Municipal Focus Volume 63

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

IPUBLISHER'S NOTE

n these very challenging times, government is looking towards PPP’s, or Public-Private Partnerships, to better respond to SA’s growing concerns that include unemployment, economic development, poverty, re-imagining SA after Covid19, the KZN floods, waste management, housing, our energy crises, social cohesion and bridging the digital divide, to name just a few of the challenges we now face.

In March 2023, and post-SoNA, the Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a number of changes to the National Executive, stating that “the purpose of these changes is to ensure that government is properly capacitated and directed to give effect to the commitments made in the State of the Nation Address and the Budget Speech.” For many this will bring a ray of new hope for the mammoth task at hand.

Local, provincial and national government leaders are looking at innovative solutions, and synergies with civil society and the private sector, to identify and seize opportunities for collective impact.

In this edition our cover feature showcases Cell C which has invested in “connecting communities and building capabilities”, where those who have been previously disadvantaged are afforded opportunities that empower them with the necessary skills, services

As our cover story it was fitting then to focus on the 2023 North West SoPA, where Bushy Maape pronounced that the provincial government would embark on “the biggest ever service delivery programme which will be the primary activity and dominant focus of all work of government over the 12 months.” The feature highlights the key deliverables that are aimed at improving the lives of the people of the North West.

and products that enable them to participate in the growing economy.

Municipal Focus unpacks the role, commitment and contribution of the National School of Government (NSG) to the establishment of a capable, professional and responsive public sector, and speaks to Principal, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, about the NSG’s work in the local government sphere that include programme partnerships and capacity building interventions, so that public servants can best understand and implement their work.

Within the North West Province, Implats, via their Impala Rustenburg operation ensures the well-being of their minecommunity. Their initiatives ensure jobs are created, life-long business and sporting skills are developed, that the mine generates local business opportunities, and that the mine makes a significant investment in educating the youth.

For any significant impact to be felt, it is evident that government, corporates and communities must work hand-in-hand. Or as the National Development Agency (NDA) states in the feature we covered, “All hands must be on deck.”

Nardine Nelson Publisher & CEO Kweda Media & Communications

The Electoral Commission has embarked on a Youth Democracy Campaign, aimed at youth voter education, participation and registration. Mawethu Mosery, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer: Outreach at the Electoral Commission, said that engaging the youth in this manner will empower this generation with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate in elections and to shape their own future.

level, and particularly to deep rural communities, where water scarcity is deeply felt, and infrastructure is limited.

To assist local government with service delivery and to strengthen local governance, Kagiso Trust has remained steadfast in its development of scalable, replicable, sustainable development programme models in areas of education, institutional capacity building, socioeconomic development and financial sustainability.

June 2022 coincides with Youth Month and we have a conversation with Malusi Shezi, the CEO of CETA (Construction Education & Training Authority) about the construction industry, empowering youth with skills in the sector, the SETA’s successes and challenges, and collaborations with some of the other SETA’s and TVET Colleges that will benefit the youth.

Stepping up to the plate is CCBSA, and the feature covered showcases how the company ensures their contribution is impactful by assisting government to supply water at a local community

Barloworld celebrates its 120th Anniversary and continues the group’s legacy of positively impacting the communities in which it operates. Through its flagship programme, Barloworld Mbewu, it offers support to start-ups and other organizations that exist to help solve local socioeconomic challenges. Through its perpetual policy of giving back to communities, this iconic South African company continues to thrive.

As an employee of government in the local government space, and in these critical times of loadshedding, water scarcity, staff shortages, etc, it is often inconvenient or even seen as a luxury to entertain ideas of self-care. But it is companies, the likes of the National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW) and SAMWUMED, that have it on their agenda to assist local government employees remain healthy, informed, and covered.

Through collaborations, and by introducing civil society and private sector technology, innovation and ideas to deal with SA’s challenges, we are better positioned to make local government work, supplement the limited government capacity and resources we have, and provide better public services!

This edition is about the synergy between the private and public sectors – a clear indication that the concept of ‘all hands on deck’ will deliver better results.

Enjoy the read and keep safe.

Enjoy the read and keep safe!

Nardine Nelson Publisher & CEO Kweda Media & Communications

CELL C: Partnerships - The Key to Serving South Africa and Her People

SA Cities Network

Honourable Premier, Bushy Maape

Impala Rustenburg's Economic Inclusion Centre

Together

• Service delivery

• Reputation & credibility

• Ethical practices

• Audit outcomes

• Risk identification & mitigation

• Management

Ensure

• Accountability

• Employees are highly skilled & competent professionals through up-skilling

• A robust ethical approach

• Stronger stakeholder relationships

• Efficient & economic ways of working

• A competitive edge

• Full control through performance measurement

Decrease

• Costs

• Wastage

• Complexity

Assisting Local Government and Municipalities to strengthen their Procurement & Supply Chains and help deliver better services to communities. Now is the time.

, we can build a capable, ethical & developmental South Africa.

NORTH WEST PREMIER BUSHY MAAPE DELIVERS SOPA 2023

“SPEED IS REQUIRED TO ANSWER TO THE CRIES OF THE PEOPLE OF NORTH WEST”.

Premier of the North West Province, Bushy Kaobitsa Maape delivered the 2023 State of the Province Address (SoPA) on Friday, 24 February during the Official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature where he highlighted the need to make the public service and public office uncomfortable spaces for people who do not want to advance accelerated service delivery and job creation.

In recent years the North West Province has been plagued by rampant corruption, poor service delivery and disinvestment by some of the biggest corporations and investors in the province, a serious blow to employment and economic growth in a province that is primarily rural.

At the delivery of the SOPA 2023, Premier Maape gave the province and its people renewed optimism and impetus.

“This is the year of service delivery, the biggest ever government delivery programme which will be the primary activity and dominant focus of all work of government over the next 12 months,” Premier Maape declared at the SOPA address in Mahikeng.

“We are moving into our neighbourhoods, our streets and roads, which are critical points of contact for service delivery as our permanent homes for the next 12 months,” he stressed. He added that the provincial government will be working hand-in-hand with municipalities to provide basic services to communities.

He gave emphasis to the following key deliverables that are aimed at improving the lives of the people of North West:

Accelerating Service Delivery remains central to our mandate

Premier Maape commits that North West Provincial Government will through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan, continue to ensure that local municipalities are clearing illegal dumping sites, constructing new high mast lights and repairing existing ones, repairing damaged roads and addressing water and sewer challenges.

Maape says the Steering Committee has developed a plan to deal with immediate water and sanitation challenges across the province. The Steering Committee is strategically working jointly with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable Senzo Mchunu with priority being given to Ditsobotla, Naledi, Madibeng, Ramotshere Moiloa local municipalities among others.

The province would be retaining the Provincial War Room on water which is part of the accelerated rapid service delivery approach that was announced in 2022. Additionally,

the province was introducing a mobile App to enable members of the public to participate in fast tracking the reporting of instances where basic services are interrupted or unavailable. The Premier was communicating regularly with Mayors through this technology to jointly address service delivery challenges.

Moreover, the provincial government will roll-out access to Internet through broadband and Wi-Fi from the current 25% of learners to 75% in the current academic year. This will see government expanding broadband connectivity to schools to the tune of R31.2 million.

To promote improved access to healthcare services, Premier Maape committed the Department of Health to ensuring that during the 2023/24 financial year, the new Sekhing Community Health Centre is completed and commissioned, and that Mahikeng and Klerksdorp Campuses of the North West Nursing College and the Ventersdorp and De La Rey Bulk Pharmacy projects are also completed.

“We are rolling out a massive Routine Roads Maintenance Plan on critical surface and gravel roads across all four districts of the province. Moreover, the Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) >

“This is the year of service delivery, the biggest ever government delivery programme which will be the primary activity and dominant focus of all work of government over the next 12 months,” Premier Maape declared

through the Presidency has set aside R13 billion rand for the maintenance and upgrading of thirty-nine rural roads projects in the province”.

As pronounced by Premier Maape, the department of Public Works and Roads will also start work on the Lichtenburg to Koster road, and a portion of the road connecting Koster and Derby to Magaliesberg. Additionally, the provincial government has received an amount of over R100 million to address flood damaged roads in the province. Maape said consultants have been appointed for the upgrading of a 12 km road, D39 from Mooifontein to Lombaardslaagte, using paving bricks.

On new human settlement projects, Premier Maape maintained that they will all be delivered in an integrated manner, allocated to rightful beneficiaries and built in areas where there are internal services and bulk infrastructure. “The provincial government will collaborate with the private sector, the national government and the Housing Development Agency to launch a housing project in Marikana extension 13 in the 2023/24 financial year, targeting 3 400 beneficiaries”.

beneficiaries ranging from youth, women, military veterans, persons with disabilities and emerging black commercial farmers totaling 34 000ha.

Our focus is still on creating job opportunities and youth support initiatives

Maape further stressed that the provincial government will conduct a performance assessment of all contractors, to scale down those failing to complete their work on time, terminate and blacklist repeat offenders.

In an effort to continue creating development opportunities for the people of the North West, Premier Maape announced that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will allocate twenty (20) farms to 20

Quoting President Cyril Ramaphosa who, at the State of the Nation Address remarked that ‘the people of South Africa want action; they want solutions and their government to work for them’, Premier Maape declared: “We must make the public service and public office uncomfortable spaces for people who do not want to advance accelerated service delivery and job creation.”

“Speed is required to answer the cries of the people,” Premier Maape added. “Therefore the Province has put multiple plans to tackle some of the major service delivery challenges facing the province, among them youth unemployment, water supply to communities and healthcare, education and energy challenges.”

Premier Maape acknowledged that youth development and empowerment are important pillars to sustain the stability of our democracy and safeguard our nation’s future. The future prosperity of any province required full utilization of the human potential of its youth.

The Premier announced the following as key job creation opportunities and initiatives to support to youth development:

• An amount of R12million is set aside to support 60 youth owned businesses that have been successfully incubated at Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub,

• The first intake of 13 069 Expanded

The Premier acknowledged that the private sector plays a critical role in economic growth and job creation in the province.

Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries will start in April 2023, covering all infrastructure delivery departments,

• North West Parks Board will spend R4 million on youth skills development programme which is envisaged to create at least 120 job opportunities,

• A further 250 job opportunities in the environment sector will be created,

• A total amount of R21.4 million has been set aside to fund beneficiaries of the Victor Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme during the 2023 academic year,

• Office of the Premier will launch a project to create a Provincial Youth Portal - a digital platform with information related to all opportunities for youth in the province,

• Youth, Women and Pe rsons with Disabilities are primary beneficiaries of available work opportunities through Public Infrastructure (i.e. Women = 7 841, Youth = 7 188, Disability = 261),

• This recrui tment wil l reach a milestone of two hundred thousand (200 000) job opportunities over the next five years.

Economic recovery through private partnerships

The Premier acknowledged that the private sector plays a critical rule in economic growth and job creation in the province.

Premier Maape noted, ”In the third quarter of 2022 unemployment rate was 32.9 per cent and 39 per cent for South Africa and the North West Province, respectively. These shocking numbers clearly demonstrate that more effort on job creation is needed in the province.” He said that the hardest-hit sector during the pandemic had been the mining industry, which is the cornerstone of the province’s economy.

However, the Premier stated that there was light at the end of the tunnel due to what he calls “positive signs” in the province’s economy. “The signs of recovery we see throughout sectors of the economy are testament to the resilience of many of our corporations and entrepreneurs, who have kept the wheels of our economy turning despite the challenges,” he said.

Premier Maape recognised the following private sector partners who demonstrated their commitment to the province and made unparalleled contribution to the economic progress of the province and the wellbeing of its people.

• The North West Chamber of Commerce & Industry for their partnership in turning around of Ditsobotla Local Municipality

and the many contributions by their affiliate members like NWK and others;

• The Sedibelo Pilane sberg Platinum Mine for their investment of R9.4 billion with three thousand job opportunities created in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality;

• Harmon y Gold in the Ci ty of Matlosana for the R7 billion investment which will sustain six thousand jobs;

• African Ra inbow Energy w hich is investing about R2 billion in a solar plant in Ditsobotla Local Municipality;

• Supreme Chicken in Tigan e for the investment of R180 million ramping up economic activity, sustaining over two thousand locals; and many others.

In line with the plan to grow the economy of the North West in order to create jobs, the province had appointed an Expert Panel to review its Provincial Growth & Development Strategy (PGDS). The Expert Panel has produced a final draft report which would be adopted by the Executive Council before the end of March after public consultation. One of the recommendations of the expert panel is the revival of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council, with focussed expertise in critical sectors of the provincial economy; mining, agriculture, tourism, energy and manufacturing.

“We have already accepted the Expert Panel’s recommendation and it will be implemented without any delay,” Premier Maabe said. “The PGDS is a blueprint to guide the province’s economic strategy, planning and investment promotion. It is also a mechanism through which government will mobilise the participation of all sectors, to create sustainable jobs for our people,” the Premier added. >

Prioritised Mega Infrastructure Projects

The Premier stated, ”Last year we announced the appointment of a Panel of Experts on Mega Infrastructure Projects. The experts produced a blueprint and technical manual which identifies the skills required to execute projects and to further guide departments, SOE’s and municipalities on a new approach to integrated infrastructure delivery plan for the Province.”

“The panel identified 185 Projects, and prioritised 8 critical Mega Infrastructure Projects based on their advanced stage of readiness or bankability, shovel readiness, socioeconomic impact, and ability to be implemented within the prescribed period. These projects include the Smart City development, Bojanala Special Economic Zone, Agri-processing and Agro-hubs, water and bulk water supply, health and large urban precinct developments, Renewable energy and solar production and broadband connectivity.

Premier Maape stated that preliminary estimates indicate that North West Province has the potential to attract at least R50 billion worth of investment in the renewable energy space in addition to existing private sector renewal energy investments.

“To respond to the current energy challenge, the Executive Council will formalise its expression of interest to participate in the solar panels manufacturing initiative coordinated by ISA, and this initiative will be hosted by the North West Development Corporation. Stilfontein in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District has been identified as a potential location of the plant subject to feasibility study confirmation”, Premier Maape revealed.

Accordingly, a joint Technical Team of Experts has been established with the North-West University to revise

the Provincial Energy Strategy, to give appropriate focused attention to the provincial energy security and load shedding mitigation strategy.

Building Capacity, fighting corruption and improving financial management

Premier Maape emphasised that all municipalities in the North West would be directed to fill vacant and funded senior management positions with suitably qualified and competent people by no later than June 2023. Provincial Government had already established an Executive Council Political Committee to provide continuous support to municipalities experiencing governance and service delivery challenges.

“We have now established the Premier’s Infrastructure Coordinating Committee in response to poor infrastructure spending by departments, particularly as it relates to conditional grants,” the Premier said. “We will work with South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to continue providing support to municipalities and strengthen social collaboration with business and civil society.”

“We are determined to rid our Province of the inglorious label of being corruption-ridden. The Province has recorded an

improvement in its departmental audit outcomes,” Premier Maape announced. “As we enter the post Section 100 period, we look into the future with firm determination to build on the foundation of the outstanding progress made by the intervention team. It is not enough though; our target is to ultimately achieve clean audit outcomes for all our provincial departments.”

“We made pronouncements in the past that non performing contractors who deliver shoddy workmanship would not be given further work construction and other government infrastructure. We are the first to admit that this has not been strictly adhered to. Some rogue contractors continue to hide inside the system. The Executive Council directed the Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements to conduct assessment of performance of all contractors, to scale down those failing to complete their work on time, terminate and blacklist repeat offenders,” said the Premier.

“We are approaching the 30th anniversary of democracy, lets hold hands across racial, gender and class divides. There is no more time for apportioning of blame, scapegoating, buck passing, sanctimonious behaviour,” said Premier Maape. “We all required to make our little contribution towards the betterment of the lives of the people of this province.” 

ATLANTIS IN THE WESTERN CAPE HAS BEEN PRIORITIZED AS A GREENTECH HUB BY ALL THREE SPHERES OF GOVERNMENT.

Acting CEO Matthew Cullinan says: “It is an exciting time, but also challenging given global supply chain constraints, inflation concerns and rising energy costs. The Atlantis SEZ is specifically positioning itself to support greentech investors. We have adopted a flexible and adaptable approach based on listening to our investor and tenant needs. In doing so we are growing an exciting and compelling locational proposition. It is still early days, but we can already see some key advantages of this focus emerging. These include growing collaborative efforts to grow skills and enterprises in the local economy and community. The ability to draw in, and connect with, various project partners, most notably across the three spheres of government is a huge asset. This structure is represented in the collaborative efforts shown in programmes that are being implemented in Atlantis. There is a focus on building skill sets relevant for the green economy, not just in the SEZ, but also for the regional and national economy. The need for green skills is steadily growing globally, resulting in future-proof career opportunities for suitably skilled citizens. In all this we continually emphasise, as part of the company culture, the role and value of active investment facilitation in ensuring that investors looking to get into the exciting greentech market are supported and given a solid and secure base from which to operate.”

Acting CEO: Matthew Cullinan

n what promises to be a gamechanger for the Western Cape’s economy, the Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company (ASEZCo) for green technologies will become a focal point for investment with local businesses and residents benefiting. The ASEZCo is driving sustainable development and job creation by harnessing the opportunities in the growing green economy.

With the ASEZCo forming part of a mature and effective investment ecosystem in the Western Cape, your investment is sure to land in the most efficient manner. Partnerships with InvestSA, Wesgro, Greencape and the City of Cape Town’s Enterprise and Investment Unit create an environment of rapid facilitation and access to opportunities, which is widely considered to be best practice globally.

Opportunities for Trade Partnerships

The support received from this ecosystem can be leveraged to make your business more globally competitive.

Opportunities to establish profitable trade relationships exist through Wesgro’s Trade facilitation unit as well as GreenCape’s membership on the International Cleantech Network (ICN). Both mechanisms provide immediate access to international markets growing your orderbook significantly and mitigating against disruptions associated to supplying a single market. Atlantis is the ideal location from which to compete in Africa’s green technology markets. The ASEZCo offers industrial-zoned land, a strong support base from government, as well as fruitful business relationships for investors, as you work closely with the locals and help uplift the community. This mutually beneficial relationship is a good foundation for sustainable productivity and success.

“The ASEZCo has the ability to leverage National government funding to provide world class infrastructure to investors and partners looking to manufacture their green technologies in the most efficient and environmentally friendly manner in Africa. With the provision of renewable energy,energy storage, fibre internet connectivity and recycled water, the resource efficient manner in which green technology manufacturers can manufacture their goods adds additional value to their product at the global level. The demand for responsibly manufactured goods is on the rise globally, with consumers being more mindful of the impacts of production on the environment.”

Explains Jarrod Lyons, Executive: Business Development.

The Living Lab

The Atlantis SEZ has positioned itself as a world-class ecoindustrial park and Living Lab. The Living Lab is an exciting concept that the ASEZCo will embody in showcasing how green and sustainable industrial development is possible.

THE LIVING LAB HAS FIVE GOALS WHICH ARE:

• Net Zero Carbon which means using as much renewable energy as possible. This can be done by solar panels and using bio-gas for power.

• Net Zero Water which means using less water in the zone than falls onto the land each year. This can be achieved through water retention ponds and re-use of rainwater in the factories and for landscaping.

• Net Zero Waste to Landfill which means working with industrialists to find creative ways of turning waste into resources for production processes.

• Net Zero loss in ecological value/Working with nature which is removing alien plant species from the SEZ land, relocating existing threatened species and then once the factories are built, restoring as much of the ecology as possible in an industrial area.

Executive Business Development: Jarrod Lyons

Maximising social inclusion which means working closely with the community in everything we do, be it ensuring access to jobs during construction, training in new skills and helping support new businesses and SMMEs. An entire team is dedicated to doing what they can to ensure a positive impact of the Atlantis SEZ on the community

Skills Development

Green skills development and growing technical capabilities within the Atlantis community are part of the ASEZCo’s strategic objectives, aligned to the legislative requirement of the Special Economic Zones Act to grow the regional economy and drive socio-economic impact. The Integrated Ecosystem department (IES) includes Skills and Enterprise Development, together with Community Integration.

The team applies principles of system thinking to identify and address deeply rooted socio-economic challenges in a complex community environment and to support expansion of community assets and adaptive systems. The IES team’s work supports the Living Lab through its activities, most notably ensuring social inclusion through harnessing green technology for the Atlantis community, as well as its industrial zone. The team of six collectively implement initiatives to support the development agenda.

Their expertise includes business incubation, green economy and digital development, community engagement coupled with a wealth of business and local knowledge from three home-grown Atlantis talents. The aim is to enable the Atlantis community, and particularly its youth, to tap into growing job opportunities, particularly opportunities in the buoyant green economy.

The investment into skills development and community initiatives is aligned to many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collectively aiming to provide a resilient and more sustainable future for Atlantis. The concept of ‘shared value’ refers to identifying and expanding connections between societal and economic progress.

This is a powerful practice as it is driven by the core of business, thus ensuring that sustainable and equitable impact on communities is not extractive by nature, but value adding. The work in skills development and community integration directly addresses SDGs 8 Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 Make cities safe and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The integration of business and community through intentional engagement and action, actively enables participation in the economy and accessing employment opportunities.

IES Executive Ellen Fischat says: “The Atlantis Special Economic Zone has been established to bring socio-economic development to this region. When we are building economies and we are ensuring that everyone participates in that, social inclusion is important. Our team is responsible for ensuring that there is community integration between business, public sector and our investors, as well as ensuring that local community is skilled to take up these positions or start businesses of their own. Driving growth through green economy innovation and sustainable job opportunities remains at the heart of what the ASEZCo does and what the IES team brings to life with the Atlantis community.”

The Atlantis Special Economic Zone will continue to grow the regional economy in a meaningful and impactful way, enabling the regeneration of Atlantis and a leader in green economy manufacturing in an eco-industrial park that puts sustainability, and social inclusion at the top of its agenda. 

IES Executive: Ellen Fischat

CCBSA IS PARTNERING WITH GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITIES TO PROVIDE WATER HELPING BUILD SMARTER, MORE RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

By: Ntsako Baloyi, CCBSA Head of Sustainability Affairs

It cannot be over-emphasized how precarious the water situation is in South Africa, and indeed our region.

According to humanitarian information portal ReliefWeb, Southern Africa is one of the most water-stressed regions in the world and by 2040 the region will be in the critical danger zone when it comes to the ratio of water withdrawal to supply.

That may seem a long way off, yet predictions are that we will officially approach physical water scarcity in 2025 and an actual water deficit of almost 20% by 2030.

Due to periodic and severe flooding from heavy rains, one would be forgiven for believing that we have enough water. But the opposite is true, South Africa is a water scarce country.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 states: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the “most basic human need for health and well-being. ”The provision of clean and safe water translates to dignity, security and better health outcomes.

It is at local level where the impacts of water scarcity are most deeply felt, in particular, deep rural communities where infrastructure is limited.

CCBSA is very conscious of the importance of preserving water as a company which operates in a water scarce country and uses water in the products we manufacture. As a company, we support all efforts to provide clean and fresh water to communities, particularly those in rural and other vulnerable areas.

We further place a strong emphasis on supporting basic human rights and enhancing the quality of life for people. This is particularly so for the

vulnerable girl child and women, as the primary drawers of water in rural areas.

CCBSA is committed to working with municipalities to support vulnerable commu nities through ongoing education initiatives as well as projects which deliver a stab le

water supply. This ranges from large metropolitan areas such as Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape which stands at the brink of Day Zero when taps would run dry, to communities in deep rural areas such as Ga-Ramoshwane, in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. >

Water management and conservation is central to our sustainability strategy. We therefore do whatever we can to reduce our water usage and also, importantly, to replenish water resources.

The Coca-Cola Company’s Water Stewardship Strategy 2030 is a three-pronged strategy to water preservation, in terms of which we focus on:

• Regenerative operations, reducing local shared water challenges,

• Healthy watersheds, improving watershed health and supply chain sustainability, and

• Resilient communities, enhancing community water resilience, focusing on women and girls.

CCBSA works with a range of stakeholders to ensure meaningful and sustainable impacts with regards to water conservation in our country.

In 2022, CCBSA launched Project Lungisa in Grabouw in partnership with the Theewaterskloof

Municipality. The municipality was losing around 60% of its potable water due to water leakage. Through this partnership, we trained young community members in plumbing to support the rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure, particularly in informal areas.

The project has led to significant water savings, as well as improved hygiene and sanitation for the local community. A further benefit was the transfer of technical skills to local youth and creating opportunities for employment.

CCBSA has successfully rolled out our Coke Ville programme across South Africa as part of efforts to assist water-stressed communities. Coke Villes are groundwater harvesting systems that pump, treat, store, and distribute clean water. These innovative off-grid, solar-powered groundwater harvesting, and treatment projects are able to supply millions of litres of water at no cost to the communities.

Since inception in March 2020, over 400 million litres of water have been replenished in Limpopo, KwaZulu-

Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape provinces. In 2022 alone, over 246 million litres were replenished through Coke Ville benefitting over 25,000 households across the country.

Furthermore, we continue to manage water resources through sustainability projects such as our watershed restoration projects which are focused on rehabilitation, protection and removal of alien and water-hungry vegetation close to natural water sources such as rivers or dams. In 2022 alone, we replenished just under one billion litres of water across South Africa through both our Coke Ville and watershed restoration projects.

It can be done.

We have watershed restoration projects in critical watersheds such as the Baviaanskloof, the Langkloof, the Upper Vaal, the Upper Tugela, the Upper Letaba and the Sondags River where we work with local government and a range of communities and other stakeholders. It must be noted that the Upper Letaba and Sondags River are our leadership locations as they feed in to our two high risk plants, namely Polokwane and Gqeberha.

For 2023, we intend to do the following:

Resilient Communities Projects

• 10 New Coke Ville systems earmarked for Gqeberha and Polokwane

• Monitor and maintain 32 existing Coke Ville systems operational in Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZuluNatal and Eastern Cape

• Distribute 500 water wheelers to aid the elderly and persons living with disabilities in collecting

CCBSA Head of Sustainability Affairs, Ntsako Baloyi

water from our systems

• Expanding our Water and Sanitation (WASH) Project to Zandspruit township

Water Restoration Projects

• Upper Vaal Restoration Project - The project will focus on catchment (watershed) protection and restoration (watershed and source water protection, invasive alien plant (IAP) eradication etc.). Estimated replenish is 400 million litres per year

• Upper Tugela (Thukela) Restoration Project - Project activities will include clearing of invasive plants; improvement of burning regimes; improvement of grazing management in collaboration with communities; restoration of wetlands and riparian areas; and control of erosion. Estimated replenish is 1 billion litres per year

• Upper Letaba - This project will restore priority areas by controlling invasive plants in key sub-catchment areas using a combination of manual, mechanical, and chemical controls. Invasive plant removal will be the core activity implemented to achieve objectives. Estimated replenish is 700 million litres per year

• Sondags River Catchment – This project will commence with a detailed feasibility study. Final project design to identify at least 80% of the required area that can be worked on to achieve the replenishment targets of 500 million litres per year

CCBSA is committed to continuing to play a significant role in helping to improve South Africa’s water security by being part of the solution

through education and awareness programmes, innovative projects and nature-based restoration programmes.

We want to help build smarter, more resilient and sustainable communities. By collaborating and co-creating sustainable solutions with communities, government and the non-profit sector, we can reverse the tide and ensure a water secure future for generations to come. 

Team member, Aubrey Abrahams from WWF, is removing thirsty, invasive, alien plants in the Wolseley area, an important agricultural zone of the Western Cape.

CCBSA is committed to supporting projects such as the Replenish Africa Initiative that restores water to key watersheds through the removal of alien invasive plants.

IMPALA RUSTENBURG MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO ITS COMMUNITIES

Impala Rustenburg is 96% owned by Implats and has operations situated on the western limb of the world-renowned Bushveld Complex near Rustenburg in South Africa. The operation comprises a multi-shaft mining complex and concentrating and smelting plants. At Impala Rustenburg, the long-term viability of our business is linked to the well-being of our local communities. Our socio-economic investments towards mine-community well-being include initiatives defined in our social and labour plans, as well as our corporate social investment projects. The mining operation contributes to communities both directly and indirectly through the jobs we create, the local workforces we upskill, the local business opportunities we generate, the infrastructure we build and the education and community health initiatives we support.

Empowering SMMEs

Impala Rustenburg recently invested R8.6 million into developing an Economic Inclusion Centre that serves as a small business hub for mine-community small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The multifunctional venue provides SMMEs with services including enterprise and supplier development, assistance with market access and funding

facilitation, as well as various shared business facilities. The initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to collaborate with stakeholders and communities to ensure the growth of mine-community SMMEs.

Investing in education

Impala Rustenburg has made a significant commitment to youth education through its multimillionrand bursary programme that will see 34 Class of 2022 matriculants from the operation’s mine communities take the first step on their journey to the career of their dreams. A further 21 bursaries were awarded to students from the greater Rustenburg area and Impala Rustenburg’s labour-sending areas. This brings the total number of bursaries awarded in 2023 to 55.

In 2022, the innovative mobile Career Expo showcased a wide range of career opportunities in the mining industry to 6 500 youth in grades 9 and 11. This was the second Career Expo in a two-year cycle, bringing the total number of high school learners reached to 12 200.

Impala Rustenburg’s School Support Programme embraces a far-reaching approach with the key objectives to: address identified learning gaps; support teachers and contribute to their competence and knowledge;

provide infrastructure, facilities and teaching aids for schools; and provide career guidance and leadership development for high school learners.

Enhancing stakeholder engagement

To strengthen relationships with the local business community, Impala Rustenburg established an impactful, mutually beneficial and outcomesbased engagement platform with 14 mine host community business forums. The Impala Mine Host Community Business Forum Engagement Platform seeks to provide the local business forums with information on inclusive preferential procurement opportunities, enterprise and supplier development initiatives, and social and labour plan procurement opportunities. The engagement platform also facilitates Impala’s updates and progress reports on procurement spent to the business forums and provides a structure for Impala to receive feedback from mine host community business forums.

Developing sporting skills

In 2022, Impala Rustenburg and the Royal Bafokeng Sports partnered to support the Metshameko Programme, a one-year initiative aimed at developing skills and a lifelong love of sport in primary and high school learners in the schools situated around the Impala Rustenburg operation and in the broader Rustenburg community. Investment in sport is deeply entrenched at Impala Rustenburg, which has supported teams and individuals for more than 15 years, while also supporting 33 primary and secondary schools in the communities adjacent to the operation. 

Impala Rustenburg's Economic Inclusion Centre

Creating a better future

through the way we do business

Caring for and supporting our environment

Developing and caring for our host communities

Creating value for all our stakeholders

Providing meaningful employment

Nedbank partners with local government to deliver positive societal impact

At Nedbank, we believe in being the difference that impacts our world, and we are committed to delivering positive societal and environmental impact. Our purpose is to use our financial expertise to do good and to contribute to the well-being and growth of the societies in which we operate by delivering value to our employees, clients, shareholders, regulators and society.

We recognise that the various spheres of government and their agencies face unique challenges, and that the public sector requires financial solutions to enable the broader mandate of service delivery. In response, we have established dedicated public sector teams across South Africa and now boast extensive experience in provincial and local government, state-owned entities, and educational institutions.

With an enduring belief in the value of strong partnerships in facilitating business growth, effective community development and environmental conservation, our teams draw on Nedbank’s innovative, seamless and hassle-free products and solutions to help build a greater nation. For example, local government plays a key role in providing critically required investments in infrastructure and, in response, we have provided medium-to-long-term loans and other funding solutions to various municipalities. We also offer convenient ways to help municipalities manage payments due to them, and appreciate the need for our clients to thrive in this digital era where ease of transacting and convenience is the order of the day.

Nedbank’s partnership with the public sector, and our aspirations to become their bank of choice continue to grow. Since 2019 Nedbank Commercial Banking was appointed primary banker to Nelson Mandela Development Agency, Bloem Water, Amatola Water, and awarded the Free State Provincial Treasury account in 2022, as well as the following 19 municipalities:

1 Amathole District Municipality

2 Cape Winelands District Municipality

3 Central Karoo District Municipality

4 Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality

5 Drakenstein Municipality

6 Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality

7 Garden Route District Municipality

8 Impendle Local Municipality

9 JB Marks Local Municipality

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During the same period we were appointed primary banker of four public entities, and we remain the bank of choice for the eThekwini and City of Cape Town metropolitan municipalities, as well as several local and district municipalities across the country.

We sincerely thank all our public sector clients for continuing to entrust us with their business. Being the preferred banking partner is a major accolade that we do not take lightly. It is testament to the strides we are making in meeting the banking needs of public sector clients through our experienced team of specialists.

Nedbank's dedicated team of public sector specialists is ready to discuss how we can partner with you to support your needs. To find out more, talk to your business manager or send an email to publicsector@nedbank.co.za.

Phumela Xanywa, Executive: Public Sector and Business Transformation, at Nedbank Commercial Banking

Commercial Banking

Want a bank that’s serious about public sector growth?

Nedbank is committed to being the business banking partner for the public sector. Our bigger-picture approach to banking is designed to provide groundbreaking solutions for your municipality. With the expertise and knowledge of our community specialists, we can ensure continuity, accessibility and quick decision-making that guides your business growth.

Think bigger.

Think Nedbank Commercial Banking.

For more information email us at publicsector@nedbank.co.za.

SAMWUMED INNOVATES TO HELP LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES REMAIN HEALTHY AND COVERED

Service excellence is a fundamental principle at SAMWUMED! This is a principle that we are putting all of our focus on, to ensure we remain the Scheme of choice for local government and related entities. At a time where the local government sector is crippled with many challenges including the effect of loadshedding, administration issues and an increasing rate of illhealth in workplaces, SAMWUMED is dedicated to ensuring that we put members’ needs first. As a healthcare facilitator, our purpose is to support communities to live healthy and happier lives. To this end, we have

improved and in some instances, working towards enhancement of our communication platforms including but not limited to:

• An enhanced Call Centre Solution which includes a self-service option for our members and service providers who call in.

• Introduced a Monthly Mobile member education e-booklet, which is sent to all our members on a bi-monthly basis promoting our wellness programmes.

• An enhanced SAMWUMED Mobile

Application, allowing members to access their available benefits, recent claims, statements and Tax certificates in real-time.

• We are also looking at Artificial Intelligence (AI) to communicate with our members via a Whatsapp for Business platform for example.

• Our Website continues to be a great source of information with easy navigation and web chat functionality, meaning members do not have to wait to call into the Call Center, they can simply visit our website and chat to an agent.

Our new innovations, improved service delivery, and staff training initiatives give confidence that SAMWUMED is indeed a sustainable Scheme.

That said, we cannot ignore the external challenges that affect our members. The international recession and decline in the local economy, has generally had a negative impact on Schemes’ growth in the past three (3) years. It has come to a point where many Municipal employees find themselves choosing between buying medical aid cover for their loved ones versus buying bread, affording transport costs, or keeping the lights

on at home amongst other challenges. That is why our deliberations when it comes to members’ contribution increases, whilst we have to factor in the unexpected rise in health costs, pandemics etc, we still remain a highly competitive Scheme from a premium perspective that our members pay.

SAMWUMED also prides itself in being the only worker founded medical aid and our history is rich and the Scheme was intentionally formed to cater for the previously marginalised people in South Africa. Despite that many view medical aid as a grudge purchase, our innovations and programmes are geared towards cost saving for our members, attracting younger members, and in educating them on the importance of having medical aid cover and utilisation thereof. The Scheme has a varied range of healthcare programmes including a DBC Back and Neck Progamme, Mental Health Programme, Chronic Diseases Programme, HIV Programme, Oncology (Cancer) Programme, Primary Healthcare Programme and GoSmokeFree (Stop Smoking) Programme.

It is time that the current below 16% statistic of the number of South Africans who can afford medical aid, improves. All citizens deserve access to quality healthcare, for our country’s productivity standards to match that of the first world countries.

A stronger collaboration between local and national government is needed to ensure that there is adequate provision in government budgets for healthcare programmes and access to affordable private healthcare. SAMWUMED has always been a pioneer when it comes to that.

About SAMWUMED

The South African Municipal Workers Union National Medical Scheme (SAMWUMED) is a financially healthy, fully-funded, national-accredited and self-administered medical aid scheme which covers approximately 75 000 lives throughout South Africa. We operate within a closed sector namely, local government and associated agencies employees. 

For more information visit:

Web: www.samwumed.org

Contact Person: Portia Ntsaluba

SAMWUMED Communications & Marketing Manager

Email : portiant@samwumed.org

MDB Appoints A New Chief Executive Officer

The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Manye Moroka new Chief Executive Officer with effect from 01 March 2023. He takes over from Mr Aluwani Ramagadza, who held the interim CEO position for over the past year.

Moroka’s illustrious career spans more than 25 years and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience given the various leadership roles he held in both the public and private sector.

He holds a master's degree in public administration, a BProc degree, Global Executive Development Programme among other qualifications.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate Mr Moroka on his appointment. His leadership skills, experience and deep understanding of national and local government will certainly lead the entity to greater heights”, says Thabo Manyoni, Chairperson of the Board.

info@demarcation.org.za

www.demarcation.org.za

MDB SPATIAL KNOWLEDGE HUB

Do you want to know the location of the wards, municipalities and other related information?

Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has developed a Spatial Knowledge Hub - an online site for easy of readily printable maps, shapefiles, and useful web map applications.

SCAN TO VIEW

or visit: https://arcg.is/1P5mWK

Municipal Boundary Re-determination Process

In terms of Municipal Demarcation Act (MDA) Initiation of Boundary Redetermination in terms of Section 22 of MDA

The following steps are taken during the municipal boundary change process:

4

Publication in terms of Section 26 of MDA

Consideration of Section 26 views and representations

Determine boundaries in terms of Section 21 of MDA or conduct public meetings in terms of Section 28 of MDA

OR Conduct formal investigations in terms of Section 29/30 of MDA

OR Conduct both public meetings concurrently with formal investig ations

Consider Reports Decision to redetermine and publish in terms of Section 21 of MDA for objections

OR Decision not to Re-determine

Consider objections

Final decision on redeterminationConfirm vary or withdraw

Publish decision in provincial gazette in terms of Section 21(5) of MDA

012 342 2481

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT FORTIFYING GOVERNMENT BY TRAINING LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILLORS AND OFFICIALS

The National School of Government (NSG) has taken the lead in strengthening government’s foundation by training councillors and municipal officials who are the representatives of government at service delivery level.

Through a ground-breaking collaboration between the NSG and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Local Government Leadership Development Programme (LGLDP) came to fruition with the overall intention of improving capacity development in the local government sphere.

NSG Principal, Prof Busani Ngcaweni explains, “The NSG offers a range of accredited and non-accredited training programmes that are tailor-made for officials and executives in the public

sector. The LGLDP is taught as part of our efforts to build a capable developmental state and the professionalisation of the public sector, as directed by Cabinet.” The one-year LGLD programme is specifically offered to political office bearers and officials employed by municipalities. It is aligned to a qualification accredited by the Local Government Sectoral Training Authority (LGSETA).

“We joined hands with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and entered into a partnership to build capacity in municipalities,” Prof Ngcaweni explains. “The LGLDP is designed to enable political office bearers and managers in municipalities to provide effective governance. It provides skills that will enable executive and political leaders to structure governance

arrangements so that municipalities are politically stable, well-administered, financially sustainable and able to deliver municipal services optimally.”

In February the Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration Dr Chana Pilane-Majake officiated at the certification ceremony of 19 current and former councillors of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality who were awarded Further Education and Training Certificates by the NSG for successfully completing the Local Government Leadership Development Programme (LGLDP).

Honourable Dr Chana Pilane-Majake who delivered the keynote address at the ceremony said, “Government is serious about building a capable state and a public service that has the requisite skills to

economic unemployment effect overcome the socio-economic pandemic The platform these quest

serve the public efficiently, effectively and with courtesy. We will continue to invest in the training and development of public servants so that they can fulfil their tasks empowered by the necessary knowledge and expertise. We invite municipalities to make use of this opportunity and enrol officials for this much-needed training.”

The Deputy Minister added that the training and professionalization of Local Government was critical to meeting the government’s commitment to delivering efficient services to the people.

She added that, “Councillors are on the ground representing government at community level, so the importance of their role needs no further statement,” she added. “We must train every councillor at every municipality, so that we meet our commitment to delivery of effective services at grassroots level.”

Prof Ngcaweni adds, “The Economic Governance Winter School is part of the Executive Education Portfolio launched by the NSG early in June 2020. The Executive Education Programme is targeted at high level executives in the public sector, both political office bearers and senior public sector managers and executives.”

Speaker of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council Ms Colleen Makhubele congratulated the graduates on their achievement and commitment to the programme, which they juggled with demanding political work.

“I am sure that this programme has assisted and will continue to help you and our other colleagues better understand the role of local government,” Hon Makhubele said. “I am deeply honoured that you have taken it upon yourselves to acquire requisite skills that will enable you to better manage public resources and to lead our people to a better life,” she added.

Nature of the programme

The inaugural programme was held as a Spring/Summer School in November 2020, the second iteration as a Winter School in July 2021. These learning engagements were hailed as a resounding success with over forty members of the executive having attended the virtual sessions in compliance with lockdown regulations of the time.

The Certificate Programme is accredited at NQF Level 4, which makes it portable and accreditable for further education and training in any formal educational institution in the country. Over a period of one year, the course offers students practical skills in;

• Municipal Government Legislation and Policy Framework

• Cooperative Governance and Intergovernmental Relations

• Leadership, Governance and Ethics in Municipalities

• Political Oversight and Communicative Functions

Prof Ngcaweni further said, “The NSG has been delivering a range of executive programmes for several years. The NSG has responded to the growing demand within public institutions by introducing a range of initiatives to attract participants from the political and administrative levels of government across the country and region. For example, high-level masterclasses have been attended by the President, Ministers, DirectorGenerals and many senior officials. We have formally launched this portfolio of programmes and are quite excited by this development.”

• Systems and Processes in a Municipality

The Honourable Councillor added that the Johannesburg Metro Council which had piloted the programme in partnership with NSG and the LGSETA was pleased with the outcome and was calling on other municipalities to use it to their benefit and the benefit of the country’s citizens. The Johannesburg Metro Council would definitely continue to support the programme.

Commitment to service delivery

NSG Principal Prof Ngcaweni emphasised that the primary purpose of the LGLDP was to provide skills to leaders at grassroots – municipal – level that will equip them to provide effective governance to the

The combination of attendees from different countries at the 2022 Economic Governance Winter School

municipalities they run. This will ensure that such municipalities are politically stable, financially sustainable and able to provide efficient, affordable and effective services to their citizenry.

“This programme will furnish municipal leaders with the ability to meet and deliver on their service delivery objectives in a complex local government environment, whilst enabling them to share ideas with various stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation,” Prof Ngcaweni adds.

Deputy Minister Dr Pilane-Majake said, “In the development of the curriculum, the NSG took into cognisance Municipal Planning which is critical in the effective working of municipalities as well as their abilities to deliver effective services.

“This is not the end of the journey, but a completion of a phase. The journey for the participants begin as they go on to apply what they have learned and the road for the NSG and LGSETA begins as we offer more support to our local government.

“Local government is the pillar on which government stands since it is where services are delivered and interaction with the citizenry occurs; and everyone knows that the strength of a house is based on how solid its foundation is,” the Deputy Minister concluded. 

IEMSA

AN UNPARALLELED RESERVOIR OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND EXPERTISE IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESSES

all election data relevant to its clients. This data includes population statistics, voter participation information, and population profiles for each area. This data is supplemented by research as well as relevant information drawn from election surveys and information on the performance of various political parties. As part of its commitment to deepening electoral democracy, IEMSA supports Election Management Bodies, political parties, the electorate, observer missions and any other interested party in administering and managing elections. IEMSA has a pool of electoral experience and expertise to cover all aspects in the value chain of elections. These include democracy education, party agent training, geographic information systems, electoral operations and result systems.

Ahead of the 2019 National and Provincial Elections in South Africa the Inkatha Freedom Party requested IEMSA to train its party agents. This program was so successful that the leader of Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince Buthelezi, lauded IEMSA for its professionalism and declared that “We were deeply impressed by the standard of training provided and believe that it made a tremendous difference to the successful work of our Party Agents.” IEMSA has further used the extensive

Institute of Election Management Services in Africa (IEMSA), established in 2018, and officially launched in 2019, is a one stop shop rendering election management services and providing capacity to Election Management Bodies (EMBs), businesses and community organizations in South Africa, the African continent and elsewhere in the world.

No other election management organisation in the world offers all independent, professional Election Management Services under one umbrella. Through its in-house capabilities and a partner network of experts in various fields of the election value chain, IEMSA offers strategic advice on elections by collating and analysing

During the 2019 National and Provincial Elections of South Africa IEMSA entered into a relationship with the South African Council of Churches (SACC) in terms of which IEMSA would train SACC Election Observers. After the elections, this programme was extended to cover democracy education. This partnership saw IEMSA facilitating the training of more than 5000 Election Observers.

The political parties play an important part in the life of a democratic project, and to this end IEMSA has played a prominent role in the training of party agents, who when well trained and knowledgeable about electoral processes, make it easier for an Election Management Body to deliver on its mandate.

experience and expertise of its functionaries to organize, manage and deliver elections for organizations that decide their leadership through democratic processes. Almost all of its managers and leaders have managed National, Provincial and Municipal elections for almost 20 years. This makes IEMSA an unparalleled reservoir of knowledge, experience, skills and expertise in electoral processes. Since its establishment IEMSA has managed elections for professional bodies, trade unions, community organizations as well as political parties.

The fact that the third biggest Political Party in South Africa, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) requested IEMSA to manage its elections is testimony to its expertise, experience and influence. IEMSA is a preferred service provider for those institutions that want their electoral processes to be managed with integrity and professionalism.

Since its establishment IEMSA has managed elections for professional bodies, trade unions, community organizations as well as political parties

Founder and Executive Chairperson: Terry Tselane

IEMSA has made innovation and digitization a key element in its processes

These innovations include digital gaming for grades 3 to grade 6 on democracy education which was introduced during the launch of IEMSA. More solutions are being developed with our partners in order to empower our clients to make informed and effective decisions. More apps will be developed going forward.

Whereas many organisations focus on manual systems in their processes IEMSA has invested enormous resources investing in new technology and digitization. This has positioned the organisation to be able to tackle challenges associated with the 4th Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence. By developing algorithms and analytics that enable political parties and interested parties to be able to shape their operations, IEMSA is at the cutting edge of new technologies and innovation in electoral processes.

Towards the end of 2019 IEMSA launched a digital game to reinforce Democracy Education for Grade 3 to Grade 6 learners. Kids’ favorite characters were further used as a representation of Political Parties in a ballot during a mock election. Learners came from Ekukanyisweni Primary School in Alexander Township and Montrose in Sandton.

The choice of these two schools was deliberate. The intention was firstly, to close a digital divide between a poor under resourced school from Alexander township and a well-resourced school from Sandton. Secondly this would provide a platform for access to democracy education for learners who are at an elementary level reinforcing

IEMSA’s belief that democracy education should be about enabling and empowering people to understand their role, responsibility and obligation in a democratic society.

This programme will be extended to cover more schools in South Africa. Research and Training is crucial in the electoral processes, therefore IEMSA has pursued a relationship with the University of Johannesburg (UJ). This relationship will enable both institutions to play a meaningful role in training election officials as well as developing new knowledge in the elections field. The establishment of an Election Leadership Programme at the University will enable election officials across the continent to increase their knowledge and expertise in the field of election management. The programme will be structured around the Integrity Wheel - another IEMSA innovation which is used to assess the integrity of the elections.

IEMSA is an institute offering election management services but also has consultants that specialize in the prevention, detection and prosecution of electoral fraud across all spheres of public and private enterprises.

Its offerings to clients are results driven and focused on expediting any investigation, prosecution and recovery where practically possible.

Its team of electoral experts include members of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Institute of Internal Auditors, Compliance Institute of SA, the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors.

IEMSA’ executive management includes industry professionals who possess over 100 years’ experience between them in the areas of Election Management, Internal and External Audit, Governance, Compliance, Risk Management, Corporate Training, Management Consulting, Legal Services, Forensic Investigations and Conflict Resolution.

Terry Tselane, the founder of IEMSA, has extensive experience and a proven track record in election management. Tselane has served as a Commissioner and the Vice Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa for just under 20 years.

Prior to being appointed as a Commissioner he had served for four years as both the Municipal Electoral Officer of Pretoria (Tshwane Municipality) as well as the Provincial Electoral Officer for Gauteng.

During his career at the Electoral Commission of South Africa, Terry oversaw 4 National and Provincial Elections, 4 Municipal Elections and hundreds of by-elections making him one of the most experienced election officials in the world. This record remains unmatched not only in South Africa but in many parts of the world.

CONTACT DETAILS

Tel: 083 653 6913

Website: www.iemsa.co.za

Email: info@iemsa.co.za

Address: 35 Ballyclare Drive

Bally Oaks Office Park

1st Floor Silky Oak Building Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2074

GAUTENG HEALTH

STRETCHES TO THE CORNERS OF THE PROVINCE TO TOUCH MARGINALISED

TISH COMMUNITIES

“It is important to improve health outcomes among Gauteng residents,” the Honourable MEC adds. “We have picked up that there are still many people who default on their treatment for various reasons. Travel to medical centres is one of the major reasons, so we shall be reaching out to them to help them stick to their treatment regimes.”

Intensifying the measles prevention campaign

Honourable Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC for Health and Wellness in the Gauteng Provincial Government, launched the Asibe HealthyGP programme on 01 February 2023 Saulsville, in Pretoria West, aimed at taking healthcare services to the doorstep of Township, Informal Settlement and Hostel (TISH) communities.

“Through this campaign, TISH communities throughout the province will receive health services closer to where they live,” said Honourable NkomoRalehoko. “This will help detect health conditions timeously and ensure that early treatment is administered and debilitating conditions are prevented. At the same time this will alleviate the burden on the pressured health system,” added Honourable MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The MEC added that in these difficult economic conditions, the fact that the communities in low-income areas save on travel when seeking medical assistance will help alleviate their plight. This will ensure that citizens are not left out when it comes to accessing health services.

Communities will have access to a basket of services that include HIV and TB screening, Vitamin A and deworming, immunisation, family planning, adherence support (chronic treatment), oral health services as well as pap smears and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to examine cervical and prostate cancers, respectively. The programme will also be used to educate communities about knowing their health status, affordable healthy eating and wellness habits such as keeping own food gardens, and participating in sport, aerobics and fun walks.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) used the opportunity of the Asibe HealthyGP reach out to TISH communities to intensify the campaign against measles, with sessions with communities creating an opportunity for educating parents, care-givers and children on measles. This includes symptoms, treatment, prevention and the role of immunisation.

The Department had already implemented a measles-specific response that focussed on schools, crèches and other health centres. The TISH reach-out now makes it easier to access parents and care-givers who make the ultimate decisions, particularly on immunisation.

In schools the measles campaign is part of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). This programme works in partnership with other government departments to provide

health education, personal and environmental hygiene, nutrition, TB treatment and prevention, road safety, poisoning, as well as abuse (physical, sexual and emotional).

Support of parents

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko explains: “Activities of the ISHP such as screening and routine immunisation of children requires the formal written consent of parents – which implies signing of consent forms. The TISH reach-out campaign enables us to educate parents on this role so that our nurses can get consent speedily to administer routine immunisation and other health services to learners.”

“We also get a chance to attend to those younger children who are still at home. So it is a win-win for health and community,” she adds. “At schools the early screening also assists in detecting health conditions that can hinder learning. These are treated early or managed so the learner can advance better in their education, preventing poor performance and dropout.”

Food Gardens play a key role in Promoting a Healthy lifestyle

The GDoH Johannesburg Health District Services has entered into a partnership with Mpilo Royal College to roll out food gardens at Early Child Development Centres (ECD) situated located in informal settlements in the district. It is critical that patients who take medication have access to proper food and this is difficult without the support of self-grown food in this tough economic environment.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko expounded at the handing over of the first food garden at Eagles Day Care Centre in Alexandra Township: “Part of the

TISH communities health campaign we have embarked on of taking healthcare services to the door steps of communities is to encourage people to look at cost effective means to eat healthy and to engage in physical activities.

We are encouraging people to grow vegetables in their backyards creatively using the little spaces they have, including community gardens at our facilities.”

“We are on a mission to ensure that eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle becomes a new “new normal” in many TISH communities. This has greater benefits when it comes to building a healthy Gauteng province. This is why we are working with strategic partners like Mpilo Royal College to ensure the sustainability of this programme,” she added.

Educators at the centre appreciated that the food garden would enable the young to know how to produce their own food from an early stage of their development. Being able to do this is therapeutic in itself as it gives them a sense of achievement.

Food producing partnership

The GDoH has partnered with the Department of Agriculture and are

establishing food gardens at clinics and hospitals. These facilities play an important role in communities and are central to the campaign to encourage the public to lead healthy lifestyles and they assist patients access the community food gardens for sustenance.

Despite its overall negative effect, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for families to produce their own food where possible.

For both economic and supply chain disruption reasons. Access to land and water is often sighted as a challenge in poor communities, but health as well education centres usually have common space areas that can be used for this purpose –and that is what this programme is taking advantage of.

When MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko visited the East Rand TISH communities to promote the campaign and the importance of healthy eating, living and producing own-food sustainably, one of the residents of kwaThema Township, Ms Anna Cina said: “I am grateful for the MEC’s visit to the area because she has recognised the challenge of poverty and mentioned the establishment of food gardens as a way to assist – with her department’s commitment to support. >

It showsthat the government understands that people battle to take their medication because they do not have food to eat. Assisting people with establishing food gardens will help.”

The benefits of reaching out to TISH communities

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) continues to render clinical services as a backbone of the health system. Over 1.2 million clients in Gauteng are currently on antiretroviral

therapy treatment (ART), whilst the adult viral load suppression rate is at 91% and child viral load suppression remains at 65%. MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko attributed the continued low suppression rate amongst children to inconsistent check-ups and poor attendance by care givers resulting in missed doses and treatment interruptions.

She said: “Our community healthcare workers are constantly tracing clients who have defaulted on ART and ensure that they are put back on treatment and given the necessary support they need.”

“The TISH reach-out campaign will assist in reaching those that are unable to come to health centres for various reasons. We are already at their doorstep to render a service, so there is no need to travel far for assistance,” she added.

The visit to communities will assist the department in registering those taking chronic medication on to the Dablap Meds Programme. This programme ensures delivery of medication to the nearest health centre and notifies the beneficiary by SMS of when medication is available for collection – thus eliminating the need to travel to health centres and wait on the queues.

Significant progress has been made to distribute medication among chronic patients and taking medication closer to their area of preference. “There were 1 085 232 clients enrolled on the Dablap Meds Programme during the 2021/22 and by end of December 2022, 1 118 599 clients were enrolled,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. “This implies that much less number of people queuing at health centres.”

The TISH communities reach-out campaign has a two-way benefit. The department brings services closer to the marginalised communities who need them; at the same time the communities outline their health and other challenges that they face. This opens up space for improvement of service delivery, not just in health but in all spheres of government.

“We still want to advise the public of our referral pathways which requires patients to receive the right level of care at the appropriate facility.

At the heart of this is the role of primary health care as hospitals offer a higher level of care after patients are transferred from clinics,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko concludes. 

SMEC TEAM ASSISTS CITY OF TSHWANE WITH TARGETED NRW LOSS INTERVENTIONS

SMEC South Africa’s Management Services team’s appointment as the City Of Tshwane’s (CoT) Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) Consultant has successfully overseen the implementation of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) initiatives, resulting in monetary and annual water savings for the CoT.

The project, which is viewed by the National Department of Water and Sanitation and National Treasury as highpriority WCWDM Programmes, is aimed to:

• Reduce Recoverable Real Losses (RRL) that will reduce daily demand (i.e. reduce water leaks)

• Reduce consumer over- consumption that will protect the critical resource (i.e. reduce consumption)

• Improve the cost recovery performance of the CoT (i.e.

project to inform and underpin the feasibility study (this project)

• Installation of key bulk water meters across the CoT to enable suitable measurement of water supply to management zones to be taken during the feasibility study. This will feed into and enhance the accuracy and reliability of the feasibility study (this project)

With the aim of optimising the use of existing resources before developing new resources and bulk infrastructure, the team oversaw the appointment, management and supervision of three contractors to pilot various WCWDM initiatives (as proposed in the 2018 feasibility study) in order to determine the benefit and efficacy of these being implemented.

The following interventions were implemented across the project’s pilot area, which encompassed Rayton, Cullinan and Refilwe (Gauteng Province):

• Installation of nine battery-operated electromagnetic meters ranging from 100mm to 300mm; and associated chambers, bunkers and cathodic protection. >

SMEC South Africa’s Rowan Griffioen (Project Director and NRW Specialist)

• Valve and water distribution system verification and audit leading to:

– Installation of 28 new bulk meters, ranging from 100mm to 700mm;

– Installation of 17 water meter inserts (in lieu of replacing the entire meter);

– Installation of 139 of the 300+ procured loggers (enabled skill transfer with CoT to install the remainder);

• Community Programme rollout to 500+ residents;

• Pressure logging in the pilot area to identify critical (high/low pressure) points;

• Bulk consumer audit for implementation of water-saving devices, leading to:

– Installation of water management devices (WMD) at large consumers (see below);

• Appointment of 12+ qualifying local residents to contribute via the Expanded Public Works Programme;

• Appointment of two qualifying local diploma students to gain practical experience.

Large water users, such as schools, were identified as they present the opportunity to yield massive water savings through the installation of WMDs. These

devices can be set to completely cut off the water supply to the properties during a pre-determined time (nouse periods such as weekends) or can be programmed to automatically switch off the supply if a constant flow is detected for a set period (usually indicating a persistent leak during night-time).

Meeting the Project Objectives

Overall, the project interventions which were implemented between 2019 and 2022 met the project objectives and resulted in the following benefits for CoT:

• Improved integrity of the Region 5 water balance (increased system knowledge)

• Ability to remotely monitor inflow and reservoir levels (reduced water loss)

• Provision of auditable check meters to provide accurate System Input Volume (reduced water purchase)

• C ommunity engagement th at led to:

– Noticeable reduction in consumption

Improvement in meter readings and billing (decreased NRW)

• Con firmed water distri bution layout and critical point layout (increased system knowledge)

SMEC South Africa’s Rowan Griffioen (Project Director and NRW Specialist) says: “As a result of the team’s keen focus to deliver interventions that epitomise technical and design excellence, the CoT’s water savings per annum now equates to over 800 000kl (equivalent to 320 Olympicsized swimming pools), which can be translated into a monetary savings per annum of over ZAR 8,5-million.

Further to this, it has been calculated that around 300g of CO² emissions are saved for every 1kl water leakage reduced which equates to a total of 24 tons of CO² emissions saved per annum.” 

Table 1: Water Management Devices Installations and their respective savings achieved

Over 75 Years of dedication to Local Industry!

A thriving manufacturing industry creates jobs and business opportunities, enables skills development and improves our competitiveness in global markets. A first step is procuring locally manufactured goods, this has obvious benefits for national competitiveness and economic growth.

SABS’ mandate is to provide standardisation, voluntary conformity assessment, and local content verification services to enable the achievement of the country's industrial, economic, and developmental objectives. Now more than ever our industry needs Quality Assurance through standardasation! Start your Certification journey today and Contact us!

SANS/ISO 50001 Energy Management.

For organisations committed to addressing their impact, conserving resources and improving the bottom line through efficient energy management, SANS/ISO 50001was developed. Designed to support organisations in all sectors, this ISO/SANS standard provides a practical way to improve energy use, through the development of an energy management system (EnMS).

SANS/ISO 50001 is based on the management system model of continual improvement also used for other well-known standards such as SANS/ISO 9001 or SANS/ISO 14001. This makes it easier for organizations to integrate energy management into their overall efforts to improve quality and environmental management.

SABS provides services to assist the implementation of best practice solutions:

• Manage and develop South African National Standards

• Laboratory Testing Services for a diverse range of Products. Supporting of South African Manufacturing industry as well as Municipal delivery through: Testing of water quality, Testing/Certifying Water Meters, Smart Meters, and other products/systems.

• Certification of Companies to International Management System Standards such as SANS/ISO 50001, SANS/ISO 14001, SANS/ISO 45001, SANS/ISO 9001 and much more.

• Certification of Products and the Application of the SABS Mark Scheme.

• Training of Management and Employees on Implementations of SANS/ISO systems

• Local Content Verification for South African manufacturing industry

A CREDIBLE AND RESPECTED REGULATOR FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC, THE ECONOMY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The NRCS primarily regulates the Automotive, Chemical, Materials and Mechanicals, Electro-technical, Food and Associated industries and is responsible for the Legal Metrology Act.

It was established on 1 September 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, (Act No 5 of 2008). It emerged as an independent organisation from the original regulatory division of the

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

The regulatory model of the NRCS is focused on ensuring that products that are manufactured locally or imported meet the minimum set standards as per the compulsory specifications or technical regulations. The VC/TRs set the minimum requirements for health, safety, environmental and Legal Metrology requirements. The organisation also plays a critical role in ensuring that local manufacturers

comply with the minimum requirements, and facilitates exportation of South African goods to foreign markets especially within the Oceans Economy.

Compulsory specifications

The NRCS’s compulsory specifications are meant to protect South African consumers from unscrupulous businesses that either trade unsafe products, or don’t subscribe to the principle of fair trade across the

markets. The need for regulation emanates from the fact that consumers in the whole world are driven by price rather than safety as they go about their daily transactions. This places a huge burden on the NRCS to ensure that the market is rid of all harmful products while at the same protecting the interests of South African businesses.

Technical regulations

Technical regulations prescribe the basic standards of goods traded in the market. These requirements need to be competently measured and such measurements must be compatible with the country’s trading partners in order to facilitate trade. Very importantly, consumers need to be confident that the goods they purchase are accurately measured, safe for use and an appropriate quality for their needs.

The environment within which South Africa trades and NRCS operates has been characterised by rapid and fundamental change. The rapid globalisation experienced over the last decade has created an open and fluid movement of an increasing variety of goods from various sources of origin. The global manufacturing base continues on the trend of migration from the west to the east, dramatically changing the traditional sources of products.

During the year under review, the NRCS has intensified its market surveillance activities and has deepened consumer knowledge about product safety across the country. This was done through a number of targeted interventions such as surprise raids, mall visits, and the rural engagement campaigns. Since the beginning of year 2022, the Regulator has visited four provinces namely Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West and Mpumalanga interacting

with consumers in rural areas.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the NRCS played a critical role in assisting businesses that were providing essential services and adjusted its operations to ensure timeous and efficient service to the industry and other stakeholders.

Business improvement was enhanced to ensure timeous approval of essential goods and all other regulated products in order to assist the economy to continue functioning and recover from the negative effects of the pandemic. The NRCS also implemented business continuity plans aimed at ensuring that the NRCS delivers on its mandate regardless of the challenges posed by Coronavirus pandemic.

NRCS operations, although negatively affected by the impact of global pandemic in the last few years, the organisation fully, implemented the Risk Based Approach and will continue to target high risk products and businesses.

In the medium term the market surveillance activities of the regulator are expected to increase, mostly targeting high risk areas to ensure full compliance with the compulsory specifications.

On matters related to governance, the NRCS has received an unqualified audit in the last audited financial year which is an improvement compared to previous reports. 

For more info on the organisation, please follow our social media platforms and website:

Facebook: OfficialNRCSPage

Twitter: @NRCS_ZA

LinkedIn: National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications

Instagram: nrcs_za

YouTube: National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications

Website: www.nrcs.org.za

Enel Green Power for your business

Your business, renewed.

We provide clean energy through our customized and innovative solutions designed to reduce emissions and guide businesses towards a sustainable future.

Enel Green Power: Empowering people and powering businesses in SA

Enel Green Power: empowering people and powering businesses in SA

Enel Green Power: Empowering people and powering businesses in SA

Enel Green Power: empowering people and powering businesses in SA

Since 2011, Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP South Africa) has become one of the leading providers of renewable energy in the country, producing more than 1,2 GW of renewable energy, representing approximately 20% of the market share in the country. In addition to making an impact via its enterprise development (ED) and socio-economic development (SED) programmes, it recently concluded a 220MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a private o -taker and is in negotiations to provide clean energy to several other commercial and industrial clients.

Since 2011, Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP South Africa) has become one of the leading providers of renewable energy in the country, producing more than 1,2 GW of renewable energy, representing approximately 20% of the market share in the country. In addition to making an impact via its enterprise development (ED) and socio-economic development (SED) programmes, it recently concluded a 220MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a private o -taker and is in negotiations to provide clean energy to several other commercial and industrial clients.

With a robust pipeline of projects, the capability to o er innovative, tailor-made solutions to the commercial and industrial market, over 1,7 GW of managed capacity, the company continues to consolidate its position as a leader in the renewables industry in South Africa. Forecasts shared by the International Energy Agency (IEA) note that renewable energy providers have a pivotal role to play in achieving the African development goal of 100 GW installed power by 2030. Enel Green Power understands the impo ance of inclusivity, and that having a vested interest in the communities it operates in is necessary to help to achieve this goal.

With a robust pipeline of projects, the capability to o er innovative, tailor-made solutions to the commercial and industrial market, over 1,7 GW of managed capacity, the company continues to consolidate its position as a leader in the renewables industry in South Africa. Forecasts shared by the International Energy Agency (IEA) note that renewable energy providers have a pivotal role to play in achieving the African development goal of 100 GW installed power by 2030. Enel Green Power understands the impo ance of inclusivity, and that having a vested interest in the communities it operates in is necessary to help to achieve this goal.

This is why the business is commi ed to providing meaningful socio-economic and enterprise development programmes, preferential procurement and job creation within the communities surrounding each of its 12 projects in South Africa. It has implemented several initiatives aimed at encouraging local businesses to supply goods and services at its operations and projects.

This is why the business is commi ed to providing meaningful socio-economic and enterprise development programmes, preferential procurement and job creation within the communities surrounding each of its 12 projects in South Africa. It has implemented several initiatives aimed at encouraging local businesses to supply goods and services at its operations and projects.

To date, the company has invested R140.3 million across various ED and SED programmes. This is made up of a total estimated ED spend of R35.1 million and estimated SED spend of R105.2 million. “Our investment in people is paramount, as we know it is through people that we can power the continent,” says Manuele Ba isti, Country Manager at Enel Green Power South Africa.

To date, the company has invested R140.3 million across various ED and SED programmes. This is made up of a total estimated ED spend of R35.1 million and estimated SED spend of R105.2 million. “Our investment in people is paramount, as we know it is through people that we can power the continent,” says Manuele Ba isti, Country Manager at Enel Green Power South Africa.

ED programmes – the purchase of equipment, funding, training and skills transfer enable the growth of businesses and new SMMEs. Funding of salaries during challenging periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic was provided as well.

ED programmes – the purchase of equipment, funding, training and skills transfer enable the growth of businesses and new SMMEs. Funding of salaries during challenging periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic was provided as well.

SED programmes in education and skills development – these include a Bursary Programme for underprivileged learners, as well as a stipend and student council provided by a registered bursary management agency. After-school programmes provide extra classes, and career development teaches pupils about IT and Coding.

SED programmes in education and skills development – these include a Bursary Programme for underprivileged learners, as well as a stipend and student council provided by a registered bursary management agency. After-school programmes provide extra classes, and career development teaches pupils about IT and Coding.

SED programmes in Social Welfare – Free Wi-Fi is provided so that communities always have access to the internet, and IT hubs are also funded. Nutrition programmes provide wholesome nutrition to learners and educators, and spo s elds and gyms ensure that pupils can bene t from extramural activities.

SED programmes in Social Welfare – Free Wi-Fi is provided so that communities always have access to the internet, and IT hubs are also funded. Nutrition programmes provide wholesome nutrition to learners and educators, and spo s elds and gyms ensure that pupils can bene t from extramural activities.

SED Healthcare initiatives – these include health promotion programmes and wellness centres, and also provided health care PPE during the pandemic.

SED Healthcare initiatives – these include health promotion programmes and wellness centres, and also provided health care PPE during the pandemic.

“For us at Enel Green Power, sustainability not only applies to the renewable energy we provide, but to the people whose lives we are changing, business owners we are empowering, students we are upskilling, and health we are restoring, all in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will continue to grow our ED and SED programmes to ensure that we play a meaningful role in transforming our world; choosing a be er tomorrow,” concludes Ba isti.

“For us at Enel Green Power, sustainability not only applies to the renewable energy we provide, but to the people whose lives we are changing, business owners we are empowering, students we are upskilling, and health we are restoring, all in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will continue to grow our ED and SED programmes to ensure that we play a meaningful role in transforming our world; choosing a be er tomorrow,” concludes Ba isti.

Asante Maji (Thank you for Water)

is only about 50% of the cost of prepaid meters and even less if retrofitting existing meters which are compliant. Prepaid meters are easily bypassed and has an expected life span of only 3 – 5 years.

Juan van Schalkwyk, a founder shareholder in Amanzi Meters, firmly believes this statement. He started Asante Maji (Pty) Ltd in 2018 to promote and protect local manufacturing and IP. Asante Maji provides solutions for water metering, with a focus on unmetered residential and commercial complexes.

Unmetered complexes share the bulk water supply on a on dwelling allotment size or as a straight average of the total usage. This is irrespective of actual usage resulting in low usage tenants subsidising the heavy usage tenants. This does not engender a culture of water saving, ignoring the dire need for water conservation.

Partnering with Automated Utility Systems as a distributer of the AUS-IoT Monitor has taken the business to new levels with exponential growth in the past two years. The product, developed by the same engineers who established the STS prepayment standard, is locally manufactured, and is sold in Australia and in South

• Registers consumption data of compliant meter

• On-line monitoring of meters via a dashboard or mobile app

• Alarms for leaks or excessive consumption

• Water balancing if connected to incoming bulk meter

• Versatile interface with efficient communication via Semtech LoRa® wireless radio

• Compatible with most accounting systems

• Gateway supplied by the service provider sharing in the world-wide LoRa Alliance

“What can’t be measured, can’t be managed.”

The AUS-IoT Monitor is reliable, cost effective, long lasting, and easy to deploy

WhatsApp: 061 470 0263

info@asantemaji.com

juan@asantemaji.co.za

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

extremely responsive to bursts which are reported by email and digital interface within 25 hours.

Impact on Residents

Cape Town’s Day Zero is still firmly embedded in our memories, starkly highlighting the urgent action on water conservation. At the risk of running out of water, a rationing of 50 litres per person per day was instituted by the City of Cape Town in 2018.

The importance and need for accurate and current data at the meter level can be illustrated as follows;

Based on this water restriction, an 8.3 l/hr leak would completely exhaust a household of 4’s daily allocation, without any human consumption. Unidentified leaks complicate the implementation of a strategy based on low daily water limitation. Leaks also need to be rapidly identified and addressed before it can cause further damage to infrastructure as recently seen in the KZN floods.

(Request the Western Cape Case Study from info@asantemaji.com )

SOUTH AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA NEEDS ALL HANDS ON DECK

There is a dire and urgent need to eliminate poverty and all its causes. Poverty continues to be perpetuated by lack of access to gainful economic activities at all levels of the economically active population groups in South Africa. Those mostly affected are particularly black women, youth and those living with disabilities. Poverty has spatial perspective in South Africa. The proportion of those affected by consequences of poverty are found in former Homelands territories, which are rural in nature, urban townships formed by apartheid policies and informal settlements that are mainly growing fast, in close proximities of urban areas.

Such a complex phenomenon of poverty, once it reaches its chronic

stage, becomes too difficult to eradicate or even bring it down to manageable levels by the State. Only a multidimensional approach, with specific defined target groups and defined spatial perspective can provide pathways for moving affected people from poverty to sustainable productive livelihoods, to an extent that even when economic shocks affect the country, it does not result in moving the majority of those that have attained sustainable economic livelihoods and quality of life out of the economy. South Africa still has a window of opportunity to turn poverty around.

The National Development Agency (NDA), a government poverty eradication institution, is tasked by its mandate to effectively respond to people who are

severely inflicted by poverty due to lack of access and means for generating sustainable income through self-help projects. These are the people whose relief is through the social security systems implemented by government. It is also a fact that without the robust social security systems put in place by the South African government, the state of poverty and inequalities would be far worse.

The Role of the NDA

The role of the NDA, within the Department of Social Development (DSD) is to provide developmental programmes and projects that will support and provide a variety of interventions to move South African Social Security

The graduates of a youth entrepreneurial programme run by Mfesane NPC in the Western Cape, with CEO Yolandi Afrika and NDA COO Susan Khumalo

Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries to self-help developmental interventions that will bring income to those individuals and families. Working towards a common goal between all the functionaries within DSD, known as the Social Development Portfolio, is the strategic approach to respond effectively in eradicating poverty. Working towards a common goal ensures effectively designed developmental interventions and programmes that are impactful on poverty.

The NDA vision is “developing a society free from poverty”, with a mission of coordinating and integrating all developmental interventions that are provided to the poor population that relies on social security as the only source of their livelihoods. This vision and mission requires all developmental interventions provided by government institutions, private sector and civil society organisations to have a coordination and integration mechanism. Poverty eradication is a huge mandate for the NDA alone to achieve in South Africa, this will require all hands on deck, with one goal and one enemy “eradication of poverty and all its causes".

The NDA Poverty Eradication Approach

The NDA, a premier development Agency of government, uses the District Development Model (DDM) framework to access its target audience, the poor. The DDM has demonstrated that it is a useful framework to organise, develop, plan and deliver impactful developmental interventions to move poor people out of poverty in a coordinated way. It provides better coordination and integration function for all spheres of government, private sector and civil society to focus their investments on one outcome, eradication of poverty, resulting in a positive impact on poverty eradication developmental efforts.

Within the DDM framework, the NDA’s approach to realise its vision of eradicating poverty, mobilises the poor and assesses their needs to enable them to organise themselves into self-help income generation groups, to start gainful community-based

economic activities. This approach uses a cooperatives model that binds them into a common goal and shared outcomes for members of groups. To achieve this, the NDA works with local civil society organisations, government institutions and private sector to provide a range of integrated interventions. The concept of “all hands on deck” drives the success of the approach.

The NDA uses integrated direct support to ensure that self-help income generation developmental activities move people out of poverty. These are classified into:

• Mobilization and Assessment,

• Formalisation,

• Capacity Building Interventions,

• Grant Funding & Investments for growth and sustainability, and where relevant,

• Linkages to Markets for their products to ensure long-term sustainability of these community interventions.

NDA Efforts in Poverty Eradication for the Poor

The developmental interventions of the NDA has, over the past few years, contributed to poverty eradication; 24 783 new self-help income generation community-based organised structures mobilised, assessed and classified according to their needs across the 9 provinces in South Africa. Of these, 2 714 have been formalised and assisted to register as NPOs or Cooperatives across the country to engage in a range of income generation projects benefiting them. The NDA has built capacities of 20 764 of these organised self-help groups through training, mentoring and support through NDA Development Officers, capable local CSOs, partnerships with relevant government departments and training institutions. The Agency has also provided grant funding to 560 of these organised groups to initiate their income generation projects. In addition, 5 273 were linked to government and private sector funding, as well as non-financial support such as technical skills and market linkages. >

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bongani Magongo

Given the competing needs and the South African economy’s health, government is forced to rationalise its spending to keep the economy attractive to investment. However, sustainable economic growth will not be achieved if there is no proportional investment on the poor to get them out of poverty, through increasing the numbers of the poor actively participating in gainful community based economic activities that benefit them directly.

To respond to this, the NDA is not only relying on the government allocations of about R200 million per year, but is intensifying its efforts to mobilise resources to fund and support these community-based poverty eradication

groups. The NDA has managed to raise about R329 million from third-party funding (government, private sector and other funders) to fund projects and programmes implemented for poverty eradication, with the aim of increasing these investments from all spheres of government and private sector for the types of initiatives implemented by poor citizens in an effort to take themselves out of poverty.

The Need for All Hands on Deck

The NDA efforts are aimed at eradication poverty with all its causes. To achieve this vision, the NDA alone will not be able to

achieve its mission of breaking the cycle of poverty. It needs all the instruments of the government, private sector and civil society working in coordinated and integrated posture to focus on those classified as poor, who reside in the fringes of developed and affluent locations of the country.

To make a dent on the war against poverty requires investments from every sector to enable the poor to fully and actively participate in their creating a future they want, the quality of life they aspire to have and the South Africa they want to live in. Therefore, South Africa needs all hands on deck to achieve the vision and expectation of the citizens of living in a country where hunger, poverty and hopelessness is not an everyday struggle. 

About NDA

NDA has a national footprint with offices in all provinces.

Contact number: 011 018 5500

Website: www.nda.org.za

Email: info@nda.org.za.

The Resource Mobilisation and Stakeholder Management office can be reached on:

XolileB@nda.org.za

The League of Friends of the Blind in Grassy Park, Cape Town, receives support from the NDA for their Early Childhood Development facility which offers centre, home and community based programmes

Access to Success Primary Cooperative members make bricks for income generation in Thabong, Welkom (FS)

ono m i c G ove r n a n ce m e fo r M em b e r s o f t h e t o f i t s su p p o r t to t h e o mm it m e nt to b u il d i n g T h e in n ov at i ve s a pp rove d b y C a b in e t w i t h t h e i nte nt i o n o f e r sh i p a n d ove r si g ht b ro ad e n p e r sp e c t i ve s s a n d c r i t i c a l en a b l e m em b e r s o f t h e n t h e t h re e sp h e re s o f re - e x am i n e g ove r na n ce co ns t r a i n in c lusi v i t y e cono m ic g row t h

Pro f N g c aw e n i s a i d , “ C re d i t r a t i n g d o w n g r ad e s, l o w e cono m i c g ro w t h , h i g h l e v e ls o f u n em p l o y m e nt a n d re cu r r i n g l a p s e s i n et h i c a l l ea d e r s hi p h av e a f r u s t r a t i n g e e c t o n do m e s t i c e o r t s to o v e rco m e t h e s t u b b o r n l e g a c y o f s o c i o- e cono m i c i m b a l a n ce s T h e Co v i d -19 p a n d em i c h a s a ls o d e m o n s t r a te d t h a t l ea d e r s hi p n ee d s to e v o l v e T h e W i nte r S c h o o l p ro v i d e s a p l a t f o r m f o r o u r p o l i t i c a l o ce b ea re r s a n d e xe c u t i v e s to co n f ro nt t h e s e c ha l l e ng e s h ea d o n i n t h e q u e s t f o r s o l u t i o n s ”

(mSCOA) refers to the standardised Municipal Chart of Accounts introduced by National Treasury and regulated in April 2014. The primary objective of mSCOA is to achieve an acceptable level of uniformity and quality: from the colletion of data to annual reporting

Pro f N g c aw e n i ad d s, “ T h e Econo m i c G o v e r na n ce W i nte r S c h o o l is p a r t o f t h e E xe c u t i v e Ed u c a t i o n Po r t f o l i o la u n c h e d b y t h e NS G ea rl y i n J u n e

2020 T h e E xe c u t i v e Ed u c a t i o n Pro g r am m e is t a rg e te d a t h i g h l e v e l e xe c u t i v e s i n t h e p u b l i c s e c to r, b o t h p o l i t i c a l o ce b ea r e r s a n d s e n i o r p u b l ic s e c to r m an a g e r s a n d e xe c u t i v e s ” T h e i n a u g u r a l p ro g r am m e w a s h e l d a s a S p r i n g / S um m e r S c h o o l i n N o v em b e r 2020, t h e s e co n d i te r a t i o n a s a W i nte r S c h o o l i n J u l y 2021 T h e s e l ea r ni n g e n g a g e m e nt s w e r e ha i l e d a s a r e s o u n d i n g su cce s s w i t h o v e r f o r t y m em b e r s o f t h e e xe c u t i v e h av i n g a t te n d e d t h e v i r t ua l s e s s i o n s i n co m p l i a n ce w i t h l o c k d o w n r e g u l a t i o n s o f t h e t i m e

Pro f N g c aw e n i f u r t h e r s a i d , “ T h e NS G h a s b e e n d e l i v e r i n g a r a ng e o f e xe c u t i v e p ro g r am m e s f o r s e v e r a l y ea r s T h e NS G h a s re s p o n d e d to t h e g ro w i n g d e m a n d w i t hi n p u b l i c i n s t i t u t i o n s b y i nt ro d u ci n g a r a ng e o f in i t i a t i v e s to a t t r a c t p a r t i c i p a nt s f ro m t h e p o l i t i c a l a n d a dm i n is t r a t i v e l e v e ls o f g o v e r n m e nt a c ro s s t h e co u nt r y a n d re g i o n Fo r e x am p l e, h i g h - l e v e l m a s te rc las s es h av e b e e n a t te n d e d b y t h e Pre s i d e nt , M in is te r s, D i re c to rG e n e r a ls a n d m a ny s e n i o r o c i a ls We h av e f o r m a l l y l a u n c h e d t h is p o r t f o l io o f p ro g r am m e s a n d a r e qu i te e xc i te d b y t h is d e v e lop m e nt ”

T h e co m b i n a t i o n o f a t te n d e e s f ro m d i e re nt co u nt r i e s a t t h e 202 2 Econo m i c G o v e r na n ce W i nte r S c h o o l p ro v i d e d a n op p o r t u

STATE THE

NATION

ADDRESS 2023

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OUTLINES GOVERNMENT’S KEY POLICY OBJECTIVES TO UNLEASH

THE NATIONS POTENTIAL

President Ramaphosa delivered a historic State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 9 February 2023 at the Cape Town City Hall, which was temporarily declared a parliamentary precinct to facilitate hosting the

SONA. This is the same venue former president Nelson Mandela addressed the nation for the first time after his release from prison in 1990.

In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa highlighted our distinct

qualities as a nation and how we should strive to position ourselves beyond our challenges.

“We are not defined by the minerals under our earth or the spectacular landscape above it. We are not even

defined by the languages we speak or the songs we sing or the work we do. We are, at our most essential, a nation defined by hope and resilience. “It was hope that sustained our struggle for freedom, and it is hope that swells our sails as we steer our country out of turbulent waters to calmer seas.

“Even in these trying times, it is hope that sustains us and fuels our determination to overcome even the greatest of difficulties”, said President Ramaphosa.

He went on to reflect on the global COVID-19 pandemic which devasted the world through lost lives, unemployment, and closed companies. The President highlighted that today the country’s economy is greater than it was before the pandemic, and this is attributed to the nation working together to overcome the pandemic.

He stated that between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022, around one million new jobs were created in our economy.

Energy crises in South Africa

President Ramaphosa declared the country’s energy crises a national disaster, with immediate effect. He will appoint a Minister of Electricity in the Presidency, who will work full time with the Eskom Board and management on ending loadshedding and to ensure that the Energy Action Plan is implemented without delay.

“The state of disaster will enable government to provide practical measures that it needs to take to support businesses in the food production, storage and retail supply chain, including for the roll-out of generators, solar panels and uninterrupted power supply,” said the President.

He also acknowledged the urgency of having a reliable supply of electricity for businesses to grow, assembly lines being operational, irrigation and basic services running without interruption.

“Without a reliable supply of electricity, our efforts to grow an inclusive economy that creates jobs and reduces poverty will not succeed. Therefore, as we outline our agenda for the year ahead, our most immediate task is to dramatically reduce the severity of load-shedding in the coming months and ultimately end load-shedding altogether. Under

these conditions, we cannot proceed as we usually would. The people of South Africa want action, they want solutions, and they want government to work for them. They simply want to know when a problem like loadshedding will be brought to an end,” said the President.

In July last year, President Ramaphosa announced a clear action plan to address the energy crisis. This was to address the electricity shortfall of 4 000 to 6 000 megawatts (MW). The plan outlined five key interventions to:

• Fix Eskom’s coal-fired power stations and improve the availability of existing supply

• Enable and accelerate private investment in generation capacity

• Accelerate procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas, and battery storage

• Unleash businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar

• Fundamentally transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security. Experts agree that this plan is the most realistic route to end loadshedding. >

Education

During his address, the President noted the access to quality education being the most powerful instrument to end poverty. He stated schools must be safe, allowing effective learning and teaching to take place.

Water management system

President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of a reliable water supply for the well-being of citizens and for growing the economy. Currently, the Department of Water and Sanitation is leading the process of investing in major infrastructure projects, such as:

The Lesotho Highlands project

• This year the full-scale construction works for the Lesotho Highlands project Phase Two will continue. The President explained the importance of ensuring security of water supply to Gauteng, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, North West and the Free State.

Construction of dams

• Several decades after it was first proposed and nine years after a sod-turning ceremony

was held, the first phase of the Umzimvubu Water Project will start in the next financial year. This phase, which involves construction of the Ntabelanga Dam, irrigation infrastructure and the distribution of water to communities, will be financed by government.

“The next phase will be the construction of the Lilane Dam, which will include a hydropower station. Major projects to increase the capacity of the Clanwilliam Dam, Hazelmere Dam and the Tzaneen Dam will improve the supply of water to the West Coast, eThekwini and the eastern part of Limpopo. Wateruse licences Last year, government announced a comprehensive turnaround plan to streamline the process for water use licence applications, which is vital to enable greater investment,” said the President.

“Government needs to start with children who are very young, providing them with the foundation they need to write and read for meaning, to learn and develop. It is, therefore, significant that the number of children who receive the ECD subsidy has more than doubled between 2019 and 2022, reaching one-and-a-half million children. The Department of Basic Education is streamlining the requirements for ECD centres to access support and enable thousands more to receive subsidies from government. While at the other end of the basic education journey, government applauds last year’s matric pass rate of 80%, with all provinces showing improved results,” explained the President. In addition, he highlighted this was up from 76% the year before and there was an improvement from 55% in 2019 to 64% 2022. These figures indicate the performance of learners from disadvantaged schools is visibly improving, further validating the value of the government’s support towards them.

This year, government plans to

finalise the Comprehensive Student Funding Model for higher education, particularly for students who fall outside the current National Student Financial Aid Scheme criteria; reaching those who are known as the ‘missing middle.’

Fighting crime and corruption

The Government is strengthening the South African Police Service (SAPS) to prevent crime and improving the capacity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and courts to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, this is according to the President. He added more police visibility in communities by setting up specialised teams, primarily focusing on specific types of crimes which part of the state’s crime prevention strategies. In addition, the government recruited 12 000 new police personnel resulting in more than 10 000 new recruits who graduated from police academies and a further 10 000 will also be recruited and trained this year. Last year, President Ramaphosa said government would take decisive action against corruption and make a clear break with the era of state capture. The State Capture Commission headed by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo completed its work and submitted the final part of its

report in June last year. In an effort to encourage and address whistle-blowers capacity to come forward, there is an urgency to also protect them. During his address, the President said the government is working toward legally providing protection for whistle-blowers through the Witness Protection Unit and introducing amendments to the Protection Disclosure Act of 2000. “Work is already underway to improve access to the witness protection programme for public servants that expose maladministration, corruption, and unethical conduct, “explained the President.

Economic Growth

President Ramaphosa highlighted the strategy to reduce unemployment, is through our economy growing at a rapid rate. He went on to revert to the SONA last year, where he spoke about the government’s intention to create a comprehensive social compact, aimed at collaborating with all social partners in common programmes in order to rebuild the economy and create higher growth.

“We were not able to conclude a social compact in the timeframe we had envisaged because a

number of new circumstances emerged that made it difficult for social partners to forge a consensus. The social partners have expressed their intention to conclude a social compact and have continued to work on a framework to enable joint action in key areas such as energy, transport and logistics, employment creation and skills development, investment and localisation, social protection, crime and corruption,” said President Ramaphosa.

He added, although the government remains committed to creating a new agreement within all sectors of society, in specific areas they have implemented practical collaborations. “We have seen the benefits of this approach to promote investment and to develop master plans in sectors of the economy such as automotive, clothing and textiles, poultry, sugar, agriculture and global business services,” announced the President.

It is evident President Ramaphosa has a tremendous task ahead of him however, in his closing remarks he reminded the nation that, “We need, as a nation, at this time more than any other, to reveal our true character. We need to work together and leave no one behind.” –President Ramaphosa 

FREE STATE LEGISLATURE

The provincial legislature makes provincial laws and may adopt a Constitution for the province if two- thirds of its Members agree.

LEGISLATION & OVERSIGHT

The Legislature provides effective and efficient mechanisms to oversee the executive. The Institution makes and implements strategies.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

OUR CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE COMMITTEES

The Public Participation and Petitions (PPP) Unit was established to comply with the constitutional imperative that of provincial legislature.

The core functions of committees of the Legislature are to scrutinize documentation received from the Executive Council. These documents may take the form of ordinary bills, money bills and other related reports.

The Constitution of South Africa sets a single, sovereign democratic state where governance is effected through Parliament which includes provincial legislatures, the Executive and the Judiciary. The mandate of provincial legislatures is achieved through passing legislation, overseeing government action through oversight and the facilitating of public involvement, cooperative government and public participation.

OUR VISION

"An Activist Legislature that Champions Democracy"

OUR MISSION

To promote good governance and a culture of human rights through public participation, lawmaking and oversight.

PETITIONS

Free State Legislature has a petitions act (act no. 6 Of 2000) and regulations that are put in place to regulate the procedure to be followed in dealing with petitions. Free State Legislature committee on public participation and petitions and members; legislature proposals is responsible for handling petitions.

VODACOM VODACOM ASSISTS GAUTENG MUNICIPALITIES STREAMLINE SERVICE DELIVERY

As of September 2022, both Ekurhuleni and Emfuleni municipalities have entrusted Vodacom to help them streamline service delivery by keeping staff reliably connected. Vodacom has begun rolling out its world-class solutions for both municipalities as part of a three-year contract.

“Vodacom is proud to be helping the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality and Emfuleni local municipality deliver on their purpose to grow and support their local economies,” says Poppy Tshabalala, Managing Executive of Public Enterprise for Vodacom Business. “To honour their purpose, it’s crucial for these municipalities to stay connected to the communities they serve, and to ensure that service delivery is not interrupted by connectivity downtime, which is where Vodacom’s expertise and offerings come in.”

Streamlining hybrid working for Ekurhuleni

Serving hybrid-work staff of Ekurhuleni – one of the country’s eight big metropolitan municipalities, which makes a substantial contribution to Gauteng’s economy – needs reliable, high-quality, always-on connectivity. This is to ensure that services, from water supply to refuse removal, healthcare and more, can be efficiently delivered to residents across more than 20 large East Rand towns, from Alberton and Edenvale to Springs and Tembisa.

Thanks to Vodacom’s expansive network, the large coverage area poses no challenge. Vodacom’s coverage has proven to deliver a seamless experience for users no matter which area they’re based in and whether they’re connecting remotely at home or on-site from their business’s premises.

The solution provided to Ekurhuleni municipality includes Access Point Name (APN) connectivity, which is bundled with Vodacom’s security services to ensure that data on municipal residents is not compromised and that only authorised municipal staff can access it.

Keeping channels of communication open in Emfuleni

Staff serving this local municipality, which is situated in Gauteng’s Sedibeng District, are also benefitting from Vodacom’s always-on, high-quality connectivity. With communication a cornerstone of their work, Emfuleni opted to streamline operations through Vodacom’s cloudbased solutions.

“This means that Emfuleni will enjoy Vodacom’s VoIP offering and Hosted Call and Contact Centre service, which guarantees high reliability and availability levels as it’s built on our next-generation access fibre network,” explains Tshabalala. Both of these secure, cloud-based services offer robust connectivity for municipal staff communicating with residents and city contractors.

When the municipality’s agents are out in the field addressing essential services, Vodacom’s Push-to-Talk services keeps them connected to office-based staff. Similar to two-way radio systems, but more effective, Push-to-Talk enables instant, real-time communications between everyone on the network, with options to chat one-on-one or in groups. This reliable, on-demand flexibility has helped the municipality improve service delivery to communities.

“Our future-proof solutions are helping local government branches expedite service delivery to benefit the community in tangible ways,” says Tshabalala. “As a partner to government, we are committed to helping them create an economically strong, inclusive, digital-first society. This is at the root of Vodacom’s purpose to connect South Africa for a better future.” 

CONTACT DETAILS

Tel: 011 653 5000

Web: www.vodacombusiness.co.za or contact your account manager

Address: 082 Vodacom Boulevard, Midrand, 1685

THE IMPORTANT WORK OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN CLEANING SA’S WATER SOURCES

Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, is using the occasion of World Water Week and World Water Day, both celebrated in March 2023, to emphasize the important role plastics play in ensuring South Africans have access to reliable, clean and safe drinking water and sanitation.

Anton Hanekom, Executive Director of Plastics SA, confirms that plastics play a major role in providing people with safe and clean drinking water. "Apart from being extensively used in pipelines and underground water infrastructure, plastics are also used in plumbing accessories, water storage units and even buckets or wheelbarrows used in remote areas to transport clean drinking water back to homes".

Hanekom emphasizes the important work done by the plastics industry in ensuring that South Africa's water sources are clean, uncontaminated, and free of litter.

"To put it simply, polluted water is contaminated water. Research has revealed that land-based waste accounts for more than 80 % of the litter found on South African beaches, in our oceans, and in other bodies of water. For this reason, we have been making concerted efforts over the past few decades to devise solutions that will mitigate this problem."

Plastics SA has launched and is supporting a number of projects across the country in which they work closely with local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community organizations, and businesses to keep South Africa's river catchment areas and water sources clean of visible pollutants. These include ongoing beach and river clean-ups, supporting the development of collection and sorting infrastructure assisting with litterboom projects, and launching numerous education and awareness campaigns for local communities across the country in order to address waste in the environment in a proactive manner.

"We are grateful for the active participation of local community groups, civil society and municipalities as well as the support of major industry role-players and the various plastic industry Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to help us achieve the amazing results addressing plastics pollution in our river catchments. Many of these industry leaders are also signatories of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), a global voluntary commitment programme aimed at preventing the loss of plastic resin in the marine environment, such as pellets, flakes, and powders. This is yet another example of the plastics industry going above and beyond to help the global fight against the world's water crisis," Hanekom says.

“ The plastics industry is going above and beyond to help the global fight against the world's water crisis," Anton Hanekom, Executive Director, SA Plastics

NO ROOM FOR TAKING SHORT-CUTS

Around the world, and SA is no different, the plastics industry does a huge amount of often unseen work to provide safe and clean drinking water and reliable sewage removal to communities, while also working tirelessly to remove visible litter from our environment.

Conclude the industry leaders: “Financial difficulties are rampant in all industries, and the plastics industry is no exception. Although plastic product manufacturers and users may be tempted to cut corners when it comes to the safe and responsible disposal of their plastic waste, Plastics SA remains unwavering in their commitment to do the right thing - even if nobody is looking - and does not tolerate any activities that bring their products into disrepute or that jeopardizes the health and safety of the environment, factory workers, or end-users".

For more information, visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za

Kagiso Trust works to overcome poverty by developing and implementing scalable, replicable, sustainable development programme models in the areas of education development, institutional capacity building, socio-economic development and financial sustainability.

KAGISO TRUST HIGHLIGHTS GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE DELIVERY

Paul Smith, Local Government Support Head

Communication, collaboration and community-centric thinking are key in the working of local government organisations if they are to create a culture of accountability that will enhance their levels of service delivery to the people they work for.

A webinar themed, “Good Governance and Service Delivery in Municipalities, It Can Be”, hosted by the Kagiso Trust in partnership with the KC Institute for Inner Work in October, highlighted the importance of collaboration between communities and local government. The webinar showcased the importance and opportunities for developing sustainable local economic strategies to increase municipal revenue and the blurred lines between the roles of executive mayors and municipal managers.

“Leadership in local government should start confronting the realities they find themselves in,” said Kgotso Schoeman, the chief executive officer of Kagiso Capital, an investment company established by Kagiso Trust. “There are many municipalities with unfunded budgets and that are under financial distress. It is interesting that leaders don't appreciate that the decisions they make have long-term ramifications for the organisations they lead. The time for brave and honest conversations in local government is now.”

He added that many municipalities run around the framework that “people succeed because of the organisations in which they work,” which he fundamentally disagreed with. “The philosophy I subscribe to is that it starts at an individual level.

Organisations succeed because of the people who work in them. It is interesting to note that leaders seldom take accountability for the fact they own part of the reality faced, whether good or bad and accountability starts with them, the individual.”

Schoeman called for more individuals to speak up to hold government to account, enhance service delivery, and to build a culture of affirmation with the people of their communities.

“How do you get people of municipalities to come to work and appreciate that they have to earn their salary and not just come to work knowing they will get their salary?” asked Schoeman.

“Mayors and Municipal Managers need to realize that they create the municipal organizational culture. Being in a position of power and authority also means being responsible and accountable for the performance of people and the municipality. Leaders need to perform consistently and energetically in pursuit of the municipality's goals “We create a culture where people will be held accountable for weak performance and rewarded for strong performance. Leadership eats strategy and culture for dinner. If leadership does not take accountability for where the institution is, you have a fundamental problem where culture and strategy do not work.”

Paul Smith, the executive Head of Kagiso Trust Local Governance Support Pillar, said the need for radical collaboration to strengthen local governance and ensure development is community centric is critical.

This approach will provide a meaningful mechanism to address the growing gap between local government and civil society, so all stakeholders can meaningfully understand and address community issues through reflective thinking resulting in quality communal creative ideation.

“We need to build a new constituency of ethical and responsible leaders and people,” said Smith. “We need more communitycentric thinking. Our hope going forward is that the people will use their responsiveness to realise the importance of their role in meaningful sustainable change. If you plant a seed today, someone will be able to sit under a tree 10 years from now.” The time for change is now or we will realise the lost opportunity cost of more of the same from municipalities. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Tel: 011 566 1900

E-mail: info@kagiso.co.za

Website: www.kagiso.co.za

Address: 27 Scott Street, Waverley, Johannesburg, 2090

The National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW) has grown to be the largest fund within Local Government and with a membership base of more than 55 000 (employees and councillors) throughout South Africa, it is clear we are the Fund of choice.

Our members are at the centre of what we do, our decisions, our behaviours and the strategies that we employ in the management of the fund. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service and the administration cost is of the lowest in the industry; this translates to less of our members’ contributions towards cost and more towards retirement savings.

Our excellent long-term investment performance track record puts us on par with the best global balanced managed portfolios in South Africa and ahead of our peers in Local Government. The Fund has won numerous Institute of Retirement Funds Africa Best Practices Industry Awards. These awards are a testament to the Fund’s compliance with all regulatory and other statutory requirements and above all, recognition for setting the benchmark of excellence in Local Government.

Given our commitment to governance, impactful investing with financially sound investment returns, care for our members and responsible leadership, value to our members is guaranteed.

INVESTED IN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL WELLNESS OF ALL OUR MEMBERS

The NFMW offers holistic personal financial planning, advice and retirement counselling, which include retirement planning, investment planning, estate planning and tax planning for all members. The Fund appointed INfund Solutions and Portfolium to provide NFMW-members with retirement counselling and financial advice services respectively. This unique approach will target ALL members from a young age (not only those close to or approaching retirement).

Our psychological and health wellness programme offered to our members and their immediate family members allows them access to a free and confidential health resource which provides counselling and support services in their personal life and at work. HEALTH HEROES can assist with marital, family and relationship problems, incapacity and disability, personal and work-related stress, suicide/homicidal threat, alcohol and substance abuse as well as other psychosocial issues and health challenges

Living our vision of positively impacting the lives of our members, their families and their communities, today and tomorrow.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

Pilots South Africa’s first free-to-use electricity smart meter software

UMNGENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Updates on new developments from the Mayor

NELSON MANDELA BAY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

A beacon of hope for promoting human rights and social justice

CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Collaborating with municipal entities for better service delivery

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

Pilots South Africa’s first free-to-use electricity smart meter software

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

The City of Matlosana Municipality is commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

George Municipality is the first provider in the country to pilot freely licensed software that automates the reading, processing, and billing of electricity smart meter data. Using the software the municipality can create and load their electricity tariffs and then apply them to a bill.

venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

The billing process has for many years been done manually, requiring extensive time for verification and preparation of bills once the data was retrieved from the meters.

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

Bongani Mandla, the Director of Electrotechnical Services at George Municipality explained that “The need

for this freely licensed software pilot became evident when we considered the scaling of wheeling and renewable energy on the George Municipality’s electricity grid. The manual billing process was one of the main challenges, and resolving this meant reducing reliance and pressure on key human resources, reducing potential errors that could occur in the billing process.

metering and billing services.”

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

He said that, “Engagement with Open Access Energy on showcasing their Open Access software that they license for free, has assisted in addressing the challenge for us, and we are now piloting the automation of our

The first wheeling transaction took place in May 2022 at George Municipality, following the signing of the use-ofsystem agreements in July 2021. The wheeling pilot that is approved by Council, offers limited wheeling services, and is open to everyone who wants to wheel energy.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

Access Energy as a solution

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

According to Gerjo Hoffman, CEO and Co-Founder of Open Access Energy, the software company aims to boost the use of renewable energy by simplifying wheeling. “Our products aim to automate

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production success).

Wheeling is the delivery of electricity generated by a private operator in one location to a buyer or offtaker in another location via a third-party network (Utility or Municipality).

renewable energy to their customers and alleviate the challenge of load shedding in South Africa.

wheeling and serve the needs of anyone that wants to wheel energy. Our initial focus is South Africa, but our future aspiration is to offer solutions in all emerging markets globally.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Aside from attracting investment, the N12 Treasure Route connects communities to the economic hub of Matlosana City. The improved road infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

George Municipality to the end-user Bongani Mandla highlighted that the current George Municipality wheeling pilot consists of trade between one generator and four off-takers through Enpower Trading (a NERSA licensed Energy Trader) and this entire process is now automated using Open Access Energy’s software. The Municipality is

working on further improvements to its wheeling projects and to incentivise the private sector (both generators and off-takers) to participate in this program. These include creating a platform for customers to view their accounts and access their consumption and billing data in real-time, forming various committees to expedite the process of standardising the useofsystem contracts as well as moving from the 30-minute reconciliation to a Time-of-Use reconciliation.

Their product Access Energy is a freely licensed software solution that reads smart meters, stores the meter data in a meter data sharing system, and exposes that data to municipalities. The software allows the Municipality to create and load their electricity tariffs and then apply them to a bill. The final bill is sent to the municipalities Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which then sends the bill to the end customer.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

"When we started looking at how we can enable the wheeling market, we realised that many municipalities and metros don't have access to sufficient software to allow these transactions. Municipalities have to go through tedious tender and procurement processes, so we decided to license our software for free to local municipalities and state-owned entities," says Hoffman.

Hoffman says the free smart meter software is available to all municipalities and is the smart solution for enabling municipalities to offer

CONTACT DETAILS

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc...

From left to right are Gerjo Hoffman, Chief-Executive-Officer and co-founder at Open Access Energy; Bongani Mandla, Director of Electrotechnical Services, Nicholas Rixon, Chief-Operations-Officer at Open Access Energy, and Louise Botha, George Municipality Electrotechnical Services.

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

UMNGENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Updates on new developments from the Mayor

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Since Christopher Pappas, took to the platform of uMngeni Local Municipality Mayor on 22 November 2021, the Mayor has continued to address municipal matters with a proactive and transparent approach, updating citizens timeously on the work that is being done.

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

Having adopted a new vision that “By 2035, the uMngeni Municipality will be a beacon of excellence and efficiency, delivering quality

• Wellness tourism

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

services, building safer communities and supporting sustainable socioeconomic development,” the Mayor listed the recent progress towards that goal as:

added that this year the municipality has already doubled the roads budget, which has improved their ability to address the pending backlog.

He stated that the municipality’s focus is to ensure that the main routes and secondary roads are maintained and in good condition. In addition to this, the municipality would systematically address potholes and completing surfaces.

The Mayor noted that the challenges faced along the way were due to the continuous rain in the province that prevented work being done in a timely manner.

Another challenge was the many roads in the municipality that have not been built with strong foundations. This means that when repairs are done, the scope of the work increases to include rebuilding foundations and sub-soil drainage. The Mayor said that in following years, the municipality would strategically shift municipal resources to put more focus on road repairs in winter months.

Waste

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

Roads and Storm Water

The Mayor recognised that the rain is the biggest and most expensive challenge related to road and storm water damage at the municipality. He

According to the Mayor the municipality is going through a process of restructuring their waste management and reducing a substantial overtime bill. He stated that it may lead to some delays and backlogs as the system adjusts to a new work schedule, and restrictions, such as that of the closure of the recycling facility on Sundays, would be evidenced.

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

uMngeni Municipality Mayor: Christopher Pappas

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production success).

In apologising in advance for any disruptions that the citizens of uMngeni would experience, the Mayor stated that this was necessary in the interim while the municipality

addresses the huge overtime bill that the municipality is faced with. In managing its waste, the municipality has also transferred its landfill site from the Waste sub-

directorate to the Infrastructure and Public Works directorate because of the engineering required to maintain the landfill site. “The waste is the simple part, it is the engineering behind the site that is more complicated,” explained the Mayor.

Electricity

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Aside from attracting investment, the N12 Treasure Route connects communities to the economic hub of Matlosana City. The improved road infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

on field crops, such as

NATIONAL FRESH PRODUCE MARKET

The Market is the property of the City of Matlosana and was established in 1980 and it is ranked 8th out of 17 Fresh Markets in the country according to turnover.

Mayor Pappas explained that the municipality has lost R19 million since July 2022 in stolen electricity. He stated that the municipality is making some strides in reducing yearly losses and this was confirmed by the Auditor General as well as their own mid-year budget assessments. He highlighted that the municipality will never reduce their losses to zero due to normal technical losses which occur, however he stated that the municipality will continue to work to cut illegal usage.

With five Market agents, the market supplies customers as far as Botswana, Kimberly and Vryburg.

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: Cnr Braamfisher & OR Tambo Streets, Klerksdorp

In stating that the municipality had made some progress in reducing the amount of money owed, he also noted that there is still R250 million in monies outstanding. He said that although some of their interventions may not be popular, they are necessary if the municipality is to deliver services in a sustainable manner.

Tel: 018 487 8000/ 018 487 8800

Email: communications@ klerksdorp.org

Solar Power

CityofMatlosanaUpdates @MatlosanaCom

Cityofmatlosanamunicipal

A part of its plan to improve the lives of its citizens, the uMngeni Municipality announced a solar project last year that would electrify

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

the Shiyabazali informal settlements at a cost of over R4 million. The project is wholly funded by the Dept of Energy is aimed at improving living conditions in the informal settlement and provided 522 units which included: a panel, battery pack, six lights and a cellphone charger. High mast lights have been erected at the informal settlement and residents are feeling safer.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

Municipal debt

Positive developments as announced by the Mayor

• The municipality has procured R20 million worth of specialized equipment to maintain our landfill site and build roads. This includes 2 x TLBs, landfill compactor, refuse truck, excavator, padfoot roller, water tanker. 2 x tipper trucks should be arriving before the end of February

• We are ahead of schedule with expenditure on our Municipal infrastructure grant. This means that we are eligible for a top up of additional funds

• The municipality has improved its audit outcome from Qualified to Unqualified. This means that the Auditor General of SA has indicated that we are managing the finances well and we improve our control of the budget

• More poor and vulnerable households are receiving subsidized basic services which reduced the number of people stealing services

• The municipality has decreased electricity loss

• Over 100 employment opportunities have been created this year so far

• A number of vacancies have been filled building capacity in the municipality

• The one of its kind in the province grass cutting programme has been successfully implemented

• The traffic department now has 6 vehicles at its disposal

To recover the recover the R250 million rand that the municipality is owed, the municipality has the following in place:

• Agreement with Eskom supply areas to disconnect customers that owe rates and services

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

• Agreement with Msunduzi supply areas to disconnect customers that owe rates and services

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Selling of the municipal debtors book

• Write offs for registered and verified indigent households

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

• Wellness tourism

• Municipal Account Holders are encouraged to come forward and make arrangements to settle outstanding accounts

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

“I am grateful for this change. We even have streetlights, and this has helped reduce criminality,” - resident Shiyabazali informal settlement.

NELSON MANDELA BAY LOCAL

MUNICIPALITY

A beacon of hope for promoting human rights and social justice

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a

infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

Human Rights Day in South Africa is an occasion to reflect on the progress made promoting the rights of all citizens and to acknowledge the challenges that still exists. As the country commemorates Human Rights Day on 21 March 2023, we are reminded that core services that local government provides - clean drinking water, sanitation, electricity, shelter, waste removal and roads - are basic human rights and essential components of the right to dignity as enshrined in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

This year’s national theme is titled “Consolidating and sustaining human rights culture into the future,” and one municipality that has made strides towards protecting and promoting human rights is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM).

Named after the iconic South African leader and human rights champion Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is home to over 1 million people and has made

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc...

significant strides in promoting human rights through a number of initiatives and programmes.

NMBM is committed to providing access to basic services to their citizens regardless of their background and socio-economic status. This has been achieved through a number of infrastructure projects, including building new water treatment plants and the installation of solar panels in disadvantaged areas.

The municipality has also taken steps to promote gender equality and combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and has also established a GBV and Femicide Command Centre, which provides support to survivors of violence.

Another municipal initiative that promotes social cohesion and inclusivity is the Multicultural Forum which aims to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures and religions. The forum organizes events

NATIONAL FRESH PRODUCE MARKET

and activities that celebrate diversity and provides a platform for community members to voice their concerns and ideas.

The Market is the property of the City of Matlosana and was established in 1980 and it is ranked 8th out of 17 Fresh Markets in the country according to turnover.

With five Market agents, the market supplies customers as far as Botswana, Kimberly and Vryburg.

CONTACT DETAILS

As South Africans celebrate Human Rights Day this year, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is an example of a municipality that is committed to promoting human rights and social justice. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the progress made in promoting access to basic services, gender equality and social cohesion is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the municipality’s leaders and residents.

Address: Cnr Braamfisher & OR Tambo Streets, Klerksdorp

Tel: 018 487 8000/ 018 487 8800

Email: communications@ klerksdorp.org

CityofMatlosanaUpdates @MatlosanaCom

Cityofmatlosanamunicipal

Human Rights Day coincides with the Sharpeville Massacre and is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.

“Thus, shall we live, because we will have created a society which recognizes that all people are born equal, with each entitled measures to life, liberty, prosperity, human rights, and good governance."

- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Collaborating with municipal entities for better service delivery

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

a better and more efficient services provider.”

He said that the scale and complexity of these challenges require the municipality and its entities to work collaboratively and creatively. It was important for the city and entities to harness the strength and resources of all stakeholders including government, businesses, civil society and residents to create what is equitable, sustainable and prosperous for all.

Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

The newly elected Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Thapelo Amad, addressing the City of Joburg’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Roodepoort Theatre on the 01 March 2023, emphasised the need for the municipality to work collaboratively with municipal entities to ensure top-class service delivery.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

challenges, “One of the many contributions we can make in working with our entities is ensuring that they have the resources, tools and support they need to service the City’s residents. We must commit ourselves to the ongoing work of improving our city, building strong and effective partnerships with our entities and delivering essential services.”

He said that it is essential that everyone supports the new administration in its effort to stabilise the city, government and deliver much needed services to all residents.

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

“We must work together to address the critical issues that are currently affecting our city including issues related to service delivery, housing, infrastructure and public safety. This will require us to make difficult decisions but I am confident that we can rise to this challenge and work collaboratively to build a better future for our city,” said Mayor Amad.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

Johannesburg, like many other cities, is dealing with a range of complex issues including poverty, inequality unemployment, crime and environmental degradation, among many others. Acknowledging that the challenges the City faces cannot be ignored he stated that, “Municipal entities are frontline service delivery agents and their work is critical in ensuring that our residents have access to basic services such as water, sanitation, waste management and electricity among others.”

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

He added that in the face of these

• Wellness tourism

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

The Mayor sees the municipal entities’ flexibility and expertise at delivering services efficiently and effectively and its most potent agent in its efforts to build a city that is responsive to the need of its citizens.

The Mayor acknowledged the immense potential of the City being an economic powerhouse that drives growth and development and being a hub of creativity and innovation with diverse culture and traditions and stated that and “We owe it to ourselves to continue striving to be

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

Mayor Amad said the city should be unapologetic in trying new things and embrace change, as financial stability is essential to the success of the municipal entities’ operations. The city should also be responsible stewards of the public’s trust and funds.

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

“Let me reiterate that our municipal entities are of great importance to the success and operations of our city.” - Mayor Thapelo Amad

Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Thapelo Amad

Follow these steps to obtain a Safety Permit:

The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Act 16 of 2002 (as amended) requires all operators, including municipalities with railway sidings, to apply for a safety permit issued by the RSR. To apply for a safety permit operators must follow these simple steps:

Applicants must have an Interface Agreement with Transnet.

RSR to arrange for a meeting with applicant to discuss their business intentions.

Applicants must send an email to (safetypermitsadmin@rsr. org.za and Cc: louisam@ rsr.org.za ) to get the requirements of the Safety Management System.

Applicants must register on the National Information Monitoring System (NIMS)

Applicants must pay a non-refundable safety permit application fee.

The applicant shall submit the application through, NIMS.

The RSR shall evaluate the safety permit application.

The permit fee is then calculated, and an invoice is issued.

The applicant will be required to pay the safety permit fee within 30 days of being issued an invoice by the Regulator.

The applicant will be issued with a Safety Permit.

The operator is expected to manage their Safety Management System. The RSR shall conduct regular audits and inspection to ensure compliance.