PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER JUNE 2022
THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Finding water solutions Yajvin Rajcoomar tackles water infrastructure challenges
Getting to know your pension The GEPF five-year guarantee rule
JUNE 2022
PSM
Contents: June 2022
14 REGULARS
16
COGTA implementing initiatives to improve municipal audit
8
The rising cost of living calls for a unite response on all fronts
14
18
be wild, but it is worth it
Little progress in municipal
National Park
An overview of local government
Water engineer Yajvin Rajcoomar
performance
rises to the challenges of water 20
Kruger with kids: it may
Working towards more clean audits
fiscus performance
Trailblazer
management
26
outcomes
From the Union Buildings
LIFESTYLE Discoveries in the Kruger
28
Food and wine
Level up your breakfast
What happens if a GEPF member dies within five years of retire-
FEATURES
ment?
Breaking down the GEPF’s five-year
guarantee period 10
Departments to enroll youth in career programmes
22
Multilingualism Award
Helping young people grow in the
Language unit flying the GCIS flag
public service 12
Municipal leader accountability required in local government
Leaders in local government set the
GCIS scoops PanSALB
high 24
Anti-corruption alliance launched The quest to fight corruption is
yeilding positive results
tone for a better public service
Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za
2
Director-General Phumla Williams Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Nomonde Mnukwa Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Regomoditswe Mavimbela
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GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
What will people say?
There is no excuse for abuse. Police: 10111 Stop Gender Violence: 0800 150 150 Childline: 0800 055 555
People can only help if they know. TELL SOMEONE.
Violence and abuse are poison to society. Let’s make it stop.
MINISTER MONDLI GUNGUBELE’S MESSAGE
Corrupt officials have nowhere to hide
Mondli Gungubele Minister in The Presidency
T
he recent arrests of
met with despondency. It is
reporting our boss or col-
(SIU) and its Special Tribunal,
alleged corrupt govern-
my hope that the recent ar-
league for wrongdoing. A new
the Fusion Centre and other
ment officials and their
rests of high-ranking officials
narrative must be written that
entities.
private sector counterparts
make people once again sit
corrupt individuals will have
have highlighted South Africa’s
up and notice.
nowhere to hide.
Apart from the arrest of corrupt officials – including at local government level, fraudu-
Heed must also be taken of
And while much of the at-
from a state where capture
what was said about whistle-
tention is focused on big-tick-
lent contracts have been
was perceived as having no
blowers in the first part of the
et scandals, maladministration
ended and funds recovered.
consequences to one where
Judicial Commission of Inquiry
and dereliction of duty also
Large-scale irregularity –
corruption is not tolerated.
into Allegations of State Cap-
constitute corruption, in that
including the alleged embez-
It has been repeatedly said
ture – that they played a major
they erode the effective use of
zlement of R1.5 billion – at the
that government alone cannot
role in revealing state capture.
public funds. These indolent
State Security Agency (SSA)
and inefficient public servants
is being investigated by the
must also be exposed.
NPA’s Investigative Directo-
commitment to transitioning
win the war on corruption –
The people of South Africa –
and that all sectors of society
and especially public serv-
need to lend their weight to
ants – must remain resolute in
what is a supreme battle for
their desire to live in a country
by government to enhance
South Africa’s survival as a
in which resources meant to
the capacity and skills of the
In due course, the Presiden-
functioning democracy.
improve lives are not pilfered
state entities involved in the
cy will deliver to Parliament an
and trust in public officials
fight against corruption – and
implementation plan on the
is that corruption fatigue is
and law-enforcement officers
this is reflected in the suc-
recommendations of the state
setting in among law-abiding
is a given.
cesses of the Investigating
capture commission. I believe
Directorate of the National
that this, and the actions that
What is worrying, however,
citizens and members of the
We must create a culture of
Much work has been done
rate and several people have been arrested.
public service, resulting in this
service delivery and excel-
Prosecuting Authority (NPA),
follow, will further help restore
call for united action being
lence – even if it means
the Special Investigating Unit
confidence in government.
4
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Creating a
sustainable future for the youth
S
‘Promoting sustainable liveli-
outh Africa will always owe a debt of gratitude
hoods and resilience of young
to the youth of 1976,
people for a better tomor-
whose peaceful protest in
row’ is the 2022 Youth Month
Soweto against Afrikaans as a
theme. This encapsulates
medium of instruction was met
government’s multi-pronged,
with police brutality. The im-
multi-sectoral approach to giv-
ages of the force unleashed on
ing the youth the future dreamt
children horrified the world and
of by their 1976 forebears. It speaks directly to us as
sparked national protests that were instrumental in the United
public servants, to the private
Nations declaring apartheid a
and civil sectors – and to the
crime against humanity.
youth – and is a call to action
Their bravery catalysed
to all of us to stay informed
others to strengthen the fight
about the many youth empow-
against apartheid and less
erment opportunities that exist. Government’s Presidential
than two decades later, the discrimination faced mostly by
Youth Employment Interven-
black South Africans for cen-
tion (PYEI), which forms part
turies was legally ended, when a democratic government was elected.
Phumla Williams, GCIS Director-General.
of the holistic Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES), has initiated several youth de-
radically different but equally
Labour Force Survey, in the
velopment and empowerment
annually on June 16 – Youth
heartbreaking struggle as
first quarter of 2022, 63.9% of
programmes. These cover
Day.
South Africa’s youth battle
youth aged 15–24 and 42% of
formal education and training,
crippling unemployment, skills
those aged 25–34 were unem-
learnership and internship op-
today parents, grandparents
deficits, gender-based violence
ployed – these figures are far
portunities and entrepreneur-
and even great-grandparents.
and substance abuse.
higher than the overall national
ship.
The students are honoured
The teenagers of the 70s are
They now bear witness to a
6
According to the Quarterly
employment rate of 34.5%.
Over 80% of the 880 000
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
work opportunities created since the launch of PES in October 2020 went to young people. One of the success stories of PES is the school assistants programme, which has placed 287 000 young people in schools across the country. Thanks to this ongoing initiative, previously out-of-work youngsters earn a wage, gain work experience and offer relief to overburdened educators. The latest PES programme, the Social Employment Fund, is recruiting 50 000 participants to work in community safety teams, food kitchens and early childhood development centres, among others. This initiative not only empowers youngsters, but helps address socio-economic challenges. In a similar vein, the revitalised National Youth Service will create 50 000 jobs for unemployed young people, who will perform acts of service in communities across the country. A backbone of youth development in South Africa is the
500 and 30 000 entrepreneurs respectively.
links young people to opportu-
The employed and the
nities for earning, learning and
empowered can be change
support; and by being men-
Agency. It has done great work
South Africa to flourish, our
agents – opening doors for this
tors. In short, let us help them
in supporting start-up busi-
youth need to flourish. Far
desperate generation by point-
realise their freedom – that of
nesses and in the past finan-
too many young people live
ing out opportunities; ensuring
economic liberation.
cial year, has given financial
without hope – unaware of the
they know about the data-free
and non-financial support to 7
existence of the many life-
SAYouth.mobi network that
National Youth Development
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
It is indisputable that for
changing programmes.
7
A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa
FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS
Rising cost
of living calls for a united response
O
ver the past few months, South Afri-
oil recording the highest
Both countries are major
can consumers have
increases.
exporters to international
been hit by steep price in-
We recently announced
markets of fertilisers, grains
that the fuel levy will be
creases that have dramatically
affects the price of almost
and oilseeds that are needed
suspended for another two
affected their quality of life.
everything else, has risen by
for a range of items such as
months to August, which will
a third in the twelve months
cooking oil.
bring some relief to house-
It has become increasingly more expensive to buy food and other essentials, to pay for basic services and to use public or private transporta-
to March 2022. South Africa is not alone in this regard. A recently published poll
holds. The suspension of the
Another factor is lower agricultural output due to ex-
levy has provided essential
treme weather events caused
relief to South Africans since
by climate change, such as
it began in April. Since the
flooding and droughts.
suspension of the levy comes
tion. While these rising costs
for the World Economic
affect everyone, low-income
Forum shows that nearly a
households are feeling them
quarter of people globally,
are beyond our control, gov-
finances, which affects other
the most.
including those in developed
ernment is doing what it can
programmes of government,
economies, are struggling fi-
to shield the South African
it will be difficult to continue
Index for April 2022 pub-
nancially due to rising prices.
from current and future price
this indefinitely.
lished by Stats SA shows
These increases, particu-
The latest Consumer Price
8
The price of fuel, which
are experiencing.
While many of these events
increases.
at a significant cost to public
There are, however, other
there has been little respite
larly the price of fuel, are
for hard-pressed South
the consequence of events
vantages as a country is a
Africans. Food inflation was
over which we have little
strong, independent Reserve
security is vital to withstand-
recorded at 6.2 percent.
control. The ongoing conflict
Bank that has managed to
ing this and future shocks.
The most basic foodstuffs
between Russia and Ukraine
keep inflation within a nar-
We have a strong agricultural
cost more than a year ago,
has had a significant impact
row target range, well below
sector that continues to grow
with staples like cooking
on the price of fuel and food.
what many other countries
and create jobs.
One of our greatest ad-
things we can do. Improving our nation’s food
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
To further increase agricultural production and strengthen our food sovereignty, we are investing heavily in improving local capacity, supporting commercial and small-scale farmers alike and helping more people to grow their own food. Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, input vouchers have been given to over 65,000 smallholder farmers, and work is underway to reach 250,000 such farmers. Government is also providing subsistence farmers with fertilisers and equipment to produce food, and
safeguard animal health against
helping groups or individuals to
diseases like foot-and-mouth,
ensure that consumers do not
increases and anticompetitive
start their own food gardens. In
we are strengthening our animal
pay more for food than they
practices by businesses, as
provinces like North West, small-
movement control measures and
have to. We welcome the indica-
we did during the COVID-19
scale farmers are supported
vaccine production capabilities.
tions from food manufacturers
pandemic.
In addition to boosting local
and retailers that they are put-
The ongoing process of struc-
with agricultural ‘starter-packs’
Corporate South Africa should
ers against unjustifiable price
of seedlings and poultry, in part-
food production, our exten-
ting measures in place to help
tural reform of our economy will
nership with local agricultural
sive social grants system and
consumers get more for their
support these efforts. Reforms
colleges.
zero-rating of basic goods
money.
in the energy, transport and
Through the Pro-Active Land
helps to protect the poor from
In March this year the Com-
telecommunications sectors aim
Acquisition Strategy and the re-
rising costs. Through free basic
petition Commission released
to reduce the cost of electricity,
lease of state-owned land for ag-
services like water and electric-
for public comment the terms of
logistics and data in the long
riculture, we are supporting more
ity for indigent households, we
reference for a market enquiry
term through greater competi-
small-scale farmers to expand
can ensure that no family goes
into the fresh produce market.
tion and efficiency. We should be
their businesses and make them
without basic services.
It noted that the cost of fresh
paying less, not more, for these services in the future.
commercially successful. We
To get through this difficult
produce has been increasing at
are also focusing on establishing
period, all of society should get
above-inflation levels, and that
more public-private partnerships
involved.
this has had a disproportionate
weather are events over which
effect on the poor. The inquiry
we have little control, there is still
Though oil prices and extreme
to support the expansion of black
For our part, government will
commercial farming through ini-
continue to monitor the situation
will examine if there are any dis-
much we can do, as government,
tiatives like the Partners in Agri
closely and will do everything
tortions in the value chain that
business, labour and communi-
Land Solutions and the Agricul-
within its power to protect South
make food more expensive.
ties to help the people of
tural Development Agency.
Africans from unsustainable
To enhance biosecurity and
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
increases in the cost of living.
We will use our competition policy to protect consum-
South Africa through this difficult time. v
9
FEATURE
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
SAnews.gov.za
Departments invited to enrol youth in career programmes
P
ublic Service and Administration Acting Minister, Thulas
National Youth Month. The five-day BB2E course and the 18-month
for delivering quality public
youth with post-school
services.
qualifications is very high
It also teaches them how
in the country.
Nxesi, has called on gov-
Cadet Programme are
public funds are adminis-
“The public service, as
ernment departments and
offered by the National
tered and managed, how
the largest employer, has
public entities to enrol young
School of Government
to carry out basic adminis-
responded to this chal-
people in internships as part
(NSG) and target unem-
trative and communication
lenge by enabling unem-
of the Breaking Barriers to
ployed graduates with
functions, the policies and
ployed graduates to gain
Entry into the Public Service
post-school qualifications,
prescripts that guide the
experience through the
Programme (BB2E) and the
and interns in the public
appointment of persons
Public Service Graduate
Cadet Programme.
sector and statutory bod-
into the public service,
Internship and Learnership
ies.
and how to write CVs and
Programme.
These programmes are aimed at preparing young
The BB2E course intro-
prepare themselves for
“In addition to this, the
people for careers in the
duces young people to
public sector and for the
government and teaches
work environment in gen-
them how government
Monday, Nxesi said the
det Programme. The aim is
eral, as the country begins
works and the strategies
unemployment rate among
to prepare the unemployed
10
interviews. In a statement on
NSG has introduced the BB2E course and the Ca-
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
graduates for employment
essary in the workspace in
work but comes up with
ful TOT session that was
opportunities in the public
both the public and private
turn-around strategies to
conducted in November
sector.
sectors.
salvage a failing situation.
2021, which was attended
“This is a very impor-
These include self-man-
Making a difference to
tant investment in our
agement, emotional intel-
people: A public servant
youth and promotes their
ligence, job search skills,
who is always committed,
288 Young Patriots from
development. As we mark
problem solving skills, as
results-oriented and meas-
the National Youth Devel-
National Youth Month, we
well as entrepreneurship/
ures the impact of her/his
opment Agency and the
invite government depart-
creating your own job.
actions against the public’s
Department of Arts, Sports
expectations.
and Culture attended Per-
ments and public entities
Nxesi said the ultimate
by 40 officials. In March 2022, at total of
sonal Mastery course.
to enrol youth in these
goal is to shape the young
critical development pro-
graduates into “public
and teamwork: A public
grammes,” Nxesi said.
service cadres of a special
servant who believes
from learners and officials
kind”.
in partnership, consid-
from both the NYDA and
ers the opinion of other
the Department of Arts
colleagues, peers and
and Culture was extremely
the public, and is able to
positive. We thus encour-
The 18-month Cadet Programme is a sister
The attributes of such
initiative to the successful
public service cadres are:
Breaking Barriers to Entry
Breaking new ground:
Collective responsibility
“The feedback received
into the Public Service
A public servant who will
network with organs of
age departments and enti-
initiative and seeks to
be able to make personal
civil society, community
ties across all spheres of
deepen the understanding
interventions to translate
development workers and
government to enrol young
of the public sector, whilst
policy into action.
all other stakeholders.
graduates (interns) on the
Inspiring success: A
On board: A public serv-
broader social entrepre-
public servant who is
ant who is on board is one
neurial space.
self-motivated and ready
who owns the processes
to motivate others to serve
of service delivery and
the public.
understands that blame for
also covering issues in the
It is made up of four courses/modules, which
Cadet Programme,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za
For enquiries and
are: The Constitution and
Raising the standard:
the failure of the system
enrolment, relevant
the Administration of the
A public servant who is
should be laid squarely on
officials in depart-
Public Sector, Ethics in the
responsive and capable of
his/her shoulders.
Public Service, Writing for
giving her/his best regard-
Government and Personal
less of whether he/she
45 officials from different
Mastery.
is in the front office or at
national and provincial
management level.
departments will attend a
via email on contact-
Training of Trainers (TOT)
centre@thensg.gov.za
The Minister emphasised that the Personal Mastery
Nothing is impossible:
On 20-24 June 2022,
ments should contact The National School of Government call centre on 0861008326,
component is particularly
A public servant who
session to be empowered
or visit the website on
important because it cov-
does not use policy or
and developed to train the
www.thensg.gov.za.
ers other generic employ-
resource constraints as
youth on Personal Mastery.
ability skills that are nec-
an excuse for not doing
This follows a success-
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
11
FEATURE
SAnews.gov.za
Municipal leader
accountability required in local government
S
outh Africa’s local government sphere can only improve
if roleplayers ensure ac-
countability for government spending and the improvement of service delivery, says Auditor-General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke.
The AG made the remarks while presenting the consolidated general report on local government audit outcomes for the 2020/21 financial year during a press briefing on recently. Her office’s latest report reflects on the audit outcomes over the five-year term of the previous local government administration. Addressing reporters, she said trends in the report demonstrate that the fourth administration (2016-2021) left municipalities in a worse financial position than when they took office.
12
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
“The lack of improvement in municipal outcomes is an indictment on the entire local government accountability ecosystem, which failed to act and arrest the decline that continued to be characterised by service delivery challenges in municipalities.” Therefore, she said, the report “presents a not-tobe-missed opportunity for the new administration to address the already reported audit findings”. The AGSA required there be responsiveness "so when something goes wrong, somebody acts
strict processes, predict-
In this regard, she said
and makes sure that there
able systems, a clear set
leaders must stabilise and
is accountability" and
of values that are upheld
capacitate the administra-
"stem the losses".
through disciplined moni-
tion in their municipali-
institution, institution build-
toring, timely and effective
ties, institutionalise strong
ing by identifying, con-
number of material ir-
oversight that reward good
financial management
fronting and addressing
regularities (MIs), we have
behavior."
disciplines on budgeting,
the real issues that make
collecting or even expendi-
it difficult to build and
ture.
sustain a culture of perfor-
"When you look at the
and consequences for wrongdoing. "If we all focus on the
to shift the culture towards
More than this, she said,
one where responsiveness
there should be sanctions
by those that lead institu-
for poor performance,
"They must enable and
tions increases, where
transgressions and de-
insist on regular, credible
ency and accountability,
there is ongoing attention
viations through effective
financial and performance
then we shall win all of the
to driving the systematic
consequence manage-
report and use these to
accountability ecosystem
improvements in the cul-
ment.
monitor and to oversee
players must pay their part.
ture of compliance within these municipalities.
"Leaders of municipalities
and to act," she said.
mance, integrity, transpar-
"They must support,
must turn their attention to
Leaders must set the
systematically restoring the
right leadership tone and
swiftly and effectively," she
sational performance,
integrity of their institu-
example around ethical
concluded. – SAnews.gov.
every institution needs
tions."
conduct, discipline, action
za
"For effective organi-
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
monitor and must act
13
Candidate engineer ready to do his bit to improve lives
Y
ajvin Rajcoomar (27) from Durban
in February. Given the importance of
tion and quality assurance of hydraulic structures and
a candidate engineer at the
core business, it runs a bur-
Rajcoomar’s journey
Department of Water and
sary programme to help ad-
He obtained a BSc Civil
Rajcoomar was honoured
Sanitation (DWS) where he is
dress the shortage of skills
Engineering degree from
to be part of the engineering
gaining the expertise needed
in the water and sanitation
the University of KwaZulu-
team responsible for assess-
to one day help South Africa
sector. Rajcoomar is one of
Natal three years ago and
ing damage to infrastructure
come up with innovative
the promising youngsters
immediately went to work
after the recent floods in
solutions to its water chal-
to receive a bursary from
for the DWA as a candidate
KwaZulu-Natal.
lenges.
the department’s Learning
engineer in the department’s
Academy.
four-year graduate pro-
ing high-level conditional
gramme, he says.
assessments for damaged
in KwaZulu-Natal is
Several engineering fields
engineering to the DWA’s
were added to the scarce
He says he has a passion
skills list that was gazetted
for water engineering, with a
Rajcoomar says he
open channel conveyance systems.
“I was tasked with compil-
infrastructure in local district
focus on hydraulic structures
was fortunate enough to
municipalities,” says Raj-
– which means the DWS is
work in two different chief
coomar.
the perfect fit for him.
directorates of the depart-
As a young South African,
ment. During his time at
Rajcoomar feels extremely
field mainly focuses on
the Infrastructure Develop-
honoured to be part of the
the continuous develop-
ment Directorate, his duties
DWS where he is able to
ment, maintenance and risk
mainly consisted of the
provide valuable contri-
management associated
management of large capital
butions to improving the
with water infrastructure.
projects, such as dams,
lives of citizens across the
Potential risks include the
pipelines, and canals. He is
country. “Knowing that daily
injury and loss of life due to
currently based in the Engi-
your work affects millions of
infrastructure failure, dam-
neering Services Directorate,
South Africans drives me to
age to the environment and
where his duties include
work harder and provides
the overall impact of water
providing technical support
me with a sense of fulfilment
infrastructure on the coun-
for the design, implementa-
and job satisfaction.”
The water-engineering
14
try’s economic growth.
Photo by Alex Perez on Unsplash
Writer: Ursula Graaff
TRAILBLAZER
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
FEATURE
SAnews.gov.za
COGTA implementing
initiatives to improve municipal audit outcomes
C
ooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Dr
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has noted the 2020/21 municipal audit reports released by AuditorGeneral Tsakani Maluleke on Wednesday on 15 June 2022.
The AGSA in her report states that it is encouraging to see the slight increase in the number of clean audits as 27 municipalities were able to maintain their clean audit status with 14 having achieved a clean audit for the first time. In a statement, the Minister welcomed the audit improvements in some municipalities but expressed serious concern about those that have regressed as well as those THAT have not improved “We are encouraged that with the ongoing efforts to improve the municipal audit outcomes,
16
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
there are municipalities that
countable for their role in the
vibrant, resilient and climate-
do get things right and be-
plan to ensure that there are
smart communities,” Minister
come exemplary to others.”
consequences for non-perfor-
Dlamini Zuma said.
Dlamini Zuma said she continues to support the work
mance. The Ministry said these
The Ministry said the AGSA confirmed that the audit
done by the AGSA and initia-
audit outcomes were in
outcomes, in the areas of
tives aimed at consolidating
line with the department’s
governance, financial health,
the improvements recorded
reports on the State of Local
institutional matters and
in some municipalities and
Government. In this regard,
service delivery, of municipali-
supporting municipalities to
the department and Na-
ties need effective coordina-
implement and maintain ef-
tional Treasury are leading the
tion across all spheres of
fective systems. The systems
process of the development
government to ensure that
were the areas of govern-
of the Municipal Support and
municipalities receive support
ance, financial management,
Intervention Plans (MSIPs) in
so that they achieve their
performance management,
collaboration with sector de-
Constitutional mandates.
infrastructure, service delivery
partments, SALGA, provinces,
Noting the state of mu-
and compliance with local
and municipalities.
government legislation and
MSIPs for the 64 municipali-
nicipalities and the need to institutionalise coordination
ties categorised as dysfunc-
of support to municipalities,
tional have now been de-
the department is implement-
said the department would
veloped. Financial Recovery
ing the support envisaged
implement initiatives aimed
Plans (FRP’s) have also been
by Section 154 of the Con-
at ensuring that there was a
developed for municipalities
stitution through the District
multi-stakeholder approach
placed under mandatory in-
Development Model (DDM)
with clear roles and respon-
tervention in terms of Section
approach which at this stage
sibilities in supporting local
139(5) of the Constitution.
has seen the establishment
related prescripts. In this regard, the Ministry
government. The Ministry said the initiative would also include: – the municipal support
“We provide assistance to
of three district hubs and the
municipalities in the frame-
development of DDM One
work of the obligation that
Plans for all district munici-
local government must en-
palities.
intervention plans are for-
hance the lives of all persons
mulated following a proper
in their jurisdiction. Munici-
model, especially in local
diagnostic assessment to
palities must work towards
municipalities, will address
ensure that the interven-
the improvement of peoples’
socio-economic challenges
tions are tailor-made for each
lives through the provision
and promote and retain in-
municipality.
of basic services, ensuring
vestment in local economies.
economic growth as well as
– SAnews.gov.za
– role-players are held ac-
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
Implementation of the
17
FEATURE
SAnews.gov.za
Little progress in municipal fiscus performance, says AG Maluleke
review, Maluleke said her office has observed a worrying trend of municipalities not submitting financials and late submissions, which is a violation of relevant laws. “Five years ago, 90% of municipalities would submit their financials on time for audit. Now we're sitting at 82% that do so on time. There is a number of provinces where this is a struggle, specifically the Free State, North West and Northern Cape,” she said. She said the AGSA is putting measures in place to curb the emerging phenomenon.
Audits A breakdown of the audit finding reveals that 25 audits with disclaimer opin-
T
ions- were issued by the AG in the financial year. This is a
Addressing reporters,
2020/21 saw little
the AG decried the lack of
improvement in the
improvement in the status of
portant to note that among
performance of the country’s
transparency, accountability,
the 41 were predominantly
local government sphere,
performance and integrity of
district municipalities,
issued four adverse opin-
says Auditor-General (AG)
local government.
one metro, very few local
ions and 78 qualified audit
municipalities, a handful of
opinions.
Tsakani Maluleke.
The year saw only 41 of the
18
tion.”
he financial year
She said: “Throughout the
The AG said it was im-
slight improvement from the previous year’s 33. The office, Maluleke said,
A total of 100 munici-
tenure of the fourth adminis-
municipal entities, and small
257 municipalities receive
tration of local government,
number of intermediate
palities received unqualified
clean audits. Maluleke on
we've not seen an improve-
cities.
opinions,.
Wednesday presented the
ment. If you compare from
consolidated general report
five years ago, there were
with the largest budgets
municipalities still struggle
on local government audit
33 clean audits. This time,
were not adequately repre-
with financial management
outcomes for the financial
it's around 41 -- so not much
sented in the 41, she said.
practices. They struggle with
year.
movement in the right direc-
Municipalities and entities
In the financial year under
"But within the 100, those
compliance issues, particu-
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
larly insofar as procurement
municipalities received
corded a number of notable
tutions. Since then, our im-
is concerned. They largely
clean audits, the Eastern
successes.
pact has been felt, with firm
ignore performance infor-
Cape recorded only four.
“We issued MIs on matters
actions having been taken.
mation, which is a problem
At 22, the Western Cape
relating to actual or poten-
We noted that investigations
because that often results in
had the highest number of
tial financial loss, as well as
have been performed or
poor service delivery on an
municipalities with clean
those causing substantial
were underway to deter-
ongoing basis.
audits.
harm to institutions and
mine the root causes for the
their entities, and those
lack of records, registers
ignoring audit findings and
malanga, KwaZulu-Natal
causing substantial harm
and reconciliations.
weakening accountability
and Limpopo, respectively,
to communities. For 81% of
have had the result of weak-
achieved clean audits in
these matters, municipalities
now developed action plans
ening institutions.
five, four, three and one
had not taken any action
– or are in the process of
municipality.
until we issued the MI notifi-
doing so – to address the
cations to them,” she said.
root causes, and financial
The AG said years of
Provinces
Northern Cape, Mpu-
a grim picture, with no clean
Material irregularities (MIs)
audits recorded in the North
Following the expansion of
West and Free State.
its audit mandate in 2020,
A provincial breakdown of the audit outocomes paints
While only two Gauteng
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
Maluleke said the AGSA re-
During the financial year,
"Accounting officers have
recovery plans are receiving
the AG issued MIs against
attention from municipali-
repeatedly disclaimed mu-
ties, national government
nicipalities.
and provincial government,”
“These MIs were causing
she said. - SAnews.gov.za
substantial harm to the insti-
19
GEPF
What happens
if a member dies within five years of retirement?
A
pension (or annuity) for the rest
indicate who should get the
of their lives.
benefits.
Dr Rakgwatha Mokou, Man-
“Active members and pension-
ager of Media and External
ers are encouraged to commu-
Stakeholder Relations at GPAA,
nicate with their families about
explains in more detail. “If a pen-
pension matters to ensure that
sioner is still alive after the first
when they pass on, their families
five years of retirement, the fund
or beneficiaries know exactly
continues to pay the monthly
what to do. They should also
ctive Government
the eligible spouse and/or
pension, but not from the
regularly update their personal
Employees Pen-
beneficiaries of the deceased
pensioner’s contributions, which
details and nomination form.”
sion Fund (GEPF)
pensioner.
would have been depleted. This
members are encouraged to
To put it simply, if a member
According to Mokou, spouses
is one of the non-contributory
and beneficiaries are required
inform their families about
dies 12 months after retiring
benefits to GEPF members,”
to inform the GEPF if a member
the fund’s five-year guarantee
and received R20 000 in pen-
says Mokou.
passes on within five years of
period rule.
sion a month, the remaining
If a member passes on after
retirement. This will also help
48 months’ payments will be
five years of retirement, there
ensure the speedy pay-out of
sions Administration Agency
paid out as a lump sum: 48
will be no five-year balance pay-
the funeral benefit.
(GPAA), which administers
months x R20 000 = R960
able. This is because the mem-
pensions on behalf of the
000.
ber’s funds would have been
ies to know that there is an
depleted, says Mokou. In this
amount of R15 000 that the
The Government Pen-
GEPF, says it is important that
Thereafter, the spouse will
“It is important for beneficiar-
in the event of the death of
receive a smaller monthly
case, only the monthly spousal
fund pays out at the death of a
a GEPF member, their loved
spousal pension.
pension will be paid.
pensioner or member to assist
He cautions that the five-year
ones know what to do. A GEPF member’s annuity
20
By: Daniel Bugan
with the funeral arrangements.
rule does not apply to active
Dependents also qualify for the
members, but only to those who
funeral benefit.”
is guaranteed for 60 months
Pension for life
after retirement. The five-year
GEPF members who have
have retired. However, should
guarantee rule prescribes that
under 10 years of service
the member pass on while still
tion forms from GEPF offices
should a member pass on
receive a once-off lump sum
in active service, beneficiaries
near them, the GEPF website
within five years of retirement,
on retirement, while those
will receive death benefits.
or from the HR office of any
the GEPF will pay the balance
with more than 10 years of
Mokou urges members to
of the annuities that were
service receive a once-off
complete a nomination form
They can also call 0800 117 669
guaranteed for five years to
payment and a monthly
(WP102) while in service to
or email enquiries@gepf.co.za
Beneficiaries can get applica-
government office near them.
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
FEATURE
Writer: Elias Tibane
GCIS scoops PanSALB
Multilingualism Award
A
t a glittering
or programme in the public
the GCIS is responsible for
Tshivenḓa and Xitsonga –
ceremony held
sector that seeks to promote
providing strategic leadership
which enables the former
in Sandton near
multilingualism or any of the
and coordinating government
marginalised languages to
Johannesburg on 15 June
11 official languages, including
communications to ensure
flourish.
2022, the Pan South African
Khoi, Nama, San as well as
that the public is informed
Language Board (PanSALB)
South African Sign Language'.
and has access to govern-
past years been consistently
awarded the Multilingualism
Congratulating the language
ment programmes and poli-
producing some of its com-
cies that benefit them.
munication material in all the
The GCIS has over the
Award in the Government/
unit team, GCIS Director-
Public Sector category to the
General Phumla Williams
Government Communica-
said: “Thank you for flying the
of the Republic of South Af-
to handling various ad hoc
tion and Information System
GCIS flag high.”
rica of 1996 guarantees equal
communication products, the
(GCIS).
Section 6 of the Constitution
official languages. In addition
status to 11 official languages
department’s language unit is
The certificate and trophy
mandate to provide the public
– Afrikaans, English, isiNde-
also responsible for partially
were 'for an effective service
with information that is timely,
bele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi,
translating articles for the
delivery campaign, project
accurate and accessible,
Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati,
fortnightly Vuk’uzenzele
By virtue of its constitutional
newspaper and the Cabinet Statement. It also harvests, develops and consolidates relevant terminology. During the national lockdown, the unit was at the forefront of making information on COVID-19 timeously available in all official languages. It also facilitated translations into the two dominant Southern African Development Community languages, Portuguese and Flying the GCIS flag high are Boitumelo Phalatse, Elias Tibane, Nomgcibelo Motha and Thandolunye Magudulela.
22
French.
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
Writer: Thabisile Dlomo
FEATURE
Anti-corruption alliance launched T
he quest by the South
have pledged to finan-
project was established
ject while Switzerland has
African government
cially support one of the
in October 2021 by South
co-financed the project with two-and-a-half million
programmes that seeks to
African government’s
corruption in both the public
root out corruption in the
Anti-Corruption Task Team
euros through Swiss State
and private sectors is yielding
procurement and supply
(ACTT) and Deutsche Ge-
Secretary for Economic
positive results.
chain management system
sellschaft für Internationale
Affairs (SECO).
within the public sector.
Zusammenarbeit, also
to fight fraud and
These government ef-
24
forts have attracted the
Called the Transparency,
interests of German and Swiss governments, which
On 20 June 2022, the
known as GIZ. Germany
three partners in the TIP
Integrity and Accountabil-
has contributed eight mil-
project formally launched
ity Programme (TIP), the
lion euros to the TIP pro-
the partnership agreement
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
in Pretoria at Statistics
trust in government due
strategy and supporting
(COGTA), South African
South Africa Auditorium.
to rampant corruption
the whole of government
Human Research Council
The launch served as an
in the public sector. This
coordination. The final leg
(SAHRC) and the Special
acknowledgement of the
has compelled govern-
of the TIP is the building of
Investigating Unit (SIU).
funding by GIZ and SECO.
ment to intensify its fight
multi-stakeholder partner-
Non-state actors are
The keynote speakers
against corruption and the
ships through establishing
represented by Corruption
at the launch were the
creation of the National
corruption reporting and
Watch, Organisation Un-
Ambassador of Germany,
Anti-Corruption Strategy
whistleblowing, advocat-
doing Tax Abuse (OUTA),
Andreas Peschke, the
(NACS), an inclusive ap-
ing for public procurement
Business Unity South Af-
Ambassador of Switzer-
proach to create a South
and building business
rica (BUSA), the National
land, Nicolas Bruehl and
African society that is
integrity. All these sup-
Business Initiative (NBI),
Deputy Director General
based on the values of
porting fields of the TIP
academia, Public Affairs
(DDG) of the Department
integrity, transparency and
project find expression in
Research Institute (PARI)
of Planning, Monitoring
accountability, and respect
pillar 1 to 6 of the NACS.
and Auditor General South
and Evaluation (DPME),
for the rule of law.
Henk Serfontein. Serfontein thanked both
The TIP project has three
The TIP project further supports anti-corruption
Africa (AGSA). The financial injection
supporting fields: active
bodies and bolsters
to the TIP project will
the governments of Ger-
citizenry, institutional
integrity management
ensure that all efforts of
many and Switzerland for
building and strategy
in private companies.
fighting corruption reap
supporting the South Afri-
implementation and multi-
Therefore, the role players
positive benefits and that
can government in its fight
stakeholder partnerships
in the TIP project include
those implicated in corrupt
against fraud and corrup-
(MSPs) and alliances to
government and non-state
activities are brought to
tion. He also emphasized
implement the NACS.
organisations. Govern-
account for their actions.
that government’s com-
In supporting active
ment is represented by the
The citizens of this country
mitment to fight corruption
citizenry, the TIP project
DPME and the Depart-
should be encouraged by
is detailed in priority one
aims to promote ethical
ment of Public Service and
the recent reports of the
of the National Develop-
leadership, enhance the
Administration (DPSA).
cancellation of irregular
ment Plan (NDP), which
whistleblower support
The National Treasury
contracts and tenders,
outlines a plan of creating
system and strengthen-
is represented by the
arrests and prosecution of
an ethical and capable
ing communities to hold
International Development
those who are allegedly
developmental state. One
government accountable.
Cooperation and Office
implicated in state cap-
of the outcomes of as-
The institutional building
of the Chief Procurement
ture, Personal Protection
sessing the achievement
element of the TIP project
Officer (OCPO), Depart-
Equipment (PPE) pro-
of this goal is tracking the
includes developing a
ment of Justice and Con-
curement corruption and
trust level in government
monitoring and evalu-
stitutional Development
defrauding the Unemploy-
by members of the public.
ation framework in the
(DOJ&CD), Department of
ment Insurance Fund (UIF)
Over the years the country
implementation of the
Cooperative Governance
earmarked for the TERS
has witnessed dwindling
NACS, the communication
and Traditional Affairs
relief funds.
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
25
By: Duane Stacey Additional reporting by: Robyn Peverley Photos by: Robyn Peverley
TRAVEL
Kruger with kids: It may be wild, but it is worth it. A
4am wake-up call; 5am meet at the airport; a two-hour flight to OR Tambo, followed by a six-hour journey to Paul Kruger Gate – all while single-handedly coping with two children, aged five and seven.
A schlep? Undoubtedly. Worth it? Absolutely.
buffalo grazing by the river.
oculars, swotted up on our
From that moment on, So-
Southern African animals
phie and Billy were hooked.
and birds and I bought
The drive from the gate
When the opportunity
enough kid-friendly padkos
to our camp in Skukuza
presented itself to take
to keep Hansel and Gretel
provided plenty of opportu-
our children to the Kruger
in the woods for months.
nities to spot wild animals.
National Park for a week,
After a long day’s flying
An appreciation of all
my husband was unable
and driving, we finally
animals has been integral
to get off work. I ummed
crossed the bridge to the
to our family from day one,
and aahed for a while – all
Paul Kruger Gate and
but I was concerned that
parents know that travel-
entered the famous game
they would not grasp the
ling alone with children
park. Although Malelane
necessity of silence when,
can be demanding. The
Gate is quicker to reach
say, surrounded by a herd
went fairly smoothly. The
temptation was too great,
from OR Tambo, the Paul
of elephants or a pride of
kids were up and about
however, and I could not
Kruger Gate is closer to
lions. Kids are adaptable,
once the alarm got them
pass up the opportunity for
Skukuza Rest Camp, where
though, and unlike their
going, but I learnt a keen
my little ones to have their
we would be staying.
older counterparts, they
lesson on the value of
learn quickly!
preparation: Getting kids
first experience of animals in the wild.
26
So we packed our bin-
From the bridge, we saw our first animal: A lone
Our first morning drive
ready for a game drive is
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
not too dissimilar to get-
game drives in the after-
although the thought of
this to adult fees and
ting them ready for school
noon, which allowed for
venturing into the wild for
accommodation to get a
– everything needs to be
much excitement (and the
a night-time bathroom visit
realistic idea of costs.)
ready the night before!
odd sundowner for Mum);
seems scary, it certainly
• The gates at the Kruger
supper and quick stories
adds to the morning’s
National Park close early
hot drinks in the flasks and
before they crashed into
stories!
(the times differ, depend-
blankets under our arms,
bed.
With beanies donned,
we hopped onto the game
There were many high-
On our last day, I al-
ing on the season), so
lowed the kids access to
give yourself enough
drive vehicle (GDV – ap-
lights for curious kids.
a downloaded film on my
time to get in and to your
parently, that’s what you
Firstly, we saw leopards
iPad (the square au-pair, as
rest camp.
call them if you’re cool;
– not once, but twice,
I call it) while I packed up.
• Pack plenty of snacks for
and the kids liked this!). Of
extremely close up and
As we drove out, my two
kids – if you’re coming
course, impala were celeb-
with no other cars to dis-
children seemed downcast.
from Cape Town or other
rities but, unfortunately for
turb us. My children were
I asked what was wrong
areas of the country, it
them (and the lilac-breast-
awestruck. We also saw
and Sophie said, “I’m go-
can be a long journey.
ed rollers), their status was
a baby rhinoceros in the
ing to miss the Kruger.” It
soon downgraded to, ‘Oh!
wild – a true rarity these
was all I needed to hear to
essential in winter, as
another one’. But our first
days – as well as kudu and
know that I had made the
are blankets and woolly
hyena, lounging languidly
elephant in abundance.
right call. It is special and is
hats, for morning drives.
in the roadside grass after
But the big animals weren’t
most certainly worth a visit.
Insulated travel mugs are
a long night’s prowling,
the only creatures on our
Luckily, a quick stop at
also brilliant, and rusks
was a source of much ex-
agenda. Incredible birds
Alzu service station off the
do wonders to stave off
citement. This was followed
also abounded: Ground
N4 on the way to Johan-
the hunger of little tum-
by hippos, crocodiles and
hornbills, Marshall eagles
nesburg allowed for a last
mies needing breakfast.
waterbuck at a watering
and plenty of vultures had
look at some beautiful ani-
hole, which rounded off
everyone enthralled.
mals – housed in extensive
weight long-sleeve tops
grounds at Alzu – before
and long pants, insect repellent and sunscreen.
a very exciting morning’s
Typical of little kids,
viewing and set the tone
Sophie and Billy found that
we returned to urbanisation
for the rest of the stay.
picking up their first dung
and time started to speed
beetle was just as exciting
up again.
The kids soon fell into
• Hot water bottles are
• In summer, pack light-
• Kids’ activity books are invaluable, as are games (Big 5 Top Trumps was
the bush routine: Early
as having to reverse slowly
morning game drives; a
away from a pugnacious
Know before you go:
a hit!) to while away the
big breakfast upon return;
young elephant bull.
• Although more populat-
quieter hours between
quiet midday moments
Camping in the wilder-
ed, the south of the park
drives.
filled with books, activities
ness was also a treat:
and explorations of the
Campfire stories are made
camp; compulsory after-
more vivid by starlight and
fees when planning your
If you’re looking after
noon rests (the kids didn’t
hyena whoops do won-
holiday. (SA kids: R55
sleeping kids, it can get
need to sleep, but a rest
ders for bush tales. The
per day; SADC nationals:
a bit lonely, so turn the
was non-negotiable, given
early bedtime gives much-
R110 per day and foreign-
hour before bed into
the busy evenings ahead);
needed rest for adults and,
ers: R220 per day. Add
your special time.
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
is better suited for kids. • Factor in conservation
• Adults: Take your reading books and drinks.
27
FOOD AND WINE
By: Gilda Narsimdas
Level up your Breakfast G
ive English fry-ups a miss and up your game in the breakfast department with some cool new menu options. Say goodbye to greasy plates and hello to yummy, healthier meals. We’ve rounded up some wonderful new dishes from www.delicious.com.au that we guarantee the whole family will enjoy.
Weet-Bix, banana and choc chip muffins Ingredients
• 3 ripe bananas • 4 Weet-Bix • 3/4 cup milk • 2 eggs • 4 tablespoons margarine or butter • 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 cup chocolate chips
Method • Preheat oven to 180°C. • Grease a 12-hole muffin pan. Mash bananas in a bowl, then crumble in Weet-Bix and stir in the milk. • Set aside for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat together the eggs and margarine, then add to the banana mixture. Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl and add wet ingredients and choc chips. • Stir until just combined, then spoon into muffin pan and bake for 25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
28
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
• 220g coarsely grated parmesan, plus 50g finely grated, for the topping • 230g pumpkin puree • 100g (2 medium) eggs, at room temperature • 50g milk or buttermilk, plus extra to brush
Method • For the pumpkin puree, preheat the oven to 190°C. Cut the pumpkin into cubes. Place in a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 1 hour 45 minutes or until tender. Blitz in a food processor to form a smooth puree. • To make the scones, cut the chilled butter into 1cm cubes and return it to the fridge to get really cold while you weigh up the rest of your ingredients. • Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Place the flour, baking powder, bicarb soda, salt and spices into a large bowl and whisk to combine, removing any large lumps. • Tip the dry ingredients onto your workspace and add the chilled butter cubes. Use a rolling pin to break
Pumpkin scones
the butter into the flour, gathering in the flour with a
Pumpkin Puree
still visible. These small pieces of butter are important
Ingredients
• 400g pumpkin • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • Fine salt & freshly ground black pepper
dough scraper or spatula as you roll, until the mixture is crumbly, with shards of butter the size of rolled oats for the structure and texture of the baked scones, so be careful not to overmix. • Add the coarsely grated parmesan and toss to combine.
Scones • 220g unsalted butter, chilled • 3 1/3 cups (500g) plain flour
• Place the pumpkin puree, eggs and milk in a bowl and lightly whisk to combine. • Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
pour in the wet mixture. Toss the flour mixture over the
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
liquid and use your hands to gently bring everything
• 2 teaspoons fine salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
together – this may take a minute or two. • Use a dough scraper to gather up any loose flour or
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
liquid as you go. Once it is a cohesive mass, roll it out
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
a little and fold it over itself two to three times to help
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
create layers.
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
29
FOOD AND WINE
• Roll the dough into a slab roughly measuring 18cm × 28cm, and 3cm thick. Use an 8cm round cutter to cut out six scones. Gather up the trimmings and push them together, then cut out another scone or two. Place the scones, evenly spaced, on the lined tray. Cover loosely with a tea towel and refrigerate for a couple of hours or freeze for 30 minutes to set the butter back into the dough. At this stage, you can wrap and freeze the scones for up to one month. • To bake the scones, preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly brush the tops with milk, then sprinkle with finely grated parmesan. Place the tray on the top oven shelf and bake for 10 minutes, then turn the oven down to 180°C. • Bake for a further 10-12 minutes, turning the tray halfway through, until golden on top. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes, then eat on the same day. The flavour of the spices will mellow beautifully as the scones cool.
Egg and cheese Turkish flatbread Ingredients
• 2 2/3 cups (400g) self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk, plus extra for brushing • 1 teaspoon salt flakes
the mixer on low, slowly add liquid and knead for 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. • For filling, mix ricotta, feta, beaten egg, zest and herbs in a bowl and season. • Divide dough into four equal pieces. Roll out each on
• 500g fresh ricotta
a lightly floured surface to a 15cm x 25cm oval. Spread
• 100g Greek feta, crumbled
a quarter of the filling over each, leaving a 2cm border.
• 6 eggs, 2 lightly beaten
Fold in the border to form a raised edge, then pinch
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, then lemon cut into
and twist ends to form a boat shape.
wedges to serve • 1/3 cup each flat-parsley leaves and basil, finely chopped, plus extra to serve • Mixed leaves, to serve
Method • Preheat oven to 240°C and line two large baking trays with baking paper. • Place flour, oil and one teaspoon of salt flakes in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. In a jug, com-
30
bine buttermilk and 1/2 cup (125ml) cold water. With
• Place on trays and lightly brush edges with extra buttermilk. Place in oven, reduce heat to 200°C and bake for 20 minutes, swapping trays halfway through cooking. • Remove from the oven and make an indentation in the filling of each flatbread with the back of a spoon. Crack an egg into each and bake a further 5-6 minutes until just set. • Serve with lemon wedges, extra herbs and mixed salad.
Public Sector Manager • June 2022
