PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER SEPTEMBER 2020
THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
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SEPTEMBER 2020
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Contents:
September 2020 the economy by being more
REGULARS
deliberate in their spending International relations
FEATURES
urges public servants to
approve a new vision and
rededicate themselves to their
implementation plan for the
18 Improved governance
calling
region
10 From the Union Buildings
22
President Cyril Ramaphosa
46
Vision 2050: SADC leaders
needed on COVID-19
14
Conversations with leaders Public Service and
52
Administration Minister Senzo
initiatives
The first audit report into
In other news
government’s key COVID-19
News you need to know when
initiatives has highlighted the
you are on the go
need for better oversight
Mchunu explains what it takes to be the ideal public servant
42
54
Provincial focus
North West avoids COVID-19 surge
22
rich heritage
Our unique heritage defines our cultural identity and
68
Focus on women
70
Financial fitness
shapes our national character
How to say no to burnout 26
Opinion
Deputy Minister of Tourism
Know your rights when it
Fish Mahlalela explores what
comes to chargebacks
lies ahead for SA’s tourism
32
sector 32
COVID-19 contact tracing goes high tech
The COVID Alert SA app strengthens the fight against
30 Trailblazer
Preserving South Africa’s
Epidemiologist Wellington
COVID-19 through digital
Maruma is on the frontlines of
contact tracing
the COVID-19 battle in North West 42
Profiles in leadership
Proudly SA CEO Eustace Mashimbye says public servants can contribute to
2
38
Govt strengthens fight against GBVF
Cabinet has approved three new Bills to help deal with the second pandemic confronting the country
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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40
Opinion
Why SA needs de-
50
Opinion
GCIS Director-Gen-
62
Promoting
Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS
indigenous
liberate and radical
eral Phumla Williams
action to develop an
says accurate, use-
inclusive language
ful and up-to-date
that promotes gen-
information is vital to
to services, govern-
der equality.
countries’ COVID-19
ment departments
mitigation strategies
must intensify their
78
language use
To ensure citizens have greater access
Publishers: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Enquiries: +27 012 473 0010 Switchboard: +27 012 473 0000 Tshedimosetso House: 1035 Francis Baard Street (corner Festival Street), Hatfield, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Director-General Phumla Williams
use of indigenous
Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Keitu Semakane
languages 64
Acting Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination & Stakeholder Management Michael Currin
Local government must capitalise on
Acting Deputy Director-General: Content Processing & Dissemination Tyrone Seale
4IR
Municipalities Head of Editorial and Production Tyrone Seale tyrone@gcis.gov.za
must develop the skills and capacity to adopt
Managing Editor Ongezwa Mogotsi ongezwa@gcis.gov.za
new technology to
News Editor Irene Naidoo
improve service
Contributors More Matshediso Silusapho Nyanda Jauhara Khan
delivery
GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane
LIFESTYLE 72
Health and well-being
Tips to deal with divorce
76
Grooming and style
78
Food and wine
82
Senior Designer Tendai Gonese
Bold, vibrant and trendy designs
Lekker local delights
Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: 086 000 9590 info@topco.co.za | www.topco.co.za
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© Copyright: GCIS | Printed by Creda Communications (Pty) Ltd
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
In the face of COVID-19, we salute the work of public servants
T
he quick thinking
and the adoption of vari-
and innovation
ous alternative medicine
from many of
collection and delivery
of one of the greatest
strategies.
modern-day public
South Africa’s public serv-
ants have helped the na-
These everyday
impact people’s lives. This year, on the back
crises, we need to salute
tion weather the global
measures to ensure that
those men and women
coronavirus pandemic.
services are rendered
who continue to rise to
People used to doing
without compromising ef-
the challenges pre-
things in a routine way
forts to curb the virus are
sented by the pandemic.
had to suddenly find cre-
complemented by more
This includes the frontline
ative solutions to enable
significant breakthrough
workers who risk their
the continued delivery of
innovations, such as the
health to carry out their
essential services against
development of South
duties and the innova-
the backdrop of a highly
African-made ventilators.
tors who continue to get
contagious, little-known
This month Government
the job done despite the
disease.
launched the COVID-19
odds.
Minister in t he Presidency, Jac kson Mt hembu.
With your passion and
Alert South Africa Ap-
At the start of our fight
response by the public
plication to enhance
against the COVID pan-
turned the tide on the
sector is evident across
our capacity for COVID
demic, there were legiti-
virus.
all sectors, from innova-
19 disease surveillance
mate outcries from our
Now, while remaining
tions in the payments of
and support our digital
public servants, particu-
alert to the possibilities of
social grants to prevent
contact tracing efforts in
larly our frontline workers,
a second surge of infec-
crowding, to user-friendly
order to prevent a sec-
regarding the non-availa-
tions and the need to
platforms for mass com-
ond wave of infections.
The remarkable
dedication, we have
bility of Personal Protec-
remain vigilant, we must
Public Service Month,
tive Equipment (PPE). We
turn our attention to cre-
learning solutions.
celebrated annually in
are now happy to report
ating an enabling envi-
Healthcare innovations
September, serves as
that government has
ronment for our economy
included greater quanti-
a reminder of what it
done everything in its
and our people to grow
ties of medicine being
means to serve commu-
power, working with trade
and thrive.
dispensed, scripts being
nities and how Govern-
unions to ensure that our
The hard work that
valid for longer periods
ment can positively
frontline workers get PPEs.
lies ahead to recover
munications to remote
6
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
from the impacts of
sory courses covering ar-
by corroding public and
– and strengthened
the pandemic means
eas such as ethics and
investor trust in gov-
through our collabora-
government’s efforts to
anti-corruption, senior
ernment and robbing
tion.
professionalise the public
management training
vulnerable people of the
sector are more impor-
and supply chain man-
resources they so des-
high-powered unit that
tant than ever because
agement.
perately need. The World
brings together various
Health Organisation
law enforcement agen-
public service workers
Another initiative has
The newly created
have an invaluable role
seen National Treasury
(WHO) has character-
cies, to deal specifically
to play in the attainment
introducing account-
ised this act of plunder
with crimes related to
of our national goal of
ing technician training
as tantamount to murder
the plunder of monies
building a capable and
programmes to help the
of the poor and the most
set aside to fight the
developmental state, as
public sector achieve
vulnerable. We agree
coronavirus pandemic, is
outlined in our National
better financial govern-
with this characterisa-
already hard at work.
Development Plan(NDP).
ance. It has partnered
tion.
This is why Govern-
with Accounting Techni-
The bad apples
Apart from ensuring our own conduct is
ment is partnering with
cians South Africa to
among us are a blight
above board and that
academia and other
develop a public sector
on all accountable,
we, as public servants,
stakeholders to ensure
qualification that will in-
transparent, efficient,
always act in the inter-
public servants are skilled
crease the pool of finan-
effective, ethical and re-
ests of the people of this
and properly equipped
cially qualified people.
sponsive public servants
country, let us support
for the job at hand.
Significantly, given the
and must be rooted out
the agencies tasked
I am pleased at the
spectre of public sector
and prosecuted.
with ending corrup-
number of senior man-
corruption, it includes a
agement officials who
module on ethics.
enrolled for the Nyukela
Institutions like the
tion by giving them the
National Prosecuting
information they need to
Authority, the Hawks and
effectively fulfil their man-
programme run by the
Makwetu has urged
the Special Investigating
dates, no matter who
National School of Gov-
accounting officers and
Unit have the muscle to
the wrongdoers are or
ernment (NSG) during
authorities of public in-
carry out President Cyril
what positions they oc-
the national lockdown.
stitutions to take greater
Ramaphosa’s anti-cor-
cupy. During this Public
The NSG was formed
responsibility for prevent-
ruption mandate inde-
Service Month, let us be
in response to Govern-
ing and detecting fraud,
pendently without fear,
reminded that our duty
ment’s mission of capaci-
theft and all irregularities
favour and prejudice.
as public service is first
tating and professionalis-
in financial performance
ing the public sector, and
in government.
trains about 4 000 public
Auditor-General Kimi
Their efforts must be
While we may be feel-
and foremost, rendering
ing disillusioned at how
a selfless service to our
widespread public cor-
country and its people.
servants annually at its
part of a society-wide
ruption is, and how it has
Let us recommit our-
premises in Pretoria and
drive to blow the whistle
tarnished our collective
selves to efficient service
40 000 in external venues
on corruption, which
image, the recent devel-
delivery and diligent
in other cities nationwide.
has already done huge
opments and successes
execution in the interest
It is rolling out compul-
damage to South Africa
need to be celebrated
of South Africans.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
7
FEATURE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL MESSAGE
It’s time to explore SA again
S
outh Africa was
but rather that all
recently voted
stakeholders should
the most popular
redouble their efforts
post-COVID-19 destination
to grow the sector, with
in a global survey done
an immediate focus on
by online travel website
domestic tourism.
Tourlane.
Public servants have
With international
a crucial role to play
travellers counting the
in ensuring decent
days until they can pack
infrastructure and
their bags and head our
curbing crime and
way, South Africans have
corruption so that
to ask themselves the
people have pleasant
golden question: ‘What
experiences and traveller
are we waiting for?’
Phumla Williams, GCIS Director-General.
The southern tip of
confidence is inspired, while government also
Africa remains a tourism
both Tourism Month
and the commitment
needs to create an
bucket list destination
and National Heritage
of private and public
enabling environment
but many locals forget
Month in September with
tourism stakeholders to
in which tourism can
just how wonderful their
the knowledge that the
collaborate in restoring
thrive. To this end, the
home country is, in their
global pandemic and
the sector, and the
1996 White Paper will be
haste to book overseas
national lockdown have
medium- to long-term
reviewed and aligned
trips, which remain out of
hurt our tourism and
outlook looks promising.
with current trends and
bounds under Level 2 of
heritage tourism sectors.
the national lockdown.
However, we should
Development Plan
The continued closure
not lose sight of the
recognises tourism
of our international
opportunities that await,
as one of the main
as it does on the back
borders gives South
from a growing cohort
drivers of employment
of the country moving
Africans the opportunity
of tourism entrepreneurs
and economic growth,
to Alert Level 2, provides
to explore the wealth
to a booming demand
and envisages the
the perfect opportunity
of domestic tourism
for more meaningful
promotion of South
to vigorously promote
offerings, including
heritage experiences that
Africa as a major tourist
domestic tourism
safari trips, wine tastings,
will open up new markets
and business events
and ignite the desire
interactive cultural
in townships and rural
destination.
to explore the many
experiences, golden
areas.
beaches and world-class hotels. The country celebrates
8
Add to this the global
The National
practices in the tourism
The toll taken by the
sector. Tourism Month, coming
affordable, exciting and
pandemic does not
world-class attractions on
standing of South Africa
mean that we should
our doorstep.
as a tourism destination
lose sight of this goal,
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS
A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa
Working towards a capable, ethical and developmental state
T
here are few
demands much of indi-
callings more
viduals and their families.
important for a
Public Service Month,
A streamlined, efficient
Public servants are the
and well-integrated civil
first interface between
service is the hallmark
government and citi-
person than the call to
which is held in Septem-
of a capable state. Like-
zens. Their encounters,
public service.
ber each year, promotes
wise, an unproductive,
whether positive or neg-
a culture of pride and
inefficient and cumber-
ative, are crucial in how
improve people’s lives
ethics in the Public Ser-
some civil service can
the state is perceived by
and change society for
vice and improvement
frustrate the implemen-
the wider population.
the better. It carries great
in all facets of service
tation of even the best
Our key priority is to
responsibility and often
provision.
policies.
It is an opportunity to
10
build a capable state.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
If we are
senior
to build a
positions
more capable
based on
state we have to
considerations
seriously and urgently
other than their capability to execute the
address the shortcom-
tasks of the office they
ings in the organisation able
and the capacity of the Public Service.
to do
are appointed to. The building of a capa-
is misplaced. Public
Politicaladministrative interface
servants include officials
One of the areas to
and administrators, but
which we are giving at-
ers must be given the
Service to be oriented
they also include doc-
tention is known as the
space, the means and
towards efficiency, per-
tors, nurses, police men
‘political-administrative’
the resources to man-
formance and develop-
and women and teach-
interface, where lines
age.
mental outcomes.
ers who play an invalu-
of accountability at the
able role in keeping the
most senior levels of
are sometimes made on
wheels of our country
the State have become
political considerations
The best and brightest
turning.
blurred. Political office
rather than expertise. This
The civil service should
bearers such as Ministers,
severely limits the capac-
attract high-calibre and
whether – given its size,
MECs and Mayors often
ity and effective function-
qualified candidate
cost and needs of our
veer towards getting
ing of the State.
country – the public
involved in administrative
service is performing as
matters that should be
our civil service comprise
tional Development Plan
it should. The experience
the responsibility of pro-
individuals committed
(NDP) proposes a formal
of our people is that in
fessional public servants.
to driving government’s
graduate recruitment
several areas, the State
While the Public Service
programme of action, it
scheme for the Public
The view that the Public Service is bloated
The real issue is
this work without
undue political
interference. Public service manag-
Senior appointments
As much as the ranks of
ble, ethical and developmental state is among our foremost priorities. We want the Public
As one of the ways of achieving this, the Na-
is falling short of expec-
is required to implement
has also over the years
Service. Our people want
tations.
the electoral mandate of
been associated with
the best and the bright-
the governing party and
patronage. This is mani-
est in society to serve
mental problems that
to account to the Ex-
fested through the ap-
them.
we are working to fix.
ecutive, they need to be
pointment of people into
There are some funda-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
The civil service must
11
FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS
be seen as a career destination of choice by those who want to make a difference in the life of their country, and not merely as a comfortable nine-to-five desk job or a place to earn a salary with minimal effort. Should some still harbour this view they should take advantage of opportunities to exit the Public Service to make way for those who are up to the task.
Lifelong learning
leadership – are offered
and abused. They are
online.
representatives of a
The school is also
servant of the people. As the NDP reminds
government derived of
us, a capable develop-
Training and upskilling is
engaged in collabora-
the people and for the
mental state cannot be
critical to professionalis-
tion with international
people, and are guard-
created by decree: “It
ing the civil service.
training institutes to
ians of our Constitution.
has to be built, brick by
The National School
offer courses on wider
At a time when we
brick, institution by in-
have been confronted
stitution, and sustained
with a series of scan-
and rejuvenated over
ant is an honour and
dals that point to clear
time.”
long learning for those
a privilege. It demands
complicity by certain
already in the ranks. As
dedication, selflessness,
public servants in acts
acquire a high level of
an example, the school
professionalism, com-
of corruption, this Public
capability as envisaged
offers a certificate
mitment and the utmost
Service Month should
by the NDP is a defining
programme for anyone
faithfulness to the prin-
be an opportunity for
characteristic of what a
who wants to be ap-
ciples of Batho Pele, of
the men and women
capable developmental
pointed into senior man-
putting the people first.
tasked with this weighty
state should have to
responsibility to set
become an economi-
of Government is play-
governance issues.
ing an important role in
Being a public serv-
building a culture of life-
Our ability to steadily
agement. Many of the
Public servants are
school’s programmes –
entrusted with manag-
themselves apart – to
cally prosperous, socially
from advanced project
ing state resources for
rededicate themselves
inclusive and a well-gov-
management to finan-
the benefit of the public
to their calling and to
erned state that is able
cial management and
and in guarding against
fully comprehend what
to meet the needs of our
budgeting to change
them being misused
it truly means to be a
people.
12
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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Together we can fight covid-19 Think Water, think Umgeni Water. Improving Quality of Life and Enhancing Sustainable Economic Development.
CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS
Writer: More Matshediso
Be the ideal public servant
A
true public serv-
importance of their work,
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
officials, who continue to
ant always puts
not only in September
pandemic, will be com-
work tirelessly in fighting
people first, does
but throughout the year.
memorated under the
COVID-19 and who have
theme: ‘Growing South
dedicated their lives to serving the public.
good even when no one
This month, various
is watching and takes a
government depart-
Africa Together for an
stand against corruption
ments will host activities
Ethical Public Service’.
and wrongdoing.
to celebrate the annual public service pro-
stil and rebuild good eth-
COVID-19 and the 4IR
acteristics of an ideal
gramme which is aimed
ics and professionalism
Minister Mchunu says the
public servant, says Pub-
at recognising the work
in how public servants
outbreak of COVID-19
lic Service and Admin-
done by public servants
perform their functions
has dominated and
istration Minister Senzo
across all three spheres
while also recognising
characterised the year
Mchunu.
of government.
the selflessness of the
so far and claimed the
many frontline public
lives of many public servants.
These are the char-
His Public Service
The month-long
The theme seeks to in-
Month message is that
programme, which
servants, including doc-
government employees
takes place against the
tors, nurses, caregivers,
“As government, we
should remember the
backdrop of the global
paramedics and police
would have hoped to
14
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
not have had even one
families of the public
what we thought we
the pandemic to invest
death – not of a citizen
servants who have lost
had done well, must be
more in the 4IR in future.”
or public servant. Our
their lives in the fight
reviewed; as far as 4IR is
priority has always been
against COVID-19 and
concerned, we are talk-
learnt will not only create
and still is, to save lives
we stand in solidarity in
ing e-government, smart
new possibilities that will
and protect livelihoods.
the continued fight.”
government and various
improve people’s lives,
means to achieve that.
but will also serve as
“As a result, govern-
Minister Mchunu says
He says the lessons
ment has had to impose
government has learned
a number of measures
many lessons from the
new opportunity and are
review and adaptation
to ensure the safety and
pandemic.
approaching relevant
of service delivery poli-
“We are embracing this
an opportunity for the
departments to make
cies for improved service
large such as the na-
of COVID-19 provides a
government work more
delivery post-COVID-19.
tional lockdown and its
“tectonic shift” in how
efficiently.”
support of the public at
The current climate
various alert levels.” He says specific measures have also been taken to ensure the safety of public servants. These include guidelines for safe working environments, the introduction of remote working,
“We should drive resources once we have dealt with the pandemic to invest more in the 4IR in future.”
Professionalising the Public Service Stressing the importance of professionalism in the Public Service, the Minister encouraged public servants to commit to gaining a thorough
the provision of personal
understanding of profes-
protective equipment,
sionalism, and realise that their actions can
guidelines to occupa-
services are offered, and
tional health and safety
requires the techno-
thousands of public
constitute unprofessional
in the workplace and
logical solutions of the
servants have worked
conduct, even though
training of health and
Fourth Industrial Revolu-
from home and proved
no laws are broken.
safety representatives as
tion (4IR).
that they can perform
well as the deployment
He notes while govern-
During the lockdown,
“We serve people,
efficiently without physi-
and their expectation is
of Cabinet Ministers to
ment has always tried
cally being in the office.
that government will be
districts, to assist with
to keep up with techno-
This has reinforced the
good,” he says.
issues relating to health,
logical developments,
possibilities offered by
education and also
COVID-19 revealed some
the 4IR.
water and sanitation.
gaps and weaknesses.
“As government, we
“We take up the chal-
sympathise with the
lenge. We now know that
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
“We see the value. We
Government requires its employees to be in possession of certain skills
should drive resources
and educational quali-
once we have dealt with
fications, which ensures
15
CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADERS
that the Public Service
training programmes in
– from answering calls
recruits people who are
August.”
from citizens to delivering
all public servants to
the actual service that is
conduct themselves
required.
ethically, in line with their
empowered with the
The first programme is
basic tools required to
called ‘Economic Gov-
do their work.
ernance Spring School
“Citizens often ap-
“We want to call upon
professions. Similarly, we
for Members of the
proach government
call on all public serv-
ment provides various
Executive’ and is specifi-
institutions in need of ser-
ants to not only desist
educational opportuni-
cally targeted at Minis-
vices, either in person or
against any criminal and
ties to its employees
ters, Deputy Ministers,
through other mediums
corrupt activities but to
in a form of upskilling
Premiers, Mayors, MECs
of communication and
fight and isolate it and
programmes, bursary op-
and MMCs.
start off with: ‘Dumela’,
expose anyone who commits such acts.”
“Furthermore, govern-
portunities, and compul-
The second pro-
‘Sawubona’ or ‘Good
sory courses that include
gramme falls under
morning’, from there,
prerequisites to those
the ‘Framework for
public servants are then
public servants that
who would like to hold
Continuing Leadership
supposed to return the
citizens look to them to
managerial positions.”
Engagements for Heads
courtesy and render the
solve the problems that
of Department’ in their
service.
are most crucial to them.
In addition, the Na-
The Minister reminded
tional School of Govern-
capacity as accounting
“It is the people first, fol-
ment, which is respon-
officers. It will be offered
lowed by the service and
public that there is a
sible for strengthening
to accounting officers
then the public servants
future in public service. I
state capacity through
across all three spheres
who have to render the
encourage public serv-
education, training and
of government as well
service. This makes pub-
ants to comply with all
development, is currently
as CEOs at state-owned
lic servants very pivotal.”
the legal prescripts and
providing a number of
enterprises.
“I want to assure the
to do right – even when
encouraged public
Clamping down on corruption
servants to always roll up
The Minister says govern-
servants to be guided by
are tailor-made to upskill
their sleeves and do their
ment has zero tolerance
their conscience as they
and equip public serv-
jobs, which is delivering
for public servants who
strive to deliver the better
ants. Further to this, Cabi-
services to the people
are still stealing from
South Africa government
net approved two new
as ethically as possible
citizens.
is working towards.
programmes to public servants. “These programmes
16
Minister Mchunu
no one is watching.” He called on public
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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FEATURE
Writer: Allison Cooper
Improved governance needed on COVID-19 initiatives
I
n his first audit report
cesses and procedures
of the government
findings to the account-
into government’s key
to respond to the crisis
sectors that now need
ing officer or authority
Coronavirus (COV-
expose government to
to lead or support the
to enable them to deal
ID-19) initiatives and their
the risks of the misuse
government’s efforts,”
with any shortcomings
funds, Auditor-General
or abuse of public re-
said Makwetu.
immediately and tighten
Kimi Makwetu has called
sources.
on leaders to improve
“We have been report-
The COVID-19 audit
controls to prevent a re-
is being performed by
currence,” he explained.
ing on and warning
multidisciplinary teams,
about poor financial
made up of fraud,
ernment’s R500 billion
management controls,
information technology
Indicators of potential fraud
COVID-19 relief package,
a disregard for supply
(IT) and sector-specific
Makwetu said that IT
which was funded by
chain management
experts.
systems used in gov-
reprioritising the 2020/21
legislation, an inability
“We are auditing pay-
ernment are not agile
budget and securing
to effectively manage
ments, procurement and
enough to respond to
loans, “landed in a weak
projects and a lack of
delivery, as they occur,
the changes required.
control environment”.
accountability in many
and are reporting any
governance. Makwetu says gov-
“The lack of validation,
He recently released the first in a series of audit reports, covering R68.9 billion (47 percent) of the initial R147.4 billion spending. “Emergency responses and quick actions are required to save lives and livelihoods, but the easing of controls and the streamlining of pro-
18
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
integration and sharing
audit efforts,” Makwetu
outs, without ensuring
tions with payment data
of data across govern-
said.
that good preventative
also identified overpay-
controls were in place.
ments, underpayments,
ment platforms resulted
The list of cases point-
in people – including
ing to a high risk of fraud
“All of this increased
duplicate payments and
government officials –
will be handed to the
the risk of payments to
discrepancies. “The UIF is
receiving benefits and
multi-agency Fusion
beneficiaries who are
implementing actions to
grants they were not enti-
Centre for swift follow-up
not eligible, overpay-
address what we have
tled to. Some applicants
and action.
ments, underpayments,
reported,” Makwetu said.
could have been unfairly
the invalid rejection of
There is a risk that the
outdated information
UIF and social grants
on which assessment for
By 31 July, the Unemploy-
eligibility was based.”
ment Insurance Fund
new system implement-
not in distress. “SASSA
(UIF) had paid just over
ed for TERS incorrectly
used some government
pre-existing deficiencies
R37 billion from the UIF
calculated benefits for
databases to check if
in government’s supply
Temporary Employer/
the first lockdown period
applicants have alter-
chain processes were
Employee Relief Scheme
(27 March to 30 April), by
nate sources of income,
amplified by the intro-
(TERS) benefit, and the
not taking into account
which would disqualify
duction of emergency
South African Social
the actual period of
them for social relief
procurement processes
Security Agency (SASSA)
inactivity and the portion
grant. The databases are
allowed for personal
had paid R19.6 billion in
of the salary paid by
not sufficient, as our data
protective equipment
social grants.
employers, resulting in
analytics still flagged
significant overpayments.
payments to over 30 000
rejected as a result of
He also noted that
(PPE). “There are clear
While information tech-
beneficiaries, fraud and
R350 Social Relief of
double-dipping.”
Distress grant is being
He explained that the
paid to people who are
signs of overpricing, un-
nology systems across
A high number of
fair processes, potential
government carry data
payments requiring
fraud and supply chain
on almost everyone
investigation have been
management legislation
in the country, it is not
flagged. “Work is continu-
ments to government of-
being sidestepped.”
integrated, shared across
ing to verify this. These
ficials and to people who
beneficiaries that require further investigation.” These include pay-
government or effectively
include payments to
received other sources of
about the indicators
used by the UIF and
people who are below
income.
of high-risk fraud and
SASSA (and similar enti-
the legal age of employ-
abuse we observed – not
ties) to check if people
ment, deceased, working
only in the areas that
qualify for UIF or grants,
in government, receiving
Procurement of PPE
we were able to audit,
Makwetu said.
social grants or students
The PPE procurement
funded by the National
audit focused on the
“We are concerned
but also where informa-
The UIF and SASSA
tion for auditing was
made significant chang-
Student Financial Aid
health and education
not forthcoming, which
es in their processes and
Scheme.”
sectors, particularly on
could be a deliberate
systems, in a short time
The recalculation of
tactic to frustrate our
period, to enable pay-
claims and reconcilia-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
the processes undertaken to identify the need
19
FEATURE
for PPE, the procure-
against a budget of
States Government for
ment process, payments
R175 million.
South Africa’s health
less than half of the ap-
response has not yet
propriated funds have
made and PPE delivered.
• Inadequate record
Makwetu said to date,
“A worrying picture is
keeping and recon-
been received. Of
been spent, which sug-
emerging,” said Mak-
ciliations of vouchers
the 1 000 ventilators
gested that a height-
wetu.
approved, distributed
pledged, only 150
ened level of oversight
Key findings include
and redeemed, was
were received by 6
will be required as more
delays in PPE; unreliable
identified in the relief
July. The availability
programmes are rolled
methods for determin-
scheme for small-
of ventilators in the
out.
ing the number of
scale farmers.
market remains a
employees and learners;
• The distribution of
“We call on oversight
problem, with 1 144
structures to use this
support staff not always
food parcels by SASSA
ventilators ordered
report to direct their over-
being considered; short-
could have been
but only 58 delivered
sight actions and call
ages in health facilities;
significantly cheaper
by 31 July.
accounting officers, au-
PPE priced at double or
if it used existing non-
five times the prescribed
profit organisations
quarantine sites out of
authorities to account
price; deficiencies and
rather than appoint-
6 123 were identified
for the implementation
non-compliance in PPE
ing service providers.
and only 192 were
of the initiatives related
activated for use.
to the pandemic and
procurement processes;
• Food parcel distribu-
• By 31 July, only 510
thorities and executive
and insufficient controls
tion controls were not
to ensure the receipt
always effective, result-
pitals were completed
funds entrusted to them,”
and payment of PPE at
ing in increased time
by 30 June.
he added.
the levels of quality and
from application to
price ordered.
distribution, damaged
“There are clear indica-
aged parcels and
ties in the procurement
beneficiaries receiving
processes, which will be
more than they were
further investigated,” he
entitled to.
Other highlights of the
• The water supply initiative is behind
report include:
schedule and the
• The uptake of the
department could not
Spaza Shop Support
provide a reliable list-
Scheme was below
ing of all water tanks
expectations, with only
delivered and their
1 697 owners receiv-
location.
ing the grant (R5.9 million) by 30 June,
20
the management of the
and poorly pack-
tors of fraudulent activi-
added.
• Only 18 of 66 field hos-
• The R410 million pledged by the Unites
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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FEATURE
Preserving South Africa’s rich heritage S
Image: South African Tourism
Writer: Dale Hes
outh Africa’s rich
promoting them for the
is tasked with an overall
national heritage sites
heritage and
purposes of education
legislative mandate to
and dozens of provincial
melting pot of
and tourism.
identify, assess, manage,
heritage sites, celebrat-
protect and promote
ing our cultural, natural
heritage resources.
and historical heritage.
cultures needs to be
The South African
preserved for the gen-
Heritage Resources
erations to come. Public
Agency (SAHRA) is at
servants play a critical
the forefront of protect-
rently boasts 10 United
role in preserving this
ing heritage sites in the
Nations Educational,
Nurturing a legacy
heritage, by identifying
country. An agency of
Scientific and Cultural
Nkosazana Machete,
sites of importance, pro-
the Department of Sport,
Organisation (UNESCO)
the Heritage Protection
tecting these sites and
Arts and Culture, SAHRA
World Heritage sites, 25
Manager at SAHRA,
22
South Africa cur-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
promotes new and previously neglected research into our rich oral traditions and customs.” SAHRA is focusing on increasing representation of previously ignored Image: Olga Ernst
groups in the national estate. “Of particular interest is the recognition of Khoi and San heritage and recognising our
explains that the agency
• Grade II: Heritage
“Our heritage is unique
female Struggle heroes.
fulfils the mandates of
resources which,
and precious, and it can-
In 2020 we initiated the
the National Heritage
although forming part
not be renewed. It helps
process of declaring the
Resources Act of 1999.
of the national estate,
us to define our cultural
Winnie Mandela House
can be considered to
identity and therefore
in Brandfort, Free State,
promote good manage-
have special qualities
lies at the heart of our
as a National Heritage
ment of the national es-
which make them
spiritual well-being. It has
Site. We are also declar-
tate, and to enable and
significant within the
the potential to affirm
ing the Griqua Ratelgat
encourage communities
context of a prov-
our diverse cultures and
Monument and Mari-
to nurture and conserve
ince or a region. (For
in so doing, shape our
etjie Jantjies Grave as a
their legacy so that it
example, provincial
national character.”
National Heritage Site,”
“The Act aims to
may be bequeathed to future generations.”
heritage sites). • Grade III: Other herit-
Machete adds that the painful realities of our
Machete explains.
Overcoming threats to our heritage
The national estate
age resources worthy
past cannot be ignored
includes sites of impor-
of conservation. (For
when we speak about
tance for national herit-
example, historical
heritage.
age, and is broken down
artefacts that may not
into three categories:
have particular herit-
ebrates our achieve-
sites are under threat, for
• Grade I: Heritage re-
age significance but
ments and contributes to
a number of reasons, in-
sources with qualities
which should still be
redressing past inequali-
cluding vandalism, theft
so exceptional that
preserved).
ties. It educates, deep-
and desecration.
“Our heritage cel-
Many of our heritage
they are of special
Machete explains why
ens our understanding of
“Community mem-
national significance.
public servants and
society and encourages
bers destroy heritage
(For example, world
communities should
us to empathise with the
sites by stealing fences,
heritage sites and na-
conserve South Africa’s
experience of others. It
plaques or artefacts to
tional heritage sites).
colourful heritage.
facilitates healing and
sell for financial gain.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
23
FEATURE
Image: Pierre André
those not directly involved in heritage activities, can help to educate and inform communities. “In particular, public servants need to visit our heritage sites with their families and friends to enjoy, and to educate the younger generations and teach them the importance of protecting them. In addition, public servants need to urgently report the destruction of heritage sites.” SAHRA has a number of projects, in conjunction
In other cases, statues
only be done on a
respond to threats to
with other government
which have some link to
national level. Officials
heritage sites.”
departments, that aim
apartheid or colonialism
at provincial and local
are destroyed because
levels are arguably more
help to protect and pro-
of the anger associated
important for protecting
mote heritage.
with the imbalances of
heritage sites, as they are
the past. There has also
the ones that can best
Public servants should
areas are dug out, we are not sure why,” says Machete. Protecting against these threats is a task that is shared among national, provincial and local heritage resource authorities. “Management of heritage sites cannot
24
heritage sites. “For example, the World
Machete says that all public servants, even
Heritage Sites have forums that include youth forums and manage-
been a new trend where graves in the mining
to educate and protect
ment authorities that
South Africa’s World Heritage sites
oversee the sites. SAHRA
• Robben Island
has also started a rural
• Cape Floral Kingdom
advocacy workshop,
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
together with the Depart-
• Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
ment of Environment,
• Vredefort Dome
Forestry and Fisheries
• uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park • Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscale • Cradle of Humankind • ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape • Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
and the Department of Tourism, for school pupils, teaching them about the heritage sites around them.”
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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OPINION
Writer: Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela
For tourism to recover, we need to go beyond the now
I
n recent decades,
the COVID-19 pandemic,
new post-crisis era, and
as tourism activity scales
the tourism sector
as well as aid it during
explore innovative pro-
back up, and interven-
has firmly established
the recovery phase.
grammes to enable the
tions to drive long-term
travel and tourism sector
growth in tourism.
itself as an important growth and employment,
On the road to recovery
contributor to economic
to become more inclu-
and a driver for achiev-
Government implement-
ing global development
ed measures to support
Recovery Plan has three
goals.
the tourism sector during
strategic themes:
It is one of the larger
the pandemic, through
• Re-igniting Demand.
Building a resilient, inclusive tourism economy
economic sectors that is
the R200-million Tourism
• Rejuvenating Supply.
Through the Enterprise
significantly impacted by
Relief Fund and the Tour-
• Strengthening Enabling
Development and Trans-
the Coronavirus (COV-
ist Guide Fund.
ID-19) pandemic. This has resulted in
The sector is developing
sive, robust and resilient. The Tourism Sector
formation Programme,
Capability. These interventions are
the Department of
a tourism recovery plan
aimed at protecting the
Tourism is introducing
the need for enhanced
to ensure continuous sup-
domestic supply side of
new players into the
sector support to help
port to tourism businesses
the sector, managing the
tourism economy and
protect this sector during
to adapt and thrive in a
reopening of the sector
thus contributing to the
26
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
competitiveness of tourism destinations.
We have, unfortunately,
Our collaboration with
year on 27 September.
had to suspend the
the South African Police
It will be celebrated this
Youth Chefs Training and
Service (SAPS) resulted in
year under the theme
technology will drive the
Coastal Marine Tourism
the signing of a memo-
‘Rural Development and
provision of government
Skills Development Pro-
randum of understanding
Tourism’.
services into the future.
grammes in line with the
to identify and address
COVID-19 restrictions and
challenges on tourism
aims to promote the
risk assessments.
safety, including identifi-
importance of tourism
cation of tourism hot-
in achieving the UN's
We recognise that
The Enterprise Development and Transformation Portal will, therefore, serve
The South African Na-
Globally, the theme
as an online supplier
tional Convention Bureau
spots, the analysis and
Sustainable Development
marketplace for small,
will this year focus on the
enhancement of crime
Goals through its social,
medium and micro enter-
support of the recovery of
prevention initiatives, as
cultural, political and
prises in order to promote
business events tourism
well as creating a plat-
economic value, with a
sector transformation
by targeting future events
form for joint awareness
concerted focus on rural
and job creation.
which have a bidding
programmes.
communities.
Our Working for Tourism Programme continues
process of three to fouryear lead times.
The Tourism Monitors
Domestically, the 2020
Programme was imple-
theme links to govern-
mented in parks man-
ment’s Outcome 7, which
through on-the-job train-
of tourism business
aged by South African
focuses on developing
ing within infrastructure
events is another way of
National Parks (SANParks)
vibrant, equitable and
projects, and secondly
broadening participa-
and gardens managed
sustainable rural com-
through stand-alone
tion in the sector. For this,
by the South African Na-
munities that contribute
training interventions with
South African Tourism is
tional Biodiversity Institute.
towards food security
participants accumulat-
developing a framework
Although we have 302
for all; and Outcome 4,
ing credits towards a
to capacitate national
participants at SANParks,
which focuses on creat-
qualification. We will cre-
associations to host busi-
this programme was
ing decent employment
ate 2 500 work opportuni-
ness events in villages,
temporarily suspended
through inclusive eco-
ties through the Depart-
towns and small dorpies
on 1 June 2020, due to
nomic growth.
ment’s Expanded Public
across our nine provinces.
the pandemic.
to support training, firstly
Works Programme during
The geographic spread
During Tourism Month
Plans are underway for
2020, as we reopen our
the National Tourism In-
the further training of the
sector, we will showcase
formation and Monitoring
tourism monitors by the
the many rural tourism of-
include:
System to gather, analyse
SAPS Academy.
ferings, natural wonders,
• Tour guide capacity
and provide data to in-
this financial year. Projects for 2020/21
building. • Food safety quality assurers. • Wine service training (sommelier). • Hospitality and fast food training.
We will also implement
lifestyles, events, traditions,
tion of sector initiatives,
Let’s celebrate South African tourism
geared towards areas
World Tourism Day is a
with high tourism poten-
United Nations’ (UN)
tial, including townships
World Tourism Organisa-
encouraged to be part of
and rural areas.
tion initiative, held every
the We Do Tourism cam-
form our decision-making and enable prioritisa-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
cultures, cuisine and crafts, as we encourage South Africans to take a Sho’t Left. All South Africans are
27
OPINION
paign and to visit our heritage sites and other attractions in September and beyond. The tourism sector has established health and safety protocols to reduce the COVID-19 transmission risk in line with global guidelines, within a self-regulatory framework.
Service to the people Like the rest of the Public Service, we can only do
enhance the com-
or increasing the uptake,
what we say we will if we
petitiveness of tourism
particularly for emerging
head public service
have a solid organisa-
localities as we continue
small enterprises.
excellence, we will en-
tion and the necessary
to diversify our offerings,
manpower.
We will equally pursue a
To continue to spear-
hance our governance
with local government as
well-developed system of
mechanisms, promote
As the tourism depart-
a key role-player in the
handling and managing
ethical conduct, combat
ment, while traversing an
spatial management of
complaints from travellers
and prevent fraud and
unchartered path, we do
the tourism estate, includ-
and, through our moni-
corruption and deploy
so with positivity and the
ing work done in com-
toring and evaluation
the technology required
knowledge that we will
munities under traditional
efforts, will seek continu-
to optimise our perfor-
emerge tourism strong.
leadership.
ous improvement of our
mance.
Therefore, we undertake
Through the Tourism
project management
Political commitment
to develop projects that
Grading Council of
systems to optimise ef-
is key to ensuring that
will contribute towards
South Africa, we are also
ficiency and maximise on
tourism leads to wider
creating more meaning-
introducing an approach
the intended outcomes
economic and social re-
ful impacts, in support
to prepare establish-
and impacts.
covery, as proven in past
of our strategy, which re-
ments for grading. This will
mains anchored around
enable establishments
promote diversity and
phase might be a winter
commitments to growth
to receive feedback on
disability management,
of despair, our recovery
and development.
areas that require atten-
to sensitise employees
speaks to a summer of
We will continue to
disruptions. While this
tion prior to full grading
to the disability agenda
hope. Together, we will
introduction of the District
application, thereby mini-
and, importantly, to make
ensure that as an indus-
Development Model,
mising the numbers of
sure we continue to walk
try, we emerge tourism
we believe that we will
those that do not make it
the talk on these matters.
strong.
Coupled with the
28
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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OUR PROGRAMMES
OUR BACKGROUND:
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The Saartjie Baartman Centre
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essential, cost-free services 365
• EPWP Programme
days a year to abused women
• ECD Centre • Second Stage Housing
and children employing a comprehensive range of services for the effective treatment and
• Advocacy and Lobbying
prevention of violence against
• Outreach Programme
women and children.
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TRAILBLAZER
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
Youngster leads provincial epidemiology T
he Coronavirus
for Communicable
as well as environmental
(COVID-19) pan-
Diseases’ (NICD) North
and socio-economic
demic has ex-
West Division of Public
factors. In addition to
posed South Africans to
Health Surveillance and
these, I analyse data
a number of lesser known
Response, only joined
from healthcare facilities
career fields – including
the NICD last year and
on different diseases.
epidemiology.
because of the global
Epidemiologists are scientists who study outbreaks of disease.
“In a nutshell, I put all
pandemic, has had a
these factors together
baptism by fire.
to find the best ways to
His job includes pro-
deal with diseases like
They examine data and
viding updated daily
look for patterns that can
statistics on COVID-19
tell them more about the
cases to the office of the
causes of the disease,
Minister of Health, Zweli
Data analysis
its characteristics and
Mkhize. Maruma was the
Maruma’s
patterns. This information
first person appointed to
job is 80
helps develop strategies
the North West province’s
percent data
to improve public health
pandemic response
analysis. “I can
services.
team.
spend eight
COVID-19,” he says.
As an epidemiologist,
to 10 hours a
cated professionals – like
he studies the impact of
day analysing
27-year-old Wellington
diseases at a population
statistics.
Maruma – have played
level.
These highly edu-
a vital role in helping
“Whereas doctors
government understand
deal with diseases on a
COVID-19 and formulate
patient-to-patient basis,
appropriate responses.
I investigate the overall
Baptism by fire
impact of disease on the population. In my
Maruma, an infectious
analysis of disease, I look
disease epidemiologist
at all the factors that
at the National Institute
might affect its spread,
30
Wellington Maruma is an infectious disease epidemiologist.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
Affairs to see what has
Sample collections
been listed as the cause
Maruma says that dur-
diagnoses among those
of death. At the same
ing the outbreak of a
who die of COVID-19
time, I look at data from
disease, his job includes
and whether the dead
Becoming an epidemiologist
the Department of Health.
ensuring that sample
had any comorbidi-
It takes many years to
Because the two depart-
collections run smoothly
ties. This is very key in
qualify as an epide-
ments have two different
so that real-time data
determining if one died
miologist. Educational
systems that they use to
of what is happening
of COVID-19 or another
requirements include
classify causes of death,
is available and that
illness.”
a senior certificate with
at times I have to look at
appropriate actions can
He explains that ex-
the two stated causes of
be taken without unnec-
treme care is taken to
a MBChB degree from a
death and then analyse
essary delays.
ask the right questions
university.
I look at data from Home
them on my own to see
“When there is an
For example, we would
in to assist South Africa
look at common primary
during the pandemic.
to determine that peo-
matric exemption and
Maruma holds a Master
if they are correct,” says
outbreak, I must make
ple said to have died as
of Science in Epidemiol-
Maruma.
sure that the specific
a result of COVID-19, are
ogy from Witwatersrand University.
As North West’s epidemi-
samples that need to be
indeed casualties of the
ologist, Maruma – along
collected, are collected
virus, before the data
He was all set to study
with other members of
on time, delivered for
is sent to the Minister’s
medicine when, towards
the provincial COVID-19
testing on time and that
office.
the end of Grade 12, he
response team – de-
they are tested on time.”
“I need to apply my
attended a career day at
veloped the guidelines
As the lead officer of
mind and ask ‘When did
Charlton Vos College and
on how to manage the
the COVID-19 pandemic
this person die?’, ‘When
learnt about epidemiol-
cases of people who test
response for epidemi-
were they diagnosed?’
ogy and other fields that
positive for COVID-19 and
ology in the province,
and ‘Is it really a COV-
combined his aptitude
also how to trace the
Maruma works with the
ID-19 death?’ before, as
for numbers and love
people who have been in
case management
a province, we declare it
for science. After doing
close contact with them.
team to analyse the
as a COVID-19 death.”
more research into the
The guidelines devel-
recovery and death rate
Another of Maruma’s
various options, he settled
oped by the provincial
of COVID-19 patients.
important responsibilities
on epidemiology and
team were then taught
The team is responsible
is ensuring that there
biostatistics.
to the district and sub-
for analysing the re-
are enough ventilators,
district teams of the
covery rate and factors
equipment and beds at
Honours degree through
North West Department
such as comorbidities
hospitals.
the Australian-registered
of Health. In addition,
which influence the re-
Maruma is also the brains
covery rate of COVID-19
eight people, two of
Maruma worked as a
behind developing the
patients.
whom are with the World
research assistant at the
Health Organisation and
Aurum Institute while
province’s database
“In the cases of death,
Maruma works with
After completing his
Monash University,
of COVID-19 positive
we look at what factors
another two who are
simultaneously pursuing
patients.
play a role in the deaths.
Cuban doctors brought
his Master’s degree.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
31
FEATURE FEATURE
Source: SAnews
COVID-19 contact tracing
goes high tech
anonymously in the COVID Alert SA app. When the user does so, all other users with whom they have been in contact for the past 14 days will immediately be notified of their exposure and prompted through the care pathway. At no
T
point in this process is he Department
tification Application
changes frequently and
the identity of any user
of Health has
Programming Interface
cannot be linked to the
revealed.
launched a
(API), developed by
identity of any user. Over
new mobile applica-
Apple and Google to
time, each user builds
contact tracing apps
tion – COVID Alert SA – to
enable contact tracing
an “encounter history” of
allow a greater number
strengthen South Africa’s
through mobile phones.
those they have been in
of contacts to be traced
contact with.
more rapidly, including
digital contact tracing efforts.
The app is fully privacypreserving, in line with
When a user tests posi-
Bluetooth-enabled
strangers whom an index
the requirements of the
tive, they are requested
case may not be able to
ment has deployed
API, and does not collect
to report their diagnosis
recall or identify. The app
teams to conduct
any personally identifi-
is zero rated to facilitate
manual contact tracing
able information or
optimal citizen uptake.
in every district. Subse-
trace a user’s loca-
quently, the WhatsApp-
tion.
To date, the depart-
based COVIDConnect
“Global experience has demonstrated the risk of a resurgence once
which allows index
Encounter history
cases to anonymously
Using Bluetooth,
lifted. While the trajectory
notify their contacts as
the COVID Alert
of the epidemic in South
prompted by the system.
SA app emits a
Africa has stabilised,
The COVID Alert SA app
randomly gen-
such a resurgence re-
will complement and
erated code
mains a real and present
strengthen the existing
that is picked
danger in our own coun-
methods as a powerful
by other us-
try,” said Department of
tool to enable the instant
ers when two
Health Director-General
notification of contacts
phones come
Dr Sandile Buthelezi.
following a positive test.
into proximity of
The COVID Alert SA
COVID Alert SA is built
one another. This
app provides the
service was launched,
on the exposure no-
32
unique identifier
restrictions on social and economic activity are
department with
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
additional armament to achieve suppression of the virus and prevent outbreaks from occurring again by eliminating the time-consuming steps it takes to achieve contact tracing manually. “This technology allows us to effectively break the chain of transmission by dramatically reducing the time between exposure and knowing one has been exposed, so that one can take action by self-quarantining and testing when necessary.”
Preventing resurgence Gaurang Tanna, who led the app development team at the department,
the health system and
protecting technology
said it is a crucial public
save lives, while preserv-
to alert users when they
was developed at no
health intervention to
ing privacy at scale. For
have been in close con-
cost to the department,
help suppress COVID-19
every 100 infections we
tact with someone who
through a partnership
and prevent a resur-
are able to prevent using
has since tested positive
with world-class develop-
gence.
this technology, we could
for COVID-19. The more
ers at Discovery Health,
prevent as many as 15-
people that download it,
Apple and Google.
many people download
20 hospital admissions,”
the better it will work.
the app. We request
says Tanna.
“It works best when
“Learning how to keep
The COVID Alert SA app
The department expressed its apprecia-
everyone safe from
tion to its partners, which
the app, and those con-
gal muster for implemen-
COVID-19 is one of the
include the Banking As-
firmed positive to report
tation through consulta-
challenges the world
sociation of South Africa
their diagnosis so that
tion with Justice Kate
faces. I hope that the
and its members, as
their contacts can be
O’Regan, the COVID-19
new COVID Alert app will
well as mobile networks
notified.
designated judge.
make a contribution to
Cell C, Telkom, MTN and
doing so,” said Justice
Vodacom, for their con-
O’Regan.
tribution.
everyone to download
“The app is designed to reduce the impact on
The app has passed le-
“The COVID Alert SA app is based on privacy
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
33
ARE YOU LEAVING A LEGACY FOR YOUR LOVED ONES?
ADVERTORIAL
We all want to leave a legacy for our loved ones. For some, leaving a legacy means owning a family home to provide a haven for their children. For others, a legacy is spending quality time with family on a dream holiday and for others, to retire comfortably in their old age.
In tough economic times, breadwinners have to look closely at where they spend their money, and for some, the temptation is to cut corners on risk cover. However, new claims stats from Old Mutual show that risk cover is without dispute a sound investment for South Africans. Old Mutual’s claims statistics report for 2019 shows that R4 billion was paid out in death claims, underscoring the need for life cover to take care of your loved ones when you are no longer able to do so.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how unpredictable life is, and why it is important to have adequate cover that protects loved ones from sudden and life-changing events such as death,” said Karabo Ramookho, Strategic Retail Marketing Manager at Old Mutual. Old Mutual has walked this journey with customers over the past 175 years. We will share with you our wisdom that has helped many families to achieve family financial wellness. As a government employee, you have access to certain benefits covered by the Government Employees Pension Fund. Do you know which benefits you have when life happens? A lump sum benefit is paid to beneficiaries when a pension fund member dies while in service, or within five years after retiring. If you pass on more than five years after retirement, your loved ones will not qualify for a lump sum death benefit. Where an employee passes away while in service, the cash lump sum benefit is paid based on the employee’s period of pensionable service. The fund’s trustees decide how the lump sum benefits will be divided between your beneficiaries depending on their financial dependency. Where an employee passes away after becoming a pensioner, the annuity payments are guaranteed for five years after retirement. If the member dies within this period, his or her beneficiaries receive the balance of the five-year annuity payments in the form of a onceoff cash lump sum, and a spouse and child’s monthly pension may also be payable to the beneficiaries
KARABO RAMOOKHO STRATEGIC RETAIL MARKETING MANAGER
ADVERTORIAL
It is important to note how long this process may
changes with Old Mutual Protect Life Cover,” noted
take or if your loved ones will qualify for a big
Ramookho.
enough pay-out. Adequate life cover as part of your financial plan will close the gap.
When you die, Old Mutual will pay out a tax-free amount to help your loved ones to cover expenses
“Government Employees Pension Fund rules allow
like a home loan, settling debt or living expenses,
sixty days in which the benefit is payable to the
however you should take note that this might
beneficiaries, but the rules make provision for
increase your estate duty.
interest to be paid when payment is not done within the stipulated 60 days. The question that you need
“Breadwinners, especially those with dependents,
to ask yourself is whether your loved ones will survive
need to consider the financial implications for loved
financially whilst waiting for the process to unfold,”
ones after death. The guidance of a professional
says Ramookho.
financial adviser can make all the difference in ensuring that they are taken care,” concludes
But what if you would like a lump sum to be payable
Ramookho.
to your chosen beneficiaries or if you want a lump sum to be paid if you pass on more than five years
Speak to your adviser or click here to be contacted
after retirement?
by an adviser to speak about Life Insurance.
Ramookho notes that it is advisable to take-out life cover that will pay-out to the beneficiary. This will help take care of loved-ones until the death benefit of your retirement benefits pays out and could help to cover expenses like mortgage payments in the meantime. You can secure life cover with as little as R200 a month. “Old Mutual gives you the flexibility to build life insurance that suits your unique circumstances. You choose your cover, the premium and any extra benefits which you can change as your life
FEATURE
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
Govt strengthens fight against GBVF G overnment is
ment Act Amendment Bill,
on GBVF. One of the sum-
to domestic violence and
ramping up its
the Criminal and Related
mit’s outcomes was a call
sexual offences. They are
fight against
Matters Amendment Bill
to review the laws around
amendment Bills to laws
gender-based violence
and the Domestic Vio-
GBVF.
that are already there,”
and femicide (GBVF).
lence Amendment Bill.
In an effort to curtail the
According to the
Deputy Minister Jeffery says the review process
he explains.
spread of what President
Deputy Minister of Jus-
is now set for ratification
Cyril Ramaphosa says is
tice and Constitutional
in Parliament. “We have
the second pandemic
Development, John Jef-
a second pandemic of
Domestic Violence Amendment Bill
facing the country, the
fery, the amendments
women being beaten,
The Domestic Violence
Department of Social De-
will strengthen existing
killed and raped, many
Amendment Bill allows
velopment has donated
legislation so that victims
of them by a partner or
for the elderly to seek a
R100 million to non-gov-
of abuse are better pro-
someone that they know.
protection order from an
ernmental organisations
tected by law.
fighting GBVF. In addition, Cabinet
Review process
“One of the declarations from the summit
abuser who is not necessarily their spouse.
was that laws need to be
The Bill extends the
has approved three new
The review of the laws
reviewed and tightened.
definition of ‘domestic
Bills – the Criminal Law
surrounding GBVF cases
So, as the Department of
violence’ to include
(Sexual Offences and
started in 2018, following
Justice, we have re-
the protection of older
Related Matters) Amend-
the Presidential Summit
viewed the laws relating
persons against abuse experienced from family members and loved ones. The amendment relating to the elderly reads: “Elder abuse means abusive behaviour in a relationship with an older person. It can include financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, as well as controlling behaviour like social isolation or inten-
38
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
tional and unintentional neglect.”
Another new provision is that if an abuser has
victimisation. According to the Bill, life
one that you are going to rape them; are going to
a licensed firearm, the
imprisonment must be
force them to rape some-
people to apply for a pro-
police will take posses-
imposed on those con-
body else; you are going
tection order online. This
sion of the firearm, even
victed of the murder of a
to sexually violate; or
means people seeking a
if the perpetrator uses it
child, and murder result-
expose their private parts,
protection order will now
for work.
ing from physical abuse
you have committed a
or sexual abuse by the
crime,” says the Deputy
accused who is or was in
Minister.
The Bill also enables
be able to depose and
Amendment Bill also
Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill
criminalises people
Through the Criminal
not reporting cases
and Related Matters
stances where rape is
Sex Offenders (NRSO) to
of domestic abuse. “If
Amendment Bill further
punishable by life impris-
include the particulars of
people have knowledge
protection will be offered
onment to include in-
all sex offenders and not
of domestic violence
to victims of sexual abuse
stances where the parties
only offenders against
that is going on, there is
when they testify in court.
are or were in a domestic
children and persons
a duty to report it as it’s
It provides for an interme-
relationship.
who are mentally disa-
criminalised if they don’t,”
diary to be appointed to
explains Deputy Minister
broker dialogue between
Jeffery.
a victim and lawyers.
file an affidavit online. The Domestic Violence
a domestic relationship with the victim. It also sets out circum-
The Bill also seeks to expand the scope of the National Register for
bled, as is the position
ily knows that a man is
that the intermediary will
beating his wife, they
hear the questions from
have a legal duty to re-
the lawyers and then re-
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill
port the abuse, he adds.
phrase them so that they
As part of the tightening
contact, with children or
The Bill also makes it
are more palatable and
the laws, the Criminal
persons who are mentally
easier for the police to
are properly understood
Law (Sexual Offences
disabled.
arrest a perpetrator.
by the victim. The victim
and Related Matters)
will respond through the
Amendment Act Amend-
ments, companies
intermediary.
ment Bill has introduced
and organisations who
a new offence, called
deal with children and
For example, a fam-
It gives police the discretion to arrest without a warrant in certain
The Deputy Minister says
The Bill states that par-
now. An offender whose particulars are recorded in the NRSO may not work, or occupy positions that place them in
Under the new amend-
circumstances, and also
ties involved in a court
sexual intimidation. This
people living with mental
permits them to enter a
case may apply to have
new crime means that if
illnesses must check
private dwelling, using
an intermediary present
a person is threatened
potential new employees
commensurate force so
or the court may choose
with rape or any form of
against the register. The
as to obtain evidence,
to appoint one. This will
sexual assault, the per-
Bills were expected to be
including the detection
be done if the court be-
petrator will be charged
introduced to Parliament.
and questioning of the
lieves that someone may
under this law.
alleged abuser.
be exposed to secondary
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
“If you threaten some-
39
OPINION
*Writer: Ohara Ngoma-Diseko
Language and gender equality S
professor at the University of South Africa (UNISA).“You can do all this work in the home and when they step outside of that gate the world will check them, that the world will undo
outh Africa is
the work that you have
blessed with
done in the house,” ob-
many dialects
served Ratele.
and a constitutional
He, together with
recognition of 11 official
Rebecca Helman, a
languages. Our polyglot
researcher at UNISA’s Vio-
nation has a lexicon of
lence, Injury and Peace
staggering proportions,
Research Unit, recently
some of which are overtly
released a documentary
or subliminally used
on YouTube, called An
to perpetuate gender
Ordinary Thing. The docu-
inequality and sustain
mentary is a part of the
violence and oppression.
work the two academics have devoted them-
Words like letekatsi (SeSotho) and Isefebe
selves to over the years,
(IsiZulu) meaning a pro-
to create knowledge
miscuous woman and
about gender relations
magosha (a derogatory
in South Africa.
term), slang for prostitute,
people. These are just a
gender equality inclusive
are commonly thrown
smattering of pervasive
of gender non-conform-
because there is a com-
about in the private and
everyday gender-based
ing persons. We there-
mon idea that passes
public spaces at women
verbal violence in South
fore need deliberate and
as a norm that it is the
by men as a means of
Africa.
radical action to develop
responsibility of men to
an inclusive language
protect and provide for
that promotes gender
women and girls. This
equality.
idea is commonly stated
subjugating, dehumanis-
I concur with Ratele
women. In the same way,
Inclusive language
words like s’shemane
The language and epi-
and moffie are com-
thets we use to socialise
hard about the work
aimed at addressing
monly aimed at degrad-
our children perpetu-
that you need to put into
gender-based violence,
ing lesbian, gay, bisexual,
ate patriarchy, ableism
raising a kind, generous,
such as the 16 Days of
transgender, queer and/
and homophobia and
happy, egalitarian boy,”
Activism for No Violence
or questioning (LGBTQ+)
undermine the quest for
said Kopano Ratele, a
against Women and
ing and disempowering
40
“You have to think very
at different platforms
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
Children campaign.
affirmed and through
agency is crucial for the
teaching our children
their socialisation as hav-
empowerment of the
can, therefore, either
helpful, this view in fact
ing the capability and
girl-child, linked with her
entrench domination or
perpetuates patriarchy.
capacity to protect and
ability to be self-directed,
liberate the child and
The boy-child as well
provide for themselves.
an independent thinker
develop a child who
and agent.
understands and values
Contrary to being
as men are accord-
The boys as ‘protectors
ingly socialised to be the
and providers’ argu-
protector of the girl-child
ment burdens the boy. A
construct and those
and women, yet there
boy-child thus socialised,
hellbent on preserving
dismantle patriarchy, we
follows great discomfort
grows into an adult man
the status quo perform
must also be reflexive
when probed as to what
who believes that his
human rights violations
as officials, profession-
or whom are boys and
God-given responsibility
and othering through
als and activists; paying
men protecting girls and
is to protect and provide
‘homophobic lesbian
attention to the ways
women from.
for the woman. Already
rape’, violence and mur-
in which the ideas we
that socialisation creates
der of LGBTIQA+ persons.
share replicate the same
Currently, the way we
Society’s binary gender
gender equality. As we struggle to
discourse that produces
construct heterosexual
an imbalanced power
relationships revere
relation and demands
masculinity as dominant.
a certain emotional
Importance of language
How we speak and disci-
detachment.
Language is therefore a
reflect and reimagine
very important means for
the way we conduct
pline children generally
Teaching boys that
inimical gender relations. We must continuously
defeats the purpose of
they are the protectors of
constructing our reality.
gender development
creating a non-sexist
girls disempowers them
In the home, the values
work, since we are part
society.
by creating a delusion
and norms are transmit-
of the same culture and
of power coupled with
ted through language;
language and therefore
emotional stunting which
in the community, the
must devote ourselves to
may change into anger
interaction is through
unlearning toxic ideas,
and violence when they
language; in school,
sexism, homophobia
It is critical to understand
are not able to enact
church and work, the
and transphobia in not
why the idea of boys and
that male role.
language is the vehicle
only our actions but also
of communication.
our lexicon. All oppres-
Negative gender attitudes men as providers and
Positioning the girl-child
It is through language
sion must end, including
caregiver who is a man
that culture, values and
that permeating through
tive gender attitudes
is disempowering and
norms are transmitted,
language, as we build a
and behaviour. It is an
creates co-dependent
and the levels of power
non-racial and non-sexist
idea that manifests and
relationships. Through
relations are constructed,
society.
demands stereotypical
respectability and grati-
demonstrated and en-
notions and it is problem-
tude to men, the cycle
trenched in the various
atic for girls and women
continues when she
social institutions.
to be seen as incapable.
socialises her children
Their agency must be
in the same way. Self-
protectors is problematic
as needing a boy or a
and perpetuates nega-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
The language we use in communicating and
*Ohara Diseko-Ngoma is the Commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality.
41
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
Writer: More Matshediso
Grow the economy, buy local
products will ensure that
factured products will
the money spent by citi-
also assist the country
zens stays in the country.
to realise its dream of
“Public servants must remember that they are
economy, safeguarding
consumers and they
jobs and creating more
benefit from the tax base.
jobs for those who are
The conversations that
unemployed.
happen between the
Mashimbye says when
Minister of Finance and
people buy a product
unions are about not
or use a service that is
having enough resources
imported when a local
and trying to find ways
alternative exists, they are
to grow the tax base so
in fact jeopardising local
that enough money can
jobs.
be generated to deliver
Everyone, including
services to the citizens of
public servants, has a
South Africa.
role to play in turning
“We can only grow the tax base by making sure that the money stays in
B
restoring and growing the
the economy around, he stresses. Mashimbye has worked
the country and that the
for Proudly SA for 13 years,
disposal income spent by
having started as the
South Africans contrib-
institution’s chief financial
utes to the growth of the
officer. He also served as
economy.”
chief operations officer
He adds that pub-
and acted as the CEO
lic servants are direct
before he was perma-
beneficiaries of the tax
nently appointed nearly
base and they should
four years ago.
not spend most of their
He previously worked for
y supporting
tive Officer (CEO) Eustace
disposable income on
the former Department
South African
Mashimbye. Proudly SA is
products that come from
of Trade and Industry,
products and ser-
the country’s only official
outside South Africa’s
Telkom and Edcon.
vices, public servants can
buy local campaign. It
borders because that
contribute to the country’s
serves the interests of all
means they will be sup-
accounting officer
economic growth.
As the CEO, he is the
local manufacturers and
porting jobs outside the
responsible for organisa-
This is according to
producers in the country.
country instead of local
tional management and
Proudly South African
Mashimbye says buying
businesses.
for driving Proudly SA’s
(Proudly SA) Chief Execu-
42
locally manufactured
Buying locally manu-
strategy.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
New initiative to promote buying local In an effort to make locally manufactured products accessible to consumers, Mashimbye says Proudly SA is a partner in the RSAMade initiative. “This new e-commerce website gives South African manufacturers the opportunity to advertise their products to local and global consumers.
fabric face masks.
and businesses.
portal to source their
It remains imperative
All companies listed on
to display their locally
that reliable sources of
the RSAMade online por-
any medical grade stock
manufactured products
locally made masks are
tal have confirmed that
back to essential servic-
on the website, which
easily available, to help
they are genuine manu-
es,” says Mashimbye.
enables them to reach a
curb the rate of infec-
facturers that produce
much larger retail field.”
tions and enable South
locally made products,
Africans to comply with
support local jobs and
Making a difference
down was announced by
the mandate that makes
operate under condi-
“Most of our programmes
President Cyril Ramapho-
wearing masks in public
tions that promote worker
are funded by the DTIC
sa in March, the online
compulsory, says Mashim-
health and safety.
and we rely a lot on part-
portal (rsamade.co.za)
bye.
Merchants are also able
When the national lock-
was used as a platform
The RSAMade portal
The portal also links
masks and to liberate
nerships, so I spend much
corporate buyers with
of my time developing
for local fabric face mask
came about after dis-
mask producers and dis-
strategic partnerships
manufacturers to sell their
cussions with the South
plays the manufacturer’s
and getting sponsors for
products to the public.
African Clothing and
details, mask images,
the work of the organisa-
Textile Workers’ Union;
production capacity per
tion,” he says.
tiative helped the coun-
the Department of Trade,
week and unit costs.
try’s clothing and textile
Industry and Competition
“We must support our
sector to retain jobs and
(DTIC); and the Manufac-
local businesses, which
that advance the work of
support the economy,
turing Circle, around ways
have the capacity to pro-
Proudly SA, include:
while also ensuring that
to align the clothing and
duce sufficient masks to
• Localisation com-
local clothes manufac-
textile manufacturing
meet the country’s needs.
mitments – This
turers were able to meet
industry’s initiatives with
We call on all corporates
initiative ensures that
the pressing demand for
the needs of the public
and retailers to use the
the private sector
Mashimbye says the ini-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
Other initiatives introduced by Mashimbye
43
PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
with strategic buyers. “This
To buy locally manu-
will enable your business
factured products online,
to expand, whether it is
public servants can visit
through giving you more
www.rsamade.co.za or
exposure, linking you with
www.proudlysa.co.za
more opportunities or both of you creating a product or initiative that can benefit you in the long run.” Proudly SA continues to form partnerships with industry bodies, associations and corporates that fund or support initiatives that benefit local manufacturers and entrepreneurs. Despite the successes
Proudly SA CEO Eustace Mashimbye.
that Proudly SA has achieved over the years,
commits to procuring
that local businesses
Mashimbye says fund-
local products, where
are given preference
ing remains one of the
possible. Retailers
over businesses from
organisation’s major
and hotels that buy
abroad, where pos-
challenges.
furniture are among
sible. It also tracks
“We do not have
those that have
that suppliers who
enough money to
committed to buying
win tenders first try
educate consumers. We
locally manufactured
and source products
need to tell every single
products. Mashimbye
and services locally.
South African repeatedly
says the private sector
Proudly SA also uses
that they have to choose
now knows that local
this platform to share
locally made products in
products can be
tenders put out by
order to help the coun-
sourced through the
various government
try’s economy grow.”
Proudly SA database.
spheres with local
• Tender monitoring
44
businesses.
To deal with this challenge, Proudly SA is
system – Proudly SA
Mashimbye encourages
formulating partnerships
monitors the award-
local manufacturers and
with organisations that
ing of government
entrepreneurs to consider
can help spread the buy
tenders to ensure
establishing partnerships
local message.
About the CEO Mashimbye is a qualified financial accountant, who studied at Tshwane University of Technology and the University of South Africa, majoring in financial accounting and corporate law. He is completing his studies towards his corporate governance qualification through the Chartered Secretaries Institute of South Africa. Mashimbye is the father of twins and enjoys being with them. He loves watching soccer, reading and spending time with his small circle of friends. “I am also a parttime soul and rhythm and blues deejay,” he adds.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
Brave Conversations that Uplift and Drive Change
1 - 2 October 2020
Book now Brought to you by TopCo
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Writer: Allison Cooper
SADC approves Vision 2050 S
outhern African
Relations and Coopera-
the development of the
Development
tion Minister Naledi Pan-
SADC Post-2020 Agenda,
Community
dor led a South African
by focusing on the SADC
(SADC) leaders have ap-
delegation to the virtual
Vision 2050 and the Re-
proved a new vision and
meeting of the SADC
vised Regional Indicative
implementation plan for
Council of Ministers.
Strategic Development
the region. This was done during
46
The SADC Council of Ministers, responsible for
Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. The summit approved
the 40th Ordinary Ses-
overseeing the function-
the SADC Vision 2050
sion of the SADC Summit
ing and development of
and RISDP 2020-2030.
of Heads of State and
the region and ensuring
Government which was
policies and decisions
hosted virtually by Mo-
taken are implemented,
SADC Vision 2050
zambique recently.
deliberated on key issues
“The SADC Vision 2050 is
Prior to the summit,
on the region, includ-
based on a firm founda-
Minister of nternational
ing a status report on
tion of peace, security
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
President Filipe Nyusi in
and democratic govern-
lisation of resources
ance and premised on
from the region and
and awareness pro-
three interrelated pillars,
external sources to
grammes to trigger
namely industrial de-
fast-track the imple-
and maintain interest,
on us to share experienc-
velopment and market
mentation of SADC
awareness and par-
es of resilience and in-
integration, infrastructure
policies and pro-
ticipation of the SADC
novation that will enable
development in support
grammes and move
citizenry and member
us to achieve, without
of regional integration,
away from reliance
state officials respon-
fail, the objectives spelt
and social and human
on international
sible for driving the
out in the RISDP for the
capital development,”
cooperating partners,
regional integration
welfare of present and
said a statement issued
towards a more diver-
agenda.
future generations,” he
after the summit.
sified approach.
• strengthen visibility
Both the SADC Vision
“The theme also calls
added.
The RISDP 2020-2030 re-
• improve the imple-
places the Revised RISDP
mentation of SADC
30 envision a peaceful,
2015-2020 that lapsed in
policies and pro-
middle- to high-income
SADC and COVID-19
March 2020, said SADC
grammes, through the
industrialised region,
The economic perfor-
Executive Secretary Dr
effective realisation
where all citizens enjoy
mance of the SADC
Stergomena Lawrence
of roles and respon-
sustainable economic
region slowed in 2019,
Tax.
sibilities undertaken
well-being, justice and
compared to previous
by various actors and
freedom.
years, with the average
Vision 2050 sets out
2050 and RISDP 2020-
his opening address.
the SADC’s long-term
entities through insti-
aspirations over the next
tutional reforms at the
Summit, ‘SADC: 40 Years
Product growth being
30 years, while the RISDP
levels.
Building Peace and
two percent lower than
Security and Promot-
an average of 2.9 percent from 2016 to 2018.
2020-30 outlines the
• strengthen compli-
The theme for the 40th
real Gross Domestic
proposed development
ance by member
ing Development and
trajectory until 2030.
states through the
Resilience in the Face
Vision 2050 seeks to:
implementation of
of Global Challenges’,
line with weak commod-
• create a conducive
effective compliance
highlighted the need to
ity prices, slowdown in
environment to foster
monitoring and as-
enhance socio-econom-
global economic activity
regional coopera-
surance mechanisms
ic development in an
and escalated global
tion and integration
to track progress in
environment of peace
trade tensions, with the
and uphold the free
implementation of
and stability, even as
severity varying across
movement of goods,
SADC programmes,
adversities caused by cli-
member states.
people or labour,
and compliance to
mate change and other
capital and services.
protocols and legal
global challenges per-
gional inflation increased
instruments.
sist, said Mozambique’s
to an average of 12.1
• accelerate the mobi-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
The deterioration was in
Provisionally, annual re-
47
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
across the region and Regional Standard Operating Procedures for the Management and Monitoring of CrossBorder Road Transport at Designated Points of Entry and COVID-19 checkpoints. “The guidelines were revised in June, informed by the lessons learnt from implementation, and continue to guide the SADC region to balance, realign, harmonise and coordinate COVID-19 response measures with the requirements for trade and transport facilitation and to percent in 2019, from
COVID-19.
and, at the same time,
promote safe trade and
an average of 8.2 per-
“The socio-economic
cushioning national
transport facilitation for
cent in 2018. In 2020,
fabric of member states
economies from the
economic growth and
the regional economic
has been negatively
debilitating effects of
poverty alleviation in
growth is expecting a
impacted and brought
the pandemic,” he said.
the SADC region,” said
contraction of about
under severe stress,
three percent, mainly
requiring extraordinary
need to facilitate the
due to the adverse im-
measures.
movement of essential
vaccine or treatment
goods and services
for COVID-19 is found,
during lockdowns and
which might take a
pact of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It is nonetheless gratifying that the measures
Recognising the
Dr Tax. He added that until a
and initiatives being im-
state of emergen-
while, the region should
the region has been
plemented at national
cies, SADC developed
remain pragmatic and
operating under very
and regional levels are
Guidelines on Harmo-
vigilant by considering
difficult and challeng-
yielding positive results
nisation and Facilita-
not only health require-
ing conditions since
in the containment of
tion of Cross-Border
ments but also socio-
March 2020, due to
the spread of COVID-19
Transport Operations
economic imperatives.
According to Dr Tax,
48
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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OPINION
Writer: Director-General of GCIS Phumla Williams
Leading communication during epidemics
T
he absence of
cal health issues should
first case of COVID-19 was
At the recent Africa We-
be conveyed in a way
recorded on 14 February
binar on Leading through
that makes sense and
2020 in Egypt.
cine elevates prevention
Communications during
reassures citizens. Com-
measures as a coun-
Epidemics in Africa
munication should also
Ramaphosa, in his
try’s first line of defence
and the Role of Media,
be truthful and credible
opening remarks as
against the onslaught of
convened by the Govern-
to overcome any mistrust
the AU Chairperson
the virus.
ment Communication
that typically follows a
at the Conference on
pandemic.
Africa’s Leadership Role
a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vac-
of the virus.
To create awareness
and Information System
of these measures and
(GCIS), communicators
effect behaviour change,
and media professionals
reliable information
from across the continent
needs to be shared with citizens so that they can
President Cyril
in COVID-19 Vaccine cess, stated how Africa
exchanged best commu-
Collaboration and communication
nication practices.
During the webinar, Ebba
addressing resource
Development and Achas been innovative in
make informed decisions
While this is a difficult
Kalondo, the spokesper-
constraints through the
on protecting themselves
period for many African
son of the African Union
establishment of the AU
and their families.
nations, it is also an
(AU) Commission, shared
COVID-19 Response Fund,
important time of learn-
the importance of col-
the Africa Medical Sup-
provides accurate, useful,
ing, particularly around
laboration and commu-
pliers Platform, and the
and up-to-date informa-
public health commu-
nication among African
Partnership to Accelerate
tion has become an es-
nication. The new social
nations to limit the
COVID-19 Testing.
sential tool in a country’s
distancing regulations
spread of the virus. She
mitigating strategy. The
present an opportunity
noted that the continen-
pandemic has however
to explore creative ways
tal response, coordinated
Learning from past experience
changed the way many
to communicate with
by the Africa Centres
Africa is on par with the
governments engage
citizens.
for Disease Control and
rest of the world in re-
For communication to
Prevention (AfricaCDC),
sponding to pandemics
to-face interactions are
be effective, the panellists
has been implemented
and was a leading player
limited due to the nature
highlighted that techni-
across Africa since the
in the development of a
Communication that
with their citizens as face-
50
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
vaccine in response to
platforms are useful in
media rather than wait
requiring intervention. Ac-
the 2015 Ebola outbreak
communicating, technol-
for a crisis to foster these
cording to the research,
in West Africa. Further-
ogy platforms such as
relations.
over 90 percent of South
more, Africa is a signifi-
WhatsApp and social
In South Africa our re-
cant vaccine manufac-
media helped dissemi-
sponse to the pandemic
stand the basic health
turer and has developed
nate information quickly.
was through a compre-
protocols that they need
innovative ways to deliver
While technology has
hensive communication
to adhere to.
Africans know and under-
vaccines to areas on the
helped drive communica-
campaign to inform the
We also amplified our
continent that have no
tion, its limited availability
nation about measures
interventions by building
cold chains.
to access online learn-
to curb the spread of the
partnerships with the pri-
ing in east and southern
virus. It focused on media
vate sector and various
are learning how to deal
Africa has curtailed learn-
engagement, paid-for ad-
community-based and
with a pandemic, Africa
ing during the pandemic.
vertisement in electronic
faith-based organisations.
has had meaningful les-
New research by the
broadcasting, print, face-
They were provided infor-
sons from dealing with
United Nations Children’s
to-face engagement and
mation packages which
Ebola, Middle East Res-
Fund shows that more
digital media platforms.
were shared with their
piratory Syndrome and
than half of the children
Yellow Fever. Jessica Il-
in the region do not have
unga, the former commu-
the tools when it comes
nications director for the
to online learning. There
Clear, concise and consistent messages
Department of Health in
is a however a commit-
Transparency and
the Democratic Republic
ment in South Africa and
constant communica-
of the Congo during the
across the continent to
tion became key tools to
with the fallout from the
Ebola outbreak, affirmed
close the technology
empower communities
COVID-19 pandemic in
that communicating in
learning gap.
in understanding the
the coming months, com-
virus and how to protect
munication will play an
While many countries
a timely and transparent
Media was identified
respective audiences. The GCIS also used community-based media to reach various communities at grass-roots level. As the continent deals
manner had helped to
as an integral part of dis-
themselves against it. We
even more critical role in
mitigate the impact of
seminating information,
remained focused on the
ensuring that our citizens
the Ebola virus on the
conveying to citizens the
key principles of keep-
have access to informa-
economy.
risks but also measures of
ing our messages clear,
tion and are empowered
prevention. Dr Oscar Van
concise and consistent,
to make decisions in
pandemic, information
Heerden, International
with the aim of effecting
Africa’s recovery. Through
gaps usually create the
Relations scholar at the
behavioural change in
the power of communi-
space for misinformation
Mapungubwe Institute
our communities.
cation we can also con-
which is often taken at
for Strategic Reflection
Our research also
vey hope to the people
face value and therefore
(MISTRA), highlighted
assisted us to obtain
of our continent that we
difficult to correct. While a
that communicators
feedback on the impact
shall emerge stronger
combination of tradi-
should continuously
of our messages which
and more resilient.
tional and new media
build relationships with
helped to identify gaps
She added that in a
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
51
IN OTHER NEWS
National Treasury publishes COVID-19 tenders President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the online publication of a list of all Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Source: SAnews
transparency and accountability when it comes to allegations of corruption in the COVID-19 procurement process,” President Ramaphosa said. National Treasury will regularly update the
related government expenditure as his-
online register to ensure informa-
toric.
tion remains current.
The Office of the Chief Procurement
“By publishing these lists, we
Officer (OCPO) published a full list
have honoured our prom-
of all companies which have
ise to the South African
been awarded contracts by
people. They enable proper scrutiny of the
government for the supply of
details of all compa-
goods and services relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, on
nies that have received
the National Treasury website
tenders for COVID-19-
recently.
related services,” President Ramaphosa said.
The list includes COVID-19 procurement information from all provinces, national departments and over
The register of COVID-19-related procurement may be found at www.treasury.gov.za
70 public entities. “This measure is unprecedented, and a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to
Strategy to help SA address climate change
leverage opportunities, and outlines the required
South Africa’s National
resources for such ac-
Climate Change Adap-
tion, whilst demonstrat-
tation Strategy (NCCAS),
ing progress on climate
which supports the
change adaptation,”
country’s ability to meet
said Environment, Forest-
its obligations in terms
ry and Fisheries Minister
of the Paris Agreement
Barbara Creecy.
on Climate Change, has
The NCCAS outlines a set of objectives, inter-
been approved. “This strategy defines
52
those vulnerabilities and
ventions and outcomes
the country’s vulner-
to enable the country
abilities, plans to reduce
to give expression to its
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
commitment to the Paris
National Development
elements of the Paris
Agreement.
Plan’s vision of creating
Agreement: mitigation,
for parties to support
a low-carbon, climate
adaptation and means
clear global adaptation
tation with all relevant
resilient economy and a
of implementation.
goals with timelines as in
stakeholders and ap-
just society.
Developed in consul-
“To achieve this will
“There is also a need
the Paris Agreement,” she
proved by Cabinet, the
The Minister is opti-
NCCAS aims to reduce
mistic that when the
dictable and adequate
the vulnerability of
the 26th session of the
finance, technology and
originally scheduled to
society, the economy
Conference of the Par-
capacity building mitiga-
take place from 9-19 No-
and the environment
ties (COP26) does take
tion and adaptation sup-
vember 2020 in Glasgow,
to the effects of climate
place, it will result in a
port, including securing
United Kingdom, has
change.
commitment for higher
carbon market share of
been postponed due to
ambition on all the
proceeds.
the COVID-19 pandemic.
It gives effect to the
require additional, pre-
added. COP26, which was
sion of building a modern, growing and successful province.” The Premier added that health and education are priority areas for the province and that these two departments take up the bulk of the provincial budget. Changes need to occur in these departments as they strive to turn the situation around for the benefit of the people, especially the youth, he said. The Premier said the initiative would also restore dignity in communities and save parents from spending nights queuing to get their children registered at a school.
2021 school registration goes online in Northern Cape The Northern Cape has launched its first user-friendly online schools registration system for 2021 admissions.
“We are pleased to announce that the online admission system eliminates possible delays of over 1 000 applications per year. “This implies not only a dignified service but also an efficient system.” The system is expected to open from 14 to 30
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul described
September 2020, while 199 fully equipped walk-in
this move as a major milestone in efforts to modern-
centres across all five districts will be available to
ise the province.
assist parents without access to the Internet and
“As this new administration, we articulated a vi-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
related services.
53
PROVINCIAL FOCUS
Writer: Dale Hes
North West avoids COVID-19 surge I
n North West, collaborative efforts between government, the
private sector and civil society have shielded the province from the worst impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). North West has consistently ranked towards the bottom half on the list of provinces with the most COVID-19 cases and deaths.
A screening, testing and contact tracing programme takes place in Setlagole village, Nor th West.
The work of the Provincial Command Council
becoming hotspots for
demic, managed to forge
Bojanala district – a hot-
has been in line with
COVID-19. The provincial
partnerships with the
spot district – through the
national guidelines, and
government has been
Minerals Council of South
Rustenburg Health Forum,
appropriate enforcement
quick to recognise this,
Africa, which includes
which comprises officials
of regulations, along with
engaging extensively with
all the mining houses
from the Bojanala District
vigorous testing and trac-
mining houses to deal
conducting business
Health Department and
ing strategies, have been
with confirmed cases
in this province and all
mining house representa-
effective at keeping case
and prevent the spread
other big business across
tives.
numbers relatively low.
of the virus in mines.
the province; so as to pull
“The MEC for Health,
Premier Job Mokgoro
together all the available
Madoda Sambatha,
Protecting the mining sector
said that forging partner-
resources at our disposal
has been visiting and
ships has been critical
towards the fight against
engaging with the mining
Mining is critical to the
in the province’s fight
the spread of COVID-19.”
houses in the province to
economy of the province.
against the virus.
However, mines also pose a significant risk of
54
“We have, since the outbreak of the pan-
The most notable of
assess the levels of com-
these partnerships is the
pliance with lockdown
progress made in the
regulations in that space.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
“It is very key that mine-
Command Council and
firm stance against cor-
and the JB Marks Local
workers are screened be-
measures have been
ruption.
Municipality in Potchef-
fore they start work and
taken to ensure the avail-
those who come from
ability of personal protec-
hotspot provinces like
tive equipment (PPE),
COVID-19 procurement
Western Cape, Gauteng
psycho-social support
In August, Mokgoro
in the public domain
and the Eastern Cape
and (flu) vaccination of
instructed all provincial
regarding COVID-19
should be screened and
frontline workers,” said the
government departments
expenditure, in particular
tested before they start
Premier.
work,” said the Premier.
Hospital capacity North West acted swiftly to ensure that the prov-
stroom. “Government is aware of the reports that are
and public entities to
in the Ngaka Modiri Mole-
MEC Madoda Samba-
submit reports relating to
ma District and JB Marks
tha said that the depart-
all procurement done in
Local Municipality.
ment is working closely
connection with COV-
with private health
ID-19 PPE and medical
ters relating to the two
practitioners.
supplies.
municipalities are with
“The Department of
“The expenditure mat-
“Let me be clear from
the law-enforcement
ince is prepared should
Health, as the lead
the onset that the North
agencies and we are
a surge in cases materi-
department in the fight
West Provincial Govern-
encouraged about the
alise.
against COVID-19, is
ment will fully cooperate
manner in which the
working with private
with the Cabinet Com-
law-enforcement agen-
the province has been
health practitioners to
mittee announced by the
cies are dealing with the
enhanced by collabora-
ensure the standardised
President to deal with the
matters.”
tion between the public
management of patients
alleged corruption in all
Internal audits of all
and private health as
across the province
COVID-19 procurement.
provincial departments
well as the mining sec-
and the department is
“We are also coop-
tors.
continuously monitor-
erating, in full, with the
ing standard operating
Special Investigating Unit
among others, on
enhance the capacity of
procedures and tools for
(SIU) in line with the proc-
whether departments
hospitals to ensure that
managing COVID-19 pa-
lamation by the President
are assessed or manage
services can be rendered
tients in both the public
allowing it to conduct
the risk with regard to this
should the need arise.”
and private sectors.”
wide-ranging investiga-
expenditure and whether
tions into alleged and
the prescribed procure-
“Hospital capacity in
“We will continue to
Staff wellness is also a
The province has spent
are also taking place. “The audits focus,
key part of the province’s
R124 million in the fight
suspected acts of corrup-
ment processes were
preparedness.
against COVID-19, which
tion in COVID-19-related
followed, whether prices
includes the procure-
procurement,” said the
paid are market-related
our staff wellness is taken
ment of PPE, ventilators
Premier.
and in accordance with
care of and this is an
and oxygen points.
“We have ensured that
The SIU is investigat-
price determinations
Premier Mokgoro has
ing two municipalities in
and whether the quality
ue to improve on. This has
heeded President Cyril
North West – the Ngaka
of goods received is com-
been a key priority for
Ramaphosa’s call for
Modiri Molema District
pliant with prescribed
the Provincial COVID-19
government to take a
Municipality in Mahikeng
standards,” he added.
area that we will contin-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
55
SANPARKS
– GOING PLACES BY FIONA WAKELIN
Walking into the office of South African
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS
National Parks (SANParks) CEO Fundisile
OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS?
Mketeni is like a breath of fresh air – and
“Inclusivity has been one of our major
not just an escape from the hot, dry, dusty
accomplishments. We cannot do it alone
streets of Pretoria. Mketeni exudes positivity
and have thus been involved in a number
and mental agility, is solutions-driven and the
of productive public–private partnerships
conversation is fast-paced, optimistic and
(PPPs) that have attracted overseas
far-ranging – just what you’d expect from
markets and which has meant we have
the head of “a country within a country”.
managed to grow our revenue.
SANParks has undergone a radical
“The National Environmental
transformation of vision, mission and
Management of Protected Areas Act (Act
purpose since 1994 – and has transformed
57 of 2003) officially mandated SANParks
from managing flora and fauna to
to create destinations for nature-based
becoming a major partner in the
tourism in a manner that is not harmful
socio-economic development realm,
to the environment. This generated the
working closely with various government
SANParks Commercialisation Strategy in
departments to ensure delivery for all
2000 in a bid to enhance the parks as
South Africans.
nature tourism destinations by diversifying tourism offerings in partnership with the
Through socio-economic interventions
private sector.
managed by SANParks, rural poverty has become a catalyst for economic
“Through this strategy, SANParks has
development – small businesses,
earned a total income of R816-million
supply chain opportunities and
through 45 PPPs ranging from cable
entrepreneurialism are all catalysed by
cars, luxury lodges and restaurants to
this dynamic organisation.
adventure activities.
Pre-1994, in the Parks Board days, the
“The Tourism Investment Summit in 2017
mandate was just to manage animals,
themed ‘Tourism for all: Transform, Grow
plants and people but with the National
and Sustain’, offered 54 new opportunities
Parks Act all the old legislation was
for investment into sustainable tourism –
repealed and a new era was ushered
President Ramaphosa learned from us!
in, balancing conservation with tourism and ensuring that SANParks became
“Land claims have presented new
“the pride and joy” of all South Africans.
opportunities and partnerships, as has the
At the close of the last financial year,
issue of beneficiation with a percentage of
SANParks received six million visitors into
our revenue and new concessions going to
its 19 parks.
communities.
INCLUSIVITY HAS BEEN ONE OF OUR MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE AND HAVE THUS BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF PRODUCTIVE PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPPS) THAT HAVE ATTRACTED OVERSEAS MARKETS
ADVERTORIAL
LAND CLAIMS AND BENEFICIATION
“We are a renowned global leader
previously disadvantaged communities
in biodiversity conservation and base
(PDI) nationwide..
management decisions on best available The Restitution of Land Rights
research. We employ 50 scientists who,
“Out of the 160 applications received for
Act of 1994 allowed for
together with external research collaborators,
game donations, only nine were supported.
communities who were
produce about 200 peer-reviewed scientific
It is important for government to have a
papers per year from the 350 research
programme to support these emerging
projects registered in our parks. This sound
farmers – aftercare is crucial for success
environmental and social research is key
and viability.”
dispossessed through forced removals post-1913 to reclaim their land. In 2008 the Cabinet took a decision whereby the application of equitable redress as opposed to land restitution was approved
to SANParks’ ability to execute its critical mandate of protecting and managing South
WHAT EXCITING PLANS ARE IN THE PIPELINE?
Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.”
“Enterprise development. We are busy with socio-economic policies and will be
as the only option for settlement
HOW IS SANPARKS CONTRIBUTING TO
inviting the private sector and government
of the land claims in the Kruger
INCREASED EMPLOYMENT?
departments to join us in job creation and
National Park.
“Managing over 15 000 beds makes us a
fighting poverty. We are ready!
major player in South Africa’s tourism industry. The first phase of the equitable redress was implemented on 21 May 2016 at Skukuza when the then President of the Republic of South Africa accompanied by the Ministers of the then Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Rural Development and Land
We have a workforce of 4 500 permanent
“We will be rolling out investments and
employees, with more than 1 200 working
beneficiation.
on other projects such as land rehabilitation, water and fire. Our PPPs have helped create
“A new national park is about to be
employment.
declared – the area in the Karoo that surrounds the Square Kilometre Array – the
“The Biodiversity Economy is one of the
largest radio telescope ever built which is
Operation Phakisa Greening programmes
collocated in Australia and in Africa.
Reform handed out financial
headed by Department of Environment,
compensation to six communities
Forestry and Fisheries. During the first
“We are excited by the green energy
out of 16 land claims in the
biodiversity conference in 2015, SANParks
programme and operating off the grid
Kruger National Park.
pledged to donate 1 500 heads of game to
using wind and solar. We are engaging
its neighbouring communities and in 2018 at
with different partnerships doing a feasibility
the second conference, SANParks pledged
study; currently Skukuza and Lower Sabi are
3 000 heads of game to be donated or
already on solar.
The settlement agreement made provision for financial settlement for households and a further lump sum to be used as base amount to fund a beneficiation scheme which created access to business opportunities inside and outside the Kruger National Park for investment, shareholding and employment purposes.
loaned to South African communities and emerging game farmers. SANParks through
“As we expand, we plan to shrink our carbon
its adaptive management approach has
footprint, thereby reducing our consumption
divided the wildlife economy into two
of fossil fuels and water consumption.
categories: • G ame donations to communities neighbouring the park. • G ame loans to emerging farmers from
“SANParks is ready and excited about the future in South Africa, the region and the continent!”
Contact Information: Telephone: 012 426 5000 Website: www.sanparks.org Physical Address: 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria Postal Address: South African National Parks, PO Box 787, Pretoria 0001
SANPARKS: A RENOWNED GLOBAL LEADER IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION For decades, conservation has become intertwined with
each visitor who passes through our gates contributes
tourism in a co-dependent relationship that is central to
directly to the maintenance and sustainability of South
the sustainability of both disciplines. It is estimated that
Africa’s conservation estate. SANParks is indisputably
more than 50% of all tourists visiting a foreign country visit
a major player in South Africa’s tourism industry. Our
protected areas during their trip. Similarly, the returns
position in the industry is further underscored by the fact
from SANParks’ tourism arm is a significant contributor
that two of South Africa’s iconic tourist attractions –
to the sustainability of its conservation activities and
Table Mountain National Park and Kruger National Park
social responsibilities. Drawn to the hallmark of SANParks’
– are within our portfolio. There is a park for every season
pristine, unspoilt landscapes and abundance of wildlife,
and every reason.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
1. TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
2. W EST COAST NATIONAL PARK
This natural World Heritage Site is a haven of magnificent mountains plunging into crystal seas fringed with the bleached white sands of the Cape Peninsula. Voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in a global contest, this National Park attracts more than four million visitors a year.
The West Coast National Park lies just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay, and only
the offshore islands in
one-and-a-half hour’s drive
Saldanha Bay, which
from Cape Town. The key
together form
conservation areas of West
the Langebaan Ramsar
Coast National Park are
site, a wetland of
Langebaan Lagoon and
international importance.
ADVERTORIAL
3. AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK
4. GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK
Known as one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in the world, the Garden Route on South Africa’s south coast is home to indigenous forests, lowland fynbos, a multitude of rivers and lakes, pristine beaches and rugged mountains. This National Park incorporates three distinct areas: Knysna, Wilderness and Tsitsikamma.
This park was established to protect a unique landmark, the southern tip of the African continent at Cape Agulhas, which is also the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain conserves an area of botanical significance, the Lowland Fynbos, with about 1 751 plant species. There is also a rich cultural heritage including shellfish middens created by foraging Khoekhoen people before colonial settlement. Among the mysteries associated with this region are the many ships that were wrecked en route to the East.
5. KAROO NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Western Cape, on the southern slopes of the Nuweveld Mountains, Karoo National Park is a place of big skies and seemingly endless views. The park is a convenient stopover on the N1 route between Gauteng and Cape Town, about 500km away. The park lies in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo and Grassland biomes, and its complex environment, ranging from open plains to high mountains, provides many niches for animal and plant species. The park has a wide variety of endemic wildlife, with 58 mammal species, more than 200 bird species and a rich reptilian fauna including 18 snake species and five tortoise species. The park is famed for its dramatic landscape.
6. A DDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK
7. GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Now the third-largest national park in South Africa,
In the foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the northeastern Free State lies the
Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, taking its name from the shades of gold
conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes,
cast on the sandstone cliffs. The 32 690 hectare park is home to a variety of
fauna and flora. Established in 1931 to save 11
mammals and birds, including the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis. The park is
elephants on the brink of extinction, it is now home
best known for its geological, geomorphological and paleontological heritage
to more than 350, as well as 280 Cape buffalo, black
with rich geology dating back to 195–210 million years ago. Researchers
rhino, a range of antelope species and the rare
discovered a fossilised dinosaur egg in 1977 and a cluster of six eggs in 2005.
flightless dung beetle. It is the only park that is home to
This has led to an investment to build a Dinosaur Centre in the park, scheduled
the Big Seven (Big Five plus the great white shark and
to open in 2020. SANParks is eager to position the park as the ultimate 4x4 and
southern right whale). It is a perfect destination for the
adventure destination in South Africa. Private parties are invited to be part of
adventurous outdoor enthusiast and nature lover.
the exciting release of adventure opportunities in the park.
8. MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK
Marakele National Park lies in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, just 250km from Johannesburg and 15km north of Thabazimbi. The park was declared in 1994 and is still in a phase of consolidation but its picturesque setting creates a spectacular bushveld experience. It is considered to have substantial development potential due to its location and proximity to Gauteng, making it an ideal weekend or breakaway option. There are currently few activities offered in the park due to the limited road network; however, this has been prioritised to enable the visitor to experience the full wonder of the park. New activities are aimed at diversifying the park’s offering and increasing the adventure element.
ADVERTORIAL
9. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Where nearly two million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. As the flagship of South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man’s interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries, from Bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela, is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets. Every year more than 1.8 million visitors flock to South Africa’s leading game park.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Central Reservations: 012 428 9111 OR 082 233 9111 Physical Address: 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria
To read more about the investment opportunities available, visit www.sanparks.org
Postal Address: South African National Parks, PO Box 787, Pretoria 0001
FEATURE
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
Promoting
indigenous
language use
M
any more peo-
South African Revenue
doing a very good job,”
ple will be able
Service (SARS), Depart-
Matebula says.
government services. “If people can access
to understand
ment of Public Works and
Despite this progress,
services in their home
and make use of govern-
Infrastructure (DPWI) and
many government de-
language, they would
ment services if they are
the Department of Sport,
partments and entities
utilise government ser-
communicated to in their
Arts and Culture (DSAC).
are not meeting indige-
vices more often. When
nous languages' promo-
you speak to someone
tion standards.
in their home language,
own language. According to the Pan
These departments all have language units
One of the challenges
they will feel comfortable
sional linguists, their
is that state entities, mu-
using that service as they
ing the use of indigenous
communication and
nicipalities and provincial
are serviced in a lan-
languages in the Public
documentation is of
and national govern-
guage they understand.
Service will also ensure
good quality and they
ment departments do
“To achieve this goal,
that more people feel
have developed proper
not have language units.
state entities, munici-
included in state pro-
language policies that
The lack of these units
palities and departments
grammes.
govern public servants’
means that there are no
must start to properly
language use.
professionals at these
resource language units
institutions to translate
that will be responsible
South African Language
manned by profes-
Board (PanSALB), promot-
PanSALB Acting Executive Head of Languages
“The DSAC is charged
Nikiwe Matebula says
with terminology develop-
documents and content
for translating docu-
several government
ment and the develop-
produced for public and
ments and translating
departments and entities
ment of languages in the
official use, she says.
between public servants
are promoting indig-
country, hence it is very
enous languages well, by
good in ensuring that all
ensuring that their infor-
languages are promoted.
Better access to services
mation is available in all
In our monitoring of the
Matebula adds that the
official languages. These
development and promo-
lack of these language
include the Government
tion of languages by the
services severely ham-
the use of indigenous
Communication and In-
state, we found that the
pers the ability of ordi-
languages is to have
formation System (GCIS),
GCIS, SARS and DPWI are
nary people to access
people who speak and
62
and members of the public when there is a language barrier,” she says. Another way to improve
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
write in the indigenous
promote communicating
in all nine provinces, the
works to ensure that gov-
language that is domi-
in all official languages.
institution is developing
ernment documents and
nant in the area, at the
This will formalise how
standardised spelling
messaging is available
service desks of public
translations and all
protocols in languages.
in different languages
service facilities.
language-related materi-
Standardised spell-
spoken in the province.
als are dealt with, says
ing will help to shape
In areas like Nquthu, we
Matebula.
indigenous languages
make sure that informa-
The PanSALB is readily available to assist
The use of professional
that often have different
tion is available in SeSo-
formulation of these poli-
linguists in the country’s
spelling for names, even
tho as this is a language
cies and units.
courts helps to ensure
though it’s the same lan-
which is widely spoken in
that people get a fair
guage, says Matebula.
the area.”
departments with the
Address citizens in their language
trial and justice is served
The PanSALB is also,
In addition to promoting
for all parties. “The use
through the NLBs, work-
the 11 official languages,
of professional transla-
ing to standardise Sign
the PanSALB is also
Matebula says govern-
tors in court ensures that
Language. Matebula
promoting the San, Khoe
ment officials must use
translations are accurate
explains that Sign Lan-
(this is the way to spell
indigenous languages
in terms of meaning and
guage used in Cape
the language, but the
when they address
the technical aspects of
Town differs from that
tribe is spelt Khoi) and
members of the public
a language. This ensures
used in Polokwane. This
Nama languages.
as this will help to get
that people who appear
has led to complaints
government’s message
in court understand all
from the public to the
PanSALB also promotes
across to communities.
that is happening,” says
PanSALB about news
multilingualism and
“If you have an MEC or
Matebula.
channel translators
ensures the protection of
during President Cyril
all languages commonly
Ramaphosa’s addresses
used by communities in
to the nation.
South Africa, including
Minister speaking in a
Matebula says the
community and they are
On the road to improvement
fluent in the language,
The PanSALB, which was
their speech should be
established in terms of
PanSALB is also work-
Hindi, Portuguese, Tamil,
written in Xitsonga.”
Section 6 of the Constitu-
ing with all spheres of
Telegu, Urdu, Arabic,
tion, is already in collabo-
government to promote
Hebrew, Sanskrit and
officials should respond
ration with several state
languages that are spo-
other languages used for
to communication in
entities, municipalities
ken in specific parts of
religious purposes.
the language that they
and departments to im-
the country.
received it.
prove the use of indig-
predominantly Xitsonga
In addition, government
Government should
enous languages.
“The NLBs promote the
German, Greek, Gujarati,
To ensure the increased use of indigenous lan-
use of a language that
guages in the country,
is dominant in a particu-
the Public Service must
PanSALB Act 59 of 1995
languages boards
lar area. For instance, in
chart the course in their
to develop policies that
(NLBs), which are based
KwaZulu-Natal, the NLB
usage, she adds.
also make use of the
Through its national
Through the NLBs, the
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
63
FEATURE
Writer: City Insight
Local government must capitalise on 4IR T
intelligence, quantum
and delivery. It changes
New technology
trial Revolution
computing, 3D printing,
mobility patterns, public
The research looked at
(4IR) or digitisa-
the internet of things,
transport, road and rail
implications of the 4IR for
tion is changing how the
electric vehicles, drones,
networks and impacts
South African municipali-
world functions, offering
additive manufacturing
spatial patterns. How-
ties, particularly their skills
the opportunity to rethink
and blockchain technol-
ever, it also presents new
needs and how munici-
development. The 4IR pro-
ogy.
challenges, particularly
palities address the 4IR
around jobs and skills,
in their strategic plan-
he Fourth Indus-
vides more efficient and
In the face of the
cost-effective technolo-
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
and has the potential to
ning. The research shows
gies, including increased
pandemic, this increased
deepen inequality due to
that to capitalise on the
connectivity, E-commerce,
connectivity has been
skewed access.
4IR, municipalities need
E-government, artificial
ramped up, enabling
to have the skills and
more people to work
gies eliminate jobs, whilst
capacity to adopt new
from home using video-
others demand new jobs
technology to improve
and skills. Actions need to
service delivery and
be taken now to em-
deepen democracy.
conferencing and conference calls. Technology
brace the opportunities
increases
the 4IR presents.
Concerns about job losses associated with
access to
A recent research report
banking,
by the Local Government
well-publicised examples
Sector Education and
such as the recent clo-
Training Authority (LG-
sures of bank branches.
SETA) studied the huge
However, new jobs are
potential of the 4IR to
also being created, for
transform our economy
example automation in
and society, examin-
Volkswagen’s Uitenhage
ing the opportunities it
plant enables the plant
provides for local govern-
to reach full capacity for
ment.
extended periods and
jobs, transport
64
Some new technolo-
the 4IR are valid, with
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
added 300 new jobs in
to local contexts and
supplies to hard-to-reach
blockchain and bioengi-
2018.
integrated with a regional
areas and 3D printers
neering to develop virtual
New jobs are being
strategy that is supported
can print medical sup-
power plants, sensor-
created in the science,
by the private sector and
plies, build temporary
based electric and water
technology, engineering
citizens.
shelters and rebuild
grids and solar cells. 3D
infrastructure.
printing can produce so-
and maths fields and
Although most strate-
include data analysis,
gies of national govern-
computer science and
ment departments and
nologies have recently
nents for small-scale wind
engineering.
major private sector
supported disrupted
turbines.
In health, 4IR tech-
lar roof tiles and compo-
The 4IR also means an
players acknowledge the
industrial supply chains
even greater demand for
4IR changes, our ICT infra-
in the COVID-19 crisis.
soft skills such as crea-
structure remains poor.
Examples of this include
Smart technology
an Italian hospital using
The research conducted
a 3D printer to produce
by LGSETA found that in
valves for an intensive-
South Africa, 4IR technol-
tivity, complex problem building, communication,
Collaboration needed
collaboration and criti-
Government spending on
care device and China
ogy is already having
cal thinking. Our current
ICT is relatively low, given
using drones to minimise
an impact at a local
education system needs
other national priorities.
risk and improve delivery
level. Municipalities have
to focus on these, and
While South Africa’s politi-
speed when transporting
implemented smart tech-
provide opportunities for
cal leadership has recog-
medical samples and
nology such as E-services,
lifelong learning and con-
nised the 4IR’s potential,
quarantine materials to
citizen portals, broad-
tinuous retraining.
implementation requires
high-risk areas.
band fibre rollouts, CCTV
solving, relationship
National government
collaboration between
Further opportunities
can play a critical role in
government, business
include integrated waste
facilities, private cloud of-
diffusing the 4IR technolo-
and social partners to
management, waste re-
ferings, internet access in
gies. This could include
address challenges and
duction through sharing
libraries, smart fines and
providing financial
leverage opportunities.
economies and intel-
building-management
Existing applications in
ligent packaging, ‘living’
systems. These range
ate legal framework,
certain countries enable
buildings, green spaces,
from large-scale, costly
expanding connectivity,
residents to identify issues
urban food production
systems to small-scale,
protecting data security,
and get feedback. They
and water management.
relatively cheap smart-
promoting research and
foster transparency and
Biotechnologies include
phone applications.
innovation and devel-
enhance trust. In disaster
cleaner energy sources,
oping new education
management, the inter-
bioplastics and improved
on how technology
programmes.
net of things and artificial
microbial waste manage-
can help overcome the
intelligence can predict
ment. For housing, drones,
barriers to a sustainable
also take proactive steps
and communicate poten-
3D printing and robots
future. Municipalities must
to address skills needs.
tial shocks and disasters,
can construct multi-func-
plan now for potentially
Municipal 4IR develop-
while blockchain can
tional buildings quicker.
disruptive 4IR technology,
ment strategies should
enhance cybersecurity,
Energy innovators use
despite mixed information
be focused, tailored
drones can deliver urgent
incentives, an appropri-
Local government can
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
the internet of things,
networks, data centre
It is important to focus
and limited resources.
65
FEATURE
However, the LGSETA report notes that the adoption of new technologies has varied across the country. An analysis of ICT skills in municipalities showed that across the eight metros and 249 local and district municipalities, 4 279 employees occupy base ICT positions. Of these, 2 641 are in metros and 1 638 in local and district municipalities. In 2018/19, 27 more people in base-ICT posts
Distribution of municipal ICT staff across South Africa
left municipalities than were recruited. Worrying,
democracy and sus-
Integrated Development
is the significant loss of
tainable development,
Plans; failure to see a
district municipalities. Government can play
managers and profes-
particularly at a local
4IR programme as an
a crucial role in devel-
sionals among them. Al-
level. Managed well, 4IR
overarching framework;
oping and promoting
most 3 000 high-demand
innovations can help
lack of integrated,
the skills needed for a
ICT persons work across
municipalities tackle
coordinated operations;
successful shift to the
municipalities, with over
major challenges,
a heavily regulated
4IR. Whilst many efforts
70 percent of these in
improve service delivery,
environment; insuf-
are the responsibility of
the metros.
safety and security and
ficient funding; limited
national government,
Overall, the data in
promote inclusion.
stakeholder buy-in; and
local government can
inadequate internal
take proactive steps to
capacity.
address skills needs. A
LGSETA’s report confirms that technical skills
Municipal planning
at local government
conventional wisdom
Finally, the shortage of
collaborative and co-
However, although
key ICT skills across mu-
operative approach is
level are in short sup-
the 4IR is firmly on the
nicipalities is a signifi-
essential.
ply, particularly in ICT.
national agenda, it has
cant concern, as is the
This article is part of a series
Losing more people in
yet to be factored into
digital divide between
reporting on research commis-
critical positions raises
municipal planning.
more
sioned by the Local Govern-
concerns.
Challenges include the
adequately staffed
ment Sector Education and
The 4IR provides an
lack of integration of
metros and less re-
Training Authority (Contact:
opportunity to promote
4IR strategies into the
sourced local and
matodzir@lgseta.gov.za)
66
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
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FEATURE FOCUS ON WOMEN
Writer: Allison Cooper
Say ‘no’ to burnout
prove ourselves, be heard and taken seriously. We and our knowledge and ideas are often overlooked, patronised or mansplained. Keeping our tempers while fighting to be heard is tiring.”
and burnout,” she says. One of these is the
I
fatigued and craving sugar, caffeine and
Most of Klipin’s burnout clients are women. “Studies show that
burden women face.
burden of responsibility.
Women are vulnerable to
“Women have a lot of
emotional and physical
roles and responsibilities
abuse, attack and exploi-
to fulfil. We are mothers,
tation.
daughters, sisters, wives,
f you’re constantly
Vulnerability is another
“We are constantly on
friends and carers. We
guard, looking over our
work, in and outside the
shoulders to make sure
home, and we play ac-
we are safe. We experi-
tive roles in our communi-
ence a surge of adrena-
ties.
line when we fear we are
“Men also play multiple roles, but it seems that my female clients are
not. The struggle to stay safe is tiring,” says Klipin.
carbs, you could be suffer-
women are more likely to
expected – by them-
ing from burnout.
experience burnout than
selves and others – to
Symptoms of burnout
men. Some may argue
play more roles than my
Burnout is a progres-
from Burnout, life coach
that this is because wom-
male clients. The constant
sive illness that starts
Judy Klipin describes
en are more comfortable
juggling of expectations,
off slowly and relatively
burnout as an existential
showing vulnerability and
roles and responsibilities
benignly but, unchecked,
emergency. “…It isn’t
seeking help,” she says.
is very tiring,” she adds.
it becomes increasingly
While there are many
Women also face the
In her book Recover
just a feeling of exhaus-
harder to reverse and
tion, being overwhelmed
reasons for this, chief
burden of patriarchy. “Be-
could ultimately lead to
and extremely stressed
among them is that wom-
ing a woman in a man’s
depression.
and anxious… it’s also
en bear some respon-
world, even though it isn’t
Klipin explains that
a feeling of listlessness
sibilities and burdens
nearly as exclusionary or
once you have experi-
and ineptitude, a lack of
that men do not. “These
manly as it once was, is a
enced severe burnout,
enthusiasm and excite-
burdens make women
lot to bear.
your body is scarred by it
ment,” she says.
susceptible to exhaustion
68
“We have to fight to
and will always be vulner-
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
able to repeat attacks.
refreshing. We feel tired
quiet: We all need
vest in the relation-
“We get burnout be-
all the time and minor
quiet time to rest, re-
ships that nourish
cause we push ourselves
physical or mental exer-
lax, meditate, journal
you. Pay them the
over and over to do
tion is exhausting. The
and sleep. Preferably
time, attention and
things that are wrong for
anguish and suffering
in silence.
effort that they de-
us. We take on too much,
we see all around is also
rest too little and pretend
overwhelming,” says
allow: You can make
get enough sleep
to be okay when we are
Klipin.
your life so much
and relaxation time
easier when you
to recharge.
anything but.
She explains that our
• A = ask, accept and
serve. Make sure you
Recovering from burn-
ability to enjoy and feel
allow yourself to ask
not having strong and
satisfied with our lives
for help, love, advice,
out is a slow process
clear boundaries, want-
– physically, mentally,
compliments, feed-
that focuses on two
ing to please others at
emotionally, socially and
back, etc.
steps. The first is regain-
our own expense and
spiritually – is compro-
pushing ourselves to the
mised.
“It’s a consequence of
brink in our quest to be
• N = nourish: Nourish
ing your energy and
your body, mind and
the second is changing
soul by eating nour-
your thought processes,
ishing food, thinking
beliefs and behaviours
noticed, appreciated
The spanner
and valued.”
While ‘putting a spanner
nourishing thoughts
so that it doesn’t happen again.
in the works’ usually has
and doing nourish-
tigue and craving sugar,
a negative connota-
ing things.
caffeine and carbs,
tion, this is exactly what
burnout also causes
you need to do when
is caused by having
each other to feel less
brain fog, social with-
you are suffering from
too many things on
overwhelmed and ex-
drawal and a lack of
burnout.
our plate. Remember,
ploited. We need to put
a ‘no’ to someone
down the burdens we
else is a ‘yes’ to me.
can and give ourselves
• E = exercise: Gentle
a beak. We can do this
Besides ongoing fa-
interest in your world.
The SPANNER is a tool
• N = no: Overwhelm
“Women need to support themselves and
“Our emotions be-
Klipin devised to help
come amplified and
burnout sufferers to re-
erratic. What used to ir-
gain and then maintain
exercise lets oxygen
by asking for help, learn-
ritate now enrages, what
their lifeforce.
in and stress out,
ing to say no and giving
used to be a slight worry
• S = self: Find and
releases adrenaline
ourselves permission to
now turns into panic.
honour yourself
and gets the blood
make new choices,” says
Our concentration is
through self-care,
flowing. It helps you
Klipin.
impacted.
self-love, self-com-
sleep better and im-
passion, becoming
proves your appetite
“We withdraw from relationships. We sleep
self-centred and self-
less or more and the
actualised.
sleep we do get is not
• P = peace and
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
for healthy food. • R = relationships, rest and relaxation: Rein-
For more information about burnout, visit Klipin’s website at www.judyklipin.com
69
FINANCIAL FITNESS
Writer: Silusapho Nyanda
Chargebacks: Know your rights G
lobal corona-
in disputes is caused by
quest by the cardholder.
the transaction process-
Once a bank receives
ing date, or the delivery
virus-enforced
consumers often not be-
lockdowns have
ing aware of their rights
a chargeback request
date of the goods or
resulted in a huge growth
related to these trans-
from the cardholder,
services, Steyn says.
in the number of peo-
actions, despite how
it must investigate the
ple using online buying
frequently they are now
matter.
platforms.
being used.
MasterCard and Visa’s rules say that a card-
“If it is established that
holder must first lodge
Online shopping
“In the event of dis-
the cardholder’s request
a dispute directly with
means that consum-
putes with merchants
is valid, the funds of the
the seller before ap-
ers can get what they
regarding such transac-
transaction will be deb-
proaching the bank for a
need without coming
tions, most consumers
ited from the merchant’s
chargeback. These rules,
into close contact with
are completely in the
account and returned to
however, do not apply in
people at stores. It is not
dark about their rights
the cardholder.”
cases of fraud.
without its challenges,
and obliga-
however, and one the
tions.”
most concerning is the
of those
reported to the Ombuds-
rights is
man for Banking Services
getting what
(OBS) arising from card-
is called a
not-present transactions
chargeback. A
(card transactions that
chargeback is a
occur while the buyer
reversal of a credit or
and seller are not in the
debit card transaction
same place).
that is initiated by the
Ombudsman for
Consumers may be expected to return the
One
sharp rise in disputes
Banking Services Reana
A chargeback must be filed within 120 days from
bank following a re-
Steyn says the increase
70
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
goods to the seller before requesting a chargeback. The Ombudsman
When can a chargeback be requested? A consumer can request
was not notified that
the use of a purchased
the date of service was
service due to concerns
unilaterally changed or
related to the pan-
postponed.
demic.
advises that when re-
a chargeback when
questing a chargeback,
the product they have
the goods do not arrive
also not be requested if
a written document
bought is damaged or
on schedule, or by the
a consumer is unable to
must be provided to
defective, if it is coun-
mutually agreed extend-
use the paid-for services
the cardholder’s bank,
terfeit despite being de-
ed delivery date,” warns
because of travel restric-
describing the nature of
scribed as the genuine
Steyn.
tions; has been charged
the dispute and giving
article, or when the seller
details of the disputed
is not honest about the
may even apply when
for failing to cancel a
transaction. This informa-
terms of the sale.
goods do not arrive as
reservation; has missed
promised as a result of
a flight which led them
tion includes the date
Tickets that arrive after
“It also applies when
She cautions that this
Chargebacks may
a no-show penalty
of the transaction, the
an event has already
travel delays or lock-
to miss a subsequent,
amount involved and
occurred also entitle a
down challenges.
separate, non-refund-
proof that notice of
buyer to a chargeback.
able service; or when
“It is vital that card-
chargeback if the prod-
When are chargebacks not allowed?
holders carefully read,
uct is not as described
There are circumstances
and clearly understand,
– it could be that the
in which chargebacks
the terms and condi-
product is the wrong size,
will not be allowed.
mistakenly applying for
tions of the purchase
colour, quantity or the
A chargeback can
a chargeback, consum-
before completing the
quality of workmanship is
be declined when
ers are advised to first
transaction. Do not click
not what was promised.
the product was sold
consult people with
If the seller is no longer
voetstoots (sold as is,
access to the card to
dispute was sent to the seller of the goods.
‘accept’ if you do not
In addition, Steyn adds that one can claim a
the buyer accepted a reasonable alternative compensation method from the seller. To avoid the hassle of
understand or agree
able to provide the ser-
at buyer’s risk). This rule
see if they authorised
with the policies.
vices that were paid for,
also applies when the
a purchase without the
a consumer is entitled to
condition of the product
cardholder’s knowledge.
a chargeback.
is clearly pointed out
“Before requesting a chargeback, it is important that cardhold-
“This is typically when
during the sale.
In the case of a transaction being fraudulent, Steyn advises
ers double check what
the merchant has gone
they originally agreed
out of business or has
demic conditions,
consumers to immedi-
to, as they are bound by
voluntarily ceased op-
chargebacks may also
ately report the disputed
those terms – even if they
erations – with no plan
not be claimed when
transaction to the bank,
did not read them,” says
to compensate consum-
a service is available
without approaching the
Steyn.
ers, or if the cardholder
but the buyer declines
merchant.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
In the current pan-
71
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Writer: More Matshediso
Dealing with divorce D
ivorce can be a
pecially if the marriage
painful sepa-
was monogamous.
ration of two
Shuping says married
people who were once
people face many chal-
ferent belief systems,
married and loved each
lenges in their union and
which results in con-
other at a certain point in
sometimes they resort
flict.
their lives.
to divorcing instead of
This is according to
working things out or
money. • Unhealthy sexual
• Interfering or overinvolved in-laws.
relationship between the couple.
• The inability to con-
• Domestic violence.
ceive children.
Shuping says divorce
Ntwagae Shuping, a
taking remedial ac-
social worker supervisor
tion. Other times, even
at Bophelong Psychiatric
after trying everything to
Hospital in North West.
resolve the issues in the
or opinions to disci-
cess for both men and
He describes divorce
marriage, divorce is the
plining children.
women to deal with be-
as the death of marriage
only option.
and says it also impacts
The following issues
on the people who are
could lead to divorce:
close to the couple, es-
• Spouses having dif-
72
• Different approaches
• Infidelity or having
can be a difficult pro-
cause many people fear
children out of wed-
losing the status that
lock.
marriage lends them.
• Improper use of
“Another reason why
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
the divorcees experi-
through all the stages
include fighting for
of loss.
custody of the children, depression and
bouring a grudge against your ex-
to terms with divorce is
happen to them.”
the stigma that comes
partner. This grudge will slow down your healing. Harbouring
As a professional who
a grudge will destroy
sometimes provides
future relationships if
counselling to people
you want to remarry.
who have been affected
• Leave the door open
by divorce, Shuping has
for reconciliation.
a few tips for those who
never dreamt it would
• Guard against har-
the loss of assets.
How to survive a divorce
people struggle to come
• Allow yourself to go
ence challenges that
Shuping says there are
find it hard to accept the
various ways to get sup-
reality of being divorced.
port while going through
These are:
divorce. These include
• If you have done your
seeking professional help
best to salvage your
from a social worker or
marriage, honestly, let
psychologist, a religious
go.
leader or a private coun-
• Speak to the people who you trust and
sellor. While getting a divorce
who value you, such
ends a chapter in your
with a failed marriage.
involve the relational
as your support sys-
life – and you will feel a
In some cases, a spouse
separation of the couple.
tem.
range of emotions, from
may count the cost of
Divorce does not just
“It has emotional, men-
• Renew your strength
anger and loss to frustra-
what they did for the
tal, spiritual, financial
and try to start a new
tion and possibly relief
other person while they
and physical impacts on
life after divorce.
– he says it is important
were still in love and
those involved. They also
• If you think you are
to remember that it also
married.
fear the unknown,” Shup-
the cause of the
signals a new beginning.
ing adds.
divorce, ask for for-
“For others, it is the shock of the relationship
Sometimes, once a di-
collapsing because they
vorce has been finalised,
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
giveness and forgive yourself too.
73
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CANAL WALK SHOPPING CENTRE
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HM19031 Carducci_Top500_DPS.indd 1
16072019 08:29
GROOMING AND ST YLE
Bold, vibrant
Compiled by: Nicholas Francis
1
and trendy designs
S
outh Africa is known for its vibrant people and cultures. Why not reflect that vibrancy in your
wardrobe with these beautiful designs that
3
all have that South African flair? Better yet, they are all from local designers.
2
4
76
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
1.
Khosi Nkosi, brown mud-cloth
pants, R460, available at Young
dress, R1 099, available at Young Designers Emporium. 2. 3.
4.
skirt, R2 490,
available at www.mantsho.com
available at www.maxhosa. 8.
Fundudzi Kofi wax printed
www.thabomakhetha.com
bomber R1 699, available at
Maxhosa by Laduma pattern
www.fundudzi.com 9.
House of Fabrosanz print
available at www.maxhosa.
peplum top, R950, available
africa
at www.houseoffabrosanz.
House of Fabrosanz Nguni print
myshopify.com
maxi dress, R2 150, available
6.
africa
Thabo Makhetha Kobo poncho
cre-neck cardigan, R4 982,
5.
Maxhosa by Laduma Nomkhitha
Mantsho track dress, R5 500,
with belt, R2 699, available at 10
Designers Emporium. 7.
5
10. Future Socks Mabala bamboo
at www.houseoffabrosanz.
white leopard print, R199,
myshopify.com
available at www.zando.co.za
Limits Unknown navy tribal
7
9
6 8
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
77
FOOD AND WINE
Compiled by: Gilda Narsimdas
Lekker local delights I
n celebration of
diced
onion and sauté until
heat. Adjust the season-
Heritage Month,
2 garlic cloves, minced
translucent.
ing with salt and pepper
we’ve chosen some
3 carrots, peeled and
Add bell peppers and
as needed. Serve in a bowl.
of the easiest yet deli-
grated
garlic. Continue to cook
cious recipes from South
¼ cup vegetable oil
and season with salt
African cooks Zola Nene
2 cups tomato sauce
and pepper.
(which was featured in
½ cup brown sugar
Gordan Ramsey's show
½ cup apple cider vin-
rots, curry powder, curry
Uncharted 2), Christine
egar
leaves and a touch of
Capendale and Jan Jan
1 cup curry powder
oil.
Braai. Bon appetite and
4 fresh curry leaves
happy Heritage Month!
Salt, to taste
sugar and vinegar and
4 whole red snappers,
Black pepper, to taste
water and then reduce
gutted, scaled and gills
1l water
the heat as needed to
removed
4 cans baked beans
allow vegetables to sof-
Chakalaka (Zola Nene) (Serves a large crowd.)
Add the tomatoes, car-
Next, add the brown
ten and caramelise.
Braaied whole red snapper with green monkey orange chutney (Zola Nene) (Serves 4) Ingredients
For braai spice:
Ingredientss
Method
3 medium onions, diced
In a medium pot, turn
The mixture should be
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 medium green bell
on heat and add the oil
very wet at this point.
1 tbsp smoked paprika
peppers, diced
when pan is hot. When
4 medium tomatoes,
the oil is hot, add the
78
Add the tomato sauce.
Next add baked beans and remove from the
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
ger to the pan and continue cooking until ginger and onions are fragrant. Add the brown sugar and honey to the pan; then red wine vinegar and let simmer until sugar has melted. Next add the green monkey oranges and cook on low for 2-3 more minutes, until combined. Serve alongside grilled fish. * Green monkey oranges can be substituted with any variety of 1 tsp ground black pep-
1 tbsp honey
char them on the grill
per
¼ cup red wine vinegar
and set aside. Com-
Salt, to taste
6 green monkey or-
bine the cilantro, onion,
1 bunch cilantro,
anges, fruit only, seeds
chillies, tomatoes, lime
chopped
removed*
juice, lime zest and salt
1 small red onion, diced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
into a salsa mixture.
2 small serrano chilli,
Kosher salt, to taste
oranges.
2 tomatoes, diced finely
Method
through, place it on
Mfino fritters topped with cream cheese and smoked chicken (Christine Capendale as featured on Disney Cookabout)
Juice and zest of 1 lime
Braaied red snapper:
a large wood cutting
(Serves 2)
Salt, to taste
Season fish inside and
board. Spoon over the
Ingredients
2 limes
out with the braai spice.
salsa mixture and serve
5ml sunflower oil
Place fish on the grill. To
with green monkey
125ml water
For green monkey orange chutney (also known as morapa/nsala):
prevent it from sticking,
orange chutney and
1clove garlic (crushed)
don’t move the fish until
grilled lime wedges.
40ml chopped onion
*Green monkey or-
100g chopped mfino
1 onion, finely diced
Carefully flip the fish and
Once the fish is nicely charred and cooked
diced
the skin has started to crisp and form a crust.
ange chutney: In a pan, sauté onions
(spinach) 30g finely chopped cab-
2-inch piece of ginger,
cook until meat is flaky
in oil until translucent
bage
peeled and grated
and opaque.
and season with salt.
15ml chopped coriander
Add the grated gin-
60g maize meal
1 tbsp brown sugar
Cut two limes in half,
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
79
FOOD AND WINE
into mini balls. Flatten
Method
slightly and cook the
Put all the ingredients
fritters in the butter until
for the marinade in a
golden brown on both
marinating bowl and mix
sides.
well. Toss the beef cubes
Top the fritters with
into the mix and stir until
small amounts of
all the pieces are coated
cream cheese, then
in marinade. Cover the
add the smoked chick-
bowl and marinate for at
en slices and caramel-
least 3 hours, but prefer-
ised onion. Garnish with
ably overnight. Whenever
parsley.
you feel like it, stir the meat around before put-
Lamb sosaties (Jan Braai)
ting it back in the fridge.
Ingredients
you’re lighting the fire for
For the marinade:
your braai, remove the
1/2 cup olive oil
marinated meat from
1/2 cup lemon juice
the fridge and wash your
25ml ground cumin
hands for the assembling process.
Around the time that
Salt and pepper for
riander and cabbage
25ml ground paprika
seasoning
and cook for about five
25ml ground coriander
10ml melted butter
minutes.
25ml dried oregano
lamb cubes by alter-
1 tsp salt
nating with pieces of
1/2 tsp black pepper
onion, peppers, whole
For the sosaties:
mushrooms and cherry
50g low fat onion and
Stir in the maize meal
mustard cream cheese
and 125ml water. Add
60g thinly sliced
salt and pepper for
smoked chicken
seasoning.
50ml cooked, caramel-
Stir to combine and
Skewer the beef or
1kg steak (rump, sirloin,
tomatoes, packing them
rib-eye or fillet) or 1kg
tightly together.
ised onion
until the maize meal
lamb meat, cut into
Brush the assembled
Fresh parsley for gar-
is firm and resembles
3cm by 3cm cubes
sosaties with any leftover
nishing
mashed potatoes. Place
2 onions (cut into large
marinade. Braai the
the lid on saucepan
chunks, with layers
sosaties for about eight
Method
and let it cook at a very
separated)
minutes over hot coals.
Heat the oil in pan on
low heat for about five
2 peppers (green, yel-
The sosaties can be
medium heat. Add the
minutes. Remove from
low or red – seeds and
quite fragile, so braaing
garlic, chopped onion
the saucepan and cool.
stalks removed, and cut
them in a hinged grid
and cook for a few minutes. Next, add the chopped spinach, co-
80
into square chunks)
that you close gently is
brush with melted but-
250g small button
the way to go.
ter. Use a teaspoon to
mushrooms (whole)
shape the mfino mixture
250g cherry tomatoes
Heat another pan and
Serve with sides of your choice.
Public Sector Manager • September 2020
Africology_Design_Women_Awards_Standerd_Bank.pdf Africology_Design_Women_Awards_Standerd_Bank.pdf 1 2019/07/25 08:49
1
2019/07/25
08:49
Africology_Design_Women_Awards_Standerd_Bank.pdf Africology_Design_Women_Awards_Standerd_Bank.pdf 1 2019/07/25 08:49
1
2019/07/25
08:49
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82
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CHANNEL AFRICA THE AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE
Channel Africa is South Africa’s international public broadcast radio station whose primary audience is the entire African continent. Our secondary audience is the rest of the world, where we harvest our news and information. As an International Public Broadcaster, our core values subscribe to the highest journalistic ethics which find expression in fairness, accuracy, and impartiality. Channel Africa is a platform through which Africa is engaged in debate with itself, and recognises South Africa as a role player in continental and international affairs.
Vision: “The African Perspective” Mission: “to promote the regeneration, revival, and rejuvenation of Africa, through the production and broadcast of dynamic, stimulating, and interesting programmes”. Contact Information: Tel: 011 714 2997 Fax: 011 714 2072 Email: info@channelafrica.co.za Web: www.channelafrica.co.za Twitter: channelafrica1 Instagram: channelafricaradio DSTV:802
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