December - January Ntshebele

Season’s Greetings to everyone during this wonderful holiday season. We have had a long year, and I want nothing more than for this season to be joyous and merry to us all. As we enjoy the holiday season, I hope we take a moment to remember those we have loved and are ending the year without. May they live on in our hearts and minds.

That we, too, practice responsible citizenry and refrain from drinking and driving. A lot of lives get lost during this time of the year, I therefore encourage you to always be cautious and we can meet again the next year to fulfil the mandate of the department.

I hope that you will also be responsible with your hard-earned salaries during what has come to be known as the “Silly Season”, next pay day may seem very far away after Christmas Day.

This issue seeks to inspire you and help you enjoy the holiday season with friends family. It is without a doubt that the Editorial Team thought of nothing but you as they put this magazine together.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

We saw 2022 coming in with a bit of ease compared to the previous two years when the entire world was fighting against COVID-19. This assisted immensely in us implementing some programmes of the department across the province. It is unfortunate that there was not enough time for us to catch up with the work we could not do in the previous years.

Nonetheless, those whom I have had the opportunity to interact with will remember that I mentioned the negative perceptions that people have about the department and that it is our responsibility to ensure that we work hard to correct those negative perceptions.

As we enjoy our time with families and friends over the festive season, I would like for you to also reflect on the year 2022. Take some time to reflect on what we could have done better to deliver services to the people of Gauteng. Think of ideas that can assist the department to reach its targets and fulfil its mandate.

We should approach 2023 with a clear vision of how we are going to make this department effective in its responsibility towards the Gauteng communities. As much as we are still going to continue working towards correcting the wrongs that may have been done previously, we should also focus on ensuring that this machinery of ours keeps moving, smoothly.

I wish to remind you that we cannot pour from an empty cup, that is why we will also continue work to boost staff morale, that way we can share that happiness to ensure that our department lifts the Provincial Happiness Index through various sport, arts, culture and recreation programmes and contribute towards Growing Gauteng Together.

I wish you and family safe and happy holidays topped with a prosperous New Year.

ontents

JEMS OF JOBURG HIDDEN

Situated in the vibrant precinct of Maboneng, Living Room is a unique blend of the natural and the urban. Visit them to experience Johannesburg like never before.

Every Sunday is a #funday with their ‘Sundays in the Living Room’ events from 11am till 7pm! Go and get your Sunday on with the best DJ’s, the best crowds and all while you enjoy best views of Jozi!

By: Monde Ngcobo

Chef James Diack’s new baby in Parktown North serves up his familiar style of wholesome literal farm-to-table food. Between the varied tapas menu and the smoky flavour of the BBQ plate, there is more than one visit required to The National to get a full grip on this menu. The artisanal wine menu complements the bistro style of this eatery well, and just about anything will go with those buttermilk chicken wings.

This is the place for you if you love Coobs in Parkhurst, but want something a little more laid back for your meal! Bookings are necessary if you want to avoid being disappointed.

With its contemporary black and white design, The Fat Zebra looks completely different to anything in its surrounds in sleepy Linden. The breakfast menu reminds me of a trip to America, all bacon and syrup and pancakes.

The Fat Zebra is a great spot to work from or meet up for a mid-week lunch escape from busy Joburg. They don’t take bookings, with only few seats available, it’s better to arrive early!

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

As the holiday season approaches, we can expect more traffic on the roads as people travel to their vacation destinations across the country. Here are some safety tips you can follow to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Modify your driving behaviour to suit the conditions of the road and the weather. If the road has potholes, loose gravel or the shoulder of the road is eroded, reduce your speed to account for these potential dangers. In rainy, misty conditions, or if visibility is reduced for any reason, slow down and keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of yours.

Remember, it is better to reach your destination a little later, rather than risking an accident. Do not drive when you are tired and take a break every few hours to help keep your concentration sharp.

Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only does this put your life in danger, but also risks the lives of your passengers and other road-users. Remember that one of the effects of alcohol is that it can make a person feel invincible and lead them to underestimate risks.

NINTH EDITION OF MANDELA REMEMBRANCE WALK AND RUN

The ninth edition of the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run was back to its beautiful, brilliant best this weekend as thousands gathered in Tshwane to pay special tribute to the memory of former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

Top elite runners mixed with social Sunday trundlers in the unique event held on Sunday over a 5 kilometre walk or 10 and 21 kilometre run, which began and ended at Tshwane’s Union Buildings and passed all the poignant sites that were special and significant in Madiba’s life in the country’s capital.

It was a day about fun, camaraderie and reflection as people from all walks of life, colours and creeds kept Madiba’s indomitable spirit alive in an event that has over the years been one of the biggest and most powerful gatherings on the country’s calendar.

The event was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and the City of Tshwane, with NMF CEO Sello Hatang dusting off his walking shoes to join the many who participated in today’s event.

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, and Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe, joined the revellers at this hugely popular event.

A HUGE SUCCESS, WITH NEXT YEAR’S 10 TH ANNIVERSARY SET TO BE AN AFRICAN CONTINENTAL CELEBRATION OF MADIBA’S LIFE

“The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is an important opportunity for us to celebrate the immense contribution and positive legacy of Nelson Mandela. It also highlights the importance of sports and social cohesion and the need for Gauteng residents to take up an active lifestyle. It was great to see a huge crowd of people from all walks of life gathering at the Union Buildings and encouraging especially to see so many young people taking part,” said Lesufi. Mosupyoe and the department’s team were active participants in the walk and committed to doing a longer distance at next year’s event.

“This is such a significant and important day and event for all South Africans. The participation of the youth in the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is especially important, as they are central to continuing Madiba’s legacy and being a lens for the country’s leaders to understand the needs of the youth and to set the tone for their activation participation in the running of the country and driving its direction in future,” said Mosupyoe.

Top runners like Charne Bosman again lined up at the start, with footballers such as Kalusha Bwalya, Tebogo Moloi, Doctor Khumalo and wheelchair tennis champion, Kgothatso Montjane also joining the crowds who took part on the day.

South African elite champion runner Bosman is a regular annual participant in the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run and cantered through to win the 21 kilometre race.

“I am always happy to participate in the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run, given its special significance in celebrating Madiba’s life and the huge contribution and sacrifice he made for our country. It’s always so good to see such a good mix of people participating, especially the youngsters.

This is an event I look forward to and it was very enjoyable taking part again this year,” said Bosman. Legendary former footballers have been integral to the success of this event since its inception, and Khumalo is spearheading a wonderful initiative, which will encompass the rest of the African continent, to mark the 10th edition of this event next year.

Khumalo is looking to involve football and running legends from each of the 54 African countries to participate in and promote the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run in their countries next year to make the 10th anniversary of marking Madiba’s legacy truly continental.

Khumalo has already lined up Nigerian Super Eagles icon Jay Jay Okocha, Ghana’s Anthony Baffoe and Zambia’s Bwalya to support the promotion of a decade of this truly special event across the African continent.

Entries will be virtual across the continent and will attract athletes, football stars, influencers and Africans of all persuasions, colours and creeds next year.

Today’s ninth edition of the event included entertainment for children, a concert on the lawns and fitness displays, with plenty of food and drink on sale.

“The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is our way of honouring Madiba’s legacy by bringing people in South Africa together, uniting them and giving them a sense of belonging. It is also a reminder of what makes this country and continent truly special and a reminder of Madiba’s huge contribution in ensuring the freedoms we enjoy today.

It also celebrates Madiba’s love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle, particularly walking and I want to sincerely thank all those who joined us at the Union Buildings today. We hope this family event will continue to honour Madiba’s legacy and make us all reflect on our lives and the example we want to be for our families,” Hatang said after today’s event.

Hatang said the Nelson Mandela Foundation has made great strides in the last few years and continues to work hard to make Madiba proud, adding that he was looking forward to next year’s African celebration marking a decade of this powerful event.

Next year’s event will be held on Sunday 10 December 2023 across the streets of Africa, which will be inundated with a beautiful sea of Africans from all walks of life, ages and religious beliefs who will run, walk and commemorate 10 years since Madiba’s passing, remembering him and living his legacy in the best way possible

I was born and raised in Soweto (Dube) and for the most part of my life, I was raised by my grandmother. I have two elder brothers and my most precious gift from God - my daughter.

I have worked in both the Private and Public sectors. I started working at the age of 21 as a part-time employee at Standard Bank. I grew in the company over a span of 5 years until my last position with them as a sales consultant. Then I moved into the public sector, started working at the then called Gauteng Shared Services Centre – (now known as eGov) as a SAP consultant, focusing on procurement systems. I started working for the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the payments unit and then progressed to my current position as the Mass Participation and Sport Development Conditional Grant Manager.

The purpose of the Mass Participation and Sport Development Conditional grant is to facilitate sport and active recreation participation and empowerment in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

This conditional grant is an allocation provinces receive from the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). The conditional grant is highly prescriptive and it has conditions attached to it that provinces must comply to, which are outlined in the Framework and these set conditions outline how the funds can be used and compliance issues like reporting requirements and deviation processes.

The Framework is published as an annexure to the Division of Revenue Bill, and then gazetted once the act (DoRA) is signed into law.

My role is derived from one of the outlined responsibilities of the provincial department in the Framework. Provinces must ensure that there is a Grant Manager that is responsible for the grant framework, planning, reporting and implementation of funded programmes and/or events/items. The conditional grant has set aside an allocation to ensure that staff are appointed for optimum capacity to manage the conditional grant and ensure organisation capacity to deliver on the programmes implemented through the conditional grant across School Sport, Community Sport and Active Recreation (Siyadlala): Hubs, Club Development, the Academy Programme, Transversal and Management matters.

I like the fact that I don’t only focus on one aspect of the Sport and Recreation Chief Directorate as the conditional grant funds three of the Directorates (i.e. School Sport, Community Sport and Active Recreation, Sport Development and Coordination). This allows me to broaden my knowledge and exposure to the sector. I also have an amazing team that I work with.

What do you like most about your work?

How

family time?

I try and remind myself that balance is a term that associates with almost everything that we do knowingly or unknowingly. Current times are hectic, we as humans are more engaged, and achieving a perfect work-life balance seems like a far-fetched dream at times. Getting a hang of the balance between work-life and family time is not only about coming to and returning from work on time but in a broader perspective, it’s about prioritizing things as per their importance. I’ve learned over the years that putting my well-being and that of my family as one of my top priorities, has helped me be happier and more satisfied and I hope this reflects in my performance and behaviour at work. Taking time off is very important so that time is spent with family and proper planning of day-to-day activities and time management at work allows one to set time aside for family moments.

I also try my best to apply the ‘No work at home Post Work Hours Policy’, however it is not always possible but those moments when I do manage to not work post working hours, I spend time with my family. I also make sure that I give importance to the things that I love doing on a personal level as that should not only be given to work and family life but to yourself as an individual as well. When you give importance and time to what you are passionate about and enjoy about life, you feed your own hopes and aspirations and working on oneself is priority.

“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices.”

- Betsy Jacobson.

do you balance work and

Let’s all take a moment to breathe into a paper bag, how has this year treated you so far?

The year 2022 has treated me the way life is supposed to be - there is a fixed pattern to life: it’s full of ups and downs. Days are not the same and I came to grips with this reality very early on in life. 2022 has been exactly that for mesome lows and highs… I always remind myself that God created us to live on this earth with a purpose that only he has outlined for us. His timing, His Will… So, I have no regrets in 2022, I have learned from whatever mistakes I have made, healing from any hurt and grateful and thankful for all the blessings and life.

• Gifts for my family - every Christmas morning, my family and I exchange gifts over breakfast that we prepare. This is a tradition we can’t do without.

• Gammon- of course… Otherwise I won’t be allowed at the Christmas lunch table.

• Lots of treats for all of us to enjoy over the festive season.

• Clothes for the ‘Diva’ of the family - my daughter

• I also spoil myself with all my favourites.

Fortunately for me, I have passed those years of having to think about and buy back-toschool requirements. My daughter is way over that age and is a young adult now. But I do help other family members and a few creches in Soweto, specifically where I grew up in Dube with back-to school requirements. Yearly, I specifically open up a monthly savings pocket for funds to be saved, so that these items can be bought at the beginning of the new year.

During the festive season many people get together with family and friends for food and drinks. What is that special dish that you bring to your family gathering which you know will never disappoint?

How do you create a balance between your love to celebrate great moments with family during the festive season and being a mom who needs to think about back-to-school requirements in January?

fun?

• At times I’ll do horse-riding.

• I enjoy cooking (it really can be fun)

• I also enjoy interior decoration. I’m always out and about looking for beautiful items I can add to my home.

• I love shopping for flowers and scented candles - my mother, who was a florist would allow me to spend hours with her helping her make flower arrangements.

• This started to be a passion for me.

• Watching National Geographic channels, documentaries (recently especially on the royals of England) and movies.

What do you do for

I would have loved to become a storm chaser -working on the field to conduct research and report on different weather systems like tornados, storms, hurricanes and other high impact weather conditions. I guess that’s why I love watching any storm chasing or weather shows/documentaries.

I have self-diagnosed myself with ‘OCD’. I’m a neat freak, I like things excessively clean.

Italian food is my favourite cuisine.

I enjoy playing the Super Mario Bros game. I love flowers.

Give us five facts about you, that you believe colleagues don’t know.

DEPARTMENTAL FRAUD RISKS

MEC Morakane Mosupyoe hosts staff members for a wellness day in an effort to boost morale in the workplace and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

MEC also used the platform to engage with employees whom she has not had a chance to visit at their Corridors.

Activities of the day include Aerobics, health screenings, soccer and netball.

STAFF WELLNESS DAY

To educate staff members about the indigenous music as a vehicle towards social cohesion and nation building.

BLIND CRICKET SENT-OFF

MEC Mosupyoe sent-off the blind cricket team for a World Cup that will be held in India. The visually impaired T20 World Cup will be held from 6 - 17 December.

MEC encouraged the team to work hard and come back with a win.

Isaac Bidla, Captain of the South African ODI Blind Cricket Team shared his appreciation for the support the team has been receiving from the department.

BASETSANA SCRIPWRITING

AND DIRECTING WORKSHOP

MEC Morakane Mosupyoe

MEC Morakane Mosupyoe addressed +-200 participants of the 12th Annual Basetsana Scripwriting and Directing Workshop, which targets more women and members of the LGBTIQA+ community for 2022.

MEC spoke at length the importance of understanding the industry that one intends to work in, that way you can easily find gaps and create solutions that will contribute to the growth of the economy.

MEC further encouraged participants to think differently if they really want to change the status quo and change their lives for the better.

As the year comes to a close, we look forward to the relaxation, warmth, and love that the holiday season brings. The incredible feeling of knowing you will be spending Christmas and New Year’s Day with your loved ones because nothing beats being with your loved ones.

This holiday season, you can also make a difference, brighten someone’s day simply by extending a helping hand. Below you will find a list of NPOs and NGOs based in different regions where you can contribute to make a difference and share the spirit of giving.

By Koketso Raletele

LIST OF SHELTERS

1.The Balloon Foundation (Hillbrow)

They work with various other Charities, Orphanages and so forth such as The Malaika Orphanage center, Miles for Smiles Charity and other underprivileged schools. All the while creating fun activities that help them raise funds to assist the afore-mentioned NPO.

https://www.theballoonfoundation.org.za/

2.Kids Haven (Benoni/Bryanston)

Kids Haven aims to provide shelter, protection, and education for homeless children. With multiple outreach programmes and centers where they would gladly receive your help. Such as, a donation centre in Bryanston, charity shop and youth care centre in Benoni.

https://kidshaven.co.za/

3.West Rand Association for Persons with Disability (Krugersdorp)

A charity/NPO that is aimed at promoting the treatment, education, training, employment and general welfare of persons with disabilities.

https://www.wrapd.co.za/

4.Door Of Hope – Children’s Mission (Glenvista)

An orphanage home that caters to children that have been abandoned with the aim to fill their precious little lives with love, comfort and acceptance as well as support to find themselves a new forever home.

https://doorofhope.co.za/

5.Save The Children Foundation (Pretoria)

A foundation that is aimed at making changes for children and their families in the most impoverished and destitute areas.

Christmas is a time for love and laughter. It is one of the most important and fun-filled festivals for Christians.

An important ritual of Christmas is finding gifts under the Christmas tree. As you prepare to celebrate Christmas , as we bring you a list of gift ideas that you can consider while buying presents for your loved ones.

By: Dimpho Maboya

Wine Glasses

Custom Mugs

HOW TO RUIN CHRISTMAS

The Baby Shower

The chaotic and hilarious South African Netflix series “How To Ruin Christmas” is back with a new season. The Twala-Sello family feud, but this time the baby shower takes center stage as first-time parents, Beauty (Thando Thabethe) and Sbu Twala (Sandile Mahlangu) welcome their bundle of joy. This time around, the unexpected arrival of Zama (Denise Zimba-Schlitig) adds to the chaos.

The Sellos and Twalas are relieved to finally not be spending Christmas together after two drama-filled Christmases. But, with Beauty’s first child due in a month, the families are forced to gather for her baby shower.

What was supposed to be a fun and harmless day for Beauty turns into a full-fledged war between Valencia (Charmaine Mtinta) and Dineo (Clementine Mosimane). With Beauty believing that Christmas is officially cursed, Valencia and Dineo must put aside their differences to save Christmas for their children.

Now Available for Streaming on Netflix.

Nonhlanhla Mtshali 02-Dec

Josephine Maphumulo 03-Dec

Ntlahla Lurewana03-Dec

Judith Sehlangu05-Dec

Trevor Marcus 05-Dec

Joyce Tshabalala06-Dec

Nthabiseng Mantse 06-Dec

Tshwarelo Mathebula 06-Dec

Mirriam Mokono09-Dec

Dikeledi Chakane10-Dec

Nokonwaba Mkhubukeli 10-Dec

Charles Makhubu12-Dec

George Ramatlhape 12-Dec

Nomfundo Mahesu 12-Dec

Christinah Molubi14-Dec

Patrick Maseng14-Dec

Sylvia Nhlapo 16-Dec

Mpumelelo Mtimkulu 17-Dec

Thabang Kgophane 17-Dec

Lefa Makoloane18-Dec

Sizwe Mbuyisa 18-Dec

Emily Seroke 20-Dec

Innocent Nama20-Dec

Zandile Mabona22-Dec

Zinzile Mogane22-Dec

John Motsusi 23-Dec

Patricia Ndawo24-Dec

Phindile Sehloho24-Dec

Christina Mogale25-Dec

Primrose Gama26-Dec

Reuben Kgatle 26-Dec

Lucas Moloantoa 27-Dec

Petrus Ramocha 27-Dec

Mmbuiseni Mashau 28-Dec

Bongile Ndlakuza 29-Dec

Charles Mathetha 29-Dec

Siphamandla Magubane 30-Dec

Gcobani Nomandindi 31-Dec

Ouwen Gaveni 31-Dec

Refilwe Mokoka 01-Jan

Samuel Nkuna 01-Jan

GIFT IDEAS

For the child who can't sit still: Fidget toys

For the child who likes staying on task: Kids Smartwatch

For the child who loves science experiments: Tie-Dye Crate

For the budding artist: Art supply kit

For the child who loves to read: Reading nook tent

For the introverted child: Inspiring stories for kids

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2022/07/25/ back-to-school-gifts-kids-supplies-toys/10105621002/

Asbonge

EDITORIAL TEAM

Themba Masondo Chief in Editor

Nomazwe Ntlokwana Editor

Kefilwe Mphake

Contributing Editor

‘Monde Ngcobo Design & Layout

Photographer

Dimpho Maboya

Koketso Raletele

Kefilwe Mphake

‘Monde Ngcobo

Content

Lebohang Bell

Dimpho Maboya

Koketso Raletele Kefilwe Mphake