of the University of Mpumalanga PROF THOKO MAYEKISO
Vice-Chancellor
TRAILBLAZER
Xoliswa Mpongoshe
Chairperson of Council, UWC
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Minister Siviwe Gwarube
The new face of
South African education
IN OTHER NEWS
Innovation
A new TB vaccine option Offering hope
34 | The women of 1956 Celebrating the 1956 Women’s March
36 | Women who are leading us Women take their place in the GNU Cabinet
38 | Top businesswomen in South Africa
10 women leaders over 50 shaping business in South Africa
40 | 5 women leaders in education
Women transforming the tertiary education sector
46 | AI and deepfakes
Should we be worried about AI and deepfake technology amongst youth?
48 | Public Procurement Bill
New public procurement law set to enhance transparency and black empowerment
50 | Infrastructure development
Public-private partnerships key to infrastructure development
52 | Growing the SA economy
Operation Phakisa and Operation Vulindlela showing tangible results
42 | Sporting Action
Africa’s diamonds win gold at the Olympics
54 | In Other News
10 | Addressing the Nation
The onward march towards economic freedom for women
12 | Cover Story
UMP Vice Chancellor, Prof Thoko
Mayekiso: Celebrating a decade of excellence
30 | Women in Leadership
Minister Siviwe Gwarube: The new face of South African education
32 | Trailblazer
Xoliswa Mpongoshe: Leading the way in transport, energy and education sectors
A new TB vaccine option: Offering hope
56 | Regional Focus
Northern Cape: On the road to infrastructure development
58 | Legal Matters
The role of legislation in protecting women in the workplace
60 | Financial Fitness
How you can plan with a smart household budget
62 | Upcoming Events
August calendar of commemorative events
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EDITOR’S LETTER
BY FIONA WAKELIN
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the August edition Public Sector Leaders (PSL)
n his letter penned to the nation on 12 August, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa focussed on economic empowerment, referencing the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956:
“The significance of the 1956 Women’s March is enduring, not least of all because it underscored the centrality of women’s economic empowerment to the broader effort to achieve gender equality. Thirty years into democracy we have made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, but we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.
Our front cover icon this Vice Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga, Professor Thoko Mayekiso - celebrating a decade of excellence:
“Leadership requires courage and humility. It requires resoluteness and unwavering tenacity. Staying humble with the feet on the ground as one leads will always stand one in good stead. Leadership is service and a singular privilege. It is never to be taken for granted.”
In this August edition of PSL we celebrate Women’s Month; our Woman in Leadership is the new Minister of
Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube and our Trailblazer is Xoliswa Mpongoshe, who will now take on the position of Chairperson of the Council for the UWC - Xoliswa is a distinguished UWC law graduate who brings a wealth of experience as an executive leader, specialising in corporate governance, corporate law, commercial law, risk management, compliance, health, safety, and sustainability.
A good news story in our Other News regular slot is the development of a new TB vaccine by researchers at Wits. Continuing on the celebratory trajectory we take a dive into the peak performances of South African sports women and turn the spotlight on our top women across the education spectrum. Who are the top business women in South Africa and the women leading us in the GNU? We have all that and more for you in these pages.
If you are interested in the Public Procurement Bill and what it means for you, look no further – and if you are concerned about AI and deep fake technology then the important article by Dr Mmaki Jantjies is just what the doctor ordered.
From all of us at Public Sector Leaders, we hope you enjoy the read.
FIONA WAKELIN | GROUP EDITOR
ADDRESSING THE NATION
BY FIONA WAKELIN
The onward march towards economic freedom for women
In his letter penned to the nation on 12 August, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa focussed on economic empowerment, referencing the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956.
“The significance of the 1956 Women’s March is enduring, not least of all because it underscored the centrality of women’s economic
empowerment to the broader effort to achieve gender equality. Thirty years into democracy we have made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, but we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation.
“This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The
report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa.
South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion
rates of girls in primary and secondary education.
“However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be selfemployed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%. In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa.,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa took the opportunity to highlight the various departments and entities in South Africa which provide financial
support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses, stating that the target set for public procurement spend to women-owned businesses is at least 40%, with the Women’s Economic Assembly yielding promising results in a number of key economic sectors, including the automotive industry.
“We are also striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs.
“From citrus farmers in North West to cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, all across the country womenowned enterprises are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses.
“The private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service,” –President Ramaphosa.
Through the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees – which contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth.
“With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom.
“The achievement of economic freedom for South Africa’s women would be the most fitting tribute to the courageous women who marched on the Union Buildings in 1956,” – H.E. Ramaphosa. Africans,” H.E. Ramaphosa.
The private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service ,
– President Ramaphosa.
Professor Thoko Mayekiso
Vice Chancellor, University of Mpumalanga - an African university
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE
“The greatest privilege comes from working with students, being able to help them succeed and share in their successes”
The University of Mpumalanga’s academic journey started on 19 February 2014 when the first cohort of students registered in 3 programmes - Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching; Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management; and Diploma in Hospitality Management. Ten years later, with Professor Thoko Mayekiso at the helm as Vice Chancellor, the University has achieved the following:
The student numbers have increased from 169 in 2014 to 10 137.
Since 2017 the University has nurtured and produced 6000 graduates.
True to its typology as a comprehensive institution, academic offerings have increased from 3 in 2014 to 75 in 2024 - ranging from Higher Certificates to Doctoral Degrees (2 x Higher Certificates; 6 x Diplomas; 7 x Advanced Diplomas; 4 x Postgraduate Diplomas; 13 x Bachelors Degrees; 13 Honours Degrees; 16 x Masters Degrees and; 4 Doctoral Degrees).
Partnerships have been established with 35 universities internationally; 11 in Europe; 4 in North America; 2 in Australia; 9 in Asia and; 9 in Africa.
UMP received the National Research Foundation Excelleration Award in 2022 which recognises the most improved institution in research performance; and in 2023, was awarded the National Research Foundation CEO’s Special Recognition Award as a South African institution which has previously won the NRF Excelleration Award and has continued its progress and commitment to excellence in research performance as measured against a selection of critical indicators.
Again in 2023 the University received the Built Environment Award from the Council for the Built Environment, in the Category of State Owned Entity that implemented an infrastructure project timeously,.
The number of rated researchers has increased from 1 in 2014 to 16 in 2024.
The number of academic staff with Doctoral degrees has increased from 5% in 2014 to 55%.
The overall number of staff has increased from 12 in 2014 to 630.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator nurtures and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in students, staff, alumni and members of the community.
The state-of-the-art, 4 Star Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre at the Mbombela Campus provides experiential learning opportunities for students enrolled for the Diploma in Hospitality Management and the Diploma in Culinary Arts.
The University has achieved unqualified (clean) audit opinions every year since 2014.
UMP students have excelled in the competitions they have participated in nationally and internationally. This includes the Choir and the ENACTUS Team which has won 40 trophies since participating in the national competition in 2017.
Public Sector Leaders
asked Prof Thoko Mayekiso to share her journey and her success story with our readers.
CAREER TRAJECTORY
I assumed office as the First ViceChancellor of the University of Mpumalanga with effect from 1 November 2014.
I obtained a BA, BA Honours, and MA in Psychology, from the University of Fort Hare and furthered my studies at the Free University Berlin, in Germany, where I obtained a D Phil (cum laude) in Psychology. I also hold a Higher Education Diploma (Postgraduate) from the University of South Africa. I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
I have held positions of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department of Psychology and Vice Dean at the then University of Transkei. I practiced as an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the Greenwood Institute of Child Health, University of Leicester and simultaneously served as a Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Medical Psychology, Leicester General Hospital in the United Kingdom. The South African University ViceChancellors Association and the American Council on Education awarded me a fellowship which was tenable at the University of Washington, Seattle.
I then joined the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in 2001 where I served as Head of School of Human and Community Development, Deputy Dean, Chair of Psychology and Acting Executive Dean in the Faculty of Humanities. I proceeded to Nelson Mandela University in 2007, as an Executive Dean in the Faculty of Arts, and then
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Engagement) in 2009, a position I held until joining UMP. I am a member of the Academy of Science South Africa (ASSAf) and a C3 rated Scientist by the National Research Foundation
Being a distinguished scholar, and an accomplished academic, I attracted several scholarships and fellowships. Notable among these are the German Academic Exchange Scholarship (DAAD) and the Commonwealth Fellowship tenable in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, I was awarded a certificate by the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) in acknowledgement of the contribution I made to the Profession of Psychology in South Africa. I also served as an Executive member of the South African National Committee for the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) and Board member of the International Council for the Science Union (ICSU).
I have published extensively in accredited journals both nationally and internationally and have written five book chapters. I have supervised twenty-five Masters students and twelve Doctoral students.
BOARD AND COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
At all the universities where I have served as an academic, an academic leader and manager, I participated actively, in key committees. Beyond university management, I have been involved in many Boards and Science Councils such as, Founder Member of the Child and Family Unit at the Umtata General Hospital; Board Member of the National Development Agency (NDA); Founder Advisory
Board Member of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls –South Africa; Member of the Council of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC); South African Advisory Board Member of the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Fellowships for Journalism; Member of the Advisory Board of the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town; Founder Member of the Emthonjeni Centre Advisory Board; Editor in Chief of the SAHARA Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS; Associate Editor, Journal of Psychology in Africa; Member of the Board of the Institute for Cooperatives Development at the University of Fort Hare and; Member of the Board of the Eastern Cape Economic Consultative Council.
I currently serve on several Boards and advisory structures within the higher education sector. I am the Chairperson of the Universities South Africa (USAf) Research and Innovation Strategy Group. I serve as a Board member of Higher Health, Universities South Africa, Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and a member of Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Forum on Just Transition – Steering Committee. I am the Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the UMP Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
My key responsibilities are to provide strategic leadership and management of the University in relation to its core missions of teaching and learning, research and innovation, and engagement. In addition, as a new institution, I have the responsibility to put in place
Prof Thoko Mayekiso with South African Artist Esther Mahlangu
UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA
systems and processes to ensure effective and efficient functioning of the University. I have to ensure the development of iconic infrastructure and provision of state-of-the-art facilities. It is my key responsibility to foster a conducive learning and working environment in order to advance the vision of the University: “To be an African University leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation”.
In addition, it is my responsibility to ensure that we achieve the mission: “To offer high quality educational and training opportunities that foster the holistic development of students through teaching and
learning, research and scholarship, and engagement, in collaboration with strategic partners.”
What I enjoy most is being in an environment that nurtures and rewards excellence, celebrates success and motivates one another to self-actualise and become the best we can be. The greatest privilege comes from working with students, being able to help them succeed and share in their successes. I value the opportunity to contribute to the provision of a positive learning experience that will sustain them for the rest of their lives. It is a privilege to be in a position to influence future generations.
GREATEST CHALLENGES AND BIGGEST REWARDS
When I took the leadership of UMP on 1 November 2014 as the Founding ViceChancellor, I was acutely aware of the huge responsibility and privilege of being a pioneering leader at the newly established institution. The enormity of the task did not escape me and my commitment to the pioneering role was unwavering.
The challenge to leave not only footprints but prints on the hearts as well, was as exciting as it was daunting. There was no question that whatever vision I had, it would have to result in fruition. Our challenge was to give the country a sense of what
a post-apartheid institution would look like. We are lucky that we are not encumbered by the legacy of apartheid. Creating a new society would require new institutions that would inculcate different habits and a new consciousness.
During my inauguration address, I made the following commitment, “Pioneers have to build a firm foundation, mindful that what they are creating should be durable, marketable, sustainable and enduring. Generations yet unborn must find a thriving University, one they will be proud to join because we who pioneered it, laid a firm foundation, and got into this immense project with body, mind and soul”.
As pioneers, we had to find the path ourselves. We had to stay the course through turbulence, storms and rough seas during our pioneering journey, “Luhambo lwemhlahlandlela”.
The biggest reward is the success achieved by the University in the first 10 years of existence, in all its core missions, accompanied by the numbers of students who have graduated and some of them “cum laude” (with distinction). The other biggest reward is the realization that we succeeded in providing our students with lifechanging experiences through highquality curricula and co-curricula programmes which promote the principles of excellence, free enquiry and academic integrity.
AN ACADEMY OF RATED RESEARCHERS
Having rated researchers is an indication of the research standing of an institution in terms of productivity, quality and impact of the research. This is important to attract research funding, the establishment of research-related collaborative relationships as well as postgraduate students
who are interested in pursuing research degrees at the Masters and Doctoral levels. It contributes to the development of a research culture at the university and an increase in the number of researchactive staff. C rated researchers, for example, are established researchers with a sustained recent record of productivity in the field and who are recognized by their peers as having produced a body of quality work, the core of which has coherence and attests to ongoing engagement with the field.
LEADERSHIP STYLE
My leadership style is situational leadership. This style enables me to adapt my style to each situation. Based on each situation, I lead from the front, from the middle or from behind. At the same time, I draw from my professional background of Psychology as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, in my leadership journey. I believe in principled leadership that is informed by one’s values and ethics. The principles of listening, engagement, communicating effectively, teamwork, appreciating connectedness, trustworthiness, self-acceptance, caring deeply for all staff, leading with integrity, leading by example, practicing fairness and never leaving conflict unresolved, have guided my leadership journey.
AN AFRICAN UNIVERSITY
UMP is fulfilling its commitment to develop as an African University in a number of ways. We are positioning ourselves as an African University that recognizes, affirms and entrenches the African experience and context in the academic project and leadership and management processes. There is a concerted effort to ensure the relevance of the curriculum. This is achieved through the incorporation
of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the curriculum. Whilst students are introduced to different world-views and epistemologies, there is concerted effort to introduce them to African epistemologies and African worldviews and philosophies.
UMP recognises the importance of culture and language. The curriculum offers reflective discourse in the African experience. In our B ED Foundation Phase Teaching programme at the Siyabuswa Campus, provision is made for SiSwati, IsiNdebele and SePedi. At the Mbombela Campus, SiSwati and IsiNdebele are offered up to postgraduate levels. We are in the process of developing a Language Policy for the University.
As a University, we embrace, celebrate and uphold African values. The African life ethos of Ubuntu forms the broad and overarching framework for our values.
The mural at the main entrance to the University at the Mbombela Campus, is a symbol of our African identity, our Africanness. It is a reminder to everyone entering the University that they are entering an African University. We have taken a conscious decision to celebrate Africa Day in a manner that promotes the knowledge of African countries to both staff and students every year. Public lectures by renowned African scholars are arranged as part of inculcating the sense of being African. Through these efforts UMP has been able to deepen and heighten African consciousness among staff and students. This includes appreciation of African culture, history, art, cuisine and traditions.
We have established partnerships with institutions across the
UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA
continent and UMP has supported student and staff visits to a number of African countries. The University is home to students from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, eSwatini and Zimbabwe.
WINNING THE UNIIC IDEATHON COMPETITION
UMP is a member of the University Incubator Consortium (UNIIC) which comprises 17 universities from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India and South Africa. UMP students from the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator participated in the 2024 UNIIC Ideathon Competition jointly hosted by the Palawan State University, Western Philippines University and the Mindoro State University, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines from 27-28 May 2024. The UNIIC Ideathon was attended by myself, Prof Kanayo Ogujuiba, Prof Estelle Boshoff and Dr Mazanai Musara.
The UMP Team that participated in the competition which was represented by Ms Masedi Gwashana, Ms Melody Chiume, Ms Bongiwe Nkosi, Ms Innocentia Nkosi and Ms Kholofelo Makhubupetsi, won the vertical on Health and Wellness. They presented on the idea of converting mangoes to compost and mango chips that would support rural communities in Mpumalanga province towards food security and sustainability. This was a follow-up to the last competition by UNIIC members in 2022 hosted by the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where the UMP Team won the Best Pitch Award.
The UNIIC 2024 Ideathon which was attended by 156 students, provided the students with the unique opportunity to enhance their visibility,
expand their networks, and engage with potential partners, accelerators and forge meaningful relationships with participants from other universities.
THOKO MAYEKISO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES
The naming of the UMP Academic Library as the Thoko Mayekiso Library and Information Services was part of the 10 Year Celebrations since
the establishment of the University under the theme, “Decade of Excellence”. This accolade reflects the acknowledgement and appreciation by the UMP community of my contribution, as the Founding Vice-Chancellor of the University, to the establishment of a solid foundation for the institution. The general tendency out there is for leaders to find established institutions.
To start a university from scratch is an experience we will always cherish. The privilege of starting a new university has been a source of positive energy and motivation for me as the Vice-Chancellor. We celebrated the decade of excellence with evidence on the ground that the opportunity to pioneer was fully embraced and optimally embarked upon. The University is buzzing with intellectual energy and an inquisitive spirit. It has made significant strides
under my leadership and the naming of the Library Building, which is at the heart of knowledge generation and dissemination, was a form of recognition and affirmation.
FAMOUS ALUMNI
UMP graduated the first cohort of graduates in 2017. Therefore, we have a number of emerging alumni who are establishing themselves in their various careers. Some of them are
entrepreneurs who are establishing their own business ventures which is an indication that they are on their way to becoming famous alumni one day
LOOKING FORWARD
We have celebrated a decade of excellence and creating opportunities at UMP. I am looking forward to continuing to embed excellence in all the activities including the continued growth of the University in terms of student numbers, academic programmes and new infrastructure. We are working towards the introduction of health sciences qualifications at UMP.
A MESSAGE OF INSPIRATION
Leadership requires courage and humility. It requires resoluteness and unwavering tenacity. Staying humble with the feet on the ground as one leads will always stand one in good stead. Leadership is service and a singular privilege. It is never to be taken for granted.
Poppy Tshabalala, Managing Executive of
Public Enterprise at Vodacom Business
“It’s crucial to focus on providing solutions to problems rather than just the technology itself. In the public sector, this means reducing silos and fostering interdepartmental integration, which is vital for digital transformation,” explains Poppy Tshabalala, the Managing Executive of Public Enterprise at Vodacom Business. Poppy is a purpose-driven leader with a thorough understanding of both the business and public sector environments, using her extensive background to drive ICT initiatives.
She’s held various senior leadership positions in various organisations including Accenture, Eskom, the Limpopo Department of Roads & Transport, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Department of Trade & Industry, Microsoft and UNISA. She has served on the board of Road Agency Limpopo and chaired an ICT Steering Committee at the Department of Science & Technology.
She also served in the Audit Committee of the National Credit Regulator, as a board member of TENET, an agency of the Higher Education
Technology network and is currently a member of the Wits ICT Committee of Council.
Here she explains what her role entails and some of Vodacom Business Public Enterprises’ success stories.
PLEASE SHARE WITH US WHAT YOUR ROLE AS MANAGING EXECUTIVE OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISE AT VODACOM BUSINESS ENTAILS
The Vodacom Business Public Enterprises sales span across all three spheres of government (national, provincial and local), inclusive of all agencies and state-owned entities in the country.
Vodacom Business is intentional in partnering with the public sector on the digitalisation journey. There is a designed alignment of Vodacom solutions to the needs of the government. The results of where these solutions are implemented proves that there is a higher need for additional time and resources by Vodacom Business to invest in the public sector for maximum impact to the government on this journey.
VODACOM BUSINESS
AS AN EXPERIENCED ICT EXECUTIVE YOU HAVE ENSURED THERE HAVE BEEN EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AT VODACOM BUSINESS. PLEASE UNPACK SOME OF THE SUCCESS STORIES, INCLUDING THE PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES SOLUTION LAUNCHED IN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE BACK IN 2022 AND THE TELEMEDICINE SOLUTIONS THAT YOU ROLLED OUT IN THE FREE STATE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND SMART ELECTRICITY METERING IN DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES
Driving digital transformation in the public sector requires adaptation to each specific environment. While there is a basic foundation of needs, the applications vary from department to department.
Some examples of our impactful work include upgrading the Gauteng Education Department’s eAdmission system for enhanced efficiency and user experience. We have also launched a free e-learning platform with CAPS-aligned educational content and, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, rolled out our Virtual Classroom solution to rural schools across three provinces.
Vodacom is uniquely positioned to provide superior smart utility services, leveraging its leadership in connectivity, digital software, IoT devices, and business process development. These services offer scalable and cost-effective utility management solutions that deploy quickly and provide real-time energy usage information.
Smart Utility Management combines digital technology and intelligent energy habits to save money. By integrating IoT sensors, mobile applications, cloud software, and proven methods, it delivers insights into energy consumption that facilitate planning and cost-saving. Existing sensors can be utilised, and new sensors added to gather data,
which is then presented through easy-to-understand dashboards and reports.
This is just a small example of our work with the public sector. As a purpose-driven company, we are proud to be part of such transformative solutions.
Vodacom is committed to enabling inter-public sector communication and data-sharing through technology solutions, making the public sector more citizencentric. Despite budget constraints, Vodacom works closely with departments to maximise their spending and balance needs with financial availability.
In partnership with the Free State Department of Health, Vodacom launched two advanced digital health solutions aimed at providing excellent medical care in public hospitals across the Free State. This initiative aims to reduce medical malpractice risks and improve efficiencies, aligning with the government’s “Batho Pele” principles of prioritising people in all public service touchpoints through technology.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
As Vodacom we are proud of our relationship with the government and what we have managed to achieve together this far. We are equally excited for what the future holds. When we bring our collective capabilities and desire to do even better for South Africans together, we move our country forward. Our long-standing partnership with the government means that over the years, we have acquired knowledge and experience within the public sector. We are proof that when humanity and technology work as one, we all go further together.
Vodacom is here to provide technological solutions to the government so we can take citizens further together.
How do you ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in Vodacom Business practice?
By connecting people, places and things, the Vodacom Business “Turn to Us” platform aims to help businesses and government departments to succeed in a digital world.
AT THE CORE OF WHAT YOU DO, YOU DIGITISE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS? TELLS US MORE ABOUT THIS
Vodacom Business has a deep understanding of the complexities, challenges and very specific mandates of government departments. Digital services such as the Citizen Engagement Platform have proved to be powerful tools in the public sector’s quest to improve service delivery. The platform is designed to automate, and enrich interactions between citizens, government contact centres, field workers and senior officials.
PLEASE SHARE A MESSAGE OF INSPIRATION WITH OUR READERS
In any situation, incident, or interaction, never miss the opportunity to learn or to teach. Never let a crisis go to waste. Make the best out of a seemingly unpleasant situation.
VEA Road Maintenance & Civils is Leading the Way in Inclusive Development.
Transforming South Africa’s Infrastructure one Road at a Time.
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is not just about constructing roads; it's about building the future of South Africa through a commitment to transformation, diversity, and empowerment. Under the inspirational leadership of Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, the company is setting new benchmarks in the industry, positioning itself as the roads construction and civils company of choice.
VEA ROADS: A VISION OF EXCELLENCE AND INCLUSIVITY
VEA Roads believes that well-maintained infrastructure fosters thriving communities. Their mission is to tackle the common problems and inconveniences linked with road maintenance and civil works by delivering superior services with a focus on safety, quality, and reliability Ranked among South Africa’s top three in the building and construction industry for 2023, VEA Roads offers comprehensive services ranging from revamping existing roads to regular upkeep and all civil construction within the road reserve Additionally, they have extensive experience in township infrastructure development, offering hardstands and water reticulation services.
THOKO TSHABALALA-SHANDU:
Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, the Managing Director of VEA Roads, is a beacon of inspiration in the industry Recently awarded the Business Woman of the Year 2024 at the Black Business Quarterly Awards, Thoko’s leadership is characterised by her passion for community and empowerment Her strategic vision and commitment to diversity have driven VEA Roads to new heights, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the expectations of their clients and the communities they serve.
COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORMATION AND EMPOWERMENT
VEA Roads’ commitment to transformation is reflected in their active engagement with BBBEE, where they are a proud Level 1 participant with 51% Black Ownership Thoko’s leadership ensures that inclusivity is at the heart of their operations They focus on creating equal opportunities and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive This dedication extends to their community initiatives, such as the recent Mandela Day activities, where they supported various local organisations, demonstrating their commitment to making a lasting impact
SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH RELIABLE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE
VEA Roads takes great pride in delivering highquality rehabilitation and routine maintenance work. Their team of skilled employees, guided by experienced contract managers, ensures that every project is delivered with the utmost attention to detail Their services include:
Road Construction and Maintenance: Revamping existing roads and providing regular upkeep
Civil Construction: Delivering high-quality civil construction within the road reserve.
Township Infrastructure Development: Offering hardstands and water reticulation services.
BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITY TIES
Thoko’s belief in the power of community is central to VEA Roads’ operations. Their involvement in the Standard Bank EmpowHER Conference is a testament to this The EmpowHER Development Series, a three-part live series aimed at building communities and creating access to networks for entrepreneurs, aligns perfectly with VEA Roads' mission. Through this series, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils MD, Thoko Tshabalala is able to support aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with the learnings she uncovered on her road to success.
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is committed to transforming South Africa’s infrastructure while fostering an inclusive and empowered community. Under Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu’s inspirational leadership, they continue to set new standards in the industry, delivering excellence in every project they undertake.
“Empowering communities and championing diversity have become part of our culture, driving how we operate and approach every project."
- Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu,
Managing Director
help people, places, and businesses grow stronger
Tractor Outdoor is a leading national out-of-home (OOH) media company in South Africa, specialising in connecting brands with consumers through an extensive network of traditional and digital OOH platforms.
With one of the country's largest digital OOH networks, we help people, places, and businesses grow stronger. Committed to sustainability, we actively invest in community development, making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
Discover the latest trends, success stories, and thought leadership in our 23rd edition of Impumelelo Top Empowerment
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BY JESSIE TAYLOR
As South Africa's youngest member of Cabinet, Basic Education Minister Siviwe
Gwarube's first few weeks in office have been marked by a commitment to collaborating with the education sector to reform South African schools.
Minister Gwarube, at age 35, is currently the youngest Cabinet Minister in South Africa’s history. She has been a member of Parliament since May 2019. The former DA chief whip previously served as the party’s shadow Minister of Health and national spokesperson.
Collaborating for education reform Minister Gwarube has indicated she will establish a consultative forum consisting of education sector representatives, trade unions, school governing bodies and others to undertake a fundamental review of the education system.
The forum will also make recommendations on how to improve the curriculum to achieve better outcomes and will look at, among other things, the literacy and numeracy of pupils and reducing the dropout rate.
"[The forum] needs to include all our key stakeholders across the sector, as well as experts in key disciplines. This council, once up and running, will be an invaluable resource in ensuring that our efforts to strengthen our education system are targeted, evidence-based and informed by best practice," said Minister Gwarube.
The new face of South African education Minister Siviwe Gwarube
The body will also look at how to incorporate early childhood development into the education system, examine the quality of teaching and what infrastructure upgrades are needed.
Minister Gwarube added that she will be undertaking a careful review of the recently published Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure to ensure that
Sources: Business Day | News24 | DA | SA Government
"they offer greater clarity and drive meaningful improvements in this regard".
"We cannot have learners in danger of drowning in pit toilets or learning in inappropriate structures 30 years into our democracy," she said.
Minister Gwarube has also indicated that she will request that President Cyril Ramaphosa send the BELA Bill back to Parliament in a bid to address parts that the education sector has rejected.
The Bill proposes to amend the SA Schools Act and Employment of Educators Act so as to align with developments in the education landscape, but it has received some pushback. Among the changes that would come into effect through the Bill are compulsory Grade R attendance for children and system improvements for admission of learners to public schools. It also provides for financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments.
INVESTING IN CHANGING YOUNG LIVES
Minister Gwarube is known for championing greater accountability and executive oversight in Parliament, and she introduced various amendments to the rules of the South African National Assembly to strengthen its hand against corruption and better service delivery.
She also tabled legislation in Parliament that would seek to stabilise coalition governments at local, provincial and national governments. Minister Gwarube has stressed her commitment to uplifting and empowering every child in South Africa through the provision of quality education, especially those living in poor communities.
"It is our constitutional mandate to do so, to give meaningful expression to
the right to basic education enshrined in our Constitution. The power of education to change one’s life trajectory cannot be understated. There are far too many children in our country for whom a quality education is out of reach and for whom life chances are severely diminished," she says.
"We simply cannot shrink away from our responsibilities to them."
Minister Gwarube said that deliberate and sustained systemic efforts must be made to improve the quality of teaching and learning in South African schools.
"As with the Government of National Unity, our national and provincial partners and stakeholders in the basic education sector need to work collaboratively, creatively and earnestly, irrespective of our different backgrounds and beliefs, to ensure that we make meaningful strides in strengthening and enhancing our existing systems and do everything possible to improve the life chances of our children," she said.
"The best interests of our learners need to guide our collective efforts in this regard."
We cannot have
learners in danger of drowning in pit toilets or learning in inappropriate structures 30 years into our democracy
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
The SANPC is poised to become a leading player in South Africa's energy sector. The entity aims to ensure energy security, drive new technologies, develop and enable essential infrastructure, foster strategic partnerships, and propel TRAILBLAZER
Xoliswa Mpongoshe
Leading the way in transport, energy and education sectors
One of the women guiding state-owned enterprises such as Transet and PetroSa will now take on a role in shaping young minds.
Xoliswa Mpongoshe was recently appointed Chairperson of the Council for the University of the Western Cape (UWC), a role to which she will bring extensive management experience. Inspired to help others
EXPERIENCE GROUNDED IN SEO MANAGEMENT
Xoliswa has served as Chief Compliance and Risk Officer (CCRO) at Transnet, acted as CEO at Transnet on several occasions, and was the Executive of Corporate Services at PetroSA.
She has since been seconded to the newly established South African National Petroleum
Company (SANPC), where she is a vital member of the first Executive Committee, working to establish and operationalise this new entity with appropriate governance systems.
She is guided by her leadership philosophy, "Lift as you rise," and upholds values of respect, accountability, transparency, integrity, and authenticity.
social and economic development. The SANPC board will manage the winding down of the three Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group of Companies entities that are being merged: PetroSA, iGas and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF).
The SANPC will be incorporated as a subsidiary of CEF Group of Companies until the National Petroleum Bill is promulgated into law, and the proposed new Stateowned entity will focus primarily on oil and gas exploration and production, as well as midstream and downstream operations and infrastructure. It also has a broad mandate to acquire, generate, manufacture, market or distribute “any form of energy”, including renewable energy.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR
Ms Mpongoshe will now take on the position of Chairperson of the Council for the UWC. In the past, the position was held by Mthunzi Mdwaba and Brian Williams.
She is a distinguished UWC law graduate who brings a wealth of experience as an executive leader, specialising in corporate governance, corporate law, commercial law, risk management, compliance, health, safety, and sustainability.
Her impressive career spans both the private and public sectors, where she has held key executive positions at various blue-chip
Source: UWC | News 24
companies in South Africa and strategic state-owned enterprises.
Xoliswa’s extensive board experience, where she often assumed the role of Chairperson, includes her exposure to industries such as financial services, telecommunications, transport and logistics, and oil and gas.
She is guided by her leadership philosophy, "Lift as you rise," and upholds values of respect, accountability, transparency, integrity, and authenticity.
She described her aspirations as emitting love, peace, and joy in all her endeavours.
The appointment of a woman as chairperson comes when the higher education sector is working towards increasing gender parity. Despite some progress in increasing the recruitment of women into academic and senior management roles, the pace of transformation remains sluggish.
Women hold the position of vice-chancellor at just 25% of universities nationwide. According to the Department of Higher Education estimates, only about 43% of permanent academic staff in public higher education institutions are women.
The figures are even lower for senior academic roles, with only 18.5% of professors and 29.8% of associate professors being women. This contrasts with the fact that women represent the majority of students in these institutions.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
The University of the Western Cape (UWC), established in 1960, stands as a distinctive force in South African higher education. The institution is dedicated to advancing excellence in learning, teaching, research, and innovation within a globally competitive context.
UWC is renowned for its historical resistance against apartheid and its ongoing commitment to combating oppression, discrimination, and inequality in contemporary South Africa. As a pivotal player in the nation’s transformative journey, UWC has been instrumental in fostering a just and dynamic society through its unique academic contributions.
Home to over 23 000 students engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate studies across seven faculties, UWC employs a dedicated team of 2 400 academic, professional, and support staff.
Looking towards 2035, UWC aims to be distinguished as a leading researchdriven university, particularly recognised for the integration of its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Year after year, UWC has been featured among the top 1 000 universities in the University Rankings by PerformanceAcademic (URAP).
THE WOMEN OF 1956
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Celebrating the 1956 Women’s March
On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women of all backgrounds and cultures, some of them with infants on their backs, gathered to protest against unjust apartheid laws, in a moment South Africans commemorate annually.
The march marked a critical moment in the liberation struggle, ensuring that women were seen as visible participants in the fight against apartheid.
During Women’s month, celebrated in August in South Africa, we pay tribute to the women who marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.
But the month is also an opportunity to reflect on those women who shaped the liberation struggle through their strong leadership.
To commemorate this leadership, we honour the four women who led the 1956 women’s march:
RAHIMA MOOSA
Rahima Moosa was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and became politically active as a teenager, along with her identical twin sister, Fatima, in her hometown of Cape Town. Later in life, the two would use their identical looks to confuse security branch officers and avoid harassment by switching identities.
After dropping out of school in Grade 11, Rahima Moosa became active in labour politics, joining the Cape Town Food and Canning Workers’ Union. She became more active in the liberation struggle, and after marrying Dr Hassen Moosa in 1951, she moved to Johannesburg and became involved in the Transvaal Indian Congress and later the ANC. She helped organise the historic march while she was pregnant with her daughter, Natasha.
In the early 1960s, Rahima Moosa became listed and remained so until 1990 when the ANC was unbanned. She died shortly afterwards, in 1993, after years of deteriorating health.
SOPHIA WILLIAMS-DE BRUYN
Sophia Williams-De Bruyn became involved in labour politics while working at a textile factory during her school holidays, to earn pocket money. She was soon approached to represent workers and after increasing her involvement in the Textile Workers Union, continued working at the factory and did not return to school. She later became a founding member of the South African Congress of Trade Union (SACTU), the predecessor of the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU)
Her work with labour unions saw her interacting with political movements such as the ANC and she became involved in the Coloured People Congress, and she began mobilising women around pass issues and other unjust laws. She was only 18 when she led the Women’s March.
Williams-De Bruyn is still a champion for women’s rights, and today works as a commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality. She has remained politically active through the ANC’s Women's League.
During her lifetime, she has been honoured with numerous awards, including Ida Mntwana Award in Silver for exceptional service rendered to the women of South Africa in 1999, the 2001 Women’s Award for exceptional national service, the Mahatma Gandhi Award for her extraordinary contribution to the establishment of democracy in South Africa, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg.
Source: Bizcommunity | Commission for Gender Equality | SA Journal of Industrial Psychology Bailey Haynes Inc | IT Web
HELEN JOSEPH
Helen Joseph grew up in London and became a teacher after graduating with a degree in English from the University of London. She taught in India for three years, before moving to Durban. It was here that she met and married dentist Billie Joseph.
During the Second World War, Joseph worked as an information and welfare officer in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Among her duties was to teach women about the South African government system and this exposed her to the country's inequality. She was inspired to become a social worker, and after moving to Cape Town, joined the Garment Workers Union. She was a founding member of the Congress of Democrats and involved in the Federation of South African Women. She was a leading figure in organising the Women’s March, but only months later faced charges of treason.
She was banned in 1957 and became the first person to be placed under house arrest in 1962. Joseph suffered years of police harassment and survived a series of assassination attempts, including bullets shot through her bedroom window late at night and a bomb wired to her front gate. Her ban was finally lifted when she was 80 years old. She passed away in 1992.
LILIAN NGOYI
Lilian Ngoyi, who helped mobilize thousands of women, was the one to knock on then Prime Minister Hans Strijdom’s door to hand over petitions against the Pass laws.
She became involved in politics after taking up work as a machinist in a clothing factory in 1945. While in this position, she joined the Garment Workers Union (GWU) and soon became one of its leading figures. She went on to join the ANC during the 1950 Defiance Campaign and was arrested for using facilities in a post office that were reserved for white people.
Ngoyi was a gifted public speaker and a champion of women’s rights. She held the position of president of the ANC Women's League and became the president of the Federation of South African Women in 1956.
However, she was also targeted by the State for being a radical opponent of apartheid. Only months after the Women’s March, Lilian Ngoyi was arrested for high treason with 156 other political figures was one of the accused in the four–year-long Treason Trial. She was imprisoned on several occasions, often placed in solitary confinement. She was issued banning orders in 1962, which were in effect until 1975. She passed away on 13 March 1980 at the age of 69.
WOMEN WHO ARE LEADING US
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Women take their place in GNU Cabinet
This year, South Africa's Cabinet, formed under the Government of National Unity (GNU), has seen women taking up 43% of the seats.
This year, women comprised 55% of eligible voters and were represented by 42% of the 14 866 candidates on the IEC’s nominations list. Following the polls in May, the African National Congress (ANC) obtained 40% of the vote, losing its majority. As no party won a sufficient majority to be able to form a government, a coalition government was formed between 11 political parties.
In 2019, South Africa's Cabinet reached gender parity for the first time.
In the new GNU Executive of 77 ministers, there are 31 women
(40%). Women’s representation in Parliament declined from 46% in 2020 to 43% in 2024.
The 2024 Women's Political Participation (WPP) Africa
Barometer found that South Africa is one of only six African nations to have achieved 40% or higher women's representation in their lower houses. The country was ranked 22nd globally for gender parity in its government.
The WPP Africa Barometer found that women's representation in parliament has increased by just one percentage point since 2021. In African parliaments overall, there was an increase from 24% to 25%. Women's representation in cabinets by appointment increased from 22% to 24%
The WPP Africa Barometer estimated that it would take until 2100 at the current rate for gender parity to be achieved. Africa is home to the global leader of WPP (Rwanda, with 61% women in parliament) but also one of the lowest (Nigeria, at 4%).
According to the WPP Africa Barometer, 41 of the 54 African states have implemented some form of quota to increase women's political participation, including South Africa.
WHY GENDER PARITY MATTERS
With just six years to go until 2030, it is unlikely that the majority of African countries will meet the 50% target set in the Sustainable Development Goals. According to the WPP Africa Barometer, many
African countries are still far from achieving women's “equal and effective” participation in political decision-making.
There are many barriers to the participation of women in politics, which result in gender gaps in almost all forms of participation –including engaging with politicians, voting, and standing as political candidates.
The gender gaps stretch from local government through to the highest national offices. Research consistently points to the same factors being responsible for this gender gap: patriarchal social norms, political institutions and individual resources that interact to create complex social systems that inhibit women from being active in political engagement.
Yet stronger equity in governments has been recognised as essential for any thriving democracy. Gender diversity in public institutions is particularly crucial, as this is where decisions that affect people’s rights, behaviours and life choices are made.
Aside from the principles of fairness and equity, including women in politics has show to have social benefits. Canadian researchers even found a direct link between the number of women in senior government positions and the overall health of the population.
Between 1976 and 2009, the percentage of women in Canada's provincial governments rose from 4% to 25%. At the same time, mortality rates declined by almost 40%.
Although the cause of the drop in deaths was partly attributed to increased healthcare spending, the researchers said even with spending differentials factored out, the effect of women in government significantly impacted on mortality rates.
WOMEN LEADERS IN CABINET UNDER THE GNU
Sources: SA Government | World Economic Forum | Electoral Institute of Southern Africa | International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
Deputy Minister of Tourism: Maggie Sotyu
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: Peace Mabe
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development: Jane Sithole
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Nomalungelo Gina
Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration: Pinky Kekana
Deputy Minister of Police: Polly Boshielo
Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Thandi Moraka
Deputy Minister of Human Settlements: Tandi Mahambehlala
Deputy Minister of Basic Education: Reginah Mhaule
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy: Samantha Graham
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour: Phumzile Mgcina
Deputy Minister of Higher Education: Mimmy Gondwe
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Bernice Swarts
Minister of Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi
Minister of Employment and Labour: Nomakhosazana Meth
Minister of Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga
Minister of Higher Education: Nobuhle Nkabane
Minister of Transport: Barbara Creecy
Minister of Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga
Deputy Minister of Agriculture: Rosemary Capa
Minister of Tourism: Patricia De Lille
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng
Minister of Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
Minister of Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe
Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa
Minister in the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
10 women leaders over 50 shaping business in South Africa
Anumber of South African women have been ranked among the Forbes 50 Over 50 List of Africa’s Female Powerhouses. The first-time list aims to highlight female leaders older than 50 across all sectors who are scaling newer heights and inspiring the next cadre of leadership on the continent.
Among the South African businesswomen featured on the list are:
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa is the CEO of Naspers South Africa.
At the time of her appointment in 2019, she became the first black woman executive at the head of Naspers and was one of only two black women to head up a Johannesburg Stock Exchangelisted company. Ms MahanyeleDabengwa represents the segment of women who continue to grow the tech industry.
Nolitha Fakude has been the Chairperson of AngloAmerican’s management board in South Africa since 2017, as well as a Group Director of AngloAmerican plc. In 2021, she was elected President of the Minerals Council South Africa, the first woman in its 130-year history to achieve this.
She is also a non-executive director of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, a patron of the Guild Cottage home for girls, and the Vice President of the International Women’s Fund (IWF).
Nobuhle Judith Dlamini was the first black woman Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, appointed in 2018, and has held various board positions such as Chairperson of Aspen Pharmacare, Anglo American plc, Discovery Holdings and Woolworths Holdings.
She is the Founder and Chairperson of the occupational health consulting company Mbekani Group.
Wendy Appelbaum is the founder of De Morgenzon Wine Estate. She purchased the 224-acre wine farm in Stellenbosch in 2003 after holding a number of executive positions throughout her career.
Among her roles was director of Liberty Investors. She was also the first woman to control a company to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa (52)
Nolitha Fakude (55)
Judy Dlamini (63)
Wendy Appelbaum (62)
Irene Charnley is the chairperson of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium. She started as a trade unionist in the National Union of Mineworkers, after which she became an Executive Director for Johnnic Industrial Corporate. Ms Charnley helped MTN become one of the biggest telecoms operators in the Middle East and Africa before founding Smile Telecoms.
Nonkululeko Gobodo became the first black female chartered accountant in South Africa in 1987. She went on to help build one of the country’s biggest accounting firms, SizweNtsalubaGobodo, now SNG Grant Thornton.
Nonkululeko credits her success to her willingness to partner with other people and resolve conflict. She is also the founder of AWAKENED, a movement that addresses the scourge of racism and prejudice against women.
Source: Forbes
Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita is the Chair of the Standard Bank Group and Standard Bank of South Africa. She has occupied multiple executive positions throughout her career, including Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Ichor Coal NV and CEO at ArcelorMittal South.
She was also previously the independent non-executive chairman of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited and the non-executive chairman of Alexander Forbes Group.
Louisa Mojela is the founder and Group Chief Executive of black women-owned investment company WIPHOLD (Women Investment Portfolio Holdings).
WIPHOLD has been able to build a storage facility of 15,000 tons for maize in Centane in the Eastern Cape – the first commercially run silo of its kind built in the area. She was the Chairperson of Bophelo Bioscience and Wellness, a cannabis company in Lesotho.
Wendy Luhabe is a social entrepreneur who founded Bridging the Gap, an HR consulting firm to prepare young black South Africans to enter the world of work, and Women Investment Holdings.
She launched a R120-million private equity fund for women-owned enterprises and founded the International Marketing Council of South Africa. Wendy was the first woman to serve as chairperson at Vodacom.
Magda Wierzycka is the founder and executive chairperson of Johannesburg Stock Exchangelisted asset management company Sygnia. Her career began as a product development and investments actuary, and she was later appointed as CEO of African Harvest.
After negotiating the sale of African Harvest Fund Managers to Cadiz Financial Services in 2006, she led the management buy-out of the remainder of the African Harvest group, which resulted in the formation of Sygnia, which has a market capitalisation of R2.78-billion ($162-million). Ms Wierzycka is also known for her fight against corruption.
Magda Wierzycka (54)
Wendy Luhabe (65)
Irene Charnley(55)
Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita (62)
Louisa Mojela (60+)
Nonkululeko Gobodo (62)
TOP WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
5 women leaders in Education
Women transforming the tertiary education sector
Women are increasingly being recognised as leaders in the Higher Education sector, as efforts are made to improve gender equality at our countries teritary education facilities. According to the Gender Commission's Report On Gender Transformation In Tertiary Institutions although some institutions of higher learning have improved the recruitment of female candidates in academic, top and senior management positions, progress on transformation is still slow.
Women transforming the tertiary education sector
PROFESSOR ADVOCATE THULI MADONSELA
Professor Advocate Madonsela was one of the people who drafted the final Constitution of South Africa, and she has also served as a full-time member of the South African Law Reform Commission. Among laws she helped draft, are the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the Employment Equity Act and the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act. She also co-founded and one of the inaugural leaders of the South African Women Lawyers Association.
One of her most notable positions was as the Public Protector, an office she held for seven years. In this capacity, she investigated State of Capture. Thuli Madonsela is an advocate and professor of law, holding a Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University. She conducts and coordinates Social Justice research and teaches constitutional and administrative law. She is also the founder of the Thuma Foundation, an independent democracy leadership and literacy social enterprise. Professor Madonsela has been named one of TIME100’s most influential people in the world and Forbes Africa Person of the Year.
DR PRECIOUS MOLOI-MOTSEPE
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chancellor of the University of Cape Town is a businesswoman and philanthropist who started her career in medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand. She worked in various public hospitals in South Africa as well as at the Medical College of Virginia in the United States. Together with her husband, Dr Patrice Motsepe, she founded the Motsepe Foundation in 1999, and in 2013 they became the first couple from Africa to join The Giving Pledge.
Her professional associations include the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women’s Leadership Board and Centre for Public Leadership Council, the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council, and the Cancer Association of South Africa (past president).
DR JUDY DLAMINI
Dr Judy Dlamini, Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand is a medical and academic doctor, business woman, author, and philanthropist. She is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Mbekani Group, which has been in business for 25years, co-founder, sponsor and trustee of Mkhiwa Trust - her family’s PBO used for social upliftment, focusing in rural development, health and education; and founder of Female Academic Leaders Fellowship NPC, a PBO for developing a pipeline of black women leaders in academia.
She chairs the board of Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, GBVF Response Fund and is a director of SA SME Fund.
PROFESSOR NOKUTHULA SIBIYA
Professor Sibiya has been appointed the first black female vice chancellor of Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). Her appointment comes as the university marks its 45th anniversary, in what the institution says showcases its advancements in gender equality and increasing female representation in top roles in higher education.
As she takes on the new role, Professor Sibiya said she aims to address high incidents of gender based violence at the university, ensuring all staff and students are safe and secure. She added that she hopes to ensure the university continues to thrive as a centre of excellence and a pillar of the community.
“This moment represents not just a personal milestone but a significant step forward in the broader journey toward equality and representation in higher education. I am committed to being a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, particularly young women of color who aspire to break barriers and lead with purpose,” she said.
Professor Sibiya has a background in nursing and healthcare administration, prior to moving to the academic field. She previously served as MUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning.
PROFESSOR QUARRAISHA ABDOOL KARIM
Professor Karim is a world-leading AIDS researcher working at Columbia University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is the first women to head The World Academy of Sciences (UNESCO-TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries.
Her main research interests are in understanding the evolving HIV epidemic in South Africa, including the factors influencing the acquisition of HIV by adolescent girls, and sustainable strategies to introduce antiretroviral therapy in resource-constrained settings.
Professor Karim is a UNAIDS Special Ambassador, a member of the UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel and Scientific Adviser to the Executive Director of UNAIDS.
"Interestingly in health, from medical school and from university, we have more and more women coming into the space. But the difference, I think, is in leadership positions… Women still feel like they are imposters," she said.
"If you have earned your place, especially if you’ve got your degrees or you’ve earned whatever position you have, you shouldn’t feel like imposters, this is your space, so occupy it with the passion that brought you to this point. And do not let glass ceilings over your peers or others shape and undermine your ownership of that space."
BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
Africa’s diamonds win gold at the Olympics
The 33rd Summer Olympic Games held in Paris were what everyone expected and more. The organisers chose a new canvas for the opening ceremony, opting for the river Seine rather than the traditional stadium which set the tone for two weeks which may one day be remembered as an inflection point in the world of sports. For the first time in the event's history there was an even split in the number of men and women competing on one of the world’s greatest stages, over a century after women first began participating, at the Paris Olympics of 1900.
The games that followed saw the number rising and falling but after London 1924 the number kept increasing with women making up 47.8% of the participants at Tokyo 2020. Finally the ceiling was breached.
A memorable part of the well-coordinated play on the Seine were statues paying tribute to ten Frenchwomen, including the philosopher and feminist pioneer Simone de Beauvior, and Alice Milliat, the champion of women’s sports whose work contributed to women having their place in the Olympics.
The last victory ceremony has usually been reserved for the men’s marathon, the final athletics event, but in celebration of the Women’s March on Versailles, the women’s marathon closed off the games with two of Africa’s diamonds, Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia and Hellen Obiri of Kenya making it onto the podium with the gold medallist, Canada’s Sifan Hassan, taking home silver and bronze respectively. A scheduling change which may set the precedent for future events.
Women representing African nation’s won 16 medals including six gold medals. Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet was the biggest winner, clinching gold in both the 5 000m and 10 000m track events. South Africa’s Tatjana Smith retained her OIympic swimming title in the 100m breaststroke and took silver in the 200m event. First place in the 1 500m track event went to Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon who came second to her teammate Beatrice Chebet in the 5 000m.
Artistic gymnast Kaylia Nemour won gold in the uneven bars event as did fellow Algerian Imane Khalif, the boxer who came out on top in the 60 kg weight category despite torrents of online abuse which point to the progress which still needs to be made in removing challenges for women in sports.
One of the newer Olympic events, rugby sevens, stood out not just for France’s unexpected win in the men’s event but for the incredible support the women’s event received at the Stade de Francais which was packed with fans cheering on stars such as New Zealand’s Portia Woodman, the speedy veteran who has become an icon and inspiration to young players around the world. In her last tournament, she shared the stage with the much loved Ilona Maher, who is not only putting women’s rugby on the map but the sport as a whole, even racking up
4 million followers on Instagram which is double the number of people who follow the sport’s governing body.
Ilona’s popularity and approach to putting a spotlight on the sport bodes well for the future of the game and points to a new era where women have an equal place in elite sports. Despite the struggles the Springbok sevens women’s team faced in Paris, the American and Canadian teams offer a glimpse into the heights they could reach as SA Rugby continues to develop the women’s game.
On the local front, the country’s first professional women’s rugby team, the Bulls Daisies, retained the Women’s Premier Division title with a comprehensive win against the Western Province Women’s team, scoring six tries to the visitors three. Western Province put a good fight with Voice Ndou’s blistering pace causing the Daisies a few headaches but the power and class of the Pretoria was too much for the women in the iconic striped jersey who couldn’t find answers for Lusanda Dumke’s tireless workrate and the formidable Springbok Women’s midfield duo of Chumisa Qawe and Jakkie Cilliers.
August was jam-packed with sporting action and September promises to bring even more memorable moments with the Paralympics getting into the business end of things at the start of the month and the Springbok Men’s team will take on their arch rivals, the All Blacks, on home soil. The MTN8 Wafa Wafa Cup continues and football fans will also be treated to the north London derby in the middle of the month while Kaizer Chiefs new coach will hope to overcome local powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns on the 28th. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to US PGA and Sunshine Tour action this month and in the cycling world the Tour de Romandie Féminin kicks off on the 6th.
BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
AFRICAN WOMEN AT THE OLYMPICS
GOLD
Tatjana Smith, South Africa (Swimming) - 100m Breaststroke
Faith Cherotich, Kenya (Athletics) - 3 000m steeplechase
Hellen Obiri, Kenya (Athletics) - Marathon
WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER
Argentina vs Australia 1 & 7 September
Springboks vs New Zealand
7 September
Sharks vs Bulls
8 September
Australia vs New Zealand 21 & 28 September
Argentina vs Springboks 21 & 28 September
MTN8 Wafa Wafa Cup:
Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns 1 September
Premier League:
Manchester United vs Liverpool 1 September
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal 15 September
Manchester City vs Arsenal 22 September
PSL:
Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns 28 September
Tour de Romandie Féminin (UCI Women's World Tour) 6 - 8 September
US PGA Tour:
TOUR Championship 29 August - 2 September
Procore Championship 12 - 16 September
President’s Cup 26 - 30 September
DP World Tour:
Betfred British Masters 29 August - 2 September
Omega European Masters 5 - 8 September
Amgen Irish Open 12 - 16 September
BMW PGA Championship 19 - 23 September
acciona Open de España 26 - 29 September
Sunshine Tour:
Bain’s Whisky Ubunye Championship 12 - 16 September
Vodacom Origins of GolfSishen 20 - 23 September
Betway Big Easy Tour 4 24 - 27 September
Rugby Golf Football Cycling
BY DR MMAKI JANTJIES
he impact of AI in the field of technology has been significant in improving its role as an enabler across sectors. As the exciting potential for innovation around the use of AI continues, there is also a perilous threat of misinformation, which is not always easy to interpret considering the quality of new AI-generated content. Recent advancements are exemplified by OpenAI's DALL-E 2 announcement that it can create realistic images from text instructions, revolutionising a whole range of sectors of the modern economy. However, this progress is accompanied by the downsides of deepfake technology, which can manipulate the images and words of leaders and celebrities, such as recent AI-generated explicit images of megastar Taylor Swift. AI
Should we be worried about AI and deepfake technology amongst youth?
AND DEEPFAKES
A deepfake is particularly alarming. It is a type of synthetic media created using the techniques offered by AI, especially deep-learning algorithms. These algorithms analyse and manipulate existing images, videos, or audio recordings to generate highly realistic fake content, often featuring individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. As witnessed in the case of Taylor Swift, the misuse of AI-generated content to propagate false narratives highlights the urgent need for robust mechanisms to combat misinformation across all areas of modern life. But with crucial elections on the horizon this year, the convergence of AI capabilities and deepfake technology raises highly challenging issues for the correct exercise of democracy. There have further been several cases of social media misinformation impacting young people's confidence leading to mental well-being challenges amongst young social media users.
One of the most pressing concerns was also the potential impact of deepfakes on democratic processes across the world, as many countries ran successful elections this past year. The emergence of deepfake technology had introduced a new and concerning dimension to electoral processes, as evidenced by recent incidents in both Nigeria and Slovakia in 2023. In Slovakia, AI-generated audio recordings were used to fabricate statements attributed to a political candidate, suggesting an intention to manipulate markets while rigging an election. Similarly, in Nigeria, an audio clip faked by AI falsely implicated a presidential candidate in ballot manipulation, potentially swaying public opinion in terms of voting preferences.
These cases underscore the urgent need for robust measures to combat the proliferation of deepfake technology and safeguard citizens through education on deepfakes. The dissemination of manipulated media can have far reaching implications
not just on young people but also on institutions' trust.
Up to today, several instances of legislation have demonstrated how to combat deepfakes, with South Africa having broader frameworks that might be used to tackle deepfakes. So, how can countries locate additional measures to tackle the menace of misinformation propelled by AI and deepfake technology?
Education and digital literacy remain a consistent cornerstone in this endeavour of taking on digital manipulation. By educating citizens not just on basic digital literacy but by empowering them on being digital citizens, exposes them to the existence and potential dangers of deepfakes. We can empower them to discern fact from fiction and resist misinformation. Through the promotion of digital literacy and critical thinking skills, individuals may better discern authentic content from manipulated media. Indeed, raising awareness about the existence and implications of deepfakes is essential to fostering
vigilance amongst citizens who will become more capable of identifying and rejecting false narratives.
Looking to the private sector, companies can further invest in research and development to create advanced deepfake detection tools. These tools use machine learning algorithms to analyse and identify inconsistencies in media content, thus helping to flag potential deepfakes before they are spread widely.
Ultimately, confronting the challenge of misinformation propelled by AI and deepfake technology demands a multisector and multifaceted approach rooted in education, regulation, and collaboration. As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement and societal resilience, it is incumbent upon us to harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding and empowering citizens. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment to digital education and prevention can we navigate the dual edge of AI while enjoying the benefits that it continues to bring across sectors.
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Public Procurement Act 28 of 2024 on 23 July. The Act will see measures being put into place to eliminate corruption and increase transparency in the awarding of government contracts. The measures also aim to streamline the procurement process through technology, and ensure improved equity for local businesses and previously disadvantaged individuals and entities.
The Act seeks to create a single framework that will regulate public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state with efficiency and integrity.
In his weekly newsletter addressing the nation on 29 July, the President said that the newly signed Act is another important step in ensuring that public funds are put to use where intended.
“As we intensify our collective efforts to build an inclusive economy that creates jobs, the Public Procurement Act allows us to make [the] best use of public funds to support transformation and local development. At the same time, by implementing measures to prevent the abuse of public procurement, the Act will help to ensure that public funds are put to the uses for which they are intended.”
New public procurement law set to enhance transparency and black empowerment
In a boost for local businesses, a major feature of the Act is that it mandates prioritizing contracts for black-owned businesses and local firms through set-asides for preferential procurement.
“Public procurement is about getting the best value for the state. It is also an opportunity to promote transformation of the economy and society. The new law therefore provides for set-asides in the allocation of contracts to advance companies owned by people historically disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.”
The Act states that a procuring institution must set-aside a bid for a category of persons in accordance with the prescribed thresholds and conditions.
The categories include black people; black women; women; black people with disabilities; people with disabilities; youth, military veterans, persons in a particular geographic area and small enterprises.
Persons in these categories must be citizens of the Republic, and enterprises eligible for preferential procurement must be owned and managed by black people in terms of the applicable code of good practice on black economic empowerment issued in terms of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003.
The President added that the Act “will enable and encourage the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa. It will enable government and public entities to use procurement more strategically and effectively to promote the growth of local industry and to create jobs to meet the needs of the state.”
In this regard the Act requires that the Minister responsible for trade, industry and competition must, by notice in the Gazette, designate a sector, sub-sector or industry or product where only locally produced or manufactured goods meet the stipulated minimum threshold for local production and content, taking into account economic and other relevant factors.
The Minister must also stipulate a minimum threshold for local production and content, and the period of the designation.
“The approach in the Act is in line with the Constitutional requirement that public procurement must be
done in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. The Constitution also says that this should not prevent procurement policies that provide for the protection or advancement of people disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.”
ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OFFICE
In another significant step, the Act addresses a major weakness in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state which was fragmented and regulated by multiple pieces of legislation. This left the process open to various forms of abuse in the past.
The President explained that the Act is part of the implementation of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture report recommendations on how to prevent corruption in government procurement. The report recommends the establishment of an independent agency against corruption in public procurement to address the problem.
“Among other things, the law establishes a Public Procurement Office in the National Treasury, which must put in place measures to ensure the integrity of the procurement process. All the members of this office must perform their functions impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.
“The Public Procurement Office must promote standardisation in procurement and modernise the system through technology and innovation. The law focuses on the people who are involved in procurement, requiring them to comply with a code of conduct
and receive professional development and training.”
Some of the functions of the Public Procurement Office will include ensuring compliance with the Act by procuring institutions; developing and supporting the implementation of necessary measures to maintain the integrity of the procurement process; guiding and supporting officials in complying with the Act; and developing measures to ensure transparency in procurement.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PROCUREMENT
The use of technology will play a key role in ensuring transparency in the awarding of government tenders. This includes disclosing procurement information such as awards of bids, the process followed and the identity of suppliers awarded contracts. The Public Procurement Office will be mandated to develop an information and communication technology-based procurement system to enhance efficiency, transparency, and integrity, and to combat corruption.
The system will be designed to provide a single platform that allows officials, bidders, suppliers and the public to have access to all procurement-related services.
“No longer will tenders be awarded in dark corners far from public scrutiny,” wrote the President.
The Public Procurement Act will be administered by the Minister of Finance and it will apply to all state departments, institutions, municipalities and other public entities.
DEVELOPMENT
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
In his keynote address at the launch of the projects on 19 March during the event, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that the symposium was an important part in the government’s effort to close the infrastructure funding gap in the country. He said that the symposium was initiated to bring together the great minds from government and INFRASTRUCTURE
Public-private partnerships key to infrastructure development
Atotal of 12 major infrastructure projects were launched at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 which took place in Cape Town from 17 to 19 March. parity. Despite some progress A total of 12 major infrastructure projects were launched at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 which took place in Cape Town from 17 to 19 March.
The event brought together key stakeholders in the infrastructure investment space for discussions around the key goal of investing
in public infrastructure projects to grow the economy and, in particular, to explore partnership opportunities between the public and private sectors.
The projects that have been earmarked for project preparation span the transport, storage and communication; electricity, gas and water; community, social and personal services; mining and quarrying; agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors, and fall under South Africa’s 2024/2025 infrastructure pipeline.
They were launched to accelerate public and private-led development
in the country, and will receive extensive support from Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), the single point of entry and focal point for driving infrastructure planning, management, and delivery in the country.
private sector to participate in finding solutions for, among other things, the funding of infrastructure.
“If we are able to do that, we will be able to solve a major problem because it is estimated that to achieve our infrastructure goals, we need almost R4.8 trillion to address the challenges that we face as a country. And we need that from both the public sector, and the private sector to a much larger extent. And that is why many of you are here because the people with the money are here.”
Some of the projects in the pipeline include:
LNG IMPORT TERMINALKWAZULU-NATAL
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) appointed the Dutch private company Vopak Terminal Durban & Transnet Pipelines (TPL) Consortium Venture to develop and operate the country’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the port of Richards Bay. The total investment value of the terminal is at R2.1 billion and is expected to generate about 4 500 jobs. It aims to import between 1 and 5 million tons of LNG per annum. The operator will run the LNG terminal for 25 years in a public-private partnership with the private sector as the lead investor.
PROJECT UKUVUZELELA - NATIONAL
Project Ukuvuzelela is a transnational, high-capacity rail corridor for automotive volumes. The project will involve upgrading the rail line from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape and will serve to take the pressure off the KwaZuluNatal corridor and Durban as the sole port for imports and exports in the area. The overarching target is to have bi-directional rail transportation of a minimum of 150,000 fully built units per year by 2026. The project is envisaged to result in nearly 4000 construction jobs and just over 1000 permanent operations jobs according to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
REFURBISHMENT OF HEALTH FACILITIES - NATIONAL
In the community, social and personal services sector, the government will launch an infrastructure strategy aimed at refurbishing 104 health facilities throughout South Africa, valued at R16 billion. Furthermore, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has laid out plans to improve school building and education-related infrastructure to pave the way towards increasing access to the internet and libraries for school children throughout the country.
SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONESMPUMALANGA AND THE NORTHERN CAPE
Multi-billion-dollar Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the municipalities of Nkomazi and Namakwa are expected to significantly stimulate economic activity, industrial development, trade and job creation in the Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinces. The Nkomazi SEZ is planned to develop primary agricultural production and agroprocessing. and the Namakwa SEZ will stimulate economic growth and job creation in the Northern Cape which is one of South Africa’s most mineral-rich areas.
CLOSING THE FUNDING GAP
The 12 projects form part of the government's vision and strategy to place infrastructure at the heart of sustained economic growth and job creation through its Infrastructure Investment Plan.
Two of the pillars of this plan which is coordinated by Infrastructure South Africa include:
• Closing the infrastructure investment gap by building private sector confidence in the capability of the state to deliver bankable public infrastructure projects, and
• Closing the infrastructure funding gap through strategic public-private partnerships, generating innovative funding models, and blended finance among other strategies.
THE 12 INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES FOR PROJECT PREPARATION LAUNCHED AT THE SIDSSA IN MARCH INCLUDE:
• LNG Import Terminal; KwaZulu-Natal
• Durban Container Terminal Pier 1; KwaZulu-Natal
• Berth A100 for Liquid Bulk; Eastern Cape
• Ukuvuselela; National
• Refurbishment of Health Facilities; National
• Schools Project; National and KwaZulu-Natal
• Eskom Mossel Bay Gas; Western Cape
• Eskom Tubatse Pumped Hydro Storage; Limpopo
• Rooiwal Phase 2 Waste Water; Gauteng
• Amathole Water Bulk Supply Augmentation; Eastern Cape
• Nkhomazi SEZ; Mpumalanga
• Namakwa SEZ; Northern Cape
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Two government interventions are driving economic reform in South Africa. Operation Vulindlela and Operation Phakisa were introduced to unlock economic benefits through targeted reforms, and after several years of operation, the projects started to show significant results.
TRANSFORMING KEY SECTORS THROUGH COLLABORATION
Operation Vulindlela has been instrumental in economic development and could add 2% to future GDP if the momentum for economic reform is maintained. This could see an increase in investment of around R196-billion (22.3%) by 2029.
Operation Vulindlela was established by former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in 2020 to drive the structural economic reforms required to unleash economic growth.
Operation Phakisa and Operation Vulindlela
Showing tangible results
The first phase focused on reforming energy, logistics, and broadband spectrum networks.
Operation Vulindlela works to foster collaboration between different parts of the government, unblock bottlenecks, and facilitate collaboration between the public and private sectors. Phase 1 of Operation Vulindlela has had significant success, with 94% of reforms either completed or progressing well.
Operation Vulindlela has facilitated regulatory changes that resulted in a wave of private energy investment, handling the spectrum auction that has enabled substantial new investment in telecommunications, ensuring the private sector access to the rail network and port operations, and clearing the backlog of water use licences.
Operation Vulindlela has been so successful that it is poised for expansion, with more staff needed to drive new priority reforms.
Energy and logistics will remain part of the Operation Vulindlela programme over the next five years, along with critical new areas for structural reform, such as water provision. A key focus will also be local government and addressing the debt crisis in which municipalities owe agencies and utilities at a national government level. The government has identified the performance of municipalities as a major obstacle to economic growth.
Among the Operation Vulindlela success stories has been the establishment of the Energy Action Plan, created under the National Energy Crisis Committee. This plan outlines a clear path to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding in the short term and to achieve energy security in the long term.
This has resulted in the accelerating procurement of new-generation capacity and facilitating the procurement of independent power by municipalities, along with driving the unbundling of Eskom into separate entities for generation, transmission and distribution. There has been no load-shedding for more than four months, the longest break in more than four years.
BUILDING AN OCEAN ECONOMY
Operation Phakisa, launched in 2014, aims to unlock the full potential of South Africa's ocean economy by focusing on key sectors. Supported by political and industry leaders, the initiative is designed to streamline implementation and foster collaborative approaches.
Named after the Sesotho term for “hurry up,” Operation Phakisa draws inspiration from Malaysia’s successful “Big Fast Results” methodology. The programme seeks to engage stakeholders in crafting detailed, actionable plans to accelerate development in these critical ocean economy sectors.
To tap into the vast economic opportunities offered by South Africa's extensive ocean boundaries, Operation Phakisa is set to boost the national economy significantly, potentially creating up to one million jobs by 2033.
Operation Phakisa focuses on six priority growth areas: marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture, marine protection services and ocean governance, small harbour development, and coastal and marine tourism.
Operation Phakisa has achieved significant milestones, including
attracting over R41 billion in investment and generating around 8 000 jobs over a five-year period. In 2021 alone, the initiative drew in approximately R5-billion in investment and created about 7,330 direct jobs, a figure that rises to 11,641 when accounting for indirect employment. As part of its focus on boosting the ocean economy, Operation Phakisa has overseen the upgrade of 37 ship repair facilities. Additionally, the successful establishment of the Burgan Fuel storage facility in Cape Town’s harbour has brought in over R600-million in investment.
Under Operation Phakisa, the South African Government, aims to grow the Ocean Economy’s contribution to the country’s GDP to R177-billion by 2033. This is expected to provide up to a million new jobs.
To date, the South African government has unlocked investments in the ocean economy of more than US$1.1-billion since the inception of Operation Phakisa.
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
A new TB vaccine option
Offering hope
Researchers at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) have developed a candidate vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) using a gene-editing approach, offering South Africa a new tool in its efforts to treat and prevent the disease.
TB remains the leading cause of death by infectious disease globally, with South Africa having one of the highest incidence rates in the world. For almost a century, the BCG vaccine - the only existing effective
vaccine - has been administered to infants to prevent TB, but no vaccine has shown lasting protection. This means that BCG does not protect teenagers and adults and has not been effective at eradicating TB, spurring researchers to look for novel TB vaccine candidates to replace or boost BCG.
Professor Bavesh Kana, the Head of the School of Pathology and former director of the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB
Research at Wits University, contributed to the groundbreaking study.
Researchers sought to modify the BCG vaccine to make it more effective at controlling the growth of M. tuberculosis. Mice injected with the edited BCG vaccine had less M. tuberculosis growth in their lungs than mice that received the original vaccine.
“We can now offer a new candidate vaccine in the fight against this deadly disease," says Prof Kana. "The work also
demonstrates that gene editing is a powerful way to develop vaccines. This is particularly important for researchers working on vaccine development."
Prof Kana is a consultant for the Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute in Cambridge, USA. and has worked in several international institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Texas A&M University, the Public Health Research Institute in New Jersey and Harvard Medical School.
He studies TB with a focus on developing new drugs with a shorter treatment duration and fewer side effects. Prof Kana has received numerous local and international accolades for his outstanding contribution to science and the health of people suffering from TB.
WORKING TOWARDS A TB-FREE WORLD
South Africa has committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal to end TB as an epidemic by 2030. To achieve this target, South Africa and other UN member states have committed to reducing TB cases by 80% and TB deaths by 90% by 2030, compared with 2015 levels.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2023 Global TB Report, in 2022, 280 000 people in South Africa fell ill with TB – a reduction from from 552 000 TB cases in 2015. In 2022, 468 of every 100 000 people living in South Africa fell ill with TB, compared with 988 of every 100 000 people in 2015.
This equates to a 53% reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2030. Against the WHO’s targets, South Africa is in a strong position to achieve the SDG target to reduce TB incidence by 80% by 2030.
The report indicates South Africa still has some work to do in reducing TB deaths. Between 2015 and 2022, TB deaths in South Africa fell by 17%,
Source: Spotlight | Wits | Sowetan
less than the WHO’s End TB Strategy milestone target of a 20% reduction by 2020. According to the WHO’s latest data, 54 000 people in South Africa died of TB in 2022.
The report also indicated that 305 350 people in South Africa were started on preventive therapy in 2022, which is 5.6% less than the number of people started on preventive therapy in 2021 (321 610).
“South Africa committed to the Sustainable Development Goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030. While we are doing relatively well as
a country – TB deaths have come down since 2015 – we need to do a lot better to reach the milestones,” says Prof Kana.
Prof Kana has lamented the funding gap in developing tools to eliminate TB – a disease which dates back over 9000 years.
“Until recently, our diagnostic approaches were a century old. With some novel vaccine candidates in the pipeline, we can finally begin to adequately address this devastating illness.”
HOW DOES THE VACCINE WORK?
When humans get sick, their body's defence system spots particular signs, called PAMPs (pathogenassociated molecular patterns) on the outside of bacteria, viruses, or other harmful germs. This helps the body tell the difference between invaders and their own cells, and then it starts fighting the infection. Vaccines work by looking like germs, so that they can start the first defence without making a person sick. This allows the person to build up immunity to the disease.
REGIONAL FOCUS - NORTHERN CAPE
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Northern Cape
On the road to infrastructure development
The Northern Cape has a significant role to play in South Africa’s future mining and energy sectors. To allow the province to reach its full potential, focused investment in infrastructure is underway, particularly in creating improved road corridors.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul said that the provincial priorities are schools, health facilities, roads, housing, energy, water and sanitation. Between 2020 and 2023, R10-billion was spent by the Northern Cape Provincial Government, R4.2-billion of it on social infrastructure.
“Infrastructure investment is the backbone of a thriving economy,” said Saul.
However, the investment over the next few years is likely to increase, with targeting projects looking to improve road infrastructure.
INVESTING IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
Among the projects on the horizon are efforts to improve national roads in the province.
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced two new Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) contracts for the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District of the Northern Cape, which are expected to create scores of opportunities for subcontracting and local labour over a period of five years.
SANRAL is currently evaluating tenders received for these contracts and hopes to appoint contractors later this year.
SANRAL Project Manager Rudi Joubert said the project will bring significant opportunities for job creation, skills development, training and enterprise development.
“The work will focus on maintenance of the N14 and will include grass cutting, removal of alien vegetation, cleaning of culverts (a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a roadway), clearing of litter at rest areas and keeping the road reserve and the fences clean," he said.
“Maintenance of the N14 will be done on an ongoing basis, and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) should prepare to take advantage of the opportunities for subcontracting."
The first of the two projects includes 250 kilometres between Olifantshoek and the North West border. The second project starts between Danielskuil and Kuruman, through Kuruman, past Hotazel, and continuing to the Botswana border.
In addition, an R300-million project connecting Laxey village to Lurie in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District
is expected to create 200 job opportunities while constructing a 20-kilometre road.
The upgrade of the MR974 road is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the district, as it links Kuruman to the rural communities of Maphiniki, Metsimantsi, Laxey, Lurie, Perth and ending in Heuningvlei.
MEC for Roads and Public Works Fufe Makatong said: "This development will improve infrastructure and connectivity. The project is expected to create over 200 job opportunities, significantly contributing to the district’s economic growth."
The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
Makatong pointed out that the project would contribute towards the development and economic
Source: SA News | Diamond Fields Advertiser | CNB
upliftment of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
POTENTIAL FOR MINING AND ENERGY SECTORS
The Northern Cape is a rich resource for the mining sector and has the potential to expand into new and productive terrain.
The Kalahari Basin contains 80% of the world’s manganese reserve, but only 15% of global production comes from this area. This leaves significant development opportunities. In addition, the world receives 7% of its diamonds from the Northern Cape, and exports of zinc and lead from the province account for 13% of global demand.
Other minerals, such as cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and zinc –which are needed for technology such as cellphones, renewable energy batteries and electric vehicles – also increase the mining
potential of the Northern Cape. In addition, the Northern Cape's abundant wind and sun provide ample opportunities to generate renewable energy.
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says the Northern Cape is expected to play a big role in South Africa’s mining and energy corridor of the future.
“The green economy is heavily dependent on the mineral potential of South Africa and several of these critical minerals occur and have been discovered in [the Northern Cape]. Therefore, the voice of this province in what we do with those minerals is going to be critical in the future," he said.
The Minister added that R500 million has been set aside by the Council for Geoscience to support emerging companies that want to do mining exploration.
“Over the past five years of the investment drive led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, well over R90 billion in investments have been pledged in the mining and energy sector in the Northern Cape alone. Some of these investments have translated into actual projects which are under construction with some completed and connected to the grid, thus supporting both mining activities and the economy," said Minister Mantashe.
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Gender diversity in the workplace
The role of legislation in protecting women in the workplace
South Africa has robust legislation that aims to recognise and protect the rights of female employees while creating a framework for fairness and equality. The country's labour laws spell out a comprehensive set of rights to all employees, irrespective of gender.
LEGAL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE
This ensures that women, like their male counterparts, are entitled
to fair labour practices, such as the right to equal pay for equal work. The principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value aims to bridge gender-based pay gaps.
Women are also protected by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Labour Relations Act, which protects against unfair discrimination due to pregnancy, ensuring job security during maternity leave and the right to
return to the same or a comparable position after maternity leave. South Africa's labour laws strongly emphasise the importance of a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
This means that women, like all employees, have the right to work in an environment that is free from unfair discrimination based on gender and any form of harassment, including sexual harassment.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are also mandated to create a safe work environment without risks to their employees' health. This includes considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding employees.
In addition to legislation protecting women in the workplace, South Africa's laws also aim to foster an inclusive and diverse work environment and address historical gender imbalances. Employment Equity legislation encourages employers to implement affirmative action measures to redress disadvantages in the workplace.
This involves ensuring that suitably qualified and experienced women have equal opportunities for employment and advancement.
THE NEED FOR CONTINUED GENDER TRANSFORMATION
While women are legally protected in the workplace, transformation is still needed.
South African women earned, on average, R72.44 to every R100.00 earned by men in 2021. In addition, men are more likely to be in paid employment than women, regardless of race, while women
are more likely than men to be doing unpaid work.
Women account for around 43% of the workforce despite making up more than half of the country’s population. Women are also more likely to be without work. The unemployment rate among South African women is 37%, compared to 32% in men.
In addition, women are less likely to hold leadership positions. Based on PwC South Africa's 2022 executive directors’ report, only 15% (84 women) of JSE executive positions are filled by women.
These gaps exist despite the constitutional imperative for gender transformation in the workplace. A Commission for Gender Equality study found that most companies are ignorant of national and regional treaties and commitments to gender equality. In addition, the findings revealed that employment equity plans and sexual harassment policies are often developed but not implemented.
Women still face the inequalities associated with child care and household work which restrict opportunities and impact on career possibilities for women.
Key laws protecting women in the workplace
• The Labour Relations Act protects women against dismissal due to pregnancy
• The Employment Equity Act protects employees from unfair discrimination based on gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility or any other arbitrary grounds.
• The Employment Equity Act also provides equal pay for work with an equal value principle. The equal pay principle addresses a specific aspect of workplace discrimination and the undervaluing of work based on, among others, gender and sex.
• The Basic Conditions of Employment Act states that an employee has a right to at least four consecutive months’ unpaid maternity leave. The Unemployment Insurance Act provides for the payment of maternity benefits.
• The Basic Conditions of Employment Act also provides protection to employees before and after the birth of a child by preventing female employees from carrying out work that is hazardous to their health or the health of their child during this period.
• The Basic Conditions of Employment Act specifies that employees are entitled to three days of paid leave, which an employee can take when the employee’s child is born or sick or on the death of a loved one.
BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
With the high cost of living many are wondering if it’s actually possible to save. The simple answer is yes. Using tips and tricks it's possible to stretch your budget and here we look at how you can plan ahead with a smart household budget.
50/30/20 RULE
The 50/30/20 rule is straightforward and one of the most popular household budgeting tools.
How you can plan ahead with a smart household budget
NEEDS
Half of your net income should go towards fulfilling your needs - the things that you genuinely could not live without:
• Housing
• Transport
• Groceries
• Utilities
• School fees
Housing could be your rent or mortgage payments - either way, you need a roof over your head and it’s important to allocate a significant amount of that 50% to ensure you have shelter. Transport covers car payments, petrol, ridesharing and public transport. You can bring your transport costs down by finding ways to save on petrol, or buying monthly bus passes, which can save you as much as 50% compared to buying a ticket every day.
WANTS
The most difficult part of going through a budgeting process is coming to terms with how much of what you spend your money is unnecessary spending. You don’t need to stream series and music - you want to. You don’t have to order food to your doorstep - you want to. You don’t need to buy the latest smartphone, despite upgrading the year before - you want to. As difficult as it is to come to terms with, you need to spend less on the things that you want. Thirty percent is still a significant portion, allowing you to indulge here and there, but when the crunch hits, as it has in recent months, you will need to dip into your wants to fulfil your needs. In other words, you need to be one of those “there’s food at home” people when the kids ask for a takeout.
SAVINGS OR DEBT
This is the part of your spending that will have the most long-term impact. Because of how forwardlooking it is, it can be difficult to see the benefits now and hence
easy to overlook. From saving for retirement, saving for your children’s tertiary education, paying off debts or building an emergency fund - this is an aspect of your budget that you will be happy you considered when you look back years or even months from now.
BE SMART WITH HOW YOU MANAGE YOUR MONEY
Having a framework in place is great but what are some of the steps you need to take along the way? Here are five things you can do to help you build a framework plus ways that will help you be smarter with you money:
• Know how much you’re working with
It’s important to know how much you have to spend. What’s your income after tax? What are your bank fees?
• Track your spending for a month
By keeping track of what you spend in an average month, you'll have an idea of where your money is going.
What are you spending the most on? What are you spending too much on?
• Find out what your spending on bank fees
Card purchases, withdrawals, debit orders, transfers etc. these all come with varying fees which can pile up. Some are unavoidable, but it's worth it to consider withdrawing less cash (it’s safer too) and swiping/tapping more. If you need to withdraw, try to do it when you visit the supermarket for groceries.
• Try rewards programmes
Rewards programmes at banks and supermarkets can save you money without you realising it. From discounts on groceries, to points that you can use to buy goods, there’s something for everyone.
• Get the family involved
Work with your partner on the budget. Teach your kids about the cost of living. Develop a savings culture. Having buy-in from the whole family will help you keep the spending in check.
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
August
1 - 30 11 15
World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week is held annually, supported by WHO, UNICEF, Ministries of Health and civil society partners. The theme for 2024 is ‘Closing the gap:
Breastfeeding support for all’. The campaign celebrates breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while showcasing the ways families, societies, communities and health workers can provide critical support to every breastfeeding mum.
WHO reports that undernutrition is estimated to be associated with 2.7 million child deaths annually or 45% of all child deaths. Infant and young child feeding is a key area to improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development.
National Women’s Day
South Africa commemorates Women’s Day as a tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Celebrating 30 years of democracy towards women’s development’ and is a reminder of the important contributions that women are making towards society, as well as the advances in women’s rights, and how South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all sectors of society including economic empowerment of women.
This year, Women’s Day is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity (GNU).
World Steelpan Day
The steelpan is a musical instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago. According to the UN, it has cultural and historical significance and correlates to cultural, social and economic development. It also has the potential to drive the Sustainable Development Goals, through its use in sectors such as tourism, culture, education, as well as science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
The UN proclaimed this day as World Steelpan Day to acknowledge its role in promoting inclusive societies, sustainable communities, creative economy and sustainable development. It also can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, gender equality and youth empowerment.
Calendar of Commemorative Events
18
International Youth Day
The theme for the United Nations International Youth Day 2024 is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
It highlights the key role of digitalisation in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals and the essential contributions of youth in achieving these goals.
Young people are leading in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet. compared to their male counterparts. The role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues and sustainable development.
28
World
Humanitarian Day
Humanitarians are dedicated to save and protect lives and deliver the basic necessities of life to the communities they serve, often at their own risk, and bring hope.
World Humanitarian Day honours relief workers around the world who strive to meet ever-growing global needs. It aims to promote the well-being, dignity and ultimately the survival of those affected by disasters, and the safety and security of the aid workers who rush to help them.
The day is used by the United Nations and other organisations to educate the public on global challenges and issues, and the value of international cooperation.
International Day for People of African Descent 30
The UN established this Observance in 2021 to raise awareness of the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora and to honour their shared heritage, diverse culture, and profound influence around the world.
The day marks the final year of the International Decade for People of African Descent, a UN General Assembly initiative to advance social justice and inclusion policies, eradicate racism and intolerance, promote human rights, and assist in creating better, more prosperous communities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UNFPA states that although challenges still remain, there has been progress with several countries making racial profiling and discrimination illegal and introducing policies to promote the rights and choices for people of African descent.
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EmpowHER: Creating access to markets for entrepreneurs
