PSM October Edition 2016 by Topco Media

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

OCTOBER 2016

On the move THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Minister Dipuo Peters on transforming transport

Social safety net

Acting DG Magwaza caring for the vulnerable

OCTOBER 2016 PSM

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Raising the standards Education the key to success in N Cape

Lifestyle • Quick, refreshing summer snacks • City breaks on the wild side

It is easy to understand why the City of Rustenburg has been South Africa’s fastest growing city since the dawn of democracy in 1994, with the population increasing from 75 000 to 400 000 in two decades. The City is home to two of the world’s largest platinum mines, has a rich history and impressive cultural diversity, whilst also being centrally located within easy reach to some of the world’s most diversified tourism hot spots. Rustenburg is also located ideally close to South Africa’s economic juggernauts, Tshwane and Johannesburg in the Gauteng region. The oasis of agricultural prowess is the economic heartthrob of the North West Province, and has often been referred to as the Texas of South Africa because of its thriving beef industry. The city is alive with vast economic opportunities, leading tens of thousands of people from surrounding communities and the hinterlands of South Africa and beyond, to flock to the area to tap into such. All these economic and social growth attributes impact heavily on resources targeted for service delivery and pose challenges to the City, in particular, the road network and public transport. The people of the province rely heavily on Rustenburg for their livelihoods and this has created heavy reliance on taxis and buses, a commuting pattern that, for many people, proves to be inequitable, risky, costly and not sustainable. However, the Municipality has over the years been forward-thinking in finding ways to balance and embrace these changes, whilst effectively responding to the spatial distortion the City inherited from apartheid-era urban planning. At the heart of these fundamental interventions is the City’s bus rapid transport (BRT) system, whose aim is the provision of affordable, accessible public transport to ensure the seamless movement of large numbers of people to all parts of the City quickly and safely. The BRT system is the road based component of an Integrated Rapid Public Transport System (IRPTS) and includes dedicated bus lanes, and modern bus stations that are safe and comfortable. Rustenburg is one of 13 metropolitan cities which were identified by the National Department of Transport (DoT) as being in urgent need of such an IRPTS. The BRT system was named Yarona™ by the people of Rustenburg - meaning ‘It is Ours’ in Setswana, and was launched in 2014. On completion, the project will include trunk corridors, direct routes and feeder services that will connect with existing systems of minibus taxis, buses

and the highway ensuring seamless mobility around the city and surrounding areas. The project has been split into four phases estimated at just over R2 billion. According to the Municipality, owners of private vehicles will see Yarona™ as a viable option for mobility, as a result, the more use of the system will help ease congestion, reduce the impact on the environment and support the development of Rustenburg as a sustainable city. The entity aims to place 80% of Rustenburg resident within 1km of Yarona™ services. Upon completion the public transport system will service 100 000 passengers daily. Rustenburg Local Municipality is working hard towards 2017 when the first phase of the project will “go live”. The people’s optimism regarding progress on the project was further boosted by the iconic Ramochana Bridge along the R510 in October 2015. There are a number of milestones that have been achieved which include special needs facilities that guarantee universal accessibility. Universal access is a major component of the Yarona™ system as it accommodates all people, whether they use cars, bicycles, walking or are using a wheelchair in order to achieve mobility Special needs facilities include tactile paving for the visually impaired; boarding bridges to ensure level boarding between the stops, stations, audible pedestrian crossings and safety features which include CCTV cameras. The Municipality says it will continuously do its utmost best to ensure that the people of Rustenburg benefit from the project, through job opportunities, skills transfers and meaningful participation through stakeholder engagement. The development infrastructure for Yarona™ has so far created over 1000 employment opportunities, benefiting a substantial number of young people and women. Meanwhile, the Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) Directorate, which administers Yarona™, has embarked on a ground-breaking initiative to create a database and information portal for available jobs and opportunities for SMMEs. The Directorate recently completed a register of residents and owners of Small Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Municipality’s unemployment and supplier database to be used when opportunities arise as part of the Yarona™ services.

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This has generated a lot of interest among residents and a total of 1044 potential labourers and 58 SMMEs were collected and collated from wards in the Greater Tlhabane area. It is worth noting that Yarona™ was introduced to Rustenburg for the benefit of the community, and therefore the people should benefit from job opportunities created from the project. To further ensure that the local community benefit, the Municipality requires that a minimum of 25% of the contract value in supplies, services, labour and materials should be sourced within Rustenburg. Over R300 million in value have been injected into the local economy as part of this requirement. The BRT system is not just a transport project but a transformational project that will encourage more effective settlements patterns, CBD regeneration and recreational open space, the green city planning is also progressing well in line with Rustenburg’s 2025 City Development Strategy. The project also contributes to meeting the skills development needs of the community through various internship programmes provided by the contractors to young graduates. Such initiatives serve, as the bridge between academic achievement and gaining much needed experience. According to the Municipality, Phases One and Two of the project are currently being implemented. Phase One has further been staggered into Phase 1A, 1B and 1C. The breakdown is as follows: • Full Phase 1 and 2: 7.3km Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) operations 387km Integrated Public Transport Network • The 105km route network covering Tlhabane, Geelhout, Noord, Central Business District (CBD) 5.3km BRT operations Eight feeder routes • The 70km route network covering Cashane, Waterfall and CBD No trunk routes Six feeder routes • The 123km route network covering Boitekong, Paardekraal, Sunrise and CBD 6.5km BRT lanes Four feeder routes • The 88km route network covering Kanana, Freedom Park, and CBD 7.6km mixed traffic operations Four feeder routes

According to the RRT Directorate 36 buses will be purchased for Phase 1a routes. Moreover, great progress has been made in the construction of six state-of-the-art six stations along the Yarona™ route. Other milestones are as follows: • Implementation of the North East corridor (R510Thabazimbi Road) is on track. • The roads construction within the Rustenburg CBD will be next in line after detailed design was complete in August of 2016. • A depot and layover facility has been designed and construction is expected to start in the third quarter of the 2016/17 financial year. Considerable resources have been invested towards improving sidewalks, cross walks, paths and cycle lanes so that there is harmony and a working balance between non-motorised transportation (NMT) modes and motorised transport. Non-motorised transportation includes walking and cycling and other forms of transport that do not use an engine. In as far as industry transition is concerned; affected operators from the taxi and bus industry are continuously being engaged by the Municipality for their participation within the Yarona™ system as per prescriptions of the National Land Transport Act, NLTA 2009. The Municipality commends taxi industry which it describes as supportive and cooperative, and ready for the transition into a new public transport mandate. Broad consensus has been reached with the industry on the reality and importance of RRT Project. A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed between the Municipality and the industry. Much progress has been made towards the creation of the Bus Operating Company, which will ensure that industry players continue to share in the success and growth of Yarona™.

32 Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips 34 Provincial focus Northern Cape Education MEC Martha Bartlett is working hard to improve education in the province

Contents OCTOBER 2016

38 International relations President Jacob Zuma used the recent Group of 20 Leaders’ Summit to advance Africa’s cause 40 Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and information 75 Public sector appointments Find out who is new on persal

Features 42 University to decide on 2017 fee increases Government has recommended that university fee adjustments for 2017 should not exceed eight percent

46 Metros get down to business Municipalities across the country are getting down to the hard work of ensuring service delivery 52 Opinion Public Service and Administration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi says elected representatives must move the country forward

Regulars 10 Conversations with leaders Transport Minister Dipuo Peters unpacks the vital role transport plays in growing the economy 18 Profiles in leadership Social Development Acting Director-General and CEO of SASSA Thokozani Magwaza on changing the lives of SA’s vulnerable

56 Crime fighting scores victories Efforts by the South African Police Service to fight crime are bearing fruit in some sectors 58 SA, Mozambique strengthen bonds of friendship Relations between South Africa and Mozambique continue to strengthen 62 Gauteng on the road to financial success All provincial departments and public entities in Gauteng have achieved unqualified audits

21 Women in the public sector Sergeant Mpho Mgogodlana tackling crime 28 Trailblazer Marine pilot Londiwe Phoswa is making a success of her dreams

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

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

SA dealing with impact of drought All South Africans need to use water wisely

Universal access to ART on the horizon South Africa is one step closer to ensuring that its citizens have access to anti-retroviral treatment for all HIV-positive people

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainable development tops agendas The recent Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development and the 36th Southern African Development Community Summit addressed challenges facing the continent Taking the media industry forward Communications Minister Faith Muthambi says more needs to be done to transform the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media industry

Lifestyle 74

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Financial fitness How to stretch your salary

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------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Chief Financial Officer -----------------------------------------------

Donald Liphoko Phumla Williams Nebo Legoabe Harold Maloka Zwelinjani Momeka

Message from the Minister

Transport:

The heartbeat of the economy

ransport is a part of the daily lives of most South

they will carry more than 1 300 passengers and travel at a top

Africans. Every day millions of people take to our

speed of 160km/h.

roads in their daily commute to work or school,

Investments in the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT ) system

while our economy is kept ticking by delivery vehicles, trains

has improved the manner in which residents access their

and trucks which carry goods to cities and towns.

places of work, study and entertainment. The BRT system is

Most South Africans on their daily commute never take

successfully operated in Cape Town through MyCiTi, Rea Vaya in

the time to consider just how essential transport is. The

Johannesburg, A Re Yeng in Tshwane and Go George in George.

roads and rail networks that traverse our country are like

These and other investments in the country’s transport

arteries carrying vital blood to our economy.

infrastructure will help grow South Africa’s economy and address

An efficient transport system allows citizens to access

the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. At

services, places of work, education and entertainment.

the same time, our investments in transport are positioning the

Transport is the backbone of our economy and government

country as an attractive investment destination.

is investing in the transport sector, which is part of the

Humankind has always used transport and mobility to move

country’s Nine-Point Plan to stimulate development and

forward and we are confident that these investments will

create jobs. Our public transport investments are part of

change and better the lives of countless people.

building and operating an integrated public transport network across the country.

Economic growth

During Transport Month, in October, government will

Our aim is to make transport the heartbeat of South Africa’s

showcase transport infrastructure projects, promote the

economic growth and social development. On the economic

use of public transport and advance the country’s road

front, transport is a crucial driver of trade, exports and imports.

safety initiatives. The month long programme is fittingly

However, transport is so much more than just mobility. It is a

being held under the theme: “Together we move South

key driver in ensuring human interaction, tourism and regional

Africa Forward.”

integration. Therefore, government will continue to leverage the critical

Transport infrastructure

role of transport in advancing economic growth and reducing

Our country is fairly fortunate to have well established

historic inequalities by driving social development. We have

transportation infrastructure in the form of an extensive

no doubt that our investments in transport infrastructure are

road and rail network. However, we are aware that further

rapidly changing the country’s urban landscapes. They are

investments are essential. Government has, therefore,

also key drivers in improving economic efficiency and our

sought to build on our existing road and rail infrastructure.

attractiveness as an investment destination.

Investments in rail infrastructure is making rail the

These transport infrastructure investments are in line with

backbone of our passenger and freight transport system.

the country’s long-term developmental goals to provide

Government has embarked on one of the world’s biggest

infrastructure in a manner that is efficient and affordable to

rail projects to overhaul passenger trains. It is investing

individuals and corporate users.

in new trains that will operate with greater efficiency as

The National Development Plan (NDP) calls for sustainable

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

transport infrastructure to allow South Africa to move from a developing country to a developed country. The NDP places transport at the centre of South Africa’s Vision 2030. It argues that “moving towards 2030, South Africa’s transport system will support economic development, job creation and growth, providing equitable access to opportunities and services for all and reducing poverty”.

Integrated transport system All our interventions are aimed at putting in place the building blocks for such a future; one where a safer, integrated and reliable transport system is a reality for all. An integrated transport system is one where various transport options come together seamlessly. This reality has already begun to take shape in many of our large cities where thousands of commuters use the BRT system to travel within cities. This link will be further strengthened by new state-ofthe-art trains that will soon help move more than 2.2 million passengers across our cities every day.

of N1/N2 Toll Highway will create an estimated 5 000 jobs

Apart from the obvious benefits of faster and cheaper travel, a

during the project and 600 direct jobs yearly. An additional 25

move to public transport will decrease the number of vehicles

000 jobs will be created in the terminal and runway expansion

on our roads and also reduce the probability of road crashes.

projects at Cape Town and OR Tambo International Airports.

It will support our carbon reduction goals as public transport

These exciting projects are unlocking the potential of our

is one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport.

transport sector to grow the economy, train people and create

Government is actively striving to use the transport sector

jobs. We will, therefore, continue to invest in transport as a

to create opportunities for young people. During Transport Month stakeholders in the various transport sectors will profile the different careers that can be embarked on.

means to move the country forward.

Making the roads safer

The Airports Company South Africa will host an Aviation

At the same time, we are continually striving to make our

Careers Fair to highlight careers available in aviation. The

roads safer. There are still too many accidents on our roads,

South Africa Maritime Safety Authority will showcase maritime

and there must be a radical change in behaviour if we are to

careers to about 5 000 learners during its Sci-Bono Maritime

reduce high road fatalities and road carnage.

Career Focus Week. The Transport Career Expo will target high

Road accidents can be prevented as the majority of incidents

school learners and university students at various campuses

are caused by human error. In almost all road fatalities there is

across the country.

a violation of traffic rules, including pedestrians crossing the

Work opportunities

roads at night or drivers being under the influence of alcohol. Simply changing our behaviour and obeying the rules of the

We are also delighted that the transport sector is helping

road can vastly decrease road accidents. If we all do the right

put more people to work. Through our rail modernisation

thing and ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy, buckle

programme, we have created 1 500 jobs at our new train

up, take regular breaks, and above all, do not drive when

manufacturing factory in Nigel. The programme to replace

intoxicated, we can ensure safer driving for all.

obsolete signalling has translated into 762 jobs, with another 150 for engineers and artisans. Our rail upgrade programme will also see 19 500 people receive training in various rail-related activities. The construction

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

Together let us use Transport Month as the vehicle to focus on the importance of travel in our lives. By working together, driving carefully and obeying the rules of the road we can ensure that transport remains the heartbeat of society.

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Protecting

vulnerable groups T here is a saying that the moral test of a nation is how

Community dialogues are held regularly across the country

it treats the most vulnerable in society. Societies are

as part of Project Mikondzo to learn more about the social

judged by how they treat the poor, older persons,

ills facing vulnerable communities and enhance access

homeless, orphaned, people with disabilities and children,

to services to the people. Project Mikondzo is a service

to mention just a few.

delivery initiative of the Department of Social Development

In South Africa, we are fortunate to have a government that is guided by the Constitution and recognises the need to protect vulnerable groups and the rights of everyone in the country.

to respond quicker and more effectively to the needs of impoverished communities. Since its inception in 2013, the programme has been rolled out to a number of wards across the country. It gives our

Government, through the Department of Social

public officials first-hand experience of the challenges our

Development, has over the years implemented policies

people face on a daily basis and it is bearing fruit. For instance,

that support the most vulnerable and protect their dignity.

it has helped the department to uncover and intervene in a

During Social Development Month, in October, we will once

number of social challenges facing communities.

again build on our successes in protecting the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.

These include offering assistance to children with disabilities and their parents; strengthening and expanding

The Department of Social Development works closely with

the delivery of early childhood development services; as well

its entities like the South African Social Security Agency

as identifying and providing support to child- and youth-

and National Development Agency to raise awareness

headed households, including hunger and malnutrition

about a number of programmes that are available to assist

interventions. It has also enabled government and its partners

vulnerable groups.

to identify and track children who were not registered for grants or did not have identity documents. This month also provides the ideal opportunity for us to learn more about the circumstances of the elderly and encourage all South Africans, in particular the youth, to respect and protect their grandparents and the elderly in communities. Older persons are an important sector of our society and play a critical role as guardians for orphaned and vulnerable children. This is illustrated by the fact that more than 500 000 older persons collect a social grant for their grandchildren. As government we urge all South Africans to assist us in raising awareness about the integrated services provided by the department and its partners. During Social Development Month we should make it our responsibility to ensure that the most vulnerable are treated with respect and they also know where and how to access government services.

Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

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Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photographer: Siyasanga Mbambani

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS

Transport vital for SA’s growth T

he transport sector is at the heart of the

Overhauling the rail sector

country’s development and it is Minister of

Minister Peters says her department is supporting the

Transport Dipuo Peters’ duty to ensure that it

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to ensure

accommodates everyone. “I have the duty of ensuring that South Africans have safe, reliable, affordable and convenient public transport,” says the Minister. She points out that her department’s role has a bearing on almost every aspect of people’s daily lives. “People need transport and roads to go to work, businesses, church, parties, holidays, shops and to

system. “The Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme is our big programme currently. It is aimed at supporting PRASA’s effort to position passenger rail as a backbone of South Africa’s transport system.” It is through this programme that the Department of Transport wants to overhaul the country’s rail sector.

socialise. The department has a humongous task

The department has already invested R172 billion

of ensuring that the infrastructure is maintained,

in this programme and as a result, five new modern

upgraded and built in addition to providing a safe,

passenger trains have already been delivered. The sod

reliable, affordable and convenient transport.”

turning for the factory that will build new trains locally

Speaking to PSM about Transport Month, which is

took place in Ekurhuleni in March.

commemorated in October, Minister Peters says the

The factory will ensure that 65 percent of the trains

department intends showcasing transport infrastruc-

used in the country are built locally. The rolling stock

ture projects, promoting the use of public transport

programme will create about 65 000 jobs.

and advancing the road safety initiatives. This year’s Transport Month theme is “Together we Move South Africa Forward”. “Government is investing in the transport sector which is part of the country’s Nine-Point Plan to

“The local manufacture of new trains will see the skilling of approximately 19 527 individuals over the next 10 years,” she adds. These will include artisans, engineers, train drives, designers and technicians.

stimulate development and create jobs. Our pub-

The Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme forms

lic transport investments are part of building and

part of the modernisation programme that includes,

operating an integrated public transport network

among others, station and depot modernisation, signal-

across the country.”

ling and telecommunications.

She adds that the country’s investment in transport will help grow the economy and address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. “Our investments in transport are positioning the country as an attractive investment destination.”

that passenger rail plays a leading role in the transport

“Government has allocated a total of R46.6 billion over the next years for this programme.” Currently, trains are being used by the poor because they are the most affordable mode of transport, the Minister points out.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters.

“To some it is the only means of transport that they have

“The Moloto Road is notoriously known as the road of

that can take them to work so that they can earn a living

death and we are going to transform it into a road of hope.

and provide for their families. An example of this is that in

This road is known for crashes, bus accidents, injuries and

2014/15, PRASA transported two million passengers and

death. It is used by almost 150 000 commuters daily. It

covered 55 million passenger trips.”

has not been upgraded for many years,” says the Minister. According to statistics, between January 2012 and May

Major infrastructure programmes

2014, there were 489 crashes on Moloto Road, which runs

One of the major infrastructure programmes that the de-

through Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, that result-

partment is working on is the Moloto Development Cor-

ed in 158 deaths and 594 serious injuries.

ridor, which has a road and rail component.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

The Moloto Road Development Corridor project will >>

ADVERTORIAL

The merSETA 2015/16 Annual Report Summary CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S OVERVIEW One thing I respect deeply about Africa is the treasures of wisdom that our forebears have handed down to us. While some of us have forgotten much of this, we at merSETA have not. This year marks the 60th year of the women’s struggle against the discriminatory and oppressive pass laws of the past. It also marks the 40th anniversary of the 16 June student uprising. These two s i g n i ﬁc a n t e v e n t s a r e a s t a r k reminder of our past. An old Ashanti proverb aptly states: “When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him”.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr Raymond Patel

The prudent sayings of the women’s march and the 16 June uprising on wisdom itself, to the judicious encouragement, warning and quirky advice on learning, patience, unity, poverty, family and the community, inspired us to be the best we possibly can. During the year under review we witnessed the student uprising called #FeesMustfall. The events not only reminded us of our past, but cataclysmically propelled us to the realisation that the students’ struggles for a just and fair education necessitate different, unique and innovative ways of addressing the education and training challenges of today. An old Ethiopian proverb says: “The fool speaks; the wise man listens.” We have listened to the call of those who are less fortunate, those who are still facing daily oppression and those who have made a plea for their lives to be improved. An Akan proverb says: “Wisdom is like a baobab tree: no one individual can embrace it.” The challenges our country faces are enormous and merSETA cannot and will not resolve them alone. We are reminded of the Hema (DRC) proverb: “Wisdom is like ﬁre: people take it from others.” We are cognisant of the baobab tree and the wisdom that others possess. Let us now report to you on what we achieved during the year under review, with assistance and contributions from our different partners. Allow us to thank you for our success. Our target for unemployed learners was 3500; our achievement was 4202. For the unemployed interns, the target was 297; we achieved 91% of the target. For unemployed skills programmes, the target was 1265; we achieved 4467. We faced a challenge with the number of unemployed learners completing their learning programmes; only 71% of them completed their programme. This is clearly an indication of the tough economic climate that the sector is facing. Last year, we reported

to you that we experienced difficulty with the target for unemployed bursaries entered; this year we can confidently report to you that we have surpassed this target by 14%, our target was 1550 and we funded 1770 students. We would now like to share with you what a parent wrote in thanking the merSETA for her son’s achievement. “It is with the greatest pleasure that I am sharing this news and image with you: “Thanks to the support of the merSETA, my son, Cole Smail, managed to complete his first year of Mechanical Engineering at UJ (with 6 distinctions) and is currently doing his second year under your sponsorship.. Furthermore, he is now a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. And what an honour this is! We are truly grateful to you for the access that your sponsorship is providing him, proving that these initiatives literally help change lives. As Cole stated in his bursary application, this is a privilege that comes with great responsibility, which he honours and still aims to pay forward.” We have listened to the Guinean proverb that says: “Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand.” We have not only invested in students, but during the year under review we invested in a Lecture Development Programmes: our target was 120 and we funded 163 lecturers. We congratulate the lecturers who humbled themselves and who subscribe to the belief “if you are filled with pride, then you have no room for wisdom”. During the year under review we had 40 performance indicators (Pis). We achieved above 120% in 29 of these and 100% in four of the indicators. We achieved less than 100% in seven of the indicators. We have commenced with remedial action and are confident that we will achieve the targets during the 2016/17 financial year. We realise that the Nigerians are correct in saying, “In moments of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams”. An Ivory Coast proverb says that “The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth”. We acknowledge the levy contribution paid by our stakeholders. In turn, our target for large companies was 500, we paid 580 large companies. Our target for medium size companies was 833 and we succeeded in paying grants to 1000. We also paid 97% of small businesses their grants. We have not only succeeded in expanding education and training; during the year under review but we were also able to expand the minds and experiences of the youth. We contributed to the development and exposure of young people who participated in the WorldSkills competition held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in August 2015. A Namibian proverb says “learning expands great souls”.

merSETA MANCO MEMBERS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr Raymond Patel

STRATEGY & RESEARCH EXECUTIVE

Ms Sebolelo Mokhobo-Nomvete

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Mr Wayne Adams

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Ms Lindiwe Ndlela

CORPORATE SERVICES EXECUTIVE Ms Ester van der Linde

Our participation in WorldSkills has also revealed the leadership quality that resides within our students, lecturers, experts and our own staff at the merSETA who played a cardinal role to ensure success of the 2015 WorldSkills Competition. An old Congolese proverb says: “The friends of our friends are our friends.” During the period under review, the merSETA entered into a new range of partnership agreements with TVET colleges, comprehensive universities and universities of technology as well as national and provincial governments. This extends the merSETA’s national footprint in developing the skills of a new cohort of learners, whilst ensuring the progression of existing learners in the system. The agreements supported localisation through networking with relevant businesses, industry and national and provincial departments, resulting in work-integrated learning opportunities being provided for many deserving students, particularly those from the university sector. “Wealth, if you use it, comes to an end; learning, if you use it, increases,” the Swahili proverb proclaims. During the period under review, the merSETA supported 7 204 young learners through 38 career guidance events across all provinces in making informed career choices in the manufacturing, engineering and related services sectors. The career events were attended by 840 schools in total, and rural areas in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and certain areas in the North West Province were visited. Some of the rural schools that attended the events were Umvuzo Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal, Thohoyandou Technical High School in Limpopo, Maripe Secondary School in Mpumalanga, Nyanga High School in the Eastern Cape and Batloung High School in North West. Of the number of schools that participated, 337 were rural schools. In Africa, we have a saying: “You show me your friends and I will show you your character.” We have revealed our true character to you during the year under review: 8004 workers benefitted from the Retrenchment Assistant Plan (RAP); eight merSETA levy-paying companies benefitted from the Training Layoff Scheme (TLS) while 4542 workers benefitted from signed agreements. The merSETA also entered into co-funded agreements with the UIF to the value of R150 million. A famous African saying notes: “A family is like a forest, when you are outside it, it is dense; when you are inside, you see each tree has its place.” During the year under review, we celebrated the success of the Eldorado Park Presidential Project, which witnessed the enrolment of 30 young people who were victims of the well-documented drug problem in the area. 30 learners successfully completed learnerships and 22 were contracted by companies through this intervention. We were able to see how each tree had its place in that dense forest. During the financial year under review, the merSETA entered into an agreement with the Trade Union constituency; the agreement is valued at R2,957,542. It focuses on capacitating labour skills development facilitators to effectively execute their function as worker representatives on training committees. In Africa, we believe that if you want to go quickly, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together. For this reason we continued our relationship with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to conduct research and provide development support for renewable energy and new technology for the development of an electrical car, as well as a

Cole Smail completed his ﬁrst year with six distinctions in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg and is currently doing his second year under the merSETA sponsorship. Furthermore, he is now a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

solar-powered cart that could potentially lend itself to a number of applications. The merSETA also partnered with the Cape Peninsula University of technology to pilot the first of green skills qualifications, namely the wind turbine service technician qualification. The pilot made provision for training the first 10 wind turbine service technicians. We are also proud of our relationship with the Department of Correctional Services in supporting parole-awaiting offenders with technical skills. The Bafeke say: “You learn how to cut down trees by cutting them down.” During the year under review, we developed 48 new occupational qualifications; registered 23 occupational qualifications; 25 in progress with the QCTO and SAQA; 6 Ekurhuleni East TVET College pilot places; 623 requests for the distribution of modularised unit standards; 44 skills programmes were evaluated and registered and 57 rescissions were recorded. We maintained quality standards during the year under review: 982 accreditation visits were conducted, and 1212 moderations and 93 audits were conducted. There is an old African proverb that tells us how to value our staff at the merSETA: “A family tie is like a tree, it can bend, but it cannot break.” The Ute believe “if a person is in harmony with her family, that’s success”. The merSETA has a high performance learning culture, it boasts a well-run organisation, solid compliance and has a good wellness programme. The organisation also enjoys a healthy relationship with labour organisations. The Malawians say: “He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.” The merSETA’s governance is sound and during the year under review, it underwent proper and transparent governance. The Accounting Authority has revealed true and stern leadership. We are grateful to the Chairperson, Ms Phindile Baleni, and an Ethiopian saying is appropriate: “Where a woman rules, streams run uphill.” To the entire Accounting Authority, words cannot express the gratitude of the sector and the staff for your leadership. The level of engagement, debate and decision making made the achievements of the past financial year possible.

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1 306 676 1 269 994

Levy Income 0

100 000

200 000

300 000

400 000

500 000

600 000

700 000

1 255 492

Y 2011

102 117

Y 2012

Interest Income

Y 2013

67 500 83 175

Y 2014 Y 2015

200 000

400 000

600 000

800 000

1 000 000

1 200 000

1 400 000

Y 2016 Mandatory (R000’s)

Discretionary (R000’s)

Projects (R000’s)

Actual current year

Budget current year

Actual prior year

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS

also include an investment in passenger rail to offer com-

Maritime leads in economic development

muters a safer, faster and more accessible connection

The maritime industry is important to South Africa’s eco-

between Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

nomic development as it supports Operation Phakisa which

“PRASA and China Communication Construction Com-

promotes the flourishing oceans economy, says the Minister.

pany Limited have entered into a memorandum of un-

Operation Phakisa is aimed at fast-tracking service delivery

derstanding to explore areas of possible cooperation

in various sectors of the economy and is a collaboration of

on the planning and implementation of the Moloto Rail

the public and private sectors, academia and civil society.

Corridor Initiative. The refurbishment of the road will take

The country’s oceans have the potential to contribute up

five years to complete at a cost of about R4.5 billion and

to R177 billion to the gross domestic product and create

5 500 jobs will be created,” says Minister Peters.

up to one million jobs by 2033.

Another major project is the Eastern Cape Works and

“Government has unlocked investments amounting to

Wild Coast Project. In the Eastern Cape, South African

about R17 billion in the oceans economy through Opera-

National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) has completed

tion Phakisa.

road infrastructure to the value of about R1.4 billion. SANRAL is now busy appointing service providers for the construction of two new mega-bridges that will bring communities closer to each other, as well as other urban centres such as Mthatha, she adds.

omy, over 4 500 jobs have been created in the various sectors,” she adds. Other developments in the maritime industry include the establishment of the South African International Maritime

“The mega-bridges are part of the N2 Wild Coast Toll

Institute (SAIMI) through collaboration between the Nel-

Road project that will include nine major bridges, three

son Mandela Metropolitan University and the South African

interchange bridges and new roads.”

Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

In addition, work is currently taking place on the N3

SAIMI is a multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder institute

route, which is the busiest road freight corridor in South

that will facilitate the development of a skills and knowledge

Africa.

base required to ensure the success of maritime economic

“The work is estimated to cost about R8.3 billion and the

“Since the inception of Operation Phakisa: Oceans Econ-

development initiatives such as the oceans economy.

upgrading of the N3 is important if one of government’s

“SAMSA in partnership with Department of Higher Educa-

strategic integrated projects linking the Port of Durban

tion and Training implemented a National Cadetship Pro-

with Gauteng is to succeed.”

gramme which was funded by SAMSA and some elements

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

of it were funded by the National Skills Fund,” she says.

Transforming airports The Airports Company of South Africa’s (ACSA) airports

It will consider the possibility of introducing a minimum sentence for extremely serious traffic violations such as excessive speeding, reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, explains the Minister.

are all becoming vital centres and catalysts for eco-

“This is intended to bring about tough consequences for traffic

nomic growth, as well as access hubs for the rest of

offences and to remove the culture of impunity that currently

the world, says Minister Peters.

prevails on the roads. These measures will strengthen the imple-

Airports are being transformed into multi-faceted,

mentation of the new road safety strategy, ensure consistency

world-class, global gateways for travel, trade and com-

of law enforcement and justice for innocent victims of reckless

merce. As a result, business opportunities abound, par-

and negligent drivers,” she adds.

ticularly in property, retail and advertising, she adds. The department wants to introduce the ‘aerotropolis’ concept, whereby a range of manufacturing, logistics and commercial facilities, complemented by hotels, retail outlets, entertainment complexes and offices are clustered around airports to accelerate the core role of our airports. “This will be done particularly for the King Shaka International Airport and its associated Dube Trade Port and the drive for an aerotropolis surrounding OR Tambo International, which is directed by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. “This will ensure that our airports further add towards their aeronautical income derived from regulated tariffs as well as for their non-aeronautical revenue which includes ACSA’s expansion of its international operations.”

365-day Road Safety Programme The Minister says the department, with all its roads agencies, is in the process of developing a 365-day

This and that How do you relax?

I enjoy going to church and listening to gospel music.

Road Safety Programme that will be sustainable and

What is your favourite food?

run consistently.

I love a good curry.

The emphasis of the 365-day programme is expected to address various road user groups, ranging from pedestrians, passengers, scholar groups and drivers.

What makes you proud to be Minister of Transport?

To help ensure the country’s roads are safer, the

I love seeing change in communities across the country,

department has formed partnerships with key stake-

especially when I go to communities and people tell me

holders such as faith-based organisations, youth, non-

what a difference a bridge or road has made to their lives.

governmental organisation, community structures and media platforms. In addition, a Ministerial Task Team consisting of of-

If you were not in government what would you be doing?

ficials from the Department of Justice, the National

I am a social worker by profession and I love helping to

Prosecuting Authority and the Road Traffic Manage-

develop people.

ment Corporation has been established.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

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Profiles in leadership

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize

The Acting DirectorGeneral of the Department of Social Development, Thokozani Magwaza, was recently appointed CEO of the South African Social Security Agency.

Changing the lives of SAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vulnerable W

hen it comes to social development in South Africa,

yet begun this role. Magwaza will only move to SASSA

Thokozani Magwaza certainly has his finger on the

once the Minister of Social Development has appointed

pulse.

a new Director-General.

Not only is he the Acting Director-General of the Department of

As South Africa marks Social Development Month in

Social Development, but Cabinet also recently appointed Magwaza

October, Magwaza says there is much to celebrate with

the new CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

regard to making social services available to those who

He calls himself the CEO designate at SASSA because he has not

need them the most.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

Extending the reach of social grants Recently, the department reached a milestone with 17 million South Africans now receiving social grants. This year the SASSA is also celebrating 10 years of service. Magwaza explains that the department registers about 300 000 new social grant applicants per year and would like to see this number increase.

In South Africa there are informal, formal, semi-formal and private ECD centres. “Everyone needs to be registered before they can operate an ECD centre, especially since we found certain ECD centres already operating illegally.” He adds that his department wants to ensure that ECD centres have minimum standards.

The department intends embarking on a drive to tell people

“As the Department of Social Development, we are respon-

that in terms of the Constitution of the country, they have the

sible for the first 1 000 days of the child’s life and access to

right to access a grant, should they qualify.

early childhood development.

The Acting Director-General is also chairperson of the Min-

“We are still in discussion with the Department of Basic Edu-

isterial Task Team that is looking at the deductions on social

cation. We are saying zero to four years is our responsibility

grants.

in terms of access to ECD centres, but beyond this who will

He says that the department is against the deductions of airtime, water and electricity, among others, from social grants. “The amount that government is paying [to social grant recipients] is meant to push the frontiers of poverty. It cannot

be responsible for four years to six years?” Magwaza says there are about 21 000 registered ECD centres in department’s system.”

be done in any other way. The law has always indicated that

Household food and nutrition strategy

this money should not be touched.”

To combat poverty, the department implements the House-

Magwaza adds that the department has come up with amendments on the policy on deductions that no deductions are allowed except for 10 percent for a funeral benefit.

hold Food and Nutrition Security Strategy, which is aimed at people who cannot afford food. “Government came up with strategy a few years ago. We

“The department says 10 percent is for one policy. We have

saw the need for us to get involved in this space. In the past

found that people have two or three family policies; sometimes

we had soup kitchens across the country but government

they exceed this 10 percent.”

felt South Africans needed more.

SASSA is also boosting its efforts to fight fraud and corruption.

“The department then introduced Community Nutrition

“We have established an inspectorate that we are busy trying

Development Centres (CNDCs). The idea is to get people

to finalise. We already have staff members appointed in the

under one space for them to be fed and at the same time

inspectorate to operationalise it. We want to stop fraud and

discuss developmental issues so that they can come with

corruption at SASSA.”

development ideas and ultimately get out of the system and

Early Childhood Development Centres a priority

sustain themselves.” He adds that within these centres, the department is also

The Department of Social Development wants to do more to

able to distribute school uniforms as well as information on

promote Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, said the

farming and entrepreneurial activities. This is done in partner-

Acting Director-General.

ship with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisher-

“Our research indicates that ECD centres are important because the first years of the cognitive thinking of a child are being taken care of at that level. “Research has shown that children who have gone through ECD centres have an easier life in primary and high school in terms of learning.” The department is working hard to ensure that ECD centres are registered.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

ies and the National Development Agency, which is an entity of the Department of Social Development. The food that is cooked at CNDCs comes from the nine food distribution centres that the department has across the country. “This is where we warehouse food and then deliver it to CNDCs, which are run by women and youth. We buy this food in bulk. We have non-governmental organisations >>

Profiles in leadership

that received a tender and are buying the food on our behalf,”

mostly made up of social workers that are retired and highly

Magwaza explains.

experienced in the field.

Inspectors check on the food given to the community to en-

By November 2015, the GBVCC had taken more than 24 046

sure that it is of the standard that the department’s dieticians

calls and received more than 22 683 ‘please call me’ messages

and nutritionist have recommended.

from distraught members of the public who were in need of

“The plate that we serve must have two colours, which are two vegetables, a starch and protein.” “People who visit these centres are those who cannot fend for themselves. We do profile the people that come to our centres,” he adds.

Absorbing social workers Magwaza also says he is aware that his department has been

help. The contact centre was awarded the Changing Lives Award at the 2014 AfricaCom Awards. It also received the Best Technology Innovation Award by the Contact Centre Management Group in recognition for being the first integrated technology of its kind in terms of social service delivery in South Africa and, arguably, in the developing world.

hammered in terms of absorbing social workers into the Department of Social Development who received bursaries from his department. The National Development Plan states that there needs to be 56 000 social workers in the country by 2020.

This and that Favourite food?

I’m a meat lover. A good T-bone steak will do it for me.

Currently, South Africa has about 14 000 social workers.

What do you do for fun?

The department has come under fire for providing bursaries

I jog, I love interior designing and remodelling houses.

for prospective social workers but not absorbing these social workers once they have qualified. It is an issue the Acting Director-General says they are working hard to address. “The country is going through economic upheavals, which have cut across the board and also affected us. We have been

What is your favourite holiday destination? Knysna.

If you were not in government what would you be doing? I would be an architect or civil engineer.

producing social workers but unable to recruit some of them.” He says going forward the department would focus on scaling down on the recruitment and instead invest those resources

Magwaza is originally from KwaMashu and was raised in

into absorbing more social workers.

uMlazi in KwaZulu-Natal. He joined the Department of

Tackling gender-based violence One the services offered by the department is its Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC). Magwaza says it is important for all vulnerable people to have the GBVCC’s contact number. The GBVCC is a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence.

Social Development in 2013 as Deputy Director-General: Comprehensive Social Security. Prior to joining the department, he served in various leadership positions including as Executive Director at Isimilo Projects, CEO for Sechaba Medical Solutions, Acting CEO at Road Accident Fund, CEO Special Pensions, Director Operations for the GEPF and Administrative Manager for Old Mutual.

“This call centre is also linked to the police by something

Magwaza holds a Master’s Degree in Politics and Political

called geolocation, whereby we can trace where the call comes

Economy from the University of Port Elizabeth and a Bach-

from, especially if the person is under attack.

elor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of

“Should a vulnerable person feel they are unsafe they can call the number and their call can then be redirected to the police

Zululand. He also has a certificate in Advanced Business management from the University of Johannesburg.

and they can come to the scene.” He adds that the command centre has about 70 social workers,

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

TRAILBLAZER

Writer: Sekgabo Kedijang

Londiwe Phoswa

harbours dreams of success A tug master uses a tugboat to help the marine pilot navigate the ship safely in and out of the harbour. “Tugs help manoeuvre vessels by pushing or towing them as they enter or exit a port.” “With this background, once you become a pilot you can give the tug master realistic instructions when navigating around the harbour.”

A rocky start After matriculating from Grosvenor Girls High School Londiwe Phoswa is a marine pilot on the rise.

in 2001, Phoswa applied to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for a Diploma in Nautical Studies

but was rejected due to her marks. he love of scenic views and interacting with people are among

She did not let this deter her and instead enrolled at

some of the things 33-years-old Londiwe Phoswa enjoys the

Umlazi Technicon to upgrade her maths and science

most about her job as a marine pilot. But the most satisfying

marks. After achieving this, she went to complete her

part for her, is when a vessel arrives safely alongside the harbour and the captain is pleased with the way in which it was handled. Growing up, Phoswa always knew that she didn’t want to be office bound.

qualification at DUT. Phoswa’s career kick started in 2005 with Unicorn Shipping when she was afforded the opportunity to be part of a year-long cadetship programme. During

“When my cousin told me about the marine industry I started re-

this period, she worked on a tanker and a bulk carrier.

searching the field and fell in love with it. The idea of travelling and

In 2008, she obtained an internationally accredited

working at sea was very appealing,” she recalls. A marine pilot advises and guides the ship’s captain as the ship navigates in and out of the harbour. A typical day at work for Phoswa includes checking with Port Control on how many shipping movements are expected for the day, among others. “I have to confirm weather conditions, check harbour drafts for any changes and check traffic.” On average, Phoswa can work on about three shipping movements per shift, each of which takes approximately and an hour and half.

licence and started operating as a deck officer. Phoswa was responsible for the record book on ships and underwent a Marine First Aid and Firefighting course followed by an oral exam at the South African Maritime Industry. Soon after, she began training as a tug master with Transnet. In 2015, Phoswa was appointed as a marine pilot.

Opportunities for women

Prior to becoming a marine pilot, Phoswa was a tug master, a role

The maritime industry offers many exciting career op-

in which she was able to gain a better understanding of how a tug

portunities and should not be seen as a sector reserved

manoeuvres as well as its capabilities and limitations.

for men, says Phoswa.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

“The maritime industry has come a long way with regard to transformation but I feel it needs more exposure. I still come across people who have no idea how to get into the

the industry. It also gives them an opportunity to ask questions about the field,” she adds.

industry and people who think that the maritime industry

Preparing for success

is just simply about ‘driving’ a ship. They are not aware there

Describing the maritime industry as a fun field with a great deal of

is more to this industry.”

rewards, Phoswa encourages young girls to choose their subjects

She adds that being a woman in the maritime industry is very exciting, particularly because of all the positive attention. However, there are also challenges, which she says have only made her stronger. “Personally I have felt that I had to give twice as much as necessary to prove myself simply because I am

in high school very wisely to make sure they get into it. “Mathematics and physical science are a must. This field is not for quitters, you need tenacity and perseverance. “Get into this field with an open mind and heart, and always be prepared to face challenges every step of the way. Giving up should never be an option,” she advises.

a woman. But every time I am faced with an un-

Phoswa urges the youth to cre-

pleasant situation or challenge I just tell myself,

ate their own paths at their own pace.

‘This too shall pass’. There are also other issues with females, such as competing with each

“No matter how slow you

other, which has taught me to work harder

may think you are going, you should never stop

and helps me thrive under pressure.”

moving,” she says.

Phoswa is particularly proud of Transnet’s efforts to attract more women to the field. Transnet is focusing on improving the quality of basic and tertiary education which are both critical in minimising the gap that exists between the

This and that

trained population and

What is your favourite food?

the requirement in the

Tripe and dumplings.

workplace.

What do you do for fun?

“Transnet has incorporated programmes like “Take a Girl Child

I read, watch movies and cook.

How do you relax?

to Work”, which ex-

I take long hot baths and catch up on

pose young girls to the

social networks.

maritime field to give

What are your greatest strengths?

them practical

My greatest strength is my tenacity. I

experience of working in

am not one to give up easily. I have hit rock bottom numerous times but have managed to pick myself up and go for my goals.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

IN OTHER NEWS

Compiled by: Dorris Simpson

Young scientist wins big

Innovation, earning R75 000 for advancing science and

The innovative use of information and communication tech-

building knowledge.

nology (ICT) to accurately predict drought-stricken environments has proved to be a winning formula for a young Free

Recognising excellence

State researcher.

Other winners included Prof Vhonani Netshandama, who

Dr Muthoni Masinde walked away with top honours at the

won the Distinguished Women Researchers in the Humani-

annual Women in Science Awards of the Department of

ties and Social Sciences Category. She also received R75 000

Science and Technology (DST), held recently in Johannes-

for using science to empower others.

burg.

Prof Netshandama was the initial facilitator of the estab-

Dr Masinde, who obtained her PhD from the University

lishment of Mukondeni Filter Factory, a water filter factory.

of Cape Town in 2012, currently works as a senior lecturer

This was a spin-off collaborative project of the University of

and head of ICT at the Central University of Technology in

Virginia, University of Venda and Mukondeni Pottery near

the Free State.

Elim in Limpopo, where the Mukondeni potters were trained

For her PhD, Dr Masinde developed a novel tool that

to make ceramic water filters.

accurately predicts droughts. The tool taps into indigenous

Recently, she completed a community-based design study

African knowledge of natural disasters and augments it with

to assess the acceptability of a nipple shield for the admin-

ICT such as artificial intelligence, wireless sensor networks

istration of medication to infants.

and mobile phones. This contribution was recognised by the

While it may take a few more years to get the product to

International Telecommunications Union and emerged in

market, the strength of Prof Netshandama's contribution

the top five in the union’s Green ICT Application Challenge.

is her insistence on taking time to engage caregivers and

Her contribution to drought forecasting solutions for the

mothers in rural areas to give input into the design of the

Free State was recently featured on the BBC World Service,

nipple shield.

and led to the establishment of a unit at the Central Uni-

Another emerging young scientist, Caroline Pule, walked

versity of Technology where she teaches, for research on

away with a R60 000 Tata Scholarship for her research into TB,

informatics for drought in Africa.

focusing on understanding the physiology of drug-resistant

With research and teaching experience spanning 16

and tolerant TB strains and how these bacteria modulate the

years, Dr Masinde was named the winner in the category

host response in the context of the macrophage infection

of Distinguished Young Women Researchers: Research and

model. Pule won a DST doctoral fellowship in 2014.

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury receives clean audit report

to live up to the department's vision of being a centre of

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury received its seventh clean audit report

the country.

for the 2015/16 financial year.

excellence in financial and fiscal resource management in “We ensure compliance with policies and regulations,

MEC for Finance Belinda Scott said this achievement was

and their application across the board becomes our culture

made possible by strong and efficient leadership at strategic

when it comes to management of public finances at Treas-

levels within the department, good decision-making, adher-

ury. I am grateful to lead a disciplined and dedicated team

ence to good governance principles and a continuous desire

of technocrats who want to be exemplary in how public

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

finances are managed. In KwaZulu-Natal, we will continue to

“At the end of each financial year, the company will be

strive for all departments, public entities and municipalities

expected to give 10 percent of its revenue to the university.

to achieve clean audit reports,” said Scott.

Such money will be used entirely to benefit students,” said

Head of Department, Simiso Magagula, added that they have key account indicators that are monitored monthly. "Financial year-end projections are generated monthly and checked to avoid surprises at year-end.

the Minister. She commended the university for taking the lead in educating both the young and old. Over the years, Univen has played a signifi-

Interim financial statements are done to give

cant role in the social transformation

the financial status of key accounts every

and social cohesion of the country.

three months. In general, for us, it is about

It has produced some of the most

continuous improvement in the manner in

influential and inspirational leaders,

which we manage finances in the depart-

who have helped to shape its pre-

ment and next year, we expected no dif-

sent and future direction.

ferent," he said.

The current alumni of the univer-

The clean audit report is a culmination of

sity boasts some of the country’s most

hard work that the department embarked

distinguished and well-known names

upon despite the subdued global, nation-

in the field of politics, industry and so-

al and provincial economic climate which

cial transformation, including Limpopo

has prevailed since 2007.

Public Works MEC, Jerry Ndou, Jayson

"The secret to providing better services

Ngobeni, Professor Azwindini Muronga

to communities is through efficient budget-

and Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela. Minister

ing and strategic forecasting. The KwaZulu-Natal provincial

Muthambi is also an alumna.

government remains steadfast in ensuring that all depart-

“In order to effectively contribute to achieving real and

ments adhere to all financial management regulations in

lasting social transformation in rural areas, it is imperative

order to guarantee targeted service delivery and economic

that students at university are taught and encouraged to

growth as recommended in the National Development

maximise the opportunity to learn and develop critical skills

Plan,” said Magagula.

that will maximise their career and employment opportuni-

Univen financial wing takes off

ties,” said the Minister. Chairperson of the UIGC Board, Patjane Moloisane, said

The University of Venda (Univen) has become the first his-

since its inception in 2009, they have taken the route of

torically black university in South Africa to establish a com-

skilling and re-skilling the people of Vhembe District.

mercial wing to tackle its financial challenges. Communications Minister Faith Muthambi officially unveiled the Univen Innovative Growth Company (UIGC) recently in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

“We are committed to contributing to skills development for South Africa and beyond, as well as to be a sustainable third stream income for Univen. “We will continue to offer critical client-based services

“In order for universities to provide quality teaching, learn-

through short skills programmes, consultancy and commer-

ing, research and community engagement, universities are

cial ventures in a financially viable and sustainable manner

encouraged to establish creative means of generating extra

in pursuance of the university’s strategic objectives,” he said.

income. The establishment of this company is to ensure that

UIGC is a company solely owned and operated by Univen

Univen has practical and sustainable means of generating

and has a robust database of professional consultants and

extra income.

trainers, who provide quality services at competitive rates.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

VITAL STATS

Compiled by: Dorris Simpson

Fast facts at your fingertips 2016 Mid-year Population Estimates

approximately 7.03 million in 2016. Among adults aged 15 to 49 years, an estimated 18.9 percent of the population is HIV positive.

Among the youth, HIV prevalence in the 15 to 24 age outh Africa’s population is estimated at 55.9 million. Releasing the results of the 2016 Mid-year Population

group has declined over time from 7.6 percent in 2002 to 5.6 percent in 2016.

Estimates recently, Statistician General Pali Lehohla said

The rate at which the population is being infected is

South Africa’s population grew by 1.62 percent between 2015

declining year-on-year from 1.77 percent in 2002 to 1.27

and 2016.

percent in 2016.

The black African population is in the majority with 45.11 million people and constitutes approximately 81 percent of the total South African population. The white population is

The number of AIDS-related deaths declined consistently since 2006 from 325 241 to 150 759 in 2016.

estimated at 4.52 million, while the coloured population is

Fertility

estimated 4.9 million with the Indian/Asian population at 1.39

According to the report, on average a woman will give

million.

birth to 2.43 children in her lifetime. The report notes that

Gauteng has the largest share of the population with approxi-

fertility has declined from an average of 2.65 children per

mately 13.5 million people (24 percent), followed by KwaZulu-

woman in 2002. The Northern Cape, Gauteng and the

Natal with 11.1 million people (19.9 percent).

Western Cape provinces have a lower fertility rate than

The Northern Cape remains the prov-

that of the national average.

ince with the smallest share of the South African population, with

Life expectancy

approximately 1.17 million peo-

There was an overall increase in life expectancy of South

ple (2.1 percent).

Africans from 55.2 to 62.4 years between 2002 to 2016.

The report found that 51 percent (28.53 million) of the country’s population is female. Like elsewhere in the world, the proportion of elderly persons aged 60 and older is increasing over time.

Estimates by age The figures also show that 30.1 percent of the population is under the age of 15 years, with approximately eight percent 60 years or older. Of those younger than 15 years, approximately

Life expectancy at birth for 2016 is estimated at 59.7 years for males and 65.1 years for females. The infant mortality rate declined from 48.2 in 2002 to 33.7 per 1 000 live births. Under five years’ mortality rate declined from 70.8 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2002 to 44.1 deaths in 2016.

Migration For the period of 2011 to 2016, it is estimated that approximately

3.86 million (23 percent) live in KwaZulu-Natal, fol-

247 437 people would have mi-

lowed by Gauteng with 3.43 million (20.4 percent).

grated out of the Eastern Cape, while

HIV prevalence The estimated overall HIV prevalence rate is approximately 12.7 percent of the total South African population. The number of people living with HIV is estimated at

Limpopo is estimated to experience an outmigration of nearly 305 030 people. During the same period, Gauteng and the Western Cape are estimated to have experienced an inflow of migrants of approximately 1 216 258 and 363 114, respectively.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

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Exceeding Expectations

Writer: Albert Pule

Provincial focus

N Cape youth groomed for success

s the matric exam time comes around once again,

Working towards a better pass rate

Northern Cape MEC for Education Martha Bartlett

The province’s Class of 2015 achieved a 69.4 percent pass rate,

is confident that the province has done all it can

a decline from the 76.4 percent achieved in 2014. While MEC

to adequately prepare Grade 12 learners for the biggest

Bartlett is remaining tight-lipped on the pass rate she hopes

moment of their schooling careers.

the Class of 2016 will achieve, she is hopeful that it will surpass

“We are satisfied with the work we have done for the

69.4 percent.

2016 schooling year and are confident that all our learn-

Throughout the year, the department has given much at-

ers, especially our Grade 12s, are well prepared for the final

tention to the schools that did not do well last year, the MEC

examinations.

pointed out.

“As a department we have done what we could to provide

“We have improved on our support and visits to schools,

all our schools with the necessary support and guidance

especially under-per forming schools. District staff

to ensure that every child succeeds,” she added.

conducted regular visits to these schools to monitor the pro-

MEC Bartlett said the province had already conducted an assessment of the department’s readiness to administer successful final year examinations.

gress of learners and provided continous support. “Winter and Spring Schools further assisted us to ensure that our learners are well prepared for the upcoming exams. I’ve

“The Northern Cape is one of the top performing

visited districts to meet with staff, teachers, parents and learn-

provinces in terms of its readiness to administer the

ers of under-performing schools to motivate and encourage

National Senior Certificate,” she boasted.

them before what will be their most important exams.”

MEC Martha Bartlett (second from right) and officials from the department at a sod turning ceremony for the construction of Vaal Orange Primary School.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

MEC Martha Bartlett addresses learners during a career expo.

Combining efforts to achieve success

on sexuality and reproductive health education, to be able

For the education system in the province to bear fruit, MEC

to respond comfortably to the related needs and challenges

Bartlett said all stakeholders need to play a role.

of learners.

“Education is a societal matter, which requires the involve-

“The department is collaborating with Department of Health

ment of everyone to ensure that every child succeeds. Our

and Department of Social Development to implement and

learners need us now more than ever and we need to become

provide the Integrated School Health Programme in schools,

actively involved in their schoolwork.”

with the aim of providing a comprehensive health package to

With regard to those in Grade 12, she called on their parents to get involved in the their children’s future. “We need to provide them with the necessary support system, create a conducive environment for learning, make sure they eat healthily and rest enough, reduce their household tasks and ensure there is study time. “We must also make previous exam papers available to learn-

learners, including sexuality education and referrals for learners of the appropriate age.” She called on parents to also play a role in educating their children about the dangers of teenage pregnancy. “Parents must continue to engage their children on the negative impact of teenage pregnancy and how it affects their academic career.

ers, display the exam table where it is visible and make sure

“Our learners should be responsible at all times and protect

your child reads and writes daily. Studying should become part

their bodies. They are our future and continuously need our

our your child's daily activities,” MEC Bartlett added.

support, advice and guidance through life,” the MEC added.

Empowering young girls

Making the most of technology

The increasing rate of teenage pregnancy among young girls

Another area of focus for the department, is ensuring that

of school-going age is a growing concern across all the nine

learners have access to technology to make the most of the

provinces.

learning experience.

MEC Bartlett said her department is working closely with

Over the years, provincial education departments increas-

other government departments to identify learners’ needs to

ingly started using technology for teaching and learning and

provide them with the necessary support.

the Northern Cape is not lagging behind.

“The department is conducting educator empowerment

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

The department, in partnership with the MTN SA >>

Provincial focus

Foundation, recently opened two information and com-

servers, 40 stations, a multi-functional printer, an inter-ac-

munication technology laboratories at Okiep Primary and

tive white board, a data projector, a router and data card

Steinkopf High School.

for connectivity, education-related software and the CAPS-

“We live in a modern, ever-changing environment, which technology is an integral part of. Therefore, we have established a key partnerships with the MTN SA Foundation and

aligned content, and subsidised internet connectivity of 20 gigabytes for 24 months.

other stakeholders to ensure that we prepare our learners

Upgrading infrastructure

and expose them to the use of computers from an early

Upgrades are also planned at a number of schools across

age.

the province to ensure that the schools have proper in-

“We are confident that this initiative will further enhance the quality of public education in our schools. We will continue to invest in the future of our youth through initiatives such as these that will ensure our learners have a better future.”

frastructure. The department intends to upgrade 49 schools over the 2016/17 financial year. “Forty-three schools received upgrades to their water supply through the provision of boreholes and purifica-

Each of the laboratories are housed in a renovated cen-

tion plants for safe and cleaner water, while an additional

tre. They were painted and the floors tiled, and also have

22 schools are targeted for water upgrades in the 2016/17

burglar bars on windows and doors, an alert alarm, an air

financial year,” said MEC Bartlett.

conditioner and electrical cabling. There are computer

With improved school infrastructure, technology at their

desks and chairs to accommodate 40 learner stations and

fingertips and the support of the department, learners in

one educator station.

the Northern Cape are being given every opportunity to

They also have computer equipment, including two

make the most of their education.

MEC Martha Bartlett at the official opening of St John’s Primary School.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Writer: Bathandwa Mbola

Advancing Africa’s cause

he Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, which took place

Curbing illicit financial flows

in China recently, provided a platform to further the

On the issue of inclusive and interconnected development,

interests of developing countries.

President Zuma said that industrialisation, infrastructure

At the conclusion of the summit, President Jacob Zuma said

development, intra-Africa trade and curbing illicit financial

more emphasis has to be placed on innovation, fair trade and

flows are crucial goals for the development of the African

investment as the fundamentals of sustainable and inclusive

continent, as stipulated in Agenda 2063.

growth. "Our trade and investment policies should be designed to enable countries to improve competitiveness and gain access to markets to successfully participate in the global economy,” said the President. He called for the strengthening of the World Trade Organisation as the principal body to negotiate trade-related matters.

South Africa’s proposal that illicit financial flows from trade mispricing must be studied by the World Trade Organisation was accepted. This challenge, if addressed, has the potential to unlock millions of dollars that could be used by African governments to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their development programmes.

This entailed working towards the early conclusion of the

President Zuma said for Africa not to be left behind in the

Doha Development Agenda, in line with the development

4th Industrial Revolution, world leaders must ensure the

mandate and improving market access for exports of devel-

transfer of technology and investment in skills.

oping countries.

“In this regard, protection of intellectual property rights

The G20 Leaders’ Summit, which took place in the Chinese

should not be used to exclude or create barriers to Africa's

city of Hangzhou, was held under the theme, “Towards an

industrialisation. We further recognise that without peace

Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World

and security, there can be no sustainable development or

Economy”. It focused on new strategies and innovations to

meaningful economic growth,” the President said.

boost the global economy. Under this theme, the G20 leaders discussed specific priority

Risks of AMR

areas such as carving a new path for growth, more effective

The summit recognised AMR as a health, food security and

and efficient global economic and financial governance, ro-

economic threat of global magnitude.

bust international trade and investment, inclusive and inter-

AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of

connected development, and other issues affecting the world

an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria,

such as anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

parasites, viruses and fungi.

President Jacob Zuma addresses the B20 Summit on the margins of the G20 Summit in China.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

President Jacob Zuma meets with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

President Jacob Zuma and President Xi Jinping hold a bilateral meeting ahead of the G20 Summit.

President Zuma said a multilateral solution is required as the

BRICS members meet

lack of a global response could undermine the attainment of

President Zuma also participated in the BRICS Leaders’ In-

the health and other related SDGs.

formal Meeting, which meets annually, on the margins of

“Importantly, in addressing this challenge, we need to uphold

the summit.

the principle of inclusivity. This requires that both developed

The BRICS leaders discussed global political and security

and developing countries are included in research, develop-

issues, and exchanged views on G20 matters related to global

ment and production processes. We must ensure that all have

growth, the economy, trade, global governance, develop-

access to these drugs,” added the President.

ment and the SDGs.

B20 Summit Prior to the G20 Summit, President Zuma interacted with representatives at the Business 20 (B20) Summit.

Preparations for the upcoming 8th Goa BRICS Summit were also discussed. President Zuma held bilateral meetings with President Xi Jingping of China, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada

The B20 Summit provided a platform for G20 leaders to en-

and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey

gage with various leaders of the business community to ad-

where bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual

dress global challenges.

concern were discussed.

The President participated as a panelist in a B20 session on “Breaking a New Path for Growth.”

Investing in Africa Forum

He said this session was particularly important for South Af-

Following the conclusion of the G20 Summit, President Zuma

rica, given the emphasis on innovation, the digital economy

travelled to Guangzhou in the Guangdong Province of China,

and the new industrial revolution.

where he attended the 2nd Investing in Africa Forum.

President Zuma also attended a trilateral meeting with coun-

The Investing in Africa Forum was initiated by the China

terparts from Chad and Senegal, held on the margins of the

Development Bank with the support of the Chinese Gov-

summit, where they coordinated and reinforced common mes-

ernment in 2015 and has become an important platform

sages from an African perspective during the Leaders' Summit.

that brings together leaders from business, government and

“As the only African member in the G20, South Africa seeks

international organisations to discuss and explore opportuni-

to advance the African Union’s (AU) priorities by coordinating

ties for investment in the African continent.

closely with African observers in G20 meetings, such as the

This year’s discussions at the forum focused on invest-

AU Chair and the New Partnership for Africa's Development

ment opportunities in the African continent in areas such

chair in an effort to strengthen the voice of Africa.

as agriculture and agribusiness, infrastructure development,

“South Africa further seeks to use its participation in the G20 to promote and strengthen the interests of the South on the understanding that if managed carefully, the G20 does present

manufacturing, trade, tourism and renewable energy. Partnerships between China and South Africa in vocational training and skills development were also discussed.

meaningful opportunities for advancing much-needed global

President Zuma used his participation in the forum to pro-

governance reforms and orienting the international develop-

mote South Africa as a stable democracy and an attractive

ment agenda,” said the President.

investment destination.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

Compiled by: Sekgabo Kedijang

Women in Transport Awards

The Women in Transport Awards will be hosted by the

18 October 2016

African Ports Evolution and African Rail Evolution. The

The Women in Transport Awards will honour the outstanding achieve-

Department of Transport is a strategic partner of the

ments of female transport executives who have positively contributed

event, which is also supported by Transnet and South

to the development of the rail and maritime industry in Africa.

African Maritime Safety Authority.

The inaugural awards, which will be attended by senior-level execu-

The event will take place on 18 October at the Inkosi Al-

tives, key decision-makers and suppliers, also serve as a platform to

bert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

give recognition and pay homage to women in many functional roles across the transport sector, from crane operators to senior executives.

Government Technology Conference (GovTech) 30 October - 2 November 2016

For more information, visit: www.womenintransport. co.za

Eastern Cape Maritime Summit 26 - 28 October 2016

The Eastern Cape Maritime Summit will focus on acGovTech is the State Information Technology Agency-hosted

tual opportunities in the marine economy and how

South African ICT conference focusing on public sector ICT service

business and entrepreneurs can access them.

delivery.

The summit will provide a platform for business-

tobusiness discussions and trade between maritime

tive, value-packed learning opportunity strategically developed to

industry players across South Africa, with specific ap-

meet the current needs of ICT professionals and decision-makers

plication to the stimulation of the ocean economy

from all spheres of government.

in the region.

It is the annual meeting place for representatives from govern-

The event, which is endorsed by the Eastern Cape

ment and industry to share information, knowledge and profes-

Economic Development Industrial Development

sional experiences in better serving citizens through the use of

Corporation, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Cham-

information and communications technologies.

ber and Eastern Cape Development Corporation, is

This year’s conference theme is “How Technology Improves Service Delivery for Citizen Empowerment”.

aimed at providing local business people, the rest of the country, continent and globe with an opportu-

The conference takes place from 30 October to 2 November at

nity of understanding the business climate, as well as networking with stakeholders at the heart of Africa’s

the Gallagher Estate. For more information, visit: www.govtech.co.za or call 011 784 1116.

maritime economy. The summit will take place at the The Venue @ Hem-

Southern African Solar Energy Conference 31 October - 2 November 2016

ingways in East London from 26 to 28 October 2016. For more information, visit: www.maritimesummit. co.za

Eskom and CSIR will host the 4th Southern African Solar En-

the solar energy community will share their ongoing and

ergy Conference.

completed research, technology developments and ex-

The conference will

periences with technology deployment.

focus on research, technology development and deployment of solar

The conference takes place from 31 October to 2 No-

energy in the South African context shared with experiences from

vember 2016 at the Theology Faculty at Stellenbosch

other parts of the world.

University.

At the conference, engineers scientists from academia and within

For more information, visit: www.sasec.org.za

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

FEATURE

Writers: Priscilla Khumalo and Ongezwa Manyathi

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande.

Universities to decide on 2017 fee increases

niversities across South Africa will individually de-

“We have looked at the challenges at hand from all sides and

cide on the fee increases for the 2017 academic

have concluded that the best approach would be to allow

year, while the poor, working and middle class

universities individually to determine the level of increase

families will receive support from government. Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzi-

to operate effectively and at least maintain existing quality

mande the announcement recently, saying: “Our rec-

– with the caution that this has to also take into account af-

ommendation is that fee adjustments should not go

fordability to students, and therefore has to be transparent,

above eight percent.”

reasonable and related to inflation-linked adjustments,” he

The recommendation was made following consulta-

explained.

tions with stakeholders, including students and uni-

The Minister added that universities currently face serious

versities, over the past few months, as well as from

challenges in terms of funding, while at the same time large

recommendations contained in the interim report of the

numbers of South Africans find it difficult to access post-

Council on Higher Education on 2017 university fees.

school education because of financial challenges.

It also takes into consideration the challenges facing both universities and students.

that their institutions will require to ensure that they continue

“Government is aware of these challenges and takes them very seriously.”

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

Subsidy funding

Balancing the post-school budget

The Minister said government is committed to finding the

The Minister pointed out that the post-school budget has

resources to support children of all poor, working and mid-

to cover students in technical and vocational education

dle class families - those with a household income of up to

and training, while at the same time faces the challenge

R600 000 per annum - with subsidy funding to cover the gap

of providing 18 million South Africans, who are unable to

between the 2015 fee and the adjusted 2017 fee. This will be

study at university, access to community colleges.

done for fee increments up to eight percent.

“In other words, our job as government requires a num-

All National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) qualifying students, as well as the so-called ‘missing middle’ – students

ber of very delicate balancing acts.” A key priority for government is to ensure that post-

whose families earn above the NSFAS

school learning and teaching is

threshold but who are unable to sup-

strengthened, and that finan-

port their children to access higher

Fast facts

cial sustainability of the sector is

education – will experience no fee in-

• Students with a family income of

crease in 2017, as government will pay

up to R600 000 per annum will be

for the adjustment.

supported by government.

not eroded, Minister Nzimande stressed. “Our economy is currently weak

“This will bring huge relief to nurses,

• In 2016 government provided

and our fiscal position parlous. The

teachers, police, social workers and

R1.9 billion of the R2.3 billion

tax burden has been rising in recent

other parents who work in occupations

shortfall following the subsidy on

years, and we must preserve the

that do not earn huge salaries, and who

the 2016 university fee increase.

fiscal space to fund government’s

have children at university. This will ap-

• In the 2016/17 financial year

ply to students at universities and Tech-

R14.5 billion has been made

nical Vocational and Education Training

available to NSFAS.

policy agenda in future years. “This means that any funding government mobilises to support

• A total of 405 000 students re-

the pressing challenges in higher

“Administrative mechanisms will be

ceived government support to

education, would need to be rep-

developed and students informed on

access universities and colleges

rioritised from other government

how to apply for the gap-funding grant

in 2016.

programmes.”

(TVET) colleges.

Government has, this year, pro-

before the end of this academic year,”

vided R1.9 billion of the R2.3 billion

the Minister noted.

shortfall resulting from the subsidi-

Support for the ‘missing middle’

sation of the 2016 university fee increase. More than R4.5

While NSFAS will continue to provide loans and bursaries to

billion in the 2016/17 financial year has been reprioritised

poor students, the department and universities will continue

to the NSFAS.

to mobilise institutional and private sector financial support to enable affordable financial aid options for the ‘missing mid-

Affordability of university education

dle’ students.

The Minister added that students’ concerns about the

“I have consulted the Ministerial Task Team on funding support for the poor and ‘missing middle’ students, which is developing a model that will be tested in 2017 to provide affordable support to these students.

affordability of university education are legitimate. “At the same time, we need to ensure that those who can afford to pay must pay.” The Minister noted that there are many students from

“We will continue to look for other ways of supporting fi-

upper middle class and well-off families, as well as stu-

nancially needy students not covered by NSFAS, whilst a long-

dents on full company bursaries at institutions who can

term solution is being developed to raise sufficient funding

afford to pay the adjusted 2017 fees, and they would be

from the public sector, private sector and other sources to

expected to do so.

fund ‘missing middle’ students at universities and TVET colleges.”

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

“It is very unclear to government why families who can afford private schools should, under the current >>

FEATURE

circumstances, be receiving further state subsidies for their

academia, student representatives, political formations

children at universities.

and other education role players have all been invited

“To subsidise these students would require taking funding from the poor to support cheaper higher education for the

across the country.

wealthy, which is not justifiable in a context of inequality in

“Government is alive to the legitimate cries of students

our country. We cannot subsidise the child of a cleaner or

regarding fees and to those of the universities that must

unemployed person in the same way as we subsidise the child

continue to pay for specialist books and equipment in

of an advocate, doctor or investment banker.”

foreign currency and ensure that academic, support and

Working towards free post-school education Government is committed to progressively realising free postschool education for the poor and working class and assisting middle class families, he added. “This is demonstrated by the creation of the Presidential

service staff are adequately paid for their work.” The Minister said starving universities of funding is not the way to go. “This is effectively what another across-the-board fee rise moratorium against the current fiscal backdrop would mean at this point.”

Commission of inquiry into higher education and training

He added while the commission does its work in devel-

funding, which includes universities and TVET colleges, as well

oping proposals for a long-term funding model, universi-

as the substantial increases in funding to NSFAS since 2010.”

ties will not be able to operate with less funds than what

The Minister said the task of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry is to realise government’s long-term goal of enabling South Africans to access higher education irrespective of their background.

Public hearings

to speak at the public hearings which are taking place

they already have. “Everything is more expensive today than it was this time last year.” The commission is expected to complete its work by 30 June 2017. Once their work is complete, government will have a better idea of the challenges in the higher educa-

The commission is currently busy with public hearings on the

tion sector, and this will allow government to respond

issue of higher education. Stakeholders from government,

appropriately.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

MetropolitanRepublic/19475

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THE COURAGE TO GROW IS BUSINESS.

FEATURE

Writers: Albert Pule, Noluthando Mkhize and *Gugu Sisilani

Metros get down to business

ith the 2016 Municipal Elections done and dust-

uses GPS coordinates, which will allow residents to report

ed, municipalities across the country are getting

service delivery issues accompanied by pictures and an

down to the hard work of ensuring service de-

address for easy reference and attention.

livery. And while some of the faces may have changed, the

“We have set ourselves the goal of a 24-hour turnaround

task of ensuring that residents’ lives are improved has not.

time for service delivery interruptions such as water leaks,

Recently, the new mayors of some of the country’s biggest

street-lighting, malfunctioning traffic lights and similar dis-

metros laid out their plans for the future. PSM takes a look

ruptions,” adds the Mayor.

at where the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, eThekwini Municipality and City of Tshwane are headed.

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

a role in the liberation of the country. “As we continue to promote our rich heritage, special attention will go to the renaming of streets and major roads after stalwarts of our liberation struggle. Being the

Mayor Mzwandile Masina wants the Ekurhuleni Metropoli-

home of the likes of Bertha Gxowa, Chris Hani, Oliver and

tan Municipality to become known for delivering services

Adelaide Tambo, and Thomas Nkosi, I am sure this gesture

efficiently and resolving complaints from communities

will be well received by our people, especially the families

quickly.

of these heroes and heroines.

“We will be driven by the agenda of delivery, delivery and

“Special consideration will also be given to renaming

more delivery. As this administration we are committing to

certain major roads and entrances after outstanding South

talking less and acting more.

African women such as Winnie Mandela, Dr Nkosazana

“We have resolved that this team must be remembered for speedily addressing community issues and accelerating the service delivery agenda,” he says. The municipality will launch a service delivery app that

The municipality also plans to honour those who played

Damini Zuma, Gill Marcus and Limpho Hani.” For the municipality to achieve its goals, Mayor Masina says it will need to work closely with all interested parties. “We will be bringing together all critical stakeholders

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

to assist in the area of job creation and skills development,

is rife. I have decided to reverse this legacy of isolation by

especially among young people.”

spending at least two full days a month working from the

He adds the municipality will do all in its power to build a university that will cater for young people in the area. “Our determination in this regard is demonstrated by our resolve to make land available as soon as we get an investor in this regard.

Uitenhage City Hall, engaging with residents and personally seeing to issues,” explains Mayor Trollip. The resurfacing of roads is expected to be completed in the next three months. “We are going to resurface and reseal sections of 15 roads

“It cannot be correct that a city which has a population

across the metro, and will roll out a comprehensive ongo-

bigger than that of Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape

ing maintenance programme to ensure that all roads, traffic

and North West provinces, among others, historically does

signaling devices and streetlights are in excellent working

not have a university.”

condition. This has already begun and will be completed in

Mayor Masina says there will be no place for corruption in the municipality.

the next three months.” Roads that will be resurfaced include William Moffet Road,

“We will be pursuing the idea of appointing a commissioner

Dibanisa Road, Woodlands Ave, Burman Road, Tyinira/Jon-

and/or an authority that will be tasked with the responsibility

gilinga Street, Old Grahamstown Road, Tyityaba Street,

to wipe out corruption in the metro. We are serious about

Nkukhama/Ncheme Street, Alwyn Rylaan, Mitchell and

running a clean government and therefore this matter is a

Baird Street, Graaff Reinett Street, Kabega Road Bridge, Die-

critical priority,” he adds.

sel Street, Intersection of Kruis Road and R334, Intersection

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

of Cape Road and William Moffet Road. In an effort to create jobs, especially for the unemployed

The focus of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will be on

youth, Mayor Trollip says a jobs desk will be established in

creating jobs, interacting more with residents and resurfac-

his office.

ing roads, among others. Mayor Athol Trollip says his team will work closely with communities to deliver services. “The communities of Uitenhage and Despatch have been side-lined since the formation of the Metropolitan Municipality in 2000. “As a result, service delivery is lacking and unemployment

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

“This desk will see to the development of job-seekers and employers databases. The coordinator responsible for this desk will engage with business, industry and commerce to seek out opportunities, and then match these opportunities with job-seekers. “In instances where skills are lacking, the coordinator will coordinate skills workshops and seminars.”

ADVERTORIAL

NATIONAL SKILLS AUTHORITY LEADING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

NSA Chairperson, Ms Lulama Nare. First

established

1999,

the

NSA board members. National

Council, Women’s National Coalition, Disabled People of South Africa and the South

Skills Authority (NSA) was re-launched in

African Qualifications Authority. The term of office of the board is for five years (2015

November 2015 under the Department of

to 2020).

Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a statutory board that advises Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande

Public hearings and roundtable: The NSDS III and SETA landscape beyond 2018

on national skills development policies and

In February and March 2015, in collaboration with Provincial Skills Development

guidelines on the implementation of the

Forums, the NSA hosted public hearings in all nine provinces to mobilise

national skills development strategy. The re-

skills development stakeholders to take full ownership of the National Skills

launch served as the official welcoming of the

Development Strategy (NSDS III) and the SETA landscape beyond 2018 by making

new board members, website and commitment

recommendations.

to realigning the NSA’s role with the Skills Development Act and the White Paper on

These hearings served as a platform to update stakeholders on post-school education

Post-School Education and Training (WP-

and training (PSET) related matters, to liaise on matters facing each province and

PSET) mandate.

understand the respective needs as well as monitor the implementation and progress of the NSDS III. The written recommendations and inputs received through these hearings inform the NSA’s advice to the Minister with respect to the NSDS III and

NSA board composition The Ms of

NSA board Lulama

Nare

constituencies

led

and from

by is

Chairperson

SETA landscape beyond 2018.

representative

organised

labour,

The public hearings were followed by a roundtable discussion which targeted strategic

organised business, community and state.

stakeholders in skills development and training. This provided a platform to openly

These include, but are not limited to: the

review and directly engage on the NSDS III and SETA landscape beyond 2018.

Department of Higher Education and Training,

Representatives from SETAs, government, organised business, organised labour

Department of Trade and Industry, Department

education and training providers, quality councils, research institutions, community

of Public Service and Administration, Congress

constituencies, professional bodies and international experts were part of the robust

of Trade Unions of South Africa, National

discussions.

Council of Trade Unions, South African Youth

day of the skills conference, a gala dinner will be hosted to award and to celebrate organisations that are committed to skills development. Stakeholders were called upon to nominate their respective skills development programmes for the awards. Applicants stand a chance to win awards for their programmes based on their performance from 2014 to 2016 in the following categories: Best Artisan

Development

Programme,

Best

TVET

Placement Programme, Best AET Programme, Best Skills Programme, Best University Placement Programme, Best Community Project, Best Public Sector Internship and Learnership Programme, and NSA board members in discussion.

Best Career and Vocational Guidance Programme.

Monitoring, evaluation and clean audits for SETAs

By recognising the applicants and winners of these

With the new role of monitoring and evaluating SETAs, as stated in the WPPSET, the NSA is faced with the task of understanding the varying levels of efficacies being achieved by SETAs as well as identifying blockages within the system. The skills system as a whole is inundated with varying challenges: SETAs are faced with challenges from governance, management and responsiveness to financial status, with each of the 21 SETAs faced with these and other challenges at varying degrees. It is for this reason that the NSA is particularly pleased with the increase in SETAs receiving clean audit opinions. The increase from seven SETAs in the 2014/15 financial year receiving clean audit opinions to nine in the 2015/16 financial year is an exemplary achievement and proof of a shift to strengthening governance through accountability and transparency. This

awards we aim to celebrate excellence, provide the deserved recognition and coverage for the respective programmes. Through this we hope to mobilise and encourage business, government, community and providers to invest in workbased skills development initiatives to ensure the realisation of the NSDS III goals.

For enquiries: Dr Thabo Mashongoane Director: National Skills Authority Secretariat Email: Mashongoane.T@dhet.gov.za Tel: (012) 312 5066

positive shift is worth recognition as it ultimately contributes to addressing

Website: www.nationalskillsauthority.org.za

the national skills development imperatives.

Facebook: National Skills Authority

National Skills Development Conference and Awards In the first quarter of 2017, the NSA will be hosting a two-day National Skills Development Conference and Awards ceremony in conjunction with the Minister Nzimande. The skills conference will be attended by 1 000 delegates from stakeholders in the PSET system and held with the aim of strengthening the skills development system by deepening the understanding of a need for synchronisation and collaboration between PSET institutions and skills development bodies. It is through unpacking the strategy principles of the proposed new NSDS (in the context of the current economic challenges) and opportunities presented through the National Development Plan and other national growth development strategies that skills development can be strategically positioned to address rising youth unemployment. On the evening of the first

Twitter: @SkillsAuthority Instagram: @NSA_ZA

FEATURE

In an effort to address the housing backlog, the munici-

holes; waste must be collected weekly; our street lamps

pality will publish the list of people on the waiting list and

must work; households and businesses must have regular

display it at all municipal buildings.

power supply; issues of health and safety must be addressed

“There is a backlog of 80 000 houses. The National Department of Human Settlements currently manages the construction of houses in Nelson Mandela Bay. “We plan to restore faith in the metro’s Human Settlements Directorate so that we can once again be responsible for building houses in the municipality.” Efforts to fight corruption will also be stepped up and residents will be able to use a newly-launched anti-corruption hotline to help the municipality root out corruption. “This is going to be set up over the next three months. Residents and officials will be able to make use of the hotline to report corrupt or fraudulent activity,” says Mayor Trollip.

eThekwini Municipality Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede has

and water and sanitation are also on our list of priorities,” she says. While the municipality boasts a good service delivery track record and has received many accolades, it is time to look forward, stresses the Mayor. “Despite these accolades, we cannot live on past achievements.” Several projects are currently underway to improve residents’ lives for the better. These include the multi-billion rand northern and western aqueduct projects, which will ensure a steady supply of potable water in these areas. “Similarly, the integrated rapid public transport system will provide a reliable and efficient public transport service to communities which has a direct impact on the city’s economic growth,” she adds.

vowed to drive a corruption-free city and raise the bar in

The R25 billion Cornubia mixed-use human settlements

service delivery, through implementing high-impact inter-

project will go some way in addressing the shortage of

ventions that will benefit residents.

housing in the city.

“Our task, as the newly elected council, is to consolidate

The city will also continue with its zero-tolerance stance

and accelerate what has been achieved. We must reach

against land invasions and will look into its housing alloca-

for new heights and raise the bar through interventions

tion policy to address the needs of the poor.

that will change our city for the betterment of our people,” she says. Mayor Gumede adds emphasis will also be placed on getting the basics right. “Our streets must be clean; roads must be without pot-

Mayor Gumede also reassured business that the city is committed to building a globally competitive investment destination, having set up a One Stop Shop for investors and developers that will facilitate all catalytic projects. With regard to the roads network, GO Durban, eThekwini’s Integrated Rapid Public Transport System, is progressing well but the city needs to unlock more opportunities especially around job creation through its supply chain policies. She adds that a plan is also being devised, in consultation with national and provincial government, to provide a sustainable solution for the running of the municipal buses. The city is expected to convene a Mayoral Lekgotla to provide political direction and its plan for the next five years, guided by the national and provincial priorities of government.

City of Tshwane Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga has committed to establishing a housing programme that allocates housing opportunities in a clear transparent manner.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

“Together we will work to address the issues of hous-

tariff structures, and the city would also look into the

ing for the residents of Mamelodi, Hammanskraal and

implementation of job zones in Babelegi, Ekandustria

Pienaarspoort, too many of whom have had dreams of

and Ga-Rankuwa.

owning houses shattered, and continue to live in shacks without access to decent services. “In 2014/15, the housing backlog in Tshwane stood at over 120 000, while the number of informal settlements had increased to over 170,” he says. The city will also work with the community to fight crime.

“We will make sure that these job zones have a coordinated service delivery plan to ensure adequate electricity and a stable clean water supply.” In addition, the Mayor says he plans on empowering the private sector to be the driver of growth and job creation in Tshwane by making the city more business friendly.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Tshwane

“I pledge to do everything in my power to remove

Metropolitan Police Department is empowered with

the obstacles that small businesses and the informal

the skills and equipment necessary to turn the tide

economy – key engines of job creation – face in this

against crime in our city.

city, allowing them to flourish.

“Together we will fight the scourge of gangsterism

“Together we will work to eliminate red tape and

and drug use that fuels a vicious cycle of crime and

simplify regulations, especially those relating to zon-

violence in communities such as Atteridgeville, Kung-

ing, planning approvals, health and safety, traffic and

wini and Eersterust.”

licensing. The municipality must never be an obstacle

Job creation also features on the municipality's list of priorities. “Together we will fight to address the problem of the over half a million residents of Tshwane who are without jobs, or who have given up looking for jobs.

and the cause of delays when it comes to attracting investment and creating jobs.” Mayor Msimanga adds that corruption will not be tolerated at any level. “Corruption is more than stolen money and favours-

“We will reinvigorate the economy of this city to cre-

for-friends. Corruption is a disease that has infected

ate jobs for those in communities such as Nokeng, Ga-

many aspects of this city. This disease stands in the

Rankuwa and Soshanguve who struggle from chronic

way of making progress and this disease must be cut

unemployment while jobs in the Extended Public Works

out once and for all,” he says.

Programme are not fairly allocated.” He adds that business growth needs to be stimulated through incentives such as rate rebates and preferential

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

* Gugu Sisilani is the Manager for Publications at the eThekwini Municipality.

OPINION

Writer: *Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi

Back to Basics with

no compromises E

lected representatives should serve the people and

tives who were elected in the recent local government

move the country forward by strengthening ward com-

elections on their role in our communities.

mittees.

Our people are not interested in big ideas or factional

Amilcar Cabral, one of Africa’s foremost revolutionary leaders,

battles; they want to see real improvement in their everyday

once said: “Always bear in mind that the people are not fight-

lives through service delivery. They want representatives

ing for ideas, for the things in anyone’s head. They are fighting

who have been elected to honour their commitments and

to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see

help move our country forward.

their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children.” These wise words by the revolutionary leader of Guinea-Bissau should serve as a guide to all incoming public representa-

Service delivery The recent local government elections gave the citizens of this country an opportunity to elect people who have their best interests at heart and understand their needs. Councillors have been entrusted to make a real difference to people’s lives and should be responsible for delivering basic services such as electricity, water, sanitation and refuse removal. They will also undergo an intensive Integrated Induction Programme that is presented by government through the South African Local Government Association. The programme is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the National Treasury, the National School of Government, Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority and a range of stakeholders within and outside of government. It will be presented over five consecutive days to orientate new councillors in their roles and responsibilities. Returning councillors are offered a refresher course - either through contact sessions or over an e-learning platform. The programme

Minister of Public Service and Administration Ngoako Ramatlhodi.

takes them through

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

the pillars of the Back to Basics approach, which emphasises putting people first, promoting good governance, trans-

position to execute their mandates.

parency and accountability and ensuring sound financial

Community interests

management and accounting. The Back to Basics approach is

Members will be sensitised during the induction pro-

aimed at ensuring that all municipalities perform their basic

gramme that meaningful public participation by the com-

functions without compromise.

munity is both a legal and constitutional imperative. We also

However, citizens need to understand that their responsibility does not end with voting. They must find ways to hold

want to make sure community interests are championed by those appointed to these committees.

those they elected accountable and keep them focussed

Their success, however, depends on members of the

on citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and priorities. Citizens should make use

community playing their part by volunteering to be part

of various platforms such as ward committees, created to

of these structures and holding them to account. These

regularly engage them, and get feedback on various devel-

committees require well-informed and skilled members

opments in their areas.

who have knowledge and understanding of the needs of

Linking local municipalities and communities The ward committees were established to help improve

the communities they represent. This is important because the decisions they take might influence development in the area.

communication between local municipalities and communi-

For instance, the Municipal Structures Act empowers

ties. They play an important role in being a link between the

them to have a say in decision-making, planning of pro-

communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and the municipal planning processes.

jects, the Integrated Development Planning, performance

They have the responsibility to inform the municipality about

management and allocation of funds to the council or

the aspirations, requirements and problems of the people

municipality. It means these people must be accessible

they represent.

for the community to make proposals and suggestions on

The ward committees are supposed to be independent

developments that must happen in the area.

bodies that perform their responsibilities without fear or

The 2016 local government elections have come and

favour. They are meant to be made up of not more than 10

gone. There is no doubt that they will go down in history

members of the community who represent various interests

as one of the most highly contested elections since the

within the ward, such as ordinary residents, women, youth,

dawn of our democracy. Councils around the country have

ratepayers, business and trade unions.

also met to elect mayors, council speakers and chief whips.

There are some who argue that these committees are inef-

It is now up to us to ensure that those we have elected

fective and are often dominated by political party activists

deliver on their promises so that we can achieve a better

that result in poor communication with communities. As

life for all.

government, we are aware there have been challenges in the past and have committed ourselves to provide hands-

*Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi, Minister of Public

on support to allow these committees to be in in a better

Service and Administration.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

ADVERTORIAL

C OMMUNI T Y SURVEY 201 6:

GIVING DIRECTION TO POLICY DEC ISIONS

The SG, Dr. Pali Lehola and members of the Statistics Council brief Minister Jeff Radebe on the CS 2016 results.

“I’m a politician. I like good news. But don’t tell me what I like to hear; tell me what I need to hear. We need to know the policies we make lead to quality of life.” Trevor Manuel - Former South African Minister of Finance.

Stats SA released the Community Survey 2016 (CS 2016) results at the end of June, after a major data collection exercise – visiting 1.3 million homes around the country in six weeks, between March and April 2016. This exciting, challenging and historic undertaking, using electronic devices, saw the processing, analysis and release of the collected official statistics in record time. “These results will go a long way towards promoting evidence-based decision-making. This is one of only a few data sources that provide information at municipal level,” said Statistician-General (SG), Dr. Pali Lehohla. The Community Survey is a large-scale household survey conducted by Stats SA to bridge the gap between censuses – in this instance, between 2011 and 2021. The statistical agency believes that the provision of data at municipal level supports the push for evidence-based decision-making. “The data is critical for promoting optimal resource allocation and utilisation in all spheres of government,” said Lehohla, adding, “The use of data for planning is a lifeblood for the state to deliver on the developmental promise.” South Africa cannot effectively pursue its developmental agenda without reliable statistics that inform the social, demographic and economic standing of the country. “This data can allow policymakers – whether they are looking at age distribution, disability, migration or unemployment – to make informed decisions on the trajectory the country should follow,” said the SG.

Official statistics are not just used as a record of what has taken place in the economy or society, but increasingly as a tool in decision-making by government, businesses, researchers and for market research purposes. “In the planning of service delivery,” said Lehohla, “it is critical that municipalities engage with the data and see the trends.”

The Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) While the mandate of Stats SA is to produce official statistics,

Lehohla says it is important that the agency presents data in a way that is accessible for lawmakers and planners. “We cannot have a situation where use of official statistics is not embraced in the public-sector planning cycle,” said Lehohla. To this end, Stats SA has been pioneering innovative ways to make statistics more userfriendly and accessible. Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, accepted the report on behalf of government and expressed his appreciation for the wealth of data the survey results provides for planning in both the private and public sectors. “These statistics are the compass for the interventions we must make to accelerate national transformation as enjoined by our Constitution; and for us as government as further spelt out in our elections manifesto. On areas of education, health and life expectancy, property relations, food security, job creation, entrepreneurship, safety and security, and a lot more, these statistics will help us to pinpoint where we need urgent and decisive action to effect change,” said Minister Radebe. Embarking on such an exercise is no mean feat for any national statistical office; but the data has been released and certified as fit for use. What Stats SA achieved, in such a relatively short period, is a laudable triumph and proves that embracing technology can result in incredible achievements against the odds.

Minister Jeff Radebe accepts the CS 2016 results from the SG. But what does this data tell us – as South Africans – and how can planners put it to use? The SG said the speed with which this exercise was conducted will enrich policy formulation and will help inform public discourse in driving the country towards Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan.

For the first time, the CS 2016 used the Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) methodology to collect data digitally instead of the traditional paper method.

Demographic information constitutes the foundation of all socioeconomic planning and as such, national development priorities can only be realised with an understanding of demographic phenomena, i.e. mortality, fertility and migration. The CS 2016 not only adds to the trend analyses in data regarding fertility, mortality and migration, but more importantly, provides the latest evidence on the levels and differentials regarding these demographic drivers.

The new technology saw costs of the survey reduced from an average of R2 000 per household for a paper-based survey to just R200 per household.

Policy makers are encouraged to use official statistics to promote evidence-based decision-making in policy formulations that will, as former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said, lead to quality of life.

C ONTAC T DE TAILS Address: ISIbalo House, Koch Street Salvokop, Pretoria, 0002 Tel: (012) 310 8911 Email: info@statssa.gov.za Web: www.statssa.gov.za

FEATURE

Writer: Bathandwa Mbola and Albert Pule

Crime fighting scores victories

fforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to fight crime are bearing fruit in some sectors.

This was followed by property-related crimes at 30.7 percent and other serious crimes at 27 percent.

The 2015/16 crime statistics that the Police Ministry

Provincially, crime levels in Limpopo and Mpumalanga

released in Parliament recently showed a decrease in some

increased, while levels all other provinces decreased. The

categories of crimes committed in the country.

Northern Cape remained stable.

The statistics for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 cover various categories of crime. Serious crime reported to the police decreased by 1.4 percent, but contact crimes remain a problem. “We are registering progress. We are beginning to see a decreasing trend. The only problem is contact crimes,” said

Categories of crime The statistics also show that the murder rate is now 34 per 100 000, up from 33 last year. For the reporting period, 18 673 murders were recorded nationally, up from 17 805 in 2014/15. Police said Northern Cape is the only province that has

Police Minister Nathi Nhleko. In total 2.1 million charges were reported to the police in

recorded a decrease in the number of murders. Countrywide, attempted murder increased by 3.4 percent

2015/16. About 1.7 million cases (or 83 percent) of these were reported by members of the public, with the rest having been detected by police activity. Of the 1.7 million community-based reported crimes, about

in 2015/16, with 18 127 cases reported.”

Other crime statistics •

crimes. Contact crimes, which include crimes against a per-

•

Robbery with aggravating circumstances increased by 2.7 percent to 132 527 cases.

son, constituted the most charges reported by communities, at 35.2 percent.

Sexual offences decreased by 3.2 percent with 51 895 cases reported.

65.9 percent are a result of contact and property-related

•

Common assault went up 2.2 percent to 164 958 cases but

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

robbery of residences decreased by 2.7 percent.

The Back to Basics approach, adopted last year, is centred on

•

Robbery of non-residential properties increased by 2.8 per-

addressing critical organisational concerns. These include the

cent.

issue of discipline and the manner in which police officers

•

Car hijackings increased by 4.3 percent but truck hijackings

conduct themselves. The approach also talks to enhanced

fell by 7.4 percent.

police visibility, which implies more police officers in uniform,

•

Arson decreased by 4.4 percent.

thereby minimising opportunities for crime to be committed.

•

Malicious damage to property decreased by 0.6 percent to

“We remain loyal and committed to the fight against crime,”

119 901 cases in the current financial year.

added Phahlane.

•

Commercial crimes increased by 3.1 percent while shoplifting decreased by 3.6 percent to 68 786 cases.

Public safety

A team effort required However, he stressed that the issue of rooting out crime cannot be left only to the police.

The crime stats show that most violence takes place between

“We need to address specific features of crime, with a par-

people who know each other or live in the same communities.

ticular focus on mobilising an active citizenry and inter-gov-

In many cases, there is little police can do about this until the

ernmental leadership with a view to regenerate morality in

crime has already been committed. The best the police can

society.”

do is respond after a crime has taken place, which is too late.

Phahlane committed to continue forging partnerships with

Statistics indicate that there were 623 223 reported contact

communities and other stakeholders to address some of the

crimes in this reporting period, while 616 973 where reported

challenging crimes such as contact crime, which remains a

in the 2014/15 financial year.

problem.

The statistics also point to two key concerning trends related to public safety in South Africa: namely the increase in the mur-

Implementing the NDP

der rate, and a rise in organised crime – including carjacking.

Minister Nhleko said the Police Ministry would also focus on

Social challenges Minister Nhleko said many of the crimes were connected to the social challenges faced by South Africans as well as drug use and alcohol consumption. “As society as a whole, we need to put up quite an effort to deal with the social foundation of contact crime,” he added.

implementing government’s broader strategy, the National Development Plan (NDP), to ensure that South Africans feel safe. Adopted by Cabinet in 2012, the NDP calls for the police to be professionalised and supported by a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary National Policing Board to guide a process of transformation.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General

The NDP also requires senior police managers to be assessed

Kgomotso Phahlane said the gains made in the fight against

against clear standards to determine whether they have the

crime show that police are working hard.

expertise, skills and integrity required for the posts they hold.

“When we say that we have made progress, sometimes it is not convincing, especially when we talk of … lives being lost…

“The majority of our successes are based on [the NDP] implementation,” he said.

But the downward trend suggests our efforts are making a

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the policing initia-

serious dent in reducing crime,” he said, during the release of

tives, the police top brass also confirmed that crime statistics

the crime statistics.

will be released on a quarterly and annual basis. This is in

Phahlane said the SAPS would continue to work hard turn the

compliance with a Cabinet decision.

tide despite the profession being a thankless job.

“These reports will enable government to monitor, on a more

Police attributed the success to their “Back to Basics” approach,

frequent basis, key government targets in the Medium Term

which requires that police act with integrity, discipline and

Strategic Framework and enable a more proactive policing

professionalism.

approach,” Minister Nhleko said.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

FEATURE

Writer: Albert Pule

President Jacob Zuma and President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi during a tour of the Matola Memorial Monument and Interactive Centre.

SA, Mozambique strengthen bonds of friendship

lmost 30 years ago in Mbuzini in the Lebombo Mountains of Mpumalanga, the founding father and President of Mozambique, Samora Machel,

died in a mysterious plane crash. While it is believed that South Africa’s then apartheid government caused the accident, over the years no

Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo).

Ensuring independence The defeat of the Portuguese regime ushered in a new era in Mozambique’s political landscape and brought to power Machel, who was heading Frelimo.

conclusive evidence has been produced to prove this.

In 1975, he became the first black President and

Whatever the cause of the accident, as South Africa

founding father of Mozambique. He is often likened

and Mozambique prepare to commemorate the 30th

to former President Nelson Mandela for their roles in

anniversary of Machel’s death on 19 October, there can

fighting the oppressive colonial rule in their respective

be no denying the strong bond the two countries share,

countries.

which can be traced back to Machel’s time in office. Mo-

Machel used his country’s independence to assist

zambique was under the colonial rule of the Portuguese

South Africa and many other countries to attain their

and in 1974 the colonial masters were defeated by the

freedom.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

His government put together resources to bring about the winds of change for independence in Africa. Mozambique accommodated liberation fighters from South Africa who were trying to overthrow the apartheid regime. Machel also encouraged independent states and many leaders to help free other countries that had not gained their independence at the

International solidarity is not an act of charity: It is an act of unity between allies fighting on different terrains toward the same objective. The foremost of these objectives is to aid the development of humanity to the highest level possible.Samora Machel.

time. Mozambican compatriots understood that their liberation was incomplete unless the whole of Southern Africa was liberated.

Government officials from both Mozambique and South Africa are expected to attend the ceremony. President Jacob Zuma and his Mozambican counterpart President Filipe Nyusi are expected to address the event and

A tragic end

lay wreaths at the site.

On 19 October 1986, Machel and his delegation of senior government officials were returning to Mozambique from

Cementing ties

a Frontline State summit in Zambia when his presidential

The tragic death of Machel has forever bound the two na-

Tupolev Tu-134 crashed in the Lebombo Mountains on the

tions together and the event is expected to further cement

border of Mozambique and South Africa. Machel and 34

relations between South Africa and Mozambique.

fellow passengers died. Twelve years after Machel’s death, in 1998, South Africa

Currently, the two countries enjoy trade, political, cultural, and social relations.

under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission launched

Mozambique is among South Africa’s top five trading part-

a special investigation into his death. However, the special

ners in the Southern African Development Community region.

investigation did not reveal anything new. In 2006, the South African government announced that it would try to solve the plane crash, which remains one of the great mysteries of the apartheid era.

In 2014, South African exports to Mozambique amounted to R32.6 billion, while imports from Mozambique to South Africa totalled R11.3 billion. In 2015, the total bilateral trade between the two countries

During the same year, the South African government

amounted to R39.9 billion. South African exports to Mozam-

opened a community library at Mbuzini in Mpumalanga,

bique was a total of R29.5 billion while imports to South Africa

known as the Mbuzini Samora Machel Public Library, to

from Mozambique amounted to R10.4 million.

commemorate the 20 anniversary of the death of Machel.

The two countries also share one of Africa’s largest game

This was also done to pay homage to the sacrifices and

reserves, the Kruger National Park. They also have a similar

contributions made by the Mozambicans towards a free,

language (Xitsonga) that is spoken in Mozambique and parts

non-racial and democratic South Africa.

of South Africa, particularly in Limpopo.

Commemoration event

countries is evident by the existence of more than 60 bilat-

As the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of Machel’s

eral agreements and memoranda of understanding covering

death, the governments of both countries will work to-

a wide range of sectors.

gether to commemorate the death of the former Mozambican President. The event to commemorate the day will be held at the crash site in Mbuzini on 19 October.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

The depth and extent of cooperation between the two

These include energy, transport, trade and investment, agriculture, environment, water, defence and security, immigration, science and technology, labour, communication, tourism, arts and culture, and sport, among others.

ADVERTORIAL

DRUMMING TOGE THER FOR A BE TTER TOMORROW Stats SA’s move to their new home in Salvokop shows what can be achieved when government works together to ensure that Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) are properly managed. Stats SA’s employees completed their journey to their new building on 29 August 2016 when the SG, Dr Pali Lehohla, ushered staff into their newly-constructed, state-of-the art home, ISIbalo House, which cost R1.4 billion. The building is located in Salvokop, at the foot of Freedom Park and is within walking distance of the Bosman Transport Interchange. When asked how he felt about the big move, the SG said: “Information is freedom. What is important in this building is the ethos that it carries and the humility that it has to imbue as we produce these numbers, because statistics is a conduit of trust. From this building we will emit the numbers that will inform the nation.” The project was achieved through a PPP. The DDG: Corporate Services, Akhtari Henning, played a hands-on role as the project representative responsible for delivering a world-class, high quality building that will serve government far beyond the 25-year lease with the consortium which won the bid to build, maintain and operate ISIbalo House. “This PPP was managed very differently. Stats SA’s executive management went through the specifications with a fine-tooth comb, so we fully understood exactly what this project needed to deliver,” she said. This project was spearheaded by Stats SA, with National Treasury (NT) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) forming part of the project team, supported by the City of Tshwane. The DPW was responsible for allocating the land and all issues related to land use, which they mobilised through the City of Tshwane. An excellent working relationship with the team responsible for the Inner City Regeneration Project, as well as the Director-General (DG) of DPW, Mziwonke Dlabantu, assisted in ensuring that the process was taken forward. Strover Maganedisa, from the NT’s PPP unit, provided strong support in leading and guiding the PPP process. National Treasury financed R617 million of the R1.4 billion capital outlay, which is an investment in government infrastructure.

Just a few of the thousands of boxes that formed part of the big move.

City of Tshwane’s former City Manager, Jason Ngobeni, was instrumental in dealing with some of the bureaucratic red tape encountered within the municipal processes. There are very few city managers who are willing to leave their offices to walk to a client to deal with issues such as lost building plans and storm-water drainage; Ngobeni is one such individual, and that is a mark of his dedication. The turnaround time related to the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the negotiation process was amongst the fastest in government. The time to finalise the tender was three months. This process has taken up to two years in other developments of this nature. A key to this success was the hands-on leadership and attention to detail by DDG Henning and her team, Thulani Ntshangashe, Wycliff Raphuti and Nicolene Seegers. Once the preferred bidder had been chosen, negotiations were concluded within three months. The DDG said: “It has been the norm to appoint an external service provider as a technical advisor or transaction advisor, and they sit and try and make decisions for the department. They don’t know the functioning of the department and what the requirements are. They also come from an environment where they look at increasing profit margins, dividends and shares on their side, rather than delivering value-for-money for the client.”

The main entrance of Stats SA’s new home, ISIbalo House DDG Henning took personal charge of this aspect of the project and her hands-on approach ensured that the materials used to build ISIbalo House were of the highest quality. Almost every product was directly reviewed and technical reports were obtained on all structure materials. Local content was another area of focus; items procured locally had to be manufactured in South Africa, not simply items that were imported from elsewhere and sold by a local supplier. The service provider was penalised for every line item they brought in that did not match with B-BBEE requirements.

The SG addresses staff outside Stat SA’s new home

This project also benefited the Salvokop community. The PPP looked at local community development on both the socio-economic and skills development side. Four hundred and forty-nine job opportunities were realised for the people from the Salvokop community during construction. To date local community enterprises have benefited from procurement totalling more than R235 million. Twenty-one NQF2 level learnerships were provided to candidates sourced from the local community in Salvokop. These learners were placed on a 12-month learnership programme, which was managed and controlled by the Construction Subcontractor. “Stats SA’s presence should advance the Salvokop community. The organisation will enter into a covenant with the community, to outline how the parties will create greater value for mutual benefit. Our presence here must deliver a difference. The local community must be treated with respect – as Stats SA, we must always put people first,” said the SG.

Some of the young people who benefited from the learnership programme

“Above all, team Stats SA has demonstrated beyond a shadow of doubt that government can engage in mega construction projects and yield the desired results on time, while keeping to cost and the desired quality. It can be done and it must be done; just get the right people to do the job. We should share these lessons.”

C ONTAC T DE TAILS Address: ISIbalo House, Koch Street Salvokop, Pretoria, 0002 Tel: (012) 310 8911 Email: info@statssa.gov.za Web: www.statssa.gov.za

*Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Thomas Chauke

FEATURE

Gauteng Premier David Makhura.

Gauteng on the road

to financial success

he Gauteng Provincial Government’s efforts to

ment, Economic Development and E-Government.

strengthen financial management and build an

The seven provincial departments that achieved unqualified

activist, accountable and clean government are

opinions, included Education, Community Safety, Roads and

paying off. According to the Auditor-General’s (AG) report for the 2015/16 financial year, all provincial departments and public entities achieved unqualified audits.

Transport, Infrastructure Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and Human Settlements. The 13 public entities that achieved clean audits were Dinokeng, Gauteng Film Commission, Gautrain Management

“This is the best performance recorded by the province in

Agency, Gauteng Partnership Fund, Gauteng IDZ Development

13 years, and serves as an indication that our province is well

Company, Constitutional Hill Precinct, Innovation Hub, Cradle

on track towards achieving its goal of establishing credible

of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gauteng Tourism Authority,

financial control systems and ultimately realising 100 percent

Gauteng Gambling Board, Supplier Park Development Company,

clean audits,” said Gauteng Premier David Makhura.

Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, and Cost Recovery.

Encouraging improvements

included Greater Newtown Development Company, Gauteng

He welcomed the AG’s report saying that he was encouraged

Liquor Board, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, MEDSAS, Gauteng

by the improvements that were noted in it.

Housing Fund and G-Fleet.

The six public entities that achieved unqualified audit opinions

“I wish to commend all departments for their ongoing efforts to improve management of public finances and taking correc-

Strategic intervention plan bearing fruit

tive action to address poor performance,” said the Premier.

The Department of Health improved from qualified to unquali-

Seven provincial departments achieved a clean audit. These

fied audit status.

included the Premier’s Office, Legislature, Cooperative Govern-

“This improvement can be attributed to the department put-

ance and Traditional Affairs, Provincial Treasury, Social Develop-

ting in place a strategic intervention plan on all previous audit

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

outcomes, in particular revenue management, to address the findings of the previous financial years and these plans were rolled out in all health institutions,” explained the Premier. He noted that the department had also strengthened the functioning of its governance structures with regards to risk management and integrity management, and rolled these out at the institutional level. “Our decisive interventions to address challenges at G-Fleet, the agency of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, led to Business Executive of Gauteng Business Unit at the AuditorGeneral of South Africa Dumisani Cebekhulu, Premier David Makhura, Director-General of Gauteng Provincial Government Phindile Baleni and Corporate Executive: Audits in Gauteng Mabatho Sedikela at an event to award a certificate to the Gauteng Provincial Government.

this public entity moving from a disclaimer last year to achieving an unqualified audit status in this audit cycle.”

Room for progress Premier Makhura said there had been significant progress across departments and entities. However, he was concerned about irregular expenditure and that some departments were not paying

•

ment process.

service providers within 30 days. “The Open Tender System which is being rolled out will assist us

•

“We are also tackling delays in the payment of service providers through the Cutting Red Tape Task Team led by MEC Paul Mashatile. Our target is 15 days,” he added.

Promoting transparency and accountability through inviting the public to observe the Bid Adjudication Committee process.

to eliminate irregular expenditure and enforce compliance with supply chain regulations.

Publication of tender information on key stages of the procure-

•

Establishing a Gauteng Provincial Government Procurement Hub over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

Looking forward

During his State of the Province Address early this year, Premier

Premier Makhura added that work with all provincial departments

Makhura committed his government to making use of the Open

and entities would be ongoing to ensure that they uphold the rule

Tender System.

of law in terms of financial management. “We will continue to work closely with departments to ensure

Promoting transparency

compliance with procurement rules and regulations, conduct exten-

It was launched in November 2014 to promote the transparency of

sive reviews of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements,

the procurement process to award bids through fair competition

address recurring audit findings and provide targeted financial re-

while ensuring compliance with supply chain management (SCM)

porting training as part of a broader intervention to eliminate mate-

rules and regulations.

rial amendments to the annual financial statements.”

The system has five unique features, which include: •

Strengthening of internal controls, compliance, governance

2014 to move towards a clean government that is transparent and

and transparency by subjecting procurement processes to

accountable to the people, the Preimer added.

probity audit. •

These audit outcomes were an indication of the progress since

“It is for this reason that we will not rest until all our depart-

An effective support from the Provincial Treasury SCM by

ments and entities ultimately realise 100 percent clean audits,”

reviewing and advising departments on specifications.

he stressed.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

FEATURE

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

SA dealing with impact of drought

ue to the effects of climate change, South Africa is

The average water consumption of water per person per

currently undergoing a devastating drought that is af-

day in the Rand Water supply area is 280 litres, the Minister

fecting food production and depleting water systems.

pointed out.

In September last year, the national dam levels stood at

“This is a lot more than the legislated 25 litres per person

72 percent of the country’s normal full supply. Since then,

per day but strikingly daring is that 40 percent of that which

the storage quantity capacity dipped to 53 percent by

is allocated for use, in terms of households, goes towards ir-

5 September 2016.

rigation, gardening service, amongst others.

The long range forecast shows a below normal, expected

“It is not for cooking; it is not for drinking. Worldwide, the

rainfall and therefore little relief is anticipated in the coming

average is 175 litres [per person per day]. We do have a possi-

months.

bility of living and making means with the little that we have

Although some areas are receiving rains and flooding has

if we change our behavioural patterns.”

been experienced in some provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal,

She added that an integrated approach was beginning to

the drought conditions have not improved and dams across

yield better results and that the irrigation sector had been

the country are at their lowest levels in years.

particularly helpful in dealing with these issues.

According to scientists, there is no guarantee that there will be sufficient rainfall in the coming season.

Better water management needed

Interventions to deal with drought South Africa has experienced drought in its four forms – meteorological, hydrological, socio-economic and agricultural

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane recently

– thus making it the worst recorded drought, according to the

said the situation calls for better water management by all

South African Weather Service (SAWS).

water authorities and behavioural change by households.

The drought is affecting all nine provinces in varying degrees.

“To date, in our country nine of our 12 water supply systems

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des

are implementing restrictions. Therefore, the restrictions that

van Rooyen said dams across the country were at their lowest

are being applied in Gauteng are not necessarily an exception

levels in years.

but it is also about a means to manage the supply and the distribution from the source,” she explained. The Minister said that government sought to ensure that there was continuous water availability.

He added that as part of ongoing drought mitigation measures, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had deployed 63 motorised water tankers with the capacity of 18 000 litres.

Among other interventions, government is working tirelessly

To date, about eight million litres of water have been deliv-

to improve the designs of the country’s water infrastructure

ered to approximately 49 200 people in North West, KwaZulu-

to adapt to the realities of climate change.

Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape.

“We should not over-exploit that which we have, we have

“Water conservation and demand measures are being intensi-

to manage the use of that which is at our disposal. We have

fied with 16 000 water restrictors installed in a number of areas

to instil behavioural change,” she said.

in eThekwini, Ugu, Zululand and uMzinyathi districts.

Minister Mokonyane said the department had noted that the user patterns in South Africa were at alarming levels.

“The ‘Drop a Block’ water-saving device was introduced across the country with nearly 103 000 water-saving devices installed

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

in the Northern Cape alone,” he said. The Minister added that the strict implementation of drought operating rules were being effected at all dams and this included restrictions from the larger supply systems. In addition, the DWS is also increasing the water mix, especially ground water utilisation and more than 7 487 boreholes are now operational across the country. “According to the SAWS, the drought is still persisting over most parts of South Africa and the recovery will be delayed due to expected below normal rainfall conditions. “Current indications are that above-normal rainfall and temperatures could be expected during the early summer season (November, December and January).” Minister van Rooyen said the SAWS had cautioned that the situation was delicate for all climate-sensitive sectors such as

deal with the impact of the drought, which has been translated

agriculture, water management and health, among others, as

into the rest of the agricultural value chain, with the poorest

the country was already under water stress.

consumers being impacted the most,” said Minister van Rooyen.

Millions set aside for support

Effect on the livestock sector

He said the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Information from the NAMC and Bureau for Food Agricultural

and the provincial departments of agriculture had allocated

Policy shows that in the short-term, the impact of drought on

R268 million towards drought relief from the reprioritised

primary production has been severely felt in the livestock sector.

Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme. Provinces have also availed R173 million to assist farmers with animal feed and stock. Infrastructure projects such as

“Massive livestock losses have been recorded throughout the country, with statistics showing a 15 percent decline in the number of cows between 2013 and 2016.

drilling and equipping of boreholes, construction of stock

“The situation is not likely to change over the short- to medi-

dams and distribution of feeds to farmers are also underway.

um-term due to the reduction and erosion of grazing capacity

“An additional amount of R198 million has been made avail-

to about 30 percent.

able by provinces to assist smallholder farmers during 2016/17

“The year 2016 saw record highs in summer grain prices as a

financial year, to continue with provision of livestock feed and

result of the drought. Producers who were able to plant maize

stock watering facilities. This intervention is still in progress,”

and achieve a yield in the midst of the drought, the prices re-

added the Minister.

alised were sufficient to ensure a year on year increase in gross

Food production

revenue for white maize in 2016.” For producers who were unable to plant the intended area or

The Agricultural Research Council has also introduced

achieve yield due to drought, the financial impact was severe.

a drought tolerant maize seed which will contribute to

Of the R286 million allocated by the Department of Rural

efforts to minimise the effects of drought on the product-

Development and Land Reform for drought relief interven-

ion of maize.

tion in 2015/16 financial year under the Recapitalisation and

Measures are being considered to multiply the seed. “As you are aware, drought conditions have a negative impact on food production and consequently food prices.

Development Programme, R158 million was spent. He said the support provided to affected communities and farmers included the identification of land for relocation of

“The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) is

livestock; the revitalisation of feedlots; the auction sales of live-

monitoring food prices in the country and reports to the

stock; the provision of feed and water for livestock; support to

Section 7 Committee established by the Minister.

smallholder farmers and sugarcane farmers, and the creation

“Dry land crop producers, livestock producers have had to

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

of firebreaks, among others.

FEATURE

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize

Universal access to

ART on the horizon healthy lives once they are on anti-retroviral medication. The National Department of Health said that it is aware that the test and treat approach would result in more HIV-positive people accessing ART services, which may

lead to congestion and increased waiting outh Africa is one step closer to ensuring that there is universal access of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for all HIV-positive people.

To decrease the burden on both patients and health facilities, the department has initiated a process of transferring

From September, the Department of Health adopted a

stable patients, those that do not need to see a nurse or

“test and treat” approach to HIV and AIDS, in line with the

doctor more than once a year, into support groups and into

World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines.

the chronic medicine dispensing and distribution system.

In December 2015, the WHO announced new guidelines

According to the department, these patients do not have

for the treatment of people living with HIV based on new

to see their health worker, or need to go to the clinic to

research which found that initiating patients diagnosed with

collect their medication, as it will be sent to a point close

HIV on treatment as soon as possible, regardless of CD4

to their homes.

levels, was beneficial. Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi announced during his Budget speech in May this year that from 1 September 2016, South Africa would implement the new WHO guidelines.

South Africa has the world’s biggest HIV and AIDS treatment programme, with about 3.4 million on ART. About 10 million South Africans test on an annual basis to find out their HIV status. According to the department, mother-to-child transmi-

This means that patients found to be HIV-positive upon

tion of HIV has decreased with the percentage of new born

testing can be initiated on treatment without considering

children infected with HIV dropping from eight percent in

their CD4 count.

2008 to 1.5 percent in 2015.

Prior to 1 September, HIV-positive patients were eligible to be initiated on ART if they had a CD4 count of 500 or less.

Government is also committed to reaching the target of zero new HIV infections by 2030.

Over the years, the Department of Health has made sure

According to the department, there are 5 000 new infec-

that HIV-positive pregnant women, children under five years

tions per week in 14 southern and east African countries but

of age, as well as HIV and TB co-infected patients received

half of these occur in South Africa alone, especially among

ART regardless of their CD4 count. The new policy extends

women between the ages of 15 – 24.

to all people living with HIV.

times at health facilities.

Government has launched a three-year campaign which

The implementation of what is now known as test and

will focus on HIV infection, unwanted pregnancies, school

treat for HIV will contribute to the National Development

drop-outs, sexual and gender-based violence, unemploy-

Plan goal of increasing life expectancy to at least 70 years

ment and a shortage of economic opportunities for girls

by 2030. People diagnosed with HIV can also live long and

and young women to address this.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGE R

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FEATURE

Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver

Africa’s sustainable

development tops agendas

President Jacob Zuma exchanges greetings with Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

frica, and members of the international com-

countries, 74 international and regional organisations, as

munity, are working hard to address issues such

well as representatives of the private sector and civil society

as sustainable development, industrial and in-

met at TICAD VI. It was the first time Africa hosted TICAD.

frastructure development, safety and security and other challenges facing the continent.

The TICAD forum promotes communication between Africa, Japan and the international community. The Japanese

These, and other issues relevant to Africa, received in-

government, United Nations, United Nations Development

tense attention recently at the Sixth Tokyo International

Programme, World Bank and African Union Commission

Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) held in

co-organised TICAD VI.

Kenya and the 36th Southern African Development Com-

TICAD recognised the need to address challenges and

munity (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government

international development priorities by tackling three “pil-

in Swaziland.

lars, namely promoting structural economic transforma-

TICAD VI Heads of state and government and delegations of Japan, 54 African countries, representatives of 52 other partner

tion through economic diversification and industrialisation; promoting resilient health systems for quality of life; and promoting social stability for shared prosperity. The TICAD VI Nairobi Declaration - the conference’s analy-

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

sis of Africa’s current status - identifies three major challenges

kets by linking consumers, producers, farmers and econo-

facing Africa and sets out priority areas and the three pillars.

mies through region-wide development. Investment in quality infrastructure that leads to job crea-

Positive developments and identified challenges

tion and the transfer of expertise and capacity-building to

TICAD welcomed the economic and social advancement and

African countries and people will be promoted.

progressing regional integration underway and recognised

The private sector’s role in development will be enhanced

the increasingly important role of business in contributing

and the introduction of incentives will be encouraged to

to Africa’s development, especially promoting fair trade and

attract industrialists and urge them to improve their pro-

investments, supporting entrepreneurial development, pro-

duction capacities in Africa.

moting technology transfer and creating decent jobs.

Efforts to develop necessary skills through education,

It was noted that major emerging challenges are affect-

technical and vocational training and improve institutional

ing African development, such the decline in global com-

capacity for economic diversification will pursue demo-

modity prices; outbreak of Ebola and persistent burden of

graphic dividends by including the youth and women.

HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, Zika, yellow fever and other communicable and non-communicable diseases; and

Pillar 2

radicalisation, terrorism, armed conflict and climate change.

Africa needs to strengthen its health systems for countries

TICAD VI priority areas

to enhance their resilience, sustainability and inclusiveness. The aim is to increase Africa’s capacity to respond to, pre-

The conference reaffirmed that the Yokohama Declaration

pare for and prevent epidemics, pandemics, other public

and Action Plan remained effective and their principles valid.

health crises and give attention to such things as neglected

TICAD also reaffirmed the intended implementation of ac-

tropical diseases and future threats such as anti-microbial

tions in these documents that include:

resistance. Efforts include promoting research and devel-

•

Boosting economic growth.

opment, and promoting collaboration in pharmaceutical

•

Accelerating infrastructure and capacity development.

technologies. The conference undertook to accelerate ac-

•

Empowering farmers as mainstream economic actors.

tions to improve health surveillance, monitoring and evalu-

•

Promoting sustainable and resilient growth.

ation at all levels.

•

Creating an inclusive society for growth.

•

Consolidating peace, stability, democracy and good govern-

Pillar 3

ance.

Social stability is essential to Africa’s growth. The conference

Given these challenges and international development

declared its commitment to addressing the shocks and

priorities, TICAD VI identified an approach that focuses on

vulnerabilities associated with armed conflict, political in-

three pillars.

stability and economic downturns. It condemned terrorism,

Pillar 1 Achieving structural economic transformation requires

reaffirmed its commitment to fight terrorism and violent extremism and called for better international cooperation in improving Africa’s counter-terrorism capacity.

economic diversification and industrialisation, quality infra-

The conference agreed to address global issues and chal-

structure, private sector development, and human resource

lenges such as climate change, deforestation and desertifi-

development.

cation, poaching, loss of natural resources, food insecurity,

The conference resolved to help accelerate the growth of industries including agriculture, livestock, mineral, blue/

water and energy shortages and natural disasters and their effects on migration and security.

ocean economy, innovation and information communication

Promoting regional and international efforts concern-

technology, manufacturing and tourism. The undertaking

ing maritime security including piracy and illegal fishing

was given to engage in energy issues, and create new mar-

was emphasised, along with maintaining a rules-based >>

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

FEATURE

maritime order. The conference underscored the importance

to facilitate the mobilisation of resources to finance key

of international and regional cooperation.

regional projects and programmes, giving further impetus to

SADC Summit The SADC Summit is a statutory meeting of 15 nations every

Food security

August where matters from different sectors are considered

It also discussed drought and food security. United Nations

and SADC institutions’ performance is assessed. The overall

Secretary-General Special Envoy on El Nino Mary Robinson

implementation of the SADC’s socio-economic programmes

gave a presentation on the severe impact of the drought

is also reviewed.

affecting the region.

The summit took place under the theme: “Resource

SADC’s food security deteriorated because of the effect

Mobilisation for Investment in Sustainable Energy Infrastruc-

of the extreme El Nino drought: the cereal deficit was 9

ture for an Inclusive SADC Industrialisation and for the Pros-

million tonnes and 39.6 million vulnerable people needed

perity of the Region”.

food and other humanitarian assistance.

Describing the summit as successful, President Jacob

The summit appealed to the regional and international

Zuma said: “We dealt with a number of important issues

community for continued support for the affected popula-

that affect the region most, in particular issues around

tion, in particular to close the gap of US$ 2.5 billion.

industrialisation, energy and infrastructure development. “We have all committed ourselves to swiftly implement

Decline in HIV infection rate

the recommendations as presented in the reports to ensure

It also noted a decline in the HIV infection rate across

peace, unity and stability in affected areas.”

the region. There has been an increase in the coverage of

President Zuma was elected as the new SADC Deputy

Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission programme,

Chairperson and South Africa as incoming chair. South Africa

with coverage in the SADC region at 90 percent in 2015,

will host the summit in August 2017.

and a substantial drop in the incidence of tuberculosis and

Infrastructure projects

preparation of infrastructure and industrialisation projects.

malaria, including malaria-related mortality.

The summit emphasised the need to prioritise and act col-

Working towards gender parity

lectively to implement high-impact infrastructure projects

The summit applauded the progress made in empowering

with the potential to catalyse industrialisation. Member

women through appointments to key decision-making

states were urged to ratify an agreement aimed at mobilising

positions. Member states that achieved high represen-

resources to finance key regional projects and programmes.

tation of women both in political and decision-making

The summit approved the Agreement on the Operation-

positions were commended, and all member states were

alisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund, and

urged to strive towards reaching the gender parity target

called on member states to urgently ratify the agreement

at all levels.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

ADVERTORIAL

GLOBAL BRANDS EXPRESS CONFIDENCE IN SA

Tourism brings people together, all over the world. Last year, more than 1.2 billion people left their home countries to follow their dream of visiting interesting and exciting destinations. Speaking at World Tourism Day celebrations at Parys in the Free State, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom said this is cause for celebration: it is wonderful that tourism can bring people together on such a vast scale and make such a big difference to our world. He noted that travel and tourism are now the world’s largest and fastest growing industry. International tourism grew by 4.4% in 2015, the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth, and arrivals are projected to grow by 4% this year, according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). “This means that tourism is becoming a very important driver of economic growth, creating more and more jobs and business opportunities, especially in developing countries: we must celebrate these advancements, and work together on growing even further,” said Minister Hanekom. He reported that in South Africa, we received 14% more tourists than we did between January and July last year. Tourists are finding incredible value for money when they visit South Africa and the country continues to win international awards. “The internationally influential Condé Nast put South Africa at number four on the list of the Top 20 countries in the world to visit, along with countries such as France, Spain, Thailand, Morocco and Australia, who are all highly developed travel destinations,” said Minister Hanekom. “If we can beat competition like that, we have a lot to celebrate. “Many leading global brands are also expressing their confidence in our tourism industry by investing in our economy, including Marriott International, who recently acquired Protea

Hotels, Starbucks, Burger King and Amadeus. “More good news is emerging from the strengthening collaboration between the tourism industry and government. We have sat down and agreed on the key actions we need to take together to secure growth in tourism. “We believe we can grow the number of international tourist arrivals by 50% in the next five years,” said Minister Hanekom. Government and industry are working together to improve market access through joint marketing agreements funded by private sector and government, according to the Minister, which target high yielding markets – the United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany and China – and early indications are that this approach is paying off. Furthermore, a bidding fund for events is being established, which will consolidate South Africa’s position as the leading business events destination on the continent and barriers to growth are being removed by addressing immigration regulations, licencing for tourism operations, and working with municipalities to harmonise by-laws that have an impact on tourism. The Minister said the additional five million tourists that government and industry want to attract to South Africa will provide many more jobs for local people and more opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities to become involved in tourism. “We are aiming high, but we can achieve these goals by working together at all levels of government, by collaborating with industry, and by making more of our tourism facilities accessible to more people,” concluded Minister Hanekom.

Writer: Una Seery

FEATURE Communications Minister Faith Muthambi addresses the colloquium on Print Media Transformation, Accountability and Diversity.

Taking the

media industry forward

hile significant progress has been made in the

Greater diversity needed

media industry over the past 22 years, a lot more

Opening the colloquium, Minister Muthambi noted the limit-

still needs to be done, particularly with regard to

ed ownership and control of the media impacted on content

media ownership and control, says Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.

diversity. With only a small number of media owners, the public dis-

“Media ownership and control remains in the hands of a

course has become dominated by a few. Greater diversity is

select few, evident not only in content production but across

required so that the voices and viewpoints of the poor, rural,

the value chain; in publishing, printing, distribution, circula-

and disadvantaged are also reflected within the media space.

tion, research and advertising,” said the Minister at a recent

This will most likely result in media dialogue on pressing is-

colloquium on Print Media Transformation, Accountability

sues of national importance – such as employment, educa-

and Diversity.

tion, and rural development.

The colloquium was hosted by the the Department of Com-

The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to a free

munications and was attended by more than 120 stakeholders,

and flourishing media and encouraged all stakeholders to

who had gathered to share their thoughts on the state of the

engage in open discussion and debate, and find solutions to

media industry, to take stock of transformation challenges,

help move the industry forward. The focus issues were trans-

and explore ways to promote content diversity.

formation and ownership of the media; regulation of the print

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

media; sustainability of small commercial and community print; and how to promote content diversity.

The state of the industry

diverged from there. Joe Thloloe, Press Council Director, argued that the current co-regulatory system, that includes equal representation from the media/public representatives and is chaired by

Mathatha Tsedu, a veteran journalist and Executive Director

an independent judge, is extremely effective. Thloloe said

of the South African National Editors Forum, provided an

that this system has the necessary mechanisms and sanc-

overview of transformation initiatives he has been directly

tions in place to ensure the code and conduct of journalists

involved in. The most recent, the Print, Digital Transforma-

and the press are upheld. This is being used by the media

tion Task Team, had conducted hearings and in 2012 pro-

and complainants who have indicated that they are happy

duced a report that included recommendations on how

with the results.

to structurally transform ownership and management

Lumko Mtimde presented an opposing view arguing for

patterns, while providing for skills development and pref-

independent regulation. He pointed out that a weakness

erential procurement support to emerging black business.

of the current system is that the media is allowed to police

“At the end of the consultative process, the media hous-

itself, and in many instances individuals are defamed with

es decided that Print, Digital Media South Africa (PDMSA)

little recourse to justice. Even for the most serious offences,

would not be given the role to monitor transformation

no sufficient sanction is imposed.

programmes across industry, but each individual company would be responsible for this.

Questions and discussions centred on the effectiveness of the Press Council and its sanctions. Recommendations

“There is therefore no industry-wide mechanism of collat-

included that all terms such as co-regulatIon, statutory, and

ing data on transformation and PDMSA remains as a shell

independent regulation need to be clarified so all are work-

that deals mainly with press cards and awards,’’ he said.

ing from a common understanding.

Against this background, Reg Rumney, an economic jour-

In addition, what will constitute the Media Appeals

nalist, presented the media ownership patterns of the “Big 4”

Tribunal and its roles and responsibilities will have to be

– namely, Independent Media, Times Media Group, Caxton

presented so that a proper discussion on press regulation

and Media24. Naspers (Media24) remains dominant within

can be held and the way forward resolved.

and across the media space and while figures suggest that black ownership has increased within the industry, this is still far from sufficient.

Small commercial and community media sustainability

Commission delegates considered the role the Big 4 could

Small commercial and community media sustainability

play in skills development initiatives and promoting pref-

was seen as critical for content diversity to grow within

erential procurement to boost black empowerment in the

the media space. Sustainability was seen as one of the key

sector.

problems facing this sector and presenters spoke with pas-

Much was said about the problems experienced in the

sion about the need for policy and programmes to ensure

newspaper industry today and how digital needed to be

the longevity of community and small commercial media.

considered as a viable industry for the future.

It was recommended that government set-asides, par-

While there was agreement that BBBEE targets needed

ticularly of 30 percent of ad spend, need to be agreed on

to be reached and community media bolstered, delegates

and implemented as a matter of urgency. In addition, the

agreed that the issue of the 'missing middle' industries

funding model for the Media Development and Diversity

could not be excluded from the mix.

Agency needs to be reviewed so that this supports growth

Print media regulation

of the community media sector. The colloquium was welcomed by participants. Recom-

Print media regulation was the most hotly contested topic at

mendations arising from the commissions are to be re-

the colloquium. While all presenters started out from a com-

viewed and incorporated into a Discussion Document that

mon point – that the media industry should be regulated

is to be released as part of a public consultation process

by a system that is in line with the Constitution – positions

later this year.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

BOOK REVIEWS

Supplied by: Knowledge Resources

Leadership Perspectives from the Front Line, edited by Theo Veldsman and Andrew Johnson The purpose of this book is to address

of strategy formulation and implemen-

the leadership demands, challenges and

tation; strategic organisational change;

requirements faced by organisations over

organisational (re)design; team building;

the next five to 10 years in the global vil-

leadership/management and strategic

lage in general – and emerging coun-

people/talent management.

tries specifically – as viewed from an in-

He is currently Professor and Head

tegrated, holistic leadership value chain

of Department of the Department

perspective.

of Industrial Psychology and People

The book aims to provide cutting edge,

Management, Faculty of Management,

futuristic thinking about leadership, lever-

University of Johannesburg (UJ).

aged from current available insights; ac-

Dr Andrew Johnson is the General Man-

tionable knowledge; and theory-informed

ager of Eskom’s Leadership Institute.

Two internationally recognised thought

practice about leadership at the front line

leaders on leadership teamed up with

of the organisation.

He career includes role at Edcon, MTN, Transnet, Anglovaal Mining and the JSE.

over 80 contributors to produce the

Andrew held non-executive directorships

most comprehensive and “biggest” busi-

About the editors:

in the National Empowerment Fund, the

ness leadership book ever published in

Theo H Veldsman holds a PhD in Industrial

City of Johannesburg’s Property Company,

South Africa.

Psychology. He is a registered industrial

Transparency South Africa, the National

psychologist and research psychologist

Student Financial Aid Scheme and the

and accredited HRM practitioner.

Department of Industrial Psychology and

With 89 contributors, 65 chapters, more than 1 000 pages and featuring a foreword from Advocate Thuli Madonsela in hard

Veldsman has extensive research and

cover, the book addresses leadership from

development, as well as consulting expe-

every possible angle.

rience over the past 35 years in the fields

People Management of the UJ. He holds a PhD in Industrial Psychology from the UJ.

The Shadow Side of Power, by Patricia McLagan In this thought-provoking, inspirational

temptations and misperceptions in order

of Fame, and is known globally for her

and imaginative allegory, join a fictional

to switch on the light.

publications, provocative speeches and

hero for an all-too-real journey through

As Jim Kouzes, co-author of the bestsell-

the shadow side of leadership and its

ing The Leadership Challenge asserts, “The

many challenges.

Shadow Side of Power is just plain great allegory, join a fictional hero for an all-too-real journey storytelling, thatanddraws you in, through the the shadow kind side of leadership its many challenges.

personal dilemmas that accompany his

accompany his leadership role, seeing five ways that leaders fail stirs your passions, sustains your interest, and two ways they abuse their power. In the process, he learns

leadership role, seeing five ways that lead-

these very challenging times. teachesfor This meaningful lessons, and leaves book is for those who are or want to be in a formal

ers fail and two ways they abuse their

you both gratified more. ” and are willing to face and into thewanting darker aspects of power, its

power. In the process, he learns seven

Our hero faces into the distortions and personal dilemmas that

seven lessons that will make him a great and principled leader

leadership role; aspire to be great and respected leaders;

lessons that will make him a great and

About the author

principled leader for these very challeng-

For four decades, Patricia McLagan

ing times.

has worked with business and govern-

This book is for those who are or want to

ment sectors to develop leaders and

be in a formal leadership role; aspire to be

to transform leadership systems. She

great and respected leaders; and are will-

is the second woman and 15th in the

ing to face the darker aspects of power, its

Human Resource Development Hall

ISBN: 978-1-86922-471-4

Patricia A. McLagan

temptations and misperceptions in order to switch on the light. As Jim Kouzes, coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge asserts, “The Shadow Side of Power is just plain great storytelling, the kind that draws you in, stirs your passions, sustains your interest, teaches meaningful lessons, and leaves you both gratified and wanting more.” For four decades, Pat McLagan has worked with business and government sectors to develop leaders and to transform leadership systems. She is the second woman and fifteenth person in the Human Resource Development Hall of Fame and is known globally for her publications, provocative speeches, and change management work. Here, Pat draws on in-depth experience with leaders at all levels in a variety of institutions globally, knowing firsthand the immense energy and promise that comes along with formal power.

the shadow side of power

In this thought-provoking, inspirational, and imaginative

Our hero faces into the distortions and

change management work.

THE

SHADOW Side OF

POWER LESSONS FOR LEADERS

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

Compiled by: Sekgabo Kedijang

Public Sector Appointments

Franklin Dikgale Chief Risk Officer, Ithala SOC Limited Franklin Dikgale has been appointed the Chief Risk Officer at Ithala SOC Limited, a subsidiary of Ithala Development Finance Corporation. Dikgale is an attorney of the High Court of South Africa and a Certified Compliance Professional. He has a wealth of experience in the legal, business and financial industry sectors. Dikgale previously served as a Managing Director of BoE Private Clients-Fiduciary and also as CEO of a joint venture between FNB Trust and FNB Insurance. He was also the Executive Head of ABSA Retail responsible for Risk, Legal, Management Assurance & Compliance. Prior to joining Ithala, he ran his own legal practice. He also served on a number of boards of companies, in particular Old Mutual Trust, BoE Trust Limited and Central Union Trust. Dikgale was the national president of the Fiduciary Institute of South Africa, an umbrella body representing all the trust companies in South Africa. As the Chief Risk Officer of Ithala SOC Limited, he will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with the risk management strategy by implementing all the key elements outlined in the strategy.

Fikiswa Mncanca Chief Director: Statutory & Advocacy Services, Department of Labour Fikiswa Mncanca has been appointed Chief Director: Statutory & Advocacy Services within the Inspection and Enforcement Services at the Department of Labour. She is a seasoned legal specialist who previously served at the Compensation Fund as the legal officer until she was transferred to Legal Services in 2008. Mncanca has been admitted as an attorney since 2007, concluded her articles at Legal Aid South Africa in Mthatha and joined the Department of Labour in the same year. In 2009, she was appointed as the Special Advisor to the Minister of Labour. Prior to being promoted to her current position, she was a Director at Statutory Services in 2014. Mncanca has an LLB degree from the former University of Transkei (now known as Walter Sisulu University). As the Chief Director: Statutory & Advocacy Services she will be responsible for the training of inspectors, stakeholder engagements, as well as referral of cases to the Labour Court and Magistrateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Courts. She will also oversee the administration of Inspection and Enforcement Services.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

Soon, there will be no place to hide for overloaded vehicles

suspected of being overloaded

travelling along the N2 through Zululand, as a high technology

will be directed to an adjacent

overload control facility nears completion. Extensive over-

lane for accurate weighing on a

loading of trucks has resulted in a marked deterioration, in the

static scale.

BLUEPRINT/890/ETEZA/E

ETEZA OVERLOAD CONTROL FACILITY ON THE N2.

condition of the South African road network. If the vehicle is found to be within SANRAL is building an overload control facility at Eteza,

the legal load limit, the driver will

between Richards Bay and Mtubatuba, to control heavy

be allowed to proceed back onto

vehicle overloading and thereby protect the road network.

the highway. If the vehicle or one of

Damage to roads as a result of overloading, leads to higher

its axles is found to be overloaded, it

maintenance and repair costs and shortens the life of a road,

is directed by means of trafﬁc signals

which in turn, places an additional burden on the state, as well

to the holding area where prosecution

as law abiding road users, who ultimately carry the costs of

is instituted.

careless and inconsiderate overloading. Once the driver has been charged, he is Overloading is also a safety hazard that leads to unnecessary

only allowed to proceed once his load has

loss of life. For the driver, overloaded vehicles are less stable

been made legal, either by redistribution

and are more difﬁcult to steer and stop.

of the load on the vehicle, or by transferring part of the load onto another vehicle.

SANRAL project manager Dumisani Nkabinde, said the excess

Storage of payload on the ground is not

weight causes irregular braking and accelerating, prompting

permitted.

the driver to use more pressure than normal to brake the The overload control facility, will also be used

vehicle and take off.

to inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles. “And because the vehicle can’t accelerate as normal, it’s harder to overtake. Brakes can also overheat becoming less effective”.

Work commenced: Total workforce:

“It has been estimated by the Council for Scientiﬁc and Industrial research (CSIR), that 20% of all heavy trucks on the road, at any one time, are overloaded and 60% of the damage

Nov 2014

Expected completion date: Jan 2017 200

Number of SMMEs:

Local labour spend:

R17 137 478

SMME spend:

R34 274 956

to the road network in South Africa is caused by illegally overloaded heavy vehicles, costing the taxpayer some R400 million per annum.” When the overload control facility is operational, heavy vehicles of more than ﬁve tons’ gross mass must proceed on the left hand slow lane, from which they would be channelled, into a dedicated screening lane, where a high speed weighin-motion (WIM) sensor at a satellite station will determine whether the vehicle is overloaded. Overhead variable message signs, will be used to redirect legally loaded vehicles back onto the highway, while vehicles

SANRAL

www.sanral.co.za

www.facebook.co/sanralza/

890 SANRAL DPS PSM 2.indd 1

@sanral_za

Creating wealth through infrastructure.

2016/09/22 4:45 PM

890

:45 PM

The planned work is

going to include the following:

• Upgrading the interchange and building a new bridge over the R101.

BLUEPRINT/890/POLOKWANE/E

N1 POLOKWANE RING ROAD PROJECT.

• Constructing a new carriageway from the Silkon Road intersection northwards to the R71. • Rehabilitating existing roadways, and widening roads at the interchanges at the R37 (Lydenburg) and Silkon Road intersections.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) R700 million N1 Eastern Ring Road upgrade project around

• Upgrading all storm water drains, road

Polokwane, was launched in Limpopo province on the 13th

signage and road-related facilities like

of September 2016. This massive 15 km upgrade encircling

bus stops and taxi drops.

Polokwane consists of new roads and bridges to help ease trafﬁc congestions in and around the city.

All this work requires some trafﬁc disruptions and inconvenience for road users during

It forms part of SANRAL’s R1 billion infrastructure

the construction period. From time to time,

modernisation project to upgrade and maintain Limpopo

motorists would be required to deviate from

roads over the next three years. These include the Musina

their normal travelling routes. Alternative routes

Ring Road, Mokopane Northern Ring Road and the R71 to

have been made available until the end of the

Moria city.

construction period of 20 months. The upgrades are expected to continue well into mid-2018.

The N1 route carries a strategic economic signiﬁcance for the country as a gateway to the rest of the continent. And

The Eastern Ring Road upgrade is a massive project,

yet the region has been experiencing unprecedented growth

with enormous economic spinoffs for people of

in population and economic activity over the last 10 years.

Polokwane. We estimate that between 150 and 230

This has been accompanied by a substantial increase in trafﬁc,

local jobs would be generated. Local SMMEs stand

particularly with regard to heavy vehicles.

to beneﬁt from R85 million in preferential procurement opportunities.

Once complete, the rehabilitation of the entire route is expected to address the ongoing trafﬁc and road safety issues

Together with training that is given as part of the

afﬂicting Polokwane for at least the next 15 years.

contract, the project would go a long way to boosting the region’s economy.

Truckers, motorists, passengers and pedestrians in particular would beneﬁt signiﬁcantly from reduced travel times, improved

The N1 Polokwane Ring Road project is more than just a

roads, increased safety and a reduction in accidents.

road – it is a legacy.

www.sanral.co.za

www.facebook.co/sanralza/

890 SANRAL DPS PSM 2.indd 2

@sanral_za

Creating wealth through infrastructure.

2016/09/22 4:45 PM

890 SANRAL DPS PSM.indd 1

2016/09/22 2:00 PM

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

grooming and style

Colour and prints are the way to go 1

Spring and summer call for colour, fun and flair.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to answer that call than with the perfect accessory. We

take a look at some prints and bold colours that will certainly ensure your accessories get noticed.

1. Billabong trucker cap, Zando. co.za, R279.

2. Pink cut-out detail purse by Style Republic, Spree, R99.

3. Orange Kipling Elysia handbag, Zando.co.za, R1 499.

4. Pink hair accessory with fabric flowers, H&M, R149.

5. Patterned sarong, H&M, R149.

6. Satin ribbon choker, H&M, R149.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

7. Tinted, mirrored blue sunglasses, H&M, 8.

R129.

Printed Happy Socks,

Zando.co.za, R129 each

9. Pointer silk tie, Trenery, Woolworths, R599.

10. Fossil watch with blue face, Spree, R2 999.

11. Robert Daniel plain

blue knit tie, Spree, R160.

12. Spot pocket square, Studio W, Woolworths, R79.95.

12 Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016

FOOD AND WINE

Writer: Nicholas Francis

snacks

Quick scrumptious

pring is here and it’s time to enjoy the sun-

for 35 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 220°C and bake for

shine and the outdoors. Nobody wants to

a further 10 minutes. Once done, take the winglets out the oven and

be stuck in the kitchen slaving over the

cool. Put a saucepan on medium heat and then add in the barbeque

stove in the warm climate so we have put together

sauce, Cajun spice and stir until it comes to a slow boil. Add in the

some light meals that are quick and refreshing for

winglets and stir until the sauce covers all winglets. Remove winglets

the whole family.

from saucepan and place on a plate.

Barbeque chicken wings with a blue cheese dip

Sauce

Ingredients

in a blender and blend until smooth. Spoon sauce into a bowl once

12 winglets

completed, serve with wings.

2 tsps baking powder ¼ tsp salt ¾ cup barbeque sauce

Avo tuna boats Ingredients

4 avocados (halved and pitted)

1 tbsp Cajun spice

Blue cheese sauce

2 cans tuna (drained) 1 red pepper (diced)

¼ cup sour cream

1 cup coriander (coarsely chopped)

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 lemon (juiced)

80g blue cheese, coarsely chopped

Salt and pepper

1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 small garlic clove, crushed

Directions Halve the avocados, remove the seed and scoop out some of the

Directions

avocado to widen the pitted area. Place the scooped avocado into

Preheat oven at 180 C. Mix the winglets with bak-

a bowl and mash it. Add tuna, coriander, lime juice, red pepper and

ing powder and salt and place in the oven. Drop

a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until eve-

the temperature to 130C and bake the winglets

rything is mixed. Scoop the tuna mixture into the avocado boats.

Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, blue cheese and garlic

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

Drizzle with Sriracha Hot Chillie sauce to spice it up a bit.

Caprese toast with avo Ingredients

2 ripe avocados 2 tsps fresh lemon juice 4 slices bread (toasted) ½ cup fresh mozzarella (cut into pieces) 1 cup Rosa tomatoes (halved) 1/4 cup basil leaves (roughly chopped) Balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper

Directions

Thai beef salad

2 cups mixed lettuce leaves

Garnish

Halve the avocados and remove the pit.

250g quality beef steak

Scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Add the

¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Coriander and mint leaves.

lemon juice and the salt and black pep-

¼ small red onion (sliced finely)

Grind the chilli, garlic, coriander stems

per. Mash the ingredients together, keep-

½ cucumber, cut horizontally then cut

and pinch of salt until a smooth paste

ing the texture a bit chunky. Spread the

into slices

forms. Add the sugar, lime juice and

avocado mixture evenly over the toasted

¼ cup coriander leaves

fish sauce and mix. Set aside. Drizzle

bread. Top with basil, Rosa tomatoes and

¼ cup mint leaves

½ tablespoon oil on both sides of the

mozzarella slices. Drizzle with balsamic

½ tablespoon canola oil

beef and then sprinkle a pinch of salt

vinegar.

Salt and pepper

and pepper. Preheat a pan over high

Dressing

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

1 tbsp peanuts, roughly chopped

heat and cook the beef to your preference. Remove the beef from the pan

1 tbsp Canola oil

and place on a plate. Place remaining

3 tbsp lime juice

salad ingredients into a bowl and then

½ tsp chopped chilli

mix it. Slice the beef thinly and place

2 garlic cloves

in the salad bowl over the rest of the

1 tbsp coriander stems, chopped

salad ingredients. Pour dressing over

2 tbsp fish sauce

and gently toss. Dish salad into plates

2 tsp sugar

and sprinkle with peanuts. Garnish

Pinch of salt

with coriander and mint leaves.

Writer: Maya Fisher-French

FINANCIAL FITNESS

How to stretch your salary

Lifestyle

imes are tough and even though the inflation rate might be slowing down, prices are still going up.

•

shrink. If you eat less meat and drink less alcohol, that

This means your cost of living is only going to in-

will be a massive saving on its own.

crease as the months go by. According to the latest BankservAfrica Disposable Salary

Adopt a healthier diet and watch your grocery bill

•

Pack your own lunch instead of buying take-aways

(BDSI) data, the average South African salary grew just

every day. Take this one step further and eat in every

above the estimated rate of inflation with a 6.7 percent

night instead of eating out. If you want to spend time

year-on-year growth recorded in May. This level is lower

with friends, take turns hosting dinner parties at home.

than that recorded in April 2016, where the disposable

It will be much cheaper than going to a restaurant.

salary growth was 7.3 percent.

•

Instead of buying gifts, take the time to make some-

•

Cancel your gym membership and take up a hobby

thing personal for your friends and family.

While your salary may have increased annually, it is just barely enough to meet the rising cost of living or the rate

such as cycling.

at which inflation is growing. This means that your salary needs to go further every month. Here are some savvy

•

Make food from scratch. For example, if you bake your own bread, this can cost you as little as R70 a month

tips to help you stretch your salary.

compared to buying a loaf of bread regularly, which Shopping •

can cost as much as R120 a month or more.

Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You will be tempted to buy things you would not normally buy. Also, make sure you have a list before you hit the stores and stick to it. If you are not very disciplined, online shopping removes a great deal of temptation.

•

Buy in bulk and save on costs. Goods such as detergents and household cleaning items last long and can easily be bought in bulk if you have the storage space available.

•

Pay your bills online and ask for your statements to be emailed to you. You pay for statements that are mailed to you in the post so an emailed statement will cut this

•

Buy secondhand clothes. You would be surprised at

cost.

the amazing bargains you can pick up and the incred-

Be aware of where you shop. Keep an eye out for spe-

ible quality of the clothes available at secondhand

cials. Sometimes the extra trip to get to a different shop is

stores. Your children are only going to use their school

worth the effort. Avoid convenience stores because they

uniforms for a limited time so take advantage of the

are usually about 30 percent more expensive.

secondhand shop at their schools.

•

Plan your meals around the specials at your local grocery

These are all simple changes you can adopt over time,

store and include in-season fruit and vegetables.

which will eventually add up to a whole lot of saving.

•

If you belong to loyalty schemes, save up all the discounts

Whatever saving tips you choose to implement, make

or points you accumulate over the year and use them in

sure it becomes a habit – and watch the money in your

December.

bank account grow.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

CAR REVIEWS

Writer: Ashref Ismail

New Forester is bolder and classier

he highly-acclaimed Subaru Forester has been upgraded for the 2016 model year, enhancing the rock solid foundation on which the Forester

has built its reputation. The new Forester’s presence and emotional appeal has been emboldened with its smartly redesigned grille, bumper and headlights. Where the brief for the exterior was to emphasise the Forester’s bold nature, the interior has been reworked to be classier and more functional. Step into the driver’s seat

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

and you’ll immediately notice a new steering wheel design with

Spoilt for choice

silver applications on the three spokes of the multi-function

The Forester is still available in five model variants in South

wheel.

Africa. First in line is the 2.0X 6-speed manual powered by a

Safety first

normally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer® petrol engine. It produces 110kW at 6 200rpm and 198Nm at 4 200rpm. On

There can be no argument about the safety credentials of

this model, carbon emissions are 168 g/km, and it boasts a

the Forester, let alone all Subaru vehicles. The Forester has

combined average fuel economy of 7.2 litres per 100 km as

been awarded a number of safety accolades from the Japa-

well as Automatic Start Stop technology.

nese JNCAP, European NCAP, American ANCAP as well as the

Benefitting from a larger engine – a normally-aspirated 2.5-li-

IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Forester retains its arsenal of active

tre four-cylinder Boxer® petrol unit which produces 126kW at

and passive safety features, including Subaru’s ring-shaped

5 800rpm and 235Nm at 4 100rpm – the three models, which

reinforcement technology, seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat

are spread over X, XS and XS Premium trim levels, add further

anchors and the full Vehicle Dynamics Control suite.

bolstering to the new Forester range with added value and

In a bid to improve ride comfort, a lot of work has been

specification. All 2.5-litre models also feature Lineartronic™

done on reducing cabin noise and vibrations. In key areas

CVT transmissions, resulting in the addition of X-Mode and

around the windows, more insulation has been applied and

two-mode SI-Drive to the list of standard features of the XS

the window glass itself is now 0.5mm thicker. Noise-absorbing

and XS Premium. Combined average fuel economy is 8.1-litres

material has also been added to the floor, the rear apron, the

per 100 km, with carbon emissions of 187 g/km.

trunk floor and the foot wells.

The 2.5 XS Premium Lineartronic™ has luxurious extras in-

Front and rear suspension has also been optimised through

cluding a double-volume sunroof and leather upholstery,

tweaks of the damping force on the front and rear shock ab-

along with automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry and

sorbers and the cross member stiffness. The steering wheel

starting, a one-touch now-illuminated powered tailgate with

gear ratio has also been increased for a more responsive feel.

remote control and an adjustable height setting.

What makes a great all-rounder is the sum of its parts – its

Topping the new Forester chart is the 2.0 XT Lineartronic™.

impressive ability no matter what challenge is thrown at it.

The Forester is exactly this. The vehicle retains the core DNA

400 and 3 600rpm) direct injection turbocharged four-cyl-

of Subaru. It has the latest Boxer® engine technology coupled

inder Boxer® petrol engine, the 2.0 XT Lineartronic™ brings

with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Forester also

exceptional and typically Subaru performance to the Forester

retains its 220mm minimum ground clearance, impressive

range. The 0-100 km/h dash is completed in just 7.5 seconds

critical angles and raised driving position synonymous with

and top speed is 210 km/h. Despite the extra performance,

SUVs. The Forester has impeccable abilities on or off road.

fuel economy remains impressive at just 8.5-litres per 100 km

With features like X-Mode, the Forester can hold its own when

on the combined average cycle, with carbon emissions of

things get slippery and uncontrollable.

197 g/km.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Supplied by: Government Employees Medical Scheme

Caring for your spine A

s anyone who has suffered from back pain will

that normally form a protective cover around the spinal cord

appreciate, a healthy spine supported by strong

have not properly enclosed it. If it is not corrected, people

muscles is vital to the range of movements most

with this condition may have difficulty walking or controlling

of us take for granted. With 16 October being World Spine Day, we take a closer look at the spine. Also known as the backbone or vertebral column, the spine is made up of 29 individual bones, or vertebrae, and four

experts believe it may be as a result of genetic and environmental factors, and may result if the mother does not have enough vitamin B folic acid during pregnancy.

more that are fused together to form the coccyx, also known

Scoliosis

as the tailbone. In between the vertebrae are special discs of

This condition affects around three

cartilage that act as shock absorbers, and running through

percent of the world’s population

the centre of the vertebrae is the spinal cord containing

to a lesser or greater degrees. It

the nerves that connect the rest of the body to the brain.

involves a sideways curvature

Connected to the spine are a network of muscles and liga-

of the spine, which in severe

ments that hold our bodies upright and allow a range of

cases may impact a person’s

complex movements to enable us to walk, jump, sit upright,

breathing, mobility, pain

and play sports, as well as all the other motions involved

due to pinched nerves

in daily life.

or even the functioning

All of these components work together, and if something

of certain organs due to

goes wrong with one aspect of this intricate system it can

pressure from the misshap-

cause pain and may severely impact on an individual’s range

en spine. Less severe cases may

of movement and quality of life. Back pain is a leading cause

cause back pain. There are many

of sick leave and lost productivity, while various conditions

different causes, including dis-

affecting the back and spine can cause disabling injury.

ease, genetic and birth defects

There are thousands of health conditions that can impact spinal health. These include:

Spina bifida

their bodily functions. The cause is not fully understood, but

or muscular problems.

Spinal tuberculosis This potentially debilitating disease is a becoming more

This is a birth defect characterised by incomplete develop-

prevalent in developing countries and is most likely to af-

ment of the spinal column, where the bone and vertebrae

fect children and teenagers. It occurs when tuberculosis

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

(TB) bacteria infects an intervertebral disc or vertebrae, causing them to weaken. As the condition progresses, nerves may become pinched or damaged over time and in extreme cases the spinal cord may be injured leading to paralysis. With early diagnosis, TB antibiotic treatment is effective and children, in particular, can make a full recovery. Where the disease is more advanced, however, surgery may be required to repair some of the damage caused by the infection.

Slipped disc Spinal disc herniation, more commonly known as ‘slipped disc’, is a condition where the harder outer layers of fibrous cartilage in an intervertebral disc is torn, allowing the softer inner layers to bulge out. This impacts the ‘shock absorption’ function of

As a general rule, however, developing strong abdominal

the disc and may cause nerves to become pinched between

and back muscles will help to reduce your chance of back

the vertebrae, which in turn leads to pain in the neck or back

pain and may protect against some types of injury.

that radiates through the other areas of the body connected to those nerves. The primary causes are aging, degenerative disc disease and injury. While some slipped discs may heal themselves with a lit-

Tips for a healthy back •

tle rest, more severe cases may require physiotherapy or surgery.

Neck and back pain

with good posture, whether you are standing or sitting. •

Most people will experience some form of neck or back pain

When sitting at a desk, adjust your chair to a comfortable height so that your feet are flat on the

at some point in their lives. Since there are so many nerves in and around the spine, any problem in this area can result in

Strengthen your abdominal and back muscles

ground and your knees are level with your hips. •

Tilt your computer monitor, or place it on a box or

severe pain. There are numerous possible causes for neck and

stack of books, so that you do not have to bend

back pain, and it is always advisable to consult your family

your neck to work.

practitioner if you are experiencing this.

•

Do not sit for long periods at a time. Rather, stand up from time to time, and take a walk during lunch break.

•

Do stretches and gentle warm up exercises before doing activities, such as gardening or painting a ceiling, to help avoid straining your back.

•

When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knee rather than at the waist, and keep your back straight. Do not attempt to lift very heavy items alone.

•

Stay fit and active, as obesity can lead to numerous back problems.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

Nice to haves

Writer: Nicholas Francis

Living it up 2

he living room is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s the place where we spend most of our time and entertain our guests so it’s important that it looks good. If you are looking to spruce up your living room, here are some African inspired items to give you that homely feeling.

1. Diamond cut outside table, Mr Price Home, R899.99. 2. Bamboo bulb hanging pendant ceiling shade, Mr Price

Home, R659.99. 3. Porcelain vase, @ Home R449. 4. Aurora, 45x45cm, scatter cushion, Mr Price Home, R89.99. 5. Wall art, medium deer head, @ Home, R1 499. 6. Gogo walking frame, 55x55cm, @ Home, R1 299. 7. Stack chair, Mr Price Home, R3 000. 8. Potted orchid, 64cm, @ Home, R499.

8 7

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

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Sustainable Development

TRAVEL

Writers: Sam Bradley and Duane Stacey

City breaks on the wild side F

or many of us working the hard slog of a nine to five

And if that is not enough to get excited about a holi-

in the big city, the thought of getting away to the

day, why not take in all the sights and sounds of the bush

bush and doing some animal spotting can seem as

while interacting with elephants during a touch and feed

far-fetched as a quick visit to the moon. However, it needn’t be, because South Africans are bless-

Askari Game Lodge, with its unique décor, gives visitors

ed with beautiful game reserves right on the doorstep of

a real insight into the enchanting history of the Magalies-

all our major cities.

berg. The ox wagon collection from the 1800s and Plumari

Gauteng

Museum pay homage to the rich culture and diversity of the area, known for the Battle of Nooitgedacht.

It is no secret that some of the greatest wildlife experiences

A fully equipped spa treatment centre will ensure any

in South Africa rest on Johannesburg’s front porch. Yet, for

thoughts of the office remain in the city, but if you really

those living in the corporate bubble, it is all too easy to be

can’t get away from work, a new conference centre which

drawn in to the working lifestyle and remain oblivious to

can seat between 20 and 150 people is at your disposal.

the natural beauties which lie just a stone’s throw away.

Prices start at R1 760 per night for couples sharing or R1

One of these Big Five gems, Askari Game Lodge and Spa, lies just 80km from the city, and guests will do well to leave work early on a Friday and arrive in time to enjoy the two game drives per day.

session?

430 for the individual. Game drives are an additional R295 and the elephant experience R490.

Mongena Game Lodge

Visitors will not be disappointed by the abundance of

Just 50 km north of Pretoria lies Mongena Game Lodge, a

wildlife and can expect to see lion, white rhino, buffalo,

six square kilometre game park offering visitors on a tight

hippo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, wildebeest, hartebeest,

schedule a chance to do some game viewing – perfect for

warthog, bushpig, jackal and a variety of buck and impala.

a city break. The lodge is part of Dinokeng Game Reserve,

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

a project by Tokyo Sexwale to create a 185 square kilometre

beest. Due to its size, the largest predators in the park are

park in Gauteng to promote tourism and conservation. The

caracal and jackal, and there are also plenty buck and giraffe.

four-star lodge boasts the Big Five as well as a scenic dam

If nothing else, enjoy watching the black wildebeest. These

offering cruises and bass fishing. Guests can go on self-drive

strange looking animals are known to break into sponta-

safaris, although some of the roads are only suitable for

neous dance, and they make high pitched honking calls

bigger vehicles so a game drive with the lodges rangers

which give them their nickname - gnu. Day trips cost R50

and trackers is recommended. Twenty-five chalets provide

per person, while accommodation costs range from R170

a range of accommodation options, starting from R975 per

per campsite or caravan site per night to R800 per night for

person per night.

the bush camp (sleeps up to 16 people).

Free State

Maria Moroka Game Reserve

The best known game reserve in the Free State is Golden

The Maria Moroka Game Reserve holds the honour of being

Gate Highlands National Park, a 340 square kilometre re-

one of the few reserves named after a woman. It is only 70

serve in the north east of the province. A three-hour drive

km from Bloemfontein, making it ideal for short getaways.

from Bloemfontein means that the park is better suited to

Set at the foot of the Thaba Nchu mountain (the spiritual

overnight stays than day trips, but visitors can enjoy soaking

homeland of the Basotho people) the park has zebra, buck

up the history of the area as well as the beautiful mountain

and lots of wide-open horizons to be enjoyed. Visitors can

views.

enjoy the nine kilometre hiking trail, a picnic overlooking

Set in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and with many sandstone cliffs and lookout points, the views in the park are memorable for all the right reasons. There is also much history to be enjoyed, as the first inhabitants were the Khoisan

the dam or a stayover at the Black Mountain Hotel.

Eastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park

and there are rock paintings under various rocky overhangs

Those from the friendly city are blessed with an abundance

throughout the park. Although the park does not include

of game parks just a short drive away, and they are all in a

the Big Five, it does have buck, wildebeest and birds such

malaria free area. Addo Elephant National Park is a good

as vultures, eagles, kestrel and falcons.

place to start at only 70 km away. Opening in 1931 with only

Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

11 elephants, the park has come a long way since then and is now the country’s third largest national park.

The Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is less than a two-hour

It boasts the Big Five and with over 500 elephants in the

drive from Bloemfontein and better suited to day trips. Al-

park, you are guaranteed to tick off at least that one from

though only 120 square kilometres in size, it manages to

your list. The park extended its borders all the way to the

pack in a lot, including the Allemanskraal Dam, some pre-

ocean and now also offers guests the chance to see south-

historic ruins and the world’s largest herd of black wilde-

ern right whales and great white sharks.

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

TRAVEL

Activities in the park include game drives, hiking, horse riding, 4X4 off-road routes and water activi-

struggle to support predators) but with its variety of wet-

ties. Those wanting to spend a night in the park can choose

lands, open grassy plains and acacia thornveld it has that

between rustic tents such as Spekboom Tented Rest Camp

‘back to nature’ relaxing feeling that guests will enjoy.

or slightly fancier lodges such as Kuzuko Lodge. Entrance

Just as relaxing as the setting, is the restaurant (with

to the park is R58 per person per day (R29 for children)

boma) and plentiful accommodation options (including

and accommodation options start at R250 for a tent site

a rustic fisherman’s cottage and two off the grid rondavels).

for two people.

At only 70 km from Durban, visitors can easily day-trip to

Shamwari Game Reserve

and R80 per vehicle). For those making a weekend of it,

For those looking to spoil themselves, Shamwari Game

accommodation rates start at R550 per room for self-cater-

Reserve has all the luxuries to make sure the getaway is

ing A-frames and R1 295 per room in the lodge (includes

one to remember. The 250 square kilometre private game

breakfast). Game drives are R295 per person.

reserve has the Big Five, and with two guided game drives, as well as guided walks included in the price, you have a

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

good chance of seeing all of them. There are six lodges

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is about a three-hour

and one explorer camp in the reserve to choose from, most

drive north of Durban, which provides a handy excuse for

of which have a plunge pool, indoor baths and outdoor

an overnight getaway. Not only is the game reserve the

showers. Prices start at R4 725 per person per night, which

oldest in Africa, it also has more than 90 000 hectares of

includes all meals as well as beverages on the game drives.

wild wilderness waiting to be explored. Once the royal

KwaZulu-Natal

Tala Private Game Reserve

hunting ground of King Shaka, the reserve now has 86 species of animal, including the Big Five and the famous wild dog.

It somehow doesn’t seem fair that Durbanites, already

Accommodation is available in the Hilltop Camp in the

blessed with a wonderful all-year round summer climate

north of the park and includes rondavels, chalets (catering

and beautiful beaches should also have an abundance of

and non-catering) and a restaurant. Guests can also enjoy

game reserves to enjoy. Those in the Zulu Kingdom have

beautiful panoramic views out over the park, a swimming

plenty of reserves along the North Coast to visit, but the

pool, a jungle gym for the little ones and a forest trail with

closest game reserve to Durban is inland, the Tala Private

a hide to view game from. Prices are roughly R570 per

Game Reserve.

night for a rondavel and R2 230 per night for a four bed

The big game in the park includes kudu, hippo, giraffe and eland (at a size of 30 square kilometres the park would

the park for self-drive safaris (entry fees are R70 per adult

self-catering chalet. Guests are also charged a R145 per adult per night conservation charge (R75 per child).

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

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TRAVEL

Western Cape

Aquila Private Game Reserve For those from the Cape looking for a quiet getaway and a chance to see some wildlife, a weekend stay at Aquila Private Game Reserve could be right up your street. It’s a two-hour drive from Cape Town so can be used for a day trip or an overnight getaway (they also

Inverdoorn Game Reserve

offer fly in safari’s if the drive seems too long).

Inverdoorn Game Reserve was the second largest dry

The reserve is relatively small at 100 square kilome-

fruit farm in the southern hemisphere until 1972, when

tres in size, but it does contain the Big Five as well as

a 10-year drought caused the farm to be sold. It has

hippo and giraffe (although it’s worth noting that the

since been restored to its former glory and now houses

lions are kept in a separate enclosure, so you won’t see

many animals that once roamed the area. Just over a

any live kills). Most of the animals have been rescued

two-hour drive from Cape Town, guests to Inverdoorn

from their previous locations and released back into a

can enjoy the wide open expanses of the Karoo as well

natural environment.

as a chance to interact with cheetahs at the cheetah

The overnight safari option includes three buffet

sanctuary.

meals, an afternoon game drive as well as an early

The sanctuary has saved 14 cheetahs to date, and

morning game drive or a visit to the Animal Rescue

having the chance to stroke one or witness one going

Centre. Those looking to quietly relax can head to the

for an evening run at 120 kilometres per hour is an

spa area to enjoy the sauna, steam room, heated indoor

experience not to be missed. The reserve covers 100

pool and spa treatments, while the more active can

square kilometres in size and includes the Big Five, al-

enjoy horseback or quad-bike safaris.

though the lion is kept in a separate part of the reserve.

For those on a day trip, prices start from R995 for

Accommodation options include safari tents, the new

the three-hour sunset safari. Accommodation options

Kuganha luxury tented camps or luxury chalets. The

range from standard lodge rooms to premier luxury

cost of a day trip is R1 575, while the overnight stays

cottages, and start from R2 900 per person per night

are R3 570 per person (includes two game drives and

(includes three meals and two game drives).

three meals).

Public Sector Manager • October 2016

ORGANISATIONS AREN’T PREPARED FOR MALICIOUS INSIDERS Organisations globally believe they are their own worst enemy when it comes to cybersecurity, with 45% saying they are ill-equipped to cope with the threat of malicious insiders and 90% calling malicious insiders a major threat to the organisations’ security. Mimecast’s Business Email Threat Report: Email Security Uncovered found that 65% of IT security decision makers globally feel their email security systems are inadequately equipped to handle cyber threats; which makes it clear that malicious insiders represent a major source of this risk and anxiety over security preparedness. By concentrating on outside threats, organisations around the world struggle with the risk that comes from within, emphasising the need for creating a cyber resilience strategy that includes both technology- and human-based defences. M i m e c a s t ’s r e s e a r c h uncovered that: • 53% of IT security decision makers view malicious insiders as a moderate or high threat to their organisation • One in seven IT security decisionmakers view malicious insiders as their number one threat • T hose equipped on cybersecurity feel just as vulnerable to insider threats as those who believe they aren’t equipped at all

Could your business survive a data breach? Attend Mimecast’s Anatomy of a Cyber-Attack event A data breach can cause huge financial losses and reputational damage in your business. Join Mimecast and leading industry speakers for a FREE SEMINAR, to learn about how to manage and ultimately prevent your business from falling prey to a cyber-attack.

Date: 27 October Venue: Studio Blu, JHB REGISTER AT:

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Mimecast tips for safeguarding against malicious insiders 1. A ssign role-based permissions to administrators 2. I mplement internal safeguards to detect and mitigate the risk of malicious insiders when they do strike

3. O ffer creative employee security training programmes that deter malicious insiders and help others to spot the signs so they can report inappropriate activity 4. N urture a culture of communication to help employees watch out for each other and step in when required

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