PSM September 2017 Edition by Topco Media

PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER

september 2017

Repositioning Home Affairs THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize prioritising service delivery

NDP five years on Working towards Vision 2030

Public Service Month Championing Batho Pele september 2017

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Inviting the world to SA Tourism boosting the economy

ALL FACTS. NO FICTION.

As SANRAL, we are honoured to be the trusted custodians of our national roads. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been tasked by our government to build roads that help to keep South Africa moving. A world-class and safely engineered road network needs regular and immediate infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and many other safety related improvements. The money you pay as toll fees goes a long way towards this. Toll roads ensure that we have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate, in terms of job creation and economic development. We subscribe to the King IV Code of Corporate Governance to guarantee value for money in everything we do.

An agency of the Department of Transport.

ORANGE BUS DRAWS TAG FANS

Eager motorists waited patiently in long queues outside a bright orange bus to buy tags for automated electronic toll payment at promotions held in Durban and Pietermaritzburg shopping malls during a recent activation in the KwaZulu-Natal province. This was part of a public awareness campaign by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) to coincide with the roll-out of automated electronic toll payment in the province. Automated electronic toll payment is an additional payment method to alleviate traffic congestion, to save time for road users and to migrate towards modern trends in cashless tolling. With this method of toll collection, no cash transactions take place. A tag is fitted to the windscreen of a vehicle. Vehicles equipped with a tag will slow down on approach to the toll booms. When the transponder in the tag is read by the tag reader mounted in the toll lane, the boom will open, allowing the vehicle to pass at a speed of about 30km per hour without having to stop, thus saving valuable time and energy. Lanes for motorists who want to pay manually will still be available. Automated electronic toll payment will not result in an increase in the existing toll tariffs. E-tags will complement the existing traditional toll collection method which requires motorists to stop at a booth to pay a toll fee either with cash or a card.

Motorists who purchased tags during the SANRAL campaign were full of praise. • Phiwe Nkomo: “I was always in a hurry and automated electronic toll payment will save me time and inconvenience. Having an e-tag will also mean that I do not have to carry cash when going through tolls.” • Megan Nicol: “I cannot wait to get 12 e-tags. The company I work for already has five. Our company vehicles travel through several tolls. Having e-tags will help with the bookkeeping.” • Trevor Donnelly: “I cover 6 000km each week and an e-tag will save me a lot of time.” • Maxine Murugan: “SANRAL takes care of the national road network in order for it to be well maintained. E-tags help to improve traffic flow and congestion.” • Satish Debipershad: “I bought an e-tag so that I will not have to carry cash and will save time by not having to wait in queues.” • Justice Shabalala: “As a site manager for HIV counsellors I travel big distances. With the e-tag, I can jump the queue. There is no need to stop and there will be no need to carry money when going through tolls.” • Lungile Ndlovu: “I’m aware that the ‘user-pay’ principle enables SANRAL to use toll fees to provide roads sooner and more effectively than traditional tax-based revenues. My company car has a tag, but I’m getting one for my personal car. I’m encouraging my family to register for e-tags.”

As long as there is money on the tag, it will operate across all tolls in South Africa. With automated payment, up to three times more vehicles can pass through a toll plaza than when having to stop and pay with cash. This form of toll payment is distinctly different from the open road tolling on the inner Gauteng Highways which has overhead gantries to read e-tags and allows motorists to drive at highway speeds without having to slow down or stop at a physical toll plaza.

Tags are easy to get: order one online at www.sanral.co.za or by phoning the call centre on 0800 SANRAL (726 725).

Building South Africa through better roads.

1660 SANRAL - PSM Advertorial - September v5.indd 1

2017/08/31 10:13 AM

Contents: September 2017

Regulars Conversations with leaders Home Affairs Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize is repositioning the department to ensure service delivery

International relations South Africa has vowed to build the SADC brand

Public sector appointments Who is new on Persal?

Book reviews We review Yewande Omotoso’s The Woman Next Door

Conversations with leaders Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa on how tourism can help grow the economy

Profiles in leadership The weather touches every aspect of life and the economy says SA Weather Service CEO Jerry Lengoasa

Women in the public sector National Treasury’s Tshepiso Moahloli travels the world in search for investments for SA

Trailblazer Dr Ncumisa Jilata is one of Africa’s youngest neurosurgeons

Provincial focus KwaZulu-Natal is making strides in boosting tourism in the province

Features

Vital statistics Fast facts at your fingertips

Celebrating 20 years of Batho Pele DPSA Deputy Minister Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba unpacks what it means to be an ideal public servant

In other news News you need to know while you’re on the go

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

Opinion The National Heritage Council says it’s time to liberate our heritage

National Development Plan, five years on The NDP has made progress in key areas since its launch in 2012

SKA project has continental impact How the SKA project is changing lives, creating jobs and uplifting rural communities

Opinion The National School of Government plays a crucial role in enhancing the skills of the public service

Cultural artefacts are world treasures We go behind the scenes to see extraordinary artefacts at the Ditsong National Cultural History Museum in Pretoria

16 2

Public Sector Manager • October 2017

Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

Helping the state recover millions Jande van der Merwe, a young forensic investigator at the Special Investigating Unit, is fast becoming the fixer when it comes to difficult cases

Three African sites gain World Heritage status South Africa, Angola and Eritrea all have heritage sites added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites

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feature from the Minister Message

Celebrating Heritage Month – together, we are stronger

his month we celebrate the wonderful blanket of cul-

histories, because we all understood that we are strong-

tures that knits together our country. Heritage Month

er together than apart.

is a time to reflect on the values and traditions that

shape each of us and how we have created one country

A sense of community

despite our many different traditions. That we are able to

It is fitting that I mention the Constitution this month

celebrate our differences as one people comes from the

when we also celebrate the work of public sector em-

strength of the fabric that binds us.

ployees. We in the public sector have a part to play in

The heritage we celebrate contributes to our sense of

shaping an African nation inspired by an African sense of community.

place, community and personal identity. It informs who

Before we are public sector employ-

we are and where we place

ees we are African and we must be

ourselves in our national

mindful of our culture, values and

identity. Heritage gives us

traditions.

personal identity, but taken

We are fortunate to live in a state

together the patchwork of

of peace, where children can grow

traditions and shared experi-

up dreaming of being pilots, doc-

ences, celebrates the nation

tors, carpenters and artists. We live

we are building on this

under the guidance and protection

ancient continent.

of a Constitution that allows parents

It was in the creation of our

to strive without fear to make their

Constitution, based on the

children’s lives matter.

Freedom Charter drawn up

As employees in the public sector,

by our people so many years ago, that we developed a single identity from our many

we must be mindful of our responMinister of Communications Ayanda Dlodlo.

to help build and shape a future we

birth of our Constitution, let existence, came out of the understanding that ours is a nation rich with voices from many cultures. The idea that we are all part of one community – so beautifully encapsulated in the term Ubuntu – has allowed us to grow into a nation. Looking back on our

South Africans. We must use the power our office gives us responsibly,

customs and traditions. The us not forget that this year we celebrate 20 years of its

sibility to be a helping hand to all

can all be proud of. As we mark Public Service Month let us remember the principles we should be guided by. We should put our people first; we must be guided by the principle of Batho Pele. Let us learn from the example of the framers of our

history, on our struggle for democracy, we are aware of

Constitution. Remember the inequality and discrimina-

sacrifices made, and of the hard work of so many un-

tion of the past and work toward making it our history.

named people. We are also aware of how narrowly we

Do the small things that improve lives, work better.

avoided the bloodshed that is so part of other

Above all work honestly and openly.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

feature FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL MESSAGE

Tourism can be a catalyst for change

eptember is a month for South Africans to celebrate

of direct jobs to one million, and total jobs to 2.26

our country’s rich heritage; its distinct people and

million, by 2026. The strategy envisages that South

unique landscapes.

Africa will be a top 20 tourist destination by 2020.

From its diverse natural beauty, world-class facili-

The draft strategy, an update of the initial strategy

ties and good weather to its friendly people and its

released in 2011, hinges on five strategic pillars: ef-

moving history, South Africa offers tourists a whole

fective marketing; facilitating ease of access; visitor

number of reasons to visit − and many are coming.

experience; destination management practices; and

In the past year alone, South Africa recorded a 13

broad-based benefits which will strengthen the reali-

per cent growth in international tourist arrivals, statis-

sation of an inclusive and quality tourism sector.

tics released in February show.

The strategy singles out a number of recent trends,

The country is still one of the world’s most popular

including the consistent and increasing growth glob-

destinations and, as seen in the April report, con-

ally in international tourist numbers. In 2015 interna-

tinues to top the rankings of the World Economic

tional travel topped the 1.2 billion mark, with travellers

Forum Travel’s global travel and tourism competitive-

from emerging markets such as China fuelling much

ness index. In addition, the International Congress

of this growth. There has also been an increase in the

and Convention Association ranks South Africa as

number of older tourists and those under the age of

the top business events destination in Africa and the

35 travelling.

Middle East, according to a report released in May. There can be no doubt that tourism is an essential

But it’s not only more international travellers that will help grow our tourism sector. South Africans them-

part of our economy: the sector contributes about

selves can play a vital role by being tourists in their

nine per cent of the country’s gross domestic prod-

own country.

uct and accounts for about 700 000 direct jobs. The number rises to 1.5 million if those indirectly em-

Exploring the country domestically

ployed by the sector are included.

In her budget vote in May, Tourism Minister Tokozile

There is, however, much room to grow these numbers, as South Africa at present can lay claim to only about a two per cent of the world market share in foreign visits.

Xasa pointed out that her department intends to attract five million additional tourists to South Africa within the next five years − one million of these domestic travellers. And there’s no shortage of exquisite places to visit. In July UNESCO proclaimed the ‡Khomani Cultural Landscape in the Northern Cape as the country’s

Strengthening the tourism sector With this in mind, the draft National Tourism Sector Strategy, released by the Department

Phumla Williams GCIS Acting Director-General.

ninth World Heritage Site. It is here that some of the country’s oldest ancestors – the ‡Khomani and related San people – lived some 150 000 years ago. This breath-taking region, within the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, is well worth a visit. Travel has the potential to bring about change; to

of Tourism

increase mutual understanding and tolerance for

earlier this

other cultures and foster social cohesion. While bring-

year, aims

ing us closer together tourism can also help us reflect

to increase

what a beautiful country we live in, all while helping

the number

our tourism sector grow.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

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w w w. f a i r c i t y. c o . z a

Conversations with Leaders

Writer: Anton Pretorius

Home Affairs striving for excellence F

rom birth to death, the Department of Home Affairs is intricately involved in the lives of all South Africans and Minister

Hlengiwe Mkhize is determined to ensure that her department offers only the best services. Equally important are the services her department extends to foreign nationals, which is why she wants to intensify efforts to deal with xenophobia. Speaking to PSM, the Minister said that Home Affairs is probably one of the most important departments for the public because it provides documents and papers that are key to unlocking virtually all future bureaucratic processes. As such, the department is committed to visiting more antenatal wards across the rural parts of South Africa to educate mothers about the importance of obtaining birth certificates for their children.

“The first 30 days are crucial for a child’s right to be recognised as a South African citizen.”

Home Af fairs Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

“It’s an advantage in hospitals where Home Affairs offic-

A techno-savvy department

es are located, but a challenge in those where there are

With technology rapidly changing the way in which the

no offices. The first 30 days are crucial for a child’s right

world operates, the department is keeping up with the

to be recognised as a South African citizen. It sets the

times.

tone for things like access to social security and school-

“I appreciate technology. It’s not only about efficiency,

ing, especially in later years, and cleans up our national

but also putting you in control and understanding what’s

identity system − the population register,” Minister Mkhize

going on. Paper processes are risky when the stakes are

explained.

high. Technology can solve many problems, like lessen-

The most accurate and reliable way of capturing the data of bona fide South Africans is through early registration. “It’s important to target vulnerable communities where

ing the possibility of data interference and disappearing documents. “However, there are huge budgetary implications, but as we modernise, it’ll provide better accessibility. The

access is still a challenge. After speaking to doctors and

application for passports has proven this. The power of

nurses in these areas, it’s clear that the campaign should

being able to apply online is a real game changer.”

start at community level. Our job is to educate young

The rollout of smart ID cards is one of the department’s

mothers on the importance of obtaining the necessary

significant projects. The Minister explained that the green

identity for their children and giving them a proper start

ID books have a legacy of being easy to manipulate.

in life,” she added.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

“With the smart ID cards we apply technology that’s

Conversations with Leaders

secure, making it harder to falsify information. We looked

ordinary individuals who bribe officials to attain docu-

at various security concerns and consulted with cyber

ments in an illegal manner,” said the Minister.

security experts. “Banks that have come onboard to partner with us don’t have access to a person’s data in totality. Now, it’s connected back to our secure system,” she said.

“Hopefully, people will start internalising our values and improve the department’s image,” she added. Minister Mkhize is adamant that the department will intensify efforts to fight corruption. “We’re working closely with the police. It’s often powerful syndicates who know

Tackling xenophobia

what they are doing and who look to undermine devel-

During Heritage Month, which is celebrated in Septem-

opment objectives at all costs,” she noted.

ber, the department will have a firm focus on xenophobia. “We need to have more discussions around xenopho-

Preparing public servants for success With 2017 being the 20th anniversary of the implemen-

bia. We have to understand the plight of the refugee

tation of the Batho Pele principles, the department will

and start thinking about our cultural and constitutional

continue to stress to its officials that the department’s

human rights’ obligations when we encounter a vulner-

success is in their hands.

able person in our community. Extend your hand, greet

“The impressions they create when dealing with the

your neighbour and apply the values of Ubuntu,” the

public and the professionalism they display, like giving

Minister said.

people reliable information, goes a long way.

She explained that a person who commits a crime, whether they’re a South African citizen or foreign national, has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. “However, you simply cannot abuse a person’s rights

“The department has been repositioning since 2007, but we need to touch the minds and hearts of the people who provide the service. This is where the solution lies,” she explained.

because they are a foreign national. We must closely

With September being Public Service Month, the de-

monitor extremism and manage migration in a legal

partment is emphasising value systems and principles.

and orderly fashion, without being reckless. “Globally we’re all in agreement about immigration

“The underlying problem with Home Affairs is not when systems are down or processes are incomplete.

policies, but there’s the issue of refugees. In terms of

What really upsets the public is the way they are

our United Nations’ commitments as a member state,

treated or informed about a problem.

we must protect and provide all forms of assistance to

“For several years we’ve been talking to public serv-

vulnerable groups - people who have been displaced

ants and reminding them of the critical values of Ubun-

from their communities because of political reasons or

tu − integrity, reliability and honesty − and respecting

poverty.

the public who come to us for a service.

“We’ll be working closely with officials in the coming months to make sure we all have a common understanding. Without commitment from our own officials we will not achieve the desired impact,” she said.

Often public servants don’t realise the power they have in making the country work, she added. “This is all in the hands of public servants. If we improve our efficiencies and if we continue to manage resources in a transparent, open and accountable

Combating corruption

way, it will enhance public confidence,” Minister Mkhize

Tackling corruption is also high on the department’s

said.

agenda. “In this department, it’s important to show people the

Repositioning of the department

challenges that the world is facing because of high

The Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre, formerly known as the

levels of corruption, be it multinational companies or

known as the Marabastad Refugee Reception Centre,

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

has played an integral part in the repositioning of the department. Improvements made at the centre include the redesign and refurbishment of public areas and office accommodation, signage, counters and lighting as well as the installation of a new security system and electrical fencing. New systems and processes were also introduced and these include an automated booking system and electronic applications, improved registry and filing and continuous engagement with stakeholders. The tightening of The Border Management Authority (BMA), working closely with the defence force and the police, has also contributed to the department’s repositioning, added the Minister. Repositioning the department with the security cluster is also critical. “In terms of our immigration policies, we’ve widened the scope of opportunities for people coming into the country. It’s not only about prohibiting people from entering, we have also created opportunities for international business people to conduct their business here by obtaining a 10-year business visa. “It’s part of benchmarking our policies within advanced communities. In Canada, for example, they talk about integrating asylum-seekers within their society — which we don’t do yet. Part of repositioning is opening other avenues and taking migration serious for development,” she said.

Securing border posts Minister Mkhize and Minister of Transport Joe Maswang-

to our officials about the decisions they make and the

anyi are planning to visit various border posts to “have

consequences that these have at a community level,”

real engagements and discussions with officials”.

she explained.

“Our border posts are the cauldron of everything

The Minister added that South Africa is an important

good and bad − places where our immigration laws

player in the global village, thanks to its high-level com-

are sometimes undermined through corrupt practices.

mitments.

It’s important for us to make officials fully aware of the

“There are several opportunities, but if we make

risks that the country is exposed to if they don’t allow

too many mistakes, we might not see the benefits of

people in and out of the country in a legal and orderly

building friendships with as many countries as pos-

manner.

sible. Home Affairs has an important role to play. We’ve

“People who choose to enter the country in an il-

placed our officials in strategic countries. Our systems

legal manner might have illicit intentions, which could

and constitution are a big pull factor for relationships

destroy the lives of many South Africans. We have to talk

with other countries,” she said.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

OUR COMMITMEN Secure and Efficient Service to the People

Delivering on the core mandate of the Department of Home Affairs Affairs,to tosecure the identity and status everyofcitizen, we outline priority secure the identity andof status every citizen, we our outline our programmes priority for the financial ending March 2018 as follows: programmes foryear the financial year ending March 2018 as follows:

Repositioning Home Affairs The Department department needs needs to to be positioned within the security system of the State to deliver against its full mandate as a critical enabler of inclusive economic development, national security, effective service delivery and efficient administration.

Home Affairs Minister, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize (MP)

Modernising Home Affairs For enhanced client satisfaction using cutting-edge technologies and innovation, the major task is to: • • • • • • • •

Replace the current National Population Register with a new (NPR) with integrated National IdentityIdentity SystemSystem to record thetostatus of a new integrated National (NIS) record both citizens. statusvisitors of bothand visitors and citizens, Continue to digitise old birth, marriage and deaths (BMDs) paper records in our custody, working with Statistics SA. SA paper records in our custody, working with Statistics Intensify the Smart ID card rollout to replace around 38 (StatsSA), million green-barcoded IDs.rollout to replace around 38 Intensify the Smart ID card Expand our footprint by ID, a further 14 offices with digital new million green-barcoded systems while also capacitating to receive Expand our footprint by a furtherour 14 mobile offices offices with digital new applications foralso Smart ID cards and systems while capacitating our passports. mobile offices to receive Connect 26 offices withIDlive capture technologyand to record applications for Smart cards and passports, birth, marriage and with deaths. Connect 26 offices live capture technology to record BMDs.

Increase efficiency on adjudication of visas We are committing to improve the turnaround time for critical skills visa by 5% to ensure 80% of application cases are adjudicated within four weeks, while maintaining the set target of 85% of permits application are finalised within eight months.

The Department of Home Affairs is a strategic resource for enabling the empowerment of citizens, the inclusive inclusive socio-economic socio-economic development development of of our our economy economy and and efficient efficient and and accountable accountable government.

Public Sector Manager DPS.indd 1

MENT TO CITIZENS!

bma

Establishing a new Border Management Authority towards a single integrated, secure and efficient border management through South Africa Africaisismoving moving towards a single integrated, secure and efficient border management the establishment of the Border Management Authority Authority (BMA). The(BMA). BMA will oversee functions at through the establishment of The Border Management The BMA will oversee the management of ports of entry and of theentry borderline. functions at the management of ports and the borderline.

m er ve

Completing the review of the current international migration policy reviewis is aimed at transforming legislation and the aligning the management of The review aimed at transforming currentcurrent legislation and to align management of international international with the current challenges of priorities globalisation priorities contained the National migration withmigration the current challenges of globalisation, contained in the NationalinDevelopment Development Plan (NDP) Visionpursuing 2030 while the African related Plan (NDP) Vision 2013 while the pursuing African Union AgendaUnion 2063 Agenda related 2063 to promoting to promoting free trade, movement of people, goodsin and services inIt the continent. It makes free trade, movement of people, goods and services the continent. makes key proposal on key proposal ofon management of admissions and departures, residency and naturalisation, management admissions and departures, residency and naturalisation, management of asylum management of asylum seekers and refugees and management migrants with skills and seekers and refugees and management of migrants with skills andofcapital. capital.

Revamping major ports of entry We will continue to refurbish are refurbish infrastructure infrastructure at at six six major major land land ports ports of ofentry entry,(NAMES), as these as arethese strategic strategic for risk-based immigration management and professionalisation of services, to South make for risk-based immigration management and professionalisation of services, thus to thus make South Africa friendly for business, travel and related activities. Africa friendly for business, travel and related activities.

lls ed of

Living up to positive values and principles We will strengthen Bvisa Masina strengthen our our all-out all-out fight fightagainst againstcorruption, corruption,bribery briberyand andfraud fraudthrough throughthe Operation Bvisa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cleaning the rot campaign within and outside Home Affairs environment. Through theThrough Moetapele Masina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cleaning the rot campaign within and outside the Home Affairs environment. the Leadership initiative, we initiative, will motivate official andevery createofficial an enabling environment for all Moetapele Leadership we every will motivate and create an enabling environment for with all officials to serve with professionalism andahumility ensuring a positive client officials to serve professionalism and humility in ensuring positiveinclient experience at Home experience at Home Affairs offices. Affairs offices. OFFICE HOURS Offices open to the public as follows: Monday - Friday: 8:00 to 16:00 Saturday: 8:30 to 12:30 Every last Wednesday of the month: 9:00 to 16:00

visit www.dha.gov.za or call (012) 395 4151

9/11/17 9:54 AM

Conversations with Leaders

Writer: Cecelia de Vos Belgraver

Let's do tourism Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa.

With September being Tourism Month, Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa discusses tourism as a contributor to economic growth and the department’s efforts to grow the number of local and international tourists.

he tourism sector has grown into one of the country’s most robust and thriving economic

money destination and this is essential for tourism

sectors, as seen by the more than 10 million

growth,” Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa told PSM

international visitors to South Africa in 2016. Tourism has recorded its seventh year of sustain-

“South Africa is a welcoming and value-for-

recently. It is a sector that has the potential to contribute

able growth, despite the economic slowdown,

to economic growth. “Tourism now supports over

and over the past year the country experienced

1.5 million jobs in total and we want to support

13 percent growth in international tourist arrivals.

over 2.2 million jobs by 2026,” says the Minister.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

Sustainable tourism

of finances, age or disability, for example. The country’s

An important development in tourism is that of sustaina-

national parks, says the Minister, have made headway in

ble tourism, so much so that the United Nations declared

this regard with various natural heritage engagements

2017 as the year of Sustainable Tourism Development.

aimed at the disabled.

Minister Xasa explains that sustainable tourism is an

“Initiatives include ramps and wheelchair-access

industry commitment to making a low impact on the

pathways in various parks as well as statues and wildlife

environment and local culture, while helping to generate

sculptures that blind people can use to learn more about

future employment for local people. “Sustainable tourism

the animals,” says Minister Xasa.

is not just about ‘green tourism’. It means the tourism ineconomically and socially responsible − that develop,

Inclusive growth and radical transformation

empower and uplift communities. It is about business

In keeping with promoting sustainability, the department’s

and government committing to the triple bottom line of

Tourism and Resource Efficiency programme is aimed at

people, plant and profits.

supporting tourism businesses to conserve and manage

dustry must embrace practices that are environmentally,

water, energy and waste.

“The impact of sustainable tourism

“Tourism’s labour absorption capacity

is to ensure that development is a positive experience for local people, tourism companies and tourists. Sustainable tourism is therefore essential to the growth of the tourism sector and the equitable spread of its benefits. This includes giving small businesses and previously disadvantaged tourism players the opportunity to enter the industry, access the market and add to the diversity of our country’s tourism offering,” explains Minister Xasa. Nevertheless, the country firmly sup-

“It is when we work together, pool our resources, partner and share our best knowledge that we can achieve so much more.”

ports sustainable, eco-friendly and

remains a great weapon with which we can solve the jobs crisis. Radical economic transformation can only be achieved by creating a fertile environment in which tourism can take root and flourish. This includes giving small businesses and previously disadvantaged players the opportunity to enter the industry, access the market and add to the diversity of our country’s tourism offering further making us a more attractive destination,” the Minister says. “Most informal enterprises are black-

‘green’ tourism, says the Minister. The Department of

owned and generate much-needed income for their

Tourism has invested in “what we call the Green Tourism

owners and their families, create jobs and contribute to

Transformation Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises,

the tax base. They are, in short, vitally important.”

which aims to identify more efficient and renewable

Such initiatives tie in with the National Development

energy solutions that would not only reduce cost but also

Plan, which has identified tourism as a key driver of inclu-

support cleaner energy options and alleviate pressure on

sive economic growth aimed at reducing poverty and

the national grid.”

inequality and creating new jobs. Tourism, says Minister

Initiatives in pursuit of sustainable tourism include

Xasa, has the potential to boost the economy, generate

community-based tourism projects, universal accessibility,

inclusive growth, create jobs and contribute to transfor-

and tourism resource efficiency.

mation. “Tourism supports some 700 000 jobs in South Af-

With community-based tourism, community members

rica and contributes three percent to the Gross Domestic

are trained and supported to become part of the tourism

Product. When you factor in all the related industries

value chain. Universal access is about making tourist

that feed into the tourism ecosystem, the figures are

destinations accessible to people held back by a lack

much higher. The aim is to leverage tourism’s

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

Conversations with Leaders

Gems’, which has introduced dozens of new players to the market. In collaboration with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and South African Tourism, this pioneering project sees small tourism businesses in each province receiving training and mentorship by industry professionals and being given access to travel buyers and other key industry stakeholders,” says the Minister. The Department of Tourism has also established the Executive Development Programme for Women with the University of South Africa Graduate School of Business Leadership. According to the Minister, about 20 black women have been trained and recently graduated. Three have already been promoted to managerial positions.

Including the youth To survive and thrive, the tourism sector also has to attract young people. The annual National Tourism Careers Expo attracts over 10 000 learners, tourism students, graduates and educators over three days. The interactive immense potential to create an extra 225 000 jobs in tour-

exhibition showcases the available career opportunities

ism by 2020.”

in tourism and hospitality. Empowering students by help-

Because tourism activities extend to every corner of

ing them to find a positive career path can help them

South Africa, into cities and rural areas, townships, our

feel less despondent and embrace the prospect of an

mountains, our forests and coastline, “our tourism strate-

exciting future, says the Minister. “Some of the successes

gies are continuously being geared towards alleviat-

of the Expo include students using the experienced

ing poverty among the rural poor where we undertake

gained during the event to set up their own businesses or

projects that also benefit local communities,” says the

continue working in the establishments that hosted them

Minister. “This includes supporting community-led tourism

during the programme.”

enterprises.”

The department also runs the National Young Chefs Training Programme, a unique partnership between the

Women working in tourism

Department of Tourism and South African Chefs’ Associa-

Most of those working in the tourism industry are women,

tion (Saca) to address the urgent need for skilled cooks

but they are mainly in lower and entry level positions,

and chefs in the country’s growing hospitality industry.

says the Minister. Enabling, uplifting and empowering women means creating an environment that eases access and inclusivity. To contribute to achieving this, the Department of Tourism

The programme emphasises training in outlying areas, with 25 Saca-accredited culinary schools participating in the creation and success of the programme. The pilot project, which began in April 2011, was de-

runs its Women in Tourism 30-in-5 campaign. It is a public-

signed to provide both theoretical and practical training.

private partnership aimed at increasing the number of

Of the 800 students who signed up for the first course,

women in executive management and directorship posi-

717 completed the certificate course. The course boasted

tions in the sector.

a 75 percent pass rate, with 35 percent of those earning

“Another project we are extremely proud of is the SMME Market Access programme, informally known as ‘Hidden

a distinction or a merit. The success of the programme prompted the department to invest a further R40 million

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

WE ARE ALL #OZONEHEROES

The United Nationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on 16th September every year. Commemorating the 1987 signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the day advocates activities that create awareness on topics related to climate change and ozone depletion. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. The phase out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth.

Ozone depletion is caused by man-made chemicals that are found in everyday appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, dry cleaning agents, solvents for cleaning, electronic equipment and agricultural fumigants. These chemicals go up into the stratosphere and become involved in chlorine-releasing reactions. The chlorine atoms react with the ozone molecules and destroy the ozone molecules. The continuous destruction of ozone molecules then creates a hole in the ozone layer, which allows for the penetration of harmful radiation from the sun to reach the earth with all its harmful consequences for the environment and humans.

WHAT CAUSES OZONE DEPLETION?

Conversations with Leaders

in the second year of the programme, the Minister adds.

a destination of choice, says Minister Xasa. “As the southern African region, we need to do more to foster intra-re-

Regional cooperation

gional tourism to everyone’s mutual benefit. It is when we

Government and private sector efforts aside, the most

work together, pool our resources, partner and share our

important ambassadors of tourism are South Africans,

best knowledge that we can achieve so much more.”

says Minister Xasa.

South Africa is a member of the Regional Tourism Asso-

The 'We Do Tourism' movement encourages all those

ciation of Southern Africa (RETOSA), whose repositioning

who live in South Africa to be ambassadors in their own

strategy aims to increase the SADC region’s global tourist

country. “It aims to show that we are all part of the tour-

arrivals from two to five percent.

ism value chain in some way, directly or indirectly, and that we can all contribute to the sector’s prosperity.”

“By championing regional collaboration, RETOSA will drive intra-Africa tourism because a robust domestic and

And with South Africa as part of the Southern African

regional tourism sector is essential to a thriving tourism

Development Community (SADC), we have a contribu-

economy in Africa. It is important that we grow African

tion to make to sustaining and growing tourism not just in

tourism together, promote our beautiful continent and

South Africa but also our region.

encourage Africans to explore their continent. If Africa

South Africa works with its sister countries to make Africa

wins, then we all win,” said Minister Xasa.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

President Jacob Zuma and Minister of Environmental Aﬀairs Edna Molewa help implant a microchip in the horn of a rhino cow.

During a media briefing held on 24 July 2017, Minister Edna Molewa outlined the South African Government's multisectoral, multi-disciplinary strategy to combat the threat posed by rhino poaching. The Integrated Strategic Management Approach involves the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster departments and the Departments of Defence, Environmental Affairs, Justice and Correctional Services, South African National Parks, the South African Police Service, Ministry of State Security, the South African Revenue Service, as well as provincial conservation authorities. Below are some of the highlights from the briefing:

POACHING

There has been a slight decrease in the number of rhino poached nationally. A total of 529 rhino have been poached since January 2017, compared to 542 in the same period for 2016, representing a decrease of 13 rhino. With regard to the Kruger National Park (KNP) which has traditionally borne the brunt of poaching, a total of 243 rhino carcasses were found between January and the end of June 2017. This is compared to 354 in the same period in 2016. This represents a decrease of 34%.

ARRESTS

In the same reporting period, a total of 359 alleged poachers and traﬃckers have been arrested nationally. The number of arrests inside the KNP totaled 90 alleged poachers with 112 arrested adjacent to the KNP. There has been a marked increase globally during 2017 in the number of rhino horn detections and seizures at ports of entry and exit. Since the beginning of this year, there have been several detections at OR Tambo International Airport.

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS South Africa has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Vietnam, China, Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique and Kenya. These MoUs have helped to improve international and regional collaboration and several are being implemented.

World Rhino Day | 22 September 2017

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Writer: Sulaiman Philip Photographer: Sulaiman Philip

SA Weather Service − a leader in predicting weather patterns

The South African Weather Service provides more than the daily weather report; its work touches every aspect of life and the economy.

erry Lengoasa, the Chief Executive Officer of the

He adds: “We are working towards becoming an institu-

South African Weather Service (SAWS), sits at his

tion that is able to touch every person in every sector of

desk in his office in Pretoria. Through the window

the economy.”

behind him the service’s flag flaps in the gusting wind. the SAWS provides more than the daily weather report. It

Helping municipalities monitor air quality

is a technology-driven service that touches every aspect

The agency's newest responsibility is to help monitor

of life and the economy. “As I tell people, often, there is

air quality in municipalities around the country. Like so

no sector of the economy that is not affected by weather

much the SAWS does, this too is technology driven, and

and climate, so our potential reach has quite a wide

something most municipalities struggle to do. It has

scope.”

fallen to the SAWS to help municipalities with their moni-

Knowledgeable, Lengoasa is eager to point out that

toring networks. In parts of the country, air quality is an issue, so monitoring is important from a health point of view, he says. Also, in terms of formulating policy, data is important. The agency has begun to analyse the systems being used by different municipalities. “Most of the networks don’t talk to each other because the data acquisition technologies are not necessarily standardised.” In some cases systems have to be rebuilt and people trained to use the new technology. New sensors and data loggers that will record and transmit to a central point is all part of a system that Lengoasa would like to see cover the country. The SAWS, he says, is hoping to build monitoring networks that ‘talk’ to one another.

Chief Executive Of f icer of t he Sout h African Weat her Ser vice Jerr y Lengoasa.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

“There are different levels of assistance, data acquisi-

The information is less complex than that provided to

tion and distribution, for instance. There’s also data base

commercial users. “Your daily temperatures, rainfall pre-

management. While we do the early part of that value

dictions – they have to be accessible because they are

chain, the responsibility for the imposition and enforce-

important to saving lives, saving livelihoods and property.

ment of policy remains with the Department of Environ-

From a disaster risk management perspective, access to

mental Affairs.”

that information is absolutely crucial.”

Commercial platform

Africa dealing with climate change

The SAWS is the most innovative on the continent and

The work of the SAWS is built on a technological founda-

measures up to services around the world. It is the only

tion, it is this that enables the agency to share informa-

service in Africa with the capability to run multi-ensemble

tion and data with meteorological services across the

models, where weather models are taken from multiple

globe. This data is used to build predictive weather

sources and run through a super computer. This gives

models for the entire planet. “We are part of a global

South Africa the edge when it comes to the ability to

community.” Lengoasa adds that it’s not just South

predict weather patterns and build

Africa that benefits from the work of the

forecasts. The agency is also responsible for an extensive network of data acquisition and observation tools across the region. This includes radar, a very specialised and expensive piece of equipment, which allows the agency to detect storms early, Lengoasa points out. “This is important when it comes to servicing all

“There is no sector of the economy that is not affected by weather and climate.”

South African Weather Service. Information is shared widely across the South African Development Community (SADC) region, a benefit for countries that are unable to spend money on modelling centres or the super computers required to create accurate weather models. This has allowed weather services in

sectors of the economy. Be it marine or

SADC countries to build closer relation-

aviation, any sector of the economy that

ships that have helped improve the

needs to have near real time information on weather

accuracy of data collected. And, he adds, as technology

conditions.”

evolves, and more and reliable information is needed to

This, Lengoasa points out, is the commercial end of the government service. The SAWS’s mandate is built on a commercial platform, informed by the public good. Com-

create sophisticated and reliable models, South Africa has taken the lead in the region. “With the rest of the continent, we are making progress

mercially, for example, the SAWS sells services or raw data

toward having a fully automated observation and data

to golf courses relating to lightning and lightning propen-

acquisition platform and networks. This will allow us to

sity. Their commercial activity is mostly non-regulated.

manage things remotely and also allow us to do some

Services provided to the aviation and marine sector, on the other hand, are regulated because the SAWS is a public entity. “These services are offered on a cost

sophisticated work in relation to prediction and forecasting.” It is important that Africa builds an accurate weather

recovery basis. We provide a very specific service to the

prediction system, he says. Africa will bear the brunt

aviation sector, for example. Our weather radar is mostly

of changing weather systems. Even though the conti-

located at airports, it’s a very specialised instrument, and

nent contributes the lowest level of emissions, under-

it’s a service we don’t provide to anyone else.”

development means the continent will suffer the most.

The same technology serves the public good as well.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

The continent needs a strong predictive capability to

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

allow communities to prepare for shorter rainfall seasons,

geography. Geography, he says, interested him because

longer droughts and higher temperatures.

it was a mix of earth sciences and social sciences, a

“Our model is fairly weak for the winter season but very strong for the summer season. That capability, just across the border, is non-existent. When you drive across the

good general field of study while he decided what he wanted to concentrate on. “At Fort Hare there is this peculiar wind that always

border and see these vagaries of drought, when you see

blows – a warm wind coming down the mountain. That

it in real life, you realise we have an obligation to try and

led me to an interest in climatology. But I was in university

help those entities – our compatriots and equivalents

because my interest in geography grew from the influ-

such as the weather services of Malawi, Tanzania and so

ence of very enthusiastic teachers.”

forth.” Before returning to take over as chief executive at

Armed with his degree, he got a teaching position in atmospheric sciences at Wits University. As an academic,

the national Weather Service, Lengoasa was deputy

he was determined to copy the teachers that helped

secretary general of the World Meteorological Society

him develop a love for learning. He worked hard not to

in Geneva. During his time there, the society initiated a

be someone who saw a pay cheque rather than the

project that urged weather services with the capability

eager minds desperate for knowledge.

to run models to provide their results to services without

“I remember we had a physics teacher in matric,

the capacity. “We are able to do that because we have

purportedly a teacher. There were four or five of us who

the capability and we are able to offer a product that is

wanted the class. He walked in, opened the textbook,

ready and fit for purpose for the forecaster that sits in a

looked at the first page and walked out. That was the

service that doesn’t have that.”

end of physics in my school.”

Cooperation is the future of the continent’s response to

Geography offered a similar experience he says. He

the effects of climate change, whether it is humanitarian

was in matric the year after the 1976 student uprising.

responses to extreme weather or designing infrastructure

Teachers were bused in from the suburbs and out again

that will withstand change. Lengoasa sees the benefits

at the end of the school day. “The guy we had would

the SAWS team can bring to partnerships. “We will work

transcribe the text book onto the chalkboard and ask us

in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, and

to take notes. Five of us split from that set up and basi-

with research institutions like the National Research

cally became self-taught. I think three of the five of us

Foundation. They’ll become critical partners in how we

managed to pass and get into university.”

tailor our products – data and services – so they’ll be fit for purpose.”

At university, motivated to ensure that no other children had to endure the same disinterested teachers, Lengoasa intended to work toward a teaching degree. “I regis-

Following a strange wind

tered for a teaching degree, but was hauled out of the

Lengoasa has a Master’s degree in climatology, the first

lecture hall by the professor of geography who decided I

black South African to attain the honour. He graduated

belonged in his department and insisted I come and do

from the University of Fort Hare, where he majored in

an honours degree.”

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

READ IT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET…

The Public Sector Manager magazine produced by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is targeted at middle and senior managers in the public sector, responsible for implementing government programmes and operations. The magazine helps public servants in understanding their mandate and share best practices in order to serve their country better. PSM critically examines issues of importance to senior public servants and the nation at large. In addition, PSM features various business and lifestyle features including travel, book and car reviews, financial fitness and healthy living – striking a balance between professional pressures and personal wellbeing. With PSM digital, you can get instant access to this content from your smartphone, tablet or computer – quick, easy and on the fly! Visit www.gcis.co.za for more information.

Nardine Nelson: 082 739 3932, nardine.nelson@topco.co.za

women in the public sector

Writer: Nolut hando Motswai

In search of investment T

shepiso Moahloli travels the

that has been raised over the years is

world in search of investment

due to difficult economic conditions.”

for South Africa.

As the Chief Director for Liability

Management with the National

Her aim is to reach a point where

not happen.” She did initially work in the competition and regulatory space,

“we start reducing the debt to ensure

and “while interesting, I found it to

debt sustainability and reduced debt

be quite micro-focussed. I always

Treasury, Moahloli’s job is to make

enjoyed the macroeconomic policy

sure that government is well funded

aspects more”.

so that it can provide for the needs of its citizens. The money raised funds the most needed of services and development projects − in infrastructure, health and education, among others. “I am responsible for financing the government’s gross borrowing requirement through the issuing of government securities, managing

“Women need to be aware of the challenges they face and take a leading role in driving the redress.”

the domestic debt capital market,

National Treasury came, Moahloli did not ask where and why, or pigeonhole herself. “I just went for it and saw it as an exploratory mission, which has been ongoing for the past seven years.” Moahloli has held various positions within the National Treasury, including being the analyst for Foreign Debt Management, the Director for

national government debt optimally, contributing to the development of

So when the opportunity to join the

burden for future generations”. The economy specialist holds a

Debt Issuance and Management, and the Director for Foreign Debt Management.

and broadening the investor base

Master of Economic Science degree

by developing and maintaining rela-

from the University of Witwatersrand

tions with both domestic and foreign

and is currently pursuing an Execu-

Creating role models

investors,” she says.

tive MBA at the University of Cape

Although Moahloli did not think of

Town’s Graduate School of Business.

her role in terms of gender when she

The 35-year-old, the first woman to

was appointed, she says that being

occupy the position, previously held by the likes of Reserve Bank Governor

Stumbling into finance

in her position has inspired her to

Lesetja Kganyago, stresses that her

A career in the financial sector was

consciously hire women to create

job comes with a huge responsibility.

not by design, she says, but was

an equitable pipeline for succession

Most of the national government

something she stumbled into. “I

planning for the role. In addition, it

debt is raised in the domestic and

studied economics up to Masters

contributes to having more women

international capital markets, which

level and thought I would be running

role models in positions that were

are influenced by many factors, she

economic models and making fore-

mostly occupied by males.

explains. “A huge amount of the debt

casts as my day job – but that did

“I believed I was competent and

Public Sector Manager • October 2017

Tshepiso Moahloli is t he Chief Director for Liability Management at National Treasur y.

felt proud that the organisation be-

in some of the meetings, dress in a

lic of South Africa in 2014. “I was

lieved that I could do this important

certain way − the only part of my

actively involved from regulatory and

job. It was only recently, when I was

body visible was my face. Although

tax changes; appointment of lead

at an event where most of the former

pre-warned, it was still such a shock.

arrangers; sourcing of the assets

holders of the role were present and

Something my colleagues would not

to structure the transaction, which

someone suggested we take a pic-

have to worry about.”

involved extensive consultations and

ture, that it dawned on me that I was the only female.” While her field is still male dominat-

negotiations; and marketing of the

Leading the team to greatness

transaction in the UK, Middle East and Asia.”

ed, the trend is improving, Moahloli

She is very proud of leading a team

says. “Women still have to push a

that executes award-winning bond

into an issuance of the US$500 mil-

lot to be recognised for their worth.”

transactions in the local and inter-

lion bond over more than five years

Time and again she is reminded that

national capital markets. “Best issuer

“With the issuance, National Treasury

she is a female in the profession. “In

awards in the local capital market

was able to set a new benchmark

meetings women still get interrupted

year in and year out. In 2016, we

for other issuers, diversify its funding

a lot − man-interruptions, as coined

were able to execute two transac-

sources and investor base.”

by the Harvard Business Review.

tions to the tune of US$4.25 billion

“Broadly, and I am sure it is across

in the international capital market

The four-year process culminated

Challenges on the job One of the challenges she experi-

various fields, women need to be

under difficult market conditions and

aware of the challenges they face

all won awards for best structuring

ences is to assure investors South

and take a leading role in driving the

and execution.”

Africa remains a viable investment

redress.”

Another of Moahloli’s successes

destination. “In an environment mired

was being part of the team that

by market, political and economic

colleagues to the Middle East: “I had

worked on the issuance of the debut

uncertainties that becomes a daunt-

to get permission in advance to be

Islamic Bond (Sukuk) for the Repub-

ing challenge.

She recalls a 2014 trip with male

Public Sector Manager • October 2017

women in the public sector

This and that How do you relax? I enjoy reading, meditation and exercise to keep the body in good shape. I can never say no to a day of pampering at the spa with friends. I also write poems.

“Organisations, including mine, are

young and senior people. “Employ-

responding to the difficult economic

ees work hard and are proud of the

environment by cutting costs, which

work they do and the impact they

in turn puts pressure on financial

are making.”

and human resources and forces

She has some advice for young

organisations to do more with less

people wanting to enter the profes-

and still achieve the objectives.”

sion; they must be willing to put the

Government is a huge machinery

effort, time and passion needed to

What is your favourite food?

and for it to work cohesively, col-

participate in any sector. “Be clear

laboration is critical in delivering the

about your goals and most impor-

My mum's food, definitely,

services to the people, Moahloli says.

tantly ask for help where needed

which is ting (sour porridge)

“This continuously poses a chal-

and enlist the support of mentors.”

and boiled free range chicken.

lenge to public sector managers,

For anyone to get to where she

Nothing beats homely food.

including myself, to continuously

is today, they need focus, determi-

If you were not in the finance

build skills and capacity to respond

nation, dedication, passion and,

field what would you be do-

adequately.”

most importantly, support of family,

ing? I am always fascinated and curious about human or organisational behaviours, so I would most likely be in psychology.

Your favourite book? The one that really heightened my awareness about female

colleagues and mentors, Moahloli

Proudly part of National Treasury

adds. “I met great people along the way who really helped steer my ship

Moahloli is a proud member of the

in the right direction when it mat-

National Treasury team. She says the

tered the most.”

organisation provides a dynamic,

She pays tribute to her mother and

exciting environment in which to

late grandmother for their tenacity

work. “The work is interesting and

and vision. “They were not educated

thought provoking. The people are

but they valued education and

leadership was Lean In: Women,

smart, relevant and are mostly there

understood the equalising power it

Work and the Will to Lead by

because they choose to be there

commands. They did not only value

Sheryl Sandberg, the chief

and they want to be there.”

education of the mind but of the

operating officer of Facebook. I am currently reading The Fifth

The National Treasury attracts diverse people and has a mixture of

heart as well, which is the essence of humanity.”

Discipline: The Art and Practice of a Learning Organisation by Peter Senge.

What is your favourite holiday destination? I absolutely love coastal towns. There is something refreshing about ocean water.

What is a slogan that you live by? Practise and embody what you preach.

Public Sector Manager • October 2017

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Writer: Nolut hando Motswai Photographer: Siyabulela Duda

trailblazer

Dr Ncumisa Jilata: a young brain of neurology Neurosurgeon Dr Ncumisa Jilata relishes the challenges that every new day offers, to help people on their paths to recovery.

t 29 Dr Ncumisa Jilata is one of Africa’s youngest neurosurgeons. Jilata, who is based at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, decided on her unusual career because she saw a huge need for such skills

in South Africa. “The trauma burden and the disease profile in South Africa is vast, and the ratio of neurosurgeon to patient is still quite scanty.” She also relished the challenge: “Of course this is a challenging field and served as the perfect platform to exercise [all my] intellectual capabilities.” Neurosurgeons investigate, diagnose and treat medical and surgical neurological structural abnormalities in the central nervous system, she explains. The central nervous system involves the brain, spinal cord and the peripheral nerves. “We are also passionately involved in the rehabilitation process of these patients, which involves a multidisciplinary team effort.” She qualified as a specialist in May this year. “It’s a lot of responsibility but it is equally exciting to have qualified,” Jilata says, adding that she feels very privileged to have been able to qualify as the youngest neurosurgeon. Jilata grew up in Southridge Park, Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape. The young specialist talks of the additional challenges of being a woman in a field where surgeons have traditionally been male. “One needs a thick skin to break through such barriers and show the public that it is normal in 2017 to have a neurosurgeon who is equally competent as [her] male counterparts.” As she discusses her belief that every patient deserves dignity and care, her passion for and pride in what she does is obvious. Jilata believes this type of care impacts positively on her patients’ recovery − the impact is usually recognisable when patients return to the outpatients clinic and express their gratitude.

Nothing typical about a day in neurology There is no such thing as a typical day at work, Jilata says, because every day is filled with different adventures. “We have a huge

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

tween reviewing the intensive care patient unit, which is

Impact of neurosurgery to the economy

where the postoperative patients who still need moni-

Neurosurgery has a positive impact on the economy,

toring [are nursed], and the severe traumatic head

and on the country, says Jilata.

spectrum of pathologies and the day is divided be-

injuries.” The allocation of patients as well as the assignment of

Neurosurgical conditions can be congenital or degenerative and affect people regardless of age or gen-

teaching the registrars and students is done in conjunc-

der. “If these conditions are left untreated, the results

tion with the head of department.

are usually debilitating. This of course would impact on

A ward round is followed by a schedule of operations, “where the surgeons operate on the elective patients”. The most common conditions Jilata comes across in

the economic productivity of the country.” Young people interested in a career in neurosurgery should work hard at getting into medical school, she

her work are mostly tumours in the cranial cavity or in

says. “There are eight medical schools in the country

the spinal canal.

and any of them is fine.”

“We also see a lot of vascular abnormalities [the

As of August 2017 there were 219 neurosurgeon

vessels that carry the blood around the body]. These

registered with the Health Professions Council of South

include patients who have had strokes that are respon-

Africa.

sive to surgical intervention; some may have bled while others may have had vascular compromise.” Some of the tumours have a genetic cause, while some of the strokes are related to the lifestyle of the patient, she notes.

To become a neurosurgeon, young people have to first complete an undergraduate degree which qualifies them to practice as a doctor. “Thereafter, one must complete a year of community service. This is followed by medical officer time and registrar time, which is the time in training to become a

Preventing brain injuries The one neurological condition that can be prevented

specialist.” She suggests writing the primary exams in surgery

is traumatic brain injury, Jilata says. “The most common

and applying for a post at a teaching hospital. “Where

causes of this are motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian-

there is a will there will always be an opportunity.”

vehicle accidents and assault.” She believes more attention should be drawn to this

Steve Biko Hospital is one of a kind

as such injuries are an important health concern and

Jilata loves being part of the Steve Biko Hospital family

contribute to the country’s health budget. “Awareness

because it’s one-of-a-kind. “The management of the

campaigns about road safety are definitely a great way

hospital epitomises the principles that Steve Biko him-

to decrease the incidence of traumatic head injuries.”

self would approve of.”

Non-trauma conditions, on the other hand, are “a bit

She adds: “This is the only hospital I have worked in

trickier, as one is usually not aware of the presence of

where the patient care department is really involved

the disease process until it presents itself clinically.”

and does everything possible to put the patients first

She advises people to be vigilant and aware of tell-tale signs like sudden headaches or headaches getting worse over time, changes in vision, or vomiting, along with any neurological changes like seizures or weakness of any limbs. If any of these signs are present, her advice is to seek medical attention immediately.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

despite limited resources. “This is a great teaching hospital and I am proud to have trained here.” Among her plans, Jilata wants to specialise further − in interventional neuroradiology, an interesting and delicate specialty that focuses on the vascular architecture of the central nervous system.

THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS SHARES ITS VISION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE POLITICAL TERM, 2014–2019 In an interview with Public Sector Manager, Department of

Statement do not deviate from the current trajectory that has been

Public Works Minister, Honourable Nkosinathi Nhleko, shared

set for the 5-year cycle. However, he indicated that the department

departmental key strategic and policy thrusts for the remainder of

and its entities needed to refocus in particular areas to give greater

his political term.

emphasis to addressing the needs of the South African public. He reiterated that as “we draw closer to the end of the electoral

He mentioned that there are no critical policy shifts as all strategic

cycle, there is a need to reflect upon the priorities and objectives

and policy initiatives are influenced by the National Development

of government as are largely contained in the NDP and MTSF.

Plan (NDP), the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and

Thus, we will be in a position to establish if we have indeed made

other national priorities of government. He emphasised the need

a meaningful contribution in this regard.

to finalise the implementation of key programmes which should be prioritised in the planning for the upcoming year.

Minister Nhleko emphasised that there is a need to align strategic programmes and objectives with the MTSF priorities as a way of

The minister’s policy statement focuses on five pillars that are priorities for the period under discussion. These are:

ensuring that there is continuous evaluation of impact on them.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND LEGISLATION

• Development of policy and legislation • Transformation of the property and construction sector

The minister noted the fact that “our pieces of legislation do

• Job creation

not recognise the current socio-economic challenges and the

• Improving the governance of entities

country’s future trajectory based on the policies of the ruling party.

• Building capacity within the department through internal

The department must move towards ensuring finalisation of White

strategic enablers

POLICY PRIORITIES

Paper review processes that should lead towards development of the Public Works Bill and Act”. He said that the finalisation of the White Paper should

In sharing the policy priorities of the department, Minister Nhleko

simultaneously inform the amendments to the legislation

emphasised that the priorities which are outlined in the Policy

governing the different entities reporting to the department, with specific reference to the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in particular. The review of these Acts must not only clarify the challenges in the regulatory environment, but most importantly address the low levels of transformation in the industry. The minister acknowledged progress made on the finalisation of the amendments to the Expropriation Bill in the past financial year and raised the importance of prioritising the public participation process to its successful conclusion so that the Bill may be submitted to the President for assent. He further explained that the Bill was a critical component of the radical economic transformation programme.

Minister of Public Works Nkosinathi Nhleko

ADVERTORIAL

TRANSFORMATION OF THE PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

create a baseline for measuring the extent of transformation and the department should consider reporting on progress made on an annual basis.

Minister Nhleko highlighted the fact that the department and its entities are still facing challenges in building a sustainable,

“We need to align our internal policies to the targets as set out in

competitive and transformed construction industry. His point of

the charters to ensure a seamless implementation of transformation

argument is with regard to monopolisation on the supply side of the

programmes,” he said.

industry, which has negative effects on the prices of materials. The implementation of socio-economic transformation will require a

He identified areas of concern that should be vigorously pursued to

dedicated commitment to programmes that are intended to ensure

drive the transformation agenda. These are:

that previously oppressed and disadvantaged individuals are also included in the development of the country.

• The development of enabling legislation for the entities to promote transformation.

Minister Nhleko acknowledged the progress achieved in finalising and launching of the Property Sector Codes and Charter, but also

• Obtaining approval on the Construction Sector Codes and the launching of the Codes and Charter.

expressed his desire to see a speedy finalisation of the same in

• Ensuring that all national standards for the planning design,

relation to the construction industry. He said that the two should

procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure are in line with the Charter.

ADVERTORIAL

• Integrating all initiatives aimed at transforming procurement processes. • Implementation of the Empowerment Policy, Sector Codes and Charter for Property and Construction. • Establishing partnerships with key role-players to ensure growth and participation across the sectors.

democracy and bringing about equity. He remarked that a number of Public Works Programmes were launched under the banner of Community-Based Public Works Programme (EPWP) and later the Expanded Public Works Programmes since 1994 to achieve this ideal, but the majority of South African people continue to live in poverty. And this must be tackled much more vigorously.

• The CBE has to mobilise the Building Energy Codes Programs (BECPs) to transform the built environment and to serve their

“In light of the persistently high rate of unemployment, EPWP and

legislative purposes.

Operation Phakisa must be a major priority designed to make a significant contribution to reducing unemployment and providing livelihoods for the poor, women, youth and people with disabilities.”

IMPROVING GOVERNANCE OF ENTITIES AND PROFESSIONAL COUNCILS Minister Nhleko raised the importance of Inter-Governmental Relations (IGR) and governance of entities as one of the critical factors towards the attainment of an effective and efficient development-oriented public service. The IGR function should develop an administrative model and strategy for the sector (including the entities). Serious consideration must be given to ensure seamless service delivery across the provinces, municipalities as well as department entities and Building Energy Codes Programs (BECPs).

JOB CREATION

The Governance, Risk and Compliance Branch, working with the IGR branch must conduct regular performance and compliance reviews

In order to successfully fight unemployment and poverty, the minister

of the entities in terms of relevant regulatory framework. This will be

feels that we need to be creative. Socio-economic transformation

informed by development and implementation of a governance model

imperatives are such that we require employment multipliers, as

and framework for the entities.

well as skills transfer programmes that are dedicated to enhancing

ADVERTORIAL

BUILDING CAPACITY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO DELIVER THROUGH INTERNAL STRATEGIC ENABLERS

• Audit and finalise the scoping and procurement of all Information Technology programmes to support change. • Launch and implement the Professional Services functions to build and create the capacity of the State to deliver.

The Minister emphasised the need to have systems and processes

• Conduct an analysis of cases in which the Ministry is involved and

that are aimed at supporting the implementation of the strategy.

utilise alternative dispute mechanisms to resolve the cases.

The strategy is meant at addressing both strategic and practical

• Categorise cases in terms of individual, small, micro and big

arrangements. Sustainability and growth will depend heavily on structural and institutional enhancements of the department.

enterprises to detect their effect on the growth of small and micro enterprises. • Monitor the implementation of the AG recommendations.

He further emphasised the need to continue with the implementation

• Development of the Communications and Marketing Strategy.

of the Seven-year Turn-around Plan and the current Annual

• Rebranding the image of the department and entities.

Performance Plans to improve the department’s operations. Some of the initiatives are already in motion, although they remain at various

CONCLUSION

stages of maturity. It is therefore important for all business units to implement the listed priorities while the Project Management Office

The Minister concluded by saying that he will ensure that his

(PMO) is also giving consideration to the following key enablers to

department’s Policy Statement is closely matched with the

support the priorities as listed below:

government-wide Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) in order to ensure that its strategy as a Ministry is aligned to the government

• Review the operating model of the Property Management Trading

priorities as contained in the National Development Plan.

Entity (PMTE). • Finalise the filling of all critical Executive Management positions

He said that the Policy Statement will also assist in developing the

and remove all positions additional to the establishment, irregular

department’s strategic and annual performance plans linked to the

secondments and contract positions.

budget process.

• Finalise the Change Management process in the department to ensure stability and continuity. • Finalise the establishment of the Programme Management Office and ensure that it is fully capacitated.

“Even though there are no drastic changes, there is a need to ensure that we refocus our approach to our strategic imperatives of radical economic transformation, inclusive growth and job creation.”

• Finalise all outstanding business processes and operating procedures.

Contact Details: Head Office: Department of Public Works 256 Madiba Street Central Government Offices( CGO) Pretoria 0001 • Website: www.publicworks.gov.za • Tel: 012 406 1831 • Email: dg.pa@dpw.gov.za DepPublicWorks

Department of Public Works

Writer: *Sihle Zikalala

PROVINCIAL FOCUS

Tourism to boost KZN economy

he KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Government has positioned

to enjoy the warm Indian Ocean.

tourism as one of the mainstay economic sectors

Our subtropical weather patterns make the province

with the potential to unleash massive business and

very popular with visitors from colder regions. Here they

employment opportunities in a sustainable fashion. Tourism is the sector that continues to be prioritised by

can explore the coastal splendour that features warm beaches from the south coast up to the north, where it

many nations of the world that have acknowledged its

becomes part of the United Nations protected biodiver-

resilience and impact on economic growth in the face of

sity haven of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, home to world-

global and regional market turbulence.

class game parks, such as the Umfolozi-Hluhluwe and

This is a fact attested to by the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation’s report, which points out that tour-

Tembe Elephant Park. This is where travellers looking for a unique safari experi-

ism is not only growing rapidly in terms

ence are spoilt for choice as they get

of the numbers of people travelling to

to see the Big Five and other game.

various destinations, but also contrib-

Equally, those interested in marine life

utes significantly to the socio-economic

can catch a glimpse of various coral

wellbeing of the host nations and the

species of fish, dolphins, whales, sharks

world in general.

and giant turtles.

Over the past 10 years this industry

The hinterland equally boasts numer-

has grown from $6.03 trillion to $7.61 tril-

ous tourism attractions, such as the

lion last year − with advanced countries

spectacular uKhahlamba-Drakensberg

in Europe, North America and Asia lead-

World Heritage Site, the plateau-shaped

ing the pack in terms of attracting more visitors and revenue because of their improved travel services and critical

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Af fairs, Sihle Zikalala.

facilities that appeal to tourists.

Midlands Meander and the battlefields – all providing a unique tourism experience. These range from energy driven

activities, such as hiking, gorge swings, rock climbing,

The emerging economies, including our own continent

snow skiing and gliding as well as 4x4 mountain driving

− Africa, have also registered considerable growth rates,

through the fascinating Sani Pass that links the province

having noted the importance of investing in tourism-

to neighbouring Lesotho.

related infrastructure to be able to claim their equitable slice from tourism benefits.

KZN a holiday mecca

Improving infrastructure to boost tourism Working with stakeholders, we continue to improve our

In KZN we are investing our energies on a variety of at-

infrastructure to enable our tourism industry to grow in

tractions that make the province an attractive darling of

leaps and bounds.

visitors wishing to explore our natural topographic and cultural beauty. The eastern seaboard of the province is renowned for

As part of our endeavours to boost tourism, we have decided to prioritise the upgrade of our regional airports. Just recently, we launched the rehabilitation of

its all-year round clement weather, making it a holiday

the Mkhuze Airport runway, a move which will, without

mecca for domestic and international tourists − all eager

a doubt, see the airport playing an enormous role in

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

unleashing economic opportunities for the district of uMkhanyakude.

In this regard, inclusive growth becomes key. The World Economic Forum’s 2017 Inclusive Growth and Develop-

The Mkhuze Airport is strategically located in the prime

ment Report argues that when we look at the concept

tourism destination of the uMkhanyakude District which

of inclusive growth, we should consider it as a strategy

has the highest concentration of game reserves in the

to increase the extent to which the economy’s top-line

country. These include Thanda, Phinda, uMkhuze, Pon-

performance is translated into the bottom-line result soci-

gola, Hluhluwe, Leopard Mountain, Rhino River, Bayete

ety is seeking, i.e., broad-based expansion of economic

Zulu and Tembe Elephant Park, among others.

opportunity and prosperity.

Within the bigger picture of the airport development,

The task of the tourism sector and, by extension, key

we want to see a more integrated collaborative ap-

players in this sector, is to ensure that while we grow and

proach with the many public and private reserves and

develop this sector, our ultimate objective is for tourism to

lodges in the area, many of which have their own air

contribute positively to our national economic perfor-

strips, to consider using Mkhuze Airport as their primary

mance, get our people out of poverty and, critically, as-

port of call. The airport can serve all the reserves and

sist us in building a national democratic society charac-

other organisations in the area.

terised by unity, equality and prosperity.

A prime model we follow is Skukuza Airport, which

While our department and Tourism KZN run pro-

serves not only the Kruger National Park but many of the

grammes to empower emerging black-owned tourism

other surrounding reserves, and Ezemvelo Wildlife can

businesses, this intervention alone is not enough to

assist with this. We do not only want Mkhuze Airport to

address true transformation in tourism. We are working

cater for the overflow from the Kruger National Park, but

closely with all tourism stakeholders to ensure that there

to create its own globally recognised identity, where in-

is commitment, not only with regard to job creation, but

ternational tourists can be flown into King Shaka Interna-

to ensuring active and meaningful participation of black

tional Airport and directed to Mkhuze for a better safari

businesses in major tourism transactions, as well as tour-

experience.

ism investments made in the province.

Transforming tourism

tries within the travel and tourism sector, we are pleased

We strongly believe that it will be a futile exercise for

about the progress we have recorded in transforming the

government to invest all its resources to improve the

meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibition industry.

While work is ongoing in transforming various indus-

performance of tourism in our province, without also ad-

We will also continue to seek out events that attempt to

dressing what should be everyone’s priority − the transfor-

transform the tourism sector through support for histori-

mation of the tourism sector.

cally disadvantaged groups seeking to enter it, thereby

We need to transform this sector precisely because it makes logical sense to get more people into the main-

ensuring the spread of benefits from tourism-related businesses to rural and township areas.

stream economy than to have a majority that sits on the periphery or only occupies the lower rungs of the economy because that is a recipe for disaster.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

*Sihle Zikalala is the KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

In other news

Source: SAnews

Tackling gender-based violence munities. We are putting our people

ing to the health of the victim;

first…we are confirming their dignity

• The investigation should be con-

and human rights. We are frankly

ducted by the Family Violence,

saying, in us, in your government,

Child Protection and Sexual

you have a reliable group of people

Offences Investigation Unit or a

committed to making your life bet-

detective with relevant training;

ter,” Minister Mbalula said. The Six-Point Plan includes that: • All victims should be treated with

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has

• The families and victims of sexual offences, femicide and infanticide should all be referred to

respect, dignity and interviewed

victim support services that are

by a trained police official in a

available within the precinct for

victim sensitive manner;

legal, medical, social and psy-

• Victims should be assisted in a

chological help; and

launched a Six-Point Plan to guide

victim-friendly room or an alterna-

police on how to treat victims of

tive room where the statement

given feedback on the progress

gender-based violence.

will be taken in private or other

of their cases on a continuous

location providing victim support

basis.

The plan will guide the police on how to behave, what to do and how to do it when it comes to issues

services; • Victims will be referred/taken

• Victims should be proactively

Minister Mbalula said each police station will have the six points

of sexual offences and domestic

for medical examination by a

posted visibly at the station and that

violence.

healthcare professional to obtain

awareness has been created and a

medical evidence and complete

national instruction prepared in this

a medical report, including see-

regard.

“The Six-Point Plan will be a concise guide for both our police and com-

Madiba’s centenary to be celebrated Celebrations to mark the centenary

try’s commemoration programme to

Minister Nathi Nhleko, Defence and

of South Africa’s first democratic

ensure that the legacy and heritage

Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe

President, Nelson Mandela, will take

of Madiba is celebrated in a befitting

Mapisa-Nqakula, Cooperative Gov-

place next year.

manner in 2018.

ernance and Traditional Affairs Minis-

The IMC comprises about 12 Minis-

ter Des van Rooyen, Basic Education

pointed an Inter-Ministerial Commit-

ters and will be chaired by Minister in

Minister Angie Motshekga, Water and

tee (IMC) to plan and coordinate

The Presidency for Planning, Monitor-

Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokon-

the historic centenary celebrations of

ing and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe.

yane, Sport and Recreation Minister

President Jacob Zuma has ap-

Tata Madiba.

Others who form part of the IMC

Thulas Nxesi, Police Minister Fikile

include Arts and Culture Minister

Mbalula, Higher Education and Train-

away in 2013, would have turned 100

Nathi Mthethwa, International Rela-

ing Minister Bonginkosi Nzimande,

years old on 18 July 2018.

tions and Cooperation Minister Maite

and Communications Minister

Nkoana-Mashabane, Public Works

Ayanda Dlodlo.

The former President, who passed

The IMC will coordinate the coun-

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

SA to conduct TB Prevalence Survey South Africa is conducting a TB

Communicable Diseases will conduct

Prevalence Survey to establish the

the survey.

true burden of the disease and

The 2017 TB Prevalence Survey will

to participate in the survey. “Clearly identifiable fieldworkers will be deployed into selected areas

ultimately strengthen TB control in the

be held nationally, with a representa-

to interview and collect data,” the

country.

tive sample of approximately 55 000

department said.

According to the World Health

adults identified, sampled from 110

The Department of Health has re-

Organisation (WHO), South Africa

population clusters, and will take

corded successes in TB control, such

ranks among 22 high-burden

about 24 months to complete.

as routine TB cases screening and

countries and contributes to about 80 percent of the total global burden

The survey kicked off in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, in August.

the launch of a massive TB screening campaign, which has seen over

The Department of Health said it

500 000 people being screened, as

has planned various social mobilisa-

well as scaling up rapid diagnostic

Council, Medical Research

tion activities intended to reach out

technology (Xpert MTB/RIF) for im-

Council, and National institute of

to communities and encourage them

proved diagnosis of TB.

of all TB cases. The Human Sciences Research

Top honours for SADC journalists The Southern African Development

world is misinformed on what takes

by Gasietsiwe Moruakgomo from the

Community (SADC) honoured jour-

place in the region,” he said.

Republic of Botswana for his entry on

nalists in the region during an awards

Flying the South African flag high at

ferry transport linking Botswana and

ceremony to recognise those who

the awards ceremony, South Africans

excel in the profession.

Msibi Nkosini Samuel and Dennis

Communications Minister Ayanda

Zambian journalist Patson Phiri won

Zambia in Kasane.

Tshetlhane both won US$2 000 in

Dlodlo said the awards serve as a link

the top prize in the print category

the television category, for their story

for coordination and synchronisa-

at the awards, which were held in

which looked at the illicit trade of

tion between the formal structures of

Tshwane recently. The ceremony was

minerals in the SADC region and the

SADC member states and the media.

part of the 37th SADC Summit, hosted

growing number of illegal miners

by South Africa as the incoming chair

operating in South Africa.

of the regional body.

“Illegal mining is a very hot topic

“These awards further seek to bring and enhance partnerships between media and government institutions

in our country right now, especially

in advancing the achievements and

his entry on cascading energy and

when you look at the economic

good stories of this region in bettering

how challenges are being addressed

impact it has on communities,” said

the lives of its citizens.”

to put the region back on the indus-

Tshetlhane.

Phiri walked away with US$ 2 000 for

trial revolution rails.

Other winners included Aristides Kito

Minister Dlodlo said SADC countries needed to work together to popular-

Afonso Jorge from Angola, who won

ise the projects that are underway in

nalists of the Southern African region,

US$2 000 in the radio category. His

the region.

tell our own stories. Many times, we

entry highlighted the importance of

are engulfed in news packaged by

conservation and the protection of

work of SADC can be visible. We need

foreign news agencies, and the verge

cultural heritage in Southern Africa as

more African voices to tell SADC sto-

of distortion and the appetite for

a factor for regional integration.

ries. Africa is rising and we need to tell

“It is very important that we, as jour-

distortion is quite high. As a result, the

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

The photography category was won

“It is through the media that the

that story,” she added.

VITAL STATS

Compiled by: Irene Naidoo

Fast facts at your fingertips As the country celebrates Tourism Month, PSM takes a look at the latest figures on tourism and migration released by Statistics South Africa.

 The highest increase (175.7

 In June 2017, 3 192 858 travellers (arrivals, departures and transits) passed through South Africa’s

2016 to 499 in June 2017). Tourists from Kenya increased by

2016 to 5 710 in June 2017.

8.3 percent (from 1 882 in June

 Tourists from France also

2016 to 2 039 in June 2017).

increased (29.3 percent) from

 The countries of origin of 955

5 792 in June 2016 to 7 491 in

tourists were unspecified.

June 2017.

 About three quarters, 528 727 (74.6 percent) of tourists used

 Tourists from SADC (544 900) increased by 0.7 percent from

road transport and about one

were South African residents

541 262 in June 2016. The high-

quarter, 180 091 (25.4 percent)

and 2 280 484 foreign travellers.

est increase of 13.7 percent

used air transport.

was among tourists from

 Those who used sea transport

were made up of 72 383 non-

Angola (from 2 474 in June

amounted to 160 (less than 0.1

visitors and 1 082 675 visitors. Of

2016 to 2 813 in June 2017).

percent).

the visitors, 373 697 who arrived

 Tourists from Mozambique in-

 The majority of tourists, 683 466

departed on the same day,

creased by 12.8 percent (from

(96.4 percent) were on holiday,

while 708 978 stayed overnight

91 574 in June 2016 to 103 283

while 21 884 (3.1 percent)

(tourists).

in June 2017).

and 3 628 (0.5 percent) came

 By June 2017, tourists had in-

 Tourists from other African

for business and for study

creased by 2.5 percent from

countries (11 387), decreased

691 414 in June 2016.

by 16 percent from 13 549 in

 Tourists were made up of

June 2016.

 Overseas tourists (151 736) increased by 11.8 percent from 135 780 in June 2016.

percent) was among tourists from Brazil, from 2 071 in June

ports of entry. Of these, 912 374

 The 1 155 058 foreign arrivals

from Egypt (from 449 in June

 The highest increase, of 11.1 percent, was among tourists

purposes, respectively. 401 957 (56.7 percent) males and 307 021 (43.3 percent) females.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS

Compiled by: Irene Naidoo

6th Biennial South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association Conference 23−27 October 2017

innovative platforms will be used, including capacity-

The South African Monitoring and Evaluation Associa-

by monitoring and evaluation students, researchers,

tion (SAMEA) will host the 6th Biennial SAMEA Confer-

practitioners and professionals.

ence. This conference is a key pillar of the SAMEA strategy to

building workshops, paper presentations, panel discussions, vibrant networking sessions and exhibitions

Through the theme of the conference, “Purpose-driven Monitoring and Evaluation”, there will be valuable en-

broaden the evaluation community and increase com-

gagement on how evaluation should be responsive to

mitment amongst evaluation users and decision-makers

different needs and contexts.

to use quality evidence for informed decision-making. Over 500 participants from diverse constituencies are expected at this year's event. A variety of creative and

The event takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, from 23 to 27 October 2017. For more information, go to www.samea.org.za

IUSSP International Population Conference 29 October − 4 November 2017 Statistics South Africa will host the 28th International Population Conference of the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP). The IUSSP International Population Conference is a major international event attracting over 2 000 scientists, policy makers and practitioners in the global population community who are expected to address issues of common concern. The conference takes place once every four years, providing a unique forum for population experts to take stock of recent research on population trends and issues and to debate possible actions and policy responses to the challenges posed by population phenomena. Plenary debates and panel discussions will focus on population and sustainable development issues and there will be over 240 scientific sessions featuring the results of recent research from around the globe. The conference takes places at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 29 October to 4 November 2017. For more information, go to www.iussp.org

3rd Agricultural Extension Week Conference 30 October − 3 November 2017 The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in partnership with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE), will host an international conference that will bring together extension and ad-

ing up Climate Smart Agriculture: Integrating youth,

visory services practitioners, farmers, researchers, and

women, and the digital revolution'.

institutions of higher learning from across Africa. The AFAAS is a continental platform for mutual learn-

The theme was selected in recognition of the impact climate change is having on resource-poor African

ing and innovation among agricultural extension and

farmers and increasingly contributing to food losses

advisory service providers across Africa. The SASAE is a

along the whole value chain.

scientific society that is committed to the promotion of

The conference takes place at the Southern Sun Elan-

science and vocation of agricultural extension, through

geni & Maharani Hotel in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from

its members.

30 October to 3 November 2017.

The conference will be hosted under the theme: 'Scal-

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

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

The merSETA 2017 Gauteng Region

Annual General Meeting

6 October 2017 Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo

CELEBRATE HERITAGE MONTH Through training today’s workers for tomorrow. Heritage Day - 24th September 2017 WE CARE:

It’s about caring for people we render services to.

WE BELONG:

It’s about working together with colleagues.

WE SERVE:

It’s about going beyond the call of duty.

LEADERS IN CLOSING TH

HEAD OFFICE merSETA House, 95 7th Avenue, Cnr Rustenburg Road Melville Johannesburg, 2092 Tel: 010 219 3000 Fax: 086 673 0017 EASTERN CAPE

The merSETA is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established to promote skills development in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1988 (as amended). The 21 SETAs broadly reﬂect different sectors of the South African economy. The merSETA encompasses Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services. The various industry sectors are covered by ﬁve chambers within the merSETA: Metal and Engineering, Auto Manufacturing, Motor Retail and Components Manufacturing, New Tyre Manufacturing and Plastics Manufacturing.

14-20 Pickering Street Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, 6045 Tel: 0861 637 734 Fax: 041 363 0144 GAUTENG SOUTH merSETA House, 95 7th Avenue, Cnr Rustenburg Road Melville Johannesburg, 2092 Tel: 010 219 3000 Fax: 086 673 0017 GAUTENG NORTH & NORTH WEST Automotive Supplier Park, 30 Helium Road Rosslyn Ext. 2 Pretoria, 0200 Tel: 0861 637 731 Fax: 0866 700299 FREE STATE & NORTHERN CAPE 46 Second Avenue Westdene Bloemfontein, 9300 9b Roper Street Kimberley, 8301 Tel: 0861 637 733 Fax: 051 447 8873

TRAINING TODAY’S WORKERS FOR TOMORROW

KWAZULU-N ATAL 149 Essenwood, 149 Stephen Dlamini Road Musgrave Durban, 4001 Tel: 086 163 7736 Fax: 031 201 8732 LIMPOPO & MPUMALANGA 1st Floor, No.8 Corridor Crescent Route N4 Business Park Ben Fleur Ext 11, Witbank, 1040 Tel: 0861 637 735 Fax: 013 656 4629 WESTERN CAPE

w www.merseta.org.za

Bella Rosa Road, Bellville, 7530

merSETA Social

@mersetasocial

THE SKILLS GAP

Tel: 0861 637 732 Fax: 021 914 8131 CALL CENTRE Tel: 086 163 7732 info@merseta.org.za www.merseta.org.za

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

SA vows to build SADC brand

Former SADC c hair King Mswati III of Swaziland, wit h t he new c hair President Jacob Zuma and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane at t he 37 t h SADC Summit.

resident Jacob Zuma, who has taken over as chair-

mies, and create a larger market that improves the

person of Southern African Democratic Commu-

region’s prospects of attracting investment,” he noted.

nity (SADC), intends to grow intra-regional trade,

which remains under 20 percent, and build the regional

Driving industrialisation

brand towards diversifying and expanding value chains.

In his acceptance speech, the President outlined the

South Africa took over the chair from Swaziland during

country’s strategy and key projects for the term, which he

the recent 37th SADC Summit in Tshwane and, over the

said, will strategically advance and drive regional and

next year, will be responsible for several programmes of

continental industrialisation and integration.

the regional body, which is celebrating 25 years of existence. The SADC chairpersonship, on a one-year-term basis, rotates among the bloc's member states. President Zuma said South Africa’s theme for its chair tenure is ‘Partnering with the private sector in developing

“The key activities during our chairpersonship will be the development of a high-impact Annual Operation Plan, with targeted interventions and public policy tools to foster the development of regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and mineral beneficiation.”

industry and regional value chains’. This theme seeks to

South Africa will promote a member state-driven pro-

build momentum and continuity in the collective aspira-

cess, through the Industrial Development Forum, to iden-

tion towards regional sustainable economic develop-

tify cross-border projects that will strengthen regional

ment and industrialisation.

value chains and contribute to the development of the

“Our cooperation, as a region, will allow our economies to overcome the challenge of small, fragmented econo-

region. The achievement of this will require a functional regional market, which is key to stimulating investment.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

“We will need to ensure that we find an effective way of promoting a

public and private sectors. “We therefore need to leverage

Food security President Zuma said South Africa will

infrastructure spend to fast track

work closely with the SADC com-

promotes certainty and stability. The

the process of structural transforma-

munity in developing and rolling out

implementation of commitments un-

tion in our economy,” said President

a strategy to prevent, monitor and

der the Trade Protocol have to be an

Zuma.

deal with destructive invasive spe-

rules-based trade environment that

integral part of this agenda, so as

Currently, the nature of funding or

cies. The Food and Agricultural Or-

to create an integrated market that

loans from international coopera-

ganisation (FAO) and other related

is conducive to the development

tive partners comes with restrictive

organisations in SADC will be part of

of regional value chains,” President

conditions. President Zuma said this

this process.

Zuma told the summit.

needed to change so that the re-

Building capacity As a contribution towards capac-

gion could take the lead in mobilis-

enced natural disasters and felt

ing resources to fund its projects.

the impact of trans-boundary pests

“This is a key element towards the

ity building, South Africa will − in

region’s ambitions of having its own

addition to the initiative started by

Regional Development Fund,” he

Swaziland on the establishment

said.

of the University of Transformation

The region has recently experi-

The fund will serve as start-up capi-

such as the Fall Army Worm and Tuta Absoluta. South Africa has also committed to lead the region towards broadening integration through the estab-

− introduce a new programme to

tal for regional programmes and

lishment of the Tripartite Free Trade

develop capacity in industrial policy

projects in the various sectors.

Area and the Continental FTA.

making and implementation for

South Africa is also proposing the

South Africa recently appended its

establishment of an Inter-State Natu-

signature to the agreement estab-

ral Gas Committee to share lessons

lishing the TFTA, thereby becoming

which has been identified as a key

for regional gas development and

the 19th member state out of 26

driver of industrialisation, South

to prepare for the development of

nations to do so.

Africa has identified an important

the wider gas economy.

senior officials in the SADC region. With regards to infrastructure,

South Africa will also push for the

gap created by the lack of funding

Industrialists have indicated that

for bankable projects from both the

southern Africa is most likely sitting

negotiations in SADC. Prioritised sec-

on massive natural gas reserves of

tors include construction, commu-

more than 600 trillion cubic feet,

nication, transport, finance, energy

which the region must exploit to re-

and tourism.

duce a heavy reliance on biomass energy. “The inclusion and promotion of

The outgoing SADC chair, King Mswati III of Swaziland, thanked member states for their support

gas into the regional energy mix will

during his country’s tenure, saying

facilitate an increase in universal

chairing the organisation gave

access to energy, as well as indus-

them “a sense of pride” as a nation.

trial development in SADC.” This will attract private sector

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

conclusion of the Trade in Services

The summit also saw the admission of the Union of the Comoros to

investment and help boost region-

the organisation, bringing the total

wide energy infrastructure and

membership of the SADC family to

maintenance projects.

16 member states.

feature

Writer: Nolut hando Motswai

Celebrating 20 years of Batho Pele

An ideal public servant is someone who is proud to serve; happy, motivated, energetic, forward-thinking, ethical and professional, says the Deputy Minister of the Department of Public Service and Administration Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.

his year marks 20 years of the

as 2016 is that the 2017 celebrations

include providing a mechanism to

Department of Public Service

take into account the reflection on

assess the quality of service delivery

and Administration (DPSA)

the 20th anniversary of our Batho

with a view of investigating whether

implementing the principles of Batho

Pele policy launched in 1997,â&#x20AC;? says

Batho Pele principles are being ap-

Pele; an anniversary that takes place

DPSA Deputy Minister Dipuo Letsatsi-

plied and not being compromised

during Public Service Month in Sep-

Duba.

in the administration of service

tember.

September highlights government

delivery. One such programme is Pro-

services, celebrating the commit-

ject Khaedu, for senior and middle

er Moving the Public Service For-

ment, dedication and, excellence

managers, which aims to survey the

ward: We Belong, We Care, and We

of public servants who go the

effectiveness of Batho Pele.

Serve', in keeping with the principles

extra mile in the delivery of public

outlined in the Batho Pele policy.

services.

The theme for the month is 'Togeth-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rationale for the same theme

Programmes identified for this year

The department will also facilitate an integrated strategic platform to review service delivery imperatives

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

and challenges in order to enhance

cal and professional. “To have the

the quality and efficiency of the

ideal public servant will take time

work done by the public sector.

because we come from a painful

tates participants to the public

past,” she adds.

service: how the public service is

The DPSA will share some highlights and celebrate individuals who

diploma or degree. “The five-day programme orien-

organised and the way the public

who are committed deserve to be

Improving service delivery

celebrated and honoured. Being in

The National School of Government

and principles governing public

the public service is a calling,” says

(NSG) “aims to build the capacity of

administration found in Chapter 10

Deputy Minister Letsatsi-Duba.

the state to improve service delivery

of the Constitution of the Republic

in communities”. It was set up to

of South Africa.”

excel in their day-to-day work. “Those

The delivery of goods and services

service functions. Underpinning the programme are the basic values

from the state should be seen as a

provide and facilitate training and

partnership, says Deputy Minister

education in the public service.

the Executive Induction Programme

Letsatsi-Duba, who called on the

Building capable leaders is a

(EIP), for salary levels 15−16. This pro-

Another leadership programme is

public to support and respect the

gramme was piloted in March 2016,

work of public servants. “As a coun-

with the inaugural EIP taking place

try, we need to forge partnerships so that the community and public servants work together.” Any service is a two-way process, with both parties cooperating, so “everybody has

“Being in the public service is a calling.”

a role”, says the Deputy Minister. There are many factors that con-

in March 2017. The EIP is directed to capacitating newly-appointed Directors-General and Heads of Department from both national and provincial spheres. “The goal of EIP is not only to

focus area of the NSG and this

familiarise participants with their

tribute to perfection to the public

is done through various courses

specific work environments, but also

service, she adds. An important

aimed at enhancing leadership

to inspire participants to build a

factor is that public servants under-

capabilities in the public service.

public service which responds effec-

stand their role in order to improve

One need not be in a high ranking

tively and as a collective. It is about

the service. Another is understand-

position in order to be called a lead-

building a capable and committed

ing the mandate of the present

er, says the Deputy Minister: “Leader-

public service cadre with the neces-

government.

ship potential exists amongst the

sary knowledge, skills, values and

most junior positions found within

attitudes to perform tasks effectively.”

Public servants need to be aware of the impact that they have, they

the public service.”

provide for customers both internal

Barriers to Entry into Public Service

An efficient, effective public service

and external – it’s how the Batho

(BB2E), aims to capacitate unem-

Deputy Minister Letsatsi-Duba also

Pele principles link together.

ployed graduates. It is an orientation

adds that her department is re-

The ideal public servant, the Depu-

programme aimed at improving the

quired to implement and coordinate

ty Minister suggests, is someone who

knowledge and skills of unemployed

interventions aimed at achieving an

is proud to serve, happy, motivated,

graduates and newly-appointed

efficient, effective and development-

energetic, forward-thinking, ethi-

departmental interns with a national

oriented public service.

need to look at the benefits they

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

A key NSG programme, Breaking

feature

With that in mind, the DPSA has

effective implementation of service

viding better service, cutting costs,

developed extensive policies and

delivery. “Human resource profession-

improving conditions, streamlining

legislation to guide performance

als need to be equipped to enforce

and generally making changes ties

practices. This legislative framework

rules and implement administrative

in with the spirit of Batho Pele. Good

compels national and provincial

processes, but also to advise senior

leadership is a critical ingredient for

departments to implement strategies

management on all aspects of stra-

a successful organisation. Organisa-

to professionalise the public service,

tegic human resource management

tions who do well in serving their cus-

and so improve service delivery.

and development.”

tomers can demonstrate that they have leaders who lead by example,

“However, many departments fail to implement these frameworks. As a

Solving challenges

who set the vision, and ensure that

result, the public service continues to

“My message to public servants is

the strategy for achieving the vision is

face substantial challenges around

that problems we come across are

owned by all and properly deployed

recruiting competent senior manag-

for all of us to solve,” says the Deputy

throughout the organisation. They

ers and developing them to be able

Minister. She adds that running a

take an active role in the organisa-

to carry out the mandate of govern-

state is complex, so “finding a solu-

tion’s success.

ment effectively.”

tion would be to do more research

The National Development Plan asserts that an improved human resource capacity is critical for the

“Let us be proud of our work,” she

on how government departments

adds. “We are here to serve with

are structured”.

honour, dignity and pride. Serving is

Finding innovative new ways of pro-

an honour.”

The Batho Pele principles

Information

The Batho Pele vision is to create a better life for all

Citizens should be given full, accurate informa-

South Africans, through implementing the eight guiding

tion about the public services they are entitled to

principles.

receive.

Consultation

Openness and transparency

Citizens should be consulted about the level and quality

Citizens should be told how national and provincial

of the public services they receive and, wherever possible,

departments are run, how much they cost, and who

should be given a choice about the services that are of-

is in charge.

fered.

Redress

Service standards

If the promised standard of service is not delivered,

Citizens should be told what level and quality of public

citizens should be offered an apology, a full explana-

services they will receive so that they are aware of what to

tion and a speedy and effective remedy; and when

expect.

the complaints are made, citizens should receive a

Access

sympathetic, positive response.

All citizens should have equal access to the services to

Value for money

which they are entitled.

Public services should be provided economically

Courtesy

and efficiently in order to give citizens the best pos-

Citizens should be treated with courtesy and consideration.

sible value for money.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

Integrated Reporting Awards

15 November 2017 Montecasino Fourways Johannesburg MC/Entertainer

Nik Rabinowitz Keynote speaker

Isaac Shongwe

Benchmark yourself against the leaders, the 2016 winners Vodacom Group Ltd (Overall winner)

Nedbank Group Ltd (Top 40)

York Timbers Holdings Ltd (Fledgling AltX) Swaziland Sugar Association (Regional)

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Transnet SOC Ltd (Large state-owned)

Foskor (Pty) Ltd (Non-listed)

ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd (Small cap)

Sasria SOC Ltd (Small state-owned)

Gautrain Management Agency (Public sector)

CANSA (NPO)

2017 judges Johann Neethling (Director) Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa

Prof Warren Maroun Wits School of Accountancy

Leigh Roberts (CEO) Integrated Reporting Committee (SA)

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For further information and to enter visit www.chartsec.co.za or contact Ann Westwood on 083 300 1452/ann@chartsec.co.za Entries close 30 September 2017

feature opinion

Writer: *Adv Sonwabile Mancotywa

Time to liberate our heritage

t is a known fact that South Africa bristled itself out of

of our heritage, despite the bad memories that it may

a past that is still uncomfortable to talk about.

evoke.

The struggle for freedom took nearly 400 years, start-

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Or-

ing with the resistance battles between traditional lead-

ganisation (UNESCO), at its 33rd General Conference in

ers and settlers and evolving into several epochs that left

October 2005, recognised liberation struggle heritage as

our history crisscrossed with painful memories.

being of universal value and significance. This year marks

The most recent freedom fight, against the oppressive

the 12th anniversary of this resolution and South Africans

apartheid government evoked worldwide sympathy and

are able to reflect on a number of milestones that have

left generations of South Africans traumatised.

been recorded by the National Heritage Council (NHC),

It gave rise to an army of activists and unleashed emo-

an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, as the

tions so deep that they remain an indelible part of our

implementing agency of the programme on behalf of

nation.

South Africa.

It is little wonder the people who were left battered and bloody by their hard-won freedom wanted every shred of

Struggle heritage

evidence of those dark, oppressive times expunged.

Before, it was recognised by UNESCO, liberation struggle

People rejected anything that degraded the indig-

heritage was uncharted territory in the heritage sector.

enous people of this country and the deliberate apathy

The journey of recording one of the longest resistance

slowly eroded the interest in that era of our history.

and liberation struggles ever waged by a nation that

Today, however, reality poses a totally different scenario and I believe we have to preserve our history as part

emerged peacefully to adopt a democratic dispensation was punctuated with valuable lessons.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

In many ways, the liberation struggle history of South

and heritage significance. The LHR reflects the supreme

Africa had a global impact. The eyes of the world were

sacrifice for freedom by South Africans. It is about the

on South Africa because our political developments

recognition of people, communities, events, places, icons

would have a direct impact on other countries. This and

and the recording of epoch-making stories which had

other factors made the liberation journey of this country

a significant impact on the South African struggle for

particularly significant.

liberation.

We may have been despondent about the history as

The project is a post-liberation agenda to symbolise the

it was during the struggle but its value to the nation has

national liberation struggle and fight against forgetting

multiplied. The significance and value of this history will

the critical milestones that mapped the way to the free-

continue to increase for future generations. It will be re-

dom of the country. Through the LHR, government seeks

grettable if the current generation does not fully embrace

to document and preserve the memory of the liberation

the responsibility to preserve this history as one of the

struggle through research and identify and protect herit-

most defining features of the nation.

age sites.

The destruction of property as valuable as the apart-

The LHR is about telling a coherent story of the road to

heid statues and the City Hall in Bloemfontein was a sad

freedom and to symbolise the eminence of the liberatory

awakening.

stories.

One of the means to ensure that the liberation his-

The challenge that was discovered along this journey

tory remains a distinct public memory is to consciously

of preserving the resistance and liberation heritage is the

embed symbols that signify critical turning points and

lack of a consolidated and coherent national plan that

properly document the information in all forms possible.

would guide all the role players on the strategic vision of

The need for public involvement in this process cannot

this agenda.

be underestimated. As a nation, we need to come to a

Fortunately, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi

realisation that this is important in defining who we are

Mthethwa, has taken the lead to ensure that not only

and where we come from. This self-discovery will lead us

South Africa, but southern African countries, come to-

to appreciate the undiscovered treasures that lie dor-

gether to develop a strategy that will ensure we work as a

mant in our liberation heritage.

collective and cooperate in cross-boundary preservation

The NHC and its stakeholders across the country, which include national government departments; provincial

initiatives, while prioritising resource allocation for these assets.

sport, arts and culture departments; as well as select municipalities, have conducted research of more than

Celebrating icons

400 potential heritage sites that are landmarks of the lib-

Minister Mthethwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intervention

eration struggle. Selected sites have now been included

comes at an appropriate time as the

in a world heritage listing that could lead to recognition

country is celebrating the centenary

by UNESCO.

of Oliver Reginald Tambo this year

In acknowledging and preserving our resistance and

and that of former President Nelson

liberation heritage, we will make future generations think

Rolihlahla Mandela next year. The cen-

twice before leading the nation into another conflict

tenary celebrations of these two lead-

which would undermine the blood and sweat of those

ers of the struggle, who worked

who fought for freedom.

fearlessly with other political stalwarts, have granted us

Liberation Heritage Route

an opportunity to reflect

The NHCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liberation Heritage Route (LHR) project seeks

on what value we can de-

to identify and develop precincts on the sites of historical

rive from the liberation

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

CEO of t he National Heritage Council of Sout h Africa Adv Sonwabile Mancotywa.

opinion

Preserving our heritage The LHR is a mouthpiece for South Africa to tell the world about how communities survived the tough times. It will never be told sufficiently in our lifetime because there is always a new story of an ordinary person. These are the treasures that will give writers new material and filmmakers fresh angles. However, if we don’t work collectively, as struggle history for the advancement of society.

a nation, to preserve this narrative, it will disappear like

The NHC has deemed it appropriate to reflect on the

the evidence of African civilisation at Mapungubwe, the

record of the liberation struggle and ways in which this

ruins of many traditional communities including the Khoi-

and other archives may be used to advance, deepen

San, the ancient technology of land and water transport,

or consolidate democracy and the ideals on which our

medicine, law and the science of leadership.

Constitution is founded: equality, human dignity and

A century after the birth of the liberation movement

freedom. While this is in itself very important, it is also

and 23 years into our democracy, there are signs that the

critical that we look at how it can be of economic value

work of appreciating our liberation history as a new typol-

to society, especially the communities in which these

ogy of heritage in South Africa has only just started.

heritage sites are located. Unlocking economic potential is therefore the next biggest task facing us. Access to original and authentic documentation

Monuments, landmarks, community activities, street and building names in the recent years of our democracy reflect nostalgic commemoration of the historic liberation

relating to the struggle for democracy in South Africa is

struggle. This growing public interest is a symbol of ac-

critical to the writing and interpretation of this history and

cepting the past as important to society.

ensuring that the contributions of all the organisations or parties who played a part are acknowledged. In addition, factors such as state repression, censorship, exile and restrictions on academic freedom mean that

The LHR will go a long way in cementing this progress and instilling greater pride in South Africa’s transition from a struggle-beleaguered country to a respected global player. This is the treasure that we need to discover.

much of this historical material remains dispersed across institutional, public and private collections, in South Africa and internationally, and public access has been limited. The price of access to our own material is so high that it begs the question: Should we not consider restitution to recover the material that was taken from us without our consent? There are also ongoing challenges and debates on how to maximise access to these valuable collections, how these collections could be utilised to broaden our understanding of our history and how this understanding

The NHC is a government institution that is responsible for the preservation and promotion of the country’s heritage. Focus areas of the NHC include policy development for the sector to meet its transformation goals, public awareness and education, knowledge production in heritage subjects that were previously neglected, as well as making funding available to projects that place heritage as a socio-economic resource.

could promote reconciliation and deepen democracy in South Africa. A simple question to test this assumption is: How will we teach future generations and society about

* Adv Sonwabile Mancotywa is the CEO of the National

the intensity and value of the liberation struggle if we do

Heritage Council of South Africa.

not have access to the material to tell the story?

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

feature

Writer: Stephen Timm

Image: Velrio Vio

National Development Plan, five years on

t has been five years since the adoption of the National

between 2013 and 2016, just below the 2019 target of 1.3

Development Plan (NDP) and the country has made

million.

gains in meeting the targets set out in the plan.

The NDP, which was given the okay by Cabinet in Sep-

In addition, since 2014, 1.12 million households received access to decent sanitation (45 percent of the 2019

tember 2012, is a far-reaching strategy aimed at creating

target) and 305 000 households have access to a reliable

a better South Africa. Some of the targets include reduc-

water service (12 percent of the 2019 target of 2.3 mil-

ing unemployment to 16 percent by 2020 and six percent

lion).

by 2030, and eradicating absolute poverty. Although South Africa is still far from achieving many of

In the area of health, South Africa’s life expectancy has increased by six years, to 63.3 years in 2015. In addition,

the plan’s targets, it has made notable progress in some

more than 3.7 million people living with HIV are receiving

areas, says Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Moni-

lifelong antiretroviral therapy.

toring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe.

In education, the national matric pass rate improved to 72.5 percent in 2016, up from 70.7 percent in 2015. Bach-

Pockets of excellence In a briefing to Parliament recently, Minister Radebe

elor passes rose to 162 374 in 2016 from 150 752 in 2014. The results complement a 2015 United Nations Educa-

singled out certain 'pockets of excellence' in the per-

tional, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

formance of government against the NDP 2030 targets,

report which reveals that, since 1994, more learners

mainly in the provision of basic services, health and

remain in school up to Grade 12. Research conducted

education.

by the Department of Basic Education last year found

For example, since 2014 almost 725 000 households

that in 2015 close to 60 percent of learners successfully

have been connected to the electricity grid (58 percent

completed 13 years of education, including Grade R.

of the 2019 target of 1.25 million), while more than one

In 1995, only 39 percent of young people aged 25 years

million households were given access to refuse removal

reported having completed Grade 12.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

Image: Joe Ross

“Once, we uttered the dream of a rainbow. Now we see it, living it.”

Another research report, published in 2016 by Univer-

to rise again, reaching 40 percent in 2015. Statistician-

sity of Stellenbosch’s Dr Martin Gustafson, indicates that

General Pali Leholhla has attributed the reversal of those

about 34 000 learners achieved a mark of 60 percent or

gains over the past few years to drought, low economic

more in mathematics in the 2016 matric exams, com-

growth and rising unemployment.

pared to figures of about 30 000 learners in 2014, and 31 000 learners in 2015.

Despite this, South Africa has made modest progress tackling inequality, with the country’s Gini coefficient (a measure of income inequality) having fallen from 0.72

Combating corruption

in 2006 to 0.68 in 2015 (a level of zero represents perfect

The Minister also highlighted advances made in combat-

equality, while one represents perfect inequality), edging

ing corruption. The number of people convicted for cor-

closer to the 2030 target of 0.60. However, while it has

ruption in cases involving R5 million and more, doubled

remained stable or dropped in the white, coloured and

between 2013/14 and 2016/17, from 52 to 110.

Indian populations, it has risen among black Africans to

Last year South Africa also improved its ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index

0.65 in 2015, up from 0.64 in 2006. Still, the slight decline in equality has helped South

– moving from 67 out of 168 countries in 2015 to 61 out of

Africa increase the share of income going to the bottom

176 in 2016.

40 percent of income earners. The NDP projects that this

The country has also made some progress with regard to land reform. In 1994 a total of 87 percent of land was

should rise from six percent in 2010 to 10 percent by 2030. In 2015 it stood at 8.3 percent.

owned by white commercial farmers, with 13 percent available for black people. As of 2016, 10.6 percent of the

The challenge of unemployment

30 percent target to distribute agricultural land to previ-

Unemployment, however, has worsened. With the econ-

ously disadvantaged individuals had been achieved.

omy growing at just 0.3 percent last year – against the

Despite these achievements, South Africa has battled to

NDP’s growth target of 5.4 percent – job creation remains

overcome the key challenges of poverty and unemploy-

South Africa’s key challenge. The unemployment rate was

ment.

at 27.7 percent in the second quarter of 2017, the highest

The NDP targets the eradication of poverty for those living on less than R647 a month according to 2015

in 14 years. To tackle unemployment and improve economic

prices (the lower bound poverty line). Figures fell from 51

growth, Minister Radebe’s department made five recom-

percent 2006 to 36.4 percent by 2011, but have started

mendations to Parliament in August.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

feature

These include: the government must engage more

essary before a 30 percent set-aside for small businesses

openly with the private sector and labour; partnerships

can be introduced.

should be set up between colleges and industry to

Key to carrying out the NDP is a more capable state.

ensure relevant TVET college qualifications; the policy

To improve the performance of the public sector, the

position on the funding of Post School Education Train-

Department of Public Service and Administration in 2015

ing for the poor needs to be finalised; the government

introduced compulsory induction training for all newly

should engage with the private sector on the delivery of

appointed public servants by the National School of Gov-

key infrastructure projects; and the government’s Nine

ernment. In addition, the new amended Public Service

Point Plan must be implemented.

Regulations, which came into effect in August last year, ban public servants from doing business with govern-

Programmes to grow businesses Despite the slow economy, the government has made

ment. However, the NDP is not just a plan for government but

progress in some areas. For example, a R1.5 billion fund

for the whole country. Its implementation requires the

for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been

involvement of all sectors. The Medium Term Strategic

established by big business and the fund is expected

Framework calls on everyone to come together to craft

to make its first investments this year. Chief executives of

and implement social compacts that will propel South

the country’s big companies have also committed to

Africa onto a higher developmental trajectory.

a youth employment programme to place one million youth in paid internships over three years. In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry last

By working together, South Africa may have a better chance of realising the hopes described in Vision 2030 that concludes: “Once, we uttered the dream of a

year launched a new investment promotion agency,

rainbow. Now we see it, living it. It does not curve over the

Invest SA.

sky. It is refracted in each one of us at home, in the com-

To increase the number of black-owned manufacturing

munity, in the city, and across the land, in an abundance

firms, the department also launched the Black Indus-

of colour. When we see it in the faces of our children, we

trialist Programme in 2015. So far 46 black industrialists

know: there will always be, for us, a worthy future.”

have been supported with over R2.1 billion in funding,

Progress reports for each of the 14 outcomes outlined

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said in May. The

in the NDP can be viewed on the Programme of Action

department has set a target of reaching 100 by March

website (www.poa.gov.za) managed by the Department

next year. The support to date will allow black industrial-

of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation.

ists to undertake investment projects totalling R3.7 billion, creating almost 20 000 direct and indirect jobs. Added to this, close to a trillion rand has been budgeted over the next three years for public-sector infrastructure in areas such as energy, transport and telecommunications. Over the past two years, public and private investment totalling R17 billion has been targeted towards Investments support shipbuilding and training of marine engineers and artisans. To help boost small businesses, the government will this year seek to finalise amendments to the Preferential

Image: Basic Education

oceans economy initiatives, creating about 5 000 jobs.

Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) that are nec-

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

SA TOURISM’S STAR-GRADING SYSTEM MAKES GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT SIMPLE GRADED ESTABLISHMENTS OFFER ACCOMMODATION WITHIN RELIABLE PRICE AND QUALITY PARAMETERS.

Government officials now have the convenience of choosing from more than 5000 star-graded establishments across the country when procuring and booking accommodation for government-related business. This follows the National Treasury issuing its fourth instruction of 2017/2018, which provides guidelines on the permissible expenditure on accommodation services by public servants, and outlines the benefits of using star-graded establishments. Thanks to the star-grading system administered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, a business unit of South African Tourism, government officials can now have peace of mind when planning and budgeting for accommodation, events and conferences. Star-graded establishments offer predictable and reliable standards of quality and service according to stringent grading criteria, allowing for smooth supply chain processes when sourcing facilities for accommodation or meetings. This system provides the quality assurance that is increasingly being sought by tourism businesses seeking to amplify their offerings. The grading criteria is internationally recognised and globally benchmarked against the world’s leading quality standards for hospitality establishments. “Star grading also increases consumer confidence in South Africa’s accommodation and conferencing offerings, enhancing the country’s international competitiveness as a tourism destination of choice,” says South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona. This, in turn, will help the tourism sector achieve the inclusive economic growth needed to fulfill the National Development Plan’s vision of eliminating poverty and reducing inequality by 2030, he adds. Ntshona says that the National Treasury guidelines on using quality-assured accommodation are an endorsement of the tourism industry’s ongoing efforts to benchmark and entrench excellence. “It’s encouraging to see that our stakeholders in government remain dedicated to working with us to grow South Africa’s economy through a sustainable tourism industry,” says Ntshona. “As South African government officials, we are contributing to the industry’s improvement and prosperity every time we choose to stay at a star-graded establishment. Our collective use of these establishments rewards the owners for their efforts to deliver outstanding service, and encourages the industry to continue positioning South Africa as a quality-assured destination for both local and international travellers.” For more information about graded establishments in South Africa, visit www.southafrica.net or www.tourismgrading.co.za, or email feedback@tourismgrading.co.za

10025097JB_TGCSA_Print_Ad_03.indd 1

2017/09/14 5:11 PM

Writer: Amukelani Chauke

FEATURE

SKA project has continental impact The innovative SKA project is changing lives on many levels – providing local jobs, expanding schools curricula, uplifting rural communities and enhancing global knowledge of the universe.

he monuments to liberation leader and first democratic President Kwame Nkrumah

and the memorial park in Ghana’s capital of Accra attract visitors from far and wide. Now the country boasts a new, modern, monument – a stateof-the-art radio telescope. The radio telescope is in the town of Kuntunse, just an hour’s drive from central Accra. Residents of Kuntunse lined the streets recently to welcome President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s arrival to launch the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory, following a successful conversion of a redundant 32-metre Intelsat Telecommunications Satellite Earth Station into a functioning radio telescope. The radio telescope will be inte-

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

grated into the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (AVN) in preparation for the second phase of the construction of the African component of the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The Ghana radio telescope was

“If we are producing skills in engineering, in sciences, and in mathematics, we must give young people challenges to resolve.”

preceded by the 26 m dish based at South Africa’s National Research Foundation’s key national facility –

He is hopeful that the facility would

2012 by an international consortium.

the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy

help Ghanaians appreciate the real-

South Africa is working with eight

Observatory.

ity and complexity of global warming

partner African countries − Ghana,

and its harmful effects, such as rising

Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar,

the first of its kind in Africa outside

sea levels, costal erosion, erratic rain-

Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya and

South Africa, was significant to the

fall patterns, prolonged and intense

Namibia. Ghana formalised its SKA

astronomy research community, Sci-

dry seasons, desertification and

partnership in 2007.

ence and Technology Minister Naledi

reduction of vegetation cover on the

Pandor told PSM. “Now scientists can

lives of citizens.

The launch of the Kuntunse facility,

do their research work using that

“It is for this reason that we, as hu-

Addressing a gala dinner ahead of the Ghana launch, Minister Pandor said teams of constructors are cur-

mans and care-takers of our earth,

rently busy laying the foundation

What this means is that in Ghana

should not compound the pressures

for the SKA radio telescope in the

scientists will be able to partner and

on our fragile planet through harm-

Karoo, in the Northern Cape near

collaborate with researchers in other

ful activities, such as illegal mining

Carnarvon. They were preparing the

parts of the world, the Minister said.

and logging and the production of

infrastructure for the MeerKat, the

“They will be able to produce papers

greenhouse gases,” he said.

precursor of the SKA project.

antenna, that radio telescope.”

that will be peer reviewed, that will

The gigantic international SKA pro-

appear in international journals. We

ject will allow astronomers to explore

SA playing a key role

hope they will make exciting discov-

the sky in never-before-seen detail

The Ghana Radio Astronomy

eries of stars, of galaxies which were

and at a speed faster than any sys-

Observatory recently reached an

not identified before.”

tem in existence. On completion, the

important milestone in the world of

SKA will cover an area of over one

science – the observation of 'first

square kilometre.

light' at the Kuntunse station.

Impact on science and development

SKA South Africa is spearheading

The repurposing of the Kuntunse

Speaking at the launch, President

the construction of the world’s big-

satellite dish, which saw scientists

Akufo-Addo said the radio telescope

gest telescope, set to start work in

and engineers from Ghana and SKA

would expand Ghana’s frontiers in

2018, with early science observations

South Africa work together over the

space science. “I am informed that

expected in 2020.

past four to five years to bring it to

the radio telescope will provide in-

The Karoo, in South Africa, will host

fruition, recently led to the observa-

formation from distant bodies in the

the main high- and mid-frequency

tion of 'first light', which is the process

universe that will help us understand

dishes that will eventually extend

whereby the functionality of a

the birth and formation of stars, the

across Africa. Australia’s Murchison

radio telescope is tested for the first

death of stars and the general struc-

Shire will host the low-frequency

time, and the very first images are

ture of the universe.”

antennas. This decision was taken in

received.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

FEATURE

Science and Tec hnology Minister Naledi Pandor wit h President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo (right) at t he launc h t he Ghana Radio Astronomy Obser vator y.

This is done by observing a well-

design. To get the SKA model done,

sources directed to the West African

known source and comparing the

you cannot only locate antennae in

country helped secured the Gha-

data received by the new instrument

South Africa. The radio telescope has

naian government’s interest in the

with that of other instruments.

to spread across a square kilometre

project. “We have got universities in

grid of immense proportions.”

Ghana working with colleagues from

Construction at the Kuntunse station, including the scientific and

It was clear South Africa would

South Africa on a research initiative,

engineering work, was made pos-

have to make a commitment to

but the most fascinating has been

sible through a cash injection from

the eight other countries on the

getting Ghanaian engineers and

the South African government − the

continent, the Minister added. “So

PhDs, who had been based over-

Department of International Rela-

we approached DIRCO and sought

seas, to come back and work in their

tions and Cooperation’s African

funding from them in an area that is

country on this initiative. The aspect

Renaissance and International Fund,

not the traditional development aid

of what they call ‘the brain gain’ is

together with the Department of

use of resources, but is more about

fascinating to me.”

Science and Technology, contributed

enhancing the research and innova-

R122 million towards the project.

tion capacities of African countries.

provided over many years, Minister

The project accessed the training

We feel this is actually a much more

Pandor said. “To me, it just proved the

was instrumental in providing re-

durable investment in that it will be

point that we shouldn’t train young

sources for Ghana. What the funding

sustained over time,” the Minister

people and then not have

did, according to the Minister, was

said.

projects for them to work on.

Minister Pandor said the funding

make concrete the inclusion of the

South Africa’s experience of work-

If we are producing skills in engineer-

other eight African countries in the

ing on the project in Ghana has

ing, in sciences, and in mathematics,

SKA initiative. “That inclusion was by

been fascinating because the re-

we must give young people chal-

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

lenges to resolve, and the SKA does

to learners, so the young residents

that.”

could not aspire to a scientific or

Opportunities for young scientists

lege level.” Currently there are 350 young peo-

technical career. “With the advent of

ple undergoing technical skills train-

the SKA, we built laboratory facili-

ing in colleges. “They will service the

ties in the high schools. We trained

instrument once it is built,” she said.

Ghana will soon see the opportuni-

teachers to teach maths and

ties that the Kuntunse station will

science. We put science centres in

MeerKat site, the Department of Sci-

bring to its surrounding communi-

those towns and we now have nine

ence and Technology insisted local

ties and academia, Minister Pandor

young people pursuing degrees

businesses benefit from the initiative.

pointed out. For example, it was as-

in science and engineering with

This saw the MeerKat being built with

tronomy scientists who first came up

scholarships from the SKA,” Minister

75 percent local content. “There are

with wireless technology, which they

Pandor said.

also global partners, but they know

needed to conduct their research. “I thought this project would change how Africa is perceived, and I see that happening.”

While the number may seem small, it was a massive injection in skills development, the Minister added. “Not only that, many people would

When construction started at the

that they have to help build local business capacity.” The SKA project fits into all the pockets of government policy: locali-

Minister Pandor said she was

think the SKA can only be worked

sation, technological development,

aware of the many dimensions

on by PhDs. But actually, we need

education and skills, youth develop-

in this particular area of science.

technically trained people as well

ment, and rural development. “It is

“Astronomy is not a single focus

because you need technologists,

unusual to have a science project

discipline. It has many elements to it,

you need technicians, you need

that can have this kind of impact,”

which offer massively exciting oppor-

electrical engineers who train at col-

Minister Pandor said.

tunities for young people and that is why I remain so committed to it.” The SKA project has led to local roads being improved in the construction areas, and surrounding schools benefiting from the excitement of the project, with a renewed focus on maths and science subjects, if the example from the building of the MeerKat is anything to go by. “We are building the SKA about 120 kilometres from the nearest town [Carnarvon]. Those towns are in what one can call rural remote parts of the Northern Cape, close to what one might call a desert area or environment.” Schools in the communities had not offered mathematics nor science

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

SA-GHANA COLLABORATION EXPANDS RADIO ASTRONOMY SKILLS IN AFRICA Ghana has become the first African

officially launched the telescope

first phase of the VLBI array, which

country, apart from South Africa, to

at the Ghana Astronomy Radio

will enable it to support even greater

convert a redundant satellite dish

Observatory in Kuntunse. The launch

science than it would be able to on

into a functional radio telescope

coincided with the 4th Ministerial

its own.”

as part of the African Very Long

Meeting of the SKA African partner

Baseline Interferometry (VLBI)

countries in Accra.

Network. The VLBI is a network

President Akufo-Addo said that his country was committed to increasing

of radio telescopes that will work

Speaking at the event Minister

its investment in science, technology

together as one large instrument,

Pandor said that South Africa wanted

and innovation (STI). Ghana will

and will be incorporated into the

the VLBI project to have roots not

increase spending on research,

second phase of the construction of

only in South Africa, but all over

development and innovation from

the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) –

Africa.

0.25% in the interim to 2.5% of the

an international project to build the world’s largest radio telescope.

gross domestic product (GDP) in Minister Pandor said that Ghana’s

the long-term, recognising the role

first radio telescope was a

that STI can play in socio-economic

On 24 August 2017, the Minister of

significant milestone. “It’s long-term

development.

Science and Technology, Naledi

significance lies in the contribution it

Pandor, and the President of Ghana,

will make to the SKA. The telescope

Ghana will also establish a national

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,

will, in due course, form part of the

science and innovation fund to

ADVERTORIAL

production much easier and

already proven to be a success. The

faster. He challenged all university

antenna undertook a combination

students, particularly young

of ‘first light’ science observations

women, to take science education

(the first use of a telescope after

seriously and to take advantage

its construction), which included

of the opportunities offered at the

methanol maser detections,

observatory.

VLBI fringe testing and pulsar observations. Achieving these

Ghana collaborated with the

three objectives confirmed that the

SKA South Africa (SKA SA) /

instrument can operate as a single

Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy

dish radio telescope and also as

Observatory (HartRAO) group

part of the global VLBI network.

to harness the radio astronomy potential of the redundant satellite

Following the initial ‘first light’

communication antenna at Kutunse.

observations, the research teams from Ghana and South Africa,

Since 2011, a team of scientists and

together with other international

engineers from SKA SA / HartRAO

research partners, continue to do

and the Ghana Space Science

more observations and are analysing

and Technology Institute has been

the data generated in order to

working on the astronomy instrument

improve the telescope’s accuracy

upgrade to make it radio-astronomy

for future experiments.

ready. support research and development

“There are many ways of doing The South African Department

science, but more and more frontier

of International Relations and

science involves huge international

public and private sectors.

Cooperation has been funding a

investments of time and money.

large part of the conversion project

SKA is in this category. What

President Akufo-Addo said he

through the African Renaissance

holds it all together is a collective

and International Cooperation Fund.

steadfastness of purpose. We are

The 32-metre converted

proving that science knows no

telecommunications antenna has

borders,” said Minister Pandor.

in all research and innovation institutions at universities and in the

hoped these measures would make the transition from research to product development and industrial

“THERE ARE MANY WAYS OF DOING SCIENCE, BUT MORE AND MORE FRONTIER SCIENCE INVOLVES HUGE INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS OF TIME AND MONEY.”

feature

Writer: Professor Ric hard M Levin

Skilling public servants E

ffective and efficient public serv-

Development Plan’s (NDP) Vision 2030

specific skills or knowledge and allows

ants play a vital role in deliver-

a reality.

a neutral environment in which work-

ing services to the people and

The work of the school is driven

ers can discuss the challenges they face.”

in building a capable developmental

by the vision articulated in the NDP

state – and the National School of Gov-

that emphasises the need to build

ernment plays an equally important

skilled and professional public sector

One size does not fit all

role in enhancing the skills of public

employees, including developing the

The NDP notes that while the training

servants.

skills and expertise at junior levels

should include a standard element

necessary for future public sector

that builds a common understanding

cohorts.

of the role and ethos of the public ser-

The school provides effective education, learning and training opportunities to employees at all levels

To quote from the NDP: “Effective

vice, most training should be tailored

of the state, national, provincial and

training is empowering and makes

municipal; developing skilled and

people feel valued. It fosters a shared

effective leadership in the public sec-

understanding of basic principles,

(NSG) takes this proposal to heart,

tor is critical in making the National

gives people a chance to develop

discarding a one-size-fits-all approach

to the needs of the individual. The National School of Government

to training. The school customises its curriculum to suit the needs of each state institution. Public sector institutions undertake their own workplace skills development planning to determine the training needs of their employees. The National School of Government supports the institutions by undertaking training needs analysis (TNA). Using tools like the reports of the Public Service Commission and the AuditorGeneral, as well as the Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT), the assessment focuses the individual

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

and institutional skills required – some-

newly appointed deputy directors-

Strategic partnerships

thing that many of training competi-

general and directors-general. The

Capable developmental states, as the

tors cannot offer.

programme support participants

NDP points out, improve their effective-

by providing executive coaching

ness by building their own capacity

services.

and learning from experience. The

The training needs analysis serves as a strategic diagnostic tool to inform the content of the curriculum, as well

Furthermore, the National School of

National School of Government has

as the modalities of how the pro-

Government has signed a memoran-

taken this notion of learning from

grammes are presented. The curricu-

dum of agreement to train the staff at

experience to the international level,

lum development process is guided

a state-owned entity about ethics in

building strategic partnerships and

by an integrated learning framework

the workplace.

networks to develop capacity within

which provides the basis of systemati-

The innovative Rutanang Ma Afrika

South Africa and on the continent.

cally mapping courses, programmes

campaign taps into the knowledge,

and qualifications. It is based on three

expertise and experience of retired

Academy of Governance, the French

key components including the types

and current public servants, while

École nationale d’administration,

of skills needed, generic, functional

the Lead Facilitators Development

and is currently preparing to sign an

and sectoral; the competency clus-

Programme builds the pedagogic

agreement to partner with reputable

ters aligned to existing Department

capacity of lecturers, teachers, and

universities in the United States.

of Public Service and Administration

trainers in the art of applied work-

frameworks; and expected levels of

place facilitation.

It is also busy developing an African Governance Development Programme, in partnership with

performance from basic to advanced. through face-to-face engagements,

Going digital

online learning or a blend of the two.

The school is

Workplace learning is offered

The school partners with the Beijing

the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), in support of the African

introducing

Learning programmes

open online

Union Commis-

The National School of Government

courses,

sion’s Agenda

is the only organisation that offers the

including

2063. Agenda

compulsory induction programme for

managing

2063 calls for the

public servants, to answer the NDP’s

performance

requirement to establish “a stand-

and ethics in the

ard element that builds a common

workplace.

understanding of the role and ethos

The value of open online

establishment of capable democratic developmental states and institutions that will transform social,

of the public service”. The compulsory

learning is that it is self-paced and

political and economic conditions on

induction programme covers all sal-

enables public sector employees to

the continent.

ary levels of public servants through a

study during their own time.

segmented approach. In addition, the programme is now offered online. The school also runs the Executive Induction Programme (EIP), targeting

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

It is piloting an open online course on financial delegations for public service managers, in partnership with the National Treasury.

Professor Richard M Levin: Principal of the National School of Government.

THE 19TH PUBLIC SECTOR TRAINERS FORUM (PSTF)

TAKES PLACE ON 16-18 OCTOBER, GALLAGHER CONFERENCE CENTRE, MIDRAND In 2011, the South African government adopted the National

capacity development and career pathing, existing models

Development Plan (NDP) – Vision 2030. Chapter 13 of the

and systems, as well as financial and other resources needed

NDP calls for the building of a capable and developmental

for public sector trainers / facilitators to empower others.

state. The vision articulated in this chapter is for well-run and effectively coordinated state institutions with skilled public

It is on this basis that human resource development

servants who are committed to the public good and capable of

practitioners, managers, researchers and scholars are

delivering consistently high-quality services while prioritising

called upon to share knowledge and ideas on how relevant

the nation’s developmental objectives. In order to achieve

programmes, institutions, systems, and strategies can

Vision 2030, the public sector must have a strong cadre of

be developed within the public sector to develop human

public sector trainers and facilitators who are themselves

capability. The organising committee under the guidance of

well capacitated to be able to empower other public servants

the National School of Government proposed the theme for

with requisite skills, competences and attributes. The critical

the 19th PSTF Conference be: “Enabling Vision 2030 through

question is: To what extend are public service trainers /

Human Resource Development”.

facilitators enabled to carry out this mammoth task? This will be supported by the following sub-themes: This conference will afford public sector trainers / facilitators

• Talent management and career development strategies,

an opportunity to reflect critically on their role in the context

• U sing the public sector space to develop new knowledge

of building a capable and developmental state. Among others, the conference will deal with the policy environment,

for the knowledge economy, • H RD in the declining economy: value for money, project

ADVERTORIAL

supported by the European Union under the NSG’s Public Service Training & Capacity Building Programme • Building public sector learning organisations, and • R evitalising the role of the State to produce technical skills and specialist professionals. The conference will also confer awards on individuals, teams, departments and provinces in recognition of their

“ENABLING VISION 2030 THROUGH HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT”

contribution to human resource development since the last conference in 2015.

CONFERENCE BOOKING, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT Delegates are advised to make bookings at 086 100 8326 or e-mail contactcentre@thensg.gov.za. For booking enquiries, please contact Ms Teboho Khalushi at 012 441 6729 or Teboho.Khalushi@thensg. gov.za

EXHIBITIONS

Registration forms can be obtained from:

Organisations are invited to exhibit at the conference for all three days. There are 20 exhibition spaces available.

• The NSG website at www.thensg.gov.za

• A n exhibition costs R15 000 and covers the following:

• A provincial academy • An HRD coordinator from the department/province A deposit of R4 313 is payable upfront per delegate. All payment enquiries and requests for quotations should be directed to contactcentre@thensg.gov.za.

(trainers,

– A ccess to conference sessions for two exhibitors, meals and gala dinner

Ms Malebo Ralehlaka at Malebo.ralehlaka@thensg.gov.za 012 441 6624

This conference aims to attract: practitioners

– 1 x standard table, 2 x standard chairs

For booking of exhibitions please contact:

PARTICIPANTS’ PROFILES

• ETD/HRD

– 3m x 3m branded shells scheme

organisational

development specialists, skills development facilitators, training co-ordinators, and managers) • Members of organised labour

CANCELLATIONS Conference delegates: No refund on cancellation will be made. Where a delegate is unable to attend only a substitute delegate from the same department/province / organisation

• SETA officials • Academics and researchers in HRD/ETD, public sector leaders and administrators

will be accepted.

• Students

The 18th PSTF Conference was held in 2015 in Kimberly

Administration.

the

fields

HRD/ETD

and

Public

hosted by the Northern Cape Provincial Government.

Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver

FEATURE feature

Cultural artefacts are world treasures H umankind and all that is associated with it lies at

The Japanese Cultural Attaché presented this beautiful

the heart of cultural history, which is essentially the

collection as a gift shortly before his return to Japan and

story about all the people of the world. And it is

the bombing of Pearl Harbour, says Teichert.

the people entrusted with the artefacts of humankind’s history who bring our stories to life. It is fitting that passionate and deeply knowledgeable

Celebrating ceramics Corine Meyer, Curator of the Ceramics and Precious

people – all experts in their fields − are entrusted with

Metal Collection, says she has in her care ceramics dat-

documenting, storing, conserving, preserving, restoring

ing from the 1600s right through to modern-day works.

and researching the vast collections held in trust for

She explains that in dating blue and white Dutch pieces,

mankind by the Ditsong National Cultural History Mu-

for example, researchers can examine the style of dress

seum in Pretoria.

worn by figures featured in pictures and the water level

Acting Director of the Museum and Curator of Archaeology and Human Remains Frank Teichert, took

because there is a record of when major floods occurred in the Netherlands. The example Meyer has illustrates

PSM behind the scenes to see

a scene where only buildings on high-lying ground

some of the extraordinary arte-

are visible.

facts in the museum’s collection.

One of the most special pieces is possibly one by renowned 1930s Art Deco ceramicist Clarice Cliff

Artefacts, artworks and technology Teichert has worked at the museum for 20 years and is enthusiastic about the

whose works fetch high prices among collectors. There is just one Clarice Cliff item with a South African theme in the whole world and it is in the museum’s collection.

stories the beautiful and sometimes

Especially significant is the selection of

unique things can tell. He became

Linn Ware made between the 1930s and

interested in archaeology as a

1950s in a small studio in Olifantsfontein,

child and takes obvious delight in

near Pretoria. Today the jugs, plates, cups

his field of study.

and saucers, vases and other ceramics

Teichert says the museum houses

in beautiful shades of blue, sea-green,

more than two million items, ranging

yellow, mauve, black grey, mushroom and

in age from some of the very first arte-

white, are extremely sought after.

facts and artworks made by humans

The museum also holds works by

right through to modern-day items,

famous South African ceramicists Tim

such as 21st century technology.

Morris, Esias Bosch and Henriette Ngako.

Surprising items are the Egyptian mummy and Japanese doll collection depicting social hierarchy in Japanese society.

Rebecca Mawelele, who has worked at the museum since 1984, is entrusted with cleaning and restoring ceramics and putting them

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

Acting Director of t he Museum and Curator of Arc haeology and Human Remains Frank Teic her t.

in cabinets. She acquired her skills at the South African

rotting manure deterred insects from con-taminating the

Institute of Ceramic and Porcelain Restoration in Jouber-

grains.

tina. She showed PSM a decorative wall panel comprising a

What is culture?

collection of painted tiles transferred from Kruger House

During the tour of the museum, Teichert reflects on

to the Cultural History Museum. She is likely to spend

culture, explaining that it refers to anything that we as

about a month cleaning and restoring the tiles. Because

humans do and our interactions with others who have

the panel is older than 60 years it has historical status

the same interests. It goes far beyond performing arts,

and is protected by the National Heritage Resources Act

such as dance and music.

(Act No 5 of 1999). Gertrude Seabela is the curator of the 30 000 pieces in

Our cultural history embraces everything and anything to do with cultures and dates back about two million

the anthropology section. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The collection of ethnograph-

years to the Stone Age. Since that is when the first homi-

ic material contains items from South Africa, southern

nid species started developing tools for hunting and

Africa, West Africa and Central Africa,â&#x20AC;? she says.

collecting resources, it is a very extensive story about

Safely stored in banks of shallow drawers are things such as clothes, publications, extraordinary snuff boxes

human life. Some might say history is boring and stuffy. But an-

(some made of tiny tortoise shells), as well as divining

other take on it is that it is a continuous record of past

bones and tools from as far back as the late 1800s that

events and trends,

were used for communicating with ancestors. Seabela is entrusted with countless very large and small pots, wooden headrests made of tropical hardwoods, plenty of examples of Thembu beadwork, and baskets used for various purposes, such as fishing and grain storage. The latter are enormous and would have been buried underground at cattle kraals where the gases emitted by

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

FEATURE

which means that the vast story about humankind is still

museum visits

unfolding. Tomorrow, today’s events will be in the past.

supplement

They will become part of history.

that which

Each of us is part of humankind’s story. Each of us is an

we learn

actor in this dynamic tale. For us to know who we are,

at school

how we got to be where we are, believe what we do,

and tertiary

look the way we do, eat what we do, speak the lan-

education

guages we do and so forth we need to look to the past.

institutions.

In looking back, we can see how we got to the pre-

With Sep-

sent; and knowing about the past can inform our future.

tember des-

We can learn from our cultural history and mistakes,

ignated as Heritage Month, Teichert

says Teichert, and we can build on the knowledge we

pondered the concept of heritage. “Heritage is where

have accumulated over time. It is because of this learn-

we come from as a country and individuals. What gives

ing and building on our existing body of knowledge

us purpose? Why are we here? An example of herit-

that we have gone from discovering how to make fire to

age being lost is that of the San losing their heritage

landing a man on the moon, for example.

because their language is dying out.”

Preserving heritage

ties,” Teichert muses.

“Heritage is global, dealing with all aspects of socieTeichert says that the role of cultural museums glob-

Museums face challenges such as negative percep-

ally is the preservation of humankind’s cultural heritage

tions and a need for funding. Many publicly funded

and that it is important for such institutions not only to

museums rely on donations, bequests and collabora-

serve as custodians of heritage but also to educate

tion with others involved in cultural history.

young and old about who and what we are. Museums preserve our heritage for future generations and

“Museums are regarded as places that are not looked after and displays are outdated and not presented

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

FEATURE

in contemporary ways. The National Cultural History

Remaining relevant

Museum recognises this and is looking at new ways of

To remain relevant and to attract visitors, museums have

becoming more relevant to society,” explains Teichert.

to transform the way they present material. This is why

The museum is part of the Ditsong Museums of South

the Cultural History Museum is augmenting its perma-

Africa amalgamation of eight national museums. The

nent exhibits with modular and travelling exhibitions

other seven institutions are the National Museum of

and temporarily showcasing portions of its collections.

Natural History (formerly the Transvaal Museum) in Preto-

This way the museum is able to rotate its exhibitions

ria, the South African National Museum of Military History

and show visitors more of the treasures it holds.

in Johannesburg, and the Cultural History Museum’s

Examples of temporary exhibitions presented in

satellite museums which are the Kruger, Pioneer, Sammy

collaboration with public and private museums and

Marks and Willem Prinsloo Agricultural museums, and

foundations include the travelling Ahmed Timol – A

the Tswaing Meteorite Crater that falls under the Na-

quest for justice exhibition that opened in July.

tional Museum of Cultural History, all in or near Pretoria. Together these institutions hold about five million artefacts in their collections with only about 23 curators and two conservationists taking care of them. South Africa

In Women’s Month the museum opened a temporary exhibition honouring singer Miriam Makeba and on loan from the Miriam Makeba Foundation. The museum is in touch with modern people who

needs more students to pursue studies in social and hu-

live in an age when information can be accessed

man sciences, such as art, history, musieology, sociology,

within seconds because of technology which is why it

anthropology, ethnography and archaeology so that

is using modern communication technology and so-

the skills needed by museums are available. Another

cial media to reach out to potential visitors from South

need is public and private funding for the acquisition

Africa and abroad.

of additional items for such things as ceramic or art

Set aside a couple of hours to visit a cultural history

collections, for example. Amateur enthusiasts can also

museum to explore your history and get you thinking

contribute by donating or bequeathing their collections

about your place in society and role in shaping today

and also by volunteering at museums, says Teichert.

and tomorrow’s stories.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

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feature

Helping the state recover millions Forensic investigator Jandé van der Merwe is committed to ensuring that state funds go where they are intended, by rooting out corruption.

rom saving government millions, to reversing a multi-

in the recovery of R103 million in respect of a R1.9 billion

million rand lease, to the dismissals of senior officials

contract.

and a criminal conviction, a young Special Inves-

Under Proclamation R5 of 2015, she was part of an

tigating Unit (SIU) forensic investigator is fast becoming

investigation that led to the criminal conviction of a

the fixer when it comes to difficult cases.

company providing security services. This was in respect

Thirty-four-year-old Jandé van der Merwe cut her teeth in the world of forensic investigations at the SIU. She

of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001. The accused was sentenced to a fine of R100 000, of

started her career as an intern and has grown through the ranks to become one of the leading forensic investigators. The SIU’s primary mandate is to recover and prevent financial losses to the state caused by acts of corruption, fraud and maladministration. Under Proclamation R38 of 2010, she was part of a team that investigated a case which resulted in the dismissal of three top officials. Van der Merwe was required to testify in the disciplinary proceedings. The case resulted in the reversal of a lease

which R50 000 was suspended for

‘When it comes to investigations that are politically sensitive, one must exercise extra precaution not to become entangled in political webs.’

agreement to the value of R137 mil-

four years. Van der Merwe says these achievements did not happen overnight but were the result of hard work, commitment, dedication, building strong relationships and paying attention to detail. Her journey to becoming a competent forensic investigator started over a decade ago when she graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2005 with an Honours degree in Criminology. She says her love for forensic investigation was fuelled by watching televi-

lion which was declared invalid by the North Gauteng

sion programmes in which criminal detectives would rush

High Court.

to murder scenes to work their magic.

She also helped in the recovery of R1 092 630.59 in respect of overpayments made to a service provider, after

High-pressured cases

an acknowledgement of debt was signed.

Van der Merwe says at some stage, every investigator

Currently, she is working on a case which could result

comes across a challenging case that gives them sleep-

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

less nights. She personally finds ‘politically sensitive’ cases the most tricky to deal with. However, as an independent investigator she has never let her judgement be clouded. “When it comes to investigations that are politically sensitive, one must exercise extra precaution not to become entangled in political webs. I try not to be influenced by any of that. As investigators, we try to ignore that aspect.” She adds that it is not only such cases that present added pressure. “You’ll also have people who try to influence your investigation by feeding you information that is not always correct.” She says when things get out of hand and someone wants to chat offline with her about a case she is investigating, she reports it to her manager for further intervention.

Challenges that comes with her job Van der Merwe says her job throws many challenges in her direction, from lack of co-operation by different role players and evasive eyewitness to her personal safety.

the field of forensic investigation is to have a strong char-

“Witnesses who do not always keep to appointments

acter and never give up because the career comes with

or are reluctant to fully participate in interviews are some of the challenges I come across. The roles played by

a lot of challenges. She adds that you have to have an eye for detail and

witnesses can cause delays in the progress of investiga-

pay attention to small details that might be missed by

tions.”

an ordinary person. Another important aspect is to build

She adds that the reluctance of witnesses to provide

relationships with people from all walks of life because

information due to fear of intimidation, victimisation or for

you never know who might help you with something

personal security reasons also proves to be a challenge.

important one day.

Van der Merwe says it is immensely satisfying to see

Van der Merwe says she is happy with her career

investigations through to the end, especially when the

progress as well as the experience and exposure it has

outcome positively impacts the lives of ordinary citizens.

given her.

“It is very satisfying for me to complete an investigation,

She says young women who would like to become

especially those cases in which ordinary people have

forensic investigators should not fear anything but should

suffered as a result of the unscrupulous conduct of a

rather have confidence in their ability to make a differ-

service provider who may have defrauded a government

ence. There are always opportunities to embrace and

department, municipality or state-owned entity.”

explore within the field of forensic investigation, such as

She adds that cases in which money is recovered are particularly satisfying because the funds come from taxpayers and are meant to be spent meaningfully.

cyber forensics, forensic accounting and forensic law, she says. Forensic investigation is a diverse sector that can allow women to find their feet and make a difference in com-

Advice to young potential forensic investigators Her advice to young women who would like to get into

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

bating corruption while loving what they do. “It may not always be easy, but if you work hard it will be worth every effort. Follow your dreams.”

FEATURE

Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver

Three African sites

gain World Heritage status

he United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

UNESCO notes that the historical area centres on the

Organisation (UNESCO) recently announced the ad-

royal residence, customary court, holy tree and royal

dition of three sites in Africa to its list of World Heritage

funeral places.

Sites.

South Africa gained its ninth listing, while Angola and Eritrea made it onto the list for the first time. UNESCO announced that the new inscriptions bring to 1 073 the total number of sites on the World Heritage List.

When Portuguese settlers arrived in the 1400s they added European-style stone buildings. UNESCO reports that the site “illustrates, more than anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa, the profound changes caused by the introduction of Christianity and the arrival of the Portuguese”.

Angola’s Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo, was designated as a new

Eritrea’s Asmara

cultural site, as were Eritrea’s Asmara: a Modernist City of

Asmara is the capital of Eritrea, which is located in the

Africa, and South Africa’s ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape.

Horn of Africa. Writing for Smithsonian.com Brigit Katz reports that the city is endowed with Art Deco buildings

Angola’s Mbanza Kongo

and 19th and 20th Century architecture thanks to its

UNESCO describes Mbanza Kongo as the political and

Italian colonisers. The city’s remarkable buildings include

spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo in Western

the governor’s palace from the 19th century, a building

Africa. It is reported to have been founded in about 1390.

designed in the shape of an old radio set, an Art Deco

By the mid-1600s the kingdom was at its peak.

bowling alley and aeroplane-shaped fuel station.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

According to a report in The Guardian by Oliver Wainwright, Asmara is the first modernist city in the world to be listed in its entirety.

found but to all people – they are world treasures to be conserved. Globally there are 832 cultural, 206 natural and 35

South Africa’s ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape

mixed sites. Regrettably, 54 sites are regarded as being in danger. They include the famous Timbuktu in Mali, the Tombs of the Buganda Kings at Kasubi in Uganda, and

The announcement of South Africa’s ninth World Herit-

the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Okapi Wildlife

age Site underscores its renown for its natural beauty,

Reserve in the Congo river basin, which is one of the

cultural diversity, history of struggle and triumph of the

largest drainage systems in Africa. The reserve contains

human spirit.

threatened species of primates and birds and about

Announcing the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape’s UNE-

5 000 of the estimated 30 000 okapi surviving in the wild.

SCO status to the media, the Depart-

The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Af-

ment of Environmental Affairs (DEA)

rica, Robben Island (both in the cultural

said that it amplifies the ‡Khomani

category) and iSimangaliso Wetland Park

San's unique cultural heritage. The DEA said that the ‡Khomani and related San people are descended directly from an ancient population that lived in southern Africa 150 000 years ago. “The red dunes of the ‡Khomani Cultural Landscape are strongly associated with this unique culture, stretching from the Stone Age to the present, thus making it a landscape that has changed little from long

“Countries that gain UNESCO World Heritage status undertake to conserve such sites and protect their cultural and natural heritage. ”

ago when humans were mainly hunter gatherers.

(natural) were the first UNESCO World Heritage Site listings for South Africa. All three were listed in 1999. Next to be listed was the Maloti-Drakensberg Park in 2000 (mixed), the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape in 2003 (cultural), the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas in 2004 (natural), the Vredefort Dome in 2005 (natural), and the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in 2007 (cultural). It took 10 years before South Africa would achieve another listing - the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape. Countries that gain UNESCO World Herit-

“The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape has been home to

age status undertake to conserve such sites and protect

at most a few hundred people who have survived life in

their cultural and natural heritage. A UNESCO listing also

the extreme desert landscape of the southern Kalahari

draws public attention to a heritage site, thus raising in-

through their knowledge of the land. Particular to their

terest among tourists and awareness of the importance

practices is their ways of physically defining the land

of preservation. According to UNESCO, listed sites “are

through designated uses of the different parts; how their

a magnet for international cooperation and may thus

movements were organised as well as other significant

receive financial assistance for heritage conservation

cultural practices,” said the DEA.

projects from a variety of sources”.

World Heritage Site categories World Heritage Sites are placed in one of three cat-

South African world heritage treasures

egories: cultural, natural or mixed. They are regarded

The Fossil Hominid Sites include the Taung Skull Fossil Site

as important not just to the countries in which they are

300 km west of Johannesburg, Sterkfontein,

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

FEATURE

Robben Island

Swartkrans, Kromdraai and environs. The Taung Skull is a

treasures found at this site is the 800-year-old golden

specimen of Australopithecus africanus that was found

rhino of Mapungubwe found in the 1930s, writes Mark

in 1924. The Maropeng Cradle of Humankind visitor

Brown in The Guardian. Visitors to Mapungubwe Na-

centre lists 15 fossil sites, which include Makapans Valley

tional Park can go on a museum tour, heritage tours,

near Mokopane in Limpopo where there are animal and

game drives, guided walks and a treetop walk among

hominid fossils as old as three million years.

riverine forest.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is in KwaZulu-Natal

One of the world’s most significant and largest sites of

along a 220 km stretch of the coast. It is described by

biodiversity is the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas

UNESCO as an outstanding natural wetland and coastal

that lie in the south-western part of South Africa. Fynbos

site that includes a wide range of pristine marine, coast-

is unique to this area.

land, wetland, estuarine, and terrestrial environments. Robben Island’s chequered history includes it being

Visible from an aircraft is the Vredefort Dome, which is the eroded remains of a meteor impact site about 120k

used as a leper colony, military base and prison. It is also

m south-west of Johannesburg. A meteor struck the site

where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

2 023 million years ago.

The Maloti-Drakensberg Park straddles the uKhahlam-

The Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape is

ba Drakensberg Park in South Africa and the Sehlathebe

a 160 000 hectare desert in Namaqualand in the north-

Park in Lesotho. The site features caves with the largest

western part of South Africa. The Department of Arts

and most concentrated collection of rock paintings in

and Culture (DAC) describes it as “a prime example of

Africa, south of the Sahara, according to UNESCO. It also

the most interesting megaecostem in the world”.

provides a refuge for endangered bird and fish species.

It is an arid area where it can get as hot as 50 ⁰C by

According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the area is the most

day but so cold by night that heavy dew forms. Accord-

important water catchment area for Lesotho and South

ing to the DAC “the early morning fog is so thick that

Africa with its high-altitude wetland systems purifying the

the locals call it ‘Ihuries’, or ‘Malmokkie’ and it makes

water supplied to the people of both countries.

survival possible for a range of small reptiles, birds and

The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape in Limpopo

mammals including grey rhebok, duiker, steenbok,

was the largest kingdom in the sub-continent before

klipspringer, kudu, Hartman’s mountain zebra, baboon,

being abandoned in the 1300s. One of the greatest

velvet monkey, caracal and leopard.”

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

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Appointments

Shulami Qalinge Chief Executive (CE) of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Shulami Qalinge has been appointed CE of TNPA, becoming the first female CE of the organisation. She joined Transnet 23 years ago as an engineering technician at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). She rose through the ranks and held various general management positions at TFR and the Group Corporate Office before joining the Group Chief Executive’s office as General Manager. She holds an MBA from De Montfort University in the UK. Qalinge, an industrial engineer by qualification, has most recently been Transnet’s Group Executive: Strategy, where she was responsible for leading and directing Transnet’s growth strategy in international markets, with particular Image: Transnet

focus on generating revenue from the rest of the African continent and the Middle East. In her new role, she will provide strategic direction and leadership in the implementation of the overall TNPA strategic objectives and operational targets, including total oversight of the operation of eight commercial ports with more than 3 500 employees. She will also drive Transnet’s overall strategy to ensure the attainment of growth targets and compliance to the National Ports Act 12 of 2005.

Caroline Mampuru Deputy Head of the Special Investigating Unit Caroline Mampuru has been appointment Deputy Head of the Special Investigating Unit. She was previously Business Executive: Investigations at the Auditor-General of South Africa, where she led the unit and oversaw its strategic direction. Mampuru was also Chief Director: Public Administration Investigations at the Public Service Commission (PSC), where she led the planning, execution and reporting phases of investigations conducted by the PSC. She previously worked as a Senior State Advocate at the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit and as a Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration. Prior to these roles, Mampuru was a State Prosecutor at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court. She holds a B Proc degree and LLB, both from the former University of the North (currently University of Limpopo) and Post Graduate Diploma − Executive Development from UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership. In her new role, she will assist the head of the unit to manage and oversee the running of the business, initiate and manage high-level key stakeholder relations and drive business strategy and organisational goals.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

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of deceased donors, where donors

organ donors, the reality is that there

nation â&#x2C6;&#x2019; deceased organ donation

have signed up for the national

is a dire shortage of organs available

and live donation. Deceased dona-

organ donor registry via the Organ

for transplant in the country.

tion refers to instances where organs

Donation Foundation of South Africa.

are harvested from a deceased

Donors are given a donor card and a

and promote awareness on the

donor and transplanted into other pa-

sticker for their identity document and

importance of organ donation, the

tients on the organ donor waiting list.

driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licence, from which they are

you could save up to seven

Despite ongoing efforts to educate

Organ Donation Foundation of South

Live transplants, usually only occur

Most transplants in South Africa

identified as a potential donor.

Africa continues to battle a long

in kidney transplants, as a person is

waiting list of patients requiring organ

able to survive with just one kidney.

waiting list between state and private

and cornea transplants. About 4 300

Here a donor match is found, usually

sector units. Patients are only put on

South Africans are waiting for organ

a friend or relative, and they agree

the list once doctors are satisfied that

In most regions there is a shared

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

they will benefit from an organ dona-

and conduct a physical examination

tion and are healthy enough to sur-

to ensure that your organs are suit-

What organs can be donated?

vive the organ donation procedure.

able for donation.

Your heart, liver and pancreas can

Once an organ becomes available

save up to three lives, while your kid-

that match the donor’s blood group

Are there costs involved?

will be cross-matched against the

Signing up to become a donor is

certain organs only. Here you must

donor. In addition to time on the

completely free. The hospital covers

inform your family which organs you

waiting list, other factors such as age,

all medical expenses once your fam-

do not want to donate.

previous transplants and current

ily gives consent for the donation.

for transplant, all suitable recipients

health are taken into consideration when allocating the organ. The donor’s family will then be re-

neys and lungs can help up to four people. You can also opt to donate

How soon after death Can I change my mind? will the organs be Donors can change their mind at removed?

quired to give consent for the organs

any time. All they need to do is tear

It is critical that your organs are

to be harvested and it is therefore

up their organ donor card and

removed as soon as possible after

important for donors to inform family

remove the sticker from their identity

brain death has been declared to

and friends of their decision to be-

document and driver’s licence. It’s

ensure every possible chance of a

come a donor.

also a good idea to inform friends

successful transplant.

and family that you no longer want

By law, two independent doctors will

to be an organ donor.

need to certify brain death.

How to register You can register online at www.odf.org.za or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s toll free line on 0800 22 66 11. They will then send you a donor card for your wallet and a sticker for your identity document and driver’s licence.

Who can sign up? Anyone that is in good health and clear of any chronic disease or condition that may affect the recipient can become a donor.

Do I need medical tests to register? No medical tests are conducted upfront and are only carried out at the time of death. Medical professionals evaluate your medical and social history, carry out blood and culture tests,

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

Book review

The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso in rivalry. Both women, who are now in their 80s, cannot

of her family as a young wife. At

seem to agree on anything.

the time she had a fully-fledged

The details of what led to this

architectural firm, choosing to

rivalry are not distinctly defined

sacrifice the business to build a

– other than the fact that they

family. Even after such a sacrifice, she

are neighbours who come from

still feels she was inadequate as a

different backgrounds. James

mother.

is black, was born in Barbados,

an incident occurs that forces both

to South Africa in 1994 with her

women, who are sworn enemies, to

husband. She was the first black

live in the same house. It is during

person to own a home in the

this time that they realise that they

upper class neighbourhood of

are both human and make some

Katterijn in Cape Town.

headway in understanding each

Agostino is white, a leader in a struggling mother. Both women have had difficulties throughout

After the death of James’s husband

studied in England and moved

the community of Katterijn and

ewande Omotoso made her

Agostino quit her job to take care

other, the history of South Africa, land claims and reconciliation. Yewande does not attempt to create saints through her main

their lives, something Omotoso

characters. Instead, the reader

manages to bring out extremely well

is introduced to two people who

in her narrative style.

genuinely believe they are correct in

literary debut in 2011 with her

The Woman Next Door is written in

novel Bom Boy, which was

hating each other and don’t want

the third person and travels through

to sit down and talk it out. Eventually,

shortlisted for the Sunday Times Fiction

time to allow the reader to fully

when they do open up to each other,

Prize in 2012. She was born in Barbados,

understand the main characters. For

they realise that they can tolerate

grew up in Nigeria and moved to South

instance, in the early stages of her

each other.

African in 1992. Through wit and subtle

marriage, James realises that her

humour, Omotoso captures the residue

husband is having an affair. After

important but is relevant. You will

of apartheid, racism, social stereotypes,

following him she finds out that her

also admire Yewande’s unapologetic

motherhood and the complexities of

worst fears are true, but does nothing

prose and her ability to use wry

marriage in her latest novel.

about it. This builds a wedge in her

humour to address socio-political

marriage − the elephant in the room

issues.

The Woman Next Door sees two women, Marion Agostino and

that was never confronted and

Hortensia James wrapped up

eventually births bitterness.

The Woman Next Door is not only

Published by: Penguin Random House

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

C O F F E E TA B L E B O O K S NEWSLETTERS

C U S TO M E R M AG A Z I N E S

WEBSITES

BROCHURES

ANNUAL REPORTS

DIRECT MAILERS

C o n t a c t : Va n F l e t c h e r 14 Roodehek Street, Gardens, C a p e To w n

Cell: 082 3311158 Te l : 0 8 6 0 0 0 9 5 9 0 E m a i l : v a n . f l e t c h e r @ t o p c o. c o. z a

Food & WINE

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

Celebrating

Spring produce I

t’s that time of the year when

For the yoghurt dressing:

a pinch of chilli flakes. Dress with yo-

amazing seasonal fruit and veg-

½ cup reduced oil mayonnaise

ghurt dressing. To make the yoghurt

etables are on offer, providing the

¼ cup feta

dressing, combine the mayonnaise,

ideal ingredients for some simple,

¼ cup Greek yoghurt

feta, yoghurt, oil and lemon juice in a

fresh and delicious dishes.

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

blender and blend until smooth. Sea-

1 tsp lemon juice

son with pepper and salt, if needed.

These recipes for Spring, keep things light and hassle free.

Salt and fresh cracked pepper

Chickpea salad

Instructions: Add five parts water to one part dry

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or

400g dry chickpeas

chickpeas and soak overnight. Rinse

drumsticks

1 avocado, chopped

the chickpeas. Cook for an hour and

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

100g lamb’s lettuce

45 minutes or until tender. Start your

3 tbsp minced garlic (6-9 cloves)

(or any greens)

salad with a pile of lamb’s lettuce or

1/3 cup white wine (optional, or use

2 oranges (peeled, membrane re-

any greens you prefer. Layer on the

white grape juice)

moved and sliced into segments)

chickpeas, chopped avocado and

1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest

Pinch of chilli flakes

orange segments and season with

1 lemon (sliced)

Ingredients:

Easy lemon chicken Ingredients:

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

with goji berries. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces, until browned. Remove from oven, cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the top just before serving.

Lemon and lime mocktail Ingredients:

Juice of half a lemon Juice of half a lime 40 ml sugar syrup (made with equal 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

browned, for about one minute. Add

parts sugar and water, heated until

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

the wine, lemon zest, lemon juice,

sugar is dissolved then cooled)

1 1/2 tsp dried thyme

oregano, thyme, salt and pepper

Cold sparkling or soda water

Sea salt and pepper

and stir. Remove from heat and pour

2 x mint sprigs

30 g goji berries.

into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Crushed ice

Instructions:

Place the chicken skin side up in

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200Â°C.

the dish. Spoon some of the sauce

Combine all the ingredients, except

Prepare the sauce by gently heat-

over top to coat completely. Place

the mint, in a shaker and shake well.

ing the olive oil in a small saucepan

the lemon slices and tuck it in, skin

Sugar the rim of the glasses, pour

over low heat. Add the minced

side down (otherwise it will scorch)

the mocktail into them and serve

garlic and heat until tender, but not

between the chicken pieces. Sprinkle

garnished with mint.

Rinse the chicken and pat dry.

Public Sector Manager â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

GROOMING AND STYLE

Writer: Gilda Narsimdas

Be trendy on a budget I

t’s time to spring into a new season with some super-cool must-haves that won’t break the bank. We’ve

rounded up some items that are sure to brighten up and update your wardrobe. The good news is that they are all under R250.

1 – Aqua knit top with lace detail, Queenspark, www.zando.co.za, R199. 2 – Cream poncho, Joy Collectables, www.zando.co.za, R199. 3 – V-neck 3/4 sleeve stone jumper, Passionknit, www.spree.co.za, R159. 5

4 – Basic, black t-shirt dress, Utopia, www.zando.co.za, R199. 5 – Gold brogues, Moda Scapa, available at www.spree.co.za, R249.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

6 – White t-shirt with a map of Africa, Love SA, www.zando.co.za, R249. 6

7 – V-neck jersey, edited, available at www.spree.co.za, R229. 8 – Basic, black jogger, Utopia, available at www.zando.co.za, R249. 9 – Argyle multi-pattern socks, Happy Socks, available at www.zando.co.za, R149. 10 – Striped navy flip flop, Polo, available at www.spree.co.za, R199.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

NICE TO HAVES

Writer: Nic holas Francis

Put a spring in

your step S

pring is a season for renewal, making it the perfect time to refresh your look. Reinvigorate your

body, from head to toe, and get ready for the

warmer climate with these products.

5 2

1. REN micro polish cleanser, 150ml, R390. 2. Maybelline rebel red vivid matte liquid, 8ml, R115. 3. Givenchy Live Irrésistible, 75ml, R1 690. 4. The Body Shop tea tree mattifying lotion, 50ml, R125. 5. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps soy milk & honey whipped body butter, 200ml, R695. 6. TRESemmé Expert Selection coconut milk & aloe vera shampoo, 750ml, R60. 7. Pond’s Age miracle Day cream, 50ml, R169.95. 8

8. L’Oréal Volume Million Lashes mascara feline, 9.2ml, R99.95.

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

CAR feature REVIEWS

Writer: Ashref Ismail

New Q5 ups Audi’s game F

or many years the first Audi Q5 was the world’s best-

competitors in key dimensions. Its

selling SUV in its class. Since its international launch

horizontally-oriented lines under-

in 2008, it has sold more than 1.6 million units world-

score the impression of width and

wide. Launched in South Africa in 2009, it has sold 11 300

comfort, and a three-dimensional trim

units locally, having put up a brave fight against its arch

strip runs across the entire width of the

rival, the formidable BMW X3.

instrument panel.

While not everyone has a budget that can extend to

The rear seat back is split into three

the bigger Q7, many may also find its bigger dimen-

segments. Depending on the rear seat

sions unnecessary, since the new Q5 has grown in all

position, the basic volume of the luggage

the critical areas. At 4.66 metres long, 1.89 metres wide

compartment ranges from 550 to 610 litres, 10

and 1.66 metres tall, with a 2.82 metre wheelbase –

litres more than in the previous model. When

compared to the previous model, the new Q5 is larger in

the rear bench is folded down, this volume in-

nearly all of its dimensions.

creases to 1 550 litres.

This results in a comfortable and spacious interior for

Two powerful and efficient engines are currently

five people, while surpassing the previous model and its

being offered: TDI and TFSI. They have added up to

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

20 kW of power, with fuel consumption, however, signifi-

distributes the drive torque to the front and rear axle.

cantly reduced.

The new Audi SQ5 has a 2 995 cc, V6 TFSI engine with

At the launch I drove the four-cylinder TDI which has a

an output of 260 kW. The turbocharged, aluminium en-

displacement of 1 968 cc and is available with an out-

gine delivers a constant 500 Nm of torque from 1 370 to

put of 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque between 1 750 and

4 500 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in

3 000 rpm. While no pocket rocket, the Q5 TDI took under

5.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically governed

eight seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and reached

at 250 km/h. The Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI consumes just 8.3

its claimed top speed of 218 km/h.

litres of fuel per 100 kilometres – a CO2 equivalent of 189

Factory claimed fuel consumption is 4.9 litres per 100 km, with combined CO emissions of 129 g/km. 2

The further developed 2.0 TFSI has an output of 185 kW

grams per kilometre. A fast and smooth-shifting, eight-speed tiptronic transmits the power in the new Audi SQ5. The lower gears

and 370 Nm of torque, yet only consumes 6.8 litres of

feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are

fuel per 100 km, which equates to 154 grams of CO2 per

long to reduce revs and fuel consumption.

km. With this engine, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive contributes to the sporty handling. During normal driving, it distributes

6.3 seconds. The new quattro drive-train, with ultra-technology, also known as “quattro on demand”, is standard equipment

the engine power with a slight rear-axle bias. The Audi Q5 range will be priced as follows, standard

for the range. The quattro with ultra-technology always

with the five year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan and

disengages the rear-axle drive when it is not needed,

inclusive of all taxes: • Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic: R 698 000.

and, if necessary, can proactively re-engage it. The new concept boosts efficiency without reducing

• Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronicSport: R 748 000.

traction or driving dynamics. The intelligent operating

• Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic: R 747 500.

strategy permanently monitors the route, driver and

• Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronicSport: R 797 500.

driving status, and predictively

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

• SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic: R 1 044 000. If you’re looking for an executive high-end, mid-size SUV, you will be doing yourself a great disservice if you don’t short-list the Audi Q5 for a test drive.

travel

Writer: Jill Sheppard Images: Bevan Langley and Jill Sheppard

Exploring the beauty

of the West Coast T

he West Coast of South Africa

names like Hondeklipbaai and Kotz-

the Northern Cape’s coastline. Our

conjures many images − a

esrus, towns on the way to nowhere,

ultimate destination was Noup, a

harsh and unforgiving climate,

small patches of civilisation that

small cluster of renovated diamond

desolate empty coastline stretching

have made peace with the harsh

miners’ huts north of Hondeklipbaai.

unbroken for miles, raw beauty and

unforgiving surrounds and thrive off

adventure.

their isolation.

Forget places like Paternoster

Because of its remote nature, ex-

The road less travelled There are two roads to Hondeklip-

and Langebaan, although techni-

ploring the West Coast has always

baai. The first and undoubtedly the

cally included here, as these West

been a dream of mine. Not too long

quickest is the N7 – the national

Coast towns are accessible by

ago, we found ourselves in Doring-

freeway between Cape Town and

tarred roads and within easy reach

baai, one of the Western Cape’s

the Namibian border. The other, and

of Cape Town’s weekend warriors.

last coastal towns before the border

much more fitting to the nature of

But think about the far West Coast

with the Northern Cape, and con-

our expedition, is a 300 km soft sand

into the Northern Cape. Places with

templating a foray into the wilds of

track that hugs the coastline. It is

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

barely marked on all but the most

er before cutting back to the coast.

and then a desert orange. Low grey

detailed maps and known mostly

Without any signboards, it was a

scrubby plants covered the sand

only to a handful of farmers whose

case of using a cellphone to match

hills and, within the Namaqua Na-

land it traverses. There was little

our location pin with the right track

tional Park, springbuck grazed next

doubt which route we’d be taking.

on Google Maps until our signal ran

to the road. As our time on the road

out. After that navigating became

ticked past seven hours of slow

coastal sand road had a number

as simple as: “At a fork, choose left

progress, I longed for the drive to

of farm gates that we would need

for the coast”.

end but at the same time, with the

From what we could make out, this

to cross. It also passed through

setting sun deepening the purple,

the southern section of the Nama-

Beauty unexpected

reds and yellows of the landscape,

qua National Park and we would

We knew that choosing this route

I wanted to be in this place forever.

need to make it to the gate of the

would take us well off the beaten

The hot wind blew through me and

national park within visitors’ hours.

track and away from any signs of

into my spirit and at once I un-

Apart from that, and praying we

civilisation. What we weren’t en-

derstood and felt the allure of this

wouldn’t encounter resistance from

tirely prepared for was the absolute

desert land.

the mines along the way that would

beauty of the coastline that we

cause us to turn back, and our

encountered and the feeling of be-

route through should be clear.

ing completely alone. We stopped

Noup exceeds expectations

at whatever sandy beach or rocky

After dark, we finally reached an

tion that we paid next to no heed to

point caught our fancy. Walking out

intersection with the main dirt road

was that this route is best driven in

onto a beach unmarked by foot-

leading to Hondeklipbaai. From

convoy with another 4x4, with recov-

prints and with only a few startled

here it would be another half hour

ery equipment amongst the team.

seagulls to disturb was truly an in-

to Koingnaas and then on to Noup.

The soft sand road would require

credible feeling. I was overwhelmed

Arriving at a new location in the

some technical 4x4 driving in parts,

by the sense of constancy and

dark always leaves me feeling

and getting stuck here without as-

permanence – the knowledge that

disorientated. With nothing but our

sistance or cellphone signal could

despite daily rhythms and seasonal

headlights illuminating the bush on

mean being stranded for days.

changes, this landscape is constant

either side of the dirt road, it was

Already travelling alone, we had no

in its wildness and unchanging over

hard to anticipate our surroundings.

choice but to press on unaided if

the aeons.

Morning would reveal where we

The one other serious considera-

we wanted to drive this route at all. With all of this in mind, we set out

Back on the road, the deep purple afternoon storm clouds building

were. Noup was better than we could

from Doringbaai, first heading in-

on the horizon juxtaposed with the

have imagined. We found ourselves

land to cross the mighty Olifants Riv-

yellow sand that later became red

in a cosy stone hut facing a rocky

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

travel

shore and rich blue water, lined with

in the scrub around us, we were filled

is dissolved down to the essential and

kelp. The stone huts are renovated

with a sense of peace and calm. Be-

simple acts, like watching the sun set

diamond divers’ accommodation

ing near the sea is medicine for the

or lighting the gas stove for tea, that

and enjoy a prime location on the

soul but somehow finding ourselves

become equally as satisfying as they

coast. Because of Noup’s remote-

on such a beautiful coastline with no

are beautiful.

ness, the only electricity is supplied

cellphones or holiday crowds to dis-

by a generator that operates for a

tract and disturb us was even more

Know before you go

few hours at night and in the morn-

so. In the evening, as we relaxed

Bookings for Noup can be made via

ing. Everything else is run on gas. For

on comfy armchairs in front of the

the website www.noup.co.za and

me, there is no sound more cheerful

fireplace while listening to the tap-tap

with 11 cottages, can cater for large

than the whistle of a boiling kettle on

of insects on the outside the windows

groups. Although we would highly

a gas hob, especially when it signals

and dinner bubbling in a pot on the

recommend exploring the coastal

afternoon tea after a long day spent

gas stove, we realised we did not

road, this route is only suitable for

outside exploring.

want to leave.

4x4 vehicles and adds significantly

Every day was spent outside, walk-

We discovered that Noup, and the

ing along sandy beaches or hopping

West Coast in general, is exactly what

be accessed via the N7, with a travel

from boulder to boulder, sneaking as

you make of it. Its vastness and the

time from Cape Town of roughly 6.5

close to the sunbathing seals as we

rawness of life offers peace for the

hours. Noup stocks some essentials

dared. Watching the sun set over the

wearied soul, while its unexplored

but perishable groceries can be

ocean from our verandah and listen-

and empty surrounds offer endless

bought at nearby Kleinzee or Koing-

ing to the rustle of scurrying animals

opportunities for the adventurous. Life

naas.

to travel time. Noup can otherwise

Public Sector Manager • September 2017

101593

Bloemfontein

Durban

East London

Lusaka

Johannesburg

Hoedspruit

George

Harare

Kimberley

Lubumbashi

Maputo

Port Elizabeth

Windhoek

Walvis Bay

Gaborone

Richards Bay

Cape Town

17 Destinations all over Southern Africa, non-stop. You could choose other ways of getting to your holiday spot but flying with us is easy and non-stop. Flying with us is also convenient, because we fly to major destinations and smaller cities all over Southern Africa and the DRC, every day. Taking a break? Then make the most of your time off. Because we fly for you.

SA Express is a proud member of the SAA Voyager programme. Visit www.flyexpress.aero for domestic flights to Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Hoedspruit, George, Johannesburg, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and regional flights to Lubumbashi, Gaborone, Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Maputo, Lusaka and Harare.

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