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653

Regulars10 Conversations with leaders Minister Jeff Radebe says evidence-based policy-making

is important for service delivery

14 Pro les in leadership Brand South Africa CEO Kingsley Makhubela is spreading

SAs good news story

18 Women in the public sector SAs fraud auditor Zanele Mxunyelwa on tackling fraud

and corruption

22 Trailblazer Rural doctor Dr Matsobane Lekalakala leads by example

26 Management and Professional Development The National School of Governments Principal, Professor

Richard Levin, on developing human capability in the public sector

29 In other news News you need to know while you are on the go

32 Upcoming events A look at local and international events for your

diary and information

34 Ensuring Limpopo health is in good condition

MEC Phophi Ramathuba wants to clean up the provinces public health sector

36 International relations Showcasing SA to the world

40 Public Sector Manager Forum CEO of the Offi ce of the Tax Ombud Advocate

Eric Mkhawane gives taxpayers a helping hand

42 Vital stats Fast facts at your fi ngertips

44 Youth issues NYDA chairperson Yershen Pillay unpacks the

countrys potential for delivering real economic transformation

76 Public sector appointments Who is new on persal?

78 Financial tness Spend wisely this festive season

Contents Dec 2015 / Jan 2016

Features48 SA advances towards NDP goals The country is making steady progress in meeting

the targets set by the National Development Plan

54 SA urged to use water sparingly All South Africans need to be responsible with their water use

56 Government, media commit to free and thriving media Government and the media have renewed their commitment to strengthening their relationship

60 New initiative to attract investment The Department of Trade and Industrys inter-departmental clearing house is set to encourage more investment by local and foreign companies

64 Multinational force to help maintain peace in Africa

Some 25 000 soldiers underwent training as part of Amani Africa II fi eld training

64

14

Public Sector Manager December 2015 / January 20162

88

Public Sector ManagerTHE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS

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Head of Editorial and Production Harold Maloka [email protected]

Managing Editor Dorris Simpson [email protected]

News Editor Irene Naidoo

Copy Editors Elias Tibane Ongezwa Manyathi Irene Naidoo Contributors Dorris Simpson Albert Pule Noluthando Mkhize Irene Naido Chris Bathembu Bathandwa Mbola Gabi Khumalo

GCIS Photographic Unit Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena Siyabulela Duda Kopano Tlape Busisiwe Malungwane Siyasanga Mbambani

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Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions

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68 SA creating jobs despite challenges Although the country faces tough economic times it is

still creating jobs

72 GovTech 2015: A commitment to service delivery Service delivery took centre stage at the 10th annual GovTech conference

Lifestyle 80 Health and well-being

Be sun smart this summer 82 Food and wine Its time to bring out the braai

86 Car reviews We bring you hot drives from Kia and Honda

88 Nice-to-haves Brighten up your life

90 Travel Summer fun by the sea

94 Grooming and style Overnight (bag) success

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The National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC-SA) has found, through the implementation of resource efficiency and cleaner production (RECP) projects over the past 10 years, that industry is increasingly faced with challenges related to, not only energy and water usage, but also waste generation and disposal.

Industrial Symbiosis is one approach to waste minimisation that makes both environmental and business sense.

Henry Nuwarinda, Project Manager at the NCPC-SA explains: Waste is an unused resource. The Industrial Symbiosis Programme (ISP) connects companies so that they can identify potential synergies for waste swapping. Industrial Symbiosis reduces carbon emissions, landfill costs, use of virgin resources, industrial water usage, hazardous waste, pollution, transport and costs. It also connects industries that might never have engaged in the natural course of business.

The NCPC-SA ran a pilot ISP in 2010 and after rigorous refining and consultation which included a scoping analysis to ensure that the legislative environment was conducive to a national ISP it presented its first workshop in 2013.

The response was very encouraging and has been growing with each workshop. In fact, at the workshop held in September, we had double the number of scheduled participants! We are currently tracking the progress of 41 companies that committed to the programme, reports Ndivhuho Raphulu, NCPC-SA Director.

ISPs are currently run in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, both managed by the NCPC-SA and in the Western Cape by GreenCape. All three programmes collaborate and share information to connect the businesses that have waste-to-businesses that can use that waste.

Industrial Symbiosis Programme Innovates waste management

Municipalities and companies wishing to learn more about the IS Programmes can contact the NCPC on [email protected] or [email protected] or visit the NCPC-SA website at www.ncpc.co.za

How it works

A workshop involving companies of various sizes and from different sectors is the first step.

Nuwarinda relates: These workshops bring companies together through a process of careful facilitation that protects business-sensitive information, companies share what waste or under-utilised resources they have. The latter could vary from a boardroom that is only used once a week or a truck that returns empty after a delivery, to used tires or wooden crates.

The information gathered at the workshop is collated by the NCPC-SA and each participant is supplied with a customised list of those companies that showed an interest in its waste offering as well as those companies that indicated they can respond to its waste needs.

During the second step the participating companies follow up with their matches to get the ball rolling prior to negotiating the terms of their waste exchange. In step three the waste starts moving away from landfill and to the matched ISP participant. The concluding step involves the signing of a formal agreement.

Monitoring results

We are currently calculating the waste diverted from landfill as well as savings accrued by participants, environmental impact, production improvements, effects on employment opportunities a range of indicators to substantiate the positive feedback we have received so far, relates Nuwarinda. The NCPC-SA hopes to release its first ISP results during the first quarter of 2016.

THE NCPC-SA IS A PROGRAMME OF THE DTI AND IS HOSTED BY

THE CSIR.

INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS PROGRAMME WORKSHOPS

GAUTENG (TWO WORKSHOPS)

108 COMPANIES

553 RESOURCES DISCUSSED

1308 POTENTIAL SYNERGIES

CAPTURED

KWAZULU-NATAL (ONE WORKSHOP)

26 COMPANIES

130 RESOURCES DISCUSSED

228 POTENTIAL SYNERGIES

CAPTURED

ADVERTORIAL

Ndivhuho Raphulu, NCPC-SA Director

MESSAgE FROM THE MINISTER

Every year on 1 December South Africa joins the interna-tional community in commemorating World AIDS Day. It is an opportunity for all South Africans to refl ect on the devastating impact that AIDS has had on communities and peo-

ple aff ected by it. It is also a chance to take stock of the progress

we have made in improving access to preventative measures

and treatment, and in eliminating the stigma associated with

HIV and AIDS.

This years World AIDS Day takes place under the theme Get-

ting to Zero. The theme refl ects the importance of working

together to overcome this global epidemic and ensure zero

infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

In South Africa, the fi ght against HIV and AIDS is being waged

on many fronts and we have made massive gains over the years.

Millions of South Africans who previously had no hope now live

productive lives due to our massive roll out of antiretroviral (ARV)

treatment. Statistics South Africas (Stats SA) mid-year population

estimates for 2014 show that life expectancy has increased from

52, 10 years ago, to 61 in 2014.

Stats SA attributed the change to two main trends, namely

more people being on ARV drugs and a decrease in the infant

mortality rate. More importantly, since the launch of the national

HIV Counselling and Testing campaign in 2010, more than 20

million tests have been conducted. Last year more than 700 mil-

lion male condoms were distributed and more than 1.6 million

medical male circumcisions were performed in public facilities

since 2010.

These fi gures are indeed encouraging but when viewed against

the fact that Stats SA estimates that just over 10 per cent of the

population is HIV positive, it gives pause for thought. South Af-

ricans are living longer lives but infection rates are still too high.

Our country has more than 6.4 million people living with HIV.

More than one in fi ve people with HIV in the world live in South

Africa. We have about 450 000 new HIV infections and 360 000

new TB infections each year.

This is further complicated by the fact that stigma re-

lated to HIV and AIDS still persists. The recently released

South African Stigma Index Survey clearly shows that we

have not yet defeated stigma and discrimination. For as

long as stigma persists, those living with HIV and AIDS

are set to suff er secondary trauma in their communities,

places of work and families. Fear of the stigma may pre-

vent people from testing for HIV and they will therefore

not have access to treatment, care and support.

Together we need to change this. We should end

stigma and discrimination and reduce the rate of new

HIV infections. While this may not be easy, we must press

on to bring about change. This is the time to renew our

commitment to have a generation of under-20s that is

largely free of HIV by 2030. The change is possible and

it hinges on a change in behaviour and in every South

African taking responsibility.

We need to educate ourselves and our children about

HIV, know how to prevent it and ensure we get tested on

a regular basis. We must use the insight and experience

we have gained over the years to ensure that we work

together to address the myriad of social, economic and

cultural factors that drive new infections.

Working together to overcome HIV and AIDS

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.


Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko.

MESSAgE FROM THE ACTINg DIRECTOR-gENERAL

Enjoy the festive season responsiblyWith the festive season upon us thoughts inevitably turn to lazy, fun fi lled days surrounded by our family and loved ones. The end of the year is a chance for all of us to recharge, refl ect on our successes and revitalise for

the challenges that await in the New Year.

Many people will no doubt take to the road and travel long

distances to be with those most precious to them.

However, before undertaking any long journeys this festive

season it is essential to follow a few simple steps. It is vitally

important to ensure that the vehicle you are travelling in is

roadworthy. The simple fact is that unroadworthy vehicles are

death traps for drivers, passengers and other road users.

Drivers should obey the rules of the road at all times and keep

to the speed limit. All occupants in a vehicle should wear a

seatbelt. Adults must put young children in car seats and insist

that older children buckle up. If you have used alcohol you

should not drive a vehicle, but rather seek alternative means

of transport.

These are things that we usually do as a matter of course in

our daily lives, but often when the holiday season comes along

such prudent behaviour goes out the window.

We all have within us the power to reduce road accidents by

simply showing courtesy to other motorists and following the

rules of the road. These two simple interventions can go a long

way to preventing the all too familiar tragedies that we see and

read about particularly at this time of the year.

Every year road accidents claim thousands of lives. The human

cost of these individual tragedies is hard to fathom and leads to

broken families, economic hardship and untold pain.

Many families with young children will also be going away

over this period and attractions with water parks or open water

will be visited by thousands. Be careful around water sources

especially if you cannot swim. River and ocean currents are often

stronger than they appear and can easily cause a drowning.

The use of alcohol also aff ects judgement so avoid swimming

if you are intoxicated.

We also call on all South Africans to use our precious water

resources responsibly and sustainably. Large parts of the

country are currently experiencing drought conditions

and there are water shortages. Simple things like taking

a quick shower instead of a bath, or reusing water will

go a long way.

The festive season is a time for giving and receiving but

it is important to guard against overspending. Most of us

can relate to spending too much over the festive period

and then worrying about our fi nancial situation in January.

It pays to take a few simple precautions to ensure that

your holiday spending patterns do not result in fi nancial

strain in the New Year. Before spending money on festivi-

ties, families should ensure that their living expenses such

as rent or bond repayments, food, school fees, essential

services and debt are provided for.

By paying close attention to the little things we can

contribute to a safer and happy holiday for all.

Government wishes all South Africans a safe and joyful

holiday period fi lled with great memories.


CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS Writer: Amukelani Chauke

Minister Radebe makes a case for evidence-based policySherlock Holmes, a London-based detective, is a fi ctional character who uses his wit and logical reasoning to solve mysterious crimes.

The detective has an uncanny ability to solve cases using

his prowess to observe the available evidence.

And it is the wit and enterprising methods of Sherlock Hol-

mes, a character that was brought to life in 1887, that have

also caught the attention of a senior Cabinet Minister.

In an interview with PSM, Minister in The Presidency respon-

sible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe,

said evidence-based policy-making is important, as it is a

fundamental way for government offi cials to deliver quality

services that respond to the needs and aspirations of citizens.

His comments came ahead of conversations with senior

government offi cials during an implementation executive

course, which was presented by the University of Cape Towns

Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice (GSDPP)

in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Monitor-

ing and Evaluation (DPME) and the Programme to Support

Pro-Poor Policy.

When asked why it was important to use evidence-based

policy-making, the Minister responded: In underlying the im-

portance of evidence, one of the most celebrated detectives

ever, Sherlock Holmes, said it is a capital mistake to theorise

without all the evidence because your judgement would be

biased.

Improving governments impactThe course has been designed to assist participants to use

evidence to make well-informed decisions about policies, pro-

grammes, projects and services and to improve governments

impact on society.

Its resource and facilitation team comprised leading experts,

drawn from both academia and government.

During the interview, Minister Radebe said for government to

do these things better, evidence-based information is required

to assist the state to diagnose the problems that society is con-

fronted with so that an appropriate remedy can be prescribed.

Without evidence-based policy, whatever we say will just

remain a very glorious illusion; that is why it is important for


senior offi cials of government to be imbued with this fun-

damental philosophy of working so that we can create a

better life for people.

He stressed that government was determined to make

the targets set out in the National Development Plan

(NDP) a reality.

The main point that I want to emphasise is that we, as

government, are deeply committed to attaining the goals

of the NDP our vision 2030 and in doing so, you require

a developmental state that is capable of driving the pro-

gramme of socio-economic transformation in our country.

It has not been lacking but I think the emphasis now,

especially since 2009 when the President created this de-

partment for monitoring and evaluation, is much more

pronounced than it previously was.

The key thing now is to ensure that all our command-

ers and soldiers sing from the same hymnbook, Minister

Radebe added.

The course was designed to give

public insight into how they should

work with their political principals,

he said.

The Minister also noted the need

for the political-administrative in-

terface between executive authori-

ties and heads of government de-

partments because without that

chemistry and synergy, it will be

very diffi cult to implement govern-

ment programmes.

That is why even the appoint-

ment of Directors-General have to be approved by

Cabinet, to make sure that we have professionally compe-

tent offi cials who have to implement government policies.

So on a day-to-day basis it is important that these senior

managers are totally equipped with information, that is

based on evidence, to advise the executive authorities

appropriately so that we are able to implement the gov-

ernment programmes.

Equipping public servantsMinister Radebe said while the course was informed by

theoretical components, it made use of South African

case studies and those from abroad to equip managers

to go back and implement the work discussed in terms of

evidence and to use it better to inform implementation.

He described the course as an enabling intervention that

is meant to build capacity.

The key message here is that we need senior managers

to realise they need evidence.

If they are not using evidence, they are not learning whats

working and whats not, and why and

how we can do things better.

So we are trying to get these top

managers to realise that they need

it and to say that they are going to

proactively go out and seek the evi-

dence so that they know what to do

and how to do it better.

The Minister said the course was

all about using evidence that is al-

ready out there to assess the best

approaches and best practices that

could improve the quality of the ser-

vices that are already on off er.

It is also about increasing the capacity of public serv-

ants themselves to practically manage evidence for policy

implementation because we are talking about the need to

improve implementation so that we can have an impact

on ordinary citizens.

He added that the course was not about senior managers

going back to school, but training that has to be regarded

as a long-term investment.

You can never say you have been educated enough. All of

us have to learn on a daily basis, based on evidence, but also

based on the practicalities of how things need to be done.

That is why it is important that senior managers should

not only tell the good story, but also the bad story that >>

Without evidence-based

policy, whatever we say will

just remain a very glorious

illusion; that is why it is

important for senior offi cials

of government to be imbued

with this fundamental

philosophy of working so

that we can create a better

life for people.

Public Sector Manager December 2015 / January 2016 11

will equip us to design appropriate programmes for gov-

ernment.

It should not be regarded as a school, but a conversation

of how government works, he said.

Bad news can be good newsInteracting with senior managers after

the interview, Minister Radebe said

the main aim of the course was to

empower both executive and public

servants to implement the NDP.

For this to happen, Minister

Radebe said executive authorities

and senior government officials re-

quire proper advice that is based on

evidence for them to be properly equipped

to deliver a better life for the people of South Africa.

I think the main thrust for me is how to build our devel-

opmental state that is capable of attaining the goals that

are indicated in our NDP, he said.

While getting bad news on service delivery is not always

an ideal scenario, Minister Radebe said the information that

accompanies bad news is crucial as it can be used to address

areas of concern and in turn improve service delivery.

As Ministers, we dont only require good news. We require

bad news as well because it is the bad news that will equip

us to design appropriate programmes that are capable of

changing the lives of our people.

He said government aimed to disclose all information in

its reports because it had nothing to hide, but everything

to gain from all its reports.

I think the new democratic South Africa is very open and

transparent and it is important that even the bad news is

publicly known because we are committed to the citizenry

of our country - they must also monitor government. That

is why we took a conscious decision that whenever we give

progress reports to Cabinet, which is done every quarter,

the programme of action, including challenges, must be

posted on our government website for every one in South

Africa to see what works and what doesnt, the challenges

that we face, and the plans that are being put in place to

correct them.

Implementing the NDPMinister Radebe said government has made progress in imple-

menting the NDP - the countrys policy framework to eradicate

poverty, unemployment and inequality by 2030.

He added that in 2014 Cabinet approved the Medium Term

Strategic Framework 2014 2019, which is the first five-year

programme of implementing the NDP.

I can say without any fear of contradiction that we are hard

at work in implementing the NDP.

We have 14 outcomes, which are based on the thematic

themes of the NDP with coordinating Ministers in all of those

outcomes.

The Minister said President Jacob Zuma had signed perfor-

mance agreements with all Ministers to hold them account-

able for the effective implementation of the NDP.

The Ministers in turn signed performance agreements with

their Directors-General and other heads of departments, he

added.

Every quarter progress reports were presented to Cabinet

on progress on the implementation of the NDP.

The Treasury instructions were amended last year so that

before government departments make submissions to Treas-

ury, the DPME has to satisfy itself that the submissions are in

line with the NDP and the Medium Term Strategic Framework.

Then, from time to time, the President evaluates all Minis-

ters, he added.

Developmental agendaThe Minister said public servants should adopt a specific mind

set to carry out governments developmental agenda to im-

prove the lives of all South Africans.

Asked how an ideal senior manager should conduct them-

selves, the Minister said: A senior manager should wake up in

the morning thinking about the NDP and how to implement

it to ensure that the challenges that our people are facing

of unemployment, poverty and inequality can drastically be

reduced.

And, while an ideal public servant may not have the inves-

tigative skills of the great Sherlock Holmes, he or she should

also consider that evidence is an important factor in drafting

a policy that will be a viable solution that meets the needs

of all citizens.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERS


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PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP Writer: Albert Pule Photographer: Kopano Tlape

Kingsley Makhubela is marketing SA to the worldKingsley Makhubela has travelled the world exten-sively, seen war torn countries and visited the worlds best tourist attractions.

But despite these many adventures, he still has a deep

passion and love for his own country, South Africa, and

wants the rest of the world to learn about all it has to off er.

It is no wonder that he did not hesitate when he was of-

fered the position of CEO of Brand South Africa.

Brand South Africa is an entity of government that reports

to the Department of Communications. Its primary objec-

tive is to develop and implement a proactive marketing

and communication strategy for South Africa to promote

the country locally and internationally.

They do so by, among others, telling the world about

South Africa by holding exhibitions at major international

events and conferences, such as the World Economic Fo-

rum.

Heading Brand South Africa There is no doubt that he has a wealth of experience hav-

ing spent the past 20 years working in the public service.

He says all the previous positions have helped prepare

him for his new role and he hopes to use what he learned

eff ectively.

Makhubela was previously the Director-General at the

Department of Tourism and the Chief of State Protocol at

the Department of International Relations and Cooperation,

where he was responsible for coordinating all incoming

and outgoing international visits by the President, Deputy

President, Minister of International Relations and Coopera-

tion, all visiting Heads of State and government and other

dignitaries.

He also served South Africa in the capacity of Ambassador

to Portugal and High Commissioner to Kenya.

One of the things I learnt while working for both

departments is that we have to put our best foot for-

ward to promote the interests of the country.

My responsibilities have always been to promote

the interests of the Republic of South Africa from a

totally diff erent perspective, be it as a diplomat or a

Director-General.

Makhubela says his new role at Brand South Africa

is slightly diff erent from his previous roles.

Brand South Africa deals with three fundamental

issues. The fi rst is to manage the reputation of the

country by looking at issues that have a positive im-

pact on the reputation, but similarly it also looks at

issues that might have a negative impact.

The second aspect of Makhubelas new job is to

communicate the positive story that emerges from

the country.

The tendency amongst South Africans is to talk

more about the negative things that occur. As a na-

tion and a country, we cant be defi ned in terms of our

shortcomings; this country has a lot of issues that are

empowering that we can communicate.

I think our responsibility is to lift up what is good

about us as a nation, talk about it and celebrate it while

attending to the problems and things that tarnish the

image of the country.

The third aspect of the job is to ensure that there is

coordinated marketing of the country.

Makhubela says for Brand South Africa to continue

telling the positive story of South Africa, all stakehold-

ers must play a role and pull in one direction.

It is important that both government and the >>


I think there should be partnership between the governmental and the non-governmental

sector, especially big business, which are doing great things that are enhancing the

reputation of the country and its standing.


PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

private sector work together, he adds.

I think there should be partnership between the gov-

ernmental and the non-governmental sector, especially

big business, which are doing great things that are en-

hancing the reputation of the country and its standing.

Marketing the country Marketing and promoting a diverse product like South

Africa is not a simple task and Makhubela says he and

the team at Brand South Africa will focus on the positive

things the country is doing.

My biggest focus is going to be to talk about the good

things that we are doing in this country, we cant be de-

fined by negativity.

There are a lot of things that are good. Take for instance

our venture in the scientific world, and the discovery of

the Homo Naledi fossils. Its a huge opportunity in terms

of positioning ourselves as a country. Its one of the things

that the world should know us about.

Makhubela mentions other innovations that could be

used to raise the profile of South Africa such as a locally

developed machine that allows for the early detection

of breast cancer.

South Africas participation in helping resolve the situ-

ation in conflict zones could also be used to grow the

countrys profile, he adds.

We, as a country, are participating in conflict resolution

on the continent. Its one of the things we want to be

known for caring about the wellbeing of people around

the world, not only about our people, but others as well.

Closer to home, he cites South Africas involvement in

helping Lesotho to deal with its internal problems.

Take for instance our involvement in Lesotho where our

Deputy President was involved in the mediation, thats

what we are all about as a country. We need to see people

enjoying peace and prosperity in their own countries.

Like in the life of any brand or product, there will be

instances that dent the image and reputation of the

country.

Makhubela says the attacks on foreign nationals did

exactly that.

These events really harmed the image of the country.

Im glad that some SABC platforms are still running cam-

paigns against xenophobia. This is an important campaign

that seeks to educate people on the need to embrace

people who live in this country irrespective of their origin.

He adds that the work done by government to deal

with the challenge has helped to restore confidence in

the country.

Weve worked with local authorities to educate our

people and integrate foreign nationals into communities.

Global South AfricansMakhubela encourages South Africans based outside the

country to play a role in promoting their homeland. Brand

South Africa runs a campaign called Global South Africans

that sees influential, well-placed South Africans abroad

mobilise the international community and get involved

in marketing initiatives promoting South Africa in their

host countries.

We have a lot of South Africans in the diaspora who

are playing a meaningful role in enhancing the credibility

of the country, some of them want to be ambassadors

and some want to play an advocacy role in promoting

this country.

He adds that Brand South Africa works closely with them

to promote the country. I must say, theyve been very

useful ambassadors of the country. They empower com-

munities where they do business by spreading a positive

message about South Africa.

Play your part Makhubela says ordinary South Africans also have a role

to play in singing the praises of the country.

Brand South Africa has an initiative called Play Your Part,

which is aimed at inspiring, empowering and celebrating

active citizenship.

The objective is to lift the spirit of our nation by encour-

aging all South Africans to contribute to positive change.

The initiative encourages South Africans to use some

of their time, money, skills or goods to contribute to a

better future for all and make a positive difference in the

communities in which they live and operate.

It is through these initiatives, as well as the work of gov-

ernment and business, that the news about the good sto-

ry South Africa has to tell will spread, says Makhubela.


Rand Water, South Africas leading potable water supplier, has been supplying bulk water to South Africa since

1903. With the knowledge and expertise gathered over years of sustainability, Rand Water recognised the urgent

need to confront water challenges by establishing a world class academy. The creation of the Rand Water Academy

(RWA) was inspired by the need identified within Rand Water and the needs of the sector and the continent. The

Academy is responding with various solutions to address the critical resource challenges faced; firstly, within Rand

Water and, secondly, the sector and finally the globe.

Vision To be the preferred hub for skills and development of profes-

sionals in the water and sanitation sector in South Africa and

beyond.

Strategic Objectives To promote social economic development in Africa

To uphold RWAs credibility when engaging with

stakeholders

Increase RWAs footprint through new business

development

To provide financially viable solutions to our customers

RAND WATER ACADEMY

Rand Water Academy Contact Details

Tel (016) 425 8250 [email protected]

RAND WATER ACADEMYS KEY CONCEPTS

SAs fraud auditor tackles fraud and corruption

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize

She calls herself the countrys forensic auditor, curbing fraud and corruption while making sure that taxpayers money is spent correctly. Her name is Zanele Mxunyelwa and she is the head of Specialised Audit Services at National Treasury.

With a bubbly personality, Mxunyelwa steers the wheel to com-

pliance, making sure that those who have stolen money from

government pay it back.

She has been with National Treasury since 2010 and single-

handedly opened the countrys first forensic unit at National

Treasury, specialising in combating fraud and corruption across

all spheres of government.

Recently Mxunyelwa was crowned the 2015 Certified Examiner

of the Year at a gala dinner of the Association of Certified Fraud

Examiners (ACFE).

The ACFE is recognised as a profes-

sional body for fraud and forensic ex-

amination practitioners in South Africa.

The ACFE is an international non-prof-

it professional body but has its footprint

in South Africa. It seeks to improve the

level of professionalism by its members.

Professionals in the auditing and ac-

counting sector, who have a certified fraud examiner qualification

obtained by writing the ACFEs board exam, can regulate anti-

fraud professionals who include auditors, accounting officers and

chief financial officers.

For Mxunyelwa being named Certified Examiner of the Year

is recognition of the work she has done in the auditing and ac-

counting sector.

It is nice to be recognised for the work that I have done over

the years. I was chosen by members from African countries. They

voted based on my profile, which included elevating National

Treasury to be the best in supporting the fight against fraud,

she says.

The role of the countrys chief auditor Mxunyelwa adds that when her unit was established in 2010 it

was the first of its kind within government.

It is responsible for conducting forensic investigations across

all spheres of government.

She explains that after the development of the Public

Finance Management Act (PFMA), the Municipal Finance

Management Act (MFMA) and Treasury Regulations, Na-

tional Treasury felt that there needed to be an enforcement

arm that would ensure there was compliance with these

regulations.

National Treasury had been focused on educating peo-

ple to comply and implement the legislations. The time

came when there was a need for an enforcement arm of

government. This was to ensure that people actually ap-

plied the legislations and were not being gross negligent

or committing fraud.

There was no one who was ensuring that they were re-

ally complying. This is one of

the reasons that my unit was

set up.

The Specialised Audit Ser-

vices unit will conduct foren-

sic investigations where peo-

ple have committed fraud,

corruption and irregularities

as well as carry out a specialised performance audit func-

tion.

My unit focuses on objective forensic investigations

which include criminal investigations. It also focuses on per-

formance audit which, for example, is when National Treas-

ury has put in millions or billions for certain programmes of

government and the department wants to know how this

money was used the accountability side of it.

This audit is to check whether the money spent on the

programme has been properly accounted for in an effi-

cient and effective way. It includes checking whether the

resources acquired to develop the programme were ob-

tained economically for the programme to be successful. I

am called in to evaluate how the money has been spent.

She adds that conducting a performance audit on a

municipality or government department does not mean

that money has been stolen. It is to monitor whether state

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

I love my country. I believe that if South Africa

falls the whole of Africa will fall. I have to do all

in my power to support Africa by supporting

my country and making sure that there is good

cooperative governance.


money has been spent correctly for its intended pur-

pose.

Mxunyelwa says that should she discover that gov-

ernment money has not been spent appropriately,

National Treasury has a right to take over the funds of

that department, municipality or entity.

In addition, all spheres of government including a

mayor, minister, director-general or public protector can

approach my unit if they suspect fraud has occurred in

a certain department.

My unit does not focus on the public for fraud. I am

more concerned about government being defrauded.

I am not an investigator of National Treasury, I am an

investigator of the country.

Her unit is made up of chartered accountants, certi-

fied fraud examiners, cyber specialists and advocates

from high courts. In addition, 10 forensic firms support

the unit.

The road to success Mxunyelwa says hard work and determination were

the driving force to her becoming South Africas chief

auditor.

Prior to joining National Treasury she was the Chief

Audit Executive at the Department of Public Works.

I joined the unit in 2000, when I set up a fully fledged

internal auditing department and forensic investigation

for the whole country, within the Department of Public

Works.

When I started there was only four people, but I devel-

oped the unit to 69 so that there are people all over the

country.

She adds that when she arrived at the department she

had a mammoth task of moving the department from an

adverse opinion to a non-qualified opinion.

Upon joining the department it had received an adverse

opinion from the Auditor-General. This meant that every-

thing was wrong when it came to audits in the department.

The Auditor-General could not find any document and re-

cords were not properly written.

My priority was to ensure that the department improved

from an adverse opinion to a non-qualified opinion.

Four years later she had helped turn things around.

In 2004 the Department of Public Works received a

non-qualified opinion from the Auditor-General and this

continued until I left in 2009. This was because of the >>


financial accountability and controls that I had put in place.

National Treasury heard about the successes at the De-

partment Public Works. In 2010 they set up a unit called

Specialised Audit Services and I was appointed to develop

it and head it from its inception.

Motivated by servingMxunyelwa says she is driven by a passion for her country.

I love my country. I believe that if South Africa falls the

whole of Africa will fall.

I have to do all in my power to support Africa by sup-

porting my country and making sure that there is good

cooperative governance.

A lot of African countries have become poor because

of fraud and corruption. I dont want my country to move

in that direction. Many people went through the struggle

against apartheid, my struggle is dealing with fraud and

corruption.

She adds that this is one of the reasons she joined the

public sector.

I have been head-hunted to be a partner of big ac-

counting firms. But my thinking is that if our country

falls because of fraud and corruption, there will be no

private sector to function. Where will this private sector

get money from because there is not a country that can

exist if the public sector has collapsed. I am here to serve

my country.

Challenges of the jobAs much as Mxunyelwa loves her job it comes with chal-

lenges, such as the increasing number of reported fraud

cases.

Everyday people are taking money [from the state il-

legally] because they are not seeing effective action being

taken in dealing with people who are committing fraud

and corruption.

She acknowledges that cracking a fraud or corruption

case takes a long time and that white-collar crimes are

difficult.

It takes time to determine who did what and reach

the culprit. It is difficult to investigate because of

advanced technology. Investigating a commercial crime

can take as long as three years.

Mxunyelwa adds that her priority, even before secur-

ing a conviction, is ensuring that those that have stolen

money pay it back.

This and thatWhat is your favourite food?I love vegetables.

What is your favourite holiday destination?I love the coast.

What is your management style? I give people a target and a road map. I dont police them.

How do you relax? I love sleeping.

I dont wait for convictions in court. I submit an affida-

vit with proof to the court and the judge that this person

has stolen the money. The judge hears me and freezes that

persons account and I am able to bring back hundreds of

millions to the national revenue fund. The case will continue

but the money has been paid.

She says one thing that makes her successful in her work

is that South Africa has a number of legislations in place.

This makes it easy for me to do my job because I am able

to pick up who did what, when and how. Our legislations al-

low government to be transparent. I have been to countries

where people cannot be held responsible for irregularities.

In this country it is very difficult for someone not to be held

responsible.

Auditing sector in South Africa Mxunyelwa believes the auditing sector in South Africa is

improving because there are more people who understand

the auditing environment.

Especially in the public sector we have qualified chief

financial officers who have the necessary qualifications un-

like in the past.

She advised auditors to move away from conventional

methods.

Sometimes investigating fraud and corruption is not

about finding or confirming that people are corrupt, it is

also about clearing peoples names. If you know that you

have not done anything wrong call the forensic investigator.

Her future plans include continuing to curb incidents of

fraud and corruption across Africa. I see myself assisting the

continent from Cape to Cairo, says Mxunyelwa.

WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR


Rural doctor leads by example

Many may wonder what life is like for a rural doctor in South Africa. Dr Matsobane Le-kalakala will tell you that there is no better experience and that working in a rural area is about hav-

ing the will to serve.

He sat down with PSM to tell his story of rising against

adversity to achieve his goal - serving his country and

helping those in need of medical attention.

I have always had a desire to serve my community,

especially in the health sector. Throughout my childhood

a doctor never treated me, a nurse always attended to me.

I wanted to bring change to my community so I chose to

work in a rural area, well aware that there is a shortage of

doctors in the country, he says.

Dr Lekalakala speaks with much enthusiasm about

his life at Thabaleshoba Health Care Centre, which is

near Rebone, about 100 kilometres from Polokwane,

Limpopo.

During the interview Dr Lekalakala is called away to

attend to a young man from a neighbouring village. The

young man has an open wound on his ear that wont

stop bleeding.

Once he has helped his patient he returns to his offi ce

where the next batch of patients, about 15 of them, are

queuing for medical attention.

Dr Lekalakala sees an average of between 36 to 40

patients a day.

Its hard work but at the end of the day I feel fulfi lled.

Most of my patients are elderly and come from impover-

ished circumstances. They wait patiently for their turn to

see me. Seeing the smiles on my patient's face after

treating them is enough for me and makes it

all worth it.

Lessons learnt from CubaDr Lekalakala, 33, grew up in

Tiberius, also a rural area in

Limpopo.

He received medical train-

ing in Cuba through a bursary

programme by the Department

of Health that helps young peo-

ple study medicine in Cuba and

then return home to work in local hospitals.

Dr Lekalakala was trained at the Santa Clara Superior

Medical Science Institute.

One of the important lessons he learnt in Cuba is the

need to prevent diseases before they happen.

The Cubans are taught health education at schools

Writer: Noluthando Mkhize TRAILBLAZER


from a young age. As a result the rate of communicable

diseases is very low.

Cubans value quality of life. The morality rate and in-

fant mortality rate is very low. They see the doctor very

early if they feel unwell because of their strong primary

healthcare system. I am dreaming and hoping that one

day South Africa will achieve the same primary health-

care system.

He adds that if South Africa is to tackle its burden of

disease, the primary healthcare model, which the Cuban

health system is based on, is the best way of doing so.

Primary healthcare is defined as providing healthcare

at community level and includes making clinics and

healthcare centres the first point of entry to commu-

nity members. This is where a medical practitioner can

advise or treat patients at community level.

Dr Lekalakala says most of his Cuban lecturers rein-

forced his desire to serve his country and do his best to

help his fellow South Africans.

For me, joining the private sector is not an option.

For example, if I decide to open my own private prac-

tice, I might see a child who lacks nutrition and then,

through my fees, take money from this childs mother,

which could have been used to buy nutritious food for

the child. To me, this does not make sense.

Rising against all oddsDue to his disadvantaged background, when Dr

Lekalakala completed matric in 2000 going to university

was not an option.

My family was poor. My mother worked as a domestic

worker, my late father worked for a construction com-

pany and there were seven of us at home.

But the fact that I was poor did not discourage me

from developing myself. I knew that through education

my life would be turned around.

Dr Lekalakala explains that he registered for a degree

in optometry at the University of the North.

My parents did not even have money to pay for my

registration. Since my marks were good the university

gave me a bursary, which also covered my registration

and tuition.

I had no money for food or books; I had to rely on

friends for help. This was the most difficult time of my

life. I remember my parents had to sell some of their

livestock to help me with my studies.

Optometry was not Dr Lekalakalas first choice as he

wanted to be a doctor but the university only took a

certain number of medical students each year.

I did one year of optometry. One day, while listening

to the radio, my father heard an advertisement about

government wanting to send young people from

disadvantaged backgrounds to train as doctors in Cuba.

That is how I got to know about the Cuban programme.

I applied and I was accepted.

Dr Lekalakala left South Africa in 2001, returned in 2007

and in 2008 completed his final year at the University of

Limpopo (Medunsa).

After graduating in 2009, he did his internship and com-

munity service at Mankweng Hospital Complex in Polok-

wane before being appointed at as a medical officer.

In 2013 the Limpopo Department of Health suffered a

major blow when four babies died at George Masebe

Hospital in Mokopane due to the unavailability of a doc-

tors to treat them.

Dr Lekalakala says this story broke his heart and he

asked the Department of Health to transfer him to George

Masebe Hospital to assist with the shortage of doctors.

I thought to myself that the mothers that lost their chil-

dren could have been members of my family and I felt

obliged to help.

When the Limpopo Department of Health opened the

Thabaleshoba Health Centre recently, which did not have

a doctor, Dr Lekalakala was the first to raise his hand to

become the only doctor at the health centre.

My conscience did not allow me to live in an urban area

while people in a rural area did not have a doctor.

While working at George Masebe Hospital it would

break my heart to see people who had travelled for about

120 kilometres seeking medical assistance. Some of them

would sleep in the causality department because at 4pm

there would be no taxis to take them home.

He adds that he felt that people in the rural areas needed

him to serve them.

Thabaleshoba Health Centre has seven neighbouring

clinics and every Tuesday Dr Lekalakala visits two of these.

Dr Lekalakalas future plans include specialising in rural

health and acquiring more knowledge to help people in

rural areas.

My role in society is to serve. I am a public servant. When

the community says it needs a doctor I need to respond,

he says.

Lending a helping hand


South Africa is a subtropical region and our agricultural systems have been developed under primarily arid and semi-arid climatic conditions where droughts are unfortunately common and the greater part of the land area is affected as is the case currently.

The country has the lowest available water resources per capita in the SADC region. The countrys dam storage capacity of about 600m3/inhabitant/year is below the regional average of 1657m3/inhabitant/year. There is need to increase dam storage capacity particularly through small reservoirs in order to improve the countrys capacity to deal with drought conditions.

Considering the current situation and likelihoods for the immediate and longer term future, the Agricultural Research Council recommends that interventions such as adapting choice of cultivars (drought and heat

resistance, growing length) to match planting date which is dictated by sufficient rain, thinning out plants if the drought period persists after emergence and holding back on any top-dressing of nitrogen, depending on the progression of the season can be considered and implemented. This is not just a response to an emergency situation, but is an adaptive approach to managing climate variability in general and on an ongoing basis.

While the Agricultural Research Council needs sufficient resources and funding and human capacity for the research that will mitigate the agricultural risks associated with natural disasters such as drought and

More Scientific Solutions Needed As Droughts Become Severe

adverse impacts of climate change have often been

experienced through decreased

agricultural production and

productivity

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ADVERTORIAL

South Africa is a subtropical region and our agricultural systems have been developed under primarily arid and semi-arid climatic conditions where droughts are unfortunately common and the greater part of the land area is affected as is the case currently.

The country has the lowest available water resources per capita in the SADC region. The countrys dam storage capacity of about 600m3/inhabitant/year is below the regional average of 1657m3/inhabitant/year. There is need to increase dam storage capacity particularly through small reservoirs in order to improve the countrys capacity to deal with drought conditions.

Considering the current situation and likelihoods for the immediate and longer term future, the Agricultural Research Council recommends that interventions such as adapting choice of cultivars (drought and heat

resistance, growing length) to match planting date which is dictated by sufficient rain, thinning out plants if the drought period persists after emergence and holding back on any top-dressing of nitrogen, depending on the progression of the season can be considered and implemented. This is not just a response to an emergency situation, but is an adaptive approach to managing climate variability in general and on an ongoing basis.

While the Agricultural Research Council needs sufficient resources and funding and human capacity for the research that will mitigate the agricultural risks associated with natural disasters such as drought and

heat, it continues to conduct research and development in areas such as the following:

Breeding of drought and heat tolerant varieties as well as pest and disease resistant varieties that will better tolerate disease outbreaks during extreme drought conditions

More water efficient vegetables and alternatively less water dependant crops

Identification of genetic markers and genes for drought tolerance in indigenous animals

Development of vaccines for animal diseases, such as heartwater.

The Agricultural Research Council registered two conventional drought tolerant maize hybrids (WE3127 and WE3128) and evidence from the smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West provinces who planted the cultivar indicate they obtained increased yields, which means theyre able to consume more maize at home, but also sell to their communities as a basis for ensuring food security. This is a significant contribution to food security. It is advantageous that these hybrids perform better than available varieties even in under-irrigated conditions. With the prevailing adverse climatic conditions, these seeds will contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector.

The adverse impacts of climate change have often been experienced through decreased agricultural production and productivity resulting in a serious threat to food security, rural development and economic growth. The Agricultural Research Council has engaged in a range of scientific research and development initiatives and one such is a scheme designated Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) (translated

- Cattle Improvement). The scheme seeks to support emerging beef farmers by teaching them how to apply best livestock management practices with a view to increasing their productivity and profitability.

The industry estimates the off-take rate for small-holder farmers to be 6-8% compared to 20-30 for commercial sector. The KyD farmers achieved 8% off-take in 2010, which increased to 13% in 2014. The increased herd off-take among KyD farmers could be ascribed superior proportion of cows in the herd, which increases the number of options for farmers as well as the competitive prices. The KyD farmers also received competitive prices at auction sales because of improved access to market information.

Agricultural research is one of the main factors contributing to shifts in agricultural production systems and changes in the world especially rural areas. In particular, it is helping to improve productivity, to increase agricultural incomes, and to change agricultural practices. It has recently evolved to contribute also to increasing resilience and adaptation of crops and livestock to climate change, nutrition improvement and empowerment of smallholder farmers. Various impact assessments have shown that it is one of the most effective investments when it comes to increasing agricultural production. Unfortunately funding for agricultural research has been declining in the recent years. More funding is required to be channelled in the area of agricultural research from both private and public sectors.

Agricultural Research Council is committed to Excellence in Agricultural

Research and Development in South Africa and Beyond

More Scientific Solutions Needed As Droughts Become Severe

adverse impacts of climate change have often been

experienced through decreased

agricultural production and

productivityTo learn more about the

Agricultural Research Council, visit the

Website: www.arc.agric.za or E-mail: [email protected] or

Call: +27 12 427 9700 or Fax: +27 12 430 5814

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MANAgEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing human capability for productivity in the public sector

Under the theme: Developing Human Capability for Productiv-ity in the Public Sector, more than 500 academics, research-ers, Human Resource Development (HRD) managers and practitioners converged in Kimberley for very successful deliberations

on how to improve productivity in the public sector as part of the

PSTF conference.

The PSTF is a non-statutory body that was established in 1997 to

advocate HRD in the public sector. This body functions under the

stewardship of the PSTF Advisory Committee comprising members

nominated from various interest groups that are also key role players

in education, training and development.

The 18th Annual Public Sector Trainers Forum (PSTF)

Conference, which was hosted by the National School

of Government (NSG) and the Northern Cape Provincial

Government took place in Kimberley, Northern Cape recently.

Prof Richard Levin, Principal of the NSG, provides further

insight into the deliberations of this years conference, the

conferring of awards that recognise excellence in public

sector training and development and the inauguration of

the new PSTF Advisory Committee members.

The keynote address by Public Service and Adminis-

tration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi emphasised the

need for highly skilled trainers who would assist in the

development of a capable and career orientated de-

velopmental public service. This also echoed emphasis

made in the National Development Plan, stating how

critical it is for South Africa to commit investments to-

wards building a capable developmental state.

Improving public sector productivityThe notion of capacity building as a catalyst for im-

proved productivity in the public service was inter-

rogated and debated from different viewpoints. Re-

flections focused on the academic and workplace

experience and approaches aimed at developing hu-

man capability for improved productivity in the public

sector.

In line with the objectives of the conference, papers

presented triggered discussions on skills development

strategies; results factors for partnerships among the

private sector, government institutions, social partners

and departmental initiatives for skills development in

the public sector; and the implementation and coordi-

nation challenges to be addressed to optimise existing

opportunities in developing required competencies

for the public sector.

Public service productivity has been difficult to meas-

ure in the absence of an overarching productivity man-

agement and measurement framework designed for

the sector, supported by policy guidelines and tools

and setting standards on how to measure productiv-

ity. This, it can be argued, is a recipe for disconnect

between performance rewarding and productivity

results. In an effort to address this gap, the Depart-

ment of Public Service and Administration is leading

the policy process for productivity management in the

public service, including finding productivity linkages

between service quality and service quantity.

Making partnerships workIt is clear that the challenges faced by our country cannot

be addressed solely by the state; partnerships that can

work to make South Africa a better place are also key.

Such partnerships contribute experience on inno-

vative ways of teaching and learning, problem solv-

ing and provision of needed resources. In this regard,

among proposals made during the conference was

the strengthening of the PSTF as a forum for sustained

Principal of the National School of Government, Prof Richard Levin.


and systematic strategic collaboration between higher

education and public sector capacity players and actors.

The implementation of recommendations from this

forum should allow for coordination and allocation of

specific education, training, research and innovation

roles to the various higher education institutions on

the basis of a funded and incentivised framework. This

would ensure that South Africas relatively powerful and

knowledge-rich higher education sector plays a much

more proactive and integral role in tackling public sec-

tor capacity needs and transformational problems.

The PSTF Advisory Committee was also inaugurated

during this conference. The committee has 19 mem-

bers nominated from academia and the public service

through greater representation from training acade-

mies and Sector Education and Training Authorities.

Working relations are also being nurtured between the

PSTF and the HRD Council.

The NSG is further preparing proposals on a national

trainer policy, which moots the use of former and cur-

rent public servants and leaders as training facilitators

defined within a specific policy framework. Current

practices nationally and provincially, as well as case

studies such as the Compulsory Induction Programme,

confirm that using public servants would contribute

immensely in addressing the skills issue in the public

service.

Recognising excellence in public service trainingSince 2012, the PSTF has been conferring Achievers

Awards to deserving individuals, departments and

organisations in recognition of their contribution in

the field of HRD. The awards were conferred in seven

categories. The award for Excellence in Inclusivity Train-

ing went to the Free State Training and Development

Institute while the Excellence in Design and Development of Train-

ing Programmes Award went to Warren Handel. The recipient of

the Excellence in Youth Development Training Award was the

Kimberley International Diamond and Jewellery Academy.

The individual award for the Coal-face Service Delivery Train-

ing Programme went to Ronwynne Rhoda while the institutional

award was presented to the Western Cape Provincial Training

Institute. The Training Excellence Service Medallion for Lifetime

Achievement in Training, Learning and Development went to Fazal

Safla. The winner of the NSG Principal Award for Excellence in

Training Development of NSG Programmes was Teboho Manaka.

The most prestigious award category was the Ministers Award

for Excellent Service to Public Service Training, which was con-

ferred by Minister Ramatlhodi. The winners of the three awards

in this category were the HRD Unit of the Gauteng Department

of Infrastructure Development for the best departmental or pro-

vincial HRD unit or branch; and the KZN Provincial Public Service

Training Academy was the winner of the best national or provin-

cial public service training institution. Safla, General Manager of

the KZN Provincial Public Service Training Academy received the

individual award.

Taking forward the conference deliberationsThe conference called for the public service to institutionalise

quality culture in departments and in the entire education, train-

ing and development environment, as well as to embrace quality

assurance as a critical lever for productivity improvements in the

public sector. The conference also called for fast-tracking the de-

velopment of the national trainer policy for the public service as

well as the introduction of standards and code of ethics for trainer

practitioners targeting the public sector. There is also the need

to capacitate more public servants as trainers, address challenges

related to the roll out of the Public Service Compulsory Induction

Programme, as well as the use of e-learning as a training delivery

mode in order to ease pressure on face-to-face training.

The NSG will jointly host the 19th Annual PSTF Conference in

2016 with the North West Provincial Gov-

ernment. We urge academics, research-

ers, HRD managers and practitioners to

converge as we support HRD structures,

consolidate networking opportunities

and learn from best practices. The gaunt-

let has been laid down by the Northern

Cape Provincial Government to host an

even more successful conference. More

information on the 2015 conference

can be accessed from the NSG website:

www.thensg.gov.za Delegates at the 18th Annual Public Sector Trainers Forum Conference.


Compiled by: Dorris Simpson IN OTHER NEWS

SA chairs Open Government PartnershipSouth Africa has committed to use its time

as chair of the Open Government Partnership

(OGP) to develop and implement ambitious

open government reforms.

South Africa and France assumed the OGP

chair in Mexico recently.

The OGP was launched in 2011 to provide an

international platform for domestic reformers

committed to making their governments more

open, accountable and responsive to citizens.

Since then, the OGP has grown from eight coun-

tries to 66.

Speaking at the OGP summit in Pala-

cio de Bellas Artes, Mexico, Deputy Presi-

dent Cyril Ramaphosa said during South

Africa's tenure, the country would ensure that

the OGP and its principles of open government remained a corner-

stone of global eff orts towards a sustainable future for humanity.

The Deputy President said there were many lessons South Af-

rica would share from the African continent to strengthen internal

mechanisms to ensure greater transparency and inclusive partici-

pation.

He added that South Africa intended to lead eff orts and a con-

versation between governments to renew the vigour and political

commitment that characterised the founding years of the OGP by

proposing, among others, a standard annual parallel gathering of

the Heads of State and Government on the sidelines of the United

Nations General Assembly.

South Africa also intends to create platforms for experience shar-

ing and best practice learning from other similar experiences and

mechanisms such as the African Peer Review Mechanism

(APRM).

Deputy President Ramaphosa believes that the OGP can

learn from how the APRM operates.

The APRM is a self-monitoring instrument created by

African leaders in 2003 as one of the ways African leaders

respond to calls for good governance in an innovative ap-

proach designed and implemented by Africans for Africa.

SA represents Africa on Interpols executive committeeSouth Africa has been elected to be one of the 13 countries

that form the executive committee of the International Crimi-

nal Police Organisation (Interpol) on a three-year mandate. >>

Home Affairs wins ICT Service Delivery and Transformation AwardThe Department of Home Aff airs (DHA) has won the coveted ICT Service Deliv-

ery and Transformation Award in the National Government category at the ICT

Public Service Awards. The awards were held at GovTech 2015 in Durban recently.

The ICT Service Delivery and Transformation Award seeks to recognise and

reward the most outstanding service delivery product, service or transformation

at national government level.

The DHA was nominated for the smart ID card project, which forms part of the

departments broader modernisation programme.

DHA Director-General Mkuseli Apleni welcomed the award, saying the rec-

ognition was testament to the departments commitment to delivering quality

service.

The Department of Home Aff airs will always strive to improve its systems

through the creation of a high-security, uninterruptible environment within

which the people, systems and infrastructure can be protected.

To this end, we have recently announced collaboration with major fi nancial

institutions with a view to expanding our footprint while ensuring that our clients

are able to access our services in a convenient manner, Apleni said.

Some of the countrys largest banks have agreed to open applications for smart

ID cards at some of their branches.

The department introduced smart ID cards in 2013 as part of a process of

moving towards a paperless environment in the department.

The new cards cut down on the fraudulent use of fake or stolen IDs, as they

are harder to forge.


The executive committee consists of the president, three vice

presidents and nine delegates representing the organisations

four regions, namely Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. It

holds a meeting three times a year to deliberate on organisa-

tional policy, guidance and direction.

The committee is an elective body responsible for comply-

ing with the resolutions of the general assembly, by which

it supervises the execution of the decisions of the assembly.

The voting took place during Interpols general assembly,

which was held recently in Kigali, Rwanda.

Over 190 countries voted in favour of South Africa, making it

the sole African country to be the member of the committee.

The South African delegation in the executive committee will

be headed by Brigadier Anbuen Naidoo, who is also the Head

of Interpol's National Central Bureau (NCB) situated in Pretoria.

The NCB was recently incorporated into the Directorate for

Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks,

and now reports directly to the National Head of the DPCI

Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza.

The NCB is set to be staffed by highly trained police under the

command and control of the DPCI, which links the South Afri-

can Police Service (SAPS) to global law-enforcement agencies.

According to Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko, the coun-

try was humbled by the vote of confidence shown by fellow

members of Interpol in the continent and vowed to continue

playing a leading role in international policing.

We commit to using this position to promote the interests

of the continent in the global fight against international or-

ganised crime. We appreciate that this fight must have a global

face and Interpol is that face.

The Hawks leading role will strengthen South Africas foot-

print in building criminal databases and cooperating with other

international policing agencies on cross-border investigations,

operations and arrests, Minister Nhleko said

Gender-based Violence Command Centre ranked number one The Department of Social Developments Gender-based Vio-

lence Command Centre (GBVCC) was named the Best Tech-

nology Innovation Small Centre of the world at the Global

Best Contact Centre Awards in Las Vegas, USA recently.

The 24-hour call centre, dedicated to providing support

and counselling to victims of gender-based violence (GBV),

was the Gold Medal Winner, meaning it is ranked number

one in the world in its category. This adds to three other

highly acclaimed service awards the GBVCC has won since its

launch in March 2014 the Innovation Award in the Contact

Centre Management Group (CCMG) awards, the Changing

Lives Award in the Africom Awards, and the Golden Award

won at the Technological Innovation Awards in London.

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said the

international recognition of the GBVCC communicated gov-

ernments commitment to fighting GBV to the rest of the

world and placed the country at the lead of international

best practice against GBV.

We launched the Command Centre as part of our service

delivery improvement programme Project Mikondzo, which

is aimed at responding quicker, more effectively and inno-

vatively to social challenges in the country.

Being recognised for best technology innovation in the

world confirms that we are on the right track and it inspires

us to work even harder to find inventive ways of respond-

ing effectively to the social challenges in the country, the

Minister said.

The GBVCC uses mobile technology to estimate the loca-

tion of a victim, assign the closest social worker in the field

to the case, and record and receive continuous feedback on

the case. When a caller contacts the GBVCC from a mobile

phone, they are (with explicit permission) geographically

located, enabling the centre to determine the resources

nearest to the caller, whether it be a social worker, a police

station, a hospital or safe house. In this way, help is can be

obtained quickly.

The toll free number to call to speak to a social worker for

assistance and counselling is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV).

Callers can also request a social worker from the Command

Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from

any cell phone.

IN OTHER NEWS


The Honourable MEC of DESTEA, Sam Mashinini, has officially launched a New

Corporate Identity of the Free State

Gambling and Liquor Authority on the

19th of November 2015.

The new logo of the Free State

Gambling and Liquor Authority is first

of the merged Entity since its inception

in 2010. The Free State Gambling and

Liquor Authority (FSGLA), an Agency

of the Department of Economic, Small

Business Development, Tourism and

Environmental Affairs, was established

in terms of Section 4 of the Free State

Gambling and Liquor Act, 6 of 2010.

The Authority was formed as the first

Provincial Regulator in the Republic,

which is responsible for the regulation

of both Liquor and Gambling Industries

in one Entity.

The new Corporate Identity is designed

to convey the merger between the

former Free State Gambling and

Racing Board and the Free State Liquor

Authority which hopes to bring a new

day full of possibilities and renewed

hope.

The Free State Gambling and Liquor

Authority (FSGLA) was established

through the merger of the former Free

State Gambling and Racing Board and

the Free State Liquor Authority. The

Provincial Government took a decision

to merge the Free State Gambling

and Racing Board together with the

Free State Liquor Authority with the

intention of streamlining operations, consolidating resources, whilst at the

same time saving costs.

The merger necessitated the review

of both the Free State Gambling and

Liquor Acts; this review brought about

the Free State Gambling and Liquor Act

No. 6 of 2010 which commenced on 11

June 2010. With the implementation

of the new Act, gaps were identified

and as a corrective measure and to

alleviate all uncertainties, a task Team

consisting of members from the Liquor

Traders Association, representatives of

the State Law Advisors, the DETEA, the

DPRT and FSGLA has been appointed

to formulate and propose amendments.

On the 14th of December 2010,

amendments to the Liquor Regulations

were published; it is however worth

taking note that these amendments

relate mainly to the annual renewal of

liquor licenses and liquor trading hours.

FREE STATE GAMBLING AND LIQUOR AUTHORITY

NEW CORPORATE IDENTITY

Address: 111 Zastron street, Westdene, BFN, 9300 | Email: [email protected] | Telephone: +27 51 4040 338 | Fax: +27 51 4040 322

MEC - Sam Mashinini

CEO - Me. Mokone Nthongoa

Chairperson - Dhilosen Pillay

ADVERTORIAL

UPCOMINg EVENTS Compiled by: Ednah Kekana

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The AEI will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre.

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Geo Empower Africa S

psm 2016 december/january edition

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