Public Sector Leaders | October

OCTOBER | 2021

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS FOCUS Transport Month: Driving economic transformation

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS The new devices shaping the local government elections

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Contents

OCTOBER 2021 | ISSUE 9

Editorial 12 | Transport & Logistics Focus Transport Month: Driving economic transformation

34 | Healthcare Focus Zooming in on the need for holistic support throughout illness

14 | Marine Month Focus Operation Phakisa: Creating a transformative space for oil and gas exploration

38 | Covid-19 Update Covid Vaccination Status: How to get your digital certification

16 | Local Government Elections The new devices shaping the local government elections

20

42 | International Day of Rural Women Empowering Rural Women: The promise of poverty alleviation

18 | Private Security Focus Effects of Covid-19 see speedy growth of SA’s Private Security Industry 20 | Department of Transport - What’s New? Shaping the South African transport sector 26 | UN Update UNICEF highlights its Advocacy and Communications Toolkit

14

Features 10 | Addressing The Nation President Ramaphosa addresses climate change

40 | Regional Focus Musina-Makhado SEZ: Investing in economic development in Limpopo

28 | Trailblazer Dr Thakgalo Thibela: SA’s youngest practicing medical doctor

54 | Financial Fitness Beyond the pandemic: Industries leading economic recovery

30 | Women in Leadership Hon. Bongi Sithole-Moloi remains committed to sustaining the agrarian revolution

56 | In Other News The PinkDrive: Leading the call to combat cancer in SA

4 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

58 | Upcoming Events South Africa celebrates its oceans, social development and transport industry 60 | Legal Matters Managing mental health issues in the workplace

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Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 5

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30 26

CREDITS PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS The Digimag For Leaders In The South African Public Sector Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions Top Media & Communcations (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 Info@topco.co.za | www.topco.co.za CEO Ralf Fletcher TOPCO STUDIO Production Director Van Fletcher van.fletcher@topco.co.za Group Editor Fiona Wakelin fiona.wakelin@topco.co.za Assistant Editor Charndré Emma Kippie charndre.kippie@topco.co.za Contributors Jessie Taylor

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6 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

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EDITOR’S LETTER

BY FIONA WAKELIN

Letter from the Editor Welcome to the October edition of Public Sector Leaders (PSL).

I

n his letter to the country this week – From the Desk of the Presidency – our President focused on climate change and the steps we are taking as a country towards a just transition to a low carbon economy.

His Excellency has declared Monday, 1 November 2021, a public holiday so that we will all be able to get to the ballot boxes - and earlier this month he extended his warmest congratulations to our icon, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who celebrated his 90th birthday.

It is a busy month for our public sector leaders, with H.E. Ramaphosa attending the inaugural Vooma Vaccination Campaign activation, at the DH Williams Hall. His Excellency delivered the eulogy at the official funeral of Deputy Minister Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize, and was on site to assess the development of infrastructure at the Msikaba Bridge, Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.

During October we celebrate Transport Month and Marine Month, and in this edition of Public Sector Leaders you will find a bouquet of articles covering not only these themes, but also advice about finance, upcoming events, a Covid update and mental health.

Our ‘Regional Focus’ is on Limpopo and the Financial Fitness regular looks at the economic recovery in SA and which sectors are leading the way.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Days are featured, as is the International Day of Rural Women. ‘In Other News’ we take a look at SA’s PinkDrive - Leading the call to combat cancer in SA. Whether you are in the public sector, the private sector, supply chain or an interested individual, PSL has something for you.

We hope you enjoy the read

FIONA WAKELIN | GROUP EDITOR

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 9

ADDRESSING THE NATION

BY FIONA WAKELIN

Addressing The Nation:

A Climate Transition To Note

I

n his letter to the nation written in the second week of October, President Ramaphosa focussed on climate change, with a warning that Sub-Saharan Africa has been witnessing temperatures rising to well above the global average.

“Climate change presents serious health, environmental and economic risks for our country.

These risks will have increasingly damaging effects on human health, water availability, food production, infrastructure and migration.

“Many South Africans are already feeling the effects of climate change through drought and flooding, which have an effect on their livelihoods. Several communities in Mpumalanga, for example, are affected by high levels of pollution, which increases respiratory illness and other diseases. Those who are dependent on the ocean for a living have already seen depleted fish stocks amid changing weather patterns and changes in ocean temperature,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.

These are not the only causes for concern – the economic risks include our trading partners placing restriction on the import of goods made using carbonintensive energy; and investors becoming increasingly unwilling to invest in fossil-fuel powered

industries, with banks and financial institutions being pressurised by shareholders not to support organisation which use fossil fuels.

For South Africa this means we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.

However His Excellency cautioned that a number of industries may be negatively affected by such a transition – these include agriculture, tourism, mining, energy, transport, manufacturing and the biodiversity economy, which is why it needs to involve organised labour and business.

Many South Africans are already feeling the effects of climate change through drought and flooding “As a country, we are developing detailed plans to enable a just transition. Our electricity sector, which contributes 41% of South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, will be the first phase of the transition. It will be the quickest industry to decarbonise and will have a beneficial impact across the economy.

“We will be decommissioning and repurposing coal-fired power stations, and investing in new lowcarbon generation capacity,

10 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

such as renewables. We will also pursue ‘green’ industrialisation, such as manufacturing using green technology and a shift to the production of electric vehicles, ” President Ramaphosa.

His Excellency imparted the good news that we are engaging our international development partners on a just transition financing facility to support our decarbonisation.

COP26 climate summit takes place this year in Scotland and with it comes a window of opportunity to mobilise additional climate finance.

“The climate transition is something that affects every South African and we all need to be part of its design and implementation. We have undertaken widespread consultation and there is broad support among social partners for an ambitious, realistic and, most importantly, just transition.

Our migration to a decarbonised economy is dependent on crafting a just transition that will not only meet our social obligations to our people but also enable our economy to move forward on a much higher trajectory.

“We have to act now if we are to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, secure the health and wellbeing of our people and safeguard the future of our planet,“ President Ramaphosa n

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 11

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS FOCUS

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

TRANSPORT MONTH:

Driving economic transformation through the transport sector

S

outh Africa has an expansive network of roads, rail, shipping and air transportation – but this industry is responsible for enabling economic activity in the country’s most productive sectors.

South Africa’s transport and logistics industry contributes around R270-billion to the country’s GDP and offers an essential service to other sectors identified as critical drivers of economic growth in the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), especially mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

Mining ventures require safe and reliable transport of equipment and mineral reserves. At the same time, the agriculture industry relies on efficient transportation to move crops from farms to their end destinations locally and internationally.

The manufacturing sector’s raw materials and finished products are also transported along South Africa’s networks, making it essential for the sector’s growth.

And on top of being essential for the success of so many economic drivers, the transport and logistics sector is also a significant employer, creating around 375 000 jobs.

Showing strong recovery South Africa’s transport sector has been affected by the Covid-19 regulations and the economic downturn. Initial restriction on the sale of retail goods had an immediate effect on trucking companies, reducing vehicle movement and necessitating retrenchments at some companies.

Various alcohol bans have also played a role in reducing demand for transport. Last year, the overall industry contraction was estimated at around 67.9%.

The rail and shipping sectors

12 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

have been similarly impacted, especially with initial closures of borders for all but essential goods. During the strictest lockdown level, trade to and from South Africa dropped by 3%.

Port operations reduced by around 40%, with rail operations scaling down to a similar level.

But not all enterprises were negatively affected.

The transport and communication industry showed the largest recovery in the second quarter, according to Statistics SA An increase in online retail saw the need for goods to be transported, and at-home delivery services have seen increased demand since the start of the pandemic. Despite the economic downturn, the transport and communication industry showed the largest

recovery in the second quarter, according to Statistics SA. The sector recorded the highest growth rates of 6.9%, between April and June, and made the largest contribution to GDP growth in the second quarter of 0.5 percentage points.

With South Africa’s agricultural sector showing strong growth over the last few months, despite the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the logistics and transport industry will play a key role in supporting the sector’s growth.

This sector requires road and rail transport, as well as port access to facilitate international shipping.South Africa’s agricultural exports are worth an estimated R145.5billion. The agricultural sector posted positive growth of 6.2% and contributed 0.2 percentage points to GDP growth. With the performance of the agricultural sector, it’s no surprise the transport sector has seen increased traffic.

Enabling economic activity The agricultural industry requires transport and logistical support from the farm gate to shipping ports. This was highlighted even more during the last 18 months when the pandemic disrupted global shipping lines, container ship shortages, and specific industries’ closures during lockdown regulations.

As the government’s plans to grow the agriculture and

agro-processing sectors gain momentum, the increased production is expected to be exported to international markets – and this will require increased capacity across the transport network. An efficient logistics sector is crucial for export-focused sub sectors such as the fruit, wine and grain industries.

Around 80% of agricultural commodities - such as maize, wheat and soybeans - are transported via road, and increased production of these crops will lead to a great demand for road transport.

Reducing this reliance on road transport will require additional investment into rail infrastructure. South African ports will need to be equipped to meet the demands of the increased export traffic.

Several vital investments have been made into South African ports recently, including a commitment to a R100-billion infrastructure development project to return Durban port to its former position as the number one port on the African continent.

In addition, South Africa’s network of rail lines and roads serve as an essential link to rural areas. Poverty in rural areas is often driven by a lack of access to essential services and goods. Ensuring good transport networks to rural areas can reduce the cost of goods, improve livelihoods, and encourage economic growth.

Investing in transport The transport and logistics industry comprises several arms – from roads to rail, shipping to air transport. An efficient transport and logistics sector is essential to economic growth and remains a focus for national government

policymakers. This is why infrastructure rollout is at the heart of the ERRP. Ensuring a robust and efficient rail, road, air and shipping network is key to maintaining economic activity. A critical part of the ERRP is implementing structural reforms to ensure that ports are run efficiently and good rail infrastructure is rolled out.

The transport industry is essential to the functioning of the economy, but it also bears the brunt of any changes in economic activity. While the pandemic and resulting lockdown restrictions initially saw the logistics and transport sector contracting, it has shown encouraging signs of recovery.

This recovery creates employment, enables economic activity, and speaks to increased activity levels in sectors identified in the government’s ERRP. This recovery creates employment, enables economic activity, and speaks to increasedactivity levels in sectors identified in the government’s ERRP. n

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 13

MARINE MONTH FOCUS

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

OPERATION PHAKISA:

Creating a transformative space for oil and gas exploration

A

key focus for the South African government in developing its ocean economy is the exploration of offshore gas and petroleum resources. This exploration falls under Operation Phakisa, a programme designed to help the country take advantage of the untapped potential of South Africa’s coastline.

But the latest step in tapping into these ocean resources is the Draft Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill. This piece of legislation will allow the South African government to claim a stake in all oil and gas exploration and production projects, allowing it to not only economic growth but also encourage transformation in the sector.

Tapping into natural resources Upstream oil and gas production and operations are primarily responsible for identifying deposits and recovering raw materials. Downstream oil and gas production companies later utilise these to create products for use by industry and consumers. Operation Phakisa looks to harness the largely untapped economic potential of the ocean, surrounding South Africa on three sides and offering almost 4000 kilometres of coastline.

The programme has the critical work of stimulating the South African economy, with all sectors having the potential to produce as many as one million jobs by 2033.

One of the focus areas of Operation Phakisa is offshore oil and gas exploration. Oil and gas are major internationally traded commodities. Increasing petroleum exploration and production could reduce South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels and provide a significant new revenue stream. The country’s natural resources are extensive – there is an estimated nine

14 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

billion barrels of oil and 60 trillion cubic feet of gas (the equivalent of 11 billion barrels of oil) off South Africa’s coast. The oil and gas exploration and production sector alone has the potential to create 130 000 jobs and contribute around $2.2-billion to the GDP. “As part of the national effort to grow the economy and create jobs, Government has – through Operation Phakisa for the Oceans Economy – facilitated opportunities in the country’s oil and gas sector for growth and investment,” Cabinet said in a statement.

But to benefit from this untapped potential, the South African Government needs to encourage exploration and production in a way that is beneficial to local industry. This is the balance that the Bill strives for – opening up the sector while creating an environment for local companies to thrive.

The oil and gas exploration and production sector alone has the potential to create 130 000 jobs

the strategic stock requirements for petroleum rights holders to sell a percentage of petroleum at prevailing market price to the State Petroleum Company,” Cabinet said.

First published in December 2019, the proposed legislation will look to separate the young and budding exploration and production sector from the established mining sector in South Africa.

The Bill will provide equitable access to and sustainable development of the nation’s petroleum resources. Provision is also made for a controlled application system through licensing rounds and designates state-owned PetroSA as the regulatory authority for the upstream petroleum sector.

“The Bill provides the legislative and regulatory framework to create a conducive environment for investment, growth and job creation in the upstream petroleum resources market. It also provides clarity on, amongst others, the application system; permits and rights issuing; transferability of the rights; participation by black persons; participation of the State; the transitional requirements and

One of the aspects the Bill hopes to promote is the transformation of the wider industry. The proposed legislation aims to have every exploration and production right hold a minimum of 10% participating interest held by black persons. It also allows the minister of mineral resources and energy to set aside exploration or production areas for 100% blackowned companies.

Not only will the Bill provide legislation to govern gas and oil exploration, but it will also ensure the South African Government and local industries’ interests are protected as the sector expands.

With the potential to increase economic activity and create job opportunities, the upstream petroleum sector is an ideal space to ensure transformation takes place. n

Exploring transformation The Draft Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill was recently approved by Cabinet and will now be submitted to Parliament. Should it be adopted, the proposed legislation will give the South African Government a 20% stake in all oil and gas exploration and production projects in South Africa.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 15

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

A VOTE FOR TECHNOLOGY:

The new devices shaping the local government elections

T

he Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has unveiled the new devices that will run this year’s local government election. The new technology will replace machines used by the IEC for the last 20 years.

The mobile devices will offer election officials a more efficient way to capture and verify voter data and increase security features to ensure voters can only cast their ballot once, the IEC has said.

An integrated management tool The IEC has purchased around 40 000 new voter management devices, at a cost of around R500-million, to offer an integrated and online way to manage the elections. The devices are essentially rugged tablets, which run the four apps needed to ensure the elections take place on 1 November 2021.

The tablets will integrate with the IEC’s management system and will replace the Zip Zip machines, which the IEC has used for over 20 years.

16 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

The Zip Zip machines have been used to scan people’s identity documents at voting stations since 1998.

“The IEC’s approach used to date, that of scanning an identity document and recording the data, is now outdated and inadequate for future purposes. The Electoral Commission intends to harness advances in appropriate technology and apply them in this solution,” said IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

Voter management devices will enable almost instantaneous citizenship verification Mr Mamabolo says the move to a more technologically advanced system will eliminate several steps in the voting process. With the devices, election officials will be able to scan ID barcodes and check addresses in one transaction at the voting station.

Mr Mamabolo explained that voter management devices are

connected to the internet, but where the signal is weak or nonexistent, the information is stored and uploaded when the device is in contact with a strong internet signal.

As soon as the device gets into an area of signal, it will automatically and without prompting upload the transactions stored to the device’s memory.

“Voter management devices will enable almost instantaneous citizenship verification as well as the correct capturing of the residential address, assisted by a mapping functionality which is built into the apps on the device.

Registration applications have been loaded and at least one voter management device has been allocated to each voting station on the logistics voting system,” says Mr Mamabolo.

management devices were put through their paces for the first time during voter registration on 18 and 19 September 2021.

The ICE saw more than 60 000 people register over the weekend, with only a few glitches experienced in the voter management devices at more than 23 000 voter stations.

At least one device has been allocated to each voting station.

The glitches were primarily a result of a high turnout, which led to pressure on the information technology system, the Commission said.

At these stations, voter details were logged in pen on paper temporality while the system was offline. However, by the second day of registration, these glitches

had been addressed. The IEC also released a new Online Voter Registration Service this year.

The service allows voters to register, update their current voter information, view their current address, request a special vote, find a voting location and view important election dates.By the end of the weekend, 627 305 people had registered. A further 39 519 had registered on the IEC’s online portal.

Not only will the devices allow for a faster registration and voting process, they will also allow for a more streamlined recording process. Live record keeping will, in turn, allow the IEC stricter control measures to ensure voters do not vote more than once. n

Live tracking The new devices will allow the IEC to carry out live verification against the national population register, among other functions.

The portable devices will be used to support the process of voter registration and to manage the voters’ roll on voting day.

On voting day, the device will be used to check one’s voting status and then allow access to the voting station if one is registered in the correct district.

Because the device tracks this data live, this will offer the added security benefit of preventing anyone from voting twice, the Commission said. The voter

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 17

PRIVATE SECURITY FOCUS

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S

Private Security Industry Effects of Covid-19 see speedy growth of SA’s Private Security Industry

P

rivate Security in South Africa is a growing sector, placing it as one of the biggest in the world. Our sector currently holds more than 9 000 registered companies, an estimated 1.5 million qualified guards, and around 450 000 registered active private security guards. Many of these individuals also tend to make up the combined South African police and army.

on Section 2 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (Act No 56 of 2001). The strategic direction of this Authority is derived from the Act and the regulations issued in terms of the Act.

The private security industry in South Africa provides monitoring, guarding, armed reaction, escorting, investigating and other security-related services to private individuals and companies across the country.

All Private Security Mandates are driven by the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001.

The Authority’s mission is to effectively protect the constitutional rights of all people to life, safety and dignity through the effective promotion and management of the private security industry.

It’s primary goals include:

Regulating SA’s Private Security Sector The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) was appointed in 2002, based

18 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

This industry is no longer for security officers only

•

Regulating the private security industry.

•

Exercising effective control over the practice of the occupation of security service providers in the public and national interest.

•

•

•

Promoting a legitimate private security industry which acts in terms of the principles contained in the Constitution and other applicable law.

Stimulating a private security industry that is transparent, professional, accountable, equal and accessible.

Encouraging equal opportunity employment practices in the sector.

““I think that any ordinary security officer who is passionate about leadership can make it to greater heights within this industry. This industry is no longer for security officers only; I have seen lawyers, scientists and finance professionals playing important roles within the industry, so the horizons are wide. Any professional field that can add commercial value within this industry is ideal for new entrants within the industry.”

– Manabela Chauke, PSiRA’s Chief Executive Officer Moving With The Times In response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, our country has seen an increase in crimes and violent incidents in the past two years. This has led to the reinforcement of security measures, and the adaptation of new strategies and solutions to safety and security.

Thus, the Private Security sector in South Africa is now growing quite rapidly, and is seen to be providing more and more jobs

economic constraints. Drones are expensive tools which pose multiple challenges for digital transformation in the sector.

to citizens amidst some of the highest unemployment rates documented in our country.

PSiRA’s CEO, Manabela Chauke, has previously stated that there has been a 14% increase in registered active security officers, as well as a 33% jump in registered active security businesses, over the past eight years.

3. Compliance Challenges Compliance will always be a top priority in the Private Security sector, especially with more cybersecurity concerns.

With all these movements and occurrences, our Private Security Sector has had to adapt to new trend forecasts to create a safer future for the country.

1. Physical VS. Cyber Security We live in increasingly digital times, meaning that more and more people are utilising and investing in personal digital devices. These days, criminals are stealing more from victims online than in the corporate world. With private data being stored online, in The Cloud, security companies have been forced to come up with intensive strategies for protecting their clients’ data and engaging with IT infrastructure.

Alongside the PoPI Act, companies must consider the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Security Standard (DSS), and the Payment Card Industry (PCI) when fully complying with all requirements.

More education is essential in this field in the coming years.

Cyber security is also no longer just viewed as an IT issue - all individuals of an organisation need to be mindful of staying secured at all times. n

Here, we are seeing the lines between the need for physical security and online security blurred.

2. Drones In Demand Security companies are upgrading, and are now utilising drones to track criminals, especially in suburban locations.

However, not all companies and divisions have access to such modern technology due to

Manabela Chauke

Chief Executive Officer | PSiRA

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 19

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT: WHAT’S NEW

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

TRANSPORT MONTH:

Shaping the South African transport sector

M

Transport that meets the public’s needs Based on the 2020 National Household Travel Survey, around 35% of the population uses public transport to commute to work or educational institutions.

More than 10 million individuals made use of taxis.

While maintaining roads and railway lines may seem a simple task, ensuring South Africans have a reliable transport network requires innovation and extensive planning.

There has been a gradual decrease in the use of public transport, from 5,4 million in 2013 to 4,7 million in 2020. Around 35% of workers used public transport.

Of these commuters, more than 80% used taxis.

(1,4 million to 500 000). This could be in part due to the length of travel times. The survey reported that in 2020, workers who used public transport experienced a long travel time in the morning to access their workplace; train users travelled for 107 minutes, bus travellers spent 84 minutes travelling, and taxi users travelled 63 minutes. To encourage further rail use, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has vowed to improve the performance of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) through several programmes.

Safe, accessible, and affordable public transport is essential to socio-economic development as it enables the population to access work and reduce poverty levels.

There has been an increase in the use of taxi transport (from 9,8 million to 11,4 million households), but there was a decrease in those who used buses (from 2,9 million to 2,1 million) and trains

Minister Mbalula has said the rail agency is repairing and reopen passenger rail corridors following vandalism during the pandemic.

He added that security measures would be introduced

illions of South Africans rely on public transport to access essential services or commute to and from employment opportunities.

Managing the intricate roads and rail network that form the public transport system falls to the national Department of Transport.

20 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

to reduce vandalism and theft to government maintenance and repair work on these lines.

More than a quarter of the Department’s budget has been allocated to Prasa to upgrade infrastructure and increase the number of operating trains.

The Department is planning to introduce a new taxi subsidy, and a number of different models are currently being explored The Department is working to introduce alternative models, similar to the Gautrain, in other provinces with growing populations, Minster Mbalula says. But that’s not the only public transport sector that will receive a boost from the government. To make public transport more accessible, Minister Mbalula has announced plans to invest in South Africa’s most widely used form of public transport. The Department is planning to introduce a new taxi subsidy, and a number of different models are currently being explored.

Changes to improve daily commuting But not all commuters rely on public transport, with much of South Africa’s road network used by private vehicles. In the transport survey, more than 43% of workers use private transport as their primary mode of travel to work. The same survey found more than six million people drove a car or truck to complete these journeys.

Those who use private transportation face the shortest commutes - those who used a car or truck as passengers needed 49 minutes to get to work, while those who drove took 44 minutes. Motorists can also expect to see some changes implemented by the Department.

These include the extension of working hours to reduce

backlogs in renewing drivers’ licences, especially in Gauteng.

The initiative will see Driving Licence Testing Centres managed by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, operating later on weekdays and over weekends. This plan could add around 30% capacity to the centres and could be deployed nationally if effective.

The validity and grace period of all licence documentation expiring from 26 March 2021 has been extended to 31 March 2022 In addition, Hon. Mbalula said processes were under way to introduce online payments while deploying new National Traffic Information Systems (NaTIS) end-user equipment

This would likely see the industry, made up of around 250 000 taxi operators, becoming more formalised. The industry has been plagued by violence and disputes over routes, which Minister Mbalula intends to address by establishing a task team focusing on taxi violence. This would also help professionalise the taxi industry and regulate routes.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 21

has begun across provinces.

These updates will allow for the immediate validation of fingerprints and reduce delays.

Another update will allow optometrists the authority to upload eye test results directly to the NaTIS system. Ensuring access to public transport and reliable road networks is essential to keep the economy ticking over by giving the population access to work opportunities and reducing poverty.

Implementing changes to create efficient public transport services and improving the efficiency of the drivers’ license system are just some ways to ensure the essential sector continues to create economic opportunity.

Five changes to drivers’ licences the Department of Transport is introducing Minister Mbalula recently announced five critical changes for drivers’ licenses, which aim to improve the efficiency of the existing licensing system.

These changes include: •

The creation of more Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs)

•

Extended operating hours at DLTCs

•

The rollout of mobile centres and kiosks at busy centres

•

Introduction of online payments at DLTCs

•

Eyes tests can be submitted by optometrists directly

•

The changes are part of a range of services that will improve customer experience, said Minister Mbalula.

New leadership takes charge at the Department of Transport Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has taken up her leadership role at the Department. She was appointed in August after serving as Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration from 30 May 2019. Deputy Minister Chikunga is familiar with the role, having been appointed as Deputy Minister of Transport in 2014.

She has held numerous positions as a member of Parliament, serving on the Correctional Services Portfolio Committee; Joint Budget Portfolio Committee; Housing Portfolio Committee; Auditor General and Joint Standing Committee on Defence. She held the position of Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police from 2009 to 2012.

Despite her political accomplishments, Deputy Minister Chikunga began her career as a midwife.

She trained as a nurse at the Edendale Nursing College in KwaZulu-Natal and has been posted to various clinics and hospitals in Mpumalanga. She was appointed as head of a nursing college before moving into politics. In her political

22 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

role, she has served as an ex officio member of both the ANC Women’s League Regional Executive Committee and the ANC Regional Executive Committee.

She has held the position of ANC Deputy Regional Secretary and Regional Secretary for Gert Sibande Region. n

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ADVERTORIAL JAMSCO AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLIES (PTY) LTD

Jamsco Automotive Assemblies (PTY) LTD

The following five years, between 2016 and 2021, was a dynamic journey filled with exponential growth, automotive industry knowledge, training, failures and many successful case studies.

J

amsco was established in 2012 as an initiative by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency to incorporate Black Entrepreneurs in the High Barrier to enter the automotive exclusive arena.

Jamsco’s first four years in production, from 2012 to 2016, were filled with practical application and preparation.Jamsco achieved zero PPM while supplying a dash panel, steel stamped bracket both locally and in Argentina.

The opportunity for a black women-owned business to be part of a localisation vehicle manufacturing initiative came about as a result of an engineering change.

This remains one of Jamsco’s greatest achievements, as the quality requirements remain unattainable to emerging South African automotive entrants.

Most noticeable, is the wave of unspoken power and support Jamsco experienced from the men who embraced transformation, protecting the customer and doing what is right, while providing quality assemblies safely.

•

2017 GMA 3rd finalist empowerment of women in the community

•

2016 Tier 1 supplier to an OEM

•

2012-2015 Tier 2 and 3 supplier to an OEM

Remaining sustainable in the automotive industry, and keeping up with technology and industry requirements, is a continuous challenge as diversification supports us in remaining relevant.

Our customers’ integrity and support directly (and indirectly) contributes to our continued success and tenacity to allow for female footprints to be recognised in the unchartered waters of the Male dominated automotive industry.

Our next step is to manufacture, train and supply automotive components using 3D printing.

Additive manufacturing technology has already received funding and endorsement by some Original Equipment Manufacturers because of the benefits and future benefits.

Milestones

Jamsco is committed to job creation with an emphasis on women and being strategically placed to be included in South Africa’s 2035 Masterplan. n

•

2021 Africa’s Business Heroes - pilot networking

•

2020 Graca Machel initiative WCW (Woman Creating Wealth)

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2019 Nominated Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government (Automotive)

•

2017/8 Nedbank / 702 finalist

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2017 Gender Mainstreaming 3rd finalist Economic empowerment

24 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

Contact: Address: 16 Arkin Street, Germiston Director: Hayley Eagle Cell number: 0810116208 Email Address: hayleyeagle@ jamscoauto.co.za Website: jamscoauto.co.za

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Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 25

UN UPDATE

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

UNICEF:

Driving Action & Accountability The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights its Advocacy and Communications Toolkit

O

n Monday, 11 October, the world will commemorate International Day of the Girl Child 2021. This year’s theme has been announced as: Digital generation. Our generation’ - a call to action for bolstering equal access to the internet and digital devices for girls across the world.

A key focus for UN Africa, is the number of disadvantaged girls who are not able to exercise their fundamental human rights.

Gender and age discrimination are at the centre of the violation of girls’ rights. Therefore, we must work towards enabling profound

social transformation. With this social transformation comes access. We must emphasise the need to take action and accountability for and with girls to bridge the digital gender divide affecting girls, especially in Africa.

The UNICEF family is overcoming significant barriers to respond to the biggest global crisis in nearly a century It is critical that our society ensures that girls, in developing countries specifically, are included in all digital

26 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

transformation efforts. If not, these youths will get left behind as a result of the digital divide.

The Advocacy and Communications Toolkit In coordination with International Day of the Girl Child this year, comes the launch of UNICEF’s Advocacy and Communications Toolkit.

This Toolkit provides a set of practical tools to help UNICEF staff and Partners in the development and management of their advocacy work, and provide readers with ideas for driving change. This year, UNICEF is using the Generation

Equality Forum (GEF) platform to encourage stakeholders (both public and private) to partake in positively driving the change girls and young women require to assist them with gaining access and achieving equity in education, learning, a transition to employment, and ‘as leaders in an increasingly digital world’. In addition, this year the GEF launched its fiveyear commitments for bigger solutions to gender inequality as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Even though, according to the UN, the pandemic has accelerated digital platforms for connecting and earning, there are around 2.2 billion people under the age of 25 who still lack internet access at home.

Research has also indicated that more girls are experiencing being cut off than boys.

Girls Need Connectivity The gender digital divide involves issues around connectivity, devices and their utilisation, skills and job opportunities.

This displays an inequity and exclusion gap across locations and generations, presenting a massive challenge. The goal is to make the digital revolution more inclusive, for all.

The Advocacy and Communications Toolkit includes: •

Brief, guidelines, and core advocacy takeaways set under the International Day of the Girl 2021 theme.

•

•

Useful resources for partners to use the momentum of GEF commitments and drive action.

Tips on how to join the digital generation and uplift young girls so that they may live their full potential.

Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director, has listed bridging the digital divide as one of the five opportunities for children we must address now in order to contribute to creating quality education for all, especially postCovid. Fore states that we must leverage the potential of digital learning as the great equaliser in education, and closing the gender gaps in digital skills and digital safety for young girls.

“Result after result — child after child — community after community — system after system. Our UNICEF family... is overcoming significant barriers to respond to the biggest global crisis in nearly a century, while building stronger, more resilient systems for the future”, said Fore.

These include: Building trust in order for vaccines to work Bridging the digital divide to help bring quality education for all More attention must be placed on global youth mental health as per the Covid-19 situation Covid-19 does not discriminate, but our societies do. This needs to change Climate change is another crisis affecting everyone action must be taken now n

“As a UNICEF family, we will come together and support children, young people, and their communities and countries during this challenging time.”

Five Key Opportunities for Children Reimagining a brighter post-Covid world, according to UNICEF, involves 5 key opportunities for children that need to be prioritised now.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 27

TRAILBLAZER

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

Dr Thakgalo Thibela may be young, but she has no fear of being at the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic in SA

C

urrently completing her experiential learning at the Helen Joseph hospital, in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, Dr Thakgalo Thibela has been making waves across South Africa.

Noted as ‘the youngest active female doctor in South Africa’,

by The Health Practice Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Dr Thibela has come a long

way to achieve her dream of becoming a qualified surgeon.

The Aspiring Doctor From a very young age Thakgalo was quite the academic, growing up in the village of Violet Bank near Bushbuckridge, in Mpumalanga. She began primary school at Farel Primary School when she was only 6 years old, and was promoted to high school at an

28 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

earlier stage than her peers.

Thereafter, she attended Lehlasedi High School, becoming a top student.

She was quickly awarded a bursary from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) at the end of her matric year in 2015, and was a Wits University student at just 16.

Her hard work and dedication to her academic career ensured that she obtained

a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCH).

“In high school, I was always the youngest in my class so by the time Wits came around, I was used to it. I never really felt the age gap because I matured early in life”, Thakgalo explains.

2014 (age 20 at the time). Dr Thibela stands as the epitome of what it means to progress beyond one’s circumstances to a fruitful future. As optimistic and as motivated as they come, she remains hungry to learn and advance in her craft.

“When I treat the patients, who come to the hospital, they always ask me about my age and are full of compliments when I tell them”, Dr Thibela expresses.

“I am enjoying what I am doing at the hospital. I am getting clinical exposure and my theoretical knowledge is also being reinforced,” she says.

She is truly forging a path of her own in the medical industry despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic

Young & Making a Difference Now known as ‘Dr Thibela’, her enduring life goal of becoming a medical doctor has come true, as she began her career at the beginning of 2021. When she started working at the Helen Joseph Hospital, she became one of the youngest people to practice as a medical doctor in the country.

Her journey is similar to that of Sandile Kubheka, who qualified as the youngest doctor ever in

have learnt that you have to protect yourself first by wearing personal protective equipment”, Dr Thibela exclaims.

“It is only when I am protected that I am able to help other people. When I consult a patient, especially one who has tested positive for Covid-19, I must wear gloves, mask, a face shield and gown.”

She is truly forging a path of her own in the medical industry despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic. This is exactly the type of positive attitude we need in all future surgeons, and surely Dr Thibela will be right there at the forefrontt – without a doubt! n

Even beginning her career in the middle of a global pandemic did not discourage this trailblazing youth. An unprecedented experience, Dr Thibela adds that the circumstances only reiterated the urgent need for healthcare workers to be even more aware of personal safety when treating medical patients.

“When you are in the emergency department, you must get to the next patient quickly, but in treating patients in the time of Covid-19, I

Dr Thakgalo Thibela

Medical Doctor | Helen Joseph Hospital

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 29

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Bongi Sithole-Moloi, remains committed to sustaining the agrarian revolution in SA. Planting Her Seeds Taking over the reins from MEC Themba Mthembu (who served since 2016), Bongi Sithole-Moloi became the Honourable MEC of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development back in 2019.

In a media statement, issued by the previous KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism And Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, she was celebrated for her valuable contribution to agricultural production.

“I wish to pay tribute to the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Bongi Sithole-Moloi who is leading all efforts aimed at fast-tracking the entry of women into agriculture, the sector previously dominated by men...Importantly, as the department we undertake to work with the MEC, her department

30 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

and its entities in sustaining the agrarian revolution”, said Hon.Dube-Ncube.

“I know for the fact that since being deployed to this office, MEC SitholeMoloi has ensured that thousands of emerging farmers are trained.

She has ensured that they are prepared to lead in agricultural production.

To increase agricultural productivity, it is critical to introduce young people with fresh knowledge and ideas “Through the hard-work of MEC Sithole-Moloi, we have no doubt that in the long-run we will have a considerable pool of black commercial farmers that operate beyond the confines of state-run market outlets.

Indeed this is the time for women to take up their space in the broader export agricultural market”, concluded Dube-Ncube.

Watering Her Roots Before being appointed as MEC of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Bongi Sithole-Moloi had a long history of working in the public sector.

In 2000, she made waves in the media, becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Mayor of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, serving in the role for a decade.

MEC Sithole-Moloi is the former MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal, and is an avid political figure as she remains committed to the social and economic development of the KwaZulu-Natal province.

In addition, she was a key player in the consolidation of the membership of the ANC in the Natal Midlands region, in the early 90s – an area once politically charged and devastated by violence.

MEC Sithole-Moloi was one of the trusted organisers and a membership coordinator for the ANC. She also served as the Chairperson of the Royal Household Portfolio Committee and Chief Whip for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.

Bearing Fruits of Labour Most recently, Hon. MEC SitholeMoloi called on all young South Africans to take the plunge and contribute by playing a significant role in the agricultural sector. During an appearance at the launch of the River Valley Farm – a 10-hectare, 100% black-owned farm in New Hanover (under uMshwathi Local Municipality) – at the end of August, she called on the involvement of the youth in farming as older farmers reached an age of retirement.

“Young people have been trained and facilitated in modern and innovative agricultural methods. For us to increase agricultural productivity, it is critical to introduce young people with fresh knowledge and ideas”, said Hon. MEC Sithole-Moloi.

At the launch she announced that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development would remain

dedicated to supporting 152 women farmer projects in the 2021/22 financial year, indicating that R57.18-million would be allocated to support these women-owned projects.

“Support is provided to both individually-owned and group-owned female farmer projects. The department supported 27 female farmer projects in the 2020/2021 financial year earmarked for future commercial production with a total investment of approximately R52.88m”, said Hon. MEC Sithole-Moloi.

She indicated that the department would be increasing the Agribusiness Development Agency budget for funding women-owned projects (from R40m to R85m next year).

And called on all women to begin to assemble themselves into business niches which could potentially then cater for each need within the value chain. n

Hon. MEC Sithole-Moloi is wellknown, and celebrated, for her unwavering passion for local government, having served many structures which assisted in the provincial landscape of government shortly after the democratic system was implemented.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 31

INTERVIEW CSOS

I N T E R V I E W

W I T H

Chief Financial Officer | CSOS

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he CSOS vision is to be a credible, world class regulatory authority for community schemes in South Africa.

The CSOS Act empowers the organisation to help create and facilitate orderly and well-managed community schemes. This is carried out by resolving disputes amongst the parties, administration of schemes governance documentation and providing regular training and education to all stakeholders.

Fostering inter-relationships between the CSOS and various community schemes is critical. The CSOS generates its revenue from levies, government grants, interest income and dispute resolutions income. Levies are the major source of revenue for the CSOS. To this end, our mission is to ensure harmonious community schemes by providing regulation, education to all relevant stakeholders and an accessible dispute resolution service in an inclusive manner.

Social responsibility initiatives: On an organisational basis, we provide learnerships and internships through our graduate programmes in line with the skills development initiatives in consultation with DHS within the appropriate frameworks of the CSOS. On a personal level, I am a founder of our family NPO which is called the Maji -Mbatha Foundation whereby we provide mentorship to young girls and boys from our disadvantaged communities as well as collect donations to provide sanitary towels to young girls from disadvantaged community who miss school because of these monthly circumstances.

For the boys we provide dignity packs – all sanitary needs with the exception of the sanitary towels i.e. self-care product basis such as wash towels, soap, toothpaste etc..

32 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

Five tips on surviving and thriving in business:

female CFO recently joining the CSOS.

•

Having a clear vision for your business

•

Putting together a team that will be able to execute the vision and mission of your business value proposition

Q | What are your organisation’s gender equality and BEE ratings and policies?

•

Developing a plan / strategy with clear targets, milestones and timelines

•

Being agile and resilient is key to adapting to any changes in the environment in which you operate

•

A | We are currently in the process of developing our EE plan and the BEE rating review is still under way.

Q | What are the current and future trends in your sector?

A | As a player in the property / housing regulations sector, we are looking at transformation initiatives which will empower women and youth.

Q | What technological innovations are you using in your organisation to keep in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)?

Staying abreast of any new developments within your sector of business

Q | How have you implemented gender driven development in the workplace?

A. We are currently busy with the process of sourcing our Business Automation systems and hope this will yield more productivity within the organisation with seamless integration of all our business processes.

A | We are yet to embark on gender driven development once we have finalised a process of organisational redesign.

Q | How are you using social media to create more business?

“On an organisational basis, we provide learnerships and internships through our graduate programmes” Q | How has gender empowerment strengthened your organisation?

A | We currently have a workforce that is more female than male however we are working towards having a balanced Executive team, as well and we are hoping to reap the rewards of the focused strategic intents soon through me as a

A | We are currently creating more awareness of the CSOS via twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other websites.

meaning of resilience and patience through hard work. Another female leader that inspires me is Winnie Mandela, a female leader who led a revolution in recognition of women’s rights and gender equality and also fought for the rights of the oppressed with such courage and resilience really appeals to me, while remaining a mother to her children in the midst of struggle.

It really takes a force to be reckoned with to be all that and more.

Achievements: Winner of the 2018 Oliver Empowerment Public Sector Leader Award 2018 Finalist in the CA(SA) Top Under 35 CAs Under 35 National Awards Finalist for two categories in the Standard Bank Top women awards in 2017 (Top Woman in Female Public Sector Leader Award and Top Young Achiever of the Year in 2019) n

Contact: Address: Berkley Office Park, 8 Bauhinia Street,

Highveld Techno Park, Centurion, 0169

Q | Which female leaders inspire you the most, and why?

Tel: 010 593 0533

A | I am inspired by my Mother, Busisiwe Mjaji. What a resilient single mother she has been throughout my life! A motivator and a pillar of strength. I have learnt the true

Website: www.csos.org.za

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 33

HEALTHCARE FOCUS

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

WORLD HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE DAY:

The need for holistic support throughout illness

L

ess than 20% of people who need palliative care can access it in South Africa. It’s an essential part of managing a life-threatening illness, allowing patients and families to approach the end of life prepared and supported.

For this reason, organisations such as the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA) are offering education to healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are cared for throughout their illness.

Living life fully despite illness World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is commemorated annually on 8 October and serves as a day to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care worldwide. The day acknowledges the importance of palliative care and campaigns for everyone to have access to it.

Palliative care provides holistic

care to patients who have been diagnosed with a lifethreatening or life-limiting illness.

This care helps them live their lives as fully and comfortably as possible and often includes treating physical, emotional, spiritual or social symptoms.

South African human rights and social justice activist Mark Heywood explains: “Palliative care is an integral and essential human right. It is linked to dignity and should be part of the continuum of healthcare and not an optional add on or a luxury for a health system.

However, palliative care is still primarily an NGO function that reaches less than 20% of people who need it in South Africa.”

South Africa’s shortage of palliative care facilities is not unusual – around the world, access to this support is limited.

Based on statistics from the

34 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

World Health Organisation, around 40 million people need palliative care every year. But globally, only about 14% of people in need of palliative care receive it.

We are committed to growing the reach of palliative care within South Africa Far-reaching effects of the pandemic But those able to access palliative care on home soil may even decrease, as the pandemic has severely impacted the sector.

Around 14 hospices have closed down due to a lack of funding since the start of the pandemic.

In South Africa, hospices provide support to more than 100 000 patients with a terminal illness and their families every year.

This has seen the HPCA embark on a crowdfunding campaign to prevent the further closure of care facilities.There are currently around 89 palliative care organisations that provide hospice services in South Africa.

Leigh Meinert, the advocacy manager of the HPCA, says facilities have also been burdened with the additional costs of procuring PPE. The closure of facilities removes a wide range of holistic support, not only to the patient but to the family, by removing services such as social workers, homebased carers, nurses, doctors, psychologists and spiritual carers.

“Ninety-four percent of our patients are cared for in the comfort of their own homes.

Hospice is not a grim, dark place where you go to give up hope. It’s this amazing network

HPCA team at Drakenstein Palliative Hospice

of care that’s available at a time when we all need it most,” said Meinert.

Extending the reach of palliative care To grow the reach of palliative care in the country, the HPSCA has now developed an online course to introduce medical professionals to the field. The training is HPSCA accredited and registered at the University of Cape Town.

HPCA CEO Ewa Skowronska says: “We are committed to growing the reach of palliative care within South Africa. To do so requires advancements and increases in many areas, particularly funding.

However, another critical component is that of professionally qualified resources who both understand and are able to deliver the lifeenhancing palliative care so

desperately needed by so many diagnosed with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. We are excited to offer this course to the many professionals who wish to expand the reach of this vital care nationwide.” The course aims to provide a basic overview of palliative care and orientate and introduce health care providers to palliative care processes and principles.

“There is so much more work needing to be done, in addition to both maintaining and expanding upon the level of palliative care available in South Africa.

Our goal with this course is to ensure that those who practice within this sector have access to the information that they need to work with palliative care requirements,” Skowronska says. n

Ewa Skowronska HPCA CEO

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 35

PARTNERING TO

ADVERTORIAL

BY CLICKS GROUP

C

licks is proud to partner with government through Business for South Africa (B4SA) to create access to vaccination, ease vaccine hesitancy and vaccinate the nation.

“Clicks has been an integral part of the vaccine roll-out solution since inception. We have attended all B4SA and Department of Health meetings (where we have given input and confirmed our support) to help craft solutions that work for our customers and staff,” says Vikash Singh, Clicks Managing Executive.

“As the largest private sector vaccination provider, Clicks has a growing network of pharmacies to bring access to vaccines closer to our customers and communities, and we continue to train our pharmacists to vaccinate to greater capacity countrywide,” he says.

By the end of September, Clicks was operating 504 vaccination sites with the capacity to administer approximately 555 000 vaccinations each month.

A turn-key vaccination service Clicks has been working closely with B4SA, the Solidarity Fund, private vaccinators and the

VACCINATE the nation

National Department of Health to reach the uninsured population, through the successful roll-out of vaccinations at SASSA pay point pop-up sites.

Clicks has also provided vaccination solutions to old age homes in the Western Cape, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health.

Pharmacist Bronwyn Macauley, National Key Accounts Manager: Public-Private Partnerships for Clicks, says that vaccination sites have been prioritised based on areas of need, with a key focus on rural and outlying areas.

MAKING VACCINATIONS ACCESSIBLE

“As an organisation, we are proud to be part of this initiative and doing something positive that makes a real difference and saves lives,” she says.

Overcoming barriers to vaccination To reduce waiting periods and queues, Clicks has responded to the needs of their customers by introducing a convenient online booking portal that makes it easy to select your nearest Clicks vaccination site. Those customers without access to an online platform can also visit their nearest Clicks where they will be assisted in making an appointment.

Clicks has also utilised their store network to help customers register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) and has ramped up education campaigns on social media, in-store screens, radio, and in newsletters. The retailer has created a vaccination hub with FAQs on their website.

VIKASH SINGH

CLICKS MANAGING EXECUTIVE

36 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

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Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 37

COVID UPDATE

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

COVID Status Certification South Africa has just launched it’s Digital Vaccination Certificate.

Have you been ‘certified’ yet?

Launching the Covid-19 vaccination certificate The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, just launched the digitalised Covid-19 vaccination certification procedure, earlier this month on the 8 October 2021.

The government has explained that this certificate will allow for South African citizens to provide proof of their vaccination status using a QR code.

In a media briefing, Dr Phaahla explained that this particular digital certificate would be beneficial in allowing all vaccinated individuals to safely access entertainment events, festivals, sports and recreational activities, and travel more freely - readying the tourism sector for business after a long period of inactivity.

These newly-instated vaccination certificates will

38 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

likely also be recognised internationally, allowing for travel to places such as the UK - who has already confirmed that vaccinated South Africans may produce this document to gain entrance into their country.

Our role is really to make this tool available to the nation “Our role is really to make this tool available to the nation so that we can provide people with proof of vaccination.

This is so that they can have access to many amenities and activities which many of us have been missing”, said Phaahla.

Furthermore, he indicated that the certificate would act as an instrument geared towards bolstering the country’s economy.

“We call on all South Africans and other nationals in our country to come forward and be vaccinated. We now have a window of opportunity to protect ourselves ahead of an expected fourth wave [of infections] later this year”, Phaahla explained.

“The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective. Very few vaccinated people are falling ill.”

Vaccination Stats On Thursday, 7 October 2021, South Africa reported that 18,735,127 vaccines have been administered thus far, with 224,184 jabs given over the prior 24 hours.

Digital certification in focus The Covid-19 vaccine certificate will be generated via an online government portal. This document will only be available to individuals who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, whether they’ve received the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Individuals will be required to fill in their contact details, including their ID number and Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) code.

Thereafter, individuals will be issued a one-time pin to confirm the authenticity of the information they have provided. This pin must then be used to access the final, digital Covid-19 vaccine certificate.

The Department of Health has, in addition, indicated that the QR code received by vaccinated individuals is not intended for

general public use. However, the code may be utilised by specific outlets which will employ a specialised QR scanner. Dr Phaahla emphasised that this will be considered as the initial introductory phase of the digital certificate. However, additional security features are set to be implemented in the near future.

How To Get Your Certificate The Vaccination Certificate system will only be accessible to citizens who have received the Covid-19 Vaccine. Before receiving your certificate, you will need the following: •

Your RSA ID Number or Foreign Passport number or Asylum or Refugee number (Note this should be the same ID document number you presented when you got vaccinated).

•

The cell phone with the number you included on your registration.

•

Your vaccination code from the sms you received post vaccination.

Additional Information The design of the Vaccination Certificate will be enhanced to ensure that it remains up to date with local and international standards.

•

Individuals will, then, need to download their updated vaccination certificate for it to remain valid.

•

The Department of Health will advise on the availability of newer versions of the vaccination certificate as it becomes available.

•

It is then the responsibility of the individual to make sure that their Covid-19 vaccination certificate remains current by following the communication released by the NDoH. n

Important: Make sure you have entered all the required details correctly.

Should you enter any information incorrectly, the system will return an error message including “details not found”. You can then contact The Covid-19 Public Hotline: 0800 029 999 for assistance. For more information, visit vaccine.certificate.health. gov.za

Hon. Dr Joe Phaahla Minister of Health

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 39

REGIONAL FOCUS: LIMPOPO

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

M U S I N A - M A K H A D O

S E Z :

Investing in economic development in Limpopo

O

n the back of economic challenges, the Limpopo government has dedicated itself to a project expected to open trade and industry in the province.

The Musina-Makhado special economic zone (SEZ) has been named a key priority for the provincial government. The project is expected to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities, says Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha.The SEZ model has been highly successful in other parts of the county. According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the country’s ten operational SEZs have attracted more than R56billion in private investment.

Developing economic opportunities The Musina-Makhado SEZ offers numerous opportunities in the manufacturing, agro-

processing, automotive, steel, pharmaceutical and logistics sectors and is situated near the Beit Bridge border post. This unique positioning puts it near one of the busiest ports of entry to South Africa.

The infrastructure development on the Musina-Makhado SEZ is expected to get under way this financial year. So far, significant investment has been put aside for the development – R310million has been budgeted for the water reticulation infrastructure, electricity and fencing.

At the same time, R150-billion will be used to develop factories in the Musina-Makhado corridor. The SEZ will be developed as a twopart project, with the South site zone in Makhado and the North site zone in Musina. The first phase of development will focus on 3 500 hectares of land on

40 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2021

the SEZ’s North site zone, which have received environmental authorisation. The zone is earmarked for light to medium industrial activities, such as agro-processing, manufacturing and logistics.

Significant investment has been put aside for the development

The development of the SEZ comes at a critical juncture for the province. A decrease in tourism due to the pandemic has impacted the provincial economy, and unemployment has been steadily increasing since 2019. The unemployment rate was measured at 30.4 % in the latest labour statistics.

The SEZ is expected to speak to the province’s key economic sectors – agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

Home to some of the greatest reserves of agriculture and mineral resources in the country The province accounts for a significant portion of the country’s agriculture. The province produces 75% of the country’s mangoes, 65% of its papaya, 36% of its tea, 25% of its citrus, bananas, and litchis, 60% of its avocados, two-thirds of its tomatoes, and produces 285 000 tons of potatoes.

In addition, crops such as coffee, nuts, guavas, sisal, cotton, tobacco and timber are produced on more than 170 plantations. Livestock farming also occurs in the province, with many higher-lying areas devoted to cattle and game ranching.

But the Limpopo economy is still largely dependent on the mining sector, which contributes around a quarter of the GGP, with a range of minerals such as platinum chromium, nickel, cobalt, gold, diamonds, copper and others occurring naturally in the province.

Partnering for progress The SEZ forms a key pillar in the overall economic recovery plan of the province, with the promise of creating employment opportunities across various sectors and surrounding communities. The MusinaMakhado SEZ is expected to generate more than 50 000 jobs over the next decade.

Various infrastructure developments will be put in place during the development of the SEZ, including water, electricity, ICT, transport and community facilities.Partnerships with government agencies and businesses in Zimbabwe will be essential for the success of the SEZ. Not only does the SEZ’s position close to the border offer the opportunity for international trade into Zimbabwe, and it will also create a gateway to other Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.

But partnerships with our neighbour will also assist in supplying water essential for the development of the SEZ.

The project will need large volumes of water not available in the immediate area. The medium-term solution will be the development of Musina Dam and harvest water from the Sand and Limpopo rivers. The development of the Musina Dam is expected to unlock new opportunities for economic development in the Vhembe District and reduce ongoing water shortages in the area.

However, the SEZ and government will be developing a long-term plan to source water from Zimbabwe in the long-term.

Premier Mathabatha says the province also will look to Zimbabwe to provide additional skills, especially in the mining sector. The development of the SEZ is expected to be a turning point in the province’s economic growth, promising increased employment opportunities and the development of local sectors and providing critical infrastructure to lift local communities out of poverty. n

Stan Mathabatha Limpopo Premier

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 41

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF RURAL WOMEN

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

A

large population of South African women live and work in rural communities.

While these women have an essential role in supporting their families and driving local economies, they also face numerous challenges.

To eliminate poverty and create economic empowerment, uplifting rural women must be a top priority for government and civil society.

Internationally, around 40% of all women live in rural

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areas. According to World Bank estimates, in South Africa, around a third of the population live in rural areas. And while the country is rapidly urbanising, the legacy of apartheid spatial planning has still left its mark in rural areas.

Segregated economic development during colonialism and apartheid led to a focusing of resources on metropolitan areas, often at the expense of rural and township communities.

Barriers facing rural women Because women in rural areas are often employed in agriculture and similar enterprises, their work is essential to the country’s economic growth. Yet,

less than 15% of South African women own land, despite making up more than half of the population. During a UN Commission on the Status of Women event, a South African Parliamentary delegation highlighted how in South Africa – as in many other countries

Less than 15% of South African women own land, despite making up more than half of the population.

– access to land remains a major constraint for women.

One of the barriers to women’s land ownership is largescale land acquisitions by corporations to produce crops, biofuels, mining, and land speculation. Added to this, land reform programmes have on the whole seen land rights transferred to men.

This has seen the government making women a priority for land reform, with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s Restitution Programme awarding land to around 140 000 femaleheaded households.

“In South Africa, we do not believe that women’s and girls’ only interest is in becoming agriculturalists. Education opportunities must be opened up, these women and girls have dreams, and those dreams must be realised.

This is why access to primary education is universal. We have just started this year to ensure that access to tertiary education is free for all in South Africa,” the delegation said.

One organisation fighting to secure access to land for women is the Rural Women’s Assembly. The Rural Women’s Assembly emerged in 2009 out of the World Social Forum’s People Dialogue.

The Dialogue comprised various farming organisations, land rights movements, rural workers unions, and other nongovernmental groups. Despite these groups consisting mainly of female members, men were the majority of the participants at the Dialogue and spoke to the need for an organisation that purposefully promotes women’s needs.

The Assembly’s members mainly use agroecological farming practices. The organisation works to contest agribusiness and change government policies that marginalise small scale women farmers.

Ensuring women have access to communal land is also essential, ensuring that households have food security and allowing for women’s involvement in the entrepreneurial processes alongside food production and agriculture.

Creating economic opportunity Women in rural areas face numerous challenges, including a lack of access to infrastructure, opportunities for employment and income generation. They often have limited access to technology, education and skills training, keeping them trapped below the poverty line.

In South Africa, rural women have some of the lowest incomes. This has a knockon effect, creating a cycle of poverty. But they are also the group in which targeted programmes can have the most benefit.

The government will need to invest in rural areas to reverse this economic disparity, stimulating the economy through reform programmes and infrastructure development.

This can create an inclusive economy for those who were previously excluded, allowing for poverty reduction and economic growth.

Women in rural areas play a vital economic role.

They are often the ones on which household food security rests, and their activity is a crucial source of income for their families.

If they can successfully earn an income, they improve the livelihoods of the families and stimulate the local economy. n

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 43

IN OTHER NEWS

BY FIONA WAKELIN

INTERVIEW WITH

Odwa Mtati CEO | SAIMI

Q. You have been CEO of the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) for 2 years now. What have been some of your major highlights?

A. I have served the Institute in various capacities, since 2014, when I was appointed by Mandela University, SAMSA and DHET to lead the project of securing funding and establishing SAIMI from the ground-up. Since then, the institution has experienced many highlights.

However, during my tenure as CEO, there are a few highlights that I am particularly proud of, which speak to our efforts to create greater access by strengthening the maritime education and training and skills provisioning. This, we believe, will provide South African youth and women with entrepreneurial, educational and skills

development opportunities across the oceans economy sector.

our collaborative partnership matrix which includes industry.

In particular, for the past two years we have been ramping up maritime awareness creation among youth and communities who are not familiar with the ocean’s economy. SAIMI’s DIVE IN! Maritime Awareness programme moved to various digital platforms in 2020/21 to get youth interested in maritime careers and acquainted with the industry.

The operating environment was made more challenging because of Covid-19. A prime example is the operation of the National Seafarer Development Programme, under highly disruptive conditions in 2020.

Q. You became CEO just as Covid hit the globe. How has the pandemic impacted the Institute?

A. SAIMI continued to deliver on our core mandate of unlocking socio-economic opportunities in the ocean’s economy by catalysing education, skills development, training, research and innovation initiatives through

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Less than 15% of South African women own land, despite making up more than half of the population.

The prohibition of travel meant that some seafarers were stuck in faraway destinations amid efforts to bring them home and also presented challenges for some in taking up opportunities. With government support, efforts were made to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of existing and aspiring

seafarers. SAIMI continued with efforts to ensure that institutions adapted to the new environment through adaptation to new methods which include hybrid/ online formats.

Q. Please describe the services SAIMI provides. How is the Institute ensuring the success of the blue economy in South Africa?

A. SAIMI is at the heart of South Africa’s efforts to develop relevant and adaptable skills and the requisite knowledge to transform the country’s vast maritime territory and resources into a sustainable blue economy.

The national ocean economy initiatives, under the government’s Operation Phakisa programme, remain at the core of SAIMI’s strategic agenda and have been adopted as the central theme for the institute in the upcoming years in alignment with the government’s ambitions. In this role, SAIMI provides strategic implementational support to the oceans economy development programme through supporting and implementing education, skills development and research initiatives.

SAIMI leads a partnership and collaborative stakeholder model geared towards the efficient and effective education, training and upskilling of South Africans, linking them to socioeconomic opportunities and investing in new knowledge, technologies and innovations

for a globally competitive South African maritime sector. SAIMI’s core functions are advocacy and the promotion of South Africa’s maritime sector, the coordination of education, skills, training, research and development, as well as to serve as the knowledge hub on maritime matters.

Q. Please unpack the importance of partnerships for SAIMI. A. SAIMI’s partnership and collaborative stakeholder model ensures that the institute collaborates with a strong network of partners, associates and alliances to maximise resources and capacity to develop the maritime economy.

SAIMI is hosted at Nelson Mandela University, and is funded by the National Skills Fund, while working nationally and globally with role players across a range of disciplines and sectors that make up the maritime economy.

SAIMI is a multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder national institute that is supported by key public sector stakeholders such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), National Skills Fund (NSF), Transnet, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Department of Transport (DOT), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the

Environment (DFFE), Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), South African Public Colleges Organisation (SACPO) as well as industry representation from amongst others, the South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA), FishSA, South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX), and Shipowners.

Industry participation is at the heart of SAIMI’s efforts, as we continuously strive to address the skills supply and demand challenge.

Q. How has climate change affected SAIMI’s role?

A. One of SAIMI’s core values is Sustainability. We believe in “meeting the needs of the present without diminishing opportunities for the future”.

While ocean governance and stewardship therefore are central elements intrinsic to SAIMI’s general outlook, Marine Protection and Ocean Governance is also one of the six focus areas of Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy.

Marine Protection and Ocean Governance is a wide field – both geographically and academically – and a vast range of qualifications are relevant to the sector.

SAIMI also annually supports a 4-week course – Ocean Governance for Africa – which is hosted by the International Ocean Institute African Region

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 45

(IOI-SA). The course is aimed at strengthening multidisciplinary ocean governance across the continent and building a network of “ocean ambassadors” equipped to contribute and promote responsible, knowledge-based ocean governance across Africa.

It is a cornerstone of the Global Maritime Forum to bring together key industry leaders with policymakers, experts, NGOs and other influential decision makers and opinion shapers to develop new solutions to some of the most pressing issues that the global maritime industry is facing.

SAIMI is part of the discussions that are taking place within the Global Maritime Forum which are focused on shipping decarbonisation. These are centred around the following action areas: •

•

The maritime industry accelerating the development, testing and demonstration of the technologies and business models needed to make Zero Emission Vessels (ZEVs) the dominant, competitive choice by 2050.

The stakeholders across the maritime ecosystem working together to put in place a supporting policy framework to go beyond the tipping point and stimulate the diffusion of these new technologies.

•

•

Ensuring that maritime decarbonisation is inclusive and provides real benefits for developing countries.

Other issues under consideration include, amongst others, the impact of demographic changes, digitalisation and decarbonisation on the future of seafaring.

Q. Do you have exciting plans for the future?

•

International and Industry collaborations;

•

Promoting the inclusion of new entrants - youth and women;

•

Support for enterprise development in the oceans economy;

•

Development of courses and Short Learning Programmes (SLP’s) for sustainability. n

A. A strong future focus of SAIMI is harnessing Community of Practices with industry 4.0 technological innovations to grow the maritime sector on the continent. SAIMI’s strategic focus on maritime research, development, innovation and knowledge management will ensure the future contribution of innovation to economic growth in the maritime sector.

SAIMI’s Marine Robotics Centre is expected to serve as a catalyst and make a meaningful contribution in this regard. Other plans underway include: •

•

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The implementation of the recommendations made through the Skills Audits conducted by SAIMI (compilation of some Skills Audits is still underway;) The support of Maritime Education and Training within TVETs and promoting increased participation thereof;

SAIMI’s New National Headquarters Launch

Contact: Address: Ocean Sciences Campus, Gomery Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Tel: +27 41 504 4038 Website: saimi.co.za

Y o u r p a r t n e r i n g r o w i n g t h e B l u e Ec o n o m y. www.saimi.co.za • +27 (41) 504 4038

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 47

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CHANNEL AFRICA THE AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Channel Africa is South Africa’s international public broadcast radio station whose primary audience is the entire African continent.

Our secondary audience is the rest of the world, where we harvest our news and information. As an International Public Broadcaster, our core values subscribe to the highest journalistic ethics which find expression in fairness, accuracy, and impartiality.

Channel Africa is a platform through which Africa is engaged in debate with itself, and recognises South Africa as a role player in continental and international affairs.

Vision: “The African Perspective” Mission: “to promote the regeneration, revival, and rejuvenation of Africa, through the production and broadcast of dynamic, stimulating, and interesting programmes”.

Contact Information: Tel: 011 714 2997 Fax: 011 714 2072 Email: info@channelafrica.co.za Web: www.channelafrica.co.za Twitter: channelafrica1 Instagram: channelafricaradio DSTV:802 Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 49

CPSI ADVERTORIAL

The CPSI Public Sector Innovation Awards Programme

T

he CPSI is a National Government Component within the Portfolio of the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, tasked with the mandate of entrenching the culture and practice of innovation in the Public Sector.

This is done through various programmes, amongst others, to unearth, recognise and nurture the replication and mainstreaming of innovative solutions to improve service delivery.

The Public Sector Innovation Awards Programme is a year-long programme

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which starts with an Official Call for Entries, followed by a shortlisting and adjudication process that culminates in a prestigious awards ceremony.Once projects have been awarded, the CPSI facilitates the replication of some of these solutions to solve

service delivery challenges in the public sector.

The projects are classified into the following Awards Categories: •

Replication and Adaptation of an Innovative Solution

•

Citizen-focussed Innovations Harnessing non-ICT solutions

•

Innovations Harnessing Technology (ICT and other frontier technologies)

•

Winners of the abovementioned categories then compete for the coveted title of Public Sector Innovator of the Year.

Furthermore, Special Ministerial and Public Sector Innovation Trailblazer Awards are conferred at the discretion of the Minister.

Celebrating the 18th Public sector Innovator as well as Trailblazer of the Year The 2020 Public Sector Innovator of the Year Award went to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) for their innovation, Bizportal.

Through a partnership between the CIPC and banks, customers using Bizportal can apply for business bank accounts of their choice as part of the company registration process. Web-technology offers a range of benefits in that it allows real-

time integration and speedy results. Company registration through the Bizportal channel is instantaneous provided that the necessary fees are paid.

Less than 15% of South African women own land, despite making up more than half of the population.

Through a collaboration with SARS, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation Fund, companies receive relevant registration or reference numbers immediately after completing only one form online via Bizportal to complete their registration.

In addition, visiting multiple government institutions by customers before doing business has become unnecessary. An additional collaboration with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, the BEE certificates/ Affidavits can be issued through the Bizportal as an added channel to CIPC’s e-Services and SelfService Terminals. The use of the Bizportal channel has drastically reduced the turn-around times in the company registration process from 20-30 days to instantaneous 24 hours.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 51

Public Sector Trailblazer Award The 2020 Public Sector innovation Trailblazer Award was scooped by Mr Thando Luyaba for developing the Bizportal solution.

•

Apply innovation theory, models, principles and practices;

•

Apply these to workrelated challenges within any specific context;

For Enquiries or further info contact:

•

Tel: 012 683 2800/2814 E-mail: Mmabatho.

Mashaba@cpsi.co.za Visit: www.cpsi.co.za Design Thinking and Innovation Workshops As part of inculcating the culture and practice of innovation in the public sector, the CPSI coordinates several innovation knowledge platforms, including the Design Thinking and Innovation Workshops to create awareness about design thinking and public sector innovation in general.

•

Furthermore, the workshops contribute to the building of public sector design thinking and innovation capacity to improve service delivery and encourage the sharing of innovative solutions and models.

The workshops seek to enable public servants to: •

Approach service delivery challenges in new and creative ways;

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Analyse their own work environments in terms of the features of innovation and identify the gaps that need to be bridged in order to embed innovation as a practice, and Lead a team through a process of creative thinking and problem solving that is not traditional or expected so that it can yield new possibilities and solutions for improved service delivery standards. n

Date for the upcoming Workshop:

9 and 10 November 2021 Virtual: MS Teams

To Register Contact: Ms

Kgatliso Hamilton 082 853 7004 or kgatliso.hamilton@cpsi.co.za

Contact

Address: Batho Pele House 546 Edmond Street Arcadia, 0007

Tel:+27 12 683 2800

Fax: +27 12 643 0943 Website: cpsi.co.za

READ NOW

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 53

FINANCIAL FITNESS

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

B E Y O N D

T H E

P A N D E M I C :

Industries leading economic recovery

T

he South African economy has started to show signs of recovery, after growing by 1.2% in the second quarter of 2021.

The economy has been under pressure since the start of the pandemic, but emerging growth has been seen in the transport and communication and agriculture sectors especially.

While there may still be some way to go before the economy recovers to levels seen before Covid-19, focused interventions in key areas are starting to bear fruit in terms of the country’s economic recovery plan.

Increased economicwe activity The economy recorded growth for the fourth consecutive quarter and expanded by

1,2% between April and June, according to data released by Statistics SA. But despite this growth, the economy is still 1,4% smaller than what it was before the pandemic.

The sudden drop in economic activity during the second quarter of 2020, when lock down restrictions were at their most severe, saw a significant drop in GDP. According to Stats SA, in the first quarter of 2020, real GDP was R1147-billion, tumbling to R947-billion in the following quarter. Since that initial shock, the economy has seen consistent growth – but not at the amount needed to match economic activity before

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Covid-19. However, some industries are starting to see increased production. In the second quarter, the transport and communication, agriculture, personal services, trade, mining, and industries were the most significant drivers of growth.

The transport and communication and agriculture recorded the highest growth rates, at 6.9% and 6.2% respectively.

The transport, storage and communication industry made the largest contribution to GDP growth in the second quarter of 0.5 percentage points, with increased economic activity reported for land transport and communication services.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry contributed 0.2 percentage points to GDP growth, due to increased production of field crops, horticulture and animal products. Personal services, which includes health related activities, increased by 2,5% in the second quarter.

“This was on the back of increased economic activity related to the second phase of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme that kicked off on 17 May. Another contributor to growth in personal services was from medical schemes that recorded a rise in membership numbers,” Stats SA’s report said.

The agricultural sector is one of those sectors that has significant potential for creating economic growth The finance, manufacturing, government and construction sectors all posted negative growth rates for the second quarter.

Building on recovery plans The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) aims to harness South Africa’s economic growth potential, by focusing on several key interventions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa identified 45 areas that need

to be addressed to bring about sustainable economic recovery, but the government decided to focus on four broad priority interventions. These include the roll out of infrastructure investment, energy generation, employment stimulus and the industrialisation of the South African manufacturing sector.

Working through private-public partnerships, the economic recovery plan has the potential to attract around R1-trillion in investments in infrastructure.

It could also result in around 875 000 jobs and enhance food security, greatly reducing poverty and inequality in the country.

The agricultural sector is one of those sectors that has significant potential for creating economic growth under the ERRP. The industry has proven resilient in the face of the pandemic and lock down restrictions.

and is essential for the transport of goods and services produced, and needed, by other sectors.

Surveys have placed the cost of South African logistics at around 11.8% of Gross Domestic Product.

While the transport and communication and agricultural sectors may be leading the way in economic recovery, the other six sectors showing positive growth hold the promise of gradual recovery from the economic hardships brought by the pandemic.

While work remains to be done in gaining back the ground lost in the economic downturn, the increased industry activity speaks to the political will in growing the economy, through the ERRP. n

The sector has huge potential for growth and is a key economic contributor. In the 2018/19 financial year, gross farming income totalled around R27-billion. In the same financial year, exports of agricultural products earned the country R109-billion.

With the performance of the agricultural sector, it’s no surprise the transport sector has also flourished. South Africa’s freight and logistics industry is one of the biggest contributors to the country’s GDP, bringing in around R270-billion,

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses government’s response to the ongoing pandemic and the ERRP.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 55

IN OTHER NEWS

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

The PinkDrive

Leading the call to combat cancer in SA Raising Awareness is Key PinkDrive NPC is a popular health sector NGO in South Africa which was launched back in 2009 by Noelene Kotschan. Kotschan and her team strongly believed that early detection would assist in prolonging the lives of those diagnosed with cancer.

As such, today, PinkDrive’s primary goal is to make a positive impact in society and make a positive contribution to preventing as many individuals as possible from succumbing to the various forms of cancer.

Breast cancer mortality rates are actually declining.

At its core, the organisation aims to create better access to quality care for those affected by cancer, especially those who reside in areas which lack reasonable health facilities and services. PinkDrive advocates that treatable cancers should at least receive basic levels of care, and that such efforts could lead to an extended life for those afflicted. The key, here, is early detection and treatment. Thus, PinkDrive stands as a dedicated promoter of health awareness

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in general, and specifically health education and increasing awareness of gender-related cancers found in South Africa.

VISION To be the leading nongovernmental organisation dedicated to creating and promoting awareness about cancer in South Africa, and potentially beyond.

MISSION Promote awareness and early detection of, and screening for gender-related cancers in the general population of South Africa, using the message ‘Early detection will help to prolong life.’

VALUES Integrity, accountability, discipline, passionate giving, teamwork & Open-mindedness.

Making A Difference At the PinkDrive, there are four principal interventions which occur via the NPO’s flagship programmes. PinkDrive and More Balls Than Most are channelled through mobile point-of-contact service delivery conducted by skilled certificated medical and nursing practitioners.

These include: Clinical Breast Exams: A mass screening service provided to women and men of all ages. This service includes one-on-one cancer education focusing on selfexaminations as well as a breast examination.

of heart disease as it gets the blood flowing. It also reduces the risk of cancer by 50 percent and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Exercising also keeps your mind active and healthy- this does not mean it will prevent you from getting breast cancer, it will simply reduce the risk”, said Benecke.

Mammograms: A select screening service primarily provided for women over the age of 40, unless they are referred for a mammogram by a Doctor.

“We should try our best to eat healthy and include the five food groups into our diet daily. We know this is hard to do at times but let us try to correct our eating habits and drink lots of water.”

•

Pap Smears: Cervical Cancer Screening.

•

Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA): These tests are a form of rapid testing for men above the age of 40 years old. These tests are administered by testing an adequate sample of blood taken from a subject.

PinkDrive Statistics In South Africa, as per 5 October 2021:

•

•

Embracing A Healthier Lifestyle Many studies show a link between certain lifestyle habits and increased chances of developing some kinds of cancer.

This is why PinkDrive believes in educating society on lifestyle changes that could limit risk factors. Janice Benecke, who is the PinkDrive Administrator, has previously shared that one of the major contributing factors to breast cancer is being overweight, carrying unhealthy fat around your organs and living a sedentary lifestyle.

•

22 380 Mammograms

•

152 747 Clinical Breast Examinations

•

3 321 Male Breast Check Examinations

•

425 809 Women Educated on Breast Health

•

43 034 Men Educated on Prostate Cancer

•

16 012 PSA Testing

FAST FACTS

If breast cancer is found in a mammogram, there is a possibility that it may have been in your system for 6-10 years.

Breast cancer mortality rates are actually declining.

At present, there is no research that conclusively indicates how to prevent breast cancer.

Risk of breast cancer increases with age; 50% of breast cancer occurs among women aged 62 years or older.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases your risk of breast cancer.

Mammograms can only help and not harm you.

Contact:

Address: 21 Bond St., Ferndale Randburg, Gauateng, 2194 Tel : +27 11 998 8022 Email Address: info@pinkdrive.co.za Website: pinkdrive.co.za

“Exercising for at least 20 minutes a day, three to four times a week, lowers your risk

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 57

UPCOMING EVENTS

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Marine Month

Transport Month

Each year, National Marine Month comes around in October, creating awareness of South Africa’s marine and coastal environments. During this special commemoration, we zoom in on the ample benefits that our beautiful oceans bring to our nation. Protecting our marine life, and its various complex ecosystems, is of top priority as this regulates climate change and the oxygen we breathe.

October is also ‘Transport Month’ for South African citizens. This was declared in 2005 during the Transport Lekgotla. Each year, our Department of Transport (and its various units) showcases transport infrastructure services in multiple streams such as maritime, aviation, public transport and roads.

Our oceans also play a critical role in shaping the socio-economic activities in South Africa, especially within the agricultural and fishing sectors. Throughout the month, multiple provincial programs will focus on encouraging ocean waste reduction, reducing plastic consumption, proper disposal of harmful chemicals, and beach clean-ups - to name only a few important Marine campaigns geared towards safeguarding our oceans.

The commemorative month is also utilised to further advance South Africa’s road safety initiatives, whilst also driving awareness around the economic benefits of the sector.

A key message behind Transport Month is the acknowledgement that an effective transport and logistics network is a fundamental building block for a country to be competitive within the global market. Transport awareness campaigns should encourage participation from civil society and business, and focus on the provision of a safe, more affordable and reliable transport system.

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Social Development Month Social Development Month (SDM) is commemorated each year as a marker of South Africa’s commitment to taking care of its most vulnerable members of society.

This month South Africans are also encouraged to acknowledge ‘Older Persons Week’ - highlighting the valuable contributions of older persons and addressing the key challenges that specifically affect them on a day-to-day basis. We will also have ‘Active Aging Week’ which recognises the capabilities of older persons as fully participating members of society, and provides exercises for them to partake in. The campaign, which is held in conjunction with the National Development Agency (NDA) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), is geared towards informing communities of the various social security programmes available to them and how these may be accessed.

SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES ITS

04 Breast Cancer Awareness in SA

World Habitat Day

In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in South Africa, and is a time for raising awareness about the devastating effects of Cancer. Incidence rates of breast cancer among South African women continue to increase each year. Sadly, it is one of the most prevalent cancers among women in the country.

The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day. The day was first established in 1985, by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986.

Around 90% of patients are found to survive for many years after diagnosis when breast cancer is detected at the early stages. This is why awareness campaigns are essential, opening citizens’ eyes to the ways that they can detect and prevent cancer. Look out for pink campaigns this month and get educated!

This special day is geared towards reflecting on the state of our communities and larger cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. World Habitat Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

The theme for this yeara’s World Habitat Day is ‘Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world’.

This will amplify the global Race to Zero Campaign and UN-Habitat’s ClimateAction4Cities.

15 Global Handwashing Day Global Handwashing Day, which was launched in 2008, is geared towards fostering and supporting a global and local culture of handwashing with soap, and raising awareness about the benefits of proper handwashing.

Since its inception, excitement around Global Handwashing Day has continued to increase.

It has also been endorsed by governments, schools, international institutions, NGOs, and private companies.

This year’s theme for the day is ‘Our Future is at Hand – Let’s Move Forward Together’. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the value of clean, sanitised hands has never been more important.

This message will undoubtedly play a huge role in this year’s series of global campaigns - actively emphasising the importance of handwashing behaviour as a precaution and overall healthy habit.

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 59

LEGAL MATTERS

BY SILKE RATHBONE, PRINCIPAL PARTNER, LABOUREXCEL

Managing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

M

anaging staff who are experiencing mental health issues needs to be dealt with delicately.

With the onset of the pandemic, mental health related illnesses and ailments have become front and centre in our world.

However, many employers do not know how to deal with this.

The truth is that one needs to manage possible mental health problems as you would any ill health or injury.

With reference to the CCMA’s info sheet on Ill-Health and Injury of 2017, an employer should apply the standard conditions and rules when an employee cannot be at work. The basic sick leave conditions are (herein taken directly from the CCMA

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info sheet) *that sick leave works in a three-year cycle.

An employee who works five days per week is entitled to 30 days paid sick leave, and an employee who works six days per week to 36 days during a three-year cycle.

During every sick leave cycle, an employee is entitled to an amount of paid sick leave equal to the number of days the employee would normally work during a period of six weeks.

For example, an employee may take one day’s paid sick leave for every 26 days worked during the first six months of employment, and thereafter an employee may take the number of days he/ she normally works in six weeks during each threeyear cycle.

An employee may be requested to produce a valid medical certificate if he/she has been absent from work for two days in a row or more than twice in eight weeks. If the employee does not have a valid medical certificate,

the employer does not have to pay the employee for the sick leave taken.

When can an employer dismiss because of illness or injury?

Fairness should always take the precedence above all rules.

First, determine whether the illness or injury is temporary or permanent. Oftentimes, that may not be clear from the onset, but over time it can reveal itself.

If it is not apparent, a professional may need to be called in to determine this. This is important because the following steps are different for each type of illness or injury. In keeping with the topic here, mental illness does fall within this the following: Permanent Incapacity The employer must determine whether they can: •

Find alternative employment for the employee; and

•

adapt the duties or work circumstances of the employee to accommodate the disability/illness.

•

If they cannot do either, then dismissal may be justified.

Temporary Incapacity Where the incident seems to be a temporary issue, the employer should:

- Investigate the severity of the incapacity The employee should be given an opportunity to state his/her case during the investigation

and may be assisted by a trade union representative or a fellow employee. Where it appears the employee most likely will be off for a very long period of time, the employer must consider all the alternatives before dismissing.

collective family) and you (and your business). A mental health condition may not reveal itself quite as clearly as, say, a broken leg, the ‘flu, or even COVID-19, but it is still as serious and should be treated as such.

These are the areas to take into consideration:

LabourExcel specialises in offering a variety of Labour Law and HR Solutions. Silke Rathbone, one of the Principal Partners, has crafted and honed her skillset and assists corporates and individuals along the Labour journey to ensure they understand what is required of them at all levels. n

•

The nature of the job;

•

The period of absence;

•

The seriousness of the illness/injury; and

•

The possibility of a temporary replacement.

All possible scenarios should be considered

An employee who contributes to the unemployment fund may, in certain circumstances, have the right to apply for illness benefits on account of his or her illness.

Employers should make a special effort to accommodate employees who have been injured at work or who contracted a work-related disease.

While these are the legal parameters to take into account, I cannot stress enough that you are dealing with a human being and that all possible scenarios should be considered, and always look at what is fair to both parties involved. Both parties being the employee (and their

Get in touch with Silke

Email: atlantic@labourexcel.co.za Cell: +27 72 018 5827 Work: +27 086 1000801 Web: labourexcel.co.za

Public Sector Leaders | October 2021 | 61

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