PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER NOVEMBER 2021
THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
Eye in the sky
Zoliswa Kabini ensures safety from the skies
Women
GEPF provides recourse NOVEMBER
Employees Pension Ombud ready to handle pension disputes
empowerment Economic inclusion of women in the spotlight
2021
PSM
28
Contents: November 2021 REGULARS 8
details South Africa’s efforts to tackle climate change
areas of the economy
as head ranger at the Kruger National Park
From the Union Buildings President Cyril Ramaphosa
26 20
FEATURES
government pension disputes
The Government Employees Pension Ombud ensures
12 J&J boosters for healthcare workers
Government Employees
Healthcare workers to
Pension Fund members and
for Women, Youth and
receive COVID-19 booster
their families are treated
Persons with Disabilities,
shots
fairly by the fund
10 Conversations with leaders
Ombud to mediate in
Minister in The Presidency
Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, says government departments are becoming more gender responsive
16
Major investment boost for KZN
KwaZulu-Natal leading the
24
to boost the public service
Local public servants de-
velop skills hand in hand with
way in job creation
their Singaporean counter-
16 Trailblazer
Sergeant Zoliswa Kabini soars with the Johannesburg Airwing Unit
18
2
Women in the public sector Cathy Dreyer makes history
parts
Women’s economic empowerment prioritised The Women Economic
Assembly will ensure the 28
SA, Singapore partnership
participation of women-
26
Opinion
Fighting gender-based violence through technology
owned businesses in more
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
40
0
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 Director-General Phumla Williams Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Gcobisa Soci
16
Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin Acting Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Tyrone Seale
Acting Head of Editorial and Production Zanele Mngadi zanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za
12
36
Managing Editor Irene Naidoo irene@gcis.gov.za News Editor Irene Naidoo Contributors More Matshediso Silusapho Nyanda Jauhara Khan GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Senior Designer Tendai Gonese
© Copyright: GCIS
30 LIFESTYLE
32
Grooming and style
Dressing down made easy
30
Food and wine
Budget beaters you should
36 Travel
try
Wet and wild in Lake St Lucia
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
3
MINISTER MONDLI GUNGUBELE’S MESSAGE
Addressing SA’s second epidemic
U
ntil everyone is free, no-one is free..
South Africa has made great strides towards deracialising society and affirming the rights of all citizens , as well as in advancing gender equality, we acknowledge that more still needs to be done. With a past steeped in racism, sexism and inequality, South Africa remains committed to advancing the rights of all citizens. Despite a Constitution grounded in the protection of human rights, the country continues to face a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis, which undermines all human rights efforts amongst others with the femicide rate at 4.8 times higher than the global average. President Cyril Ramaphosa refers GBVF as South Africa’s ‘second epidemic’ in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic, making the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which starts on 25 November, one of the nation’s most important awareness
4
programmes. It is fitting that Disability Awareness Month is also marked in November, because women and girls with disabilities are at even greater risk of abuse and inequality, in that they face both gender and disability discrimination. This year, new legislation and a new multi-stakeholder initiative to advance women’s economic empowerment and inclusion add an element of hope to a grim reality. The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, Domestic Violence Amendment Bill and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill have been approved and are soon expected to be signed into law. The new laws will ensure the criminal and legal system is empowered to take tougher action against perpetrators of violence against women and the vulnerable. Another bill on the horizon, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, will establish the legal frame-
work for the creation of the National Council on GBVF. This multi-sectoral, independent advisory body will ensure that the nation’s GBVF plans and policies are properly implemented. Other milestones include the designation of 32 regional courts as sexual offences courts, the training of around 3 500 Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences investigating officers, and the R141 million in pledges raised by the GBVF Private Sector Response Fund. While swifter justice and harsher sentences might act as a deterrent to abusers, empowered women with the financial means to make life-changing decisions are also less likely to be marginalised and abused. To this end, the Women Economic Assembly was inaugurated in October. This initiative will foster the participation of women-owned businesses in the mainstream economy, through preferential procurement policies, among others. Despite the advancement of women being
Mondli Gungubele Minister in The Presidency
a national imperative for over two decades, women remain woefully under-represented in big business, earn substantially less, and face bigger employment challenges (37% of women are unemployed, as opposed to 32% of men). All government departments, public institutions and private companies can use procurement mechanisms and capacity-building programmes to help improve the economic circumstances of women. This, in turn, will reduce their vulnerability to abuse and violence, because they will no longer be dependent on their abusers, or be without the means to change their circumstances. The question to be answered by all leaders in the public service is: What am I doing, in my personal life and professional role, to advance gender equality?
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Vaccination certificate opens up a world of opportunities
the United Kingdom. More security features will be added to the certificate, including digital signature technology. Public servants now have a responsibility to encourage people, be they colleagues, family members, friends or members of the public, to
T
download their certifihere’s a new hot-
can access your certifi-
ticket item available
cate.
in South Africa.
cates. This goes hand in hand
Let South Africa’s public
with encouraging people
It is citizens’ passport to
service, which has played
to vaccinate – not through
a world of opportunities,
such a meaningful role
bullying and intimida-
including travel and sports
in the nation’s efforts to
tion, but by listening to
and recreational events.
defeat the virus, once
their fears and providing
Obtaining it is free and the
again be at the forefront
fact-based responses, or –
process is easy.
of the next chapter of our
More good news is that to qualify to receive it,
COVID-19 journey. In the lull experienced
when practical obstacles Phumla Williams, GCIS Director-General.
have prevented people from vaccinating – by doing what you can to assist.
you simply have to take
after the passing of the
in putting our economy
advantage of another
third wave, government
on a more stable footing,
priceless offer – free
– and our dedicated
because it is the ticket
vaccination fence, or want
added protection for you
vaccination teams – did
to rebuilding our tourism
to spread the vaccination
and your loved ones, plus
not relax. Instead, efforts
sector.
message, data coming
the bonus of assisting in
to get as many people as
South Africa’s economic
possible vaccinated in
the direct contribution of
ble. Only a small per-
recovery.
the shortest time possible
the tourism sector to GDP
centage of people being
were intensified.
was R130 billion and con-
admitted to intensive care
stituted nearly 3% direct
units with COVID-19 com-
contribution to GDP.
plications are vaccinated.
Of course, I am talking about the COVID-19
This was done with one
In 2018, pre-COVID-19,
If you are still on the
from hospitals is irrefuta-
Vaccination Certificate – a
goal in mind – minimising
digital offering that when
the number of casualties
in the possession of the
that the expected fourth
Health and the Council for
sanitising, social dis-
majority of South Africans,
wave is expected to claim
Scientific and Industrial
tancing and avoiding
will be a powerful tool.
and, simultaneously,
Research must be lauded
overcrowded gatherings,
racing to offset more eco-
for the development of
especially those that hap-
nomic devastation.
a certificate that, within
pen indoors.
I urge you to ensure you are fully vaccinated – one
The Department of
Johnson & Johnson or two
The vaccination certifi-
days of its launch, had al-
Pfizer doses – so that you
cate will be instrumental
ready been recognised by
6
Remember to keep on
Together, we will triumph!
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS
A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa
SA part of global efforts to tackle climate change
D
elegates from
The extreme weather
diseases are more easily
el, we need to integrate
across the world
events that we are ex-
spread when there is fre-
climate change con-
have gathered
periencing as a result of
quent flooding.
siderations into service
in Glasgow, Scotland, for
climate change affect the
the COP 26 UN Climate
health, lives and liveli-
committed to making our
Change Conference.
hoods of people in every
fair contribution to the
areas such as the design
country, including our
global climate change ef-
of human settlements,
own.
fort, and have recently set
in energy management
new and more ambitious
though solar water
The summit takes place at a crucial time. Nations of the world urgently
Adverse weather such
As a country, we are
delivery planning. This needs to be in
need to slow down the
as droughts affect our
greenhouse gas emis-
heating for low-income
rate of global warming
already scarce water
sions targets.
households, and in the
and tackle the effects of
supplies, making ac-
climate change.
cess to water harder and
ing national efforts to
in municipal water and
While we are undertak-
use of renewable energy
The agreements
causing widespread crop
achieve these targets, it is
wastewater infrastructure.
reached at the global
failure that threatens our
equally important that we
A number of municipali-
climate summit affect
food security. Polluted
combat climate change
ties, notably in KwaZulu-
the daily lives of all our
air negatively affects hu-
through local actions.
Natal, are already piloting
people.
man health. Waterborne
8
At local government lev-
the use of different re-
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
newable energy sources
It is our expectation that
such as landfill gas to
as we are playing our
electricity, biomass,
part in the global climate
biogas and small-scale
change effort and have
hydro power. Recently,
raised the level of our
the City of Cape Town
ambition, other nations
launched the pilot phase
should do the same.
of a floating solar power
We will also affirm our
“A number of municipalities, notably in KwaZulu-Natal, are already piloting the use of different renewable energy
plant at a wastewater
position that developed
sources such as landfill gas
treatment works.
countries have a respon-
to electricity, biomass, biogas
Recent amendments
sibility to assist develop-
to electricity regulations
ing countries to adapt to
that allow municipalities
and mitigate the effects
to buy and generate their
of climate change.
own power are expected
We will continue with
and small-scale hydro power.” ing for communal food
taken at a national level
gardens.
and decisions made on
to lead to a greater up-
our efforts to build re-
take of renewable energy
silience in communities,
technologies over time.
and to harness the poten-
vation and climate action
to and mitigating the ef-
Beyond energy con-
tial of the green economy
have the potential for
fects of climate change is
siderations, we are also
to make a difference in
new business develop-
our shared responsibility.
working to advance the
the lives of our citizens
ment and to support
constitutional right of
and grow our economy.
job creation on a large
difference by making
scale, including through
responsible decisions,
use of renewables in
public employment pro-
whether it is by recycling
electricity generation and
grammes.
our trash, by choosing
citizens to a clean and healthy environment. Air pollution remains
This includes greater
Environmental conser-
Under the first phase
the global stage, adapting
We can all make a
a major concern for a
the use of green tech-
number of vulnerable
nologies in water and
of the Presidential
by conserving water, or
communities, particularly
waste management. We
Employment Stimulus,
by keeping our communi-
those in close proxim-
will support the recycling
we supported thou-
ties clean.
ity to areas of industrial
economy by revitalis-
sands of beneficiaries
activity.
ing buy-back centres
in environmental man-
we make has an impact
sustainable food sources,
Each of these decisions
and integrating waste-
agement, sustainable
on our natural world and
quality management over
pickers into the recycling
land management and
on the climate crisis that
the years, putting norms
economy value chain.
ecosystems conservation
affects us all. Let us all
programmes.
play our part in the fight
We have improved air
and standards in place
Through municipal
Communities that are
to regulate, manage and
land-use zoning we
control air quality.
are planning to make
safer, healthier and cli-
whether in our homes, in
more land available for
mate change resilient are
our communities, in our
tions from COP26 are
agricultural production
key to our collective fu-
country or on the global
high.
in communities, includ-
ture. Even as actions are
stage.
South Africa’s expecta-
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
against climate change,
9
CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS
Writer: More Matshediso
Govt departments champion women empowerment with the previous perfor-
also developed a train-
mance agreements,” she
ing module on gender-
adds.
responsive budgeting,
In addition, the advancement of women, youth and persons with
G
by the NSG. The Minister adds that
disabilities is being
discussions are taking
elevated as cross-cutting
place with the Auditor-
priorities in the Medium
General’s office to initiate
-Term Strategic Frame-
and strengthen the gen-
work (MTSF) 2019-2024.
der-responsive auditing
“The Department
Minister in The Presidency for Women, Yout h and Persons wit h Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
which is being rolled-out
component, which will
of Planning, Monitor-
be significant for auditing
ing and Evaluation has
predetermined objectives
ensured that planning
and other related audits.
guidelines are now in-
“A Country Gender
clusive of the priorities of
Indicator Framework
overnment
evident in the strategic
women, and guidance is
(CGIF), that supplements
departments
plans and annual perfor-
provided to departments
the implementation of
are becoming
mance plans for 2020/21,
for strategic planning
the Gender-Responsive
more gender responsive
which show an improve-
and annual performance
Planning, Budgeting,
and making significant
ment in gender-respon-
planning,” says the
Monitoring, Evaluation
progress in promoting
sive planning by depart-
Minister.
and Auditing framework,
women empowerment.
ments, when compared
Minister in The Presi-
with previous years.
The Department of
is monitored annually
Women, Youth and
to assess the empower-
Persons with Disabili-
ment status of women,
and Persons with Dis-
mance agreements of
ties, in coordination with
youth and persons with
abilities, Maite Nkoana-
Ministers are gender-
the National School of
disabilities.
Mashabane, says this is
responsive, compared
Government (NSG), has
dency for Women, Youth
10
“Almost all perfor-
“The CGIF strengthens
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
from promises to action, and from plans to accountability, she adds. “We want to use the 16 Days of Activism to look at the past year, since last year’s campaign, to see what has been achieved. We want to use the campaign to report on progress,” she says.
Disability Rights Awareness Month From 3 November to 3 Image: unsplashed.com
December, the country commemorates Disability
government’s ability to
rights in all spaces,” she
the 16 Days of Activism
plan for and measure
says.
for No Violence against
progress towards gender
South Africa’s endorse-
Rights Awareness Month. Minister Nkoana-
Women and Children
Mashabane says a key
equality and the empow-
ment of the Decade of
campaign from 25
intervention of the MTSF
erment of women,” she
African Women’s Fi-
November to 10 Decem-
2019-2024 is the main-
explains.
nancial and Economic
ber, the Minister says
streaming of people with
Inclusion, the National
despite many interven-
disabilities across all pro-
Strategic Plan on Gen-
tions, GBVF and inequal-
grammes and services.
Gender equality gains
der-Based Violence and
ity remain a stubborn
The Minister says that
Femicide (NSP–GBVF)
shame on South Africa’s
based Coordination Mod-
since 1994, South Africa
and the National Action
conscience.
el and the appointment
has made strides in at-
Plan on Women, Peace
taining gender equality
and Security indicate the
reverses the gains we are
for integrated planning
and women empower-
country’s commitment to
making, and impacts on
and service delivery are
ment through legislation
ensuring the equality of
the safety and security
also means to provide
and practical steps.
women.
of women to full partici-
opportunities for focused
pate in everyday life,” the
interventions that will
Minister says.
meaningfully change the
“Our progressive frameworks ensure that
16 Days of Activism
women access their
As the country marks
policies and legal
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
“This violence really
The time has come for South Africa to move
The Khawuleza District-
of district champions
lives of persons with disabilities.
11
FEATURE
Source: SAnews
J&J boosters for
healthcare workers the Department of Health,
a dose of the J&J vaccine,
Desmond Tutu Health
to evaluate its effective-
Foundation, Centre for
ness, between 17 Febru-
the AIDS Programme of
ary and 17 May 2021.
Research in South Africa
“By rolling out the
and J&J to provide early
Sisonke Study, we bought
access to the single-dose
valuable time for health-
J&J vaccine.
care workers, and were
A new trial has since evaluated a booster dose,
four months ahead of
given at least two months
the national rollout and
after the first dose, in
ahead of the Delta-driven
31 300 participants from
third wave,” said one of
more than nine countries.
the co-national Principal
According to the data,
Investigators of the study,
vaccine efficacy against
Professor Glenda Gray.
the disease was 94% in
The Sisonke Study
the US and 75% globally. At a global level, vaccine
T
he South African
United States Food and
Health Products
Drug Administration
able to protect them
showed that the J&J vaccine was safe, easy to
efficacy was 100% against
administer and provided
severe disease and criti-
good protection against
cal disease.
severe disease and death.
“In this study, two doses
The single-dose
Regulatory Author-
(FDA) recommended a
were safe and usual vac-
regimen has since been
ity (SAHPRA) and Johnson
second dose of the J&J
cine side effects were
administered to other
& Johnson (J&J) have
vaccine for all Americans
reduced following the
essential workers, such as
approved vaccine booster
18 years and older, who
second dose,” the SAMRC
educators, police officers
doses for all healthcare
received a single dose.
said.
and those living in rural
workers who received a
Early this year, the
locations.
J&J vaccine as part of the
South African Medi-
Sisonke Study
Sisonke Study.
cal Research Council
In South Africa, 496 424
5.2 million people in
(SAMRC) worked with
health workers received
South Africa have re-
This comes after the
12
In addition, more than
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
ceived at least one dose
breastfeeding women
grocery vouchers to those
of J&J to date.
who received a first dose
over the age of 60 after
of the J&J vaccine,” added
they get the vaccine.
Need for booster doses
the SAMRC. The Department of
Health Minister Dr Joe
added. The grocery vouchers have been sponsored by DG Murray Trust, Alan
Phaahla said the pilot
Gray Financial Services, Bill & Melinda Gates
According to the SAMRC,
Health’s Acting Director-
scheme is valued at R26
booster shots are becom-
General, Dr Nicholas
million and is expected to
Foundation, Elma Vac-
ing available in many
Crisp, reiterated the im-
benefit 260 000 pension-
cines Foundation and the
parts of the world.
portance of vaccines.
ers.
Michael and Susan Dell
“Scientific evidence on
“Vaccines remain our
the progressive decrease
most powerful weapon
come, first-served basis,”
of immunity and the
in the fight against the
he said.
need for booster doses is
COVID-19 pandemic and
evolving and some coun-
our priority remains the
that the voucher will be
companies to come for-
tries have decided to offer
most vulnerable groups,
texted to the cellphone
ward. We welcome other
booster doses to certain
especially senior citizens
number senior citizens
initiatives which are still
high-risk populations like
or adults who live with
registered with on the
being considered.”
the elderly and health
compromised immunity
EVDS. Coupons will be
workers or other frontline
in the majority, ahead of a
redeemable at Shoprite,
that 40% of all adults will
workers.”
fourth wave,” he said.
Checkers and Usave
be vaccinated by mid-
stores.
November.
The SAMRC said in-
Health workers who
“This will be on a first-
The Minister explained
Foundation. “We hope the pilot will be a success so that it can encourage other
The Minister is confident
creasing coverage of first
participated in the
doses to reduce hospital
Sisonke Study will receive
matically get an invitation
we see much steadier and
admissions and deaths
an invitation by SMS on
to receive their voucher.
consistent return for the
during a fourth wave
the number they used to
However, due to the
second dose of Pfizer. So,
remains a top priority
enrol for the first part of
Protection of Personal
this is not a major worry,
since only 30% of eligible
the study. Enrolment will
Information Act, they will
as much as it was pointed
adults have been fully
be through the Electronic
have to opt-in, by dialling
out previously, since a lot
vaccinated.
Vaccination Data System
'YES' at no cost, upon
more people are return-
(EVDS).
receiving the SMS.
ing,” he said.
The results will be used to guide future decisions regarding boosters. “We are in the final
Grocery vouchers
Pensioners will auto-
“We’re also happy that
“By dialling in, they'll
According to the Min-
then be given access to
ister, the vaccination of 12
the Money Market ac-
to 17 year olds is proceed-
stages of approvals from
Efforts to encourage more
count of Shoprite, which
ing steadily, with 99 900
the regulators and ethics
South Africans to get
protects their money.
having already vaccinated
review committees, and
vaccinated are also being
They cannot lose their
by the end of October.
vaccination will be open
intensified with the recent
voucher and once they've
to all health workers,
launch of a pilot scheme
registered, that money
bers to pick up during the
including pregnant and
that is providing R100
is available to them,” he
school holidays,” he said.
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
“We expect the num-
13
FEATURE
Source: SAnews.gov.za
Major investment boost for KZN K
waZulu-Natal
The first production
the Corolla Cross as a fine
indicative of the country
(KZN) is pick-
run of the Toyota Corolla
achievement, adding that
embracing the opportuni-
ing itself up after
Cross Hybrid vehicle was
it is a historic moment.
ties for a green economy, country and continent,
bearing the brunt of violent
recently celebrated in
unrest earlier this year, and
KZN, with President Cyril
the first generation of
while ensuring that South
is once again attracting
Ramaphosa present to
commercial-scale hybrid
Africa benefits.
major investment that is
witness the achievement.
electric vehicles to come
leading to job creation.
The production of the
Toyota and Tetra Pak
Corolla Cross on home
The Corolla Cross is
President Ramaphosa
off a South African as-
said South Africa has
sembly line.
identified three key pri-
soil will result in Toyota
massive investments in
investing R2.6 billion in
dent, this development
These include Eskom
the province, which will
the country.
is more than simply a
reducing its carbon emis-
new model coming off a
sions, electric vehicles to
production line, it is also
be locally produced and
ultimately lead to more jobs.
The President described the local production of
According to the Presi-
orities for climate action.
recently announced
President Cyril Ramaphosa at t he Toyota Sout h Africa production plant in KwaZulu-Natal, where he witnessed t he f irst production run of t he Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid vehicle.
14
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
the green hydrogen econ-
rica CEO Andrew Kirby
the number of new local
as a key manufacturing
omy to be fast tracked.
said the company has
suppliers from the global
hub, with the capacity in
South Africa is one of
invested over R6.1 billion
supply chain, which is key
infrastructure and skills to
only seven global loca-
in the plant over the past
in the Economic Recon-
serve all Southern Africa
tions for the production
five years.
struction and Recovery
markets.
of this hybrid car, along
“So, we’re therefore
Plan.
with Japan, America,
committed to further de-
Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia
veloping and strengthen-
are 56 local suppliers
rand into our economy,
and Taiwan, which the
ing our business in South
for this new model, of
which will certainly foster
President believes is a
Africa.”
which 16 are black-owned
economic growth and
companies,” said the
boost much-needed jobs
President.
in the province. Tetra
testament to the skilled,
According to Kirby,
productive workforce and
Toyota South Africa also
competitive plant.
plans to change the new-
“I am advised that there
“We welcome this injection of half a billion
Pak’s investment will
I met workers who are
in South Africa, from
Tetra Pak investment
passionate and commit-
selling a few hundred to
In another vote of con-
tional minimum of 20 new
ted and I saw the value
well over 10 000 units per
fidence in the province
technical professionals to
of the skills programme
year.
recently, Swedish multi-
be employed.”
“During the plant tour,
management has put in place.” The Corolla Cross will be exported to 40 countries across Africa, which
energy vehicle landscape
national food packaging
He added that with its
the company for its sup-
and processing company
current production loca-
port following the unrest
Tetra Pak announced the
tion, Tetra Pak is seeking
in the province in July.
investment of approxi-
to position itself as an ex-
mately R500 million to
port hub for South Africa
upgrade the production
and a platform for growth on the continent.
Job creation
Continental Free Trade
Toyota has created 575
capacity of its packaging
Area.
new jobs at the plant and
material factory in Pine-
a further 1 200 new jobs
town, Durban.
company will seek to
have been created in sup-
ramp up its projected
plier companies.
4 000 hybrid vehicles
120 jobs, with an addi-
The President thanked
will boost the African
“I am advised that the
safeguard approximately
The auto industry is
KZN Premier Sihle
Tetra Pak Southern Africa Managing Director Stefan Fagerang said the
Zikalala welcomed the
Pinetown investment is
investment, saying it will
about increasing the local
planned for next year, if
one of the drivers of the
create new jobs in the
content of its manufac-
the availability of bat-
country’s localisation
wake of the Coronavirus
tured product by 50%, to
teries improves," the
programme and a sig-
Disease pandemic and
80%.
President said.
nificant contributor to the
related socio-economic
gross domestic product,
challenges.
He added that the R2.6 billion investment by the
accounting for more than
Japanese multinational
100 000 jobs.
supports the company’s commitment to be carbon
investment confirms the
neutral by 2030 and
company’s long-term
its ability to serve the
added that Toyota is also
commitment to KZN, and
Southern African market,”
looking at increasing
showcases South Africa
Fagerang said.
automotive manufacturer
President Ramaphosa
was a vote of confidence. Toyota South Af-
The Premier said the
“The investment also
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
15
TRAILBLAZER
Writer: Kgaogelo Letsebe
Sergeant Kabini soars to new heights G small town of
Humble beginnings
uMzimkhulu in
Kabini says law enforce-
rowing up in the
KwaZulu-Natal, Zoliswa
ment appealed to her from
Kabini never imagined she
an early age, but she never
would one day become an
thought she would be one
Airborne Law Enforcement
of the organisation’s lead-
Officer (ALEO).
ing ladies.
Sergeant Kabini (34) is
“Growing up, I was sur-
attached to the Johannes-
rounded by police officers
burg Airwing Unit.
who were very disciplined,
According to South Afri-
available to assist the com-
spokesperson Colonel Ath-
munity. I really admired
lenda Mathe, Kabini is one
those individuals and
of 10 female ALEOs in the
somehow, they made being
country. As an ALEO, she
within the police organisa-
takes to the skies to pro-
tion appealing.
vide air support to high-risk
16
“This encouraged me to
units during operations,
join the SAPS as a police
ranging from search-and-
reservist and later join the
rescue missions to routine
SAPS band as a trombon-
patrols, public unrest and
ist. From then on, I knew
crowd-control and vehicle,
that I wanted to be part
game and livestock theft
of the organisation,” she
operations.
explains. However, she lost her
She works with the Sergeant Zoliswa Kabini of t he SAPS Johannesburg Air wing Unit is a highflyer of note.
professional and always
can Police Service (SAPS)
police’s Special Task Force,
parents, which made ob-
National Intervention Unit,
taining higher education a
Tactical Response Team,
challenge.
Public Order Police and the Counter Assault Team.
“After completing my matric, life was hard. I was
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
raised by my father, who
training.
most dangerous yet satis-
tion, now more than
unfortunately passed
“In 2018, I applied to
fying operations. A police
ever. Perhaps with such
away before I started
become an ALEO. Fol-
member had been shot in
changes, we will also be
high school. My mother
lowing my selection, I
Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.
able to gradually change
also passed on after that
was enrolled in a training
and I was left with my
programme and suc-
for duty that day with
the community has about
siblings.
cessfully completed the
nothing extraordinary
the police.”
course.”
happening. I was working
“I had no means to
“I remember reporting
the bad perception that
She says there are a va-
further my studies. In
According to Kabini, an
with a female pilot, Capt
riety of jobs in the SAPS.
2009, I applied for a
ALEO needs to be asser-
Kgothatso Khonou, when
Apart from the obvious -
vacancy at the SAPS and
tive and decisive.
we received a call that
police officers and detec-
one of our members had
tives - there are pilots,
been shot in Tembisa.
social workers, lawyers,
was fortunately hired and
“To survive in this
placed with the Benoni
environment requires
SAPS, where I worked in
discipline, dedication, the
the charge office.”
ability to put in double
favourable [for flying],
resources officers, and
“The weather was not
logistics and human
[the effort] and to multi-
but we managed to fly to
more. “The opportuni-
that she could enrol for
task. It is also important
the area and were able to
ties are endless; you just
a Bachelor of Policing
to be alert at all times,
save the injured mem-
need to be determined
degree at the Southern
brave and calm. You need
ber’s life.”
and focused.”
Business School.
to know what to say, what
Being employed meant
Saving a colleague or
Kabini says she intends
to do, how to do it and
community member’s life,
to continue growing
when to do it.”
apprehending suspects,
her career. She wants a
She adds that being a
recovering stolen motor
higher rank and posi-
to Social Crime Preven-
female in such a physi-
vehicles and controlling
tion in the near future. “I
tion co-ordinator in 2013,
cally demanding role has
crime incidents makes
always say through hard
where she worked within
its challenges.
her career rewarding, she
work and consistency,
says.
everything I touch will
Slowly yet steadily, Kabini started climbing the ranks. She was promoted
communities and spear-
“It’s not impossible, but
headed crime-prevention
it does require added
campaigns.
effort. I love my work and
Paving the way
I don’t get intimidated by
Kabini says there will al-
story is proof that with
was definitely a step up –
my male counterparts,
ways be a need for young
determination you can
into the skies!
because everything they
women to join the SAPS.
succeed.
Her next career move
To qualify as an ALEO, a SAPS member needs
do, I can equally execute. “We also receive a lot of
“I encourage more
turn to gold.” She adds that her
“Your background
women, especially young
should not determine
to have at least three
support from the SAPS
females, to join the ser-
your future. Despite any
years’ experience in an
in the form of counselling
vice and play their part
hardships you may ex-
operational environment.
and mentors who can
in making South Africa a
perience in life, through
Following a rigorous se-
relate to our challenges,”
safer place.
hard work, you can
lection process, success-
Kabini adds.
ful applicants undergo
She recalls one of her
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
“We need more strong women in the organisa-
achieve your dreams,” says Kabini.
17
FEATURE
Writer: More Matshediso
Women’s economic inclusion prioritised
S
outh Africa is on a journey to reshape its economy by
in transforming society by bridging the material divides between different races, genders and social classes; it has not fundamentally transformed patterns of ownership, control and benefit in the economy. “For as long as women shoulder the greatest burden of poverty, are more likely to be unem-
for women-owned busi-
development and play a
ployed, are paid less than
nesses.
significant role in promot-
their male counterparts
ing gender equality and
and struggle to start
“The initiative seeks to
exploring opportunities
connect and inspire inno-
poverty reduction,” added
businesses; for as long
that can potentially change
vation, thought leadership
Mtoba.
as they face discrimina-
the lives and prospects of
and action, to transform
WECONA also aims to
tion in the workplace and
millions of women.
value chain eco-systems
build a long-term frame-
confront other challenges,
Recently, government,
as well as obtain a deep,
work for monitoring and a
our vision of an equal and
the private sector, civil so-
common understanding
measurement index.
just society will remain
ciety, women’s organisa-
and detailed articulation
tions and businesswomen
of sector-specific value-
will become an annual
joined forces to form the
chain eco-systems,” she
national programme that
empowerment of women
Women Economic As-
explained.
will include pre- and
is an integral part of
post-assembly activities.
government’s efforts to
sembly (WECONA). facilitate the participation
Economic participation
of women-owned busi-
WECONA’s aim is to
Mtoba said WECONA
“It is time that, as
elusive,” he stressed. The President said the
achieve inclusive growth,
women, who constitute
create jobs and expand
The intention is to help
52% of the population,
economic opportunities
nesses in the economy.
businesswomen identify
we play an equitable role
for all.
WECONA National
entry points and oppor-
in the human and social
“The unemployment
Convener and Co-chair-
tunities for sustainable
development of our own
rate among women is
person Futhi Mtoba said
economic participation.
country,” she added.
nearly 37%, compared
the assembly will activate,
“Preferential procure-
Speaking at the launch
with 32% among men. In
coordinate and monitor
ment can help small firms
of WECONA, President
2018, women’s average
government and private
achieve goals of equitable
Cyril Ramaphosa said
monthly earnings were
sector actions towards
distribution of resources,
although South Af-
76% of those of men.
preferential procurement
enable sustainable
rica has made strides
18
“These disparities are
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
preferential procurement in the public sector. “Current public procurement accounts for 9% of the gross domestic Representatives from government, t he private sector, civil society, women's groups and businesswomen gat her for t he inaugural Women Economic Assembly.
product, which is about R500 billion annually. Of this amount, 12% went to women-owned enterprises in the first and second quarter of 2021," the President said. He added that gov-
not only the product of a
institution, sector and
have allocated to imple-
ernment, working with
profoundly imbalanced
citizen must be involved.”
menting the National
industry, has started
Strategic Plan over the
building the capability of
next few years is dedicat-
women-owned busi-
ed to economic empow-
nesses to submit propos-
erment programmes,” he
als to provide goods and
added.
services in the public and
economy, but they also arise from, and contribute to, gender inequality in society,” he noted. In addition, 42% of chil-
Addressing inequality and GBVF The President said
dren in South Africa live
improving the economic
with their mothers only,
circumstances of women
called on every govern-
Approximately 1 300
compared with 4% who
equates to reducing their
ment department, public
women in the Eastern
live with their fathers only.
vulnerability to abuse
institution and private
Cape, Free State and
The great divide in paren-
and violence, adding that
company to implement
Limpopo have so far
tal responsibility trans-
the economic empower-
mechanisms to fast-track
been supported to do
lates into a great divide
ment of women as one of
preferential procure-
business government
in economic opportunity
the pillars of the Na-
ment for women-owned
through this extensive
and circumstance.
tional Strategic Plan on
enterprises.
capacity-building pro-
President Ramaphosa said the economic empowerment of women is
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
President Ramaphosa
The Presidency, working with the departments
private sectors.
gramme.” These are female busi-
of Women, Youth and
ness owners who have
not a technical exercise
cally dependent on male
Persons with Disabilities;
been trained in compli-
that can be achieved
partners, women have a
Social Development;
ance and registration,
merely by improving
better chance of leaving
Small Business Develop-
procurement and regula-
policy and introducing
an abusive relationship.
ment; Agriculture, Land
tory framework, financial
Reform and Rural De-
literacy, marketing and
nificant portion of the
velopment; and National
access to markets, and
process of social trans-
R21-billion that national
Treasury, has mapped out
finance and growth op-
formation in which every
government departments
a strategy to achieve 40%
portunities.
progressive programmes. “It is fundamentally a
“By being less economi-
“That is why a sig-
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
19
FEATURE
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
Ombud to mediate in government pension disputes M
embers, pen-
pensioners and ben-
sioners and
eficiaries. The fund was
beneficiaries of
founded and is regulated
the Government Employ-
in terms of the Govern-
ees Pension Fund (GEPF)
ment Employees Pension
now have recourse when
Law.
unhappy with the service
Ramabulana has been
they receive.
To ensure the GEPF
appointed as the Om-
members and their fami-
bud. He says the office
lies are treated fairly, the
was established to assist
board recently estab-
people who are unhappy
lished an office to handle
with the services of the
disputes. The Govern-
GEPF.
ment Employees Pension
It will be especially ben-
Ombud (GEPO) is an
eficial to people who can-
internal but independent
not afford legal recourse.
office of the GEPF.
Before people take their
The GEPF is among the
20
Advocate Makhado
disputes to the Office of
largest pension funds in
the Public Protector or
the world, with over 1.2
to the courts, they can
million active members
seek mediation from the
and more than 450 000
Ombud.
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
The Ombud will inter-
complaint is received, de-
vene in matters that lead
pending on the complex-
to unreasonable delays
ity of the case. If the Ombud refuses to
in the processing of payments due to claim-
investigate a complaint,
ants. It may only mediate
the complainant can write
in complaints that have
to the GEPO office within
arisen within the past
21 days of receiving a
three years.
rejection letter, providing
Other issues within the
reasons why he or she
GEPO’s scope include:
believes the complaint
• The failure of officials
falls within the GEPO’s
to perform their duties
employer has failed to
in terms of the Fund’s
perform their duties ac-
accept a case if there
law and rules;
cording to the rules of the
is already an official
reconsider the decision
fund or the law.
investigation underway
and decide if the submis-
elsewhere.
sion is a proper com-
• Breaking a commitment without a justifiable reason; and
“You must allow them
The Ombud cannot
mandate. The Ombud will then
plaint in terms of GEPO’s
30 days to correct the is-
“Within two weeks
sues that you identified. If,
from the date that the
leading information
after 30 days, your issues
complaint is received,
provided by the GEPF
remain unresolved, you
the GEPO will consider
how to lodge a complaint
employees.
can submit a complaint
[the case] and inform
are available on the
to the Ombud,” explains
the complainant whether
GEPO website at www.
Ramabulana.
it can investigate and
gepo.co.za. Complaints
decide on the matter.
may be lodged online, in
• Incorrect or mis-
Before lodging a complaint with the GEPO, a person must send a writ-
He adds that when
ten complaint to either
lodging a complaint with
the GEPF, the Govern-
his office, people must
the complaint, an ac-
ment Pensions Adminis-
describe their relationship
knowledgement letter will
tration Agency (GPAA) or
to the fund, set out the
be sent to the complain-
their employer, and give
background facts that led
ant, detailing the process
them a chance to settle
to the complaint, specify
to be followed until the
the matter.
the dispute between the
complaint is concluded.”
“If the Ombud accepts
Complainants must
complainant and the
A determination will be
state how they believe
fund, and outline the
issued within four months
the GEPF, GPPA or their
desired outcome.
from the date that the
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
mandate. Detailed guidelines on
writing, or via email.
Contact details:
Complaints Manager,
PO Box 11005, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Email: enquiries@ gepo.co.za
Phone: 012 110 4950
21
Health
Health • Rural Development • Employment • Safety & Security • Education
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Employm
ent • S
afety &
nzele
(GCIS)
Sec Auur guity st 20•21 Ed Ed
J INS July
Vacc gatheine drive rs pac e
Men an db join th e GB conver sati
Page 5
Page 8
ic Va cci nat ion Da ta Sys (EVDS ) opened tem to arrive to 50 to olds. 59 year in July. Pfi zer Th e sec del ive red on d str million nea rly mence eam com doses 4.5 d with - and in quart those wo in the has com er two rking basic edu mitted 15.5 mi to just ove cation which llion do sector, includest r ses in three. eachers. started quarter They receiving “Johns June. vaccin on and es in Joh far delive nson has The thi red 500 so rd stre 000 ces am s doses early acon police is focusi used for ng 000 and oth Sisonke, person er securi market 300 nel. Th doses ty ago ose wh two we der this and 1.2 o fall un eks sector sta mi llio n - [wh rted rec the vac ich] lan do ses , eiving cine at ded rec the beg doses all ently. Th July. inning ese nee d of Au to be use gust.” d by 11 The fou rth stre The cou am is thr workplac ntry is ough e progra also aw confirm mmes in econom aiting ation of ic sector key 000 a furthe s, such ing, ma doses, r of 500 as minnufacturi which later dat expire ng and industry. on a e than the the taxi other dos es.
Department
A
The COV ID-19 vac progra
mm cin s Sou th police offi e has expand ation Af ric a personnel cers and oth ed to include bat tle s er sec to start , among a thi rd receiving other gro urity wa ve of the ups. vaccines 15 July. Co ron Dis eas from avi rus e (CO VID healthcar “T he -19 ), the cou ntr e worke [va cci y’s ma rs, while second na tio n] ss vac cin gra mm pro gra phase tar the pro e has ati on mm e is get pic gro ed the ked up up of 60 nificant exp and inc lud age Ar Red aler sig momentu and abo ing to e mo re rival of Th ve. m, mi cat t e lestones with key ego rie na tio na peo ple vaccin Wh ile s of . The vac being ach l va cci progra Ga ute ng es we mo cinatio na tio n mme is ieved as South ve forwa rem ain n progra epicentre now con expected Africans s the along def rd,” sai mme is of the CO dent Cy tinuing to pick between ages of d ine Pre demic VID-19 ril Ram d stream siup pac the arr 50 and Minister panaphosa The firs e with s. ival of 59 are exp the The firs . t Kubay mo stre ban t re am is the ected phase the cou e has wa vaccines i-Ngupopulat of the nation ntry. genera rned tha in pro ion acc vacciprogra l vinces t many ording Ac tin g mme foc groups. in the to age He alt h used on On countr almost Mmam Mi y at for vaccin 1 July, registr are nis ter red ale oloko Ku ation rt as inf ation on continue bayi-N said abo ections the Electro gub to increase. ut 2.1 mil ane n- the lion dos Pfizer vac es of cine are expected
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FEATURE
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
SA, Singapore
partnership to boost the public service
E
fforts to profes-
public service managers
is partnering with its
signed a memorandum of
sionalise the public
receiving development
Singaporean counterpart,
understanding (MoU).
service have been
training.
the Civil Service College
enhanced thanks to a partnership that will see
24
The NSG says the two
The National School
(CSC) of Singapore, in the
institutions will work
of Government (NSG)
initiative. The two recently
together to train staff at
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
The classes are cur-
both national and local
but to inspire innovation
programme. The interven-
government in South Af-
in our own development
tions include seminars
rently being conducted
rica. They will also share
trajectory, as set by the
and masterclasses. Our
online due to the restric-
research and knowledge,
government.
main focus is on short
tions enforced by the
learning programmes,” he
Coronavirus Disease.
says.
The virtual classes allow
deliver programmes in ar-
“We are in different
eas related to governance
levels of our development
and public administration,
trajectory. Singapore
and develop and share
rapidly developed from a
New journey
case studies.
struggling island nation to
As part of the agreement,
one of the most devel-
a masterclass titled ‘The
NSG Principal Busani
targeted at executives
oped countries in the
challenges of governance
Ngcaweni says the sign-
and senior and middle
world,” he adds.
in a complex world’ has
ing of the MoU is very
already taken place, with
timely for the NSG, as it is
public servants from both
in the process of finalising
countries participating.
the Framework towards
“The programmes are
managers. However, transversal and could
Sharing knowledge
cover other categories
Mayimele says that the
of staff as the purpose is
some programmes are
for more participants to be reached within the budget.
Singapore’s High Com-
the Professionalisation of
sharing of knowledge and
missioner to South Africa
the Public Service, which
to build capacity across
lessons can help avoid
Chua Thai-Keong says
aims to ensure an effec-
the hierarchy of the entire
costly mistakes.
the partnership is the be-
tive civil service in South
ginning of a new journey
Africa.
public sector,” explains
“The courses assist the
for the two nations.
“From this partnership,
NSG Director of Inter-
officials to gain insights
national Relations and
from the development tra-
“This is important for
Partnerships Bongani
jectory of other countries,
the development of both
a new cadre of public
Mayimele.
to do comparative analy-
countries and the dignity
servants who are diligent
sis and use the lessons to
of all citizens concerned,”
and committed to the
the top six of the least
inform our strategies and
adds Thai-Keong.
national development of
corrupt countries, accord-
policies, where applica-
ing to the Corruption Per-
ble,” says Mayimele.
Singapore is ranked in
ceptions Index of 2020. In
Public servants will
In terms of the MoU,
we are hoping to achieve
the country, prudent in
the NSG identifies ar-
the management of gov-
eas where the State can
ernment resources, and
last year’s United Nations’
benefit from courses that
strengthen its lessons,
cadres who understand
Human Development In-
tackle innovation and de-
and elected and non-
why they always need to
dex, Singapore was rated
sign thinking, leadership,
elected public officials
be ethical,” he adds.
number 11 in the develop-
human resources man-
from national, provincial
ment of its citizenry.
agement, public sector
and local government;
to enrol their staff in
Mayimele says the MoU
State entities that want
reform, data analytics and
state-owned enterprises;
courses offered through
will expose public serv-
service delivery, among
legislative sectors; and
this partnership can visit
ants in South Africa to in-
others.
other organs of state can
www.thensg.gov.za for
attend various pro-
more information or call
grammes.
086 100 8326.
ternational best practices. “The aim is not to copy,
“The course duration varies per course or
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
25
OPINION
*Writer: Oupa Makhalemele
Harnessing tech to fight GBVF
A
nial problem of women’s subjugation in a maledominated society follow us into the cyberspace. Troubling behaviour has manifested online. Incidences such as revenge porn (where jilted
s the Fourth In-
boyfriends post nude
dustrial Revolution
pictures, addresses and
(4IR) continues
names of their exes) are not uncommon.
cementing its presence in
Women who use their
our everyday life, keeping abreast of the develop-
influential voice against
ments in information and
patriarchy and injustice
communication technolo-
are often trolled, with
gies (ICTs) is everyone’s
threats of rape made
responsibility.
against them. Also, it is
There is no better time
almost always the women
to start thinking of ways
who face public scorn
in which technology can
whenever there is a
be harnessed to improve
heterosexual sex tape. All
the lot of women and
this leads to the conclu-
girls, especially when it
sion that the internet has
comes to their safety in a
no firewall for patriarchy. Of course, this does not
predominantly misogynistic world.
The more things change…
Image: unsplashed.com
mean that government is impervious to these
ed South African Govern-
be followed with action.
abuses. The recently
ment stridently putting in
Whatever the policy
promulgated Films and
The abuse of women
place measures to foster
outcomes, this initiative
Publications Amendment
and children must haunt
a society where gender
must provide impetus to
Act of 2019 is a step in
those women who stood
equality is a reality. Politi-
this fight through effective
the right direction when it
defiantly against South
cal will is a key ingredient
implementation.
comes to addressing the
Africa’s unjust apartheid
in fighting the scourge of
government at its citadel
violence against women.
in 1956.
The commitment to
Hostility follows women online
online abuse of women. The Act makes specific provisions to outlaw re-
draft the Bill on Gender-
Despite efforts to improve
venge pornography. But a
changed since then, with
Based Violence and
the status of women, we
lot more work still needs
the democratically elect-
Femicide (GBVF) should
have seen the peren-
to be done and the use
Granted, a lot has
26
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
of technology should be
not for a second propose
tion and educate women
It alerts several people she
explored.
that technology will end
about GBVF.
has handpicked to assist
Technology to enhance the safety of women
violence against women,
This same platform could
in such an event.
or GBVF. This is a problem
be used also to educate
rooted in our cultural
young men about positive
applications being used,
practices, including how
masculinity (as a coun-
which will save women
Many across the world
women are portrayed in
terpoint to promoting
and deter perpetrators.
welcome the advent of
the media.
toxic masculinity), where
Where smartphones or
artificial intelligence (AI).
We hope to see such
respect for women is
wearable gadgets are not
The potential of this in-
come in handy. Accurate
normalised and misogyny
available, a text version of
novation to improve many
data gives us objective
is frowned upon.
such a service should be
aspects of life is lost only
information about trends,
In other words, as social
on the pessimists among
incidences and locations
media today is a platform
us.
where things happen.
for carrying messages that
Data costs
We need to constantly
Our counterparts in
are anti-women; the same
The cost of data in South
ask ourselves: “How can
Egypt have been using
tool can be repurposed to
Africa remains high, rank-
we invoke AI to improve
hard data to great effect.
turn the tide of patriarchy
ing among the highest
the lives of the many left
The Egyptian organisation
and misogyny online and
in Africa. The worst part
behind in the transition to
Harrassmap was set up in
affirm women as deserv-
of this story is that this
our democracy?” Women
2010. It collects stories on
ing of equitable treatment
cost is higher for the poor,
constitute the majority of
street harassment, gang
in all spheres of life.
since data cost becomes
the marginalised.
abuse and maps of where
The Coronavirus Disease
Data, however, can
the incidents took place.
In rural and isolated
made available.
significantly reduced
locations, local authorities
when you buy in bulk,
(COVID-19) pandemic
Witnesses are prepared
and community workers
which the poor cannot
exposed the scourge of
to attend court to corrobo-
could partner to lobby for
afford to do.
women abuse. When
rate victim stories. This
centres where women are
Government should play
Police Minister Bheki
data also helps in terms
trained in the use of social
a key role through regula-
Cele reported that 87 000
of policy and intervention
media tools and to share
tion and best practice
cases of gender-based
from authorities and other
lessons and resources to
networking in the region
violence were reported
stakeholders. This is the
spread education about
and continent. The private
across South Africa during
kind of tool we could learn
GBVF and what to do
sector also needs to invest
first week of hard lock-
from and tweak to our
when attacked.
resources in this drive.
down, it did not come as a
needs.
surprise. It was a chilling
Statistics show that
Wearable technology
The low hanging fruit can
has also become com-
come by way of reducing
reminder to us that across
there are more than 101
mon, helping individuals
data costs by the internet
the country one in four
million smartphones in
track the progress of their
service providers.
women face violence from
South Africa. That means
exercise and diet. It is
their partners daily.
almost every household
good to note that there is
*Oupa Makhalemele is a
It is high time we add
has one smartphone. So-
an application that sends
Film and Publication
technology to the arse-
cial media networks can
out a loud alarm when
Board Research, Policy
nal to fight GBVF. We do
be used to share informa-
pressed by a rape victim.
and Advocacy Officer.
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
27
WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Writer: Allison Cooper
Cathy Dreyer tracks success A
s a youngster, Cathy Dreyer often hiked up Table Mountain and she knew that when she was older she
wanted a career that involved the outdoors.
That desire has led her on a journey that has seen her become a dedicated conservationist and law enforcement officer. Dreyer is also the first female head ranger at the Kruger National Park (KNP), a position she took up in May. “I chose to study nature conservation because part of the course required completing a full year of experiential training, gaining experience in all aspects of conservation. “After that, it was a natural progression for me to continue working in conservation and ranger services,” she explains. Dreyer was born in Cape Town and grew up in Grassy Park but later moved to Diep River. She relocated to the KNP from Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape – approximately 1 500 kilometres away – to take up her new post.
Saving rhino Dreyer was previously based at the KNP, from 2017, monitoring black rhino and conducting surveillance in the intensive Cat hy Dreyer is t he f irst female head ranger at t he Kruger National Park.
28
protection zone. “I spent just under three years doing this
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
before relocating to Addo
conservation efforts,” she
Elephant National Park,
adds.
where I took a permanent
Dreyer says the biggest
position as the conserva-
challenge is balancing
tion manager,” she says.
the security and conser-
Dreyer’s appointment
vation functions and the
came after the KNP's
demand they place on
strategy session to pre-
the ranger corps, within
pare a Rhino Implemen-
the current COVID-19
tation Plan to address
climate.
the decline of rhino in the park. SANParks is develop-
She adds that the welfare of rangers is a priority.
ing strategies to protect
“Ensuring that the men
the rhino population and
and women who dedicate
manage conservation
their lives to protecting
and wildlife crime more
our wild places and wild-
effectively. The Turna-
life receive the support
round Plan addresses
they deserve, will always
these and other key
be challenging, but it is
security, infrastructure
also critical. I am look-
and human capital chal-
ing forward to making a
lenges.
meaningful contribution
Dreyer will be key in driving these changes,
to rhino conservation and the rangers.”
She adds that women have already made massive strides across all spheres of life.
“There isn’t anything that cannot be achieved through hard work, dedication and the right people supporting you.”
contribution to conservation. “This extends further than wildlife, it also extends to the people who dedicate their lives to protecting our national heritage. “Conservation is everyone’s heritage. When visiting the parks, people must ensure that they don’t leave their litter anywhere as animals are curious and some materials may be harmful,” she adds. Dreyer says poaching, which is largely criminality involving sophisticated syndicates, is not just a SANParks’ problem, but one that South Africans
“I hope my appointment will further prove
and the world should also address.
For Dreyer, being the
that one should never
ideas and passion to the
first female head ranger
place any limitations
mation with law enforce-
park’s team.
is all about hard work,
on oneself. There isn’t
ment agencies to assist
commitment and char-
anything that cannot be
in curbing the scourge.
acter.
achieved through hard
Should we match the
work, dedication and the
efforts of rangers outside
bringing new energy,
New challenges “It is an exciting time
“Some of the most
“People can share infor-
to join the KNP as it
committed, ethical and
right people supporting
of the park, this will help
embarks on its Turna-
dedicated conservation-
you.”
minimise poaching,” she
round Plan. At the same
ists I have met are men
time, however, the world
and women. It really is
continues to feel the
about the individual’s
Protecting our heritage
effects of the Coronavi-
character – it all comes
Dreyer’s passion for
regional rangers, 22 sec-
rus Disease (COVID-19)
down to integrity, fair-
wildlife is mostly driven
tion rangers and numer-
pandemic and there is
ness and a passion for
by a need to make a dif-
ous field rangers in each
less funding available for
what you do.”
ference and meaningful
section of the KNP.
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
says. As head ranger, Dreyer is responsible for four
29
FOOD AND WINE
Compiled by: Gilda Narsimdas
Budget beaters I
f you’re watching your
Ingredients
budget closely, but still
• 2 cups pasta (macaroni,
want to eat as healthy
as possible, look no further.
We’ve rounded up some delicious, nutritious and easy to prepare meals for you and your family. These options are full of goodness and go a long way with leftovers for lunch.
Tuna pasta salad (serves 2 as a main or 4 as a side)
30
curls or elbows)
• 2 small cans of your favourite tuna (or fresh, baked fish)
• 8-10 green olives (pitted)
Cook the pasta in salted
• A handful of baby spinach or rocket leaves • Boiled eggs cut in wedges or halves
minced sliced • ½ large bell pepper or
Layer the pasta with the bles and place the tuna, boiled eggs and baby
• 1 small clove of garlic
spinach or rocket on the
• ¼ tsp coarse salt
top. Make the vinaigrette:
• 4 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• sliced cucumber
towel.
dressing
cut in small dice tomatoes
cold water. Dry on a clean
For the vinaigrette
several colourful minis, • 5-7 quartered baby
water. Drain and rinse in
various prepared vegeta-
• ½ medium red onion, • 6 spring onions, thinly
Instructions:
or plain vinegar • Pinch of thyme
Mince the garlic and then add them to a mortar with a pinch of coarse salt and thyme and turn into
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
a paste using the pestle. In a mason jar, combine
• 2 onions, finely chopped
carrot, thyme and egg. In a separate bowl, mix
slice and serve with mashed potato, gravy
the olive oil, vinegar and
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
the breadcrumbs with
and any vegetables you
garlic paste with a whisk
• 1 large carrot, grated
the milk, then add to the
prefer.
or a fork. Dress the salad.
• 2 tsp dried thyme
meat mixture. Stir in the
Tip: Use whole wheat
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
Worcestershire sauce,
pasta for a nutrition boost
• 250g fresh bread-
mustard and season well.
and try salmon or baby
crumbs
Fill the loaf tin with the
Chickpea and cauliflower curry Ingredients
shrimp instead of the
• 50ml milk
mixture and cover with
• 1 red onion
tuna.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire
foil. Place the loaf tin in
• 4 garlic cloves
a deep roasting tin and
• 1cm piece of ginger
pour boiling water to
• 1 tbsp curry powder,
sauce
Meatloaf
• 2 tsp mustard
Ingredients • Vegetable oil, for greasing • 700g minced beef or
cover a third of loaf tin.
medium
Method
Bake for about 90
• 1 tsp ground cumin
Preheat the oven to
minutes, until cooked
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
160°C. Grease a 1kg loaf
through.
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
500g minced beef and
tin. In a bowl, mix the
Cool for 15 minutes
200g minced pork
mince, onions, garlic,
in the tin, then remove,
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder • 1/4 tsp salt
31
FOOD AND WINE
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
in a large pan on medium
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
heat.
little more oil if it’s too dry.
the chickpeas and cook
Add the chopped toma-
for a further 5 minutes.
toes and tomato puree.
The cauliflower should
onion and let it cook for
Stir and allow it to cook
be soft but still have a bit
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
a few minutes. Then add
for a few minutes. Blend
of a bite. If you prefer it
• 1 medium cauliflower
the minced garlic and
until smooth.
soft cook it for longer.
• 1 tin full fat coconut milk (optional)
Add the finely chopped
grated ginger. Cook for a
Add the coconut milk,
• 1 tin chickpeas, drained
minute, keep stirring so it
stock and cauliflower. Cut
coriander.
• Fresh coriander
doesn't burn.
the cauliflower into bite
*Recipes courtesy of
sized pieces.
Taste Australia
Instructions
cook for around 30 sec-
Heat one tablespoon oil
onds until fragrant. Add a
(around 4 cups)
Add all the spices and
32
Garnish with some fresh
Allow to simmer for 1015 minutes and then add
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
GROOMING AND STYLE
Compiled by: Nicholas Francis
Dressing down made easy T
1
here is no better feeling than the sand between your toes at the beach or splashing away in the pool without a care in the world. The holidays are
around the corner and if you’ve putting together your holiday 3
wardrobe, make sure these items are on the list so that you are pool or beach ready.
2
4
1. Camel straw hat, R129.99, available at The Fix. 2. One-piece swimsuit with tie detail, R370, available at Foschini. 3. Belted high waist cotton shorts, R399, available at Woolworths. 4. Miss Black Murano8 sandal, R399, available at Superbalist. * Prices correct at the time of publishing.
34
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
5
6 7
5. 6. 7. 8.
Polo reversible monogram bucket hat, R449, available at Superbalist. Casual statement vest, R89.99, available at Mr Price. Ice cream swimshorts, R150, available at Markham. Uzzi navy flip flops, R170, available at Truworths.
7
8
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
35
TRAVEL
Writers: Sam Bradley and Jill Langley Images: Bevan Langley
Wet and wild in Lake St Lucia
Take a walk on t he Estuar y Boardwalk at sunrise.
Taking in t he estuar y view from t he beac h.
T
here are few places
tuba, across the St Lucia
patrol the rooftops and
the blue horizon is inter-
in South Africa as
estuary and into St Lucia
any number of song birds
rupted by spray from the
breathtakingly wild
town feels like taking a
bejewel the trees.
whales.
as St Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Driving the narrow R618 via Mtuba-
step into a veritable Eden.
But visitors here haven’t
Here, hippos roam the
come to see the town.
crowning jewel of the
streets at night, monkeys
Wrapping around the
iSimangaliso Wetland
town and extending
Park. A visit to this region
northwards, the inter-
offers a chance to be im-
linking St Lucia estuary
mersed in nature - from
and lakes stretch an
beach to bush, wet or dry,
incredible 70km and
on foot or by car or boat.
more from the town of St
It’s also a visit that can be
Lucia through grassland,
taken slowly at leisure or
forest and wetlands that
with enough different ac-
resound with the grunt of
tivities to easily stretch a
hippos and the rumble of
weekend into a fortnight
elephants.
(as we discovered).
The coastline that paral-
Cape Vidal’s beac hes stretc h into t he distance.
36
Lake St Lucia is the
lels it is marked by turtle
Explore on foot
tracks, the waves are
There is plenty to explore
alive with dolphins and
without even leaving the
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
town. Take a gentle stroll
doors you’re after, there
beaches including Mis-
By boat
along the Estuary Board-
are breathtaking beaches
sion Rocks and Cape
Perhaps the best way
walk to take in views of
within the Eastern Shores
Vidal.
to experience Lake St
the estuary and do some
section of the iSiman-
birding along the way.
galiso Wetland Park.
The waters of the estuary
Pack a mask and snor-
lap at the base of this
kel for the warm water
beautifully-constructed
and rocky reef at Cape
boardwalk that winds
Vidal. Otherwise, time
its way through coastal
your visit for low tide
thicket and mangrove
and hike for hours along
forests, and visitors need
sandy bays and rocky
to keep a sharp eye out
points where the only
for hippos and crocodiles
other footprints you’ll find
along the way!
are made by nesting log-
Then, as the sun starts to paint the horizon red, head to Sunset Jetty for sunset over the water and
The waterways of Lake
reedbeds of the estuary.
St Lucia divide the park
boat cruise. Climb aboard
park and spot chamele-
a late afternoon cruise
ons by starlight.
and be serenaded by the
An estuar y boat cruise is a great activity for c hildren.
into two sections, namely
and the Eastern Shores’
the Eastern and Western
Bhangazi Gate is the
Shores, and are home to
iPhiva Game Area. Visi-
big game that includes el-
tors can hike, run or cycle
ephant, rhino, buffalo and
here free of charge.
leopard. Highlights of the
This small game area
Western Shores include
is home to a variety of
lake access at Charters
animals such as zebra,
Creek and spectacular
wildebeest and antelope.
views over the wetlands
It is a great opportunity to
from the uMthoma Aerial
explore the bush up close,
Boardwalk. A visit to the Eastern
for hidden treasures like
Shores combines the
dung beetles or leopard
best of the lakes and
tracks in the sandy path.
game area with the park’s
If it’s more time out-
night drive through the
turtles (seasonal).
By car
keeping a sharp eye out
Lucia is on an estuary
gerhead and leatherback
the best views of the
Between St Lucia town
After dark, join a guided
stunning coastline and
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
Cape buf falo graze on t he Eastern Shores.
37
TRAVEL
Estuar y Beac h at St Lucia is t he per fect spot for reflective beac h walks.
Make time to stop at one of t he scenic view sites in t he park.
haunting call of an Afri-
beach almost every day
can fish eagle while you
in season.
gently drift past hippos
Humpback whales
grunting in the shallows.
undertake a breeding
These boat tours are
migration from the frigid
be treated to the awe-
mayhem, an ocean cruise
guided and are a fantastic
feeding grounds off Ant-
inspiring sight of female
offers a good chance
way to learn more about
arctica to calving grounds
whales being pursued
of seeing some of the
the plants and animals
near Madagascar
by groups of six or more
smaller dolphin species
that live in the estuary.
between mid-May and
males all vying for posi-
that play along this coast-
December, and mate in St
tion and the right to mate.
line, as well as impres-
If it’s an open water cruise you’re after, ocean
Lucia’s warm subtropical
whale watching tours
waters just offshore.
launch from the sandy
Cruise passengers can
Even if you are not
sive views of Maphelane
caught up in the mid-
sand dune, the highest in
dle of the whale mating
Africa.
Know before you go An easy 2.5 hour drive from Durban via the N2 and R618, St Lucia is a fantastic place to escape to for a weekend or more. Accommodation ranges from camping to luxurious hotels and there are plenty of restaurants and other amenities in town. Visit www.isimangaliso.com or www.strayalongtheway.com/things-to-do-st-lucia for more information on the park as well as tour operator listings.
38
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
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