PRASA CEO
Hishaam Emeran on re-establishing rail as the backbone of transport
Dr Haberfeld championing
Building
a professional public service enhanced breast cancer awareness and early detection
partnering with institutions for higher learning
8. Conversations with leaders
National Treasury’s Dr Duncan Pieterse explains cost containment in reviving South Africa’s economy
12. Women in the public sector
For 22 years Dr Jenny Haberfeld has advocated for enhanced breast cancer awareness
16. Trailblazer
Gautrain Driver Bawinile Mokgonyana shares her inspiring career journey
18. Profiles in leadership
Wits School of Governance Adjunct Professor
Themba Maseko believes the GNU will enhance service delivery
22. Office of the President
The nations of the world agree on a Pact for the Future
24. Celebrating the legacy of former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo: A champion of justice and transformation
Looking back at the former Chief Justice’s contribution to South African law and the fight against corruption
26. Driving SA’s smart mobility revolution: GTFS leading the charge towards a connected future
A standardised data system can address public transport challenges, writes CSIR Senior Industrial Researcher Carike Karsten
28. Sanral’s R37 road upgrade eases traffic congestion in Burgersfort while creating jobs
Road rehabilitation projects can empower local communities
30. Revamping rail: PRASA boosts jobs and enhances commuter experience
PRASA is on track to re-establish rail as the backbone of the transport system
34. Women winemakers headline the 2024 Local Wine Expo
Black women are playing a significant role in the viticulture space
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36. Grooming and style
High-end luxury knitwear to wear during spring
38. Food and wine
Airis the Chef’s tantalising peri-peri chicken breast recipe
40. Travel
Take me to Taj Mahal: India’s famous romantic landmark
According to the White Paper on Transport Policy, the goal of transport is to provide safe, reliable, effective, efficient, environmentally benign and fully integrated transport operations and infrastructure that will best meet the needs of freight and passenger customers, improving levels of service and cost in a manner that supports government strategies for economic and social development while being environmentally and economically sustainable. Today, while the department acknowledges the various challenges affecting the entire transport system, especially the disconnect between policy and reality, the 2024 October Transport Month (OTM) Campaign continues to raise awareness on the important role of transport in the economy and the steps we are constantly taking to en-
sure sustainable improvements.
The campaign was conceived by the Transport Lekgotla, approved by Cabinet in 2005, and launched to promote and encourage the use of public transport as we set out to address congestion on our roads, reduce transport’s carbon footprint – especially worsened by congestion – and address the risks affecting road users.
Over time, the annual campaign has expanded into a monthlong series of events and exhibitions, all of which have been used to highlight various improvements and milestones achieved across all modes of transport.
The 2024 OTM Campaign puts a spotlight on the extent to which we are addressing
Writer: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy
the risks and inefficiencies of provincial and municipal roads, unreliable and costly landbased public transport, inefficient ports and freight logistics, lack of critical skills in the sector, ineffective planning and a lack of budgetary coordination across spheres of government, outdated and inefficient infrastructure, and other critical challenges that are being addressed.
The campaign demonstrates the strong will and commitment needed on the part of the government to address the challenges our nation is facing, such as the impact of apartheid spatial planning on the costs of travel. In keeping with the ideal of a better society, the campaign highlights the
specific contributions we are making towards addressing the discouraging levels of unemployment and the general lack of opportunity to participate in the economy for the majority of South Africans, especially women, youth, persons with disabilities and all historically excluded persons.
Given the department’s recognition of the important role of transport as an enabler of economic and social development, it has ensured that it lives up to its mandate by continuously developing capabilities, strengthening its implementing agents, and building on the opportunities inherent in constitutionally defined cooperative governance. Concerning implementing agencies, the campaign will certainly showcase notable achievements by transport entities, especially
in their infrastructure development roles and in the delivery of efficient, cost-effective, safe and accessible transport services.
There remains a great need for continuous improvement in intergovernmental coordination. Through cooperation across spheres of government, we have managed to agree on and apply effective solutions to infrastructure maintenance and address the challenge of fixing potholes that litter our roads across provinces and municipalities. We also highlight the achievements of our collaboration with sister departments to reconstruct bridges damaged by the floods of recent years.
The 2024 OTM Campaign will prove that the department is committed to building the necessary partnerships to bring about sustainable progress to the entire transport system, showcasing progress gained with private sector elements such as the Gibela Consortium in the manufacture of train sets, universities in the development of skills, research institutions towards needed innovation, and other partners towards the resolution of transport challenges such as road safety.
The 2024 OTM Campaign will also highlight the gains we are making in responding to operational, infrastructure, and other
needs, including the human capital needs of South Africa’s transport system. The campaign will prove that major advances are being made across all modes of transport to improve safety and security across the system, to improve system efficiencies, to reduce the costs of doing business, and to develop a reliable and competitive system for the seamless movement of people and freight.
The annual campaign will continue to demonstrate the extent to which the department is transforming the policy and regulatory framework to address systemic and structural weaknesses that have stifled
the overall development of the transport sector. The need to introduce reforms in the transport sector, formulate new and enabling legislation and build partnerships across society to secure needed resources, expertise, and efficiencies are among the central highlights of the 2024 OTM.
Through the work of our entities, we are implementing changes that contribute to the broader objectives of government and “move the needle” by supplying enabling public infrastructure and responsive services, ensuring job creation; and developing industries as we carry out these tasks with a clear focus on improving people’s standards of living.
Through nationally coordinated events, exhibitions, public statements, talk shows and other media, the campaign will engage stakeholders on the critically important role of transport, beyond just mobility, to the essential creation of jobs, the development of skills, and the overall development and growth of transport industries.
Given the department’s commitment to safety across all modes of transport, OTM is also characterised by programmes that ensure that South Africans stay informed through awareness and education campaigns about the steps being taken to effectively reduce fatalities on our roads, in the maritime sector and in general aviation. ❖
As public servants, we are mandated to fulfil the promise of a better life for all. Our role as implementers of government programmes is important in ensuring that citizens experience the benefits of a thriving society. We have a duty to contribute towards a positive economic outlook and create a more stable and attractive environment for investment through our work. While various external factors can influence our economy –many of which are beyond our control – it is encouraging to observe a positive trajectory in recent events, a sign of better times ahead. Most of these achievements can be attributed to government initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and stability, including partnering with the private sector. President Cyril Ramaphosa and business leaders recently launched Phase Two of the Government
Business Partnership; a partnership to accelerate economic growth and creation.
The partnership and initiatives from the Energy Action Plan, have led to the country enjoying over 180 days without load shedding. This was made possible through reforms made in the energy sector, which have boosted investment and, deployment of expertise to key power stations as a result, addressing electricity challenges.
There has also been a positive shift in our monetary policy. In September 2024, The South African Reserve Bank cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 8%. The cut, which was the first one in four years, moved the prime lending rate to 11.50%.
In addition, the country’s inflation is also stabilising. Statistics South Africa recently reported a decrease in consumer inflation
to 4.4% in August, from 4.6% in July – the lowest since April 2021. Just as we celebrate Transport Month, fuel prices dropped to their lowest level since February 2022.
These positive indicators align with the objectives of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which places inclusive economic growth at the centre of the national agenda. The
GNU priorities – as unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his Opening of Parliament Address earlier this year – are driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical and developmental state. A stronger economy is essential for the achievement of these priorities.
The partnership with businesses has been crucial in advancing economic growth and job creation. For example, the YES programme – one of the initiatives that came from the government/ business partnership – has created over 155 000 work placements for unemployed youth. An estimated 45% of these young people were employed permanently after their internship. Through initiatives like Business for South Africa and the Resource Mobilisation Fund, the
private sector has supported the performance of key power stations, rail corridors and port terminals. These are crucial enablers of economic growth.
The SA Small and Medium Enterprise Fund is another collaboration between government, labour and business to address challenges to the country’s economic growth. It provides funding to innovative startups and small, medium and micro enterprises.
In further securing an enabling environment for investors, government has made significant progress in strengthening the law enforcement agencies and reversing the effects of state capture. The efforts to continue to create a conducive environment
for economic growth, stability and prosperity are in our hands!
In September 2024, National Treasury announced that following the International Monetary Fund’s visit to the country, the fund recognised the resilience of our economy.
“While recognising the macroeconomic challenges highlighted by the IMF, the South African government has affirmed its commitment to prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to tackle prevailing high levels of poverty and inequality,” stated National Treasury in a statement.
The strides we are making today contribute towards growing an inclusive economy anticipated in the National Development Plan 2030. ❖
Highlights of government initiatives aimed at growing the economy:
• The National Logistics Crisis Committee is stabilising and improving the logistics system to support key export industries. Fundamental reforms are underway through the Freight Logistics Roadmap – to enable open access to the freight logistics network and introduce private sector participation in container terminals for the first time.
• Infrastructure investment is increasing. As of December 2023, investments value amounted to R540 billion – R169.24 billion under procurement; R233.87 billion under construction; R4.63 billion of completed projects and the rest under feasibility and pre-feasibility studies.
• The spectrum auction and analogue switch-off have been completed, improving network quality, reducing data costs and expanding digital access.
• The country has received international funding to support the Just Energy Transition and Green Economy opportunities – catalytic projects have been identified for implementation.
• Tourism has experienced significant growth in arrivals, income and growth, contributing to job creation and the country’s gross domestic product.
• The automotive, beverage and steel sectors continue to generate income – export promotion initiatives have seen exports to the rest of Africa crossing the R100 billion threshold for the first time since 2015.
• Government has implemented a large-scale programme of land restitution and land redistribution, with about 24% of farmland now owned by black farmers.
• The Agricultural Economy has grown strongly over the past three decades, creating thousands of jobs.
National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse
The Director-General (DG) of National Treasury, Dr Duncan Pieterse, says the recently revised cost containment measures for departments, constitutional institutions and public entities were issued to help revive South Africa’s economy.
In a wide-ranging interview with Public Sector Manager magazine, the DG noted that in the context of low economic growth and a constrained fiscus, government is looking at taking steps to contain expenditure because revenue generation is not as high as it should be.
When the economy does not grow, it means less tax revenue and government cannot spend as much as it would have been able to under a higher economic growth scenario.
“For the last ten years or so, the economic growth in our country has been quite slow with the average economic growth of 1% versus the average population
growth of approximately 1.4%,” he said.
When the economy is not growing as fast as the population, it means the ability of the economy to support the spending that government undertakes, which is financed by tax revenue, becomes constrained.
To address this challenge, National Treasury has over the past years prescribed cost containment guidelines aimed at reducing expenditure in specific areas such as travel and consultants services, among others.
“We have introduced different types of cost containment guidelines which have been quite detailed and prescriptive about what government departments can and can not do. This year, we have updated them to give more authority to accounting officers to manage the costs themselves through their own internal policies,” Pieterse explained.
He said finding ways to constrain the wage bill was another step that government took to contain costs, a move he acknowledges has had a direct impact on some departments and their ability to fill vacant positions.
“Part of the challenge we have in so far as the wage bill is concerned is that the headcount of staff members in many departments is stable or have decreased, and the unit cost of workers have been growing steadily over time. Because of that growth in the unit cost, it has become challenging
for the fiscal framework in an environment where growth is so low to support that,” Pieterse explained.
He, however, reiterated that personnel-intensive departments such as the police have sufficient resources to employ staff members because they render critical frontline services.
Unfortunately, many other departments, including the National Treasury, have had to limit the growth in employee compensation. This constraint is necessary for government to manage its budgetary commitments and ensure that it can meet its financial obligations.
This approach also allows
government to balance the budget effectively between the service delivery commitments, including growing the economy and jobs, building better lives, making communities safer, and fighting against corruption, and the social wage components.
Pieterse believes that the challenges that prevent the economy from growing faster are structural. Economists differentiate between structural constraints and cyclical constraints.
Cyclical constraints relate to fluctuations in the the business cycle, such as variations in global
demand that periodically rise and fall – a cyclical issue that constrains growth.
A structural issue, on the other hand, is something that does not go up or down with changes in the global economy.
“A structural issue is something like Eskom’s inability to provide the amount of electricity that the country needs. Another example of a structural issue is Transnet’s inability to operate freight rail lines effectively. That is why over the last few years, we focused on using Operation Vulindlela as one of the measures to address these structural constraints to economic growth,” he explained. Operation Vulindlela is a joint
initiative of The Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
Pieterse noted that significant progress has been made through this initiative.
“Over 90% of the reforms from Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 have either been executed or are on track to be executed. The impact of that will, in our view, be seen as the economy recovers and as businesses
start to reinvest because they now have electricity, and as our exports grow because we are able to get our goods onto the rail system and out of the ports,” he said.
He added that through Operation Vulindlela, government has focused on the electricity sector, particularly how to transform Eskom and the energy sector in order to address loadshedding so that the country can have the amount of electricity it needs to help grow
the economy.
Similarly, through Operation Vulindlela, government worked on improving the freight rail sector as an attempt to address the structural challenges that prevent the economy from growing, and, therefore, preventing the country from creating adequate jobs.
Cabinet passed the Freight Logistics Roadmap in December 2023, which is meant to address the challenges in the logistics industry and all the reforms that are contained in the plan.
Pieterse noted that it is important for government to continue implementing the structural reform agenda to get growth higher than it currently is so that the country can be able to generate more tax revenue and direct more resources to critical service delivery areas.
In the budget earlier this year, National Treasury indicated
that reviving economic growth requires three pillars – a stable macro-economic framework, Structural reforms and the capacity of the State to invest in infrastructure.
With the tax season now open, Pieterse reminded public servants that it is important be tax compliant because there is a strong link between the tax revenue that the country generates and government’s ability to afford various policy priorities that are articulated in the fiscal framework.
“Paying one’s taxes becomes a very important part of the social contract that we have because the budget is fundamentally funded through tax revenue. To an extent, we all contribute to paying our taxes so that we are able to give an effect to the priorities in the budget,” he added. ❖
Pieterse was appointed DG for the National Treasury in September 2023. He has served in various positions in the department over the past 10 years, including as the Deputy DG (DDG) for Economic Policy and later DDG for Asset and Liability Management. Prior to joining National Treasury, he worked as a development economist and public finance consultant. He also conducted research at Yale and Brown Universities in the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Business Science, Master of Business Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, all in economics, from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a Master’s in Public Administration Degree from Harvard University. He serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town and is the current Chair of the Board of Directors of the New Development Bank.
Dr Jenny Haberfeld, Head of the Mammogram Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), is often moved by words of gratitude from breast cancer patients she helps on their path to recovery. She, however, is concerned about those who, by the time they seek treatment, find that their
cancers have already spread, necessitating harsher medical intervention.
It does not help that the number of patients requiring intervention at the unit continues to rise – a gradual trend that Haberfeld has observed over her 22 years at the medical facility.
According to the Department of Health, the incidence of breast cancer among South African women is increasing and it is one of the most common cancers among women in the country. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst White and Asian women and the second most common cancer among Black and Coloured women. About 90% of patients survive for many years after diagnosis when the condition is detected early. Despite this, Haberfeld remains grateful for the opportunity to
contribute to the recovery of patients facing this challenging condition.
In a conversation with the Public Sector Manager (PSM) magazine, Haberfeld said being able to help a patient recover from breast cancer and delivering a negative diagnosis to someone who feared they had the disease brings her immense satisfaction.
“We are a small unit, and we get to do everything. All the different breast investigations, because it does not end with the mammogram. There are MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), biopsies; we do everything in one fell swoop.. We can offer the patient, together with our ancillaries – breast surgeries, radiation and medical oncology. We have everything all together in one hospital and we are a cohesive group, we are able to offer the patient excellent
service,” she told PSM.
Haberfeld said that while the unit is generally well-equipped, its biggest challenge is the insufficient number of staff members to meet the growing demand for services.
“Most of the patients are grateful for what we do for them, that we are able to assist them and that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she explained. The specialist radiologist highlighted the challenge that medical facilities in the country often treat breast cancer patients when the disease has already reached an advanced stage, noting that the reasons for this are varied.
“...patients end up with various advanced diseases, which is obviously much more difficult and hugely more expensive to treat as opposed to if we could find the breast cancers when they are
smaller or even if the patient did not know about them,” she said.
She stated that the unit is committed to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. She emphasised the importance of screening, especially after the age of 40. This, she said, would enable more effective and less costly treatment.
She noted that breast cancer awareness is higher among those who are more educated, as they have better exposure to information about the disease, adding that more needs to be done for this information to reach all South Africans, especially in rural areas.
“People there have different philosophies and ways of life,
different ideas about looking at things – [things like] if there is no problem, do not look for it. They do not always understand that due to our extremely toxic environment, it is going to affect everybody”.
She pointed out that some people believe that they do not need to worry if a lump is not painful, adding that at the onset, breast cancer may not be painful.
“They may see the lump, and because it is not painful, they do not seek detection thinking it might go away. It might but then it starts to grow again,” she added.
CMJAH, like other hospitals that offer specialised medical services, often handles the most severe breast cancer cases. In
addition to its caseload, the hospital also assists the Pholosong, OR Tambo and Far East Rand hospitals.
“We are doing an awful lot to increase the regional hospital referrals and, unfortunately, the waiting list is getting longer and longer because the demand is ever-increasing. Never mind the patients who come with the obvious advanced breast cancer,” she explained.
“The majority of people today have breast pain because of the environment that we live in. We are getting pounded on two fronts: one; patients who are really advanced in the disease, and, two; those who are generally well and relatively have minor issues. They are both competing for appointments in our very limited capacity”.
She noted that there seems to be lack of education among staff at clinics, which often results in specialised units like hers, seeing patients at a later stage, when the cancer has already spread.
“You ask patients why it has taken so long to come to us, and they tell us that they kept going back to the clinic and the nurse told them there was nothing wrong and that they should not worry about it. It is a huge problem having to deal with clinics that do not, and will not, refer a case in time so we can see these patients in time,” she said.
Haberfeld is adamant that education needs to be delegated to all the peripheral clinics to create awareness. She also suggested implementing educ ation days where the public could be invited to attend. ❖
Bawinile Mokgonyana is quickly establishing herself as a standout talent in the rail industry. Within just two years of starting as a Gautrain driver, she has earned a reputation as one of the top performers in operating Gauteng’s high-speed train system.
As South Africa celebrates Transport Month this October, Public Sector Manager magazine puts a spotlight on Mokgonyana’s inspiring career journey. Starting her career as a cleaner at the Gautrain, Mokgonyana always envisioned herself one day steering the 160 km/hour high-speed train – a dream that has come true for her.
Mokgonyana’s career at the Gautrain began in 2020, just after the COVID-19 pandemic hit South Africa.
Throughout this month, the Department of Transport and its entities are showcasing transport infrastructure services across aviation, maritime, public transport and roads. Transport Month also focuses on advancing road safety initiatives and raising awareness about the economic benefits of the sector.
“I saw it as an opportunity to work my way up and grab any opportunity that is available. My role included cleaning and sanitising the Gautrain facilities. I was fascinated by all the buttons that the drivers use to get the train moving. I envisioned myself driving passengers to various
destinations one day,” she reminisced.
A year later, the Bombela Operating Company (BOC), which operates and maintains transportation systems, including the Gautrain, advertised six Gautrain drivers vacant positions.
It was the first time that external applicants, including cleaners who worked for a company that is contracted to clean the Gautrain facilities, had an opportunity to apply for driver positions, as this was previously accessible to the BOC internal staff members only.
“I applied for the job and went through various tests, including psychometric and medical tests, followed by driv-
er training. It was unbelievable. It only started sinking in that I am going to be a Gautrain driver when I received my train driver license,” she said.
When her dream became a reality, Mokgonyana performed her duties with exceptional skill and dedication, earning the title of Train Diver of the Year at the BOC Annual Award Ceremony in 2023.
The BOC uses its selection process to determine the top ten drivers of the year. Finalists are evaluated based on detailed charts that assess their speed, train handling, efficiency breaking, emergency break application and overall behaviour.
Mokgonyana came top of the list and was statistically fit to receive the award.
“I always try to do right even when no one is watching. In this case, the BOC has a system that monitors the work that we always do, and some of the most critical parts of our job are around safety of passengers and how safe we drive the trains, among others,” she explained.
She added that winning the award not only motivated her to enhance her performance but also inspired her colleagues. This is also the highlight of Mokgonyana’s career because she won the award against drivers who have been on the job since the inception of the Gautrain.
Mokgonyana’s excellence as a driver does not come as a surprise because she has always had an interest to work in the transport and automotive sectors.
“When I was in Grade 7, I wanted to design a car that would minimise fatalities and injuries caused by accidents. Unfortunately, I could not qualify to go to university after Matric. So I had to find a job in a supermarket and corresponded with Monitor International School for a Motor Mechanic certificate in 2006,” she said. Among other qualifications, Mogkonyana holds a National
Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology in Operations Management from the University of Johannesburg, a Certificate in Business Process Management from the University of Pretoria,
“ We have no excuse to not be successful today, unlike 30 years ago,” she added.
and a Certificate in User Experience Design from the University of Cape Town.
What makes Mokgonyana’s journey even more rewarding are her humble beginnings. She
started as a cashier at a supermarket, worked as an organisational development intern, and took roles as a promoter, scholar transport driver, a receptionist and an administrative summons operator at the South African National Roads Agency.
Mokgonyana is of the view that excelling in one of the previously male-dominated industries is not hard and firmly believes that women are capable of performing any job that men do. She encouraged more women to take up opportunities in careers traditionally dominated by men, such as being a train driver.
“Being a woman in South Africa today, in the year that the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, means that women like me have endless opportunities and we are
now able to access what many could not dream of 30 years ago. We have no excuse to not be successful today, unlike 30 years ago,” she added.
Her advice to young women aspiring to establish careers in the transport sector is that they should pursue relevant qualifications for their desired roles and to always act with integrity whenever they get opportunities.
Mokgonyana’s future plans include becoming a researcher and finding solutions to various problems facing the transport sector in the country.
The Gautrain project is a Public-Private-Partnership between the Gauteng Provincial Government and the BOC. It commenced operation in 2010 and has transported more than 60 million passengers to date. ❖
We have just returned from representing South Africa at the annual United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York. The General Assembly was
preceded by the Summit of the Future convened by the UN Secretary-General to forge a new international consensus on the most pressing issues facing our world today. There was a
reflection on the current geopolitical situation that gives rise to the challenges that many countries are facing, including national security, peace, economic development and the high cost of living.
The summit aimed to mobilise greater support for the achievement by 2030 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many countries,
particularly those with developing economies, are falling behind in meeting their targets, mainly due to a lack of funds.
The situation was made worse when scarce resources had to be re-directed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This has meant that targets on poverty eradication, quality healthcare and actions against climate change are far from being met.
The UN estimates that the world needs about $4 trillion to achieve these goals. Just as importantly, the leaders of the world need the political will to dedicate the necessary resources to where they are most needed.
The summit culminated in the adoption of a Pact for the Future, which reaffirms that extreme poverty is the greatest global challenge. It seeks to hold member states to their existing commitments to support sustainable development.
In South Africa's address to the UN General Assembly last week, I reiterated South Africa’s position that sustainable development can only be achieved when it is being driven by inclusive, responsive and agile multilateral institutions.
This means that bodies like
the UN and financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund need to be fundamentally reformed. We saw, for example, how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the serious shortcomings of the international financial architecture.
Low income countries struggled to get financial and other forms of assistance from multilateral institutions to support their pandemic response. Onerous lending requirements and overly bureaucratic systems meant that many poorer countries were unable to get help when they needed it most. Similarly, developing economy countries also struggle to get the funds they need, at sufficient scale, to respond to climate change and its impact. This is largely because the northern hemisphere countries that are largely responsible for the damage to the climate have not met the commitments they made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015.
For many countries in Africa and the Global South, the cost of servicing their debt is diverting much-needed funds for development.
As South Africa, we endorsed the call made in the Pact for
the Future for global financial institutions that are better, bigger and bolder, and are able to address the scale of the challenges facing the world.
The Pact for the Future presents the world with an opportunity not only to bridge the development divide, but also to reinvigorate the multilateral system. It is an opportunity to move forward on the long overdue reform of the global governance architecture, including the UN Security Council.
At a time when the threats to international peace and security are many and complex, we can no longer place the world’s security in the hands of a few major powers when all countries are affected. The current approach to world peace is unjust, unfair and unsustainable. The UN Security Council must, therefore, be more representative of the current membership of the UN.
The Pact for the Future commits member states to strengthen multilateral action towards a New Agenda for Peace. South Africa’s message was that there should be a reinforced focus on mediation and the political settlement of disputes. We must pursue the
attainment of just and sustainable peace based on international law.
When South Africa assumes the Presidency of the G20 later this year, we will prioritise the needs and aspirations of our continent and the Global South.
As a signatory to the Pact for the Future, we want peopledriven, sustainable development to become a reality.
All the nations of the world have a right to development, and better resourced countries have a responsibility to support countries with developing economies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
As a society, we need to work together to ensure that development, poverty eradication and job creation remain at the centre of our national agenda. Alongside the other nations of the world, we need to speed up the pace of progress so that we can realise the aspirations of the Pact for the Future and achieve the SDGs by 2030.
This is vital if we are to succeed in building a better life for all our people.
*The message was first published on 30 September 2024
Photo: Supplied by the Wits School of
As the country adjusts to the new Government of National Unity (GNU), the Head of the Wits School of Governance, Adjunct Professor Themba Maseko, remains optimistic about the GNU’s potential to enhance service delivery in South Africa.
In an interview with Public Sector Manager magazine, he noted that government has achieved considerable progress in the past 30 years, particularly in increasing access to electricity, housing, free education and healthcare, especially to the most disadvantaged.
However, Maseko is of the view that government often falls short in delivering quality services to citizens, mainly due to maladministration and corruption.
He believes that the GNU presents more opportunities to improve governance because it brings together politicians from different political parties, who can hold each other accountable.
It also gives Parliament a chance to become a genuine platform for debate and ac -
countability, as the parties outside the GNU will be able to hold those within it accountable.
“In the past, with the majority rule government, people who come from the same political party were in the legislature and in the executive, and there was no accountability taking place. Now with the differences in the parties, I think we may just see some improvement in the level of accountability. Politicians or Ministers are going to feel the need to demonstrate the delivery of services,” he said.
Maseko believes that the GNU presents an opportunity for the country to build a strong, independent and professional public service faster than ever before.
To help support this goal, the Wits School of Governance has introduced the New Executive Course: Public Leadership and Governance – a bridging programme aimed at individuals who have long been employed in the public service but may lack formal qualifications, as well as those looking to advance their studies.
Upon successfully completing the programme and achieving
the required marks, candidate will qualify for admission into Wits academic programmes. This initiative is set to be a game changer for the institution, as it will give open doors for more people to pursue post-graduate studies.
“Our objective is to broaden access to some of our programmes in order to address the challenge of exclusive entry requirements which affect the majority of potential students who can study in our institution,” said Maseko.
He revealed that the Department of Higher Education and Training is leading a new policy initative that encourages Wits University to explore the recognition of prior learning. This will assist individuals with substantial work experience and those who hold leadership roles, but without formal qualifications, by acknowledging their professional achievements in the admissions process.
“Such people will be required to provide us with a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the role that they played as leaders, researchers or policymakers, and a committee from our school will then look at the submissions and identify those who qualify so that they can enroll for certain courses,” he explained.
The Wits School of Governance has established a Memorandum of Understanding with the National School of Government (NSG) – to develop and launch joint programmes aimed at improving the capacity of the State, not only in South Africa but the rest of the continent.
“We have run few winter schools for programmes that speaks to economic development, and we brought Ministers and Directors-General from South Africa and few African countries for one week. This programme has been going on for about a year.
“We are now at a point where we need to expand the agree -
ment with the NSG so that we focus on programmes that will be targeted to support senior leaders in government,” he added.
Maseko urged public servants to transform the Public Service into an aspirational sector –one that attracts students and is characterised by high competence and improved service delivery.
He stated that the Wits School of Governance is focused on fostering an ethical culture among public servants. He also encouraged individuals to not only reject involvement in corruption but to also actively expose it.
Maseko defines a public servant as someone who is
dedicated to serving society and works in government not for personal gain but to be of service to all citizens, regardless of their race, age, religion or ideology.
“It is somebody who serves with absolute integrity and utter commitment to improve the lives of others. I think there is no reason for public servants to be demoralised. The country is going through a difficult but very interesting phase with a promise for improvement.
“When citizens begin to hold leaders accountable, the leaders will have to respond by ensuring that government focuses on delivering quality services to citizens. I think that government will not be able to perform its function unless every public servant commits to serving citizens, being ethical and hard-working,” he said. He noted that as the country moves towards professionalising the Public Service, citizens can expect to see improvements. The country needs to find a way of insulating the Public Service from political upheavals to ensure it is effectively professionalised and well managed.
As the Head of the Wits School of Governance, Maseko wants the university to lead all conversations about transfor-
mation of society, the continent and the globe.
Maseko’s role at the Wits School of Governance allows him to contribute directly to solutions for state challenges.
He joined the University in 2022, leading the Executive Education Programme, which is meant to strengthen state capacity by providing training for officials and policymakers from local, provincial and national departments.
He was appointed to his current role this year, marking a full-circle moment for him. He obtained his law degree from Wits University and started
his career at the institution as a student activist, which led him to hold various leadership positions in youth organisation structures and civil society groups across the country.
He also holds Master of Business Administration Degree from De Montfort University and a prestigious Senior Executive Programme. In 1994, Maseko was a Member of Parliament. He joined the Public Service the following year, when he became the founding Superintendent-General of the Gauteng Department of Education.
He also held various positions in the private and public sectors, including being the
Managing Director at the Damelin Education Group, Director-General for the then Department of Public Works, Department of Public Service and Administration, Chief Executive Officer of the Government Communications and Information System and Cabinet Spokesperson, and a consultant.
He currently also serves as Chairperson of Corruption Watch, a member of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution and a Trustee at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. ❖
The illustrious 27-year career of the former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has been hailed as having significantly contributed to the development of South Africa’s law, fight against corruption and the transformation in the judicial authority.
The former Chief Justice’s
term of office ended on 31 August. In a statement, the Office of the Chief Justice highlighted some of his contributions to the Judiciary throughout his years of service.
It noted that when Zondo assumed the role of Acting Judge-President of the Labour Appeal Court in August 1999,
the court faced a significant reduction in its judges. The number had dwindled from six to just two, which meant the court was unable to meet the required quorum of three judges.
“Both the Judge-President and the Deputy Judge-President had left, and it was left to Chief Justice Zondo as Acting Judge-President and later Judge-President to rebuild the Labour Appeal Court, which he did successfully over the years”.
The office also remarked that during Zondo’s term, significant progress was made in advancing racial and gender transformation within the Labour Appeal Court. He provided numerous acting opportunities to capable women, many of whom were later ap -
pointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.
From 2018 to 2022, Zondo successfully led the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture – commonly known as the Zondo Commission – resulting in a six-part report submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since outlined government’s plan of action in response to the commission’s recommendations.
In his speech at the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council Summit in November 2023, the President said: “Not only did the commission lay bare the extent and depth of state capture, but it also
presented the country with the means to both remedy the great harm caused by state capture and to create the conditions that would prevent its recurrence. Viewed overall, the recommendations of the State Capture Commission have provided the country with a clear way forward”.
In 2023, Chief Justice Zondo reintroduced the Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme, originally initiated by the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Bridgette Mabandla, to expedite the training of women lawyers and magistrates in preparation for potential appointments as Acting Judges and, eventually, as Judges, thereby advancing gender transformation within the Judiciary.
“Chief Justice Zondo named this programme the Bridgette Mabandla Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme in honour of former Minister Mabandla.
Several aspirant women Judges took part in that training last year. On 5 August 2024. Chief Justice Zondo launched the 2024 Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme for 2024. About 20 candidates are taking part in that programme,” noted the statement.
He has also ensured that the Judiciary in general and the Constitutional Court play an active role in international bodies relating to legal and judicial matters.
This includes his attendance at the World Conference on Constitutional Justice in Indonesia, where he ensured that South Africa’s voice was heard; and being invited by the Chief Justice of Indonesia to participate in a conference celebrating 20 years of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia, where he delivered an address.
“Earlier this year, he also attended the J20 Chief Justices’ Forum in Brazil, a gathering of
the Chief Justices of G20 countries, where they discuss matters of mutual interests,” it added.
Furthermore, he continued to be a member of the Executive Bereaux of the Conference on Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa. A few months ago, he attended a meeting of the Executive Bereaux in Morocco. He has also ensured that the Judiciary of South Africa is represented at a meeting of the BRICS Forum of Chief Justices.
In his weekly newsletter, From the desk of the President, published on 26 August 2024, President Ramaphosa urged South Africans to work with government to honour the former Chief Justice’s legacy by building a fairer, just and ethical nation. He reiterated the impact that that state capture had on the State, economy and society.
“It was a huge undertaking, involving more than 400 days of hearings, over 300 witnesses and more than 1.7 million pages of documentary evidence. Chief
Justice Zondo can retire from office knowing that he has done his country an invaluable service,” the President said.
On 21 August, just before his retirement, the Judiciary honoured Zondo in a Special Ceremonial Sitting of the Constitutional Court, where he delivered his final judgement.
At a farewell dinner held on the eve of the ceremony, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane paid Tribute to the former Chief Justice on behalf of the President. She noted that history will record that he established a standard for probity in public affairs that will serve the country for many years to come.
She added that government has already made considerable progress in implement the commission’s recommendations.
To prevent the country from experiencing state capture, the Minister stated that government has introduced and enacted legislation in critical areas such as public procurement, criminal justice and public administration.
“The bench, the legal fraternity and our country is all the richer for your contribution. We are confident that your important voice and wise counsel will not be lost to us in this new era in the life of our country,” concluded the Minister. ❖
Public transport is the backbone of daily commuting for millions in South Africa, acting as the critical link between homes, workplaces and myriad destinations. However, a significant shortfall exists in the quality and accessibility of public transport data. This deficiency hampers researchers, commuters and policymakers from making informed decisions and optimising the transportation network.
The public transport mosaic in South Africa is diverse, encompassing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), government-subsidised buses, rail services and, notably, minibus taxis, which serve nearly 62% of the population. Despite the heavy reliance on these transport modes, data availability and quality are alarmingly inadequate. Commuters and transport modellers alike face barriers to accessing reliable information, which in turn stifles effective
urban planning and discourages potential users.
The absence of a standardised data collection and storage methodology is glaringly evident. Diverse agencies operate in silos, using varied systems and tools, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. This lack of uniformity leads
to discrepancies in accuracy, completeness and frequency of updates, severely restricting an integrated view of the transport ecosystem. The adverse effects resonate across planning at metropolitan, provincial and national levels, undermining the efficiency of the transportation
system and the potential for growth and development.
Accurate, standardised data collection is paramount for strategic decision-making, performance evaluation and the successful implementation of policies. The 2021 National Transport Policy White Paper envisions a transportation system that is equitable, reliable, economically sustainable and environmentally friendly. Yet, the missing link is an integrated national transport database. Misaligned planning and investment due to inadequate data result in ineffective transport infrastructure development.
In a noteworthy effort to digitise bus data for the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, it emerged that the lack of a standardised approach among agencies leads to inconsistent
data quality. Such fragmentation restricts the synthesis of a cohesive dataset, hampering a comprehensive understanding and optimisation of the transport network.
The trend towards smart transportation is redefining urban environments worldwide, providing an opportune moment for South Africa to embrace this transformation with the aid of the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS). The benefits of implementing a standardised and accessible public transport data system are substantial. GTFS, an international standard for public transportation schedules and geographic information, enables efficient data sharing among agencies, passengers and researchers. However, the fragmentation of data collection methods and the commercialisation of data by private entities pose significant hurdles. Moreover, the absence of a centralised repository further complicates access to accurate and current information.
Addressing these challenges demands a collaborative approach among government agencies, private sector players and research institutions. By pooling resources and expertise, the quality and accessibility of transport data can be significantly improved, breaking down existing
silos and fostering a data-rich environment.
High-quality transport data is invaluable for urban planning and helps to create a more integrated and equitable society with an optimised public transport network. Metrics such as service accessibility, infrastructure utilisation, affordability and equity can be accurately calculated, enabling targeted infrastructure development and ensuring widespread accessibility.
A case study in Johannesburg showcases the profound impacts of having GTFS-format public transport data. An analysis of non-subsidised (Metrobus, BRT) and some government-subsidised buses revealed insightful trends. For instance, it showed that the average zone has access to about 10% of points of interest (POIs), with 75% of households having access to at least one POI type, provided they can afford R30 per trip. Interestingly, non-subsidised buses provided greater POI access than their subsidised counterparts, highlighting disparities possibly due to data availability.
Accessibility equity is vital for low-income households that predominantly depend on public transport. The case study highlighted underserved areas, accentuating the need for accurate data to identify strategic locations for network extensions. Such data facilitates
crafting inclusive transportation infrastructure, ensuring broader service coverage.
Densifying households and employment opportunities along public transport corridors enhances accessibility and job availability. In Soweto, for instance, numerous densely populated regions remain inadequately served by the existing bus network.
Accurate and comprehensive data is crucial to elucidating these gaps and informing decisions that improve network coverage.
The integration of standardised data systems like GTFS, coupled with stakeholder collaboration, is set to dramatically uplift transportation policy and practice. ❖
Carike Karsten is a Senior Industrial Engineer based at the CSIR within the Urban Regional Dynamics group. She earned her Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pretoria. Her primary focus is on urban growth modelling, specifically predicting future population and job distributions. Her outputs are facilitated through an internally developed platform aimed at supporting metropolitan decision-making processes. Over the past five years, Carike has spearheaded initiatives encompassing public transport data, particularly leveraging the GTFS standard. Her efforts are aimed at standardising public transport data, a crucial component for transportation and urban modelling in South Africa. Recently, her team has concentrated on digitising bus routes across Gauteng to ensure high-quality data for accurate predictions and effective urban planning.
The South African Road Agency Limited’s (SANRAL) quest to maintain and improve the country’s roads while benefiting locals is evident in the recently completed 25-kilometre (km) resurfacing project of the R37 in Burgersfort, Limpopo.
The recently concluded R780 million project, which started in February 2021 and concluded in April 2024, was between the
R555 intersection and K117.
Enveloped in the sprawling minerals-rich mountains in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality in the Sekhukhune District, the project has allowed traffic in the area to ease since its completion in April.
The scope of work included major roadworks and drainage structures, lighting construction on community access roads
(sidewalks and bus shelters), widening of lanes, provision for overhead lighting, and reconstruction and widening of one bridge to accommodate fourlane traffic.
The project transformed the previously narrow road, expanding it from one lane on each direction to an impressive two lanes on each direction. It included the mammoth task
Lethu Dlanjwa, Project Manager.
of widening of the 120-metre Steelport Bridge as well as the addition of various major culverts along the road.
“It took us quite a while to complete the bridge, it was one of the major activities on the project,” said the Project Manager Lethu Dlanjwa during a recent media tour of the project. Over its 33-month construction period, the project created 424
employment opportunities.
During this period, 26 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) benefitted to the tune of R160 million.
The upgrading of the road is aimed at addressing increasing traffic volumes and enhancing road safety concerns while also improving connectivity between the town and the province’s capital of Polokwane.
The project is part of the 18 SANRAL-led rehabilitation projects in the Sekhukhune District Municipality.
“We lengthened the stormwater and provided public transport facilities such as roundabouts for the facilitation of the traffic,” explained Dlanjwa.
While the initiative also included community projects, these were limited due to the financial challenges SANRAL encountered over the three years.
Plans are afoot for a further three phases of the 304-km road in the near future.
“Those three phases are still in design. I am currently also responsible for the next phase,
50 km going towards Polokwane – to almost just beyond the Oliphants Bridge past the Apel intersection. That phase is currently under design,” he said.
In May 2024, SANRAL invited tenders for the provision of consulting engineering services for the resurfacing on the road from the km 26.70 to the km 59.70 peg.
At the time, the national roads agency said this part of the project is located in Mpumalanga, in the local municipality of Thaba Chweu. This element of the procurement process is the approximate programme for design and construction documentation to be completed by July 2025, followed by 15 months of supervision (including a three-month mobilisation period), commencing November 2025.
“As you can see, there is quite a lot of traffic here but we did try to minimise the stop-and-goes. We did not have a lot. We actually received compliments from the taxi guys for that... we never
had issues on their side,” Dlanjwa added.
The project was not without any challenges, with local business forums demanding to benefit from it. However, thanks to effective interventions, SANRAL managed to swiftly address these challenges.
“We did have guys who were demanding work opportunities, we explained that at SANRAL we have processes that we have to adhere to – how we engage and how we source services and procure from SMMEs,” he said.
With each project, SANRAL establishes a project liaison committee (PLC) in an effort to create a platform for project communication, works execution, sub-contracting, procurement, participation with a memorandum of understanding partners, material supply and employment facilitation.
“We did award tenders for the local SMMEs through the PLC. There was also a community liaison officer (CLO) who was appointed to help us source local SMMEs, and [with the] appoint-
ment of labourers,” he emphasised.
This, he added, was one of the legacies of the project.
“We were here for three years and people were able to benefit. From a business point of view, the road is more drivable. There have been businesses that we [have] since seen being established during this time. That is part of the reason why we come and build these roads, we hope to come in and build the local economy” .
With the project concluded, SANRAL will be launching community awareness programmes to educate the public, especially pedestrians, on road usage.
Dlanjwa pleaded with motorists to adhere to road rules, emphasising that the stretch is designated as a 60km/h speed zone.
“In future, should further road safety measures be required, these would be considered and implemented in the area,” he concluded.❖
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has made significant progress in its transformation over the past two years. By embracing technology and accelerating its rolling stock modernisation programme, PRASA is evolving into a world-class organisation. The agency's primary focus has been on providing affordable rail services that contribute to a more
efficient and safe public transport system. The successful introduction of the much-loved People's Train has brought excitement to passenger rail services.
PRASA has successfully restored train operations on 31 out of 40 corridors, reconnecting commuters to crucial rail lines. These include routes from Naledi to Johannesburg, Mabopane to Pretoria, Kwa-
Mashu to Durban, Saulsville to Pretoria, Cape Town to Belville, and most of the Central Line in Cape Town. This recovery is a significant step towards re-establishing passenger rail as the backbone of public transport. With these services now operational, PRASA is concentrating on increasing train frequency, digitising services, and enhancing safety and efficiency.
The agency has refurbished 300 previously vandalised and damaged stations, providing commuters with safer and more efficient facilities.
PRASA has maintained the successful execution of its capital programme, effectively utilising funds for infrastructure and asset improvements. This
has enabled the rapid reintroduction of services. The high level of spending demonstrates the agency's commitment to enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. Over R36 billion has been committed to the programme, including the Gibela project, which is expected to create and sustain at least 250 000 additional jobs. Network optimisation is anticipated to provide significant economic benefits in the coming years. Capital programmes have created more than 15 000 jobs in the past three years, while PRASA's security strategy has generated over 9 500 jobs.
One of PRASA's notable achievements has been creat-
ing 33 965 sustainable job opportunities through infrastructure projects, rolling stock, and operational initiatives. This includes employing 71 cooperatives responsible for cleaning and maintaining 96 regional stations. The introduction of cooperatives provided employment and empowered local communities by involving them directly in PRASA's maintenance and operational activities.
The success of PRASA's rolling stock modernisation programme is evident in the delivery of the 226th Electric Multiple Units train manufactured at the Gibela factory in Nigel. These modern trains improve passenger safety, reliability and
operational efficiency. This fleet renewal demonstrates PRASA's commitment to developing local industries and creating employment opportunities.
Perhaps the most visible demonstration of how PRASA has become a well-oiled machine
was its accomplishment in ferrying fans between Park Station and Ellis Park Station for the rugby game between South Africa and New Zealand on 31 August 2024. This was not just an opportunity for the entity to run a special service but to show PRASA at its most capable. PRASA demonstrated that it
could safely and efficiently run a continuous service from Park Station to Ellis Park in three minutes. By the end of the day, PRASA had recorded over 10 000 passengers between Park Station and the stadium. Clearly, the seamless travel experience between PRASA and the Gautrain, which allowed rugby fans to focus on the magic of the fierce rivalry between two great rugby nations, contributed to the buoyant mood at Ellis Park. The same stadium gave a newly democratic South Africa its first major sporting victory when Francois Pienaar’s men won
the Webb Ellis Trophy in 1995. The restoration of the train link between this venue and Park Station, Africa’s most famous railway station, signalled the rebirth of PRASA.
For those who have been watching the new PRASA rise, the rapid transformation of Ellis Park Station, the quick turnaround to transport thousands of rugby fans between Park Station and Ellis Park reinforced just how significantly the fortunes of this critical state-owned entity (SOE) have improved.
Those who travelled to Ellis
Park on the People’s Train included New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner, David Geyer who joined many other dignitaries and passionate rugby fans who used the Gautrain and PRASA trains to get to the famed rugby stadium. Since this experience, PRASA has run a similar service during the match between Bafana Bafana and Uganda at Orlando Stadium. When the Springboks faced the All Blacks in Cape Town, PRASA also provided the service. Fans were able to enjoy an integrated service that included the MyCiti bus service
and were saved from worrying about driving or parking.
Commenting on the trajectory of success, PRASA’s Group CEO Hishaam Emeran, said, “we have the people, the skills, and the determination to return PRASA to its rightful position as the backbone of South Africa’s public transport system. PRASA stands as a beacon of achievement, an SOE with world-class trains, infrastructure, employees and services. Let us maintain the momentum of recovery and positively contribute to the socio-economic fabric of our society.
“Reaching the milestone annual performance level of 87% is a testament to the collective resolve of our workforce. It also shows that our ambitious vision for 2035 is achievable. Significantly growing passenger trips requires more than just infrastructure; it demands a mindset rooted in courage, passion, and determination”.
PRASA’s success has been felt across the region. It plays a leading role in the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) – the leading voice in the affairs of the freight and passenger rail sectors of SADC countries. Emeran is also the President of SARA. ❖
South African women winemakers are making an exceptional contribution to the wine industry through their innovative and diverse offerings. This was demonstrated by over 70% women winemakers
who were featured during the 2024 Proudly South African (ProudlySA) Local Wine Expo held at the Prison Break Market in Johannesburg recently. The local wine expo offers a valuable market access oppor-
tunity for entrepreneurs in the retail chain of the wine sector.
A standout aspect of the event was the dedicated buying session, which allowed retailers, hoteliers and restaurateurs to connect directly with winemak-
ers and secure shelf space for local wines.
This initiative proved highly effective, fostering valuable connections, and boosting the representation of locally produced wines in retail outlets.
The enthusiasm for the showcased wines was evident, with a notable number of brands selling out by the second day of the three-day expo. This strong demand underscores the growing consumer interest in high-quality, locally produced wines and the expanding market potential for these products.
Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile described the expo as an occasion for celebration and a testament that localisation works when citizens support local entrepreneurs and their businesses.
“This is an important event for us as the department, and as a provincial government that is committed to building and strengthening a local economy that grows in the hands of the people,” said Maile.
He added that the wine industry is a fundamental pillar in South Africa’s economic framework.
“It is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), generating an economy-wide contribution of R56.5 billion. This translates to 1% of
the country’s GDP at market prices,” he said.
He stated that in 2023, the wine industry accounted for roughly 1.30% of the country’s total tax revenue. It has also been a robust driver of employment, creating 270 364 job opportunities across various sectors.
The industry currently employs 1.8% of the total workforce. He said for every R1 million of sales revenue in the wine industry, 7.51 formal and informal jobs are supported.
The MEC acknowledged that unemployment is one of the biggest threats to the future of the country, because it signals an economy in distress.
“In such an economy, infrastructure development and foreign direct investment become very difficult. Furthermore, the revenue that the State can generate from the industry makes it possible to invest not only in infrastructure but also in social services that build stronger communities,” he said.
MEC Maile said the significance of the industry goes beyond financial and economic benefits. For the departmet,
it plays an important role in fostering inclusivity and redressing historical injustices.
He added that one of the department’s key strate gic objectives is to promote employment equity to ensure that black people, women and persons with disabilities are represented in the public and private sectors, and in the professions and artisanal sectors towards the growth of a vibrant, non-racial and nonsexist middle strata.
“We deem this as critical not only to the development of the Gauteng province, but to national development broadly. The local wine industry is playing a crucial role in the empowerment of women and youth. We are seeing an emergence and growth in predominantly black women-owned wine brands,” he said.
Black women are playing a significant role in the viticulture space that has historically been dominated by White males. This is an important intervention in redressing the historical disenfranchisement that has continued to characterise the country.
of supporting Black women is that in so doing, we are also strengthening heritage and culture, which are crucial facets of economic development,” he explained.
He referenced Aslina Wines, owned by South Africa’s first Black woman winemaker Ntsiki Biyela. Named after her grandmother, the wine beautifully blends Zulu culture and heritage with traditional winemaking techniques.
“Even in its branding, which features a calabash, heritage is being preserved. This speaks to how inclusivity in the wine industry, which the Gauteng Department of Economic Development is actively supporting, addresses issues of cultural and heritage preservation, among other things,” he added.
He said the department will continue to support the local wine industry in the province through strengthening the regulatory environment as well as the provision of technical and financial support.
“We support responsible drinking and will continue to ensure that the consumption of alcoholic beverages promotes healthy socialising and coher-
ence. Furthermore, as part of our township economy development objective, we will continue to invest in viticulture in townships, where we are confident that in the near future, agroprocessing and manufacturing activities related to wine will be strong.
“I have no doubt that in my lifetime, I will attend an annual Proudly South African Local
Wine Expo in a township, and that those showcasing there will be dominantly young, female, people living with disabilities and Black,” he said.
Speaking at the event’s media briefing, First National Bank Marketing Segment Head Katlego Mahloane emphasised the importance of uplifting and supporting not only local winemakers but the community as a whole.
“We need to hold each other personally accountable so that we can turn the tide of unemployment and poverty in our country,” he said.
Proudly SA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eustace Mashimbye said the expo tremendously exceeded expectations.
"The presence of so many talented women winemakers and the enthusiastic response from both attendees and retailers highlights the strength and promise of our local wine industry," he said.
Restaurant Association of South Africa CEO Wendy Alberts note that South Africa is internationally recognised as a wine platform for the rest of the world.
“The wine route is idyllic and a greatest tourist attraction to our country. Wine tourism
contributes significantly to the South African economy as it generates an estimated R5 billion and serves as one of the largest job creators in the hospitality industry,” she said. ❖
South Africa is renowned for its diverse wine industry, contributing significantly to the global wine market. As of 2023, South Africa ranked as the 9th-largest wine producer in the world, with approximately 1.3 billion litres produced annually. The industry has seen continued growth, with wine exports reaching over 400 million litres in recent years. The country is recognised for its unique terroirs and has been acclaimed internationally for its Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and other varietals.
For more information, visit www.proudlysa.co.za, email: info@proudlysa.co.za or call: 011 327 7778.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in South Africa. One in 26 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Registry (2022). The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) offers help and support to those impacted by the disease.
Coping with a cancer diagnosis
CANSA’s Services Manager:
Psychosocial Support, Gretchen Minnaar, highlighted the difficulties that come with being diagnosed with cancer and its impact on mental health.
“Although breast cancer does not directly cause depression, it can affect your emotions as you deal with diagnosis and treatments. Some might experience post-traumatic stress disorder, with up to 32% of breast cancer patients showing signs of it.”
“Chemotherapy may bring sud-
den personality changes, often called ‘chemo rage’, linked to steroids used in treatment or chemo brain, resulting in diminished capacity to concentrate and remember things, making it hard to continue with work or everyday life. The loss of a breast or complications from surgery, for example, lymphoedema, can be debilitating and affect your self-image. If your worry becomes too much or you are experiencing mood swings, it is important to seek emotional
support. We offer free psychosocial support,” she explained.
To make the breast cancer journey more manag eable, CANSA offers counselling services and support groups to emotionally support cancer survivors and their caregivers. In the public system, patients may have to wait long to get appointments with psychologists. To address this, qualified social workers from CANSA offer support through its Tele Counselling line. To date, 78% of women have benefitted from this free service, which is available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana.
“We operate six online (WhatsApp) support groups nationally, which also includes support for Metastatic Breast Cancer patients. Patients may benefit from both individual and group therapy sessions. For group sessions to be effective, studies
show that women should be with other women at a similar or same stage in treatment. This allows them the opportunity to receive and give support emotionally and learn from other experiences. Regardless of individual or group psychological interventions, all are aimed to help women adjust to their diagnosis, cope with their treatment, and come to terms with the impact cancer has had on their life,” shares Minnaar. You can use the following steps to take care of your mental health:
⦿ Connect with nature by spending time outdoors or listen to nature sounds online.
⦿ Write down feelings or journal to ease stress and sadness.
⦿ Try different methods of meditation.
⦿ Discuss appropriate physical movement with your medical team to find what works and do not hesitate to ask them for referrals to mental health experts.
Dealing with cancer means handling a lot of paperwork and processes, especially when relying on public healthcare. Those with medical aid still need to understand their benefits. It is, therefore, important for patients to familiarise themselves with their oncology benefits and their rights.
Minnaar urged South Africans to undergo regular screening as early detection can make treatment easier.
“We know that early detection is key to enabling effective treatment and a better chance of recovering from cancer. It is also important to know what screening options are available to you, especially if you have a family history of cancer,” explained Minnaar.
• Clinical breast examinations – a check to detect any signs of breast cancer early. CANSA offers affordable clinical breast examinations at its care centres to detect any irregularities. Patients can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening. Government clinics offer free clinical breast examination.
• Mammograms – you can
be screened at public hospital breast clinics if you have a referral letter from a medical professional or CANSA nurse. You can also contact the Radiological Society of SA to arrange for a mammogram.
• Breast self-examination –check your breasts regularly. Look out for signs like lumps or changes in the breasts’ shape and get to know the warning signs. Visit https:// cansa.org.za/how-to-do-abreast-self-examination/ to learn how to do a breast selfexamination.
Every year in October, CANSA hosts events to raise funds to support its Women’s Health educational campaign and keep screening affordable. Purchase a ‘Doek with a Difference’ or a pair of earrings or wrap a tree as part of the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign –available at local CANSA Care Centres. You can also host or attend a Cuppa For CANSA event or CANSA High Teas. For more information, contact info@cansa.org.za or donate via CANSA’s secure, online platforms www.cansa.org.za ❖
In today’s world, personal grooming and style go hand in hand, creating a powerful statement of confidence and sophistication. BAR (Beautiful African Raiment ), a high-end luxury brand dedicated to dressing confident men and women, creates sophisticated, elegant, and timeless pieces that reflect understated luxury.
“BAR is renowned for its commitment to crafting high-quality garments that embody African heritage and culture,” explained Rirhandzu Nukeri founder of the brand.
In this edition, Public Sector Manager magazine highlights a selection of luxury items from BAR.
1. Garment of supremacy
Top: R2 000
Skirt: R4 200
2. Belts of warriors
Top: R2 000
Skirt: R4 200
3. Bed of Harvest
Top: R3 999
Skirt: 5 000
Unisex
4. Belts of warriors
Top: R3 999
Shorts: R2 999
5. Blanket of Cowry
Top: R3 999
Shorts: R2 999
Men top shirts
6. Letter of intent
Shirt: R4 400
Men top golfers
7. Garment of supremacy
Shirt: R3 999
Hailing from the small town of Nkowankowa in Limpopo, Nukeri established BAR in 2022. It was inspired by Nukeri’s deep connection to her late grandfather's style and the rich tradition of African storytelling.
Before launching BAR, Nukeri built a strong foundation in the cosmetics industry, where she remains actively involved. She has also worked in the construction industry prior to that. This diverse background fuels her passion for design, craftsmanship, and the seamless blending of modern elegance with African cultural influences.
For more information, visit www.bar-sa.com or email info@bar-sa.com
Writer: More Matshediso
Photos: Supplied by Airis Johnson
Chef Airis Johnson, culinary expert from New York City, has made a profound impact in the food industry over her 24-year career. Among her most cherished experiences is her collaboration with the Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School (JCPS), where she has had the opportunity to inspire and mentor aspiring chefs.
“Since 2014, I have been travelling to Joburg and working with the JCPS students, teaching them global cuisine and entrepreneurship. Over the past 10 years, I have been able to be a part of the school’s growth and advancement. I do not only teach there, but I learn more on every trip. Additionally, in 2022, I had the opportunity to work with the South African Chef’s Association,” said Johnson, who is affectionately known as Airis the Chef.
In this edition, she shares a
pan-seared peri peri chicken breast and coriander sauce with roasted new potatoes, carrots, and baby marrow with lemon.
Pan-seared peri-peri
chicken breast
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts (skin on).
2 tablespoons peri-peri spice.
2 tablespoons sunflower Oil.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
1 teaspoon ground cumin.
2 tablespoons salt.
Method:
Mix all dry spices and generously season the chicken on both sides. Marinate for up to one hour.
In a large sauté pan, heat two tablespoon of sunflower oil on med-high heat.
Add chicken breast skin side down. Cook for about five to seven minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 74°C. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the chicken.
Rest and serve:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for five minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. Keep the pan to cook the potatoes and veggies next.
Ingredients:
5 kg new potatoes (cut in half and boiled in salted water until fork tender).
250 g carrots (cut into batons and slightly steamed).
120 g baby marrows (sliced in quarters lengthwise).
1 – 2 lemons (quartered and seeded).
2 tablespoons butter.
Salt. Pepper.
Method:
In the same pan the chicken was cooked in, melt two tablespoons of butter on medium to high heat.
Add the potatoes and roast until golden brown.
Add baby marrows and carrots, and season all with salt, pepper (to your own taste) and a few generous squeezes of lemon juice.
Sauté until carrots and baby marrows are cooked through.
Remove from pan.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh coriander leaves (packed), including stems.
2 cloves garlic, peeled. 1/2 cup olive oil.
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime).
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste).
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat).
Method:
Rinse the cilantro leaves and pat them dry.
In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro and garlic. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients. With the processor run -
ning, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse again to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime juice, or red pepper flakes as needed.
Serve immediately over the cooked chicken breast.❖
Airis Johnson is a professional chef, world traveller and influencer. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, she has spent the last 24 years of her culinary career working with industry leaders such as Gordon Ramsay, Danny Meyer, and Whole Foods Market. Currently, her services encompass a wide range of offerings, including consulting for restaurants and food businesses, serving as a private chef for high-profile clients, and providing culinary instruction for college students, corporate classes, and children aged 3 to 16. For more information, you can email her on: Airis@airisfoods.com or follow her on Instagram: @airisthechef
During my two-week stay in India in March 2024, my colleagues and I took a four-hour journey from New Delhi to the Taj Mahal in Agra – India's most famous and romantic landmark that draws tourists from all corners of the globe.
Many will tell you, “You cannot go to India and not go to the Taj Mahal”.
Upon arrival, we stepped off the bus and were whisked away on electronic golf carts from the parking lot to the entrance of the Taj Mahal.
At first, I was not too excited –there were just so many people queueing to get inside.
I was worried that the area would not be large enough to accommodate everyone waiting outside, not to mention those already inside. To my surprise,
as we entered this, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, there was plenty of space for all of us. What a relief!
About five minutes into the place, we were assigned a tour guide – a kind spirited, gentleman, presumably in his 50s.
He explained the rules for our tour, reminding us to return to our meeting point in 45 minutes since we only had an hour to tour the precinct. My colleagues and I lost track of time as we were all mesmerised by the beautiful.
The tour guide shared a brief history of the Taj Mahal complex, which was was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan – who reigned from 1628 to 1658 – to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. He had two other wives.
“The Taj Mahal is a perfect symmetrical planned building, with an emphasis of bilateral symmetry along a central axis on which the main features are placed. The mosque and the guest house in the Taj Mahal complex are built of red sandstone in contrast to the
marble tomb in the centre,” he explained.
He added that both buildings have a large platform over the terrace at their front, and both the mosque and the guest house are identical structures.
According to the Government of Uttar Pradesh in northern India, the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex.
“The complex includes a mosque and a guest house and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenelated wall. The construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years,” the government explained.
The estimated cost of the complex at the time was around 32 million rupees, and would translate to approximately 52.8
billion rupees (U.S. $827 million) in 2015.
The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”.
The Taj Mahal attracts seven to eight million visitors a year. In 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World (2000 – 2007) initiative, according to the government.
According to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the construction of the mausoleum includes the mosque, the guest house and the main gateway on the south, the outer courtyard and its cloisters.
“For its construction, masons, stone-cutters, inlayers, carvers,
painters, calligraphers, dome builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran. Ustad-Ahmad Lahori was the main architect of the Taj Mahal,” stated the World Heritage Convention.
It added that the Taj Mahal is the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. The World Heritage Convention regards the Taj Mahal's recognised architectonic beauty that has a rhythmic combination of solids and voids, concave and convex and light shadow such as arches and domes further increase the aesthetic appeal.
"The colour combination of lush green scape reddish pathway and blue sky over it showcases the monument in ever changing tints and moods. The relief work in marble and inlay
with precious and semi-precious stones makes it a monument apart," it said.
It said the ground plan of the Taj Mahal is in perfect balance of composition, the octagonal tomb chamber in the centre, encompassed by the portal halls and the four corner rooms. it added that the plan is repeated on the upper floor, and the exterior of the tomb is square in plan, with chamfered corners.
“The large double storied domed chamber, which houses the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, is a perfect octagon in plan. The cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal is in perfect centre of the tomb chamber, placed on a rectangular platform decorated with inlaid flower plant motifs. The cenotaph of Shah Jahan is greater than Mumtaz Mahal and installed more than thirty years later by the side of
the latter on its west,” it said. Next to the tomb, said the World Heritage Convention, is the main gate which stands majestically in the centre of the southern wall of the forecourt. "The gate is flanked on the north front by double arcade galleries. The garden in front of the galleries is subdivided into four quarters by two main walk-ways and each quarters in turn subdivided by the narrower cross-
axial walkways, on the TimuridPersian scheme of the walled in garden. The enclosure walls on the east and west have a pavilion at the centre," it explained. ❖
For more information, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website, https:// whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/ and the Government of Uttar Pradesh on https://agra.nic.in/
