PSM November 2019 Edition by Topco Media

PUBLIC PUBLIC SECTOR SECTOR MANAGER MANAGER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2019 2019

THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE FOR FOR PUBLIC PUBLIC SECTOR SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS DECISION-MAKERS

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Contents: November 2019

Regulars Conversations with leaders Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has a steely resolve to strengthen South Africa’s justice system

Proﬁles in leadership Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the Agribusiness Development Agency, Zenzele Ndlela, is positively contributing to the National Development Plan

Developmental desk Debt relief for low-income earners

Women in the public sector Nuclear engineer Margaret Mkhosi is breaking barriers and helping other women do the same Trailblazer Dr Monnamme Tlotleng believes engineering and technology can change the world

34 38

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

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

Features Men, this battle needs you Men from the religious sector, business, politics and traditional leaders need to take

56 2

International relations International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor explains why intolerance is an obstacle to development

Local government The Knysna Municipality is rising from the ashes of the devastating ﬁres of 2017

Focus on women The link between GenderBased Violence and mental health

The reading corner How books have empowered Richard Mantu

Financial ﬁtness Save for the upcoming school year

Provincial focus Opportunities abound in the Western Cape a stand in ﬁght against violence against women and children

Best practices for employing persons with disabilities The Code of Good Practice on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities is a guide on promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment for persons with disabilities

Fighting abuse Men have a vital role to play in ending Gender-Based Violence

Khawuleza to fast track service delivery President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled development

projects in eThekwini which are expected to activate large-scale economic growth 56

Africa's new tech giant The Rwanda-based Mara group has launched the ﬁrst of its kind Mara Phone manufacturing plant at the Dube Trade Port in Durban

IRP 2019 – A blueprint for SA’s energy mix The Integrated Resource Plan supports a diversiﬁed energy mix including coal, nuclear, renewable energy and gas

SA biodiversity assessment yields positive results South Africa has maintained its status as one of the top

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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three countries globally, when

it comes to plant and marine species that are found nowhere else on Earth 68

Corruption clampdown in the health sector

A multi-disciplinary forum has been launched to crackdown on crime and corruption in the public and private health sectors 72

Operation Lockdown a success in Cape Town

Lifestyle 80

Health and wellbeing How to support colleagues living with disabilities

Car reviews Take a ride on the dark side with the D-Max X-Rider Black

The deployment of the South African National Defence Force in the Western Cape has been successful in cracking down on violent crime

Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Head of Editorial and Production

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Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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2019/11/13 9:02:31 AM

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Breaking the cycle of violence T

his year, South Africa marks

Constitution and a Bill of Rights

such as HIV and AIDS. This also

the 16 Days of Activism for

that guarantees equality be-

leads to them having reduced

no Violence against Women

tween women and men, patriar-

chances of making choices out

and Children in the midst of a ris-

chal practices and tendencies

of free will, may never rise to their

ing challenge of women and child

have been allowed to thrive.

full potential and may develop

abuse. We have seen an alarm-

Unemployment, alcohol abuse

mental health and substance

ing rise in incidents of horrific and

and the legacy of violence which

gruesome attacks on women and

has been passed on from our his-

children dominating the news.

tory as a country, compound the

experience health and devel-

problem of patriarchy and the

opmental issues. They too are at

intertwined crisis of GBVF.

an increased risk of poor mental

If we are to create a country in which women and children feel safe, all sectors of our South

The effects of GBVF are devas-

abuse challenges. Children who endure violence

health, poor social functioning

African society need to work even

tating for our society and have

and may turn to drugs and al-

harder to coordinate efforts to

a lasting impact on the victims,

cohol. In the end, these children

put the scourge of gender-based

including the loss of their sense

are largely unable to grow into

violence and femicide (GBVF) to

of worth. The psychological ef-

productive, healthy adults.

rest.

fects on the victim also makes

For far too long, patriarchy has

Besides eroding the moral fibre

them vulnerable and have an

of our society, the scourge has

been left unchallenged. Despite

increased risk of contracting

significant economic conse-

our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very progressive

sexually transmitted diseases

quences, including an increased

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

burden on the health and

The Public Service must lead by

proactive and reactive responses

criminal justice systems and the

example in ensuring that inequal-

to GBVF, public servants need to

inability of many survivors to de-

ity, discrimination, patriarchy and

step up and support these efforts.

velop meaningful careers. Above

sexual harassment are eradi-

all, it is an extreme violation of

cated and have no place in our

spent on education campaigns,

human rights and at total odds

offices. Acts of abuse and sexual

victim support and enhanced

with the principles that guide our

harassment must be reported

criminal justice processes will

democracy.

and dealt with promptly. Those

have little impact if they are not

who misuse their authority must

used optimally by public serv-

Our latest official statistics show

The increased budgets to be

that women form over 50 percent

ants to turn the tide of GBVF. The

of the South African population,

nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to human

thus meaning their participation

rights, safety and equality will

in the economy is absolutely

mean little if public servants, who

crucial. Therefore, the continued

work with GBVF survivors, do not

denial of women to fully reach

do so with empathy and sensitiv-

their potential through subject-

ity.

ing them to various kinds of

It is time that we collectively

abuse actually adversely affects

restore the human rights and dig-

the growth of our economy and

nity of all and in doing so, honour

ultimately, the development of

the many South Africans who

country.

have died under the scourge of

As such, they deserve our

GBVF.

utmost respect. Children are our

Public servants have the power

future and should be nurtured

to become change agents by

and empowered to lead the

fighting all forms of discrimination

country forward.

Minister in t he Presidency, Jac kson Mt hembu.

Yet crime statistics for the period 1 April last year to 31 March

and inequality, setting the course in treating women and children with decency and respect,

this year, released by the South

be tackled and exposed. A cul-

breaking the cycle of violence,

African Police Service, revealed

ture of silence in our workplaces

speaking out against abuse and

that seven women were mur-

must end.

not looking away. The campaign

dered each day. This equates to

We must recommit ourselves

2 771 violent deaths in the year.

to the Service Charter Contract

Days of Activism for no Violence

According to the statistics, three

and the Batho Pele Principles

against Women and Children but

children were murdered every

to ensure a people-centered,

should take place daily through-

day and over 100 cases of rape

effective, efficient and responsive

out the year. Only then can we

were reported to the police each

Public Service. As our government

hope to deal decisively and suc-

day.

works hard to ensure enhanced

ceed in the fight against GBVF.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

should not be limited to the 16

Examples• o • Mismatc both the • • Omission • • Incorrect • • Incorrect • • Incorrect

CHALLENGES INCLUDE: CHALLENGES INCLUDE:

•• Data Data issues issuesininthe themunicipal municipal register register of of CHALLENGES INCLUDE: properties, the financial system and the

•

properties, the financial system and the

valuation roll and theprescribed prescribed seamless Data issues roll in the municipal register of valuation and the seamless integration between systems of internal integration between systems of internal properties, the financial system and the control, Municipal Standard Chart of of control,roll Municipal Standard Chart valuation and the prescribed seamless Accounts, hereafter mSCOA; Accounts, hereafter mSCOA; integration between systems of internal Municipal Standard Chart Updating the register ofofof ••control, Updating themunicipal municipal register Accounts, hereafter mSCOA; properties and preparing ‘real-time’ properties and preparing ‘real-time’ supplementary forfor supplementaryvaluations valuationsrequired required

Updating the municipal register of 78, valuation valuationroll rollmaintenance, maintenance,section section 78, properties and preparing ‘real-time’ Local Government: Municipal Property Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act, hereafter MPRA,required annual for supplementary valuations Rates Act, hereafter MPRA, annual publication Part B of the municipal valuation roll of maintenance, 78, publication of Part B of thesection municipal register (income forgone); Local Government: Municipal Property register (income forgone); Act, hereafter annual •Rates Rates policy issues: MPRA, Prescribed property •publication Rates policy issues: Prescribed of Part B of the municipal categories (effective 1 July 2021),property criteria categories (effective 1 July 2021), criteria for categories offorgone); property and categories register (income forowners categories of property and categories of and pro-poor strategies for

of owners and pro-poor strategies for extending rates relief. Rates policy discretionary issues: Prescribed property extending discretionary relief. categories (effective 1 Julyrates 2021), criteria for categories of property and categories 033 343 2868 www.metgovis.co.za of owners and pro-poor strategies for 033 343 2868 www.metgovis.co.za extending discretionary rates relief.

033 343 2868

www.metgovis.co.za

Section 78.1

Source documentation

Section 78.4

Section 78.1 Source documentation Section 78.4 Supplementary to trigger the supplementary Rates effectively Supplementary to trigger the supplementary Rates effectively Valuation reference valuation payable from (date) ValuationSection reference78.1 valuation payable from (date) Source documentation Section 78.4

Supplementary

to trigger the supplementary

Rates effectively

A.) Incorrectly omittedBalancing Balancing report between the First of the month A.) Incorrectly omitted report between the First day of theday month Valuation reference valuation payable financial and the followingfollowing the of (date) the financial system system and the the posting ofposting the from valuation notices,78(5) section 78(5) valuation roll. roll. notices, section

A.) Incorrectly omitted

Balancing report between the

First day of the month

B.) Included after the Government Government notice Date with on which Date on the property B.) Included after the GazetteGazette notice with thewhich property financial system and the following the posting of the last general valuationthe re-demarcation the re-demarcation is in included in the last general valuation details. details. is included the valuation roll. notices, section 78(5) municipality municipality

B.) Subdivisions Included Gazette Date on C.) Subdivisions andafter throughthrough the Deeds Datewith the Date subdivision orwhich the C.) andtheAs processed AsGovernment processed thenotice Deeds the subdivision or property last general valuation the re-demarcation isis included in the consolidations Office and imported to the to details. registered. consolidations Office and imported the consolidation consolidation is registered. Municipal RegisterRegister of Properties. municipality Municipal of Properties. D.) A D.) substantial marketmarket the completion of the event asthe C.) Subdivisions and Date ofDate As building processed through theDate Deeds Date subdivision or of the building completion Date of the event as A substantial certificate, occupation certificate documented on the on the valuevalue increase or documented increase or certificate, occupation certificate consolidations Office and imported to the consolidation is registered. decrease since the last (increase) or demolition notice supporting documentation. decrease since the last (increase) or Register demolition Municipal of notice Properties.supporting documentation. general valuation (decrease).

general valuation

(decrease).

of the event as D.) A substantial of the building completion E.) Incorrectly valued market Raised asDate a query by the (i) First day ofDate the month E.) Incorrectly valued Raised a query by the certificate First day of value increase or municipality certificate, occupation documented on the during the last general orasthe ratepayer. following(i) the posting of the the month during the last general municipality or the ratepayer. following the posting of the valuation increase; decrease since the last (increase) or demolition notices notice - for value supporting documentation. valuation

notices - for value increase;

general valuation E.) Incorrectly valued Raised as(decrease). a query by the iii) Date incorrectly E.)the Incorrectly valued municipality Raisedorasthe a query by the valued - for iii) value Date decreases incorrectly during last general E.) Incorrectly valued Raised as ratepayer. a query by the (i) First day of the month during the last general municipality or the ratepayer. valued - for value decreases valuation during the last general

valuation

F.) Revaluation valuationfor exceptional reasons for F.) Revaluation

municipality or the ratepayer.

following the posting of the

Case by case consideration of First day of the month - for value increase; notices exceptional followingFirst the posting of the Case reasons. by case consideration of day of the month E.) Incorrectly valued Raised as reasons. a query by the notice, section iii)78(5) Date exceptional reasons exceptional following theincorrectly posting of the

during the last general municipality or the ratepayer. notice, valued - for78(5) value decreases section Council resolution adopting the Date on which the category valuation G.) Category change re-zoning. Council resolution adopting changed the Date on which the category F.) Revaluation for Case by case consideration of changed First day of the month re-zoning.

G.) Category change

exceptional reasons Clerical error exceptional reasons. following H.) Value was incorrectly as identified by First day of the month the posting of the captured in the valuation either the municipality or the following the notice, posting of the 78(5) section H.) Value was incorrectly Clerical error as identified by First day of the month roll - clerical error ratepayer. notice, section 78(5) captured in the valuation G.) Category change roll - clerical error

H.) Value was incorrectly captured in the valuation roll - clerical error

either the resolution municipalityadopting or the the following postingthe of the Council Date the on which category ratepayer. notice, section 78(5) re-zoning. changed

Clerical error as identified by either the municipality or the ratepayer.

First day of the month following the posting of the notice, section 78(5)

“single version of the truth”.

Examples of discrepancies include: • Mismatches between the valuation and property categorisation in Examples of discrepancies include: both the financial system and the valuation roll; • Mismatches between the valuation and property categorisation in • Omissions from either the valuation roll or the billing system or both; both the financial system and the valuation roll; • Incorrect allocation of tariff codes; • Omissions either the valuation ratios, roll or Regulation the billing 9242, system both;2010; • Incorrectfrom application of prescribed 12or March • Incorrect allocation of tariff codes; • Incorrect application of discretionary rates relief.

• Incorrect application of prescribed ratios, Regulation 9242, 12 March 2010; • Incorrect application of discretionary rates relief.

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Disability rights

are human rights

overnment is commit-

Persons with disabilities are

ted to the inclusion and

protected from discrimination by

protection of persons

the Employment Equity Act and

with disabilities through dedicated

the Promotion of Equality and

programmes and interventions that

Prevention of Unfair Discrimination

promote access to equal oppor-

Act, as well as several strategies,

tunities.

including the White Paper on

Earlier this year, government opened the 13th Supported Employment Enterprise (SEE)

Phumla Williams, GCIS Acting Director-General.

an Integrated National Disability persons with disabilities, as well as

Strategy. The White Paper commits duty

black people and women.

manufacturing factory. The SEE’s

bearers to remove discriminatory

mandate is to create employment

barriers and ensure access and

committed that the next Medium-

with dignity for people living with

participation for persons with

Term Strategic Framework

disability. Collectively, SEEs employ

disabilities.

(2020–2025) will ensure equitable

11 000 people. These interventions are critical

In addition, government has

However, in reality, persons with

programmatic disability inclusion

disabilities are still being excluded

targets.

because persons with disabilities

from equal participation in

face a number of barriers to

the labour market – in both

towards employment equity is

entry to the workplace, including

the private and public sectors.

welcomed, mainstreaming people

prejudice, inadequate provision of

Government, across all its levels,

with disabilities is a task not

physical infrastructure and a lack

employs 12 964 persons with

just for law makers. It should be

of medical support needed to

disabilities.

shared equally by all government

reach their full potential. In February, President Cyril

While the Employment Equity Act states that at least three

While the renewed vigour

departments and entities, the private sector and individuals.

Ramaphosa recommitted

percent of the workforce should

government to empowering

be employees with disabilities,

be found in what they cannot do,

persons with disabilities at a

enforcement of this target has

but indeed what they can.

meeting of the Presidential

not been effective. However, a

Working Group on Disability.

shake-up has been promised

breaking down barriers that cast

Established in 2014, the Working

with amendments to the Act

persons living with disabilities as

Group is tasked with championing

being tabled in Parliament.

second-class citizens and provide

and monitoring government

The amendments will regulate

support so that they can live full

departments’ and society’s work

the setting of sector-specific

and productive lives. Everyone has

in creating a better life for persons

employment targets to address

the right to exist and have happy

with disabilities.

the under-representation of

and meaningful lives.

The value of a person should not

We must catalyse self-efficacy by

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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GATEWAY TO DEFENCE SOLUTIONS

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Writer: Dale Hes

Minister Ronald Lamola recently opened a new sexual of fences cour t in Sibasa, Limpopo.

Minister Lamola sets his sights on tackling GBV

by the justice system. These are very important people in our society and to protect them is in the best possible interests of our

till within his first year in of-

strong steps to address Gender-

fice, Justice and Correction-

Based Violence (GBV) and other

al Services Minister Ronald

key issues in his crucial portfolio.

nation,” said Minister Lamola. The sexual offences courts were reintroduced by the Department

Lamola has already shown a steely

of Justice and Constitutional

country’s most pressing issues,

Accelerating the opening of sexual offences court

with a particularly tenacious focus

In the face of continued high

to reduce the turnaround time

on clamping down on violence

levels of GBV and child abuse, the

in finalising these matters before

against women and children.

Minister is on a drive to strengthen

court. Minister Lamola said several

the justice system to deal with sex

sexual offences courts have al-

Africa’s youngest Cabinet Minister

offenders and other abusers. He

ready imposed heavy sentences

in this administration when he was

is accelerating the opening of 10

on offenders.

appointed to head the Justice

more sexual offences courts to be

and Correctional Services portfolio

rolled out in the current financial

meted out heavy sentences. An

by President Cyril Ramaphosa in

year, adding to the 94 currently

offender was sentenced to four

May 2019. The appointment of a

operating around the country.

life sentences for four counts of

35-year-old Minister raised some

“The department is already

resolve to strengthen South Africa’s justice system. He is tackling the

Minister Lamola became South

Development in 2013 to provide specialised redress to victims of sexual abuse and violence and

“The sexual offenses courts have

rape, another one was handed a

eyebrows amongst sceptics, but

reopening specialist courts and

life sentence and 50 years. Both

Minister Lamola’s background and

will be expanding these across

of these sentences took place at

extensive experience made him a

the country, so that GBV and other

the Moretele Magistrate Court,

worthy candidate for the position.

crimes against women and chil-

Hamanskraal. Another offender in

Since taking office, he has taken

dren are attended to adequately

KwaZulu-Natal was sentenced to

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

seven life sentences plus 76 years

amendments to legislation such

fenders are my age or younger, so

and this serves as an example of

as the Sexual Offences Act, such

this resonates with me and makes

the good work the sexual offences

as overhauling and modernis-

me able to relate to them. I have

court does.”

ing the national registry of sex

interacted with some of them

offenders and making the names

and think that we can be very

of those on the list open to the

impactful if, when they get out of

public.

correctional services facilities, they

New interventions in clamping down on GBV

“We will ensure that we review

can be economically and socially

Minister Lamola has highlighted

laws that address the economic

beneficial to society. This is why I

that the justice system has been

plight of women, this is our priority

want to see the programmes for

performing well when it comes

in this administration. We will be

rehabilitation of offenders having

to convicting criminals of sexual

reviewing legislation such as the

an impact.”

offences, but he is acutely aware

Traditional Courts Bill and the

that more effort needs to be

Recognition of Customary Amend-

work in the justice system will

made.

ment Bill. We will introduce a Gen-

include improving access to ser-

“In quarter one of the 2019/20

der Based Violence and Femicide

vices for all South Africans.

financial year, the national figure

Bill and review the Sexual Offences

for the offences of rape on our

Amendment Act Bill to ensure

to help people who are in need

court rolls was at 2 479. The

that National Register for Sexual

of proper judicial services but do

national conviction rate for all

Offences expands its scope and

not have the resources. Most of all,

sexual offences in this quarter was

address the question of making it

we need to ensure that everyone

74.5 percent, which amounts to

public,” Minister Lamola said.

is equal before the law as per the

Minister Lamola said that his

“We need to increase our ability

demands of the Constitution. Rich

1 064 convictions. The National take these matters seriously when

Efficient and effective justice system

they are brought before them. But

According to the Minister, proper

they all need to be able to access

it is not enough,” said the Minister,

integration between the depart-

justice. This is why we are work-

explaining that more change

ments of justice and correctional

ing towards ensuring that we can

needed to occur within homes

services is also a priority.

achieve universal access.”

Prosecuting Authority (NPA) does

and poor; women and men; no matter the race, colour or creed;

“I would like to see sound

and communities. needs us men, in particular, to be

departments in terms of the data

Bolstering public confidence

more sensitive and responsive to

we collect, and also harness the

With public confidence in law en-

the calls of the nation. The NPA

power of technology to create

forcement agencies and prosecu-

and the judiciary may not be able

an efficient and effective justice

tion authorities still fragile, Minister

to do all the work, we need men to

system,” he pointed out.

Lamola said the credibility of the

“It needs more societal work and

integration between the two

The issue of rehabilitating offend-

do their part.” Other interventions government is implementing to combat the

ers in the prison system is also

justice system needs to be bolstered.

close to Minister Lamola’s heart.

“We are in the process of restor-

“I have observed that many of-

ing the credibility of the NPA and

scourge of GBV include proposed

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

investigating agencies. We must

ruption in his Budget Vote, the

mal functioning of correctional

ensure that all law enforcement

Minister acknowledged that the

services.

agencies do their jobs without

revelations of high levels of brazen

fear, favour or prejudice to any-

corruption arising at the various

and plans in place to resolve

one; apply the rules of the Consti-

Commissions of Inquiry are a “se-

issues such as nepotism, favourit-

tution and ensure that we protect

rious affront to our constitutional

ism, low staff morale and a clear

and safeguard the rule of law.”

democracy”.

prison work policy. We should be

He said good strides are being

He added that the department

“We are already putting systems

able to resolve them as expedi-

made with regard to transforma-

will continue to provide admin-

tiously as possible so that our

tion targets.

istrative support to enable the

facilities can reach world stand-

“The systems we use to track

Commissions of Inquiry to do

ards.”

empowerment have shown an

their work and, in the process,

The Minister has been travel-

encouraging number of black

strengthen the rule of law and

ling across the country assess-

men and women prosecutors and

the country’s constitutional de-

ing the state of correctional

attorneys in the public sector. The

mocracy.

facilities, and while encountering

private sector also has a role to

The department will also pro-

play in this, which is why we are

vide budgetary support for the

come across facilities which are

introducing a charter engaging

establishment of the Investiga-

providing excellent examples

with the private sector on this.”

tive Directorate, which falls under

for others to follow. He cites the

the NPA, to enable it to deal with

Brandvlei Correctional Centre

relevant cases arising from the

in the Western Cape, where he

various commissions.

recently attended for the launch

Addressing fraud and corruption Addressing the issue of fraud and cor-

many challenges, he has also

The Investigative Directorate

of the continent’s first ever prison

will work with a range of entities,

radio station, run completely by

both governmental and non-

inmates.

governmental, to ensure that

“They also run their own dairy

perpetrators of fraud and

farm which also supplies other

corruption are brought

facilities, as well as a bakery, all

to book speedily.

operated by the inmates with the help of correctional services

Functioning of correctional services Minister Lamola acJustice and Correctional Ser vices Minister Ronald Lamola.

from it, and once the prisoners are released they can go out and find employment at a radio

knowledged that a

station, farm or bakery. This is just

variety of significant

one of the very good examples

obstacles need

that we should be aware of; there

to be overcome

are many others around the

to ensure the opti-

officials. The community benefits

country,” Minister Lamola said.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

FEATURE

Source: SAnews

Men, this battle needs you W

ith the dust barely set-

Activist groups and government

tled on the streets from

alike are upping the ante to stem

the march against Gen-

the violence against women and

national agenda. Everyone agrees that enough is enough.

der-Based Violence and Femicide

children, which Parliament wants

Men must rise up

(GBVF), led by the Department of

declared a national crisis. The

The time has never been more ripe

Public Service and Administration,

dire situation is receiving urgent

for men to take the lead in the fight

South Africa continues to grapple

priority from the top, with President

against GBVF.

with alarming rates of GBVF.

Cyril Ramaphosa having recently

The latest crime statistics paint a grim picture: sexual offences are on the rise, having increased by

“It is men who commit these atro-

announced a suite of measures to

cious crimes. It is men who rape

nip the terror in its insidious bud.

and it is men who traffic women and young girls. We need the

With every day that passes,

2 312 cases or 4.4 percent from the

new cases of missing, raped and

involvement of men from the reli-

2017/18 reporting period. While the

murdered women are brought to

gious sector, business, politics and

number of women murdered in the

the fore, adding impetus to move-

traditional leaders as advocates or

2018/19 financial year decreased,

ments such as #AmINext? The

ambassadors of violence against

the number of children murdered

nation is shaken to its core and

women and children,” says the

increased. There were 2 771 women

rightfully so. Something has to give.

Commission for Gender Equality

murdered in the period, down from

The centre, as it is, will not hold.

(CGE) spokesperson Javu Baloyi.

2 930 – a decrease of 5.4 percent.

The excruciating pain felt by

An experienced hand at the

However, there were 1 014 children

families who have lost their loved

CGE, Baloyi has been part of many

murdered in the 2018/19 financial

ones under unspeakable circum-

campaigns led by the commission.

year, a 2.9 percent increase from

stances has taken a firm grip of the

The CGE was among

the 985 murders the previous year.

the organisations that partnered with

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Government Communication

of rape kits and long delays in

and Information System during

prosecuting GBVF cases. This hap-

“We need to educate men, par-

the #100MenMarch last year. It

pened in September 2018 and 30

ticularly those in the taxi industry

was also among the stakeholders

May 2019.

and South African Police Service

that drafted the resolutions at the

“The CGE also works with the

through targeted education.

customer care. Women must not

Presidential Summit on GBVF held

House of Traditional leaders in an

suffer secondary victimisation -

in Tshwane in October 2018.

endeavour to make them under-

be it at police stations, clinics or

stand better the scourge and how

hospitals.”

The commission has been running outreach and legal clinics

best to address this phenomenon,”

throughout the country, and has

says Baloyi.

Boys must also be brought in to break the vicious cycle for the up-

been working with various schools

coming generation, says Baloyi.

What more can be done?

are not doing enough to teach

After the release of this year’s crime

young boys about respect and

grammes used to raise awareness,

stats, the Portfolio Committee on

how to be responsible citizens so

the commission also invites institu-

Police urged SAPS to consider in-

that they do not become abusers

tions of higher learning to come

creasing visible policing in commu-

themselves in future.”

and account on their programmes

nities over weekends to curb the

aimed at addressing GBVF on

worryingly high murder rate. Crime

through counselling in order for

campus. Baloyi says the commis-

stats reveal that South Africans are

them to understand the gravity of

sion has also assisted many institu-

more likely to become victims of

their actions through self-introspec-

tions in developing policies to stop

crime over weekends.

tion.

in an effort to raise awareness among learners. Apart from regular radio pro-

Baloyi agrees that more resources

GBVF. “These efforts have seen universities doing something to address

“What’s also missing is that we

He insists perpetrators must go

“They can seek assistance and

are needed, including a fully-func-

counselling. Perpetrators must put

tioning National Council on GBVF.

themselves in the shoes of their

“We need to move away from

the scourge of GBVF. It is a pity

victims and maybe, if the roles are

though that some universities have

statements, condemning and rhet-

reversed, they will somewhat under-

to be subpoenaed. The CGE also

oric, and move to action. We need

stand the pain and hurt they are

invited the top leadership to come

to ensure that our justice system is

inflicting.

and account on the shortages

functioning optimally. There should

“It is not too late to remove the

be harsher sentences for perpetra-

patriarchal mentality and be a

tors of GBVF,” says Baloyi, reflecting

better version of themselves,” Baloyi

the sentiments of the President.

says.

And you cannot demand

He invited men and women to

change without first addressing the mind. Baloyi says this will

join hands with the police. “Let us work with the police, com-

only

munity policing forums, community

hap-

workers and other structures avail-

pen

able. It is society that can play a bigger role in ensuring that GBVF is eradicated.”

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Writer: More Matshediso

Ndlela is passionate about assisting emerging farmers S

eeing subsistence farmers

The ADA is a provincial public en-

land reform and agro-processing

become commercial farm-

tity of the KZN Department of Agri-

programmes to enable growth in

ers makes Zenzele Ndlela’s

culture and Rural Development. It

the agriculture sector in the prov-

was established in 2009 to provide

ince,” Ndlela explained.

job fulfilling. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Agribusiness Development

support to emerging farmers.

What he loves most about his job

The agency strives to establish,

is being able to positively contrib-

Agency (ADA), Ndlela’s role is to

facilitate, support and promote

ute to the National Development

ensure that the agency achieves

the growth of black-owned and

Plan: Vision 2030, which visualises

its strategic objectives as a cata-

managed agricultural enterprises,

rural economies being supported

lytic vehicle to facilitate the growth

particularly agro-processing,

by agriculture and agro-process-

of a strong, transformed, dynamic,

within the province.

ing.

competitive and sustainable agri-

“Our work supplements that of

He said this can be achieved

business industry in KwaZulu-Natal

the department. Our role is to pro-

through better integration of the

(KZN).

vide support to farmers and run

country’s rural areas, successful

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

land reform, job creation and

and Rural Development, before

tions, whereby they approve a

poverty alleviation.

being recruited as the CEO of

farmer’s loan application and the

ADA.

ADA then blends that with a grant

Ndlela graduated with a Bachelor of Technology in Public

to further assist the farmer,” he

Management from the Durban

Key programmes

University of Technology. He ob-

The ADA has four key programmes,

tained a Postgraduate Diploma

namely finance and administra-

structure development projects

in Public Administration from the

tion, capacity building, enterprise,

for dairy farmers and also cash

University of KwaZulu-Natal and is

and value chain development

crops in alignment with the KZN

currently studying towards a Mas-

and infrastructure development.

Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic

ter in Development Studies at the

“These services are obtainable

University of the Free State. He said his love of agriculture

explained. This year, the ADA prioritised infra-

Transformation programme. The

through a funding application

programme assists farmers that

process that is made available to

supply vegetables to school feed-

started to grow when he worked

the public at our offices and on

ing schemes and hospitals.

at the South African Sugar Asso-

our website,” said Ndlela.

ciation and then Mondi Business

He said the agency works closely

Success stories

Paper, which provided assistance

with funding and development fi-

The ADA’s success stories include

to emerging farmers in the form of

nance institutions, including Ithala,

Cappeny Estate, which the agen-

grants and financial support.

ABSA and First National Bank.

cy assisted with product testing

Ndlela also worked at the KZN

“We have a blended finance

Department of Public Works and

model (a combination of a loan

fruit and vegetable processor

KZN Department of Agriculture

and a grant) with these institu-

Frutee Belliez, which also received

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

and infrastructure development;

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

assistance with product testing

have many black roleplayers in

and infrastructure development;

agro-processing.”

He added that the agency is experiencing challenges when

product testing support was giv-

it comes to funding because of

en to juice manufacturer Natural

Livestock farming

Quencher; and Cowboys Abattoir,

In his observation, most farmers in

in Ixopo, which was assisted with

the province have a real passion

pecially now in line with the call

infrastructure development.

for livestock farming. “If you go to

from the President that we need

any household, there is a kraal

to revive agriculture and ensure

platform to exhibit their products

with cattle; however, the families

that we assist emerging farmers,”

and offerings at various exhibi-

get attached to their livestock and

he said.

tions and expos to build clientele

would like to watch them grow

and expose their brands,” he said.

instead of attaching a rand value

programmes are focused on em-

to them,” he said.

powering women and the youth.

“We also give our beneficiaries a

Ndlela said some of the ADA’s beneficiaries have gone on to win

the high demand from farmers. “The need out there is huge, es-

He said most of the agency’s

Ndlela said the agency needs to

Ndlela said he plans to forge

provincial and national awards,

make people aware that livestock

strategic partnerships with other

which makes him very proud.

farming can provide a sustainable

government departments and

livelihood for households

institutions to unlock avenues

and those with more of an

that will take the ADA to greater

entrepreneurial spirit can later

heights and help grow the

value chain, from growing to

open an abattoir and become

economy of KZN through

processing, because we do not

agro-processors.

agriculture.

In 2020, Ndlela said the ADA will be prioritising agro-processing. “We want to focus on the entire

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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2002

Y EAR FO UND E D

DEVELOPMENTAL DESK

Writer: Allison Cooper

Debt relief for lowincome earners While the National Credit Act

address actions that were ren-

2005 promoted and advanced the social and economic welfare of

dered unlawful by the Act – but which were not criminal – so that

South Africans; promoted a fair,

enforcement was limited to civil

transparent, competitive, sus-

actions. The Act also corrects de-

tainable, responsible, efficient,

ficiencies in the powers of Magis-

effective and accessible

trates Courts, relating to debt relief

credit market industry; and

measures.

protected consumers, there was no measure for debt relief.

According to Du Plooy, consumers

Amendment Act is that there

will qualify for debt intervention if

is now a measure in place for

they meet the minimum qualifying

debt relief for a group of consum-

criteria.

ers who could not apply for any

Debt intervention

“The main advantage of the

The criteria include being a

form of debt relief in the past,”

natural person (or joint estate); a

explained Anne-Carien Du Plooy,

consumer under unsecured credit

the Acting Manager: Debt Interven-

agreements, short-term credit

resident Cyril Ramaphosa

tion at the National Credit Regula-

transactions or credit facilities only

signed the National Credit

tor (NCR).

- provided that the total of principal

Amendment Bill, also known

Du Plooy said the Act also ad-

debts under these agreements is

as the Debt Intervention Bill, into

dresses some deficiencies related

not more than R50 000; an aver-

law in August.

to reckless lending; provides for

age income during the six months

possible compulsory credit life

preceding the application of no

Act 7 of 2019 aims to amend the

insurance (may be prescribed) in

more than R7 500 per month; be-

National Credit Act, No 34 of 2005,

certain instances; and provides for

ing over-indebted and have not

to provide relief to over-indebted

better enforcement of the National

been sequestrated or subject to an

consumers.

Credit Act, including measures to

administration order.

The National Credit Amendment

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

“Having a secured agreement will

In addition, qualifying consumers

than formal providers, like banks,

disqualify a consumer from debt

hoping to get their debts written

as banks won’t be so lenient in

intervention,” said Du Plooy.

off must bear in mind that a com-

future when it comes to lending,”

mencement date for the legislation

she said.

“Once it is established that a consumer meets the minimum

has not yet been set.

qualifying criteria the NCR may

The Banking Association SA (Basa) agrees. “The legislation may

ment of the consumer’s debt

Industry voices concerns

(where a consumer can repay his

“Even though the intention of the

consumers earning less than

debts within five years); refer the

Act seems good, there are certain

R7 500 gross per month. Where

recommend voluntary re-arrange-

matter to the National Consumer Tribunal for suspension of the consumer’s obligations for a period of 12 months; and apply to the National Consumer Tribunal for an extinguishment of the consumer’s obligations,” she explained.

Reckless lending and spending According to Carla Oberholzer, Debt Adviser and Public Relations Officer at Debtsafe, the Act gives

well limit credit providers’ ability and appetite to extend credit to

credit is extended, it is likely that

“Having a secured agreement will disqualify a consumer from debt intervention.”

it will be at an increased price to counterbalance the expected risks being introduced by the new law, leading to long-term financial exclusion for the lower-income segments of the market,” Basa said in a media statement. Basa also said that the National Credit Amendment Act is not a sustainable debt intervention measure as it fails to balance the rights of consumers and credit providers. “This is not correct,”

the NCR power to tackle reckless lending practices and to suspend

concerns,” said Ober-

said Du Plooy. “Credit

agreements relating to this.

holzer.

providers will be af-

However, consumers need to be

“For example, there

forded the opportu-

careful. “If all else fails, a consumer

is a concern that

nity to respond to any

that qualifies for this debt inter-

there could be an in-

application prior to a

vention process can have debt

creased cost of credit

written off. However, this is not a

for low-income earn-

suspension order and/

process that will happen overnight.

ers. This would mean

or extinguishment order

Consumers have to be careful to

that consumers would

being granted and their

not take out credit and think that it

more likely try to ac-

rights are therefore not

will miraculously disappear and be

cess informal credit

prejudiced in any way,”

written off instantly,” she said.

providers rather

she explained.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

re-arrangement order,

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Source: National Nuclear Regulator

Dr Mkhosi is breaking barriers G

rowing up in the rural village of Kopela, in the North West, Margaret Mkhosi never imagined that she’d become an engineer

– let alone the first female nuclear engineer in her South Africa. Today she leads the National Nuclear Regulator’s Centre for Nuclear Safety and Security and mentors other women so they too can be successful in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Growing up on a farm, Mkhosi’s family didn’t even have a radio station to listen to. The schools she attended lacked critical resources like computers and labs. “We wouldn’t do experiments, we wouldn’t go anywhere to see where what we learned was being applied,” she explained. “We just learnt from textbooks.” Mkhosi finished high school with some help along the way. One of her principals paid her school fees when her parents could not afford them. Her older brother, Sipho, put his own education on hold to make sure his sisters fulfilled their potential. Professional careers in the village were limited to becoming a teacher, nurse, police officer or maybe a soldier, Mkhosi said. So, she earned a Bachelor of Education and taught first

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

at a high school and later at

Education Linkages Project,

on campus as well as in a

North-West University as a junior

supported by the U.S. Agency

foreign country.” In 2007, Mkhosi

lecturer. In 1998, she began a

for International Development

became the third woman to

Master’s programme in physics

and United Negro College

earn a PhD in nuclear engineer-

at the university’s urging. They

Fund.

ing at Ohio State. One of the

wanted to add the first female

Due to administrative delays,

first women to do so, Professor

physics lecturer to their ranks

Mkhosi arrived in Ohio three

Audeen Fentiman, was one of

and Mkhosi was the most quali-

months after the academic

Mkhosi’s mentors.

fied.

year began. She faced many

During the Physics Society’s educational tour in Cape Town,

obstacles at first – she was behind, she had no prior experi-

Applying her skills at home After completing one year

Mkhosi made two life-changing visits to a nuclear power plant

“For the ﬁrst time in my life, I realised that I can use what I’m learning in the world.”

and a research laboratory focused on nuclear science and radiation medicine for cancer treatment. “It was fascinating to me because, for the first time in my life, I realised that I can use what I’m learning in the world and it can be of benefit to people,” she said. Although there weren’t any nuclear engineering pro-

of postdoctoral research at Purdue University with Fentiman, Mkhosi returned home and worked for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, as a senior nuclear engineering analyst. She also worked at the Technology Innovation Agency where managed programmes that help researchers and innovators develop their ideas into products that could eventually be commercialised. Mkhosi

grammes offered in South Africa at that time, Mkhosi vowed that

ence in nuclear engineering

established the Youth Technol-

if she ever got the opportunity,

and she had left her five-month-

ogy Innovation Fund, which

she would do whatever was

old daughter, young son and

is geared towards innovators

necessary to enter that field.

husband to pursue her studies.

aged 30 or younger.

Pursuing opportunities abroad

But the encouraging environ-

Now, as the inaugural director

ment she found at Ohio State

of the Centre for Nuclear Safety

helped her find her way.

and Security, Mkhosi leads

“The support was just awe-

efforts to create a pipeline of

Her opportunity came in 2000

some. The whole faculty, gradu-

trained talent who can support

when she applied and was se-

ate students, everybody wanted

the National Nuclear Regula-

lected to pursue doctoral stud-

to be part of my success,”

tor and the nuclear sector.

ies in nuclear engineering at

Mkhosi said. “They wanted you

The centre also leads nuclear

Ohio State through the Tertiary

to succeed and be welcome

safety education and training,

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Nuclear engineer Dr Margaret Mkhosi wit h a group of sc hool pupils she mentors.

research and development, and

ceeded. Sometimes, even if we

Nuclear South Africa, where she

provides safety expertise through-

are motivated or have the ability

served two terms as president.

out the country and to other

to reach our potential, we don’t

She is now the Women in Nu-

African nations.

pursue our goals just because

clear Global Executive for Africa

people put it in our minds that

Region, providing mentorship to

we cannot do it.”

women across the continent.

Mkhosi’s job is to provide leadership to the centre and maintain strategic relationships with all of the centre’s partners.

Showing others the way

Inspired by those barriers, she

Mkhosi also launched Charity

vowed to help other women

at Home, an initiative that aims to

succeed as well. Mkhosi mentors

get kids excited about STEM fields

women of all ages, from girls in

so they understand the role these

her home village to work col-

fields play in everyday life.

Achieving her dream wasn’t easy,

leagues. She first saw the power

she acknowledged. But Mkhosi

of mentoring at Ohio State while

she works with reflects her own

said she chose not to listen to

participating in the Women in

secret to success. “When there’s

those who told her she would not

Engineering Programme and

an opportunity that someone

succeed.

knew the impact it could have in

is giving you, work hard and do

South Africa.

everything with diligence and

“In the beginning, people would ridicule me, people would tell me

Her advice to the young women

Since returning home she’s

integrity,” Mkhosi said. “If you work

you’re crazy, you can’t major in

been active in Women in Nuclear

hard, and have integrity and

physics. No woman at North-West

Global, a worldwide association

self-motivation, you will be able to

University has majored in physics,”

for professional women working

achieve your goals, because the

she said. “But I did and I suc-

in nuclear energy, and Women in

results don’t lie.”

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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TRAILBLAZER

Writer Silusapho Nyanda

The power of engineering and technology

he advent of new tech-

we use here pushes the envelope,”

nologies, coupled with the

he said.

merger of information and

Dr Tlotleng’s job includes using

communications technology and

3D printing technology to create

engineering, is presenting oppor-

materials that have various real-

tunities to advance new tools that

life applications. These materials

can be used to better our world.

could be anything from titanium

To be a world leader in the advancement of technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

and aluminium plates to solid steel products. “A doctor of engineering is

(4IR), South Africa needs to groom

someone who validates the sci-

the best brains in the field and

ence aspects but they must spin

Doctor of Engineering in Materi-

the applications of the science

als Science and Engineering

and come up with a prototype to

Monnamme Tlotleng (34) is the

show that they have satisfied the

embodiment of that.

science,” said Dr Tlotleng. Dr Tlotleng, who completed his

Pushing the envelope

doctoral studies in 2014 – within a

Dr Tlotleng is a senior researcher

year and nine months of regis-

at the Council for Scientific and In-

tering, was ranked number one

dustrial Research (CSIR). His job fo-

by the Materials Science and

cuses on laser materials process-

Engineering: C journal for work he

ing with a specific focus on laser

published in 2014.

metals 3D printing, laser in-situ

His doctoral studies, done

alloy development and functional

through a partnership with the

graded material structures. As

University of Johannesburg and

part of his job, Dr Tlotleng works on

the CSIR, discovered how titanium

laser engineered net shaping and

implants can grow human tissue,

other directed energy deposition

thus avoiding corrosion over

laser platforms. “The technology

time. He said the technology and

Dr Monnamme Tlotleng holds a trophy t hat he printed using a laser 3D printer.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

techniques he used in the study are so specialised that they were then only available at the CSIR and the world-renowned Cambridge University.

New techniques “In my PhD, I wanted to come up

this can be remedied through in-

with a process of making sure that

novative thinking, like having pub-

sing Science High School, a maths

titanium implants, in particular a

lic servants do online submissions,

and science specialisation school,

hip implant, could have natural tis-

which would be better recorded

Dr Tlotleng said schools of spe-

sues grown on them. My approach

and monitored. This, he said, would

cialisation have a strong technical

was to coat the titanium implant

help ensure that people are doing

and vocational content and help

with artificial bone material or

their work efficiently and speedily.

meet the country’s skills shortages.

Having matriculated at Letsat-

ceramics and test to see if it could

However, he believes that the

He said too often, new university

show bio-activities and integration

connectivity brought about by

students have not been exposed

thereof. I had to use a new tech-

the 4IR can be a game changer,

to technology, which puts them at

nique called laser-assisted cold

allowing problems to be timeously

a considerable disadvantage.

spraying,” said Dr Tlotleng.

identified. “With the 4IR, government should

He said the discovery could help

After high school, Dr Tlotleng completed a Bachelor of Science,

prevent the corrosion of implants,

know exactly where I am sitting at

Bachelor of Science with Honours

which often leads to carcinogenic

this very moment,” he said.

in Applied Chemistry and Master

“If proper means are put in

of Science in Chemical Engineer-

cold spraying of bio-composite

place, we could achieve deliv-

ing at the University of the Witwa-

of hydroxyapatite/titanium was

erables every second,” said Dr

tersrand before going to the CSIR,

chosen in 2015 as one of the best

Tlotleng. He explained that the 4IR

where he completed his Doctoral

research and development articles

has the capabilities to identify, in

Degree through the University of

by the Journal of Thermal Spray

real time, that a clinic in Lotlha-

Johannesburg.

Technology’s Editor-in-Chief Chris-

kane, for instance, doesn’t have

tian Moreau.

Panado and then also in real time,

doctor in science or engineering

to track where the Panado order

but not medicine,” said Tlotleng,

is.

who obtained his doctoral qualifi-

effects. His article on laser-assisted

Born in Mafikeng, Dr Tlotleng believes if South Africa correctly

Although we fare well when

applies the 4IR advancements, it could help deliver services in a

compared with other countries

more efficient manner.

on the continent with regard to

“I always knew I wanted to be a

cation at the age of 30, as per his life plan. Born in a big family, Tlotleng said

technological advancements,

he is lucky that his family allowed

Innovative thinking

Dr Tlotleng believes South Africa

him to study further.

He said one of the challenges the

should create more specialised

public has to deal with is a lack of

schools to better respond to the

honorific of ‘professor’ by the end

service delivery. Dr Tlotleng believes

needs of a 4IR world.

of 2020.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

He is now determined to earn the

FEATURE

Writer: Dale Hes

Best practices for

employing persons with disabilities

overnment has put in

However, similarly positive strides

ers and employees on promoting

place robust legislation

have not been made in the

equal opportunities and fair treat-

that promotes equal

employment of people with dis-

ment for persons with disabilities

employment opportunities for all

abilities. According to the South Af-

as required by the Act.

citizens. The Employment Equity Act

rican Human Rights Commission,

– which ensures that all employees

as much as 80 percent of people

people with disabilities should be

and job candidates are treated

with a disability are unemployed.

treated like any other employees.

equally and that there is no dis-

The South African Board for People

crimination in the workplace – is

Practices adds that those that are

tant since disability is a natural

the most relevant of these.

employed are often hired to do

part of the human experience

low-skill jobs.

and in no way diminishes the

Most pertinently, the Act aims to achieve equality in the workplace

The Code makes it clear that

These alarming statistics should

“The Code is particularly impor-

rights of individuals to belong

by outlining affirmative action

encourage all employers, in both

and contribute to the labour

measures targeted at designated

the private and public sectors, to

market. When opportunities and

groups. These groups include

place more attention on hiring

reasonable accommodation are

black people, women and people

people with disabilities.

provided, persons with disabilities

with disabilities. In democratic South Africa, vast improvements have been seen in the employment of black people and women. According to the latest Quarterly

can contribute valuable skills and

Code of Good Practice on Employment of Persons with Disabilities

abilities to every workplace, and contribute to the economy of our society,” the introduction to the Code states.

Labour Force Survey from Statis-

The Act allows the Labour Minister

Amongst other aims, the Code

tics South Africa, black people

to issue or amend codes of good

guides employers and employees

make up more than 80 percent

practice on issues related to elimi-

on promoting equal opportuni-

of the total workforce, compared

nating unfair discrimination and

ties and fair treatment for persons

to 63 percent in 1994. Meanwhile,

implementing affirmative action

with disabilities; helps to outline

almost 50 percent of employees in

measures in the workplace.

rights and obligations and creates

South Africa are now women and

The Code of Good Practice on

awareness of the contributions

44 percent of skilled posts are filled

the Employment of Persons with

disabled persons can make if they

by women.

Disabilities is a guide for employ-

are reasonably accommodated.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Accommodating people with disabilities

the way in which performance is

ability, unless this is required for

measured.

the health or safety of the person

A key aspect of the Code relates

with the disability or other per-

with disabilities. This means that

Training and advancing persons with disabilities

employers have to seek to remove

Employees with disabilities should

tion relating to employees if it is

barriers that may prevent people

have access to the training, work

necessary to achieve a legiti-

with disabilities from effectively

organisation and recreational ben-

mate purpose, with the written

performing their jobs.

efits that are available to all other

consent of the person,” the Code

employees. According to the Code,

explains.

to employers’ responsibilities to accommodate the needs of persons

“Employers must assess and

sons. Employers, including health and medical services personnel, may only gather private informa-

adopt effective measures, both in

examples include training tools,

terms of cost and quality that is

materials, venues and processes,

ties have the right to keep their

consistent with removing the barri-

as well as canteen facilities,

disability confidential. However,

ers to perform the job and to enjoy

parking crèche and social and

if the employer is not aware of

equal access to the benefits and

sporting activities.

the disability or the need to be

“Employees with disabilities

opportunities of employment,” the Code states. The Code states that these rea-

should be consulted to develop

In addition, people with disabili-

accommodated, the employer is not obliged to provide it.

specific career advancement

sonable accommodation require-

programmes responsive to their

Raising awareness

ments should apply to all aspects

needs and circumstances. Sys-

The Code encourages employers,

of employment, from recruitment

tems and practices to evaluate

organisations and trade unions

and selection, to the working

work performance should clearly

to educate all employees about

environment, the way work is done

identify and fairly measure and

the employment and rights of

and in the benefits and privileges

reward performance. Work that

persons with disabilities.

of employment.

falls outside the inherent require-

“Employers and employer

ments or essential functions of

organisations should include the

accommodation can include

the job should not be evaluated,”

Code in their orientation, educa-

adapting existing facilities such

the Code states.

tion and training programmes of

Examples of making reasonable

employees. Trade unions should

as toilets, stairs, work stations and computers; changing training and

Confidentiality

include the Code in their educa-

assessment materials; adjusting

Employers should be wary of the

tion and training programmes of

working conditions; and providing

sensitivity of disclosing a person’s

shop stewards and employees.”

specialised training and support.

status as having a disability. They

An employer may evaluate work

are required to protect the confi-

should ensure that copies of the

performance against the same

dentiality of information relating

Code are available and acces-

standards as other employees,

to the disability of job applicants

sible, particularly to persons with

however, the nature of the dis-

and employees.

disabilities and organisations of-

“An employer may not reveal

ability in certain circumstances may require an employer to adapt

the fact of an employee’s dis-

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

The Department of Labour

fering support to them and their families.

THE DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS

SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES BETTER Improving the coherence and impact of government service delivery and development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a new district model

Section 154 of the Constitution places an obligation on national and provincial government to work with local government:

“The national government and provincial government, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions.” Local government is the closest sphere to communities and represents all of government at local level and is a necessary requirement for an effective developmental state. The Inter-Governmental Relations Framework Act (IGRFA) sets out the general principles and objects of intergovernmental relations: the focus is primarily on the outcomes that the system must achieve: • Coherent government • Effective provision of services • Monitoring implementation of policy and legislation; • Realisation of national priorities In the 2019 Presidency Budget Speech President Cyril Ramaphosa identified the “pattern of operating in silos” as a challenge which led to “to lack of coherence in planning and implementation and has made monitoring and oversight of government’s programme difficult”. The consequence has been nonoptimal delivery of services and diminished impact on the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and

Minister of CoGTA, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

employment. The President further called for the rolling

next 12 to 18 months) whilst addressing

out of “a new integrated district based approach

the ‘burning’ and ‘stabilisation’ challenges faced

to addressing our service delivery challenges [and]

by local municipalities who are seen as critical

localise[d] procurement and job creation, that

building blocks towards the realisation of the

promotes and supports local businesses and that

objectives of the model and the development

involves communities…” The President is cognisant

aspirations of our people. By laying a solid

of the fact that such an approach will require that

foundation in the short term, a long term spatially

“national departments that have district-level delivery

relevant plan for South Africa will be secured through

capacity together with the provinces … provide

the sum total of the District Implementation Plans into

implementation plans in line with priorities identified in

Joined Up Plans or the One Plan which aligns and

the State of the Nation address”.

mutually reinforces the District Plans. In so doing the

The proposed new district level model seeks to utilise the existing legal framework and implementation

One Plan will: a) Focus on the District/Metropolitan spaces as the

machinery, which includes the Intergovernmental

appropriate scale and arena for intergovernmental

Relations (IGR) Framework Act which provides for the

planning and coordination.

Minister (and department) responsible for cooperative governance to provide “a framework for coordinating and aligning development priorities and objectives between the three spheres of government” as well as the development of “indicators for monitoring and evaluating” the implementation of the framework. Thus

b) Focus on the 44 Districts + 8 Metros as developmental spaces (IGR Impact Zones) that will be strategic alignment platforms for all three spheres of government. c) Produce a Spatially Integrated Single Government

the model utilises and enhances these frameworks

Plan (as an Intergovernmental Compact) for each

and the existing implementation machinery by

of these spaces that guides and directs all strategic

facilitating for joint planning, implementation as well

investment spending and project delivery across

as monitoring and evaluation, between and amongst

government, and forms the basis for accountability.

all spheres of governance wherein the term District is seen to refer to locality rather than the District Municipality, which no doubt forms an important part of the planning, delivery as well as Monitoring and Evaluation architecture.

d) Reinforce an outcomes-based IGR system where there is a systematic IGR programme and process associated with the formulation and implementation of a single government plan. e) Take development to communities as key

By crowding in public, private and not-for-profit

beneficiaries and actors of what government does.

investments to a district locality, in an all-inclusive manner as directed by joint district implementation

These single Joined-Up Plans, or the One Plan, will

plans, the model aims at maximising impact whilst

take the form of prioritised spatial expressions over

capitalising on a window of opportunity (over the

the long term and will be divided into 5 and 10-year

implementation plans supported by annual operation plans which will be based on commonly agreed diagnostics, strategies and actions. Each sphere and sector department will have to elaborate in more detail their own plans and actions. The plans will facilitate for: a) Managing urbanisation, growth and development; b) Determining and/or supporting local economic drivers; c) Determining and managing spatial form, land release and land development; d) Determining infrastructure investment requirements and ensure long-term infrastructure adequacy to support integrated human settlements, economic activity and provision of basic services, community and social services; e) Institutionalise long term planning whilst addressing ‘burning’ short term issues. The content of the plans will elaborate the key transformation processes required to achieve long-term strategic goals and a desired future in each of the 44 district and 8 metro spaces.

lowest common denominator (at best the ward and worst the local municipality). This is seen as a critical step towards informing the One Plan and the proposed special and extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) which is proposed to include the District

Demographic and District Profile

Mayors sometime in November 2019. • In the parallel stabilisation phase, fixing the

Governance and Financial Management

Economic Positioning

challenges which include governance, financial management, infrastructure delivery and maintenance and community engagements. • The long term spatially relevant and referenced plan by which government can direct developments in

One Plan

South Africa whilst linking into regional integration initiatives and global markets to secure decent work,

Integrated Services Provisioning

Spatial Restructuring

food security and a better life for all. It is proposed that the President champion the initiative and supported by the Minister for Cooperative

Infrastructure Engineering

Governance and Traditional Affairs as well as a relevant Inter Ministerial Committee. This would be complemented by a similar structure at the provincial level. Both of which will exercise oversight to the proposed and multi stakeholder District Hubs which will

To deliver on this and lay the solid foundation for future delivery of the model a short term implementation plan is proposed which includes: • In its development phase, the finalisation of spatially

have the District and Local Municipalities as well as the private and community sectors as critical participants. Each Hub will require a multi-disciplinary team (including planners, infrastructure specialists, economists, social facilitators etc.) under the leadership of a District

referenced budgets and programmes by all spheres of

Hub Manager, all of whom will be appointed by the

government in the specific Districts and Metros to the

Department of Cooperative Governance.

No additional resources are required, in the short term

PILOT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE TO BE IMMEDIATELY

(12 to 18 months) to implement the development

IMPLEMENTED

phase of the model which will result in harmonised

The following steps are to be immediately implemented:

plans and stabilised municipalities. Instead the Department of Cooperative Governance will seek

• Comprehensive profiling exercise

concurrence from the National Treasury to reprioritise

• Consolidate all government programmes, projects and budgets

existing budgets whilst also supplementing the budget and resources through partnerships with

• Spatial budgeting and referencing

the private sector and the broad development

• Gap analysis and economic opportunities mapping

partners as may be advised by the Department of

• Development of an all government plan

International Relations and Cooperation as well as

• Presidential and Cabinet Clusters led Government Izimbizo

the Department of Trade and Industry amongst many

• Implementation of district model and the Plan

other departments.

HIGH LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

TASK

1. CONSULTATIONS

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEBAPRIL

MAY

JUN

BEYOND

Cabinet

20-Aug

MINMEC

16-Aug

10-Nov

PCC

19-Aug

ACTIVITIES

2 Priority Districts + 1 Metro

15-Sept 22-Aug (1 District (OR Tambo) + 1 Metro)

10 Priority Districts + 4 Metros

1-Oct

15 Priority Districts + 3 Metros

1-Nov

17 Priority Districts

15-Nov

Premiers & Mayors

15-Sep

Private Sector Umbrella Formations

20-Sep

National and Provincial CSOs

1-Oct

Presidential Imbizos / Clusters of Ministers Community Meetings

OR Tambo

1 District + 1 Metro

10 Districts + 4 Metros

15 Priority Districts + 3 Metros

17 Priority Districts

All Districts

TASK

ACTIVITIES

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEBAPRIL

MAY

JUN

BEYOND

2-Sep

27-Sep

20-Oct

1-Sep

2. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT TEAM

Appoint National and Provincial Teams

Deploy District Teams

Finalise and Implement M&E Systems

Communications Strategy

3. DISTRICT PROFILING

2 Priority Districts + 1 Metro

15-Sept (1 District (OR Tambo) + 1 Metro) 22-Aug

10 Priority Districts + 4 Metros

1-Oct

15 Priority Districts + 3 Metros

1-Nov

17 Priority Districts

15-Nov

Harmonised 1 Plan

29-Nov

CONCLUSION

CONTACT DETAILS

The District/Metro spaces offer the appropriate scale and arena for intergovernmental planning coordination and provide both an institutional approach and territorial approach (geographic space) focus. The Plan will harmonise IDPs and create interrelated, interdependent as well as ‘independent’ development hubs supported by comprehensive detailed plans.The One Plan will be strategic and long-term in nature, with medium term strategic plans and short term operational plans all expressing the commonly agreed diagnostics, strategies and actions.

HEAD OFFICE: Address: 87 Hamilton, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 Telephone: +27 12 334 0600 Email: info@cogta.gov.za Website: www.cogta.gov.za

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Source: SAnewsw

Intolerance an obstacle to development I

ntolerance, which has recently

poverty and inequality is intoler-

Nations General Assembly at the

been experienced in South

ance. This includes intolerance of

United Nations (UN) in New York,

Africa, is one of the biggest ob-

other nations, intolerance of our

Minister Pandor said South Africa

stacles to a world free of poverty

fellow human beings as well as

has not been immune to this.

and inequality, says International

inadequate care for the natural

Relations and Cooperation Minis-

environment that sustains us all,”

mune from evidence of intoler-

ter Naledi Pandor.

said the Minister.

ance and division in some parts

“One of the biggest obstacles to building a world free from

“Our country has not been im-

Addressing the General Debate of the 74th session of the United

of our nation, the incidents of violence and looting that erupted in

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

parts of our provinces of Gaut-

“South Africa has embraced

address the matter.

eng and KwaZulu-Natal were

millions of migrants and refugees

regrettable and shameful for a

from all over the continent of

to ensure that we all enjoy full

nation with such a proud history

Africa, and the majority of our

access to human rights and

of struggle and international

people have warmly embraced

bodily security. We also face an

solidarity support,” she said.

their brothers and sisters from

existential threat due to our intol-

Africa. We are determined to

erance, disrespect and veritable

also working to address security

ensure it becomes a national

violence we inflict on the planet

lapses and intolerance that led

embrace and not one limited to

which we all depend on.”

to the violent incidents, adding

some communities.”

The Minister said government is

that South Africa remains com-

“All of us need to act urgently

Minister Pandor stressed that the UN remains a crucial institu-

lawlessness while ensuring that

Peace and development

criminals are arrested and face

The Minister assured the world

the full might of the law.

of South Africa’s commitment to

manifestation of the rejection of

work with the rest of the con-

intolerance. It was created in the

tinent in ensuring peace and

aftermath of a devastating world

development.

war, as a global forum where

mitted to tackling crime and

The country is also addressing immigration challenges

“We will continue these activi-

tion in the fight against intolerance. “This organisation, however, is a

nations of the world can address

“We are also committed to

ties even as we work to address

differences and work together

addressing the inadequacy of

the inadequacies I have referred

for the common good of all peo-

our immigration administration

to. Our country, South Africa, has

ple,” she added.

in order to curb illegal migra-

enjoyed democracy for 25 years,

South Africa also reaffirmed its

tion and to make sure everyone

and in that time the leaders and

backing to the multilateral trad-

who comes to South Africa is

the people of South Africa have

ing system.

documented and safe. We plan

consistently acknowledged the

to work with all countries on

immeasurable contribution the

purposive system of multilateral-

the continent to ensure that we

people of Africa rendered in

ism is necessary to deal with the

implement our development

support of the struggle against

global challenges we face. We

strategies and use them to create

apartheid.”

are all inter-dependent in an

increased economic opportuni-

“We strongly believe that a

ever globalising world, and can

and antipathy,” said Minister

Gender-Based Violence, multilateralism

Pandor.

In her address, the Minister

General Assembly fell in the

also referred to Gender-Based

first year of the Nelson Man-

does not condone racism, racial

Violence (GBV) as a gruesome

dela Decade for Peace (2019 to

discrimination, xenophobia and

form of intolerance, with South

2028), which was agreed upon

related intolerances.

Africa now taking urgent steps to

last year.

ties for all our people so that we diminish feelings of resentment

She stressed that South Africa

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

ill afford the pursuit of narrow self-interests,” said the Minister. South Africa’s address to the

IN OTHER NEWS

Source: SAnews

SA moves up the Global Competitiveness Index

Global Competitiveness Index, which maps the competitiveness

tive economies under a range of

Structural reforms have ensured

landscape of 141 economies

socio-economic indicators such

that South Africa moves up seven

through 103 indicators organised

as strength of institutions, infra-

places in the World Economic

into 12 pillars.

structure, ICT adoption, financial

Forum’s (WEF) annual Global Competitiveness Index. “That we have been able to

The assessment is based on the

ranking of 35th). The report ranks the respec-

The report notes that the country

systems, macroeconomic stability and business dynamism.

has registered remarkable progress with regards to institutional

“Whilst we note there are areas

improve our ranking so remarkably

quality, such as the restored bal-

for improvement, this improved

and within a relatively short period

ance of powers across different

ranking gives us added impetus

of time is a welcome sign that the

state entities; enhanced adminis-

to remain firmly on course with our

structural reforms put in place to

trative efficiency of the public sec-

economic reform agenda,” said

stimulate the economy and pro-

tor, and corporate governance.

the President.

mote recovery are slowly but surely

South Africa also achieved a

The report flagged security and

gaining traction,” said President

score of 100 for its well-developed

insufficient labour market flexibility

Cyril Ramaphosa.

equity, insurance and credit mar-

as two of the main restraints to

kets. It also ranked 19th globally as

South Africa’s competitiveness.

South Africa now ranks 60th out of 141 economies assessed in the

a financial hub.

The 2019 report provides an

try highly for having “one of the

annual assessment of the driv-

most advanced transport infra-

CEOs and government to roll out fibre in rural areas

ers of productivity and long-term

structures in the region” (a ranking

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in

economic growth.

of 45th) and for market size (a

the telecommunications industry

annual survey.

The report also scores the coun-

have made a commitment to work with government to roll out fibre in rural communities and connect communities to the internet grid. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and sector CEOs recently signed the Industry Stakeholder Principles of Excellence at the Fibre Optic Conference in Johannesburg. Working with government and other stakeholders, the industry leaders have committed to achieving digital inclusion, ongo-

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

cal Government Elections (LGE) to enable free and fair elections. The board said it is working hard to promote active public participation in the ward delimitation process ahead of the 2021 LGE. “We appeal to all community members to engage the MDB on the first draft set of wards and provide proposals on how their wards should be configured. When we announce the final wards in July 2020, we should have the comfort of knowing that the process was transparent and ing investment and contribution

(RDCC). It will coordinate and

decisions taken have, as far as

to job creation as well as ethics in

accelerate the infrastructure

possible, embraced inputs from

doing business.

deployment process, and ensure

our stakeholders and communi-

rapid deployment of ICT infra-

ties,” said Manyoni.

“We envisage that sector collaboration will significantly reduce

structure to support government

the time to deploy broadband

programmes.

infrastructure and services while

The Minister said the RDCC will

minimising duplication of infra-

work together with telecommuni-

structure. We also believe that the

cations sector initiatives.

In 2018, the MDB took a decision not to conduct municipal boundary re-determinations until after the 2021 LGE. The MDB delimits wards for the

industry will play an integral role

“How we engage with the 4IR

in assisting government to realise

technologies is paramount and

consultations with the Independ-

its policy aspiration of increasing

as leaders in the industry, we

ent Electoral Commission.

broadband speed from 10mbps

have the unique opportunity and

to 100mbps,” said Ndabeni-Abra-

responsibility to give it structure

tion process on the first draft set

hams.

and purpose,” she said.

of wards is set to run from Febru-

Fibre forms one of the key pil-

purpose of local elections after

A nationwide public consulta-

ary 2020 to April 2020. dates and venues of consultation

is a critical enabler for the Fourth

Have your say in electoral ward demarcation

Industrial revolution (4IR).

Municipal Demarcation Board

firmed with the municipalities.

lars which will establish the next generation of connectivity and

The public will be notified of the meetings once they are con-

The Department of Communi-

(MDB) Chairperson Thabo Man-

cations and Digital Technologies

yoni has encouraged communi-

available on www.demarcation.

has established a virtual Rapid

ties to participate in the creation

org.za and on social media plat-

Deployment Coordination Centre

of electoral wards for the 2021 Lo-

forms.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

This information will also be

UPCOMING EVENTS

Writer: Jauhara Khan

Investing in African Mining Indaba

Meetings Africa

24–26 February 2020 In recent years, the global meet-

3–6 February 2020

ings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought-after desti-

Investing in African

nation. Meetings Africa showcases

Mining Indaba is the

Africa’s diverse offering of services

world’s largest mining

and products where African as-

investment event. It

sociations and African meetings

is solely dedicated

industry professionals can partner

to the successful

to help transform the continent.

capitalisation and de-

In the past five years, Meetings

velopment of mining

Africa has hosted over 1 000 inter-

interests in Africa.

national and regional buyers, 1 336

Located in Cape Town for 26 years, this event unites investors, mining

exhibitors and over 7 000 visitors.

companies, governments and other stakeholders from around the world

Exhibitors will include national,

to learn and network, all toward the single goal of advancing mining on

provincial and local tourism

the continent.

authorities; African Tourism authori-

Also known as Mining Indaba, the event is dedicated to supporting

ties and products; convention and

education, career development, sustainable development, and other

visitor bureaus; and hotels and

important causes in Africa.

accommodation providers, among

Discussions with the industry’s key stakeholders will tackle wider sector

others.

challenges, such as investment resource nationalism, sustainability, skills

The event will take place from

shortages and digitalisation.

24–26 February 2020 at the Sand-

The event will take place from 3–6 February 2020 at the Cape Town

ton Convention Centre in Johan-

International Convention Centre.

nesburg.

For more information, go to www.miningindaba.com

Transformed and Transformative Ocean Governance Conference

For more information, go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za

The conference will discuss

an expression of interest in par-

issues such as developmental,

ticipating. The presenters will be

ecosystem-based and human-

leading experts in their field who

rights-based approaches; and

are willing and able to address a

The aim of the Transformed and

will also reflect and give direction

multidisciplinary audience.

Transformative Ocean Govern-

on what transformed and trans-

ance Conference (TTOG) is to

formative ocean governance

22–24 January at the Nelson

provide a forum for a wide range

means and requires.

Mandela University in Port Eliza-

22–24 January 2020

of ocean experts and stakehold-

The TTOG will take place from

A maximum of 100 participants

beth.

ers to engage with the latest de-

can be accommodated and

velopments impacting on ocean

participants who are not directly

ac.za/Events,-Initiatives-and-News/Transformed-and-

governance.

invited will be expected to submit

Transformative-Ocean-Governance-Co

For more information, go to https://cmr.mandela.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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PROVINCIAL FOCUS

Writer: Dale Hes

Opportunities abound in the Western Cape The iconic city of Cape Town, Sout h Africa's top tourism destination.

he Western Cape is one of

job creation and economic growth

businesses by reducing “red tape”

South Africa’s top tourism

are key priorities for the province.

in the Western Cape. Our tourism

Since 2009, more than 500 000

industry has boomed, with tourists

destinations and home to

one of the world’s most beautiful

jobs have been created, while

bringing billions of rands into our

cities. Although the province faces

R483 million has been spent on

economy. It is this single-minded

problems with violent crime and

bursaries, learnerships and intern-

focus on growth and economic op-

inequality, it also leads the way in

ships, providing job opportunities to

portunities that creates jobs.”

several key areas of governance.

around 16 000 young people.

The province’s 2019 household

The Western Cape’s population is

Premier Winde said that a focus

survey found that 77.4 percent of

growing at a rapid rate. The Western

on attracting investment, as well as

households have at least one sal-

Cape Department of Social Devel-

growing the tourism industry and

ary earner. The Premier said that the

opment projects that the popula-

reducing red tape for businesses,

province’s first priority in the coming

tion will grow by 700 000 people

have all been key drivers of job

years is to create even more op-

over the next five years. People

creation and economic growth.

portunities.

find attractiveness in moving to

“We are already the fastest grow-

“The first priority is our commit-

the province mainly due to its low

ing economy in South Africa, and

ment to creating more jobs and

unemployment rate, which stands

we have a proven track record in

more economic opportunities for

at 20.4 percent, compared to the

creating jobs. Since 2009, the prov-

our people, so that they may uplift

national average of 29 percent.

ince has attracted R100 billion in

themselves and their families.”

As outlined by Premier Alan Winde

foreign direct investment. We have

He explained that the informal

in his State of the Province Address,

generated R1 billion in savings for

and township economies will be a

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

key focus of this growth. “This will be made possible

fee-paying schools, more than any

coverage to a total of 1 875 sites,

other province.

including over 1200 schools, more

through a support package to

The Western Cape has also

than 200 libraries and 400 other

young entrepreneurs which will

adopted a proactive approach to

provide small business incentive

introducing skills development in

“In total, we have invested R1.4

schemes, help with registration for

areas such as coding and cloud

billion into e-learning over the past

government and private sector

computing.

five years. We expect the positive re-

tenders and provide mentoring services.”

Excellence in education The Western Cape boasts the coun-

“These are not skills for some point

public facilities.

sults to become evident over time,

far off in the future, they are skills

as we continue to resolve obstacles

we need right now to offer young

in the pipeline, simplify the system,

people with talent access to amaz-

gather data and measure learner

ing opportunities in the workplace,”

outcomes,” he said.

said the Premier.

try’s highest retention rate of learn63 percent of learners staying in

Energy and technology

school. The overall matric pass rate

The Western Cape has placed sig-

has increased from 75.7 percent in

nificant investment in diversifying its

2009 to 81.5 percent in 2018.

alternative energy resources.

ers from Grade 10–12, with around

Since 2015, output in solar energy

Premier Winde said that it is particularly encouraging that the most

has increased from 20 megawatts

notable improvements have been

to more than 112 megawatts. In

in the province’s poorest schools.

order to protect the province from

“We have seen a 13 percent im-

The Western Cape has steadily been increasing its investments in renewable energy.

the effects of energy shortages, the

provement in matric results over the

province is also focusing on using

past nine years for learners from

gas as a resource. “On the energy front, we will

our poorest schools, and we have made dramatic progress in the

continue to focus on growing solar

Western Cape fast facts

institution of e-learning. Going for-

PV, and on taking forward our

•

ward, we will build on this base and

preparations to ensure that the

people, 11.5 percent

also develop the new skills required

Western Cape is ready to use gas

of South Africa’s total

for today and tomorrow.”

as an alternate energy source,” said

Around 40 percent of schools

Premier Winde. Technology is being effectively

in the Western Cape are “no-fee

Population – 6.76 million

population. •

District municipalities – Six

•

Local municipalities – 24

•

The Western Cape is the

schools”, while provincial funds are

implemented in the province,

used to assist a further 218 schools.

particularly in Cape Town. With

second largest contributor

In 2019, a total of R53 million in fee

the advent of the Fourth Industrial

to South Africa’s total GDP,

exemption has been put in place

Revolution, the province has met its

accounting for 14 percent.

to assist poor learners to attend

target of providing full broadband

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Writer: Dale Hes

Knysna rises from the ashes

etation, which was found to be the leading cause of the rapid spreading of the 2017 wildfires. The municipality mobilised a successful programme of skilling, equipping and creating awareness regarding the eradication of alien vegetation, and a three-year external grant has been provided to aid this goal. Executive Mayor Mark Willemse said that the spirit of collective action by the community in supporting government efforts has been remarkable. “While there are many scars to remind us of the tragedy of two years ago, I encourage our community to continue to work together and build on that spirit of healing to ensure our beautiful town continues to be the Knysna we all love and care for.”

The Knysna estuar y is at t he hear t of pollution control ef for ts in t he municipality.

Officials have also taken action to clamp down on pollution in hotspot areas of the munici-

pality, particularly the Knysna hen you think of

intensive rebuild through the

the Garden Route,

Garden Route Rebuild initiative

the seaside oasis of

and the efforts of communities

ber of interventions planned

Knysna often springs to mind.

and non-profits, Knysna has

for the estuary, which include a

Having overcome devastating

managed to recover from the

freshwater specialist who will be

fires and looming drought, the

devastating setback.

appointed by the municipality.

estuary. “A positive move is the num-

This will assist to address pollu-

Knysna Municipality has risen to lective effort from government

Taking environmental action

and communities.

The fires prompted immediate ac-

ous interventions to keep solid

tion from the municipality and its

waste away from the estuary,

through Knysna and killed

partners. One of the major priorities

including planned awareness

seven people. Following an

has been to eradicate alien veg-

campaigns and regular clean-

its former glory, thanks to a col-

The June 2017 fires ripped

tion in the system from source to estuary. There are also numer-

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

ups,” said Mayor Willemse. In addition, the municipality is empowering women, by employing 50 women to pick up litter along the river catchment.

Delivering on housing In 2019, Knysna Local Municipality won second place in the Best Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme at the national Govan Mbeki Housing Awards. The award was for the Witlokasie Project, where a number of serviced sites have been built over the past year. In the 2018/19 financial year, 447 houses were built in the municipality, while 200 serviced

Training is being provided to locals to help eradicate alien vegetation t hat fuels wildf ires.

sites were provided to residents. “These fantastic results are a testament to our commitment to providing housing to our residents, some of whom have been on waiting lists for many years.” With a higher influx of people moving into the area, Mayor Willemse said that housing provision will remain a top priority for the municipality going forward. “Moving forward on these successes, our Directorate of Integrated Human Settlements is building on a three-year delivery plan. This plan will see a further 100 serviced sites and another 460 houses constructed during the 2019/2020 financial year,” he

The Knysna Municipality built 447 houses in t he 2018/19 f inancial year.

said.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

FOCUS ON WOMEN

Writer: Allison Cooper

The link between GBV and mental health women are more likely to experi-

cation to assist in alleviating the

ence which mental health condi-

initial symptoms. This could poten-

tions, as this depends on a range of

tially be followed by a combination

factors such as genetic vulnerabili-

of medication and psychological

ties, familial and community-based

intervention,” said Travers. “It is important that families adopt

support structures, emotional intel-

a non-judgemental and com-

ligence and resilience etc.

“It is also important to keep in

passionate stance towards their

mind that trauma is experienced

loved ones or friends during their

differently by individuals and that

healing process,” she added. Trav-

any people who access

the process of working through the

ers explained that emotional and

services at psychiatric

trauma is specific to the individual,”

practical support is of the utmost

hospitals have in one

said Travers.

importance during this period. “This

way or another been impacted or

can include listening to the victim's

Not all women who experience

affected by Gender-Based Violence

GBV are likely to develop sub-

story, feelings and experiences; cre-

(GBV).

stance-use disorders.

ating a safe physical environment;

This is according to Clinical Psy-

According to Travers, some wom-

chologist Robyn Travers, who works

en may turn to substance-use as a

the hospital, police station and

at the Department of Health’s Tara

means of coping with the trauma

legal aid clinic.”

The H Moross Hospital in Johan-

they have experienced. “Others,

Victims can contact various or-

nesburg.

who may already be reliant on

ganisations for help. These include

substance-use, may increase the

People Opposing Women Abuse’s

lead to women experiencing vari-

frequency and intensity of sub-

at (011) 642-4545.

ous psycho-social, economic and

stance use.”

Travers confirmed that GBV can

and accompanying the victim to

The Department of Social De-

societal stressors.

velopment’s emergency Gender-

Help is at hand

Based Violence Command Centre

can contribute towards adult vic-

Travers said women who have

can be contacted at 0800 428

tims experiencing depression, anxi-

been victims of GBV should seek

428, or by sending a ‘please call

ety-related disorders, post-traumatic

out therapeutic services, such as

me’ to *120*7867#. In addition,

stress disorder and substance-use

individual or group therapy, as this

a Skype helpline is available for

disorders. Additionally, feelings of

offers an important platform for

people with hearing impairments

shame, anger, hopelessness and

victims to attempt to make sense of

- add 'HELPME GBV' to your Skype

helplessness and suicidal urges

their experiences and symptoms.

contacts. People with disabilities

“The psychological impact of GBV

may be prominent,” she said.

Victims can access mental health

to 31531.

Each women’s psychology is dif-

services at any of the community-

ferent and they may experience dif-

based clinics where individual and

ferent symptoms and mental health

group-based interventions are of-

conditions.

fered. “At times, assistance may also

“It is very difficult to predict which

can also SMS helpline - SMS 'HELP'

take the form of psychiatric medi-

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

ADVERTORIAL

THE 13TH PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION CONFERENCE The Role of Public Sector Innovation, Design Thinking and Foresight in Accelerating the Achievement of seven Government Priorities. The Minister of Public Service and Administration,

FRESH NEW APPROACH TO THE 2019 CONFERENCE

through the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI),

Contrary to widespread criticism of conferences being

will be hosting the 13 Annual Public Sector Innovation

outdated, it remains one of the most effective and quick

Conference in Gauteng on 28 and 29 November 2019.

ways to tap into the tacit knowledge of delegates from

diverse backgrounds. The value of a conference is in the This annual conference is one of the innovation platforms

interaction among the delegates. The creation of strategic

through which the CPSI entrenches the culture and practice

partnerships through dialogue remains critical in creating a

of innovation in the public sector to improve service delivery.

culture of innovation in the public sector.

In his last State of the Nation Address, President

During the past 12 years the conference has evolved,

Ramaphosa said that the time for idle talk is over and that

exploring a number of approaches such as commissions,

implementation should be foremost if the country is to

various high-level panel discussions and key presentations

realise Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan (NDP).

linked to the theme. In 2018, a mini Public Sector Innovation Hackathon was held on the margins of the conference to,

“Unless we take extraordinary measures, we will not realise

among others, align the conference to the imperatives of

Vision 2030. This means that we need to prioritise. We need

the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

to focus on those actions that will have the greatest impact – actions that will catalyse faster movement forward, both

This year again, a mini-hackathon will be held as 4IR is only

in the immediate term and over the next 10 years. Now

now taking off in our country. The conference will further

is the time to focus on implementation. It is time to make

attempt to infuse new thinking as a way of ensuring its

choices. Some of these choices may be difficult and some

purpose and relevance. The conference aims to infuse

may not please everyone.”

basic understanding of design thinking and foresight, fairly new concepts in the public sector, as part of the

Taking place at the beginning of the 6th Administration, the

innovation journey.

2019 Public Sector Innovation Conference will provide a critical platform to encourage and advance the adoption

CONFERENCE DELEGATES

of innovation, design thinking and foresight as catalysts for

The target audience includes, among others, decision-

improved service delivery. It serves as an opportunity to

makers throughout the three spheres of government,

explore how public sector innovation, design thinking and

innovation practitioners, software developers, service

foresight can assist in accelerating the achievement of the

delivery champions as well as partners from the private,

seven priorities as set out by the President:

NGO as well as academic sectors. Registration is free and interested parties can register at

• Economic transformation and job creation;

www.cpsiregistrations.co.za. (NB: Delegates are responsible

• Education, skills and health;

for own travel and accommodation.)

• Consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services; • Spatial integration, human settlements and local government;

For more content details contact Welcome Sekwati at Welcome.Sekwati@cpsi.co.za or on 082 610 2199. For logistical issues contact Mmabatho Mashaba at

• Social cohesion and safe communities;

Mmabatho.Mashaba@cpsi.co.za or on 012 683 2800/34

• A capable, ethical and developmental state; and

(or visit www.cpsi.co.za)

• A better Africa and world.

FEATURE

Writer: More Matshediso

Fighting abuse M

pho Ramoloto, Social

based at the Alexandra Commu-

tween men and women in society.

Worker and Male Pro-

nity Centre in Johannesburg. It is

Before joining ADAPT two years

gramme Co-ordinator

a non-profit organisation, funded

ago, Ramoloto provided counsel-

at Agisanang Domestic Abuse

by the Gauteng Department of

ling to young boys who were in

Prevention and Training (ADAPT),

Social Development.

conflict with the law.

believes that men have a vital role

As a social worker, Ramoloto

“I have come to realise that I

to play in ending Gender-Based

provides counselling to perpetra-

have a passion for healing men

Violence (GBV).

tors of domestic violence and GBV.

and boys. There has been a shift

ADAPT was established in 1994

In general terms, GBV is violence

in society in our efforts to ad-

and is one of the first organisa-

directed against a person be-

dress gender inequalities of the

tions in South Africa to introduce

cause of their gender. The majority

past. This process has somehow

working with men as one of the

of victims are women and girls

affected many men and boys,

effective strategies for confronting

and this is largely as a result of

leaving them with discomfort and

violence against women. ADAPT is

unequal power relationships be-

in shock,” he said.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

What leads to GBV?

If it is a recurring feeling,

Ramoloto said gender stereotypes

Ramoloto said it is important

allow GBV to flourish.

to verbalise how you feel. If

out, rather than become abusive. Ramoloto said men should ask

“Men and women are both

communication is a problem,

themselves:

products of society. Behaviour

seeking professional help from

•

is sometimes a result of obser-

psychologists or social workers is

vational and social learning

advised.

“Most men expect women to

respectful? •

Is what I am doing responsi-

can have a conversation that is

•

Is it healthy?

going to empower you,” he said.

•

Is it safe?

because human beings model certain behaviours,” he said.

Is what I am doing or saying

“Seek counselling so that you

do certain chores or treat them

According to Ramoloto, it is

in a certain way because they

important for men to self-reflect

were conditioned to do so. If a

ble?

The same introspection can be used in different aspects of their lives.

woman does not do as they ex-

“There has been a shift in society in our efforts to address gender inequalities of the past.”

pect, they quickly resort to abuse or violence,” he added. Ramoloto said societal expectations lead to gender roles and gender roles lead to expectations of behaviour and conduct. When someone does not operate within the prescribed path, things quickly escalate to violence. “This is also why we find cases

Where can you go for help? Ramoloto said there are a number of organisations such as ADAPT that men can approach when they need help. He also encouraged people to contact the national GBV Command Centre by calling 0800 428 428, sending a ‘please call me’ to *120*7867# or sending an SMS, with the word ‘Help’,

of ‘corrective rape’ and abuse

to 31531.

levelled against people who do

and unlearn certain things that

not conform to societal expec-

they grew up thinking were cor-

tations, such as gay men and

rect, such as feeling like they

who can help victims and perpe-

lesbian women,” he said.

have ownership over anybody,

trators in the heat of the moment

whether it is a girlfriend or a wife.

and also refer them for further

How to stop GBV

“A man has to know and un-

The centre has professionals

counselling if needed.

Feeling tempted to carry out any

derstand that he does not own

act of abuse is the first sign that

anyone and paying lobola does

of organisations that can offer

you have a problem and you

not mean owning anyone,” he

help.

need to have a coping mecha-

said.

nism in place to ensure that you

He also encouraged men to

don’t resort to violence or abuse.

walk away if things do not work

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

It also has a national database

ADAPT can be contacted at 011 440 4047.

MUNICIPALITIES WELCOME A NEW TOOL FOR MEASURING INNOVATION CAPABILITIES By Zama Mthethwa

South African leaders are doing a reasonably good job

funded based on the achievement of measurable

in developing innovation strategies and communicating

learnings. In that way they keep innovation projects

them to help drive sustainable growth in their organisations.

teams ‘hungry’, rather than having zombie projects that

This was one of the findings in the 2018-2019 State of

run out of resources quickly,” he said.

Innovation Report presented by Paul Steenkamp at a two-

Talking about the kind of skills that are generated at

day learning forum on the Municipal Innovation Maturity

tertiary education level, Steenkamp emphasised that

Index (MIMI), held in Cape Town on 23 - 24 October 2019.

organisations and higher education institutions needed

Steenkamp is co-founder of the Creative Leadership Collective, which partnered with Stellenbosch University’s Business School on the report. The MIMI forum was hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation and attended by local government officials responsible for innovation and technology in municipalities across the country. The department funded the development of MIMI, a decision-support tool to measure how prepared local authorities are to deploy technology and innovation for better service delivery. The tool was developed by the Human Sciences Research Council and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, supported by the South Africa Local Government Association.

to work harder to improve the match between the skills students were taught, and the need for employees able to drive continuous innovation in organisations. “There is a huge mismatch between continuous innovation requirements that we have in our economy and what our education system is producing,” he said. Speaking about the state of the municipality’s readiness to adopt innovation for improved service delivery, Bridgette Morris, Manager for Innovation and Operational Effectiveness at the City of Cape Town, stated that the City realised that it could not be “business as usual” when it came to innovation. Cape Town was pushing to “ensure that we can compare ourselves with innovative cities around the world”. Given the City’s tourist attractions and the way it is

The State of Innovation Report gives a snapshot of where

configured, the City had looked at what cities such as

South Africa is in the development of an innovation

New York, London, Paris, Singapore and San Francisco

ecosystem, and who forms part of this process in the

have done. It was clear that all initiatives should

corporate and broader organisational spaces.

be filtered for sustainability, citizen entrepreneurship

Steenkamp said that, despite the good strategies, innovation practices were generally immature, and it seemed as if the world was leaving South Africa behind. The surge of innovation uptake is largely linear, prioritising scientific research as the basis of innovation and downplaying the role of later players in the innovation process. The approach of organisations to innovation funding tends to involve making single payments available annually for innovation projects.

should be fostered, a culture of internal and external collaboration should be created, and effective and citizen-centric service delivery should be prioritised. Isaiah Engelbrecht, the City of Tshwane’s Divisional Head for Innovation and Knowledge Management, said that Tshwane had made MIMI part of its performance management strategy. An innovation index score of 44.25 in 2014 and 50.25 in 2018 means that Tshwane is well on the way to embedding the culture of innovation outlined in its innovation strategy, and that its capacity building

“Organisations need to move away from lump-sum

programmes are assisting in building the desired

funding to incremental funding, where projects are

innovation outcomes.

ADVERTORIAL

Paul Steenkamp representing the State of Innovation report on capabilities

“With the city blessed with a youthful and purposeful

Dr Sithembiso Myeni, of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s

population, home to four distinguished universities, and

School of Built Environment and Development Studies,

housing the most advanced research councils, technology

described the MIMI project as the result of different

parks and innovation funding institutions, it is well

stakeholders working as partners. He was also pleased

positioned as the innovation capital,” said Engelbrecht.

with the likelihood of an institutional home for the tool.

Project Manager of Urban Data at the South African

Zama Mthethwa is an account executive at the

Cities Network (SACN), Jonathan Wilson, said the SACN

Department of Science and Innovation

had, for a number of years, administered the capturing and distribution of data on various statistics, and the development of indicators for different cities and municipalities in South Africa. “Cities report on over 2 500 indicators to national and provincial departments, regulators and other entities every year as part of their monitoring and evaluation, which means they are over-burdened with compliance reporting and data requests from other spheres of government,” added Wilson. To ease this burden, the SACN established the Common Data Framework for Cities (CDFC) to assist local authorities with the management of data, indicators and reporting requirements. One of the benefits of the CDFC is that it empowers cities to use data and internal systems effectively to inform data-driven decision making and planning.

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: +27 12 843 6300 Physical address: DST Building (Building No. 53), (CSIR South Gate Entrance) Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, 0184 Postal address: Private Bag X894, Pretoria, 0001

FEATURE

Source: SAnews

Khawuleza unlocks investment in eThekwini

President Cyril Ramaphosa launc hes t he eThekwini District Development Model at t he Princess Magogo Stadium at a community imbizo in KwaZulu-Natal.

resident Cyril Ramaphosa

Khawuleza (meaning hurry up)

has unveiled develop-

is a single practical, achievable,

ment projects in eThekwini

implementable and measurable

address economic development challenges. In the northern region, the

worth billions of Rands, which are

government programme. Develop-

President said, the model will

expected to activate large-scale

ment will be pursued through a

focus on the aerotropolis which

economic growth.

single, integrated plan per district

encompasses the Dube Trade Port,

Speaking at the recent launch of

that outlines the role of each

the Cornubia mixed development

the District Development Model in

sphere of government, called

project, the Bridge City project

eThekwini – the second pilot site in

#OneDistrictOnePlan.

and the C3 corridor encompass-

the country – President Ramapho-

Through the new district-based

ing Midway Crossing.

sa said government has identified

coordination model, all spheres

various development projects that

of government, working alongside

will focus on the Point Waterfront

are expected to drive investment

social partners, will synchronise

development, the Rivertown

in the metro.

plans to deliver services and

precinct development and the

In the inner city, the investment

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Warwick development. The western

now – everything will now be in

driver is going to be our govern-

part of the city will benefit from

the open.

ment at the three levels,” he said.

several projects, including those in the automotive sector.

“Nothing will be done in the

Premier Zikalala said the provin-

dark, everything will be transpar-

cial government has prioritised

ent so that we can address the

attending to the issue of spatial

for all of these. It is going to be

needs of our people. All this will be

planning and the development

comprehensive, for now R35 billion

done to advance and build the

and renewal of townships.

is going to be invested to drive

country’s economy,” he said.

“We are going to have a budget

The President commended the

investment in eThekwini,” said

“We are doing this because ours is to advance the struggle of

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial

bringing a better life for the black

Government for being at the

person. We have to accelerate

on a number of sectors, including

forefront of attracting investment.

service delivery provision to our

tourism and the oceans economy.

Last year the President canvassed

people,” he said.

President Ramaphosa. The investment, he said, will focus

“It is going to be a mixed development trajectory,” he said.

Advancing service delivery

South Africa’s nine provinces to

He applauded national gov-

draft their own investment books.

ernment for initiating the model,

Only KZN responded to this re-

saying it would ensure the public

quest, he explained.

receives basic services speedily.

“They drafted the investment

Cooperative Governance and

The President used the launch as

book and we were then able to

Traditional Affairs Minister Nko-

an opportunity to tell government

showcase investment opportuni-

sazana Dlamini-Zuma said it

leaders the model would be used

ties in KZN. I’m quite impressed by

required cooperation from all

to hold them accountable. He

Premier [Sihle] Zikalala and his

sectors, and not just the three

also urged the public to embrace

government,” he said.

spheres of government. This was paramount for the model to be

the district development model, saying it will advance service

Forging partnerships

delivery.

Through the development model,

“Government has three spheres

government will be able to forge

that work together, but it can’t just

we are going to be measured

partnerships with the private sec-

be government. Every sector has

against what we have promised to

tor and draft a broad plan.

to come on board,” she said.

“We are going to be evaluated,

“This plan will not revolve around

do. If we don’t live up to what we

a success.

“We have engaged a lot of them

are meant to do, you’ll see what

what government is going to do, it

and they are on board and have

will happen; action will be taken,”

will go beyond that. It will also look

already made inputs. We don’t

he said.

at how government’s investment

have a monopoly on ideas, as we

trajectory will work in the province.

pilot [the model] we need ideas

corruption is eliminated in the

That is why we want a Khawuleza

coming from others.”

public sector.

development model or forum that

The model will also ensure that

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda

will get [buy in] from the business

said the metro’s new executive

to identify thieves and deal with

sector, where we will get non-

would begin opening recently

them decisively. This is because

governmental organisations and

concluded projects and attend-

there is going to be transparency

others involved. Of course, the real

ing to community concerns.

“With this model, we will be able

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

FEATURE

Source: SAnews

Africa's new tech giant P

resident Cyril Ramaphosa’s

employed at the plant 94 percent

ny here and emboldening the skills

programme of reviving the

of which are youth and 67 percent

talent that we have,” he added.

South African economy is

are women.

beginning to bear fruit. This was evident at the much-

In his State of the Nation Address,

Speaking at the event, Presi-

President Ramaphosa said Special

dent Ramaphosa said the Mara

Economic Zones (SEZs), such as

anticipated launch of the Mara

Phone’s venture was giving practi-

the Dube Trade Port, are impor-

Phone manufacturing plant at the

cal effects to the government’s

tant instruments and mediums of

Dube Trade Port in Durban in Octo-

investment drive.

attracting foreign and domestic

ber. The plant is a first of its kind in South Africa.

“It was described as a pipe

investment. The SEZs, he said, are

dream. Today we are reaping the

also important in building targeted

fruits of what was promised. We are

industrial capabilities and estab-

after company Chief Executive

delighted about this great launch

lishing new industrial hubs.

Ashish Thakkar announced at the

because it is going to instill a lot of

inaugural Africa Investment Forum

confidence in other manufacturers

cities grow faster than inland port

in November last year that the

that South Africa indeed is a place

cities due to their strategic loca-

company would invest R1.5 billion

where they should all come and

tions. Durban is especially well

in a South African business venture

invest. We are delighted because

positioned but we actually add

over the next five years.

Mara is a proudly African venture

to that positioning by having that

that is producing a South African

special SEZ. This in itself is a very

product.”

good foundation to catapult our

The launch comes 12 months

At the launch, the Rwandabased Mara group took the President on a tour of the modern

represents a great advance in the

anticipated to have an annual

technological and electronical

production capacity of over 1.2

sector.

million handsets of the Mara X and Mara Z cellphones. Two hundred people have been

country to higher levels of growth,”

He said the company’s effort

state-of-the-art plant. The plant is

“Studies reveal that sea port

he said. The President praised Thakkar for being a patriotic African. “He is clear, he’s articulate, he’s a

“We are delighted that you are increasing our technological ca-

visionary and knows exactly what

pabilities by bringing your compa-

he wants to achieve,” he said.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

SA ready and open for investment Thakkar thanked President

make history and open the first

“We are changing that storyline

South African cellphone produc-

with cars, with fibre optic cables,

tion plant,” he said.

with television monitors, with food

Ramaphosa and the South African

Premier Zikalala praised President

and now with smartphones … It is

Government for pushing the com-

Ramaphosa for what he described

pany to deliver on its undertaking.

as tireless efforts and strides in pro-

The Minister added that the

“We have come to South Africa

moting investment in South Africa.

launch was critical in cement-

good to see this,” he said.

much, much sooner than we

“We are all aware of the efforts

initially planned. We did this

of the President to ensure that we

because of your vision of making

attract investment and address

“The KZN manufacturing sector

South Africa shine again as a true

the plight of South Africans who

employs 350 000 people and it’s

investment destination and creat-

are unemployed and go to bed

the sixth largest manufacturing

ing real jobs for our youth. It is truly

on empty stomachs. We hope this

sector in the African economy.

working and we are proof of that,”

launch will go far in strengthening

The implementation of the SEZ

he said.

your resolve to continue champi-

programme at the Dube Trade Port

oning our government’s cause of

supported this growth in manufac-

ments in 25 African countries, he

reducing unemployment, inequal-

turing.

said venturing into South Africa

ity and poverty,” he said.

As an African investor with invest-

has been a phenomenal experience. “It really does show that South

ing KZN as a centre of advanced manufacturing.

“If you walk around you will see fibre optic cables being made, tel-

Changing the narrative

evision monitors being assembled … you see examples of manufac-

Africa is ready and open for

Trade and Industry Minister Ebra-

turing in South Africa. From this

investment and for business. More

him Patel said it was good to see

example and what we’ve done

boldness and vision encouraged

Africa changing the narrative of

here and other examples in the

us to do this and will hopefully

being a consumer of goods it

country. We are moving forward,”

contribute to your Fourth Industrial

does not produce.

said Minister Patel.

Revolution ambition as well. “We Africans really do walk that talk. Today is history in the making. [It is] a dream for South Africa, a dream for Africa, a dream for Mara, come true,” said Thakkar.

Confidence in SA KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala thanked Mara Phone for showing confidence in KwaZuluNatal and South Africa. “The people of [KZN] are profoundly grateful and honoured to

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

WHAT’S NEW FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MEDICAL SCHEME MEMBERS IN 2020

GREAT NEWS FOR GEMS MEMBERS Public service employees and their families can look forward to receiving enhanced healthcare coverage in 2020 as the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has reinvested close to R1-billion towards benefits enhancement. For the second year in a row, GEMS has kept its contribution increase down to one of the lowest in the industry. South Africa’s largest restricted medical scheme has announced a weighted average contribution increase of 7.69% across all its benefit options. The scheme also announced a change in name of the Sapphire option which will now be called Tanzanite One with bigger, better and richer benefits. “The scheme endeavours to keep annual increases to a minimum without compromising members’ access to quality healthcare as we continue to prioritise the healthcare needs of over 720 000 principal members and 1.8 million beneficiaries entrusted to us,” said Dr Stan Moloabi, GEMS Chief Operations Officer. GEMS continues to make a significant contribution in providing access to quality healthcare to South Africans. As South Africa’s largest restricted scheme, GEMS has the lowest healthcare expenditure which means more benefits for members and their beneficiaries. “The enhanced benefits on Tanzanite One symbolise an evolution towards the Basic Benefit Package and transformation which forms part of our business strategy that seeks to ensure more value for our members,” says Dr Moloabi.

in 2019!

ral – what’s new in 2019! MS

- and EMS

With GEMS, your health is taken care of – so that you have time to focus on what is important to you and your family. This year is no different! SUMMARY OF KEY BENEFIT ENHANCEMENTS

rs can look forward to several ON SPECIFIC BENEFIT OPTIONS FOR 2020 d improved benefits Accessible:

BENEFITS ENHANCEMENT ACROSS ALL OPTIONS

TANZANITE ONE

With the goal of universal health coverage inEach year medical scheme members are mind, our 2019 benefit enhancements place encouraged to review their healthcare needs has been renamed Tanzanite One with improved greater focus on vulnerable groups – children,and make the decision of whether they wish to a for our who will now have access With GEMS, your remain healthonistheir taken care of –option so that you cover – an increasebenefits of 5.4% formembers all in- and current benefit or choose women and the elderly to a network of healthcare providers by nominating a have time to focustoon what important toGEMS you invites and your f-hospital benefit limits across all GEMS move to ais different option. GEMS provides greater access to quality d generallpractitioner of their choice to coordinate their family. This year is different! fit options. all no members of the scheme and prospective through a wide array of networks healthcare healthcare needs. From 2020, members on the Tanzanite members of the public service who qualify to l Because One option will have access to wide privatebeneficiary hospitals, subject of our definition, you Accessible:join GEMS to consider their family’s healthcare ded benefits on Emerald and EVOprivate – to utilising the GEMS hospital network. can care for more of your family members needs for the year ahead and choose the tra l With the goal of universal health coverage in ditional R500 per beneficiary per year for: al they are likely to need. More importantly, EMERALD AND EMERALD VALUE OPTIONS mind, ourcover 2019 benefit enhancements place etwork GP consultations; Affordable: we would like to encourage public service Members on the Emerald Value Option (EVO) will greater focus on vulnerable groups – children, cute prescribed medicine obtained at a employees on employment levels one to five l Our experience the lowest monthly contributions increase, security for growing reserve ratio provides women and the elderly twork pharmacy; and to take advantage of the enhanced Tanzanite which then you makes sense for members and your family on EVO to will l GEMS provides greater access toforquality athology tests performed at athis preferred One option as they may qualify a 100% remain lon option.contribution Both EVO and increases Emerald offer Lowest keep us ditional healthcare through a wide array networks thology laboratory. the same level of healthcare cover, however EVO is subsidy which could cover theirofcontributions. affordable. At 4.3%, EVO has experienced the more affordable because members make use of a l Because of our wide beneficiary definition, you For more information on the benefit lowest contribution increase for 2019. can careenhancement for more offoryour family members value for membersnetwork on Ruby – an extra of healthcare providers having nominated a 2020, contact GEMS using l Members moving from the Emerald option to eryl practitioner of their choice to coordinate their per year to extend general your Out-of-hospital EVO will experience a discount of over 16% one of the followings communication channels: ear for healthcare needs. Members on Emerald who switch to Affordable: Benefit. on contributions before er event. EVO can experience around R600 worth subsidy of savings onl Our growing reserve ratio provides security for their monthly contribution which would equate to R7200 you and your family hire gets richer – Sapphire members will benefits: money Richer back in their pockets per annum. ptive l Lowest contribution increases keep us access to private hospital care for additional l GEMS has invested over three quarters of a vailable affordable. At 4.3%, EVO has experienced the dures and treatments. billion rands in benefit enhancements for our lowest contribution increase for 2019. members l Members moving from the Emerald option to for your medicines – CONTACT Sapphire DETAILS: and Beryl l GEMS has better and richer benefits – our lowoptions EVO will experience a discount of over 16% bers have R250 per beneficiary per year for cost option, Sapphire is richer in benefits than ices on contributions before subsidy he-counter medicine, limited to R90 per event. other similar-priced products in the market Physical address:

r for:

GEMS is excited to announce that the Sapphire option

of Amarand Avenue & Mercy Avenue, y planning gets easierCorner – a contraceptive Waterkloof Glen Ext 2, Pretoria, 0181 fit of R2 822 per family per year now available Postal address: pphire and Beryl. GEMS Private Bag X1, Hatfield, 0028

snded available on GEMS in0862019, Telephone: 111 4367 screening services – all benefit options ble communication channels. Fax: 012 362 6413 ceive out-of-hospital screening services

Website: www.gems.gov.za ing: hildhood hearing and optometry tests

Richer benefits: l GEMS has invested over three quarters of a billion rands in benefit enhancements for our members l GEMS has better and richer benefits – our lowcost option, Sapphire is richer in benefits than other similar-priced products in the market

e detail on the rich benefits available on GEMS in 2019,

FEATURE

Source: SAnews

A blueprint for SA’s energy mix T

he Integrated Resource Plan

abundance.

future energy mix.

(IRP 2019) – which provides

The Minister said energy infra-

a blueprint for South Africa’s

structure is a critical component

ed towards more efficient coal

envisaged energy mix – supports

that underpins economic activity

technologies (high efficiency, low

a diversified energy mix including

and growth across the country.

emissions), underground coal

coal, nuclear, renewable energy and gas.

“New investments will be direct-

He added that the energy sector

gasification and the develop-

contributes close to 80 percent

ment of Carbon Capture and

Cabinet recently approved IRP

of the country’s greenhouse gas

Storage to enable us to continue

2019, which according to Mineral

emissions, of which 50 percent is

using our coal resources in an

Resources and Energy Minister

from electricity generation and

environmentally responsible way.”

Gwede Mantashe, brings much-

liquid fuel production.

needed certainty to this critical

Minister Mantashe said coal

He said government will also work with Eskom to ensure the

area of the economy, and will

will continue to play a significant

power utility complies with the

hopefully put to rest the often

role in electricity generation as

minimum emissions standard

polemical debate on the country’s

the country has the resource in

over time.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Additional capacity to the en-

The IRP 2019 provides for the

age. Eskom is already working

ergy mix, as contained in the IRP

extension of the design life of

on a utility scale battery storage,

2019 for the period up to 2030,

Koeberg power plant, as well as

which will allow us to assess the

is split across the various energy

additional new nuclear capac-

benefits to our power system as

resources.

ity in the future. Located in the

we diversify the energy mix,” he

These are as follows: 1 500MW

Western Cape, Koeberg is the

said.

of generation from coal, 2 500MW

country’s sole nuclear plant. “Taking into account the

from hydro, 6 000MW from pho-

Gas to power technologies will provide the flexibility required to

tovoltaic, 14 400MW from wind, 2

capacity that will be decommis-

complement intermittent renew-

088MW from storage and 3 000

sioned in the future, nuclear – at

able energy and meet demand

MW from gas.

a pace, scale and cost afforda-

during peaking hours.

“It must be noted that while coal’s installed capacity will be

ble to the country – is a no-regret option,” he said. Upfront planning for additional

lower than the current installed

“While in the short term the opportunity is to pursue gas import options, local and regional gas

base, it will remain the dominant

nuclear capacity is a requisite, he

resources will allow for scaling

energy supply, contributing 59

added.

up within manageable risk levels. Indigenous gas like coal-bed

percent of the energy volumes required to meet demand. Nu-

Renewable energy

methane and ultimately local re-

clear will contribute five percent;

Minister Mantashe said renew-

coverable shale and coastal gas

hydro eight percent; photovoltaic

able energy combined with stor-

are options we are considering,”

six percent, wind 18 percent; and

age presents an opportunity to

said Minister Mantashe.

gas and storage two percent,” he

produce distributed power closer

said.

to where demand is and to pro-

The IRP 2019 makes provision for gas as from 2024.

vide off-grid electricity to far-flung

Nuclear power

areas in South Africa.

Minister Mantashe said nuclear

Grand Inga Project

In addition to the sun and wind

In support of regional integration

power features as a source of

resources, the country has some

and energy trading, South Africa

clean energy that can reduce

of the world’s largest high-grade

has entered into a treaty for the

emissions.

resources in at least six key com-

development of the Grand Inga

modities that play a critical role in

Project in the Democratic Repub-

the global energy storage sector.

lic of Congo (DRC).

“It is a globally accepted fact that nuclear as a clean source of energy can contribute signifi-

Vanadium, platinum, palladium,

Some of the power is intended

cantly to the reduction of emis-

nickel, manganese, rare earths,

for transmission to South Africa,

sions.”

copper and cobalt have the

across the DRC, Zambia, Zimba-

Globally there is a move

potential to create new industries

bwe and Botswana.

towards the development of

and localisation across the value

small modular reactors that are

chain.

considered a more manageable

“The IRP 2019 continues to make

The Minister said the project will not only provide clean energy, but also advance energy trade be-

investment when compared to a

provision for significant rollout

tween Southern African Develop-

large fleet approach.

of renewable energy and stor-

ment Community countries.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

CHANNEL AFRICA THE AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Channel Africa is South Africa’s international public broadcast radio station whose primary audience is the entire African continent. Our secondary audience is the rest of the world, where we harvest our news and information. As an International Public Broadcaster, our core values subscribe to the highest journalistic ethics which find expression in fairness, accuracy, and impartiality. Channel Africa is a platform through which Africa is engaged in debate with itself, and recognises South Africa as a role player in continental and international affairs.

Vision: “The African Perspective” Mission: “to promote the regeneration, revival, and rejuvenation of Africa, through the production and broadcast of dynamic, stimulating, and interesting programmes”. Contact Information: Tel: 011 714 2997 Fax: 011 714 2072 Email: info@channelafrica.co.za Web: www.channelafrica.co.za Twitter: channelafrica1 Instagram: channelafricaradio DSTV:802

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2019/07/25

08:49

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2019/07/25

08:49

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FEATURE

Writer: More Matshediso

SA biodiversity

assessment yields positive results

outh Africa has managed

South African National Biodiver-

Five main findings:

to maintain its status as one

sity Institute (SANBI) and took five

•

of the top-three countries

years to complete.

globally and one of 17 mega-

The study revealed significant success in assessing and protecting the country’s biodiversity,

“It involved nearly 480 South

diverse nations, when it comes

African scientists, many of whom

maintaining South Africa as one

to plant and marine species that

are emerging scientists,” she

of the top-three countries glob-

are found nowhere else on Earth.

explained.

ally and one of 17 megadiverse

This was revealed recently

nations when it comes to plant

Minister Creecy said the assess-

during the launch of South

ment represents a significant at-

and marine species that are

Africa’s third National Biodiversity

tempt to domesticate the Global

found nowhere else on Earth.

Assessment (NBA), which is a

Assessment Report on Biodi-

comprehensive scientific reflec-

versity and Ecosystem Services

in the country is strategic and

tion of the state of biodiversity in

launched in Paris earlier this year.

significant. The report notes that

the country.

“It allows us to evaluate our

•

Biodiversity-related employment

approximately 418 000 jobs

progress and our shortcomings

are related to biodiversity. This

Environment, Forestry and Fisher-

in conservation and ecosystem

compares favourably with the

ies, Barbara Creecy, the assess-

management on both land and

mining sector, which sustained

ment was led by experts from the

sea,” she said.

approximately 430 000 jobs in

According to the Minister of

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

2017. Many of these jobs are in rural areas where there is lim-

are well protected. • Notwithstanding the country’s

ited employment alternatives.

systems, rivers, wetlands, estuaries and freshwater fish stocks,

well-documented conservation

the NBA found the following

• South Africa’s protected area

efforts, animal and plant spe-

to be the major threats to

estate is at nine percent of its

cies are under threat. One in

freshwater systems: overextrac-

total land and sea mass. Over

seven of the 23 312 indigenous

tion of water, pollution, invasive

two-thirds of ecosystem types,

species that were assessed are

alien species, habitat loss and

63 percent of assessed species

considered threatened with

climate change.

and 75 percent of terrestrial

extinction. Of the 2 911 ani-

ecosystem types have repre-

mals assessed in the study, 12

such as ours, these findings are

sentation in protected areas,

percent are also categorised

cause for serious concern. They

with plans for further expansion

as threatened with extinction.

call for urgent action to improve

in the coming years. The report

Mammals face a higher threat

the health of the rivers, wetlands

found that the country’s pro-

level at 17 percent. About 36

and estuaries that protect our wa-

tected areas generally provide

percent of a total of 20 401

ter security,” said Minister Creecy.

good protection for species.

plant species are already

Over 85 percent of bird and

confirmed extinct, and a further

of freshwater eco-systems, or

reptile taxa qualify as well pro-

70 plant species are possibly

what is termed eco-infrastructure

tected, while only 72 percent

extinct. Overall, 14 percent of

services, will deliver huge returns

of amphibians, 63 percent of

plant species are threatened

on investment with great benefit

by extinction.

to the communities that depend

plants, 57 percent of butterflies and 56 percent of mammals

• With regard to freshwater eco-

“In a water-stressed country

The restoration and protection

on them. Wetlands, for example, protect human settlements from flood waters and also clean pollutants from fresh water, she said. The Minister added that estuaries are crucial nurseries for fish important for human consumption and are focal places for tourism and recreation. The report adds to the significant global scientific evidence that nature is declining worldwide at rates unprecedented in human history. These findings support the outcomes of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

FEATURE

Services in the Global Assessment

work and the National Protected

on Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Areas Expansion Strategy are ac-

Exceptional biodiversity

Services.

knowledged in the report as im-

SANBI also referred to South

portant existing policy instruments

Africa as a special country with

Important ecosystems

for the protection of species and

exceptional biodiversity, much of

Minister Creecy said the impor-

ecosystems.

which is unique.

tance of ecological infrastructure

The Minister added that the

The institute said the biodiversity

and healthy catchments for

report will allow the department

wealth possessed by the country

securing South Africa’s scarce

better targeting of protected area

gives people tangible benefits

water resources are already ac-

expansion as it moves forward.

like food, clean water, medicine

cepted within the country’s policy environment. She said the NBA reports help

She said it will also assist the

and materials.

department with national and

“It supports agricultural and

international reporting obligations

fisheries production and helps

to direct attention to the most

such as the State of Environment

protect us from natural hazards

important ecosystems that un-

Report, the Convention on Biologi-

like floods and droughts; and it

derpin water-related benefits for

cal Diversity Country Report, Aichi

provides the basis of a vibrant

people.

Biodiversity Targets and the Sus-

tourism industry while offering

tainable Development Goals.

natural spaces for recreational

“The department already has significant programmes to reha-

“Armed with the scientific

and cultural activities,” said

bilitate water sources, wetlands

evidence, we will now be able to

and estuaries including the

take further action in a systematic

removal of waste, in particular

way to protect our most strategic

comes with the responsibility

plastics, and alien species that

eco-infrastructure and catchment

and challenge of ensuring that

suck up the water available to

areas and monitor the effective-

species and ecosystems are

us. These programmes will now

ness of interventions we are

conserved and used sustainably

become more targeted,” she said.

already undertaking,” the Minister

to the benefit of all South Africans

said.

and future generations.

The National Biodiversity Frame-

SANBI. It added this rich endowment

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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GATEWAY TO DEFENCE SOLUTIONS

FEATURE

Writer: Silusapho Nyanda

Corruption clampdown in the health sector A

multi-disciplinary forum

cial Investigations Unit (SIU), the

now be thoroughly investigated

has been launched to

National Prosecuting Authority

and prosecuted to the full extent

crack down on crime

(NPA), the Department of Health,

of the law. The SIU is tasked with

and corruption in the public and

Council for Medical Schemes,

carrying out the investigations

private health sectors.

Financial Intelligence Centre,

and the NPA with expediting legal

Health Professions Council of

proceedings.

Launched in October, the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum

South Africa, Board of Healthcare

All roleplayers will be able to ac-

(HSACF) forms part of govern-

Funders, Health Funders Associa-

cept reports of alleged corruption

mentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to overhaul

tion, Section27 and Corruption

and refer them to the investigat-

healthcare in South Africa.

Watch.

ing unit.

The HSACF brings together several entities, namely the Spe-

Thanks to the forum, corrup-

Speaking at the launch of the

tion in the healthcare sector will

forum, President Cyril Ramaphosa

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

said the initiative will help reduce

loons, we all suffer. Corruption in

ceed, there must be enhanced

wastage, collusion and uncom-

the health system is not a victim-

collaboration between roleplay-

petitive behaviour.

less crime. It targets the poorest

ers.

“Healthcare is the third largest

and most vulnerable in our soci-

Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize

item of government expenditure

ety. It further impoverishes people;

assured the public that the forum

and yet there is a fundamental

it violates their constitutional right

will help protect the National

disjoint between what we are

to health and it costs lives.”

Health Insurance from corruption.

spending on healthcare and the

Head of the SIU, Andy Mothibi,

He said the department will also

health outcomes of our citizens,”

said the unit has already identi-

be better positioned to fight cor-

he said.

fied several weak points where

ruption by government employ-

corruption is rampant in the

ees who moonlight in the private

sector. One of these is the health

sector.

“We continue to rank low in global rankings on healthcare system efficiency owing to, among other things, inefficient resource management, poor institutional accountability, ineffective monitoring and evaluation and corruption,” explained the President. The forum is an outcome of the Presidential Health Summit that was held last year. The summit was convened to identify challenges in the health sector and to agree on practical solutions to

“Allegations of corruption must

“Corruption in the health system is not a victimless crime. It targets the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.”

address areas of weakness, the

Minister Mkhize. Civil society organisations Corruption Watch and Section27 said the forum can achieve great things. “The framework with which we are working is very different to what we started with. It is not characterised by grandstanding and long speeches. The forum is very business-like and will achieve a lot,” Corruption Watch’s David Lewis said.

President said. One of the biggest

professionals’ registration and ac-

challenges identified was corrup-

creditation process.

tion. He said the forum will allow peo-

be investigated furiously,” said

Mothibi said they have started

Section27’s Executive Director Umunyana Rugege said violations of the Public Finance Man-

their investigations and vowed

agement Act undermine efforts to

ple to report the misuse of state

that money lost to corruption will

deliver quality healthcare. “These

resources, such as ambulances,

be recovered.

violations impact people’s lives.

and to expose procurement-relat-

The NPA’s National Director of

This often means not having ac-

Public Prosecutions, Shamila

cess to ambulances or access to

Batohi, said the NPA will prioritise

surgeries because of corruption,

“When there is corruption in our

cases of corruption in the health

fraud and theft.”

healthcare system, when the

sector referred to it for prosecu-

costs of unauthorised, fruitless

tion by the SIU.

ed corruption. President Ramaphosa said:

and wasteful expenditure bal-

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

She said for the forum to suc-

Another priority of the forum is to ensure whistleblowers are protected, assured Mothibi.

CMY

FEATURE

Writer: Dale Hes

Operation Lockdown a success in Cape Town T

he deployment of the South

ordered the deployment of SANDF

bers of the SANDF and the South

African National Defence

troops to gang-ridden areas of the

African Police Service (SAPS) join

Force (SANDF) to the West-

Western Cape in July, murder rates

forces to curb rising levels of vio-

ern Cape has been successful in

in the Western Cape have de-

lent crime in the Cape Flats and

cracking down on violent crime,

clined from an average of around

other townships in the province.

with a drop in the provinces mur-

50 per week to 30 per week.

der rate and an increase in arrests. Since President Cyril Ramaphosa

Known as Operation Lockdown, the intervention has seen mem-

By mid-October, almost 6 000 arrests had been made as a result of the operation, including the

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

arrest of a number of influential

week on a number of targeted

a temporary support to Western

gang suspects.

precincts in an effort to create

Cape police, and Provincial SAPS

safety for all. Raids, operations,

operational planning is in prepara-

Keys to success

cordon and searches, vehicle

tion for the inevitable withdrawal

Police Minister General Bheki Cele

checkpoints, roadblocks as well as

of the additional forces,” said

said that the combination of a

search and seizures have been a

Minister Cele.

number of major interventions into

common occurrence, particularly

one central operation was key to

on weekends when most criminal

the success of Operation Lock-

acts occur.”

down.

Innovative new intervention launched Meanwhile, other police interven-

sions and analysis, a decision to

Looking towards the future

merge three major interventions

After the successes of the interven-

lower the crime rate in the metro-

under one central operational

tion, President Ramaphosa has

pole. In the Cape Town CBD, car

command was implemented in

extended Operation Lockdown to

break-ins are a problem.

“Following operational discus-

tions have been introduced in Cape Town that will seek to further

The police station in Buitenkant

order to stamp the authority of the state in the Western Cape and to

“Operation Lockdown remains a temporary support to Western Cape police.”

ultimately address the scourge of gangsterism and other priority crimes in the province. The interventions in tackling contact crimes have shown a positive impact,” he said. Integrated forces attached to Operation Lockdown have been hard at work executing operations in the identified areas or as guided by the crime threat analysis.

Street recorded 3 710 cases of theft out of motor vehicles in 2018/19, almost double the number of any other police station in the country. In response, the Cape Town police station introduced a 24-hour drive-thru booth intended to lift fingerprints from cars that are broken into and track down the culprits. Western Cape Police spokesperson Andre Traut explained:

Minister Cele said that a collective

“The booth is fitted with a chain

effort from law enforcement and

lock on the driveway in front of March 2020. The operations are set

the entrance to prevent anyone

to continue in a bid to restore calm

from blocking it. When a citizen

operations are not generating

to communities plagued by serious

brings their vehicle in, the chain

much attention. However, all role-

violent crimes in Cape Town.

is unlocked and they drive to the

communities has borne fruit. “With the passage of time these

players such as the various SAPS

The Western Cape police and the

booth. Officials from the Local

units, Metro police, traffic services,

Provincial SAPS are working hard

Criminal Record Centre then look

SANDF and in some instances

to ensure that they are prepared

for possible fingerprints to send

scores of neighbourhood watch

to tackle violent crime once the

exhibits to the Forensic Science

members and volunteers, have

SANDF forces are withdrawn.

Laboratory and Crime Scene

been descending week after

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

“Operation Lockdown remains

Laboratory.”

THE READING CORNER

Writer: More Matshediso

How books empowered Richard Mantu R

I had when I trained as a journalist; it is awe inspiring.

What are some of the books that you have read that had an impact on your life? How did they impact your life? I am a religious reader of books and the one that got me hooked on reading is Call Me Not a Man, a series of stories by Mtutuzeli Matshoba. I have a first edition copy, which was given to my grandfather as a gift when he worked as a de-

eading books can help you

on Lerato’s journey through Africa,

livery person for a pharmaceutical

grow mentally, emotionally

armed with little more than faith

company and a publisher about

and psychologically.

and street smarts.

40 years ago. It was in 1990 when

This is the belief of Richard Mantu,

I studied journalism with the

I discovered the book, or perhaps

the Media Liaison Officer at the

hope of travelling the world and

it found me because it had a

Department of Public Enterprises.

reporting live from war zones and

profound impact on my life. It was

He told PSM how books have im-

exotic places, just as Lerato did. I

around the time that I needed

pacted his life.

saw myself exposing injustice and

to think about what profession to

the exploitation of the weak and

pursue.

What book are you reading and why are you interested in it?

downtrodden. While I do a fair

For many years, I have found

amount of travelling for work, it

solace in Zakes Mda’s books, particularly Ways of Dying, which

is just that – work.

I recently started

I am inspired by how de-

is a novel that tells a story of Toloki

reading Vaga-

termination and her thirst

– a professional mourner. That was

for adventure propelled

inspirational writing. I want to read

ist Lerato Mogo-

the author through

it again before I read the sequel

atlhe. It is based

Africa. The book makes

Cion, in which Toloki travels the

bond by journal-

me want to re-

world in search of new ways of

vive the

mourning.

adven-

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

turous

changed my life. It is a master-

spirit

piece that awoke my spiritual consciousness. Every time I read it, I discover something new. Another significant book for me is The

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Yearning by Mohale Mashigo. The

I am so excited that I live

opening sentence still troubles me,

in a country that is pro-

spiritually: “My mother died seven

ducing writers who are

times before she gave birth to me.”

actually making a living

Marubini and Simphiwe’s story is

out of it and winning

an education in African traditions

international prizes.

and mythology; an insightful story told so magically and intelligently.

What are some of the beneﬁts you get from reading?

Which books would you recommend to other people and why?

as my own form of

Things Fall Apart by Chinua

escapism but also as

Achebe is a must-read for all Afri-

research into which

cans. This story is as relevant today

profession to pursue.

as it was when the book was pub-

I realised early on

lished in the 1950s. It talks about

that to achieve my

modernity versus traditional values.

dream of being a

We are currently living in a world

journalist, I should

where change is happening at

increase my English

break-neck speed due to technol-

vocabulary so that

ogy. Do we embrace it and adapt

I can speak and

or cling to our long-held traditions?

write intelligently.

Weep Not, Child by Ngugi Wa

I started reading

I asked myself: ‘How will I be able

once told me that

Thiong’o is also a classic. The

to speak in front of the camera if

she read a book overnight be-

Kenyan author’s book should be

I can’t pronounce words properly

cause she could not put it down.

on the prescribed reading list in all

or if I don’t have the vocabulary

African schools.

to explain to people what is going

ing in high school and during my

on?’.

tertiary education years. Today,

South Africans should read and

I developed a culture of read-

own at least one book by the fol-

I didn’t have to look far for books

80 percent of conversations with

lowing writers: Es’kia Mphahlele,

after discovering that my maternal

my siblings are about books. Our

Niq Mhlongo, Kopano Matlwa, Bes-

grandfather, Willie Louis Da Gama,

conversations are knowledge-

sie Head and Athol Fugard, who

had a stash of books he hid dur-

based instead of rumour-based.

has contributed to the country’s

ing the apartheid era. That stash

Each one of us discovers and

arts and many of his writings were

was a treasure that continues to

recommends a book to the others

theatre productions and became

provide knowledge to different

to read. That has enriched our

movies.

generations in my family. An avid

conversations.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s

reader, he left us with the gift of

We no longer talk about mun-

books are definitely worth reading

reading. My mother, Tiny Mantu, is

dane stuff. We talk about what we

as well.

also an enthusiastic reader. She

need to do in order to thrive.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

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16072019 08:29

FINANCIAL FITNESS FEATURE

*Writer: Dr Rufaro Mucheka

Save for the upcoming school year A

s we near the end of the

helps you to know exactly how

As salaries increase at rates low-

year, the current tough

er than inflation and fees escalate

much money is coming in and go-

economic conditions do

at rates higher than inflation, there

ing out, making it easier to plan for

not make it easy for parents with

is a need for parents to drastically

big expenses.

school-going children.

review their spending habits to

For many, the burden of provid-

The more realistic you are about

ensure that their kids’ schooling is

each expense, the more likely it is

ing for their child’s education

not disrupted by non-payment of

that you will stick to your budget.

becomes more and more of a

fees.

 Be realistic about your budget

challenge as costs escalate. These

and live within your means.

transport, excursions and many

Tips on how to prepare for the upcoming school year

more.

It all starts with a budget – this

expenses include not just school fees, but also uniforms, books,

 Differentiate between your needs (more important) and wants (less important).  Include savings for education

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

as an expense in your budget

you will be more conscious of

modation; or selling your current

(set up a separate savings

your spending.

car and buying a smaller one. You

account and deposit money every month).  Curb instant gratification – stop

may also need to consider post-

When to start saving for a school year

poning your studies and resume them once your financial situation

buying items in the spur of the

Ideally, parents should start saving

moment (Christmas fever) if

as soon as their child is born so

For future financial stability you

not budgeted for.

that they can benefit from com-

can take advantage of education

pound interest. The later one starts,

plans such as unit trusts, tax-free

drinking or smoking – add the

the more one needs to save each

savings accounts, education

savings to your education fund.

month.

policies, and in some cases, bank

 Cut/limit bad habits such as

In a nutshell, one needs to start

 Monitor and track your expenditure – keep all your receipts

saving as early as possible, even

and cut wasteful spending.

if one starts with a small amount;

 Pay off your credit cards as

the most important thing is to start. For those public servants who

they have high interest rates.  Review and re-calculate your

has stabilised.

seven-day, 32-day or fixed deposits. A smart way of saving for education is to encourage grandparents, godparents and other

are also studying and paying

family members to contribute

for their own fees, here are some

towards the education plan for

more ‘wants’ to stay afloat and

financial tips.

each child instead of buying

save more towards education.

•

Apply for bursaries at work.

gifts for Christmas, birthdays and

•

Apply for scholarships (most

other events.

budget monthly, and remove

 If your situation is dire, pay

tertiary institutions offer a variety

cash for small expenses as •

•

If you start planning early, you

of these).

can avoid a whole lot of financial

Research possible scholarships

stress arising later in life. Creating

and bursaries and whether

a financial plan helps you see

there are funding grants ap-

the big picture, enables you to

plicable to your children.

set long- and short-term life goals,

Cut a lot of unnecessary spend-

makes it easier to make good

ing to save for education.

financial decisions, and helps

If you are already financial distressed, you need to “cut your

you to stay on track to meet your goals.

coat according to your cloth”. This means that you should live within your means as well as take drastic actions such as downgrading, by moving into cheaper accom-

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

*Dr Rufaro Mucheka (PhD) is a Certified Financial Planner and the Head of Strategy & Rest of Africa at Nedbank Financial Planning.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FEATURE

Writer: More Matshediso

Creating an inclusive working environment A

workplace environment

mote to ensure that all employees

disabilities within the workplace

should enable employees

are treated fairly and equally, he

and to normalise their presence

to thrive and perform to

added.

within the organisation.

the best of their ability.

 People living with disabilities

“If people with disabilities are at

This is according to Dr Mat-

the centre of the organisation and

have been hired on merit and

thews Katjene, the Chief Execu-

they are valued for their contribu-

have the skills and competen-

tive Officer of Psychwell – a 100

tions and reasonably accommo-

cies required for their respective

percent black-owned company

dated in line with their disabilities,

jobs.

that delivers clinical and industrial

this sets the tone for the rest of the

psychology services to individuals,

employees,” said Dr Katjene.

They are not patients who require some form of rehabilitation at every turn and need no-one’s

couples and organisations. port that employers and employ-

Tips on how to provide support

ees can provide to colleagues

Dr Katjene said when it comes

unless they request it. For instance,

with disabilities.

to people with disabilities in the

don’t push a person in a wheel-

workplace, fellow employees must

chair without asking for their

that employees are part of an

understand the following critical

permission to do so.

organisation with set strategic ob-

aspects:

jectives and goals. The employee

 People with disabilities are

He spoke to PSM about the sup-

“Firstly, we need to understand

pity. They don’t need physical help

Reasonable accommodation of an employee with a disability

value proposition that an organi-

human. They have disabilities

should be non-negotiable. For in-

sation puts forward from entry to

or limitations but they are not

stance, a switchboard operator liv-

exit prescribes what the employer

unabled.

ing with blindness should be given

aims or promises the employee. For the tenure that the employee will be with the organisation, he or

 They are equal to any other em-

the necessary assistive devices,

ployee and should be treated

much as an employee with a

as such.

back problem would be provided

she is promised a conducive en-

 Every employee must make an

vironment within which they can

effort to understand the type of

Workplace inclusion must form

thrive and perform to the best of

disability that fellow employees

part of team optimisation, integrat-

their abilities,” said Dr Katjene.

have so that they know how to

ing how employees engage one

integrate with them better.

another on their limitations and

The employer lays the foundation in terms of the organisational culture that it would like to pro-

 Organisations must create a platform to discuss prevalent

with an ergonomic chair.

how team members support and encourage one another.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

CAR REVIEWS

Writer: Ashref Ismail

Take a ride on the dark side with the D-Max X-Rider Black

ouble cab bakkies are very

While technologically its die-

popular in South Africa. The

sel engines may have been a

and sophistication. They drive

hardy double cab bakkie

bit dated and sounded rather

and feel like vehicles from a

started off as a workhorse offering

agricultural, its robust motors

decade ago. Stylistically, they

additional, often cramped seating

were popular with many owners

look like they were copying de-

in the rear, and has developed into

boasting mileages close to the

signs from the Chinese market,

a real crowd pleaser.

million kilometre mark.

which is not flattering at all.

Isuzu, which used to belong to

Isuzu bakkies fall behind in ride

There was a time when the

Enter the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider

General Motors, is now a wholly

Isuzu KB light commercial range

Black, a limited-edition double

owned subsidiary of Isuzu Japan.

was among the biggest selling

cab 4x2 based on the popular

The Isuzu light commercial

diesel bakkie range in the farm-

2.5 litre diesel D-Max, which has

vehicle range, previously known

ing community. However, sales of

been re-introduced to the South

as the KB range, has served its

the Isuzu range are trailing be-

African market for another lim-

owners well with reliability and

hind the market leaders Toyota

ited period following high public

durability being its strongest sell-

Hilux and Ford Ranger.

demand.

ing points.

This is largely because the

The X-Rider is painted exclu-

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

SPECIFICATIONS ACCORDING TO ISUZU (SA) Engine

2.5 litre, 4 cylinder, 16 valve high pressure turbo charged diesel engine

Transmisson

5 speed

Power output

100 kW from 3 400 rpm

Torque

320 Nm of torque between 1 800 rpm and 2 800 rpm.

Fuel consumption

7.7 l/100 km on the combined cycle

CO2 emissions

203 g/km of CO2 emissions

Price

R 462 000 including VAT

sively in the Black Meet Kettle

with a factory fitted tonneau

and passenger airbags, and side-

body colour, which gives this

cover and a 2.1 tonne tow bar.

impact protection bars.

special model a distinctive ap-

The D-MAX cabin gets the

All the cosmetic enhancements

pearance. The standard X-Rider

X-Rider treatment with standard

of this admittedly attractive dou-

package also includes an ex-

black leather seats featuring red

ble cab cannot disguise the fact

tensive list of unique features.

stitching on the bolsters and the

that Isuzu desperately needs to

X-Rider logo embroidered on the

not only catch up technological-

is available only as a 4x2 double

headrest. Red stitching is also

ly, but offer enough unique selling

cab, which is surprising because

used for the leather-trimmed

features to improve market share.

the 4x4 also represents a size-

steering wheel which has a red

Reliability is not enough anymore.

able off-road market segment.

Isuzu badge. Piano black trim on

Buyers want good looks and high

Stylistically, the X-Rider Black

the vents, radio and front con-

tech. It delivers on the former but

offers added value with an ex-

sole give the cabin a modern

lags behind in the latter. While

tensive list of standard features

and sophisticated touch, with the

Isuzu fans will love the X-Rider

and accessories. The package

same treatment used on the door

Black, I doubt that its competitors

includes a bold black front

trim inserts that incorporate a red

will lose much sleep over it.

bumper guard, projector head-

“X” in keeping with the theme.

Aimed at the leisure market, it

An 8-inch AX2 touchscreen

lamps with integrated LED day-

The Isuzu bakkie range comes standard with Isuzu Complete

time running lights, as well as

infotainment system with Blue-

Care, comprising a five-year/120

front fog lamps. Eye-catching 18-

tooth for audio streaming and

000km bumper-to-bumper war-

inch black alloy wheels with red

hands free calling is available as

ranty and Isuzu Roadside Assis-

Isuzu badges further enhance

standard.

tance, a five-year/unlimited km

The X-Rider Black has a high

the dynamic stance of this

anti-corrosion warranty and a

model. The tyres are 255/60R18

level of active and passive safety

five-year/90 000 km service plan.

All Terrain Tyres from General Tyre.

features which include Electronic

Service intervals are every 15 000

The black theme continues with

Brake-Force Distribution, Brake-

km/12 months. Extended cover

matt black roof rails, black side

Assist System, Electronic Stabil-

can be purchased for Roadside

steps and a black sports bar.

ity Control with traction control,

Assistance, service plans and

The X-Rider Black also comes

Anti-Lock Braking System, driver

maintenance plans.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

TRAVEL

Writer: Duane Stacey

Karooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top family destinations T

he great open spaces and

to fenced camps or cars during

front of the restaurant, swimming

clean air of the Karoo are

game drives, the same cannot be

pool and an informative interpre-

well-known, but the wealth of

said for the Karoo National Park.

tive centre.

family-friendly destinations is often

What the Karoo lacks in terms

overlooked. From famous tourist at-

of rainfall and trees, it makes up

and tranquil camping facilities

tractions to hidden wonders; tran-

in terms of space. At the main

make it accessible to all, and the

quil farmsteads to thriving game

rest camp there is a wonderful

rest camp is truly an oasis nested

reserves; historic towns to trendy

spacious network of paths and

against the impressive Nuweveld

restaurants; dramatic mountains

walking (or running and cycling)

Mountains that stand out starkly

to ever-extending plains â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there

trails. In addition to this, the main

from the Karoo plains.

is more diversity and nuance in

rest camp has a host of attrac-

this semi-dessert than first meets

tions, including a fossil trail and

game and, as night falls, the

the eye. The Karoo is a world filled

exhibit, bird hide, waterhole in

starry host is welcomed by the

Tasteful chalet accommodation

The park includes some big

with something for everyone, with destinations that appeal to young and old alike.

The Karoo National Park The Karoo National Park is located within the central Karoo, just off the N1 highway, making it accessible as both a destination and a layover. While game reserves sometimes limit the freedom of children, confining them

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

including the bark of a jackal or

Langfontein, Graaff-Reinet

ancy, is the ideal family escape.

the territorial roars of the lions.

As you travel east across the

Restored historic farm home-

cacophony of night sounds, often

Located high up in the conserv-

The Karoo National Park is a

great Karoo, there is a marked

steads and cottages located on

wonderful family escape offer-

change in vegetation as you

the operational Langfontein and

ing multiple opportunities for the

approach the historic town of

Westbrook farms make for a true

increasingly illusive family time.

Graaff-Reinet. This is most empha-

escape.

Whether it is stargazing, walking

sised in the Camdeboo Conserv-

Luxurious, spacious and taste-

or enjoying hot chocolate and

ancy located in the mountainous

fully decorated, the homesteads

rusks during the cold morning

region west of the town. Wooded

are set amidst mountains, rivers,

game drive, the park will get you

forests, green meadows and

natural bush and farmland, af-

and your family back in touch

flowing rivers characterise this

fording families a taste of farm

with nature.

picturesque farming region.

living at its best. The spacious landscape offers you the opportunity to go walking, running and mountain biking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but some of the best memories will be made observing the farm animals, sitting around the fireplace (on cold winter nights, or for a summer braai) or simply wandering around on the beautiful farm lands. Langfontein also farms with sable and roan antelope, diseasefree buffalo and lechwe, the latter of which are visible on the nicely

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

TRAVEL

marked Lechwe Walk. With the

is also available to guests to

capital of the world, and the

freshly cut roses and lavender,

provide them with fresh produce

iconic bird has played a large

the farm baked bread and butter,

in season.

part in the development of the

this is farm living at its best.

Karoo View Cottages, Prince Albert

region and town.

Oudtshoorn

The good value for money ac-

In terms of activities and tourist

commodation at Kleinplaas also

attractions, the Klein Karoo town

provides guests with the oppor-

Prince Albert is a town that offers

of Oudtshoorn is unparalleled

tunity to feed the resident ostrich,

a country living experience. The

in its abundance and diversity.

while the Cango Ostrich Farm

quaint main road, with historic

Three full days of sightseeing and

offers thorough, informative and

buildings, farm stalls and coffee

activities is a minimum, with most

interactive tours.

shops make it a perfect family

activities catering for the whole

Two other family favourites are

getaway. Everything is in walk-

family. The Cango Caves draws

the Wilgewandel Holiday Farm,

ing distance, so embrace the

280 000 tourists per year, and is

with its various child-friendly

countryside and walk the pretty

definitely a must visit. But there

activities, and the Cango Wildlife

streets. Buy your cheese, milk

are a multitude of others that

Ranch where families can see

and yogurt from Gayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guernsey

should not be missed, many of

and learn about a variety of

Dairy or walk to La de Dah for

which provide experiences up-

animals, great and small. For a

breakfast and coffee. The arid

close with nature.

fun-filled and action-packed holi-

Karoo is broken by the flowing

The Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

day that will have your children

waters of the canal network that

is a beautiful destination where

out and about enjoying nature,

supply the Prince Albert home-

visitors can go on game drives;

Oudtshoorn is hard to beat.

stead gardens, flowing out of the

feed the rescue elephants Jabari,

dramatic Swartberg Mountains

Mbulelo and Malaika; or simply

or do a road trip to enjoy them

two kilometres east of town. Time

enjoy a meal overlooking the

all, these four Karoo destinations

the visit right and you can join

dam with its resident hippos.

have something for everyone.

the town's community at their

Oudtshoorn is also the ostrich

Whether you pick your favourite,

Who said the Karoo was boring?

Saturday market. The Karoo View cottages are located on the edge of town, and are ideally situated and designed to afford guests a luxurious and comfortable stay. Care and thought have gone into the design, finishing and equipping of the cottages, ensuring that guests have whatever they require to make the most of their stay. A pristine and wellmaintained vegetable garden

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

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GROOMING AND STYLE

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

It’s in the bag I

f you and your partner are spontaneous and a surprise overnight geta-

way is on the cards, we’ve got you covered. We have put together a light summer look for him and her that will fit into one bag.

Woolworths cotton t-shirt, R170.

Oak Ridge printed Chino shorts, R149.99.

Style Republic crisscross sandals, R349.

Superbalist Max sunglasses, R199.

Jo Collectables plain fedora, R129.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Superbalist striped sun hat, R161.

Mr Price halter neck dress, R199.99

Superbalist oversized sunglasses, R199..

Kelso casual linen shorts, R249.95.

10.

Miss Black flower sandals, R349.

11.

Zara floral print top with tied detail, R579.

Prices valid at the time of print. Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ November 2019

FOOD AND WINE

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas Images: Anita Reed

Delightful food adventures D

isney Channel’s award-winning cooking adventure show Cookabout returned

to screens recently. The show is locally produced and features young contestants cooking various locally farmed ingredients while visiting orchards and food centres in the country. The show’s consultant chef Christine Capendale crafted these recipes which feature on the show – all of which are simple and absolutely delicious.

North African chicken with squash and couscous Ingredients: • 4 chicken thighs

• Salt and pepper for seasoning

• 60g dried, chopped apricots

• 20ml olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 250ml chicken stock

• 200g butternut, peeled and

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 10ml lime juice

• 2.5ml ground cinnamon

• 10ml mint, chopped

• 2.5ml paprika

• 120ml plain low fat yoghurt

• 2.5ml cumin seeds

• Fresh coriander for serving

• 1ml turmeric

• 200ml couscous

cubed

• 200ml chopped, tinned tomatoes • Zest of 1 lime

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Season

• 5ml honey

the chicken with some salt and pep-

• 5ml harissa paste (or add chilli

per, then drizzle with a small amount

to taste)

Method:

of olive oil and place on a baking

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

tray. Bake for about 35 minutes until

heat. Add chopped apricots to

sary. Serve the chicken with the

golden brown and cooked.

the cooked sauce.

couscous and sprinkle with the

At the same time, place the

In a small bowl, mix together the

butternut cubes on a baking tray,

mint, yoghurt and the lime juice.

season with a bit of salt and driz-

Add a pinch of salt and black

zle with a small amount of olive

pepper and keep aside.

oil. Roast in the oven for about 20

For the couscous bring 250ml

coriander. Serve the minted yoghurt on the side.

Mediterranean baked fish with tomato and fennel

minutes until cooked and lightly

water to a boil in a small sauce-

Ingredients:

browned.

pan. Add the couscous and 1ml

• 15ml olive oil

salt and stir into the boiling water.

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

saucepan on medium heat and

Add 10ml olive oil and cover the

• 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced

add the onion, garlic and the

saucepan immediately with the

spices. Cook for a few minutes

lid. Leave it to stand until it is ready

• 2.5ml fennel seeds

until the onion is cooked and

to serve. Fluff it with a fork before

• 2.5ml cumin seeds

translucent. Add the tomatoes,

serving. Add the roasted chicken

• 15ml tomato paste

lime zest, honey, harissa and the

and butternut to the sauce and

• 250ml chopped tomato (use

chicken stock and simmer the

cook for about 5 minutes on low

sauce for about 10 minutes on low

heat. Add a little liquid if neces-

Heat the rest of the olive oil in a

(keep the fronds for garnish)

tinned tomato) • 150ml chicken or fish stock • 15ml honey • Zest of 1 small lemon • A few sprigs of thyme • 300g kingklip or any other firm fish, cut into chunks • 80g feta cheese, cubed • 15g butter • 5ml lemon juice • Pinch of chilli flakes • Salt and black pepper for seasoning Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan on medium heat and add the garlic, sliced fennel, fennel seeds and cumin seeds. Cook for a few minutes until soft. Add the tomato paste, chopped tomato, stock,

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

FOOD AND WINE

together the yoghurt, mascar-

Season with a bit of salt and

Strawberry mousse with basil berry salad

black pepper and simmer the

Ingredients:

honey until it is thick and fluffy.

sauce for about 10 minutes until

• Strawberry mousse

Use an electric beater. Place

it thickens. Divide the sauce be-

• 120g ripe strawberries, washed,

in the fridge for 15 minutes to

honey, lemon zest and the thyme.

tween two small oven casseroles. Season the fish and arrange

hulled and halved • 120g low fat yoghurt

pone, vanilla seeds and the

set. Meanwhile, make the

the fish in the sauce. Press the

• 100g mascarpone cheese

basil berry salad by cutting

feta pieces around the fish.

• Pinch vanilla seeds of a ¼

the berries into halves and

Spoon a little sauce over the fish and the feta. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the fish is

vanilla pod • 30ml honey

quarters. Add the passion fruit pulp and the basil and mix gently. Keep aside. Spoon

cooked and the cheese golden

Basil berry salad

brown. While the fish is in the

• 100g mixed berries

glasses, and layer with some

oven, melt together the butter

• 30ml passion fruit pulp

of the strawberry puree. Gently

and add the lemon juice and

• 4 basil leaves, torn

spoon the basil berry salad

chilli. Spoon this over the fish as

• Extra basil for serving

on top of the mousse. Pour the

soon as it comes out of the oven.

the mousse into two serving

left-over strawberry puree into

Serve immediately with some

Method:

a small jug and serve on the

bruschetta and garnish with the

Puree the strawberries in a

side. Garnish with extra basil

fennel fronds.

blender and keep aside. Beat

just before serving.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

Two million children go to bed hungry...

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NICE-TO-HAVES

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

Make time for ‘me-time’ T

aking time out is vital for your physical and mental wellbeing. “Me-time” means different things to different people, but the objective is always to unwind and do what makes

you happy. We’ve rounded up some me-time products to help you achieve that total bliss.

the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which includes free delivery with Takealot.co.za, R8 790. 3 Essential oils can interact with your brain and nervous system, altering your mood. Try one of the many air diffusers available to not only make your room smell amazing, but also relax your mood. These work by breaking down the essential oil and emitting it into the air. The Aura Purity Ultrasonic diffuser is available from Yuppiechef.com, R669. 2

1 Grab a book and get on the couch – it’s the

2 Lots of noise around you when you finally get a

easiest way to escape without the distraction of

moment to yourself? No problem. That’s what

a screen. We recommend Where the Crawdads

noise-cancelling headphones are made for.

Sing by Delia Owens, which was a New York

There are many options on the market, but if

Times Bestseller, Exclusive Books, R313.

you want to splurge on one of the best, go for

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

4 Charlotte Rhys has an amazing range of exquisite scented candles in various fragrances. Opt for lavender, rose, bergamot or lime scents, Charlotte Rhys, R299. 5 If your skin feels good, you feel good. Juice Beauty is an organic and ethical skincare range with products that will leave your skin feeling refreshed. Try the Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray, available from faithfultonature.co.za, R935. 6 If you plan on spending all day in bed on your day off, make sure the bed is as comfortable as possible. For the comforting feel of soft fabric, try this faux fur throw by Hertex HAUS, Yuppiechef.com, R1 249. 7 There’s nothing like a long soak in the bath to relax. Lush bath

bombs are ethically made and deliciously scented. There are many varieties to choose from, but if it’s relaxation you’re after, go for the pink bomb aptly called The Comforter, which combines blackcurrant, bergamot oil and soothing cypress oil, Lush, R69.50. 8 Bubbly doesn’t have to be reserved for celebrations. Indulge in a glass or two for the perfect me-time experience. These Wade Bales Fine Wines Bubbly Mix offers a delicious selection of MCC and Prosecco, Yuppiechef.com, R759.

Prices valid at the time of print.

Public Sector Manager • November 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Driven to be a leading, responsible and diversified global black-owned seafood businessâ&#x20AC;?

Since 1964 Sea Harvest has become an iconic black-owned and managed fishing company that is recognised as being globally competitive and locally invested in people, growth and food security. Established in Saldanha Bay, the company has become synonymous with the rural Cape west coast town where its operations remain a key source of livelihood for the local community. As Sea Harvest navigates the future, it will remain focused on creating value that fuels economic growth and benefiting society through job creation and social transformation.

www.seaharvest.co.za

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PSM November 2019 Edition

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