Written by Amukelani Chauke and SAnews

Government will set its sights on growing the economy and creating jobs to better the lives of all South Africans.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament and the nation about future plans for the country during his recent State of the Nation Address (SoNA), President Jacob Zuma unveiled practical plans to tackle unemployment, grow the economy and deal with the country’s energy challenges, among others.

The President noted that the country’s economy needs a push forward.

Government has a nine-point plan to help achieve this, he added.

The plan includes:

• Resolving the energy challenge.
• Revitalising agriculture and the agroprocessing value chain.
• Advancing beneficiation or adding value to the country’s mineral wealth.
• More effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Policy Action Plan.
• Encouraging private sector investment.
• Moderating workplace conflict.
• Unlocking the potential of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), cooperatives, township and rural enterprises.
• State reform and boosting the role of state owned companies, Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure or broadband roll out, water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.
• Operation Phakisa aimed growing the ocean economy and other sectors.

Creating jobs

The President said the latest Labour Force Quarterly Survey showed that there was light at the end of the tunnel on the jobs front.

“The report shows that there are now 15.3 million people who are employed in South Africa. Jobs grew by 203 000.”

Government aims to grow the economy to a rate of 5 per cent by 2019, an ideal target for the economy to bring down the unemployment rate notably.

 

Government’s investment in youth unemployment was also paying off, and the Employment Tax Incentive, which was introduced last year, was progressing very well, he noted.

The President said R2 billion had been claimed to date by some 29 000 employers, who have claimed for at least 270 000 young people.

In the previous SoNA, the President announced that government aimed to create six million job opportunities by 2019.

“We have thus far created more than 850 000 work opportunities. This means that we are poised to meet the annual target of one million job opportunities.

“In addition, our environmental programmes such as Working on Waste, Working for Wetlands, Working for Water and Working on Fire have created more than 30 000 work opportunities and aim to create more than 60 000 during the next financial year,” he said.

Government aims to grow the economy to a rate of 5 per cent by 2019, an ideal target for the economy to bring down the unemployment rate notably.

State-owned pharmaceutical company

President Zuma also announced that in fighting the scourge of HIV and AIDS, the state-owned pharmaceutical company, Ketlaphela, had been established and would participate
in the supply of anti-retrovirals to the Department of Health.

Government would continue to promote healthy lifestyles.

“On 10 May 2015, we will mark the Move for Health Day, an international event promoted by the World Health Organisation. The day also coincides with the anniversary of the inauguration of President Mandela,” said President Zuma.

Ending women, child abuse

He noted efforts being made to curb violence against women and children.

“The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigation Unit has secured 659 life sentences against perpetrators of crimes against women and children.”

The President stressed that government would continue working harder to fight crime and create safer communities.

Ownership of land

One of the major announcements by the President during the SoNA was that government would propose a new law that would disallow foreign nationals to own land in South Africa.

He said the Regulation of Land Holdings Bill would be submitted to Parliament during the course of the year.

“In terms of our new proposed laws, a ceiling of land ownership will be set at a maximum of 12 000 hectares.

“Foreign nationals will not be allowed to own land in South Africa but will be eligible for long term lease,” he said.

The proposed law is aimed at protecting the interests of locals who would want to own property.

Protesting peacefully

President Zuma also appealed to communities to obey the law and protest in a peaceful manner.

“We are a democratic state and recognise the community's right to protest. We however appeal that these protests should be within the ambit of the law and must be peaceful as stated in the Constitution,” he said.

Broadband rollout

The year 2015 will mark the beginning of the first phase of broadband roll out in South Africa to give the economy of the country a major push.

President Zuma said government has designated Telkom as the lead agency to assist with broadband roll out.

Government will connect offices in eight district municipalities.

“These municipalities are Dr Kenneth Kaunda in North West, Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga, O.R. Tambo in the Eastern Cape, Pixley ka Seme in the Northern Cape, Thabo Mofutsanyane in the Free State, Umgungundlovu and Umzinyathi in KwaZulu-Natal, and Vhembe in Limpopo,” he said.

For more information on SoNA see page 6 - 9.

Smart ID cards

In an effort to accelerate the rollout of the new Smart ID Card, government has partnered with local banks, President Zuma said.

“To further improve access to identity documents, citizens will from this year be able to apply for the new Smart ID Card at their local bank due to partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and some banks in the country.”

In 2013, Home Affairs introduced the Smart ID Card and the new passport as part of its modernisation programme.

The new ID card and passport bear strong security features, which significantly reduce the chances of fraudulently producing these two essential items.

For more information call the Department of Home Affairs Toll free Hotline: 0800 60 11 90

During the 2009 State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma emphasised the need to promote a government that is responsible, interactive and effective.

This led to the establishment of the Presidential Hotline in the same year, as a means for the public to raise their concerns about services they receive from government departments and agencies.

Today the hotline is bearing fruit and continues to be a catalyst in resolving service delivery problems.

By January 2015, a total of 207 971 complaints and queries had been logged and the resolution rate was 94 per cent. This is an improvement year-on-year from a resolution rate of 64 per cent (end of September 2010) to 94 per cent (end of January 2015).

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation carries out telephonic citizen satisfaction surveys for the Presidential Hotline. By December 2014, some 23 458 citizens had been surveyed, and 62 per cent rated the service as fair to good.

South Africans can call the hotline to receive accurate information, counselling and precise referrals to government institutions at all levels and spheres.

Contact the Presidential Hotline on
• Call Centre: 17737
• Email: President@presidency.gov.za
• Fax: 086 681 0987
• Post: The Presidency (Presidential Hotline), Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001

Written by Amukelani Chauke

Government is on top of the challenges facing the country and is developing as well as implementing plans to address these.

That’s the assurance President Jacob Zuma gave South Africans when he responded to the questions during The New Age briefing a day after delivering his State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

From the energy challenges, attacks on foreign-owned shops to violent protests, the President tackled some the pressing issues the country has to deal with.

He said government would embark on a fact-finding mission to understand why power stations had gone for long periods without being serviced.

The President noted that South Africa’s consumption demand had increased after 1994, as government has had to connect millions of citizens to the grid.

This, he said, means maintenance of the grid must be a priority.

“The demand has rocketed after 1994 and therefore undermined the capacity that we have and that is what we are dealing with.

“I can’t understand why we should have power stations that are not serviced. You can’t have one power station failing after the other, and that is what I am going to look into as President,” he said.

A day earlier, the President revealed short, medium and long-term plans to deal with the energy challenges.

As part of the short-term measures, R23 billion was allocated to Eskom to stabilise its finances.

While calling on citizens to use electricity sparingly, and encouraging individuals and households to switch to gas, the President also announced that government would pursue alternative energy sources and detailed a comprehensive energy procurement plan. Addressing the briefing, he stressed that there was no crisis with regards to electricity.

“We have got a plan. We have a challenge and we have got a solution. If you have a solution to deal with the problem, then you don’t have a crisis.”

Uniting Africans

President Zuma said the recent attacks on foreign-owned shops were regrettable, and that while South Africa was generally not an intolerant country, more needed to be done to unite Africans.

“We can’t have a situation where people have an attitude towards other Africans.

“I think we need to do more to educate people that we are one people on the continent; we are just divided by borders. It is a matter that needs political understanding, tolerance,” he said.

Proposals to deal with these challenges and foster social cohesion were in the pipeline, the President added.

Dealing with protests

With regards to the spate of violent protests in which state property was destroyed, the President said it might be an indication that people had not have dealt with the trauma of apartheid.

“We had, unlike many other countries, a system in the country which was very racist and became very violent. That provoked counter violence - when you had a problem with authority, you would destroy and burn. We need to find a way to say authority is no longer an enemy.

“We have agreed with the religious leaders that we will meet and come up with proposals to deal with issue. People have not dealt with the psychological trauma of [apartheid],” he said.

Foreign ownership of land

One of the major announcements by the President during his SoNA was that government would propose a new law that would disallow foreign nationals to own land in South Africa.

He said the Regulation of Land Holdings Bill would be submitted to Parliament during the course of the year.

“In terms of our new proposed laws, a ceiling of land ownership will be set at a maximum of 12 000 hectares.

“Foreign nationals will not be allowed to own land in South Africa but will be eligible for long term lease,” he explained.

In an interview with the SABC, the President said the proposal was “fair” and protected the interests of locals who would want to own property.

He added that government could also not sit by and watch until it ended up with a situation where most of the country’s land was the ownership of those living abroad.

“I think we are taking a very fair decision to say if you are coming for business, you need land, we lease it. You can get a lease for no matter how long. I think that is fair.

“To buy it and make it your property when a good percentage of your South African cities have got no land, I think it will be very difficult to justify when people say we don’t own land and part of our country is being owned by people out there.

“We now know that people come and buy the best part of the land. So the local people are not going to have an opportunity enjoy and do business in their own country because it has been bought. Where will you stop? You might end up with three quarters of the land in South Africa being owned by the people out there and we end up paying rent to them,” he said.

2015 is in full swing as a year in which South Africa will change for the better – and much faster – before our very eyes.

This is a year in which we should all be rolling up our sleeves and hold our heads high as we observe the Year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom.

What this means is that 2015 is a year of action; a year of speeding up positive change in the country and a year of eradicating racism and all related intolerances in our country.

Just a few weeks ago, I was honoured yet again to present the annual State of the Nation to both Houses of Parliament which represent all the people of our beautiful country. And it was an honour to focus the nation’s attention on government’s plans to make South Africa an even better place this year.

Changing South Africa for the better means all of us have to pull together as one.

As a government of the people, we develop our plans in consultation with South Africans from all walks of life and we look forward to the contribution each South African makes to keep South Africa moving forward.

But this year, we are not just erecting bricks and mortar. We are also building our national identity and spirit by asking South Africans to learn and become more passionate about our national flag, national anthem and the preamble of the Constitution.

From this year, schools must also practise the African Union anthem, in preparation for the celebration of Africa Month in May and in keeping with an African Union decision to this effect.

Being better citizens of our own country and our home continent will make a big difference to how we feel about ourselves and how hard we will work to create a better present for ourselves and a great future for our children.

We are not the first South Africans to imagine such a better future.

Sixty years ago, in Kliptown, the Congress of the People dedicated two days of discussion – on June 25 and 26, 1955 – to the development of the Freedom Charter. This document set out the South Africa in which we live today and forms the basis of our present-day blueprint for a better life in the 21st Century, the National Development Plan and its Vision 2030.

Sixty years after the adoption of the Freedom Charter, South Africa is also marking 25 years since the release from prison of the icon of our liberation movement, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who went on to serve the nation as the first democratically elected President of a free South Africa.

In 2015, these important anniversaries should inspire us to renew our commitment to building a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa.

Building a better South Africa is hard work and, at times, frustrating work. But it is also rewarding work. And the rewards that we have seen in the first 20 Years of Freedom should inspire all of us to do even more.

Some of the rewards are already being felt in the critical area of creating jobs for all South Africans.

Statistics South Africa tells us that in the last three months of 2014, 15.3 million people were employed in South Africa. This is 203 000 more than in the previous quarter.

Our investment in youth employment is also paying off. The Employment Tax Incentive which was introduced last year directed mainly at youth, is progressing very well.

A total of R2 billion has been claimed to date by some 29 000 employers, who have claimed for at least 270 000 young people.

I announced a target of six million work opportunities over five years last year for the programme.

We have thus far created more than 850 000 work opportunities. This means that we are likely to meet the annual target of one million job opportunities.

In addition, our environmental programmes such as Working on Waste, Working for Wetlands, Working for Water and Working on Fire have created more than 30 000 work opportunities and aim to create more than 60 000 during the next financial year.

Across our country, full-time and part-time employment is putting money in pockets, bread on tables and stimulating economic activity as each rand from a job or a social grant is used to purchase goods or services which in turn create jobs for people who provide these goods and services.

Someone who uses a social grant or an occasional wage to buy bread, milk or airtime or to pay for transport to a clinic or a work place, is an important part of keeping our economy moving.

Most importantly, earnings, however low they may be, bring dignity and pride to individuals, families and communities – and that is a priceless benefit.

To give the economy a major push forward, government has a nine-point plan to ignite growth and create jobs. The remedy for jobs covers improving our energy security and supply; boosting agriculture and related industries; adding value to the minerals we take from the earth by turning these into products that are currently made in other parts of the world using our raw materials; encouraging private sector investment and reducing workplace conflict, among other measures.

On energy, government has a short and medium-term plan for improved maintenance of Eskom power stations, enhancing the electricity generation capacity and managing the electricity demand.

What this means for citizens and businesses is that while Eskom does what Eskom needs to do, we all need to do all we can do to save energy.

Turning off the lights when we leave a room; wearing extra layers of clothes in cold weather to avoid using heaters and opening windows in hot weather to cool rooms rather than use air-conditioners, are among the things we can all do to save energy.

Households are also being encouraged to switch from electricity to gas for cooking, heating and other uses.

Government is setting an example by making all government-owned buildings energy efficient.

But, our energy challenges are not just power stations, pylons, coal mines or how well we check our consumption.

We face major difficulties with cable theft, electricity theft by households and businesses, illegal connections and other problems that tell us, sadly, that many South Africans are ignoring not just the law but the general code of decency by which we ought to live.

These problems have nothing to do with Eskom’s or government’s plans, but have everything to do with our individual and collective morality and how we choose to build – or break – South Africa.

As part of our campaign to return people to land from which they were alienated or removed under apartheid, we reopened the second window of opportunity for the lodgment of land claims.

More than 36 000 land claims have been lodged nationally and the cut-off date is 2019.

In terms of our new proposed laws, a ceiling of land ownership will be set at a maximum of 12 000 hectares. Foreign nationals will not be allowed to own land in South Africa but will be eligible for long-term lease.

We are a government at work to create and sustain a nation at work.

In agriculture, we are working with the private sector to develop an Agricultural Policy Action Plan which will bring one million hectares of under-used land into full production over the next three years.

We will also enhance our agro-processing exports which have been growing rapidly especially to new markets in Africa and China. For example, we have concluded agreements for the export of South African maize and apples to China.

The export of apples alone is projected to generate R500 million in foreign exchange over three years.

As we grow the economy, we will also take action in 2015 to regulate the practices of private employment agencies and temporary employment services, to prevent the abuse of unsuspecting work seekers.

As government creates more opportunities for more South Africans, we will set aside 30 per cent of appropriate categories of State procurement for purchasing from SMMEs, cooperatives and township and rural enterprises.

Over R6 billion will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks during this financial year. We will also improve the infrastructure in schools and higher education institutions to create the right environment for learning and teaching.

Through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative which is part of the National Infrastructure Plan, 92 new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under construction. About 342 schools have received water for the first time.

As government, we are always the first to acknowledge the challenges the country faces, but we do not let this acknowledgment overwhelm our belief that we are on the right track in moving South Africa forward.

This belief is not limited to government.

This belief is alive in each and every South African who is receiving good or improving services every single day, away from the glare of media or other places where prophets of doom come together to ignore the good in our country and create anxiety about our future.

The state of our nation is more than an Address in Parliament. The state of the nation is the sum of all our efforts as South Africans to improve conditions in our country.

Let us all play our part in 2015 to make this a year of action and a year on which we will all look back with pride by the time the next State of the Nation Address comes around.

Written by Edwin Tshivhidzo

Farmworkers across the country can breathe a sigh of relief after Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant announced a salary increase from 1 March 2015.

In terms of the new adjustments, farmworkers will earn a minimum wage of R2 606.78 per month (up from R2 420.41 in 2014/15), a weekly minimum wage of R601.61 (up from R558.60 in 2014/15), a daily rate of R120.32 (up from R111.72 in 2014/15,) and an hourly rate of R13.37 (up from R12.41 in 2014/15).

According to the Department of Labour, the new sectoral determination level is applicable until 29 February 2016.

“The sectoral determination broadly deals with the protection of workers involved in farm activities.

“The determination regulates minimum working hours, minimum wages, number of leave days and termination rules,” said the department.

Increase on the cards for security guards

Plans are also underway to increase the wage structure of security guards. The Department of Labour is in the process of setting up a new wage adjustment structure for the private security sectoral determination.

The current sectoral determination is coming to an end this year.

The department will hold public hearings with all stakeholders in the private security sector, who are directly and indirectly affected, including employers, employer organisations, employees and trade unions.

“In terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the Labour Minister should consult with stakeholders in the sector with the aim to source information in relation to the wage adjustment,” said the department.

The private security sector employs about 1 070 387 people. The sectoral determination for private security sector in South Africa was published in the Government Gazette on 30 November 2001 and provisions in respect of minimum wages became applicable on 10 December 2001.

Prior to the promulgation, the private security sector, like any other sector, was covered by the BCEA.

The department said the current minimum wages in the sector lapse on 31 August 2016 and the new minimum wages should be in effect from 1 September 2016.

Increase for wholesale, retail workers

Workers in the wholesale and retail sector are now entitled to minimum wage increases that vary between 6.1 per cent and 8.1 per cent in various job categories. The increase became effective from 1 February 2015. The new minimum wage will be applicable until 31 January 2016.

Minister Oliphant has approved the new minimum wage for the sector in terms of the sectoral determination governed by the BCEA, which makes provision for setting of minimum wages.

Various categories of workers, who stand to benefit from the new minimum wage determination, include cashiers, clerks, assistant managers, displayers, forklift operators, security guards, merchandisers, managers, sales assistants, sales persons, shop assistant supervisors and trainee managers.

Written by Ursula Graaff

Soldiers who are unhappy about their working conditions have a place to go to lodge their complaints.

The Military Ombudsman Office, chaired by retired Lieutenant General Themba Matanzima, was launched in 2012 and has since solved many cases that have been brought to their attention.

The role of the office is to investigate complaints and serve as a neutral third party on matters related to the Department of Defence and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), acting independently of the chain of command and managers.

“It’s an institution where members of the defence force can lodge their complaints and conditions of service. We deal with their complaints to their satisfaction,” Lieutenant General Matanzima said.

In the 2012/13 financial year, the Military Ombudsman received 306 complaints, 104 of which have been dealt with. In 2013 they received 290 complaints and dealt with 240 of them. Last year 139 of 171 cases were dealt with. Complaints that are not dealt with in the year a soldier lodged a complaint get carried over to the following year.

Finalising a case takes about 90 days, but if it does take longer, members are informed about the delay.

What is a complaint?

A complaint is a written expression of dissatisfaction by a member or former member about his/her conditions of service and members of the public about the official conduct of a member of the SANDF.

Who can lodge a complaint?

• A member of the SANDF regarding his/her conditions of service.
• A former member of the SANDF regarding his/her conditions of service.
• A person acting on behalf of a member.
• A member of the public regarding the official conduct of a member of the SANDF.

What kind of complaint can you lodge?

• Conditions of service for members and former members of the SANDF.
• Official conduct of a member of the SANDF by the public.

Serving members should first try and resolve their dissatisfaction with the SANDF through the Individual Grievances process as prescribed in the 2010 Individual Grievances Regulations.

Steps to follow when lodging a complaint:

• The complainant completes a form.
• Intake officers record the complaint.
• The case is then analysed to determine its relevance to be handled by the Military Ombudsman.
• The case then goes to the Director of intake and analysis.
• The case then goes to the investigation office to be investigated.
• If the complaint concerns the Chief of the SANDF, they are informed to determine the nature of the case.
• Then they investigate the issue further.

Those with complaints can phone, fax or walk into the office of the Military Ombudsman.

Information required on the complaint form

It is important to provide the Military Ombudsman with as much factual detail as possible in support of the complaint. Answer the questions who, what, when how, where and what happened thereafter.

Depending on the complaint, evidence may include copies of photographs, documentation, sworn statements of witnesses, copies of official documents given to the complainant by the Department of Defence and any other relevant information that may assist the Military Ombudsman in conducting an investigation.

For more information call the Military Ombudsman Office on 012 661 2710. (Additional information sourced from www.aafonline.co.za)

Written by Edwin Tshivhidzo

The Department of Home Affairs says it is making good progress in replacing outdated systems with new, secure and cutting-edge technologies.

The department’s Director-General, Mkuseli Apleni, said to date, of the 403 Home Affairs offices, 110 are equipped with the Live Capture system for the processing of Smart ID Cards and new passports.

The department plans to increase this number to 140 offices by this month.

“Our task is to ensure progressively that the over 38 million citizens with green ID books convert to the Smart ID Card by the time this process concludes.

“Our strategy is to issue Smart ID Cards free of charge to 16-year-olds as well as those who are 60 years old and above,” Apleni said.

The department has issued over one million Smart ID Cards in less than a year and is confident of reaching the target of 1.6 million cards by the end of the 2014/15 financial year.

“We are really moving, considering this process only started in 2013,” he said.

In 2013, Home Affairs introduced the Smart ID Card and the new passport as part of its modernisation programme. The new ID card and passport have strong security features, which significantly reduce the chances of fraudulently producing these two essential items.

The delivery time for IDs has also been improved. It used to take 54 days for an applicant to get an ID book. With the new Smart ID Card, it takes less than 10 days.

“The new cards are printed immediately at Government Printing Works. That is why we are able to send you text messages promptly informing you your cards are ready for collection. Do collect them,” said Apleni.

Challenges

Apleni said the smart ID cards could only be issued at offices where the department had rolled out the Live Capture system. He said people were now opting to apply for the new Smart ID Card rather than the green ID book.

The interest from the public in the new ID card has been overwhelming.

“The result has been long queues in some offices. It is not only the 16-year-olds and the elderly who go to our offices to receive the new cards. Many prefer to go to where there is Live Capture, not to offices where they are still issuing the green ID book.

“For now the green ID is valid and is still offered in offices with no Live Capture.

“Whereas the old system depended on paper forms and manual fingerprinting, the new Live Capture system is online. This means that even the size of the bandwidth poses another challenge,” said Apleni.

He added that the modernisation programme should totally transform the manner in which Home Affairs renders public services in all their offices, including at the ports of entry.

He said the department was also using an automated application process with the Dispensation for Zimbabwean Permits, through which it is normalising the stay of Zimbabwean nationals who were in the country illegally.

“That is why people were able to apply and finish in time. This is a part of the efficiencies we are talking about.”

Dealing with network challenges

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba is expected to announce the process of sorting out current network challenges. However, Apleni said their offices have the capacity to provide services even when they are offline.

“In the design of the system, we have the offline mode so that our offices should still be operational even when power is down, although as a temporary measure. Load shedding may impact on client service but we have made provision for such eventualities.

“We conduct scheduled systems upgrades and make provision for sufficient capacity generators to ensure systems are able to function even when there are power outages around the country.”

Home Affairs is engaged in discussions, through the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, with the South African State Information Technology Agency and Telkom to upgrade office bandwidth and prevent cable theft in metropolitan areas.

Written by Lynne Brown, Minister of Public Enterprises

When South Africans stand together, we are able to overcome the odds. It is a characteristic that has long defined us as a nation. We demonstrated this tenacity when we successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The hosting of the event demonstrated our capabilities to the world and earned us the reputation of a country that can deliver.

Our national power supply remains under pressure as Eskom is at times unable to produce the full electricity required due to maintenance and unexpected breakdowns at power stations.

In this instance it becomes necessary to interrupt supply to certain areas through load shedding.

Government apologises for the inconvenience caused as a result of the unplanned electricity disruptions and remains deeply concerned over the effect it has had on the lives of South Africans. Its impact on business is equally concerning as our economy is dependent on electricity for economic growth.

Government is working to secure South Africa’s future energy supply through an energy mix, which comprises coal, solar, wind, hydro, gas and nuclear energy.

In the meantime, let us assist the country by trying to work around load shedding. We should take time to familiarise ourselves with the schedule in our areas.

This way we are able to plan ahead so that the power disruptions have less of an impact on our family life and businesses. Households and businesses are encouraged to make provision for the fact that there will be at least two-hour power outages between 7am and 10pm daily.

Be aware of the national energy alerts on radio and television, and immediately respond to them by switching off high-energy appliances such as geysers, pool pumps, ovens and air conditioners so that we pass the critical period with limited disruptions.

The energy situation going forward remains extremely tight. But let’s bear in mind, we are all in this situation together and need to do everything possible to get through this short-term strain.

The government is confident that its analysis of the situation and the measures it is introducing will bring relief in the foreseeable future.

We are supporting the national grid through the more frequent use of diesel powered open-cycle gas turbines to help bridge the immediate gap between supply and demand.

Work is under way to reduce maintenance backlogs and improve the performance of power plants to reduce unplanned outages; these are a major concern.

These immediate interventions are receiving our highest priority through the War Room established by Cabinet to fast-track the implementation of a five-point plan to turn the current situation around.

The War Room is led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is supported by an Inter-Ministerial War Room comprising of relevant Ministers and is supported by a Technical War Room of Directors-General.

The launch of an independent power producer programme that harnesses waste energy from the sugar, paper, and pulp industries to produce about 800 MW is part of the department’s plans.

A number of potential gas-to-power projects have also been identified to alleviate our energy supply constraints. These include both new gas-fired power stations and conversion of diesel-fired power stations to gas.

Our energy situation affects all of us. In the interest of the nation, we need to work together to solve our collective problem in the spirit and manner in which we rose to the challenge of 2010.

Written by Maselaelo Seshotli

Electricity shortage is a reality in South Africa, and practical and innovative ways are needed to save electricity. Unnecessary power usage not only contributes to the country’s electricity challenges, but it also adds to the financial strain of many South Africans.

Here are a few easy ways you can help the country save on electricity and also save on your monthly bill:

• Geyser: The geyser uses up to 39 per cent of energy every month. Switch it off when the water is warm. Homeowners need to insulate the geyser and water pipes, which could save up to 37 per cent of the energy used by the geyser.
• Shower: Unlike bathing, a shower uses less water and in so doing, reduces the use of the geyser.
• Lighting: Switching off the lights in unoccupied rooms or those with a fair amount of visibility saves energy. Homeowners should consider replacing the incandescent bulbs with the energy saving compact fluorescent lamps, which use less electricity and last longer.
• Standby electricity: Appliances such as a television, DVD player, computer system and TV game should not be left on standby mode as they continue to generate and use up to 50 per cent of their operating power. Switch them off at the power point.
• Refrigeration: Avoid opening the refrigerator for long periods so that it does not use up extra power to get back to its best cooling level.
• Temperature control: Remember to always keep the room temperature between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Parents and guardians should encourage the family to use extra clothes, blankets and hot-water bottles to keep warm without using extra heaters.
• Cell phones: To avoid wasting energy, unplug the charger after the phone has been charged otherwise it will continue to draw power. Also avoid using your phone while it is still on the charger.

Source: Eskom

President Jacob Zuma delivered his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in Parliament, Cape Town, on Thursday, 12 February 2015.

 

“The year 2015 is the Year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom. It is the year of going the extra mile in building a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa. It is also the year of rededicating ourselves to eradicate racism and all related intolerances in the country. It is also the year of investing more in our future, by educating our children and the youth about the rich heritage of this country.”
– President Jacob Zuma, State of the Nation Address, 12 February 2015.

 

The President unveiled a nine-point plan to ignite economic growth and create jobs, namely:

1. Resolving the energy challenge.
2. Revitalising agriculture and the agro-processing value chain.
3. Advancing beneficiation or adding value to the mineral wealth.
4. More effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Policy Action Plan.
5. Encouraging private sector investment.
6. Moderating workplace conflict.
7. Unlocking the potential of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), cooperatives, township and rural enterprises.
8. State reform and boosting the role of state-owned companies, information and communications technology infrastructure or broadband roll-out, water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.
9. Operation Phakisa, which is aimed at growing the ocean economy and other sectors.

Employment

Statistics South Africa’s employment figures for the last quarter of 2014 showed that there were 15.3 million people employed in South Africa. Jobs grew by 203 000.

Investment in youth employment is paying off. The Employment Tax Incentive, which was introduced in 2014, directed mainly at the youth, is progressing very well. About R2 billion has been claimed to date by some 29 000 employers who have claimed for at least 270 000 young people.

Government has thus far created 850 000 work opportunities, with a target of six million work opportunities over five years. Government is poised to meet the annual target of one million job opportunities.

Environmental programmes such as Working on Waste, Working for Wetlands, Working for Water and Working on Fire have created more than 30 000 work opportunities, with more than 60 000 to be created during the next financial year.

Energy

Government is doing everything within its power to resolve the energy challenge and deal with the problem of energy shortage in the country.

Government has developed a plan that involves short, medium-term and long-term responses.

The short and medium-term plan involves:

• improving maintenance of Eskom power stations
• enhancing the electricity generation capacity
• managing the electricity demand.

The long-term plan involves finalising the long-term energy security master plan. Eskom’s finances will be stabilised to enable the utility to manage the current period. Government will honour its commitment to give Eskom around R23 billion in the next fiscal year.

The “War Room” established by Cabinet in December 2014 is working diligently around the clock with Eskom to stabilise the electricity supply system and contain load-shedding.

Alternative sources of energy

Given the high cost of diesel, Eskom has been directed to switch from diesel to gas as a source of energy for the utility’s generators.

Households are also being encouraged to switch from electricity to gas for cooking, heating and other uses. The construction of the three new power stations – Kusile, Medupi and Ingula – will add 10 000 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the national grid.

Government has to date procured 4 000 MW from Independent Power Producers, using renewable sources. The first three bid windows of the renewable energy procurement process attracted more than R140 billion from private investors.

A total of 3 900 MW of renewable energy has also been sourced, with 32 projects with a capacity of just over 1 500 MW completed and connected to the grid. Eskom has completed the construction of the Sere Wind Farm, which is already delivering 100 MW to the grid.

In December 2014, government began procuring 2 400 MW of new coal-fired power generation capacity from Independent Power Producers. The procurement process for 2 400 MW of new gas-fired generation will commence in the first quarter of the new financial year.

A total of 2 600 MW of hydroelectric capacity will be sourced from the Southern African Development Community region.

Energy mix

Regarding the long-term energy master plan, government will pursue gas, petroleum, nuclear, hydropower and other sources as part of the energy mix.

Government is also exploring the procurement of the 9 600 MW nuclear build programme as approved in the Integrated Resource Plan 2010-2030. Government has signed intergovernmental agreements and carried out vendor-parade workshops. The United States of America, South Korea, Russia, France and China presented their proposals on nuclear.

All these countries will be engaged in a fair, transparent and competitive procurement process to select a strategic partner or partners to undertake the nuclear build programme. Government’s target is to connect the first unit to the grid by 2023, just in time for Eskom to retire part of its aging power plants.

Regarding hydropower, the Grand Inga Hydro-electrical Project partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo will generate over 48 000 MW of clean hydroelectricity. South Africa will have access to over 15 000 MW.

Support to municipalities

Government has provided funding for electricity in the following municipalities in the 2015/16 financial year:

• Amathole District Municipality, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, OR Tambo District Municipality and Lukhanji Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, and Umzinyathi District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
• There are still 3.4 million households in the country without electricity.

Land reform

More than 36 000 land claims have been lodged nationally since government reopened the second window of opportunity for the lodgement of land claims in 2014. The cut-off date for applications is 2019.

Government is also exploring the 50/50 policy framework, which proposes relative rights for people who live and work on farms. Fifty farming enterprises will be identified as a pilot project. In terms of the new proposed laws, a ceiling of land ownership will be set at a maximum of 12 000 hectares (ha).

Foreign nationals will not be allowed to own land in South Africa but will be eligible for long-term lease.

The Regulation of Land Holdings Bill will be submitted to Parliament this year. Through the Land Reform Programme, more than 90 000 ha of land have been allocated to smallholder farmers, farm dwellers and labour tenants.

The process of establishing the Office of the Valuer-General is underway, which is established in terms of the Property Valuation Act of 2014. Once implemented the law will stop the reliance on the Willing Buyer-Willing Seller method in respect of land acquisition by the State.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a catalyst for growth and food security. Government is working with the private sector to develop an Agricultural Policy Action Plan, which will bring one million hectares of under-utilised land into full production over the next three years.

Government will promote the establishment of agri-parks or cooperatives and clusters in each of the 27 poorest district municipalities to transform rural economies.

Initial funding of R2 billion has been made available for the agri-park initiative. Government will further enhance agro-processing exports, which have been growing rapidly, especially to new markets in Africa and China. For example, agricultural trade protocols for the export of South African maize and apples to China have been concluded.

The export of apples alone is projected to generate R500 million in foreign exchange over three years.

Emerging farmers and smallholders

In the Vhembe District Municipality in Musina, the Limpopo Provincial Government has supported the Nwanedi Cluster comprising 300 farmers growing vegetables on just over 1 300 ha for commercial purposes. The cluster has already created more than 2 500 jobs, as vegetable farming is highly labour-intensive.

Manufacturing

The Automotive Investment Scheme has unlocked private-sector investment of R24.5 billion and generated exports of automotives and components of R103 billion in 2013.

South Africa has built a world-class auto sector on the African continent exporting to over 152 countries. The leather and footwear sector has also grown to 60 million pairs of shoes, and exports grew by 18 per cent with significant benefit to the balance of trade.

Government has committed more than R2.8 billion to companies in the manufacturing sector, through the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme. In turn, the manufacturers have committed over R12.4 billion in private-sector investment.

Mining

The implementation of a number of programmes under the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry has caused relative stability and optimism in the mining sector, which is the backbone of the economy.

Mine Crime Combating Forums have been established in the North West, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Government will implement the agreements reached with business and labour, including the consideration of a national minimum wage.

Revitalising mining towns

A total of R2.1 billion has been ring-fenced to revitalise mining towns, with R290 million approved for informal settlement upgrading in Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State.

About 133 informal settlements are being assessed or prepared for upgrading through the National Upgrade Support Programme. Some 32 settlements are being upgraded and 87 housing projects are being implemented across the prioritised mining towns.

Government, the mining sector and the Banking Association of South Africa have signed a Social Contract for the development of sustainable human settlements.

Government continues to provide social development support within mining communities. Other support includes technical expertise regarding Integrated Development Plans and the development of Special Economic Zones.

The mining towns are also being assisted with implementing the “Back-to-Basics” municipal service delivery strategy. Government is also reviewing the compliance of mining companies with the 2014 Mining Charter targets.

Government has synchronised environmental impact assessments, water and mining rights applications and has set a maximum of 300 days for all of these authorisations to be issued.

Government will also establish a one-stop interdepartmental Clearing House to attend to investor complaints and problems.

Labour relations

The Department of Labour will review the sectoral determinations of agriculture, forestry, private security, wholesale and retail sectors.The Employment Services Act of 2014, which formally establishes a public employment service, will be finalised.

The legislation also formally regulates the practices of private employment agencies and temporary employment services, to prevent the abuse of unsuspecting work seekers.

In addition, the Unemployment Insurance Act of 2001 will be amended to improve benefits to beneficiaries and include public servants in the application of the Act.

Small businesses

Government will set aside 30 per cent of appropriate categories of State procurement for purchasing from SMMEs, cooperatives as well as township and rural enterprises.

Promotion of youth-owned businesses

Government will continue to promote opportunities for the youth. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has disbursed R25 million to 765 youth-owned micro enterprises in the last financial year nationally.

The NYDA has partnered with the Industrial Development Corporation and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency to create a R2.7-billion fund for young people.

Infrastructure

The National Infrastructure Development Programme continues to be a key job driver and catalyst for economic growth.

Water is a critical resource for economic growth and a better life. Several projects aimed at providing water for industrial and household use are in the implementation or planning phases around the country.

Major projects include Umzimvubu Water Project in the Eastern Cape, Jozini Dam in Umkhanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal and projects in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga and phase one of the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation in Limpopo.

Progress is being made to improve the water supply to areas that had been affected by shortages, such as Makana District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West and Giyani in Limpopo, where water was delivered to 55 villages in October 2014.

Broadband roll-out

The year 2015 marks the beginning of the first phase of broadband roll-out. Government will connect offices in eight district municipalities. These are Dr Kenneth Kaunda in North West, Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga, OR Tambo in the Eastern Cape, Pixley ka Seme in the Northern Cape, Thabo Mofutsanyane in the Free State, Umgungundlovu and Umzinyathi in KwaZulu-Natal, and Vhembe in Limpopo.

Government has designated Telkom as the lead agency to assist with broadband roll-out.

Water conservation

Government has urged all people in the country to conserve water. Every drop counts. The country loses R7 billion a year to water losses. The Department of Water and Sanitation will train 15 000 artisans or plumbers who will fix leaking taps in their local communities.

Roads infrastructure

The Department of Transport will spend about R9 billion on the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant or the Sihamba Sonke Programme. A further R11 billion will be spent on upgrading and maintaining roads that are not tolled.

Over R6 billion will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks during this financial year.

School infrastructure

Government will continue to improve the infrastructure in schools and higher education institutions to create a conducive environment for learning and teaching.

Through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative, which is part of the National Infrastructure Plan, 92 new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under construction.

About 342 schools have received water for the first time, 351 have received decent sanitation and 288 have been connected to electricity. Government has identified 16 sites for the construction of 12 new Technical and Vocational Education and Training College campuses and the refurbishment of two existing campuses.

Work is also continuing to establish the three brand new universities, Sol Plaatjie in the Northern Cape, the University of Mpumalanga and the Sefako Makgatho Allied and Health Sciences University in Gauteng.

Housing the nation

Government continues to deliver houses to the people. By 30 September 2014, more than 50 000 houses were delivered in the subsidy and affordable housing segments. Government will also provide 5 000 housing to military veterans. It will also work to eradicate the backlog of title deeds for pre and post-1994 housing stock.

Operation Phakisa

Government launched some innovative programmes to implement the National Development Plan. Operation Phakisa is a results-driven laboratory approach to planning and executing programmes. Operation Phakisa on the ocean economy is aimed at unlocking opportunities in the shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, oil and gas, biotechnology and tourism sectors.

Government has committed R9.2 billion investment in gas and oil exploration in the port of Saldanha as part of the Operation Phakisa initiative. Operation Phakisa on Scaling Up the Ideal Clinic Initiative is aimed at promoting efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism in clinics.

Government will now explore Operation Phakisa in the mining sector and also partner with the mining sector to develop win-win solutions to beneficiate the country’s mineral resources.

Health

Over the past five years, government has scored significant gains in healthcare. This year, government will launch a massive programme to turn the tide against tuberculosis, with a special focus on three communities, offenders at Correctional Services facilities, mineworkers and communities in mining towns.

In fighting the scourge of HIV and AIDS, the state-owned pharmaceutical company, Ketlaphela, has been established and will participate in the supply of antiretrovirals to the Department of Health.

Move for Health Day

On 10 May, South Africa will mark the Move for Health Day, an international event promoted by the World Health Organisation. The day also coincides with the anniversary of the inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first democratically elected President in 1994.

Fighting crime and corruption buidling a developmental and capable state

Progress has been made in fighting crimes against women and children. The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigation Unit has secured 659 life sentences against perpetrators of crimes against women and children.

Although the democratic State recognises communities’ right to protest, it appealed that these protests should be within the ambit of the law and must be peaceful as stated in the Constitution.

The police successfully brought under control 13 575 recorded public order incidents, comprising 1 907 unrest-related and 11 668 peaceful incidents.

Corruption

The Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee continues to intensify the fight against corruption.

Government has introduced seven anti-corruption institutions and 17 pieces of legislation intended to combat corruption.

In the 2013/14 financial year, 52 persons were convicted in cases involving more than R5 million.

In the first quarter of 2014/15, a total of 31 public servants were convicted and freezing orders to the value of R430 million were obtained.

To prevent corruption and promote ethical governance, President Zuma signed the Public Administration and Management Act of 2014 into law, which among others prohibits public servants from doing business with the State.

Rhino poaching

Cabinet has adopted vigorous and integrated interventions to combat the vicious rhino poaching in the country. The interventions include continuous joint operations with key neighbouring countries, improved intelligence gathering, and enhancing protection in parks and provincial reserves where rhino are present.

Border control and Smart ID Card

Government has made substantial progress in establishing a Border Management Agency, to manage all ports of entry and improve security.

To further improve access to identity documents, citizens will from this year be able to apply for the new Smart ID Card at their local bank due to partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and some banks in the country.

Building a developmental and capable state

In the 2014 SoNA, President Zuma said government would continue to advance and improve the lives of people with disabilities. In December 2014, Cabinet released the draft National Disability Rights Policy for public comments.

Back-to-Basics

Government launched the “Back-to-Basics” programme to promote good governance and effective administration by cutting wastage, spending public funds prudently, hiring competent staff, and ensuring transparency and accountability in municipalities.

Cabinet has since approved the Integrated Urban Development Framework announced in the SoNA in June 2014.

A better Africa and a better world

To contribute to building a better Africa, South Africa continues to support peace and security and regional economic integration in the continent. The African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC), of which South Africa is a contributing and founding member, is now working.

The South African National Defence Force and SAPS continue to participate in conflict prevention and peacekeeping operations in the continent. South Africa also continued to support conflict-resolution initiatives in Lesotho, Sri Lanka and South Sudan, led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Economic cooperation with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) partners was strengthened when the first two intergovernmental agreements were concluded on the occasion of the 6th BRICS Summit held in Brazil in July 2014.

This was the Agreement on the New Development Bank and the Treaty Establishing a Contingent Reserve Arrangement. Countries of the developed North remain important strategic partners for South Africa through which the country is able to advance its national and foreign policy.

South Africa has a valuable partnership with the European Union in amongst others, the Infrastructure Investment Programme for South Africa valued at approximately R1,5 billion.

The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act beyond September 2015 and a pledge to support African-led peace initiatives in the continent are among the significant outcomes of the United States(US)-Africa leadership Summit held in the US in 2014.

At a multilateral level, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the UN, which brings into sharp focus the need to transform the UN Security Council and other international institutions.

Reburial of national heroes

National liberation heroes, Moses Kotane and JB Marks will be reburied in South Africa in March 2015. The South African Government has expressed its gratitude to the government and people of the Russian Federation for looking after the remains of the heroes with dignity for so many years.

“During this year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom, we rededicate ourselves to unity and hard work, to ensure continuous success in our beautiful country.”
– President Jacob Zuma, State of the Nation Address, 12 February 2015.

Written by Amukelani Chauke

President Jacob Zuma’s recent State of the Nation Address (SoNA), in which he outlined future plans for the country, has earned the praise of a number of Cabinet Ministers.

Among these were the Ministers of Agriculture, Health and Small Business Development and Public Enterprises who shared their thoughts on the SoNA with Vuk’uzenzele.

Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana welcomed the President’s speech, saying that it highlighted government’s plans to transform the economy and deal with poverty and unemployment.

The Minister added that his department would continue to attract young people to the agriculture sector in a bid to set the sector on the road to prosperity.

“The President’s speech commands us, as the department working with the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, to ensure that as land is made available to the  people, our department is ready to ensure that those who receive land are able to receive assistance, even financing.

“We believe that if we are able to reach our target of one million hectares of land to be tilled by 2019, we would have dented the scourge of poverty,” he said.

During the SoNA, President Zuma announced that government was working with the private sector to develop an Agricultural Policy Action Plan to bring one million hectares of under-utilised land into full production over the next three years.

“If we are to win against the scourge of poverty, we need to get young people in agriculture to make sure that people don’t dream about being involved in agriculture when they retire, we need them young, we need them energetic, we need them knowledgeable. It is cool to be in agriculture,” said Minister Zokwana.

Energy challenges

The President also announced key plans to deal with short, medium and long-term energy challenges.

He said to boost the economy, there was a need to deal with the energy challenges as a matter of urgency.

Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown said she was happy with the plan to turn around Eskom, which produces 95 per cent of electricity in the country.

“While on the one hand the grid is constrained, on the other hand we are also looking at a process that helps to stabilise Eskom and in the long-term bring new energy on-line,” she said.

The President also called on members of the public to use electricity sparingly and encouraged individuals and households to use gas stoves to cook, while instructing state-owned buildings to be energy efficient.

Tackling TB

Another highlight of the President’s address was the plan to deal with Tuberculosis (TB), with a special focus on three communities - offenders at Correctional Services Centres, mineworkers and mining communities.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, welcomed the announcement.

“I am absolutely happy because … people know a lot about HIV and AIDS and even an ordinary person on the street can talk a lot about HIV and AIDS but they don’t know enough about TB.

“Eighty per cent of the people who die and are HIV positive are actually killed by one disease – TB,” he said.

On World TB Day, which is commemorated on 25 March, and going forward, government planned to go to six mining districts to conduct screenings for the disease.

“We have looked closely to check who is most affected by TB and we found that there are three vulnerable groups.

“Firstly, there are the people in the correctional service facilities and there are 150 000 of them. Secondly, there are the mineworkers, and there is half a million of them and then there are the people staying around the mines. We have selected six districts where there is intense mining activity…to screen them for TB,” he said.

The Minister added the six most affected districts included the Lejwelepotswa District in the Free State, Kenneth Kaunda in North West, Carltonville in Gauteng, the Waterberg and Sekhukhune districts in Limpopo as well as the Bojanala District in the North West, which includes Marikana.

“These are the areas where we know TB is most prevalent. When you go to that district for screening, you screen every single living human being. You go to schools, churches, crèches, hospitals, clinics, mines, correctional service centres,” Minister Motsoaledi explained.

He said it would be a comprehensive screening programme, which would be followed by treatment for whoever has TB, especially latent TB, which is not active.

Improving health care

During his SoNA, the President said the recently launched Phase Two of Operation Phakisa, which focuses on the Scaling up Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance Programme, was aimed at promoting efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism in clinics.

Minister Motsoaledi pointed out that the National Development Plan (NDP) envisages that the cost of private health care be reduced while ensuring that health care facilities are of a high quality.

“Health care must be affordable and cost less. We must have public health facilities of good quality. If you move further into the NDP, it describes seven things that must happen in health. One of them says the health care services must be efficient, equitable and of good quality,” he said.

Small business is big business

When President Zuma announced his new-look Cabinet last year, one of the exciting new additions was the Small Business Development Ministry, which he appointed Minister Lindiwe Zulu to head.

The NDP calls for an increased focus on the small and medium enterprise sector, identifying it as a key driver of 95 per cent of all new jobs by the year 2030.

During the SoNA, the President announced that government would set aside 30 per cent of all state procurement for purchasing from SMMEs, cooperatives as well as township and rural enterprises.

Minister Zulu welcomed the move, saying it was important to give small and medium enterprises and cooperatives the necessary support.

“Government has realised that there is potential in almost each and every department where small and medium enterprises and cooperatives can get an opportunity to offer a service to these departments.

“So when the President says small business is big business, it is a much bigger statement than a statement that just focuses on a department itself.

“It is a statement that has to go to all government departments, but also it is a statement that has to go to the private sector.”

She said for the sector to grow and make a meaningful contribution to the economy, it was important for it to receive the support of both the private and public sector.

“The most important thing that the President spoke about is the 30 per cent of procurement for small businesses. Our responsibility is to empower them...

“Government also decided, not long ago, to set aside certain products that can be sourced from small and medium enterprises because one of the challenges that they face is related to the market.

“If government says 30 per cent procurement plus about 10 products have to be sourced from small businesses, then it means already they have a market,” the Minister pointed out.

She said government would strive to create conducive environment for business.

Written by Amukelani Chauke

Communications Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has unveiled a mobile app for the South African Government website.

The app links users to the recently relaunched, mobile friendly government website, www.gov.za, which bridges the digital divide and can be accessed on any cell phone.

It allows users to view, among others, the latest available jobs in the public service; tender bulletins; news and radio bulletins as well as information on services like renewing your driver’s licence or car licence.

The app, which is available for free download on your play store, also gives users contact details of all government departments Govt gets techno-savvy across all spheres of government.

The South African Government app also gives users quick access to government leaders, events, speeches and other government information.

It is available on both Android and Apple mobile devices.

Vuk’uzenzele app

The Deputy Minister said the launch of the South African Government app comes after her department launched the Vuk’uzenzele newspaper app in November last year.

The app allows users to download and read the government newspaper that is distributed nationwide and gives further access to a publication.

Win an iPad

We are giving away an iPad, sponsored by DEP Technologies, to one lucky reader. To win, simply download the free South African Government app by searching for “SA Government” on the Google or Apple Appstore or download the free Vuk’uzenzele newspaper app by searching for Vukuzenzele on the Google or Apple Appstore between 11 February 2015 and 31 May 2015.

Written by Ursula Graaff

The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Learning Academy is making waves.

South Africa has a shortage of skilled engineers. To address this gap, and to ensure a water-rich nation, the department has a programme which offers opportunities to young engineers.

To date, the academy has offered opportunities to 57 engineers to participate in its Professional Development programme. Three of these engineers have managed to register as professional engineers, while others are at various levels of meeting the required 11 outcomes of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

One such engineer is Shirley Ntotole – a candidate engineer, who is going through the academy, seeking to be a fully qualified engineer.

Ntotole matriculated in 2003 from Bokgone Technical Secondary School and always wanted to be an engineer. Although the field is mostly male dominated, she saw this as an exciting challenge.

“I went to a technical school and at first I wanted to do electrical engineering but it didn’t challenge me that much, so I decided to be a civil engineer.”

After matric, Ntotole studied civil engineering at the University of Pretoria and graduated in 2010.

When asked why she chose this field, she said: “It had a lot of career opportunities. It’s challenging and you learn something new every day.”

In 2011, she joined the DWS Learning Academy and in 2013 she did her in-service training at the then Department of Water Affairs (now the Department of Water and Sanitation) through the academy.

“I got a bursary to go to the academy and after I was done, I had to go for induction and then I started working for the department.”

The academy exposes students to their line of work, and although it is complex, it allows young engineers to be groomed into professional engineers.

“I got exposed to design experience, building models for dams, did some designs and some site visitations."

Ntotole is currently a candidate engineer and would like to be a professional engineer. The difference between the two is that a candidate engineer is in the process of becoming a professional engineer, and a professional engineer is a fully qualified and registered engineer who can do work on their own.

“I would like to register with ECSA, so that I can be recognised as a professional engineer. Right now I am a candidate engineer. So whatever I do has to be overlooked or supervised by someone who is registered with ECSA. So, my design cannot be built without somebody approving it. But, as a professional, I can even open my own company,” says Ntotole.

Ntotole is currently working on three different projects that are fairly new, namely Glen William Dam, Tzaneen Dam and Nwamitwa Dam.

Ntotole says her job is quite complex and challenging because there are a lot of factors one has to look at before working on a project.

“There are challenges with regard to the environment. This is looking at the fauna and flora and also speaking to the community and finding alternative ways of accommodating them.”

Her advice to aspiring engineers is to have passion for structures and what you do.

“Your job is building dams and you need to make sure the country has sufficient amounts of water, through the building of dams.”

If you would like to know more about the DWS Learning Academy, visit https://www.dwa.gov.za/default.aspx or contact Director of the Learning Academy, Verena Meyer, via e-mail: meyerv@dwa.gov.za

Written by Maselaelo Seshotli

When Sechaba Ngwenya took a gap year after high school, his parents were not very pleased with his choice to stay at home, while his peers went on to study towards a tertiary qualification.

As fate would have it, Ngwenya applied for and got a job at ABSA bank as a teller. More good tidings followed, as the bank gave him an opportunity to study for a Bachelors Banking degree through the University of South Africa. This he completed diligently and successfully.

Over the next few years, Ngwenya moved between banks and investment firms as he climbed the ranks.

“When ABN AMRO closed offices in South Africa while I was working there as a credit analyst, I decided to move on to Event AMI, my first entrepreneurial venture.”

Today, Ngwenya is a successful businessman with a passion to develop new business ideas.

In 2012, he was part of the International Trade Programme Group in London where investors saw the potential of Event AMI and offered to buy it from him.

The International Trade Programme, which was spearheaded by the Micro Economic Development Organisation (MEDO), is a programme that provides, among others, ongoing shared services support to entrepreneurs through the Maselaelo Seshotli MEDO Youth Incubator.

Based in the Maboneng District in Johannesburg, the youth incubator programme is managed by MEDO and the Department of Trade and Industry and it facilitates and provides support and training to participating entrepreneurs.

After selling Event AMI, Ngwenya took a few months off to clear his mind and to think about his next business venture.

Armed with his unstoppable nature, he decided to start a new business called Creditable.

“Creditable is a software that allows anyone to lend money,” says Ngwenya. With his banking background, this young man knows all there is to know about the loaning process that often weighs customers unfairly.

“If more people have access to better capital, more people can start-up and create businesses. I am a firm believer that people and companies should form credit unions because only when you have money, can you make money,” says Ngwenya.

He joined MEDO for a reason different to other entrepreneurs.

“My friend had a crush on a girl at MEDO and made me sign up with him,” he says.

After signing up and seeing what MEDO was about, he decided to stay and remain incubated by the organisation.

“At MEDO, I learnt a lot - including how to read people. One needs to know who can and cannot provide you with business – whether it is through body language or the words coming out of their mouths,” Ngwenya explains.

Ngwenya’s plans over the next 10 years include handing over Creditable to a younger individual who is “smarter”.

“After that, my dream project will be to run the South African Reserve Bank and to create a super-bank for Africa,” he says.

Ngwenya believes that starting a business is the only way to effectively take people off the streets.

Written by Neo Semono

The expansion of skills is vital to the support offered by government to investors, says Trade  and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

The Minister, who was joined by King Goodwill Zwelithini, was speaking at the recent launch of the R200 million CCI Call Centres building in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (dti) partnership with private sector companies like CCI shows government’s commitment to work closely with all companies to create an enabling environment to attract investors.

The building, which will house more than 200 employees, demonstrates a commitment by CCI Call Centres to the South African Business Process Services (BPS) sector.

The BPS incentive aims to attract investment and create employment in South Africa through offshoring activities.

The company set up its operations in the country in 2005 and has grown from 50 to over 3 000 seats operating from Umhlanga.

CCI Call Centres is a beneficiary of the dti’s BPS incentive and has participated in the Monyetla Work Readiness Programme, which prepares previously unemployed people aged under 35 for the workplace through training and development.

The Managing Director of CCI Call Centres, Mark Chana, said support from the South African Government, through the BPS incentive, had made the South African value proposition cost competitive when bidding for international contracts against other offshore destinations such as the Philippines.

Minister Davies said the Business Process Outsourcing/BPS incentive had been hugely successful in terms of meeting the objectives of the dti.

He said over 9 000 jobs had been created and the BPS sector was a key sector for attracting investment and creating much-needed new jobs, especially in the 18 to 35 age groups.

In his address, King Zwelithini encouraged CCI Call Centres management to also consider opening offices in rural areas, other provinces and Southern African Development Community countries.

He called on young people who will be employed at the call centre to take their work seriously as it is not a right but an opportunity and privilege.

Written by Noluthando Mkhize

Government, through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), is opening up doors of opportunities for the country’s youth.

It has already successfully piloted the Entrepreneurship Grant Funding Programme and the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund.

Last year, 236 young people were supported through the R20 million Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund to enrol for the first time in institutions of higher learning across the country, it was noted at a recent Social Cluster briefing.

The NYDA is currently implementing the ‘Youth Build’ programme in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements, municipalities, and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

More than 3 000 young people were supported through the Youth Build Programme, which seeks to address the critical up skilling in technical fields such as artisans that the country critically needs.

Last year, the Department of Higher Education and Training launched the Decade of the Artisans campaign.

Through this campaign, the department aims to encourage businesses to take on artisan students for practical training to address skills shortage in the country.

The Decade of the Artisan programme for 2014/15 is targeting 19 000 artisan candidates as directed by the National Development Plan (NDP).

New school infrastructure

With regard to school infrastructure 92 new schools have been completed as part of the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI). More than 100 schools are still under construction as part of this programme.

About 342 schools received water for the first time and a further 351 schools received decent sanitation, while 288 were connected to electricity.

Developing SA’s youth

Cabinet approved the draft of the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2015-2020, which has been gazetted and released for public consultation.

The NYP aims to ensure that there are youth development programmes that respond to the challenges faced by the young people of the country.

The consultation process continues with economic participation, education and skills development, behavioural change and social cohesion and active citizenry being areas receiving priority.

The four priority areas of the draft NYP are:

• Economic participation
• Education and skills development
• Behavioural change
• Social cohesion and active citizenry.

Written by Albert Pule

South Africans can look forward to better access to justice as government rolls out a number of programmes.

Speaking at the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster media briefing, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said government was making progress in making justice a reality to all South Africans.

“We are satisfied that we are making good progress in increasing access to the Criminal Justice System (CJS).

She added that government would ensure that all citizens, irrespective of race and location, have access to justice.

“The transformation of the CJS will strengthen the confidence of our people in the fair and impartial administration of justice for all,” the Minister said.

One of the ways in which government will ensure that people have access to justice is by introducing high courts in both Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

In previous years, residents of the two provinces had to travel long distances to access high court services at the North Gauteng High Court situated in Pretoria.

“We are pleased to announce that the hardship being endured by communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga who have to travel to Pretoria at great expense to access High Court services will soon be over.”

From next month, the high court in Limpopo will start operating while these services in Mpumalanga will come later.

“The Limpopo seat of the high court will start operating from the beginning of April 2015 while that of Mpumalanga will follow a year later.

“We are also working hard to ensure that all people are not deterred from accessing justice by financial constraints.”

She added that the JCPS cluster was on track to increase the number of small claims courts in each district.

Three hundred and thirty small claims courts have been established across the country, 37 of which were created in the past financial year until the end of January 2015.

“We are fast approaching our goal of having a functioning small claims court in each of South Africa's magisterial districts.

“I am pleased to announce that we only need to establish other 60 small claims courts to be 100 per cent compliant countrywide in this regard.”

Last month, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development also launched a court annexed mediation services in North West aimed at resolving civil disputes.

“Through such meditation civil disputes, in particular maintenance and claims against the state, can be resolved quicker and more amicably and the huge costs of litigation will be averted,” the Minister said.

She added that the mediation services would be rolled out to other provinces in the next financial year.

The JCPS Cluster includes the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, Police, Defence and Military Veterans, Home Affairs and State Security.

Written by Noluthando Mkhize

Correctional service facilities, mineworkers, and communities will receive special attention in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB).

This was revealed by Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi during the Social Sector Cluster media briefing held recently.

Minister Motsoaledi noted that TB kills 80 per cent of HIV positive people. He said his department would roll out a massive TB screening programme, which would be similar to the HIV counselling and testing campaign rolled out in 2010 that resulted in 20 million people being tested.

He added that six mining districts would also receive a special focus during this campaign - Lejweleputswa in the Free State, the Kenneth Kaunda and Bojanala districts in the North West, Carletonville in Gauteng and Waterberg and Sekhukhune District in Limpopo.

“In all those districts, every single human being will have to be screened as a part of this programme. We will screen kids at school, mineworkers and communities. Anyone visiting a health facility for anything will be asked to subject themselves to be screened for TB,” he said.

“We want this programme to be massive.”

During the State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma said while a lot of attention had been dedicated to the fight against HIV/Aids, TB remained one of the major killers in South Africa.

Adding to this, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini, who is also the chairperson of the Social Sector Cluster said Statistician-General Pali Lehohla announced last year that TB was the underlying cause of death to 40 542 people.

“In response, we have mobilised more resources both from within government and donors in order to turn the tide on new TB infections,” said Minister Dlamini.

Improving health care facilities

The cluster will focus on the implementation of Operation Phakisa for Ideal Clinics launched in November last year.

“Currently 10 clinics are enrolled and by the end of the current financial year, we would have enrolled a third of 3 500 clinics in the public sector.

“Our people will experience first-class treatment in first-class health facilities and this process will roll out over the next three years to cover all public health clinics.”

Minister Dlamini also gave an update on the mobile phone service called MomConnect launched last year, which helps pregnant mothers have healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries and healthy babies.

“We have connected over 250 000 pregnant women to the programme.”

The Social Sector Cluster consists of the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements, Labour, Public Works, Rural Development and Land Reform, Transport, Arts and Culture, Basic Education, Health, Higher Education and Training, Labour, Science and Technology, and Sport and Recreation.

Written by Ursula Graaff

Etsweletse Trading Solutions, a non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer currently producing still bottled water, energy drinks and juice, has come a long way since the business started in 2012.

The owner, Thapelo Magwete from Mokopane in Limpopo, started his business selling bottled water and refilling bottles. Today the business has grown and Magwete plans to expand it further.

Magwete approached the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to help him start the business, after hearing about the agency from a friend. He says Seda continues to help him.

“It is a continuous process. Initially they assisted with drafting a business plan.”

Etsweletse Trading Solutions supplies its products to local businesses, mines, and Further Education and Training colleges.

Magwete has five permanent employees and three temporary employees – all youth from his community.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is to do what they are passionate about.

“Stop the whole cut and paste. Do what you love. Do what you are passionate about. You definitely will get good results,” says Magwete.

Magwete is currently studying for a BCom degree in Financial Risk Management to improve his business skills and expand his knowledge.

“Seda pays a certain portion for the courses I am doing and I pay the rest.”

Magwete continuously looks for ways to improve his business so that it can grow nationally and internationally.

Although running such a business has its own challenges, Magwete takes them in his stride.

“Whatever we see as a challenge, we discuss it and come up with possible solutions.”

Kwena Mokgohloa, a representative of Seda, says the organisation has an important role to play in helping small businesses.

He says since government cannot employ everybody, Seda provides support to people with business ideas.

“We also train them to develop their business skills. If we can support this business continuously it can create another 15 jobs in two to three years. We will continue supporting this project,” Mokgohloa says.

Written by Ursula Graaff

When Lindy Ngwenya and her husband Lekau Mamabolo started their custom-made furniture business, they had no idea that it would become as successful as it is today.

The furniture factory, aptly named @Couch Designs, makes custom-made couches for clients in and around Mokopane in Limpopo.

Before starting the business, Ngwenya, her husband and a partner owned two franchise furniture stores. That, however, did not work out, and they decided to close shop.

“We never gave up on our dreams and decided to re-open the business - but this time only with my husband,” says Ngwenya.

It was while running their new business that they came across the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) offices - a few doors away.

“We approached Seda and asked them for assistance. However, at that time, Seda could not assist us because of the layout of our business.”

This did not deter Ngwenya and Mamabolo and they carried on with their business of selling furniture they got from suppliers.

The couple then decided to start manufacturing their own furniture in the store and sell it.

“It was becoming costly to outsource our furniture, so we decided to manufacture it inside the store, but on a small scale,” says Ngwenya.

After a few months, they decided to re-approach Seda for assistance. This time their application was successful.

“We went back and explained to them what we were doing. They then decided to assist us with our marketing.”

Since April 2014, Seda has been assisting the business with branding, marketing and financial clean up with the business.

A financial clean-up involves Seda sitting down with business owners to look at where the business stands financially; whether the business is viable and how Seda can help the business.

“Seda has really helped us a lot and helped us market our business on a large scale. They took us to home shows and sometimes we would sell our furniture there and people would place orders with us.”

The couple’s business has grown from making only beds and couches to making furniture for offices and apartments.

“We recently did furniture for a radio studio and for a church. Sometimes estate agents will call us to do the furniture for apartments in and around Limpopo.”

The business employs eight full-time staff (four of them youth) and one part-time employee. Tumisho Phihlela, an employee at @Couch Designs, says he enjoys his work because it keeps him busy.

“I enjoy my job. It keeps me off the street. I was not really good academically but I can do work with my hands. That is why I joined the company.”

Ngwenya’s advice to the youth is to work hard, persevere and be disciplined in how they manage their finances.

“Have a plan and do thorough research before starting anything.”

Ngwenya would like to expand the business into different countries and become a household name.

Joan Makhafola, from Seda, says @Couch Designs is creating jobs in the community and the passion the couple has for interior décor is evident.

“The clients decided to change from retail to a manufacturing company which means that they only have a few items on display and they can produce as per order,” she says.

Written by Maselaelo Seshotli

Armed with a dream to start a landscaping business, Xolani Theza from Kanyamazane in Mpumalanga, decided to approach the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for help.

Before Theza opened TSN Gardens in 2013, he worked for a waste-management company to feed his passion for the environment and keeping it clean.

“I have always had a thing for a clean well-managed environment, hence opening a landscaping business only seemed right,” he said.

The NYDA helped the business with its branding and to set up a website.

The business provides services such as tree felling and cutting, garden refuse removal, pool maintenance and landscaping design.

It did not take long for the business to gain clients since opening its doors in May 2013 and by the end of November 2013, the business was standing at an impressive 50 clients.

“Starting a business is not easy and I struggled to get it off the ground and to secure clients,” says Xolani.

The business's biggest client is the MRTT Hospitality and the Tourism Academy in Kanyamazane, where the business does landscaping and garden maintenance.

TSN Gardens also rents out machinery to clients.

“All the employees have gone for training which equips them with the know-how on using the kind of equipment they work with.”

The business employs six permanent staff and part-time employees are on only contacted when there is more work.

One of the employees, Alfred Msimango, a father of eight, says he is happy to be working at TNS Gardens.

“The money I earn is enough to support me and my family.”

He adds that Theza gives them the space to explore their creativeness when taking care of the gardens. The business is mostly advertised through flyers, pamphlets and word of mouth.

Meanwhile, Theza plans to expand the business, employ more permanent staff, grow the client database and increase its services.

CHIEF DIRECTOR: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
REFERENCE: 15/77/CS
PACKAGE: R988 152 – R1 181 469 (All inclusive).
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree/ National Diploma in Built environment or Higher related Qualifications; 6 years at Senior Management level; 6 years experience in built environment: Knowledge in facilities management and building industry such as engineering, architecture, surveying, etc.
ENQUIRIES: Ms M Kganyago (012) 315 1844

DEPUTY DIRECTOR: ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
REFERENCE: 14/15/LMP
PACKAGE: R532 278 – R627 000. (All inclusive).
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate Tertiary qualification on NQF level 6. Minimum 6 years’ experience in Human Resource environment with 3 years’ experience at management level; A valid driver’s licence.
ENQUIRIES: Ms Kotze E (015) 287 2016

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
REFERENCE: 15/82/MAS
SALARY: R270 804 – R318 984 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: 3 years Bachelor’s Degree/ National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Finance; 3 years relevant experience in Finance environment; Knowledge of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Departmental Financial Instructions (DFI), Public Service Act and other relevant legislation; Knowledge/ experience in government or recognized Accounting software will be an added advantage.
ENQUIRIES: Mr. C. Msiza (012) 315 4754

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RESEARCH
REFERENCE: 15/76/COO
SALARY: R270 804 – R318 984 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: Degree/National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Social sciences/Research methodology; Knowledge of all aspects of research processes and techniques; Minimum 2 years experience in the field of research and/or statistics; A valid driver’s licence; The following will be an added advantage:- Sampling expertise will be an added advantage; Expertise in monitoring and evaluation will be added advantage.
ENQUIRIES: Raymond van der Westhuizen (012) 315 1673

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: DIVISION: GENDER AND THE LAW
REFERENCE: 15/86/DG
SALARY: R270 804 – R318 984 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: LLB Degree, B.Proc or equivalent legal qualifications; A minimum of 3 years work experience in Gender issues and related matters; Knowledge of legislations and policies that promote Gender Equality.
ENQUIRIES: Mr. C. Sibiya (012) 357 4561

SOCIAL WORKER / FAMILY COUNSELOR: GRADE 1 - 4
REFERENCE: 15/13/FS
SALARY: R183 495 – R417 918 per annum. (Salary will be in accordance with the OSD determination).
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification; A minimum of 3 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as Social Worker with the SACSSP; Registration with SA Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP); Knowledge and experience in Mediation; Knowledge and application of Family Law, including Mediation in certain Divorce Matters Act, Children’s Act Maintenance Act and Domestic Violence Act (inclusive of Hague Convention on International Child Abduction); A valid driver’s licence
ENQUIRIES: Ms N Sithole (051) 407 1800

ESTATE CONTROLLER EC1 (3 POSTS)
REFERENCE: 15/81/MAS: MTHATHA (2)
REFERENCE: 15/83/MAS: GRAHAMSTOWN (1) (RE-ADVERTISEMENT) (PREVIOUS APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RE-APPLY)
SALARY: R141 339 per annum. (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination).
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
REQUIREMENTS: An LLB degree or recognized four years legal qualification.
ENQUIRIES: Mr. S. Maeko (012) 315 1996 & Mr. C. Msiza (012) 315 4754

CLOSING DATE FOR ALL POSTS IS 16 MARCH 2015

NOTE: Interested applicants may visit the following website: www.justice.gov.za or www.dpsa.gov.za to view the full job specification of the above positions. Applications must be submitted on Form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za. A Z83 & CV must be accompanied by original certified copies of qualifications and identity document. A driver’s license must be attached if indicated as a requirement. A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applications that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will not be considered.

The DOJ&CD is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts the objectives of section 195 (1) (i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No: 108 of 1996), the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No: 55 of 1998) and relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into consideration. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a personnel vetting process. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you do not hear from us within 3 months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Target.

Department of Justice & Constitutional Development Private Bag X81 Pretoria 0001 @DOJCD_ZA
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CE)

DIRECTOR: Youth Development
REFERENCE: 2015/05
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.
CENTRE: HSRC Building, Pretoria

REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Social Science PLUS 3-5 years experience at MMS level in the field of  youth development. Knowledge of the relevant Public Service legislation. Knowledge of youth development.
Competencies needed
Financial performance monitoring and evaluation. Strategic capability and leadership. Programme and project management. Financial management. Policy analysis and development. Communication skills. Service delivery innovation. Problem-solving and change management. Economic and statistical analysis. People Management and empowerment. Client orientation and customer focus. Stakeholder management. Presentation and facilitation.
Attributes
Good interpersonal relationship. Ability to work under pressure. Innovative and creative. Ability to work independent and as part of a team. Adaptability. Diplomatic. Independent thinker. Cost consciousness. Honesty and Integrity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage the Directorate: Youth Development. Facilitate and manage the development and implementation of the social development specific youth development strategy. Facilitate and monitor the development and implementation of programmes aimed at protection and empowerment of youth. Promote and facilitate the development and implementation of norms and standards for services to youth. Ensure strengthening of partnership and coordination mechanisms with the sector and externally with government departments and non-governmental organisations to enhance effective delivery. Support and promote the development of capacity building programmes for all categories of social service professionals working in the field of youth development. Represent the department at all relevant public forums related to youth development. Participate in process related to the refinement and development of new policies and legislation for youth.

ENQUIRIES: Ms S Motsuenyane Tel: 012 312 7792

APPLICATIONS TO BE FORWARDED, QUOTING THE RELEVANT 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 March 2015

RECEPTIONIST
REFERENCE: 2015/06
BASIC SALARY: R123 738.00 per annum
CENTRE: HSRC Building, Pretoria

REQUIREMENTS:
Grade 12 Certificate (or equivalent) PLUS 1 to 2 years’ experience in the receptionist field Knowledge of:
i) Customer care principles.
ii) Telephone etiquette.
iii) Document tracking, storage and retrieval.
iv) Ms Office Suite.
v) Basic provisioning administration.
vi) Filing systems.
Competencies needed
Thorough knowledge of sign language. Excellent communication skills. Planning and organising skills. Interpersonal relations. Problem-solving skills. Typing. Initiative. Adaptability. Business ethics.
Personal attributes
Confident. Friendly. Patient. Accurate. Compliant. Precise. Adaptable. Diplomatic. Independent. Ability to work under pressure. Well organised and effective. Innovative. Ability and independently. Good listener.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Answer telephone, screen and direct calls. Receive clients or visitors and ensure that they are Deal with queries from the public and customers. Render general administrative and clerical and sort mail and deliveries. Scan, manage and draft notices, documentation, supporting Provide efficient customer care services.

ENQUIRIES: Mr B Futshane, Tel: 012 312 7982

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

FOR ATTENTION: Ms E de Waal

CLOSING DATE: 19 March 2015

NOTE: A curriculum vitae with a detailed description of duties, the names of two referees, certified copies and identity document must accompany your signed application for employment (Z83). Shortlisted posts will be required to undergo competence assessment. The successful candidate will sign an agreement, complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV. No faxed or will be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated Qualification Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit the requested documents will result in your considered. Personnel suitability checks will be conducted on short listed candidates and the appointment to positive outcomes of the checks. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. contacted within three months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that 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 and candidates whose transfer / promotion/ appointment will promote representivity will receive preference.
 

Written by Chris Bathembu

International relations

More than 50 African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January for the annual Heads of State and Government Summit. Some of the decisions taken included the following:

Dealing with Boko Haram

A few months ago, not many people knew about Boko Haram. It was the terrorist group kidnapped more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls that they began to be noticed and caused widespread panic throughout the continent.

Some 276 teenagers from the government-controlled Girls' Secondary School in the remote town of Chibok, in Borno State, northeast Nigeria, were kidnapped on the evening of 14 April last year.

Although about 57 girls managed to escape, the rest are still being held captive. With reports that some of them were being used as suicide bombers, calls have intensified for tougher measures to fight Boko Haram.

And with the group’s attacks increasingly spilling over from Nigeria into neighbouring nations, the African Union (AU) has been forced to increase its efforts to break the back of this terrorist group. During the recent summit in Ethiopia, heads of state endorsed a decision to send more than 8 000 troops to fight the terrorists’ insurgency in northern Nigeria. The move came after five west African countries agreed that they would send troops to fight Boko Haram, which escalated its attacks in February ahead of the national elections in Nigeria.

Chad already has troops fighting Boko Haram on two fronts, with soldiers deployed in Niger and Nigeria. The summit also authorised the establishment of a Trust Fund by the United Nations to sustain the operations of the task force and the international community was called upon to provide support to the force.

Intensifying the Ebola fight

With regard to Ebola, the heads of state recommended the extension of the mandate of the AU Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa. The leaders called upon member states who have not yet done so, to lift all restrictions imposed on Ebola-affected countries and requested the international financial institutions and partner countries to cancel the debt of the three affected countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. By February, deaths from Ebola in the three countries had exceeded 7 000 since the outbreak of the deadly disease in 2014.

Now the AU wants to speed up the process for the establishment of the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention by June this year. The coordination office for the centre, to be funded by member states, should initially be at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa.

Peace and security

The summit tasked the Peace and Security Council of the AU to immediately report deployment of the African intervention forces within 90 days or to the next meeting of the Assembly for rectification.

Two years ago the AU decided to establish a continent-wide response force called the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (Acirc) to deal with crises such as coups in the continent. Countries, including South Africa, contributing troops to the Acirc were expected to pay for a mass of about 1 000 troops. It is meant to be a temporary measure until the permanent African Standby Force is established.

Emergency relief to Malawi and Mozambique

South Africa reported that it had sent a disaster management team to Malawi in January in response to floods and resultant humanitarian situation in the country.

On the emergency situation in Mozambique, which was similarly caused by floods in January 2015, the Mozambican government requested South Africa’s assistance with relief efforts.

The South African National Defence Force, in conjunction with the Mozambican Defence Force and the National Disaster Management Institute of Mozambique, were deployed to carry out various flood relief efforts.

Written by Neo Semono

International relations

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) kicked off an Outward Selling and Investment Mission to Kenya and Tanzania.

The investment mission saw the dti lead 31 local companies to the two countries last month to increase trade and investment between South Africa and the two countries.

Dti Minister, Dr Rob Davies, described Kenya as a strategic country for South African companies looking to access the East and Central African markets. He said Kenya boasts strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which make it a key trade and investment destination.

“Between January 2009 and 2015 a total of 17 Foreign Direct Investments projects from South Africa into Kenya were recorded. These projects represent a total capital investment of R2.2 billion which is an average investment of R118.89 million per project. During the period, a total of 462 jobs were created,” said Minister Davies.

He said South Africa/Kenya trade statistics indicate that South Africa has been experiencing significant trade surplus with Kenya, which implies that South Africa’s exports to Kenya have constantly been higher than imports from Kenya.

Minister Davies said Tanzania, which hosted the second leg of the mission, has extensive water networks, which have been optimally used for transportation.

“The South African government is aiming to facilitate and encourage increased sustainable investments by South African companies in the Tanzanian economy.

“This should result in the diversification and industrialisation of that economy, a factor which will assist in creating the much needed employment opportunities, technology transfer and foreign exchange, in line with South Africa’s objectives for regional development and integration,” said Minister Davies.

He said South Africa has already made a marked contribution with respect to infrastructure development in Tanzania through its regional spatial development initiatives programme and will continue to work with Tanzania not only in infrastructure development, but across all sectors.

In 2013, South African exports to Tanzania were about R5 billion while imports from Tanzania amounted to R991 million.

According to the latest statistics from the Tanzanian Investment Centre, there are more than 200 South African companies investing in Tanzania across a wide spectrum of sectors.

The targeted sectors for these missions include agro-processing, infrastructure, built environment professionals, mining and capital equipment, ICT and electro-technical, chemicals, plastics and pharmaceuticals and energy which makes it ideal for South African companies interested in exporting value added products.

The first day of the Tanzanian leg of the mission concluded with roundtable discussions that focused on agriculture and agro-processing, energy, mining, electro-technical and capital equipment, infrastructure development, manufacturing, as well as petrochemicals and medical supplies.

A presentation on the Tanzanian investment climate and opportunities was also delivered.

Written by Neo Semono

International relations

Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina will led a 25-member business delegation to the sixth annual India Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI).

The ITI, which took place last month, forms part of the dti’s export and investment promotion strategy to focus on India as a high growth export market and foreign direct investment source.

The Deputy Minister said as a follow up to the 5th ITI held in March 2014, this ITI will target South African companies seeking to attract foreign direct investment and also project owners and managers seeking joint venture partnerships in agro-processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, mining and mineral beneficiation, infrastructure, architecture and renewable energy sectors.

South Africa’s economic relations with India have flourished since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993. Closer economic ties are also fostered using initiatives such as the Joint Ministerial Commission and business engagements facilitated through the SA-India CEOs’ Forum.

“Beyond bilateral relations, South Africa and India remain committed partners and are determined to strengthen South-South Cooperation in the context of IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) and BRICS.

“These forums are an undertaking by countries with shared interests in a multilateral system to address political, social and economic matters,” said Deputy Minister Masina.

The Deputy Minister’s programme in India will include bilateral meetings with representatives of government and businesses. He will also conduct site visits to various industries in Hyderabad and Kolkata.

India ranks among the top 10 investing countries in South Africa. Between January 2009 and June 2014, a total of 44 foreign direct investment projects from India were recorded. These projects represent a total capital investment of R18.25 billion, which is an average investment of R414.76 million per project.

The total trade between India and South Africa was worth R80.9 billion in 2013, with a trade balance of R22.9 billion in favour of India.

Written by Nosihle Shelembe

Sport, arts and culture

Gauteng athletes and sports enthusiasts will soon enjoy playing and watching games from modern facilities thanks to Operation Mabaleng.

Westbury, in the south of Johannesburg, will be the first to benefit from a flagship project to build 10 multimillion state-of-the art multipurpose sports centres across the province over the next five years.

Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Molebatsi Bopape unveiled the project called Operation Mabaleng (playing fields).

“Mabaleng will change how sport is played by locals and how communities engage in recreational activities. Even at night, people will have a chance to participate in physical activities, which should then begin to address the thinking that nights are only for drinking and partying,” said MEC Bopape.

She said access to sport was a human right essential to human development and helps in the transformation of society.

The MEC added that Westbury has a facility that hosts local soccer games. The facility needed revamping and modernisation.

There are three different models for the project. In some areas, existing facilities will be remodelled, while in other areas they will be developed from the ground.

The basic features of the model are of a soccer pitch (and five-a-side mini pitches), mini rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, a gymnasium, public viewing and indoor games area.

Community interests and priorities will be taken into consideration for each sport centre. Other codes will include athletics and cycling.

The MEC’s spokesperson Gugu Ndima said the completed facilities would be handed over to municipalities to manage.

“However, both the department and the municipalities will facilitate and coordinate programmes offered on site. Construction work at the pilot site in Westbury is scheduled to begin soon,” Ndima said.

Written by Bathandwa Mbola

Sport, arts and culture

South Africa’s first movie showcasing the country’s dance talent and local youth embracing their identities 20 years after democracy was premiered on local screens last month.

Hear Me Move uses dance as a form of self-expression, and captures the vibrancy and rhythms of urban youth culture. This is a production by the youth for the youth, which was written and produced by Fidel Namisi, director and producer Scotness Smith and producer and actor Wandile Molebatsi.

The movie will hit Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide.

Namisi said the story is anchored on Muzi, the son of an amazing pantsula dancer, who is trying to discover the truth about his father’s life and death.

The film, which is shot in local languages and captures the lingo of urban South African youth, showcases energetic “sbujwa” and “pantsula” dance sequences, choreographed by the award-winning Paul Modjadji. It plays out against the backdrop of gritty, urban Johannesburg.

The film features a host of well-loved South African actors such as S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Makhaola Ndebele, Lillian Dube, Alfred Ntombela, Khanyi Mbau, Lorcia Cooper, Boity Thulo, Thembi Seete, Amanda Du Pont and radio DJ Khutso Theledi.

The sound track of the film is also 100 per cent South African.

The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) supports the film, which has also premiered to critical acclaim at prestigious international festivals such as Toronto in Canada, Cannes in France and the United Kingdom.

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the use of indigenous languages and township patois in the film imbues the flavour of popular culture and contributes towards the promotion and preservation of South Africa’s languages.

“The production of Hear Me Move is a turning point in getting the youth of South Africa to tell and write their own stories and history… We see young people who are reflecting the soul of their nation,” said the Minister.

He said the production is also a testimony of the commitment of young people to take their rightful place in society.

He believed that the success of the movie would put South Africa on the global map and also increase the contribution of the South African film industry to the gross domestic product.

The Minister called on all South Africans to support the movie, saying “for a very long time, South African popular culture did not reflect our identity, experience, history and heritage”.

He said the DAC was serious about the business of arts and was actively supporting the sector to make it globally competitive.

“Our mandate is to empower the youth to be able to pursue viable careers in the arts industry and we are determined to find ways for the youth to find creative outlets and innovative ways to release what’s in their souls.”

The movie received support from a number of institutions including the Department of Trade and Industry, Industrial Development Corporation, Gauteng Film Commission and the National Film and Video Foundation.

The R6.5 million movie created about 350 jobs, according to Molebatsi.

Written by Edwin Tshivhidzo

Sport, arts and culture

The people of Taung can look forward to economic development in their area and more job opportunities after the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre was opened recently.

North West MEC for Tourism Desbo Mohono officially opened the institution in January.

The institution, which has already started accepting students, started operating at full steam from the beginning of this month.

So far, 30 students have already been for the academic year and there is a possibility that more will be accepted towards the middle of the year.

MEC Mohono said the institution would change the socio-economic status of the people of Taung, especially women and youth.

She said the people of Taung should jealously guard the institution, as it would be a hallmark that future generations would be proud of.

“All spheres of government that are affected by youth-development issues have to radically implement ways to lure our youth to have a hunger for education. This is the only way to give them a better life,” said the MEC.

She added that the institution would focus on skills and competencies that were required to grow the tourism economy of the North West in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan, which identifies tourism as one of the key growth sectors of South Africa’s economy.

MEC Mohono said the institution would bring welcome economic development to the Taung region with additional employment opportunities and also boost local businesses.

Neonyana Morolong, a student at the school, said she was grateful to be one of the first students and hoped to finish her studies in record time.

The 35-year-old mother of three wants to be a professional chef and to ultimately own her own restaurant in Taung.

Learners at the school will be offered practical courses in professional cookery, food and beverages and accommodation services for this academic year.

The school will introduce additional courses by June this year, which will include higher education programmes in tourism and hospitality management.

The school will be called The Pentagon and will house an administration block, lecturers’ offices, lecture blocks, male and female students residences, a chapel,