a busi-
fers many opportunities, not only for access to a growing
ness delegation of 180 members and the Ministers of Trade
domestic market, but also as a platform to launch into the
and Industry, Finance, Economic Development, Energy, Water
growing African market.
and Sanitation and the Deputy Minister of International Rela-
“Investors enjoy robust protection in South Africa,
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
tions and Cooperation.
43
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ADVERTORIAL
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passionate about providing the highest level of management excellence to property
The Group’s strategic formula for 2020
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Compiled by: Sekgabo Kedijang
Manufacturing Indaba
World Leisure Conference
28 – 29 June 2016
The Leisure and Recreation Association of South Africa (LARASA) in conjunction
27-30 June 2016
with eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism will host the first World Leisure Congress on African soil. The aim of the congress is to explore the main theme “Leisure: Challenges, Choices and Consequences” by creating a platform for professionals and practitioners from diverse fields to interact, share and present a context for public leisure services. International experts from 25 countries will be presenting their latest research The Manufacturing Indaba is the only
on the trends in leisure, recreation and tourism sectors.
African event of its kind and affirms
The 2016 LARASA World Leisure Congress is an opportunity for African profession-
government and industry’s strategic
als to contribute to the global discussion around sustainable and livable communi-
focus to revitalise and re-industrialise
ties. The event is envisioned to be an inclusive, all sector congress bringing together
South Africa’s manufacturing sectors
different stakeholders to explore how communities and decision makers can jointly
amid intense challenges.
play a central role in addressing social, economic and environmental inequalities.
Its aim is to bring together business owners, industry leaders, government officials, capital providers and professional experts to discuss challenges
The conference takes place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, from 27 to 30 June 2016. For more information, contact Maliga Naidoo on 0741011945 / 0824848146 or email enquiries@larasa.org.za.
and brainstorm solutions to promote prosperity through manufacturing, science and innovation. The South African manufacturing sector presents an opportunity to significantly accelerate the country’s growth and development by focusing on manufacturing operations and exporting South African products to the African market. Currently in its third year, the theme for this year’s Manufacturing Indaba is: Manufacturing the Future. The event is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Public Enterprises, City of Ekurhuleni and the Manufacturing Circle among others. The Manufacturing Indaba takes place from 28 – 29 June 2016 at Emperors Palace in Gauteng. For more information contact Portia Maphakane on 011 463 9184 or email portia@infrastructure-africa.com
46
International AIDS Conference 18 – 22 July 2016 The 21st International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health or development issue and will take place under the theme “Access Equity Rights Now”. The theme is a call to action to work together and reach the people who still lack access to comprehensive treatment, prevention, care and support services. First convened during the peak of the AIDS epidemic in 1985, this conference continues to provide a unique forum for the intersection of science and advocacy, and an opportunity to strengthen policies and programmes to ensure an evidence-based response to the epidemic. The conference also serves as a focal point to intensify political and financial commitments to AIDS. It is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. The AIDS 2016 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. The AIDS 2016 conference will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 18 to 22 July 2016. For more information email Mandy Surge at Mandy.Sugrue@iasociety.org
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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“We sell our services as a package to our customers and our price is competitive because we capitalise on economies of scale,” says Shongwe. “The company was established with the primary objective of being an influential player in the construction and maintenance sector, serving as a vehicle for black empowerment, wealth creation and development contribution while maximising returns and rewarding the employees accordingly.” The company employs a participative style of management where everyone works together as a team in order to establish cohesion and to develop internal programmes that help to ensure the company retains its relevance in their sector. “The company is more than just our name and logo – our success is created by our employees,” says Shongwe, who believes that this continual attention to detail has played a significant role in improving the company’s competitive edge. However, he sees an even greater opportunity for growth and empowerment.
“In the space of infrastructure and property “Infrastructure will always be there maintenance the opportunities most and it will also always need constant certainly are out there, but what is lacking maintenance,” he says. It was a wise is certain skills that are not currently within move; the company grew from one the South African workforce,” he says. “I employee in 2000 to 107 full-time staff in strongly believe that older skilled labourers 2016. The company’s core functions lie must be utilised to transfer skills and within the scope of civil works, construction knowledge. Our junior labourers must have and commercial and industrial cleaning positive attitude in order to learn from those and they operate from their KwaZulu-Natal A D V E R T O R I A L who have walked the walk; lets embrace head office, with branches in Durban, each other and take our country to the next Richards Bay and Midrand, with a further dimension.” office to open shortly in Cape Town. After 15 years they have built up a powerful Shongwe’s first priority however is focusing client portfolio that includes the likes on working hard to build IPMS into a of Cummins, Foskor, Ezemvelo KZN company that will last for generations to Wild Life, Richards Bay Minerals, Dube come. The adaptability and sustainability Trade port, Ithala Development Finance, of their workforce complements IPMS’ Transnet (Pipeline and port authority) the pipeline of future work, as there is always departments of Health, Basic Education, infrastructure that needs to be maintained BLACK BUSINESS QUARTERLY
and fixed, and this ensures a regular stream of business to any company that delivers on time and that manages to surpass the standards expected by their clients. “You simply have to render the service beyond your customer’s expectations and never underestimate any request or task as being small or insignificant. Maintain strong business relationships with your clients so that they begin to see you as a partner, to the extent that they have the confidence in their relationship with you that they feel they can call you at midnight for emergency services like burst pipes or spillages.” says Shongwe. To this end he places great emphasis on investing in skills development to ensure that his team benefits from the latest skills and technology in the market. “The more you master your service offering the greater your profile becomes, and this enables you to build a company that has a constant flow of work. This is crucial when you have a large workforce working alongside you.” No business is without its challenges and for IPMS, cashflow can prove to be a major headache, especially as most clients don’t pay within 30 days; while government departments and agencies generally pay only three months after the work is done. Managing one’s cashflow and creditors is vital in their industry, but another key ingredient is outsourcing where possible. Guided by faith, strong business principles and hard work, IPMS’ services have the potential to create more job opportunities; Shongwe aspires to create more than 7000 job opportunities within the next 10 years. “It is my strong belief that our lovely country will be liberated from economic burden through skills development at all levels, but with strong bias towards artisans.”
Inhlanzeko Project Management Services
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FEATURE
Writers: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver and Amukelani Chauke
Building a better life for all
P
resident Jacob Zuma says government is working
•
wealth.
hard to protect South Africans against the effects of the negative global economic downturn on the
Advancing beneficiation or adding value to mineral
•
More effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Action Policy Action Plan.
local economy. He emphasised that despite the economic challenges,
•
Encouraging private-sector investment.
government remained pro-poor and intent on making life
•
Moderating workplace conflict.
better for all, especially for the poor and the working class.
•
Unlocking the potential of small, medium and micro enterprises, cooperatives, townships and rural enterprises.
“We have taken concrete measures to reduce the negative impact of the economic downturn of our economy and to
•
State reform and boosting the role of state-owned
prepare for robust growth when the economic cycle turns
companies, information and communications technology
positive.
infrastructure or broadband roll-out, water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.
“We are also working hard to remove domestic impediments to growth,” said President Zuma when he delivered The Presidency’s Budget Vote in Parliament recently.
•
Operation Phakisa, which is aimed at growing the ocean economy and other sectors. While the country faced acute energy challenges last
Growing the economy Part of government’s efforts to reignite growth and build a
The Ingula power plant will soon add 330 megawatts of
better life for all includes implementing the Nine-Point Plan
electricity to the national grid and in five years’ time South
that the President announced in the State of the Nation
Africa will have surplus electricity. A renewable energy
Address last year.
project for South Africa worth US$180 million was recently
The Nine-Point Plan aims to boost economic growth and create jobs. Its focus is on:
48
year, remarkable progress had been made since then.
approved by the BRICS Development Bank, which will have its African Regional Centre in Johannesburg.
•
Resolving the energy challenge.
•
Revitalising agriculture and the agro-processing value
close to a year now. It is clear that the decisions and steps
chain.
we took are beginning to bear fruit.”
“Most importantly, there has been no load shedding for
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Developing infrastructure and creating jobs Government is also using infrastructure as a key instrument to create jobs and to build a better life for all.
Operation Phakisa. “In less than two years we have invested billions of rands in infrastructure development.”
“Through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating
These investments include: Transnet’s National Ports
Commission, we have made tremendous strides in fast
Authority’s R7 billion allocation for port infrastructure, R3.6
tracking infrastructure across the country.
billion investments in boat-building and a fuel storage facility
“In the past year, we can count the building of 160 new
in Cape Town, the R80 million allocation for rehabilitating
schools, 29 new clinics, the connection of 245 000 houses
and maintaining proclaimed fishing harbours, and the
to electricity and building close to 150 000 new houses. The
establishment of three new harbours that will provide
construction of three universities, 12 technical colleges as
opportunities for local and rural economic development.
well as courts is ongoing,” said President Zuma.
Phakisa Education has delivered electronic administration
He added that the construction of economic infrastructure
infrastructure to over 22 000 schools and over 1 500 schools
is also continuing through the delivery of rail, road, dams,
now have internet connectivity, to the benefit of over a
bus rapid transit systems, refurbishing ports, building boats
million learners across South Africa.
and also the three new power stations. “South Africa is a nation at work, with government leading the way, in building a better life for all.”
Women empowerment The President added that billions of rands have been set aside to support women-owned businesses.
Progress on Operation Phakisa
He said the Status of Women in the South African
Government launched Operation Phakisa in the Oceans
Economy Report, which was produced by the Ministry in
Economy in Durban in 2014, followed by Operation Phakisa
The Presidency responsible for Women, exposed
projects on the Ideal Clinic and basic education, focusing on
gaps and showed that more must be done
information and communication technologies. Operation
to empower women in the economy.
Phakisa Mining will be launched soon. Through Operation Phakisa government aims to
“In September 2015, I issued a directive to economic cluster
implement its policies and programmes better, faster and
departments to place the
more effectively.
empowerment of women centrally in
To date much progress has been made as a result of
their plans and in particular, in the >>
President Jacob Zuma.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
49
FEATURE
“The public employment programme is led at a high level in The Presidency, as the Deputy Minister in The Presidency Buti Manamela is the convenor of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Public Employment. “We also prioritise skills development. In this regard, the Deputy President [Cyril Ramaphosa] chairs the Human Resource Development Council.” The President added that Deputy Minister Manamela leads a committee of deputy ministers who form the backbone of the Presidential Youth Working Group. The Presidential Youth Working Group programme aims to Nine-Point Plan to further grow the economy. “Progress is being made. The departments of Human
mainstream youth development and empowerment in the work of government.
Settlements, Public Works and Small Business Development
Several steps have been taken to implement the decisions
are utilising the approach of set-asides to enhance women’s
of the group, which are aligned with the National Youth Policy
empowerment,” he noted.
2020, said the President.
President Zuma said women contractors were allocated over
“Government has also taken concrete and direct steps to
R3 billion of the Human Settlements Development Grant for
encourage youth employment and training through public
the 2014/2015 financial year alone.
employment programmes,” he said.
“This allocation was shared by over 112 female-owned enterprises.”
Department of Water and Sanitation that was launched last
As the country prepares to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the women’s march to the Union Buildings, the President pointed out that a lot has been done to empower women.
Youth matters The President also outlined the steps government has taken to ensure that South Africa’s youth are given enough tools to enable them to contribute to growing the economy. should enable our youth to pursue
their dreams and undertake any career path – as artisans, scientists, business leaders, lawyers or artists,” said President Zuma. He stressed that giving young people access to skills development programmes and jobs remained a priority for
50
year. Through the programme 15 000 young people will be
“Progress is being made. The departments of Human Settlements, Public Works and Small Business Development are utilising the approach of set-asides to enhance women’s empowerment,” he noted.
“Growing up in a free South Africa
government.
One example is the War on Water Leaks programme by the
trained and employed as plumbers, artisans and water agents as part of promoting water conservation. “Every government department has been tasked with ensuring that its programme targets young people for development. “We have also urged municipalities to prioritise youth employment programmes,” emphasised the President. In June last year, government launched the Mara Mentor youth online mentorship scheme, pairing young entrepreneurs with CEOs of companies. By April 2016, over 340 000 young people
were being mentored by 269 000 mentors. “We appeal to CEOs and other industry leaders to engage the National Youth Development Agency and avail themselves for this innovative online mentoring. “Let us all participate in building a better life for our aspirant young entrepreneurs and professionals,” said President Zuma.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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FEATURE
Monitoring progress in the public service
T
he Department of Planning, Monitoring and
logs an average of 2 000 cases per month. The cumulative
Evaluation plays an important role in ensur-
resolution rate for hotline cases stands at 98 percent,” he
ing that governance in all public institutions is
said.
effective and that the lives of all citizens are improved through efficient service delivery.
Monitoring service delivery
Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and
The work of the department demands that its officials
Evaluation Jeff Radebe said government’s Frontline Service
walk into communities to monitor service delivery sites,
Delivery Monitoring and Support programme has been
beyond interacting with departments to monitor their
central to keeping track of the delivery of services.
plans and programmes.
Tabling the department’s Budget Vote, the Minister said
Minister Radebe said in the past year, the department
performance monitoring and evaluation has left a positive
assessed over 100 facilities and conducted improvement
impact on service delivery.
monitoring at 120 facilities.
“ The Department of Planning, Monitoring and
“These unannounced visits also help to highlight various
Evaluation (DPME) implements programmes to assess
institutional challenges, and enable the DPME to advise
the experience of citizens with service delivery, such as the
the relevant departments on measures to be taken to
Presidential Hotline, unannounced visits, and Citizen-Based
remedy the situation,” he noted.
Monitoring.
The Minister added that over the past financial year, the
“The Presidential Hotline provides a channel for citizens to seek redress when service delivery fails. The hotline
department completed a two-year action learning process to develop a Citizen-Based Monitoring method. “We have published a toolkit for Citizen-Based Monitoring and we will be supporting government departments to implement this method, which puts the
Monitoring service delivery
citizen experience at the centre of service delivery,” he said.
Ensuring public satisfaction In an interview with PSM , the department’s Deputy Minister Buti Manamela said the Frontline Service Delivery
Ensuring public satisfaction
Monitoring and Support programme was at the centre of the department’s work to essentially monitor whether public institutions are providing services to the public to the extent of the satisfaction of the public. Tackling corruption
“We have put in place things that we need to monitor when we assess public institutions. You look at whether citizens are happy with the service, issues around cleanliness, whether citizens can make suggestions and
52
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
queue management, among others,” he said. The Minister added that his experiences at the public institutions he had visited had varied. There were instances where he found that institutions are being run according to the needs of the communities, who are the main clients, he noted.
“And then you go into another school and it looks like people who are running it could rather run a shebeen much better than they are running the school,” he noted.
A positive impact on service delivery
For example, he recently visited a hospital where
Deputy Minister Manamela said both the announced and
he found that the suggestion box was available for
unannounced visits to these service delivery points have had
public feedback, there was adequate staff and the
a positive impact on service delivery.
queue management system was appropriate.
“In some areas, they know that we are coming so they get
“And then you have institutions that completely dis-
ready for the visit. We go back again and they are not ready
regard what needs to happen. You go into a clinic and
and have lowered their guard; you find that people have
you find that staff is still on some prolonged lunchtime.
papered through whatever weaknesses [are there].
They have no name badges to identify themselves or
“In some instances, public institutions see our
the institution is understaffed and there is no senior
department as some sort of policing, which is exactly our role.
management.
“ The President made it very clear that we need to
“At one of the clinics I visited, the sister in charge was
ensure that public institutions work. So in the first vis-
on lunch from about 11am and I was there at 2pm.
it, announced or unannounced, we formulate a base-
People didn’t know whether she had gone into a work-
line report which we send to the relevant departments
shop or was in a meeting,” he recalled.
to act on. In many instances, government departments
The Deputy Minister said he went to a school where he found that learning and teaching was taking place, teachers and learners were in class and the school was clean. The school feeding scheme was working well, the scholar transport running efficiently and the school was producing an impressive pass rate.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
respond positively in ter ms of addressing the challenges that we have identified.” The Minister said overall, the general response to the programme has been satisfactory. “It shows improvement and it also says to South Africans the systems work. I think officials in clinics, >>
53
FEATURE
in schools and everywhere else should see this as a
pay suppliers within 30 days.
mechanism within which we can help them improve their
He said the intervention is yielding positive results.
services.
“During 2015/16, 44 service providers reported cases of
“Obviously there are those cases where heads need to roll.
non-payment of invoices. As a result of the department’s
People need to be made to account if institutions are not
intervention, more than R41 million was paid to some of
working. Those that are heading these institutions need to
the service providers.
be replaced inevitably otherwise we will not be doing our work as the department.”
Tackling corruption Government is also taking a firm stand against public servants who are involved in corruption.
“In 2016/17, the department will work with defaulting departments on an individual basis to determine the root causes of non-payment and assist in resolving them,” added the Minister.
Operation Phakisa unlocks investments
Minister Radebe said more than 200 corruption priority
Turning to Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy, Minister
cases involving 1 065 persons were investigated and 116
Radebe noted that the initiative was unlocking investments
persons were convicted since 2009.
worth billions of rands and was creating thousands of jobs. Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy, which focuses on marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas, aquaculture, marine protection services and ocean governance, small harbour development and coastal and marine tourism had recorded several achievements. Operation Phakisa is a dynamic, results-oriented methodology to how government undertakes projects. The methodology entails government engaging with all stakeholders in a sector, in a focused, simultaneous and intense manner, to craft a vision and mechanisms for resolving blockages to the sector’s potential. The Minister said a lot of progress is being made through the methodology with regard to South Africa’s ocean economy as well as the health, education and mining sectors.
Since 2012, the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit has convicted about 3 340 individuals for serious corruption and
The achievements include:
serious financial and economic crimes, he added.
-
corruption-related offences from the 2014/15 financial year
-
“I have outlined some of the areas of progress, however, it is clear we still have much ground to cover in all these areas and in many others,” he said.
Paying suppliers
54
Over 4 500 jobs have been created in the various projects of the Oceans Economy.
to date. We are making steady progress in the fight against organised crime.
Investments of about R17 billion in the Oceans Economy have been unlocked.
“A total of 234 government officials were convicted for
-
Over R7 billion has been allocated by Transnet National Ports Authority to improve ports.
- The health sector has been successful in creating 280 Ideal Clinics in 2015/16, within the group of 1 139 clinics identified for this financial year. “The Delivery Lab Reports for Operation Phakisa in Basic
The Minister said the department is tasked with, amongst
Education and Galvanising Growth in the Mining Sector have
other things, ensuring that departments and state agencies
been finalised and we should see results in these areas soon,”
meet their Public Finance Management Act obligation to
he added.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
VER DISCOo rld
our W
Built for Productivity
Further maximise productivity with these features:
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
Writer: Amukelani Chauke
Public finances to be better managed
D
espite the uncertainty in the global economy, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan remained upbeat
“This calls for in-depth analysis of what we are spending money on,” pointed out Minister Gordhan.
when he tabled the National Treasury’s Budget Vote
He said in collaboration with the Department of Plan-
recently, saying he was confident that the fiscal targets for the
ning, Monitoring and Evaluation, a series of programmatic
period ahead would be met.
expenditure reviews has been undertaken, contributing to
The South African economy has not been immune to external factors like the recent drop in commodity prices.
better understanding in a wide range of spending areas, from housing investment to student financial aid to land restitution.
The country, which is currently going through a
In the period ahead, National Treasury will look closely at
devastating drought, experienced a spike in consumer price
government accommodation leases and remuneration trends
inflation, which has had a knock-on effect on the price of food.
in central, administrative and policy departments and in
Despite these challenges, Minister Gordhan was optimistic but said that tough times called for better management of public finances.
SA’s investment grading status The Minister’s belief that the fiscal targets would be met was
public entities, added the Minister.
Procurement reforms to save billions of rands Through the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, government stands to save billions of rands through the introduction of modernised systems, he added.
affirmed a few days later by ratings agency Moody’s, which
The Minister said National Treasury remained firmly focused
reaffirmed South Africa’s investment grade status after putting
on value for money and accountability in supply chain man-
it under review a few months ago.
agement.
Avoiding an investment status downgrade was a priority
With the procurement of goods, services and work across
for government after the February budget, as it would have
all spheres of government expected to cost R1.5 trillion over
made it more expensive for government to borrow money
the next three years, the Minister said spending these funds
for capital projects. While Moody’s affirmation came as good news, before this, the Minister’s Budget Vote speech indicated that there was a need to implement measures to boost fiscal stability. “In the current constrained environment, we have taken additional steps to improve spending efficiency. “The expenditure ceiling that we have set ourselves in the past few years requires efficiency in the management of public finances whilst ensuring that there is value for money in all our spending.
56
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
efficiently could ensure that those in need receive services, infrastructure like roads and ports is built and maintained, schools are well-equipped and health services are widely available. “It can also spread wealth to hard-working entrepreneurs who successfully tender for government contracts and, in doing so, create jobs. “Even those not directly involved in public procurement can benefit, as suppliers to government source their supplies and materials from manufacturers, farmers and many others,” he said. The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer has put in
In addition, the Minister said the Office of the Chief Pro-
place measures to accelerate the modernisation of the
curement Officer plans to review state-owned entities
supply chain management system and enforce greater
procurement practices, processes and contracts. Their
discipline and effective controls.
procurement plans are also subject to the transparency
The Minister said National Treasury was planning to table a single public procurement bill addressing all the legislative and regulatory requirements of the system, which he would consult stakeholders on in August.
and disclosure reforms, and will be published on the eTender portal. The office will also target the non-payment of suppliers by government departments.
“The Public Procurement Bill will ensure that the supply
The Minister said the Office of the Chief Procurement
chain management system is fair, equitable, transparent,
Officer has also reviewed the Preferential Procurement
competitive, and cost-effective, in line with section 217
Policy Framework Act Regulations to accommodate
of the Constitution.”
support for SMMEs, township and rural businesses, youth
He said measures to avoid unnecessary purchases, reduce waste and contain costs will continue to be prioritised. These include: • •
Review of the top 100 contracts, which will lead to an
•
2016 and will enhance opportunities for SMMEs to access government business, he added. Minister Gordhan pointed out that eliminating barriers to doing business with the state and reducing red tape
Review of the government travel regime and the
were essential reforms. He said the Central Supplier Database, the eTender
ment, which will save R1 billion a year.
Portal, gCommerce and eProcurement will result in
Review of mobile and fixed telecommunication
reduced administrative burdens for both government
services, with potential savings of R500 million a year.
and business while enhancing the monitoring of prices
Renegotiation of government leases aimed at savings
and procurement patterns.
of R2.8 billion over the next three years. •
The revised regulations will come into effect in June
estimated saving of R1.4 billion a year. introduction of a national travel policy for govern•
and women-owned businesses, and localisation.
Savings of R650 million a year through the phasing in
Government reviewing tax incentives
of the eTender Portal, and R750 million a year through
Minister Gordhan added that government is reviewing
the Central Supplier Database.
its tax and spending incentives to ensure that they are
The Minister said by the 2018/19 financial year, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer plans to register savings in government procurement of R25 billion a year.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
more impactful on the business sector. “High on the agenda now, is the review of government incentives.
>>
57
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan.
“We are undertaking these reviews to improve our
•
understanding of the impact and effectiveness of both tax and spending incentives, so that our support for
•
businesses can be better targeted and its impact on
and wine, despite difficult global trading conditions. •
Invest SA and initiatives of various government
capital budgeting and major infrastructure projects that
departments are addressing regulatory barriers to
require multi-year commitments.
investment.
The Minister said procurement reform remains focused
•
Precinct investment plans have been fi nalised in 18
on value for money and accountability in supply chain
large townships, and over 352 investment projects
management.
have been funded with a value of over R4.6 billion.
Progress in tackling economic growth constraints
Investment in cities is central to building a more diversified, modern productive economy. •
Discussions at National Economic Development
Minister Gordhan said progress has been made since
and Labour Council are proceeding to introduce a
reforms and measures were put in place to re-ignite
national minimum wage and improve the framework for
economic growth and create jobs as part of the NinePoint Plan. These include: •
58
Government continues to benefi t from rising tourism numbers and effective marketing of South African fruit
growth, jobs and investment optimised,” he said. National Treasury is also reviewing its approach to
Work is in progress on jointly financed infrastructure projects to support Southern African growth and trade.
The power supply constraint has eased considerably, as
resolution of workplace disputes. The Minister said an improvement in the growth numbers together and a moderation in consumer price inflation was expected in the second half of the year.
Eskom adds new capacity to the grid and renewable
“The lingering effects of the drought may still be
energy projects come on stream. The coal Independent
with us, but as the energy constraint eases and house-
Power Producer [programme] and gas projects will get
hold debt moderates we will see a steady recovery in
under way shortly.
confidence and investment, he stressed.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
Writer: Amukelani Chauke
Enhancing communications
W
Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi.
hen Minister Faith Muthambi took over at the
• Between May and June 2015, the department under-
helm of the newly formed Department of
took a series of bilateral engagements with Botswana,
Communications, she was tasked with break-
Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho to ensure
ing the impasse between government and broadcasters that
the harmonisation of the radio frequency spectrum to
delayed the roll-out of digital migration.
develop plans to reduce any potential broadcast signal
After intense consultations with the broadcasting industry,
interference. During these visits, the Minister signed joint
last year the Minister stood before the National Assembly to
communiqué, joint statements and memoranda of
report that Cabinet had approved the final amendments of the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy.
cooperation with neighbouring counterparts. • In July 2015, the department launched the commence-
Those initial hurdles are now in the distant past and the
ment of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens
department is going full-steam ahead with the implementa-
about the need to migrate and the benefits of the broad-
tion of the policy.
casting digital migration programme. The launch was
When Minister Muthambi delivered the department’s Budget Vote recently, she highlighted the significant progress made in implementing the policy. Milestones achieved include:
followed by a series of digital migration izimbizo campaigns across the country. • In August 2015, a conformance regime to ensure that the set-top-boxes (STBs) and related accessories are produced
• The department achieved the fi nalisation of the Digital
in South Africa was finalised. It is currently being used to
Terrestrial TV (DTT) (SANS 862) and Direct-to-Home (DTH)
test whether the STBs comply with the approved South
(SANS 1719) standards in April 2015 and the Integrated
African DTT standards.
Digital TV (IDTV) (SANS 10352) standard in September 2015.
60
The implementation of the long-awaited digital migration
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
has started in the Northern Cape. The Square Kilometre Array bound community, Keimos, has become the first beneficiary of the DTH and DTT STBs.
stigmatising a black government. “Media transformation will in this regard, amongst others, be made to address not only print media ownership, but
“To make digital migration a success, we will work with the
also the ownership of printing press, the measurement of cir-
Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services and
culation, distribution channels and the assessment of regulatory
the National Treasury to come up with a mechanism on how
instruments to regulate the affairs of media practitioners.”
SENTECH can be assisted in maintaining two network systems' (dual illumination) costs. “We will announce the analogue signal switch-off date when more than 80 percent of the TV households have been migrated to digital TV,” she said.
Media transformation Turning to the media, the Minister said in the coming financial year, the department will focus its efforts on transforming the media landscape, especially print media. While government sees the media as a key partner in the
During the second quarter of the financial year a colloquium on Print Media Transformation will take place with all role players including the public,” she said.
Performance of the department’s entities The Minister stressed that the success of the department was heavily dependent on the optimal performance of all its entities. With regard to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the Minister said it has been allocated R414. 4 million for the 2016/17 financial year.
dissemination of information, she pointed out that there
This will be used to increase access to meet the high demand
seemed to be a major disconnect between the two parties
for wireless broadband services, protect consumers against
when it comes to what the role of the media should be.
harmful practices employed by operators in the use of pre-
She noted that since President Jacob Zuma took office in
mium rated services, increase competition in the broadcast-
2009, government has been holding post-Cabinet briefings
ing sector, and develop a regulatory framework for dynamic
every fortnight.
spectrum management.”
At these briefings detailed Cabinet statements that cover
“ICASA, will in the second quarter of this financial year, begin
current affairs, Cabinet decisions, presidential engagements,
with the review of the new call termination rates,” said Minister
national achievements, conferences and commitments of
Muthambi.
Ministers both locally and internationally, are released. “Notwithstanding these, our media would rather focus on
Communicating with communities
scandalising government even if that means not getting all
The Minister added that GCIS will continue to implement
the facts right. To some media houses their main mission is
programmes aimed at facilitating two-way communication
simply to paint this government as corrupt, hapless and inept.
between government and its citizens.
The Minister said it could be argued that racist tenden-
This will enable citizens to access information about
cies also played a role in the unrelenting attempts aimed at
government policies, plans, programmes and activities >>
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
61
FEATURE
to promote government accountability and to ensure that
advertising and the television license fee as possible
citizens can actively participate in government initiatives.
sources of increased funding for the SABC.”
“In order to fulfil this responsibility a budget of R382. 1 million has been allocated to the GCIS,” she said. The Minister added that the department will also
The Minister said in the medium-term the Film and
continue to publish and distribute the Vuk’uzenzele news-
Publications Board, which has been allocated R86. 4
paper.
million, will focus on informing and educating
“ The total budget allocated for its production and distribution - 18.7 million copies per year of Vuk’uzenzele in all 11 official languages - amounts to R25. 8 million in 2016/17.” She encouraged government departments to place recruitment advertisements in Vuk’uzenzele.
SABC goes big on local content Minister Muthambi said the public broadcaster’s main area of focus will be on using more local content. “During the second quarter of this financial year the SABC
society to empower adults and protect children against harmful content. Further areas of focus will include implementing compliance, monitoring and evaluation, developing leading edge technology to perform online content regulation, classifying content for films, games and adult publications and conducting research on the impact of content on the public. Another of the department's entities Brand South Africa, has been allocated R181. 2 million for the 2016/17 financial year.
will cease to flight international content repeats and this will
“During this financial year Brand South Africa will
be replaced by South African content, where South Africans
utilise the allocated funding to, amongst others, drive
will tell their own stories in their own languages.”
the partnership with universities to look at different na-
She added that her department will work with the
tion branding and the implementation of the Play Your
Department of Trade and Industry, which established a Black
Part programme, in partnership with provincial govern-
Emerging Filmmakers Fund, to assist in bridging the inequal-
ments.”
ity gap for filmmakers in South Africa. Work is also being done to address the insufficient funding of the SABC. “Whilst we welcome the good work by the SABC team we also bemoan the continued inadequate funding of the corporation.
62
Informing and educating society
The Minister added that the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will get R23.8 million to enable it to provide technical, non-financial and financial support to the diverse media platforms. “This will enable the MDDA to increase participation of communities in ownership and control of community
“In this regard work is underway to develop different fund-
and small commercial media through its agile, cost-effec-
ing model options for the SABC. We are evaluating the avail-
tive and business focused corporate services and general
able funding models, including direct government funding,
administration,” she said.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
The leader in South African business-to-business communications www.topco.co.za
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
Writers: Allison Cooper and Nonkululeko Mathebula
Building better cities for Gauteng residents
G
auteng’s three metros have extensive plans to better
and combining commercial and green space, recreation and
the lives of citizens, committing to better service
cultural amenities, market-rate rentals and social housing.
delivery and more employment opportunities.
The Mayors of the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane
and City of Ekurhuleni recently delivered their State of the City Addresses, where they outlined their plans for the respective metros.
able to live richer lives, much closer to where they can live, work and play,” said Mayor Tau. Another priority for the City is the development of quality, integrated housing in Fleurhof, South Hills, Lufhereng Riverside and Malibongwe Ridge.
City of Johannesburg Working together with its citizens has proved to be a recipe
Access to basic services
for success for the City of Johannesburg.
The City has increased access to basic services, including
Open conversations between the City and citizens over a nine-week period resulted in the Growth and Development
electricity, including through its new micro-grids in informal settlements. “We were the first City to mitigate load-shedding, with the
Strategy – Joburg 2040. The strategy aims to enable and build a
help of our new smart meters. We have
new economic democracy and redesign
also focused investment on the roads
the City through the Corridors of Freedom,
and traffic signals which are the arteries
which is recognised as a globally leading
of life and commerce in this great city,
innovation by the United Nations
upgrading our key bridges and highways
and thus received an initial commit-
as we go.”
ment of R100 million from the Global
During the period under review the
Environment Facility.
City of Joburg conducted a comprehensive audit of its 181 informal settlements,
J oburg’s Cor r idors of Freedom
which consist of 168 000 households.
programme is bringing new life to
“The vast majority have access to basic
Fleurhof, South Hills, Kliptown, Jabulani, Turffontein, Rosettenville, the student halls and shopping squares of Empire
water and sanitation,” said Mayor Tau. Mayor Parks Tau.
The City has electrified 15 of these
Road, Randburg, Jabulani, Orlando East
informal settlements, from Sejwetla to
and Park Station.
Lawley Station and Thembelihle, and
It’s also bringing new mixed-use change all along the Louis Botha Corridor, connecting the Inner City, Orange Grove, Alexandra and Sandton. The City is also rebuilding a state-of-the-art clinic, redeveloping public recreation and sports facilities and revitalising Paterson Park and its waterways. “It’s about multi-storey buildings rising along the corridor
64
“This means more people across a range of incomes are
another six will be completed before the end of term. “We have formalised nearly 29 000 informal sector homes and relocated over 600 households to linked housing projects,” added Mayor Tau.
Empowering business and youth The City has rolled out the most ambitious youth empower-
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
ment programme in the country, partnering with over 250
the City’s flagship projects, TshWi-Fi. “Our free Wi-Fi project has radically undermined the
companies. “We have aggressively enabled small businesses, and the township economy in particular, and will soon be adding our
adverse effects of unaffordable internet access by narrowing the hitherto glaring digital divide,” he said.
new JoziBread bakeries and township micro-mechanics as the
The project has the capacity to serve over two million users
newest community enterprises empowered by our Jozi@work
across 575 sites, with a further 50 sites to be deployed by the
programme.
end of the financial year.
“We are building links between the new township economy and our continent leading corporate sector,” he said.
“Over the next 18 months, Tshwane will deploy a further 1 848 sites from Bronkhorstspruit to Hammanskraal to Soshanguve to Centurion and indeed the rest of the City,” he added.
Revitalising the inner city The inner city received a R14 billion investment via the Urban
Developing townships
Development Zone tax incentive, which resulted in the creation
In just three years, 62 townships have been developed and
of Maboneng, a new Braamfontein.
13 townships proclaimed through the Re Aga Tshwane
“We are complementing this with a better
programme, impacting more than 20 000
street trading management system for the
families per year and relocating approxi-
inner city – a trading sector where three of
mately 11 202 families from unsuitable
the CBD streets alone turn over in excess of
living conditions to better permanent
R10-billion a year,” said Mayor Tau.
housing.
In addition, the City has installed its own
More than R676 million has been spent
high-capacity fibre network and is ensuring
on township regeneration projects
that the Rea Vaya Bus system is the back-
through the Tsosoloso township renewal
bone of its new development vision.
programme, the Mayor noted.
City of Tshwane
Investing in the future
Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa reaffirmed the City’s commitment to trans-
He added that much had been done to Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
formation.
develop the City’s youth. The Tshepo 10 000 programme created 508 jobs through
The Mayor said low-cost housing would be
technical opportunities. Innovation-based
built within wealthy neighbourhoods, public transport would
youth programmes such as eKasiLAB, the Youth FabLab pro-
be extended to the traditionally white areas, the inner city is
gramme and the Tshwane Innovation Zone have all been suc-
currently being rejuvenated and the City has identified land
cessfully launched.
at Fort Klapperkop as a site, if Parliament moves to Gauteng. “I am saying as a City principle we remain unashamed and
Service delivery
unapologetic in this agenda. We are confident the vast major-
Mayor Ramokgopa said the City continued to invest a
ity of the population is fully behind us across all race groups,
significant amount of resources into its bulk electricity
across all ages,” he added.
infrastructure programme.
The Mayor said that Tshwane was ideally positioned to house
Public lighting infrastructure has increased the level of
the legislative seat of government, saying the time was right
visibility for pedestrians, motorists and the community through
to bring the nation together within the boundaries of a single
the installation of 11 807 new street lights and 260 new high-
capital.
mast lights from 2011 to date. Good electrification progress has been made. In 2011, 79.2
Free Wi-Fi
percent of Tshwane residents had access to electricity and by
Mayor Ramokgopa also shared progress on the status one of
2015, that figure was marginally below 90 percent. >>
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
65
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FEATURE
With regard to health, 98 percent of Tshwane residents
sion of creating employment for locals.
have access to primary healthcare services. A total of R152.9
A total of 128 small, medium and micro enterprises have
million was spent in the current term on expanding primary
received a cash injection of R6 million which will assist in
healthcare offerings.
boosting their businesses.
By the end of 2014, more than 3 900 metro police officers
These are just some of the projects undertaken by the City
had been deployed at local-level policing, ensuring more
and form part of the R2.9 billion ring-fenced for the Mintirho
visible policing on the ground.
ya Vulavula Community Empowerment Programme.
City of Ekurhuleni
Decent houses
The City of Ekurhuleni has made significant progress is de-
Mayor Gungubele highlighted the importance of the ensur-
livering services to its citizens, according to Mayor Mondli
ing people have decent shelter.
Gungubele.
“In pursuit of providing decent housing to all of our people,
He reflected on the challenges faced by the City and progress made so far, and tackled the issue of unemployment
112 781 houses were delivered between 1994 and 2006. “However, 14 781 of these were built between 2011 and
within his region, assuring residents
2016 and in the current financial year
that government is actively fighting the
with funding provided by the Provincial
scourge and is creating job opportunities.
Government. We are already building 471 houses out of a projected 526.
“In our endeavour to create employment and reduce poverty, we have cre-
“Further to this, we have serviced
ated no less than 200 000 job opportuni-
nearly 124 758 stands in the same pe-
ties in the past five years, and through the
riod. Full-title and ownership of land was
public sector projects, we have created
given to 124 758 people through the
52 856 opportunities via the Expanded
establishment of 112 residential town-
Public Works Programme and the Com-
ships and a further 32 544 households
munity Work Programme.”
have received title deeds,” said Mayor
He said the broader economic sectors have enabled the creation of an additional 148 589 jobs across the regional
Gungubele. Mayor Mondli Gungubele.
viding people with adequate housing.
“Moreover, the City has placed 5 000 to not only tackle the broader issue of unemployment but
Increasing access to electricity
also to expose them to the working environment to make
The City has electrified more than 27 000 subsidised house-
them more employable in future.”
holds. It has also installed an additional 6 972 streetlights
Growing the township economy In line with creating job opportunities in the east of Johannes-
since 2011. A further R1.6 billion has been invested in upgrading and refurbishing the city’s electricity network.
burg, the City of Ekurhuleni is actively revitalising its township
“As the country’s energy grid continues to operate on a
economies to ensure that business thrives in the townships.
tight leash, our efforts to respond to this include producing
To achieve this new township economic hubs have been established including Etwatwa, Vosloorus, Duduza and KwaThema, which will cost R90 million a year. Numerous projects worth millions of rands have also been awarded to emerging contractors in the region, with the vi-
66
hard to do away with informal settlements and backyard dwellings by pro-
economy during the same period. young people in various companies on two-year contracts,
He added that his office was working
300 megawatts of renewable energy by 2020. “To achieve this, the City has initiated an independent Power Producer Programme which will make it possible for us to procure energy from various primary renewable energy sources,” said Mayor Gungubele.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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*Writer: Donald Liphoko
OPINION
IPAP 2016/17 to grow
and diversify SA’s industrial base
E
very new factory that opens its doors in the country
to grow and diversify South Africa’s industrial base. The policy
is a reason for celebration. It means more jobs and a
builds on its successes since it was first introduced in 2007.
greater demand for support services such as transport,
The latest version takes into consideration the depressed
maintenance and security. Importantly, products manufactured in South Africa also
global economy and difficult local economic conditions. It prioritises labour intensive sectors such as the clothing,
advance our country’s industrialisation. It moves us away from a reliance on traditional commodities and those services that cannot be traded internationally. Today the industrial sector is playing a bigger role in the economy as a result of key interventions by government. Through the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), government has promoted long-term industrialisation and industrial diversification. Our industrialisation is a key driver in the country’s NinePoint Plan, which seeks to inject growth into the economy
textiles, leather and footwear sector, agro-processing, and
and create new jobs.
component manufacturing in the rail and automotive
The IPAP emphasises more labour absor bing
sectors.
production and services sectors. There is a strong focus on the
In the year ahead, the policy extends the roll-out of our
participation of historically disadvantaged people and
Black Industrialist Incentive Scheme. This groundbreaking
regions.
programme broadens the meaningful participation of black
Cabinet approved the latest version of the IPAP for 2016/17
South Africans in the economy and helps remedy some of the injustices of the past. More black businesses involved in the transformation of the economy and our society will ensure that a greater number of South Africans, especially young people, are working. Furthermore, IPAP 2016/17 strengthens our public procurement so that we can support the local manufacturing sector and increase localisation. This will help us re-industrialise key sectors and expand our exports. New growth sectors such as oil and gas, locomotive manufacturing, capital equipment, heavy vehicles and shipbuilding will also receive greater focus. Government is confident that our
70
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
intervention will increase the country’s global share of
to 22 factories being opened and in the past six months
products and promote a more competitive and diversified
alone new factories for Ariana Footwear, Prizm Footwear,
economy.
Safety Boy and Mystic Eyes began production. It has helped
Our experience shows that IPAP has had a profound change in our industrial landscape. The Automotive Production and Development Programme has attracted R25 billion in investment over the past five years.
safeguard 68 000 jobs and created 7 000 new jobs in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather industry. Globally green industries represent an important new growth sector and the country has begun to play a bigger
The US motor company Ford recently announced that
role in this area. Our green projects have attracted economic
it was investing R2.5 billion in its manufacturing plant in
infrastructure investment, which is contributing to economic
Pretoria to produce sport utility vehicles for the export
growth, job creation and security of electricity supply.
market. The investment will create 1 200 new jobs for the country. This follows last year’s R6 billion investment, the single biggest investment in the local automotive sector, by BMW to produce the new generation BMW X3 at its plant in the north of Pretoria.
SMA Solar Technology launched a multimillion rand manufacturing facility in Cape Town and the Technology group Abengoa announced a $660 million investment in the 100MW Xina Solar One project. The country is also making strong inroads into rail manufacturing. Locomotives are being built by Transnet Engineering
Plans to replicate this success are being rolled out across other sectors of the economy. The country’s 12i Tax Allowance Incentive Scheme has supported companies investing in the chemical, cosmetics, plastics and pharmaceuticals sector. It includes among others an R800 million investment by Cipla Pharmaceutical’s in a new production facility and a €25 million investment by European active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturer Sterling. Global consumer group Unilever opened a multimillion rand household care factory in Boksburg and a R600 million ice cream factory in Midrand. Furthermore, Nestlé has
and diesel engines are being assembled in the country by
committed to source more chicory from local producers to
China North Rail.
use in its coffee brands. Our Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme led
Moreover, the construction of a R1 billion factory to build trains locally has commenced. When completed it will manufacture 600 trains, create 1 500 direct jobs and develop 19 000 artisans. Another exciting sector we have invested in is the film industry, which resulted in 87 film and television productions. South Africa’s R887 million investment in the sector helped support 81 000 jobs along the value chain. These accomplishments show that IPAP is a set of concrete actions that are driving our massive industrial effort. It is not only transforming the productive sectors of our economy but also changing the lives of South Africans. * Donald Liphoko, Acting Director-General of GCIS.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
71
THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY: A CREDIBLE AND CAPABLE AGENCY FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is tasked with coordinating and mainstreaming youth development issues across all setors of society. This includes initiating, designing, coordinating, evaluating and monitoring all programmes aimed at integrating youth into the mainstream economy and society in general. The Agency has shifted its core business from enterprise development to education and skills development.
#YouthMonth2016
In just one year, 1 253 049 young unemployed youth received information about the opportunities available to them through the NYDA’s network of 14 branches and 178 local youth offices
NYDA has five (5) key performance areas: • Economic participation • Education and skills development • Health and well-being • Knowledge management and governance Key programmes are accessible to all young people through various programmes and services. For the 2014/2015 financial year, the NYDA has achieved its first-ever clean audit reaching 97% of its targets, with notable achievements such as an improvement in financial management from 14% to 79% and a redution in irregular expenditure by 97%. The Agency continues to spearhead partnerships across public and private sector institutions. The NYDA/IDC/ SEFA Youth Fund partnership assists youth-owned enterprises to the value of R2.7-billion. The Youth Development Institute of South Africa (YDISA) has been established through a partnership between the NYDA and the University of Johannesburg, to provide cross-cutting research on youth development matters. Through the NYDA e-monitoring programme powered by Mara Mentor, young people can now receive online mentorship and support services from captains of industry through an exciting, interactive online app. Currently the platform has over 300 000 young people registered. Some highlights from the NYDA’s 2014/2015 Annual Report include: • 62 916 aspiring and established young entrepreneurs were supported through the NYDA Business Development Support programme - an overachievement of the initial target • 1 034 youth-owned enterprises received R29-million of NYDA Business Grant funding • 300 students were able to register and study at institutions of higher learning after qualifying for the prestigious Solomon Mahlangu Schoarship Programme
For more information on the NYDA visit www.nyda.gov.za or contact the call centre on 0800 52 52 52; Facebook: National Youth Development Agency; Twitter: @NYDARSA
www.nyda.gov.za
OPINION
*Writer: Harold Maloka
Supporting the growth of township entrepreneurs
I
n the townships, functions are incomplete without three-
Significantly, the township economy is becoming a bee-
legged pots, a tent and chairs, meat, veggies and of course
hive of activity with regard to innovation, entrepreneur-
scones. These scones are traditionally baked by a group of
ship, empowerment and employment. Having grown up
women in the week leading up to the function as a gesture of
in a township in Gauteng and frequenting most of the
good neighbourliness. It may be a wedding, funeral or even a
townships, in Tshwane in particular, I asked the question:
tombstone unveiling, but the baking of scones for these events
“Where is the activity we seem to miss and appreciate?”
is an expected practice and it even raises eyebrows when it is not done.
I was very intrigued with what has been achieved, particularly in the 2015/16 financial year. This programme of
It is the same as coming together to prepare vegetables for
revitalising the township economy is aimed at bringing
cooking, or when men of the community assist in pitching
economic activity to the township that can ultimately
a tent and slaughtering a beast to feed the masses that will
create much-needed jobs.
gather for the function.
I am pleased to see that township entrepreneurs have
However, this practice seems to be changing as a result
responded to the call by the province. I am equally
of developments, which can now be attributed to a vibrant
pleased to learn that municipalities are key to this devel-
township economy. The spirit of entrepreneurship has taken
opment, as structures at the coalface of service delivery
centre stage and these services are now provided by local
are the main drivers of these programmes.
entrepreneurs.
In the first full year of the implementation of the Town-
There are now local bakeries and bakers who make a living
ship Economy Revitalisation Strategy, the provincial gov-
by baking scones for community functions. These entrepre-
ernment spent R1.8 billion procuring goods and services
neurs are so busy that if you wait until Thursday to place an
from township enterprises. In addition, municipalities are
order for the weekend it will be too late. These observations
spending R1.6 billion of their procurement budgets on
were promoted by Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s State
township enterprises.
of Province Address.
Premier Makhura said the province managed to achieve
In his speech, Premier Makhura said: “As the pioneers of the
an upswing from 400 to 1 805 township enterprises ben-
township economy revitalisation, we are making significant
efiting from Gauteng procurement spend. The province
progress in empowering township-based enterprises, coop-
has a further 5 321 SMMEs on its procurement database.
eratives and small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
These are startling achievements.
We will demonstrate that the township economy is becoming
However, being a Tshwane citizen, my attention was
a beehive of activity with regard to innovation, entrepreneur-
drawn to what has been done in the city’s townships. In
ship, empowerment and decent employment.”
Winterveldt, the Emergency Medical Services Vehicles
74
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Repair Hub is repairing, servicing and maintaining ambulances
munity to disentangle their problems and create lasting eco-
using township mechanics.
nomic development.
The Ga-Rankuwa Eco-furniture cooperative, supported by
eKasilab Ga-Rankuwa pre–incubates 19 companies. Of these,
the Department of Environmental Affairs and the City of
five are in the process of being elevated to a commercial
Tshwane, manufactures school desks and other furniture, us-
stage in their incubation. Approximately 75 potential, aspir-
ing invasive alien plants.
ing entrepreneurs and existing businesses in the township
The Kgora community bakery in Soshanguve bakes and sup-
have been trained.
plies fresh bread to residents and spaza shops in Tshwane daily.
This indeed indicates confidence in the township and its
It is probably also one of those that supply the community
potential. These are the sort of initiatives that will enable us to
with scone for funerals and weddings, come the weekend.
build our country together brick-by-brick. The capable leader-
In Mamelodi, Reiteretse Car Wash cooperative services the
ship of the Premier Makhura and Tshwane Mayor Ramokgopa
Tshwane Metro Police fleet. The facility, which was launched
fills us with hope that our townships will indeed become the
by the Premier and Executive Mayor Kgosientsho Ramakgopa
“beehive” of economic activity.
last year, was established with five cooperatives. Collectively,
This vision will enable a situation where industries procure
they created 55 employment opportunities with 45 sub-con-
their services from the township and be part of the solution
tractors benefiting from the construction. Thirty labourers
in dealing with our spatial development challenges. It will
were retained for maintenance purposes.
also reduce the amount of labour and capital leaving the
I am optimistic that with these developments, the economy of our townships will definitely create much-needed employment and grow the spirit of entrepreneurship.
township for cities, through procuring goods and services and transportation. The services provided should go beyond community
I was also thrilled to learn that The Innovation Hub has a pres-
functions and grow into an industry we can all be proud of.
ence in the township of Ga-Rankuwa, where young and po-
Tshwane is on the right track. All it requires is collective com-
tential entrepreneurial ideas are nurtured and modelled into
munity support.
business ideas, which will change the face of our township. eKasilab Ga-Rankuwa, in Region 1 of Tshwane emerged with the aim of creating co-creation space, a platform for the com-
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
* Harold Maloka, Deputy-Director General, Government Communication and Information System.
75
Compiled By: Sekgabo Kedijang
PUBLIC SECTOR APPOINTMENTS
Peter Ireland Chief Executive Officer: Ithala SOC Limited Peter Ireland is a qualified chartered accountant who holds Bachelor of Commerce and BCompt Honours degrees. Ireland has over 25 years' experience, of which 15 years has been at senior executive level in various organisations, such as BioScience Brands Limited, Research International, Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) Limited and Ithala SOC Limited. Ireland has served as a director for a Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed company, a position which contributed immensely to his skills regarding corporate governance. More recently, he was Group CFO of the IDFC and Finance Director of Ithala SOC Limited. As the new CEO of Ithala SOC Limited, some of Ireland’s responsibilitties will be to ensure sustainable profitability and growth, invest in the growth and development of staff members and the acquisition of a full banking license, among others.
Nomaswazi Mtshali Senior Manager: Corporate Communications, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomaswazi Mtshali has been appointed Senior Manager: Corporate Communications at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Mtshali is a seasoned communications practitioner with 15 years’ experience in government communications. She previously worked for Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) at the KZN provincial office for 12 years. During her tenure at GCIS she worked as a senior communications officer for three years, an assistant manager for four years and spent five years as a deputy manager. Mtshali holds a National Diploma and B-Tech Degree, which she obtained from the Durban University of Technology, and is currently pursuing an Honours Degree in Communication Science majoring in Media Studies. Mtshali will be responsible for, among others, developing and executing an effective communications strategy, managing the PR, marketing and advertising services to ensure a departmental brand is created and promoted, and the management of communication outreach and research programmes with a focus on service delivery in local government.
76
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Supplied by: Government Employees Medical Scheme
Donate blood today, save a life tomorrow
W
hen *Lindiwe Baloyi, a 30-year-old teacher, left home one
replaces the blood lost in one person with the donated
chilly winter morning last year, she had no idea that her
blood of another person. The donated blood is stored
life would soon be saved by the actions of a complete
in a bag and is given to the recipient via a tube into his
stranger. That morning Lindiwe was in a terrible accident and had to
or her vein. Blood transfusions may also be performed
be rushed to hospital. She had lost so much blood that the doctors
on people suffering from blood-related illnesses who
thought she might die. But thanks to the blood that she received via
require new and healthy blood cells. According to the
a transfusion, she survived. In effect, the total stranger who had two
World Health Organisation, blood transfusion saves
weeks earlier donated the blood used in the transfusion had helped
lives and improves health.
to save her life. With World Blood Donor Day, commemorated on 14 June, there is no better time to highlight the importance of donating blood.
A precious source of life
Blood types There are four different types of blood, namely A, B, AB and O. These are further classified by either a negative or positive, which is simply a way of
Blood is vital for the survival of human beings. It carries oxygen and
determining different blood types. For example, one
nutrients all over the body and helps to remove waste from cells.
person may be A positive and another A negative.
Sometimes a small wound may cause one to lose a little blood, but
They are both of the blood groups A but there are
the body is easily able to deal with this. However, if too much blood is
differences in their blood.
lost it can be very dangerous to one’s health and even result in death.
This is totally unrelated to HIV status. Whether a
When a person has lost too much blood it is necessary to replace
person is of a negative or positive blood type has
this blood quickly to save his or her life. The only way to do this is via
nothing to do with whether they are HIV positive or
a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion is a medical treatment that
negative. A person can be an A positive blood type but be HIV negative and vice versa. Each person has a particular blood type and can give blood to any other person of the same type. Type O is always in demand as it can be given to patients of any blood group in an emergency. However, it is not only important for those with blood type O to donate blood. A, B and AB blood is still used in transfusions for people of the same type and this can save the use of type O for emergency situations.
Easy, safe and free of charge In South Africa, blood donation is done through the
78
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Donating blood is easy, totally safe and free of charge. It only takes about 30 minutes to donate blood and it can be donated regularly, every 56 days. You cannot contract HIV by donating blood. Trained staff conduct all blood donation procedures and follow strict safety protocols. All finger-prick lancets and needles are sterile and used once only, after which they are disposed of in special medical waste containers and incinerated. There has never been an incident of a donor contracting HIV from donating blood.
Giving safe blood All blood that is donated is tested for transmissible diseases. However, you should not donate blood un-
More blood, more life
less you know that your blood is safe to give to an-
June is National Blood Donor Month, which is anchored around World
other person. The following are people who should
Blood Donor Day on 14 June. This is an annual commemoration of
not donate blood:
blood donation and is held to raise awareness around the importance
o
Those who are HIV positive or think that they
of blood donation while thanking those who donate their blood for
are.
saving lives.
o
Those who have hepatitis B, hepatitis C or
o
syphilis.
lar donor and has encouraged many of her family members and
Those who have had more than one sexual
friends to do the same.
partner in the past six months or sexual con-
o
Baloyi says that since her accident last year she has become a regu-
“Before my accident I hardly knew anything about donating blood
tact with a partner whose sexual history is
and probably would never have even considered it but now I know
unknown to them.
how important it is. If it weren’t for the people who donate blood
Those who have ever injected themselves
I would not be alive today. I still think it is amazing that just by
with drugs.
spending half an hour of your time to give blood every few months
There are also certain medications that you may be
you can save lives.”
taking or have taken recently that may prevent you
This year the theme for World Blood Donor Day is: “Blood connects
from donating blood. Information about safe blood
us all”. People all around the world are encouraged to donate blood
is given when you go to donate blood and you will
and to become regular donors to ensure that bloodstocks remain
be asked to fill out a confidential questionnaire about
in constant supply.
certain risk factors such as these. *Name has been changed.
Who can donate blood?
Sources: www.sanbs.org.za, www.who.int, www.wbdd.org, www.doh.co.za
To donate blood you have to: •
Weigh 50kg or more.
•
Be between 16 and 65 years of age.
•
Be in good health.
For more information about donating blood and to find a
•
Lead a sexually safe life style.
SANBS clinic near you call the SANBS toll free number on
•
Consider your blood safe
0800 11 90 31 or email customerservice@sanbs.org.za
for transfusion.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
79
FINANCIAL FITNESS
*Writer: Marina Abdo
Working towards wealth
E
arning a big salary does not automatically guaran-
• Realistic - Do not set a goal for something
tee that you will become wealthy. Wealth is a dream to most people and failing to
unattainable or unrealistic. • Time bound – When should the goal be reached?
have a strategy for your hard-earned money is setting your-
Financial goals are specific objectives that need to be accom-
self up for massive financial failure.
plished. If you are married, it is important that your spouse
Creating wealth can be compared to running a
shares the same goal.
marathon. Unless you have a goal, a burning desire and
Take the example of buying a house. The goal would be to save
discipline, you will not reach your goal.
a 20 percent deposit of R150 000 (R2 150 pm for five years) to
A crucial component of wealth creation is a budg-
buy an investment property of R500 000 by 01 May 2021, that
et and/or spending plan. Let’s look at the difference
can generate an income of R5 000 a month to supplement
between the two.
your retirement.
A budget is: • A worksheet that clearly indicates income, fi xed
Step 2
expenses and life necessities.
Now that you have a goal, you will need to find the
• Non-negotiable and restrictive.
money somewhere to be able to reach it. Here is where most
• Reactive as your money will fl ow automatically
people fail. You need to sacrifice something in the short-term
towards the bills and debt every month. With a spending plan:
to achieve the long-term goal. You need to track your spending habits for the past six months.
• Financial goals are pre-determined.
Take a closer look at your bank statements and categorise your
• Finances are pro-actively steered towards fi nancial goals.
past spending into:
• You have a sense of empowerment as you see
•
Debt (e.g. credit card)
how your financial goals are met and dreams
•
Living expenses (e.g. rental)
are being fulfilled.
•
Necessities (e.g. school fees)
•
Other (e.g. DStv)
If you are not in control of your debt and spending habits, don’t start with a budget but a spending plan. Here’s what you need to do.
Analyse where your money was spent. Are you living beyond your means and are you spending huge amounts on the image of wealth, rather than creating wealth?
Step 1
If it’s the image you are chasing consider that Mark
Have a written financial goal that is SMART. This means
Zuckerberg, the Facebook billionaire, wears basic grey
goals need to be:
T-shirts, hoodies and jeans and drives a VW GTI. Bill Gates once
• Specifi c - What is the purpose?
revealed at an event that he was wearing a R150 watch. Warren
• Measurable – The exact rand amount.
Buffet has lived in the same house since 1958 and he drove his
• Attainable – Determine how they are going to be
2006 Cadillac for eight years before buying a new car.
reached. Step 3 Decide how you will be spending your money. The best way to predict your financial future is to create it. Disclaimer: Please note that this article does not constitute financial advice, as each individual’s financial goals and circumstances differ.
80
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
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Writer: Nicholas Francis Images: Shutterstock
FOOD AND WINE
y m Yum
soup recipes
T
here’s a drop in the temperature and you are all snug under the blanket with a good book or movie but the only thing missing is a hearty soup. There’s nothing like a bowl of good soup to warm you up from the inside so we have chosen three delicious soups, which are sure to be a hit this winter. Of course no serving of soup is complete without a slice
or two of home-baked bread so we’ve included a quick and easy ciabatta loaf recipe.
Ciabatta
Method: Combine all the ingredients, except for
rise for about 2½ hours until three times
the oil, in a powerful mixer and mix with
the volume.
Preparation time: 3 hours 50
the dough-hook attachment until just
minutes
combined.
Cooking time: 20 minutes Servings: two loaves
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. Beat the batter with the dough-hook
Scrape the dough onto a floured surface and cut it into three pieces. Drizzle over some oil and dust with lots of flour. Let the dough rest for another 45 minutes.
attachment. It will initially be runny but
Preheat the oven to 260 °C and line a
Ingredients
within 10–20 minutes it will become
baking tray with greaseproof paper. After
500g bread flour - extra for
sticky.
45 minutes, the dough should be puffy.
sprinkling
When it separates from the sides and
Stretch each piece into a ciabatta shape
2 cups water
bottom of the bowl completely, leaving
then flip them upside down onto the
2 tsp yeast
a smooth surface and starts climbing up
lined baking tray.
2 tsp salt
the hook, the dough is ready. Place the
Oil for drizzling.
dough into a well-oiled bowl and let it
Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the tray 180 degrees halfway through.
Chicken noodle soup Preparation time: 10 minutes
3 carrots, sliced
Cooking time: 20 minutes
1l vegetable or chicken stock
Servings: four
200ml coconut milk 1 tsp fish sauce
Ingredients 2 mielies
2 spring onions, chopped
Pasta (your choice of noodles)
1 tsp nutmeg
2 roast chicken breasts, skins removed and
1 tsp chilli flakes
sliced
84
1 handful chives, chopped
Fresh coriander for serving
1 onion, diced
Olive oil for frying
3 celery sticks, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste. Public Sector Manager • June 2016
Method: Boil meilies for about five minutes until they turn yellow and remove corn from the cob. Boil the pasta until it is slightly underdone. It will cook in the soup. Fry the onions in olive oil for a few minutes. Add the celery and carrots and fry for a few minutes. Add in the stock and coconut milk. Add the fish sauce, nutmeg, chilli flakes and salt and pepper to taste. Then add the corn, chives, spring onion and chicken. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Just before serving, add in the cooked pasta and the coriander.
Butternut soup
Beef and vegetable soup Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 90 minutes Servings: six Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1kg boneless beef chuck roast or ground beef mince 4 large carrots, peeled and diced 1 large onion, chopped 6 garlic cloves, chopped 3 small bay leaves 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 6 cups (or more) beef broth 1 can diced tomatoes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
Cooking time: 10 minutes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large potatoes, peeled, diced
Servings: four
1¼ cup milk
1 cup frozen corn kernels
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup frozen peas.
Ingredients
Salt to taste
1 medium butternut
Cream to taste.
Method:
1 onion, roughly chopped
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in very large pot over medium heat. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Add beef to pot and sauté for four minutes. Add the carrots, onion, garlic
Method:
cloves, bay leaves and thyme and sauté for
Cut the butternut into wedges.
cooked through.
Scoop out the seeds, cut off the
Place the cooked butternut in
rind and dice.
a blender and add the milk and
Heat the oil in a large skillet over
cayenne pepper. Blend for three
medium heat. Add the butter-
to fives minutes or until the mix-
nut, onion and garlic. Sprinkle a
ture is very smooth. Season with
until tender. If soup is thick, thin it with more
little salt and sauté until lightly
salt and top each serving with
broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
browned and the butternut is
cheese or cream.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
five minutes. Add beef broth, tomatoes, cabbage and potatoes. Bring to simmer. Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender. Stir in the corn and peas and simmer
85
CAR REVIEWS
Writer: Ashref Ismail
New C-Class
exudes elegance I
t was just a matter of time and the time has arrived.
four-cylinder unit developing 125 kW of power and 400
The most popular range in the Mercedes-Benz
Nm of torque. The C 220 d features eco-friendly Selective
stable now boasts an elegantly styled sporty coupé.
Catalytic Reduction technology for exhaust gas after-
Sleek lines, dropped suspension and 17-inch tyres make
Power is sent to the road via a six-speed manual
sibling. Designed for those who want to display a sense of
transmission, the 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic
exclusivity and of course project an image of quiet
transmission (standard on the C 300) or the new 9-speed
elegance, the sporty C-Class coupé has it all.
9G-Tronic (optionally available on the C 220 d only).
The new model is bigger, wider and longer than its
Drivers can choose the character of their coupé at the
predecessor, meaning there is more shoulder room,
push of a button - sporty, comfortable or consumption-
elbowroom and headroom for all its occupants.
optimised. The driver can select one of five driving modes
Powerful and efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel
- ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual - using the
engines with ECO start/stop function provide for sporty
dynamic select switch. Selecting Individual allows the
performance and driving pleasure. Compared with their
driver to customise the vehicle settings to personal
predecessors, they consume up to 20 percent less fuel.
preferences.
Now there’s a deal maker.
The good folk at Mercedes-Benz have put the coupé
There are initially two petrol engines available for the
on a strict diet. Intelligent lightweight construction
coupé - a two-litre C 200 (135 kW) and the C 300 model
with a higher proportion of aluminium helps make the
with a displacement of two litres but with an output of
coupé lighter than its predecessor. Light alloy components
180 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque.
include the wings, bonnet and boot lid. At the same time,
The diesel model is equipped with a further advanced
88
treatment.
this model stand out quite handsomely from its sedan
the body is now much stiffer and stronger thanks to the
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
use of high-strength materials, which has a positive
scenario, even avoiding the collision altogether. At
effect on not only driving dynamics and noise levels
speeds of up to 50 km/h, the system also brakes in
but also crash safety.
response to stationary vehicles and is thus able to help
There are a number of safety and assistance
prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.
systems based on the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
The navigation system, which supplies the driver
concept to choose from on board. Attention Assist
with precise traffic information in real time (Live Traffic
with adjustable sensitivity, which can warn the driver
Information), displays its contents interactively. Its
of inattentiveness and drowsiness, is included as stand-
features include an animated compass and a Drive
ard. Additional standard equipment includes Collision
Show with information for passengers similar to the
Prevention Assist Plus. Apart from a visual proximity
on-screen presentations aboard airliners.
warning and an additional audible collision warning, it
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the C-Class
includes Adaptive Brake Assist, which can help prevent
coupĂŠ comes standard with a class leading six-year/100
collisions by boosting the brake pressure appropriate
000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan without
to the situation. When the danger of collision persists
customer contribution. The C 220 d is exempt
and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to
from CO2 emission tax due to its low footprint of
carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to
113 g/km. The range comes in at R 551 000 for the C 200
200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions
extending to R 660 300 for the C 300.
with slower or stopping vehicles or, in the best-case
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
89
GROOMING AND STYLE
Perfecting the
Writer: : Gilda Narsimdas
winter wardrobe
W
inter is upon us and it’s time to update the winter wardrobe. Winter needn’t be all dreary. You can spruce up your wardrobe with some choice items to make sure you’re still fashionable despite the drop in temperature.
We’ve sourced some of the trendiest gear to make sure your wardrobe has some
warm staples to get you through the season.
This navy blue dress by Style Republic is perfect for a formal occasion, Spree, R379.
Grab this lace effect leather biker jacket by G Couture from Zando, R799.
This tail cardigan from Dusud by Errol Arendz will keep you both warm and stylish, Spree, R1 390. These long boots from Aldo come in both These Soviet Harley brown boots are both stylish and comfortable, Spree, R679.
90
brown and black. Available from Zando, R2 699.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
For a casual look opt
This Soviet Tuxford jacket is sure to
for this J Crew
keep you warm, Zando, R1 299.
button through grey sweat top, Zando, R699.
Throw on this printed silk scarf from
These cardigans come in array of colours, H&M, R199.
Trenery, Woolworths, R399. This red merino wool v-neck is perfect for the office, Trenery, Woolworths, R699.
This Smith & Jones Iota gilet in charcoal is right on trend, Zando, R799.
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
91
©2015 TUMI, INC.
O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE 011-390-2088
V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253
SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 011-783-4636
©2015 TUMI, INC.
O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE 011-390-2088
V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253
SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 011-783-4636
Indulging
TRAVEL
Writer: Duane Stacey Photographer: Wessel Theron
the Kouga cravings originated. Breakers pound the rocky shores beneath high cliffs where ancient rivers have carved their path to the ocean through rocky ravines. Nestled at the foot of the cliffs and a mere 150 metres from Stormsriver mouth, Untouched Adventures afforded us the opportunity to explore this river (where the five-day otter trail commences) by kayak. We enthusiastically kitted up and prepared to paddle across the small stretch of ocean. Bobbing feverishly in the swell we paddled under the stares of holidaymakers perched on a suspension bridge that runs overhead and marks the entrance to the gorge. The sound of crashing waves softened as we paddled beyond the gazes and chatter from above, replaced instead by the tranquillity of dripping mountain waterfalls piercing the ever-still waters of the gorge.
T
Further upstream, ancient caves, once inhabited by the he beautiful Kouga territory stretches along the
San, stretched hundreds of metres back into a dark abyss
coast from the Tsitsikamma River in the west to
and seemed to absorb any echoes created by our paddles
Van Stadens River in the east and inland towards
the Baviaanskloof Mountains in the north. It’s a coastal exploration that promises adventure, great waves and an untouched coastline.
Uncovering Tsitsikamma The N2 pierces through the heart of the Tsitsikamma bush, offering the occasional spotting of bushbuck or forest resident, but it’s only when one turns off the highway and draws open the luscious green forest curtain that the true meaning of this hidden gem is justly exposed. Tsitsikamma is the Khoisan word for “place of much water”. As we enter the gates of the national park and meander through the evergreen shrubberies towards the true blue Indian Ocean, it is evident how its name
94
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
dipping into the water. It was here we exchanged the
of these ventures. It is evident that her passion behind the scenes is
kayaks for lilos and continued splashing upstream where
what drives the sustained beauty of this endangered coastline.
we found some icy pools to plunge into from the rocks
Stomach rumblings turned us towards De Viswijf restaurant, a lovely
that surrounded it. Feeling rejuvenated, we slowly drifted
family restaurant nestled above another classic J-Bay surfing beach,
back to the ocean, before heading back from where we
aptly named Kitchen Windows. Some argue whether the surf spot
had come.
or restaurant came first. Owner Ernie Blignault is more than willing
The rain forest-type vegetation gives the Tsitsikamma
to indulge you in this and other “Viswijf stories” while you enjoy the
its unique character. Much life lies deep within its foliage
delectable dishes on offer from the unique positioning of this award-
and it is only through the advent of advanced camera
winning restaurant.
technologies that the once thought-to-be-extinct Knysna
Feeling gratified after a scrumptious lunch we carried on toward
forest elephant has been exposed in recent video footage.
the eastern side of Jeffrey’s Bay to a horse-riding school, Featherfoot
Knowing that an animal this size could be ‘lost’ for years
Horse Rides, in Kabeljouws.
in the forest, we could not wait to explore a bit of the
They offer a variety of trails for beginners to more accomplished
jungle. What better way to do so than by Segway, a self-
riders and provide everything one needs for a horseback adventure.
balancing two-wheel human transporter?
The skill level of our group varied significantly so we opted for a gentle
Tsitsikamma Backpackers run daily Segway excursions
trot along the beach.
into the forest and it is recommended that you make
Sandwiched between the lagoon and incoming tide, the well-trained
use of their well-constructed obstacle track in their
horses kept pace with one another before turning back and allowing
backyard to find your balance before embarking on the
the more experienced riders to break into a gallop home. I settled for a
forest paths. Bustling along the varying terrains at a gentle
contented trot and watched the sun begin its descent into the ocean,
pace provided much elation as we took in the scenery of
causing the sea and lagoon to glitter simultaneously before pausing
greenery before proceeding on our coastal adventure.
for a moment, as if to give the photographers among us the chance
Jeffrey’s Bay
to capture some exquisite shots of these golden minutes.
Jeffrey’s Bay is ‘home to the perfect wave’. Glancing out
Scintillating Cape St Francis
over the aloes from the wooden deck and amphitheatre-
A village within a village is the impression one gets walking amongst
type feel from the famous car park, it’s not hard to imagine
the secluded villas and self-catering bed and breakfast units found
the drama playing out in front of you of some great surf-
within Cape St Francis resort. With direct access to a long stretch of
ing contests that have graced these shores in the past.
untouched coastline and an award-winning restaurant and bar on
But really, the magic of this town is found in the people
site (Joe Fish Restaurant), there’s no reason to go any further if you
who have made it their home.
are looking for some rest and relaxation. Stencilled into the horizon
We are soon introduced to Alison, who heads up the Supertubes conservation initiative. Her projects not only
is Seal Point Lighthouse, which at 27.5 metres high is South Africa’s tallest masonry lighthouse.
deal with recycling, beach clean-ups and local plant
As with Jeffery’s Bay, it is the people who really shape the charac-
protection but also involve the community in a number
ter of this seaside town. Actively pursuing responsible tourism, >>
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
95
TRAVEL
Betty’s Tours provides a glimpse into the everyday life of those in the area. One can visit SANCCOB penguin rehabilitation centre, Talhado’s Children’s Haven and Nomvula’s Knitters, an initiative started to empower women from the township by creating a sustainable income and imparting business skills to the clothing industry. By night the glow of fishermen’s lamps, strapped to fishing vessels, decorate the bay, which is widely renowned for its chokka (squid/calamari). The Chokka Trail offers the more active traveller the chance to explore the region on foot over four days of slack packing. The trail opens up the Sandriver dunes, Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and the coastal paths, which weave among a treacherous coastline responsible for many a shipwreck in years past, commonly referred to as “the Wild Side” of Cape St Francis. We were fortunate to time the tides well enough to see a natural blowhole, created from waves gushing through a
After a good day’s exercise, Liquid Lines, a new sports
gully, powerfully forcing through a small opening and creat-
facility in Cape St Francis, offers just the set up to deal
ing a fountain which showered all those who had crept close
with the lactic acid build up. Haydn Holmes has a state-
enough. After a great day filled with wonderful conversations
of-the-art aquatics facility that some will use to begin
and tough walking it seemed only appropriate to enjoy a
their training for the gruelling Iron Man series which takes
calamari feast while overlooking the harbour at Port St
place in March each year. However, those with any kind of
Francis with our new friends who had enjoyed the day’s
aquatic ability are also welcome here and it is well worth
activity with us.
visiting on your day off.
For more information: Accommodation: Cape St Francis Resort: seals@iafrica.com Villa Staysea private lodging sleeps 4-10 people- Dave: +27 82 9219585 Things to do: Jeffrey’s Bay Tourism: info@jeffreysbaytourism.org Supertubes Foundation, Alison: 083 210 8122 Tsitsikamma Segway tours: : bookings@segwayfun.co.za Horse riding: feathefoothorses@yahoo.com Chokka Trail, Esti Stewart: 082 394 7363 Untouched Adventures: 073 130 0689 Liquid Lines: holmes.h@telkomsa.net Places to eat: De Viswijf: restaurant@deviswijf.co.za Joe Fish Restaurant: 082 494 3755 or 042 298 0054
96
Public Sector Manager • June 2016
With a choice of 16 properties and over 80 conference venues situated in the mainstream of regional business and leisure destinations, Premier Hotels & Resorts offers unbeatable service, up-to-date technology, flawless organisation and onsite accommodation.
H OT E L S & R E S O RT S INTERNATIONAL
Whether you stay with us for business, leisure or a family holiday, Premier Hotels & Resorts’ wide range of quality destinations offers you the best of all worlds. Visit www.premierhotels.co.za for more information.
Cape Town | Knysna | East London | Port Edward | Pinetown Richards Bay | Drakensberg | White River | Pretoria | Midrand Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Central Reservations 086 111 5555 | www.premierhotels.co.za @premier_hotels
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