Public Sector Leaders - February 2023

last year, the 4th south africa investment conference raised r367-billion in investment commitments, bringing our fiveyear investment target firmly within sight

- President Cyril Ramaphosa

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Editor’s LEttEr

By Fiona Wakelin

Letter from the Editor

Welcome to the February edition of public Sector Leaders (pSL)

In his first letter to the nation for the month of February, His excellency, Cyril ramaphosa focused on the struggle for more affordable electricity. His excellency framed the letter referencing the recent announcement of an increase in electricity tariffs and his call for the eskom board to consider measures that would help to mitigate the impact of the 18.65% increase from an implementation timeframe point of view – this at the same time as noting that the new tariff was approved by the independent National energy regulator of South Africa (NerSA) after following a prescribed process.

“This is the problem we face: we have to ensure that eskom has the resources it needs to resolve the electricity crisis while protecting South Africans from the effects of higher prices,” – president ramaphosa.

it is a busy month for public sector leaders with our president delivering a keynote address at the investing in African Mining indaba, Cape town international Convention Centre. H.e. chaired the Cabinet Lekgotla held at the Sefako Makgatho presidential guest House, pretoria and received a courtesy call from the prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the right Honourable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, at the Mahlamba Ndlopfu residence.

president Cyril ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the 2023 Basic education Sector Lekgotla held at the Sandton international Convention Centre, Johannesburg and, on 9 Feb, delivered the much anticipated SoNA address - which we cover as the lead story in this edition of public Sector Leaders.

the month of February celebrates social justice and the environmentand in this bumper edition, while we feature the SoNA address as the lead story, we also focus on social justice and economic inclusion, as well as taking a look at our indigenous languages from a Higher education perspective. Celebrating our natural environment and rich resources, we zoom in on South Africa’s wetlands as well as conservation efforts across the provinces – and how the agricultural sector is growing the economy.

Keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the mining sector, we bring you the important announcements made by H.e president ramaphosa and Hon. gwede Mantashe at the investing inAfricanMining indaba.

our regular features include the Calendar of upcoming events and this month we celebrate as our trailblazer the new Secretary to parliament, Hon. Xolile george. For February’s Woman in Leadership spotlight, we are delighted to bring you a retrospective on the lifetime achievements of dirCo Minister, the Honourable Naledi pandor in an article fittingly entitled “With Grace”. the regional Focus looks at eastern Cape, with exciting news about the world’s largest deep sea cable. in Legal Matters we take a look at employment contracts and probation, while Money Fit focuses on a topic close to everyone’s pocket – how to increase your disposable income.

Whether you are in the public sector, the private sector, supply chain or an interested individual, pSL has something for you.

We hope you enjoy the read.

Fiona Wakelin | group editor

By Fiona Wakelin

Resolving the electricity crisis

The letter penned to the nation on Jan 30th by President Ramaphosa was headlined:

WE NEED TO WORK MORE CLOSELY IN THE STRUGGLE FOR AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY

His Excellency framed the letter referencing the recent announcement of an increase in electricity tariffs and his call for the Eskom board to consider measures that would help to mitigate the impact of the 18.65% increase from an implementation timeframe point of view – this at the same time as noting that the new tariff was approved by the independent National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) after following a prescribed process. “Tariffs that reflect the cost of producing electricity are necessary for Eskom’s financial sustainability and for the utility to be able to service its debt and to undertake the critical maintenance that is needed to end load shedding.

“Yet, there is little doubt that increasing the price of electricity now, at this challenging time, will add to the difficulties South Africans are facing. Rising food and energy prices are fuelling a cost of living crisis around the world, and the poor are being hardest hit. In South Africa, food prices have increased on average by 12% over the past year.

“This is the problem we face: we have to ensure that Eskom has the resources it needs to resolve the electricity crisis while protecting South Africans from the effects of higher prices,” – President Ramaphosa.

His Excellency went on to affirm that there is no simple solution, which is why multiple stakeholders need to work together to achieve “a very difficult balance”, with government continuing to implement policies that lessen the burden of vulnerable citizens – such as free water and electricity for indigent households, the provision of free primary healthcare, exempting learners from poor families from paying school

fees, a school nutrition programme that supports over nine million learners countrywide, and the provision of free tertiary education for students from poor families. The zero-rating of basic food products for VAT helps to decrease their cost for the poor.

“All of these measures provide an important ‘social wage’ that has helped to cushion poor households from the worst effects of rising prices. Government is considering additional mechanisms to address the rising cost of electricity. These include measures such as helping households and small businesses install solar power and energy saving devices, supporting households with rechargeable lights, and working with learners to catch up where load shedding interrupts lessons. We should be able to provide further information on these and other initiatives in the coming weeks.

“As we work together to overcome the energy crisis, I call on all South

Africans to pay for the electricity they use. We can only improve and expand the provision of electricity and other basic services if government and municipalities in particular have the means to do so. Non-payment and illegal connections make electricity provision more expensive and less reliable.

“The global cost of living crisis has been described as a once-in-a-generation economic shock, and it is being worsened by global events that are beyond our control.

“As government we will continue with our efforts to expand the social wage, just as we accelerate our efforts to restore a reliable and secure electricity supply. We will continue to pursue closer cooperation with all social partners and public entities to find sustainable ways to shield South African households from the worst effects of rising energy and other costs,” - President Ramaphosa.

By Sinazo Mkoko

State of the Nation Address

“Seeing hope where there is despair.”

L-R: Secretary to Parliament Hon. Xolile George, nCoP Deputy Chairperson Hon. Sylvia Lucas, nCoP Chairperson Hon. amos Masondo, President H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, national assembly Speaker Hon. nosiviwe Mapisa-nqakula, Chief Justice Hon. Raymond zondo, Deputy President Hon. David Mabuza and Deputy Speaker of the national assembly, Hon. Lechesa Tsenoli ahead of the 2023 State of the nation address

Loadshedding, unemployment, poverty, the rising cost of living, crime and corruption - these are the key issues concerning His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, which he highlighted in his expansive State of the Nation Address (Sona) delivered at the Cape Town City Hall, on Thursday the 9th of February.

EnERGy CRiSiS

Addressing the pressing issue of loadshedding faced by South Africans across the country, President Ramaphosa admitted that the country has, for many months, endured a weakening electricity shortage that has caused “immense damage to our economy.”

He said the persistent loadshedding is impeding the country’s recovery from the effects of not only the COVID-19 pandemic that saw more than 2 million jobs being lost, thus negatively affecting livelihoods and increasing poverty, but also the catastrophic flooding that caused extensive loss of life, the destruction of homes and damage to infrastructure in some parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the North West.

“And now, persistent [loadshedding] is impeding our recovery from the effects of these events. We know that without a reliable supply of electricity, businesses cannot grow, assembly lines cannot run, crops cannot be irrigated and basic services are interrupted.

“[Loadshedding] means that households and supermarkets are unable to keep food fresh, water supply is often disrupted, traffic lights do not work, streets are not lit at night. Without a reliable supply of electricity our efforts to grow an inclusive economy that creates jobs and reduces poverty will not succeed,” - H.E. Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa stated that the government’s most immediate priority is to restore energy security. He added that South Africa is in the grip of a profound energy crisis, the seeds of which were planted years ago.

He said that past mistakes including the capacity that was not built, the damage that was done to the power plants due to a lack of maintenance, or the effects of state capture on the country’s institutions cannot be undone but what needs to be done is to fix the problem today, to keep the lights on for the future.

To deal with the electricity issue, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he will appoint a Minister of Electricity in the Presidency to assume full responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee.

“The Minister will focus full-time and work with the Eskom board and management on ending [loadshedding] and ensuring that the Energy Action Plan is implemented without delay.

By Sinazo Mkoko

“So as to remove any confusion, the Minister of Public Enterprises will remain the shareholder representative of Eskom and steer the restructuring of Eskom, ensure the establishment of the transmission company, oversee the implementation of the Just Energy Transition programme, and oversee the establishment of the SOE Holding Company,” - President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa said the government has taken steps to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations so that the coal-fired power stations that provide 80% of electricity produce the amount of electricity for which they were designed. He said the power utility is deploying people and resources to improve the reliability of the six power stations that have contributed the most to loadshedding. “Eskom is urgently fast-tracking construction of a temporary solution to bring back three units at Kusile power station following the collapse of a chimney stack last year, whilst simultaneously repairing the permanent structure.

to exempt critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment plants from [loadshedding]. “And it will enable us to accelerate energy projects and limit regulatory requirements while maintaining rigorous environmental protections, procurement principles and technical standards,” - H.E. Ramaphosa. He added that the Auditor-General will be brought in to “ensure continuous monitoring of expenditure, in order to guard against any abuses of the funds needed to attend to this disaster.”

In July last year, President Ramaphosa announced a clear action plan to address the energy crisis. This was to address the electricity shortfall of 4 000 to 6 000 MW.

The plan outlined five key interventions:

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

• Enable and accelerate private investment in generation capacity

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

• Unleash businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar

• Fundamentally transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security

Experts agree that this plan is the most realistic route to end [loadshedding].

“We are rebuilding the skills that have been lost and have already recruited skilled personnel at senior levels to be deployed at underperforming power stations.”

His Excellency added that the Engineering Council of South Africa has offered to give as much assistance as required by deploying engineers to work with the management teams at power stations.

President Ramaphosa also stated that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has just gazetted the declaration of the National State of Disaster, beginning with immediate effect.

“The State of Disaster will enable us to provide practical measures that we need to take to support businesses in the food production, storage and retail supply chain, including for the rollout of generators, solar panels and uninterrupted power supply. Where technically possible, it will enable us

The President said the energy crisis that the country is facing is an existential threat to the economy and our social fabric.

GRowinG THE EConoMy anD CREaTinG JoB oPPoRTuniTiES

The President shared that in the State of the Nation Address he delivered last year, the government promised that they would concentrate efforts on mobilising greater levels of investment, which is essential to growing the economy and creating jobs.

“We said that we would give impetus to the campaign that we embarked on nearly five years ago to raise R1.2-trillion in new investment. Last year, the 4th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) raised R367-billion in investment commitments, bringing our five-year investment target firmly within sight.

He said that, over the past year, many of these commitments have resulted in the companies that made those commitments investing in new factories, call centres, solar power plants, undersea fibre optic cables, the expansion of production lines and the adoption of new technologies.

By Sinazo Mkoko

He added that these investments have resulted in new jobs and new opportunities for small emerging businesses and the investments that have flowed into the economy to date have contributed to “a substantial increase in local production.”

The President said a growing economy must also be an increasingly inclusive economy.

He said they’ve seen the successes of black South Africans in producing food, car parts, furniture, clothing, steel, chemicals and mining products, creating many thousands of jobs and adding to the country’s gross domestic product.

He said the country has made progress in the last year in achieving greater levels of worker ownership in the economy.

“There are now more than 400 000 workers who own shares in the firms they work for. Growth and the creation of jobs in our economy

will be driven by small- and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives and informal businesses,” - His Excellency.

In efforts to address youth unemployment in the country, the President said the Employment Tax Incentive has been expanded to encourage businesses to hire more young people in large numbers.

He said, this year, the government will finalise amendments to the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act 71 of 1991) to reduce regulatory impediments for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives and make it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses.

Through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency they plan to provide R1.4-billion in financing to over 90 000 entrepreneurs.

“Government, in partnership with the SA SME Fund is working to establish a R10-billion fund to support SMME growth. Government is looking at

the possibility of providing R2.5-billion for the fund and for the balance of R7.5 billion to be raised from the private sector.

The licensing of PostBank will lay the foundation for the creation of a state bank that will provide financial services to SMMEs, youth- and women-owned businesses and underserved communities.”

- President Ramaphosa.

THE RiSinG CoST of LivinG

Touching on the issue of the rising cost of living, which he said is deepening poverty and inequality, President Ramaphosa said millions of South Africans are unable to provide for themselves and their families.

He said to support the work that’s already being done to counter the rising cost of living, the government will continue the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, which currently reaches around 7.8 million people.

“We will ensure that existing social grants are increased to cushion the poor against rising inflation. This will be set out in the budget by the Minister of Finance. Work is underway to develop a mechanism for targeted basic income support for the most vulnerable, within our fiscal constraints.

“This will build on the innovation we have introduced through the SRD Grant, including linking the data that we have across government to make sure we reach all those who are in need.” - President Ramaphosa.

He added that National Treasury is considering the feasibility of urgent measures to mitigate the impact of loadshedding on food prices.

CRiME anD CoRRuPTion

Touching on crime and corruption, President Ramaphosa said firm action is being taken to tackle economic sabotage and related crimes that are damaging the economy.

His Excellency said the government is strengthening the SAPS to prevent crime and improving the capacity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and courts to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. He stated that in 2022 the government undertook to recruit 12 000 new police personnel and since then, more than 10 000 new recruits have graduated from police academies and a further 10 000 will be recruited and trained this year.

On corruption, President Ramaphosa shared that the country’s law enforcement agencies are taking firm action against companies and individuals alleged to have been involved in state capture.

He said the NPA Investigating Directorate, which he established in 2019, has taken 187 accused persons to court in 32 state capture and corruption cases.

“Over R7-billion has so far been returned to the state from state capture cases. To date, R12.9-billion

of funds and assets have been frozen. This year, the Investigating Directorate will be established as a permanent entity within the NPA.”

He added that with more police on the street, with functioning community policing forums and an effective and independent prosecution authority, the citizens will be able to count on the protection of the state.

“By fighting economic sabotage and organised crime, our infrastructure will be more secure and businesses will be able to operate more freely. Through a strengthened and expanded social protection system, fewer people will live in poverty and fewer households will experience hunger.

“We must do all of these things, not only to overcome our immediate challenges but to renew the promise of South Africa. It is a promise that we have kept alive in our hearts and in our actions.”

- President Ramaphosa.

Meet Iron Mountain’s new Operations Director, Kholofelo Sadiki

“Iam excited by the contribution we make in protecting and keeping custody of our customers’ valuable assets,” says Iron Mountain’s newly appointed Operation’s Director, Kholofelo Sadiki. She’s all about people, and brings her collaborative leadership style to her new role, which involves spearheading Iron Mountain’s operations strategy in South Africa. It’s her responsibility to lead the operations team and ensure that their clients have an improved experience. Here she tells us what led her to the role, Iron Mountain’s ESG approach and more.

What has been your career path leadIng up to your appoIntMent as operatIons dIrector?

for the South Africa business and after 17 months was afforded the opportunity to lead the Operations team for the business. Throughout my career in procurement and supply chain I have spent time working closely in the operations environment and thus this transition is a perfect fit for the next venture in my career.

What Is your “Why”? What excItes you about What you do?

Kholofelo Sadiki Operations Director at Iron Mountain

My career started in procurement and supply chain management where I spent a lot of my career in various leadership roles in the manufacturing, real estate, financial services and management consulting industries. I have spent a lot of my career in incredibly dynamic organisations responsible for delivery and teams across Africa and parts of the middle east. I joined Iron Mountain as the procurement lead

I am excited by the contribution we make in protecting and keeping custody of our customers’ valuable assets. The importance of data and information and its ability to add value to our customers’ business is what drives me, and how we contribute to the total lifecycle of our customers’ data from storage, retention and secure destruction is what I find most exciting about what I do.

I am also very conscious of the role I play as a woman leader in a male-dominated industry and environment. Bringing the voice of the woman to our industry and striving to showcase it as an attractive and vibrant industry for women is also a very big part of my “why”.

hoW Would you descrIbe your leadershIp style?

My leadership style is very collaborative and based on inclusion, ownership and accountability. I truly believe that my role as a leader is to support my team to achieve the results that we need to serve our customers and grow our business. I am all about the people and live by Simon Sinek’s quote that says that “leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in our charge”

What have been soMe of the Most MeMorable MoMents In your career?

Each organisation that I have worked in has shaped my career and allowed me to create memorable experiences and connections. One of the highlights of my career was attending the Procurement Leadership and Customer Service training programme in Disneyland, Florida in March 2021. Being selected as part of the first cohort to attend this programme amongst 14 other colleagues from around the world was a truly unforgettable experience.

please unpack hoW Iron MountaIn contrIbutes posItIvely to the publIc and prIvate sectors’ esg endeavours.

At Iron Mountain, we embrace our responsibility to contribute to the fight for a net zero future for our planet. We seek opportunities to improve environmental performance within our operations and enable our customers to manage information while meeting their environmental

goals. And we partner with our suppliers to unlock opportunities to protect our planet, together. Whether through our records and IT assets destruction operations or implementation of electric vehicles across our fleet globally, we support our customers’ ESG goals both in the public and private sectors. Together, we challenge ourselves and inspire others to create innovative business solutions that make a positive environmental and social impact— working to secure a sustainable future.

What does It Mean to be a possIbIlIty thInker In your role as operatIons dIrector?

For me being a possibility thinker means continuously lifting the bar, transforming and innovating the way we service our customers and ensuring that at the core of the operations strategy is the customer and their needs.

Striving to challenge the landscape and create spaces for more women to have the platform to grow and excel in a male dominated environment is part of encompassing possibility thinking in my new role.

It’s simply about continuously and intentionally striving for possibilities and not limitations.

What do you see as your greatest challenges In your neW role – and hoW WIll you tackle theM?

As we focus on aligning our operations to our growth strategy, it is important to drive performance and manage change while being committed to diversity, inclusion and empowering a collaborative culture.

Through effective communication, we will be able to take all our teams on this journey and not leave anyone behind. Rapid change can cause discomfort and instability, as leaders it is our responsibility to keep our teams continuously engaged and connected.

please descrIbe Iron MountaIn’s flagshIp projects In partnershIp WIth the publIc sector. Our purpose is to be our customers’ most trusted partner for protecting and unlocking the value of what matters most to them in innovative and socially responsible ways. We are working in partnership with our public sector customers to identify and leverage data from advisory to secure destruction of their assets and records.

do you have excItIng plans for 2023?

2023 is an exciting year for our organisation as we strive to continue to implement our plans to contribute to our ambitious growth journey. 2023 will also be a year focused on empowering our people and fostering a culture of collaboration, courage, and customer obsession.

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Investing in African Mining Indaba 2023

What did the President and DMRE Minister share in their addresses?

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded his address at this year’s Mining Indaba with an optimistic view of where the mining industry is and where it’s going: “As the world changes, mining is changing with it and the industry stands ready to seize the opportunities that the future presents.”

The President was one of many speakers representing different industry stakeholders at the four-day conference, held in Cape Town, which presented an opportunity for the country to engage in dialogue with the international community on the

state of mining and what its future looks like. The theme for this year was “Unlocking African Mining Investment: Stability, Security and Supply”.

“Mining has been the bedrock of African economies for millenia, and it continues to play a pivotal role in development and industrialisation across the continent,” said the President in his address. It’s no wonder the summit pulled together thousands of people from across the world, who came to listen to the insights of decision-makers, learn from the experiences of industry leaders and get to understand the latest trends in mining.

Mining is leading the way in developing new technologies

The mining sector contributes almost half a million direct jobs, and just under a million indirect jobs. According to the President, the revenue generated in the sector, which produced a record high of R1.18-trillion last year, is a great contribution to the economic reconstruction and recovery of the country following the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the President noted, there is still considerable room for growth in the industry. Addressing energy challenges will help in realising that potential. The President acknowledged this challenge and assured attendees that the government is working to overcome it.

“The fact that mineral production contracted by 9 percent year-on-year in November 2022 - largely due to electricity shortages and inefficiencies in logistics - is indicative of the challenges we need to confront and overcome.”

This challenge requires a multi-stakeholder approach, with both the private and public sector playing their part. Embedded generation projects are how the mining sector is leading the way, allowing them to meet their own electricity needs.

“According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, since the licensing threshold was lifted, approximately 89 embedded power generation projects have been developed, with a focus on renewable energy solutions like solar, wind and battery storage,” said the President. “Not only will these projects support mining operations themselves and bring down operating costs, but they will also add much-needed power to the country’s overall supply and support South Africa’s decarbonisation process.”

In his own address, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe gave an example ofhow the decline in growth can be mitigated by the mining sector generating its own electricity. He shared the success of Gold Fields, which increased production in South

Africa despite the sector seeing an overall decline year-on-year in November 2022.

He said they took the opportunity presented by the amendments to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), which increased the threshold for generation for own use from 1 megawatt to 100 megawatts, and eventually, the government abandoned it altogether.

“This cushioned them from the impact of loadshedding as they were able to generate their own energy, and thus increased and maintained production,” the Minister said.

The change in the policies on self-generation also need to be aligned with the need for sustainability, which the mining sector is acutely aware of considering the impact their operations can have on the environment. By sourcing energy sustainably the mining sector can continue to play its part while allowing other sectors to leverage technological innovation which mining industries are bringing to the fore.

“Mining is leading the way in developing the other new technologies,” said the President.

“South Africa has abundant renewable energy sources and about 75 percent of the world’s platinum resources, which puts us in a favourite position to develop such technologies.”

Removing the threshold for generating electricity is just one of many reforms which the government is working towards in order to create a better operating environment for the mining industry.

Source:MiningReviewAfrica|MiningIndaba|MiningWeekly|SAGov

“As part of streamlining regulatory processes, we are reducing the timeframes for environmental authorisations, exempting energy projects from environmental authorisations for certain activities, and speeding up the process of registering new projects and grid connection approvals,” said the President, before going into the logistics-related reform which the government is undertaking.

“The reforms we announced to improve the state of freight rail are moving ahead. One of these - opening key routes to third-party operators - will bring much-needed investment for upgrading, maintenance and rehabilitation.

“A new policy framework for rail sets out actions to modernise the rail network, enable private investment, improve regulation and restore rail as a competitive mode of both freight and commuter transport.”

The President noted that the government is looking to take the same approach by bringing private sector investment into the country’s ports and “certain container corridors.”

The other objectives which the President highlighted are preventing illegal mining, damage to infrastructure and improving the regulatory system.

And as Minister Gwede Mantashe noted, the sector is already repositioning itself as one of the best mining investment destinations, where more mineral deposits are being found. The message? It’s time to invest in South African mining.

Women in Leadership

By KoKetso MaMaBolo

With Grace

Honourable Naledi Pandor’s life of achievement

There’s an image by photographer Anna Zieminksi from the official opening of Parliament, in 2004, which features the late Frene Ginwala, the Speaker of South Africa’s first democraticallyelected parliament. Walking on the red carpet with Ginwala is South Africa’s current Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Naledi Pandor.

What makes the picture particularly compelling is that Anna Zieminksi captured two women who have set spectacular examples as public servants, not only for other women leaders but all leaders regardless of

their race or gender. Frene Ginwala’spassing is another sign that we’re at the end of an era which could be described as the infant years of our democracy. Seeing that image is a reminder that we should be grateful that we still have leaders such as Hon. Naledi Pandor.

lifetiMe achiever Hon. Pandor was honoured for her excellence at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards 2022 with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Minister was unable to attend due to commitments overseas, but addressed the awards ceremony guest with a recorded acceptance speech.

“I am joining an inspiring alumni of women leaders who have previously received this award, such as former First Lady, Graça Machel, and veteran of the struggle against apartheid, Mme [Sophia Williams] de Bruynthis company is in itself deeply humbling,” said the Minister.

Hon. Pandor was honoured for her excellence at the standard Bank top Women awards 2022 with a Lifetime Achievement Award

Women in Leadership

By KoKetso MaMaBolo

She’s also in the company of a host of other winners of the award, who have set an incredible standard, including former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, business leader Irene Charnley, and entertainment icons Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the late Mary Twala.

In her acceptance speech, the Minister acknowledged the successes the country has seen in gender empowerment - towards which Frene Ginwala made a telling contributionspecifically highlighting the legal frameworks which have made it possible.

“Our country has made significant progress in advancing and achieving gender transformation, supported by our constitution and the empowering provisions of its bill of rights. We have adopted policies that

have supported increased legal protection, improved and expanded access to education, and access to basic services such as housing, electricity and healthcare. One of the most significant has been an increase in women’s representation and increased gender equality in many public and private institutions.”

The Minister noted how the state itself has led the way. After the first democratic elections in 1994, only 11% of President Nelson Mandela’s cabinet were women. Fast forward to the last elections in 2019 and the figure has jumped to 50%. Parliament is following suit, with 46% representation at the time of Top Women Awards ceremony.

“We have managed as government to activate public and private sector supply value chains to make sure that at [a] minimum 40% of preferential procurement

DiD you KnoW?

Hon. Pandor is the granddaughter of South African academic Z.K. Matthews, whose students at the University of Fort Hare included former President Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

in South Africa is secured from women-owned businesses,” said the Minister, speaking to an audience consisting of leaders from both sectors.

“Women as the bedrock of society must be supported in their business ventures so that they can run businesses that earn them and their families decent livelihoods. Women in our country are making tremendous progress as entrepreneurs.”

the value of learning

“Education has always been a passion for me. But I never, ever expected that one day I would have the chance to serve as South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training - and even of education in a free, democratic South Africa,” said the Minister, speaking about how a quality education can help promote gender empowerment.

Her understanding of the impact education can have was nurtured by her parents, Joe and Fikile Matthews, in the years that they spent with her in exile.

“This included stints in the United Kingdom; going to school while it was very cold in Botswana; attending school when it was very hot in Lesotho, attending in very difficult conditions; and in Zambia,

enjoying being in a free country. My mother always insisted that education was the most important legacy they could give us, and my father fully supported her in that view,” she said in the speech.

“I will never forget my mother walking me right up to the gates of school in London every morning, often in the cold and rain, to ensure that I attended classes fully. I forget the embarrassment, but I remember the commitment. I am forever grateful for the values of learning and commitment my mother imparted on us.”

Those values led her to completing multiple degrees, including a PhD in Education “bravely, as an over 60-year old.”

“I hope that [the award] will play some role in inspiring young women to reach for their dreams and realise that no goal is beyond their ability. I hope it will inspire older women as well,” she concluded. And may she continue to be an inspiration to all.

Women as the bedrock of society must be supported in their business ventures

By KoKetso MaMaBolo

From SALGA to Parliament

Xolile George is leading the way

Trailblazer

When one thinks of the work of Parliament, the first thing that comes to mind would be Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Presiding Officers. Supporting the work of the MPs, are the people who are responsible for the day-to-day work of running the institution. The former CEO of SALGA, Xolile George, is now tasked with bringing the standards he set at the local government institution to the corridors of Parliament.

the secretary to ParliaMent

In late 2022, Xolile George was appointed as the 6th Secretary to Parliament, marking the first time in half a decade that Parliament would have someone in the role permanently, having earned a great deal of admiration in his previous role. A joint statement, by the Speaker of National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces read:

“Mr George is an administrator who will bring a remarkable and deep knowledge and extensive experience in a range of areas that include intergovernmental and international relations, development economics and political administration interface. The appointment of Mr George will bring the required stability in the administration of Parliament.”

a leader Par excellence

SALGA gave a glowing tribute to Xolile on his departure, highlighting how he’d left the organisation in a better state than he’d found it:

“During his tenure, he put into practice his wide-ranging knowledge of the local government sector and SALGA was glad to have him at the helm for many significant achievements,” they said. These achievements included 10 unqualified audits out of 13, and an average performance rating of 90%.

“Under his leadership, SALGA concluded five [multi-year] conditions of service agreements with unions representing the municipal workforce. George was instrumental in creating an environment of collaboration, openness, and transparency with unions in the sector.”

Not only did SALGA perform better but it gained a reputation for excellence in the country and abroad. He led SALGA to the presidency of a few international governance bodies such as the United Cities of Africa and the United Cities and Regions of the World. SALGA is also represented on boards such as the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and United Nations Advisory Committee of Local Authorities, amongst others.

“His commitment to the principles and values of public financial management saw him being presented with the 2016-2017 Excellence in Public Finance Management Award from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA),” said SALGA.

xolile’s career

• 1993 - 1994 - Economist and Land Use Planner at Eastern Cape Department of Land and Agriculture

• 1994 - 1998 - Director at Eastern Cape Department of Local Government and Housing

• 1998 - 2003 - Director of Executive Support Services at Amathole District Municipality

• 2003 - 2007 - Executive Director at City of Johannesburg

• 2007 - 2022 - Chief Executive Officer at SALGA

In 2018 he was recognised for his achievements with the Top Empowered Public Sector Leader award and was a finalist in the same category the year before.

“George has left an organisation that is fit for purpose, innovative, agile, resilient, and which can support its member municipalities to enhance the social and economic development of their communities. Under his leadership, SALGA became one of the few public entities that have been able to sustain an enduring tradition of being a beacon of financial management excellence.”

The home of our lawmakers will benefit hugely from the agility, resilience, standards and experience that come with the appointment of Hon. Xolile George to the position of Secretary of Parliament.

Xolile George, is now tasked with bringing the standards he set at the local government institution to the corridors of Parliament

By Jessie Taylor

Economic inclusion: Using work to uplift all South Africans

Economic inclusion aims to empower marginalised communities by allowing them to take control of their economic life. It is vital in reversing the legacy of inequality still prevalent today, but it requires strategic interventions that uplift the poorest members of society.

Among South Africa’s tools to increase economic inclusion are ongoing efforts to increase employment and provide social support for those in need.

By Jessie Taylor

safeTy neTs for socieTy

One of the challenges facing South Africa in building an economically inclusive society is economic inequality. South Africa has long been ranked as one of the most unequal societies in the world.

One of the impacts of this inequality is unemployment and exclusion from the formal sector. In the poorest 30% of households in South Africa, three out of five households reported no employed or self-employed people

at all. Most of these households have an average income of less than R2500 a month.

In the next 30%, a fifth of households in this group had no employed people and social grants constituted the main source of income for 45% of adults.

Estimates from the World Bank say that around 14 million people out of South Africa’s 60 million strong population experience food

almost half of all south africans rely on financial support from the government, and around a third depend on social grants

poverty. There is a large reliance on social grants, with the government spending around 4% of the gross domestic product on welfare. Economic inclusion is becoming a focus for many governments, not just South Africa. One of the ways these governments are looking to increase economic inclusion is through social welfare programmes.

The South African social welfare system pays out more than 18 million social grants every month.

According to data from the Department of Social Development, almost half of all South Africans rely on financial support from the government, and around a third depend on social grants.

Over the next three years, R3.33 trillion will be allocated to the social wage to support vulnerable and low-income households - almost 60% of the country’s consolidated non-interest spending.

Another way to address inequality and improve economic inclusion is through job creation. Access to employment opportunities can help reduce poverty levels and has long been a priority for the South African government.

Inclusion through employment

South Africa’s high unemployment rate poses risk to social, economic and political stability and manifests in widespread poverty and a non-inclusive society.

The country’s unemployment rate now stands at just under 33%. This places above Namibia and Nigeria on a list of 82 countries and the Eurozone monitored by Bloomberg. Under the expanded definition (those who are available for work but are not looking for a job) stand at just over 43%.

Youth in South Africa continue to be disadvantaged in the labour market with an unemployment rate higher than the national average. The unemployment rate is around 64% for those aged 15-24 and 42% for those aged 25-34 years.

However, economic inclusion can be driven through a focus on job creation and transformation in the business sector. Economic inclusion relies on a labour market that allows and encourages all people of working age to participate in paid work.

The focus on employment is showing short-term results, despite the setbacks brought on by the global pandemic.

Between September 2021 and September 2022, total employment increased by 31 000 (0,3% year-on-year). This brought the

Sources:Bloomberg|DBSA|ILO|NBI|News24|OECD|tips.org.za|WorldBank

total employment to 9 984 000 thanks to growth in the business services, trade, construction, mining, transport and manufacturing sectors.

Along with an increase in employment was also an increase in the gross earnings paid to employees. This increased year-on-year by R17.50-billion or 2.2% between September 2021 and September 2022.

Basic wages paid to employees also increase, by R17.8-billion or 2.5% between September 2021 and September 2022. These increases were largely due to increases in the mining, trade, business services, manufacturing and electricity sectors.

However, more will need to be done to create true economic inclusion. The government will have to embrace labour market reforms that will raise employment and incomes, through initiatives such as establishing a public employment service, increasing skills training programmes and policies, improving infrastructure and strengthening the business environment.

South Africa has made significant social progress in improving the livelihoods of millions and broadening access to essential services like water, electricity and sanitation. But it is critical that the country continues to find ways to facilitate economic inclusion, to ensure that millions of South Africans can be lifted out of poverty. Economic inclusion will benefit the most vulnerable parts of the population, while also driving growth for the entire economy.

By Jessie Taylor

Sonke Gender Justice

Building an equal world

Working towards ensuring gender rights, the non-profit organisation Sonke Gender Justice has been championing equality and empowerment for 16 years in South Africa and on the continent.

Through various programmes and outreaches, the organisation aims to empower women, men, and children to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice and achieve gender transformation. Sonke aims to build the capacity of government, civil society organisations and citizens with a human rights framework, to achieve gender equality, prevent gender-based violence and reduce the spread of HIV and the impact of AIDS.

Sonke believes that its gender transformational work must:

• Promote the rights of women and girls and link to efforts to empower them

• Enhance the lives of boys and men and help them to see the benefits of transforming gender norms

• Show the effects of gender norms and inequalities on men and women

• Explore ways to transform gender relations by engaging both women and men

• Address structural and social determinants of gender inequality, income inequality and the unequal division of labour

To do this work, Sonke runs a number of programmes to address various issues facing our society.

Among its focus areas are fighting gender-based violence, reducing the spread of HIV, protecting children’s rights and promoting the rights of migrants and refugees.

Fighting gender-based violence

Sonke has been a strong advocate for the national strategic plan on gender-based violence and femicide, the government’s comprehensive response to reduce violence against women. It includes strengthening the justice system.

Under the plan, the government has proposed the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill of 2022. The bill repeals the Sexual Offences Act (previously Immorality Act), and Section 11 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related

Matters) Amendment Act, 2007, to decriminalise the sale and purchase of adult sexual services. Sonke has been vocal in supporting this bill, saying it will go a long way towards protecting sex workers against abuse and exploitation.

Sonke also runs the Prevention+ programme, with partners in Indonesia, Pakistan, Rwanda, Lebanon and Uganda, which aims to engage men and boys on the root causes of gender-based violence. The programme is built on extensive research that has shown the effectiveness of using a gender-transformative approach in preventing violence and eliminating harmful gender norms to create an equal world.

PrevenTing The sPread of hiv Sonke Gender Justice works closely with UNAIDS and other organisations to increase the focus on men and their participation in HIV response efforts. Sonke advocates for transforming harmful gender norms that increase women’s and men’s vulnerabilities to HIV and AIDS.

Sonke was a partner in launching the Global Platform for Action on Men in the HIV Response at the 21st International AIDS Conference in 2016. The policy outlines goals to improve men’s access to and use of HIV wellness services.

While Sonke is primarily a women’s rights organisation, its programmes account for the fact that men’s behaviour can affect women’s vulnerability to HIV and Aids. Various research has shown that men are reluctant to access medical treatment and are often unwilling to get tested for HIV.

The benefits of testing men for HIV and offering those positive for HIV treatment include reduced opportunistic infections and lower HIV infections to their partners.

ProTecTing children’s righTs

Preventing violence against children is part of Sonke’s work, as there is a link between children’s rights and women’s rights – abuse in childhood can lead to the potential perpetration of violence in adulthood.

Sonke has numerous programmes to enact change, engaging caregivers, community members, policymakers, faith leaders, and more. Among these is fighting corporal punishment against children in South Africa. One of the campaigns aimed at preventing corporal punishment is the MenCare campaign.

The campaign promotes positive discipline, including the dissemination of videos, televised interviews, radio content, fact sheets, and infographics to educate the public on the harms of corporal punishment.

Sonke also created a documentary in 2017 titled “I’m Scared of My Teacher”, which tells the story of a young schoolgirl who was allegedly beaten by her teacher for not completing her homework. The documentary questions why, if corporal punishment was banned in schools in 1997, it is still being used as a form of discipline.

educaTion on refugee and migranT righTs

Sonke has also lobbied for migrants’ and refugees’ rights to access

Through various programmes and outreaches, the organisation aims to empower women, men, and children

sexual and reproductive health services in South Africa. Through their #UnderTheBlankets campaign, Sonke is educating migrants and refugees on how they can access government sexual and reproductive health services in South Africa. The campaign also seeks to remind healthcare workers that everyone in South Africa, regardless of nationality, has a right to access free primary healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare.

This means that any woman –regardless of nationality – wanting a termination of pregnancy is entitled to receive that for free. All pregnant and lactating women and all children under six years old are also entitled to free hospital care. The campaign was launched after Sonke found that refugees and migrants in South Africa can struggle to access healthcare in South Africa. Improving access to healthcare is essential in improving the nation’s sexual and reproductive healthcare, argues Sonke.

Ensuring a sustained change in gender roles and relations requires Sonke to address individual attitudes, community norms, government policies, as well as underlying economic, political and social pressures. To carry out this work, Sonke has partnered with various organisations and communities to develop multifaceted strategies that promote equality and prevent violence.

By Sinazo Mkoko

Promoting the use of African languages in higher education institutions

Are we making progress?

Each year, on 21 February, the world marks International Mother Language Day. The date was approved at the UNESCO General Conference back in 1999 and has been observed throughout the world since the year 2000. UNESCO says: “All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.”

Public Sector Leaders looks at how higher education institutions are making progress and playing a pivotal role in promoting the use of indigenous languages in South Africa.

Language PoLicy FraMework For PuBLic HigHer education inStitutionS

In October 2020, the government published the Language Policy Framework which showed that language still stands in the way of success for many students at South African higher education institutions.

The purpose of the policy framework is to, amongst others, “contribute to transformation in higher education with specific reference to universities through enhancing the status

Inspiring solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue

IndIgenous Languages

By Sinazo Mkoko

the flexibility to implement it in ways accommodating institutional autonomy and circumstances on the ground.”

BaQonde: BooSting tHe uSe oF aFrican LanguageS in education: a QuaLiFied organiSed nationaL deveLoPMent Strategy For SoutH aFrica

and roles of previously marginalised South African languages to foster institutional inclusivity and social cohesion.”

In the policy framework, first published in the Government gazette in 2020, it was stated that South African indigenous languages, despite their status as official languages, have still not been formally offered the opportunity to develop as academic and scientific languages in the past.

The policy framework indicated that the higher education institutions in the country are confronted with the challenge of ensuring the development of a multilingual environment in which all official South African languages, particularly those which have been historically marginalised, are afforded space to develop as languages of scholarship, research as well as teaching and learning.

Following the gazetting of the Policy Framework, the vice-chancellors of all 26 public universities gathered in 2021 with academics, language experts, and policymakers for their first consultative session on the policy framework. This was followed by another Vice-Chancellors’

Consultation Colloquium that took place in December last year. The 2022 colloquium, under the theme: Moving the Conversation Forward, aimed to advance the conversations on the promoting of indigenous languages and look at the resources needed to fully implement multilingualism in higher education institutions.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Tawana Kupe, said: “I was struck by its brevity and succinctness, contained in just 18 pages. The Policy Framework did an admirable job of providing a high-level view of what public universities must do to promote multilingualism in our teaching and learning, research, scholarly discourse, official communication and administration.

The detail on implementation has not been spelt out – surely intentionally, to allow universities

There have been other projects that various South African universities have taken in efforts to promote the use of indigenous languages. In 2021, BAQONDE - a new collaborative initiative between European universities and a number of South African higher education institutions was launched with an aim of facilitating and promoting the use of indigenous African languages as a medium of instruction in tertiary education.

Four South African universities, namely; the University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, University of the Western Cape and Rhodes University and three European universities (Trinity College Dublin, University of Groningen and the University of Salamanca) have been at the forefront of this initiative compiling an execution plan of the Language Policy Framework.

Chief Director of University Education Policy and Support at South Africa’s National Department of Higher Education and Training, Mahlubi Mabizela, said the project is leading us on the path towards the restoration of dignity and parity of esteem for our indigenous languages. “This is very encouraging indeed and is the kind of enthusiastic response we hope can be emulated by other institutions.”

Sources:SAGov|BAQONDE|

Previously marginalised South African languages foster institutional inclusivity and social cohesion

Taking the future of

IT to greater heights

Founded in 2009, the idea behind IT Varsity was a solution to the Founder’s problem, Bilal Kathrada, who couldn’t get couldn’t get a job in software development after graduating with a Computer Science degree from a university.

His ambition was to become a software developer but he couldn’t get a job because he didn’t have any experience and university didn’t actually prepare him for the world of work in software development. He taught himself all the necessary skills to break the cycle that he faced and after gaining the skills, he decided to teach graduates the skills they needed to get jobs.

As time went by, more undergraduates were approaching him, including school leavers that wanted to get into software development careers and didn’t want to go the university route. It was then that he decided to get accredited and started offering the course not just to graduates but also to undergraduates. They taught face-to-face and in 2019, the campus went fully online.

WhaT makes IT VarsITy unIque?

A graduate of IT Varsity is leaps ahead of a graduate from another institute simply because they don’t just study with us, but they are mentored by me, I personally mentor every student and we graduate them with the skills and that’s why we’ve we’ve been able to deal with some of the biggest companies in the world such as Microsoft and Amazon and Google and Anglo American South32.

We are doing exceptionally well because of the way we’re doing itonline learning is in big demand and more and more companies are turning to us for their training needs because they are realising that what we are giving is very close to what they require in the workplace.

PLease TeLL us abouT your roLe aT IT VarsITy anD WhaT excITes you abouT WhaT you Do.

I’m currently the CEO of the company and responsible for strategic decisions going forward. What excites me the most is seeing my students graduate and go on to big things, nothing makes me happier than to see that because we as a company, don’t pride ourselves on how much money we make or how many people we graduate, but we measure ourselves on how many of our graduates go and get good solid jobs or start their own businesses.

And that’s something that’s integrated into the culture of the business- we are not here to award certificates and send people away but we’re here to get people on the road to earning a good solid income and to set them up on a platform for success.

WhaT Does The fuTure of IT Looks LIke In souTh afrIca?

It’s promising and bright because South Africa has a young, intelligent population. We have youth that is hungry for growth, hungry for knowledge, hungry for opportunities and we’re giving them those opportunities.

Bilal Kathrada Founder & CEO, IT Varsity

We’re working with corporates to fund projects where we are giving them opportunities to learn technology. And as part of the training we give them, we teach them how to get involved in that freelance economy through Clinnk and through other websites. And in doing so, my vision is over the next five years, we must have 100,000 IT freelancers in this country working from everywhere in the country.

Townships will become technology hubs, they will be epicenters of freelance workers sitting in their coffee shops, sitting in co-working spaces and doing freelance work for companies all over the world. That’s the future of the townships because South Africans live in townships. That’s where the vast majority of our population is and the vast majority of our unemployed youth. So I want to wake up the youth and teach them to not wait around for employment but to learn technology and offer their services globally through the platform.

Telephone: 061 446 8695

Email: courses@itvarsity.org

Web: itvarsity.org

By Jessie Taylor

Skills of the future: Choosing a skills path to ensure employment

At the start of each year, a new cohort embarks on a journey to obtain the skills necessary to secure their place in the workforce. Yet despite these young minds entering higher learning opportunities, many South African companies still face a shortage of skills in the workplace.

Estimates suggest that as many as 78% of South African employers have difficulty finding digitally skilled workers. With predictions saying that over 230 million jobs will require digital expertise by 2030,

19 south african universities placed well in over 50 fields, and some even featured in the top 100 for some subjects

these digitally skilled workers will become increasinglyin demand. But the technology sector is not the only one witha skills gap.

According to the 2023 South African Salary Survey, published by professional recruitment firm Robert Walters, the landscape

for professionals has shifted, with both employers and employees looking for different qualities from each other in a post-Covid world.

Employers are in need of highly qualified professionals and specialist skills, while employees are looking for a workplace that supplies flexible working hours, good pay and strong company culture.

The survey found that South African businesses are in dire need of skills across almost every sector.

Top suBJecTs according To universiTy ranking

According to the University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP) field rankings for 2022, 19 South African universities placed well in over 50 fields, and some even featured in the top 100 for some subjects. The URAP ranking system focuses on academic quality, with scores based on several indicators such as current scientific productivity, research impact, research quality, and international acceptance.

Of the universities that appeared among the top 100, was the University of Cape Town for its courses in infectious disease; anthropology; public, environmental and occupational health; human movement and sports sciences; and immunology. The University of the Witwatersrand ranked among the top 100 for anthropology; infectious disease; public, environmental and occupational health; studies in human society; women’s studies. Stellenbosch University scored among the top 100 for infectious disease; public, environmental and occupational health; and zoology, while the University of Johannesburg was placed in the top 100 for anthropology.

The University of Pretoria placed among the top 100 for zoology, veterinary sciences and economics, with the University of KwaZulu Natal placing for infectious disease and public, environmental and occupational health.

a need for highly skilled professionals

South African businesses have long warned that they struggled with a shortage of IT skills. These skills are in demand globally, and local professionals are often recruited to work remotely for international companies. This shortage in IT professionals comes at a time when many companies are in the process of digital migration, and most employees require education to adapt to increasingly digital workplaces.

Among the fields most in demand in the IT space are cyber security,

big data analytics, DevOps, artificial intelligence, application development, data management, test automation and performance testing, the internet of things, and connectivity.

Data science skills are in high demand not only in the technology sector but also in other sectors such as media and entertainment, financial services, and professional services, said Absa.

Another report, this one by recruitment group Michael Page, highlights that there is a strong demand for specific professionals, especially as international companies poach local talent.

Sources:Briefly|BusinessTech|ITWeb|News24

data science skills are inhigh demand not only in the technology sector but also in other sectors such as media and entertainment

According to the report, in the banking and financial services industry, the most in-demand jobs are internal audit manager, senior trader and senior relationship manager. In the engineering and manufacturing sector, the most sought-after professionals are heads of engineering, project directors, and quality assurance and control managers.

The most in-demand jobs for the finance and accounting sector are commercial finance manager and controller, tax-orientated roles and finance manager. The sector is also seeing a need for employees who have both accounting and technical skills, along with regional and African experience.

The legal industry is in need of corporate commercial in-house counsel, compliance officers and managers, and lawyers specialising in fintech, IT and ICT. The report found a shortage of skills in the sector has been exacerbated by candidates’ emigration to international opportunities.In the procurement and supply chain sector, there is a need for supply chain, demand and procurement planners, while the sales and marketing sector indicated it most needed business development managers, digital marketing managers and heads of marketing.

By Jessie Taylor

Cervical cancer awareness month in South Africa: Preventing deaths through childhood vaccination

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women. But vaccination against one of the diseases that can lead to this cancer can greatly reduce women’s risk.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has called on parents and guardians to ensure

girls are vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to lower the risk of cervical cancer in the next generation.

a naTional healTh prioriTy Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the entrance to the womb). It is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet cervical cancer is also one of the most prevalent among South African

women, second only to breast cancer. In South Africa, a woman’s lifetime risk of cervical cancer is 1 in 43, according to CANSA, and the country has a population of more than 21 million women above the age of 15 who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Due to limited access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, cervical cancer is often fatal and is responsible for the second

most cancer deaths among women. Both breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority by the South African government due to increasing incidences.

Cervical cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) among South African women. An estimated 11 000 women are diagnosed with the disease every year. If diagnosed early, cervical cancer responds well to treatment. This means that early detection is vital in saving lives.

While early detection is essential for treating cervical cancer, there are ways to prevent the disease from developing. The most effective of these is vaccination against HPV, which is often the underlying cause of cervical cancer.

reDucing risk

HPV is a very common virus that infects most people at some point in their lives. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sexual intercourse. While there are more than 40 strains of the virus, strains 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of all HPV-related cancers. Close to 80% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

It is estimated that around 3% of women in the general population are infected at any given time with the two strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Around 80% of women will have been infected with HPV at some point by the age of 50.

HPV vaccination is an effective strategy in lowering the cervical

cancer risk among women in South Africa, according to CANSA.

This vaccination is included in the Integrated School Health Programme – a programme in partnership between the Department of Health, Department of Basic Education and Department of Social Development – and is available free of charge to girls aged between nine and 12 (Grades 4 to 7) in all government schools.

The vaccine is most effective if it is administered before an individual has been exposed to the high-risk strains of the virus. This is why it is preferable to have it administered

hpV is a very common virus that infects most people at some pointin their lives.

to children before they become sexually active.

“Parents and guardians who make it possible for their girl child to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine are making sure that their girl child’s risk is reduced against HPV infection and the possibility of getting cervical cancer,” said Elize Joubert, CEO of CANSA.

DeTecTion can saVe liVes

Having regular Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer. When abnormal cells are identified and removed, it is often before cancer cells have developed. Early diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancers.

It is advised that women should have a Pap smear at least every ten years from the age of 30, although sexually active women should preferably have screenings every three years.

The National Department of Health’s Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Policy allows for women aged 30 years and older to have three Pap smears in their lifetime - at 30, 40 and 50 - at public health clinics. These procedures are at no cost to the patient. If women present abnormal symptoms, they can request a Pap smear at local government clinics. HIV-positive women are eligible for a Pap smear at the time of their diagnosis and every three years thereafter.

Symptoms for women to look out for include abnormal bleeding between periods, heavier and longer menstrual period, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse. Women are more at risk of cervical cancer if they’ve had HPV, and it is advised to make use of protection against sexually transmitted infections during intercourse.

Sources:cansa|hpvcentre|gov.za|westerncape.gov.za

By Sinazo Mkoko

Largest subsea cable reaches the Eastern Cape

Building an inclusive digital society on the continent and beyond

Known as the “home of legends,” the Eastern Cape is South Africa’s second-largest province by land mass with 169 580 square kilometres (13.9% of South Africa). It’s a province that is rich in natural resources, from grazing land to forests, marine life to rich farming soils, water to wilderness. It’s a province with its fair share of socio-economic challenges but at the heart of people living in this province, is the African community spirit of Ubuntu and perhaps one of the many reasons investors are, despite everything, attracted to the province.

For the first time ever, the largest subsea cable has reached the Eastern Cape province, laying a foundation for bigger and faster internet capacity and acceleration of connectivity across the province while supporting South Africa’s growing digital economy.

The cable’s latest landing is at the Vodacom network facility in Gqeberha in the province and it’s the 2Africa project’s third on the coast of South Africa, following two landings in the Western Cape province by MTN GlobalConnect.

According to Vodacom, the 2Africa subsea cable is the largest subsea cable system in the world and, when it is completed in 2024, will circle the whole of Africa, and will connect countries in the continent to Europe and the Middle East.

China Mobile International, Meta (Facebook), MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, center3 (STC), Telecom Egypt, Vodafone/Vodacom, and WIOCC are the eight international partners that have collaborated to build 2Africa.

More info aBout the 2africa caBle SySteM

• Manufactured and deployed by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN)

• The 2Africa Consortium includes eight international partners, China Mobile International, Meta (Facebook), MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, center3 (stc), Telecom Egypt, Vodafone/Vodacom and WIOCC

• 45 000 kilometres in length (almost entirely circling Africa)

• Design capacity of 180 terabytes per second (more than the combined capacity of all subsea cables serving Africa today)

• Will interconnect Europe (eastward via Egypt), the Middle East (via Saudi Arabia) and Africa, covering 19 countries in Africa and 33 countries in total

• An RTI study predicted the economic impact of 2Africa to be between US$26.2-billion to US$36.9-billion (~€24.1-billion to €34-billion), equivalent to 0.42-0.58% of Africa’s GDP, within two to three years of becoming operational

• Due for completion in 2024

Sources:Vodacom|ECGov|2AAfrica

Some of the benefits the province’s business owners, residents and the public at large will reap include an improved 4G, 5G and fixed broadband access to underserved and rural areas of the Eastern Cape and surrounding provinces; improved quality, reliability and lower latency for consumer and business internet services; and much-needed regional job creation in sectors such as data centres, call centres and software development.

Vodacom’s Group Chief Officer for International Markets, Diego Gutierrez said this forms part of the company’s commitment to driving digital inclusion in the continent by increasing access to quality internet services and investing in the network infrastructure to support this goal. “We cannot achieve this alone, and collaboration between other industry stakeholders and the public sector is critical in enabling more citizens across the continent to be connected,” he said.

He added that they are happy to be working with their partners in the 2Africa project to bring faster, more reliable internet to local businesses and consumers as the subsea cable system enables more communities to access “transformative online resources, from education and healthcare to jobs and financial services, and experience seamless connectivity’s economic and social benefits.”

Through the 2Africa landing at Gqeberha, service providers will be able to obtain capacity on a fair and equitable basis, encouraging and supporting the development of a healthy internet ecosystem, Vodacom says.

The 2Africa subsea cable is the largest subsea cable system in the world

The project strengthens further growth of 4G, 5G and fixed broadband access by providing improved connectivity to disadvantaged and rural areas “and network resilience from the Eastern Cape to the rest of South Africa.”

In addition to this, Vodacom said a gateway to international connectivity, the cable’s landing at Gqeberha will help to develop telecommunications networks in the Eastern Cape and surrounding provinces.

“Direct international connectivity can then be provided to data centres, enterprise, and wholesale customers. Once the fibre cable system has been deployed, businesses and consumers will benefit from improved quality, reliability, and lower latency for internet services, including telecommuting, high-definition video streaming and advanced multimedia and mobile video applications.

“The cable system’s landing in the Eastern Cape will also offer the potential for much-needed regional job creation in sectors that rely on direct international connectivity, such as data centres, call centres and software development. This employment opportunity can help contribute to local and national socio-economic development,” - Vodacom.

By JeSSie taylor

Beyond the field: Growing the economy through agriculture

South Africa’s agricultural sector has proven to be a robust industry, contributing significantly to the country’s economic performance and employment for a large number of South Africans.

But the sector’s value is more than just employment and GDP figures, as it supports a number of other sectors, such as manufacturing. This means that the success of the agricultural sector is far-reaching: it can increase productivity and employment in several neighbouring industries.

Supporting induStry through agriculture

The agricultural sector represents around 2.4% of the South African economy. But it has a much greater impact seen as it relies on a number of complementary industries. It purchases machinery and raw materials and relies on the logistics and freight industry to transport its produce.

If one considers the related sectors (agribusinesses), such as manufacturers, suppliers, processors, distributors, and traders, the

contribution could be closer to 7%, according to estimates.

And as the agricultural sector continues to grow (its economic output increased by almost 20% in the third quarter of 2022), one can expect its impact on related agribusinesses to increase substantially.

The agricultural sector is essential for economic growth and recovery, as well as for creating jobs

According to Agricultural Business Chamber Chief Economist, Wandile Sihlobo, the sector recorded a favourable year in 2022. On the back of two very strong years, with almost 15% year-on-year growth in 2020 and nearly 9% year-on-year growth in 2021, it was anticipated that the sector would see some “pullback”, said Mr Sihlobo.

“The squeeze we anticipate results from mild declines in critical crop harvests such as maize, production challenges in the sugar industry, trade friction in fruits, vegetables, beef and wool, and widespread foot-and-mouth disease weighed on the sector’s performance this year,” he says.

“Still, the interlinked industries like the agricultural machinery industry benefited from generally good activities in various commodities of the sector where farmers were in a better financial condition.”

The ample crop harvest of the 2021/22 production season (and the 2020/21 and 2019/20 seasons), combined with generally higher commodity prices, specifically grains and oilseeds, helped boost farmers’ incomes and, after that, their ability to procure new agricultural machinery, explained Mr Sihlobo.

Mr Sihlobo did warn that this year could change the trend and show moderate agricultural machinery sales as the new machinery’s replacement rate will likely be lower than the previous years.

One of the industries that have seen sustained growth due to the success of the agricultural sector is the agricultural machinery sector.

Last year, South African tractor sales reached a 40-year high, according to figures released by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association. More than 9000 new tractors were sold in South Africa (a 17% year-on-year increase) and more than 370 combine harvesters were purchased.

inveSting in agriculture

The sales figures illustrated that farmers are still investing in their businesses, and show encouraging signs that the prices for agricultural commodities were “holding up”.

South Africa’s agricultural sector is considered modern, stable, and productive, making it an ideal market to target the 32 000 commercial farmers with agricultural machinery such as tractors.

According to the US Department of Commerce, the best prospect for importers lie in the sales of tractors, combine harvesters, drone technology, balers, planters, precision agriculture equipment and technologies, sprayers, and irrigation systems.

Farmers are increasingly looking for digital solutions to improve their agricultural yield, and there is growing interest in technology such as data management, machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, and drone-based applications.

South Africa exports almost half of its agricultural produce, but this requires extensive support from processing businesses and transport suppliers.

In the last ten years, South Africa’s agriculture and agro-processing exports have averaged more than 10% of all the country’s exports. These

goods need to be transported to South Africa’s harbours, and with only around 8% of all transport taking place by rail, the transport sector is a critical partner. The transport, storage, and communication sector makes up around 10% of the country’s economic activity and is valued at more than R300 billion. Increased agricultural activity is likely to push this value even higher.

The agricultural sector is essential for economic growth and recovery, as well as for creating jobs. But it has a far wider impact, helping to grow numerous related industries. Increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector will not only add to food security and reduce employment, but it will also unlock growth in a multitude of related industries.

What produce doeS

South africa export?

South Africa’s agricultural exports have been estimated at around $3.4 billion. Among the top exported products are citrus, maize, apples, pears, wine, grapes, figs, dates, avocados, nuts, fruit juices, wheat, wool and sugar, among others.

Just over a third of all agricultural exports are purchased by African countries, with Asia the second largest agricultural export market at 28%. The European Union was third with 21%.

One of South Africa’s key markets is the United Kingdom, which accounts for 7% of South Africa’s agricultural exports.

Sources:Agbiz|TheConversation|Businessforsa|DailyMaverick|Statista|Trade.gov|Grainsa

By Jessie Taylor

Celebrating our precious resources

A look at conservation efforts across the provinces

South Africa ranks as the third most biodiverse country in the world. The country boasts diverse biomes, including forests, deserts, estuaries and marine systems.

Home to more than 95 000 known species, its biodiversity is a key part of South Africa’s economy and culture. It supports heritage, traditional medicine, and economic drivers such as tourism, fishing, farming and industry.

But to ensure it continues to provide well-being and livelihoods, this biodiversity must be protected through a wide range of conservation efforts.

These are just four ways South Africans are working to conserve our biodiversity:

Mapping Marine areas

Around three-quarters of the world’s ocean remains unmapped, which has hampered marine conservation efforts, especially in the

face of climate change. However, a partnership between the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi), the University of Cape Town and underwater exploration outfit Wreckless Marine is contributing to the efforts to map the world’s oceans. They contribute data to the Nippon Foundation-Gebco Seabed 2030 project, which aims to produce a complete ocean floor map by 2030. Sanbi uses information gathered to contribute to a national map of the marine ecosystem types.

South Africa is home to 10% of the world’s plant species; 7% of its reptile, bird and mammal species; and 15% of its marine species

they are can help protect them from those activities.

saving

The succulenT Karoo

The Succulent Karoo, which crosses from southern Namibia down the West Coast of South Africa and east into the Klein Karoo, is home to around one-third of the world’s succulent plant species. Many of those are endemic to the area.

Ensuring these species are protected is the work of the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) South Africa. The organisation, founded in 1995, has funded the expansion and establishment of 300 000ha of nature reserves and national parks in the region. This is to protect the unique plants, animals, and landscapes found here.

The organisations also fund projects with partners working with communities and farmers in the area to educate them on conservation and support them in their work as biodiversity stewards. Ensuring protected spaces in this area is especially important in the face of increasing mining activities.

sTopping rhino poaching

Mapping our seabed is essential for several reasons, including tracking the impacts of climate change research, managing ocean resources, and protecting biodiversity.

South Africa has 163 different ecosystem types in our mainland ocean territory, and mapping these areas allows researchers to begin understanding the sensitivities of those different ecosystem types. Many marine areas are sensitive to commercial activity, such as mining and trawling, and identifying where

South Africa is home to most of the world’s rhinos and has been the country most severely hit by rhino horn poaching. On average, more than 1 000 rhinos were killed each year between 2013 and 2017.

The South African and US governments have banded together to stop the illegal killing of this iconic species. A specialised task force is being set up to follow the funds used in, and derived from, rhino poaching. The task team hopes to disrupt the illicit trade by following the cash flow, as is done in tracking other organised crime syndicates.

The task force will also help improve information sharing between financial intelligence units, and this will support law enforcement agencies in both countries.

proTecTing vulTure populaTions With vulture populations on the decline, the government has released a draft proposal to limit vulture deaths caused by poisoning, electrocution from the collision with power lines and habitat loss.

The draft Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures, developed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and conservation groups, supports the conservation of vultures, some species of which are threatened with extinction.

South Africa is home to nine vulture species. Of those, seven have established breeding populations in the country. But they are under threat from poisoning, electrocution, and habitat loss.

Poisoning is considered the most significant threat to our vultures, and the management plan suggests working with stakeholders, vets and traditional leaders to promote more sustainable practices and prevent poisonings.

The plan also looks to reduce deaths due to collisions with the country’s extensive power lines. It proposes a risk assessment of new and existing infrastructure, which would inform mitigation measures.

South Africa is home to 10% of the world’s plant species; 7% of its reptile, bird and mammal species; and 15% of its marine species. It’s no wonder it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. However, this incredible natural heritage could be lost if we don’t work to protect it through innovative programmes that allow communities and scientists to work hand in hand.

Sources:MG|farmersweekly|.dailymaverick|sanb|cbd|news24.com|english.alarabiya.net|savetherhino

By Jessie Taylor

February marks World Wetlands Day, and this year conservationists have something to celebrate – the world’s wetlands will now be given an extra layer of protection thanks to a landmark environmental agreement signed late last year.

The historic agreement was reached at the UN 15th Biodiversity Conference of the Parties in Montreal, Canada in December. Supported by 196 countries, the agreement seeks to protect 30% of our land, coastal areas, and oceans before 2030.

World Wetlands Day: Historical agreement a bolster to South Africa’s wetlands

raising awareness of weTlands

World Wetlands Day is commemorated annually on 2 February on the anniversary of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in 1971.

South Africa is one of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). South Africa signed the Ramsar Convention at its inception. The membership was formalised in 1975 when South Africa became the fifth country to ratify the Convention. One of the obligations of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention is to commemorate World Wetlands Day.

South Africa is a water-scarce country, where both droughts and floods are common. Wetlands are able to reduce the severity of droughts and floods by regulating stream flow. They also help to purify water. This allows for ecosystems, plants, and animals to flourish. Wetlands play an important part in river catchments both directly and indirectly by contributing to flooding control, drought relief, water storage, sediment and nutrient retention, and water purification, among others.

However, a lack of community awareness of the value and benefits of wetlands often leads to their transformation by humans. The country also faces the challenge of tackling polluted waterways.

Wetlands play a critical role in improving water quality, by removing toxic substances and sediment from the water.

a

sTand

againsT BiodiversiTy degradaTion

The United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15), held in Montreal in December, resulted in the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on the last day of negotiations. The GBF aims to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect indigenous rights. The plan includes concrete measures to halt and reverse nature loss, including putting 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030.

The agreement also brings with its targets to protect critically important ecosystems such as rainforests and wetlands.

The GBF consists of four overarching global goals to protect nature:

• Halting human-induced extinction of threatened species

• Sustainable use and management of biodiversity

• Fair sharing of the benefits of the utilization of genetic resources

• The means of implementing the GBF be accessible to all Parties, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

The agreement has been welcomed by Wetlands International, as wetlands are “disproportionately important for biodiversity”.

Wetlands are home to 40% of the world’s biodiversity and provide vital connectivity between land and sea. However, wetlands are being lost faster than any other ecosystem.

Sources:Aquarium|DFFE|Engineeringnews|SAGov|IOL|UNEP|Wetlands.org

At home, the situation is just as dire as on the global stage. Almost half of South Africa’s wetland ecosystem types are critically endangered, and the country has lost around half of its original wetland area. Approximately 300 000 wetlands remain and only around 11% are well protected.

Of South Africa’s 791 wetland ecosystem types, 48% are critically endangered, 12% are endangered, and 5% are vulnerable - making wetlands the most threatened ecosystems of all in South Africa.

Wetlands are considered one of the world’s most productive ecosystems, which is even on par with rainforests. Wetlands provide various foods to several different types of animals and act as a refuge for mammals, insects, fish, amphibians, and birds.

South African wetlands are estimated to comprise less than 5% of the country. However, despite their relatively small size, they are imperative to the surrounding environment.

To protect these critical ecosystems, the South African government embarked on the development of the National Wetland Management Framework (NWMF) in 2020, a process that is still underway. The NWMF is expected to assist with the conservation, preservation, and management of wetlands at a high level.

Wetlands around the world all have something in common: They are essential to rich biodiversity, playing an important role in the lives of humans and animals, and they are also extremely threatened. The latest COP15 agreement is a step towards protecting these essential ecosystems and will be bolstered by increased legislation from the South African government.

Wetlands are considered one of the world’s most productive ecosystems

By Jessie Taylor

Driving change through business CSI

Over the last 25 years, South African companies have spent around R22-billion on corporate social investment (CSI) projects and today they are increasingly financing projects that uplift South Africans.

Not only does this empower local communities, but it also makes smart business sense for local companies.

While CSI is not directly related to a company’s purpose, the two can be closely aligned. An effective CSI programme has the ability to impact the community it serves, the business that backs it and the employees who drive it.

What companies are investing in

Despite the efforts to recover from the economic shock brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, South African businesses spent almost R11-billion on CSI projects in the 2022 financial year, according to the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook.

The 2022 CSI spend saw a 6% increase year-on-year, with indications showing that the upward trend could continue into 2023.

CSI programmes are not intended to drive company profit, but they can create benefits for a company

According to the report, most companies have indicated a willingness to increase CSI spending over the next two years, with around 60% predicting there would be an increase in resources and budget for CSI.

Some of the favourite causes South African businesses supported were in the education sector. More than 98% of companies gave 44% of CSI expenditure towards education.

Social and community development was the second-most supported sector, receiving 13% of CSI expenditure, with food security and agriculture ranked third with 10% of the CSI spend.

The causes chosen by companies reflected the concerns South Africa faced during the year, said Trialogue Director, Cathy Duff. This included the impact of the pandemic and natural disasters, with many companies focusing on supporting disaster relief and food security projects. Projects with a national footprint were most likely to be allocated funding, receiving 68% of CSI funding, followed by projects in Gauteng (31% of companies directed funding to projects in the province) and KwaZulu-Natal (supported by 28% of companies). None of the companies surveyed supported international projects, down 7% compared to 2021.

“As social investments become more strategic, we can expect to see increasingly localised expenditure, where companies invest heavily in geographies around their operations, alongside more national expenditure that aims to have a systemic impact,” Duff explains.

Why companies are spending on CSI CSI programmes can contribute significantly to the upliftment of the community a business serves, by creating jobs, improving education opportunities, and empowering people through skills development.

CSI programmes are not intended to drive company profit, but they can create benefits for a company. For example, they could lead to an increase in brand recognition, improve a company’s reputation, increase customer loyalty, attract top talent and foster a sense of purpose within the business.

Half of the surveyed businesses said their top reason for CSI spending was a moral imperative, while three-quarters ranked it as among their top three reasons.

The second biggest reason for supporting CSI projects was to meet B-BBEE codes (with 54% of respondents including it as a top-three reason) and thirdly, companies said the programmes improved their reputation (44% of respondents).

However, one of the most valuable benefits of CSI programmes is fostering a sense of purpose in the business. This has been shown to drive measurable economic results, by giving employees a sense of purpose that helps motivate them in the workplace.

In 2022, there was an increase in the number of companies that had employee volunteer programmes (EVPs). Three-quarters of companies

(75%) said they had an EVP in 2022 compared to the 71% in the previous year. These programmes consisted of company-organised volunteering initiatives (93%), fundraising and collection drives (83%), and time off for individuals during work hours (72%).

However, a third of companies said their volunteer programmes had been stopped or put on hold in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

South African businesses have always played a significant role in contributing to socio-economic upliftment. Increased support of CSI projects has aided in bringing about systemic change and will benefit millions of South Africans in years to come.

social and governance (esg) issues

increased focus on environmenTal,

South African businesses are increasingly prioritising environmental, social and governance (ESG) in their business strategy. In 2022, 69% of South African respondents said their company’s overall business strategy responds to ESG issues. This amount sits at 80% internationally.

In addition, 51% of South African companies increased the amount of public ESG reporting they did in 2022.

ESG is a way for investors to assess a company’s likelihood of creating, preserving or eroding their enterprise value creation, along with the larger impact they have on the world. Investors are better able to allocate their capital when evaluating ESG risks as they have an understanding of the long-term resilience of companies.

While ESG has become popular over the last three decades, the concept first gained traction in the 1960s when socially responsible investing was implemented to reduce support for companies aiding the Vietnam War, apartheid in South Africa or unethical industries. In 1997, investors and environmentalists came together in response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill to create the first accountability mechanism to ensure companies adhere to responsible environmental conduct principles. ESG issues were then included in the 2006 UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) report, where ESG criteria were required by companies.

Sources:Medium|trialogue|bizcommunity|dbsa.|gartner

By Jessie Taylor

Probation periods

A tool to assess employee skills

In a job market that is increasingly experiencing a skills gap, many employers are turning to probation clauses in the contracts of new hires to test their on-the-job performance. These clauses are tightly regulated under South African labour law but can benefit employers and employees if managed correctly.

a Tool for evaluaTion

A probation period allows employers to measure an employee’s skill set within the first few months of their contract. However, it does require employers to put several processes in place first.

The probation period must be clearly defined in the labour contract signed by the new hire. This clause

must set out the time period for the probation and the notice period to be applied should the employee not meet the required performance standards.

Many contracts include three months for probation, but it may differ depending on the job requirements. There is no legislation dictating how long the probation

The onus is on the employer to give the worker evaluation, instruction and training during this period

period must be. However, the Labour Relations Act does say it should be “reasonable” and stipulated in advance in the employment contract. The length of probation is usually determined in relation to the job and the time required to assess the employee’s performance.

The primary reason for a probation period is to allow the employer to assess the employee’s competence to perform the job. This lowers the company’s hiring risk by allowing them to assess the employee’s skills. The probation period also allows an employer to identify if there are any areas in which the new hire requires training or upskilling.

The Labour Relations Act defines the purpose of the probation period as giving “the employer an opportunity to evaluate the employee’s performance before confirming the appointment”.

However, the Act states that a probation period should only be used in this spirit. This means that a company cannot use the probation period as a form of short-term hiring. In fact, dismissing an employee once they have completed their probation period to hire a new person could constitute unfair labour practice.

measuring performance

As the probation period exists to measure the employee’s suitability for the post, the employer is required to assess the staff member’s performance from day one. Thus,

the employer must have a clearly defined and measurable work plan. The employee will need to be measured against clear and quantifiable requirements, and their performance against these will need to be assessed throughout the probation period.

The onus is on the employer to give the worker evaluation, instruction and training during this period. If the employer determines that the worker’s performance is below standard, the employer must advise the employee of the areas in which they are failing to meet the required performance standards.

The employer is allowed to extend the probation period, but only if the reason relates to the purpose of probation. The employer will have to notify the employee of this and allow them to make representations should they disagree.

If the employee has not shown competence in the position at the end of the probation period, the employer may resort to dismissal. A decision taken at the end of the probationary period not to appoint an employee also amounts to dismissal. However, the termination of employment must be done in line with the legislation, and the employer must have a fair and valid reason.

This means that the employer must clearly state which requirements the employee failed to meet and what actions were taken to assist the employee in meeting these requirements. The employee must also be offered the opportunity to make representations.

As the probation period is intended to measure job skills, it cannot be

used to dismiss employees on the grounds of misconduct or other arbitrary reasons such as not fitting in with company culture.

relaxing hiring requiremenT To find employees

Employers are beginning to be more flexible in hiring new talent, with a recent study suggesting that as much as 40% of companies have eased their job requirements in order to fill vacant roles.

The study found that human resource managers are increasingly making an effort to widen their candidate pools by giving leeway when it comes to a candidate’s previous experience.

As much as 78% of companies surveyed said they would consider applicants with transferable skills that could lend to trainability in the new job rather than them having to fit the job description perfectly.

A second survey supported these findings, 84% of human resources managers said their company would hire someone whose skills don’t exactly match the job description but can be developed through training.

This clearly plays out in hiring, with almost two-thirds of candidates expressing that they believed they were offered a job they felt underqualified for.

By Kathryn Main

How to make more money

And stop yourself getting into debt

In 2022 we had eight petrol price increases, three interest rate hikes, a huge rise on food prices and our annual 10% price increase on most of our monthly expenses. This has left many working class families in a financial bind.

More than 70% of income earning adults in South Africa are living on credit cards and store cards to make it through the month. When we spend more than we earn we very quickly get into debt. So if you do not have enough money to make it through the month what can you do to stop yourself from getting into debt?

Well, it’s easy, make more money.

Before you decide how you can make more money you need to understand why you need more money. What will more money give you and enable you to do?

Ask yourself this question: What is not taking action costing you? How much more debt are you willing to incur before you take action and change your financial situation?

Why are you not taking action? It could be:

• Fear of failure

• Lack of time

• Lack of resources

• No money

• Partner/spouse/economy/boss

• Don’t know where or how to start

• Starting a business scares me. I don’t know enough.

• Work more than working at my job? I never thought of that.

These are all just EXCUSES!

By Kathryn Main

we

There are so many ways to make an extra income these days. The power of digital and online opens up so many more opportunities. With platforms like www.udemy.com you can learn most skills at a very low cost.

Let’s unpack some of the options available to you to make more money.

1. how can you turn your passion into profit?

We are not empty vessels. We are all good at something. Maybe you make the best chocolate brownie or are a whizz at mathematics? We all have skills. How do you spend your free time? Can you monetise it? I was chatting to an Uber driver the other day, he asked me, “How can I monetise my favourite pastime, watching Netflix?” I said, “That’s easy, set up a YouTube channel and start reviewing movies and series. I know I would watch those reviews. I hate spending hours looking for something to watch.

2. Build a product and sell it Multiple tiMes.

With automation it’s pretty easy to build a product once and resell it multiple times without any human intervention. You can automate the social media posts, payment processes and your sales and marketing efforts. This is

called “passive income” and it makes you money while you sleep.

What are some ways you can make passive income?

• Forex trading algorithms

• Crypto currency mining

• Savings (interest)

• Investing (dividends, capital growth)

• Rental income (Airbnb)

• Affiliate programme/ product re–seller

• Grow a large social following (YouTube, TikTok etc.)

• Build an app

• Create a course once and sell it online (Udemy)

• Write an ebook – sell online

• Peer-to-peer lending (interest)

• Brand your car

3. Join an affiliate MarKeting prograMMe Affiliate marketing is the process by which an affiliate earns a commission for marketing another person’s or company’s products. The affiliate simply searches for a product they enjoy, then promotes that product and earns a piece of the profit from each sale they make. The sales

are tracked via affiliate links from one website to another.

Do you have a large network? Do you have a decent social media following? How can you leverage your contacts/ networks to make money? This can be done at a low cost with all the support you need. There are so many options to choose from, including:

1. HubSpot

2. Nu Skin

3. LeadSquared

4. Fiverr

5. Coursera

6. Teachable

7. Shopify

8. Amazon

9. Wix

10. eBay

You see, it’s not that hard to make extra money. There are so many options available to you. The time is now, if not now, when?

#getmoneysavvy

KathrynMainistheCEO

MoneySavvyGroup.Getin touch with her atkathryn@ moneysavvyhumans.co.za or visit www.moneysavvyhumans.co.za

are not empty vessels. We are all good at something.

National State of Disaster declared over floods

Following a widespread of floods affecting millions of people across different provinces, the South African government has declared a national state of disaster to enable an intensive response to widespread floods across at least seven provinces in the country.

In a statement released on Monday the 9th of February, the Presidency stated that the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has, in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, classified the impact of current, above-normal rainfall in various parts of the country – with Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape provinces as the most affected – as a national disaster.

A national disaster may be declared by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs where disastrous events occur or threaten to occur in more than one province.

Thre National Disaster Management Centre stated that they’ve received numerous reports of flooded homes, vehicles swept away by floodwaters, overflowing dams and damage to infrastructure, roads and bridges.

“In agriculture, farmers have suffered crop and livestock losses, and anticipate further losses as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts that current heavy rains will persist. These conditions have been brought on by the La Niña global weather phenomenon which occurs in the Pacific Ocean but impacts on a country like South Africa with above-normal rainfall,” they said.

The Disaster Management Centre said forecasts indicate this weather pattern will remain in this state during the early part of 2023.

“The presence of a La Niña event usually has its strongest impact on rainfall during the mid-summer months. With the continued strengthening of the La Niña

a national disaster may be declared by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs where disastrous events occur

event, the country can expect above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures over the summer rainfall areas.”

Taken together, they added, these conditions demand the provision of temporary shelters, food and blankets to homeless families and individuals and the large-scale, costly rehabilitation of infrastructure.

National entities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), may be required to play a role in the response to the disaster.

The Disaster Management Centre continues to monitor, coordinate response and recovery measures by the relevant organs of state and stakeholders. This further includes the dissemination of early warnings and advisories on weather forecasts by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

“President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with affected communities across the country and the President appreciates the way in which entities of Government, non-governmental organisations and community-based structures have responded to date.”

- The Presidency

By Sinazo Mkoko

for others

15 FEbrUary 13 FEbrUary 11 FEbrUary

international day of WoMen and GirlS in Science

Part of accelerating economic development is empowering women and girls through education, and achieving greater equality in STEM fields. The Commission on the Status of Women highlighted this in 2011, with the UN’s General Assembly adopting a resolution on those findings in 2013. Since 2016, the UN has recognised the 11th of February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. “This year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) will focus on the role of Women and Girls and Science as relates to the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),” says the UN.

World radio day

“Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse,” says UNESCO. It’s no wonder that in 2012 the UN’s General Assembly adopted a resolution to recognise the 13th of February as World Radio Day. Radio is still the most widely consumed form of media, offering a cheap way of sharing information and entertaining the masses. The possibilities radio presents are part of the reason why the SABC has radio stations which cater for a wide range of languages and regions in South Africa. The theme for this year is “Radio and Peace”.

international childhood cancer day

Each year, more than 400 000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, and in an effort to ensure that they, and their families, receive the treatment and support required, the 15th of February is recognised as a day to raise awareness. The initiative was started in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, which is backed by almost 200 organisations in more than 94 countries. “On International Childhood Cancer Day, all members of Childhood Cancer International stand united to make childhood cancer a national and global child health priority to ensure there are adequate resources to meet the basic rights of children with cancer,” reads the International Childhood Cancer Day website.

February is about what we do

27 FEbrUary 21 FEbrUary

international Mother lanGuaGe day

Speaking one language makes communication easier, hence English is the language of business. But in finding common ground it’s important for the mother tongue to not be lost for the sake of convenience. Mother languages carry with them humanity’s history and International Mother Language Day seeks to preserve this history by reminding us to pass our mother language onto the next generation. In a country with eleven official languages, not to mention the unofficial ones, observing this day is even more important. Our identity as a rainbow nation is characterised not just by race but also by the kaleidoscope of languages spoken across the country.

21 FEbrUary international touriSt Guide day

Tourism is a major part of the South African economy, contributing 3.7% to GDP in 2019, with a total of R209-billion, which is more than agriculture, construction and utilities. As such tourism has been identified as key to economic recovery. Whether it be travel bans or concerns by tourists about contracting COVID-19, the lack of visitors left many tourist guides with no-one to guide for the past few years. Borders have since opened up with many tourist industries getting back to where they once were. Cape Town, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, is an example of how the industry has bounced back.

World nGo day

There are over 50 million NGO and non-profit workers in more than 10 million NGOs and non-profit organisations around the world.

“World NGO Day is an international day dedicated to recognize, celebrate and honour all non-governmental and nonprofit organisations, and the people behind them that contribute to the society all year around,” says the World NGO Day website. “World NGO Day was created by Marcis Skadmanis in 2009 and officially proposed by the Civic Alliance - Latvia at [the] IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum in 2010.” The first celebration was held in Finland in 2014.

Sources:UnitedNations|UNESCO|ChildhoodCancerInternational

Who are the top 5 Wealthiest Women in africa?

By Fiona Wakelin

And who hAs tumbled from the top?

Looking at the list of the richest women in Africa, what is striking is that acquiring billionaire status does not happen overnight. Everyone featured here has spent a lifetime investing in, and growing, their entrepreneurial empires. Silver hair and gold in the bank!

Top to bottom: Folorunsho Alakija; Ngina Kenyatta; Hajia Bola Shagaya; Wendy Appelbaum; Wendy Ackerman

Topping The lisT of wealThy powerhouses in africa is:

folorunsho alakija - a nigerian billionaire

Fifty years ago Folorunsho started out in the fashion industry and today her business interests include real estate, oil and gas and printing.

She is the owner of several groups of companies including Dayspring Property Development Company Limited, a real estate company which owns properties around the globe, as well as Rose of Sharon Prints and Promotions.

Folorunsho is also Executive Director of FAMFA Oil, her family-owned oil production company.

nexT is:

ngina Kenyatta - the mother of current Kenyan president, uhuru Kenyatta

Nearing her ninth decade Ngina Kenyatta is a billionaire with a portfolio which includes investments, banking, media and the dairy industry. “Mama Kenyatta” has a 24.91% share in the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) –she also owns shares in Media Max, a media company that owns K24 TV, Kameme Radio, and The People newspaper.

Third place goes To:

hajia Bola shagaya who also hails from nigeria

With a current net worth of almost a billion US, Hajia Bola started out as an auditor for the Central Bank of Nigeria and then her entrepreneurial verve kicked in! She started an empire by importing Konica photographic equipment for resale. Nearly 40 years later she is CEO of Bolmus Group International with interests in oil, real estate, banking, and photography. Hajia founded Practoil Limited, and in 2005 became its managing director. Today Practoil is one of the largest importer and distributors of base oil in Nigeria today.

4Th and 5Th places are held By souTh african powerhouses:

wendy appelbaum is the richest woman in south africa and the 4th wealthiest on the continent

Wendy Appelbaum is the daughter of Liberty Group founder Donald Gordon and the owner and Chair of De Morgenzon Wine Estate. Previously, Wendy also served as the DeputyChairman of the Women’s Investment Portfolio Limited (Wiphold Limited), which is a renowned women’s investment holding company that is listed on JSE. Overall, Wendy is also

a director of Sphere Holdings (Pty) Ltd, which is a black empowerment company addressing financial services in mining sectors. In 2015, she was awarded both the Forbes Woman Businesswoman of the Year, and the Forbes Africa Woman of the Year.

wendy ackerman –fMcg powerhouse

Wendy Ackerman is one of the founders and an Executive Director of Pick ‘n Pay Stores. Along with her husband Raymond Ackerman, Wendy has been a tremendous force in building up one of South Africa’s leading FMCG retailers, which, to date, consists of over 450 stores, with the inclusion of 121 supermarkets and 14 hypermarkets.

The company extends its food and retail services across South Africa, southern Africa and even Australia, and has employed an estimated 49,000 people over the years. Wendy received an Inyathelo Award for her family’s philanthropic efforts in 2007.

a cauTionary Tale

For many years Isabel Dos Santos, daughter of Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos, topped the list as the richest woman in Africa. Currently in self-imposed exile in Dubai she is embroiled in legal battles while watching her empire implode.

“Whether you are in the public sector, the private sector, supply chain or an interested individual, PSL has something for you“