Internal Newsletter
In the Loop Issue No.
39 May 2017
What’s inside:
Marching to a new beat in Joburg
4
17
20
Contents
Arts, Sports & Culture
3
Message from the Executive Mayor
14
Follow these steps to beat hypertension
4
Future of Joburg to be built on 5 pillars
15
Health and safety starts with you
5
IMeya ifinyelela kubantu abakhohliwe baseGoli.
16
Nurses – “a force for change”
6
State of the City 2017 – in pictures
17
Mayor points boards in right direction
7
State of the City 2017 – in pictures
18
Skills audit process gathers pace
8
City looks ahead to positive budget in tough times
19
9
Remember to switch off your lights when you leave office
Metrobus trebles its service on the OR Tambo Airport route City starts process to find new JMPD chief
10
Time to reflect on Joburg’s African heritage
11
Stay safe and enjoy winter
12 13
20
Changing the face of document management
21
Don’t let anyone relieve you of your cash in a flash
22
Halala to the City’s achievers
23
Soweto audiences gear up for riveting play
Learn more about the past that shapes your future Strong focus on women’s health at local clinicsCompeti
Acknowledgements
Cover Credits
Editor: Thomas Thale - thomasth@joburg.org.za
The marching band of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department lead the procession at the first sitting of the City Legislature held in the new Council Chambers.
Contributor: Luyanda Lunika - luyandal@joburg.org.za Lesego Ngobeni - lesegong@joburg.org.za Mongadi Mafata - OupaMa@joburg.org.za Thabiso Makosa - thabisomak@joburg.org.za Photography: Enoch Lehung - enochl@joburg.org.za
Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba, cut the ribbon to the new building and unveiled a plaque before delivering his first State of the City Address.
Prices up for grabs Stand a chance to win an exciting prize by answering this simple question: How many people, in total, can the new Council Chamber accommodate? Email your answer to: oupama@joburg.org.za or
C
elebrated stage and screen actor, Sello Maake ka Ncube, will perform at the Soweto Theatre for the first time in the highly acclaimed production, The House of Truth. The production which played to full houses at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown recounts the life of journalist Can Themba who passed away exactly 50 years ago at the young age of 43. Themba was one of a group of hard-hitting reporters at Drum magazine in the 1950s and 60s. Together with colleagues such as Lewis Nkosi, Es’kia Mphahlele and Bloke Modisane they exposed the horrors of apartheid in the face of severe censorship and oppression. Laced with wit, humor and a deep sense of irony it reveals the circumstances that inspired some of Themba’s most intriguing works and covers some profound aspects of his life that are rarely written about. Themba would have turned 93 years in 2017, but died at the tender age of 43. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his passing in 1967. The House of Truth is a collection of his writings brought to the stage by playwright Siphiwo Mahala and director Vanessa Cook. The Artistic Manager at Joburg City Theatres, Makhaola Ndebele, says the production celebrates South African artistic excellence. “It will inspire Sowetans, young and old, alike.” • The theatre master-piece will be staged from 10 to 21 May and bookings can be done at http://www.sowetotheatre.com/. Ticket prices start at R120 and block booking discounts are available.
Soweto audiences gear up for riveting play
lesegong@joburg.org.za or send an sms to 082 927 9551 or 060 975 0928 by 20 May 2017.
May 2017
In the Loop – 23
Message from the Executive Mayor
Employee News
Halala to the City’s achievers
Message from the Executive Mayor resources needed to make good on the mandate given to us by the voters. One of the commitments we made to the citizens of Johannesburg is that we will ensure they are served by a professional, dedicated and committed corps of public officials. We initiated a comprehensive skills audit to ensure the right people with the right qualifications are in the right jobs. We brought in external consultants with wide experience to assist us in conducting this audit and to ensure its independence. We have now reached a stage where most of the officials who occupy senior management positions already participated in the process and we will roll it out further to levels 3 and 4 in the new financial year.
The new Joburg is taking shape
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any employees sponsored by the City recently graduated from various tertiary institutions. We salute them. They have straddled work, study and home responsibilities while sacrificing social life. We trust that their new qualifications will enable them to be even more competent in their areas of work and add to the city’s move towards a professional public service. In the Loop is celebrating the achievements of Joburg employees. If you know of any colleagues who do charitable work in their spare time to help the community, please let us know so that we can profile them. Perhaps you are working with someone who has achieved something extraordinary like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or swimming the Midmar Dam Race 100. Drop us an email so that we can put them in the spotlight. Email the information to: oupama@joburg.org.za
and
lesegong@joburg.org.za
and we’ll do the rest.
Colleagues,
Top: Left to Right Vusi Mabena, Ops Manager: Workplace Wellness, recently graduated with a Diploma in Occupational Health. Department of Economic Development’s Rebecca Mokgotho recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Regenesys Business School in Sandton. Joburg Property Company’s Property Manager Miliswa Bayi recently graduated with a BA Development Studies at Unisa. Bottom: Left to Right Dr Mpuseng Matrose-Molehe, who is Wellness Manager, obtained a National Higher Diploma in Occupational Health at UJ recently.
The shape of a future Johannesburg under a new coalition government is rapidly emerging. This month is very significant because of the delivery of the first State of the City address since the local government elections, followed closely by the 2017/18 Budget Speech. These two events are opportunities for the administration to add flesh to our policy framework and to allocate the
I appreciate this process might cause some uncertainties among our employees – but I want to recommit the City to my earlier assurances that this will be done in a just and fair manner. Employees who have the best interest of the City at heart will also recognise in this process a chance to be made aware of limitations in their own performances – and to grasp opportunities for improvement.
Congratulations to achievers It is in the same spirit in which we celebrate the success of many of our colleagues who recently graduated from tertiary institutions. We encourage a culture of life-long learning and call on employees to explore the avenues offered by the City for those who want to improve their qualifications.
This edition of In the Loop is published at the onset of the winter season. This is a period when power usage is on the rise as many of our residents switch on electric devices to soften the impact of the cold Highveld days. I want to appeal to everybody to use power sparingly and to follow the many useful tips published here on how you can reduce you consumption. At the same time our emergency services are involved in awareness campaigns to promote household safety and inform communities about the dangers attached to the use of candles and paraffin lamps. We must all strive to make this a safe winter period and eliminate the incidence of fire-related emergencies. International Nurses Day, also commemorated in May, focuses the attention on the role played by the dedicated healthcare providers at clinics and hospitals across the City. We are committed to improve the quality of care and we are acutely aware of the role played by nurses and community workers who are the frontline of interaction with our residents.
Herman Mashaba Executive Mayor City of Johannesburg
Use the QR code reader on your smartphone to scan these barcodes.
Sicelo Tshisa, who is a Senior Librarian, recently graduated with a BA Honours: Information Management from UJ.
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22 – May 2017
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In the Loop – 3
Employee News
Good Governance
Don’t let anyone relieve you of your cash in a flash H
ow many times have you heard that Pitso or Palesa had invested R5 000 in a scheme and after a couple of months, they are now R15 000 richer?
Future of Joburg to be built on 5 pillars J
ohannesburg’s future trajectory under the new coalition administration will be based on five pillars that will serve as the bedrock on which change will be delivered to residents.
Pillar 1
– Grow the economy and create jobs
People with the dignity of work will reduce the pressure on housing backlogs, clinics and free basic services, allowing the City to focus more resources on a smaller number of people. A decision was taken to insource some identified services – starting with security services in 2018. The City is also looking at contracted services of catering and cleaning and determining how the insourcing model can be applied.
Pillar 2
– Enhance the quality of life of residents by improving services and taking care of the environment.
A cornerstone of the programme is to ensure improved access to quality and affordable basic services, safe roads and well-maintained public spaces. The reintegration of City entities will continue, their personnel will be regionalised and the capacity for front line service delivery will be located within the seven regions… “close to where the people are.”
Pillar 3
– Advance pro-poor development that provides meaningful redress.
Inclusive communities embrace and welcome diversity and the City will do more to ensure space is provided where all members of the public can come together. Mayor Mashaba has issued a directive that 60% of capital expenditure must be allocated to poor communities and this spending must drive the delivery of services, infrastructure investment and efficient transport that benefits the most vulnerable in the city. 4 – May 2017
“We are carving out a new strategy for the City of Johannesburg,” says Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba. This strategy will prioritise the most pressing needs of residents.
Smooth operators are preying on gullible and debt-laden people to relieve them of their hard-earned cash in a flash. Everyday people put their hard-earned cash into get-rich-quick schemes that are sold as “can’t lose” propositions. The bad news is that they end up losing their life savings by placing their money in Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes.
– Build caring, safe and secure communities.
Crime and lack of safety are among the greatest challenges facing residents. The City has already scored major successes in the fight against drugs including the expansion of the JMPD’s canine unit and the introduction of municipal courts. It will soon launch a series of pilot projects to expand the services offered at clinics including drug rehabilitation programmes in communities that are highly impacted. The City’s capacity to combat fires has been strengthened with the deployment of 28 new fire engines – a move that is well-timed to deal with winter season fires that often leave people in informal settlements homeless.
Pillar 5
– Institute an honest, responsive and productive government.
Communities must be able to develop a high level of trust with the City. They need to know what their money is spent on and must have a say in future planning. “When something cannot be done, we must take our residents into our confidence and explain why,” says Mayor Mashaba.
“
And when it can be done, we must move heaven and earth to achieve it for our people.
• When choosing a money making opportunity, do your homework thoroughly.
• Get advice from registered financial advisers; this is available free of charge with no obligation. • Take your time,you didn’t save it overnight.
• Be particularly cautious of ‘opportunities’ that promise to make you wealthy in a very short period.
The golden rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What is a Ponzi Scheme?
Pillar 4
Tips for avoiding Ponzi and Pyramid schemes:
Named after Charles Ponzi, who first made these schemes infamous, they are operated by tricksters and sometimes seemingly legitimate businesses that will invite you to invest in a scheme or business. The operator promises you unrealistically large returns on your investment in a short period of time. These schemes depend on enticing a steady flow of investors whose money goes to pay off promises made to earlier investors. Any such scheme will inevitably collapse, as it is impossible to find enough new investors to keep the scheme going.
• Beware of a ‘secret formula’ that will only be shared with select investors.
How to protect your money? 1. Ensure that you only give your money to a company or person that is registered as an accredited financial services provider and a deposit taking institution in terms of the Banks Act. 2. Take the time to check with a respected and registered adviser. 3. To find out if a business is accredited and legitimate contact the Financial Services Board Fraud and Ethics Hotline on 0800 313 626 or (012) 761 3400.
What is a Pyramid Scheme? It is one in which you are required to be an active participant. After an initial entry payment has been made, you would be required to recruit other members before earning a return on the original ‘investment’. The more recruits, the greater the return!
An investment for the future must be a decision for long-term commitment. Be confident that your money is safe.
What is the difference between a Ponzi and Pyramid scheme? The major difference between the schemes is that in Ponzi schemes the investor takes no active part, whereas in a pyramid scheme, active involvement is a requirement.
” In the Loop – 21
Good Governance
Employee News
Changing the face of document management T
he move towards paperless recordkeeping in the City is gathering momentum with the pilot phase expected to be completed by the end of June. Project Tlhabologo is the City’s response to the global trend towards electronic management of documents that will lead to improved efficiencies, better workflow processes and cost reductions. Dr Valencia Ntombi Khumalo, the MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, says the volume of information flowing
through the City continues to grow. Much of this is still captured on paper that has to be stored.
IMeya ifinyelela kubantu abakhohliwe
baseGoli
In his most recent report the Auditor General raised concerns about the lack of proper records management and the absence of supporting evidence within government institutions.
I
Information is at the core of the City’s business capabilities. Yet it has been asset that has frequently been neglected in the past. This is about to change.
Ukugcizelela ukufuna ushintsho okuvela kubahlali kudinga uqhashulo olucacile kuzindlela zangaphambili ekwenzeni izinto.” kusho Usodolobhu umnumzane uHerman Mashaba. Ukuqhubeka nokwenza okungaphumelelanga ngaphambilini kungefeze ushintsho olufunekayo.
sikhathi sebizinisi engajwayelekile sesifikile eGoli.
“Angeke sikwazi ukuqhubeka ukwenza ibhizinisi njengenjwayelo.”
Move towards paperless offices Modern developments in computer technology and internet services have accelerated the move towards paperless offices and electronic recordkeeping. “Paperless offices offer a more cost-effective and greener option,” says MMC Khumalo. “It will cut down on paper use in the City and reduce costs associated with printing, copying, rentals and maintenance.” It will also contribute to the objective to create a ‘smart city.’ Digital workflow processes will improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times and improve decision-making within the City. “This brings enormous benefits for residents and ratepayers who interact with the City. We are moving towards a future where all records and documents are kept in an electronic format and records will be retrieved without having to access bulky paper files.” City employees will be able to work more efficiently and deliver services faster. This will result in a reduction in backlogs, the minimisation of escalations and improved turnaround times. In addition, employees who work on the new platform will acquire proficiencies on a system that is at the leading edge in its field. The rollout of the new system will take place in phases through the various clusters in the City. The pilot phase in the Governance Cluster is expected to be completed within the next two months.
Benefits of electronic document management for the City It will reduce the costs associated with printing and delivery of documents; It will enable users to sign, seal and deliver documents electronically; It will facilitate collaboration by enabling people to work on a document remotely from each other; It will save time and improve efficiencies; It will provide quick and easy access to all of the City’s data – but with controlled access rights;
Inkulumo Yokuqala yeSimo Sedolobhu kaSodolobhu uMashaba selokhu wakhethwa ngonyaka odlule, ibigcwele ngemibono emisha ngokuhanjiswa nokuphathwa kweGoli, liziba yihovisi elihanjiswa ngokubezwa nokuphendula izidingo zezakhamizi, nokuthulwa kwezidingo ezizosebenzela imiphakathi eyayikhishwe inyumbazane ngaphambilini. Unikezele isikhathi sakhe esehovisi “kubantu abakhohliwe baseGoli” – abantu abashiywa emva eGoli ngaphambilini.
• Yilabo bantu ababika ukulethwa kwezinkinga egodini elimnyama eliyizisebenzi zikahulumeni; • Yilabo bantu abangenalo ulwazi olugcwele ngokuthi bazozithola nini izindlu;
It will allow users to search, retrieve and send documents without having to touch or print a piece of paper;
• Yilabo bantu abahlala kwimijondolo;
It will improve the City’s record keeping and address storage limitations.
• Yilabo bantu abaphathiswa okungathi idolobha libenzela umusa uma ihovisi liphendula izincingo zabo noma lilalela izikhalazo zabo.
“Lelihovisi likahulumeni lizobhekana ngqo nalababantu abakhohliwe,” uSodolobhu uMashaba egcizelela. “Singeke sakhe iDolobhu esilifuna kangaka uma iningi lethu libukela impumelelo kude le, bengenakho ukuyifinyelela bona.”
Ukubeka izinto ngononina Ukucubungula osekwenzekile kulezinyanga eziyisishagalolunye zehovisi lokubambisana, uSodolophu uMashaba uthe likuvukele/ lizimisele ukubhekana nenselela enkulu uyashiywa umbusazwe wangaphambilini. Umbusazwe wakhe awuzukwenza “ukulungisa kwangokushesha” noma ukudlulisa izinto nje, kodwa ingokubeka izinto eziza kuqala ziqonde, bazobhekana nalakuqalwa khona, ikakhulukazi ukubhekana nezikhalo nezidingo eziwukuphila kwabantu mihla yonke.
uSodolobhu we Johannesburg uHerman Mashaba noSomlomo womkhandlu, uVasco da Gama.
kunikezelwe ngeziwu 3 500 ngonyaka. Ngalezinga okuqhubeka ngayo kuzothatha iminyaka eyikhulu ukuxazulula lokhu kusalela emuva, sibekele eceleni umthelela wokufuduka(abantu abavela kwamanye amazwe ukuzohlala eGoli/eMzansi) koluntu. Inkohlakalo yona ibeyindaba ayiphindaphinda kwinkulumo yakhe uSodolobhu kanti futhi egqamisa indlela ihovisi lakhe likhungethwe izikhalazo ngezobugebengu, ukwenzela izihlobo kanye nokukhwabanisa.
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Ukweqa umthetho kwavunyelwa, kwaba yinto yansuku zonke kwimiphakathi eminingi kanti futhi imithetho kamasipala iye yahunyushwa ngokuthi ayisenamsebenzi,” esho njalo.
”
Ngokusho kukaSodolobhu uMashaba ubukhulu bomsebenzi bezinto ezisalele emuva ezitholakala ngofuzo kubantu nohulumeni wakhe (kwihovisi lakhe) ziyabadiyazelisa nabo. Indlela yokubhekana nazo ukuthatha isinyathelo esisodwa ngesikhathi. Ucelile kubahlali ukuthi babenesineke – kodwa wanika isiqiniseko sokuthi “ushintsho lusendlelni.” “Usuku nosuku kunengqubela phambili ekudaleni iGoli elibumbene neliqhakazile/elinempumelelo,” esho uSodolobhu.
Ugqamise nenkinga yezindlu esalele emuva esiqokeleleke kwiminyaka kanti futhi isingaphezu kuka300 000 yezindlu okufuneka zakhiwe – ekubeni kuwukuthi kwakhiwa futhi
2016 2020 – September – May 2017
Inthe theLoop Loop –– 55 In
Employee News
SOCA in Pictures
SOCA
Metrobus
trebles its service on the OR Tambo Airport route
IN PICTURES
T
he annual State of the City Address is one of the top political and social events on the Joburg Calendar. The 2017 SOCA attracted more than the usual attention because it was the first opportunity for newly-elected Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba, to set out his administration’s broader vision for the City.
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The guests included councillors, stakeholders, senior officials, leaders from the business, labour, religious and community sectors as well as a large sprinkling of Joburg’s celebrities and entertainers.
Johannesburg Metrobus, the City of Johannesburg’s bus passenger service, has announced the introduction of additional trips to its roster on its existing route between Gandhi Square in the Johannesburg CBD and OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni.
At its extraordinary meeting recently, the council approved that a process to recruit the new JMPD chief, to replace incumbent General Zwelibanzi Nyanda, be commenced with immediately.
“Passengers travelling to and from OR Tambo International Airport will find the additional bus services highly efficient as they provide a much-needed connection between the two destinations,” says Johannesburg Metrobus’s acting Managing director, Sabata Makoele.
Picture 2 Speaker of Council, Cllr Vasco da Gama, had the honour to cut the ribbon at the entrance to the new Council Chambers. Picture 6 The new facility will accommodate 361 Standing in front of the Council Chamber after SOCA elected councillors, senior officials and 2017 are Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, the MMC for 158 members of the public and the Community Development, Cllr Kalushi Mosehla and media. Cllr Ntombi Khumalo. Picture 3 Mayor Mashaba and Speaker Da Gama took the formal salute during a march past by officers of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department led by the JMPD marching band. Picture 4 Among the many guests at SOCA 2017 were Pastor Busi Thebehali, the MMC for Health and Social Development, Cllr Mpho Phalatse and Ms Romy Petersen.
6 – May 2017
T
he City of Johannesburg council has set the ball rolling to find the new chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The new move means Metrobus’s service on the route has more than trebled in the recent past.
Picture 5 The City’s First Lady, Ms Connie Mashaba, second from right, was joined at SOCA 2017 by Ms Myrtle da Gama, the wife of the Speaker of Council, Cllr Nazley Sharif and Cllr Sharon Peetz, the MMC for Economic Development.
new JMPD chief
ravelling between the Johannesburg city centre and OR Tambo International Airport has never been so convenient, easy and affordable.
“The service now offers seven daily trips each way, with each trip taking place every two hours during morning and afternoon peak hours. Previously, the entity operated two trips a day each way”, says Cllr Helen Makhuba, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
Picture 1 Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba unveiled a memorial plaque at the new Council Chambers prior to his delivery of the 2017 SOCA speech.
City starts process to find
The Metrobus route from the Johannesburg CBD to the country’s busiest airport passes through Bertrams, Albertina Sisulu Road, Eastgate Terminus, Bedford Plaza, Barbara Road/R24 and Kempton Park.
General Nyanda’s term expires on 4 August 2017. The council approved that the position of the new JMPD chief be advertised with immediate effect to give the panel enough time to find a successor and to ensure that all relevant role players – including panel members and potential candidates – are available and that there is no delay in the process of selection, interviews and assessments. Member for the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun, City Manager Dr Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni and a third person, who is not a councillor or City staff member but has expertise or experience in policing matters, will form part of the selection panel. The panel is comprised of at least three members but not more than five. The recruitment process is scheduled to be finalised in June and the successful candidate is expected to assume his or her duties on 1 August 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. In terms of Section 64b (1) of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, the recommended candidate must be a member of the JMPD.
Picture 7 Cllr Funzela Ngobeni, the MMC for Development Planning attended the 2017 SOCA in the company of his wife, Ms Masechaba Ngobeni.
Picture 8 Guests at SOCA 2017 had ample opportunity to socialise at a function following the Mayor’s address. They included Phakiso Platies, Silas Lenyai, Lepile Lethlaku, Japi Mpete, Sharpard Ngwenya and Advise Leepile.
In the Loop – 19
SOCA in Pictures
Employee News
Skills audit
process gathers pace
High level assessments The City’s executives participated in off campus assessments administered by auditing multinational PwC. These assessments included a Cognitive Personality Profile, a Belbin Personality Assessment, In-basket exercises and a Numerical Reasoning Assessment. They also participated in a Fifteen Factor Questionnaire and did case study presentations. “The next phase of the skills audit will be rolled out in the new financial year to include Levels 3 and 4 officials,” says MMC Ngobeni, who has been acting in MMC Ntombi Khumalo’s absence as political head of the Corporate and Shared Services department.
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The audit is essentially to record and measure the skills of the workforce to identify the skills and knowledge that the City of Johannesburg requires, as well as the skills and knowledge that are currently available to the City. To address this critical need, the Executive Team, earlier this year, appointed PwC to conduct a Skills Audit Intervention for Level 2 executive staff members. The scope further includes the review of the existing competency framework for occupational Level Two.
Feedback to be provided
Cllr Richard Ngobeni, the Acting MMC for Corporate and Shared Services.
T
he process to conduct a comprehensive skills audit in the City of Johannesburg is gaining momentum and will soon be extended to include Levels 3 and 4 officials.
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“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the City of Johannesburg’s executives who have recently participated in the city-wide skills audit,
“All assessment results are currently being consolidated into a Skills Audit Report. However, comprehensive individual reports and feedback sessions have been provided to each participant,” says MMC Ngobeni. “This is a long journey and requires commitment from everyone in the City so that we can inculcate a service delivery-orientated culture and put our residents first in all our undertakings. I want to reassure all City officials that the results of the skills audit won’t be used against anyone. There won’t be purges,” concludes MMC Ngobeni. More information will be shared with all the individuals concerned and CoJ messages will be released as and when is necessary.
says the Acting Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Richard Ngobeni.
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“Your participation has ensured that we all raise the bar in the City’s service delivery mandate as we seek to identify the skills gap and nurture existing talent.” Scores of the City’s executives were recently exposed to intensive psychometric assessments and other skills tests to gauge the talent levels of officials within Joburg departments and municipal-owned entities. The audit has been undertaken to ensure that these competencies support the achievement of the City’s strategy and vision, and to identify any gaps which can be addressed through targeted training and development.
18 – May 2017
In the Loop – 7
Good Governance
Economic Development
City looks ahead to positive budget in tough times to allocate financial resources to the nine priorities outlined by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba. MMC Dagada and his team have spent the past few months consulting extensively with a wide range of stakeholders through the IDP process. These consultations with communities in all regions – but also with current and potential investors – have been adversely influenced by the national political shenanigans that led to the downgrading of the country by global rating agencies. “The ratings downgrade poses existential risks for Johannesburg’s economy.” says MMC Dagada. “This is likely to be in the form of a reduction in foreign portfolio investment, an increase in unemployment, surging inflation and a lack of economic growth.” Despite this negative climate MMC Dagada insists that “we are looking ahead. Our budget is geared to look at the challenges in every aspect of service delivery and in finding opportunities to improve the lives of every Joburger”.
The MMC for Finance, Cllr Rabelani Dagada.
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he City’s Budget for the coming financial year will be “a tough balancing act” within the current economic climate. However, Cllr Rabelani Dagada, the MMC for Finance is confident that it will meet the needs of Joburgers and the outcomes as defined in the new Integrated Development Plan.
He is especially heartened by his interaction with investors who are responding positively to the vision for an opportunitydriven economy and its prudent management of the City’s finances. He is encouraged by the appetite of investors to partner with the City on initiatives such as the improvement of the inner city and spatial development programmes.
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We have listened to the people during the IDP process and crafted a responsive public policy framework based on prudence, fiscal discipline and proactive implementation of policy, says MMC Dagada.
The 2017/18 Budget speech delivered on 23 May will be the first opportunity for the newly elected coalition administration
Joburg’s new economic priorities are based on five clearly defined outcomes:
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5
Outcome 1 Grow the economy and create jobs. Outcome 2 Enhance quality of life by improving services and taking care of the environment. Outcome 3 Advance pro-poor development that provides meaningful redress. Outcome 4 Build caring, safe and secure communities. Outcome 5 Institute an honest, responsive and productive government.
8 – May 2017
”
5 things to watch out for in the 2017/18 Budget
An average increase of 12.2% in water and sanitation tariffs with households and businesses that consume the most paying progressively more than low-end consumers.
Electricity will increase by 2.28%.
The retention of the Expanded Social Package which allows eligible ratepayers to receive allocations of free water according to their financial position.
Property Rates tariff to be set at
6.2%
- which is within the inflation rate.
Mayor points boards in right direction N
ewly appointed boards of city entities are ready to steer their respective organisations back into the city fold following their recent induction.
The City has great potential which is, however, marred by corruption and an ineffective governance model which impacts adversely on service delivery.
The boards will report to the City until the entities are fully reintegrated into the city in 18 to 24 months.
The Executive Mayor met with members of boards that represent the City’s entities to urge them to help him enhance service delivery and improve the lives of marginalised residents of Johannesburg.
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba says the City will look to the collective wisdom of board members to help root out corruption, manage change and professionalise services in their respective entities.
Doors open for business Dedicated induction programme The induction programme thrashed out a range of issues, including ethics, effective leadership, and the role of entities in obtaining clean audit and good governance. They also discussed the impact of South Africa’s investment downgrade on City entities.
Mayor Mashaba did not mince his words when speaking about the City’s target to attain a minimum of 5% economic growth and reduce unemployment to under 20% by 2021. “We must ensure that the City entities you represent have a renewed mind-set. Employment is the great liberator of our people out of poverty,” he said.
The induction programme was specifically tailored for the newly appointed board members to help them understand their organisations, the environment in which they operate and their role in making the City a success.
Mayor Mashaba told board members he was determined to rid the city of criminals, slumlords and corrupt government officials. He says Joburg has thrown its doors open to make it an easier and more attractive destination to do business.
“I will not interfere in your work, but I will play a supervisory role alongside members of the Mayoral Committee to ensure we deliver what we’ve promised,” he told the gathering.
It’s hoped the reintegration of the City’s entities will take about 18 months to complete.
The induction programme was structured to provide new board members with the information and support they need to be confident and productive in their role.
Since taking office nine months ago Mayor Mashaba has declared corruption public enemy number one and prioritised the rejuvenation of the Inner City.
“You are brave enough to come to work in an environment that has been badly hurt, but with your support we will all succeed,” said the Mayor. “It is our responsibility to stop the looting of state resources”.
A new system to charge ratepayers according to the value of their properties for refuse removal – rather than on the number of bins.
In the Loop – 17
Resource Conservation
Employee News
Nurses – “a force for change” T
his year’s International Nurses Day should be about creating a high quality, efficient, accessible and equitable primary healthcare system for all. These are the sentiments of the City of Joburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse, who plans to participate in local commemorations of International Nurses Day this month. The MMC will be interacting with nurses throughout the city to show her appreciation for the work they do. Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the world. Dr Phalatse says nurses understand the context for wellbeing and often prioritise the health of others over their own. “Nurses are often the only health professionals accessible to many people in their lifetime. They are well placed to reach underserved and disadvantaged people and should be more appreciated in society,” she says. According to Dr Phalatse City nurses should get involved in the development of any programme that aims to keep improving health services. She encourages nurses to keep true to their profession and not lose their passion for keeping people healthy.
Aim to improve wellbeing of residents
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The City’s department of health is fully geared towards improving the general health and wellbeing of its residents, including increasing their life expectancy. Ours is to create a city with a high quality, efficient, accessible and equitable healthcare system, says Dr Phalatse.
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Remember to switch off your lights when you leave office T
o help save energy the City of Johannesburg is calling on employees to participate in a massive power saving drive. The month of May is designated as energy saving month in South Africa and the City has a responsibility to promote the efficient use of energy in the work place as well as at home. In 2014 the City hosted the C40 Summit on Climate Leadership and it is recognised as among the foremost cities in the world that work together to combat climate change. The City is committed to mitigate and reduce its carbon footprint and efforts to save energy are among its priorities.
Improving the quality of health services offered by the City is top on her list of priorities. “I would like to see everybody being perfect in what they specialised in, and be able to alternate from one speciality to another.”
Globes that use less wattage have just been installed at the Metro Centre to save electricity. This is one of many buildings that switch off lights automatically after hours and back on in the morning. The City encourages employees to practice this in their homes as they will contribute to power saving and receive the benefits in their pockets.
City nurses are instrumental in child healthcare services, immunisation campaigns, acute disease management and testing for infectious and hereditary diseases. Clinics offer a wide range of healthcare services including the management of HIV and AIDS in infants and young children.
According to Jay Sunker, Executive Manager: Facilities Management at the Johannesburg Property Company, the Metro Centre is the only city-owned building that was retrofitted with energy efficient light fittings and low voltage bulbs.
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AT JPC we have decided that energy efficiency should receive priority in all our refurbishments such as at the old Council Chamber where candescent lights were replaced with LED fittings. The retrofitting of five taxi ranks from conventional lighting systems to energy saving fittings has been completed. At the Bara Taxi Rank a 40% savings has been achieved on the electricity bill, says Sunker.
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He says an added benefit to retrofitting to LED and energy savers is the longevity of the bulbs. They last longer, are more reliable and contribute to higher levels of safety in the areas.
As part of improving its primary healthcare services, the City has extended the working hours of about six clinics, which can now also be accessed on weekends and public holidays.
International Nurses Day is commemorated all over world on the 12th of May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The English-born social reformer is credited with modernising the nursing profession.
ENERGY SAVING
This year’s theme is Nurses: A Force for Change: Improving health systems’ resilience. The International Council of Nurses uses the commemoration to distribute special Nurses Day kits, which contain educational and public information for use by nurses everywhere.
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This year’s campaign is designed to give all nurses a chance to contribute at their own level and recognise the efforts they make every day to deliver primary healthcare,
ON OFF
says MMC Phalatse.
” 16 – May 2017
In the Loop – 9
Human and Social Development
Health and Safety
Time to reflect on Joburg’s African heritage Cllr Herman Mashaba Executive Mayor
Health and safety starts with you T
The City of Johannesburg will celebrate World Safety and Health Day at Work this month under the theme: “Optimise the collection and use of OSH data”. Some of the activities on the day include health talks, high-level presentations and health assessments. “By celebrating the day, we will have the opportunity to share with colleagues what we have done to reduce the number of accidents at work at the City and share vital information with staff who are exposed to high-risk environments,” says Ntombikayise Sithole, the Director of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE). As part of the celebrations, Group SHE has also been conducting an Occupational Hygiene survey to monitor City officials’ exposure levels to pesticides.
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frica Day in Johannesburg should be a celebration of the city’s melting pot of people and cultures from all over the continent, all of whom make the city what it is. This year marks the 54th anniversary of Africa Day – observed annually on 25 May to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, later renamed the African Union. Africa Day is intended to be a platform to acknowledge and celebrate Africa’s history, heritage and culture. The day represents African unity and is designed to commemorate the vibrancy and dynamism of our culture in all its manifestations. As we commemorate Africa Day, I urge all our City of Joburg staff to reflect on how to eradicate xenophobia whilst upholding the rights and status of migrants entering South Africa either as refugees or asylum seekers. Johannesburg is home to fellow African migrants from all corners of the continent. Indeed, African migrants have played an important role in the development of our City over the past 130 years. This is a tradition I wish to see continued. The City has planned a host of activities to commemorate Africa Day, including music festivals. I urge you all to get involved in these activities and celebrate our diversity and beauty.
Africa day
Countering illegal immigration The City is a beacon of hope for many Africans escaping political, economic and social hardships in their home countries, but we are also still grappling with our own serious challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The SHE has identified several high-risk departments and entities. These include the Joburg Metro Police Department, Emergency Management Services, Pikitup, Joburg Roads Agency and the Health department.
Top 5 real risks for City employees
Early on in our new administration I implored national government to intervene on the issue of illegal immigrants in our city. The issue of migration is one that cannot be dealt with at a Municipal level comprehensively, but requires the willing participation of both provincial, and especially national government. It is my belief that the rule of law is paramount in ensuring the safety of both locals and immigrants in our city and country. No country can hope to have a stable democracy, economic growth, development and safe communities without the rule of law being upheld. If we are to create a more inclusive and prosperous city for all our residents, then the rule of law must be consistently, deliberately and tirelessly upheld. Our City cannot be a safe haven for local or foreign criminals and this view is supported by all There isn’t a panacea to issues facing African immigrants living in our city, but we have set up the Migrants’ Helpdesk to assist with some of these issues in a humane and caring manner. Through this structure we help foreign refugees who have fled hunger, poverty and violence in their home countries to rebuild their lives. Part of our long-running migrant policy is to ensure they feel integrated into our city, have relevant information on available services and have their needs met. I have also held a successful meeting with the African Heads of Mission to discuss ways in which we can work together to ensure a progressive and sustainable strategy in dealing with migration in the City of Johannesburg. As we forge ahead in our work to bring quality, efficient service delivery to the people of Johannesburg, let us ponder upon that which connects us as Africans rather than focus on what divides us.
10 – May 2017
“The data will help Group SHE to improve standard operating procedures and influence what the City can do to improve working conditions,” says Sithole.
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Risks for JMPD include officers being run over by motorists at roadblocks and not wearing highvisibility vests;
Although Pikitup officials are supplied with protective clothing, some don’t put it on and end up exposing themselves to hazards;
Aggressive and drunk patients often assault EMS officers who respond to emergencies and small-built officers being made to carry heavy patients;
4 5 Some JRA employees don’t use the supplied gloves and earplugs.
Health professionals in the City run the risk of needle pricks and aggressive patients;
Sithole says the City is doing all in its power to reduce incidents of injury at work, but City officials also have to play their part. “Think about your safety first in everything you do. Lead by example.” The City decided to stage its World Safety and Health Day at Work a few weeks after the rest of world observed it in April because of the many holidays in that month. Some of the events planned for the day include sharing data that indicates the levels of exposure to hazardous work environments for City officials. “Group SHE monitors the rate of incidents disabling injuries at work every month. Our goal is zero incidents, but due to the type of work City employees and entities are exposed to, the current target of four incidents has been reduced to 2.647,” says Sithole.
In the Loop – 15
Health
Human and Social Development
Follow these steps to beat hypertension Oupa Mafate for men older than age 65, or more than two a day for men age 65 and younger. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Fortunately I quit smoking more than eight year ago. Health experts say each cigarette you smoke increases your blood pressure for many minutes after you finish. Quitting smoking helps your blood pressure return to normal. People who quit smoking, regardless of age, have substantial increases in life expectancy.
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My only vice is caffeine. I can’t function without my five cups of green tea, which is known to contain a lot of caffeine.
Mboneni Ndou, the Occupational Health Professional Nurse who was doing the assessment, was the bearer of bad news. Not only was I obese, I was borderline hypertensive. In kasi lingo, I was very close to having “high-high”, which is extremely elevated blood pressure.
I have also been urged to reduce my stress. Chronic stress is an important contributor to high blood pressure. Experts urge us to take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.
consider myself fairly healthy, but that went out of the window the moment I had my pre-employment health assessment at the clinic at the Metro Centre.
I was instructed to have my blood pressure tested every Monday and warned to steer clear of salt. I also had to change a few habits. I’ve been religiously going to gym. Mayo Clinic says regular physical activity — at least 30 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). It’s important to be consistent because if you stop exercising, your blood pressure can rise again.
Stay safe and enjoy winter T
here is no denying that winter is here. The City of Joburg has embarked on a campaign to offer practical tips that could save lives and improve the quality of life of residents. The cold weather is known for bringing people together as they stay indoors to avoid discomfort from the cold. To some this can also mean a time of hardship and dangerous encounters if proper precautions are not taken. People who live in informal settlements are the most vulnerable when it comes to fire-related incidents during winter. Trying to keep warm can be a nightmare for some as fire is known to destroy informal dwellings around this time of the year. Emergency Management Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, says to help prevent some of these risky situations, the department of Public Safety has put together a, ‘Door-toDoor’ campaign, which will be conducted throughout all seven regions in order to reduce the number of fire incidents in the city.
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The campaign is mostly targeted at informal settlements since they are the most affected during winter. Paraffin stoves, braziers (imbaula) and candles are often used in informal settlements to keep houses lit and warm. However a few mistakes do happen every now and then and people might lose property or even their lives during fires, says Mulaudzi.
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Be on the lookout for the following potential causes of fire that might destroy your property:
Hypertension or “high-high” can be beaten. We just need to take extra precaution, follow the above guidelines and live happily ever after
Seven tips that can save lives and prevent injuries:
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Frayed electrical wires on appliances; Defective heaters/electric blankets; Cigarette/cigar/tobacco pipe embers; Unattended fire places without spark screens; and Gas leaks followed by a spark igniting
Keep candles away from children;
I have reduced my salt intake and now use pink salt, which is touted as the healthier option. Mayo Clinic further advises that people like me should limit sodium (salt) to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less.
Make sure no child is left alone in a room with a candle;
I was urged to take it easy on booze. Mayo Clinic says alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and
Never sleep with a brazier inside the house;
Store candles, matches and lighters away from the reach of children;
Mulaudzi urges residents to switch off all appliances such as heaters, stoves and lights when they are not in use. This will not only help you to save electricity, but it can save your life too.
Avoid walking around with a lit candle;
Never ask children to light a paraffin stove; and Make sure all flames are extinguished before you go to sleep or leave your house.
Fire incidents do not just affect people who live in informal settlements… they pose a danger to everyone. No one is immune. All residents, normal households, convenience stores, corporations and large office complexes can be exposed to fire hazards. 14 – May 2017
In the Loop – 11
Health
Human and Social Development
Strong focus on women’s health at local clinics C
ity clinics are stepping up efforts to attend to the health of women this month to coincide with Women’s Health Day on 28 May.
f you love history and want to know more about the City you work for, you now have an opportunity to pop into one of Joburg’s multiple museums for a day of information and mind-blowing experiences. To celebrate International Museum Day on May 18, the City of Joburg and the Department of Community Development have put together an Open Day during which everyone is welcome to check out some of the City’s most exciting treasures. According to Dr Ali Hlongwane, Unit Head of Museums and Galleries: Arts, Culture & Heritage, there are eight museums currently owned by the City. On May 18, visitors can pop into all eight museums for free, except for the Hector Peterson Memorial Museum. A normal entrance fee will be charged for this memorial devoted to the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
“As the new administration, we are committed to renovating heritage institutions, where necessary, as they play an integral role in increasing tourism and maintaining the City’s status as the home of the arts” says Community Development MMC Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba.
To screen for cervical cancer City health facilities allow for pap smears, which is a microscopic examination of cells taken from a woman’s uterine cervix. Those with abnormal results are then referred to a hospital for further investigation and management. In addition women are empowered at health facilities to conduct self-examinations for breast cancer. The technique is demonstrated to women so that they can carry-out their own breast palpation.
“If you don’t know your history, you don’t know where you come from and chances are you don’t know where you’re going either. That’s why we need to vigorously safeguard our heritage and preserve our museums in the City of Joburg,” says Cllr Sifumba.
As standard procedure, adult clients coming to City health facilities are all screened for common chronic diseases of lifestyle such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Those found to have abnormal readings are further investigated and then put on treatment according to national guidelines. Screenings are done during health awareness campaign days and at support group sessions.
Speaking of Hector Peterson Memorial… did you know that it is the first museum ever built in Soweto? Located in Orlando West, south of Johannesburg, the Hector Peterson Memorial is also the largest museum in Soweto.
Museums boost local economy Apart from displaying some of the country’s heritage gems, museums are known for promoting tourism and local economies throughout the country. The Hector Peterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela Museum, also in Orlando West, have been instrumental in attracting tourists from different destinations ever since they were established.
May 2017 2016 2012– –September
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Visit these destinations on Museum Day 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
The James Hall Transport Museum in Rosettenville Museum Africa in Newtown The South African Airways Museum Kliptown Open Air Museum Hector Peterson Memorial Museum The Worker’s Museum in Newtown Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park Roodepoort Museum
Family planning services in the form of contraceptives are also offered at all the City’s health facilities. The following contraceptive methods are available:
Cervical and breast cancer are two most common cancers affecting women. Global figures show that about 500 000 women die from breast cancer and a further half a million from cervical cancer each year. Since early detection and treatment will often lead to a cure, the City ensures that that its health facilities have the right equipment and treatment in place for women to receive tests and medication should they need it.
The Roodepoort Museum, which is one of the oldest heritage sites in the City of Johannesburg, is temporarily closed due to renovations taking place. However, the public will be given an opportunity to see the newly renovated museum come 18 May 2017.
Having been named after Hector Peterson (1963 – 1976) who died during the country’s 1976 students uprising, it pays tribute to the anti-apartheid iconic and highlights the role played by his generation in South Africa’s struggle for democracy.
Maternal health is a priority area at all health facilities in the City where antenatal care is offered to ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes. HIV testing is conducted and patients who are tested positive are put on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) treatment.
• Pill - Triphasil, Ovral and Microval • Injectables – Depo Provera/Petogen (for three months) and Nur-Isterate (for two months) • Implants – Implannon NXT (for three years) • Intra-Uterine Device – Loop (for 5 years) • Condom – advised to be used with all methods (for dual protection)
Learn more about the past that shapes your future I
It is important that every woman has access to knowledge related to all aspects of her body and the City acknowledges that women have their own specific health issues that deserve special consideration.
The aim is to afford all women the opportunities to be assessed on time to prevent or diagnose certain conditions early, so that they are treated before complications sets in, says Elionora Lebethe, Deputy Director in the Health Department.
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Women’s health in numbers
82
the number of clinics in the city offering comprehensive health services
49 634
clients receiving antenatal care per year
56 582
the annual number of pap smears taken at clinics
933 721
patients screened for hypertension
In the the Loop Loop –– 513 In