Dec 2014 / Jan 2015

Dec 2014 / Jan 2015 Estelle Greeff

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Giyani making every drop count

Giyani making every drop count Estelle Greeff
Written by Gabi Khumalo
Thanks to the opening of the Giyani Water Treatment Works, 55 villages in Mopani District Municipality will receive clean running water.

President Jacob Zuma and Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane with Emily Sambo, from Bonwami village, who now has running water in her yard.Two months ago, Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane visited Giyani and promised the communities that when she returns, they would have access to clean water.

The water plant was opened by President Jacob Zuma during his recent monitoring visit to Giyani in Limpopo to assess the provision of water following recent community complaints.

The visit to the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in the Mopani District Municipality formed part of the Presidential Siyahlola Monitoring Programme through which the President undertakes hands-on monitoring of service delivery.

Giyani Water Treatment Works

The Giyani Water Treatment Works is part of the 26 Water Treatment Works, which supplies the Mopani District.

The scope of the Giyani Water Treatment Works refurbishment project, which is 98 per cent complete, includes the construction of additional 6.7 megalitres per day capacity Water Treatment Works.

It also includes the refurbishment of the existing 30-megalitre Water Treatment Works to increase the supply to 36.7 megalitres per day.

President Zuma visited Emily Sambo’s family in Bonwani village, where he opened a water tap installed inside her yard.

Sambo, 68, has been struggling for years; waking up at 5am and walking kilometres to fetch water from a river.

An emotional Sambo said she didn’t think that her life would change after so many years. She said since 1994, she had witnessed a number of developmental changes in the province.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for many years and it’s finally here. Government has done a lot to improve our lives. I first received an RDP house, I have electricity, now I have running water inside my yard,” said an elated Sambo.

Addressing the community at the Giyani Stadium, President Zuma admitted that there was a shortage of water in Mopani District, adding that the scale of dependence on boreholes showed the seriousness of this challenge, even in the hospitals.

“The rural areas in this part of the country are suffering, particularly when you consider that almost half of the boreholes drilled are for one or other reason not working,” President Zuma said.

He also noted that water is a serious challenge in many communities and South Africa was growing into a water scarce country, particularly due to broader changes caused by climate change and global warming.

“It is not this province which faces water shortage challenges, but many others in the country do. Where there is a shortage of water, sanitation is also poor and consequently health is affected. In other areas the biggest challenge is ageing infrastructure,” President Zuma said.

Government has made various interventions to deal with the challenge of water supply in the country. These include expansion of water infrastructure, building of dams and refurbishing and improving old infrastructure.

President Zuma said government was also increasing the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to enable the municipalities to increase their scale of service delivery.

Rural development

Government wants to boost the economy

Government wants to boost the economy Estelle Greeff
Written by Amukelani Chauke
Government is implementing financial interventions to boost the economy in order to increase economic participation to create jobs and extend income support to the most vulnerable.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene recently tabled government’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, also known as the mini-budget, and announced that due to low tax revenue and other economic constraints, government needs to lower its expenditure spending ceiling in order to save R1,3 billion over the next two years.

But, the Minister said, all social grants will be safe and will not be affected by austerity measures.

“We have achieved much over the past twenty years: we have expanded education and health care, broadened economic participation and extended income support to the most vulnerable.

“But we are not making enough progress in raising incomes or reducing poverty. Far too many people are unemployed, which deepens inequality and heightens vulnerability,” he said.

Tough economic climate

The National Treasury has revised the country’s economic growth downwards to 1,4 per cent, which is a stark contrast to the real Growth Domestic Product (GDP) of 2,7 per cent that was projected in the February budget.

This is due to external and domestic constraints, including a slowdown in Europe, China and other emerging economies. Locally, several factors have affected our growth and these include energy constraints, labour disputes, skills shortages and the slow industrialisation of our economy.

As a result of slow growth, we are not raising enough from our tax collection and our revenue is below the projected target.

Minister Nene said the National Treasury will be taking difficult tax decisions to boost revenue.

“Revenue measures will also come into consideration in the period ahead. If we are to avoid reducing expenditure in real terms, about R15 billion a year in additional revenue will need to be raised. Details will be announced in the 2015 budget,” he said.

More funds set aside for social grants

According to the National Treasury documents, government proposes to allocate just under R500 billion to social protection over the next three years.

“Social grants, which are expected to reach 17,3 million people by 2017/18, will account for nearly 85 per cent of this spending.

“The Medium Tern Strategic Framework focuses on enhancing the legislative and policy framework to improve service delivery and access to social assistance.

“The national department will also improve regulation and oversight of the sector.

“Removal of the means test for access to the old-age grant has been deferred and will form part of comprehensive social security reforms,” the National Treasury said.

Details of what this means to the pockets of the beneficiaries is expected to be announced in the main budget in 2015.

Plans to create more jobs, continue allocating free services

The National Treasury Medium Term Budget Policy Statement documents further state that government supports employment growth directly in a variety of ways:

  • By improving the management of the Expanded Public Works Programme, combined with rapid growth in allocations, means that government is on track to achieve its target of 6 million short- to medium-term jobs between 2014 and 2019.
  • Implementing the employment tax incentive, which provides firms with incentives to hire young workers, is already supporting at least 209 000 young workers in about 23 500 firms.
  • The Jobs Fund, which will spend about R3,9 billion over the next three years, will partner with the private sector and non-governmental organisations on projects expected to create more than 167 000 jobs.
  • To create platforms for the growth of export-oriented firms, a number of special economic zones are to be established, complementing existing incentives for industrialisation.

The Minister said on top of these job creation initiatives, government would also continue to supply free basic electricity to vulnerable groups of the society.

“Financial assistance to municipalities for free basic services will continue, ensuring that the poorest households are protected against rising electricity tariffs,” he said.

General

Voice of citizens strengthened

Voice of citizens strengthened Estelle Greeff
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
It is what every citizen hopes for – a government that listens to their needs and then delivers services that address those needs.

Through citizen-based monitoring government will be able to strengthen public accountability and improve service delivery.After all, we all want to have a say in that which impacts us directly in our day-to-day lives.

Government is a step closer to the vision of building a capable state, with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation’s (DPME) piloting of the Citizensbssased Monitoring (CBM) approach.

CBM monitors government’s performance, focusing on the experience of ordinary citizens to strengthen public accountability and improve service delivery.

CBM closes the gap between the perceived and actual experiences of service delivery for both the user (citizen) and the provider (government).

How CBM works

Jonathan Timm, the Director of CBM at DPME, says the programme utilises feedback from citizens to improve the services that are delivered.

“If you really want to understand whether you are delivering the right services or whether government is doing what it has planned to do, you need different sources of data.

“CBM, in the context of water, could be finding out whether the community is able to get water from a tap. Getting feedback from people who are affected by the service is a very important part of the monitoring cycle or system.”

Timm says that civil servants are also consulted to determine what the challenges are in delivering services.

“At times you find that the problem is not with the civil servant administering the service on the ground, but that the challenge needs to be solved higher up in the system.”

CBM is a four-step process. The first step is meetings, facilitated by the DPME, within a specific community where citizens, civil society and government officials discuss the challenges faced by that community.

Secondly, CBM teams from the community, which have been trained by the DPME, conduct community surveys on locals’ experiences when they receive government services.

Short questionnaires are used to determine from citizens what they think about the participating government departments.

The surveys are also used to gather the views of staff members providing the services, to get their opinion on the conditions that they work under.

“By listening to the community and staff, the CBM model is able to identify where the challenges lie. People who use the service are asked to share their views about the quality of the service, waiting times, bribery and the way people are treated by officials,” explains Timm.

The information is used to develop a plan to improve services.

The third step includes community members, staff, civil society and service delivery facility managers coming together to determine the way forward.

Timm adds that once a plan to improve services has been discussed and agreed on, a public commitment to the improvements is made at a community meeting, bringing together government officials, local councillors, traditional leaders and community members.

The last phase of the programme ensures plans are in place for improvements, including ways for community members to monitor progress towards achieving agreed upon targets.

The piloting of CBM

The first phase of the CBM pilot has already been completed in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal and Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State.

Timm says that a number of lessons were learnt in these two areas.

“In Msinga, for example, there was lack of communication between the local traditional leaders and the police. One of the key actions was to build healthy relationships with the community through dialogue and participation in strengthening the community policing forum.

“In Phuthaditjhaba, the community raised concerns about the lack of police visibility in the area. This resulted in the police station installing tracking devices in all police vehicles to monitor where patrols were taking place, which increased visibility.”

CBM is currently being piloted in Temba in Gauteng, Burgersfort in Limpopo and Jouberton in North West.

By 2015, CBM would have been piloted in all nine provinces and DPME will work with sector departments to take CBM to a bigger scale.

A five-year strategy will then be developed and policy recommendations will be submitted to Cabinet. CBM roll-out across the country will then be determined.

For more information, call the Batho Pele call centre: 0860 428 392

General

SA’s ocean to boost economy

SA’s ocean to boost economy Estelle Greeff
Written by Nosihle Shelembe

Government will implement ocean economy projects, which are expected to contribute more than R20 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2019.

“Going forward, delivery units have been established in the lead departments to drive the implementation of the detailed delivery plans. We will achieve the growth and the jobs we need in the economy,” President Jacob Zuma said.

He said progress on the ocean economy initiatives would be monitored on a weekly basis by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

President Zuma was speaking in Durban during the open day of Operation Phakisa, which promotes economic growth and job creation in line with the goals outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP).

The open day was an opportunity for the President to release the results of weeks of exploratory work of unlocking the country’s ocean economy.

Operation Phakisa has four priority areas, which include marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture as well as marine protection services and ocean governance.

The operation is an adaptation of the Big Fast Results methodology that was successfully applied by the Malaysian Government in the delivery of its Economic and Government Transformation Programmes.

President Zuma said the oceans have the potential to contribute up to R177 billion to the GDP and create just over one million jobs by 2033.

He said teams from government, labour, business, academia and other sectors worked together explore all possibilities and further unlock the potential of the country’s vast coastline. The work stream on offshore oil and gas exploration has set a target of drilling 30 exploration wells in the next 10 years.

“Over the next 20 years, this work could lead to the production of 370 000 barrels of oil and gas per day. The result would be 130 000 jobs and a contribution of US $2,2 billion [approximately R23.8 billion] to GDP,” said President Zuma.

South Africa’s coast and adjoining waters have possible resources of approximately nine billion barrels of oil.

The aquaculture work stream underlined the high growth potential of South Africa’s aquaculture sector due to an increasing demand for fish. Eight initiatives that could spur growth in the sector have been identified.

One of the initiatives includes implementing 24 projects across South Africa, which are expected to grow the aquaculture sector’s revenue from about R500 million today, to almost R1,4 billion in 2019.

President Zuma said the marine protection services and ocean governance work stream has undertaken the task of developing a comprehensive, integrated ocean governance framework for the sustainable growth of the ocean economy.

He said work on an Ocean Act was in progress and a draft Oceans Bill would be ready in 2015. “The Oceans Act will provide a clear foundation for marine spatial planning,” he said.

The marine transport work stream has developed 18 initiatives across three categories, including infrastructure and operations, skills and capacity building as well as market growth to accelerate sector growth.

President Zuma said the initiatives would expand the South African port capacity for repair work for oil ships and oil rigs.

Another target included increasing the amount of minerals exported on South African ships, which would create more than 4 000 direct jobs.

President Zuma said some of the progress made included the process of establishing a National Shipping Company in partnership with South Korea.

He said Operation Phakisa represented a new spirit of moving faster in achieving a growth target of five per cent by 2019.

For more information, call the Batho Pele call centre: 0860 428 392

General

Ending a successful year and looking forward to a fruitful 2015

Ending a successful year and looking forward to a fruitful 2015 Estelle Greeff

This was a year in which we reflected frequently on our nation’s achievements during 20 Years of Freedom – 20 years that brought opportunity and hope to millions of our people.

Many students received state funding to study at universities making it possible to secure a better future.This is the time of year when millions of South Africans – like millions of people around the world – begin to “ease” into the year-end, reflecting on the past 12 months, taking a breather from work (for the 15 million who are employed) and thinking up resolutions for the year ahead.

For government, where our financial year ends on March 31, December is a festive year-end but not an official year-end. We will press on till the end of the financial year, when we start the task all over again of working with all South Africans to move South Africa even further forward. There is no rest for the hard-working or the committed.

Even so, we look back on 2014 as a year in which we achieved many milestones and were also deeply wounded as a nation when we lost compatriots in the church tragedy in Lagos, Nigeria, or, more recently, when we lost our sporting personalities such as Senzo Meyiwa, Mbulaheni Mulaudzi, Shadrack Ngcobo, Phindile Mwelase and Tinus Linee. Indeed we lost many more South Africans who were very special to their families.

This was a year in which we reflected frequently on our nation’s achievements during 20 Years of Freedom – 20 years that brought opportunity and hope to millions of our people. From the deepest rural outposts in our country to the ever-changing skylines of our metropolitan centres, there is no place or person who has not been reached or touched by 20 years of transformation.

Social grants, extended public works programmes, community works programmes, government support for cooperatives and emerging farmers, and free social housing, water and electricity for millions of South Africans are among the ways we have brought dignity and security to citizens.

Giving students state funding to study at our universities, making it possible for medical students to develop their careers in a partner country such as Cuba and launching brand-new universities and other institutions of higher learning are among the ways we are investing in our nation’s knowledge base for a more sophisticated economy in the future.

Cutting back on the red tape involved in starting a business, creating special economic and industrial development zones, improving our rail and port infrastructure, building new hospitals, clinics and residential settlements have all been part of improving our economy and living conditions – and of creating jobs for people who need them the most.

South Africa’s built landscape is changing every day as we undertake ambitious projects that are quickly changing the way we live and do business, the way we feel about ourselves and the way the world looks at and interacts with us.

But our nation faces a much greater challenge: that of building from the inside, not the outside.

As you read this, we are observing 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children as part of a year-round campaign to protect vulnerable groups in our society and to focus our attention on the values and principles by which we live.

This is also a period during which we observe World Aids and the United Nations day dedicated to people with disability.

In addition, with people preparing to head home or on holiday to various parts of the country, this is the time our Arrive Alive campaign advocates safety on our roads and responsible and respectful celebrations around Christmas, New Year and other festivities.

Each year, as we experience these campaigns, we are confronted by frightening statistics, stories and experiences arising from the actions of South Africans whose behaviours, attitudes and actions have not kept pace with the visible development we see around us.

This year South Africa celebrated 20 Years of Freedom.There are just too many of us who live by the knife, the gun, the bottle neck or illicit drugs. There are too many of us who are quick to anger and disrespectful in the way we relate to people around us, especially in situations where we have differences or arguments over the smallest things.

Much of this is driven by factors other than poverty. I say this because among poor South Africans, the majority of people are living lives with respect, dignity and empathy. Some of our poorest compatriots who live on the economic margins and have the least to offer to others, often go out of their way the furthest to share their little with others and to do good.

Much of the violence and conflict we experience in our communities arise from greed or disrespect for common decency and the values of living in harmony with those around us.

Grandchildren who abuse their elders, grandfathers who abuse their descendants, teachers who have inappropriate relations with learners and workplace supervisors who sexually abuse or exploit staff tell us we need to build hearts and minds, not just bricks and mortar.

People who do these terrible things do not live on an island of their own. They live among us. They are in our homes, in our neighbourhoods, in our workplaces, in our church groups, in our sports clubs.

It is a tragedy - and very often a further breaking of the law - that thousands of South Africans stand by idly or turn a blind eye to terrible events, adding to the misery, suffering and violation suffered by relatives, friends, neighbours or colleagues.

The law-abiding majority of South Africans must take a stand that will show those who have no respect for the wishes, lives or property of others that they have no place in our decent society.

When people aren't able to or refuse conduct themselves with dignity and respect, it is our law enforcement agencies to whom we turn for justice, punishment, rehabilitation and restitution.

In such cases, we welcome the occasions on which our courts send clear and severe messages to criminals and show our communities that the courts are responsive to the outrage and trauma we all feel when individuals break the law or the codes of common decency.

Daily, killers, rapists, cable thieves, members of mall heists and truck-jackings gangs are dealt with by our courts, thanks to the dedicated and often dangerous work of our police, prosecutors and cooperation of witnesses who are often terrified of retribution but choose to take a stand against perpetrators of crime.

However, our justice system should function as our last resort.

Our thoughts and actions should be our first resort in the quest for a better society. It is time we rebuilt our moral infrastructure in the same way we are putting up new houses, schools, bus rapid transit systems or office parks.

The call to this effect was first made by our founding President Nelson Mandela who spoke of the reconstruction and development programme of the mind.

Indeed, this December we unite again as a nation to reflect on those sad moments on the evening of 5 December 2013, when our beloved Madiba left us after an extended illness.

It was a heart-breaking moment for his family, for South Africa and for the world and it was a moment that challenged us to ensure that Madiba's legacy as a moral beacon nationally and internationally - and his many calls to action - would live in our lives as individuals and communities.

While December is indeed a time to take it easy and reflect, it's also a season of commitment not just to New Year's resolutions but to a whole new life ahead.

As President of our Republic and on behalf of government and my family, I wish you a joyous and safe festive season.

I also look forward to seeing how the matric Class of 2014 have done all of us proud.

In 2015, government and I will be alongside you once again to move South Africa forward.

General

Transnet injects life into sleepy De Aar

Transnet injects life into sleepy De Aar Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule

Infrastructure

The opening of Transnet Wagons Refurbishing Facility in De Aar has injected economic activity into the quiet town south of Kimberly, Northern Cape.

The Transnet Refurbishment Facility repairs old and run down wagons that are due to be scrapped.The Minister of Public Enterprises, Lynne Brown, and the Premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas, officially opened the wagon refurbishment facility, a Youth Multi-Purpose precinct and handed over two houses to poor families.

Transnet’s Profit Centre unit is responsible for the facility.

The centre’s manager Timothy Jonas said the facility had created jobs and some of those working at the facility had also bought property in De Aar, giving the economy of the small town a boost.

Currently, the facility is responsible for repairing old and run down wagons that are 10 years old.

“We are responsible for refurbishing old wagons that are due to be scrapped,” explained Jonas.

The facility repairs two types of wagons, the first type is NDZLJ 1 and NDZLJ 2. NDZLJ1 wagons are used to carry rail tracks while NDZJ 2 clalmp the rail tracks ensuring they don't fall off during transit. The wagons are 13 metres long and two metres wide, weighing 42 800 kilograms. When it was opened, the facility set a target of repairing 163 wagons for the current financial year.

The Transnet Refurbishment Facility repairs old and run down wagons that are due to be scrapped.By end of October, 83 NDZLJ 1 wagons had been repaired and only 80 were still in need of repair. Twenty-five NDZLJ 2 wagons were repaired by end of October, with only six more in need of repair. Jonas said they are expecting new targets from March 2015. The facility employs 47 people, 22 of them from De Aar and the others are from surrounding towns. It is estimated that about 300 direct and indirect jobs will be created through the facility.

Jonas said the opening of the facility has sparked interest in rail engineering from the community.

“Since we opened, most of the young people from De Aar have shown an interest in what we do.”

Transnet opened a Youth Precinct targeting orphans and homeless people from De Aar.

It consists of:

  • A youth shelter for 20 homeless boys. The shelter aims to take boys off the streets and place them in a healthy environment where they can be rehabilitated and equipped with self-sustaining life skills.
  • A youth educational centre. The centre offers, among others, access to a library, career information, higher education information and health care. The aim of the centre is to give young people information and knowledge that will create informed and inspired young people.
  • A youth recreational park. The park is a positive environment for the youth to socialise in safe surroundings. This will consist of, amongst other things, an outdoor amphitheatre an outdoor chessboard and a basketball court.
  • A youth enterprise development programme. Funded by Transnet Property, this programme targets boys older than 18 who are working as artisans. The boys will be trained to form their own small enterprises and contracted to maintain Transnet properties.
  • Youth volunteers. The volunteers will hold monthly activities aimed at helping the youth to value and contribute positively to their communities.
General

Refurbishing wagons and lives

Refurbishing wagons and lives Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule

Infrastructure

After losing her job as a field worker in the Department of Social Development’s Ba Lelapa programme, 29-year Nadia Khowa’s life was an uphill battle.

For over 18 months she could not afford the basics and was in a financially difficult space.

Khowa’s contract as a field worker at the department’s regional office was not renewed.

“I was not in a good space and things were tough financially. I could not afford to get basic things and depending on my husband was not easy.”

The opening of the Transnet Wagon Refurbishment Facility has changed Khowa’s life and given hope to the many unemployed young people of De Aar in Northern Cape.

Today she works as a technical worker at the facility. Her life improved and she is able to buy groceries for her family.

“This job has restored my dignity and given me confidence as a woman. You know that when you are not working, things can get a bit difficult, but with this job, I’m in a good space,” she says with a smile.

Khowa is responsible for grinding, flame cutting, fitting components onto wagons, and assembling the wheels of wagons.

Although she is grateful for the opportunity, she said the facility should also concentrate on transferring skills.

“If the managers here can focus on skills transfer, especially to the young people from this town, I will be happy.”

She also urged management to create more jobs for women from De Aar.

General

Cycling: the future of South Africa’s transport

Cycling: the future of South Africa’s transport Estelle Greeff
Written by Ursula Graaff

Infrastructure

Residents of Soweto will now find it a little easier to leave their cars at home and take to the streets on a bicycle instead.

City of Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau tries out a new 5km cycling path constructed Orlando, Soweto. The project aims to make the city environmentally friendly.The Department of Environmental Affairs, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and the German government, recently launched the Orlando Cycles Paths & Complete Streets project in Orlando.

The project is aimed at making the city environmentally friendly, giving residents an alternative to private cars, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources and creating climate change awareness.

As part of the project, the city constructed 5km of walking and cycling paths in Orlando. The route connects schools to residential areas as well as schools and residents to facilities such as the Orlando Stadium and the police station as well as Rea Vaya BRT and Metrorail stations.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi encouraged the community to use bicycles to get around and keep fit.

“We are here to promote cycling as a way of life,” said MEC Vadi, who is an avid cyclist. He stressed that using bicycles to get around was also better for the environment.

MEC Vadi said the population is increasing and finding alternative modes of transport would reduce time in traffic, increase health in the country and benefit the environment.

City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Parks Tau said he was happy about the new infrastructure in Orlando.

“It is time to celebrate progress, progress that is achieved in terms of the infrastructure in our communities and also progress with regard to creating a consciousness about how we treat ourselves and our bodies,” he said.

The Mayor added that this type of infrastructure aimed to improve people’s health and that of the environment.

“We ensure that we give you, our future a better chance for a better environment, with limited impact of climate change and environmental blue prints on your future and the future of generations that come after you,” he added.

Tlou Ramaru, Chief Director at Environmental Affairs, who represented the department at the launch, said the project had a socioeconomic impact on the environment.

“This programme is a socio-economic benefit as it benefits your health, through cycling and saves you money on transport and petrol.”

He said the department hoped the project would reduce carbon emission and greenhouse gases.

The project, valued at R16,2million, was funded by the German government.

General

SA’s efforts to fight HIV and AIDS

SA’s efforts to fight HIV and AIDS Estelle Greeff
Written by Gabi Khumalo and Noluthando Mkhize
As the world observed World Aids Day on the 1 December, South Africa used the opportunity to reflect on the gains made in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This year World Aids Day was commemorated under the theme: “Zero Stigma and Discrimination”.

While the country has made strides in fighting the disease over the past 20 years, Vuk’uzenzele takes a look at the country’s achievements since 2009.

2009: The start of SA’s HIV, AIDS revolution

In 2009 President Jacob Zuma unveiled South Africa’s AIDS policy. The following was announced:

  • All children under one year of age would get treatment if they tested positive for HIV. Initiating treatment was no longer determined by the level of CD4 count.
  • All patients with both TB and HIV would receive anti-retrovirals if their CD4 count was 350 or less. At the time treatment was available when the CD4 count was less than 200.
  • All pregnant HIV positive women with a CD4 count of 350 or with symptoms, regardless of CD4 count, would receive treatment. Previously HIV positive pregnant women were eligible for treatment if their CD4 count was less than 200.
  • Other pregnant women not falling into this category, but who were HIV positive were put on treatment at 14 weeks of pregnancy to protect the baby. In the past this only started during the last term of pregnancy.

These measures became effective from April 2010.

2010: SA launches the biggest HIV testing campaign

In April 2010, President Zuma and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi launched the HIV Counselling and Testing campaign to encourage all South Africans to know their HIV status and get screened for TB.

Through the campaign, the department targeted people from the age of 12 and older, with the hope of reaching 15 million people by June 2011.

By December 2010 more than four million people had taken an HIV test. In the same year up to a million people were already on anti-retrovirals. By mid-2012, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that almost 20 million South Africans had been tested and knew their status. Millions were also screened for TB.

2011: The launch of the National Strategic Plan

In 2011, President Zuma launched the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV and AIDS 2012- 2016 to deal with TB, HIV, sexually transmitted infections and issues of violence against women. Its goals included:

  • Reducing new HIV infections by at least 50 per cent by using a combination of prevention approaches.
  • Putting at least 80 per cent of eligible patients on anti-retroviral treatment with 70 per cent being alive and on treatment five years after initiation.
  • Reducing the number of new TB infections as well as deaths from TB by 50 per cent.
  • Ensuring an enabling and accessible legal framework that protected and promoted human rights in order to support the implementation of the NSP.
  • Reducing stigma related to HIV and TB by at least 50 per cent.

2012: ARV roll-out boosts life expectancy

The new single dose pill was launched in 2013.In 2012, the Department of Health released a report on research conducted by the Medical Research Council that estimated that the country’s life expectancy, which stood at 56.5 years in 2009, had increased to 60 years in 2011 (57 years for men and 63 years for women).

Added to this, the under-five mortality rate had also fallen - from 56 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2009, to 42 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2011.

2013: The single dose pill

In 2013, the Department of Health announced the introduction of a single dose of the triple combination of tenofovir, entricitabine and efavirenz for people living with HIV.

The new drug meant people living with HIV had to take only one pill a day to maintain their health, saving up to R2,2 billion over two years with a 38 per cent reduction in drug costs.

2014 and beyond

When Minister Motsoaledi presented his 2014/2015 Budget Vote this year, he announced the following:

  • As from January 2015, HIV positive patients on treatment at the CD4 count of 500 would be put on treatment compared to the current CD4 count of 350.
  • With regards to pregnant women the Department of Health would now follow option B+ of the World Health Organisation, which stipulates that every pregnant HIV positive woman goes on life long treatment regardless of their CD4 count status. Currently, the HIV policy indicates that pregnant women stay on treatment only while breast-feeding and stop after termination of breastfeeding if their CD4 count is 350.

In 2016 South Africa will host the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban for all those working in the HIV field, including scientists, policymakers, activists political leaders, healthcare providers, people living with HIV and others committed to the global response to HIV and AIDS.

Health

Living positively with HIV

Living positively with HIV Estelle Greeff
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
Eight years ago Zandile Mqwathi, 31, found out she was pregnant and HIV positive. She was scared and unsure of how those around her would treat her.

HIV and AIDS Activist Zandile Mqwathi“When I found out I was frightened and questioned what people would think of me. Eventually I decided to stop worrying about other people and I chose to tell my story of living with the virus as a way of healing,” explained Mqwathi, who is from Slovoville in Pretoria.

Although she sometimes feels as if people are judging her for having HIV, Mqwathi is determined to make her voice heard and in the process, educate others about the disease.

“When you tell people about your sickness, they automatically assume that you are promiscuous and this is how you got the virus which is not always the case.”

Mqwathi said after discovering her status she was immediately put on the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme to ensure that her baby did not contract the virus.

The Department of Health runs the PMTCT programme. When a pregnant woman goes to a clinic or hospital for her first antenatal visit, she is offered routine HIV counselling and voluntary testing.

If she is found to be HIV positive, she will have the option to join the PMTCT programme free of charge. Her CD4 count is also taken and she is placed on anti-retroviral treatment (ARV).

It was this programme that helped ensure Mqwathi’s son who is now eight years old is HIV negative.

Mqwathi said she has made taking care of herself a priority.

“Living with HIV is not easy, its not just about taking the medication but there is a whole support system associated with ensuring that you are healthy. I have to make sure I eat properly, remind myself to take my medication at a particular time everyday, drink a lot of water and rest.”

“What people need to realise is that you need to have a good quality of life when you are HIV positive. It’s very important to take your ARVs but you also need psychological support from your family, support group or psychologist which must be on-going to help you cope.”

She stressed that living with HIV was about more than juts taking medication.

“If you are an HIV positive person listen to your body, know exactly what type of lifestyle you need to avoid. Make it your business to care about your well-being and ensuring your immune system is strong.”

Young people in particular, need to take responsibility for their lives.

“Young people are aware of the virus but they are complacent when it comes to prevention. They don’t realise that being HIV positive is hard and very costly, which puts a huge burden on our economy as a country because ARVs are expensive.

“How is it possible that as a young person decides not to use a condom or take ARVs when you they are aware of the devastating effects of the HIV and AIDS?”

Her message to all young people is to look after their health and make the right decisions, while she advises those living with the virus to have a positive attitude.

Apart from being an HIV and AIDS activist Mqwathi is also studying towards a degree in Drama Therapy.

Zandile Mqwathi is also a motivational speaker and can be reached on zmqwathi@yahoo.com for motivational speaking.

Health

SA’s AIDS fight applauded

SA’s AIDS fight applauded Estelle Greeff
Written by More Matshediso
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended efforts from all role players in the fight against HIV and AIDS, saying this has resulted in important gains being made towards reducing the spread and impact of the epidemic.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has applauded the country's fight against HIV and AIDS.Briefing reporters on the 2016 International Aids Conference, the Deputy President said the world could bring the HIV and AIDS epidemic to an end through sustained collaboration between various sectors of society.

“We need to strengthen the social compacts that have been developed over the course of many years. I wish to commend all our partners in the SA National Aids Council for the contribution they continue to make individually and collectively,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa.

South Africa, which has the highest number of people living with HIV in the world, has rolled out the world’s largest treatment programme, with over 2,7 million people initiated on anti-retrovirals.

The Deputy President said while many achievements have been made, South Africa was not yet home free, as evidenced in the stubbornly high numbers of new infections.

Getting those on treatment not to default and overcome stigma was still a tricky hurdle to negotiate.

“In our quest for social justice and equity, we need to ensure that the development community, G8 and other global health platforms continue the focus on ensuring universal coverage.

“As we prepare for the 21st International Aids Conference, we will intensify our efforts to address these challenges,” said the Deputy President.

The 2016 International Aids Conference will be held in Durban and the country will be hosting it for the second time in the same town since 2000.

The Deputy President said the 2000 conference was pivotal in focusing the world’s attention on the impact of HIV in sub- Saharan Africa, fundamentally changing the course of the epidemic on the continent.

“A decade and a half later, thanks in large measure to the deliberations at that conference and the unparalleled response of the global health community, we have made much progress in tackling the epidemic in Africa and across the world,” he said.

The Deputy President quoted the late former President Nelson Mandela when he said in his closing address to the 2000 conference: “AIDS today in Africa is claiming more lives than the sum total of all wars, famines and floods and the ravages of such deadly diseases as malaria”.

The Deputy President said by the time the conference starts in Durban, “we will be able to report significant progress on all these fronts”.

“If we are to achieve the objectives articulated at AIDS 2014 in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this year, we need to ensure that the response to AIDS remains prominent in the post-2015 sustainable development framework,” he said.

The conference is organised by the International Aids Society, with its partners the United Nations, the South African government and international civil society organisations.

Health

South Africa ready for Ebola

South Africa ready for Ebola Estelle Greeff
Written by Noluthando Mkhize, SANews

Since the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) some six months ago, countries across the world are scrambling to fight and control the disease.

In recent months more than 5 500 people have contracted the disease and over 2 500 have died.

While African countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia are still battling to control the virus, South Africa is out of the woods with no suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola in the country and its neighbouring states.

Despite no Ebola cases reported in South Africa, government has stepped up its efforts to control the disease to ensure the country’s readiness.

The Department of Health has also reassured South Africans that health care workers are ready to deal with any cases of infection.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene also announced during this Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, that Treasury allocated an additional R32,6 million to the department to prevent the spread of Ebola to South Africa.

Outbreak response teams

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi announced that all provinces have trained outbreak response teams and have regular meetings at national level to monitor the Ebola outbreak and preparedness measures.

South African healthcare workers have been trained and are ready to handle Ebola cases in South Africa.“The department monitored the risk and assessed the situation as the outbreak unfolded. Risk of infection for travellers is low, since [EVD is] not transmitted through casual contact. However, preparedness and response measures are needed due to the spread of EVD cases to capital cities,” Minister Motsoaledi said.

Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been identified as the provinces at the highest risk for importation of cases. Priority ports of entry are OR Tambo, Lanseria, Cape Town and King Shaka Airports.

The surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers, in particular EVD, has been strengthened at ports of entry and thermal scanners have been installed at the OR Tambo and Lanseria Airports.

The National Health Laboratory Service and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases have also intensified laboratory surveillance and the port health services, including public and private health care practitioners, are on alert for any ill persons that have travelled to very high-risk areas.

Each province has designated health facilities to manage EVD cases in 11 designated hospitals. Personal protective equipment (PPE) has also been placed at designated hospitals.

The 11 hospitals are Polokwane in Limpopo, Rob Ferreira in Mpumalanga, Charlotte Maxeke and Steve Biko in Gauteng, Addington in KwaZulu Natal, Klerksdorp in North West Pelonomi in Free State, Kimberley in Northern Cape, Frere in East London Livingstone in Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape and Tygerberg in Western Cape.

All PPE kits include one overall, a pair of over shoes, a pair of N95 masks, two pairs of gloves, one white plastic apron and one set of goggles.

Approximately 100 registered nurses at the South African Military Health Service have been trained in (biosafety level) BSL-4 isolation techniques. Aeromedical evacuation teams have also been trained in BSL-4 isolation techniques, and they are able to collect and transport Ebola patients by air using transport isolator and intensive care equipment.

The ebola virusHow the Ebola Virus Disease spreads

The EVD cannot be spread through casual contact but is rather transmitted from person to person through direct contact with blood or infected tissues from an infected person. Health workers and family members of infected persons would be at risk.

The disease can then spread in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids.

Signs and symptoms

EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.

This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

Health

NSFAS breaking new ground

NSFAS breaking new ground Estelle Greeff
Written by Melikhaya Bandla*
More than 65 000 students at 11 universities and colleges have received their loans and bursaries through the new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) direct pilot model.

The new model has provided financial aid totalling R1,4 billion to pay for tuition, books, accommodation, food and travel.

“We call this the ‘student-centred model’ of financial aid because we put the student at the centre of everything that we do,” said Zamayedwa Sogayise, Chairperson of the NSFAS board.

“For the first time in the history of NSFAS, we have a direct relationship with students. In the past, NSFAS did not even know a student until they had left university and we contacted them to repay their student loans.

“In 2014, with the introduction of the pilot we have a direct relationship with more than 65 000 students involved in the pilot phase of the new model.”

With the new model students no longer receive cash instead they receive vouchers on their cellphones, which they can use to buy their day-to-day necessities.

This voucher can be retrieved at any Spar or Shoprite store, where students can buy food, as well as NSFAS accredited bookshops.

The tuition and the accommodation are paid directly to the university.

“This innovation has helped us to distribute allowances to students within seven days of registration. Students have received R195 million in allowances for books, accommodation, food and travel sent by cellphone vouchers,” said Sogayise.

Students apply directly to NSFAS for loans and/or bursaries, and not through the university or college and they are also funded for the duration of their studies, not one year at a time.

“A big benefit of the new model is that students apply only once in their lives for financial aid. As long as they pass well, they will continue to get funding. In the old system, every student had to apply every year. They did not know if they would be funded from one year to the next,” said Sogayise.

For the second year of the pilot phase in 2015, returning students who were funded in 2014 do not have to re-apply.

“We already have their details in our system, and we will get their results automatically from the university. This eases the administrative burden on students, NSFAS and the institutions.”

He said NSFAS funds 450 000 students every year, providing loans and bursaries to the value of R9,2 billion and reducing the number of students who have to re-apply every year will make the administration much quicker and easier.

The NSFAS system also encourages students to excel at their studies by offering a conversion of up to 40 per cent of a student loan to a bursary in each year of study.

“This means that if you get a student loan of R50 000, study hard and pass well, you will only have to repay R30 000, and R20 000 will be taken off your loan.”

Students are also incentivised through the NSFAS Final Year Programme where students who pass and graduate receive a conversion of their final year loan to a 100 per cent bursary.

Institutions participating in the pilot include Durban University of Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in the Eastern Cape, Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape, University of Mpumalanga, University of South Africa, University of Venda in Limpopo, Ekurhuleni East College in Gauteng, King Hintsa College in the Eastern Cape, Motheo College in the Free State, South Cape College in the Western Cape and Umfolozi College in KwaZulu-Natal.

*Melikhaya Bandla is a communication officer at NSFAS.

For more information about NSFAS, contact: 0860 067 327

Education

School governing bodies help schools function better

School governing bodies help schools function better Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule
While government is doing its best to ensure that all children receive quality education, parents also need to make a contribution to their child’s education.

Minister Angie Motshekga launched the SGB elections campaign.One of the best ways to do this is for parents to take an interest in the affairs of the school their child attends.

From 6th to 28th March 2015, schools across the country will host elections for their School Governing Body (SGB).

During this period, parents who have children at a particular school can be elected to serve for a three-year term on that school’s governing body.

SGBs are made up of parents, teachers, pupils and people working in the school like clerks and cleaners.

Over the three-year term, the governing body will be responsible for drafting school policy, which should be in line with the policies of the Department of Basic Education.

According to Director of Education Management and Governance Development at the department James Ndlebe, SGBs are responsible for drafting and implementing financial and religious policies.

Apart from policy implementation, the SGB is also responsible for drafting the code of conduct, maintenance of the physical structure of the school, hiring of teachers and any other activities relating to the day to day running of the school.

“The size of the SGB depends on how big the school is. For example, if you’ve got a school of about 1 200 pupil, you’ll have 17 members of the SGB. Nine parents, 3 teachers, 3 pupils, one admin clerk and the principal,” explained Ndlebe.

He said that it was important for parents to participate in the affairs of the schools their children attend because their research showed that the performance of schools at which parents participated in the SGBs had increased.

The Department of Basic Education meets with the SGBs four times in a year to discuss and find solutions of the challenges experienced.

Other role players can also participate in the affairs of SGBs. Churches, traditional authorities, non-governmental associations, clubs and community organisations are encouraged to serve on the SGB in their community.

Education

Maths made easy by ClickMaths

Maths made easy by ClickMaths Estelle Greeff
Written by Ursula Graaff
Students now have the opportunity to learn maths in their home language.

This is all thanks to three South African graduates - Adrian Cox, Pratik Pokharel and Monique Baars - who founded ClickMaths, a non-profit organisation in 2012.

Cox, Pokharel and Baars were students at the University of Cape Town when they had the idea to start ClickMaths. They then formed a partnership with the Khan Academy, a global organisation that offers maths lessons on the Internet, to translate maths lessons into isiXhosa.

ClickMaths helps learners to understand maths and perform better at school.ClickMaths offers mathematic tutorials online through videos that can be accessed anywhere.

“We became aware of the language barrier that exists when students are trying to understand maths, and believe that maths skills will increase if learned in a mother tongue language as well as English.”

Cox, Pokharel and Baars believe that there is a big difference between learning and understanding a subject.

They view maths as a language on its own and is therefore difficult to understand when it is taught in a different language other than one’s mother tongue.

Being able to access maths in one’s home language makes it easier to understand and eventually improve maths marks, even though the tests are in English.

The trio chose to translate maths lessons into isiXhosa as it is widely spoken in South Africa, especially in many rural towns in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

They have also started translating maths lessons into isiZulu and would like to translate them into other South African languages.

“The long term vision of the project is, of course, not to stop here but to translate the syllabus into all the official languages. ClickMaths has already started on Phase 2 of the project using undergraduates at the University of the Witwatersrand to translate the lessons into isiZulu.”

There are 30 translators involved in the programme, 20 dealing with isiXhosa and 10 with isiZulu. There are many students who benefit from this programme as the material is freely available online.

ClickMaths has received an overwhelming response from both teachers and students.

The students feel they can finally understand concepts and the teachers appreciate the videos and use them as extra teaching material in the classrooms.

When asked why they chose the name ClickMaths they said: “We control technology to improve education. [It also has to do with] the ability to ‘click’ on a link and watch the video lesson and the focus on making educational content available in South African languages “many of which are famous for the 'click' sounds”.

For more information visit: www.clickmaths.org.za

Education

Permaculture project feeds the hungry

Permaculture project feeds the hungry Estelle Greeff
Written by Buyanima-Afrika Mkhulise*
For many years, 56-year-old Cabangile Mdletshe worked on other people’s fields as a weeder. Mdletshe says life was difficult and she had to find ways to support her eight dependants.

Cabangile Mdletshe is one of 180 residents of Dukuduku in Mtuba area that reaps the benefits of the One Home, One Garden project that has been implemented in the area using the permaculture technique as a means of ensuring food security in the rural homesteads.Life was tough for the resident of Khula village in Mtuba, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and she often had to travel long distances to harvest iKhwani (water straw grass), knit it to make grass mats, which she sold.

Things have improved for Mdletshe, her family and village as a result of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s training programme on the use of permaculture system.

Permaculture is a system of agriculture that is developed to be sustainable, ecologically sound and self-sufficient.

After receiving the training, Mdletshe and 179 families were given a plot, which they used to start a garden using a permaculture system.

The department’s Agricultural Technician, Samke Khanyile, says the project to establish the gardens in impoverished homesteads began in 2011 through a joint effort between the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).

“Cogta provided the funds to hire the Nkanyamba Development Trust as trainers to train residents. The department provided seeds and agricultural technicians as local agents for food security.”

Mdletshe says this method of planting does not demand a lot of strength.

“It is easy planting using this system because all you do is neatly place cardboard paper on top of grass all over the area that you want to turn into a garden. Next step is to heap up layer of cow manure, leaves and grass over it.

“After that I begin watering the layer with either bath, washing or cooking water for a few days so that the layer becomes compost. When that has happened I start planting seeds. The grass that I put on top ensures that moisture remains in the soil and that encourages the earthworms to work the soil.”

She added that the programme has helped her and her family.

“Sometimes neighbours buy from me and that gives me a little extra money to buy what I need,” she adds with a smile.

*Buyanima-Afrika Mkhulise works for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

For more information, contact the department of Agriculture and Rural Development: 0800 007 095

Rural development

Lubala village: a better place to live in

Lubala village: a better place to live in Estelle Greeff
Written by Ndyebo Kopo*
The village of Lubala in the Eastern Cape, has experienced positive changes over the past few years.

In 2008, when the War on Poverty campaign was launched, the village was chosen as one of the pilot sites to help improve the lives of residents.

At the time, the village was among the country’s most poverty-stricken areas and faced challenges such as a lack of basic services, high illiteracy rate, no access to primary health care services and lack of access to proper roads.

Based on the findings of the household profiling that was carried out in Lubala, government departments made commitments, some of which have been fulfilled and some are still a work in progress.

The people of Lubala Village now have access to basic services and decent shelter.Some six years later, the situation has improved and the village is on the mend.

Access to education

An early child development (ECD) centre and Grade R classroom was built by the Department of Roads and Public Works. The Department of Social Development provides funding for the ECD centre. SASSA also provided school uniforms to about 57 school learners.

Improved infrastructure

Eskom, together with Ingquza Hill Municipality, ensured that houses in the area have electricity.

The Department of Water Affairs drilled three boreholes to ensure ground water harvesting. The municipality also started building bulk water infrastructure in Lubala and neighbouring villages.

The community is also using water tanks provided by Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. The installation of taps is still in progress.

The Department of Human Settlements has started building 91 houses and to date 21 houses have been completed.

The village will also get a community hall, which is being built by the Office of the Premier.

Creating of decent work

In an effort to encourage the community of Lubala to be self-reliant, government has embarked on a number of initiatives.

The Department of Labour registered a number of people, particularly the youth, as job seekers on the Employment Services System South Africa. Currently, 25 residents are participating in the household contractor programme, receiving a monthly stipend.

Community members have also been employed to help with the construction of the infrastructure for the bulk water supply to Lubala, while others were employed as part of builders training programme of Department of Roads and Public Works.

Rural Development and social relief

The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform have supported the community with seedlings, garden implements, wheelbarrows, tanks, fencing of household gardens and ploughing fields. It also provided technical support during the construction of boiler units for the local poultry project.

The Department of Social Development has also assisted with initiation grant funding for this project, while the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs helped fund the erection of boiler units.

Skills development
With the help of the Department of Education students were placed on an in-service training contract. These students have since graduated and are now undergoing in-service training at department and receive a R5 000 stipend.

Twenty farmers were also trained in poultry and vegetable production.

Statistics South Africa trained five auxiliary social workers, three community development practitioners, four auxiliary community development practitioners, five social workers and 17 social development officials.

* Ndyebo Kopo works for the Department of Communications in the Eastern Cape.

For more information, contact the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: 0800 007 095

Rural development

Police to ensure a safe festive season

Police to ensure a safe festive season Estelle Greeff
Written by Edwin Tshivhidzo
Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko assured South Africans that security would be beefed up during the festive season.

“We will increase the number of police officers throughout the country to ensure the safety of all South Africans during the festive season,” he said.

Speaking at the launch of the festive season safety campaign Operation Duty Calls, in Escourt, KwaZulu-Natal, Minister Nhleko called on communities to report or expose any criminal activities in their communities. “As government, we need your assistance in fighting crime,” he said.

Minister Nhleko said the festive season safety campaign would focus on armed robberies, liquor outlets, social crimes, tracking wanted criminals, road safety campaigns and border patrols.

The campaign would also be extended to rural communities throughout the country where stock theft was still a problem.

Operation Duty calls will run up to the end of January 2015. Security will be on the increase during the festive season.Operation Duty Calls will run up to the end of January 2015. The campaign will also focus on clamping down on a number of criminal activities, which include drug abuse and dealing as well as cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings.

During the campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will raise awareness on how people can ensure the safety of children over the festive season.

Also as part of Operation Duty Calls high visibility patrols will be increased along tourist destinations, especially in coastal cities.

The campaign is being carried out jointly with the Departments of Defence, Home Affairs and Justice and Correctional Services. National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega also called on communities to expose any suspicious activities in their communities.

“Ensuring your safety is our daily task. We do not only focus on it over the festive season. We discuss and devise ways of responding to crime in South Africa throughout the year.

“We have realised the importance of involving you, the people we serve, to give you a say in how policing should be implemented in your community,” she said.

She noted that high crime incidents occur between October and January each year.

“The SAPS is particularly concerned about the high rate of armed robberies at malls and shopping centres in all the provinces, but especially in Gauteng and the Western Cape. According to an analysis carried out by our Analysis and Monitoring Section, armed robbers at shopping centres mostly target chain cell phone shops as well as clothing shops, second-hand dealers and hardware shops.”

General Phiyega said based on the analysis, the SAPS issued a new instructions dealing directly with these crimes.

“We have therefore increased our efforts to curb these crimes. All Provincial Crime Combating Forums (PCCFs) are ready to participate fully in our efforts to respond to these robberies and related crimes in all the identified hotspots.”

General Phiyega told the local community that police had the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens at heart.

“We are very concerned about criminality and we respond to any element of criminality in the best possible way,” she said.

General Phiyega said the campaign would also focus on ensuring the safety of women and children.

A resident of Wembezi, an area within Escourt, Sizakele Sikhakhane, said she was happy the number of police would be increased in her area during the festive season.

She said the community was tired of criminals who prey on them during the festive season. Many locals shared Sikhakhane’s sentiments, saying there were many criminals who must be arrested.

The launch of the campaign has brought hope to the locals, who said they were looking forward to a crime-free festive season.

If you have any information about criminal activities call Crime Stop on 0860 0 10111 or SMS Crime Line on: 32211 or visit www.crimeline.co.za

Safety and Security

Thuthuzela Care Centres provide safe havens for victims

Thuthuzela Care Centres provide safe havens for victims Estelle Greeff
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
Every South African has a responsibility to report incidence of abuse against women and children.

These are sentiments shared by Nomsa Dombo and Advocate Lida van Schalkwyk - the two ladies who are part of a team that runs the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Pretoria.

Nomsa Dombo and Advocate Lida van Schalkwyk are part of the team at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre in Pretoria.Dombo is the site coordinator and Van Schalkwyk works with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as a state prosecutor ensuring that victims of abuse get justice.

Thuthuzela Care Centres are one-stop facilities and are aimed at preventing secondary victimisation of rape and abuse victims, improving conviction rates, and reducing the time taken to finalise cases. There are 50 TCCs across the country.

The Mamelodi TCC receives between 35 to 50 cases a month. Most of these involve young people between the age of 13 and 17.

Dombo and Van Schalkwyk have been working at the TCC for six years and have witnessed the impact of rape and abuse on a victim.

“Rape is a very traumatic experience, the victims that come in to see us are traumatised. Some of them feel dirty and want to take a bath immediately after the incident, which is something they should not do because specimens are taken and form part of evidence collected.

“Some victims want to get the smell of the perpetrator out of their skin and want to bath over and over. Others relive the experience and experience flash backs, this is where counselling is crucial to empower the victims,” said Dombo.

Most TCCs operate at public hospitals, clinics, or police stations and are close to communities where incidences of rape are particularly high. They are also linked to Sexual Offences Courts.

TCCs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a rape case can be reported directly at a TCC.

When a victim walks into a TCC they receive immediate medical attention, which includes a medical examination, counselling, medication to prevent HIV and pregnancy.

Police then help the victim open a case. Staff at the TCC arrange on-going counselling and court preparation if the trial continues.

Every TCC has a doctor, nurse, member of the police on call, social worker and a victim assistant officer. It also has child friendly rooms with teddy bears and colourful chairs that make a child feel more at ease when speaking to the police or a counsellor.

Dombo adds that it helps with the investigation if the rape is reported immediately as evidence can then be collected as soon as possible.

“Once victims report the incident and all medical examinations have been done they receive counselling for as long as they need it.”

Van Schalkwyk gets involved when court processes begin.

“I prepare the victims and make sure they know exactly what to expect when they are in court. I show them were the accused will be seated because some people have never been to court. If a child is involved they are placed with an intermediary in separate room from the court,” she explained.

With the country marking the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign (which started on 25 November ends on 10 December), Dombo stressed the importance of every member society to playing a role in dealing with abuse.

“Parents need to know where their children are at all times, even when children are playing they need to be constantly monitored. Mothers also need to have a close relationship with their teenage daughters teaching them more about the appropriate age to have sex,” she said.

Safety and Security

Scholarship fund making dreams come true

Scholarship fund making dreams come true Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule

Youth matters

Nineteen-year-old Nonhlanhla Seerane is following her dream of becoming an accountant thanks to the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund.

The R20 million Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund was launched by President Jacob Zuma early this year and targeted 200 young people who performed well in their 2013 matric exams but did not have the money to further their studies.

The Department of Higher Education and Training contributed R10 million to the fund while the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) contributed an addition R10 million.

Seerane is one of the students who have received the scholarship. She is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg.

She completed her matric in 2013 and got 63 per cent Mathematics, 90 per cent Accounting, 75 per cent Economics , 78 per cent Business Studies, 77 per cent English, 89 per cent Sepedi, 61 per cent Tourism and 81 per cent Life Orientation.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, food, books, accommodation and a stipend.

The 19-year-old teenager, from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, says the scholarship has given her a chance to realise her dreams.

“This bursary will enable me to support myself and my family and I’m also planning to give back to my community by volunteering to mentor young people from my school who would like to become accountants.”

Seerane is the only one from her family to go to university. She has three older sisters and two younger sisters.

Though at the beginning of the term she struggled to cope, she says the support from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has come in handy.

“They check on us to see how we are doing and the support from them is important, it helps us cope with the new environment,” she explained.

Nineteen-year-old Ben Hloai from Vereeniging, Gauteng, has also been given a chance to realise his dream of becoming a logistics expert. Hloai is currently studying for a degree in Logistics Management at the University of Johannesburg.

Just like Seerane, the scholarship pays for his tuition, meals, books and accommodation. He added that the support received from the NYDA psychologist came in handy when faced with problems.

“They’ve given us numbers of someone who we can speak to when we have issues to deal with especially in this fast-paced environment.”

Hloai says leaving his home in Vereeniging to study Johannesburg required a lot of adjustment but he is coping with his new environment.

For more information about the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund go to the NYDA website: www.nyda.gov.za
NYDA Call Centre: 0800 52 52 52
Email:
info@nyda.gov.za

Education

Cleaning business making a difference

Cleaning business making a difference Estelle Greeff
Written by Maselaelo Seshotli

Youth matters

Shortly after Collen Zwane, Charlene Mazibuko and Siyabonga Skhosana matriculated, they decided to start a cleaning services company to create jobs in their community.

Charlene Mazibuko, Collen Zwane and Siyabonga Skhosana are the brains behind Mnandi Global Cleaning Services, a company that provides chemical cleaning supplies to businesses and schools in Lekazi and neighbouring towns.Mpumalanga-based Mnandi Global Cleaning Services, which started in January 2014, supplies cleaning chemical supplies to businesses and schools in Lekazi and neighbouring towns.

The team, who are all in their twenties, joined forces with Greg Kihu, an established businessman in the chemical manufacturing industry, to gain knowledge about the industry.

The partnership resulted in a contract between the two businesses in which they agreed to work together.

Today Mnandi Global Cleaning Services sells, distributes and markets cleaning chemical products manufactured by Kihu’s company.

“We heard about the NYDA from a friend who encouraged us to make contact and apply for financial assistance,” said Skhosana.

Within five months the NYDA gave the trio R10 000 worth of funding to help them get their business off the ground.

“We used the money for our distribution costs and uniforms. We were impressed by the NYDA as they gave us speedy and professional assistance,” Mazibuko said.

The NYDA ensured that the trio got training in business management and also offered to do branding for their business.

“We consider the NYDA as mentors more than anything because not only have they given us funding and sent us for courses, but they always come back to review how we were progressing,” said Zwane.

Since the business started, it has secured 230 customers.

The company also employs a few part time workers who do marketing and deliveries.

“It has not been easy for us. There have been a few challenges we encountered in managing the business but the most stressful one is the lack of our own transport,” said Zwane.

Mazibuko said it took hard work, determination and discipline to run the business.

“As a team we have all three qualities. We understand that our business is still growing and we ensure that whatever income comes in goes into the business account,” said Mazibuko.

For now the business is only selling cleaning products as it focuses on generating income.

“The income made will allow the business to expand and we can buy our own cleaning machines and employ people to operate and do the physical cleaning,” said Mazibuko.

The trio’s future plans include being completely independent, employing more people as permanent employees and expanding the business to other areas.

The advice the team offers to other young people is to make things happen for themselves and stop relying on government for jobs.

For more information, contact NYDA call centre 0800 52 52 52

Jobs / Vacancies

Applications now open for NYDA’s SM Scholarship Fund

Applications now open for NYDA’s SM Scholarship Fund Estelle Greeff

Youth matters

The Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund, a fund of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), is now accepting applications for the 2015 scholarships.

This is the second year the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund will be awarded to students who excel in the classroom and wish to pursue studies in scarce skills at Universities, Universities of Technology as well as all public Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges.

Established by the NYDA in 2013, the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund is in honour of the late struggle icon, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, a young member of Umkhonto Wesizwe who was wrongfully arrested and in 1979, aged 23, executed under apartheid laws.

The Fund was officially launched by President Jacob Zuma in February 2014 – where the NYDA also unveiled the first group of its beneficiaries.

With additional financial assistance from the Department of Higher Education the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund, last year, awarded R20 million in scholarships to 236 students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, across South Africa, for the duration of their studies.

“We are pleased, once again, to offer young matriculants a chance to apply for the scholarship that will ensure they get to attend the best academic institutions in the country because the NYDA has made it possible. We also want to invite private and public institutions to come on board and partner with us to make it possible to put more young South Africans at institutions of higher learning,” said Yershen Pillay, Chairperson of the NYDA.

The Scholarship Fund provides financial support to young people who have been accepted to pursue full-time degrees in courses that fall within the priority growth sectors and critical and scarce skills areas as outlined in the labour planning frameworks of the country.

International scholarships will be considered if they have been endorsed by a South African government department or a credible public or private agency.

The Scholarship Fund covers 100% costs of the student’s studies, including tuition, books, meals and accommodation.

Students who will be considered for the scholarship are those who have been accepted to register in the following fields of study:

The Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund, a fund of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), is now accepting applications for the 2015 scholarships.

  • ICT
  • Law
  • Tourism
  • Geology
  • Logistics
  • Pharmacy

Applications are to be made directly to the participating Universities/Universities of Technology (which have full responsibility for receiving, processing applications and selecting recipients).

Applications to FET Colleges must be submitted directly to NYDA for the attention of Mr Sihle Mlaba, 11 Broadwalk Avenue, Halfway House Midrand, 1683 ore-mailed to: scholarships@nyda.gov.za. Application forms are available on the NYDA website and all NYDA branches. The deadline for new applications is 23 January 2015.
Education

Bursaries for children of MK soldiers

Bursaries for children of MK soldiers Estelle Greeff
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
The future looks bright for 18-year-old Manala Mandisa Tyodeka a Grade 12 pupil at Christ Church College in Johannesburg.

She is one of beneficiaries of the Department of Military Veterans and Paramount Group’s high-tech skills transfer programme.

Paramount Group is Africa’s largest nongovernment- owned defence and aerospace manufacturer.

As a result of the partnership between the two organisations, Tyodeka who is currently writing her final matric exams, will now have an opportunity to study towards a degree in actuarial science or mathematical science.

Tyodeka’s father used to be a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe during the struggle for freedom.

Tyodeka says she is proud of her father for his contribution to a free South Africa but more importantly, because of his efforts she has been handed great opportunities.

“I am really honoured and excited to have received this bursary. I am also grateful that because of the battles and hardship that my dad and his colleagues encountered I have so many opportunities that would not have been afforded to me in the past.”

Tyodeka received a full bursary, which means her tuition, books and accommodation will be taken care of.

Young descendants of military veterans, identified by the department, will through a programme of bursaries for tertiary education placements and on the job apprenticeships, work with employees of the Paramount Group to ensure their knowledge and world-class skills are passed on to the next generation of South Africans.

The programme that supports Paramount Group’s existing internal initiative to invest in its current workforce, is funded by the Paramount Group Trust and ensures that the majority of a third of all company profits made in South Africa are spent on education and skills development for descendants of military veterans.

The Trust, together with the department, identified opportunities to transfer core skills to the next generation in order to ensure the defence industry’s sustainability.

“Veterans have made a huge contribution to this country and need to be recognised and valued for the role that they have played. It is our obligation to support their descendants and give them an opportunity to secure their own futures and make a contribution to the future of this industry,” said Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of Paramount Group.

“The South African defence industry is generally characterised by an aging workforce. For it to be sustainable it needs skills transfer, conducted in a long-term, structured and controlled manner that benefits the entire country.”

“Through this programme and in partnership with the Paramount Trust, there will be an investment in skills and it will additionally uplift the military veterans’ family units which have up until now been mostly neglected by the industry,” said the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Kebby Maphatsoe.

Those taking part in the programme will be equipped with the high-tech knowledge based skills required to keep Paramount Group and South Africa at the forefront of the global defence industry.

The chairman of the Paramount Group Trust, Dr Mathews Phosa said: “Military veterans have been the key to the successful transformation of our country. This initiative will go a long way to recognising their role and to enabling their descendants to benefit from the sacrifices they made; to build a future for themselves and to play a role in driving this strategic industry forward.”

Tyodeka said she was most excited apart from receiving the bursary, she would be able to work with people in industry of study during the holidays.

Department of Military Veterans contacts: 0800 232 344

Education

Living Conditions Survey 2014/15

Living Conditions Survey 2014/15 Estelle Greeff

Living Conditions Survey 2014/2015Data Collection for the Living Conditions Survey (LCS) 2014/15 conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) started on 13 October 2014. The LCS data is used to monitor and profile the poverty levels in the country and also provides the necessary data to inform the development and maintenance of household national accounts and monitor inequality. Fieldworkers will visit households throughout the country to collect data from household members through a questionnaire.

The LCS is a household-based survey that collects detailed income and expenditure data, as well as information on education, housing, social welfare, health and living circumstances from households across South Africa.

The survey will be conducted for a period of a year from October 2014 to October 2015. The data gathered from the survey will also be used to update the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket of goods and services and also to meet the international reporting obligations of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG’s). The data will in addition be used to update and maintain poverty lines.

About 32 000 dwellings/houses across the country’s nine provinces were scientifically selected to participate in the survey. A survey officer will visit the sampled home to administer a questionnaire over four weeks. Visits will be done weekly to complete the questionnaire. The sampled household will also be required to keep a weekly diary of all expenses for two weeks

During any one of the four visits, all members of the household will be measured and weighed. This is done so that a person’s nutritional status can be determined.

General

Ice business helps cool Pienaar community

Ice business helps cool Pienaar community Estelle Greeff
Written by Maselaelo Seshotli
After Simangaliso Khoza saw the difficulty people living in Pienaar, Mpumalanga, would go through to find ice for functions, he decided to do something about it.

Empire Cold Stones owner Simangaliso Khoza. Empire Cold Stone ice is sold at petrol stations and shops in Pienaar, Mpumalanga.Khoza did some research on ice manufacturing and purifying and then started an ice-making business Empire Cold Stones. He started off with just one ice making machine, which he bought using his savings, and a second-hand fridge.

“It was not been easy to get the business off the ground as many people feared that the water was not purified and questioned whether it was safe enough for them to consume,” said Khoza.

But with support from the community, family and friends, the business is growing, which prompted Khoza to approach the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for financial assistance.

The NYDA not only helped the business with an ice making machine called MV 606, worth R50 000, and a plastic sealer, but also provided him with business management training, which he completed.

Today, Empire Cold Stones products are sold in petrol stations and shops in his community. The business has also created permanent jobs for two people and part-time employment for two others.

“There is no bidding contract with most of the businesses I supply, but I always ensure that my product is of the best quality to satisfy my clients,” he said.

The 30-year-old explained that the ice is usually in demand during the weekends when people host functions.

To market the business Khoza uses word of mouth, social media and community radio stations.

Khoza’s future plans for his business include getting a bigger manufacturing space, distributing to more businesses, and expanding the products.

“The business name will soon change to Empire Still Water and Ice because I plan to move into water bottling and branding as the business grows,” said Khoza.

He added said that the past 20 years since democracy had brought a lot opportunities for the youth.

“The youth just needs to find information that will empower and help them move forward,” he said.

For more information, contact NYDA call centre 0800 52 52 52

Jobs / Vacancies

Jobs: Department of Social Development

Jobs: Department of Social Development Estelle Greeff

The Department of Social Development offer the following employment vacancies:

DIRECTOR: Food and Nutrition Security Coordination
REF: 2014/19 (Three-Year Contract)
BRANCH: Integrated Development
TOTAL PACKAGE: R819 126 per annum
This inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the states’ contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion that may be structured i.t.o. the applicable rules.

REQUIREMENTS
An appropriate Bachelors Degree or equivalent qualification in Food or Agricultural Science PLUS minimum of six years management experience of which three years should be in the Food and Nutrition Environment. Post graduate training in food security and project management qualification will be an added advantage. Knowledge of relevant Public Service legislation. Knowledge of food and nutrition security policies and programmes.

Competencies needed
Strategic capability and leadership skills. Programme and project management skills. Financial management skills. Policy analysis, development and implementation skills. Change management skills. Knowledge management skills. Communication (verbal and written) skills. Planning and organising skills. Service delivery innovation skills. Negotiation and problem-solving skills. People management and empowerment skills. Client orientation and customer focus skills. Stakeholder management skills. Facilitation and coordination skills. Monitoring and evaluation skills.

Personal attributes
Interpersonal relations. Ability to work under pressure. Innovative and creative. Independent thinker. Ability to work in a team and independently. Adaptive. Cost consciousness. Honesty and Integrity. Confidentiality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement the food and nutrition security policy, strategies, guidelines, norms and standards. Develop and implement food and nutrition security programme monitoring framework and report thereon for the social development sector. Coordinate and facilitate integration of food access and nutrition programme interventions implemented by the participating stakeholders. Facilitate resource mobilisation awareness programmes and institutional structures to implement food access and nutrition security programmes. Conduct research on food and nutrition security to enhance programme implementation.

APPLICATIONS TO BE FORWARDED, QUOTING THE RELEVENT REFERENCE NUMBER TO:
The Director General, Department of Social Development, Private Bag X901, Pretoria, 0001. Physical Address: HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street , Pretoria.

FOR ATTENTION
Ms E de Waal

CLOSING DATE
19 December 2014

NOTE
A curriculum vitae with a detailed description of duties, the names of two referees, certified copies of qualifications and identity document must accompany your signed application for employment (Z83). Shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be required to undergo competence assessment. The successful candidate will sign an annual performance agreement, complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. If the candidate is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV. No faxed or e-mailed applications will be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit the requested documents will result in your application not being considered. Personnel suitability checks will be conducted on short listed candidates and the appointment is subject to positive outcomes of the checks. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. “The Department of Social Development supports persons with disabilities”

It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender and disability) in the Public Service through the filling of this post and candidates whose transfer / promotion/ appointment will promote representivity will receive preference.

ENQUIRIES
Mr P Netshipale Tel: (012) 312-7662

Jobs / Vacancies

Internships: Department of Environmental Affairs

Internships: Department of Environmental Affairs Estelle Greeff

The Department of Environmental Affairs offer the following employment vacancies:

The Department of Environmental Affairs offers Internship opportunities to unemployed South African under graduate and post graduate students who wish to apply in the fields that are in line with the departmental core business and who have not been previously employed under any internship program. Applicants are encouraged to use the categories outlined below to indicate areas of interest. The stipend to participate in the internship programme is R4 500.00 per month.

PRETORIA – HEAD OFFICE
Branch Ref No. Qualification
CHEMICAL
AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
INTERN (001) 3 year Degree/National Diploma: Information Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Law, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Accounting, Environmental Health, Ecotoxicology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Process Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Zoology, Botany.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION INTERN (002) 3 year Degree/National Diploma: Environmental Law, Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Developmental Studies, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Planning, Hydrology, Soil Science, Botany, Zoology, Nature Conservation, Heritage and Cultural Studies, Natural Resource Management.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND AIR QUALITY INTERN (003) 3 year Degree/National Diploma: Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Office Management, Office Management and Technology, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Environmental Economics.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER INTERN (004) 3 year Degree/National Diploma: Public Management/Administration, Labour Relations, Human Resource Development, Management of Training, Human Resource Management, Social Sciences, Youth Development, Management Services, Workstudy, Social Work, Psychology, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia, Marketing, Public Relations Management, Brand Management, Web Development, Information Science, Call Centre Management, Media Studies, Journalism, Communication Science, Events Management, Risk Management, Internal Audit, Accounting, Information Systems, Information Management, Environmental Science/Management, Natural Sciences, GIS, IT Business Solution or Infrastructure or A+ and N+
LEGAL AUTHORIZATIONS AND COMPLIANCE INSPECTORATE INTERN (005) Degree/ National Diploma: LLB, Public Management, BTech Nature Conservation/Policing

 

Jobs / Vacancies

Save and spend wisely

Save and spend wisely Estelle Greeff
Written by Ursula Graaff
The festive season is usually the time when people spend too much and start the New Year in debt.

Don't spend your money on things you did not budget for. Make wise spending decisions this festive season.Vuk’uzenzele spoke to the Savings Institute of South Africa’s Gerald Mwandiambira about how to be smart with money.

People often make the mistake of treating money differently in December than other months of the year and spend money on things they don’t need, he said.

“People should treat December like a normal month and not spend on things not budgeted for.”

Mwandiambira suggests that a budget for the festive season be drawn up to guide spending habits.

“If you have not budgeted for it, do not spend on it. Don’t impress people with money you do not have.”

Saving before the festive season

Saving before the festive season gives one peace of mind knowing that extra expenses have been saved for.

“You make confident decisions as well, when you have saved for the festive season,” added Gerald.

Mwandiambira said although using a credit card over the festive season was not a bad thing, consumers must be wise about when to use it.

“Know that you will be able to pay back the credit and that your budget is able to cover the costs of paying off your December credit. If you do not have a structured plan on how you will pay back the debt on your credit card, do not use it until January the following year.”

Shopping wisely

Before going to a shopping mall write a list of the things that you need to buy and stick to it.

“Ask your bank to reduce your daily limit on ATM withdrawals and pay point spending so that you know where all your money went to.”

He said when shopping consumers must ask themselves whether they need or a want an item.

“If it is a need you can’t do without, you can buy it. If it is a want, leave the item for three days and then go back if you still want to purchase it. During the three days cool off time, the consumer usually leaves it, as they see no need for it,” added Mwandiambira.

He said there was nothing wrong with spending money during the festive season but the concern was the behaviour related to spending it.

“Saving should be a lifestyle and people should make wise spending decisions.”

Back to school

When it comes to preparing for a new school year, parents should buy stationery and uniforms in January when there are bargain prices.

This means that parents will need to save money in December.

“Go to the bank and put money into a separate savings account and ask the bank to release the money on a set date, that way you are able to afford items for school for the children.”

Mwandiambira said South Africans should make saving part of their lifestyle.

“You should save all the time, regardless of the occasion or season of the year. Always have an emergency savings account for expenses not budgeted for,” he said.

Going on holiday? Here’s how you can save and spend wisely:
  • When eating out look out for meal specials to save costs.
  • Instead of travelling to far away destinations opt for closer destinations not too far from your city or town.
  • Make your accommodation and car booking online rather than going direct to an actual company.
  • Save costs by booking into a bed-andbreakfast or self-catering units instead of hotels.
  • Find something to do in your own town.

For more information, NCR contacts: 0860 627 627

General

Save for your child’s future

Save for your child’s future Estelle Greeff
Written by Maselaelo Seshotli
Parents want the best for their children and education is the best way to ensure a child has a successful future.

With some form of tertiary education being compulsory for almost every job, today’s economy favours educated job seekers.

“With the cost of education expected to increase by about nine per cent every year, it is wise for parents to prepare for the future while there is still time,” said Sinenhlanhla Nzama, an investment marketing actuary at Old Mutual.

She said it is important to start saving as soon as possible.

“Whether you are new parents, a single parent or an established family, the key is to start saving early. Life can be very demanding so parents have to be aware of the future cost of quality high school and university education. The later you start saving, the more you will need to save per month.”

By starting to save right away, parents can pace themselves and contribute an affordable amount each month.

Whether you have high school or university tuition in mind for your children the cost of paying for good education increases every year.

Nzama added that the tough reality is that currently, one year’s education could cost between R23 000 and R42 000, depending on the level (primary school, high school, university) and type (private, public) of education. A 2033 forecast could result in a parent spending between R118 600 and R215 500 for one year’s education.

There are a few options to consider when opening an education fund such as the Unit trust, Savings Policies and Fundisa.

People prefer the unit trusts because of it is a long term investment as there are a lot of choices as well as funds that specifically focus on beating the rate of inflation by a certain percentage. This is important because education inflation is higher than normal inflation.

“Unit trust investments are ideal for people who require flexibility and access to the funds, however you must be disciplined and avoid the temptation of dipping into your child’s funds,” added Nzama.

Savings policies are fixed for a certain period of time (for example five to 15 years) depending on when your child will go to school or university.

Parents can either pay fixed monthly premiums or make lump sum payments into the policy.

Fundisa is a government initiative, which allows parents to save towards an accredited qualification at a public college or university.

Parents are paid an annual bonus on the investment, which is about 25 per cent of the save annually, up to a maximum of R600 per child.

“Start [saving] early, even if it’s a small amount each month - it will always go a long way in the future after some investment growth. Speak to your financial adviser who will help you choose the appropriate product and give you advice on how much you should save. This will put you on the right track to securing a good education for your children,” said Nzama.

General

Be sun smart this festive season

Be sun smart this festive season Estelle Greeff
Written by Maselaelo Seshotli
It is the festive season and many people will be spending a lot of time outdoors, exposed to the sun.

Spending too much time in the sun without protection can be bad for your skin and can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

Vuk’uzenzele has compiled advice on how both parents and children can protect themselves while having fun in the sun. Here are some tips:

  • Parents must take extra care of their children’s, particularly infants, skin by applying sunscreen and insisting that they wear a hat. Parents and guardians should also consider choosing a baby sunscreen, which contains a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
  • Contact a health professional to help you choose the right sunscreen for your child.
  • When spending time in the park for a picnic or a day at the beach parents must keep children in the shade as much as possible.
  • Parents should consider dressing children in loose fitting clothes and fabrics that have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.
  • Parents should make use of a broadspectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or above and it should be applied 15 – 20 minutes before going outside.

Source: cansa.org.za

Health

Councillors should not turn people away

Councillors should not turn people away Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule
Councillors cannot turn you away if you go to them with a complaint. If they cannot deal with your complaint, they should refer you to a relevant department or individual at a provincial or national level who will be able to help you.

Councillors are people who provide political leadership in wards in a municipality. They are either elected by the communities as independent candidates or they represent the different political parties.

Their term in office is five years in line with the local government elections.

According to Chair of Chairs at the City of Johannesburg Councillor Solly Mogase, councillors are supposed to be able to help people in their ward or get someone to help them.

Chair of Chairs is a position in a metropolitan municipality occupied by a person who all chairpersons of the committees in the municipality report to.

“Communities can bring almost every complaint to the councillor. They are supposed to know almost everything about the functioning of the three spheres of government, from local, provincial and national. Councillors are supposed to help people, if not, and then they should refer them to someone who will be able to help them,” he said.

Mogase said councillors are supposed to act the as ears and eyes of government on the ground.

“We are supposed to be the link between government and the people we serve and we should fight for their interests.”

You can go to your local councillor to complain about water supply, electricity, housing, refuse collection and services offered by municipalities.

When you have a complaint against your councillor, you can raise it through the chief whip’s office of the political party the councillor belongs to, the speaker’s office or send a petition to the council.

Mogase said councillors should have constant communication with the people in their respective wards.

Councillors are supposed to meet with those in their wards at least once per quarter to give them feedback about the issues they raise and the decisions taken during council meetings.

“However, due to the number of different issues communities raise with their councillors, there are times when more than one meeting is required. In some cases councillors meet with communities three times a quarter.”

To ensure councillors have all the tools to serve their communities, they receive training in management and finance from the South African Local Government Association.

Mogase added that full time councillors were not allowed to hold other jobs while they were serving councillors but part time councillors could.

For more information call Mr Aubrey Ncongwane
Tel: 011 407 7339 email:
AubreyN@joburg.org.za
City of Johannesburg contacts: 0860 562 874

General

Keep safe this festive season

Keep safe this festive season Estelle Greeff
Written by Ursula Graaff
While the festive season is a time for fun and excitement, it is also time to be extra careful to ensure that by the end of the holidays you are still in one piece.

It is important to be vigilant on the roads if you are travelling during the holidays and also ensure that your home is well protected. Vuk’uzenzele put together some safety tips for the home and road.

Advice to keep your premises safe include:

  • Ask your neighbours to take out the post. Post left in the mailbox indicates that nobody is home.
  • Make sure you have good lighting. Don’t leave outside lights on during the day.
  • Don’t let too many people know when you are going on holiday, only those you trust.
  • Make sure your doors lock properly and that you have burglar bars.
  • If your house is broken into, notify the police immediately.

If you are going on a road trip:

  • Buckle up.
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Keep a safe following distance.
  • Do not use up your energy on activities, which will increase your fatigue.
  • Get enough sleep the night before, at least six hours.
  • Do not travel when you are emotional or stressed out.
  • Plan your trip, the routes travelled and where you will stop and rest overnight.
  • Make sure your car is road worthy.
  • Make sure you have a spare wheel and that it is in good condition and a jack.
  • Make sure your luggage is in the boot and that is closed properly.
  • Stop every two hours, taking 15 minute breaks.
  • Avoid driving between 1am and 5 am.
  • If you feel tired or restless, pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little while.

If you are travelling at night:

  • Be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles.
  • Know where you are going, do not use unfamiliar routes to get home.
  • Lock your doors and close your windows.
  • If you are bumped from behind, head to the nearest police station or place of safety.
  • Never leave keys in your ignition to open gates.
  • Don’t wait for your passengers, drive around the block or get out of the car and lock the doors.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • Don’t get out to assist someone who seems to be in trouble. Inform the police.

To ensure your safety while shopping:

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of money.
  • Don’t leave valuable belongings in the trolley.
  • Don’t have your wallet or purse visible. Keep wallet in your front pocket and not the back pocket.
  • Don’t let money be too visible, especially large amounts.
  • Hold your child’s hand and be alert of them at all times. Always accompany them to the bathroom.

Source: SAPS, Department of Transport and SANRAL.

Safety and Security

Nigeria church victims’ remains are home

Nigeria church victims’ remains are home Estelle Greeff
Written by Bathandwa Mbola and Ongezwa Manyathi
The remains of 74 South Africans, who died when a multi-storey guest house of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria collapsed over two months ago, have been returned home.

More than a 100 people, most of them South African, died in the collapse. Since then the South African government has been working with the Nigerian government to bring the remains home.

An 80-member specialist team from the Department of Health, the South African Police Service and the South African Military Health Service, among others worked hard to identify the bodies in Lagos, Nigeria.

Minister Jeff Radebe.Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team, Minister Jeff Radebe, said the government team in Lagos would continue to work around the clock to identify the remaining South Africans and ensure their speedy repatriation.

Minister Radebe met with the Nigerian Federal Government authorities, as well as Lagos State authorities to speed up the process.

South Africa agreed to repatriate three Zimbabwean nationals and one from the DRC who were travelling on South African passports.

The lengthy process to identify the bodies was made difficult by the nature of the incident.

“The bodies of 11 other people from South Africa still have to be positively identified in Lagos and will be repatriated later…the job has not stopped for us,” said Minister Radebe.

Family members of the victims travelled to Pretoria to be part of an official reception, which was led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa last month.

At the end of the formal reception ceremony, the mortal remains were transported by road to government Forensic Pathology Services mortuaries in the different provinces.

From there, the mortal remains were transported to the government mortuary closest to the place of burial where they were received by their next-of-kin.

Individual families continued with their own private funeral arrangements.

Nigeria and South Africa have enjoyed cordial relations for many years and this tragedy has brought the two countries even closer and our relations will remain strong.

General

SA called to seize investment opportunities in Burundi

SA called to seize investment opportunities in Burundi Estelle Greeff
Written by Amukelani Chauke

International relations

President Jacob Zuma has called on the business sector to seize investment and trade opportunities in Burundi following his first official meeting with Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza.

President Pierre Kurunziza of the Republic of Burundi met with President Jacob Zuma during a recent visit to the country.The President said trade between the two countries have risen steadily from R47,7 million to R52 million in 2013.

“This visit should also enable us to discuss further how to take advantage of the potential that exists to enhance trade and investment.

“The business people from both countries should certainly improve these figures by further exploring opportunities in the two countries,” said President Zuma.

The Burundi President was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers, from those responsible for arts and culture to those responsible for international relations.

President Zuma was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashamaite, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana, amongst others.

The President said the meeting led to the signing of an agreement to structure the relationship through the Joint Commission for Cooperation.

He said the two countries had signed cooperation agreements in the fields of agriculture, arts and culture, commerce, education, politics, defence, sports, mining, women empowerment, investment, health, science and technology, communications, public works and finance.

“Our two countries share a rich history of struggle against discrimination and other ills.

“It is only proper that we should cooperate in sharing this history through cultural tourism, museums, the restoration of historic sites, the preservation and conservation of monuments, the study of languages, literature and lecture tours,” President Zuma said.

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Innovation key to economic growth for BRICS

Innovation key to economic growth for BRICS Estelle Greeff
Written by Neo Semono

International relations

Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe says BRICS countries must continue to embrace innovation as a key driver for economic growth.

“Innovation is a powerful engine for development and for addressing social and global challenges. I can also affirm that innovation is centrally located in South Africa’s long term economic growth strategy, which includes a focus on the pharmaceutical industry, indigenous knowledge and rich biodiversity,” said Minister Radebe.

Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe believes that innovation is necessary for development.The Minister was speaking at the official opening of the third annual InnovaBRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] conference in London recently.

Minister Radebe said South Africa was determined to develop its research capacity to fuel innovation to drive economic growth. The country would also have a special focus on development programmes to support young, female and black researchers.

“In that regard, we are putting in place an ambitious programme to develop the next generation of academics and researchers. Over the next five years, our target is to spend 1,5 per cent of GDP [gross domestic product] on research and development.”

Minister Radebe led the South African delegation at the conference, which included the Ministers of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, Finance Nhlanhla Nene and Communications Faith Muthambi.

South Africa used the conference as a platform to popularise its National Development Plan, which is the blueprint for ending poverty and reducing inequality by 2030.

“The NDP aims to unlock the institutional, human and structural impediments to higher growth in the country. It offers a framework for faster growth and socio-economic transformation. The BRICS countries are an important part of this strategy,” said Minister Radebe.

He said InnovaBRICS was a unique opportunity to promote closer cooperation between BRICS countries to support South Africa’s growth, development and poverty reduction objectives.

He said the BRICS grouping was not only one of the most recognised in the world but it also constituted in excess of a quarter of global GDP.

BRICS countries account for 43 per cent of the world’s population and hold 40 per cent of global currency reserves, estimated at around US$4,4 trillion.

South Africa also expressed its commitment to developing infrastructure that connects it to the rest of the continent, as part of the African Union’s Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative.

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Denmark set to improve trade with SA

Denmark set to improve trade with SA Estelle Greeff
Written by Neo Semono

International relations

Denmark is expected to improve trade relations with South Africa following a meeting between the two countries’ trade ministers.

Department of Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Rob Davies held a meeting with Danish Minister of Trade and Development Cooperation, Mogens Jensen, last month in Cape Town.

Denmark is set to improve trade with South Africa by 50 per cent.

Minister Jensen said that they see South Africa as a port to the rest of Africa with 27 000 Danish citizens visiting South Africa yearly.

Minister Jensen also said that they would like to have a direct flight connection to Denmark.

South Africa and Denmark’s bilateral trade and investment relations are governed by the European Union and South Africa, Trade, Development, and Cooperation Agreement.

Total trade between South Africa and Denmark have steadily been on the increase with total trade at R2,9 billion in 2009 having increased to R3,4 billion in 2011. In 2013, total trade increased to R4,8 billion.

“The total exports to Denmark from South Africa increased from R1 billion in 2009, R1,4 billion in 2011, with the exception of 2010(R917 million), 2012 (R1 billion) and 2013(R890 million). The decrease in total exports from South Africa to Denmark in 2012 and 2013 can be attributed to decline in external demand, due to slow recovery in the EU (28),” said Minister Davies.

The Ministers also discussed amongst others Bilateral Investment Treaties and the Tripartite Free Trade Area.

On the Tripartite Free Trade Area, Minister Davies said that the approach is developmental and has three pillars, namely Infrastructure Development, Industrial Development and Market Integration.

He further added that the Tripartite Free Trade Area will be launched this month.

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Transnet grooms future sport stars

Transnet grooms future sport stars Estelle Greeff
Written by Ursula Graaff

Sport, arts and culture

South Africa’s future sport stars are being given a push towards their dreams, thanks to the Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Tournament.

The tournament took place at the Germiston Stadium in Gauteng recently and saw upcoming sports stars between the ages of 13 and 19 from schools across the country battling it out for top honours.

The Transnet Rural and Farm Schools tournament helps young sports stars to stay focused on their dreams.The tournament is part of the Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Sport Development Programme, which falls under Transnet’s sporting portfolio.

The programme aims to develop South Africa’s sporting talents by granting teenagers from under privileged backgrounds with the opportunity to showcase their talent.

This is done by providing sports training, facilities and infrastructure to rural communities to benefit the young people living there. They are also coached and managed by professionals who develop their raw talents.

Transnet also nurtures future sport stars in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) through the SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence.

Scouts attend the Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Tournament in search for talented youngsters, who are then given the opportunity to join the SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence.

Every year 120 boys are chosen to attend the school, where they receive comprehensive education, with a focus on academic skills, life skills and an opportunity to excel in their sporting careers.

The tournament runs every year and includes sports such as soccer, netball, athletics and chess.

Chess was only recently introduced, for its benefits in cognitive development.

Soccer players Itumeleng Khune and Jabu Pule also shared their wisdom at the tournament’s awards ceremony.

Speaking at the tournament, Transnet Board Chairman Mafika Mkwanazi said: “We are dedicated to building a healthier, better educated, safer and skilled population that is positive about our country and motivated to grab the opportunities that empower them to live fulfilled lives. And to our learners…may you continue to live by your passion in sport.”

Only 2 000 students make it to the tournament, after inter-house competitions with more than 22 000 learners competing from all over the country.

Transnet Foundation’s Senior Sports Manager Michael Moloto said: “Each and every year we hold this competition, and see greater and more inspiring results. There’s an amazing, positive spirit amongst learners and coaches, and we can see they’re motivated to win and do well. We are very happy and proud to help South African learners in this incredible journey from grassroots to glory.”

During the athletics competition Eastern Cape came out tops, claiming 22 gold medals, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 20.

Northern Cape was overall winner for the chess category, with two gold medals and KwaZulu-Natal was placed second.

Northern Cape also dominated on the soccer field with two gold medals. Mpumalanga came in second place with two silver medals and a bronze.

KwaZulu-Natal was the best province overall.

Khune encouraged the budding sports stars to dream big.

“Like many of the learners sitting in the grand stands, I was one of you. When I was young, I would sit and watch the game, looking up to sports stars, such as Jabu Pule and dream about becoming a great soccer player. Now I am playing for one of the greatest teams and captained the national team, showing everyone involved that determination can make all your hopes a reality,” he said.

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Proteas hope to blow away Windies

Proteas hope to blow away Windies Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule

Sport, arts and culture

The Proteas will battle the West Indies in an 11 match series to be hosted in various provinces across the country.

The two teams are likely to use the tour to put final preparations for next year’s World Cup to be cohosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The West Indies will bring all their big hitters including captain Dwayne Bravo, spinning sensation Sunil Narine as well as the reliable and hardworking Marlon Samuels who have been a thorn on the side of the Proteas during previous encounters.

The teams play three test matches, followed by three T20 Internationals and five one day internationals.

Fixtures are as follows:

Test matches

December 17 – 21, 1st Sunfoil Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
December 26 – 30, 2nd Sunfoil Test at Axxess St George’s Cricket Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
January 2 – 6, 3rd Sunfoil Test at Sahara Park in Newlands, Cape Town.

T20 Internationals

January 9, South Africa v West Indies at Sahara Park, Newlands at 18h00.
January 11, South Africa v West Indies, Bidvest Wanderers, Johannesburg at 15h00.
January 14, South Africa v West Indies, Sahara Kingsmead, Durban at 18h00.

One-day internationals

January 16, South Africa v West Indies, Sahara Kingsmead, Durban at 13h30.
January 18, South Africa v West Indies, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg at 10h00.
January 21, South Africa v West Indies, Buffalo Park, East London at 13h30.
January 25, South Africa v West Indies, Axxess St George's Cricket, Port Elizabeth at 10h00.
January 28, South Africa v SuperSport Park, Centurion at 13h30

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SA bids farewell to sport stars

SA bids farewell to sport stars Estelle Greeff
Written by Ursula Graaff

Sport, arts and culture

South Africa’s sporting fraternity and fans were dealt a blow recently when four popular sports stars lost their lives.

Minister in The Presidency Jeff Radebe (far right), KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu (second from right), Orlando Pirates Chairman Irvin Khoza and SAFA President Danny Jordaan with the late Senzo Meyiwa's family during the funeral.Soccer player Senzo Meyiwa, athlete Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, boxer Phindile Mwelase and former rugby player Tinus Linee died in separate incidents.

Meyiwa was shot and killed in Vosloorus during a robbery. He was the goalkeeper and captain of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates. Meyiwa made his debut for Bafana Bafana in 2013.

Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, an 800m athlete, died in a car crash in Mpumalanga. Mulaudzi won, among others, a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, a gold medal in 2009 at the World Athletics Championship.

Boxer Mwelase was in a coma after being knocked out in just her fifth professional fight. She died of her injuries two weeks later.

Linee died after battling motor neuron disease (MND). He played for the Springboks and Western Province. A memorial service was held in remembrance of Mulaudzi, Meyiwa and Mwelase. Linee had not yet passed away at the time of the memorial.

Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain, the late Senzo Meyiwa was tragically killed during a robbery. He was described as a humble and hardworking soccer star.Speaking at the memorial service, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said Mulaudzi, Meyiwa and Mwelase were unique, talented stars.

“We can never compare them, they are not the same. All of them in their own way served their country to the best of their ability,” he said.

Addressing mourners at Meyiwa’s funeral, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said the goalkeeper was a humble person and should be an example to all who wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“Be modest in your achievements like Senzo [Meyiwa], because even in his national and international prominence, he never came to look down upon his own township and its people,” said the Minister.

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Vuk’uzenzele goes digital

Vuk’uzenzele goes digital Estelle Greeff
Written by Andile Cele

You can now access Vuk’uzenzele on your smartphone, tablet and other mobile devices thanks to the new Vuk’uzenzele mobile app.

The app was launched recently and allows the user to view all Vuk’uzenzele newspaper editions and download these editions onto mobile devices.

A mobile app is designed to run on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, which means that Vuk’uzenzele will be accessible to any person who has these devices.

The Vuk’uzenzele app is available on Google Play Store and Apple Store for download.

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