PSM June 2018 Edition by Topco Media

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER JUNE 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Presidential progress Youth revolution • Minister Pandor’s plans for youth development • Young stars shine in the public sector • NYDA championing youth matters

JUNE 2018 R31.00 (VAT INCL) SOUTH AFRICA

President Ramaphosa on the right track

PSM

YEARS Towards a Sustainable Future

Delivering unmatched innovative solutions

Armscor, the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence is renowned for its acquisition expertise in providing turnkey defence solutions to its clients. Key to its research and development output is to create an environment, which is conducive for economic growth whilst driving defence innovation. In the same vein, innovation in the defence industry has evolved with some technologies being used in the commercial and domestic sectors. Furthermore, Armscor boasts capabilities in various fields such as communication systems, e.g. radar and communication equipment and services, which are used to strengthen border controls and security. It also has capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as the engineering skills to develop artillery and other technologies to meet the needs of the changing global landscape.

Armscor Take a Child to work 2018.indd 1

The entityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forensic laboratory testing provides solutions for the prevention of chemical warfare. Other facilities include the automotive vehicle testing and long-range artillery testing, which have aided global clientele for more than two decades. Armscor remains committed to providing cost-effective turnkey defence solutions globally whilst placing Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-quality expertise on the global map. The organisation strives to secure and strengthen relations and boost South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s socio-economic development.

In celebrating 50 Years

of providing unmatched defence solutions, Armscor reflects on strides made post democracy to give back to communities and empower the future generations through socio-economic development programmes.

Over and above career awareness, Armscor offers bursaries to suitably qualified learners with good results in Mathematics, Science and English. Through the Talent Development Programme the organisation continues to expose graduates to a variety of exciting opportunities available at Armscor and within the defence industry.

PROVINCIAL FOOTPRINT (2017/2018) Gauteng

Career awareness

North West

Career awareness

Limpopo

Mobile laboratories and career awareness

Eastern Cape

Mobile laboratories, Saturday classes for Science,Technology, English & Mathematics (STEM) subjects

Western Cape

Computer laboratories

Northern Cape Career awareness KwaZulu-Natal Mobile laboratories and stationery Mpumalanga

Saturday classes for STEM subjects, meals and transportation

Free State

Career awareness

Armscor aims to respond adequately to the needs of communities to promote skills development, inclusivity and socio-economic development. As a proud partner of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2018), taking place on 19 - 23 September 2018 (AFB Swartkop), Armscor will invite the youth as part of the Youth Development Programme (YDP) to be exposed to the defence industry in action.

Contact us: Corporate Communication Private Bag X337, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 1911 w E-mail: Info@armscor.co.za w www.armscor.co.za

AAD2018: www.aadexpo.co.za

2018/06/01 15:52

Contents: June 2018

Vital stats Fast facts at your ﬁngertips

International relations Responding to the challenges of a rapidly transforming global workplace

Provincial focus Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele NkosiMalobane has promised to reduce crime in the province by 50 percent by 2019

Management and professional development Progress and economic mobility through education

Features Regulars 12

Conversations with leaders Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor highlights efforts to intensify youth development

Proﬁles in Leadership CEO of the South African Local Government Association, Xolile George, is committed to inspiring municipalities to deliver services better

Women in the public sector Bavelile Hlongwa is tasked with helping liberate the youth of the country from poverty and inequality

Youth special Reactor analyst Linina Bedhesi is proof that determination and hard work does pay off

Youth special Dr Nhlakanipho Gumede has made ﬁghting disease and poverty his mission

Youth special Taxonomist Ashton Welcome is making waves in the scientiﬁc community

Youth special Tugmaster Lindile Mdletshe makes her mark in the maritime industry

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

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

Tracking President Ramaphosa’s 100 days in ofﬁce We take a closer look at what the President has achieved after spending three months in ofﬁce

SA focusing on youth development The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the National Youth Policy 2015−2020 will ensure accountability and efﬁciency in the achievement of the policy’s objectives

Reaping the rewards of land reform Ncera Macadamia Farming is the success story that shows land reform can result in greater inclusion, economic growth and job creation

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

BECOME PART OF THE #FPMNEXTGEN The FP&M SETAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority is to develop the minds of the next generation of leaders to ensure sustainable growth within the fibre processing and manufacturing sectors. Through collaborations with stakeholders, the FP&M SETA has identified specific skills requirements and effective skills development interventions to upskill the workforce. Through focused training programmes, transformation of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fibre processing and manufacturing sectors can become a reality. Become part of the #FPMNEXTGEN and join us in setting the new benchmark in future perfect skills development.

target met for PerformancePerformance target met for 89.5% 89.5% the 2016/2017 financial year.

FACT SHEET

the 2016/2017 financial year.

72%

95%

of learners 3,200 3,200 are black. Disabled learners Disabled learners trained in the previous trained in the previous financial year. financial year.

of learners are black.

72% 8% of special projects 8% of special projects 51% budget dedicated to skills

51%

for disabled learners. two years. for disabled learners.

two years.

Increase in learning

Increase in learning budget dedicated to skills programmes in the past development interventions Learners are Learners youth. are youth.development interventions programmes in the past

60%

Rural developmentRural development projects supported. projects supported.

Female learners recorded, Female learners recorded, exceeding the NSDS III ratio. exceeding the NSDS III ratio.

38% 24 TVET

24 TVET

Colleges Colleges accredited to date.accredited to date.

23,000

49,000

Learners enrolled Learners between enrolled between 2011 and 2016 2011 and 2016

38%

Increase in learnerIncrease in learner registration over the registration over the past two years. past two years.

23,000

Learners certificated between Learners certificated between 2011 and 2016. 2011 and 2016.

Gauteng - Tel: 011 403 1700 | Kwazulu-Natal - Tel: 031 702 4482 | Western Cape - Tel: 021 462 0057 | www.fpmseta.org.za

WT90521 - A4 Magazine AD- Single Page A4 - May - 210X275 - R2.indd 2

2018/05/28 16:05

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

“To the youth of today, I also have a wish to make: be the scriptwriters of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that showed the way towards a brighter future.” Nelson Mandela

Public Works invests in skills development The Department of Public Works is focusing on technical capacity building and human capital Opening doors for investors Government is making investing in South Africa as seamless as possible

Lifestyle 86

Health and well-being Wash those hands

Grooming and style Make a statement

Des Latham des@gcis.gov.za

Managing Editor

Ongezwa Mogotsi ongezwa@gcis.gov.za

News Editor

Irene Naidoo

Contributors

More Matshediso Jauhara Khan Bathandwa Mbola Chris Bathembu

GCIS Photographic Unit

Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane

Senior Designer

Tendai Gonese

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Phumla Williams

Nice-to-haves Beating the winter blues

Head of Editorial and Production

xxxx

Food and wine Three course delight without the hard work

Car reviews VW’s Arteon makes a grand entrance

Travel The potholed road to paradise

Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services

Keitu Semakane

Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management

Michael Currin

Acting Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Tasneem Carrim Acting Chief Financial Oﬃcer Hennie Bekker ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 info@topco.co.za www.topco.co.za CEO Ralf Fletcher Marketing & Sales Director Karla Fletcher National Project Manager Nardine Nelson Tel: +27 082 739 3932 nardine.nelson@topco.co.za Production Director Van Fletcher van.fletcher@topco.co.za

Advertising Tel +27 086 000 9590 Subscriptions and Distribution Ingrid Johnstone ingrid.johnstone@topco.co.za © Copyright: GCIS Printed by Creda Communications (Pty) Ltd

MOOVING THE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY MOOVING Moove Exhibitions & Events Supplies Moove Exhibitions & Events Supplies is ais a fresh innovative boutique-style rental fresh andand innovative boutique-style rental company, off ering an exclusive line of luxcompany, offering an exclusive line of luxury exhibition event furnishings and decor ury exhibition event furnishings and decor goes beyond standard rental items. thatthat goes beyond standard rental items.

cocktail loungesatatprivate privateevents, events,and andcool cool cocktail lounges and comfy chill-outzones zonesatatparties, parties,inin and comfy chill-out clubs and exhibitions. clubs and exhibitions. Custom lounges productlaunches launchesand and Custom lounges forforproduct elegant furniture & decor for weddings elegant furniture & decor for weddings can also provided,what whatreally reallysets setsthe the can also bebeprovided, company apart from others is the unique company apart from others is the unique ability tailoritsitssolutions solutionsaccording accordingtoto ability toto tailor the client’s budget and lounging the client’s budget and lounging requirements. requirements.

MOOVE WAS FOUNDED 2014 MOOVE WAS FOUNDED ININ 2014 Out of a passion for providing unique Out of a passion for providing unique lavish furniture events, brand andand lavish furniture forfor events, brand activations and conferences. Over and activations and conferences. Over and above this, the company sought to bring above this, the company sought to bring the high-style and glamour of noted We understand budget constraints in We understand budget constraints in the high-style and glamour of noted European style to Johannesburg’s furniture this tough economy so we can tailor our European style to Johannesburg’s furniture this tough economy so we can tailor our services to any budget. We love to set the and decor rental industry. services to any budget. We love to set the and decor rental industry. mood using tranquil lighting, comfortable mood using tranquil lighting, comfortable couches and suitable tables. EMPOWERING THE NATION EMPOWERING THE NATION couches and suitable tables. We pride ourselves on meticulous styling As Level 2 BBBEE contributors, the We pride ourselves on meticulous styling As Level 2 BBBEE contributors, the company is dedicated to growing its and taking into account the flow of any and taking into account the flow of any company is dedicated to growing its venue businesses in line with the country’s venue businesses in lineequity with the country’s employment goals, currently employment equity goals, currently EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS employs 105 people across various EXCEEDING employs 105 people across various Moove’s wideEXPECTATIONS variety of furniture includes departments, including manufacturing, Moove’s variety of furniture includes departments, including manufacturing, dozenswide of some of the finest seating, upholstery, spraying, metalwork, dozens of some of the fi nest seating, upholstery, spraying, metalwork, distribution and logistics. tables, bars, lighting and accessories tables, bars, lighting andstyles, accessories distribution and logistics. encompassing varied from south encompassing varied styles, southThe beach chic to baroque gonefrom modern. We offer stylish VIP rooms at beach chic to baroque gone modern. The Weupmarket offer stylish VIP rooms at company boasts a wide range of event corporate functions, funky company boasts a wide range of event upmarket corporate functions, funky

hiringsolutions solutionstotoensure ensurean anevent eventisis hiring memorablefor forallallthe theright rightreasons. reasons. memorable “Sophisticated,opulent, opulent,glamorous, glamorous,sexy, sexy, “Sophisticated, and stylish” are just some of the words to and stylish” are just some of the words to describe Moove’s range. describe Moove’s range. “Wehave haveover over200 200000 000furniture furniture&& “We decor items stored in our 10 000m2 m2 decor items stored in our 10 000 warehouse in Johannesburg. Quality and warehouse in Johannesburg. Quality and creating timeless events are what drive us. creating timeless events are what drive us. The experience and attention to detail of The experience and attention to detail of our account managers as well as our crew our account managers as well as our crew are what sets us apart from the rest are what sets us apart from the rest DStv Delicious Festival and the ANC DStv Delicious Festival and the ANC 105th Anniversary celebration are just 105th Anniversary celebration are just some of the events we have worked on some of the events we have worked on from inception to completion. from inception to completion. For a quote or more information contact: For a quote or more information contact:

087 550 9407 087 550 9407 sales@moove.co.za sales@moove.co.za www.moove.co.za www.moove.co.za

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Creating a brighter future for our youth

n 16 June it will be 42

The issues faced by the youth,

depends on the successful

years since the tragic

which include unemployment,

implementation of the Integrated

and senseless killing

drug and alcohol abuse and

Youth Development Strategy,

of school pupils during the 1976

unplanned pregnancy, can only

which outlines how the goals of

Soweto Uprising. The deaths of

be solved through collective efforts

the NYP can be achieved.

these young people – who pro-

from all members of society.

tested peacefully for their right to

Government recognises that it

Of the many youth programmes being implemented by

education – were not in vain. They

has to create a solid framework

government, the new Youth

sparked international outrage,

for youth empowerment, while

Employment Service is one of the

which played a crucial role in

also translating plans into action.

most exciting and is expected to

bringing an end to apartheid.

have a significant positive impact

The massacre also acted as

on youth unemployment.

a catalyst for the celebration

Launched by President Cyril

of Youth Day and Youth Month,

Ramaphosa in March, the

which we celebrate every June.

programme aims to build

As responsible adults, we should

active partnerships between

all be familiarising our children

government, business, labour

with the significance of the Soweto

and civil society with the goal

Uprising. The protest and the long-

of creating one million work

lasting impact it had holds many

opportunities over the next

lessons for the youth of today.

three years. This will be achieved

It reminds all of us of the struggles the youth of the apartheid era went through to

through the placement of Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.

achieve a fair education system

unemployed youth into 12-month long workplace experience programmes, while also

that would benefit generations

This is why youth empowerment

developing black-owned small,

to come. It reminds us of their

is central to many of national,

medium and macro enterprises.

Constitutional right to gain an

provincial and local governments’

education. And it reminds the

programmes.

youth that we can make a

It is encouraging to see that more than 100 companies

The National Youth Policy (NYP)

have already signed up for the

difference in their own lives and

creates a framework that shapes

initiative. With business and civil

those of others.

a common vision to enable

society supporting government’s

It is also a reminder of the crucial

young South Africans to actively

intense focus on the youth, we are

responsibility we have to create an

participate and contribute

ushering in a brighter tomorrow for

environment where our children

towards society and the economy.

the people who hold the future of

and young people can flourish.

The success of the policy largely

South Africa in their hands.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Tackling drug abuse together B etween 24 and 28 June the

government organisations, also

2013–2017, the new plan promises

country will mark the South

have their own programmes to

to increase access to treatment

African National Council on

raise awareness of the issue and

services and mobilise communi-

Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

find solutions to the scourge. But

ties through local drug action

(SANCA) Drug Awareness Week. It so

there is still much that needs to be

committees. This second part is

happens the week also falls in Youth

done to solve a complex problem

vital – the battle simply cannot

Month and therefore the challenges

which governments in developed

be won without the assistance of

of drug and alcohol abuse among

parents, teachers and community

the youth will be placed firmly in the

leaders who are in contact with

spotlight.

young people on a daily basis.

Drug abuse continues to be a

Whilst it is important to educate

major problem plaguing not only

children about drugs, at home

South Africa’s youth, but young

and in schools, often this is not

people around the world. Many

enough. It is crucial that adults

turn to illegal drugs to seek relief

educate themselves on the root

from difficult circumstances at

causes of drug abuse, the most

home or simply fall into the trap of

common drugs that children may

peer pressure. Drug dealers prey

be exposed to, and the signs that

on their naivety and vulnerability,

may point to drug use. As the eyes

creating a society where addic-

and ears of their communities,

tion and drug-related crimes are

they also have the important task

common.

Phumla Williams, GCIS

According to SANCA, peer pres-

Acting Director-General.

sure, poverty, escaping pain and a and developing countries around

to drug and substance abuse.

the world are finding difficult to

Government departments such

related activities to police, social workers and government officials

number of other social issues lead

as the Department of Social Devel-

of reporting suspected drug-

solve. South Africa’s government is

so that swift action can be taken. Meanwhile, government will continue to intensify its efforts to combat drug abuse, through drug

opment, the Department of Health

currently in the process of finalis-

awareness campaigns, police

and the South African Police

ing the National Drug Master Plan

operations and master plans that

Service all have programmes in

(NDMP) 2018–2022. The NDMP

translate into action.

place to combat the scourge of

recognises that a society without

drug abuse.

drug abuse is within our reach

ing with this issue and government

if the right measures are taken.

is crucial in the fight against drug

Following on from the NDMP

dependency.

Local and provincial governments, as well as a variety of non-

Our future is dependent on deal-

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE

From the editor’s desk

here are images that exist

Popo Molefe, Seth Mazibuko and

which dominate the struggle

tens of thousands of others. Many

to overcome apartheid and

youngsters joined the military

none more so than 12-year-old Hec-

wings of the Pan Africanist Con-

tor Pieterson being carried away

gress and the African National

by Mbuyisa Makhubu from a po-

Congress, leaving the country only

lice shooting incident in Soweto on

to return as cadres fighting security

16 June 1976.

forces.

Hector by all accounts was a

One of those who left was the

calm sweet child who was in the

man who carried Hector, the then

wrong place at the wrong time. He

18-year-old Makhubu. A docu-

was not the only child shot that

mentary made in 1998 by Feizel

change in our nation is a youth

day. The first to die was Hastings

Mamdoo features Mbuyisa’s late

culture that is both introspective

Ndlovu. When the June 16 upris-

mother who handed him R10 after

and marketable globally. The youth

ing had abated, scores of children

he said he wanted to find a job in

generate dynamic art, fashion

and young teens had perished at

Durban after the uprisings began.

and music, with incredible designs

the hands of apartheid police.

He used the money to travel to

emanating from the southern tip

Thousands more were in de-

Botswana instead, then Nigeria.

of Africa making their way into the

tention and many of them were

The last known message Mbuyisa

world. This is a sign of hope.

tortured.

sent to his mother was via the Red

That our youngsters continue

The story went global and partly

Cross in Nigeria in 1978. Unfor-

to lead us into a new day and

because of the shocking nature of

tunately, all went quiet and his

prompt the nation through energy

that photograph.

mother died in 2002 never know-

and action must be welcomed.

ing what happened to her son. We

We may mentor our youngsters

still do not know.

but must also accept that through

However, at the core is a story of a family who lost a loved one in the midst of a nation in crisis. Hector’s sister Antoinette Sithole is

It is these stories of our history that we should recall on 16 June.

proud of his stand but misses her

The suffering caused by the

little brother every day.

scourge we know as apartheid

Interviewed in 2016 she ex-

change takes place. It has happened in the past and will happen in the future.

crossed frontiers and remains

plained that Hector was a quiet

etched in our memories to this day.

boy who just got caught up in the

While some things are cut and

march and ended up paying with

dried, others remain mysterious

his life.

and unsolved.

Hector and Hastings were

their urgent and direct action

If you take a closer look at

joined on the streets in 1976 by

present South Africa, you realise

Head of Editorial and Production

Cyril Ramaphosa, Murphy Morobe,

that one of the overriding signs of

Des Latham

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

CNBC AFRICA IS AFRICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CHANNEL, PROVIDING YOU WITH A UNIQUE BLEND OF INTERNATIONAL, PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS 24 HOURS A DAY. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

@CNBCAfrica Visit: www.cnbcafrica.com

channel 169

channel 736

channel 309

Strategic Partner of CNBC AFRICA across Africa

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Transforming higher education: Greater accessibility and more meaningful qualiﬁcations

outh Africa’s higher educa-

in December that youth from

and future community service, what

tion landscape is changing,

families whose income is less than

is significant is that existing National

with tertiary education not

R350 000 a year will receive free

Student Financial Aid Scheme (NS-

only more accessible but also more

higher education and training. Im-

FAS) funded students will have their

aligned to meet industry needs.

plementation is under way and will

loans converted into grants that

The changes are necessary as the

be phased in over five years.

need not be repaid to NSFAS.

country works towards preparing

To fund the bursary scheme,

young people for the world of work

Bursary scheme

additional government funding of

and contributing to the economy.

In a conversation with PSM, Minister

R7.166 billion was allocated in 2018

Pandor confirmed that implemen-

– with R4.581 billion set aside for

Youth Month, PSM takes a closer

tation of the bursary scheme is

qualifying university students and

look at how the country’s youth are

proceeding smoothly.

R2.585 billion allocated to TVET col-

As the country commemorates

being provided with opportunities

“The new bursary scheme is a

lege students.

to succeed through the Depart-

very important intervention by the

ment of Higher Education and

government of South Africa and, of

are still challenges, she is pleased

Training.

course, the people of South Africa

that young people will now be

because it is their taxes that are

supported in a manner that allows

paying for this,” she said.

them to focus on succeeding in

Appointed in February as the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Naledi Pandor has a

The bursary scheme is offered to

The Minister said that while there

their academic work, rather than

challenging and important job

qualifying first-time entry univer-

ahead. She is tasked with phasing

sity students and technical and

in free education for the poor and

vocational education and training

we want – which is for them to be

what is called the “missing middle”

(TVET) college students, in all years

successful undergraduates, get

students.

of study.

through their courses in minimum

Following a protracted nationwide

While the bursary scheme comes

worrying about their finances. “Students can now focus on what

time and begin contributing to

protest under the banner #Fees-

with conditions that include aca-

South Africa and the world,” she

MustFall, it was announced

demic performance requirements

said.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Naledi Pandor.

Occupational opportunities at TVET colleges The Department of Higher Edu-

even more as a result of a current

different qualifications in scarce

drive to create centres of speciali-

skills such as accountancy.

sation in TVET colleges.

The fund also provided R254

Minister Pandor explained that the

million for 3 500 honours, masters,

cation and Training also aims to

project will focus on 13 short-supply

doctoral and postdoctoral fellows.

improve the calibre of TVET college

critical trades and occupations

education to change preconcep-

and will be introduced in 26 colleg-

Mandela Day Career Development

tions that a university education

es. These occupations are meant

initiative. This legacy programme

is always best and to deliver the

for government’s infrastructure and

selects 67 learners annually from

technical and vocational skills the

Operation Phakisa projects and will

a different province in honour of

country needs.

be piloted for two years, after which

former President Nelson Mandela.

“South Africa has a National Development Plan mandate to increase the number of artisans in

more colleges will be identified for the specialised college model. The National Skills Fund (NSF)

The NSF also hosts the annual

“It increases the number of high achieving students in scarce skills disciplines,” she said. The Minister told PSM that gov-

our country exponentially,” noted

has committed R150 million to the

the Minister.

project, which has the support of

ernment is building on Human

industry.

Resource Development Council

National artisan production numbers rose during 2015, 2016 and

In her recent Budget Vote speech,

(HRDC) research that identifies

2017, increasing by 50 percent from

the Minister said that in 2017 the

those occupational skills not

14 389 to 21 188 in 2017.

NSF provided R886 million for 8 000

adequately supported by learning

undergraduate students pursuing

institutions.

Artisan figures should improve

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS

Centres of excellence

very coordinated way to develop

hili, Italian, German and Mandarin.

Minister Pandor said colleges that

distinct programmes that respond

Nothing makes a traveller more

specialise in specific fields of study

to aviation matters because of

comfortable than being assisted

could become centres of excel-

where they are located,” she said.

in their home language, she said.

lence synonymous with producing

The Minister added that she was

She believes that cost implications

the best skill sets in their given

pleasantly surprised to see that

should not be too great, given that

fields.

some institutions have identified

many embassies would be keen

that the spatial locations of several

to assist.

For example, one college could focus solely on mechanical engi-

companies create valuable op-

The Minister said she was happy

neering and another on aviation,

portunities for programme devel-

that several colleges were already

she explained. “I believe specialisa-

opment.

offering more foreign languages

tion is the future of colleges,” she added.

“What they seem to be doing

courses.

is what we always desired would

“For instance, the Ekurhuleni

Partnerships revitalising work and learning

colleges will work closely with a

Minister Pandor said her prede-

thought must go into college

company like DHL, which is located

cessor, Minister Blade Nzimande,

specialisation. For example, in the

at OR Tambo International Air-

worked very hard to establish

regions where tourism is a major

port, and get a sense of what is

partnerships with the private sector

employer, colleges should focus on

required to manage an entity like

and with industry.

the tourism and hospitality sector.

this and what kind of skills they

“We want to have diversity. We don’t want all our colleges to do the same thing.” The Minister believes careful

“From my interaction with the various service providers of training

happen in the technical and vocational space.”

should be focusing on,” she said. Minister Pandor would also like to

for young people, including private

see tourism colleges offering stu-

sector companies, I really get the

dents foreign languages like Swa-

She said the department would continue leveraging those partnerships and “expand them even further”. One of the concerns, she noted,

impression that there is a serious intent to address the skills gap in South Africa. I was impressed with the work of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) as well as the TVET colleges.” “I think the colleges are coming into their own. There is a greater sense of confidence and I like that some of them are starting to develop niche areas.” “Ekurhuleni West and Ekurhuleni East TVET colleges are working in a

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

eral partnerships to create more

can reshape the future of the

opportunities for young people.

country.

This includes the United States-

The Minister said this could also

South Africa doctoral programme

be the most effective and practi-

which comprises of a network of

cal way to reduce concentration

12 US universities and 18 South

in the economy by dismantling

African universities that will work

monopolies to make way for a

together to implement 12 doctoral

more inclusive small business

programmes.

sector.

These are aimed at enabling

“For me this is key. I want young

100 existing academic staff to

people to talk about creating

complete their doctoral quali-

their own businesses rather than

fications and funding of R57.2

focusing on getting a job,” she

was seeing young trainees being

million has been allocated to the

said.

unable to complete their qualifi-

programme.

cations because they don’t get the necessary practical experience in the workplace.

The Minister’s words come at a time when unemployment among

Focus on entrepreneurship

young graduates remains a concern.

The HRDC, which is a national,

The Entrepreneurship Develop-

multi-tiered and multi-stakeholder

ment in Higher Education pro-

Survey covering the first quarter of

human resource advisory body,

gramme was launched last year.

2018, Statistics South Africa (Stats

has a vital role to play. “We are

It is aimed at coordinating the

SA) said the burden of unem-

able to articulate our need for

development of an entrepreneur-

ployment remains concentrated

partnerships to all stakeholders

ship platform within the university

among the youth. They account

through the HRDC.”

education sector in South Africa.

for 63.5 percent of the total num-

This includes entrepreneurship in

ber of unemployed persons.

The Minister said SETAs are doing

In its Quarterly Labour Force

Stats SA also said that the unem-

very important work in allowing

academia and the development

access to learnerships to a di-

of student entrepreneurship as

ployment rate among the youth

verse range of young people.

well as entrepreneurial universities.

does not respect education levels,

She added that SETAs also pro-

Minister Pandor said that more

with the graduate unemployment

vide workplace training because

needs to be done to not only help

rate at 10.2 percent among those

many, particularly black people

young people to be work-ready,

aged 25–34 years, while the rate

and women, have not enjoyed

but for them to be creators of

among adults aged 35–64 years is

the opportunity to improve their

decent work.

4.7 percent.

positions in the industries in which

She would like to see institu-

The Minister said entrepreneurship

they work. The sectorial focus of

tions of higher learning offering

is the way to go because South

the SETAs includes the acquisition

entrepreneurship with all courses,

Africa needs to grow its small- and

of workplace skills.

a move that will see young gradu-

medium-sized businesses to fuel the

ates establishing start-ups that

country’s economy.

The department has forged sev-

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

HRDC Summit 2018 The Third HRDC Summit was held in Johannesburg on 10 and 11 May 2018. One of the discussions at the summit looked at how Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities should look at infusing entrepreneurship into curricula to help produce graduates who are ready to start their own businesses. Not long after the summit, Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor said that while the council is doing amazing work in the short to medium term to link students in institutions of higher learning and training to, for example, learnership opportunities in specific industries, more needs to be done to not only help young people to

Minister Naledi Pandor addressing the Third HRDC Summit.

be work-ready, but for them to be creators of decent work. In the interview at her parliamentary office in Cape Town, Pandor reimagined institutions of higher learning as offering

How HRDC is shaping “niche” TVET colleges

entrepreneurship with all courses, a move that would see

One of the initiatives being driven by the HRDC is the

young graduates establishing start-ups that could reshape

Adopt-a-TVET College initiative, which ensures that the

the future of the country.

curricula match the needs of the industry.

The Minister said this could be the most effective and

In the main, there is a need for the HRDC and the industry

practical way to reduce concentration in the economy by

to contribute in building colleges of excellence that will

dismantling monopolies to make way for a more inclusive

enable them to supply a top-notch, relevant skillset linked

small-business sector.

to specific sectors.

“For me this is key. I want young people not just to talk

Pandor says through its recent research, the HRDC is doing

about ‘I am going to get a job’, but about ‘I want to

exactly that.

create my own business’. “[We are] building on the research that the HRDC has “And I would like each college programme to have

done, which has begun to help us identify occupational

entrepreneurship as one of the courses, so that young

skills where we still do not have focal areas in our institutions

people, as they leave the university or college, are actually

and encouraging this notion that actually can do very well

able to say ‘you know what? I have been taught fashion

through a niche area.

design; I am going to work for myself. I will establish my own design studio and I am going to have a thriving business

“That rather than try to be a college that offers public

producing tailored and designed outfits for my clients,” the

administration, secretarial courses and legal services,

Minister said.

develop a focus,” she said.

The Minister’s words come at a time when unemployment

The Minister said that it would be best for colleges to

among young graduates remains a concern.

specialise in specific fields of study and be known for producing the best skillset in the country. For example,

The Minister said entrepreneurship is the way to go

one college could focus on law and produce some of

because South Africa needs to grow small- and medium-

the country’s top legal minds, while another could solely

sized businesses to “fuel” the country’s economy.

focus on mechanical engineering or aviation.

ADVERTORIAL

are calling it – is going to be the way that colleges are

Partnership revitalising work and learning

going to structure themselves in the future.

The Third HRDC Summit was opened by its new

“I believe that, in future, this selection in discipline or occupational and professional skills – specialisation as we

“We want to have to have diversity. I don’t want all our colleges to do the same thing.”

chairperson, Deputy President David Mabuza. The Deputy President said the summit, which sought to develop new networks and strengthen existing

“I said to them there are areas in the country where tourism is

partnerships, would be remembered as a marketplace of

a very important economic contributor and, as our colleges

innovative ideas about how social partners can implement

develop a focus on tourism, I want them to understand that

programmes that will succeed in skilling young people and

tourism is much more than being a receptionist at a hotel or

absorbing them in their millions in employment initiatives.

being a waitron at a restaurant,” she said. Minister Pandor said her predecessor Minister Blade

How the HRDC has fared in its focus areas

Nzimande worked very hard to establish partnerships

In 2010, the HRDC adopted a five-point implementation

partnerships and “expand them even further”.

with the private sector and with industry. She said the department would continue to leverage on those

plan to address key areas that would help South Africa improve on challenges of poor skills.

One of the concerns, the Minister said, was young trainees being unable to complete their qualifications because

These included:

they were unable to get practical experience in the

•

workplace.

Strengthening access to and quality of education at TVET colleges.

•

Producing artisans.

•

Producing a new generation of academics and creating stronger industry partnerships.

•

Strengthening of foundational learning.

•

Revitalising worker education.

In a response to parliamentary questions last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa (in his former capacity as the chair of the HRDC while he was still the Deputy President)

“HRDC helps with our conversations with industry, because within HRDC, you have the private sector present, you have civil society present, you have students, you have many government departments – and so we are able to articulate our need for partnerships to all of them”.

said that in terms of access to TVET colleges, government has seen a substantial increase in enrolments.

“South Africa has a mandate from National Development Plan to increase the number of artisans in our country

He said at the time that there had been an increased

exponentially.”

focus in addressing issues such as curriculum relevance, staffing and student success, and noted the role of

“We cannot do it without partners; it is just going to be

Skills Education Training Authorities (SETAs) in supporting

impossible,” she said.

workplace linkages. On efforts to support and train artisans, the target for the period 2011 to 2015 was 65 110 and the target was exceeded by more than 5 000. President Ramaphosa also said that an independent

CONTACT DETAILS: Address: 6 Floor Ndinaye House, 178 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria 0001 MS LINEO RAMATABOE Phone: +27 (0)12 943 3188

study conducted in 2016 found that 79 percent of newly

Email: Ramataboe.l@dhet.gov.za

qualified artisans found employment. The study further

MR LESLEY MAKHUBELE

indicated that 58 percent find permanent employment,

Phone: +27 (0)12 943 3175

with 23 percent in less stable contract or temporary jobs.

Email: Makhubele.L@dhet.gov.za

Furthermore, 56.5 percent find jobs easily.

Website: hrdcsa.org.za

FEATURE IN LEADERSHIP PROFILES

Writer: More Matshediso

Changing the face of local government

hose who are entrusted with the power to govern

municipalities were structured and created to serve the

must carry out their responsibilities effectively if the

interests of the white population of South Africa and

image of local government is to improve.

only provided minimal services to other races. Local

This is the legacy that the Chief Executive Officer

(CEO) of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Xolile George, is intent on creating at the association. He has been at the helm of SALGA since 2007, ensuring that municipalities comply with the association's standards and improve their work in general. George said it is his job to ensure that SALGA is not too comfortable with its progress so that it can improve constantly. SALGA is an autonomous organisation mandated by

government started being reconstructed post-1994 in line with the democratic ethos. The current structure of municipalities was only created in 2000, which means that at just 18 years old, it is still evolving. George said municipalities are about to reach their adulthood after many challenging years of restructuring. “Most of our municipalities have had a fair share of challenges in raising revenue, especially those that are

the Constitution. It has a membership of 257 munici-

in the rural parts of the coun-

palities which has steadily increased during George’s

try where it is hard to collect

tenure from the 144 members when he first joined the

revenue, unlike in the cities,”

association.

he said.

SALGA’s role includes representing, promoting and

George added that unem-

protecting the interests of local governments and rais-

ployment and low revenue

ing the profile of this sphere of government and is a

bases are further challenges

voluntary organisation.

with which municipali-

“Our duty is to inspire municipalities to deliver ser-

ties are

vices better. Municipalities must inspire the confidence

grap-

of citizens who have entrusted them with the role of

pling.

delivering services. They are doing better, notwithstanding the challenges that they face,” George added.

Municipalities recording progress George is proud of the progress municipalities have recorded since democracy was attained

CEO of t he Sout h African Local Government Association, Xolile George.

in 1994. Prior to the advent of democracy,

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

“These factors increase a pool of people who are

•

indigent. It is the municipality’s duty to take care of the indigent in line with the values of the Constitution.

Fight corruption and maladministration to improve accountability.

•

Ensure that innovative practices to interact

When someone does not work or is a social grant

with citizens are implemented, that citizens are

beneficiary, they are not expected to pay for municipal

accounted to and that revenue structures are

services. In certain municipalities, especially in the rural

optimally managed.

areas, about 80 percent of residents are social grant beneficiaries,” he noted. This often makes the equitable share amount that municipalities get from the national fiscus inadequate.

Going Back to Basics George is of the view that many municipalities have shown an improvement after they started using the Back to Basics Programme as a guideline for service

Provision of services

delivery. Simplifying the programme, George regards

On the brighter side, George noted that there are mu-

Back to Basics as an impetus for municipality lead-

nicipalities that are doing very well.

ership to take decisive steps to improve residents’

“Many of our municipalities have contributed to the

living conditions around five pillars. These are good

improvement of the quality of lives of South Africans

governance, financial management, improving basic

by extending basic services, such as the provision of

services, putting people first and sustainability.

water, electricity, refuse removal, building and upgrading roads. As SALGA, we are quite proud of the

Fighting corruption

contribution they have made,” he said.

In 2013 SALGA launched an anti-corruption cam-

George added that SALGA acknowledged that

paign. It developed a Consequence and Account-

municipalities still face a mammoth task of extending

ability Management Framework in which all munici-

services to communities that have not been serviced

palities pledged to drive the fight against corruption

in the past 18 years.

and maladministration.

“The impatience of these residents is understand-

“There must be clear lines of consequence man-

able because they have been voting since 1994 but

agement. There must be improvement in the vigilance

still have no access to basic services. They are losing

of the oversight system. We are aiming at empowering

hope,” he said.

municipalities through public account committees to

To address this problem, George said there is a need

strengthen governance,” George explained.

for all levels of government to work together to accel-

He said SALGA was happy that municipalities are

erate socio-economic development and to reach out

beginning to take decisive action against corruption

to areas that have so far not benefited from services.

and maladministration.

For its part, SALGA provides a platform for the shar-

About 55 percent of municipalities implement con-

ing of best practices and the showcasing of munici-

sequence management. “However, we would like to

pal successes and innovations.

see 100 percent of them implementing it. Where there

To help improve service delivery, SALGA has programmes in place to assist municipalities to: •

Improve financial management.

•

Improve urban management.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

is clear evidence of maleficence and poor handling of finances, consequences must follow,” he stressed. “Consequence management must be the hallmark of conversations if you want to improve

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

governance and accountability,” George added. He said another important element in dealing with

George hopes that when the time comes for him to vacate the hot seat, SALGA will remain permanently

corruption is ensuring that the right person is appoint-

vigilant, agile, professionally run and continue to value

ed to every post at municipalities.

its responsibility to serve better.

Improving leadership skills To enhance leadership skills, SALGA convenes a Municipal Managers Forum each quarter to improve capacity-building capabilities. “We expose them to areas of innovation. We also have the SALGA Centre for Leadership and governance executive leadership programmes that are aimed at improving the skills of municipal managers and other senior managers,” he said. SALGA also empowers councillors to be responsive and show empathy and care when they interact with their constituents. “We encourage them to account honestly to people,” he added.

Spirit of renewal George said there is a new spirit of commitment and

About Xolile George

active citizenry within the local government space.

George has significant experience in policy,

“I have no doubt that this new spirit will go a long

legislation, systems and programme implemen-

way in inspiring local government to say that President

tation at local, provincial and national level

Cyril Ramaphosa expects commitment, professional-

spanning 26 years.

ism and service to communities and this is what we

He has an Honours degree in Development

must deliver. He also expects a firm commitment to ac-

Economics, an Executive MBA and several

countability and consequence management,” he said.

postgraduate diplomas and management

George’s job is far from a walk in the park as it keeps him awake at night. He looks at it as a 24-hour job that is very dynamic. “It makes me learn about the difficulties that munici-

certificates. His many achievements include being a finalist in the Boss of the Year Awards in 2013 (leadership category), National Business Award

palities face every day. The reliance on SALGA to pro-

2015 finalist in the Public Entity category and

vide advice and representation, and the expectation

Business Leader category, SADC winner of the

that there is space for us to provide innovative solu-

CEO Titans Leadership 2015 award in the Public

tions is what keeps us awake at night,” he explained.

Enterprise category, Continental Winner: CEO

His job requires maximum vigilance and it is quite taxing on a personal level, he said. SALGA itself needs to lead by example to cement

Public Enterprise Category 2016, and a finalist in the 2017 Oliver Top Empowerment Awards in the category of Public Sector Leader of the Year.

good governance in municipalities, he emphasised.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Writer: More Matshediso

Addressing the plight of SA’s youth

avelile Hlongwa is well-aware

ment, poverty and inequality.

of the difficulties facing young

The NYDA is also tasked with

South Africans. In fact, one of

initiating youth programmes,

where we only have a single office,” she said. The KwaZulu-Natal born and bred

her responsibilities is to help liberate

mainstreaming youth development

Hlongwa believes that her job is

the youth of the country from poverty

and monitoring and evaluating

important because it impacts on

and inequality.

progress and its work is supported

the lives of many young people.

As the Deputy Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Hlongwa

by government, private sector and Hlongwa explained that the

is also responsible for briefing the

agency’s initiatives must be

President on youth development

aligned with the outcomes that

matters and ensuring that the

have been agreed on by all stake-

agency lobbies different sectors to

holders. “All institutions involved re-

address the plight of youth.

port directly to the Presidency and

“I work closely with the chair-

“There is nothing as satisfying as

civil society.

the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring

person to monitor the work of

and Evaluation, which has been

the NYDA. We spend some of our

delegated to oversee national

time engaging with young peo-

youth development,” she said.

ple about programmes that can improve their lives,” she told PSM in an interview. The NYDA was established by

Extending the NYDA’s reach The NYDA currently has 16 offices

an act of Parliament, Act no. 54 of

across the country where young

2008, primarily to tackle challenges

people can access grants and

facing the nation’s youth. It is ex-

submit their ideas to ask for differ-

pected to address youth develop-

ent types of training.

ment issues at national, provincial and local government level. The agency’s focus is on those

“We are planning to open 18 more offices this financial year. We want to have at least one of-

from the age of 14 to 35. These

fice per district municipality so

young people make up 42 percent

that young people can access

of the country’s population and

services. It is especially hard for

are directly and highly affected by

young people to access our

the triple challenges of unemploy-

services in those provinces

Deputy Executive Chairperson of t he NYDA Bavelile Hlongwa.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

knowing that you have helped

ages youngsters to start businesses

Education and skills

somebody and you have given

to create jobs for themselves and

The NYDA has various education

them hope. I want to help ensure

others.

and skills programmes, including

that young people are liberated

“We have programmes to assist

the Solomon Mahlangu scholar-

from poverty and unemployment,”

them if they want to start business-

ship programme which targets

she said.

es. We also encourage them to go

young people across different

to school, get skills and become

career paths who perform well

academics,” she said.

academically.

Hlongwa has always been an activist at heart, having started in youth activism at the age of 17 in

The NYDA has a grant pro-

In the four years it has been run-

her home town. She also has ex-

gramme which targets young

ning, the programme has ben-

perience in community service as

people who are looking to start

efited between 40 and 50 students

she volunteered to do door-to-door

businesses. Successful applicants

per year. Almost 200 young people

campaigns for the Department of

are taken through entrepreneur-

have been helped to further their

Health and assist patients who live

ship training.

studies.

with different ailments.

“We look into your idea and if it

“We also run the Collins Cha-

is an idea that needs a business

bane School of Artisans in Pieter-

Engineering degree at the Univer-

plan, we will assist you to develop

maritzburg. Although the institution

sity of KwaZulu-Natal and was a

it through a voucher programme,”

is in KwaZulu-Natal, it is open to

student leader. Hlongwa is cur-

she said.

artisans from across the country,”

She completed a BSc Chemical

rently studying towards her Master

Hlongwa explained that it is only

of Business Administration degree

once a business plan is in place

and was appointed to her current

that a development finance institu-

portfolio in May 2017.

tion is approached for a grant. Once a grant has been awarded,

Encouraging entrepreneurship Through her engagement with young people, Hlongwa has real-

she said, adding that about 50 students will graduate this year. The NYDA also has training programmes in job preparedness and basic entrepreneurship and

the entrepreneur is assigned a

facilitates market linkages for

mentor to help ensure that start-up

young entrepreneurs.

takes place successfully. “It is a grant programme because

“We connect them to market opportunities. It is pointless to have a

ised that the biggest problem in

we do not expect young people

business that produces something

South Africa is that young people

to pay back the capital they re-

when you are unable to sell it,”

think that finding a job is essen-

ceived,” she added.

explained Hlongwa.

tial and they forget that there is

The grant programme funds a

In an attempt to address youth

another path open to them – that

minimum of 450 people across the

challenges, one of the major poli-

of entrepreneurship which allows

country per year.

cies used by the NYDA to stream-

them to become self-employed.

“Our grant programme supports

line youth development is the

all sectors. We have assisted young

National Youth Policy 2015–2020,

are currently available in govern-

doctors and attorneys to open

which has five key priorities:

ment cannot accommodate the

private practices, and we have

• Education, skills and second

15 million job seekers in the coun-

also supported agriculture co-

try, Hlongwa said the NYDA encour-

operatives,” Hlongwa said.

Because the job vacancies that

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

chances. • Economic participation

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

and transformation. • Health and combating substance abuse. • Social cohesion and nation building. • Effective and responsive youth

you look at the programmes that

changing the status quo. Hlong-

the private sector is using this

wa said the current generation

money for, you find that they are

can learn from the youth of 1976

painting pre-schools and sponsor-

who participated in the Soweto

ing marathons. The NYDA believes

uprisings.

that they should be spending this

“The 1976 youth was saying, ‘We

money on nationally declared

have problems with education,

challenges. The government has

we are being colonised further

declared top challenges to be

through the education system’

unemployment, poverty and in-

and they took it upon themselves

The work of the NYDA is not with-

equality, and programmes should

to do something about it. The

out challenges, the most pressing

go towards that,” she said.

current youth can learn from that.

development machinery.

The funding challenge

of which is funding. The NYDA has

“Our proposal is that govern-

When there is a problem you do

a budget of R400 million, which

ment must change the legislation

not only complain about it, you do

Hlongwa said is not really enough

to say that of the required CSI

something to resolve it. You may

for the youth body to have suf-

budget per individual company,

not need to fight with anybody

ficient impact.

50 percent should be contributed

but you can always participate in

to government so that govern-

addressing the challenges,” she

must have a corporate social

ment can redistribute more capi-

added.

investment (CSI) budget and if

tal towards youth development,”

you look at the top-100 JSE-listed

Hlongwa added.

“By legislation every company

companies, they have a CSI budget of R7.8 billion. But when

Young people in South Africa have been at the forefront of

Hlongwa believes that the NYDA has so far been successful in its work, but that the emphasis should be on its social impact.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

the number

University of Technology in Africa*

Tshwane University of Technology We empower people

Writer: More Matshediso Photographer: More Matshediso

YOUTH SPECIAL

Harnessing the medical beneﬁts of nuclear technology

he South African Nuclear

out safety analysis for the reactor's

nating from SAFARI-1. Patients in

Energy Corporation SOC Ltd

core.

South Africa and internationally are

(Necsa) houses the country’s

She performs heat and spent fuel

treated with typical radioisotopes.

only nuclear research reactor which

calculations for the South African

is by far Africa’s largest producer of

Fundamental Atomic Research

and for SAFARI-1 to keep running,

a range of medical isotopes that

Installation 1 (SAFARI-1).

Bedhesi performs core-follow calcu-

are used for diagnostic purposes

SAFARI-1 is a 20 megawatt tank-in-

For the isotopes to be produced

lations to establish the amount of

and the therapeutic treatment of

pool type material testing nuclear

fuel burnt during the reactor's cycle.

cancer.

research reactor. It is owned and

Without these calculations, the reac-

operated by Necsa and located

tor cannot start.

Before the nuclear research reactor starts its 30-day cycle, Linina

at Pelindaba, 30 kilometres west of

Bedhesi is entrusted with the job of

Pretoria.

performing calculations to ensure that the system operates safely. The 27-year-old is a reactor ana-

“Heating calculations are important for the safety of the reactor. We need to know the amount of heat

Benefits of medical isotopes

released per fission reaction and the spatial distribution of heat so that

lyst at Necsa and her job entails

Millions of people have benefited

we can implement cooling in high

using calculation codes to carry

from the medical isotopes origi-

temperature regions,” she explained.

Reactor analyst Linina Bedhesi is making a name for herself in t he nuclear industr y.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

“If we know that, we can imple-

vations in the report to tell them

Cancer patients undergo different

ment cooling in the reactor. And

that it is not consistent with what

types of therapy in hospitals and

this is one of the biggest safety

we are used to seeing, and they

often medical professionals use

calculations that is needed,” she

should decide whether to start up

isotopes, which are produced by

added.

or not,” she said.

SAFARI-1.

hesi uses a calculational computer

Living her dream

code to calculate what amount of

Bedhesi was appointed as a reac-

Determined to succeed

uranium and plutonium is present

tor analyst at Necsa in August 2017

“I registered for this course. I saw a

in a spent fuel assembly for storage

and it is already a job that is close

picture of SAFARI-1 in the brochure

purposes.

to her heart.

and told myself that one day I will

For spent fuel calculations, Bed-

Other scientists or technicians

She does not mind driving for

work at Necsa. At the end of my

who do operational work at SA-

about 45 minutes every morning

second year of study, I contacted

FARI-1 send Bedhesi data about the

to work and she certainly does not

Necsa’s human resource section

cycle under operation.

mind the wildlife she gets to see

and asked if I could do vacation

regularly.

work and I was granted the op-

If any safety parameter is not met, it will compromise the safety of the

“There are zebras and monkeys

portunity. That is how my journey

reactor and the process cannot be

here at Necsa. It is a very refreshing

began, in December 2013,” she

initialised if Bedhesi tells the scien-

sight,” she said.

said.

tists at SAFARI-1 that it is not safe. She works with three colleagues

She holds an undergraduate

When her peers went home for

degree in Nuclear Science and

school holidays, Bedhesi made

who perform the same calcula-

Engineering from the University of

her way to Necsa to gain work

tions to ensure that no mistakes are

Witwatersrand (Wits). Bedhesi also

experience.

made and that there is consistency.

has an Honours Degree in Physics

“I also did my Honours project at

from Wits and is in the process of

Necsa, and am continuing with my

in feature called a scram, which

obtaining an MSc (Physics). Prior to

Masters work here as well,” she said.

automatically shuts down when

enrolling at Wits, she had a scholar-

something irregular happens dur-

ship to study biology in India.

The nuclear reactor has a built-

ing the process. Whenever that happens, the scientists ask Bedhesi and her team if they should allow the reactor to

A couple of years ago, she found herself reading a brochure on BSc Nuclear Science and Engineering.

She said there is a huge gap of knowledge between her seniors and the juniors in the field, which needs to be filled. “There are many people in the

“While reading the brochure, I

late years of their careers and there

reach the parameters deemed

found myself more interested in

are very young people. There is also

safe.

the nuclear sciences. I think it is

a lack of skills,” she said.

“We will then do the calculations

because my parents had a history

and generate a report. Sometimes

of cancer. It was just an emotional

nuclear science field is very reward-

we will include a section of obser-

journey for me,” she said.

ing and her hard work pays off.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

However, Bedhesi said the

YOUTH SPECIAL

She gets to attend international

that science is still very much male-

said to be the third largest producer

conferences and to present her

dominated globally.

of Mo-99 in the world. The work done

work to people from across the globe. “During my time at Necsa, I have

“I was the only female that gradu-

at SAFARI-1 is not only impacting on

ated in physics in my class in 2015

South Africa but many parts of the

at undergraduate level,” she said.

globe.

obtained two awards at the South

Mo-99 originally had to be im-

ference for my MSc work. I also

Healing the world through nuclear

received two postgraduate merit

The production of medical iso-

ity to manage virtually the entire

awards from Wits University. My work

topes is one of the most important

nuclear production cycle, Necsa

is extremely exciting, and I enjoy the

functions of the reactor. There is an

has become the sole local and an

challenges that come with it,” she

isotope that Necsa is a key distribu-

important international supplier of

said.

tor of, and it is called the Molybde-

Mo-99.

African Institute of Physics Con-

ported into South Africa weekly, but since 1993, with its unique abil-

What is most exciting for her is

num-99 (Mo-99). It is used for diag-

that a female scientist is given the

nostic imaging, cancer research or

and Lutetium-137, among many

same opportunity as males in the

generally in nuclear medicine.

other isotopes, and these are also

science field, although she feels

Necsa supplies a third of the Mo99 demand globally. In 2014, it was

Necsa also produces Iodine-131

used in diagnostic imaging and therapy.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

YOUTH SPECIAL

Writer: Allison Cooper

Young doctor a beacon of hope

Dr Nhlakanipho Gumede is ensuring t hat t he Pholela Community Healt hcare Centre meets t he needs of communities in nor t hern KwaZulu-Natal.

ree-spirited yet practical and

“We had a school, clinic and

final year in South Africa and he

proactive sums up the young

shops close to home, but we didn’t

enrolled at Wits University. He then

and successful Dr Nhlakanipho

have electricity and had very little

wrote his Cuban exams and ob-

Gumede, who firmly believes in lead-

water until later in life when we had

tained a Doctor en Medicina (Doc-

ing by example, values, professional-

a tap in our yard. I grew up in a

tor in Medicine) degree, which is

ism, respect and innovation.

rural area where civilisation and life

equivalent to a MBBCh/MBchB, at

was evolving,” he recalled.

the age of 26.

Born in Mbazwana in the northeastern part of Kwazulu-Natal

Gumede completed his Medical

The passionate healthcare

and raised by his grandmother,

degree in Cuba in 2010 at

professional “always had a thing

Gumede and his siblings came

the Instituto Superior de Ciencias

for health”, even though he didn’t

from a poor family but “never went

Médicas de Villa Clara, but his

believe that he would become a

hungry”.

training required that he finish his

doctor one day.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

“I remember asking why only

team being actively involved in

into practice. It has assisted many

white or Indian men worked in

the development of strategies that

postgraduates studying COPHC

pharmacies and why black youth

guarantee that our people and

and it continues to render top-class

were not taking up these positions.

society receive the healthcare

health services to its communities.

When I was growing up people

services that they deserve.”

It now has seven satellite clinics

were dying from diseases. I saw

“To be the one that pushes this

and many outreach programmes.

a lot of malaria in my area and I

agenda makes me happy about

Dr Gumede believes that Pholela

always wanted to work at a health

my job. After all, prevention is better

will continue to be a stronghold for

institution, but I never wanted to

than cure,” said Gumede.

COPHC.

become a doctor, even though

“We would like to increase our

everyone at home always thought

Pholela’s revival

services to include short-stay

that I would become one,” he said.

The Pholela Community Healthcare

wards, a minor operation theatre

Centre serves mostly rural commu-

and a complete multi-disciplinary

nities and is usually a patient’s first

team. We also want to have a dem-

port of call when it comes to their

onstration garden inside the facility,

health.

where we can teach people how

Grabbing opportunities One day Gumede saw an advert looking for students who wanted to

The centre’s history dates back to

to plant and cook vegetables. In

study medicine in Cuba. He didn’t

1940, when it was the first health-

the future, we want to become a

miss the opportunity. “This was

care centre established by the

teaching and research centre for

going to be the financial allevia-

Union Health Department. Follow-

medical students,” he said.

tion my family needed, especially

ing a report by the National Health

my mother who was financing my

Services Commission in 1944, the

tertiary education,” he added.

government established health-

Teenage pregnancy and HIV

care centres across South Africa.

Pholela’s greatest challenges

Back then, Pholela was a useful

include the high incidence of

Gumede was just 31 when he took on the challenging and exciting role of acting CEO at Pholela

pilot project. Medical officers and

HIV and teenage pregnancy. “It

Community Healthcare Centre in

staff appointed at other cen-

is medically proven that teenage

Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal. A year later

tres were sent to Pholela to gain

pregnancy is a risk factor of HIV. We

in 2016, he was appointed as CEO.

experience and study methods

are worried about the high number

that evolved there. It remained a

of teenagers who fall pregnant. The

and poverty his mission, giving

teaching and investigation base,

fact that they are pregnant means

hope to others and solving any

resulting in it becoming the rural

that they did not use protection;

problems that arise at the health-

section of the Institute of Family

therefore they are at risk of sexually

care centre.

and Community Health, which had

transmitted infections such as HIV,”

its headquarters in Durban.

said Gumede.

He has made fighting disease

“I enjoy taking good government policies and putting them into

Pholela is internationally ac-

Pholela is working on a strategy

practice at grassroots level and

knowledged as the site where the

that includes teenage pregnancy

the relationships that I have with

community-orientated primary

campaigns in schools and educat-

patients and employees. What is

healthcare concept (COPHC)

ing the community to stop this

most fulfilling though, is to see my

was successfully initiated and put

epidemic.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

YOUTH SPECIAL

sole reason for my success. She

Message for the youth

event in June 2018 that will involve

has supported me all these years.

Gumede’s message to

Operation Sukuma Sakhe, tradi-

I owe my development to her

youngsters this Youth Day is

tional leaders, municipalities and

because I had to work very hard to

clear. “It’s all in our hands.

all government departments. It will

provide for our family,” he added.

The 1976 generation laid the

help us to educate more teenag-

“When home, I get a warm wel-

foundation and the 1994

ers and ensure that the message is

come from my wife and the smile

elections give us freedom

spread not only to them but to the

on her face just makes me feel like

to start taking control of our

community at large,” he added.

there is a reason I wake up every

country. The government

day.”

cannot give you everything

“We are also planning a huge

The man inside the doctor

Gumede has his sights firmly set

on a platter. Some things you

on obtaining a Business Adminis-

must work hard for. Don't wait

Gumede married Lynn Carol Nom-

tration degree, majoring in health.

for government to give you

fundo in 2012. “I have known this

From there, he wants to obtain his

anything. Wake up and fend

wonderful lady for over 14 years.

Master's in Public Health and a

for yourself. There is a great

She has been my guide and the

PhD.

world out there waiting for you,” he said.

This and that What’s your favourite food? I had to ask my wife about this question! I enjoy nicely cooked chicken with vegetables. In general, I am not picky when it comes to food. Lately I have been trying to work on my portions of food. What’s your favourite holiday destination? China or Japan. Who do you live for? My wife! What are your hobbies and interests? My favourite spot is sitting in the backyard listening to good jazz or fusion music. I also enjoy information technology and photography.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

ADVERTORIAL

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING The college employs five dedicated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Officers who provide graduates with work placement support. This service helps connect our students to job opportunities and prepares them for the world of work via our work-readiness programme. CENTRES OF SPECIALISATION The Centres of Specialisation Programme is a Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) initiative to address the demand for qualifications in the priority trades needed for the implementation of government’s National Development Plan and National Infrastructure Plan. False Bay TVET College was chosen to host the national

A GATEWAY TO EMPLOYMENT, HIGHER EDUCATION AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Centres of Specialisation for Mechanical Fitting at the

OUR COLLEGE

CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

False Bay TVET College is rated one of the best Technical

The Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) based at our Westlake

and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in

Campus is a partnership between the college, the DHET and

the country. False Bay TVET College operates five well-

the Department of Small Business Development.

Westlake Campus and Rigging at the Swartklip Campus. The new Swartklip campus, to be established in 2019, will focus exclusively on artisan training and will accommodate an additional 3 000 students.

resourced campuses located in the South Peninsula, Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha, which collectively have an

The CfE hosts a Rapid Incubator (RI) in partnership with

enrolment of around 11 000 students.

the Small Enterprises Development Agency (SEDA). The CfE and RI aim to inspire college graduates to become

The college has strong ties with industry and the

entrepreneurs by providing these graduates with formal

communities we serve and maintains strategic

training and practical business experience.

partnerships with government, the SETAs and both local and international educational and industry institutions.

The RI currently consists of fully equipped Engineering and Woodwork workshops where entrepreneurs can

The college’s sound administration was recognised recently

manufacture products until they are able to fund setting

when it received the PFMA Clean Audit Award for 2016/2017.

up their own production facilities.

OUR PROGRAMMES Our vocational, occupational and skills-training programmes provide students with scarce and critical skills and practical experience in fields where there are good prospects of employment. All programmes are examined and certified nationally and designed in collaboration with commerce and industry. The college has a special focus on artisan skills in the Electrical, Motor Mechanics, Welding & Fabrication, Fitting & Turning, Automotive Body Repair, Spray Painting, Carpentry and Joinery trades.

CONTACT DETAILS Karin Hendricks, Acting Principal Christiana Nel, Deputy Principal: Innovation and Development Phone: +27 (0)21 787 0800

Courses are also offered in Business, Information &

Physical Address: 131 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

Communication Technology, Hospitality, Tourism, Yacht & Boat

Postal Address: Private Bag X25, Tokai, 7966

Building, Safety in Society, 2D Animation and Education Studies.

Email: karin.hendricks@falsebay.org.za

PART TIME STUDIES AND DISTANCE LEARNING

Email: christiana.nel@falsebay.org.za

The college provides part-time classes and distance

Website: www.falsebaycollege.co.za

learning options as an alternative mode of study for students who cannot attend full time classes.

YOUTH SPECIAL

Writer: Dale Hes

Scientist Ashton Welcome is unloc king t he mysteries of plant families.

Ashton Welcome – A blossoming young scientist

t the age of 29, Ashton Welcome is already mak-

the environment alike. “Being so interested in useful

Welcome’s job to identify the differences between samples of

ing waves in the scientific

plants, I began to realise how im-

species that occur in southern

community. She has authored and

portant the classification of them

Africa.

co-authored three scientific articles

is. For example, two plants may

and presented her fascinating work

look very similar, but one may

cies and see what the charac-

at various national and international

be an edible species and the

ters are that differentiate them.

conferences.

other poisonous so you have to

Sometimes it will be something

understand what the difference

obvious such as the flowers or

is,” Welcome explained.

leaves, but other times you will

Welcome is in her second year of employment as a plant taxonomist at the South African National

She specialises mainly in the

“We take these groups of spe-

have to examine the anatomy

Botanical Institute (SANBI). Her role

Malvaceae family of plants, which

under a microscope to spot the

– in a field known as biosystemat-

includes commonly-known gen-

differences,” said Welcome.

ics – is to unlock the mysteries of

era such as cotton and hibiscus.

plant families, examining the dif-

plants have various uses for

ferences between species, while

Identifying differences

also exploring the importance

The Malvaceae family contains

that plants have for humans and

4 225 known species, and it is

She added that Malvaceae humans. “We all know the value of cotton in terms of clothing and texting.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Some plants contain edible nuts,

higher water content. I am very

since my honours year. There is

others are eaten as a traditional

excited about discovering more

no telling how much of who I am

spinach and some have very

through this project because

as a scientist today is because of

fibrous bark that can be used as

it really shows how important

him, and he is also the one who

rope.”

plants are and how dependent

inspired my love of useful plants.

people have been on them over

Dr Anthony Magee and Prof Patri-

A love of nature

hundreds of years. It inspires me

cia Tilney were also instrumental,”

Welcome grew up in a house

to continue doing my work,” she

she said

set among rocky hills close to a

explained.

nature reserve in southern Johan-

Welcome explained that passion, as well as refusing to give up

nesburg, where her love of nature

The seeds of success

on her dreams, have also helped

was ignited.

Although she is humble about

her on her path.

“We had a little mountain gar-

her achievements, there is no

“I applied for the position at

den where I would play. I didn’t

question that Welcome has made

SANBI five times before I got the

realise it at the time, but looking

some significant strides in her

job! Eventually when I got it, it

back I think that this is where my

field. So what has been the secret

was so worth it. Don’t worry about

passion for biology and botany

to her success?

rejection and your pride being

started,” she said.

Welcome said that she has

hurt. If you believe that you can

“I loved biology at school and

always had encouragement from

be good at something and enjoy

it was one of the subjects that I

her family, as well as her lecturers

it, then never give up on that.”

got a distinction for in matric. I

and supervisors.

was also part of the high school

“My family has always been very

Flourishing at SANBI

science club. It felt very natural for

supportive of me and more re-

SANBI is a cornerstone of the

me to go into a biology-related

cently my husband has helped a

scientific community in South

degree at university,” she added.

lot so I’m very grateful for that. My

Africa, especially when it comes

PhD supervisor Prof Ben-Erik van

to botany. The herbarium

Wyk has been my main supervisor

contains thousands of plant

Welcome took biology and botany in her first year at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). In her second year, she was introduced to economic botany – the use of plants by humans. This eventually led to the PhD thesis that Welcome is exploring about the indigenous food plants of South Africa. She has already made some interesting findings. “The first pattern we have established is that cultural groups living in dry areas are more dependent on food plants that have a

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

FEATURE

and the history of their use, it would encourage a lot more people.” And what does Welcome see for her own future? “I have recently been given a new plant family to work on and I’m focusing on finishing my PhD. I also want to expand my knowledge into molecular biology, where you are able to examine the cells of plants, like some of the people specimens which researchers,

next generation of scientists

universities and scientists often

by offering her knowledge and

“In the meantime, I see more

turn to when completing their work.

experience to students studying

research, more publications and

Welcome is one of the people who

botany. She has demonstrated

more mentoring. I haven’t thought

ensures that all of this information

practicals and is an online tutor

too much further than that but I

is correctly organised, so that it

at the University of South Africa.

am excited to see where it takes

can be accessed easily. She says that SANBI plays a vital role in protecting the incredible biodiversity of South Africa.

At SANBI, she is currently men-

at SANBI are already doing.”

me,” she added.

toring a junior staff member and an intern. “When I first arrived at SANBI I

A rising star Welcome’s achievements include: a Authoring and co-authoring

“There is no other organisation

was also mentored and it really

like SANBI; certainly in southern Af-

helped a lot with learning and

papers that have been

rica no one else compares. SANBI

getting used to the job so I’m

published in three scientific

is the foundation that everyone

trying to do that with the young

journals.

turns to for our historical collec-

staff members by assisting and

tions, library, preserved specimens

advising them on some of their

and our expert researchers. These

projects,” she added

a Presenting her study findings at 10 flagship botanist conferences. a Being awarded the best Mas-

are the ‘go-to’ people in the indus-

Welcome said that the youth

try, and one day I hope to become

of today need to look at botany

ter of Science presentation in

a go-to person myself.”

and science as a whole, in a dif-

UJ’s Botany and Biotechnol-

SANBI has been supportive of Welcome’s dreams, allowing her to

ferent way. “The youth don’t see this as a

ogy department in 2012. a Being awarded a SANBI bur-

spend her allocated research time

glamourous career and some

sary in 2012, and a National

working on her PhD.

students may rather study to-

Research Foundation Masters

wards careers that are portrayed

Growing the next generation Welcome is assisting to grow the

as more fashionable. But I think

bursary in 2013. She will also present study

that if more emphasis is paid to

findings at another international

linking plants to their importance

conference later this year.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

ADVERTORIAL

ONCOLOGY SERVICES ON THE RIGHT TRACK The Free State Department of Oncology is celebrating 51 years of providing quality care to the most vulnerable people in our society. There are various units within the Oncology Basket of Services such as the clinics, the Research Unit, Radiation Unit and the Chemotherapy Unit which serves more than 170 patients daily. The radiation treatment of cancer is provided to patients from various towns of the Free State Province, as well as parts of the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Lesotho.

Social Work Services are also provided within the unit,

The service also has dedicated outreach in outlying health

which assists with counselling through development

facilities such as Bongani Hospital in Welkom, Boitumelo

assessment, rendering support services and linking patients

Hospital in Kroonstad and Dihlabeng Hospital in Bethlehem

to other relevant stakeholders such as NGOs.

every month. The Free State Oncology Services attributes its successes to The Oncology Services in the Free State Province are

a number of factors such as:

centralised at the Universitas Academic Hospital, while the

•

Dedicated staff that work as a team

actual services are physically located at National Hospital

•

Increased community awareness for patients to test

because, due to its delicate nature and sensitivity, the

and seek early treatment for cancer

radiation infrastructure cannot be moved to any other site.

•

The Oncology Services are responsive to a relatively high

The Free State Department of Health is acutely aware

burden of diseases in the various categories of cancers,

of the pressure under which the Oncology Services are

including:

provided and the need to maintain the high performance

•

Cervical cancer for women (about 400 cases per year)

of the current service provision environment. There

•

Breast cancer (350 cases per year)

is a dire need for procurement and maintenance of

•

Head and neck cancers (about 100 cases per year)

equipment and machinery such as Linear Accelerators,

•

Prostate cancers (approximately 250 new patients

the recruitment of more staff and the training of more

annually)

oncologists, as well as increased levels of public education

The province services a catchment population of about 7 million patients and it requires infrastructure and equipment in order to respond adequately. Oncology Services are well-developed to make accurate diagnoses and prognoses like the Nuclear Medicine section and the hyperbaric chamber (oxygen tank) which is the only one of its kind in central South Africa.

A clean environment that provides hope for patients

and awareness to achieve the goals of early detection and treatment. To access Oncology Services, please visit your nearest health clinic, doctor or health facility in order for tests to be conducted and referral to be facilitated to the Provincial Oncology Services for treatment.

The hyperbaric chamber is used to treat a variety of conditions, for example: radiation- induced proctitis (an inflammation of the lining of the rectum), wound sepsis and osteoradionecrosis (a condition of nonvital bone in a site of radiation injury), with high-pressure oxygen. Patients also have the pleasure of enjoying an in-house

CONTACT DETAILS

chapel as for some of them being at Oncology represents

Mondli Mvambi, Spokesperson: Free State Health

the possibility of end of life.

Tel: 051 408 1894 Email: mvambimj@fshealth.gov.za

YOUTH SPECIAL

Writer: Allison Cooper

Tugmaster is

making waves

s a Transnet tugmaster Lindile

the same time. The latter certified

Mdletshe (30) commands

her as a qualified tugmaster. “This

the powerful boats that

was the biggest challenge because

are used to assist ship movements

being a tugmaster does not require

in the Port of Durban. While small in

one to have a degree, only S1, S2

size, tugboats are extremely powerful

and training at sea. Only after this

watercrafts and their handling takes

do people usually enrol to become

in and work hard to prove people

much skill.

a tugmaster. I did both at the same

wrong, it can be draining. I over-

Tugmaster Lindile Mdletshe knows how to take command.

time. After work, I would go to school

came this by remaining calm, hav-

Port Shepstone and schooled at

and catch up on the curriculum

ing a positive attitude and working

St Faiths.

that was done that day,” she said.

with people to earn their respect.

Mdletshe was born and bred in

“It was quite an experience where

Mdletshe loves being on the water.

With a persistent and diligent effort,

one grew up. There was no fear,

“The water can tell you so much

you can overcome these obstacles,”

unlike these days and everyone was

about what the day ahead will

she said.

raised by a village.”

bring. Some days it’s calm; other

Mdletshe’s success at overcom-

days it’s rough and sometimes there

ing these obstacles is evident in the

2006, before heading off to the

are swells, so it’s a great dynamic

award she won as acting marine

Durban University of Technology to

world! Ships also have different

technical manager. “I received an

study a National Diploma in Mari-

shapes and carry different cargo,

award for being the best achiever

time Studies in 2007.

which means they have to be han-

in short space of time because

Mdletshe completed matric in

dled differently,” said Mdletshe, who

I passed an audit within the first

and her S2 in 2008 she com-

enjoys working with multicultural

week of acting in the position.” She

menced her three-year training

crews, from various countries.

also received the award of 'being

After completing her S1 in 2007

a hero’ in October 2017, for saving

at sea with Safmarine Shipping Company. Here she learnt how to

A challenging world

ships from the worst storm Durban

navigate a cargo ship in high seas

Being a woman in the maritime in-

had ever seen.

and stopped at various ports in

dustry is “a challenging world”, said

Another challenge, which Md-

Europe, Africa and Asia for cargo

Mdletshe, who cites gender-based

letshe finds quite funny, is that the

operations and safety surveys.

issues as one of the biggest chal-

uniform she has to wear is designed

lenges as it is still largely considered

for men. “Even now, they still design

a man’s world.

these uniforms to best fit men,” she

She obtained her first degree at the age of 25, while completing her Port Operations Master’s degree at

“As much as women try to blend

laughed.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Taking advice to heart

in or researcher of marine inci-

you sometimes have to put your

Mdletshe received support from her

dents. “I decided this while doing

big-girl pants on and be coura-

former manager, a woman who told

research from my MBA. I would

geous. Usually, it is only when you

her that she needs to stand up for

like to do further research as it is a

are not at work that you can you

herself and never tolerate bullying

broad and sensitive subject in the

put your skirt back on and act like a

because it undermines you and

industry,” she added. Alternatively,

lady,” she said.

takes your confidence away.

she is also considering becom-

“Being a tugmaster means that

Obtaining her Master’s degree

“I implemented her advice imme-

ing an industry professor in order

made all the difference. “Getting my

diately, to make our shift the best,

to pass on her knowledge to the

degree ensured more respect from

and today I am in the acting posi-

“young ones”.

my male colleagues. They ask me

tion of shift manager. When our

every day what I am busy with be-

manager left my male colleagues

Role of a tugmaster

cause there are only two of us who

chose me to lead the shift, due

Mdletshe explains that a tugmaster

have gone this far and I was the first

to the skills and knowledge that I

is in overall command of the craft

to complete the Maritime Diploma

have obtained. They even mention

and the people onboard.

at the Port of Durban. This alone

how well I am able to handle the

made me stand out,” she said, ex-

worst situations that we experi-

and fire equipment are in good

plaining that maritime studies is not

ence,” she said.

condition and certified, conduct

an easy programme to study.

Mdletshe cites her greatest

She must ensure that the safety

an annual safety survey of the

milestone as obtaining her Master

craft, ensure the crew get proper

of Business Administration degree

training and sign their training

was courageous enough to con-

in 2017. “This gave me more insight

books, conduct performance

tinue. As much as you have to ‘put

into running a marine business and

management reviews and help

on pants’, you also have to show

understanding the entire supply

her employees to put together a

your lady-like character sometimes.

chain. It was not easy at all, study-

development programme in line

Many of my male colleagues

ing while working full-time − includ-

with their career paths, enforce

respect women’s opinions and they

ing 12-hour night shifts − but with

company policies and manage

do believe in me,” said Mdletshe,

dedication, all is possible,” she said.

stores and place orders for

“Some days you feel like giving up. But, because I knew the benefits, I

who is the only young African woman on her shift.

Looking ahead, Mdletshe has her sights set on becoming a specialist

equipment. Mdletshe’s typical work day starts with a list of shipping movements, all of which have to be completed by the end of shift. “We start with shipping work at 06h00 and end at 17h50. Typically, two tugs work together, and each completes about eight jobs. Thereafter, we have to complete all of the paperwork. In emergency cases, we sometimes only finish work after 21h00,” she said.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

THUMA MINA FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S SUSTAINABILITY The Department of Environmental Affairs’ budget for

events around South Africa – from flash flooding in some

the 2018/2019 financial year is an affirmation of the

parts of the country to devastating drought in other

commitment to meeting our country’s developmental

parts – tells us that climate change has long become a

needs, transforming and growing our economy, creating

measurable reality.”

jobs and conserving our environment, says the Minister of Environmental Affairs Dr Edna Molewa.

CLIMATE CHANGE South Africa’s signing of the Paris Agreement to combat

This was supported by Deputy Environmental Affairs

climate change is an acknowledgement that this is a

Minister, Ms Barbara Thomson, who added that

problem requiring a global effort. The country continues

conservation of the environment should play an important

to play an active role on the international stage by

role in working to improve the lives of all South Africans.

participating in a number of key multilateral environmental agreements and their associated negotiations.

“Without the sustainable use of our rich and abundant natural resources, we will decimate our environment – an act that will

In addition to the finalised National Climate Change

be to the detriment of humankind,” said Ms Thomson.

Adaptation Strategy, a draft Climate Change Bill to provide effective national response for both mitigation and

The government has prioritised attracting investment

adaptation action has been developed.

into the South African economy. From an environmental perspective, the Department of Environmental Affairs’

Phase One of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

mandate is to facilitate an economic growth path that is

System is being implemented, with carbon budgets

equitable, inclusive, sustainable and environmentally sound.

already allocated to most of the significant emitters. The Department is working towards Phase Two and is confident

THE BUDGET VOTE

that, once implemented, the system will support the

On 17 May 2018, Minister Molewa and Deputy Minister

country’s transition to a low carbon economy.

Thomson delivered the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Budget Vote speech in the National Assembly.

Minister Molewa said as the country pursues a path of sustainable development, a regulatory system that is both

Delivering her address, Dr Molewa said the environmental

streamlined and effective is essential, to make it easier

sector continues to be a source and facilitator of

to do business in South Africa as well as to attract much-

investment, job creation, entrepreneurship and skills

needed investment.

development – in line with the key objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP).

2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool to

A three-pronged strategic approach has been adopted

advance sustainable development. Since adoption, the

to facilitate the government’s long-term radical economic

processes linked to obtaining an EIA have been simplified

transformation goals. These include the Phakisa Strategic

and rationalised to allow for greater regulatory efficiency

Approach, the Environmental Justice Strategy and an

as well as faster turnaround time. To advance and fast-

Economy-wide Service Delivery Strategic Approach.

track environmental authorisations for key infrastructure projects, the Department is continuing to undertake

“Our approach centres on seizing opportunities presented

strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) upfront.

by the transition to a low carbon economy,” said the Minister. “All of our actions have become all the more

Dr Molewa pointed out South Africa is one of the top

imperative within the context of an ever-changing climate.

investment destinations globally for renewable energy

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather

and, over the past financial year, SEAs have been

ADVERTORIAL

Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa cleaning the streets of Khayelitsha during one of the clean-up campaigns by the Department. Image by Tshego Letshwiti.

conducted for renewable energy, shale gas and electricity

A National Coastal Access Strategy is under development

grid infrastructure. Work is also underway on the Gas

to provide guidance around access for the public to

Pipeline SEA. In the past financial year, in excess of 53 828

closed-off beaches. In addition, a review of the strategic

megawatts of renewable energy applications, drawn from

plan on dealing with estuaries and a national status quo

solar, wind, hydro, concentrated solar and co-generation,

assessment are being conducted.

were authorised. A Marine Spatial Planning Framework had been finalised Turning to Operation Phakisa, the Minister said the initiative

and sub-regional Marine Spatial Management Plans are

was launched in 2014 as a new approach to enable

being developed. The Marine Spatial Planning Bill is in the

government to implement its policies and programmes

process of being approved by Parliament and is expected

better, faster and more effectively; a model that allows

to be enacted in the coming months.

the Department to integrate its work for more effective outcomes. Since then, the Department has registered

“Marine pollution is one of the biggest challenges we face

notable progress with regards to Operation Phakisa

today and threatens fragile ecosystems. South Africa has a

Oceans Economy, Chemicals and Waste Phakisa, and

number of measures in place to tackle this problem,” said

Operation Phakisa Biodiversity Economies.

the Minister.

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

In addition, South Africa is among the countries that have

With regard to Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy,

endorsed the United Nations Environmental Programme’s

one of the highlights has been the development of a

Clean Seas Campaign, which aims to step up international,

National Guideline Towards the Establishment of Coastal

regional and national efforts to combat marine litter.

Management Lines. “In implementing this campaign, the Department will “This is intended to minimise risks posed by short- and long-

be piloting its Source to Sea initiative to investigate and

term coastal processes such as storm surges, erosion and

combat in particular plastic pollution which threatens both

sea-level rise,” said Dr Molewa.

freshwater and marine ecosystems,” the Minister said.

Minister Molewa donated 10 zebras and 20 hartebeest to launch the Double Drift Wildlife Economy Project on 07 March 2018 in the Eastern Cape. The project emphasises the need for transformation of the biodiversity economy sector, making it inclusive of previously disadvantaged communities. Image by Veronica Mahlaba

Deputy Minister Thomson said in her Budget Vote address

of indigenous species by adding at least 500 hectares of

that in the coming year, further development of coastal

land to be cultivated with high-value species. This will be

infrastructure will be undertaken, including improved

complemented by ongoing implementation of a game

community access to the coast. Slipways or boat

donation and custodianship policy framework.”

launching sites will be constructed to support the newly permitted areas for boat-based whale watching and

The Deputy Minister said the environmental sector is

shark cage diving.

ideally placed to increase the ownership percentage of black women, youth and communities in the economy by

Ms Thomson said new policies on boat-based whale

identifying opportunities associated with the sustainable

watching and shark cage diving have been developed

use of the country’s diverse range of natural resources

to enable participation by previously disadvantaged

or biodiversity.

people and change the status quo. “It seems that previous rightsholders believe they have permanent right to benefit

“We recognise biodiversity as a basis for transformation

from boat-based whale watching and shark cage diving

and sustainable development. The Department has

activities while excluding the black and poor,” she said.

commenced with plans to transform two sub-sectors of the biodiversity economy, that is: the wildlife and bio-

BIODIVERSITY

prospecting sectors within the ambit of the National

Efforts to implement the Operation Phakisa Biodiversity

Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) and implementation

Economy have seen the development of a multifaceted

plan,” she said.

approach to the management of the country’s rich natural heritage – one that focuses on an inclusive value-chain

“We are working together with other stakeholders within

approach to the development of the biodiversity economy.

the sector to identify 10 million hectares of suitable land for participation of previously disadvantaged individuals

“In line with the President’s investment drive, we will

and communities as owners of sustainable wildlife-based

be launching the Biodiversity Economy Investment

business ventures.”

Catalogue, which profiles investment-ready biodiversity economy projects,” Dr Molewa. “Our plans for the

Operation Phakisa Chemicals and Waste have also

2018/2019 financial year include increasing the supply

addressed environmental justice matters such as air quality.

ADVERTORIAL

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY The Minister emphasised that the waste sector remains the most important emerging contributor to the generation of jobs in the green economy. “In this sector we are working to formalise the waste pickers. We are also advancing our efforts to implement a circular economy approach, which sees the decoupling of material and the development of resource efficiency from economic growth, while dealing with wasteful patterns of production and consumption,” she said. Dr Molewa pointed out that the Recycling Enterprise Support Programme (RESP) provides developmental funding for projects in the form of start-up grants. These projects are either start-up or pre-existing enterprises establishing buy-back centres, material recovery facilities, construction and demolishing solutions, and plastic palletisation plants in line with the Operation Phakisa initiatives. This has been allocated a budget of R194 million over a three-year period. The National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) is being reviewed for the third time to include the government’s commitments to waste minimisation and the further development of the circular economy. The review will

The waste sector remains the most important emerging contributor to the generation of jobs in the green economy.

also consider the capacity or resource implications for the implementation of waste management functions.

time equivalents (FTEs). More than 60% of the programme participants were young people and women.

Dr Molewa said a plastic material study has been undertaken in collaboration with industry, the South

A total of 140 wetlands have been rehabilitated as part of

African Bureau of Standards, the National Regulator for

the Working for Water effort to achieve the goal of land

Compulsory Specifications, the National Treasury and the

degradation neutrality in South Africa, 56 660 hectares

Department of Health.

of land have been placed under rehabilitation and/or restoration, and initial treatment has been provided to

“We are consulting with the cosmetics industry to phase

171 198 hectares of land invaded by invasive alien plants.

out the use of microbeads in cosmetics,” she said, adding

The Department has been undertaking follow-up treatment

that the Department, together with the Department of

on 601 944 hectares of land.

Trade and Industry, its agencies and National Treasury, “will also be reviewing the impact of the implementation of the

THE YOUTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

plastic bag policies”.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of programmes being undertaken by the Department and

The Department is continuing to work with the packaging

its entities, including the South African National Biodiversity

sector (paper, glass, plastic and metal) to increase the

Institute (SANBI), to educate the youth about the environment.

current 58 percent of waste diverted from landfills. The Department’s Youth Employment Programme is being SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

implemented in partnership with municipalities wherein

Ms Thomson said in order to address climate change-

young people are placed at local government to fulfil

related effects, the Department has rolled out a number of

environmental functions like waste management, air-

environmental programmes.

quality monitoring, greening of schools and maintenance of recreational parks. Youth employed in this programme

In the 2017/2018 financial year, these programmes resulted

will be trained and mentored to enable them to contribute

in the creation of 71 948 work opportunities and 28 243 full-

to the much-needed provision of basic services.

South Africa has a number of measures in place to tackle marine pollution, and was among the countries to have endorsed the UN Environmental Programme’s Clean Seas Campaign. Image by Paul Sigutya.

A mass training programme for youth is also underway to

KEEP SOUTH AFRICA CLEAN

improve their skills with accredited environmental training

Minister Molewa said in response to the Presidential

courses and support programmes targeting

Thuma Mina initiative, the Department will be launching

15 000 candidates.

the Keep South Africa Clean campaign to mobilise every citizen to become environmentally conscious.

Ms Thomson said civil society and business should come on board to protect all people against a changing

“We want to see a South Africa free of litter and illegal

environment.

dumping. The main purpose of this campaign is to change

“Our focus on the youth will be scaled up to through

attitudes and behaviour towards waste – and enable people to take responsibility for keeping their communities

education and skills development. These are the members of our society that will guide the way we live in future. We are working with municipalities, provinces, public entities,

clean,” she said. “Conserving the environment is not the responsibility of government alone: we all need to play our part.”

science councils and stakeholders in the environmental

The Minister encouraged all sectors of society to join hands

sector to make this possible,” said Ms Thomson.

to Keep South Africa Clean.

www.environment.gov.za

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

We give hope to underprivileged communities by making a meaningful difference through healthcare, educational and community based programmes.

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, 2196. P O Box 1587, Gallo Manor, 2052, Gauteng. Switchboard: +27 (0) 11 239-6100

IN OTHER NEWS

Compiled by Jauhara Khan

is manually operated and

Cracking down of corruption

outdated.

The conviction and sentencing of former

One of the major chal-

police officers for corruption has been wel-

lenges posed by HANIS was

comed by National Police Commissioner

the imminent collapse of the

General Khehla John Sitole.

over 20-year-old biometrics

Former Police Commissioner Lamoer

database, which left the

and former SAPS Brigadiers Darius Van Der

department with no choice

Ross and Colin Govender were convicted

but to conduct a technology

of corruption, racketeering and money

upgrade, said the Minister.

laundering after the former police officers

“The ABIS project will be

admitted to receiving gratifications worth

rolled-out in phases over a

thousands of rands from businessman

New Home Affairs system faster

five-year period. Among oth-

Saleem Dawjee.

The Department of Home

migration of the current HANIS

effective six years imprisonment, while

Affairs believes its new Auto-

data (fingerprints and facial

Govender and Van Der Ross have been

mated Biometric Identification

recognition) to the new ABIS,

sentenced to four years and two years

System (ABIS) project will dras-

with improved functionality,

respectively.

tically change the manner

installation and configura-

in which South Africans are

tion of ABIS infrastructure and

men for corruption is in line with the SAPS'

identified.

building of system functionali-

objective of stamping the authority of the

ties,” said Minister Gigaba.

state. Such infractions by members of the

“This modern IT system will integrate with other relevant

ers, implementation will entail

Benefits of the system

Lamoer and Dawjee were handed an

“The conviction and sentencing of these

SAPS will neither be tolerated nor condoned,” said General Sitole.

systems, inside and outside

include faster turn-around

Home Affairs, to allow for one

times for those applying for ID

holistic view of the status of

documents or passports and

ing were indicative of an effective and ef-

the clients. It will serve as a

reduced cases of duplicate

ficient criminal justice system as it demon-

single source for biometric

identities.

strated that nobody is above the law.

authentication of citizens

Banks will be able to verify

He added that convictions and sentenc-

“Government officials, particularly police-

and non-citizens across state

client identification faster and

men and women, are constantly being

institutions and private sector

the tourism sector will also

warned of the consequences of engaging

clients,” said Home Affairs

benefit from quicker response

in corrupt behaviour and relationships and

Minister Malusi Gigaba. He

times at ports of entry to

these latest convictions and sentencing

launched the system in Cape

capture and verify a traveller’s

are a stark reminder of those consequenc-

Town in May.

identity.

es,” said General Sitole.

The ABIS project com-

In terms of security, the South

He called on all South Africans to contin-

menced in January 2016

African Police Service can

ue to join hands in the fight against crime

with the aim of replacing

search for suspects by match-

and corruption so that the objectives of

the Home Affairs National

ing latent prints against ABIS

the greater economic strategy of the coun-

Identity System (HANIS), which

records.

try could be realised.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Massive investment in YES initiative Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “Thuma Mina” initiative, the Volvo Group Southern Africa is introducing a Youth Employment Initiative. The Swedish automobile giant hopes that the programme which was unveiled in May at its assembly plant in Durban, will help address South Africa’s high unemployment rate among the youth. President of Volvo Group Southern Africa Torbjörn Christensson said this year the company is investing another R25 million as part of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which will target technical vocational education and training college students. During the course of the year, the company will establish a specialised Driver Training Academy to address the shortage of skilled drivers in the region at an investment of R1.4 million. They are also continuing with their involvement in Star for Life, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide young people in southern Africa with essential life skills, sports training and health education to the tune of R7.8 million. Volvo’s initiative is in line with the YES initiative led by President Ramaphosa. Launched in March, the initiative between business, government, labour and civil society will see businesses creating one-year paid positions for youth aged between 18 and 35 with a minimum paid stipend of R3 500 a month. Christensson said Volvo believes in the future of South Africa, especially in the youth and the endless potential they hold. “As a global company, with a strong commitment to the success of South Africa, we also support government’s initiative to focus on youth development as is envisioned in initiatives such as the proposed Youth Employment Service,” he said. President Ramaphosa welcomed the commitment from Volvo, saying it will go a long way in addressing the high rate of youth unemployment which he said is the greatest challenge to social development in South Africa.

R50 million upgrade for Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has completed the first phase of the revitalisation of the Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park in the Free State. At a cost of R50 million, the revitalisation included the upgrading of security infrastructure including fencing, street lighting, installation of boom gates, pedestrian gates, CCTV cameras and control room, and the refurbishment of high mast lights. This initiative is part of the dti’s Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme, which aims to upgrade state-owned industrial parks across the country to promote industrialisation and increase their contribution to job creation and the country’s economic growth. Special Economic Zones and Economic Transformation Deputy Director-General Sipho Zikode, said: “We are witnessing the fruits of the importance of collaboration and using the expertise available in government and its affiliates. The industrial parks and the dti have collaborated with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, which is our technical partner the Free State Provincial government; and the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.” The next milestone will see national and provincial political leaders launch the park officially after which the second phase of the revitalisation programme will begin. Free State Development Corporation CEO Ikraam Osman is the manager tasked with overseeing the park and said the upgrading will have a positive impact both to the park and the surrounding areas as it will attract more investors who will contribute to job creation for the local people. The park was built more than 40 years ago and hosts 296 factories.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Change the World

Taking Nelson Mandela University Boldly into the Future in Service of Society Nelson Mandela University is a new generation university, with campuses in the Eastern and Southern Cape, that is doing things differently in striving to become a dynamic African university, recognised for its leadership in generating cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future. On 20 July 2017, the institution proudly and formally launched its new name and identity – becoming the only university in the world to be named after global icon Nelson Mandela. The renaming placed Nelson Mandela University firmly on the threshold of the next exciting stage of its evolution, in a trajectory that has its genesis in the institutional Vision 2020. Birthed in 2010, the vision and strategy formulation and execution has been and continues to be about repositioning the University in South Africa, the African continent and the world – a repositioning that begins and ends with the reimagining of the academic project. This vision enjoined Mandela University’s leadership to work relentlessly towards building a new generation, dynamic African university that is recognised for its leadership in producing cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future. The hard work has, in recent years, resulted in Government granting the University permission to establish the country’s 10th medical school and in helping it establish the country’s only dedicated Ocean Sciences campus. Both these initiatives will go a long way in enabling learners, particularly from township and rural schools and communities, to study and gain specialist qualifications in areas that were previously inaccessible and only dreamt about. These two new ventures are set to, among other things, place the University in a substantially better position to serve the country’s development and economic growth needs as it works to establish new areas of knowledge that will in turn stimulate new ways of resolving life challenges, and spawn new professions, careers and job opportunities. Both these ventures are anchored in innovation and transdisciplinarity, which underpin the University’s work as it endeavours to solve global challenges such as climate change, water, food and health securities as well as other environmental

sustainability issues by cutting across academic silos. Teaching and learning, integrated with research and engagement, are the core business of Mandela University as the institution recognises that learning is intrinsic to human development. The University has embraced the philosophy of a humanising pedagogy as it addresses, underpins and advances the institutional purpose. In line with this, the University is working to establish Hubs of Convergence, which are physical spaces where the institution meets communities to engage on common platforms to find practical solutions to problems affecting the immediate surrounding areas. These hubs will benefit from intellectual and other assets of the University as well as the conscious wisdom of those communities. Nelson Mandela University is on a journey to rethink the kind of university it can, and should, become as an institution that must, along with others, actively contribute to the resolution of the myriad of educational and developmental challenges – doing so in line with Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Nelson Mandela placed a good education for all South Africans at the centre of the democratic project. At the Education Africa Presidential and Premier Education Awards ceremony in 1997, then President Mandela said: “The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation … We need a system … that is geared to the realities of our country and the ideals of our people.” This call to action, therefore, underscores the University’s long held desire to honour Mandela’s legacy of advancing education as “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. To find out more about Nelson Mandela University and what it has to offer, visit www.mandela.ac.za.

mandela.ac.za

DEVELOPING DEVELOPING AN AN INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE FORESTRY FORESTRY ECONOMY ECONOMY

The The South South African African Forestry Forestry Company Company SOCSOC Limited Limited (SAFCOL) (SAFCOL) is is the largest the largest statestate owned owned forestry forestry company company in Africa. in Africa. The The company company is primarily is primarily involved involved in the in the forestry forestry industry industry withwith operations operations in in Limpopo, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as well as inasthe in Manica the Manica . . andand Sofala Sofala Provinces Provinces of Mozambique of Mozambique ROLE ROLE IN THE IN THE FORESTRY FORESTRY SECTOR SECTOR

OUROUR MANDATE MANDATE • As aAsstate-owned a state-owned company, company, SAFCOL SAFCOL has has the the following following dualdual mandate: mandate: • • Commercial • Commercial Viability: Viability: To conduct To conduct a forestry a forestry business, business, which which includes includes timber timber harvesting, harvesting, • timber timber processing processing and and related related activities, activities, both both domestically and internationally. domestically and internationally. • • Socio-Economic • Socio-Economic Development: Development: To show To show an an effective return to the shareholder whilst contribeffective return to the shareholder whilst contributing uting to socio- to socio- economic economic development development mainly mainly in the rural areas. in the rural areas.

A catalyst for rural economic development. • A catalyst for rural economic development. Driver • Driver of transformation of transformation and and the the inclusion inclusion of of historically historically disadvantaged disadvantaged communities communities and and individuals in the forestry sector. individuals in the forestry sector. Partner and supplier of choice to the downstream • Partner and supplier of choice to the downstream sector stakeholders. sector stakeholders. Leader in research and development contributing • Leader in research and development contributing to sustainable forestry. to sustainable forestry.

For the For 2017 the 2017 financial financial year,year, SAFCOL SAFCOL achieved achieved the following: the following: • Created 4983 • Created 4983 direct jobs. direct jobs. • Trained • Trained 1932 1932 people people in forestry in forestry related related and and information information communication technology (ICT) skills programmes | Awarded communication technology (ICT) skills programmes | Awarded 15 general 15 general bursaries bursaries to students to students (from (from National National Diploma Diploma to to PhD’s) and 37 to employees. PhD’s) and 37 to employees. 1. IMPROVING 1. IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS LIVELIHOODS • About • About 20000 20000 people people from from adjacent adjacent communities communities impacted impacted ANDAND SOCIO-ECONOMIC SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS STATUS | Bridged | Bridged the the digital digital divide divide in 5 in rural 5 rural schools schools by by donating donating OF ALL OF ALL SAFCOL SAFCOL STAKEHOLDERS STAKEHOLDERS computers computers and and providing providing access access to wireless to wireless internet internet | Built | Built and upgraded about 23 social infrastructure with high quality and upgraded about 23 social infrastructure with high quality timber timber frame frame structures structures (ECD (ECD centres, centres, community community halls halls and and schools) for 12 communities. schools) for 12 communities.

•

2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS 2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

SAFCOL • SAFCOL is self-funded is self-funded with with an unencumbered an unencumbered balance balance sheet sheet and as such has never needed government funding. and as such has never needed government funding. • Achieved • Achieved 87%87% performance performance on financial on financial andand commercial commercial sustainability against set targets in the Shareholder Compact. sustainability against set targets in the Shareholder Compact. • SAFCOL • SAFCOL commercially commercially manages manages a total a total value value of R3.86 of R3.86 billion billion in biological in biological assets. assets. • SAFCOL • SAFCOL processes processes SABS-graded SABS-graded andand certified certified lumber lumber for for use in construction. use in construction.

3. LEA 3. FORES FO

4. FRIE 4. THETH EN

NOMY

COL) is mpany ions in Manica

BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING OUR OUR SUCCESS SUCCESS OUR SUCCESS THROUGH THROUGH THROUGH TRANSFORMATION, INNOVATION AND MUTUAL BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS TRANSFORMATION, INNOVATION AND MUTUAL BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS TRANSFORMATION, INNOVATION AND MUTUAL BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS

n of and

eam

ting

3. LEADER 3. LEADER INLEADER THE IN THEIN THE 3. FORESTRY FORESTRY SECTOR SECTOR FORESTRY SECTOR

ng:

mation arded ma to

pacted nating | Built quality s and

• Largest • Largest grower and and supplier supplier high of high quality pine pine sawlogs sawlogs sawlogs • grower Largest grower andofsupplier ofquality high quality pine in the country, with a special focus on larger diameter logs. in the country, with a special focus on larger diameter logs. in the country, with a special focus on larger diameter logs. • Leader • Leader in supply the supply of high of high quality pine pine pruned pruned logpruned and log and • in the Leader in the supply ofquality high quality pine log and veneer material. veneer material. veneer material. • Has • Has a • world a Has world class class research research and development development centre centre centre a world class and research and development dedicated to ensuring SAFCOL forests are managed sustainably. dedicated to ensuring SAFCOL forests are managed sustainably. dedicated to ensuring SAFCOL forests are managed sustainably. • Leading • Leading • Leading transformation, transformation, transformation, social social and social and economic and economic economic development development development in the in sector. the sector. in the sector. • Spent • Spent 6.76% • Spent 6.76% of 2016/17 6.76% of 2016/17 of financial 2016/17 financial year financial year net net profit year profit after net after profit tax tax after tax on social on social on andsocial and economic economic and economic development development development against against industry against industry industry average of 1%. average of 1%. average of 1%. • SAFCOL • SAFCOL • hosted SAFCOL hosted the hosted the inaugural inaugural the Forestry inaugural Forestry Industrialisation Forestry Industrialisation Industrialisation Conference in 2017, bringing together stakeholders across Conference in 2017, bringing together stakeholders across Conference in 2017, bringing together stakeholders across the the forestry forestry the value forestry value chain, value chain, to chain, identify to identify to opportunities identify opportunities opportunities and and and benefits, as well as challenges within the industry. benefits, as well as challenges within the industry. benefits, as well as challenges within the industry. •

4. FRIENDLY 4. FRIENDLY TO TO 4. FRIENDLY TO THETHE ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT THE ENVIRONMENT

• •

The forests managed by Komatiland Forests (a subsidiary of • The forests managed by Komatiland Forests (a subsidiary of • The forests managed by Komatiland Forests (a subsidiary of SAFCOL) are 100% Forest SAFCOL) are 100% Forest SAFCOL) are 100% Forest Stewardship Stewardship Stewardship Council® Council® (FSC®) Council® (FSC®) (FSC®) certified certified (FSC certified (FSC – C013832 – (FSC C013832 – – C013832 Forest – Forest Management – Forest Management Management and and FSC FSC – and – FSC – C007806 – Chain of Custody) for the past 21 years – confirmC007806 – Chain of Custody) for the past 21 years – confirmC007806 – Chain of Custody) for the past 21 years – confirming Komatiland ing Komatiland ing Komatiland Forests Forests commitment Forests commitment commitment to responsible to responsible to responsible forest forest forest management. management. management. Overall, • Overall, • 36% Overall, 36% of SAFCOL’s of 36%SAFCOL’s of SAFCOL’s forests forests are forests are dedicated dedicated are dedicated to to to conservation. conservation. conservation. Nursery producing more than 10 • Nursery producing more than 10 • Nursery producing more than 10 million million seedling million seedling cuttings seedling cuttings cuttings per annum as a pipeline for planting. per annum as a pipeline for planting. per annum as a pipeline for planting.

sheet

ercial mpact. R3.86

er for

Contact Contact Details: Contact Details: Details: Head Office - Pretoria Head Office - Pretoria Head Office - Pretoria Podium At Menlyn Podium At Menlyn Podium At Menlyn 43 Ingersol Road 43 Ingersol Road 43 Ingersol Road Lynnwood Glen Lynnwood Glen Lynnwood Glen Pretoria, 0081 Pretoria, 0081 Pretoria, 0081 Tel: +27 12 436 6300 Tel: +27 12 436 6300 Tel: +27 12 436 6300 www.safcol.co.za www.safcol.co.za www.safcol.co.za

Operational Office - Nelspruit Operational Office - Nelspruit Operational Office - Nelspruit 10 Streak Street 10 Streak Street 10 Streak Street Nelspruit Nelspruit Nelspruit 12001200 1200 Tel: +27 13 754 2700 Tel: +27 13 754 2700 Tel: +27 13 754 2700

UPCOMING EVENTS

Compiled by: Jauhara Khan

Southern African Transport Conference 9−12 July 2018

Transport Future: Safe, Sufficient

The 37th Annual Southern

committee includes the De-

Third Annual Smart Procurement World 17−19 July 2018

African Transport Conference

partment of Transport, munici-

The Third Annual Smart

Exhibition incorporating the 4th

pal and provincial employees,

Procurement World is

International Conference on

policy and decision-makers,

one of South Africa’s

Transport Infrastructure will ad-

academics, researchers, stu-

leading procurement

dress the development of infra-

dents and professionals active

conferences and aims to

structure, looking at the design,

in all transport industries.

encourage and support

construction, maintenance

and Affordable”. The conference’s organising

The conference takes place

practitioners in demon-

and improved methodologies

at the CSIR International

strating the innovative

and materials used in current

Convention Centre in Pretoria

value of supply chain for

transportation infrastructure.

from 9–12 July 2018. For more

economic growth.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Towards a Desired

information, go to www.icti2018.co.za

The theme for this year is “Innovation that Transforms”. The conference will examine the success-

BIO Africa Convention 27−29 August 2018

ful implementation of

The inaugu-

in business and share

ral BIO Africa

best practices in public

Convention

and private sector supply

provides a plat-

chain management. The

form for dialogue and discussion with stakeholders in the global

event’s partners include

biotechnology environment.

the Department of Trade

It is designed to showcase Africa’s biotechnology innovations in the health, agriculture and industrial sectors to the world and brings the world to explore investments, collaborations and partnerships with African biotech business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, regulatory authorities and policy makers. The BIO Africa Convention has partnered with various institutions and organisations around the world and on the continent, and is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Depart-

new government policies and procurement trends

and Industry, eThekwini Municipality, BBF Safety Group and Bidvest Facilities Management. The conference takes place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Con-

ment of Science and Technology and the eThekwini Municipality.

vention Centre in Durban

The event takes place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Con-

from 17-19 July 2018. For

vention Centre in Durban from 27-29 August 2018. For more informa-

more information, go to

tion, go to http://bioafricaconvention.com

www.smartprocurementworld.com

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Source: Statistics South Africa

VITAL STATS

Facts about the trade industry

he South African trade indus-

the 1.7 percent annual growth

try is made up of five divisions

recorded in 2016, but lower than

was stores specialising in cloth-

the 3.3 percent in 2015.

ing and textiles, contributing R18

Stores specialising in food and

for every R100 of total sales.

taurants and catering) and retail. Here

beverages had particular rea-

3. Meat accounts for 8.1 percent

are five facts that you might not have

son to smile. They saw their sales

known about the retail trade industry.

rise by five percent in 2017, the

1. South Africans spent R31 900

second largest annual growth

A detailed list of products shows

per second in retail stores in

rate recorded across various

meat as the most popular

2017.

store types, after the miscellane-

commodity in the retail trade

You contributed a small portion

ous ‘all other retailers’ category.

industry, contributing 8.1 per-

to the R1 trillion in sales (current

But hardware stores registered a

cent to total sales income in

prices) generated by the retail

decline in sales.

2014/15. Pharmaceutical goods

– wholesale, motor, accommo-

dation, food and beverages (i.e. res-

trade industry in 2017, every time

The second largest contributor

of total sales income.

South Africans love their meat.

and female clothing were the

2. General dealers are responsible for 44 percent of sales.

second and third most popular

Despite general dealers expe-

products, according to Stats

equipment. This translates to

riencing lacklustre growth of

SA’s Retail Trade Industry, 2015

about R31 900 spent per second

only 1.1 percent in 2017, they

Report.

across the industry during the

dominated the industry in terms

course of that year.

of sales value. For every R100

Spending on retail was up by

that consumers spent at retail

2.9 percent in 2017, compared

stores in 2017, R44 was spent at

812 104 individuals working in

with 2016 in volume terms

general dealers, which includes

retail were employed in non-spe-

(constant prices), higher than

supermarkets.

cialised stores. Clothing stores

you stepped into a store to buy groceries, clothes or electronic

4. Non-specialised stores are the largest employer.

In 2014/15, over one-third of the

were second, employing 23 percent of the retail workforce. 5. Non-specialised stores pay the lowest salaries.

Non-specialised stores have the highest number of employees but the lowest salaries. The average annual salary for a person working in a non-specialised store was R66 044 in 2014/15, lower than the average of R93 632 for the entire retail trade industry.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

President Cyril Ramaphosa wit h t he Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven, at t he International Labour Organisationʼs Global Commission on t he Future of Work.

Transforming the future of work P

resident Cyril Ramaphosa

women and those with disabilities

also, and most importantly, assist

has called for greater efforts

must be at the centre of efforts by

in creating more jobs, generating

to accelerate the creation of

the global community for social

growth, and increasing more fair-

a just, humane and inclusive world of

justice as it responds to the chal-

ness,” said President Ramaphosa.

employment for all saying it could no

lenges of a rapidly transforming

longer be business as usual.

global workplace.

The President was speaking

“The Future of Work will enhance

President Ramaphosa co-chaired the third meeting of the Commission with the Prime Minister of Swe-

as co-chair of the International

the involvement of women, young

den, Stefan Löfven. The gathering

Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global

people and disabled people in

considered the framework on the

Commission on the Future of Work

the world of work and how they

Global Commission’s Final Report

in Geneva, Switzerland.

can participate in a much more

which had focused partly on the

effective way. This concept will

issue of the disabled.

He added that young people,

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

velop appropriate responses by

focus on the creation of decent

the commission is important as it

According to The Presidency,

the global community to address

and sustainable jobs, and efforts

seeks to convince business and

inequality and informality of work,

to ensure young South Africans

government to regard workers

among others. It also seeks to pre-

have the skills necessary to thrive

ostensibly as an asset rather than

pare labour, business and govern-

in the changing workplace.

an expense.

ment for the profound changes in

President Ramaphosa

the institutions of work, and asks

assumed his position as the new

social contract for creating and

whether these would remain fit for

co-chair of the commission while

distributing value in the economy,

purpose in the advent of chal-

in Switzerland.

including collaboration on en-

lenges and opportunities offered

According to The Presidency,

hancing productivity and reduc-

by rapid technological advances.

he described his appointment to

ing inequality, among others,” the

The high-level global commis-

the commission as an opportune

“This requires a new global

sion, comprising experts from

moment for South Africa to play

The Commission’s Framework

government, business and labour,

a critical role and be part of

Future of Work report also probed

was established by the ILO in 2017

crafting the desired future of

endemic unemployment and

to assess the rapid transformations

work.

building human capabilities to

taking place in the global econo-

participate effectively in the world

my and world of work, and identify

the President will be one of the

of work as some of the other core

key challenges and recommenda-

Heads of State who will lead the

themes of discussion by the

tions.

centenary celebrations at the

Presidency said in a statement.

commission. The commission seeks to de-

The work of the Global Commission aligns with government’s

The co-chairmanship means

International Labour Conference in June 2019.

President Cyril Ramaphosa meets wit h t he Director-General of t he International Labour Organisation, Guy Ryder, ahead of t he meeting of t he Global Commission of Future of Work in Geneva, Switzerland.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

PROVINCIAL FOCUS

Writer: Jauhara Khan

Gauteng Community ﬁghting for safer spaces

he Gauteng Department of

Gauteng Community Safety

province, which have contributed

Community Safety is taking a

MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has

to the high crime rate in these

proactive stance against so-

promised to reduce crime in the

areas,” she said, explaining that

cial ills affecting the province. With

province by 50 percent by 2019,

safety kiosks will be established

gender-based violence, crime, drug

saying that there is a collective

at these high-risk precincts to im-

and substance abuse, and corrup-

commitment by provincial gov-

prove police visibility and commu-

tion in law enforcement as examples

ernment, the South African Police

nity involvement in fighting crime.

of some of the challenges facing

Service, law enforcement agencies

the province, the department un-

and community policing forums

ment will pay regular visits to all

derstands that it must tackle these

(CPFs) to work towards this goal.

142 police stations in the prov-

problems with force, while also demonstrating care for communities.

To achieve this, the department

In its oversight role, the depart-

ince, using the opportunity to

has put in place several strate-

evaluate each station’s monthly

gies to make public and private

performance in service delivery,

spaces in the province safer for everyone.

auditing and frontline service delivery. In addition, quarterly review

Improving policing

sessions will be held to analyse

MEC Nkosi-Malobane said

the impact of the Provincial Inte-

the department has

grated Policing Plan across all law

prioritised improving the

enforcement agencies and de-

performance of police

velop the necessary interventions

stations and enhancing

to strengthen the coordination of

police visibility in various

resources in the province.

communities. “We have identified 40 poor performing police stations around the

MEC Nkosi-Malobane stressed the importance of communities and the police building good relationships. “As part of building a social movement against crime, the department intends to position CPF structures as necessary vehicles to

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.

assist with the coordination of social crime

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

prevention and policing oversight

issue facing the department is that

tions. Interventions such as skills

at a local level,” she said.

of gender-based violence.

development, recreation and life

“We have witnessed some of the

skills, case tracking and a support

Tackling challenges

most horrific murders of young

system within the criminal justice

The murder rate in Gauteng is

women in Gauteng in the past

system are linked to long-term

one of the major concerns of the

year. The cases of Karabo Mokoe-

empowerment strategies that

department.

na and Lerato Moloi, to mention a

strengthen gender equality and

few, have caused public outrage

respect women as active agents in

by 30 percent in three policing

and debate. A total of 65 women

the rebuilding of their own lives.”

precincts in eastern Johannes-

were killed in the past year be-

burg. This is an increase from

cause of gender-based violence

empowerment platforms such

136 murders to 177 murders from

and the police have done a

as its shelter network, a sexual

April 2016 to February 2018. The

sterling job thus far by arresting 65

offences forum and seminars for

department is deeply concerned

people in connection with these

sexual offence survivors.

about this phenomenon and has

murders,” she said.

“Murder cases have increased

instructed Provincial Police Com-

The MEC is pleased that harsher

The department also offers other

Substance abuse

missioner Deliwe De Lange to work

sentences are meted out to perpe-

MEC Nkosi-Malobane said that

around the clock to ensure that

trators of gender-based violence.

substance abuse is often at the

this is improved upon,” said MEC Nkosi-Malobane.

“Karabo’s murderer Sandile Man-

heart of crimes. The department

tsoe was sentenced to an effective

has partnered with stakehold-

32 years in custody. The criminal

ers within the private and public

resources and staff were contribut-

justice system has also managed

sector to address the problem,

ing factors to the rise in the murder

to restore some hope with the

especially among the youth.

rate.

sentencing of serial rapist Nothile

She added that the lack of

“One of the immediate interven-

The department works closely

Dlamini. Dlamini raped, kidnapped,

with the Department of Social De-

tions for this financial year is the

robbed and terrorised taxi passen-

velopment and non-governmental

procurement of 10 new vehicles

gers around the Booysens, Soweto

organisations to help addicts. It re-

for Jeppe Police Station, three for

and the Roodepoort policing

cently partnered with Rainbow FM

Cleveland Police Station, one for

precinct last year,” she noted.

in a drug awareness campaign

A crucial instrument in help-

in Florida and has embarked on

ing victims of violence is Ikhaya

door-to-door campaigns in a few

Lethemba, a victim empowerment

areas to create a platform for

emy students have also been

centre for women started by the

youth and their parents to commu-

deployed to Jeppe, Cleveland and

department in Braamfontein. It is

nicate and seek help.

Yeoville police stations.

a sanctuary for victims of gender-

Yeoville and two for Sandringham,” said MEC Nkosi-Malobane. Newly graduated police acad-

based violence, said the MEC.

“We are addressing drug abuse through the Crime Prevention

Gender-based violence

psycho-social service that includes

Programme. Through this, we are

MEC Nkosi-Malobane acknowl-

crisis support programmes, coun-

cleaning up hot spots where the

edged that the most pressing

selling and therapeutic interven-

youth hang out and do drugs.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

“Ikhaya Lethemba is a holistic

Through Environmental Design

PROVINCIAL FOCUS

The department recently extended its operations to Heidelberg, where a former drug addict, gang leader and ex-convict is spearheading dialogue programmes to mobilise the youth in the area. This leader was reformed through a youth dialogue programme in the area,” said the MEC. The department also carries out law enforcement raids in drug hotspots, but it has focused its efforts on prevention and the empowerment of communities to take charge of their situation.

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane leads a substance abuse campaign in Burgershoop in Mogale City.

She said that communities in Soshanguve, Garankuwa Pretoria

Institution Safety Indaba, which

youth between the ages of 18 and

Central, Rietgat, Temba, Duduza,

includes 150 student leaders, is

35 find work.

Windmill Park, Tembisa South,

geared towards addressing chal-

Norkem Park, Kempton Park, Ratan-

lenges encountered by students

Rooting out corruption

da, Sebokeng, Evaton, Germiston

on and off the campus. There is a

MEC Nkosi-Malobane stressed that

and Ivory Park are deeply affected

special focus on gender-based

the department will continue its

by drug addiction.

violence, substance abuse, safety

tough stance against corruption

and security,” the MEC explained.

within its ranks, saying it is a seri-

The department also conducts

ous contravention of the ethics

“The department is helping these areas get involved in community safety structures so that they can

a Young Women’s Leadership

and code of conduct for those

become active citizens. We are en-

Boot Camp for 200 volunteers. The

employed in the law enforce-

couraging the youth and women

camp focuses on the empower-

ment fraternity.

to become safety promoters and

ment and capacity building of

“Law enforcement officers are

community patrollers, and to join

young female volunteers, who

supposed to display the highest

CPFs,” she said.

help to mobilise communities to

level of integrity in discharging

assist with crime reduction. A Youth

their duties. As government, we

Helping the youth

Safety Summit at which the youth

will continue with our mandate

With the youth in the spotlight this

come together to discuss crime

to root out this immoral behav-

month, MEC Nkosi-Malobane said

and find solutions is also held.

iour and ensure that anyone

the department has several tools

Providing young people with

found guilty faces the full might

to help young people and prevent

employment opportunities is a

of the law. No one will be al-

them from engaging in criminal

successful crime deterrent. The

lowed to tarnish the image of law

activities.

department conducts the Tshepo

enforcement under our watch,”

1 000 000 Programme, which helps

she said.

“Programmes such as the Tertiary

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Writer: Des Latham

Progress and economic mobility through education “South Africa is grappling with a surge in the number of youth entering the marketplace and the reality that the unemployment rate in the country is one of the highest in the developing world.”

he country faces a major challenge with regard to

ing on education and a recent decision to introduce

unemployment specifically amongst those aged

free education at tertiary level for the poor, this is criti-

18–25. South Africa is not alone, our partners in BRICS

cal to assess in a local environment.

such as Brazil are also facing an elevated youth unemployment rate and the G20 Summit in 2017 discussed ways to

Closing gender gaps

address this growing socio-economic challenge.

There are some positive signs for the youth around the

A recent report by the World Bank entitled Fair Pro-

world. In South Africa gender gaps are closing with

gress? Economic Mobility across Generations Around

girls beginning to out-perform boys in tertiary educa-

the World indicated that globally, upward economic

tion and catching up generally.

mobility has stalled for the past 30 years. The reasons behind this situation are complex,

The World Bank report indicates that in some parts of the world, the share of girls with more education than

according to the report. It tracks economic mobility

their parents will exceed the equivalent share for boys

between parents and their children by focusing on

in the next few years.

education. With South Africa’s budget now dominated by spend-

However, apartheid’s legacy and the attempts to deal with this means that the ability to move up the

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

economic ladder is a vital and core contributor to

for Africa and South Asia, where most of the world’s

reduce poverty and inequality. Being able to do this ir-

poor live and where the prospects of children are still

respective of the socio-economic background of one’s

too strongly tied to the socio-economic status of their

parents is part of the education drive and this is where

parents.”

South African youth may need to reconfigure their expectations. An education policy that is dominated by technical

In South Africa, the bank reports that the role of parental social networks is a key barrier to mobility when jobs are rationed and unemployment high. A study

training is regarded as part of the innovation drive

of youth in this country found that the father’s occu-

internationally and the World Bank has warned that in

pational networks have a powerful effect on the son’s

South Africa, there is a problem.

labour market outcomes.

World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva believes it is

The findings reinforce the post-apartheid reality that

about parental aspirations as much as those of the

the son of a man who earns more in South Africa will

growing child.

make almost 70 percent more than the son of a lower

“We need to invest in children from a very early age so that they are well nourished and well educated;

income man. Race and location in South Africa contribute to

ensure that local communities are a safe place for chil-

inequality which increases the persistence of income

dren to grow, learn, and thrive; and level the economic

inequality across generations with the country exhibit-

playing field by creating good jobs and improving ac-

ing high inequality of opportunity. This is hardly new

cess to finance,” said Georgieva in a forward published

information to the majority but there is a positive light.

by the bank.

It is education.

While this report analysed data from 75 countries, it’s

“Thus, a recent study finds that inherited circumstanc-

the findings regarding South Africa that are illuminat-

es, including the educational attainment, occupation,

ing.

and race of fathers, explain a significant share of South

Globally, the data shows that, on average, upward mobility from the bottom has declined and the number of people remaining trapped at the bottom

Africa’s earnings inequality (Piraino 2015),” the World Bank report said. There is a high persistence of whites concentrated

has increased in developing economies. This is hardly

at the top of the earnings distribution. Ironically, this is

motivational if you are a young black man or woman

echoed in the United States according to the report.

living in South Africa. But there is a way out and rapid urbanisation is actually likely to overturn this picture.

“In both countries, what appears to be low IGM of earnings is partly attributable to the deep differences between races that persist across generations, net of the effect of the economic status of parents.”

Better development

But it’s not just about race as the important factors in

Senior Director of Poverty and Equity Global Practice at

South Africa. The bank has found that if black parents

the World Bank, Carolina Sanchez, said higher mobility

pursue higher education goals and their children are

in education means better development.

located in urban areas, economic mobility is improved.

“Countries with higher mobility in education are better placed to generate future growth, as well as reduce

Dealing with unemployment

poverty and inequality. And, conversely, stalled mobility

In mid-May Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) published

raises concerns about future progress, particularly

the first quarter 2018 Labour Force Survey which

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

found that the unemployment rate of those aged

with potential partners,” Higher Education Minister Nal-

15–34 climbed to 38.2 percent, implying that more

edi Pandor announced in March.

than one in every three young people in the labour

Since then the government has launched an artisan

force did not have a job in the first quarter of 2018.

training support programme, with the Minister saying

While some were studying, government is highly aware

she was “astounded” to discover there were very few

of the ticking time-bomb in terms of socio-economic

good bricklayers in the country, along with a weakness

development this unemployment figure highlights.

in the tooling sector, draughtpersons and welding.

The Stats SA report shows that when young people

Government is kicking off the new training philosophy

are employed in the labour market, their employment

by identifying and supporting 790 learners who will be

intensity is the highest amongst the trade, agriculture

part of priority training in electrical, plumbing, welding,

and finance and other business services industries.

carpentry, bricklaying and boiler making.

Because of facts such as these, government has launched an exciting new empowerment initiative. “The National Skills Fund has set aside R150 million

While this forms the basis of core skills, the fact that this learning programme will possibly lead to some of these youngsters going on to become engineers

to support colleges to ensure they are up-to-date and

and highly-paid mechanics is part of the World Bank’s

ready. The department will be presenting the plans to

point.

Sector Education and Training Authorities in the first week of April to secure their support. We will also meet

Economic mobility follows educational mobility, both are part of the same picture.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

GEPF INTRODUCES GEPF INTRODUCES A NEW A NEW CHILD PENSION CHILD BENEFIT PENSION BENEFIT The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) Board of

the 18th birthday of the child. If the banking details are not

Trustees has approved the introduction of a Child Pension

changed, payment will be suspended (Section 21 of the GEP

benefit replacing the previous Orphan’s Pension benefit with

Law prohibits us from paying benefits to a third party). Children

effect from 1 June 2018.

between the ages of 18 and 22 will receive payment into their own accounts.

The introduction of the Child Pension benefit addresses the exclusion of children from qualifying for an Orphan’s Pension

Payments for a child that is a major and cannot administer

benefit because they had a surviving parent, i.e. the previous

their affairs requires a curator or guardian to be appointed

Orphan’s Pension requirement was that if a GEPF member

by the High Court and the Master of the High Court must

or pensioner dies and there is no surviving parent (natural or

issue an appointment certificate.

adoptive) to take care of the eligible child/children, the child/ children then only qualifies for the Orphan’s Pension up to the

Child Pension is a taxable benefit. If the child does not have

age of 18 years and up to age 22 years if still a fulltime student.

a tax number, the GEPF will register the child as a taxpayer with SARS and inform the child/guardian of the tax number.

The new Child Pension does not require both parents to have

Tax certificates will be issued annually by the GEPF.

passed away in order for the child to qualify for the pension. Child Pensioners will also qualify for a child funeral benefit if “This positive development is aimed at bridging the gaps

they pass away. The standard funeral benefit rules will apply

that have been identified in the implementation and

which means that a child between the ages of 18 and 22

processing of the previous orphan’s pension. The concern for

who is fulltime student will qualify for a funeral benefit.

orphan’s pension application was that both parents had to be deceased for a child to qualify for the pension. This was

The new Child Pension application form (CHP1) is available on

considered to be exclusionary, particularly in the situation

the GEPF website at www.gepf.co.za and at all GEPF offices.

of single parents whose partners could not be traced or confirmed either dead or alive,” explained GEPF Principal

CONTACT DETAILS:

Executive Officer, Mr Abel Sithole.

Matau Molapo, Communications Phone: +27 (0)12 424 7315 / 079 1910 757

Similar to the Orphan’s Pension, the Child Pension is only

Mack Lewele: +27 (0)12 319 2543 / 082 450 5076

applicable for those eligible children whose parent/s were

Ofentse Seleka: +27 (0)12 319 1264 / 078 2050 126

members of the Government Employees Pension Fund prior

Email: Matau.molapo@gepf.co.za

to their death. In order to not negatively impact on those children currently

About the Government Employees Pension Fund

receiving the Orphan’s Pension, the GEPF has automatically

The Government Employees Pension Fund is one of the

converted such beneficiaries to child pensioners. There will be

largest pension funds in the world, with over 1.2 million active

no need for these beneficiaries to apply for the Child Pension

members and over 400 000 pensioners and beneficiaries.

benefit as their benefits will be recalculated in terms of the new rules, but only from the date on which the new legislation

Our core business, governed by the Government Employees

comes into effect (1 June 2018). In terms of the Child Pension

Pension Law (1996), is to manage and administer pensions

rules, most of the new orphans will now receive a higher

and other benefits for government employees in South

monthly pension up to the age of 22 years regardless of

Africa. We work to give members and pensioners peace

whether the child is a student or not, and qualifying disabled

of mind about their financial security after retirement and

children will also receive Child Pension regardless of their age.

during situations of need by ensuring that all funds in our safekeeping are responsibly invested and accounted for

As with the previous Orphan’s Pension, payment to minors will be

and that benefits are paid out efficiently, accurately

made to the guardians of the children and the GEPF will notify

and on time.

the guardian to change banking details three months prior to

FEATURE

Writer: Chris Bathembu

Tracking President

Ramaphosa’s 100 days in office

President Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of Sout h Africa.

t has been a little over three

in as South Africa’s fifth demo-

(Sacs), which looks at attitudes

months since President Cyril

cratically elected President on 15

towards political leadership and

Ramaphosa became the Presi-

February.

the direction in which the country

dent of South Africa, with 26 May

Despite the President assuming

is moving, found that 65 percent

marking his 100 days as leader of

office during tough economic times

of respondents were satisfied with

the country.

including high unemployment,

President Ramaphosa.

The milestone provides an ideal

many South Africans believe he

Sacs is conducted once a month

opportunity to reflect on his mo-

is steering the country in the right

and is based on face-to-face inter-

mentous initial months in the hot

direction.

views with a nationally representa-

seat at the Union Buildings.

His approval rating of 65 percent

tive sample of 1 300 respondents.

is similar to those of predeces-

Topics covered include politics,

cates a mixture of optimism about

sors Presidents Thabo Mbeki and

economics, social issues and food

the future of the country, coupled

Jacob Zuma at their 100-day mark.

security.

with harsh economic realities, wage

Former Presidents Mbeki and Zuma

The 65 percent rating from

strikes, tax increases and runaway

scored 66 percent and 68 percent

March’s survey was up from 57

food prices.

respectively.

percent in February. April’s results

The President’s scorecard indi-

President Ramaphosa was sworn

The South African Citizen Survey

will be available in June.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

A good job so far

a big increase between quarters as

of the institution’s pressing funding

Almost two thirds of respondents

rare, adding that since 1975 confi-

shortfalls.

said President Ramaphosa is doing

dence increased by 11 index points

a good job.

or more on only 15 occasions.

Some analysts agree with these

“The President’s inclusive ap-

With regard South African Airways (SAA), government overhauled the national carrier’s board in Octo-

sentiments, adding that President

proach, recognising the legitimate

ber and appointed a new CEO in

Ramaphosa displayed his business

interests and contribution of all

November. Also in place are the

acumen and listening skills in the

social partners, including busi-

early stages of a turnaround plan

face of economic pressures during

ness, will be key to South Africa’s

to enable SAA to break even by

his first 100 days in office.

economic revival, serving to unlock

2020 and ease dependency on the

investment, economic growth and

government.

“We think the President has moved quickly to address some of

employment,” said Cohen.

In March, CEO of SAA Technical and the CFO were suspended, and

the low-hanging fruit that needed improvement, but the jury is still out

Notable achievements

acting appointments made, after

on whether the President will have

Shortly after taking over South Af-

the pair was fingered in a forensic

the necessary support to address

rica’s reins, the President intervened

probe.

the harder issues,” said University of

at state-owned entities (SOEs),

Stellenbosch’s Bureau for Economic

moved to address challenges at

comed by local and international

Research (BER) senior economist

the South African Revenue Service

investors.

Hugo Pienaar.

and appointed investment envoys

He added that reform of the labour and education sectors is likely to be necessary for South Africa to

The interventions were widely wel-

“Overall, we think the interven-

to bring more than R1 trillion in

tions have been positive and

investments to the country.

helped to improve both business

He is seen as a new broom

and consumer confidence. Also of

achieve higher longer-term Gross

sweeping away years of corruption

importance was the immediate ac-

Domestic Product growth rates.

and maladministration.

tion to address the liquidity issues

“More also needs to be done to

President Ramaphosa put in

at Eskom by appointing a credible

reduce the cost of doing business

place a new board at Eskom and

interim CEO and putting in place a

in SA,” he said.

the intervention has had a direct

new board.

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)

impact on the stabilisation of elec-

“Indications of institutional re-

Chief Executive Tanya Cohen

tricity supply while mitigating the

newal at other key state institutions,

agreed, saying the election of

effects of load shedding.

including SARS, have also been

President Ramaphosa had been a

Other measures at the state-

positively received as an indication

notable contributor to the revival of

owned power entity included

of the President’s anti-corruption

business and investor confidence in

the appointment of a new CEO

and open-for-business drive,” Pien-

the country.

at the end of 2017 and a CFO in

aar said.

The Rand Merchant Bank/BER

April 2018 as part of stabilising the

The Cabinet reshuffle, as well as

Business Confidence Index jumped

executive management. At the

the reconstitution of many of the

by 11 index points from 34 in 2017

same time the President continues

boards of SOEs, were also seen by

(fourth quarter) to 45 in 2018 (first

to work with Public Enterprises and

BUSA as signalling a new era of

quarter). The report described such

National Treasury to address some

“ethical, accountable leadership

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

FEATURE

land. Those resolutions included the approach that land would be expropriated without compensation. “We are determined that expropriation without compensation should be implemented in a way that increases agricultural production, improves food security and companies across the economy.

ensures that the land is returned

President Ramaphosa has also

to those from whom it was taken

ments in business confidence;

moved to unite the nation around

under colonialism and apartheid,”

strengthening of local currency;

one common goal and patriotism

President Ramaphosa said in

and more positive reviews by rat-

through his “thuma mina” (send

February.

ings agencies and international

me) message.

and good governance”. “This has translated into improve-

investors, as expressed during the

Economically, Cohen said that going forward, business would

International Investor Roadshow un-

Thorny issues

like to see the President maintain

dertaken by Minister Nene [Finance

Like any President, Ramaphosa has

the focus on accountability and

Minister Nhlanhla Nene] in March

already had his challenges includ-

ethical leadership and build-

this year,” the organisation said.

ing a surge in land invasions and

ing capacity within the state to

service delivery protests.

implement stable, coherent and

Jobs summit

One political analyst believes

evidence-based policies.

Soon after taking office, President

that the issue of land is one of the

Ramaphosa promised to convene

major challenges that President

to enable long-term sustainable

a jobs summit to align the efforts of

Ramaphosa will have to carefully

and inclusive growth, employment

every sector and every stakeholder

manage – and one that could

and social development,” she said.

behind the imperative of job crea-

define his presidency’s successes

tion.

or failures.

The summit will look at what the

“The land question is at the height

“This will provide the foundation

Pienaar said a public sector wage agreement that is linked to the projected CPI inflation rate will

country needs to do to ensure that

of the political agenda and its

be important for the country’s fiscal

the economy grows and becomes

resolution is urgent. How President

position and is being closely moni-

more productive, that companies

Ramaphosa is seen to be lead-

tored by the major global credit

invest on a far greater scale, that

ing or brokering a solution on this

rating agencies.

workers are better equipped and

issue will be crucial,” said University

that economic infrastructure is

of KwaZulu-Natal-based political

be finalised speedily and should

expanded.

analyst Lukhona Mnguni.

preferably have buy-in from the

Then in March the President fol-

In his State of the Nation Address,

The Mining Charter also needs to

major mining houses, he added.

lowed up on his promise to launch

President Ramaphosa said he

the Youth Employment Service

would be guided by the resolutions

are on President Ramaphosa and

initiative, which will place unem-

of the 54th National Conference of

he takes the lead in efforts to move

ployed youth in paid internships in

the governing party on the issue of

South Africa forward.

One thing is for certain, all eyes

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

FEATURE

Writer: More Matshediso

National Yout h Development Director at t he DPME, Dr Bernice Hlagala.

SA focusing on youth development

abinet recently approved

Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME)

the Monitoring and Evalua-

is entrusted with spearheading the

Credible and reliable information

tion Framework for the Na-

development and implementation

This means that various stake-

of South Africa’s youth policy.

holders will be required to report

tional Youth Policy (NYP) 2015-2020 which provides for accountability and

PSM spoke to the National Youth

efficiency in the achievement of the

Development Director at the DPME,

contained within the framework

NYP objectives.

Dr Bernice Hlagala, about develop-

which could improve both consist-

ments regarding the policy.

ency in reporting.

The NYP is government’s youth development strategy and aims to

“We are excited to have a Moni-

against the set indicators that are

“It will also help to ensure that we

improve performance and en-

toring and Evaluation Framework

get credible and reliable informa-

hance service delivery, particularly

because it provides for high-level

tion from various stakeholders,” said

of programmes for the youth.

indicators on youth development,”

Hlagala.

There is a global drive for youth

she said. The Monitoring and Evalu-

She added that the department

ministries to develop youth policies.

ation Framework was approved by

has established national, provincial

Cabinet in April.

and local youth coordinating fo-

The Department of Planning,

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

rums which are responsible for joint

which enables young people to

planning on youth development

move between different learning

responsibility of government alone,

and ensuring that reports work in

institutions,” she added.

it is a joint venture among differ-

conjunction with the set national

With regard to economic par-

“Youth development is not the

ent sectors. It is very important that

ticipation and transformation,

there is collaboration between

Hlagala said government is using

government, private sector and

covered the 2009–2014 term and

the Employment Youth Accord to

civil society on youth development,”

has since been reviewed in order to

make stakeholders commit to youth

Hlagala added.

develop the 2015–2020 plan which

development by ensuring that they

Cabinet signed off three years ago.

create jobs for young people.

priorities. The department’s first youth policy

“On health and combating

Hlagala said youth development can only be attained if sectors plan jointly and all invest in initiatives

Key priorities

substance abuse, we have the

that have maximum impact on the

The NYP 2015-2020 has five key

Adolescent Friendly Health Service

lives of the youth.

priorities:

initiative for young people,” she

• Education, skills and second

said.

chances. • Economic participation and transformation. • Health and combating substance abuse. • Social cohesion and nation building. • Effective and responsive youth development machinery. Hlagala said there have been many successes in achieving key

“On social cohesion and nation

“To ensure that there is sustainability of interventions, we need to make sure that young people are

building, we have been able to

brought on board and are not only

develop the National Youth Service

recipients of services. It is only when

Framework which we still have to

we approach young people from

implement,” she added.

a strong base that they will be able

On effective and responsive youth development machinery, government has the National Youth

to contribute to their own development,” she added. Hlagala said that the youth of

Development Agency (NYDA) as

South Africa are drawn into the

an institution responsible for youth

consultative process when policies

development.

that affect them are developed. She added that sustainability can

priorities. chances, she said one of the key

Joining hands to uplift the youth

successes is the improvement in

The implementation of the NYP

that are intended to improve their

the enrolment of young people in

does not come without challenges.

lives.

educational institutions.

One of the pressing concerns has

On education, skills and second

“Government has shown commitment to ensuring the increase in access to education, especially the

only happen if young people take full ownership of the programmes

While resources have been

been the private sector’s commit-

earmarked for youth development,

ment to job creation.

a lack of coordinated planning

“This is a sore point for us be-

often means that they are not

higher education sector,” she said,

cause young people need jobs, but

channelled to where they are most

alluding to the implementation of

then you find that although there

needed.

free higher education for the poor.

is the Youth Employment Accord

“There is also the articulation policy that has been approved,

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

But with key indicators identified

we are still not delivering on targets

in the Monitoring and Evaluation

that have been set,” she said.

Framework, all stakeholders will

FEATURE

also works with multilateral organisations such as the Commonwealth and the United Nations, African Union, and the Southern African Development Community. To demonstrate efforts in recognising youth workers as professionals, the department has held two international conferences on youth work, collaborating with the University of be able to focus on them and help

mainstream, we are going to suffer

the department come up with

as a country,” she added.

measurable achievements.

Government is not only relying on

South Africa. “Youth work is recognised as a profession in other countries, and

the private sector to help create

that is one thing we have learnt.

Focus on outcomes

jobs but is also urging young peo-

We have also learnt how the

According to Hlagala, there needs

ple to start businesses.

youth sector is organised through

to be a change in how outputs are monitored and measured. “For instance, government offers

One of the department’s major

national youth councils and

stakeholders is the NYDA but it also

that is why we are also working

works with national government

towards strengthening our

internships to young people. The

departments as they are responsi-

National Youth Council in South

focus becomes the number of

ble for mainstreaming youth devel-

Africa. If young people are not

interns who were trained, which is

opment with their sectoral policies

organised, it is difficult to get their

not adequate. We should be talk-

and programmes.

ideas represented,” she said.

ing about the number of young

“Outside of government we work

Although government has

people who received employment

with civil society organisations

been successful in developing

after completion of internship

through their umbrella, the South

policies and strategies that

programmes because the aim is

African Youth Council. We also

address the development of the

not only to train them but to place

work with organised business

youth, Hlagala said there are still

them in sustainable jobs after train-

and organised labour, and di-

some challenges in successfully

ing,” she said.

rectly with young people,” Hlagala

implementing the NYP and other

added.

youth programmes because of a

“Generally, many people who are employed are old, and insufficient

lack of resources and capacity.

That is a concern because there is

Building international bridges for youth

future and development of the

no succession plan for future lead-

The department has bilateral

country’s youth will take a joint ef-

ers of our country. If young people

engagements with international

fort from government, the private

remain on the periphery and do

stakeholders in the youth

sector, civil society and the youth

not become part of the economic

development sectors, and

themselves.

young people enter the job market.

It is for these reasons that the

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Two million children go to bed hungry...

One Red Bowl can change it all Help stop the injustice and reduce hunger, one child at a time, by giving a gift of great value – a JAM Red Bowl filled with 75% of a child’s daily nutritional needs. For only R50 a month (or R600 per year) you can sponsor the feeding of one or more children by donating online at www.jamsa.co.za OR SMS”JAM” to 42181 to donate R30 towards feeding a child.

www.jamsa.co.za

FEATURE

Writer: Bathandwa Mbola

Reaping the rewards of land reform

ou must be a really hard nut

than seven years before a tree can

the table and provide for my kids,”

to crack if you want to make it

even produce nuts,” said Skelem.

he said.

as a macadamia nut farmer

He began his role at the farm as a

because it takes at least seven years to

general worker pushing a wheelbar-

Economic growth

start harvesting after your investment.

row. But today, Skelem is a skilled

The NMF is 51 percent community-

worker who is involved in the overall

owned and is one of many success

Cowan Skelem, one of those behind

running of the business, from ad-

stories that show land reform can

Ncera Macadamia Farming (NMF)

ministration to logistics and overall

result in greater inclusion, economic

near East London who says that it

supervision.

growth and job creation.

At least, that is the opinion of

takes great determination to make it in this industry.

Before working at the farm, he was

Government has identified access

unemployed after he lost his job in

to land, through land restitution

the local town and was battling to

and other schemes, as one of the

said to be hard to beat when it

provide for his family of four. Landing

ways to grow the economy while

comes to the most lucrative crop

a job at NMF allowed Skelem to buy

ensuring food security and increas-

per land area used in South Africa, it

food and school uniforms for his

ing agricultural production. To date,

takes several years for farmers of this

children and send them to good

over 4 850 100 hectares have been

crop to finally see a return on their

schools.

acquired through the land redistri-

Although macadamia nuts are

investment.

“I am happy and blessed to be

bution programme.

“It takes perseverance and deter-

working here at the farm. I enjoy my

Since 2009, over 1 743 farms have

mination because one waits more

work and it helps me to put food on

benefited from the Recapitalisation

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

and Development Programme. However land reform has not been without challenges as some com-

opportunities, skills transfer and job

new macadamia tree plantings

creation. This guarantees the com-

have increased the number of trees

munity the bulk of all opportunities

in South Africa from about one

munities still lack the necessary and

million in 1996 to more than eight

appropriate support as well as ac-

million in 2016, covering a total area

cess to finance that can help them

First introduced in the country

grow to commercial farming status.

in the 1960s, South Africa has

It is estimated that at least 7 150

moved to be the second big-

permanent job opportunities have

utilised tracts of land still under

gest macadamia producer in

been created on macadamia farms

communal tenure that could be

the world after Australia with

and another 600 permanent jobs in

accessed and worked effectively.

approximately 25000ha of pro-

cracking facilities. In peak season,

But the community of Ncera is de-

duction land shared between

the industry presently provides

termined to succeed and through

the four provinces, according

employment for an additional 8 150

partnerships and support from the

to the latest data from the

workers. A total of 12 500 full-time

government, the 40 000-strong com-

Southern African Macadamia

equivalent workers are estimated to

munity is on its way to becoming

Growers’ Association (SAMAC).

be employed by the macadamia

one of the country’s top macada-

Production increased more

industry in South Africa.

mia nut producers.

than 20-fold over the past 20

The Eastern Cape has large under-

of approximately 28 000 hectares.

partnerships between East Cape

in shell (NIS) in 1991 to an

Community reaps rich rewards

Macadamia (Pty) Ltd (ECM), the

industry capable of producing

Community members in Ncera

community under the Vulindlela

46 000 tons in 2015.

have not only found jobs through

Investment Trust and government.

The total value of annual

NMF but also benefit from the farm’s

production has increased from

many economic spin-offs.

The R100 million project thrives on

Community at the centre

years, from 1 211 tons of nut

R32 million in 1996 to approxi-

Their story is a further indication of

mately R3.2 billion in 2015. Due

the impact that access to land can

The model is based on an 80-year

to a severe drought period

have on economic growth and job

land lease agreement which was

production decreased, with a

creation. The farm currently employs

signed between the community and

total production of 38 000 tons

157 permanent community mem-

ECM. The agreement states that the

NIS in 2016, valued at R2.714

bers as well as seasonal workers

latter oversees production, market-

billion, according to SAMAC.

during the harvesting period.

ing, processing and management

In 2017 the South African

and facilitates access to markets

macadamia season finished

the community especially when it

while creating employment as well

with a bigger crop than initially

comes to the skills that this project

as transferring skills and generating

anticipated with approximately

has exposed us to. I started off as a

income for the community whose

44 610 tons harvested.

general worker pushing a wheelbarrow but now I am a skilled worker

land they use. The most defining feature of this partnership is that the community has the final say on procurement

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

“Our story is very important to

brought about by the project. According to the Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association,

who is exposed to the overall running of the business,” said Skelem. He explained that 90 percent

FEATURE

Launched in 2015, the project has already seen the production of 200 hectares of trees and future expansion is on the cards.

Broadening horizons Jongolo says the long-term intention of the community is to branch out of the Eastern Cape in order to develop the whole macadamia value chain and create sustainable economic opportunities in provincof the nuts produced on the Eastern

in the industry as a whole,” he said.

Cape farm are exported to big

es such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

markets such as the United States,

New opportunities

Russia and China.

Jongolo sees the farm as an alter-

empowerment and economic

“We see NMF as a template for

native to the mining sector as the

development for rural communities

means generations to come, even

Eastern Cape has been known to

which can be duplicated across the

my own grand-children, will ben-

be the biggest supplier of labour to

country and to other farming sec-

efit from the life-long dollar-based

the mines.

tors. We challenge the government

“I am very proud because it

income generated by the Trusts

The project has also boosted local

through the sale of the nuts,” he

contractors in the areas of trans-

added.

port and logistics as most of the

NMF board inaugural chairman Joe Jongolo said that the project’s

to seriously look unto ventures of this nature,” he said. While the pace of land reform and

work in these areas is given to local

restitution has been the subject of

companies.

criticism, government is adamant

Consequently about R200 000

that it is addressing the challenges

focuses on education and skills

per annum is set aside for services

emerging farmers experience as a

development which are aimed at

provided by contractors operating

matter of urgency.

turning Ncera into a self-reliant and

within the Ncera community.

business strategy is prolonged and

sustainable rural community.

The project has made more than

Government support is also provided through various state

R11.6 million since its launch in 2006

programmes such as Letsema, the

are being grown by rural communi-

and has grown to also include a

Recapitalisation and Development

ties who own the full value chain,

top-class nursery.

Programme, and through funding

“For the first time, macadamia nuts

including the nursery and factories.

The nursery received a five-star rat-

agency Mafisa.

ing from the SA Macadamia Grow-

Support involves training, access

whole industry that rural communi-

ers’ Association and has led to the

to credit, on-and-off farm infrastruc-

ties are capable, and with land they

expansion of NMF and gave birth to

ture, access to markets, subsidis-

are not just coming in to own one

Amajingqi Macadamia Farming lo-

ing agricultural insurance and the

component of the industry as la-

cated in Amajingqi near Willowvale

transfer of scientific research and

bourers − but they are able to thrive

on the Wild Coast.

knowledge.

“This sends a statement to the

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

THE POWER OF THE YOUTH Writer: Zoliswa Tshetshe On 16 June 1976, more than 15 000 students gathered at Orlando West Secondary School with the intention of participating in a peaceful march to the nearby Orlando Stadium. The demonstration was planned to protest the use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction at schools. The police and armed forces responded violently to the peaceful protest, killing 12-year-old Hector Pieterson and 175 others. My husband was among the marching schoolchildren that day. For me, Youth Day reflects the burning desire of the 1976 youth to change their circumstances. June is celebrated as Youth Month in South Africa, with a specific focus on 16 June, known as Youth Day. Youth Month pays tribute to the school pupils who lost their lives during the 16 June 1976 uprising in Soweto. Zoliswa Tshetshe, Head of HR & Organisation: Sub-Saharan Africa for Enel Green Power reflects on what Youth Month means. The most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. It is important, through mindfulness, to ask yourself who you are and what your power is. Every day you live is a representation of your life. Make the best of it. As I prepare for my day I ask myself the question: “What can I do today, with what I have, that will move me in the direction of my vision?” This way of thinking is inspired by those who came before me.

Together they showed tremendous determination and demonstrated how the youth can change history. The June 16 participants were tired of the status quo. They understood the value of taking the next step to make things happen. They tapped into their inner power and made a lasting change in South Africa. They had a clear vision and would allow nothing to stop them from realising it. As an organisation, we feel it is vital to keep the spirit of the youth of 1976 alive. Our culture at Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP RSA) is geared to recognising the contributions made by the youth – who make up 64 percent of our employees – because it is defined by the youth who contribute to and drive our business in South Africa. From the very moment EGP RSA opened an office in South Africa, we looked at the socio- and macro-economic environment in South African to consider where we could add value to the country. Youth employment was one of the challenges we identified as having an opportunity to address. This decision also dovetailed with the global Enel Group philosophy of creating shared value – the premise that the competitiveness and sustainability of a company and the

enelgreenpower.com

wellbeing of communities in which it operates are mutually dependent. We had an opportunity

ADVERTORIAL

to create shared value in that, while we offer employment

future generations. As the saying goes: “We have not

opportunities to young people, we also benefit from a

inherited this earth from our parents to do with it what we

youthful workforce that is open to a culture of innovation

will. We have borrowed it from our children and we must

and doing things differently.

be careful to use it in their interests as well as our own.” Mother Nature has given us sources of power to solve

The renewable energy industry is still in its youth phase

some of our world’s challenges. Renewable energy is the

in South Africa. And it is common knowledge that new

responsible mechanism to produce power and is aligned

developments are embraced and applied more easily by

to the interests of today’s youth.

the younger generation. Young people shape the future. The same spirit that led the youth of 1976 to change the

EGP RSA encourages more South African youth to pursue a

South African political landscape is transforming the energy

career in renewables. We offer bursaries for students to further

industry into a space where renewable energy is the norm

their studies towards qualifications aligned with the renewable

rather than exception.

energy industry and communicate with communities about opportunities at EGP RSA through the Project Steering

To a large degree this reflects the social responsibility the

Committees at our seven renewable power plants.

youth of today have towards the environment. They view renewables in a positive light because they are concerned

The secret to the success of our employees, and for those who

about the future and feel the nation has a duty to generate

wish to work at EGP RSA, is to understand the already tested

power from sources that do not cause harm to the

and proven Enel way of doing things. This requires an open

environment and

attitude to learning and an innovative, “can do” attitude. This practice naturally attracts younger people and we believe the renewable energy sector is fertile ground for them.

CMY

FEATURE

Writer: More Matshediso

Public Works invests in skills development

he aim of the National De-

heid’s chains that still hold South

“Based on the findings of the

velopment Plan is to create

Africa back, 24 years into democ-

study, the council developed a

a capable state, with citizens

racy, “we need a radical approach

Built Environment Skills Pipeline

who have the right skills and com-

to implement skills interventions,

Strategy which looked at how the

petencies to grow South Africa’s

starting at primary schools”.

sector could intervene in the school

economy.

In 2008, the Council for the Built

system to improve performance

According to the Department of

Environment commissioned a study

in maths and science,” Manzini

Public Works (DPW) Chief Director

to examine the skills gap. The study

explained.

for Professional Services Vangile

unearthed a number of issues.

Manzini, the DPW’s initiatives to pro-

It found that school learners’ poor

Another problem identified was that not many learners studied

mote educational excellence and

performance in mathematics and

maths and science as major sub-

create jobs aim to provide some of

physical science was impeding

jects in high school. As a result, the

these skills and competencies.

the growth of skills required in the

built environment is competing for

sector.

the same cohort of learners who

Manzini said that to break apart-

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

are needed by other sectors such as

be admitted to universities because

regional planning, interior design, hor-

science and technology, aviation, the

of her English marks. She did not meet

ticulture, actuarial science or property

medical field and mining.

the criteria. We had a bursary ready

studies.

In addition, not all learners who took maths and science in matric qualified for admission to universities.

for the learner but she could not use it.” “We then realised that some of our

Since 2014, the department has issued bursaries to about 288 youth across the country. This year alone,

learners, if not most, would do well in

30 students are attending various

establish a unit that will focus on tech-

the technical subjects but not well

universities.

nical capacity building and human

enough in English, so we decided to

capital,” she said.

help with English also,” she said.

“For this reason, the DPW decided to

Manzini explained that part of the

Boosting learner performance

The bursary is valued at R130 000 for each learner, per year, and covers tuition, accommodation, meals,

programme targets school leadership,

textbooks, academic resources and

to ensure that the schools are run ef-

a monthly allowance. This translates

To address these challenges, the

fectively and efficiently. It also includes

into R3.9 million invested in first year

department established a schools

teacher development programmes

students.

programme to support top performers

to help educators improve the way

in Grades 10, 11 and 12.

they teach subjects to produce better

traditional universities, although we do

results.

have a few students at universities of

Manzini said the DPW works with education district offices across the

“This is a critical part of the pro-

“Our bursary scheme is intended for

technology,” said Manzini.

country to identify schools with a pass

gramme because the teacher

rate that exceeds 65 percent in maths

remains with the school while the

Mamelodi Secondary School’s top

and science.

learner leaves after matric. If teach-

performing learners who received

ers are empowered, they are able to

a bursary from DPW. She is studying

rural areas and townships as the

deliver better in the classroom for all

towards a degree in mechanical

department does not target former

learners, including those who are not

engineering at the University of Cape

Model C schools for this programme,”

part of the programme,” she said.

Town.

“The schools must be on farms, in

explained Manzini.

Rakgalakana thought her dreams

Grade 8 learners, who are then en-

Opening the doors of learning

listed into the programme until matric.

Learners who make the cut with their

Selected schools identify its top

The learners attend daily tutorial classes in maths and science. They also attend weekend tutorials throughout the year.

Bonolo Rakgalakana, 18, is one of

matric results get bursaries from the DPW to further their studies. The beneficiaries pursue careers in

would have to be put on hold as her parents could not afford to pay university fees. “My older sister passed her matric very well, but my parents did not have money to send her to university so

engineering (civil, structural, transport,

she took a gap year. She applied for

electrical, water care, mechanical,

and got a job at the defence force. I

an English intervention … One year

chemical and hydrology), analytical

thought fate had the same in store for

we had a learner who did very well in

chemistry, construction manage-

me … but I studied hard and made

maths and science but obtained level

ment, quantity surveying, architecture,

my goals clear and trusted God, and

three for English. Sadly, she could not

landscape architecture, urban and

then I received a bursary from the

“For the past two years, we also had

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

FEATURE

DPW,” said Rakgalakana. The Rakgalakana family experi-

before they can qualify for the

Since the implementation of the

candidacy programme, and they

Artisan Development Programme

enced pride and joy twice be-

must also register with the council

in 2015, the department has suc-

cause Bonolo’s twin sister, Koketso,

for candidature,” she said.

cessfully registered about 53 arti-

was a top student in the same

From being candidates they

sans, while 308 have participated in the programme.

class and also earned a bursary

move to the Young Professionals

from the department. The sisters

Programme were they are given

each passed seven subjects with

more responsibilities. If they pass

tisans have to enrol with technical

distinctions.

that stage, they are assessed

vocational education and training

in various ways. Some will write

colleges and complete studies

internet, library books and good

reports, other councils assess them

from levels N4 to N6. As part of the

sport fields, but we attended extra

through examinations, and some

programme they are assigned to

morning and after-school classes

go for interviews to be registered as

projects for training for 18 months

as matriculants,” she said.

qualified professionals.

to three years.

“We did not have access to the

Manzini said about 255 young

Young Professionals Programme

Students who want to become ar-

After that they have to go

people have benefited from the

through preparatory trade training

programme.

which prepares them for the trade

Once the students have obtained

test.

they receive field training in the

Artisan Development Programme

dents obtained their Artisan Trade

form of internships and mentorship

The DPW owns about 130 000

Certificates. The trainees have ob-

as part of the programme.

properties and land parcels which

tained Trade Test Certificates in the

makes it South Africa’s biggest

construction industry and are now

stages because some have to

property owner. Manzini said the

qualified artisans,” said Manzini.

obtain their Master’s degrees to be

department needs more artisans

registered as professionals. They go

for it to take care of maintenance

tising vacancies in-house so that it

through the internship programme

and repairs.

can absorb the new artisans.

their qualifications from universities,

“The students come at different

“In January, about 110 of our stu-

She said the department is adver-

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE 011-390-2088

O.R. TAMBO INTL. AIRPORT DUTY FREE

V&A WATERFRONT 021-419-4253

V&A WATERFRONT

SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 011-783-4636

SANDTON CITY SHOPPING CENTRE

FEATURE

Writer: SAnews

Opening doors

for investors

overnment is forging

duce regulatory inefficiencies and

opportunities for investors in dif-

ahead in its pursuit to

reduce red tape for all investors

ferent sub sectors of the country’s

eliminate the red tape

looking to invest in South Africa. It is

value-added economy.

hindering potential investors from

expected to promote both foreign

gaining access to the South African

and domestic investment.

This year will see the department launch the 10th iteration of the IPAP.

Government launched the na-

The industrial policy action plan is

Speaking at the launch of the

tional OSS office at the Department

central to government’s industrial

Gauteng Invest SA One Stop Shop

of Trade and Industry’s premises in

development which seeks to en-

(OSS) recently, Trade and Industry

Tshwane in March 2017. Since then,

courage and upgrade value-add-

Minister Rob Davies said through

624 investor consultations were

ed, labour-absorbing industrial pro-

the opening of Invest SA offices

held and 21 regulatory issues were

duction and diversify the economy.

across the country, government

dealt with.

economy.

of investments,” said the Minister,

Increasing foreign direct investment

“We seek to smooth the way for

who launched the Gauteng Invest

Premier Makhura said the province

investors and ease any regulatory

SA office alongside Premier David

is keen to increase its level of foreign

hurdles they have to go through

Makhura.

direct investment (FDI).

seeks to make investing in South Africa as seamless as possible.

“This has facilitated a number

and shorten timeframes for deci-

He said it was government policy

He said the OSS was housed at

sions and make sure they have a

to improve the investment climate

the Gauteng Investment Centre

good experience in interacting with

in South Africa and there were a

which was launched in 2013.

the different parts of government,”

number of dimensions to this initia-

said the Minister.

tive.

“Between 2014 and the end of 2017 there have been more than

The launch of the Gauteng office

Some of the steps government

200 FDI projects that have come

is the third Invest SA provincial of-

has taken to tackle this issue in-

into our province,” said the Premier,

fice to be opened in the country.

clude the appointment of the Es-

adding that some of the investment

The KwaZulu-Natal OSS opened

kom board in January as well as the

came as a result of national efforts

its doors in November 2017 while

renewable energy power purchase

and some through the Gauteng In-

the Western Cape’s OSS opened in

agreements that were signed by

vestment Centre.

September.

Energy Minister Jeff Radebe in April.

“We are also fortunate that the to-

In addition, through the Depart-

tal value of FDI that came into the

Reducing red tape

ment of Trade and Industry’s flag-

Gauteng economy between 2014

The aim of the Invest SA initiative is

ship Industrial Policy Action Plan

and 2016 ran up to R69 billion,” said

to provide strategic guidance, re-

(IPAP), government has identified

the Premier.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

GET YOUR EARLY BIRD SPECIAL AT 40% OFF

22-23 AUGUST 2018

NICE-TO-HAVES

Writer: Nicolas Francis

Beating the winter blues

inter is an unforgiving time for our hair and skin so it’s important to put extra effort into caring for them as the temperature drops. We have

chosen some products that will fight the harsh climate and

help you look and feel great.

3 2

6 5

4 8

1. L’Oréal triple acting day 9

cream, R114. 2. Sorbet Pedi-Care restoring foot cream, 100ml, R59.99. 3. The Body Shop vitamin E moisture cream, 100ml, R232. 4. Shea Moisture raw shea but-

ter masque, 453g, R279. 5. Revlon Nail Care calcium gel nail hardener, 15ml, R179. 6. Nivea Q10 Plus anti-age hand cream, 75ml, R37.99. 7. Johnson's Vita-Rich red berry extract firming body oil, 150ml, R110.

8. Aunt Jackie's Oh So Clean shampoo, 355ml, R69.95. 9. Afro Botanics Amina deep penetrating moisturising conditioner, 500ml, R94.95. 10. Ponds Age Miracle deep action night cream, 50ml, R189.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Writer: Adele Schoormann

Wash those hands! T he Department of Health is

our lives. Wash your hands before,

calling on South Africans to

during or after preparing food,

be mindful of personal hy-

coming into contact with an ill per-

giene because it can prevent a

son, using the bathroom, blowing

number of communicable diseases.

your nose, coughing or sneezing

Personal hygiene involves those practices performed by an indi-

and before feeding your baby,” he said.

vidual to care for their bodily health

The following communicable one neglects personal hygiene:

How to wash your hands properly

partment of Health spokesperson

•

Cholera

•

Dumisani Malamule taking simple

•

Typhoid fever

steps such as washing one’s hands

•

and well-being through cleanliness. According to Mpumalanga De-

diseases can be contracted when

can prevent and interrupt the transmission of diseases. “Hands often act as vectors that carry disease-causing pathogens

cold) and apply soap. •

Rub your hands together

•

Listeriosis

to make a lather and scrub

•

Dysentery.

them well. Be sure to scrub the back of your hands

Malamule said the Department of

from person to person, either

Health is hard at work encouraging

through direct contact or indirectly

personal hygiene amongst South

via surfaces,” said Malamule.

Africans.

When hands are not washed they

running water (warm or

Gastro intestinal infections, such as diarrhoea

Wet your hands with clean

“We do this by visiting schools

and between your fingers. •

Brush underneath your nails.

•

Wash your wrist.

•

Continue rubbing your

can transport bacteria, viruses and

and teaching learners about

parasites to unsuspecting hosts.

personal hygiene. We have

hands for at least 20 sec-

ward-based outreach teams and

onds. Need a timer? Hum

health promoters who are actively

the "Happy Birthday" song

involved in their respective com-

from beginning to end

munities. There are also trained

twice.

Prevent communicable diseases from spreading Malamule explained that prevent-

community health workers who pro-

ing the spread of disease starts

vide health education on subjects

with all of us.

such as personal hygiene amongst

“We can protect ourselves, our children and families and prolong

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

others to the communities,” said

•

Rinse your hands well under running water.

•

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.

Malamule.

GROOMING AND STYLE

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

statement Make a S

ometimes all it takes

one bold accessory to pull an

to make a fashion-

outfit together. We’ve rounded

able impression is one

up some great new wardrobe

statement piece, whether the

items and accessories that will

occasion calls for formal or

demonstrate your killer fashion

casual wear. It also takes just

sense. Best get shopping!

We love this bright yellow cape cover up by Isabel de Villiers,

available at spree.co.za, R1 099. 2

There’s nothing quite as stunning as a statement pair of earrings, like these black fringe jewelled beau-

ties, Lovisa, R300. 3

Put your best foot forward with these patterned Miss Black Jas heels, zando.co.za, R529.

Spoil yourself with these statement jewellery pieces by Pandora. The phoenix feather silver ring is

R1799 and the silver bow ring with cubic zirconias is R1 199. 5

If you’re daring, opt for these strik-

ing red sailors thigh-high boots by ALDO, spree.co.za, R1 999.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

6 6

How cute is this pink top handle mini bag? Grab it from Colette Hayman, R1 200.

For a casual menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look, try this very cool Holmes Brothers Juju sweatshirt, zando.co.za, R699.

Ditch the regular black or brown dress shoe options for this playful pink one from ALDO, R1 699.

Embrace winter with this black and white wool blend coat from H&M, R1 499.

10 Keep it casual with this InjectorX jacket by Alpha Industries, spree.co.za, R3 899.

Accessorise with this trendy blue and white Samurai snood, Style Republic, spree.co.za, R149.

8 11

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ June 2018

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

FOOD AND WINE FEATURE

Three course delight without the hard work

ver wanted to whip up a three

Method

500g broccoli

course meal but felt daunted

Mix the creamed horseradish with

1 cup water

by the task ahead? Well, we

sour cream and lemon juice and

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

have the perfect solution. We asked

zest. Season with salt and pepper.

¼ cup grated white cheddar

My Kitchen Rules runner-up Kerry

Slice the fennel and radishes on a

2 tbsp cream

Sonn to share some of her favourite

mandolin.

200g linguine

recipes with us. She loves spending

Devein and shell prawns, then

time in the kitchen making quick

gently poach prawns in melted

Method

and delicious food and is usually

butter and a teaspoon of olive oil

Finely chop the onion and garlic

influenced by whatever she has in

until just cooked. Remove from the

and lightly fry in a pan until soft,

the fridge or pantry. Here are her

pan.

then set aside. Cut the broccoli

ideas for a starter, main and dessert.

Heat pan and fry salmon fillets skin

florets into thin slices so that they

side down in hot pan until crispy,

steam quickly. Add the sliced

Salmon, prawn and fennel salad

turn and cook for a minute on the

broccoli, water, butter and salt to

other side. Remove and cut into

a pot and steam on high heat

Ingredients

cubes.

for about four to five minutes. To

6 prawns 100g salmon fillets, skin on

Arrange all the ingredients to-

preserve the vibrant green colour

gether for an awesome salad.

of the broccoli don’t over-cook it.

4 raw radishes

Creamy broccoli linguine

ing water, drain and set aside.

2 tbsp creamed horseradish

Ingredients

150ml sour cream

½ onion

to a blender along with onions,

Zest and juice of one lemon

1 clove garlic

garlic and cheese. Blend until the

200g salted butter

½ tsp salt

broccoli is smooth, then slowly

1 tsp olive oil

50g butter

add the cream and blend until

1 bulb fennel

Cook the linguine in salted boilRemove from heat and add

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

completely mixed.

Vanilla Buttercream Icing

Distribute the batter between

Ingredients

the baking cups, filling about

sauce at this point, then add to

½ cup (114g) unsalted butter,

⅔ of it. Bake for 16−20 minutes,

the cooked linguine and add

softened

or until an inserted toothpick

more Parmesan cheese. To take

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

comes out clean. Transfer to a

the dish to another level top

2 cups icing sugar, sifted

wire rack to cool completely

it off with some crispy onions,

2−3 tbsp whipping cream (substi-

before icing the cupcakes.

chopped herbs and a squeeze of

tute with milk if necessary)

lemon or charred broccoli bits.

A dash or two of Kahlua

You might need to re-heat the

With an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until light and creamy,

The best vanilla cupcakes

Method

about two to three minutes.

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 180°C and line

Beat in vanilla and salt. Add

1 ¼ cup (140g) cake flour

a muffin tin with baking cups.

the sifted icing sugar, one cup

¾ cup (144g) granulated white

With an electric mixer, beat to-

at a time, starting on low and

sugar

gether cake flour, sugar, baking

increasing to medium, until fully

¾ tsp baking powder

powder, bicarbonate of soda

incorporated, scraping down

¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda

and salt on low speed for about

sides and bottom of bowl as

¼ tsp salt

20 seconds. Add softened butter

needed. Add the cream one ta-

¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter,

and oil and mix for about one

blespoon at a time. Then slowly

softened

to two minutes to coat the flour,

add the Kahlua until the desired

3 tbsp vegetable oil

until the mixture resembles wet

consistency is reached. Scrape

1 large egg, room temperature

sand.

down bottom and sides of bowl.

1 large egg yolk, room tempera-

In a small bowl whisk together

Increase to medium-high speed

ture

the egg, yolk, vanilla, and sour

and beat for an additional 5−10

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract or

cream until smooth. Slowly add

minutes until smooth, light and

vanilla bean paste

the wet mixture on low speed.

fluffy.

½ cup (120g) sour cream, room

Scrape down bottom and sides

temperature

of bowl. Increase to medium

nuts over the tops of the iced

Chopped pecan nuts, about ¾

speed and beat for about one

cupcakes and drizzle each one

cup Golden syrup

minute until the batter is smooth.

with golden syrup.

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Sprinkle the chopped pecan

CAR REVIEWS FEATURE

Writer: Ashref Ismail

VW’s Arteon

makes a grand entrance

n an age when motor compa-

stretched roofline, coupé-style

while, puts sportiness and premium

nies are sometimes accused of

fastback design and a large rear

class equipment at the heart of the

designing cars that lack excite-

hatch, this gran turismo provides

vehicle’s configuration, as is typical

ment and creating templates that

more space and flexibility than

of all VW R-Line models.

copy one another, Volkswagen (VW)

conventional saloons.

has boldly created a masterpiece

Inside the Arteon boasts a clean design, with typical VW high qual-

as their top passenger model in the

Sophisticated styling

ity and ergonomic efficiency. VW

Arteon.

The gran turismo will be available

has developed new infotainment

in two exclusive equipment lines –

systems (6.5 to 9.2inch). The new

five-door fastback, the new car ex-

the Elegance and R-Line. The name

top system, the Discover Pro, has a

udes elegant lines combined with

says it all. The standard configu-

tablet-like glass surface. It manages

sophisticated styling to produce

ration of the Arteon Elegance is

its tasks efficiently and entirely with-

a thoroughly modern and classy

focused primarily on the fusion of

out analogue buttons. The 9.2inch

shape that stands out from the

sophisticated styling and premium

display is also equipped with intui-

herd. Thanks to its long wheelbase,

luxury. The Arteon R-Line, mean-

tive gesture control.

Designed as an avant-garde

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

In front, the driver and front pas-

is the 2.0 TSI with 206kW power

panded on the fastback, five-seater

senger benefit from the excellent

output. It has 350Nm of torque

sedan segment. Having offered the

package provided by the Modu-

that is available from 1 700 up to

CC before, the Arteon follows that

lar Transverse Matrix and a lot of

5 600rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint

trend but significantly builds on

space is created by the transversely

is achieved in 5.6 seconds and

that image. The car oozes sophis-

mounted engine and the front axle

has a top speed of 250km/h. The

tication and looks unlike anything

that is forward positioned.

combined fuel consumption is 7.3l

else on the market. Although

per 100km. The 206kW engine is

pricey, it will do well considering its

features coordinated materials and

only available with a 7-speed DSG

brand heritage and will appeal to

colours in the interior of this gran

transmission.

people who want that ‘something

The colour and trim design area

special’. Priced from R600 000 to

turismo. Two interior colour themes

All of the engines are only availa-

(black, dark grey and a combina-

ble with an automated DSG. The TSI

R700 000, it cuts deep into the

tion of dark and light grey) match

engine also has 4MOTION all-wheel

compact executive German trio

the range of exterior colours. In

drive as standard and the diesel

territory but given its impeccable

the Elegance, you get titanium

models have front-wheel drive.

credentials, promises them some

black seats, instrument panel and

With this new model, VW has ex-

sleepless nights.

carpets with a mistral grey headliner. The R-Line offers titanium black seats, instrument panel, carpets and headliner. Needless to say, the Arteon comes with a host of passive and active safety features too numerous to mention, but designed to make the driver’s job easier, safer and much more comfortable. The new Arteon comes in two

MODEL

2.0 TDi

2.0 TSi

Engine

4-cylinder diesel

4-cylinder petrol

Power

130 kW

206kW

Torque

350 Nm @ 1 608 and 3 500rpm

350 Nm @ 1 700 up to 5 600rpm

0–100km/h

6.8 seconds

5.6 seconds

Fuel consumption

5.6l/100km

7.3l/100km

Transmission

DSG Automatic

Price

R599 900 and R649 900 (R-Line DSG)

R699 900

Warranty

Five year/90 000km maintenance plan, three year/120 000km warranty

Service interval

15 000km

turbo-charged direct fuel injection engines. All of the engines have four cylinders including a diesel 2.0 TDI with 130kW power output with 350Nm of torque that kicks in between 1 608 and 3 500rpm. The combined fuel consumption is 5.6l per 100km. The engine is available with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) transmission.

Top of the range The top of the range petrol engine

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Writer: Duane Stacey Photographer: Duane Stacey

TRAVEL FEATURE

The potholed

road to paradise T

he gentle ‘pitter patter’ on the

roof of our car cut into the joy-

Transkei trail-running adventure.

The sun peeked through a crack

Madakeni indigenous forest

in the curtain and so I rolled from

Day one of the Chev Transkei Trail

glances passed between passen-

my bed to let the light in. Gob-

starts in the Madakeni indigenous

gers and solutions were sought be-

smacked, I stood in awe of the lus-

forest. As you navigate your way

tween the spaces that only silence

cious rolling hills that faded into the

through the luscious overgrowth

filled. Nobody said the road to para-

ocean. The only reminder of last

the freshness of the air is a real

dise would be luxurious and as the

night’s adventure was the muddied

reminder of the remoteness of this

gentle spattering of rain turned to a

cars that stood parked between

location, with only the sounds of

ferocious downpour the roads were

me and my view of the ocean.

the forest to guide your run. It is

fast becoming a nightmare to navi-

Overnight and with a little help

a 16km route and as you exit the

gate in the fading light.

from the sunshine, this landscape

thick foliage you sweep back in a

had transformed into a paradise

northerly direction along a stretch

beyond my expectations.

of beach you might have to share

ful road trip chatter. Nervous

Within minutes the once hardcaked mud roads were turned to slosh and the inevitable push-and-

Chev Transkei Trails prides itself

pull, slip-and-slide adventure of the

on the delicious food they dish up

it is unwritten law here that these

Transkei had begun a few hours

each day and the aromas floating

cows and their herders have right

earlier than we had anticipated.

in from the kitchen were enough

of way.

Fortunately, James Chevallier

to get me out of bed to find out for

(owner of Chev Transkei Trails and

myself. After a hearty breakfast it

noon to relax is the reward for this

part of our convoy) has navigated

was down to business and the real

group of runners who have endless

these roads many times before

reason behind our trip – a three-

stories of spectacular views, river

and so, fuelled by his confidence,

day trail-run to explore the un-

crossings and forest findings. There

our group pushed on towards our

touched coastline of the Transkei.

is so much to do, and while some

with the local Nguni cows, although

A fresh pot of coffee and an after-

opted for an afternoon nap, others bathed in the glorious temperatures of the Indian Ocean, switching between kayaks and surfboards all while conversations continued to flow around the fire and early potjie preparations which would be

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

the evening feast.

footsteps of small children from

Transkei Trail, as you pass the Eco

the village who follow, laughing in

Lodge in Bulungula. Some may opt

est attributes is the flexibility of its

elation. If the scenic treat of rolling

for a coffee break and chance to

tour and ability to tailor it to meet

grass hills and river crossings are

refuel, as the last 5km which leads

the athletic needs of any group.

not enough the seafood extrava-

to the finish at Hole in the Wall is

If running is not for you there are

ganza should certainly seal the

tough going. However, the pano-

some incredible walking routes

deal. Oysters, crayfish, mussels and

ramic views are spectacular and

which open up some spectacular

fresh fish are some of the aromas

well worth the incredible memory

views in this very unique part of the

which fill the intimate dinner set-

which draws to a close too soon.

world.

ting. The choice really is endless

Runners then have the option of

and a coastal treat that is rare for

a return flight via helicopter, which

city folk.

offers both relief to tired muscles

One of Chev Transkei Trail’s great-

Surf's up On day two we tested this flexibility

and an incredible insight into the

when we woke up to an offshore

Spectacular views

breeze and perfect swell lines

Day three starts in

rolling in from the point. We had a

Ntlonyana with a

group of very keen surfers and so

session of yoga on

in a flash running was postponed

the deck to loosen

and surf was up. This was arguably

up the stiff bodies

one of our best decisions as the

before heading

weary running legs had some time

north along the

to recuperate while the arms were

beach. This part

exercised and we paddled into

of the trip is the

perfect wave after perfect wave

highlight of the Chev

landscape traversed by foot.

in one of South Africa’s best kept point break secrets. The second day of running takes

If you go: Flights: The closest major airport is East London and then another four

you deep into the homelands.

hours by car will bring you to the cottage.

Heartbreak Hill is a prominent

Car rental: Depending on the weather, the roads in can be tricky to

feature along the route as you

navigate. If you are renting a car it is advised that you book a 4x4 in

climb. Just as you begin to feel like

advance. Website: https://chevtranskeitrail.co.za

you can’t go any further, the local

Contact: James Chevallier

support rallies with cries of “Baleka!

TELEPHONE: 072 733 7376 EMAIL: chevtranskeitrail@gmail.com

Baleka!” and the sound of trailing

Public Sector Manager • June 2018

Small. Medium. Large. Local or abroad. Whatever your courier needs, we always deliver!

• • •

0860 023 133

• •

Courier & Freight. We deliver.

• •

Delivers documents, packages and bulk freight across South Africa and to over 200 international destinations Overnight Express delivers by 10:30 to any of XPS’s 26 branches Perfect for SMMEs, retail and manufacturing businesses, and business-to-consumer goods delivery Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277 0860 000 977

When your business depends on it.

speedservices.co.za

xps.co.za

• Tailored freight distribution across SA and neighbouring countries • Containers dispatched daily • Perfect for manufacturing industry • High security – constant control over consignments • Less stringent packing requirements save costs • Delivery into warehouse for easy receiving, checking and packing 0800 015 600 ba 13653

The shortest distance between two points.

• •

The most extensive domestic overnight express network in Southern Africa Also delivers to 200 international destinations Available at a Post Office near you or choose the door-todoor option for extra convenience Counter-to-counter pre-paid 1kg bag available Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277

Travelling Abroad? Book with Woodford Car Hire and Pick-Up in London.

ANDS NR YI

Book with www.woodford.co.za. Pick-Up in over 1000 Destinations Worldwide.

South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest independent car hire company.