psm december 2014 edition
DESCRIPTION
Aimed at all middle and senior managers in the Public Service and the Public Sector in general, Public Sector Manager speaks to the largest audience of government decision-makers in South Africa. With a print run of 16 000 copies distributed monthly – Public Sector Manager is a rare platform that offers a window of opportunity for marketers and communicators in both the public and private sectors to target a huge captive audience of Senior Government Officials.TRANSCRIPT
DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015
PU
BLIC
SE
CTO
R M
AN
AG
ER
THE M
AG
AZIN
E FOR
PU
BLIC
SEC
TOR
DEC
ISIO
N-M
AK
ERS
P
SM
D
EC
EM
BE
R 2014
/JAN
UA
RY
2015
R29.95 (VAT INCL) SOUTH AFRICA
The new cadreMinister Collins Chabane on professionalising the Public Service
A view from the topWe hear from:• Minister Jeff Radebe• Minister Lindiwe Zulu• Minister Susan Shabangu• Deputy Minister Stella
Ndabeni-Abrahams
President Zuma speaks Reflecting on 2014, looking ahead to 2015
Small. Medium. Large. Local or abroad.
Whatever your courier needs, we always deliver!
The shortest distance between two points.
• The most extensive domestic overnight express network in Southern Africa
• Also delivers to 200 international destinations• Available at a Post Offi ce near you or choose the door-to-
door option for extra convenience• Counter-to-counter pre-paid 1kg bag available• Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277
0860 023 133 speedservices.co.za
• Delivers documents, packages and bulk freight across South Africa and to over 200 international destinations
• Overnight Express delivers by 10:30 to any of XPS’s 26 branches
• Perfect for SMMEs, retail and manufacturing businesses, and business-to-consumer goods delivery
• Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277Courier & Freight. We deliver.
0860 000 977 xps.co.za
When your business depends on it.
• Tailored freight distribution across SA and neighbouring countries
• Containers dispatched daily• Perfect for manufacturing industry• High security – constant control over
consignments• Less stringent packing requirements save costs• Delivery into warehouse for easy receiving,
checking and packing
0800 015 600
Leso
ba 13
653
Small. Medium. Large. Local or abroad.
Whatever your courier needs, we always deliver!
The shortest distance between two points.
• The most extensive domestic overnight express network in Southern Africa
• Also delivers to 200 international destinations• Available at a Post Offi ce near you or choose the door-to-
door option for extra convenience• Counter-to-counter pre-paid 1kg bag available• Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277
0860 023 133 speedservices.co.za
• Delivers documents, packages and bulk freight across South Africa and to over 200 international destinations
• Overnight Express delivers by 10:30 to any of XPS’s 26 branches
• Perfect for SMMEs, retail and manufacturing businesses, and business-to-consumer goods delivery
• Track and trace online, via telephone or SMS 35277Courier & Freight. We deliver.
0860 000 977 xps.co.za
When your business depends on it.
• Tailored freight distribution across SA and neighbouring countries
• Containers dispatched daily• Perfect for manufacturing industry• High security – constant control over
consignments• Less stringent packing requirements save costs• Delivery into warehouse for easy receiving,
checking and packing
0800 015 600
Leso
ba 13
653
Contents December 2014/January 2015
Regulars
10 Conversations with leaders DPSA Minister Collins Chabane on improving the Public
Service machinery
14 Profi les in leadership The Offi ce of the Tax Ombud is ensuring the rights of
taxpayers are not violated
18 Vital stats Fast facts at your fingertips
19 Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your diary and
information
20 Women in the Public Sector The Road Accident Fund’s Chief Strategic Offi cer Mantiti
Kola always knew she would be an executive one day
24 Trailblazer Aircraft mechanic Nontlantla Skosana is living her dream
30 Aerial view The Public Service Innovation Awards show that public
servants are at the forefront of innovation
32 In other news News you need to know when you are on the go
34 International relations G20: World leaders upbeat about boosting economy
36 Provincial focus EC Premier Phumulo Masualle and his Cabinet have rolled up their sleeves to change lives in the province
40 How the Northern Cape Department of Social Development helps to keep small businesses afl oat
44 Public Sector Manager Forum GPAA Acting Chief Operating Offi cer Jay Morar sets the
record straight on retirement reforms
80 Financial fi tness Money spent wisely is money saved wisely
82 Public Sector appointments We take a look at who is new on Persal
84 Book reviews Empowering reads to enjoy this festive season
Public Sector Managerthe MagaZine for PUbLiC seCtor DeCision-MaKers
Publishers: Department of Communications Information Enquiry Service: +27 (0)12 473 0269 Switchboard: +27 (0) 12 473 0000Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfi eld, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001www.doc.gov.za
Head of Editorial and Production Harold Maloka [email protected]
Managing Editor Dorris Simpson [email protected]
News Editor Irene Naidoo
Copy Editors Roze Moodley Elias Tibane Ongezwa Manyathi Irene Naidoo Contributors Albert Pule Noluthando Mkhize More Matshediso Amukelani Chauke Andile Cele Bathandwa Mbola Maselaelo Seshotli Ursula Graaff
GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Katlholo Maifadi Sibongile Ngalwa
Senior Designer Tendai Gonese
Production Assistant Mduduzi Tshabangu Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions
Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 [email protected] www.topco.co.za
CEO Ralf Fletcher
Marketing & Sales Director Karla Fletcher
National Project Manager Nardine Nelson Tel: +27 (0)82 739 3932 [email protected]
Traffi c Manager: Candice Land [email protected]
Advertising Tel +27 (0)86 000 9590
Subscriptions and Distribution Aziza Banderker [email protected]
-------------------------------------------Acting Director-General Donald LiphokoDeputy Director-General:Corporate Services Phumla WilliamsDeputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Nebo LegoabeDeputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Harold MalokaChief Financial Offi cer Zwelinjani Momeka-----------------------------------------------© Copyright: Department of CommunicationsPrinted by Paarl Media
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015
Features
Lifestyle26 Food and wine Mouth-watering recipes to try out during the festive
season
86 Travel High fi ve for family holidays
89 Health and well-being Be sun-smart this festive season
90 Grooming and style Summer is here – it’s time to inject some colour and
bold prints into your wardrobe
91 Back to school checklist – PSM helps you get ready for the fi rst day of school
92 Car reviews Best of the best revealed
94 Nice-to-haves Something for everyone this festive season
69 SA aims to sharpen innovative edge Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister
Siyabonga Cwele says SA needs to sharpen its innovative edge
71 Wagon refurbishment puts De Aar economy on new track
Transnet’s refurbishment facility is injecting hope into De Aar in the Northern Cape
73 Stand against abuse of women and children Minister Susan Shabangu on making the country safer for
women and children
75 Opinion Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe refl ects on the
country’s grief following the deaths of South African citizens in Nigeria
78 Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on harnessing opportunities provided by our oceans for the benefi t of the country’s economy
4 Message from President Jacob Zuma A special end-of-year message from the President
46 Celebrating media freedom President Jacob Zuma has reaffi rmed government's
commitment to the ideals of freedom
48 SA turns the tide on HIV and AIDS South Africa has made signifi cant progress in the fi ght
against HIV and AIDS over the past fi ve years
50 Sharing lessons to deliver services better and faster
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on improving service delivery
52 Budget aims to balance fi nances, bolster investment
Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene on plans to re-establish a sustainable foundation for public fi nances
56 SMMEs hold the key to economic growth Small Business Development Minster Lindiwe Zulu
wants to unleash an entrepreneurship revolution
58 Voice of citizens amped The Citizens-based Monitoring approach promotes active citizenry and contributes to the building of a capable state
62 Military Ombud Offi ce tackles soldiers’ grievances
Retired Lieutenant-General Temba Templeton Matanzima unpacks the work of his offi ce
64 Eff ective monitoring and evaluation can improve service delivery
Monitoring and evaluation has an important role to play in achieving the NDP goals says Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe
68 Public Works closes the door on fraud and corruption
Minister Thulas Nxesi’s new off ensive against fraud, corruption and maladministration
78
86
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 3
PresiDent’s Message
Ending a successful year and looking forward to a fruitful 2015
This is the time of year when millions of South Africans –
like millions of people around the world – begin to “ease”
into the year-end, refl ecting on the past 12 months, tak-
ing a breather from work (for the 15 million who are employed)
and thinking up resolutions for the year ahead.
For government, where our fi nancial year ends on 31 March,
December is a festive year-end but not an offi cial year-end.
We will press on till the end of the fi nancial year, when we
start the task all over again of working with all South Africans
to move South Africa even further forward. There is no rest for
the hard-working or the committed.
Even so, we look back on 2014 as a year in which we achieved
many milestones and were also deeply wounded as a nation
when we lost compatriots in the church tragedy in Lagos, Ni-
geria, or, more recently, when we lost our sporting personalities
such as Senzo Meyiwa, Mbulaheni Mulaudzi, Shadrack Ngcobo,
Phindile Mwelase and Tinus Linee. Indeed we lost many more
South Africans who were very special to their families.
This was a year in which we refl ected frequently on our na-
tion’s achievements during 20 Years of Freedom – 20 years
that brought opportunity and hope to millions of our people.
From the deepest rural outposts in our country to the ever-
changing skylines of our metropolitan centres, there is no place
or person who has not been reached or touched by 20 years
of transformation.
Social grants, extended public works programmes,
community works programmes, government
support for cooperatives and emerging farm-
ers, and free social housing, water and
electricity for millions of South Africans are
among the ways we have brought dignity
and security to citizens.
Giving students
state funding to study at our universities, making it pos-
sible for medical students to develop their careers in a
partner country such as Cuba and launching brand-new
universities and other institutions of higher learning
are among the ways we are investing in our nation’s
knowledge base for a more sophisticated economy in
the future.
Cutting back on the red tape involved in starting a
business, creating special economic and industrial de-
velopment zones, improving our rail and port infrastruc-
ture, building new hospitals, clinics and residential set-
tlements have all been part of improving our economy
and living conditions – and of creating jobs for people
who need them the most.
South Africa’s built landscape is changing every day
as we undertake ambitious projects that are quickly
changing the way we live and do business, the way
we feel about ourselves and the way the world looks
at and interacts with us.
But our nation faces a much greater challenge: that
for building from the inside, not the outside.
As you read this, we are observing 16 Days of Activism
of No Violence Against Women and Children as part of
a year-round campaign to protect vulnerable groups
in our society and to focus our attention on the values
and principles by which we live.
This is also a period during which we observe World
Aids and the United Nations day dedicated to people
with disability.
In addition, with people preparing to head home or
on holiday to various parts of the country, this is the
time our Arrive Alive campaign advocates safety on
our roads and responsible and respectful celebrations
around Christmas, New Year and other festivities.
Each year, as we experience these campaigns, we are
confronted by frightening statistics, stories and experi-
ences arising from the actions of South Africans whose
behaviours, attitudes and actions have not kept pace
with the visible development we see around us.
community works programmes, government
support for cooperatives and emerging farm-
ers, and free social housing, water and
electricity for millions of South Africans are
among the ways we have brought dignity
and security to citizens.
Giving students
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 20154
There are just too many of us who live by the knife,
the gun, the bottle neck or illicit drugs. There are too
many of us who are quick to anger and disrespectful
in the way we relate to people around us, especially
in situations where we have diff erences or arguments
over the smallest things.
Much of this is driven by factors other than poverty. I
say this because among poor South Africans, the major-
ity of people are living lives with respect, dignity and
empathy. Some of our poorest compatriots who live
on the economic margins and have the least to off er to
others, often go out of their way the furthest to share
their little with others and to do good.
Much of the violence and confl ict we experience in
our communities arise from greed or disrespect for
common decency and the values of living in harmony
with those around us.
Grandchildren who abuse their elders, grandfathers
who abuse their descendants, teachers who have inap-
propriate relations with learners and workplace supervi-
sors who sexually abuse or exploit staff tell us we need
to build hearts and minds, not just bricks and mortar.
People who do these terrible things do not live on an
island of their own. They live among us. They are in our
homes, in our neighbourhoods, in our workplaces, in
our church groups, in our sports clubs.
It is a tragedy - and very often a further breaking of
the law - that thousands of South Africans stand by
idly or turn a blind eye to terrible events, adding to
the misery, suff ering and violation suff ered by relatives,
friends, neighbours or colleagues.
The law-abiding majority of South Africans must take
a stand that will show those who have no respect for
the wishes, lives or property of others that they have
no place in our decent society.
When people aren't able to or refuse conduct them-
selves with dignity and respect, it is our law enforce-
ment agencies to whom we turn for justice, punish-
ment, rehabilitation and restitution.
In such cases, we welcome the occasions on which our
courts send clear and severe messages to criminals and
show our communities that the courts are responsive
to the outrage and trauma we all feel when individuals
break the law or the codes of common decency.
Daily, killers, rapists, cable thieves, members of mall heists and
truck-jackings gangs are dealt with by our courts, thanks to the
dedicated and often dangerous work of our police, prosecutors
and cooperation of witnesses who are often terrifi ed of retribu-
tion but choose to take a stand against perpetrators of crime.
However, our justice system should function as our last resort.
Our thoughts and actions should be our fi rst resort in the
quest for a better society.
It is time we rebuilt our moral infrastructure in the same way
we are putting up new houses, schools, bus rapid transit sys-
tems or offi ce parks.
The call to this eff ect was fi rst made by our founding President
Nelson Mandela who spoke of the reconstruction and develop-
ment programme of the mind.
Indeed, this December we unite again as a nation to refl ect
on those sad moments on the evening of 5 December 2013,
when our beloved Madiba left us after an extended illness.
It was a heart-breaking moment for his family, for South Africa
and for the world and it was a moment that challenged us to
ensure that Madiba's legacy as a moral beacon nationally and
internationally - and his many calls to action - would live on in
our lives as individuals and communities.
While December is indeed a time to take it easy and refl ect,
it's also a season of commitment not just to New Year's resolu-
tions but to a whole new life ahead.
As President of our Republic and on behalf of government and
my family, I wish you a joyous and safe festive season.
I also look forward to seeing how the matric Class of 2014
have done all of us proud.
In 2015, government and I will be alongside you once again
to move South Africa forward.
President Jacob Zuma.
Many young people have benefi ted from state funding to study at universities.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 5
Message froM the Minister
On 15 July 2014, President Jacob Zuma signed into ef-
fect the Presidential Proclamation, which was published
as Gazette No 37839, establishing the Department of
Communications (DoC).
The Independent Communica-
tions Authority of South Africa
(ICASA), Brand SA and the Film and
Publication Board were transferred
to the new Ministry of Communica-
tions where I was appointed as the
executive authority.
This also meant that the Govern-
ment Communication and Informa-
tion System (GCIS) ceased to exist
once these events played out.
Much work has been done by the
now de-established GCIS since it
was established in 1998.
Under the watch of my predeces-
sors, the then GCIS evolved over the
years – from fax to e-mail communi-
cations – to the dawn of a new era.
Now most communicators occupy
a new space of communications and
interact with members of the public
and some of our media stakeholders
through the use of social media tools like Facebook and Twitter.
This has enabled government to communicate important in-
formation to all citizens who are digital savvy, while still keeping
in touch with our people through traditional platforms such as
izimbizo outreach programmes, commercial and community
media.
We are a nation at work.
Promoting SA on a global stageDuring the announcement of his Cabinet, the President said the
formation of the new DoC would have an expanded mandate
to promote the image of South Africa abroad.
The positive positioning of the country is crucial for job crea-
tion through the strengthening of our competitiveness as a
nation.
As we celebrate 20 Years of Freedom, it is inspiring to know
that 91 per cent of the population are proud to be South Af-
ricans. This is according to a comprehensive report on how
the world perceives our country, provided to us by
Brand SA.
It further says more than 85 per cent of the popula-
tion believe that South Africa
is competitive, innovative
and capable of achieving
greatness as a country, and
95 per cent of citizens ex-
press a sense of belonging
in the country, with a strong
desire to remain here.
The SABCIt is also in our best interests
to ensure that the public
broadcaster works better
in terms of its governance
so that it will play a proac-
tive role in promoting local
content that can also be sold
abroad, while maintaining its
editorial independence.
The SABC is important to
us, and it will play a key role
in us rolling out of the digital
migration project by the DoC.
We, as a country, urgently need to roll-out the Digital
Terrestrial Television (DTT) to meet our international
obligations and to support the development of our
nascent technology manufacturing sector.
Since taking office on 27 May 2014 and in compli-
ance with the Proclamation by the President, I have
embarked on a consultative process to familiarise and
inform myself with the relevant issues to be able to
unblock this impasse on what we all know is a crucial
project to unlock the economic benefits that are cre-
ated by digital migration.
I have already broadly consulted with various stake-
holders in the communications industry, including the
manufacturers, the broadcasters and the regulator.
This consultative process is still continuing.
Among these issues was the need for policy clarity
and legislation from government on the digital migra-
tion project. A recurring policy question was whether
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 20156
South Africa should still continue to roll out Set-Top Boxes
(STBs) or to leapfrog directly to Integrated Digital Television
(IDTV). This question arose because of the shortness of time
due to the ITU deadline of 17 June 2015.
I am happy to confirm that after extensive consultation with
various key stakeholders, we have reached the conclusion that
STBs must still remain as the preferred device to be used for the
digital migration in South Africa. The new digital landscape will
include IDTVs, which we encourage as an evolving technology
for the second phase of the digital migration process.
ICASAAnother important proclamation to note relates to the
oversight over ICASA. It is common understanding that ICASA
regulates the telecommunications industry with a mandate
to bring down the cost of communication and contribute to
economic growth.
Fulfilling our communications mandate Finally, the Department of Communications aims to do
nothing but help the entire government machinery in fulfilling
its communications mandate.
Government communicators need to communicate with
one voice and the role of the Communications Department
will be to ensure that we integrate and offer support to any
department that may require assistance.
The outcome in this regard should be to ensure
that key government messages are communicated
to members of the public about government’s work
and services.
We owe it to the tax payers to ensure that we
keep them informed about all new developments
in the Public Service, from new pieces of legi-
slation or amendments that affect their lives to
new programmes aimed at eradicating poverty,
inequality and unemployment.
Over and above our traditional media platforms,
we will go out to the door steps of our citizens
through our izimbizo to communicate our key
programmes, monitor service delivery, announce
interventions and most importantly, bring our
leaders closer to the people to ensure that they
are given an opportunity to interact with their
executive authority.
It is through this interaction that our President
and the Cabinet will get an opportunity to listen
to any queries or service delivery concerns to help
us to better address these challenges efficiently.
We look forward to an exciting communications
period ahead!
Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi interacting with representatives of ICASA and the DoC.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 7
As the year draws to a close, it gives us the oppor-
tunity to look back on the year that was and look
forward to new opportunities and ventures in 2015.
Refl ecting on 2014 brings with it mixed emotions. We
started off 2014 fresh with the pain of having buried our
beloved Madiba. It was also the year we celebrated the
remarkable journey our country has travelled so far, as we
marked 20 Years of Freedom.
Celebrating this milestone helped
magnify the benefi ts that democracy
has brought to our people. We were
constantly reminded of how people’s
lives are better today when compared
to 1994. More South Africans have
homes, access to health care and ed-
ucation, and basic services than ever
before. The country has made major inroads in the fi ght
against HIV and AIDS and millions of South
Africans have found relief from the
grip of poverty thanks to the
social security net. We can indeed
be proud of our achievements
over the past two decades.
The country also held its fi fth
democratic elections, which
was once again peaceful, free
and fair. As was the case on 27
April 1994, millions of South Af-
ricans, of all races, took to
the polls to make
their voices
h e a r d .
President Jacob Zuma was inaugurated in May and
not long after announced a new Cabinet. He also
announced the formation of new departments and
changes to existing ones.
We can be particularly proud of how public servants
embraced these changes and ensured that new de-
partments hit the ground running. Change can often
be daunting, causing many to resist
and even hinder it. But public servants
have shown that even if the name of
the department they serve in changes
and new faces emerge, their priority
remains ensuring the needs of citizens
are met.
Of course, there were aspects in
which public servants and depart-
ments could have improved on in 2014. Corruption,
crime and the quality of basic services continue to be
major concerns.
While government is intensifying eff orts to address
these, true success will only be achieved if South
Africans, both in the public and private sector, pull in
the same direction.
2014 was also a year of heartbreak for South Africa.
While the passing of any South African is tragic, the
deaths of more than 80 South Africans during the
collapse of a guest house at a church in Nigeria was
particularly heart wrenching.
But even in adversity, public servants can be proud
of how the many government departments pulled
together to help the injured, support the families,
keep the country informed about developments and
most importantly, bring back the remains of those
who passed away in Nigeria.
2014 has come and gone. Let us now take some
time to put aside our hats of public servants, and
concentrate on our families and friends as we en-
joy the holidays with them. Soon we will need
to put back those hats to ensure that in 2015 we
continue to better the lives of all South Africans.
I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous New
Year.
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.
“We can indeed
be proud of our
achievements over the
past two decades.”
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 20158
Visit us on Facebook to share your thoughts and views:www.facebook.com/PublicSectorManager
@PublicSectorMan
Dear Editor I came across Public Sector Manager magazine recently when a friend sent me an e-mail
with the link to your online publication.
I was very impressed with it and, in particular, with the good stories it tells about
the country and government.
I especially enjoyed the interview with Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko.
Reading through it, I felt as though he was having a direct conversation with me
and the rest of South Africa. It was also pleasing to read about the accomplishments
of the men and women in blue.
Crime is an issue that cannot be ignored and it seems as if Minister Nhleko is ready
to make a diff erence in our country. I was happy to read that corruption is not being
tolerated and that those police offi cers that abuse their positions have been arrested.
Thank you for the informative read.
Ray Sebastian, Cape Town
Dear Editor Reading through the October edition of PSM, I was drawn to the cover of the
magazine.
Politicians are always so serious and it was refreshing to see a smile on Minister
Nhleko’s face as he stared back at me from the cover.
I was also heartened to read of his plans to ensure that the police serve com-
munities better.
When Minister Nhleko speaks of a community that works hand in hand with
police it resonates with me as I had the privilege of experiencing the positive
outcomes that are achieved when the two come together to ensure the safety
of communities.
I grew up in a township where my uncle and other young men took turns to
patrol the streets while we slept, reassuring us that no criminal would try his
or her luck in Deep Six, Atteridgeville.
It was interesting to read the Minister’s thoughts and plans, and I believe
that his vision of the public and police working together is not far-fetched.
The public should take a minute to stop criticising and instead try to under-
stand and help those in the South African Police Service who put their lines
of the line to ensure the safety of others.
Johannes Mashegwane, Pretoria
We hear We hear We hear you!you!you!you!you!you!you!you!you!Letters to the eDitor
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 9
Writer: Amukelani ChaukePhotographer: Enver Essop
ConVersations With the LeaDers
Improving the Public Service machinery If you want to build a successful company or institution, it is essen-
tial that one invests in human capital. An employer must ensure
that employees are well looked after in order for them to improve
their services to the customers.
After the country recently commemorated Public Ser-
vice Month, Public Service and Administration Minister Col-
lins Chabane said this model would be enforced to ensure
that service delivery – which is among government’s top
priorities – is disseminated to members of the public with distinction.
In an interview with PSM, Minister Chabane said he spent his
fi rst few months in offi ce visiting front-service staff at various de-
partments to interact with public servants to understand their
challenges.
“As a department we have been encouraging inter-
action with frontline staff . Also we are dealing directly
with communities, fi rstly to understand their chal-
lenges and to relay to them what the expectations of
the communities are.
“We have been speaking to people through the me-
dia. We have done a lot of radio shows where people
call and tell us what are their experiences with the ser-
vice we provide and we use that experience to try and
improve in areas we think need improving. The work to
try and encourage public diligently continues,” he said.
When President Jacob Zuma delivered his State of the
Nation Address in June, he said for the Public Service to
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201510
work better, public servants needed to treat members
of the public with respect, patience, understanding
and courtesy.
As such, the Batho Pele programme would be revital-
ised and would be followed by the new Public Service
Charter.
The Minister said much time had been spent towards
fostering discipline and courtesy of frontline staff, and
added that an extra effort would be invested to roll out
refresher training courses for public servants.
While Minister Chabane did not elaborate on which
departments he visited during this period, he said the
focus was on national and provincial departments
where civil servants have direct contact with mem-
bers of the public.
Some of the facilities where members of the public
are served directly include Home Affairs offices, South
African Social Security Agency offices, police stations,
health facilities, drivers' licence centres, municipal
customer-care centres, schools and courts.
He said his interaction with these staff members gave
his department very useful information to work with.
“The feedback basically is they are prepared to work,
they are prepared to improve. They need help from
government to assist them with some of the working
instruments.
“Some have also asked for their working conditions to
be improved but I think a majority of them are encour-
aged to work for the Public Service,” he said.
Professionalising the Public ServiceHaving moved into his new portfolio when the Presi-
dent announced the new Cabinet in May 2014, the
Minister said he was not new to issues related to the
efficient performance of the Public Service.
As the first Minister of Performance Monitoring and
Evaluation located in The Presidency, which has since
been merged with the National Planning Commission,
Minister Chabane has for the past five years dealt with
the mandate of overseeing that the performance of
all government departments under the Public Service
Act was upheld.
This included devising performance agreements that
members of the executive were required to sign, and
overseeing the assessment of departmental perfor-
mance using service tools aimed at improving departments’ services
in critical areas like paying suppliers within 30 days.
He told PSM that his previous role in The Presidency meant that he
walked into his new deployment already being familiar with what
needed to be done as the two departments worked very closely.
“You will recall that in my previous responsibility, I was dealing with
issues related to the Public Service – the performance of the State,
the performance of the Public Service machinery – so I am not basi-
cally new to the issue.”
He said when President Zuma introduced the Ministry of Perfor-
mance Monitoring and Evaluation in 2009, it enabled the executive
authority to be able to understand what was happening in the Public
Service on a daily basis.
This included monitoring management practices across the Public
Service that boasts 1,2 million employees.
“One of our main concerns is human resources management. A lot
of departments are facing challenges in that area. That has got an
impact on how people deliver services … and that is one area which
we think we need to pay special attention to.
“Human resources management has quite a number of aspects. It
is not only the management of the payroll; it is not only the manage-
ment of disciplinary cases.
“You have to make sure that the people we have in the system are
able to function, they are well organised, they have the necessary
resources to carry out their tasks, they know what their roles are, they
are able to go through the rules, they are able to keep the files and
the documentation properly, they manage the issue of leave, they
manage the issue of discipline,” Minister Chabane said.
Public Service poaching good for the economyDue to the private sector using its financial muscle to poach skilled
servants, the Public Service has often found itself unable to retain
some of its talented employees, with critics often seeing this as a
challenge to service delivery.
Some have called for measures to ensure that the Public Service is
made more attractive so that many will see it as a career of choice.
Minister Chabane said while losing skilled employees was always a
challenge, it was a two-way street.
He said the responsibility of the state was not only to improve hu-
man resources management for the Public Service, but also for the
entire country as a whole.
“When you see people leave the Public Service to the private sector
… it is a good thing for us because you are then able to share the
skills, the knowledge and the experiences to the entire economy.
“So we are not too worried about people leaving the Public Service >>
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 11
ConVersations With the LeaDers
to join the private sector because they are making a contribution
to the economy,” he said.
The Minister said this paved a way for new entrants to come into
the system, thus giving interns and other work-seeking professionals
an opportunity to work for the state.
He said while they are not tried and tested, new entrants needed
to be given an opportunity in order to move to a point where they
grow to being assets within the Public Service.
“The retention of staff is not about telling employees they can’t go,
we are going to increase their salary for them to stay. Let people go
if they want to go and make a contribution out there.
“In fact, one of the most experienced people are the junior ones,
those who have got very little options to leave. Those are the people
who are carrying the burden of the state, those are the people who
are carrying the knowledge of what the state’s function is,” he said.
Tighter integrity, ethics rules on the wayMinister Chabane said while there are
challenges of discipline within the Public
Service, a notion suggesting that overall,
there is no discipline within the Public
Service “does not reflect reality”.
“If you look at the number of discipli-
nary cases that are there now in various
departments, they are generally less than
10 per cent of the entire workforce of the
Public Service so you are talking about less than 100 000 people.”
He said a recently held Labour Relations Forum, which took place
in Cape Town, brought government leaders under one roof to share
experiences that included integrity and ethics management discus-
sions.
He said the outcome of the forum would guide his department
on whether it needed to tighten rules or not.
Linked to integrity and ethics management is the fight against
corruption.
Public servants often find themselves at a crossroad where – be-
cause of a temptation to put their hand in the cookie jar while it is
against the rules – they find themselves in hot water.
The Minister said despite existing challenges related to detecting
and preventing corruption, he was satisfied with government’s fight
against corruption.
He urged public servants to report any corrupt activities to relevant
authorities so that they can be investigated.
“We have the legal instruments to deal with the problem.
“People say from time to time because so many bil-
lions have been lost to corruption, there is so much
corruption.
“We are fairly comfortable that the fight against cor-
ruption is on … and we encourage all South Africans,
we encourage all institutions to bring any suspicious
corrupt activities to the attention of the authorities
that are dealing with it so that they can be able to
uproot it.”
The new cadreIn government’s push to revitalise the Public Service
and to transform public servants into becoming the
new cadre, Minister Chabane said measures were be-
ing implemented to equip employees with the right
attitude and skills required to meet
the standard.
“You can’t have people who will re-
act to situations the same. The mini-
mum thing that we require for some-
one to be a true cadre in the Public
Service is to adhere to the principles
that are in the Constitution and the
issues that are in the Public Service
Charter and for people to observe
the rules,” the Minister said.
He said much time was being spent
in ensuring that public servants know regulations –
what they can do and what they cannot do – and that
they know the values of the Public Service.
“The majority of people who find themselves in the
workplace, whether in the public or private sector,
they always try to find solutions to every challenge
they are faced with.
“So we are trying to encourage public servants who
are dealing with communities out there to be creative;
to look for solutions.
“In a situation, for example, where you have to help
people and you realise that you do not have the com-
plete instruments, we encourage public servants to be
creative, to be innovative and to resolve the problem,”
he said.
He said that was why some public servants would
be given awards from time to time to recognise them
for going the extra mile.
“In a situation, for example,
where you have to help
people and you realise
that you do not have the
complete instruments, we
encourage public servants
to be creative, to be
innovative and to resolve the
problem...”
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201512
A statement for a statesman.Government MMS/SMS.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) together with our dealer network have an exclusive offer for National and Provincial Officials on the Middle and Senior Management Scheme. From PERSAL level 9 and above, MBSA recommends a discount of 7% on standard retail prices*, including PremiumDrive, our new 6 year/100 000km maintenance plan. We are also able to provide Finance, Insurance or Private Rental payment options through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services**. The type of offer you would expect from South Africa’s number 1 car brand***.
*Excludes AMG and Limited Edition models ** Finance and insurance is available through Mercedes-Benz Finance and Insurance, a division of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. An Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence no. 18 604) and Credit Provider (Licence no. NCRCP80), Underwritten by Regent Insurance (FSB. 25 511) or Alexander Forbes Insurance (Licence nr. 30414). Vehicle Specifications may vary for the South African market. **Please note that, due to Anti-trust legislation, MBSA is unable to dictate nor enforce discounts. ***As voted by SA in the Sunday Times TOPBRANDS Awards 2014.
Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photographer: Linda Mthombeni
ProfiLes in LeaDershiP
Tax Ombud helps aggrieved taxpayers
The Offi ce of the Tax Ombud (OTO), which was launched
a year ago, is playing a leading role in ensuring that the
rights of taxpayers are not violated.
The Tax Ombud is Judge Bernard Ngoepe and he is
assisted by Advocate Hanyana Mkhawane, who is
the Chief Executive Offi cer.
According to Adv Mkhawane, the purpose of
the OTO is to review and address complaints
from taxpayers about the South African
Revenue Service (SARS). These include
complaints about services rendered and
procedural, administrative and systemic
issues.
“When people come to us they must
have the confi dence that they will receive
help from the offi ce. More importantly, the
way we address complaints also adds value
to SARS and shows it when it can improve.”
An ombud is meant to be independent, im-
partial and render services at no cost.
Some of the complaints that the Tax Om-
bud deals with include SARS’ unwillingness
to address the complaints of taxpay-
ers or failure to resolve matters to
complainants’ satisfaction. Other
common complaints include re-
funds due to taxpayers, SARS
failing to respond to taxpay-
ers’ queries and e-fi ling re-
lated queries.
Adv Mkhawane advises
that before aggrieved
taxpayers approach the
offi ce they should have
exhausted all the nec-
essary processes with
SARS.
Formation of the OTOAdv Mkhawane says discussions on
the formation of the OTO started as
far back as the mid-90s.
“Other people thought that we have
the offi ce of the Public Protector so
why should there be a Tax Ombud. If
taxpayers wanted to complain they
could go there.”
The Joint Standing Committee on
Finance also supported the formation
of the offi ce but there were still linger-
ing doubts about the role of the Pub-
lic Protector in addressing tax-related
complaints.
SARS then formed its own monitor-
ing offi ce located within the organi-
sation, to monitor its work and the
services rendered.
“This offi ce lacked independence as
it was still within SARS,” explains Adv
Mkhawane.
One of the objectives of the Tax Ad-
ministration Act of 2011 is to achieve
a balance between SARS and taxpay-
ers.
“SARS has a wide range of powers.
So it became important to try and bal-
ance these powers and give taxpayers
who are aggrieved by SARS a voice.”
Tax complianceAdv Mkhawane says SARS is doing a
brilliant job in educating South Afri-
cans about the importance of paying
taxes.
“SARS has made a lot of progress,
Trights of taxpayers are not violated.
The Tax Ombud is Judge Bernard Ngoepe and he is
assisted by Advocate Hanyana Mkhawane, who is
the Chief Executive Offi cer.
According to Adv Mkhawane, the purpose of
the OTO is to review and address complaints
from taxpayers about the South African
Revenue Service (SARS). These include
complaints about services rendered and
procedural, administrative and systemic
issues.
“When people come to us they must
have the confi dence that they will receive
help from the offi ce. More importantly, the
way we address complaints also adds value
to SARS and shows it when it can improve.”
An ombud is meant to be independent, im-
partial and render services at no cost.
Some of the complaints that the Tax Om-
bud deals with include SARS’ unwillingness
to address the complaints of taxpay-
ers or failure to resolve matters to
complainants’ satisfaction. Other
common complaints include re-
funds due to taxpayers, SARS
failing to respond to taxpay-
ers’ queries and e-fi ling re-
lated queries.
Adv Mkhawane advises
that before aggrieved
taxpayers approach the
offi ce they should have
exhausted all the nec-
essary processes with
SARS. Advocate Hanyana Mkhawane.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201514
especially coming from the apartheid era when there
were high levels of non-compliance. Since then SARS
has managed to change people’s mindset and now
more and more people are complying.”
Popularising the Tax OmbudAdv Mkhawane says it is important to make people
aware of the role of the OTO.
“More people need to know about the offi ce. When
I tell people about where I work they are puzzled and
have no idea what we do, even some people at SARS
don’t understand the role of this offi ce.
“Doing outreaches will be critical to inform people
about our role and various partnerships will also be of
assistance,” he adds.
An example of these partnerships is the one between
the offi ce and SARS recognised tax practitioners such
as the South African Institute of Chartered Account-
ants and the South African Institute of Professional
Accountants.
“We are using their platform to inform professionals
in the tax industry about the role of this offi ce. We want
to educate the public about this offi ce but we thought
we should start with the professionals fi rst.
“We are also promoting the offi ce through print and
broadcast. We will be doing roadshows around the
country. We started with tax practitioners because we
found that taxpayers usually use their services but we
also want to empower all taxpayers so they understand
their rights.”
What taxpayers should avoidAdv Mkhawane also warned taxpayers against being
dishonest when submitting their returns.
He added that there were unethical tax practitioners
who claimed to be able to secure refunds from SARS
without the taxpayer seeing any documentation.
“If anybody promises this without any documenta-
tion it is clear that tax practitioner will fi nd illegal ways
of producing that refund. When a taxpayer gets into
trouble with SARS they are alone.”
He says taxpayers should approach SARS to enquire
about things they do not understand and if they do not
get a response escalate it to their offi ce.
Taxpayers should not ignore any communication from
SARS, he advises.
This & ThatWhat do you do in your spare time?I jog and enjoy running short races.
Favourite holiday destination?The Garden Route in Cape Town.
One thing people don’t know about you?I love cooking. I am a very hands-on person.
About Adv Mkhawane Adv Mkhawane has a Master’s degree in Tax Law and was admit-
ted as an attorney in 1996. He joined SARS as a manager in the
legal division in 1998.
He was later appointed Regional Manager for Enforcement at the
Eastern Cape offi ce from 2005 until 2010, when he was admitted
as an advocate of the High Court, Johannesburg Bar. He also
holds a Diploma in Labour and Company Law.
Prior to joining the OTO in 2013, he practised as an advocate.
His areas of expertise include tax, contracts, company law, com-
mercial law, insolvency, personal injury, insurance, labour and
administrative law.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 15
My name is Masuku Sicelo Ncamiso, from Swaziland, and I am pursuing chartered accountancy as a career. My father got injured at work in 2002; he was working at Vaal Reef and was declared unfit, so had to stop working. At the time I was in high school and I did not know how I was going to get to university. My father never stopped trying to get funds for me and he came across the Mineworkers Provident Fund office, which referred him to the JB Marks Education Trust Fund offices. He met an official who gave him the application form. I applied and waited on feedback from JB Marks.
I got my reply in January 2012 and was so happy they accepted my application. I went to my father to share the marvellous news and assured him we had achieved our dreams. Our life here at home would be changed forever. My university life was made even better with the introduction of a meal allowance because my father could not afford to send enough money to survive. Today I have my degree and I am grateful to JB Marks. They changed my family’s life, not just mine, and now I will stop at nothing to show my appreciation for what JB Marks has done.
The Fund will forever be a part of me. They have done so much for me and the awards ceremony will remain in my heart forever. That night JB Marks gave me the opportunity to say thank you
to my parents for all the support they have given me throughout my studies. I do see only joy through their eyes that night and for me it was a feeling I do not have enough words to explain. I chose to dedicate all the awards to my parents and I do not know if I will ever have enough words to say thank you to my father for choosing to right Union, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and all the family of JB Marks Education Trust Fund.
THANK YOU JB MARKS The JB Marks Education Trust Fund was established by the NUM in 1997 to address the need for black educated graduates entering the mining, energy, and construction sectors.
Over the last 17 years it has continued to fulfil this need by providing tuition for members of NUM and their families, achieving meaningful change and capacity-building through improved education. The Fund has enabled 830 bursars to graduate with mainstream tertiary qualifications (including 15 medical doctors) and disbursed R117-million to over 2 000 beneficiaries, with 700 students still in the pipeline. Applications are open 1 March - 1 July annually. For online application forms, visit www.jbmarksedutrust.co.za
JB Marks 2014 Merit Awards were held at Emperors Palace on 29 August 2014.
MASUKU SICELO NCAMISO’S STORY
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: 4th Floor Alris Building,3 Rissik StreetJohannesburg, 2001
Telephone: +27 (0)11 492 0601 Fax: +27 (0)11 492 0953Email: [email protected]: www.jbmarksedutrust.co.za
PROFILE / JB MARKS EDUCATION TRUST FUND
JB MARKS MERIT AWARDS
On previous page: Sicelo Masuku and father receive JB Marks Merit Award trophy at the 2014 JB Marks Wards, flanked by Frans Baleni (Chairperson) and former Deputy President of South Africa. Mr. Kgalema Motlhante. Left: Sicelo Masuku receive JB Marks Cause Specific 2014 Award and Top Student Merit 2014 Award trophies for achieving 21 Distinctions (Bcom in Chartered Accounting) at the 2014 JB Marks Wards.
Below:JB Marks Merit Awards trophy winners at the at the 2014 JB Marks Awards.
VitaL stats
Fast facts at your fingertips
Compiler: Ursula Graaff
With World AIDS
Day being com-
memorated on 1
December, PSM takes a look the important figures
related to HIV and AIDS in South Africa.
In his 2014 Budget Vote, Health Minister
Aaron Motsoaledi noted that:
• Ofthe52millionpeople inthecountry,
35 million people (between the ages of 16-64)are considered
to be sexually active. It is these 35 million that need to be
prioritised for HIV counselling and testing.
• Betweeneighttoninemillionofthe35millionsexuallyactive
South Africans are tested annually. Of these, the prevalence
rate is 17 per cent for those between 15-49 years, with the
prevalence of pregnant women who use Public Sector ante-
natal clinics at 29 per cent.
• SouthAfricahassixmillionpeoplewhoareHIVpositive.Of
these 2,5 million have been initiated on treatment. The 2,5
million South Africans on treatment make up 30 per cent of
the total global figure.
• Thedepartmentisalsoonamassivemedicalmalecircumci-
sion campaign and is targeting four million men by 2016.
Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programme Significant achievements have been made in reducing the
number of children born with HIV thanks to the depart-
ment’s Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT)
programme. Ten years ago, 70 000 children were born HIV
positive in South Africa every year. Currently that figure stands
at less than 8 000 a year because of the PMTCT campaign.
According to the Twenty Year Review released by The Presi-
dency, significant progress has been recorded as a result of
the country’s HIV and AIDS programme over recent years.
HIV Counselling and Testing CampaignIn April 2010 the health care sector initiated the HIV Counsel-
ling and Testing (HCT) Campaign to mobilise all South Africans
to get tested for HIV and AIDS.
The campaign
resulted in more
than 20,2 million people
being tested from between April 2010 and
June 2012, compared with only two million
people annually previously.
Anti-retroviral therapy The number of patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy
(ART) in the country increased from 47 500 in 2004 to
1,79 million in 2011.
A total of 1,09 million (61 per cent) people accessing
ART in 2011 were women.
Access to ART in the Public Sector grew to include
more than 2,4 million patients by the end of June 2013.
To help the country with the roll out of ART, gov-
ernment increased the number of professional nurses
trained in the Nurse Initiated Management of ART from
250 in 2009 to 23 000 in 2013.
Looking aheadMinister Motsoaledi said in line with the National De-
velopment Plan (NDP), government’s goals are to:
• RaisethelifeexpectancyofSouthAfricanstoatleast
70 years by 2015.
• Ensurethatthegenerationofunder-20sislargelyfree
of HIV and significantly reduce the burden of disease.
• Reducematernalandchildmortality.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201518
UPCOMING EVENTS
Africa Energy Indaba 17-18 February 2015The Africa Energy Indaba
(AEI) will take place in
Sandton, the heart of
the African business hub,
from 17-18 February 2015.
Attracting energy experts
and enthusiasts from all over the world, the Indaba will address
pressing issues, challenges and opportunities in the energy
sector. Energy, a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth
in Africa, has been at the forefront of discussions on Africa
reaching and maximising its growth potential.
The conference, which will mark its seventh anniversary in
2015, has grown over the years and has become the leading
forum for debating and exchanging solutions to Africa’s energy
challenges. Topics at the 2015 event include African power
suppliers; alternative and renewable energies; oil and gas;
the legal and regulatory framework of energy projects, and
investment opportunities in African energy projects.
The AEI is the regional event of the World Energy Council
(WEC).
The South African National Energy Association (SANEA) is
a strategic partner in the event, which is also supported by
the African Union and the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating
Agency.
For more information on the event, to register or exhibit,
visit www.africaenergyindaba.com
World Economic Forum 21-24 January 2015The 45th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum
will take place from 21-24 January in Davos-Klosters,
Switzerland, under the theme “The New Global Con-
text”.
The theme reflects the period of profound political,
economic, social and technological change that the
world has entered, which has the potential to end the
era of economic integration and international partner-
ship that began in 1989.
About 2 000 leaders, including the heads of 1 000
of the world’s largest and most successful businesses,
heads of state or government from the G20 group and
other nations, heads of the world’s foremost interna-
tional organisations alongside leaders from civil society,
labour unions, media and arts are expected to par-
ticipate in the meeting. The Forum’s New Champions
communities - Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers,
Global Growth Companies, Technology Pioneers and
Social Entrepreneurs - will also contribute to the Forum.
The Annual Meeting 2015 will provide a platform for
over 50 initiatives that are currently being led by the
Forum, with the aim of contributing positively to the
global agenda, as well as those of industry, business
and the world’s regions.
For more information email: AnnualMeeting@wefo-
rum.org
International Conference on Particle Induced X-ray Emission 26 February - 3 March 2015The 14th International Conference on Particle Induced X-
ray Emission (PIXE 2015) will take place in Somerset West,
Western Cape, from 25 February – 3 March 2015 at the Lord
Charles Hotel.
The PIXE conference is a biennial event and is the interna-
tional forum at which recent developments and future pros-
pects in particle induced X-ray spectrometry are discussed.
The conference brings together physicists and scientists
from different fields of application including biology, medi-
cine, environmental, earth sciences, cultural heritage and
materials research.
The conference is organised by the iThemba Laboratory
for Accelerator-Based Sciences, a group of multi-discipli-
nary research laboratories overseen by the National Re-
search Foundation and the Department of Science and
Technology.
For more information email: [email protected]
Compiler: Maselaelo Seshotli
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 19
WoMen in the PUbLiC seCtor Writer: Albert Pule Photograher: Siyabulela Duda
Mantiti Kola’s childhood dream comes true
Mantiti Kola is living her dream. As a little girl growing up in Ga-Rakgoatha
village in Limpopo, she knew she was destined for great things and im-
agined herself in a boardroom, calling the shots.
“As a kid I read a lot about powerful women that were making inroads in the busi-
ness arena and I wanted to be just like them one day,” she says.
Today, Kola is not far off from that dream, albeit she fi nds herself working in the
Public Sector.
Kola is the Chief Strategist Offi cer at the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and is one of
the fi ve women serving on the executive management structure of the RAF.
She is responsible for strategies that mitigate fi nancial, operational, market, repu-
tational and all other business risks faced by the RAF.
The RAF is an agency of the Department of Transport and is responsible for provid-
ing all users of South Africa’s roads with compulsory cover against injuries or death
arising from accidents involving motor vehicles within the borders of the country.
Kola is responsible for the Strategy, Risk and Compliance (SRC) department, which
comprises the Risk Management Project Management Offi ce, Stakeholder Relations,
Legal and Forensic, Strategy and Reporting sections.
The SRC department is responsible for developing strategy and promoting a per-
formance-driven culture to help the organisation accomplish its strategic objectives.
It is also expected to initiate strategies to mitigate all business risks faced by the RAF.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201520
Recalling her childhood ambi-
tions, Kola says: “I kept articles
about the successful women who
were featured in various maga-
zines. One these was Judge Lucy
Mailula who became my role
model.”
“I could relate to her because
just like me, she was from a vil-
lage. Seeing her make it to the
top made me believe that it is
possible to come from a village
and make a success of yourself.”
Kola’s path to top management started with a lecturing
job at a college.
“I was a lecturer for fi ve years. I pursued a teaching degree
because by that time it was the only area of study for which
I could get funding for tertiary education.”
Looking back at her days as a lecturer, Kola says while she
enjoyed her job there was something missing and she felt
that she had not fulfi lled her dream.
“I enjoyed the work but there was always this voice in my
head that said: ‘The picture you had of yourself in a top man-
agement position is not in sync with the current picture’.
“There I was, still in Limpopo, and stuck in a staff room with
10 others. That was not a good picture, it made me restless
and that’s when I started to look out for other opportunities.”
Kola left her comfortable lecturing job in 1995 to take up
an administrative position at Eskom.
She took full advantage of Eskom’s Development Pro-
gramme to expand her skills and qualifi cations.
In 2000, she was appointed Customer Service Manager for
the Rustenburg area in North West and in 2002 joined City
Power Johannesburg as the General Manager: Customer
Services.
Prior to joining the RAF, she was Chief Operating Offi cer
(COO) at the Government Pension Administration Agency
(GPAA).
Empowering other womenShe says her journey to the top had challenges but she
overcame these thanks to a good support structure.
“I’ve been fortunate to have good mentors who nurtured
me and played a positive role in my life. I’m doing my lit-
tle bit to help and inspire other women who are not as
privileged as me.”
During her time as COO at the GPAA,
Kola started a small educational group
targeting women who were employed
as cleaners at the agency.
They met for lessons during their
breaks and at the end of their shifts.
Kola then requested funding from
management to take them on ad-
ministration and financial manage-
ment courses.
“I was so happy when my application
for fi nancial assistance was approved.”
Five of the former cleaners have since been employed in admin-
istrative positions at the agency. Kola says seeing them wearing
their formal attire instead of uniforms has put a smile on her face.
“It feels good to know that you did something positive for some-
one and I think as women, we need to be there for one another
and stop with this ‘pull her down syndrome’.”
At the RAF, Kola is also the executive representative of the Wom-
en’s Forum Committee, a structure that champions women’s is-
sues and contributes to the professional development of women
at the organisation.
Progressing from a teaching post to a successful career in the
top management of the Public Service has so far been Kola’s
greatest achievement.
“That change stands out for me and it took a lot out of me. If
I didn’t study for this I would not have made it in this job that
I’m doing.”
Kola says she believes in collaborative work and letting people
know what is expected of them.
She urged young women, especially those starting their careers
in the Public Service, to work hard and stand out from the rest
of the crowd.
“The Public Service is an ideal place for us as women to contrib-
ute to the socio-economic agenda of government and also to
change lives of those who are less fortunate than us,” Kola adds.
Kola also stresses the importance of education.
Raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic worker,
Kola realised early on that education was the key to her success.
Her qualifi cations include a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in
Education, BA (Honours) in History, postgraduate Management
Diploma, Corporate Project Management Diploma and School
of Project Management and Business Process Reengineering
Certifi cate.
Mantiti Kola says young women in the Public Service should work hard to stand out from the crowd.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 21
DST and HySA launch alternative energy solution
The Director-General of Science and Technology private/public partnerships. This project shows that we are capable of all of these things," he said.(DST), Dr Phil Mjwara, officially launched the
innovative 2,5 kW hydrogen fuel cell power generator The hydrogen fuel cell power generator unit uses hydrogen prototype unit at the University of the Western Cape
to generate electrical power, with water vapour the only by-(UWC) on 18 November, demonstrating South product, which means that electricity can be produced in an Africa's innovative capabilities in the emerging environmentally friendly way without pollution or noise. hydrogen and fuel cell technologies space.Furthermore, hydrogen can be used to produce electricity in remote areas that do not have access to the national grid. The This prototype was developed by the HySA Systems decentralisation of energy generation by using hydrogen fuel Integration and Technology Validation Centre of Competence cell systems is one of the few possibilities for providing efficient (HySA Systems) in collaboration with Hot Platinum (Pty Ltd), a and cost-effective access to electricity.local company involved in power management and control
electronics. Prof. Bruno Pollet, Director of HySA Systems, said, "As we
are all aware, South Africa, often seen as the 'Powerhouse of Africa', is facing major energy challenges. Planned outages, blackouts, energy shortages, high energy tariffs, years of under-investment in power infrastructure and 'energy poverty' in low-income households are the main issues. To eradicate this, the South African government has rolled out several energy and energy-efficiency programmes and initiatives, such as HySA, with an emphasis on alternative energy opportunities and off-grid renewable energy solutions."
South Africa is one of the primary suppliers of platinum group metals to the world, but not much beneficiation is being done in the country. However, the rise of hydrogen fuel cell technologies in various markets is about to change the global platinum landscape with the anticipated increase in platinum usage in this emerging market. It is therefore safe to assume that if the technology gains market share in coming years, as is The partners have been testing the unit at the Cape Flats anticipated by manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Honda Nature Reserve, on the UWC campus in Bellville, with and BMW, the platinum group metal market will see profound remarkable results. All electrical power used in the reserve is and sustained growth.generated from a bank of hydrogen cylinders (instead of from
the national grid). The cylinders release hydrogen in the Prof. Pollet remarked that there were significant presence of a platinum catalyst (mined in the North West) and
opportunities for South Africa to partner with international a series of proton exchange membranes.fuel cell producers, and that these partnerships had the potential to make the country an established hub for the Dr Mjwara emphasised the critical role of science, production of fuel cell components.technology and innovation in the development of this country.
"We talk a lot about adding value and reducing our carbon footprint, about access for all, creating wealth and developing
Previously, they had had to rely on overseas collaborators for such studies.
“The availability of the TOF-SIMS in the country will enhance the quality of research and training. The equipment will assist in advancing requirements to address the national skills shortage in many key areas of research," said the Minister.
The Minister spoke of how the 2005 National Nanotechnology Strategy had not only advanced the technology missions identified in the 2002 National Research and Development Strategy, but also strengthened government's industrial focus.
The strategy has seen the adoption of a formal State-of-the-art nanotechnology research nanotechnology teaching programme, nanotechnology
equipment worth R17 million – the first such research chairs, the production of 170 postgraduate equipment in South Africa – was unveiled at students and the publication of more than 1 100 articles in Rhodes University today by the Minister of peer-reviewed journals. In addition, more than 20 patents Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor. have been filed, and it is hoped that South African-
developed nanotechnology-enhanced products will soon The Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer enter the market.
(TOF-SIMS) is useful to researchers in the fields of pollution treatment, green chemistry, forensic sciences, The National Nanotechnology Equipment Programme biotechnology, energy and sustainable development. has led to the establishment of world-class
nanotechnology research facilities in the country, The equipment is used by various departments at including the Centre for High Resolution Transmission
Rhodes University, as well as several other universities, Electron Microscopy at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and University.Mintek. It also serves countries as far afield as Kuwait, Turkey and China. These facilities will contribute to putting South Africa
at the forefront of nanotechnology research Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister said internationally.
the TOF-SIMS would make it much easier for South African researchers to quantify nanostructured materials. For more information visit www.dst.gov.za.
Enhance and transform research capacity in SA
DST and HySA launch alternative energy solution
The Director-General of Science and Technology private/public partnerships. This project shows that we are capable of all of these things," he said.(DST), Dr Phil Mjwara, officially launched the
innovative 2,5 kW hydrogen fuel cell power generator The hydrogen fuel cell power generator unit uses hydrogen prototype unit at the University of the Western Cape
to generate electrical power, with water vapour the only by-(UWC) on 18 November, demonstrating South product, which means that electricity can be produced in an Africa's innovative capabilities in the emerging environmentally friendly way without pollution or noise. hydrogen and fuel cell technologies space.Furthermore, hydrogen can be used to produce electricity in remote areas that do not have access to the national grid. The This prototype was developed by the HySA Systems decentralisation of energy generation by using hydrogen fuel Integration and Technology Validation Centre of Competence cell systems is one of the few possibilities for providing efficient (HySA Systems) in collaboration with Hot Platinum (Pty Ltd), a and cost-effective access to electricity.local company involved in power management and control
electronics. Prof. Bruno Pollet, Director of HySA Systems, said, "As we
are all aware, South Africa, often seen as the 'Powerhouse of Africa', is facing major energy challenges. Planned outages, blackouts, energy shortages, high energy tariffs, years of under-investment in power infrastructure and 'energy poverty' in low-income households are the main issues. To eradicate this, the South African government has rolled out several energy and energy-efficiency programmes and initiatives, such as HySA, with an emphasis on alternative energy opportunities and off-grid renewable energy solutions."
South Africa is one of the primary suppliers of platinum group metals to the world, but not much beneficiation is being done in the country. However, the rise of hydrogen fuel cell technologies in various markets is about to change the global platinum landscape with the anticipated increase in platinum usage in this emerging market. It is therefore safe to assume that if the technology gains market share in coming years, as is The partners have been testing the unit at the Cape Flats anticipated by manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Honda Nature Reserve, on the UWC campus in Bellville, with and BMW, the platinum group metal market will see profound remarkable results. All electrical power used in the reserve is and sustained growth.generated from a bank of hydrogen cylinders (instead of from
the national grid). The cylinders release hydrogen in the Prof. Pollet remarked that there were significant presence of a platinum catalyst (mined in the North West) and
opportunities for South Africa to partner with international a series of proton exchange membranes.fuel cell producers, and that these partnerships had the potential to make the country an established hub for the Dr Mjwara emphasised the critical role of science, production of fuel cell components.technology and innovation in the development of this country.
"We talk a lot about adding value and reducing our carbon footprint, about access for all, creating wealth and developing
Previously, they had had to rely on overseas collaborators for such studies.
“The availability of the TOF-SIMS in the country will enhance the quality of research and training. The equipment will assist in advancing requirements to address the national skills shortage in many key areas of research," said the Minister.
The Minister spoke of how the 2005 National Nanotechnology Strategy had not only advanced the technology missions identified in the 2002 National Research and Development Strategy, but also strengthened government's industrial focus.
The strategy has seen the adoption of a formal State-of-the-art nanotechnology research nanotechnology teaching programme, nanotechnology
equipment worth R17 million – the first such research chairs, the production of 170 postgraduate equipment in South Africa – was unveiled at students and the publication of more than 1 100 articles in Rhodes University today by the Minister of peer-reviewed journals. In addition, more than 20 patents Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor. have been filed, and it is hoped that South African-
developed nanotechnology-enhanced products will soon The Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer enter the market.
(TOF-SIMS) is useful to researchers in the fields of pollution treatment, green chemistry, forensic sciences, The National Nanotechnology Equipment Programme biotechnology, energy and sustainable development. has led to the establishment of world-class
nanotechnology research facilities in the country, The equipment is used by various departments at including the Centre for High Resolution Transmission
Rhodes University, as well as several other universities, Electron Microscopy at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and University.Mintek. It also serves countries as far afield as Kuwait, Turkey and China. These facilities will contribute to putting South Africa
at the forefront of nanotechnology research Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister said internationally.
the TOF-SIMS would make it much easier for South African researchers to quantify nanostructured materials. For more information visit www.dst.gov.za.
Enhance and transform research capacity in SA
traiLbLaZer Writer: Noluthando MkhizePhotographer: Siyabulela Duda
The sky is Nontlantla Skosana’s limit
As a little girl Nontlantla Skosana would trade her dolls
for toy aeroplanes, not knowing that her fascination
with aircrafts would one day land her a job as a South
African Airways (SAA) aircraft mechanic.
When PSM visited Skosana she was armed with a spanner,
ready to examine a Boeing A340-600 to determine if there
were any mechanical problems.
She is also responsible for servicing and repairing aircraft
avionics.
Avionics are the electronic systems used on aircrafts, which
include communications, navigation, the display and the hun-
dreds of systems fi tted into an aircraft to perform individual
functions.
Skosana ensures that everything is in order before any of
the aircrafts take off . This includes checking the lights, oxygen
tank and overall wiring.
Her job is not for the faint-hearted, especially when it comes
to juggling six shifts – 6am to 2pm; 6pm to 2am; 7am to 3pm;
10am to 6pm; 4pm to 12 pm and 1pm to 6am.
Over the past four years, while adapting to the shifts
and fi nding time to sleep in between, the 31-year-old
has grown to love her job and cannot imagine doing
anything else.
“One can never say you know it all, every day you learn
something new. We work with diff erent kinds of aircrafts
such as the A340-600, A340-300, A319, B737-800 and
the B737-3/4/5, so there are a lot of courses that one
has to continue to invest in.”
Skosana’s favourite aircraft to work on is the airbus,
which she describes as more technologically advanced.
“The aircraft is able to tell you technologically where
the problem is, as opposed to fi nding the defect manu-
ally,” she says.
Skosana’s love for aerodynamics can be traced back
to her childhood.
“I’ve been fascinated by aerodynamics since I was a
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201524
This & ThatWhat is your favourite food?
Ribs and vegetables.
What are the three words that
describe you?
Shy, ambitious and humble.
What is your favourite sport?
I love watching rugby.
What is your favourite colour?
Since I’m also a fashion designer,
this is a very diffi cult question. Every
colour talks a different and interesting
language.
little girl. I traded my dolls for boys’ toys such as little
cars and helicopters,” says Skosana, who is also a fashion
designer.
She adds that working in a fi eld with a limited number
of women has its ups and downs.
“As women we always have to work twice as hard to
prove that we are just as good as the men in our job. I’ve
dealt with this by constantly reminding myself of why
I wanted to be a technician in the fi rst place - passion
and for the love of what I do.”
Skosana is originally from Soshanguve in Pretoria,
where she matriculated at Cornerstone College in Sil-
verton in 2000.
After struggling to fi nd a job for four years she decided
to enrol at the Tshwane Technical College to pursue a
Diploma in Instrumentation, which is the art and science
of measurement and control of process variables within
a production, laboratory or manufacturing area.
In 2006 she completed her diploma and started
working for a cellphone company, fi xing mobile phones.
Her big break came in 2008 when she found out that
SAA was looking to train apprentices in a learnership
programme.
“I was lucky enough to be accepted to the programme,
which took two years of grilling training. In 2011, I wrote
my trade test and passed it the fi rst time around, which
qualifi ed me to be an aircraft instrument mechanic. That
was the proudest moment of my life.”
She believes that South Africa has evolved over the
past 20 years and now provides every young person
with the opportunity to be anything they want to be.
“The key is to identify what you are passionate about
and get educated. The rest takes care of itself. Before
democracy, women were perceived to belong in the
kitchen, but now they have an opportunity to choose
whatever career they want to venture into.
“I would like to see a lot more women in management
positions in this country.”
Skosana has dreams of moving further up the cor-
porate ladder.
“I always do SAA internal aircraft courses because I
would like to be a senior engineering analyst, a quality
assurance manager or an aircraft analyst. I know that
with hard work and determination I will get there.”
Nontlantla Skosana examines an aircraft before take off .
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 25
The holidays are upon us and we have a quick
and easy spread that will have you in and out of
the kitchen in no time this Christmas, giving you
more time to spend with your loved ones.
Ingredients
• 1 full chicken
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, halved
• ¼ bunch each fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley
• ¼ cup olive oil
Ingredients
• 1 leg of lamb, de-boned (about 3-4 kg)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Sauce:
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (combination of
thyme, chives, and parsley)
2 cup diced onions, celery, leeks & carrots
2 cups lamb/chicken stock
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup red wine
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Rinse the chicken with cool water, inside and out, then
pat it dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt
fooD anD Wine Writer: Nicholas Francis
Home for theholidays!
Roasted Thyme & Garlic Leg of Lamb
Garlic & Lemon Roast Chicken
and pepper, and then stuff the lemon, garlic, and herbs inside.
Place the chicken, breast-side up, in a roasting pan. Season with
a fair amount of salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Roast
the chicken for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Don't forget to baste the chicken
with the drippings and rotate the pan every 20 minutes or so to
insure a golden crispy skin. Remove the chicken, once satisfi ed,
to a platter and let stand for 10 minutes so the juices settle back
into the meat before carving.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201526
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Using your hands, rub the lamb all over with
the lemon juice. Pat the garlic and thyme
evenly all over the surface of the meat. Season
the meat with the salt and pepper and place
the lamb in a roasting pan. Place the lamb in
the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Reduce the
oven temperature to 160°C and continue to
cook for about 1½ hours, longer for medium.
Remove the lamb from the pan and allow to rest
for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
Position the roasting pan over your stove burn-
ers. Add tomato paste, stir it in and cook for 2
minutes, then the mixed herbs and vegetables to pan, and stir to combine
with pan drippings. Add stock and wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the
bottom with a wooden spoon to release any of the juices stuck to the bot-
tom of the pan. Reduce over high heat until sauce consistency. Strain before
serving, if desired. Slice lamb and serve with sauce drizzled over the top.
Potato and green bean salad
Ingredients
• 170 g green beans
• 2 pounds peeled small potatoes
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 tsp lemon juice
• 4 tsp whole-grain mustard
• 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• coarse salt
Method
Simmer green beans in salted water for 2 to 3 min-
utes until barely tender and bright green, remove
beans with tongs and transfer to a bowl of ice water.
Drain after a minute and pat dry. Add potatoes to the
same pot of salted water, and simmer for 12 minutes
until tender. Drain potatoes, and halve them. Whisk
together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and thyme
in a large bowl. Add potatoes, beans, and red onion.
Gently toss. Season with salt.
Peppermint crisp tartIngredients
•1 packet Tennis Biscuits
• 500 ml fresh cream
• 200 g mint chocolate
• 1 tin caramel treat
• cherries to decorate
Method
Crush the biscuits until fine. Whip the cream until firm and divide
into two bowls. In first bowl, add the caramel treat to the cream
and mix until smooth.
Chop chocolate into small chunks. Spoon the caramel mixture and
cream into separate piping bags. Layer each ingredient in your
preferred order, typical order biscuit, caramel, chocolate, cream
and more chocolate. Decorate with cherries.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 27
ADVERTORIAL / NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL LIBRARYOF SOUTH AFRICA
Knowledge for the nationThe National Library of South Africa is a custodian and provider of the nation’s key knowledge resources. We are mandated by the National Library of South Africa Act to collect and preserve published documents and make them accessible. We ensure that knowledge is not lost to posterity and that information is available for research.
The National Library’s collections contain a wealth of information, and include rare manuscripts, books published in South Africa, periodicals, government publications, official foreign publications, maps, technical reports, Africana and newspapers. Many of these are available on CD or microfilm, in digital format or on the Internet.
Specialised servicesThe National Library renders specialised services to the public and to the Library and Information Services (LIS) sector.
Legal Deposit ActIn terms of the Legal Deposit Act, 1997 (Act No. 54 of 1997), South African publishers must supply the National Library (as well as other places of legal deposit) with one copy of every book, journal, newspaper or any other document published in South Africa. According to the Act, a document is any object which is intended to store or convey information in textual, graphic, visual, auditory or other intelligible format through any medium.
Special collectionsThe National Library of South Africa is a treasure house of Africana and other items which reflect the indigenous and colonial history of the country. These are all available for consultation and research.
Information access and reference servicesThe National Library has reference sections in Pretoria and Cape Town for use by researchers, students, the general public, organisations, and government departments. Those who cannot visit the reference rooms personally can direct their reference and research questions to the library by telephone, fax, post or email.
Bibliographic services and collections managementThe Bibliographic Services Programme is the national bibliographic agency, providing leadership to the South African library and information service community. Specialist librarians create national bibliographic databases providing easy access to and retrieval of South African materials.
Its key activities are:• Authority control – made available worldwide• Index to South African periodicals (ISAP)• South African National Bibliography (SANB). Africa as the primary resource and custodian of South Africa’s
Documentary Preservation Services Programme
Preservation servicesThe National Library is responsible for safeguarding the national documentary heritage. The Preservation Services Programme strives to ensure the long-term availability and accessibility of South African knowledge resources using conservation techniques that include the reformatting of materials.
Documents too fragile to be photocopied are reformatted by the National Library’s reprographic services onto photographic film, microfilm or microfiche, or in digital format.
Despite new technological developments, microfilm is still central to the preservation strategy, and is used extensively to copy South African newspapers and manuscript material. The National Library of South Africa maintains a comprehensive database of its microfilm and microfiche master copies. National advisory and coordinating services, including participation in national preservation projects, are offered to other libraries and cultural institutions.
Services include: • Reprographic services • Digitisation, conservation and restoration • Stack management• Deacidification unit
Contact information228 Proes/Johannes Ramokhoase Street,
Private Bag X990
Pretoria, 0001
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 12 401 9700
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 7642
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nlsa.ac.za
Facebook: NationalLibraryofSA
Twitter: @NLSA1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
UCBqKBJUG4uIYFAy658E4vFw
Centre for the BookThe Centre for the Book is a specialist unit of the National Library of South Africa. It provides key information about the book-world to all stakeholders by promoting the importance of books, reading, and writing for our national development agenda.
Community Libraries Conditional GrantThe national Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), in collaboration with provincial departments of Arts and Culture, are coordinating the implementation of the community library conditional grant in all the provinces.
The DAC is a key stakeholder in the development of library infrastructure and services and the transformation of library facilities in the country. The aim is to enable all communities to gain access to knowledge and information, eliminating illiteracy, eradicating inequality in the sector, promoting social cohesion, and developing an informed and reading nation.
The DAC is the custodian of the community library conditional grant. The purpose of the grant is to address specific inequalities in the delivery of public library services to all communities. The Department, in cooperation with the provincial departments of arts and culture, is working to reach certain predetermined targets:• Improved coordination and collaboration between national,
provincial and local government on library services• Transformed and equitable library and information services
delivered to all rural and urban communities• Improved library infrastructure and services that reflect the
specific needs of the communities they serve• Improved staff capacity at urban and rural libraries to respond
appropriately to community knowledge and information needs• Improved culture of reading
The community library conditional grant was deployed in 2007 with the allocation of R1-billion for a period of three years. An allocation of more than R3-billion will be made available for this purpose in the medium term expenditure framework 2015/2016 to 2017/2018. To date, some of the outputs that have been achieved include:• Provinces have built 64 new libraries nationally • Provinces have upgraded 323 libraries nationally
• Approximately 1 274 new jobs have been created in public libraries• Internet access is now available in public libraries in all nine
provinces. Public libraries have established themselves as important providers of training in computer literacy skills
• Subsequently, library hours could be increased in some provinces and closed libraries could be re-opened
• Reading facilities for visually impaired readers in public libraries are being prioritised and rolled out in provinces in cooperation with the South African Library for the Blind, in Grahamstown
• The Department completed an investigation in 2013 into the cost of implementing the South African Public Library and Information Services Bill. The outcomes of the investigation informed the Department, provinces, and the sector on the needs and the cost to deliver public library and information services in accordance to acceptable national norms and standards
• Literacy programmes are presented in all provinces as part of the target to inculcate a culture of reading amongst South Africans
ICT for public librariesThe DAC and the National Library of South Africa continue to rollout ICT in public libraries to bridge the digital divide through access to the Internet.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with the South African government by providing funds to the National Library of South Africa for an ICT pilot project of two years that is unfolding in 27 public libraries across the country – three public libraries per province. A country grant will be considered once the pilot project has been concluded.
Cooperation with Department of Basic EducationThe provincial departments of arts and culture, in cooperation with the provincial departments of basic education, have started an initiative to enhance the information resources available to learners by building new libraries close to schools.
The purpose of this strategy is to share the role that public libraries and schools play in the education and development of skills in our communities. The roles of the respective departments in the implementation of this strategy must still be outlined.
aeriaL VieW Writer: Albert PulePhotograper: Mariana Venter
Public servants at the forefront of innovation
Creativity, thinking outside the box and inventing tools that
help improve service delivery are not always synonymous
with public servants or government departments.
Yet at the recent Public Sector Innovation Awards, it was these
very elements that earned public servants time in the spotlight.
Public Service pioneers from across the country gathered at
Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park to celebrate innovation that
has helped government improve service delivery.
The 12th Public Sector Innovation Awards, hosted by the Cen-
tre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), featured creations that
improve service delivery, use information and communications
technology (ICT) for effective service delivery and enhance the
internal systems of government.
Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane told
innovators gathered at the awards that their inventions dispelled
the myth that public servants were lazy and incompetent people
who could not think up creations to help government do its work.
“The Public Service has been branded as un-innovative
and this event tells a different story. Your innovations
are important in modernising the Public Service and
improving service delivery,” he said to loud applause.
“The quality of the projects here bears the high level
of creativity in the Public Service and they will play a
crucial part in making the National Development Plan
a reality.”
Minister Chabane added that the awards provided
fertile ground for innovators to come up with novel
solutions to help government improve service delivery.
The Chief Executive Officer of the CPSI, Thuli Radebe,
said the Public Service was blessed with a wealth of
knowledge and expertise. It had immense potential to
come up with effective and ground-breaking solutions
for its day-to-day challenges.
She added that the CPSI would continue providing a
The jubilant team from the Department of Roads and Transport in Limpopo that won the coveted Innovator of the Year Award.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201530
platform for Public Sector innovations that would help
improve service delivery.
“Our long-term vision is to nurture and help sustain
creative thinking and broadmindedness to see beyond
the ordinary and usual.
“What is also of great importance with regards to our
mandate is our role in facilitating learning and sharing
of knowledge in the Public Sector.”
The coveted Innovator of the Year Award went to the
Department of Roads and Transport in Limpopo, who
were up against tough competition.
They won a trophy and R60 000 for the JoJo Diesel
Tank that enabled them to reduce costs and improve
service delivery.
The departmental team at Modimolle Mechanical
Workshop designed a tank which is compatible with
a bakkie. It was fitted into eight bakkies with a diesel
pump and a gauge which led to reduced running costs
amounting to R2 million and eliminated diesel spillages.
One bakkie was able to service three graders carrying
600 litres of diesel. Recycled material was used to build
a support structure for the frames to secure the tank.
Chief artisan and head of the Modimolle Mechanic
Workshop Jacobus Potgieter could not contain his joy
at the award.
“I’m excited and did not expect us to win in this tough
category. This is a good innovation and I think it will
save the department a lot of money,” he said.
His colleague and Senior Manager of Roads and Trans-
port in the Waterberg District, Annique Moloisi, said she
was confident ahead of the ceremony.
“Of course, I knew that we were going to win,
especially in our category.”
She was hopeful that the department would
introduce the JoJo Diesel Tank across the province.
Other winners included:
Innovative use of ICTs for Effective Service
Delivery
• Winner: Digital Pen for Mental Health by the Depart-
ment of Health in KwaZulu-Natal.
• First runner-up: Department of Cooperative
Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Second runner-up: Gauteng Agriculture Potential
Atlas.
• Third runner-up: Elections Mobile Application from the Independent
Electoral Commission.
Innovative Service Delivery Institutions
• Winner: JoJo Diesel Tanks by the Department of Roads and Transport,
Limpopo.
• First runner-up: RAF on the Road by the Road Accident Fund.
• Second runner-up: Safe Anaesthesia for Africa Project, Ngwelezane
Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Third runner-up: Dietetics Crèche Outing: Malnutrition Kicked Out,
Department of Health, Limpopo.
Innovative Enhancements of Internal Systems of Government
• Winner: Case Management and Community Empowerment, Tembisa
Hospital, Gauteng.
• First runner-up: Pharmacy Automisation, Helen Joseph Hospital,
Gauteng.
• Second runner-up: Extra School Support Programme, Gauteng
Department of Education.
• Third runner-up: Open Development Engine, Cooperative Govern-
ance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Limpopo.
Innovative Partnership in Service Delivery
• Winner: The Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Department of
Health, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Joint first runner-up: Learn-not-to-Burn Programme, Gauteng
Department of Education and Community Food Production Units,
Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Second runner-up: Lego Project, Tshwane South District in
partnership with Hands on Technology.
Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 31
in OTHER NEWS Compiled by: Ursula Graaff and Andile Cele
R900 billion for SARS coffersThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) has collected R900
billion in the 2013/14 fiscal year, according to the 2014 Tax
Statistics Bulletin.
“In the 2013/14 fiscal year, tax revenue collected amounted
to R900 billion and grew by R86,2 billion compared to the
previous year,” said SARS and National Treasury. This is up from
the R813,8 billion collected previously.
This growth, according to the 2014 Tax Statistics Bulletin, was
supported by solid performance in customs duty.
The 2014 Tax Statistics Bulletin showed growth in personal
income tax and corporate income tax.
The bulletin also showed that the number of individuals
registered for income tax also rose. As at 31 March 2014 the
number of individuals registered for income tax had increased
by 1,4 million from 15,4 million in the previous year to 16,8
million.
The objective of releasing the country’s tax statistics is to
publicise available, comprehensive tax revenue data that
can assist policy makers and provide insights on economic
indicators to researchers, analysts, the media and the public.
DoC launches Vuk appYou can now access Vuk’uzenzele newspaper on your smartphone, tablet and other
mobile devices thanks to the new Vuk’uzenzele mobile app.
The app was launched recently and allows the user to view all Vuk’uzenzele news-
paper editions and download these editions onto mobile devices.
A mobile app is designed to run on smartphones, tablets and other mobile de-
vices, which means that Vuk’uzenzele will be accessible to any person who has
these devices.
The initiative was launched at the annual GovTech conference in Durban.
During a presentation on the app, Deputy Director-General for Content Process-
ing and Dissemination at the Department of Communications, Harold Maloka,
emphasised the importance of government utilising all available platforms,
adding that the DoC had decided to enter the space of mobile applications.
The DoC is currently working on a government mobile app as well, aimed at
informing citizens about government programmes and services.
The Vuk’uzenzele app is available on Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Joburg Mayor elected co-president of Metropolis The City of Johannesburg’s Mayor, Councillor Parks Tau,
has been elected as the co-president of the Metropolis -
an international network consisting of 138 metropolitan
cities.
The network shares innovative ideas for urban
sustainability.
The announcement was made at the 11th World Congress
of Metropolis 2014. Mayor Tau will be in charge of the
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201532
division for Supporting Access to Basic Services and
Social Inclusion and his role forms part of the 2015/2017
period for the Metropolis policy priorities and action
plan, aimed at addressing issues facing metropolitan
development.
Another key focus will be urban governance and
innovation.
The Mayor’s responsibilities include, but are not
limited to, urban equity, civic engagement and
participation, public health, mitigation, social housing
and economic development.
The Metropolis changed its laws and structured a
new board of 24 members consisting of the Metropolis
President, supported by six co-president portfolios from
Johannesburg, Barcelona, Berlin, Sao Paulo, Guangzhou
and Montreal.
The role of the co-presidents is to support the
Metropolis President, Jean-Paul Huchon, with his
official duties. They do not represent their continents,
but are rather leaders in their respective settings within
the Metropolis.
SA establishments shine at tourism awardsThree South African hospitality facilities did country proud by
scooping awards at the World Responsible Tourism Awards in
London.
The Hotel Verde in Cape Town won Gold as Best City Hotel
for Responsible Tourism, the V&A Waterfront won Gold as Best
Destination for Responsible Tourism, and South African Animal
Sanctuary Alliance won Gold as Best Global Animal Welfare
Initiative.
They all won the praise of Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom.
“These awards are significant for the entire Tourism industry in
South Africa. It shows that South Africa is taking its place as a
world leader in responsible tourism,” said the Minister.
World Responsible Tourism Awards are aimed at developing
quality tourism products that promote cultural integrity and
environmental protection.
Minister Hanekom, who attended the awards in London, said
his department was expecting significant growth in the South
African tourism industry in the next 20 years.
“While we welcome the additional contribution that this will
make to the national economy, and the creation of more jobs in
tourism, we must manage the physical footprint of the projected
growth responsibly, especially its potential impact on local culture
and ecosystems,” he said.
NPA records superior conviction rateThe National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has achieved
superior conviction rates at all court levels, according
to its annual report that was presented to the Portfolio
Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development.
The report focused on four key performances areas -
general and specialised prosecutions, asset forfeiture and
witness protection.
Highlighting some of the achievements, the National
Director of Public Prosecutions, Mxolisi Nxasana, said the
National Prosecutions Service (NPS) played a key role in
ensuring that the agency achieved increased successful
general prosecutions.
The conviction rates included 93,6 per cent (273 641
cases) at all district courts, 76 per cent (27 246 cases) at
regional courts and 88 per cent (911 cases) at all high
courts.
There were 329 153 criminal cases finalised with a verdict
and 1 323 plea and sentence agreements, consisting of
7 439 courts, concluded over the past year.
About 439 organised crime cases were finalised during that
period, with a conviction rate of 88.9 per cent.
With regards to trio crimes (house robberies, vehicle hijackings
and business robberies), a conviction rate of 84,1 per cent was
achieved from the 1 899 cases that were finalised in the year under
review and a target of a 66 per cent conviction rate for all sexual
offence cases was exceeded by 1,1 per cent.
There were 211 prosecution cases for cybercrime finalised, with
a conviction rate of 94,8 per cent.
In addition, 73 officials were convicted on charges of corruption,
which include members of the SAPS, the Department of Defence
and Military Veterans and the NPA.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 33
Hotel Verde in Cape Town.
ProfiLes in LeaDershiPinternationaL reLations Writer: Bathandwa Mbola
:World leaders upbeat about boosting economy
Leaders of the 20 major world economies have committed to
historic levels of cooperation to raise global growth, help the
poverty-stricken and propel about 100 million women into
the worldwide workforce.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Brisbane, Australia, recently con-
cluded with agreements to also improve trade, encourage the set-
ting of early emissions reduction targets, close tax loopholes used
by multinationals, strengthen banks, reform energy markets and
coordinate a stronger response to the Ebola epidemic.
President Jacob Zuma led the South African delegation to the
summit, which was also attended by United States President Barack
Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Russian President
Vladimir Putin, among others.
At a press conference in Pretoria after the summit, Finance Minister
Nhlanhla Nene, who together with International Relations Minister
Maite Nkoana-Mashabane accompanied President Zuma to the sum-
mit, said the leaders noted that the world economy was not growing
fast enough due to lack of global demand and supply constraints.
Accordingly, discussions centred on strategies by member coun-
tries that would contribute to the objective of adding a further two
percentage points to baseline growth estimates over the next fi ve
years.
“This year we set an ambitious goal to lift the G20’s gross domes-
tic product by at least an additional two per cent by 2018,” reads a
communiqué, issued after the conclusion of the two-day summit.
Minister Nene said leaders “agreed that while there might be scope
in some countries to still use macro-economic policies
to stimulate and support the economy, a bigger boost
to growth will have to come from country specifi c struc-
tural reforms".
He added that although South Africa has no fiscal
fl exibility for at least two years, it would contribute to
baseline growth in the third year at least.
The Minister noted that it would not be appropriate for
South Africa to stay out of global commitments, adding
that the leaders had committed to monitor and hold
each other to account for reaching the target.
With the structural changes occurring in major eco-
nomic sectors, South Africa is expected to boost its
economic growth and the economy is expected grow
gradually by three per cent in 2017.
In addition, a peer review mechanism facilitated by
the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, the
International Labour Organisation and the Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development found the
National Development Plan to be well aligned with the
strategies agreed to by G20 members.
According to the Minister, the peer review and ac-
countability processes agreed to will help ensure that
G20 countries share experiences and continue to moni-
tor individual and collective eff orts towards accelerating
global growth.
President Jacob Zuma attending the G20 Leaders' Summit at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201534
The world leaders had many fruitful discussions dur-
ing the course of the summit such as the reformation of
international financial institutions, particularly the IMF.
The summit, agreed that the “International Financial
Institutions needed to be reformed to reflect the fact
that emerging markets and developing economies now
account for the largest share of global growth”, accord-
ing to the communiqué.
South Africa has welcomed this shift in the structure
of the global economy, adding that it must also be
reflected in the governance structures of multilateral in-
stitutions such as the IMF and World Trade Organisation.
There was also general agreement that taxes must be
paid where businesses generate profits and that every
business must pay its fair share of taxes. The principles
agreed to by the G20 on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting
move members a step closer to tackling this challenge.
Regarding infrastructure, the leaders endorsed the
Global Infrastructure Initiative, a multi-year work pro-
gramme to spur quality public and private infrastruc-
ture investment.
“We have agreed on a set of voluntary leading practic-
es to promote and prioritise quality investment, particu-
larly in infrastructure,” according to the communiqué.
To support the implementation of the initiative, the
G20 leaders pledged to establish a Global Infrastructure
Hub with a four-year mandate, contributing to
developing a knowledge-sharing platform and network
between governments, development banks and other
international organisations.
The leaders reaffirmed their agreement to facilitate
trade by lowering costs, streamlining customs
procedures, reducing regulatory burdens and
strengthening trade-enabling services through reforms
and promote competition, entrepreneurship and
innovation and resist protectionism.
Minister Nene welcomed the commitments made
with regards to boosting infrastructure, saying it
would go a long way in helping the African continent’s
infrastructure funding gap.
“We are therefore happy that issues of accelerated in-
frastructure investment through designing appropriate
funding instruments, carefully structured public-private
sector partnerships, and project development facilities
received a lot of attention at the summit,” said Minister Nene.
With South Africa being the only African country that participates
in the G20 summits, the country’s delegation used its attendance to
raise issues of particular concern to Africa.
One such issue, the Minister said, was the impact of the Ebola out-
break in West Africa and how it could affect the economic growth of
Africa.
“We are indeed concerned, it is for that reason that we actually led
the inclusion of matters that relate to Ebola at the G20 level,” he said,
adding that the pandemic was not only an economic matter, but also
a humanitarian one.
In a separate statement on Ebola, the leaders said G20 members were
committed to “do what is necessary to ensure the international effort
can extinguish the outbreak and address its medium-term economic
and humanitarian costs”.
As per tradition, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South
Africa (BRICS) made the most of their trip to Brisbane, with the grouping
meeting and reviewing progress on their key commitments.
This time, they took stock of the progress made with regards to the
New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrange-
ments.
The BRICS leaders used the time to express their joint ambition for
the swift ratification process and they also announced the forma-
tion of an Interim Board of Directors, which will lead the next phase
establishing the NDB.
They also tasked ministers of finance of the five countries to des-
ignate a president and vice-presidents of the NDB before the next
BRICS Summit.
The NDB, which will be based in Shanghai, China, with an African
regional centre in South Africa, will complement existing sources of
financing to cater for the ever-increasing development needs in areas
of energy, rail and road, and other economic infrastructure.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott welcomes President Jacob Zuma.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 35
ProVinCiaL foCUs Writer: Allison Cooper
EC Premier’s no-nonsense approach to service delivery
Lying on the southeastern coast of South Africa, the
Eastern Cape is a region of great natural beauty,
renowned for its rugged cliff s, rough seas and dense
green bush.
Despite the rustic beauty that lines the deep rural areas of
the province that gave birth to and raised former President
Nelson Mandela, the Eastern Cape is also known for its lack
of development and infrastructure, particularly in the north-
eastern parts, which includes the former Transkei.
Accepting the demands of moving the country’s second
largest province forward is Premier Phumulo Masualle, who
was appointed just over six months ago.
Tasked with creating an enabling business environment,
tackling unemployment and poverty, providing basic ser-
vices and building eff ective collaborative relationships with
all stakeholders - his mandate is a tough one - in a province
that takes up 13,9 per cent of South Africa’s land area and is
home to a population of around 6,5 million people.
However, with his roots fi rmly entrenched in the Eastern
Cape soil, Premier Masualle has a passion for the people and
the place that fuels his desire to see the province succeed.
Born in Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape, he grew up
there, and later in Mthatha where he completed his matric
at St John’s College.
“We have set out a very bold plan informed by the National
Development Plan (NDP) but customised to suit our circum-
stances. In it we articulate what we seek to do in the next
fi ve years and set out critical milestones in our journey to
achieving our goals,” says Premier Masualle, of his provincial
government’s strategy for propelling the Eastern Cape along
a positive growth and development trajectory.
Complementing this strategy are measures that have been
put in place to test its eff ectiveness and ensure that time-
frames are met.
“We place an emphasis on great accountability and the
mobilisation of our partners.”
He says the province is willing to work with all stakeholders
– be they in the government sphere, civil society or
the business sector – to enhance the Eastern Cape’s
outlook.
“Our plan has been embraced not only by internal
stakeholders but externally, outside of government. In
government, there is a sense of urgency with regard
to delivery; people have embraced the reality that we
have got to work with a sense of haste.”
Premier Masualle believes in leading by example. To
ensure that his Cabinet’s sense of urgency permeates
all levels of the provincial government, he had his MECs
sign service delivery agreements, proving their will-
ingness to put shoulders to the wheel and dedicate
themselves to service delivery, improved accountability
and reporting methodology.
The agreements were signed in July and Premier
Masualle is happy that members of his Cabinet took
their responsibilities to heart.
“In education, health, human settlements... in fact
right across the board, there is a sense of being delivery-
focused and oriented towards achieving goals.”
He admits that a number of those goals are still work
in progress but takes comfort from knowing that things
are happening. However, the Premier has stressed that
his administration will not tolerate non-performing
public offi ce bearers and government offi cials.
A further commitment to ensure that it’s all hands
on deck in the Eastern Cape came on 12 November
when the back ‘Back to Basics’ programme, which is
aimed at improving service delivery, was launched in
the province. At the event, the MEC of Cooperative
Governance and Traditional Aff airs (Cogta), Fikile Xasa,
signed service delivery agreements with all the mayors
to ensure that eff ective service delivery is embraced
and supported by all in the Eastern Cape.
Cogta also hosted the fi rst ever Audit Improvement
Reporting Session for Eastern Cape Mayors in August.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201536
The session was attended by 15 municipalities that
have received adverse and disclaimer audit opinions
in the 2012/2013 fi nancial year.
As early as July, the provincial government estab-
lished a Technical Support Unit to provide support to
and enhance the capability of targeted departments
and municipalities. This strategic intervention measure
was set up to speed up the turnaround of the depart-
ments of education and health as well as the targeted
municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Buff alo
City Metro and King Sabatha Dalindyebo.
Critical areas
Shortly after his appointment, Premier Masualle’s
Cabinet drew up the Provincial Medium Term Strategic
Framework for the fi fth term of government, and the
2014 to 2019 Strategic Plan.
Consistent with the NDP, the province has decided,
over the next fi ve years, to focus on seven strategic
priorities: transforming the economy to create jobs;
rural development and food security; quality education;
better healthcare for all; fi ghting crime and corruption;
integrated human settlements and building cohesive
communities; and strengthening the developmental
state and good governance.
Implementation plans were fi nalised for each of
these priority areas and broken down into set de-
liverables within various timeframes.
“I am happy to say that we are keeping pace
and that the various portfolio heads are be-
ing held accountable for achieving set out-
comes. We are indeed heading in the right
direction,” says the Premier
Attention is paid to programmatic
areas, including strengthening inte-
grated planning; building capability
for implementation, monitoring
and evaluation; improving the
reputational standing of
provincial government;
building resilient and
agile institutions for
transformation; citi-
zen participation and empowerment; and improving
governance, procurement systems and eff ectiveness
of human resource management.
More than R200 million has been budgeted for the pro-
vision of institutional development and organisational
support services to ensure that the provincial govern-
ment has suffi cient capacity to eff ectively and effi ciently
deliver on its mandate.
To this eff ect, a targeted approach to build the requisite
capability has been designed and the Eastern Cape >>
ments of education and health as well as the targeted
municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Buff alo
City Metro and King Sabatha Dalindyebo.
Shortly after his appointment, Premier Masualle’s
Cabinet drew up the Provincial Medium Term Strategic
Framework for the fi fth term of government, and the
2014 to 2019 Strategic Plan.
Consistent with the NDP, the province has decided,
over the next fi ve years, to focus on seven strategic
priorities: transforming the economy to create jobs;
rural development and food security; quality education;
better healthcare for all; fi ghting crime and corruption;
integrated human settlements and building cohesive
communities; and strengthening the developmental
state and good governance.
Implementation plans were fi nalised for each of
these priority areas and broken down into set de-
liverables within various timeframes.
“I am happy to say that we are keeping pace
and that the various portfolio heads are be-
ing held accountable for achieving set out-
comes. We are indeed heading in the right
direction,” says the Premier
Attention is paid to programmatic
areas, including strengthening inte-
grated planning; building capability
for implementation, monitoring
and evaluation; improving the
reputational standing of
provincial government;
building resilient and
agile institutions for
transformation; citi-
To this eff ect, a targeted approach to build the requisite
capability has been designed and the Eastern Cape >>
Premier Phumulo Masualle.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 37
government will continue partnering with Sector Education
and Training Authorities to develop the skills needed to grow
the economy.
Unlocking the economy
With the Eastern Cape having the highest unemployment rate
in South Africa, job creation is a priority. A number of initia-
tives are being undertaken, aimed at radical socio-economic
transformation through stimulating redistributive economic
development and reducing income inequality.
“We will also consolidate the success story of our Industrial
Development Zones (IDZ). Currently, the Coega IDZ can be
considered the largest and most diverse IDZ in the country.
“In the past financial year, the Coega became the first and
only IDZ in South Africa to record more than 10 new investors
totalling a R1.8-billion investment in a year. East London IDZ’s
growing investment pipeline in sectors beyond automotive
will also diversify and introduce advanced production meth-
ods and skills to the local economy,” says Premier Masualle.
Special Economic Zones (SEZ) legislation has also been final-
ised. Amongst others, this legislation proposes new funding
mechanisms for the SEZs and makes provision for the trans-
formation of the existing IDZs into SEZs. Two new SEZs in the
province, namely the Wild Coast SEZ and Chris Hani SEZ, will
largely focus on agro-processing.
Government’s focus on infrastructure development over the
past term has helped the province combat the impact of the
global recession.
Jobs created through the infrastructure roll-out helped the
province restore job levels to where they were before
the global crisis of 2008/2009.
“The strategic logic of our infrastructure programme
is four-fold. Firstly, we have prioritised linkages with the
mineral-producing regions in the country to promote
large-scale industrialisation. Secondly, we are position-
ing the province as the new energy hub of the country.
We are already the lead province in wind energy, and
are set to benefit from the country’s diversification into
both nuclear energy and shale gas.
“Thirdly, we will focus on trade and logistics infrastruc-
ture. Significant investments will continue in our three
ports, and we have prioritised the maritime sector as a
growth industry. Fourthly, we will focus on infrastruc-
ture for rural development. Our key project in this area
is the Mzimvubu Multipurpose Project.”
The other key infrastructure projects in the east of
the province are the Mthatha Airport and Wild Coast
Highway. These projects will provide the logistics and
transport infrastructure to enable agro-industrial and
tourism development in the region. All infrastructure
projects maximise local procurement opportunities,
assist local suppliers and develop the youth for employ-
ability and entrepreneurship.
With regard to rural development, the province is pri-
oritising electrification projects, a rural road network,
and focusing on the rigorous implementation of the
Provincial Anti-Poverty Strategy, which prioritises food
security, among other critical interventions. The prov-
ProVinCiaL foCUs
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201538
ince’s anti-poverty programmes, which include massive
agriculture and rural development initiatives, have led
to significant transformation and development in the
lives of people in disadvantaged villages.
With rural development so crucial in the province, the
Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Mlibo
Qoboshiyane in September convened a meeting with
the Department of Rural Development and Land Re-
form and the Provincial Land Claims Commission to
revive working relations and improve the co-ordination
of work done in the province.
“We are working with relevant national departments
and public entities to roll out a
massive programme to assist our
poorest rural district municipali-
ties to address service backlogs
and upgrades.
“This programme includes sew-
erage, bulk water and water reticu-
lation, the upgrade of water and
sanitation infrastructure, building
and upgrading the electricity dis-
tribution network, road construc-
tion and maintenance, building
schools, clinics and hospitals, as
well as ICT infrastructure,” adds Premier Masualle.
Education
The province has committed to improving its capac-
ity to effectively implement all key education policy
imperatives, prioritising Early Childhood Development,
school management and governance, teacher develop-
ment, ABET, school infrastructure, and integrating ICT
to teaching and learning.
Health
Premier Masualle says his government is working to
strengthen the monitoring of the six core standards at
all the provincial health care facilities. This will result
in the reduction of waiting times, in cleaner facilities,
availability of drugs, improved staff attitude, infection
control and prevention, as well as better security.
As part of the phased-in implementation of the Na-
tional Health Insurance, the province is making massive
investments in the health infrastructure and systems in the OR
Tambo district.
With regard to initiations in the province, which have resulted
in a number of senseless deaths over the years, Cogta and pro-
vincial Department of Health have partnered with other stake-
holders in clamping down on illegal initiation schools.
Human settlements
Through building integrated human settlements and cohesive
communities, the province will provide its people with decent
facilities, public services and access to economic opportunities.
Sustainable human settlement planning will be pursued in an
integrated manner to de-racialise set-
tlement patterns as well as tackle asset
and infrastructure deficiency.
In the current term, Premier Masualle’s
government will provide 78 000 hous-
ing units and complete 3 300 social and
rental housing units.
Other human settlements develop-
ments include the commitment in Au-
gust to spend R209 million fixing 2 721
faulty housing units across the province
in the 2014/2015 financial year. This fol-
lows an investigation into various hous-
ing irregularities, alleged corruption and shoddy construction
on several housing development projects in Buffalo City.
In September, Human Settlements MEC Helen Sauls-August
confirmed that the eradication of the bucket toilet system was
under way. The first phase of the eradication programme is fo-
cused on formal areas, with informal areas following.
Going forward
The province has initiated public participation outreach
programmes such as izimbizo, stakeholder engagements, a
presidential hotline and customer care programmes to ensure
the voices of people are not only heard but are taken into
account, and that people partner with the province.
The key principles for the current term of government are ac-
countability, citizenry partnership and urgency in doing things.
“As provincial government, we are determined to achieve what
we set out to do, and invite every stakeholder and every resident
to join us on our journey of changing the province for the better,”
says Premier Masualle.
"As part of the phased-
in implementation of the
National Health Insurance,
the province is making
massive investments in the
health infrastructure and
systems in the OR Tambo
district."
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 39
ProVinCiaL foCUs Writer: Albert Pule
Department earns recognition for paying on timeService providers doing
business with the North-
ern Cape Department of
Social Development are enjoying
the convenience of being paid on
time, thanks to the hard work of the
department’s officials.
Through proper planning, good
communication, tightening sup-
ply chain management (SCM)
processes and constant monitor-
ing, the officials have enabled the
department to pay its service pro-
viders within five days of receiving
an invoice.
This was in response to President
Jacob Zuma’s call made during his
State of the Nation Address in Feb-
ruary 2013 that service providers
should be paid within 30 days.
However, the department has
significantly reduced the turna-
round time.
The department is one of the few
provincial government depart-
ments mentioned in the Management Performance Assessment
Tool (MPAT) Report of 2013 for paying their service providers
within five days. The MPAT, among other things, collects data
on effective management practices of public service institutions
to promote improved service delivery.
MEC of Social Development Mxolisi Sokatsha says being
acknowledged by the MPAT Report is an indication that the
department is on the right track, adding that he is proud of the
high standards the department is setting.
Government departments that fail to pay on time have previ-
ously forced some service providers to shut down. However,
the provincial Department of Social Development has ensured
that all service providers who do business with it smile all the
Northern Cape MEC of Social Development Mxolisi Sokatsha.
way to the bank.
“Our service providers are happy and if they are happy,
they are going to give us quality services,” he says.
He adds paying service providers on time contributes
to the development of small businesses because “when
you pay them within five days you make sure that their
businesses are growing”.
Adhering to SCM processes Lack of compliance with SCM processes is one of the
problems facing all spheres of government, according to
2012/13 Auditor-General’s report.
According to MEC Sokatsha, compliance with SCM >>
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201540
processes is very important. “If you don’t comply, you
won’t be able to pay within five days.”
He adds that adhering SCM processes has also helped
the department avoid irregular expenditure.
“We’ve put in place good financial management and
internal control systems. If an invoice comes in, there is
someone who checks it to ensure that it is the correct
invoice.
“This speeds up the process and invoices don’t stay
in one office any longer than it should.”
The department also conducts quarterly finance
forums during which supply chain instruction notes
and other compliance matters are discussed.
“All payment batches are reviewed before the order
is signed, paid and after payment before filing. All
noncompliance issues identified are reported to the
chief financial officer (CFO) and appropriate corrective
measures taken against the responsible official. Annual
suppliers’ meetings are also conducted to explain all
compliance requirements to service providers.”
The department has also implemented a monthly
cash flow monitoring management tool that allows
managers to indicate monthly projected expenditure
per item.
In addition, biweekly staff meetings are held to
evaluate performance and efficiency levels.
Appointing skilled and capable staff MEC Sokatsha says one aspect that has helped his
department excel is having the right person in the
right position.
“You need to make sure that you appoint skilled staff, especially
in your finance department, and that they clearly understand
their roles and responsibilities.
“You can’t appoint somebody without financial skills and
qualifications in a finance department.”
He adds that there should be regular interaction between
management and staff to determine if there are issues that might
hinder progress.
“We also need to implement a tracking register to track the
status of the invoice so that you can check when the invoice
came in and when did it go out.”
The various units in the department are required to present
monthly reports to the CFO.
“This is done to monitor the performance of a unit and for us,
as the leadership, to see if there is something that needs to be
rectified.”
Smooth sailing for service providersOne of the service providers benefiting from the efficiency of
the department is Riyaaz Obaray of Ebranik Construction, which
does building maintenance for the department’s head office.
“Since I started working with them, it has been smooth sailing
and I’ve never experienced any problems with my payments.
“I have been able to run my business successfully because I
get paid on time.”
He says if other government departments emulate the North-
ern Cape Department of Social Development, many small busi-
nesses would get the support they need to stay in business.
MEC Sokatsha adds that more government departments would
help develop small businesses if they followed his department’s
example.
ProVinCiaL foCUs
The leadership of the Northern Cape Department of Social Development – Chief Financial Officer Shouneez Wookey, Head of Department Elizabeth Botes, MEC Mxolisi Sokatsha and Chief Director of Social Welfare Herman Mooketsi.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201542
We are a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor according to Veridex, accredited by Services SETA, programme approved by SA Board for People Practices (SABPP), as well as Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) as the training provider.
Values Our core values are: Professionalism, quality, passion and delivery with strong emphasis on what the learner should know and do.
The Phungwayo People Development Resource differencePhungwayo People Development Resource was borne out of learning and experience and is growing from deep passion to train and develop people. We have discovered through a supply chain network company that our competitors improve their efforts on the standards that we set, and continue to follow in our foot steps.
Why choose usWe have been recognised on numerous occasions since 2002. Our record of excellence in the past three years includes the following:Award Winner: ubank Best Established SMME, South Africa’s Premier Black Business Awards, hosted by Motlekar Holdings, BBQ Awards 2014 at Emperor’s Palace on 31 October 2014First Runner-Up: Opel Astra New and Innovative Business Award, South Africa’s Premier Black Business Awards, hosted by Motlekar Holdings, BBQ Awards 2014 at Emperor’s Palace on 31 October 2014Second Runner-Up, Best Training Programme: Small Company, hosted by Achiever Magazine (Cape Media Corporation) and sponsored by BHP Billiton at the Centre for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Conference Centre (ICC), on 7 August 2013Certificate for Independent Small Business Education, Training and Development by West Rand Chamber of Business and Tourism on 7 March 2012.
In the book, “Wisdom from Mentors” edited by Marius Meyer, Knowres Publishing 2011, Donald Mafomane is quoted as follows, “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got, but, if you want something you have never had, you must do something you have never done before”. To enhance performance at work, always bear in mind that vision without action is a day-dream; and action without vision is a nightmare.
To turn your vision into reality, let Phungwayo People Development Resource partner with you in your journey to the summit of the skills development, thereby ensuring that your road to success is not always paved with obstacles.
What we doWe offer the following learning and development programmes, and short courses: 1. Leadership Skills Development Programme: NQF Level 6Module one: How to direct and lead people in the organisation (ID: 120300)Module two: How to conduct a disciplinary hearing (ID: 10985)2. Supervision Skills Development Programme: NQF Level 5Module one: How to supervise and manage people at work (ID: 14667)Module two: How to write a workplace specific report (ID: 115790)3. Skills Programme: Occupational Health and Safety Activities for Workplace Representatives and Shop Stewards in the Mining and Minerals Sector (MQA/SP/0120/10): NQF Level 2Module one: Explain basic health and safety principles in and around the workplace (ID: 259639)Module two: Conduct continuous hazard identification and risk assessment within a workplace (ID: 244383)Module three: Describe the functions of the Workplace health and safety representative (ID: 259622)4. Personal Accountability Development Programme: NQF Level 4Module one: Know your company (ID: 14342)Module two: How to motivate and build a team (ID: 242819)5. Short Course: NQF Level 4Statutory and Legal Compliance (Legal Liability): Health and safety legislation (ID: 120344)
Visit uswww.phungwayo.co.za
Email us [email protected]
Executive Member: Donald Mafomane
Tel: 011 762 9380Mobile: 082 411 2875
Fax: 086 718 1710
ADVERTORIAL / PHUNGWAYO PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE
For further information about Phungwayo and its services:
REACHING THE SUMMIT OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENTMr Donald Mafomane recieves Ubank Best Established SMME Award
Public Sector Manager ForumPSM Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Linda Mthombeni
Public servants’ pensions secure
If you resign from the Public Service as opposed to retiring, you
stand to lose your entitlement to a monthly annuity.
You also stand to lose funeral and medical benefi ts, as these
are only available to retirees.
That is the warning from the Acting Chief Operating Offi cer of the
Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), Jay Morar.
He was speaking at a recent Public Sector Manager Forum hosted
by the Department of Communications in Pretoria.
Morar added that civil servants had no reason to be concerned
because government safeguards their pensions.
“The state and the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF)
guarantee your pension till the day you die. You will not fi nd a
benefi t of this nature elsewhere.”
Resigning is not the answerThe Public Service recently experienced a wave of resignations
especially from teachers, nurses and police offi cers fearing that
they would lose their pension when proposed retirement reforms
come into eff ect.
Morar urged public servants not to resign, stressing that they
would not lose their pension as a result of the reforms.
“We would like to set the record straight concerning the mislead-
ing rumours around the reforms. It is important that our members
know that their pensions are safe with GEPF and there is no need
to resign in order for them to access their pension.”
He explained that the proposed reforms were in-
tended to benefi t South Africans.
“The reforms are part of a broader process in which
government, through policies, is trying to encourage
people to save so that they retire comfortably with an
income that would last throughout their retirement
years.
“It also encourages employers to provide retirement
saving plans, ensure good value for money on retire-
ment savings and help improve standards of retirement
fund governance,” said Morar.
The proposed changes that were scheduled to come
into eff ect on 1 March 2015 have now been postponed
to 1 March 2017.
“The changes only apply to the annuitisation of provi-
dent fund benefi ts. Government is aligning the benefi ts
of provident funds to those of pension and retirement
funds at retirement.
“This means that provident fund members will be
required to convert at least two thirds of their retire-
ment savings into an annuity or monthly pension when
they reach retirement, instead of taking a once-off lump
sum of cash.”
Government Pension Administration Agency Acting Chief Operating Offi cer Jay Morar.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201544
He stressed that the reforms did not affect members
of the GEPF as it is governed by its own law.
By September 2014, there were over 3 600 resigna-
tions in the Public Service compared to just under 2
100 during the same period in 2013, while in 2012 there
were about 1 600 resignations for the same period.
Morar said the recent increase in resignations was a
concern to the GPAA.
“We are worried and we think that if people don’t
understand the reforms we are going to see a larger
scale of resignations. These resignations are going to
impact the state in a negative way. It impacts on all the
services that the state must deliver.”
He reassured public servants that government had
no intention of taking away their pensions.
“We work to give our members and pensioners peace
of mind about their financial security after retirement
by ensuring that all funds in our safekeeping are re-
sponsibly invested and accounted for.”
Morar encouraged civil servants to continue working
for government until their retirement age.
“GEPF strongly recommends that government em-
ployees work until their retirement date in order to keep
contributing to their pension as long as possible. Gov-
ernment is not going to take away or deny you access
to your money.”
In an effort to curb the number of resignations, the
agency is boosting its communication strategy to edu-
cate civil servants and clarify the myth that public serv-
ants would lose their pensions.
“We are doing road shows and placing adverts in
newspapers. We are also partnering with National Treasury in
workshops to inform members and stakeholders through media
briefings. We are also planning to work with the Department of
Communications to disseminate this information.”
Modernising the GPAA In an effort to increase service delivery, the agency implemented
a modernisation approach, which is about moving away from us-
ing old static methods such as filling in forms to a seamless and
automated process using technology.
“It has been effective, especially moving from manual-based
documentation to paperless-based documentation. We find that
more and more employers are utilising our electronic channel
base.
“About 80 per cent of employer departments are using the elec-
tronic channel base and we are seeing an increase in the number
of claims that the departments are submitting.”
He added that payments were made quicker when documents
were received electronically.
Since opening its doors back in April 2010, the agency has grown
in leaps and bounds.
It currently has a national footprint with regional offices and
walk-in centres in all the nine provinces as well as satellite client
offices in six cities.
The satellite offices are in Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth,
Mthatha, Phuthaditjhaba and Thohoyandou.
The agency also has officers directly assisting government de-
partments.
“Client liaison officers have been deployed to all regional offices
act as liaison between employer departments, members, pension-
ers, beneficiaries and GEPF,” he said.
Public servants who attended the PSM Forum were educated about managing their pension.
45
featUre Writer: Cecilia de Vos Belgraver
SA celebrates 20 years of media freedom
President Jacob Zuma has hailed the media for the role
it has played in achieving democracy.
Addressing media executives, owners, editors as well
as political and economic journalists from South Africa and
abroad, the President noted that democracy had brought
with it a progressive Constitution that enshrined the freedom
of the press.
President Zuma reminded his audience that before the late
Zwelakhe Sisulu, editor of New Nation, was detained for the
second time in the 1980s, he wrote an editorial in which he
argued that “autocratic regimes will come and go, but the
people's desire to be free and determine their own future is
constant and permanent and cannot be trammelled by even
the greatest force”.
“And it happened. We are free,” he said, before congratulating
and thanking all the members of the media who had “con-
tributed to the consolidation of democracy and the building
of a new united, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South
Africa in the past 20 years”.
The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to the
ideals of freedom, especially freedom of expression, and that
his administration looked forward to engaging with the
media while the country’s reconstruction and develop-
ment continued.
A Presidential Communication and Media Working
Group will be established to provide a platform for
government and the media to share ideas on a range
of issues, he added.
President Zuma met with the media at an event at the
Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria
to commemorate both 20 Years of Freedom and the 37th
anniversary of 19 October 1977 or “Black Wednesday”,
which was to become a bleak day for the media and
freedom of expression in South Africa.
“There is a lot we can discuss, from media diversity
and transformation to how the media industry can
contribute to the attainment of the five per cent growth
target by 2019. Let us work together to promote the
right of the public to information,” said the President.
According to Newstime Africa, on 19 October 1977
the apartheid government “banned several newspa-
pers, which were accused of accommodating the “Black
President Jacob Zuma.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201546
Consciousness Movement”. Eighteen organisations
were banned and 70 activists arrested.
The apartheid government closed down newspapers
such as The World and Weekend World. Editors, including
Donald Woods of the Daily Dispatch, and journalists
who spoke out against the government were arrested
and several people and organisations, among them the
Union of Black Journalists, were banned. The interna-
tional community reacted with shock.
The President recalled that these events occurred
at the time of the murder of Black Consciousness
Movement activist Steve Biko.
“The 1977 clampdown also took place during the
time when one of the martyrs of our struggle for
liberation, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, together with
his comrade, Johannes Motloung, were detained after
being intercepted by police.
Intent on crushing freedom of speech, by 28 October
1977 the apartheid government was enforcing the
Newspaper and Imprint Act No 19. It was a version of an
earlier Act requiring that all newspapers be registered
and that they conform to a strict code of conduct.
According to South African History Online, newspapers
also had to lodge a deposit of about R40 000 before
they could publish. The move was essentially a means
to ensure that newspapers toed the line and regulated
themselves, lest they be banned.
ConstitutionThese events emphasise the importance of 20 Years
of Freedom and democracy in South Africa and the
country’s progressive Constitution.
The President said “the reflection about the painful
episodes that shaped our history in the long stretch of
our journey to freedom is impossible to avoid.”
The Constitution is one of the greatest achievements
of the South African nation.
“Our progressive Constitution enshrines freedom of expression, the
media and other fundamental freedoms and rights.
“In marking 20 Years of Freedom we are also celebrating all aspects
of the Constitution, including Clause 16, which enshrines freedom
of expression,” President Zuma said.
He pointed out that in terms of the Constitution, freedom of expres-
sion includes the freedom of the press and other media; freedom to
receive or impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity;
and academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.
Media stalwarts not forgotten“In celebrating this clause this year, we recall many freedom fighters,
including journalists, who used their craft to further the struggle
for freedom and justice in our country. They did this in the face of
immense brutality and even possible death.”
Looking back on the pre-1994 struggle for media freedom and
democracy, the President said South Africa “saluted all media stal-
warts, some of whom are no more, such as Zwelakhe Sisulu, Percy
Qoboza, the Drum journalists including Henry Nxumalo, Nat Nakasa,
and many others”.
“We also acknowledge those journalists who braved bullets and
harassment during the horrible state-sponsored violence of the
1980s.
“We remember Calvin Thusago, an SABC reporter who was stabbed
to death by a mob in Sharpeville on 23 April 1993 while on duty.
“We also remember photographer Ken Oosterbroek who was shot
dead in Thokoza on 18 April 1994, just a few days before the first
national general elections.”
Commenting on the President’s announcement on the Presidential
Communication and Media Working Group, the South African Na-
tional Editors Forum (Sanef ) said it would use the platform to raise
issues that concern the media, according to the SABC.
Sanef chairperson, Mpumi Mkhabela, said journalists could use the
Presidential Communication and Media Working Group to express
their concerns.
President Jacob Zuma says he looks forward to engaging with the media to share ideas on a range of issues.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 47
ProfiLes in LeaDershiPfeatUre Writers: More Matshediso and Noluthando Mkhize
Over the past fi ve years, South Africa has made steady
inroads in its war against HIV and AIDS, recording
some signifi cant successes along the way.
As the international focus falls on the epidemic once more,
with World AIDS Day being commemorated on 1 December
under the theme “Zero Stigma and Discrimination”, PSM traces
the gains made by the country since 2009.
2009 - The start of the HIV and AIDS revolution The introduction of the new HIV and AIDS policy in 2009,
which was unveiled by President Jacob Zuma, indicated the
country’s renewed determination in fi ghting HIV and AIDS.
President Zuma announced that all children under one year
of age would get treatment if they tested positive, and that
treatment would not depend on the CD4 count. All patients
with both tuberculosis (TB) and HIV were to get anti-retroviral
(ARV) treatment if their CD4 count was 350 or less.
All pregnant HIV positive women with a CD4 count of 350 or
with symptoms, regardless of CD4 count, would have access
to treatment. Previously, HIV positive pregnant women were
eligible for treatment if their CD4 count was less than 200.
All other HIV positive pregnant women not falling into this
category were to be put on treatment at 14 weeks of preg-
nancy to protect the baby. In the past this was only started
during the last term of pregnancy. These measures came into
eff ect in April 2010.
2010 – SA’s biggest HIV testing campaign launchedIn 2010, President Zuma and
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Mot-
soaledi, launched the HIV
Counselling and Testing
(HCT) campaign.
The country’s big-
gest HIV testing
campaign, it tar-
geted those 12
years and older
with the hope of
reaching 15 million
people by June 2011,
and was to be the corner-
stone of prevention and early entry into
ARVs.
With the HCT campaign, it became the health
sector’s responsibility to off er HIV testing and counsel-
ling to every one who makes use of health services.
Previously the Voluntary Testing and Counselling cam-
paign encouraged citizens to test voluntarily.
By December 2010, eight months after the campaign
was launched, more than four million people had taken
an HIV test. In the same year, up to a million people
were already on ARVs.
SA turns the tide on HIV and AIDS
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201548
SA turns the tide on HIV and AIDS
2011 - The launch of the National Strategic PlanIn 2011, President Zuma launched the National Stra-
tegic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2012-2016, which focused
on tackling TB, HIV, sexually transmitted infections and
issues of violence against women. Its goals included:
- Reducing new HIV infections by at least 50 per cent by
using a combination of prevention approaches.
- Initiating at least 80 per cent of eligible patients on
anti-retroviral treatment with 70 per cent being alive
and on treatment fi ve years after initiation.
- Reducing the number of new TB infections as well as
deaths from TB by 50 per cent.
- Ensuring an enabling and accessible legal framework
that protects and promotes human rights in order to
support the implementation of the NSP.
- Reducing stigma related to HIV and TB by at least 50
per cent.
According to the Progress Report on the NSP, by the
end of 2013, about 2,3 million patients were on ARVs
in the public sector, 148 331 of whom were children.
2012 - ARV roll out boosts life expectancy By the year 2012, South Africa’s bold steps of
extending the roll out of ARVs three years earlier was
starting to bear fruit, as noted in the increase in life
expectancy.
The Department of Health released a report on re-
search conducted by the Medical Research Council
that estimated that the country’s life expectancy, which
stood at 56,5 years in 2009, had increased to 60 years
in 2011 (57 years for men and 63 years for women).
Added to this, the under-fi ve mortality rate had also
fallen - from 56 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2009, to
42 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2011.
At this stage, since the launch of the HCT campaign
in 2010, 20.2 million people had been tested for HIV.
2013 - The single dose pillIn 2013, the Department of Health announced
the introduction of a single dose of the triple
combination of tenofovir, entricitabine and efavirenz
for people on ARV treatment.
The new drug enables people living with HIV to take
only one pill a day, instead of three, to maintain their health. It will
also help government save up to R2,2 billion over two years with a
38 per cent reduction in drug costs.
2014 and beyond In his Budget Vote, Minister Motsoaledi announced that:
• FromJanuary2015,HIVpositivepatientswithaCD4countof500
would be put on treatment compared to previously being put on
treatment with a CD4 count of 350.
• Withregardstopregnantwomen,theDepartmentofHealthwould
follow option B+ of the World Health Organisation, which stipulates
that every pregnant HIV positive woman goes on life long treatment
regardless of their CD4 count. The previous HIV policy indicated that
pregnant women stay on treatment only while breast-feeding and
stop after termination of breastfeeding if their CD4 count was 350.
On the global front, the fi ght against HIV and AIDS will gather
steam in 2016, when South Africa hosts the 2016 International Aids
Conference in Durban.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa commended eff orts from all role
players in the fi ght against HIV and AIDS and also called for eff orts
to be strengthened in the lead up to the conference.
“As we prepare for the 21st International Aids Conference, we will
intensify our eff orts to address these challenges,” he said.
The conference is organised by the International Aids Society, with
its partners from the United Nations, the South African government,
and international civil society organisations.
The Deputy President added that the world could bring the HIV and
AIDS epidemic to an end through sustained collaboration between
various sectors of society.
South Africa should have positive feedback from the international
community during the conference, particularly for its progress in
dealing with the epidemic over the past fi ve years and its continu-
ous eff orts to fi ght the scourge.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 49
featUre Writer: More Matshediso
Sharing lessons to deliver services better and faster
Government is determined to
improve service delivery at all
levels to ultimately better the
lives of all South Africans.
To help achieve this, public servants
recently attended a workshop in
Mbombela, Mpumalanga on the
institutionalisation of best practice
models for integrated service delivery.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa
was also at the workshop to spur along
government officials to fulfil their
responsibilities to the public.
He noted that the
“ landmark ” event
provided the plat-
form for members of
the National Execu-
tive, MECs, mayors
and senior admin-
istrators to come
together to share
lessons on what was
being done to deliver services much
faster and better.
The Deputy President said government
wanted to build on all the plans and pro-
grammes it had devised to improve the
way it functions.
Government faced many challenges
with regards to improving services, but
there were also positive elements that
needed to be applauded, he added.
“In dealing with these challenges we
are motivated by the good story that has
unfolded in South Africa during 20 Years
of Freedom.”
That good story was of a caring, effec-
tive government that worked wisely and
diligently with scarce resources to make
deep, positive changes in people’s lives.
“This is a story of good work and centres
of excellence that have emerged across
the length and breadth of our country, in
provinces and in the local sphere.
“In the majority of cases, these centres
of excellence have produced locally
developed solutions. In the spirit of
cooperative governance and of building
the capable state demanded by the
National Development Plan, there is a
need to share lessons we have learnt.”
The Deputy President also urged pre-
miers and directors-general to have a
clearer understanding of
the Operations Sukuma
Sakhe model, and what
was needed to imple-
ment it successfully.
O p e r a t i o n S u k u m a
Sakhe, which was imple-
mented in KwaZulu-Natal,
is aimed at speeding up
service delivery, interact-
ing with beneficiary communities and
monitoring ongoing government-fund-
ed projects.
It is a call for citizens to be determined
to overcome the issues that have
destroyed communities such as poverty,
unemployment, crime, substance abuse,
HIV and AIDS, and TB.
Operation Sukuma Sakhe has a
‘whole of government approach’ as its
philosophical basis.
It spells out every initiative and how it
links to initiatives being implemented
by the different sector departments and
the spheres of government. The delivery
of services is required through partner-
ship with community, stakeholders and
government.
The Deputy President asked the del-
egates at the workshop to also discuss
and agree on key decision points col-
lectively and commit to implement the
Operation Sukuma Sakhe model as a top
priority in the various provinces.
“Ultimately, our nation must be assured
that better service delivery is on its way.
We are organising ourselves better and
building our capacity as government so
that all South Africans will have the bet-
ter life of which we speak all the time,”
said Deputy President Ramaphosa.
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza
said the workshop came at an appro-
priate time, when people were showing
impatience at the slow and some times
erratic pace of service delivery.
He said people also ran out of patience
due to unresponsiveness to the needs
of communities and the ‘I don’t care’ at-
titude shown by some government of-
ficials, when working with communities.
“I hope that this workshop will give
us new tools of radical thinking and re-
dedication to the needs of communities,”
added Premier Mabuza.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says government wants to build on the plans and programmes it had devised to improve its functioning.
“Ultimately, our
nation must be
assured that better
service delivery is on
its way.”
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201550
South African Local Government AssociationSALGA
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
Soon after the commencement of the current term of municipal councils, SALGA undertook a national roll-out of the Councillor Induction Programme (CIP) which was aimed at orientating Councillors to their new roles. To build on the induction programme and to further capacitate Councillors in their roles of discharging their duties efficiently and effectively, SALGA introduces the next phase of formalised learning that will earn Councillors credits on the National Qualifications Framework.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The SALGA Councillor Development Programme will provide strategic direction on policy formulation, administrative oversight; improved participation and communication with all stakeholders, and will focus on the following:• Understanding of the Legislative Framework• Municipal Service Delivery Improvement • Leadership and Management• Local Economic Development• Municipal Finance
• Programme Management• Community Development• Supply Chain Management• Public and Media Communication This is an integrated and customised learning programme. It is made up of nine modular focus areas which will be delivered over a period of 5 consecutive training days
ACCREDITATION STATUS AND BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
The Councillor Development Programme (CDP) will be aligned to Unit Standard ID 244185: Apply key municipal processes in a council function (12 credits) - this unit standard lies within the National Certificate: Local Government Councillor Practices (NQF L3) and achieving this will earn the learner twelve (12) credits towards the full qualification.
DURATION OF TRAINING: 5 DAYS
Programme Delivery Period: Training to commence in January 2015 and schedule of each training session in
each province to be confirmed in due course
COUNCILLOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CDP)
For further information on how to enrol and any other queries related to the programme, please contact Sphesihle Hlongwane or Theriza Kotsane on (012) 369 8000 or email [email protected]
featUre Writer: Amukelani Chauke
Budget aims to balance finances, bolster investment
Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene did not mince his words
when he recently outlined the measures government was
putting in place to re-establish a sustainable foundation
for public finances by lowering the spending ceiling, reducing
consumption expenditure and increasing tax revenue.
With the economy expected to grow at less than desired levels
in 2014, Minister Nene did not hold back any punches when he
delivered the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, in Parlia-
ment, saying unequivocally that tough decisions have to be
taken and sacrifices have to be made.
South Africa has reached a turning point where fiscal consoli-
dation can no longer be postponed.
“By proposing measures to reduce the budget deficit, govern-
ment will stabilise public debt and ensure the sustainability of
our critical social programmes. The proposals [that are] being
tabled … complement reforms under way to encourage lower
consumption, higher savings and increased productive invest-
ment.
“Re-establishing a sustainable foundation for the public fi-
nances will lower the cost of capital across the entire economy
and open the way for investment-led growth.
“It also means that government will play its part in moderat-
ing the wide deficit on the current account and correcting our
external imbalance,” Minister Nene said.
As with other governments across the world that have been
hit by slow growth, South Africa has to make difficult decisions
to rein in spending because the gap between spending needs
and what is affordable is wide.
And as it widens, it leaves the economy vulnerable and casts
further doubt on whether inequality can be reduced and if jobs
can be created.
President Jacob Zuma has said that to put a notable dent on
the currently high unemployment rate, the economy needs to
grow by a rate of at least five per cent.
Economic growth revised downwards The Minister announced that the National Treasury had
revised the country’s economic growth downwards to 1,4
per cent, which stands in stark contrast to the real Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of 2,7 per cent that was projected
in the budget announced in February.
This, he said, was due to external and domestic con-
straints, including a slowdown in Europe, China and other
emerging economies. Locally, several factors have hin-
dered growth; these include energy constraints, labour
disputes, skills shortages and the slow industrialisation
of the economy.
Due to slow growth, tax revenue is below the projected
target.
Public Service must play its roleGovernment has a responsibility to ensure that public debt
is stabilised and to see to it that the interests of all South
Africans, especially the poor, are well looked after.
The Minister said the budget proposals that he was ta-
Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201552
bling before Parliament were aimed at “restoring bal-
ance to the nation’s finances and bolstering investment”.
“Increased debt is not in itself a bad thing, if it finances
investment in future productive capacity. But we are
not investing enough. And our expenditure on public
services achieves less than it should.
“We want to improve our export performance and
shift away from consumption-led, debt-reliant expan-
sion.
“These changes are fundamental
to our economic transformation,
because they are the foundations
on which our social progress and
human development goals will be
achieved.”
During the opening of Parliament
for the current administration,
President Zuma said government
needed to create an environment
where the private sector would
invest in the economy.
The President emphasised the
importance of public-private part-
nership as a way to help the coun-
try achieve its objectives.
In this regard, the President continues to engage
with business leaders through the Presidential Business
Working Group to discuss, among others, how govern-
ment can help reduce bottlenecks to make it easier for
the private sector in our economy. The private sector
remains a key partner in job creation.
But, as Minister Nene pointed out, while these and
other measures were being looked at to strengthen the
performance of the economy, the Public Service needs
to do some introspection.
To reduce the deficit from 4,1 per cent this year to
2,5 per cent over the next three years, would require
that the expenditure ceiling be lowered by R10 billion
in 2015/16 and R15 billion in 2016/17. In turn, achiev-
ing that target would require stringent controls on the
part of public managers and discipline on the part of
public officials.
To achieve the lower ceiling, national government will:
- Freeze budgets of non-essential goods and services at
2014/15 levels.
- Withdraw funding for posts that have been vacant for some time.
- Reduce the rate of growth of transfers to public entities, particularly
those with cash reserves.
“Across national departments, planned expenditure on travel and
subsistence, conference venues and catering has been cut. We have
also reduced advertising and communications budgets.
“Allocations for consultant services have been capped, and the Na-
tional Treasury estimates that these bold steps will help us save about
R1.3 billion over the next two years.
“These steps complement the cost-con-
tainment measures adopted at the start of
this year, which have already achieved sub-
stantial savings.”
Revenue measures will also come into con-
sideration in the period ahead. If we are to
avoid reducing expenditure in real terms,
about R15 billion a year in additional rev-
enue will need to be raised, Minister Nene
said.
“Details will be announced in the 2015
budget. The revenue measures will be de-
signed to limit as far as possible any negative
impact on growth and job creation.”
He said over the current financial year, only
a third of the overall expenditure budget
had been allocated for the compensation of employees.
“Over the period ahead, we have budgeted for nominal wage-bill
growth in line with consumer price inflation.
“In the present economic circumstances, it is especially important
that we maintain a careful balance between personnel spending and
other resources required for public service delivery.”
Minister talks tough on wage bill, salary negotiationsMinister Nene said there was on-going concern over the wage bill, and
added that stretching the wage bill would not be sustainable. This, he
said, needed prudent management.
“New posts will have to be funded from existing allocations and
natural attrition. Posts that remain vacant will be reviewed.”
Spending priorities for the next three yearsThe Minister said that National Treasury had proposed to increase its
spending over the next three years on initiatives that would boost job
creation, education and skills development.
National Treasury proposed expenditure growth of 7,6 per cent a
year over the next three years, reaching R1,55 trillion by 2017/18. >>
To reduce the deficit from
4,1 per cent this year to 2,5
per cent over the next three
years, would require that the
expenditure ceiling be lowered
by R10 billion in 2015/16 and
R15 billion in 2016/17. In turn,
achieving that target would
require stringent controls on
the part of public managers and
discipline on the part of public
officials.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 53
featUre
While spending on social security would not be affected by cost-
containment measures, he said government would continue pri-
oritising investment in social infrastructure.
Government planned to spend:
- Over R18 billion for manufacturing incentives, the establishment
of special economic zones and the employment tax incentive to
reinforce support for export competiveness and job creation.
- On supporting cities to improve living conditions, modernise trans-
port and communications infrastructure, expand the urban econ-
omy and promote trade and investment. Government would also
work with development finance institutions to increase investment
in the urban landscape and expand the municipal debt market.
- On expanding the skills base, with R800 billion to be disbursed on
education and skills over the next three years. Post-school educa-
tion and training had received the fastest-growing share of the
budget over the past three years, and would continue to expand.
Service delivery to take centre stageThe Minister said that the cost-containment measures also meant
that government should increase its effort to curb abuse, achieve
the intended savings and maximise efficiency.
The measures were also designed to ensure that service delivery
remained at the core of the Public Service’s main objective.
This would include:
- A focus on procurement costs. In November, the National Treas-
ury was expected to release a Public Procurement Review, which
clearly outlined reforms to be implemented over the
next five years.
- Reinforcing cost-containment measures to iden-
tify goods and services expenditure that could be
eliminated without affecting service delivery.
- Promoting a culture of doing more with less. For
example, Treasury was working with municipalities
to link the disbursement of infrastructure grants
more tightly to the efficient delivery of capital pro-
jects .
- Continuing to fight waste and corruption, support-
ed by government’s audit institutions and stringent
monitoring and reporting requirements.
“South Africans rightly expect efficient and reliable
delivery of basic government functions – water sup-
ply, sanitation, refuse removal, teachers in classrooms,
medicines in clinics, postal delivery, visible policing.
“These essential services come first. Where they are
in disrepair, they must be fixed,” the Minister said.
The Minister has spoken. We have reached a turning
point. It is clear that going forward public managers
and officials have a stronger role to play and would
have to ensure more stringent controls, tougher deci-
sions and more tangible sacrifices are made - if we are
to see the economic forecast in the country becoming
more bullish than it currently looks.
Minister Nhlanhla Nene with (from left) Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, SARS Commissioner Tom Moyane and National Treasury DG Lungisa Fuzile.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201554
EKURHULENIARTISANS & SKILLSTRAINING CENTRE
VAT Reg.No. 4690234879Company Reg. No.: 2009/006532/07
43 B Maxwell Street Kempton Park 1619Tel: 011 394 1488 011 970 3082/3/4/5
Fax: 011 394 3154 Mobile: 082 605 1134email: [email protected]
web:www.eastc.co.za
Get
a c
ourse
Worth
R14 0
00
for O
NLY
R8500
and SA
VE R
5500!!
QUALIFICATIONSAfter successfully completing the coursestudents receive a semi-skilled certificate
with which they have to go and work in the tradefor 4 years, before they can apply to do their trade test
at Olifantsfontein( INDLELA)We also update their CV and send their details
to more than 70 Labour Brokerswhich can assist them with
job placements
WHO SHOULD ATTENDSchool leavers 16 years or older that want to specialisein one of these trades.
Must have a burning desire to better yourself.
People that already work in these trades and want to improve their skills.
People that want to their trade test.
People that want to change their careers.Free Toolbox
Overall&
Safety Shoes
Shield Metal Arc Welding- Mild SteelShield Metal Arc Welding- AluminiumShield Metal Arc Welding- Stainless SteelTungsten Gas Welding- Mild SteelTungsten Gas Welding-Aluminium
Tungsten Gas Welding-Pipe WeldingTungsten Gas Welding-Stainless SteelCo2 Welding ( Gas Metal Arc)-Mild SteelCo2 Welding (Gas Metal Arc)- AluminiumCo2 Welding ( Gas Metal Arc)- Stainless Steel
Gas Welding-Mild SteelFluxcor Welding/Stovepipe WeldingMulti -Skilled Welding- Co2+ Tungsten Gas(Argon)Multi-Skilled Welding-Co2+ArcBrazing
Silver SolderingTest of Arc Welding-Tungsten Gas-Co2-Mild SteelTest of welding FluxcoreTest of Arc Welding-Tungsten Gas-Co2-Stainless Steel
Test of Arc Welding- Tungsten Gas-Co2-Aluminium Test of Silver Soldering
Monday - Friday 08h00 - 17h00 Saturday 08h00 - 13h00
Monday - Thursday 08h00 - 16h00 Friday 08h00 - 13h00 Saturday 08h00-16h00
Accommodation-Fee’s available
on request @ reception
OFFICE TIMESSTUDY TIMES
Training CoursesBoiler MakerRiggingSheet Metal WorkElectricalPlumbing
CNC Programming ( Turning)CNC Milling Programming or CNC Turning ProgrammingQuality Control: Qualified Artisans(Filter & Turner/Tool & Die Makers)
Aircon+ RefrigeratingPipe FitterEngineering Drawings + Engineering MeasuringBasic Hand & Tool SkillsCutting Torch
Plasma CuttingAngle GrinderBrick LayingCarpentryPainting & Decorating
Welding
Student loans are
available!!
An Approved Member of
A P P E T D
Association of Private Providers of Eucation
Training and Development
** NEW COURSES START EVERY MONDAY**** SATURDAY PART TIME CLASSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE**
Twitter@EastcqueriesEkurhuleni Artisans & Skills Training Centre
Business Partnersor
Sanlam EOY Medium Business Entrepreneur
2014
Proudly SA PremierEnterprise Award Winner
2013/2014
EBI/SanlamBusiness of The YearAward Winner 2013
PBF Women in Business
2014 FinalistPre-Trade test Training,Boilermaking, WeldingRigging,Brick Laying, Carpentry,Painting Decorating,Plumbing,Refrigerating, Electrical,Sheet Metal Work
**Based in Kempton Park**** Student to supply your own food and bedding**
NOTE
featUre Writer: Lindiwe ZuluPhotographer: Mduduzi Tshabangu
SMMEs hold key to economic growth
It must trouble our collective conscience that 20 years since
our freedom, the participation of black people in the economy
still leaves much to be desired. Despite the socio-economic
progress, there are still structural features that constrain our abil-
ity to address these challenges. The triple challenges of poverty,
unemployment and inequality continue to stare us in the face.
The high rate of unemployment and extreme inequality call
for bold and far-sighted interventions. We are of the view that
supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises offers an
important vehicle for sustainable social and economic inclusion
as well as national cohesion.
As government, we have made a commitment to set the coun-
try on a path of radical economic and social transformation to
accelerate our onslaught on these socio-economic challenges.
Radical economic transformation must ensure faster, inclusive
growth combined with much higher levels of employ-
ment creation, reduced inequality and the de-raciali-
sation of the economy.
The President established the Ministry for Small Busi-
ness Development as part of government’s commit-
ment to place the economy and job creation at the cen-
tre stage. The government is convinced that through
this intervention, we will be able to unlock economic
opportunities and achieve inclusive economic growth
and sustainable employment, particularly for women,
youth and the disable.
We see small businesses and cooperatives as critical
to creating an economy that benefits all. We are con-
fident that through small business development, we
will be able to defeat the triple challenges of poverty,
Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201556
unemployment and inequality. It is this interven-
tion that holds the key to unlocking our economic
potential, thus affording us a golden opportunity
to launch a sustained onslaught on poverty, un-
employment, inequality and underdevelopment.
We remain concerned that small businesses have
an exceedingly high failure rate, and most of the
casualties are black and women-owned. Statistics
show that small businesses have only 37 per cent
chance of surviving for four years and 9 per cent
chance of surviving for 10 years. Between 70 and
80 per cent of small businesses fail in their first year,
and only about half of those who survive remain
in business for the next five years.
The government is aware that to address prob-
lems confronting our economy and reverse the
unemployment rate will require a radical policy
shift that recognises the urgent need to invest in
small and medium businesses because they are key
drivers of economic growth and job creation. We
are convinced that if we are to make an impact on
the job creation front, the common problems faced
by SMMEs must be addressed. Our ultimate goal is
to reduce obstacles to doing business and expand
access to economic opportunities for historically
excluded groups.
Easing the regulatory burden and reducing red
tape is going to be key if we truly want to unlock
the economic and job creation potential of SMMEs.
The slow business registration process, late payment of small
businesses, licensing procedures and small business taxation
are some of the issues.
Black small businesses and enterprises will require broader
access to financial services to fund growth. Through our de-
velopment finance institutions, the government will provide
increased access to affordable loans that supports diversifica-
tion of the economy, broad-based black economic empower-
ment and investment in smaller businesses in the productive
economy.
Research by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor shows that
small businesses are significant contributors to job creation.
The SMME sector contributes more than 45 per cent of the
GDP. In 2007, the contribution of SMMEs to GDP was 35 per
cent. Targets for future contributions range from 60 to 80 per
cent over the next 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, Brazil,
Chile and India’s SMMEs and cooperatives have contributed
approximately contributed 20 per cent to their country’s gross
domestic product and employ 60 million people.
A healthy SMME sector has the potential to create more
employment opportunities and generating higher production
volumes. However, the sad reality is that South Africa has one
of the lowest rates of entrepreneurship activities in the world.
I urge players in industry, academia and civil society to join
hands with us as we seek to unleash an entrepreneurship
revolution.
* Lindiwe Zulu is the Minister of Small Business
Development.
Government sees small businesses and cooperatives as critical to creating an economy that benefits all.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 57
featUre Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photographer: Siyasanga Mbambani
Voice of citizens amped
It is what every citizen hopes for – a government that
listens to their needs and subsequently delivers services
that address those.
After all, we all want to have a say in that which impacts
us directly in our day-to-day lives.
Government is a step closer to the vision of building a
capable state, with the Department of Planning, Monitor-
ing and Evaluation (DPME) piloting of the Citizens-based
Monitoring (CBM) approach.
The CBM monitors government’s performance, focusing
on the experience of ordinary citizens to strengthen public
accountability and improve service delivery.
The model is not unique to South Africa, with India having
implemented a similar approach.
Promoting active citizens The National Development Plan (NDP) emphasises the im-
portance of promoting active citizens and building a ca-
pable and developmental state. CBM supports this notion.
According to the DPME, currently the emphasis of govern-
ment’s monitoring is on internal government processes and
the voice of the citizen is largely absent. This presents a risk,
as the picture is not complete without incorporating the
experiences of ordinary South Africans.
CBM closes the gap between the perceived and actual
experiences of service delivery for both the user (citizen)
and the provider (government).
Citizens cannot be inactive recipients if government is to
deliver services that address real needs.
The process of citizens working jointly with government
to provide information about service delivery fosters active
citizenry and contributes to building a capable state.
How CBM works Jonathan Timm, the Director of CBM at the DPME, says
the programme uses feedback from citizens to improve
the services that are delivered.
“If you really want to understand whether you are deliver-
ing the right services or whether government is doing
what it has planned to do, you need different sources
of data.
“CBM, in the context of water, could be finding out
whether the community is able to get water from a
tap. Getting feedback from people who are affected by
the service is a very important part of the monitoring
cycle or system.”
Timm says that civil servants are also consulted to de-
termine what the challenges are in delivering services.
“At times you find that the problem is not with the
civil servant administering the service on the ground,
but that the challenges need to be solved high up in
the system.”
CBM is a four-step process. The first is meetings, facili-
tated by the DPME, within a specific community where
citizens, civil society and government officials discuss
the challenges faced by that community.
Secondly, CBM teams from the community, which
have been trained by the DPME, conduct community
surveys on locals’ experiences when they receive gov-
ernment services.
Short questionnaires are used to find out from citizens
what they think about the participating government
departments.
The surveys are also used to gather the views of staff
members providing the services, to get their opinion
on the conditions that they work under.
“By listening to the community and staff, the CBM
model is able to identify where the challenges lie. Peo-
ple who use the service are asked to share their views
about the quality of the service, waiting times, bribery
and the way people are treated by officials,” explains
Timm.
The information is used to develop a plan to improve
services.
The third step includes community members, staff, civil
society and service delivery facility managers coming
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201558
together to determine the way forward.
Timm adds that once a plan to improve services has
been discussed and agreed on, a public commitment
to the improvements is made at a community meeting,
bringing together government officials, local council-
lors, traditional leaders and the community.
The last phase of the programme ensures plans are
in place for improvements, including ways for commu-
nity members to monitor progress towards achieving
agreed upon targets.
“This gives citizens a strong voice when it comes to
how local services are provided,” says Timm.
He adds that repeated monitoring cycles might be
done to ensure that the government and the commu-
nity do their part to deliver services that meet people’s
needs.
The piloting of CBMWith the CBM framework approved by Cabinet in Au-
gust 2013, after consultation with a number of civil
society and government role players, the DPME has
rolled up its sleeves and already completed the first
phase of the CBM pilot in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal and
Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State.
Timm says a number of lessons were learnt in these two
areas.
“In Msinga, for example, there was lack of communica-
tion between the local traditional leaders and the police.
One of the key actions was to build healthy relationships
with the community through dialogue and participation in
strengthening the community policing forum.
“In Phuthaditjhaba, the community raised concerns about
the lack of police visibility in the area. This resulted in the
police station installing tracking devices in all police ve-
hicles to monitor where patrols were taking place, which
increased visibility.”
CBM is currently being piloted in Temba in Gauteng, Burg-
ersfort in Limpopo and Jouberton in North West.
The pilot sites offer a diversity of socio-economic and
geographic conditions, including urban, rural and mining
communities. The pilot phases commenced in 2013 and are
expected to run until 2015.
Currently, the Departments of Health and Social Develop-
ment, South African Social Security Agency and the South
African Police Service are participating in the programme.
There is a special focus on police stations, clinics, hospitals,
South African Social Security Agency pay-points, service sites
and welfare offices. >>
Jonathan Timm, the Director of Citizens-based Monitoring at the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 59
By 2015, CBM would have been piloted in all nine
provinces. The DPME will work with sector departments
to expand CBM on a bigger scale.
The role of civil societes CBM not only focus on the relationship between citi-
zens and government but also recognises the role that
civil society has to play.
Civil society is made up of specialist professional
formations, community organisations, faith-based or-
ganisations, advocacy groups, issue-based campaigns,
non-governmental organisations and trade unions.
Timm points out that in the past, the relationship
between civil society and government was usually con-
frontational rather than constructive, when working
together to improve service delivery.
He adds that through CBM, the DPME has worked
with the Good Governance Learning Network - a group
of South African non-governmental organisations - to
promote participatory, effective, accountable and pro-
poor local governance.
Depending on the focus of the civil society organi-
sations, they perform a number of duties, including
raising awareness of what citizens should expect in
terms of government services, mechanisms through
which to raise issues, as well as compiling and analys-
ing citizen feedback.
They also support the incorporation of CBM findings
in decision-making concerning service delivery, enable
the communication of CBM findings to the users and
monitor the implementation of improvement plans
and commitments.
Civil society is also encouraged to develop, imple-
ment and test CBM approaches and engage govern-
ment at all three spheres to promote good possible
service delivery models.
The way forwardOnce the CBM pilots have been completed, the findings
will be evaluated.
A five-year strategy will then be developed and policy
recommendations will be submitted to Cabinet. The
roll-out of CBM across the country will then be deter-
mined.
The first phase of the CBM pilot has been completed in Msinga, KZN and Phuthaditjaba in the Free State.
featUre
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201560
About NAFCOC
The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( NAFCOC) is an independent and non-profit business support organisation primarily, but not exclusively, serving the black community. It was formed in 1964 under the leadership of luminary businessman, Dr Richard Maponya, who was its inaugural president. The organisation has been led by some of our country’s top business people for the last 50 years, including Dr Sam Motseunyane and Patrice Motsepe, among many others.
Its main objective is to promote and encourage the development of black business in South Africa and thereby draw the black majority into economic activity and decision making. NAFCOC offers business support in the areas of lobbying, mentoring, business advice, and information on small business. Over the years, NAFCOC has become a key voice in the matters affecting small business and has been consulted by many stakeholders including government, development institutions, and the private sector on matters affecting the small business sector in South Africa.
NAFCOC is currently led by renowned businessman and small business activist, Lawrence Mavundla, who was re-elected into office on 22 September 2014. Lawrence Mavundla is the Founder and President of African Co-Operative for Hawkers and Informal Business (ACHIB), one of the key constituencies of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc), which he also leads as the National President. Nafcoc, formed in 1964, is arguably one of this country’s oldest and largest business chambers. Mavundla has a long track record in small business activism and he has been a voice of conscience in matters affecting small business for over three decades.
Mavundla was born in the district of Eshowe in KwaZulu Natal. After high school he went on to work in the farms and mines ending up as a Shift Controller at East Driefontein Gold Mine. He was part of the formation of The National Union of Mine Workers (NUM), where he became a shop steward. He was fired after organising
a strike. He was later arrested at Carltonville for helping organising the strike and send to Potchefstroom prison for nine months. He worked briefly as an organiser for, Railways Harbors & Allied union and for the Post Telecommunications Workers Union. He was founding General Secretary of the National Union of Farm Workers. Armed with the defiance of youth and vision to succeed, Mavundla left his work as a mine employee in the 1980s to start his own informal business in the streets of Johannesburg. He has never looked back. He founded Co-Operative for Hawkers and Informal Business in 1986 to fight for the trading rights of blacks who faced a barrage of racist and discriminatory laws that prevented them from enterprising independently. Over the years the organisation has become a key and loud voice of the voiceless. ACHIB holds equity stakes in some of this country’s premier corporations including Barloworld and Cell C.
Mavundla sits on many boards including the Small Enterprise Finance Agency a subsidiary of the State Owned Enterprise, The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and is also the Chairman of the Black Business Council. He remains a key and consistent authority in matters affecting small business and he has been widely interviewed by many media houses over the years.
Qualifications and awards • Cranefield, in the UK, on Business Management and Administration .• Sweden Chamber of Commerce and Industry• Chamber Management and Strategy USA, Centre for International Private Enterprise, CIPE.• He was awarded the Free Market Award, by the Free Market Foundation, for his
exceptional contribution to the course of Economic Freedom 1988• The KWV excellent award 1988’
Published Works • He is the author and publisher of the book: Freedom to be Enterprising • Contributed to the book: Let the Consumer Decide Jobs.
Visit uswww.nafcoc.org.za
Email us [email protected]@nafcoc.org.za
NAFCOC HouseI summer Place,13 Summer Street,Rivonia,2128
ADVERTORIAL / NATIONAL AFRICAN FEDERATED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Contact details:
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
featUre Writer: Albert Pule and Ursula Graaff
Military Ombud Offi ce tackles soldiers’ grievances
Retired Lieutenant-General (Lt-Gen) Temba Templeton Matan-
zima is a man of contrasting personalities. At fi rst glance, the
former Acting Chief of the South African National Defence
Force (SANDF) appears to be shy and reserved, traits that are in direct
confl ict with his former profession.
He walks into the room dressed in a black suit and red tie. Despite
the civilian clothing, his punctuality for the interview with Public
Sector Manager magazine and fi rm handshake is a giveaway that
he is a military man.
At fi rst he appears to be slightly apprehensive but as he talks the
other side of Lt-Gen Matanzima emerges.
His voice becomes clearer, he drops his shoulders and his face
lights up as he discusses his newfound passion – dealing with
issues aff ecting soldiers.
Lt-Gen Matanzima is the head of the newly estab-
lished Military Ombud Office, which is tasked with
dealing with the soldiers’ complaints related to their
conditions of service.
“This is an institution where members of the SANDF
can lodge their complaints if they are not satisfi ed with
the outcomes after exhausting the defence force’s in-
ternal grievance mechanisms. Complaints can be about
conditions of their service. We are referring to things
like promotions, salaries and allowances.
“Soldiers will no longer go to court, Parliament or the
Union Buildings, like we saw in the past, when they are
unhappy. They have been submitting their complaints
to the President, the Minister and even to the media
but now they can turn to this offi ce.”
The institution does not only focus on matters relating
to active members.
“It also provides a platform for former members of
the defence force, even those who are retired or have
resigned, can lodge their complaints with the offi ce. We
will ensure that their concerns are addressed.”
Lt-Gen Matanzima says extensive research was carried
out before the offi ce was established.
The Military Ombud Offi ce is modelled on that of the
Auditor-General, Public Protector and the Independent
Police Investigative Directorate, among others.
Benchmarking was also done with other military om-
bud offi ces in Austria, Germany, Canada, Ireland and
the United Kingdom.
Lt-Gen Matanzima’s offi ce was established in 2012
with the promulgation of the Military Ombud Act of
2012.
With a full staff complement, the offi ce should have 89
employees but it is currently operating with 54.
He adds that the offi ce had already started recruit-
ing additional staff to bolster the current complement.
Because the offi ce is fairly new, Lt-Gen Matanzima says
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201562
the workload has been manageable so far.
“At the moment, the workload is adequate. We have
enough capacity to deal with the complaints currently
before us. Some cases that end up here are not relevant
to the office so we refer them to other agencies.”
Former members can also complain about issues
they are facing and the public can complain about
the unacceptable conduct of a member of the SANDF
while on duty.
Ex-soldiers from the former homelands can also reg-
ister their complaints with the office.
“In fact we have dealt with some cases from Ciskei.
The complaint was about pensions that were allegedly
administered by Sanlam when they were integrated
into the SANDF,” says Lt-Gen Matanzima.
Since its establishment in 2012 until September this
year, the office dealt with 767 complaints and finalised
483 of them. It also regularly provides advice and guid-
ance to soldiers who lodge complaints that fall outside
its mandate.
Lt-Gen Matanzima adds that cases are dealt with on
their merits.
“There are those complicated cases, where there are
technicalities involved that take more time to finalise,”
he explains.
The office is currently finalising regulations under the
Act but tries to finalise all cases within 90 days. If a case
goes beyond this period the complainant is informed.
Complaints can be lodged in writing, over the phone, by fax or
in person.
Intake officers record the complaint after which it is assessed to
determine whether or not the Military Ombudsman has jurisdiction
to take it further.
The complaint is then assigned to the investigation unit for thor-
ough investigation. If the complaint involves the SANDF, its relevant
command structures are informed of the complaint so that it can
respond and provide further information.
After spending more than 30 years in the military, Lt-Gen Ma-
tanzima is certainly well armed with the experience to deal with
complaints of other military men and women.
He joined the Transkei Defence Force (TDF) in 1978 and progressed
through the ranks to become a Brigadier in 1987 and was also ap-
pointed Chief of Staff of the TDF. In 1993 he became a Major-General
and was appointed Chief of the TDF.
He then progressed to Chief of Defence Personnel, Chief of Human
Resources and Chief of Joint Operations over the years.
In 2010, he was appointed Acting Secretary of Defence and later
the same year, Acting Chief of the SANDF – a position he occupied
until May 2011.
Apart from his military qualifications, Lt-Gen Matanzima also has
a Certificate in Defence Management from Wits University, Diploma
in Public Management and Administration from the Ghana Insti-
tute of Public Management and Administration and a Masters in
Management and Development from the North-West University.
Lieutenant-General Temba Matanzima's office deals with issues affecting soldiers.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 63
featUre Writer: Noluthando Mkhize Photographer: Siyasanga Mbambani
Effective monitoring and evaluation can improve service delivery
Government views monitoring and evalua-
tion as an important management practice
that, when applied correctly, can help it to
accurately measure the progress made in implement-
ing policies.
This is according to the Minister in The Presidency
for Planning, Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation
and Administration, Jeff Radebe, who opened the
South African Monitoring and Evaluation Associa-
tion’s (Samea) Capacity Building Series and Annual
General Meeting, in East London, recently.
The event drew representatives from the Public
Service Commission, University of Fort Hare, the
Department of Performance Monitoring and Evalu-
ation (DPME), Global MEASURE Evaluation Project and
Samea. The theme was “Professionalising monitoring
and evaluation for improved performance”.
Achieving the goals of the NDPThe Minister said monitoring and evaluation had an
important role to play in achieving the goals set out
in the National Development Plan (NDP).
“The NDP invites us to build a state capable of
leading society in a developmental journey towards
overcoming the triple challenges of unemployment,
poverty and inequality facing our people.
“The fulfilment of these developmental aspirations
depends on the joint effort and commitment by all
sectors of our society. Monitoring and evaluation
practitioners have a critical role to play in contribut-
ing towards the realisation of the NDP goals,” said
the Minister.
The results of monitoring and evaluation armed
government with evidence that would help it solve
societal challenges, enhance accountability for the
resources entrusted to the state by the taxpayers and
have a positive impact on the lives of citizens through
improved outcomes, he noted.
“We have a real challenge on our hands, signified by
the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and
inequality to which we must collectively leave no stone
unturned towards their speedy resolution. Monitoring
and evaluation holds the key towards efficiently and
effectively achieving those stated [NDP] goals and ob-
jectives both in the short and long run.”
Evidence from monitoring and evaluation alerts gov-
ernment to a number of risks, which include lack of
strong monitoring and accountability mechanisms in
the schooling system, among others, explained Min-
ister Radebe.
“We have, therefore, prioritised the strengthening of
existing monitoring and evaluation systems across the
service delivery value-chain, from schools to districts,
provinces, and the national departments.
“We are also introducing an annual school monitor-
ing survey, which will provide us with better quality
data to monitor most of the basic education indicators.”
Improved performance in the schooling system is
at the heart of building the skills base for economic
growth, development and ensuring that society is able
to achieve equity and development goals.
“Government cannot achieve this alone. We need to
strengthen and monitor the established social contract
between government, teacher unions, teacher train-
ing institutions, parent and school governing bodies,
business and civil society organisations,” stressed the
Minister.
Monitoring and evaluation programmes were de-
signed and implemented to build the capacity of de-
partments and municipalities to assess their work and
develop a culture of improvement, according to DPME
Director-General Dr Sean Phillips.
Government has made great strides to introduce
monitoring and evaluation in the Public Sector with a
special emphasis on not overloading departments and
municipalities with reporting requirements.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201564
Working closely with the National Planning Commis-
sion, the DPME plays an important role in the continu-
ous improvement in service delivery through perfor-
mance monitoring and evaluation.
Phillips added that his office has a number of part-
nerships related to monitoring and evaluation, which
includes those with the offices of Premiers, National
Treasury, the Department of Public Service and Ad-
ministration, the Public Service Commission, and the
Office of the Auditor-General.
Assessing results and impactHe pointed that the DPME aimed to address problems
within the Public Sector such as “a culture of doing
things the way they have always been done, as op-
posed to a culture of continuous improvement”.
In some instances, public servants focused on activi-
ties without assessing their results or impact, Phillips
added. There was also a perception that monitoring
and reporting was about compliance rather than im-
provement.
Phillips also identified poor programme planning as well as weak-
nesses in setting indicators and targets as additional problems in
the Public Service.
However, he pointed out that these problems were not unique
to South Africa and were common in other countries as well.
Tackling the problems“Monitoring and evaluation can assist with solving the problem
but is not a silver bullet.
Monitoring and evaluation produces information, but unless
managers act on the information, it has little impact.”
He added that the NDP had also identified other key problems,
which needed to be resolved for performance to improve such as
weak recruitment processes, training and development, as well as
weak supply chain management and operational management.
Frontline service delivery Phillips said the introduction of frontline service delivery moni-
toring such as unannounced visits, Citizens-based Monitoring
and the Presidential Hotline aimed to improve departments’ own
monitoring of the quality of their frontline service delivery. >>
Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe says monitoring and evaluation holds the key to achieving the NDP goals.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 65
He explained that monitoring results were supplied
to Cabinet and the responsible national departments.
To date 536 facilities had been monitored and 77 facili-
ties re-monitored to track improvements.
“For the 2014/15 financial year, 90 facilities will be
monitored and 120 facilities will be re-monitored to
track improvements.”
State of monitoring and evaluation in governmentPhillips said his department had conducted studies to
understand the current state and use of monitoring
and evaluation in government.
“The surveys indicate generally low levels of under-
standing of the purpose and importance of monitor-
ing and evaluation in public management. [There is]
a sense that problems are not generally treated as an
opportunity to learn. Monitoring and evaluation is often
not championed by senior management.
“[It] is often seen as an external policing function and
not a management function that should be implemented
by all.”
Chairman of Samea, Terence Beny, noted that monitoring
and evaluation was be in the best interest of the public.
He pointed out that it was important to professionalise
monitoring and evaluation.
Rather than viewing it as a tedious administrative bur-
den, public servants should welcome and embrace moni-
toring and evaluation as a means to assess progress made
in implementing government policy and identifying ar-
eas that require improvement. The information gathered
during monitoring and evaluation can help government
perform better and ultimately better the lives of South
Africans.
Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe shares a moment with the University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Dr Mvuyo Tom during the South Africa Monitoring and Evaluation Association event in East London.
featUre
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201566
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201568
featUre Writer: Albert Pule
Public Works closes the door on fraud and corruption
The Department of Public Works is waging a new offensive
against longstanding corruption, maladministration and
fraud.
Recently, the department established a Property Management
Trading Entity, implemented a turnaround strategy and launched
several criminal and civil cases against former officials in a bid to
recoup the funds lost over the years.
So far, investigations have uncovered R34,9 billion in irregular
expenditure dating back to 2001. Of that amount, R1,1 billion has
been linked to fraud and corruption.
Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi recently outlined measures
the department had introduced to address irregular expenditure.
The Property Management Trading EntityEarlier this year, Cabinet approved the estab-
lishment of a Property Management Trading
Entity (PMTE) to better manage state prop-
erty and save costs.
The entity will also work towards improv-
ing the quality of government services to
the public by improving access to and the
quality of public buildings.
In addition, it will be required to use the
state’s vacant properties productively, lev-
eraging the state’s property portfolio to empower emerging busi-
nesses and create employment.
According to Minister Nxesi, more than 70 per cent of the business
of the department is property management and, historically, this
was the area that has been poorly managed.
“The PMTE operates as a special vehicle, formulating and adopt-
ing internationally accepted management and accounting norms
and standards in the management of the state’s immovable as-
sets,” explained the Minister.
Fraud and corruption As efforts to uproot fraud and corruption continue, the work done
by the department is starting to yield positive results. From 2009,
more than 100 cases of fraud and corruption, involving more
than R1.1 billion, have either been finalised or are in the process
of being investigated.
“Several people, including former senior officials of the depart-
ment, will appear in court to face charges arising from miscon-
duct and corruption. The department has also launched
several civil cases in a bid to recoup the allegedly ill-
gotten funds.”
Since the implementation of the turnaround strategy
in January of 2012, six officials have been fired for mis-
conduct. In the current financial year, about 15 cases
are being investigated.
Minister Nxesi highlighted that 13 companies were
being investigated for various transgressions ranging
from procurement processes not being followed to
incorrect suppliers being appointed.
“Issues of procurement are central to the business
of the organisation and as a result the systems and
processes overhaul within the supply chain manage-
ment will continue to drive our vision of
transforming the department,” the Min-
ister noted.
Some of the issues that resulted in ir-
regular expenditure at the department
included incomplete procurement doc-
umentation and documents approved
incorrectly.
In some cases, tenders were not ad-
vertised for the full 21 days, negotiated
procedures were followed for procurement of contracts
and a minimum of three quotations were not received.
Over the five year period, irregular expenditure by the
department decreased significantly.
He said 2009/10 and prior years accounted for 65 per
cent of the total irregular expenditure; 2010/2011 made
up 14 per cent; 2011/2012 accounted for 11 per cent;
2012/2013 made up 8 per cent and in 2013/2014 it was
reduced to just 2 per cent.
Minister Nxesi said the department had improved its
investigative capacity to deal with fraud, corruption and
maladministration in the new financial year.
“I can also give you the assurance that appropriate
action will be taken against perpetrators where there
are found to be reasonable grounds for it. We have
repeatedly mentioned that fraud, corruption and mal-
administration have no place in the Public Works. We
are seeking to rebuild,” he said.
To report suspected
acts of corruption in the
Public Service,
call the toll free hotline
on 0800 701 701.
featUre Writer: Andile Cele
SA aims to sharpen innovative edgeSouth Africa needs to sharpen its innovative edge and
continue contributing to global scientific and technologi-
cal advancement, says Telecommunications and Postal
Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
Speaking at the GovTech 2014 conference recently, Minister
Cwele said this was according to the National Development
Plan (NDP), which requires greater investment in research and
development, better use of existing resources, and more nimble
institutions that facilitate innovation and enhanced coopera-
tion between public science and technology institutions and
the private sector.
The Minister emphasised government’s plans to improve lives
by using technology.
“Our ambitious plans to use technology to improve the quality
of the lives of our people are anchored in the NDP and South
Africa Connect, our Broadband Strategy and Plan,” he explained.
GovTech 2014The four-day GovTech 2014 conference was held at the Durban
International Convention Centre under the theme “A govern-
ment empowered by technology”.
Designed by government for government, GovTech is a
substantive, value-packed learning opportunity
strategically developed to meet the current needs of
ICT professionals and decision-makers from all spheres
of government.
It focuses on unlocking the power of ICT in Public
Service delivery, by celebrating successes, showcasing
achievements and recognising progresses made so far.
Department of Telecommunications and Postal ServicesThe Minister noted that his department was also re-
sponsible for coordinating the deployment of public
and private sector communications infrastructure,
ensuring that all South Africans receive services that
they need.
“In other words, we are all therefore tasked to ensure
that the country extracts maximum value for every rand
invested in ICTs, broadband infrastructure and services
to accelerate service delivery in a manner that helps
to fight the persistent challenges of unemployment,
poverty and inequality.”
Minister Cwele said that Cabinet adopted the strategy
Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 69
to roll-out broadband infrastructure and services.
“The strategy talks of plans to connect all government
offices, schools, and health facilities through fast speed
reliable internet. We have already
finalised the first phase business
plan that is aimed at initiating
the programme.”
Innovative achievementsThe Minister also shared some
examples of the innovative
achievements of government,
which included smart card
IDs and the convenience with
which tax returns could be sub-
mitted.
“We also know how in our
country technology has made
it more convenient to submit tax returns by enabling
those who have access to computers, smartphones and
can afford to go online to do so in the comfort of their
homes or offices instead of standing in long queues.
Here is a concrete example of how the development
of software and platforms can impact on people and
make services convenient.
“Government is also rolling out new smart cards as a
form of identity because we know that the new tech-
nologies offer better protection of the integrity of our
identities. The smart card ID is more secure than the
previous incarnations, and more convenient to carry
around because they can fit into wallets,” he added.
Reaching out to the youthMinister Cwele also emphasised the importance of
involving the youth and educating them.
“We must also pay attention to training young people to use
these services. We need to consider how we create a conducive
environment for the youth to be innovative and not end up as
just consumers of other people’s tech-
nologies.
“We have an opportunity to
change the face of service delivery
for the better. Let us do it for the
benefit of our future and the youth
of this country,” he said.
Deputy Director-General for Con-
tent Processing and Dissemination
at the Department of Communi-
cations (DoC), Harold Maloka, also
emphasised the importance of
reaching out to the youth of South
Africa by using all available techno-
logical platforms.
In his presentation on the impor-
tance of social media in government, he said: “Social media has
allowed government to have a cost effective, efficient two-way
conversation with citizens.”
Vuk’uzenzele mobile application, MxitMaloka also launched the Vuk'uzenzele mobile application, which
is now available for download. The Vuk'uzenzele app contains all
the content that can also be found in the print version and online
version of Vuk'uzenzele newspaper. The mobile application was
established due to its cost effectiveness and convenience.
Social Media Director at the DoC, Aslam Levy, also talked about
the importance of government utilising all available platforms.
“Many people are surprised that we are using Mxit, but lower LSMs
are on Mxit and they are just as important,” he noted.
The South African Government is available on social media plat-
forms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flikr, Mxit and Ello. All ac-
counts are aimed at providing relevant information to citizens.
featUre
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201570
featUreWriter: Albert PulePhotographer: Albert Pule
Wagon refurbishment puts De Aar economy on new track
The opening of a wagon refurbishment facility by state-
owned Transnet has injected some life, hope and eco-
nomic activity into the quiet town of De Aar, which lies
south of Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
Transnet has invested more than R30 million in the Transnet
Wagons Refurbishing Facility with the aim of increasing
Transnet Freight Rail’s capacity on the main corridor between
Sentrarand and Cape Town, known as Capecor.
Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown and the Premier of
the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas, officially opened the Transnet
Wagons Refurbishing Facility.
“The establishment of such a facility brings hope to the youth
of De Aar to become engineers and better their lives,” said
Minister Brown.
She added that government was committed to revitalising
the economy of rural towns such as De Aar with the intention
of creating sustainable livelihoods for the local people.
This in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), which
envisions that by 2030 the country’s transport system would
support economic development, job creation and
growth, and provide equitable access to opportuni-
ties and services to all.
The facility has created jobs for locals ranging from
specialised, skilled and semi-skilled employment. It has
created work for 47 people, 22 of them from De Aar,
and is expected to create about 300 direct and indirect
jobs in the near future.
Using the NDP as a focal point, government has com-
mitted an expenditure programme of R300 billion allo-
cated to Transnet. The programme is called the Transnet
Market Demand Strategy.
The aim of the programme is to spend on major na-
tional infrastructure to drive economic development,
while addressing unemployment, poverty and inequity.
According to Minister Brown, the facility will have a
long-term impact not only on De Aar but also surround-
ing areas, as it will be a springboard for development
within the province. >>
Transnet's wagon refurbishment facility is creating sustainable livelihoods for the people of De Aar.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 71
In line with the Transnet Market Demand Strategy, the
company is expected to be responsible for job creation,
skills development, localisation and empowerment op-
portunities.
The refurbishment facility’s Profi t Centre Manager
Timothy Jonas said the facility has helped Transnet real-
ise some of its objectives such as creating jobs for locals.
The facility has also played a role in boosting the
property market of De Aar. Some people from outside
De Aar working at the facility have bought property in
the town, giving its economy a boost.
Currently, the facility is responsible for repairing old
and run down wagons that are 10 years old.
“We are responsible for refurbishing old wagons that
are due to be scrapped,” explained Jonas.
The facility repairs two types of wagon: the fi rst type
is NDZLJ 1 and the second is NDZLJ 2. NDZLJ 1 wagons
are used to carry rail tracks while NDZLJ 2 clamp the
rail tracks ensuring they don’t fall off during transit.
The wagons are 13-metres long, two-metres wide and
weigh 42 800 kilograms.
When it was opened, the facility set a target of repair-
ing 163 wagons for the current fi nancial year. By the end
of October, 83 type-1 wagons had been repaired, with
only 80 to go. By the end of October, 19 of the 25 NDZLJ
wagons in for repairs had been refurbished. Jonas said
they were expecting new targets from March 2015.
The opening of the facility has also sparked an inter-
est in rail engineering in members of the community.
“Since we opened, most of the young people from
De Aar have shown an interest in what we do,” Jonas added.
Youth Multi-Purpose PrecinctIn addition to opening the wagon refurbishing facility, Min-
ister Brown and Premier Lucas handed over two houses to
families who had to relocate so that Transnet could establish
its Youth Multi-Purpose Precinct.
The Youth Multi-Purpose Precinct provides shelter for 20
homeless boys, placing them in a healthy environment from
which they can be reintegrated into their families, society or
be equipped with self-sustaining life skills.
The precinct’s Youth Educational Centre provides access to
a library, career information, higher education information,
health care, and more, with the aim to inform and inspire
young people from De Aar.
The Youth Recreational Park will provide a positive environ-
ment for young people to socialise in constructive and safe
surroundings. This will consist of an outdoor amphitheatre,
outdoor chess board and basketball court.
In addition, the Youth Enterprise Development initiative is
an exit strategy for boys older than 18 who have a sustainable
occupation as artisans. Boys will be trained to form their own
small enterprises and be contracted to maintain Transnet
properties. Transnet Property will fund this programme.
The Transnet Foundation will fully fund the De Aar Youth
Precinct for the fi rst three years (2014 to 2016). During this
time, the Transnet Foundation and the board will engage
with other potential donors and partners to invest in the
precinct. All these projects have the potential to promote
the socio-economic development of De Aar.
Before After
featUre
The wagon refurbishment facility repairs old and run down wagons that are 10 years old.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201572
featUre
Stand against abuse of women and children
Writer: * Susan Shabangu
Imagine living in a society where we no longer read or hear
about the abuse that women and children often suff er at the
hands of heartless perpetrators. A society where they are safe
at home, at school and at work; where children play safely outside
and women walk freely in the streets. This is the society that the
16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children
campaign hopes to achieve.
The campaign, which takes place from 25 November to 10 De-
cember, mobilises civil society, government and other partners
to take action and end violence against women and children. It
is also a stark reminder of the negative impact violence has on
our society, and similarly it challenges perpetrators of violence
to change their behaviour.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the campaign. Since its
inception 16 years ago, the campaign has had a transformative
impact. It has placed issues aff ecting women and children fi rmly
on the agenda and has encouraged all of us not to look away
and not to ignore the abuse.
The campaign has reached a new milestone: now we are at the
point where we are moving from awareness to action. In 2014, the
campaign is run under the theme “Count Me In: Together Moving
a Non-Violent South Africa forward”. It underscores government’s
plan to mobilise all South Africans to take a fi rm stand against
this scourge.
The challenge now is to go even further to ensure that
we involve more men and to this end, we continue to
work closely with men’s forums, the National House of
Traditional Leaders and religious leaders to ensure the
safety of women and children. However, to succeed
in ending the violence, we need to understand that
it is going to take a lot more eff ort; all South Africans
must support the campaign against violence by saying
“Count Me In”.
Government is also providing leadership to end vio-
lence being meted out against women and children.
We have over the years introduced legislation and a
number of programmes to respond to all forms of
violence. We have, for example, reopened the Family
Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Off ences Units
as well as the Sexual Off ences Courts. In addition, the
Department of Social Development in 2014 launched
a Gender-Based Violence Command Centre to provide
support and counselling to victims of gender-based
violence. It also links victims to social workers that are
in close proximity to them.
However, in spite of these notable advances as well
as our constitutional and legislative protection, we
remain concerned that violence based on gender >>
President Jacob Zuma offi cially launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in Reiger Park, Johannesburg.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 73
and sexual orientation remains unacceptably high. This
has a negative impact on our fellow South Africans’ abil-
ity to enjoy their hard won rights and freedom, and as
a society we have an obligation to create an enabling
environment where all of us are able to freely exercise
our rights and live free from violence.
This places the onus on all of us to rise to the occasion
and fi nd concrete ways to become involved over and
above just wearing a white ribbon to show solidarity for
the duration of the 16-days period. We must recommit
ourselves to speak out against violence, report it and
encourage our children to report abuse either at school
or at home. We must also continue to be the eyes
and ears of the South African Police Ser-
vice (SAPS); we often witness crimes
in progress or know of criminals and
or at home. We must also continue to be the eyes
and ears of the South African Police Ser-
vice (SAPS); we often witness crimes
in progress or know of criminals and
perpetrators of violence in our communities.
SAPS is working hard to solve cases of violence against women
and children. We need to play our part and assist the police
whenever we can. This involves reporting such crimes and en-
couraging family and community members to do the right thing.
This is but one of the ways in which we can send a strong
message that no woman or child should be sexually harassed,
beaten, raped, stabbed, shot or attacked anywhere in our country.
In addition to our uncompromising stand against incidents of
violence, we must intensify our fi ght against alcohol and illegal
substance abuse as some of the root causes of senseless domestic
violence, abuse, rape and killings.
Let us all commit to be part of the solution and be counted in.
Spreading the message that enough is enough is a giant leap
towards building a South Africa where our women and children
feel safe and secure.
Through community action and a visible change in our atti-
tudes, behaviour, values and beliefs we can stamp this out and
improve the quality of life, safety and security of the most vulner-
able members of our society. Let us all heed the clarion call to be
counted in and play a constructive part in moving the country
forward to make it a safer place for our women and children.
*Susan Shabangu is the Minister in The Presidency
for Women.
President Jacob Zuma and Minister Susan Shabangu sign a pledge showing their commitment to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
featUre
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201574
Close to a sad chapter
When the nation woke up to the news on 13
September, that a number of South Africans
had lost their lives, following the collapse of a
guest house at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in La-
gos, Nigeria, none of us imagined the extent of the tragedy
or the sorrow that would unfold.
It was only when the numbers were confirmed by our
mission in Lagos on 15 September, at the time 68, that our
nation went into a state of shock. As things are today, we
lost 85 of our compatriots in that tragedy. Never, since we
attained our democracy in 1994, have South Africans had
to deal with the loss of so many lives outside our borders.
It’s been a harrowing few months for the country, in par-
ticular, for the families who had to deal with the trauma of
losing loved ones in such a tragic manner. The pain was
exacerbated by the prolonged wait for DNA tests and the
repatriation of the mortal remains from Nigeria to South
Africa. As always after such a devastating event there is
a search for answers, for closure and a quest for healing.
But, on 16 November, we came a step closer to closure
and healing for the families, friends and colleagues af-
fected by this tragedy, when we finally brought these
compatriots home, where they were laid to rest.
While we can only imagine the pain the families
and loved ones are experiencing at this moment, we
hope the return of the bodies for burial in South Africa
will begin a process to this end. The days, weeks and
months ahead will not be easy, but the repatriation of
the remains is a step that will move the families and
loved ones closer to putting this tragedy behind us,
and true healing will only begin once they bid farewell
to their next of kin in a dignified and solemn manner.
I want to reassure the nation that government under-
stands the anguish and frustration of the families who
had to wait for the return of their loved ones. No one
should have to experience this kind of trauma.
Social workers from the Department of Social De-
velopment have been liaising with the families and
keeping them informed of all developments and have
been visiting families to provide them with updates >>
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa comforts a relative of one of the South Africans who lost their lives in Nigeria, while Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe looks on.
oPinion*Writer: Jeff Radebe
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 75
and psychosocial support. They will continue to pro-
vide support throughout the bereavement period.
Families of the deceased are encouraged to contact
government’s grief counselling services should they
feel the need.
The Inter-Ministerial Task Team, which was formed
shortly after the tragedy, continued to support the
families throughout and did whatever was necessary
to manage the impact of the ordeal. They ensured that
the families were aware of all developments and had
coordinated arrangements for the families to retrieve
the remains of their loved ones at Waterkloof Air Force
Base on 16 November. We will continue to offer all the
support we can in this regard.
We would like to assure South Africans and the fami-
lies that the bodies that were not repatriated on 16
November will arrive once the identification process
is concluded by the Nigerian authorities.
We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the
remains of all our compatriots are returned.
As we allow the families to bury their loved ones in
private and in peace, we thank all South Africans for
their support and patience throughout this period.
Government expresses its appreciation to the Nigerian
authorities for the cooperation accorded to me and
my delegation in ensuring that the identification and
repatriation of the injured and deceased South Africans
was done in a professional and cordial manner.
Nigeria and South Africa enjoy cordial relations dating
back from the days we were struggling for freedom and
democracy in South Africa. This tragedy has brought the
two countries even closer and our relations will remain
strong.
We have also noted the commitment from the Nigerian
authorities to continue the investigation into the tragedy
in a bid to get to the bottom of what may have led to the
ordeal of 12 September that has claimed so many lives,
including those of Nigerians.
The South African government is not playing any role
in the investigations because this matter falls within the
Nigerian legal jurisdiction.
However, we stand ready to provide support to our Ni-
gerian counterparts with their investigations should we
be called on.
The families and friends of our fallen compatriots de-
serve answers about the cause of this tragedy.
We trust that the investigation will be concluded soon
so all of us can put this chapter behind us. For now, let
us use this moment to reflect on the events of the past
months while at the same time allow our compatriots to
rest in peace. Let us all remember that the strength of
a nation is not tested in the best of times. Together we
remain strong and united as a country!
*Jeff Radebe is the Minister in The Presidency for Plan-
ning, Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Trucks carry the remains of the victims of the guest house collapse in Nigeria shortly after the remains arrive at the Waterkloof Air Force Base.
oPinion
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201576
Magic Nkhwashu has been involved with disAbility since 1981, and as a person with a disAbility has developed an extensive understanding of the barriers that exclude many people with disAbilities from participating in society. All training and consultancy methods used are firmly rooted in the social model of disAbility chosen by people with disAbilities to show others the effects of discrimination experienced.
We work to raise awareness of the business case for disAbility, promote disAbility inclusion initiatives, and encourage the exchange of ideas amongst business, political actors and people with disAbilities. We are committed to the inclusion of people with disAbilities in all aspects of the South African society, and in particular as workers, consumers and policy-makers.
We offer a disAbility Consultancy service customised to help individual organisations adjust their approach to disAbility, by addressing the needs of people with disAbilities who are present employees and prospective employees and positioning the organisation as a preferred employer of choice.
All our training courses are delivered by individuals with experience of the Employment Equity Act and other legislation, disAbility equity, race and disAbility equality, management committee training and other disAbility-related issues.
Our coaching and mentoring service helps you make lasting changes to your organisation’s perception of disAbility issues. Our coaches are mainly people with disAbilities who are ideally placed to provide coaching and mentoring sessions for employees who have acquired impairments. We can help employees get back to work more quickly and help your organisation ensure that it is not indirectly discriminating against employees with disAbilities.
Our Access Audits are designed to give businesses and service providers the information they need to make their services accessible for people with disAbilities. We visit your premises and use our expertise in the field to assess the barriers a person with a disAbility might face as a customer or as an employee.
21 Gerrie Brand Street, Kookrus, Meyerton, 1960 | 079 537 3859 | www.magicnkhwashu.co.za
TWO-FOUR-FIVE PERCENT EMPOWERMENT HOLDINGS
CROSS-CUTTING INTERVENTIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS ENSURING HIGHER
SUSTAINED SHARED ECONOMIC GROWTH
Two-Four-Five Percent Empowerment Holdings (Pty) Ltd provides everything
your organisation needs to deal effectively with issues around disAbility, equality and accessibility. We offer a range of services
suitable for public, private and other sector organisations, including training, consultancy,
access audits and policy development.
oPinion *Writer: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
No ocean too deep to stop usAs we look at new ways of diversifying South Africa’s
economy, government’s attention is shifting to the
potential of harnessing the opportunities provided
by our oceans for the benefit of our country’s economy.
It’s estimated the potential of untapped off-shore oil reserves
in South Africa’s oceans is as high as nine billion barrels, which
is equivalent to 40 years of oil consumption nationally or ap-
proximately 80 per cent of current oil and gas imports.
Tapping into off-shore oil reserves will create 130 000
jobs and add more than R20 billion to the country’s
gross domestic product (GDP).
With a coastline that stretches over 2 798km, South
Africa has a natural advantage to tap into the ocean
economy, but until now, we haven’t exploited this abun-
dant resource.
Recently President Jacob Zuma spelt out exactly
Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201578
how the state intended to provide over one mil-
lion people with employment when he released the
country’s ocean delivery plans as part of Operation
Phakisa in Durban.
Operation Phakisa – which means “hurry up” in
Sesotho – is South Africa’s strategy to unlock the
commercial potential of our vast oceans and trans-
late that into real jobs and real economic growth.
President Zuma said that through Operation Phak-
isa, government wanted to unlock investments and
add billions of rand to the economy.
Exploring our oceans as the next growth frontier
makes perfect sense, given our unique and enviable
position of being bordered by two great oceans,
loaded with development and commerce pros-
pects.
In 2010, the ocean contributed approximately
R54 billion to South Africa’s GDP and accounted
for about 316 000 jobs.
With further exploration of the ocean economy’s
various sectors, much more can be done. It is pro-
jected the “blue economy” will contribute R20 billion
to GDP by 2019. Fast forward to 2033 and we’re
looking at a GDP contribution of about R177 billion and just over one
million jobs. This is good news for any country, given the down-in-
the-mouth economic climate globally.
As we battle an unemployment rate of 25 per cent, we should all
ride the wave of the blue economy as a means to beat the triple chal-
lenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Also, for us to get to
the target of five per cent economic growth in the next five years, it
is imperative we make our economy as diverse as possible.
Our oceans are just one source of economic growth that has been
ignored over the years. And as we sought to change this, we went as
far as the bottom of the ocean to find the answers and this was how
Operation Phakisa was born.
The strategy is an adaptation of the Big Fast Results methodology that
was successfully used by the Malaysian government in its economic
and government transformation programmes.
We’re now in the process of establishing a National Shipping Com-
pany in partnership with South Korea, while expanding our port capac-
ity for repair work for oil ships and oil rigs. We’re also set to increase
the minerals exported on local ships, which can create more than
4 000 direct jobs.
Importantly, it should be noted that care is being taken to ensure
all this development happens in an environmentally responsible and
sustainable manner. A National Marine Spatial Planning Framework will
be completed by December
2015 to oversee this.
Given all these advantages,
and with the support of our
partners in the private sector,
government is confident we
are maximising our marine
potential.
And, as the President so
aptly put it: “When we put
South Africa first, we achieve
results that move our country
forward.”
South Africa is a country
hard at work where no ocean
is too deep to stop us.
*Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
is the Deputy Minister of
Communications.South Africa's untapped off-shore oil reserves have the potential to benefit the country.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 79
ProfiLes in LeaDershiPfinanCiaL fitness Writer: Ursula Graaff
Money spent wisely is money saved wisely
Every year consumers spend too much money over the
December holidays only to be left in financial difficulty in
January.
To help you avoid falling into that trap, PSM spoke to Gerald
Mwandiambira from the Savings Institute of South Africa about
saving for, during and after the holidays.
People often make the mistake of letting loose in December. And
who can blame them? It’s a time for fun and relaxation.
However, Mwandiambira says December should be treated just
like every other month.
“Do not spend money on things that you have not budgeted
for,” he cautions.
Common mistakes include spending money on things that are
not needed and stretching budgets far too thin.
“There is also the illusion among consumers that the end of year
bonus is extra money that can be spent however they want to,
thus skipping payments and debit orders that should be paid. A
festive season budget should be drawn up,” says Mwandiambira.
A budget will help guide consumers as to what they
should and shouldn’t spend money on, helping them
to spend wisely.
He adds that people have a tendency to spend im-
pulsively when in a group and having a good time.
“Don’t impress people with money that you do not
have,” Mwandiambira adds.
There are benefits to saving before the festive season.
“Saving gives one peace of mind, knowing that extra
expenses will be covered. If you save during the year,
you are able to buy gifts and food and all other extras
without having to worry about money when January
arrives.
“You also make confident decisions when you have
saved for the festive season.”
Using a credit card over the festive season is fine, as
long as you do so wisely.
“Be sure your budget is able to cover the costs of
paying off your December credit,” says Mwandiambira.
He advises that if you do not have a structured plan
to pay back the debt on your credit card, do not use
it until January.
When you go to shopping malls, take a list of what
you need and avoid spending on items that you didn’t
plan to buy.
“Ask your bank to reduce the daily limit on ATM
withdrawals and pay-point spending.”
Don’t compare the number of parcels you have to
what others have, because you don’t know what
their financial position is.
When purchasing items, ask yourself if it is a need
or a want. If you need it, you can’t do without it, so
buy it. If you think it is a want wait for three days.
Imag
e: h
ttp:
//w
ww
.onl
inel
oanc
alcu
lato
r.org
/im
ages
/
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201580
“After a three-day cooling off time, the consumer usu-
ally does not go back for it as they don’t need it,” says
Mwandiambira.
Look for bargains or sell something at home to pay
for the new item you want.
Mwandiambira says there is nothing wrong with
spending money during the festive season; it’s how
you spend it that counts.
“Saving should be a lifestyle and people should make
wise spending decisions.”
When it comes to children and their school expenses,
the best time to buy stationery and uniforms is in Janu-
ary, when you will find bargains.
However, you should save in December for
January’s school purchases. If possible,
go to the bank and put money into
a separate savings account.
Ask the bank to release the
money on a set date so
that it’s available when
you need it.
“Saving should be
part of your lifestyle
and nature. You should save
all the time, regardless of the occa-
sion or season. Always have an emergency
savings account for unexpected expenses that you have not
budgeted for,” he adds.
Make the holidays countGoing on holiday? Here are a few tips on spending and saving
when on holiday.
Eating out at restaurants can be expensive especially when you
have a big family. Look into buying all-inclusive meals, where
you receive a free drink or something extra, at no additional cost.
Instead of going to far away destinations choose closer, smaller
towns with beautiful scenery and activities on offer in and around
the town.
When looking for places to stay or cars to rent, look for trustwor-
thy booking websites. This is sometimes cheaper than booking
directly with the company.
Instead of booking into hotels, which can be
expensive, rather book into a bed and
breakfast or self-catering unit.
Before booking a holiday spot, re-
search what activities you could do
there. Some of them could be free.
The one option, which a lot of people
may not be too keen about, is staying at
home. Find out about places to visit in and
around your own town. This can be fun and
educational.
It's is a good idea to have a structured plan to pay back the debt on your credit card.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 81
Lakela KaundaChief Operations Officer, The Presidency Lakela Kaunda has served as the Deputy Director-General and Head of
the Private Office of the President since 2009. She is a seasoned executive
with more than 20 years’ experience in government and the media. She
has previously served as the spokesperson for the Deputy President, Head
of Communications and later Special Advisor on Communications to the
Minister of Social Development, as Director of Communications for the
Department of Communications and as public relations officer to the MEC
for Economic Affairs and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
Her media career included her serving as editor of the Evening Post in Port
Elizabeth and as assistant editor, deputy news editor and political reporter
for the Natal Witness and Echo newspapers in Pietermaritzburg. She is also
a former chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum.
Kaunda holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in World Politics from the London
School of Economics and Political Science, Bachelor of Journalism and
Media Studies from Rhodes University, a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Poli-
tics from UNISA and a Master’s degree in South African Politics and Political Economy from the University of Port Elizabeth.
As the Chief Operations Officer she will be the accounting officer in The Presidency and will also be responsible for strategy,
operations and performance.
PUbLiC seCtor aPPointMents Compiled by: Mduduzi Tshabangu
Fundisile MketeniChief Executive Officer, South African National Parks (SANParks) Fundisile Mketeni started his career as a Trainee Assistant Manager at
Double Drift Game Reserve in 1989 and later moved to SANParks as the
Park Manager of the Addo Elephant National Park.
He has a wealth of experience in the development and management of
protected areas, tourism development and management, conservation
of biodiversity and Public Sector management.
He worked in Addo at a time when major tourism developments,
concessions and community beneficiation initiatives were being
undertaken. While at SANParks he has served as the Chief Operating
Officer for the 19 National Parks (except the Kruger National Parks), and
acted as Executive Director: Parks, before taking up the position of Deputy
Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation at the Department of
Environmental Affairs in 2004. As the Deputy Director-General responsible
for Biodiversity and Conservation in the Department of Environmental
Affairs, Mketeni spearheaded the country’s biodiversity agenda for the
past 10 years.
He has played an instrumental role in the development and
implementation of South Africa’s rhino anti-poaching legislation and
policies, and headed the Rhino Issue Management Process.
He holds a National Diploma in Nature Conservation from Fort Cox College, National Higher Diploma in Nature Conservation
from Port Elizabeth Technikon and a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of the Free State.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201582
booK reVieWs Compiler: Maselaelo Seshotli
Heart, Mind & Money: Using Emotional Intelligence for Financial Success,
Vangile Makwakwa
Intelligence and educa-
tion are often considered
primary keys to financial
security in today’s world.
Yet money-trouble is still
a problem faced by thou-
sands of people in spite of
their schooling and acu-
men.
The root of this issue is
frequently something al-
most never thought of when considering
fi nance: emotion. Emotions are the link between one’s thoughts
and one’s behaviour.
Heart, Mind & Money can help individuals to:
• Overcomethenegativeemotionsthatfrustratetheirprogress.
• Letgoofpasthurtsrelatedtomoneyandstartunblockingthe
path to positive wealth manifestation.
• Harnessthepositiveemotionsthatleadtoastateofabundance
that will change their fi nances for the better.
The book includes:
• Thehistorybehind25emotionsandtheevolutionaryimportance
of these emotions.
• Theimpactthateachemotionhasonbehaviourandfinancial
decision-making.
• Knowledgetogiveadeepunderstandingofwhyonefeelsthe
way one does about money.
• Step-by-stepexercisestohelpmastertheseemotions.
Applying emotional intelligence to fi nances can help one im-
prove fi nancial health and live a happier life. The lessons in this
book are a smart investment.
About the AuthorHaving pursued her MBA degree at the Simmons School of Man-
agement in Boston, Vangile Makwakwa is now a writer and speaker
with expertise in fi nancial coaching. Over the past four years she
has focused on researching and understanding the link between
emotions and fi nancial behaviour.
Sometimes there is a void: Memories of an Outsider, Zakes Mda
Born in the Eastern Cape in 1948, Zanemvula Kizito Gaty-
eni Mda spent his childhood in Soweto.
He moved to
Lesotho at the
age of 14, where
he joined his fa-
ther in exile and
completed his
high school edu-
cation.
In this memoir
Zanemvula, know
to his fans and
friends as Zakes
Mda, puts the past
and present into
perspective to give
an intensely person-
al story of his devel-
opment as an artist,
musician and fi lmmaker.
The reader learns more about Mda’s involve-
ment in politics during his time in exile and about the
development of his musical, artistic, literary talents.
About the Author:Mda has contributed to South Africa’s social and cultur-
al advancement and to the development of indigenous
literature through his work with local playwrights.
He obtained two Master’s degrees from the Ohio Uni-
versity and a PhD from the University of Cape Town
and has worked as a professor of creative writing at
the English Department at Ohio University.
Courage to Lead: Leadership Lessons from Kilimanjaro, Daphna Horowitz
Courage to Lead is a practical guide to leadership. After
reading it you will gain the ‘how to’ of leadership de-
velopment, walking away with useful tips to develop
and enhance your leadership.
This book extends beyond the boardroom and is a
relevant read for anyone who needs to take charge of
Heart, Mind & Money: Using Emotional Intelligence for Financial SuccessVangile Makwakwa
eni Mda spent his childhood in Soweto.
age of 14, where
he joined his fa-
ther in exile and
completed his
high school edu-
In this memoir
Zanemvula, know
to his fans and
friends as Zakes
Mda, puts the past
and present into
perspective to give
an intensely person-
al story of his devel-
opment as an artist,
musician and fi lmmaker.
perspective to give
an intensely person-
al story of his devel-
opment as an artist,
musician and fi lmmaker.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201584
his or her leadership
and life.
The practical lessons
and challenges at the
end of each chapter
can be applied to lead-
ership in every aspect
of modern living.
The book is easy to
read and invites the
reader to apply the
lessons. Courage to
Lead is a book that
will inspire, challenge
and transform.
About the AuthorDaphna Horowitz – an actuary, professional speaker and
leadership coach – holds qualifi cations in business, leader-
ship and coaching. She coaches leaders to identify their
personal mission and align that to their work performance
in order to achieve and drive leadership excellence within
their organisations.
Flight at Dawn: Leadership is not about the leader, Antony J Frost
We live complex and busy lives. But returning to nature can
often provide glimpses into the simplicity we left behind
centuries ago. Flight at Dawn presents examples from our
natural environment that can teach us how to succeed
both professionally
and personally to
enrich and broaden
our lives.
The book is cen-
tred on a visit to a
wildlife reserve by a
father and two en-
thusiastic teenag-
ers who are eager
to explore life.
Frost uses the les-
sons, insights and
experiences gained
from their interaction with nature and witnessing the teenagers’ re-
freshing enthusiasm for the environment to illustrate strategies on
how to get organisations and society to function more productively
and enhance personal development.
This is an innovative book that highlights how life lessons are avail-
able to all of those who observe the behaviour of the fl ora and fauna.
It also reminds us that interaction between people and nature are
crucial for mental health and the well-being of society.
About the AuthorFrost was educated at Queen’s College, Queenstown, and at the Uni-
versities of Natal, Cape Town, and the Witwatersrand. He founded
Sirocco Strategy Management and is also the former the CEO of World
Wildlife Fund South Africa.
From Debt to Riches: Steps to financial success,Phumelele Ndumo
In this easy-to-read guide, Phumelele Ndumo addresses the
financial problems of
ordinary South Africans
who are battling with
garnishee orders, debt
counsel l ing, pay ing
university fees, buying
homes, etc.
Most of us think it is
only high-income earn-
ers who end up finan-
cially independent. But
according to Ndumo,
we can all become fi-
nancially independent,
provided we are willing
to exercise self discipline and put into practice her simple sug-
gestions.
About the Author:Phumelele Ndumo has extensive banking experience having
held senior positions in NBS Boland Bank, FNB and Nedcor.
She has vast experience in auditing, risk management, strategic
management, and fi nancial management. She published her
fi rst book, 7 Secrets Why the Rich Own their Homes, in 2007.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 85
traVeL Writer: Sam BradleytraVeL
High five for family holidaysWith the holidays upon us everyone is on the lookout for
the perfect destination to getaway to with the family.
PSM takes at look holiday destinations that will bring
smiles to both adults and kids.
North West – Pilanesberg National Park
Just three hours drive from Johannesburg lies the Pilanesberg Na-
tional Park. At 55 000 hectares it is South Africa’s fourth biggest re-
serve. Nicknamed “the volcano that gave rise to a game reserve”,
Pilanesberg is set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, giving it a
spectacular landscape of grasslands, plains and rocky outcrops. The
park boasts more than 7 000 animals and 300 birds, and is easily ac-
cessible. All the Big Five can be found at the park and can be seen
from the numerous lookout points and game hides. Entrance to the
park is R60 per adult, R20 per child/pensioner and R20 per vehicle.
There are various accommodation options available for every taste
and budget. There are many luxury lodges bordering the park such as
Ivory Tree Lodge and Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, while the resorts
affiliated to the park also come highly recommended. Bakgatla Resort
is one of these, and offers chalets for up to five people
as well as executive camping tents (permanent tents
on a wooden deck). The chalets consist of one double
bed and three single beds, as well as a private patio and
braai area. The prices are reasonable and the restaurant
serves good meals, while there are also facilities such as
a swimming pool, putt-putt and a playground to keep
the children entertained.
Keeping everyone happily entertained is always a
challenge, but it shouldn’t be too hard at Pilanesberg
National Park. Once spotting animals in the park has
lost its allure, there are still options such as hiking trails,
walking safaris and even hot air ballooning. Sun City is
also nearby and has a host of attractions such as golf, a
water theme park, elephant rides, shopping and even
the world’s fastest zipline.
KwaZulu-Natal – Oribi Gorge HotelOriginally a farmhouse on a sugarcane plantation, the
Oribi Gorge Hotel boasts a proud 124-year history. With
18 en-suite bedrooms, and surrounded by a peaceful
garden which is home to birds and monkeys as well as
some shy duiker and reedbuck, the hotel is the ideal
place for a relaxing holiday. The key to getting into
holiday mode is good food, and the healthy and hearty
meals at the hotel do just that. The Eagle’s Eyrie is a
fully licensed, indoor and outdoor restaurant that caters
for every taste, while the Wild Fig Café (underneath
an ancient fig tree) is the perfect setting for relaxed
lunches. What makes the hotel special is its location,
so the more time spent gazing out over the beautiful
gorge and green vistas the better. To facilitate this, the
hotel organises picnic baskets as well as braai menus
for those wanting to enjoy their meals at one of the
numerous picnic sites on the property.
Oribi Gorge has become famous as an adventure zone,
There’s plenty to explore in Pilanesberg National Park, including the Big Five.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201586
mainly due to the “Wild 5” adventure activities available
to guests. These include the gorge swing (claimed to
be the world’s highest at 165m), zip-line, 110m cliff-face
abseiling, white-water rafting and single-track moun-
tain bike trails. For those too young for the adventure
activities there is a play park with swings and slides,
and there’s also a swimming pool and plenty of space
for riding bikes. The beaches of Port Shepstone, Shelly
Beach, Uvongo, Margate and Ramsgate are all close
by, and game viewing at Lake Eland Game Reserve is
also an option.
Mpumalanga - GraskopAbout 400km to the east of Johannesburg, the small
forestry town of Graskop has become a popular base-
camp for tourists to explore the many activities and
sights in the area. The town dates backs to the 1830’s,
although it was only formally established as a town in
1914 when the railway line from Nelspruit to Graskop
was completed. Today it is a quiet town, relying on tour-
ism for much of its business, as seen by the numerous
restaurants, pancake houses and curio shops dotted
along the streets.
One of the accommodation options is Mogodi Lodge,
ideally situated just 50m from the Graskop Gorge Falls
and boasting fantastic views of the lowveld. Accom-
modation options include self-catering two bedroom
flats, one-bedroom flats, hotel rooms or backpacker
rooms, all reasonably priced. Guests won’t get bored at
the lodge as there is a putt-putt course and a swimming
pool for the children, a fully licensed bar and restaurant
for the adults, a wedding chapel for the romantics and
even a 68m free-fall gorge swing for the adventurous.
Due to the many scenic sites surrounding Graskop it is
recommended that tourists have some sort of transport
with which to explore the area. Just 55km away is the
Phabeni Gate to Kruger National Park, meaning day
trips into South Africa’s largest game park can easily
be done from Graskop. Even closer is the Panorama
Route, a 130km trip past some of South Africa’s most
spectacular scenery. One of the stops is God’s Window, a
lookout point over the lowveld spread out 700m below
and fading into the distance as far as the eye can see.
Close by, the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest
canyons in the world, provides great views of the Three
Rondavels, while Pilgrim’s Rest is a town that transports
visitors back into the gold prospecting days of the 19th
century, and is well worth a visit.
Western Cape – Island Vibe KnysnaDescribed as the ‘jewel of the Garden Route’, Knysna is a
beautiful town surrounded by lush forests and a warm
lagoon. Knysna has plenty of stunning scenery such >>
Staying at the Oribi Gorge Hotel will feel like taking a step back into history but with all the modern comforts.
The scenic Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest and most awe-inspiring canyons in the world.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 87
as The Heads (the area where the lagoon reaches the ocean through
two large headlands), the Knysna Quays (waterfront area) and the
actual town itself. Due to its good climate, Knysna has become a
popular tourist destination with many events to attract visitors.
The Oyster Festival, Pink Loerie Mardi Gras event and the Knysna
Marathon are all annual events, which draw huge crowds, giving the
small town a lively atmosphere. Even when a big event isn’t hap-
pening the town still has a lively buzz, with international as well as
South African tourists enjoying the great food and outdoor lifestyle.
Situated in the heart of the town is Island Vibe Knysna, a back-
packers establishment equipped with a variety of dorm, double
and family rooms as well as a braai area, pool table and swimming
pool. Not normally the preferred choice of accommodation for
families, backpackers hostels are becoming more popular due to
their attractive prices (family rooms are under R600 per night) and
the friendly social atmosphere (communal fires are lit every even-
ing for everyone to use to braai). The central location of the hostel
means restaurants and shops are right outside the front door, and
there is also a selection of activities on offer to make sure the chil-
dren are entertained. Canoe trips on the lagoon are popular, as
are walks and picnics through the Knysna forest. Knysna Elephant
Park makes for a good half-day tour, and there are also adventure
activities on offer such as scuba diving, abseiling and paragliding.
Eastern Cape – Umngazi River BungalowsTucked away on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape lies Umngazi
River Bungalows, a beautiful hideaway surrounded by river and
ocean. Umngazi lies 20km south of Port St Johns and about a 90km
drive along tarred roads from Mthatha. No words can do the location
traVeLtraVeL
justice, and the feeling of being totally and wonderfully
secluded from the busy world while there is a fabulous
feeling indeed.
Considering Umngazi’s location, it’s easy to see why chil-
dren are never bored. Sandboarding down the dunes,
fishing with the gillies, swimming in the sea or playing
on the sand are all a mere stone’s throw away, and there
is also a kids club with a host of activities. For the adults
the options are endless - hiking through the spectacular
scenery, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, horse rid-
ing and a sunset fish eagle cruise up the river can all be
enjoyed. The resort also has a swimming pool and spa for
the less energetic.
The resort has 69 bungalows separated into six catego-
ries, including honeymoon cottages and a spa suite. The
garden, river and sea facing bungalows are all ideal for
families with children. Rates vary from between R815 to
R1 765 per person per night, which includes three scrump-
tious meals and mid morning and afternoon teas/cof-
fees. The food deserves a special mention because it re-
ally is that good. The Saturday night seafood feasts and
the Sunday braais are always favourites, while there are
also packed lunches available for the enthusiastic fisher-
men and hikers who plan to be out all day. The cocktails,
milkshakes and fine wines (which recently won another
Diamond award at the Diners Club Wine List Awards) are
best enjoyed from Basil’s Bar and Deck, looking out over
the river as the sun sets on another fun-filled, memorable
day.
The entertainment town of Knysna has plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained, including many fine restaurants.
The Knysna Heads are a photographer’s dream, and a leisurely cruise through the lagoon is well worth the time and money.
The sights and sounds of nature makes holiday destinations in the Eastern Cape a great holiday escape.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201588
heaLth anD WeLL-beingCompiled by: Maselaelo Seshotli
this festive season
Outdoors is defi nitely the place to be over the holidays. How-
ever, spending time in the South African sun can be harmful
to your skin.
With this in mind and with December being Skin Cancer Awareness
Month, PSM has compiled tips on how you can protect yourself and
your family from the sun's harmful eff ects.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) advises covering
up to shield your skin from the sun’s
harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The sun should not be com-
pletely avoided, as expoure to small
amounts of UV rays is benefi cial and
essential for the production of vi-
tamin D.
UV radiation can also be used to
treat a few conditions, such as rick-
ets, psoriasis, eczema and jaundice.
However, it is recommended that
the use of UV radiation as a treat-
ment take place under medical
supervision.
CANSA explains that prolonged
human exposure to solar UV ra-
diation may result in serious and
chronic health problems relating
to the skin, eyes and immune system.
Sunburn is the most serious eff ect of excessive UV radiation ex-
posure.
Exposure to UV radiation, over a long period of time, speeds up de-
generative changes in the skin cells, leading to premature skin aging.
“People seem to have this misconception that only fair skinned
people should to be concerned about over exposure to the sun.
While skin cancer risk is lower in dark skinned people, it does occur
within this group and unfortunately it is often detected at a later
stage,” said CANSA.
While a fun day fi lled with adventure and laughs outdoors may
sound like a perfect way to spend the holidays, adults are advised to
ensure that the children under their care are provided
with shade at all times.
There is also a range of sun protection lotions avail-
able to ensure your skin is protected, including sun-
screen for children.
CANSA urges to avoid using sunscreen on infants
under the age of six months, as their skin is under-
developed compared to older children and adults.
Extra care needs to be taken when walking in the park,
enjoying a picnic or a day at the beach so that infants
are not overly exposed to the sun.
A blistering sunburn in childhood doubles a person’s
chance of developing melanoma (skin disease) later
in life.
According to CANSA, “Close to 54 per
cent of children get sunburnt or tanned
in their second summer, compared to 22
per cent in their fi rst summer.”
Consult a paediatrician before us-
ing sunscreen on infants. Generous
amounts of sunscreen may be applied
on babies six months and older, before
they go out into the sun for short peri-
ods of time.
To avoid exposing babies to the sun,
dress them in protective clothing - a hat
and loose fi tting clothing - and only let
them play in well-shaded areas.
Sunscreen should contain a Sun Pro-
tection Factor (SPF) of 15.
“Parents can avoid irritating the baby’s
skin and eyes by choosing a harmless sunscreen that
contains only inorganic fi lters, such as zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide,” says CANSA.
For toddlers and pre-school children, use a combi-
nation of sun protection measures such as protective
clothing and sunscreen.
Loose fi tting clothes and fabrics that have an Ultra-
violet Protection Factor (UPF) rating should also be
considered.
Adults should make use of a broad-spectrum sun-
screen with a SPF of 30 or above and apply it 15 to 20
minutes before sun exposure.
Did youKnow
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 89
VA VABLOOM!
1. Forever New Claudia Palm Jumpsuit R999 2. Mango Necklace R399.95 3. Aldo Michalik Bag R849 4. Forever New Olivia Printed One Shoulder Dress R999 5. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Yuzu Perfume R365 6. Aldo Harrup Heel R1 199 7. Mango Gold Bangle R349.95 8. Karren Millen Printed Skirt R2 400
9. Aldo Seveven Heel R499 10. Mango Fennimore Bag R499
grooMing anD stYLe Writer: Nicholas Francis
Summer is here and it's all things bright and fl oral. Inject some
bold prints, fun and colour into your wardrobe this season.
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201590
ShoesA good pair of durable leather shoes goes a long way. Always make sure the shoe fi ts well with enough room for your child's foot to grow into the shoe.
SocksYou can't have enough socks. Socks are worn all year round so make sure you stock up. Children are bound to lose a few along the way.
SkirtsSkirts are an all year round uniform item. Always buy a skirt that is a bit longer and alter it to the correct length with a seam which can be removed during the course of the year when your child grows.
ShirtsA good quality fitted shirt with enough room for movement will allow your child to run and play on the playground without tearing.
PantsLong or short, always buy a pair which is a bit longer and alter the bottoms which you can release when your child grows. Also, buy at least three pairs to alternate during the week which, will reduce the wear and tear of the pants.
BagsChildren are known to throw their bags around when they at school or at home. Always get a durable bag that can withstand the books and the day-to-day wear and tear.
BACK 2 SCHOOL CHECKLIST
The fi rst day of school can be a nightmare for any parent. We put together a checklist to help you get your children ready for their
fi rst day.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 91
Compiler: Ashref IsmailCar reVieWs Car reVieWs
Finalists for the 2015 WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year
competition have fi nally been revealed.
The 11 cars from which the eventual winner will be
chosen were announced during a thrilling reveal event at
the Inanda Polo Club.
The fi nalists were announced following a vote by a 29-mem-
ber jury from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists
(SAGMJ).
The fi nalists are:
• Audi A3 sedan 1.4T SE S tronic
Best of the best
• BMW M4 coupe auto
• Citroën C4 Picasso e-HDI 115 Intensive
• Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive
• Lexus ES 250 EX
• Mercedes Benz C-Class C 200 auto
• Nissan Qashqai 1.6dCI Acenta auto
• Porsche Macan S Diesel
• Renault Duster 1.5dCI Dynamique 4WD
• Subaru WRX Premium
• Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D Prestige
Audi A3 sedan 1.4T SE S tronic
BMW M4 coupe auto
Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive
Citroën C4 Picasso e-HDI 115 Intensive
revealed
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201592
Best of the best Lexus ES 250 EX
Mercedes Benz C-Class C 200 auto
Porsche Macan S Diesel
Nissan Qashqai 1.6dCI Acenta auto
Renault Duster 1.5dCI Dynamique 4WD
Subaru WRX Premium
Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D Prestige
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 2015 93
The winner of the 2015 WesBank/SAGMJ Car the
Year will be revealed at a gala banquet on 18
March 2015.
CompetitionPredict the 2015 Car of the Year and if your entry is
the first correct one chosen, you will win a 1/18 scale
model car. Entries close February 2015. Please email
entries to [email protected]
Leap Frog Leap Pad Ultra
A tablet built specifi cally for kids. The Leap Frog Leap Pad Ultra with
large, hi-res screen, kid-safe Wi-Fi and access to the LeapFrog educator-
approved library is the perfect learning tool for your child. Designed for
kids between four and nine years old, this tablet is educational as well
as entertaining. The Leap Frog Leap Pad Ultra is available for R2 999.90
at Toys R Us stores.
niCe-to-haVes Writer: Nicholas Francis
PS Vita
Keep busy in the car during your trip
down to the coast with the Playstation
Vita. This handheld gaming console has
everything from games, movies, music
and Skype. Get the PS Vita for R1 999
at kalahari.com >>
Something for everyonethis Festi ve Season
Xbox One 500GBSomething for the boys. No mat-ter how old they are, boys will be boys and the XBOX ONE will keep them entertained for hours. The XBOX ONE 500GB is available for R6 299 at leading electronic stores.
It's that time of the year when we scramble for that last minute Christmas
gifts for loved ones. No need to panic though, we have some great gift
ideas for the whole family, which will get rid of your festive shopping blues.
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201594
APPROVED SUPPLIERVERIFICATION SERVICE
C a l l u s n o w o n 0 8 2 4 9 3 4 3 4 9 o r e m a i l r i c h a r d @ c h e c k a b i z . c o . z a
• CHECKING AND UPDATING SUPPLIER DATA• BACKGROUND CHECKS• CONTINUING REVIEWS
Kindle PaperWhite 2014
Reading has never been this easy. Enjoy even better contrast on the
latest Kindle Paperwhite 3G. With its new Page Flip feature, you can
skim page-by-page, scan by chapter, or skip to the end for a sneak
peek without losing your place. With a 25 per cent faster processor,
books open and pages turn faster for a seamless experience. Get your
Kindle PaperWhite 2014 for R2 999 at takealot.com
iPhone 6 16GB
The latest edition to the
iPhone family has a sleek
look with a larger, more
advanced display and seam-
less transition of glass and
metal.
Apple carefully considered
every single detail to en-
hance your experience.
It is vailable for R12 999 at
kalahari.com.
TomTom Start
Drive with peace of mind. Whether you're driving down a fa-
miliar road or venturing somewhere new, the TomTom Start is
easy to use. It has a larger screen with high quality maps which
will guide you safely to your destination. The TomTom Start is
available for R1 182 at takealot.com
Michael Kors Runway Ladies Watch
This black and gold chronograph watch from designer extro-
dinaire Michael Kors is a must have this summer. The Michael
Kors Runway watch is available for R4 299 at American Swiss
stores.
Ghd V Gold Classic Styler
Always look good no matter what the occasion is. The
Ghd V Gold Classic Styler, shines in a spectrum of cool
blue, lilac and teal shades and, with its iridescent fi nish,
changes colour in diff erent lights and from diff erent an-
gles. Get your Ghd V Gold Classic Styler for R1 999.95
at rubybox.co.za
niCe-to-haVes
Public Sector Manager • December 2014 /January 201596
You’re in safe handsFor more information, visit www.netcare.co.zaNetcare VCD 7408 | 011.2014
Helping care for the health of humankind
7490 Netcare Top Co Adverts HR Pole.indd 1 2014/10/17 08:31:12 AM
You’re in safe handsFor more information, visit www.netcare.co.zaNetcare VCD 7408 | 011.2014
Helping care for the health of humankind
7490 Netcare Top Co Adverts HR Pole.indd 1 2014/10/17 08:31:12 AM
You’re in safe handsFor more information, visit www.netcare.co.zaNetcare VCD 7408 | 011.2014
Helping care for the health of humankind
7490 Netcare Top Co Adverts HR Pole.indd 1 2014/10/17 08:31:12 AM
A heart for Africa. A head for business.
As the world’s largest Consulting firm, with dedicated capability in the Public Sector industry, we can afford to push beyond the expected. The tried and tested. The accepted. Instead, we focus on the untapped potential of every opportunity, every partnership and every challenge.
www.deloitte.com
© 2014 Deloitte & Touche. All rights reserved. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
Deloitte ranked #1 globally in Consulting based on revenue and market shareSource: Kennedy Consulting Research & Advisory