Written by Chris Bathembu

President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga has left residents hopeful that the visit will change their lives for the better.

The small Mpumalanga town, located in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in the Nkangala District, is the latest to be visited by President Zuma as part of the recent Siyahlola Presidential Monitoring tour.

Siyahlola is a programme that allows the President to interact directly with communities and monitor government’s performance.

Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele, locals were specific about the issues they want to discuss with the President. Top of their list was the scarcity of water followed by unemployment and issues related to housing.

”Our visit today is a step to promote the performance of municipalities. We are happy to visit a municipality that had faced enormous problems which is now improving.”

 

“The Siyahlola programme is designed to allow the President to come and see for himself what is happening on the ground. My visit here follows an earlier visit I paid to Marabastad in Pretoria where people pleaded with me that I come and visit Kwaggafontein,” President Zuma said.

He told the gathering of more than 1 000 people that local government is a very important sphere of government as it is the one closest to people.

“Our visit today is a step to promote the performance of municipalities. We are happy to visit a municipality that had faced enormous problems which is now improving,” he said.

President Zuma also congratulated the provincial government for eradicating the bucket system by 98 percent over the past year. He also indicated that the Department of Transport was to rehabilitate the notoriously dangerous Moloto Road.

“A decision has been taken and construction will begin in September and the work will be in stages with the first critical 25 kilometres set to receive priority.”

In his response to some of the issues raised by community members, President Zuma said government had taken note of the high unemployment rate in the area and that it had been trying to mitigate the problem through the Community Work Programme (CPW). CPW provides work opportunities for more than
1 000 people in the area twice a week.

To deal with water shortages in Kwaggafontein, President Zuma said, among other interventions, a new water reservoir and pipeline would be built in nearby KwaMhlanga.

The President also handed over keys to refurbished houses to several beneficiaries in the local township.

In a rural Eastern Cape town where more than 50 percent of the population rely on government grants and more than 20 percent of households live below the poverty line, a fish farming project has brought hope to many residents.

Located in Camdeboo, near Graaff-Reinet, the Camdeboo Satellite Aquaculture Project (CSAP) has created work opportunities for the residents in an area plagued by high levels of unemployment.

The CSAP is a project of the Blue Karoo Trust (BKT) and uses a farming method called aquaculture to establish a preserved freshwater fish industry in Graaff-Reinet.

BKT is one of the initiatives identified by government to grow the aquaculture sector and provide jobs as part of the Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy project.

SA to host Aids 2016 conference

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe says South Africa is ready to host the 21st International AIDS Conference also known as AIDS 2016. The conference will be held from 18 to 22 July at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme ‘Access Equity Rights – Now’. AIDS 2016 will bring together
18 000 conference delegates and attendees and 1 000 journalists representing 180 countries.

Special vote applications open

Applications for voters to cast special votes in the 2016 Municipal Elections, which will be available online and via SMS for the first time ever, are now open.

Special votes are available to all registered voters including voters with disabilities, elderly and pregnant voters as well as members of the security forces, election officials, the media and any other voters who are unable to visit their voting station on Election Day 3 August 2016.

For the first time applications for special votes will be available online via the Electoral Commission’s website www.elections.org.za and via cellphone by SMSing the voter’s ID number to 32249 (SMS charged at R1).

R3.7 billion upgrade for Moloto Road

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters has announced plans for the upgrade of Moloto Road, scheduled to begin in September.

The upgrade is part of government’s efforts to prevent further fatal accidents on the route,  will cover at least 139 km of the 160 km stretch of Moloto Road.

Construction will start in September and is scheduled to be completed in the next five to 10 years.

 

written by Nosihle Shelembe

Over 100 employees of the Blue Karoo Trust (BKT) are able to feed their families and enjoy a better quality of life.

Established in 2006 and initially financed by its partners who used income from a guesthouse, which they ran in the Eastern Cape, BKT received financial support from various government entities.

The business has grown over the years and BKT’s farm now has a hatchery where the fish are bred, a grow-out section where the water is circulated and the fish are grown as well as a small facility where the fish are processed.

Camdeboo, which is home to approximately 50 000 people, is an area where skills development and employment opportunities are scarce.

BKT is empowering its employees as they are all required to achieve an NQF Level 1 qualification in fish farming or processing.

“The job has equipped me with skills which have helped me grow as a person and my family can also be inspired by me as I am not sitting at  home.”

 

The training focuses on theory, as well as practical lessons in fish farming and processing. Trainees also learn about health and safety, life skills, workplace skills, how to put together a business plan and a budget. 

Thabisa Zali (25) who works as a demonstrator in the training tunnel says her job has given her the courage to dream.

“This job has allowed me to have bigger dreams for myself. I want to further my studies so I can grow in my career and work in the formal sector of agriculture.

“One day I want to own my own farm. I know it won’t be easy but with the training that I have acquired on this farm, it is possible,” she added.

Her salary is helping support her family, which includes her grandmother, aunt and uncles.

Hildegarde Johnson, who also works on the farm, says she is grateful to BKT because her job makes it possible for her to provide for her family.

The 27-year-old works as a team leader in the aquaculture system where she trains people how to work with fish.

Johnson said she likes her job because she works with different people every six months and she enjoys teaching trainees.

“The job has equipped me with skills which have helped me grow as a person and my family can also be inspired by me as I am not sitting at
home.

 

Nelson Mandela International Day 2016 honours our late founding President on his birthday, 18 July. This special day will focus international attention on one of Africa’s great sons and leaders, whose legacy lives on beyond our national borders.

As government, we join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in promoting the month of July as a period of public and neighbourly service by all citizens.

Themes for the month and 18 July itself include food security, education and literacy, shelter and infrastructure, and service and volunteerism.

The month covers such initiatives as food gardens that help people maintain a healthy and active life, the building of homes, and giving one’s time and resources to assist those in our society who are in the greatest need.

The spirit that lies at the heart of such actions will no doubt capture the attention of people around the globe and inspire them to commit themselves to performing acts of goodwill.

As the ultimate, selfless public servant, Madiba declared: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

It is, of course, my hope that the selfless service we will see around our country this month will carry on beyond Mandela Month and that we will make it part of who we are as a nation.

This year, 18 July will be special for another important reason: on that day we will see the start of the five-day 21st International AIDS Conference, or AIDS 2016 as it is commonly known, at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The conference theme - Access Equity Rights – Now – is a call to action to everyone around the world to work together and reach the people who still lack access to comprehensive treatment, prevention, care and support services.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

 

This conference is held every two years. It will be hosted by South Africa for the second time; the first time being in 2000. The gathering will always be remembered for the stirring appeal made by Nkosi Johnson (12) for treatment and care for people living with HIV.

At the time, Nkosi was the longest-surviving child born with HIV in South Africa. He died of AIDS several months later.

South Africa’s battle against HIV, AIDS and TB has come a long way since those dark days when our national response was not coherent and we did not invest enough in fighting this epidemic.

South Africa took action by introducing a significant change in policy in 2009 and making the necessary investment to push back HIV, AIDS and TB.

Today, we have the world’s biggest HIV and AIDS treatment programme, which started with the launch of the world’s biggest testing campaign in 2010.

However, we face an uphill battle in the way we behave in personal and intimate relationships.

From 18 to 22 July, government and people of South Africa will join the International Aids Conference convenors, the International AIDS Society, in examining new medical breakthroughs worldwide and campaigns to influence behaviour positively.

Through government and civil society’s participation in the conference, South Africa will demonstrate that we have indeed come a long way.

But we will also talk openly about our ongoing struggle against HIV, AIDS and TB.

AIDS 2016 organisers have gone to great lengths – never seen before in the history of the International AIDS Conference – to ensure that as many South Africans and visitors as possible have free access to conference proceedings.

It will also be an opportunity for us to remember the occasion on 6 January 2005 when Madiba held a press conference to disclose that his own son, Makgatho (54), had died due to AIDS-related factors.

AIDS 2016 should motivate our recommitment to
making a difference in the lives of those around us – and in our own lives – by being responsible in our own relationships and providing information, treatment and care to others.

 

Written by Amukelani Chauke

Local government

Auditor-General (A-G) Kimi Makwetu said the Eastern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga were among those provinces that were showing signs of recovery in managing their administrative and financial affairs.

The A-G was speaking at the release of the results of his office’s 2014/15 audits of municipalities over the past year.

“I am particularly encouraged by the solid outcomes reported at municipalities within the Joe Gqabi district in the Eastern Cape, as well as the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality in the Free State.

“I encourage leadership in these provinces to re-emphasise the benefits of good governance at all municipalities as a key mechanism to create a fertile environment for appropriate service delivery and to back this up with decisive action in setting the appropriate tone at the top, investing in the right skills and competencies for key positions and further continuing good record-keeping practices in all municipalities,” he said.

He said each of these provinces also faced immense challenges in specific areas, such as the municipalities in the OR Tambo district in the Eastern Cape and Matjhabeng Municipality in the Free State, where urgent and focused leadership attention was required.

He added that provinces still needed to strengthen their governance systems.

Best performing municipalities

Meanwhile the A-G said that the provinces with the highest proportion of municipalities with clean audit opinions in 2014/15 were the Western Cape (73 percent), Gauteng (33 percent) and KwaZulu-Natal (30 percent).

He attributed this achievement to the leadership in these provinces having “proved the value of investing in strengthening internal controls, valuing stability in the administration of municipalities and taking decisive action on both internal control failings and audit findings.”

He added that the audit outcomes of municipalities in Limpopo, North West and the Northern Cape have been disappointing.

The A-G said focused political will and a huge investment in ensuring that the basics were done right at municipalities in these provinces were required to create a baseline from which good governance can be restored and strengthened.  

Written by More Matsediso and Ongezwa Manyathi

Local government

On 3 August eligible South Africans will vote in the 2016 Municipal Elections.

By voting citizens play a role in keeping ward councillors accountable and ensuring that municipalities deliver services and respond to everyone’s needs.

A vote also means that South Africans can make their voices heard during the elections.

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) statistics indicate that patriotism is increasing among young South Africans and that they have come to realise the importance of participating in elections.

 

This could imply that youngsters are starting to understand their democratic rights and are banking on those rights to determine the future of their country.

First-time voter Sisipho Luyanda Stuurman (19) said her hope is that one day South Africa will be an even better country than it is currently. This is what motivated her to register to vote for the upcoming local government elections.

“It is important to vote because if you vote, you will be involved in the development of your country and voicing your choices,” said Stuurman from King William’s Town, in the Eastern Cape.

Another first-time voter who believes everyone’s vote is important, Magauta Ntsoeu, of Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom, in the Free State, said those who proclaim to be proudly South African should vote.

“Voting is a way to speak your mind and let your voice be heard. That’s what motivated me to register,” she said.

Ntsoeu added that the municipality in her area provides efficient services. “I am happy with the services rendered to me and fellow residents.”

She said government is working hard to satisfy citizens in many ways.

“I think our government is playing an important role in our lives, by spending money on education and providing jobs for those who are unemployed, as well as improving infrastructure” she said.

Eligible voters who need to check their details can do so at their local Electoral Commission office.   

For more information call the IEC at 0800 11 8000. The contact centre is open Monday to Friday, from 7am to 9pm; SMS: 32810 (SMS your ID number for your registration status and details of the current voting station) or email: info@elections.org

Written by Siya Mti

Local government

Delivering his State of the City Address in Port Elizabeth recently Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan described a city that is transforming and improving on its governance and service delivery.

Jordaan admitted to inheriting “an incapacitated administration ... with various forensic audits pointing to a series of inadequacies.”

Despite the grim outlook of the City’s 2015/16 budget, which revealed a potential deficit of R439 million over the medium-term, Nelson Mandela Bay now boasts a sizeable surplus and has earned itself a Moody’s upgrade at a time of uncertainty about general economic prospects nationally.

The “12 game-changers in 12 months” of his administration included an improved credit rating, which will boost investment promotion.

“Since taking office, a number of investment programmes have been secured, including Beijing Automobile International Corporation, which is to build an R11 billion vehicle manufacturing plant and is set to create 2 500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect ones,” said Jordaan.

Other investments include a R1.8 billion expansion by pharmaceutical company Aspen which created 497 jobs and a Logistics Park investment valued at R327 million, with 751 jobs created and expansion to Phase 2 now being considered, said Jordaan.

“Our city now has R2 billion in cash reserves. Our credit rating (by Moody’s) has jumped three notches [to] AA1ZA,” said Jordaan.

The city – which includes Uitenhage and Despatch – was on a steady path to tackle corruption and mismanagement, he said.

“Financial controls are in place and we have delivered a transparent tender system. We have created a sound base for economic growth and job creation, entrenched good governance and accountability for performance within the city - both at political and administrative levels.”
 

Written by Siya Mti

Local government

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has stepped up efforts to curb crime and corruption in the city.

Last month the city launched the Metro Police who are helping to tackle crime in hot spot areas.

“The recent launch marked a new phase in our journey to build safer communities, as we set aside almost R4 million for its immediate implementation, while an additional R24 million has been budgeted for the 2016/17 financial year,” said Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan.

 

Jordaan further said the city had established a corruption hotline, and developed and implemented an integrity strategy.

“Today, we can all say without fear of contradiction that we have a municipality that is more transparent, more accountable and more efficient,” said Jordaan.

Written by Siya Mti

Local government

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s human settlements directorate is being trans-formed into a unit that provides efficient services to its residents.

“I am happy to report that we have now turned the corner in returning stability and governance to this crucial area of our operations, ably assisted by the National Department of Human Settlements and the Housing Development Agency (HDA),” said Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan.

The executive mayor was speaking during the State of the City Address in Port Elizabeth recently.

He added that the poor workmanship of thousands of citizens’ housing had been addressed.

Thus far 4 175 units have been rectified, with many more to come. Nine parcels of land which have been made available for social housing in Walmer Links and Fairview were built, and are successful projects. Walmer Links has in fact won an Institute of Architects award,” said Jordaan.

The city’s target is to deliver over 7 000 housing opportunities in the current financial year.

“This number consists of over 4 000 low-cost houses, with the balance going towards informal settlements upgrading through serviced sites.

In terms of our commitment, a total of R713 million will be spent in this regard. This includes paying attention to the so-called “Toilet City” in Khayamnandi, where 823 units will be built. We want to build a city that former President Nelson Mandela would have been proud of.”

An additional 714 houses will be built through the social housing programme, with a third programme comprising 400 social housing units to be launched in 2017.

Written by Albert Pule

The Gauteng Department of Health has introduced an Electronic Bed Management System (eBMS) to reduce waiting time for beds.

MEC for Health Qedani Mahlangu said the eBMS was one of the department’s initiatives to improve healthcare provision through technology.

Using the eBMS some hospitals – such as those in the Steve Biko Academic Cluster – have reduced patient waiting times by at least two hours.

The Steve Biko Academic Cluster includes the Tembisa‚ Tshwane District‚ Kalafong, Mamelodi and Pretoria West hospitals.

Gauteng hospitals manage an average of 27.7 million patients annually and often have a shortage of beds.

In response, the department piloted the eBMS at Steve Biko Academic Hospital earlier this year. Because of its success it will be rolled out across the cluster. “Some hospitals have reduced patient waiting times by at least two hours.”

Hospital staff and management have commended the eBMS. Now they can check the availability of beds across the cluster so that they can accommodate patients.

The system’s cloud-based technology makes information available via the internet on computers or mobile devices, such as cell phones and tablets.

With eBMS information hospital personnel can make long- and short-term decisions. Some hospitals have reduced waiting times and achieved better ward and staff use.

To coordinate its services, the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services will also use the system when transporting patients to hospitals.

Kalafong Hospital, in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, is part of the Pretoria cluster.

“Management is using the eBMS to make reallocation decisions about ward beds,” said Dr Khin Htwe, clinical manager at Kalafong Hospital, adding that some beds have been moved from quieter wards to those that are always busy.

“Having had the system in place since early January, Kalafong has already seen a two-hour reduction in its casualty waiting times,” he said. He added that the system improved transparency and patient care across the cluster.

MEC Mahlangu said she anticipates that the system will be fully implemented across Gauteng by the end of 2016.

 

Government is on a mission to curb the loss of lives of initiates, who go through the cultural practice to transition into adulthood.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Des van Rooyen said parents must ensure that their loved ones return home safely by only using legal initiation schools.

“The safety of our young men and boys is not the sole responsibility of government but a societal responsibility.

“Responsible schools will not take any boy without the consent of his parents and will only operate within government health guidelines,” said the Minister during the launch of a Zero Deaths Campaign recently.

The department’s Zero Deaths Campaign was launched in initiation schools, as the winter initiation season is already underway.

Minister Van Rooyen said approximately 101 initiates lost their lives during the 2015 winter and summer initiation seasons. Most cases were recorded in the Eastern Cape.

“We can no longer afford to fold our arms while the young initiates continue to die or are forever disfigured,” he added.

The Minister said the department will continue to work with the Justice Cluster to ensure that those who kidnap young men as well as those who open initiation schools illegally and for commercial reasons are dealt with accordingly.

“We cannot allow [a situation] where people who are not well trained and not experienced abuse initiates and treat them inhumanly, which results in the deaths of initiates,” said Minister van Rooyen.

What do you need to know

At an initiation school there should be:
1.    Parental consent.
2.    Medical pre-screening by an appointed medical practitioner.
3.    The young man should be registered with relevant authorities (traditional leader, municipality, provincial government). 

All illegal practices must be reported to the nearest police station or call 10111.

Written by Irene Naidoo

On 18 July, South Africans and people across the world will take time to serve others in honour of former President Nelson Mandela.

The world commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day, commonly known as Mandela Day, on Madiba’s birthday, 18 July.

Mandela Day was inspired by the call former President Mandela made for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now.”

Mandela Day is more than a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy.

“A pledge to live Madiba's legacy is choosing to do whatever it is you do to the best of your ability every day.”

It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and to change the world for the better.

“Our aim is to use the day to develop an ethos and culture of selfless giving. Over the past two years and into the future, we aim to make ‘every day a Mandela Day’ across South Africa and internationally. The theme is Take Action, Inspire Change, Make Every Day a Mandela Day.

“This year, Mandela Day activities will centre around four key areas, namely literacy and education, food security, shelter and infrastructure, as well as the environment. Mandela Day is about going beyond doing good and addressing societal systemic problems,” said Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

This year, two key Mandela Day activations are Trek4Mandela, which is in its fifth year, and the launch of the Great South African Cookbook.

The Trek4Mandela Kilimanjaro climb aims to raise enough funds to ensure that 350 000 girls will not miss a day of school due to menstrual challenges.

Research has shown that girls from marginalised backgrounds could miss up to 50 days of school each year due to these challenges.

Trek4Mandela aims to create awareness for the Caring4Girls programme and give much-needed accessibility to sanitary towels.

The main objective of the project is to help keep two million girls in school by 2020.

The Great South African Cookbook showcases the diversity and creativity of South Africa’s vibrant, unique food culture, while helping with the dire need for dealing with poverty in the country, said Hatang.

It will feature 67 top South African chefs, cooks and farmers in a unique celebration of South African cuisine. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be used by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to support efforts related to food security.

Speaking at the official launch of Mandela Day 2016 at Dr Mathole Motshekga Primary School in Tembisa in Gauteng recently, Madiba’s wife Graça Machel said that his legacy should be seen as a way of living, not as an event tied to Mandela Day.

“When we celebrate what we call Mandela Day, it is just symbolic. It’s a symbol of what we are trying to do on a day-to-day basis. A pledge to live Madiba’s legacy is choosing to do whatever it is you do to the best of your ability every day. It’s a way of living, not an event.

“Mandela Day gives us a way to energise our collective commitment, and it helps to know you are not doing this alone – there are millions of us. This helps build the movement of doing something good for someone else, selflessly caring for others, and remind ourselves that we belong to a global, human family,” she added.

 

Mandela Day 2016 is particularly significant as it is also the day that the 21st International AIDS Conference officially opens in South Africa. It also takes place at a time when the country marks 20 years of the Constitution.

The conference, known as AIDS 2016, will take place under the theme “Access Equity Rights – Now”, which is a call to action to work together and reach the people who still lack access to comprehensive treatment, prevention, care and support services. It is the largest conference on any global health or development issues in the world and will see the world’s top scientists, civil society members and policymakers convene to discuss the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The fight against HIV and AIDS was close to Madiba’s heart.

“We are all human and the HIV/AIDS epidemic affects us all in the end. If we discard the people who are dying from AIDS, then we can no longer call ourselves people,” he said, while addressing the 14th International AIDS Conference in Spain. The former President led efforts to raise global awareness of HIV and AIDS. His 46664 campaign brought together some of the biggest names in the music industry to perform at concerts to raise awareness.

This year, we also celebrate 20 years of the Constitution, which was signed into law on 10 December 1996 by former President Mandela. South Africa’s Constitution is widely recognised as one of the most progressive in the world and Madiba spent his entire life fighting for the rights enshrined in it.

Written by Albert Pule

If you are a South African Grade 12 learner with outstanding achievements in Mathematics and Physical Science then Transnet is looking for you. The state-owned entity has launched a bursary recruitment drive that offers over 170 bursaries and a training programme for chartered accountants.

Transnet’s spokesperson Mboniso Sigonyela said the focus is on scarce skills in engineering and accounting to strengthen Transnet’s skills base. Transnet has set aside R7.6 billion over the next 10 years for skills development and bursaries as part of its rolling R380 billion infrastructure investment programme. About R1.2 billion of this money will be spent on bursaries.

The bursaries are for full-time study towards a Bachelor of Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African University in:

• civil engineering
• electrical engineering (heavy current)
• electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• industrial engineering and metallurgy engineering (physical).

“The bursary covers full costs, including tuition fees, accommodation and meals, a book allowance, a computer (from second year if required), and on-the-job training,” said Sigonyela. Last year, Transnet awarded bursaries to over 150 students and is sponsoring more than 500 students. Since the launch of its bursary scheme in 1994, Transnet has funded 3 288 students.

Transnet also offers a three-year learnership programme for candidates with a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) or Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting [B Compt (Hons) or equivalent. Transnet’s chartered accountants training programme is accredited with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and provides practical experience and preparation for board examinations.

The programme includes extensive training in financial management, management decision-making, financial accounting, internal audit and corporate governance, auditing and assurance and taxation. This also includes professional abilities such as interpersonal and communication, intellectual, personal, and organisational and management skills.

For more information visit the Transnet careers page at www.transnet.net

Written by Nonkululeko Mathebula

Students from different institutions throughout South Africa pursuing financial assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will no longer have to apply manually for funding.

The NSFAS launched the online application system with the intention of making funding for higher education easily accessible and to cut long queues and delayed feedback.

The online application system allows students to apply once for the duration of their studies. If the application is approved, they will be funded for the duration of their studies and won’t have to re-apply every year.

Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele, department of higher education spokesperson Khaye Nkwanyana said the system will be fully functioning and accessible in all institutions of higher learning including colleges by 2018.

“Although accessible in 10 varsities thus far, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve and the point really is to do away with the challenges faced by students,” said Nkwanyana.

 Who may apply for financial aid?

• South African citizens who have academic potential to succeed at university and require financial assistance to pay for their studies.
• First-time applicants who have never received NSFAS funding previously.
• First-year students who never received NSFAS funding previously
• Returning students who never received NSFAS funding previously.
• Returning students who received funding before 2014.
• The institutions that have access to the NSFAS’s online application system and offer second semester and trimester-based studies include all campuses of the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Durban University of Technology (DUT).

TVET Colleges:

• Vhembe TVET College;
• Buffalo City TVET College;
• King Hintsa TVET College;
• Motheo TVET College;
• Umfolozi TVET College;
• Ekurhuleni East TVET College;
• South Cape TVET College;
• Port Elizabeth TVET College;
• Tshwane North TVET College;
• Orbit TVET College;
• South West TVET College
• Ekurhuleni West TVET College;
• Central Johannesburg College;
• Cape Town TVET College;
• Northlink TVET College;
• False Bay TVET College and West Coast TVET College.

 Students who wish to apply at institutions which have piloted the programme can visit www.nsfas.org.za

Norah Ngoveni of Nkuri village in Giyani, Limpopo, dreamt of having a community library.

She wrote to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to request a library to meet her community’s need for easier access to information and resources. In response the Department of Arts and Culture handed over a modular library (in a prefabricated building) to the village of Nkuri at the start of June.

Students and community members no longer have to travel 21 kilometres to get information for their studies, assignments and research. The modular library is a short-term solution. The construction of a brick and mortar library will start soon. Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, said the library would serve schools and the community of Nkuri and surrounding villages.

“This modular library belongs to you. Use it, become literate and read together as families. Let us make reading part of our daily lives and let every one of us share a book with a colleague, family, friends and neighbours as a way of enhancing social cohesion,” she said during the handover ceremony. The Deputy Minister advised parents to read to their children daily from an early age. “The heritage you will pass on to the children by reading to them will last forever.”

Grant for libraries

Government has shown its commitment to promoting a culture of reading, through the Community Library Conditional Grant. The grant aims to better the library sector by improving infrastructure, purchasing library materials, giving free access to the Internet, providing services to the visually impaired and establishing toy libraries, among others.

Since the grant’s inception, 81 new libraries have been built, 343 libraries upgraded and more than 1 400 jobs have been created. Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said her department wanted the grant to make libraries the information hubs of each community. “Our libraries have free access to Internet and updated library materials. This brings equality by making it possible for a library user in a rural area to access the same information as a user in an urban area.” In 2016/17, the department will build 23 new libraries and upgrade 55 existing library structures.

 

Written by Albert Pule

The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements in the North West in partnership with TSK Projects, is training passionate students in building construction.

The partnership between the department and TSK Projects started in August 2013 when 40 students were trained in different areas of construction.

The purpose of the training was to address the skills shortage in the construction sector and to add to existing skills among the youth.

Manager of Human Resources: Utilisation and Capacity Development at the Department of Local Government and Human Settlements said the trainees would not only learn about construction.

“These are the skills they’ll acquire [in addition to] communications, mathematics, reading … plans, laying … foundations [and] tendering. They will also learn to set out cast concrete strip foundations and build foundation walls.”

Once they are done with the training, the learners will be qualified brick masonry artisans or qualified brick layers.

The training is graded at NQF level 3.

Beneficiaries have dreams

Among the 40 trainees is 29–year-old Taolo Phepheng from Unit 8 in Mafikeng. Phepheng says being part of the programme has given him a chance to realise his dream of getting into the property business.

After completing matric in 2004, he enrolled for an Electrical Engineering Diploma at Flavius Maneka College in Vereeniging, but had to drop out due to a lack of funds.

He said he saw an advert in the newspaper about the training initiative and applied.

“I look at this training as a stepping stone for me to get where I want to be. I’ve always wanted to get into the property business and this will increase my chances of starting the business.”

Another beneficiary Akanyang Moagiemang (22) said he would use what he learnt on the course to assist other people, especially his uncles who have been in the construction industry but doing things informally.

“I want to assist them to formalise their knowledge by getting some sort of qualification like I will get from this training.”

He dreams of starting a small construction company that will focus on helping underprivileged young people.

Written by Albert Pule

Early in 2015, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform officially launched the Free State’s mobile land claims lodgement office.

Mobile land claims offices form part of government’s Land Restitution Programme.

The land claims process enables people who were forcibly removed from their land under apartheid to lodge land claims.

Since the official launch, government - through the Office of the Chief Lands Claims Commissioner and the various provincial departments of rural development - has encouraged people to lodge claims. 

To ensure that the maximum number of potential claimant communities is reached, the mobile lodgement offices will travel around the country to receive claims, in addition to the 14 permanent lodgement offices situated across all nine provinces.

The mobile offices are specially equipped vehicles fitted with technology to process applications for land clams on site.

Four buses and two all-terrain four-wheel-drive trucks will be deployed to the identified communities over the next four years, ending on 30 June 2019.

What is a land claim?

A land claim is a written request made by a person, a direct descendant of a person, an estate or a community for the return of land.

Who can lodge a land claim?

A person or a community dispossessed of land after 19 June 1913 because of past race laws and who did not receive fair compensation at the time of dispossession.

Who may not lodge a claim?

Those who have claimed before and received land or financial compensation may not claim again for the same right lost.

If you have lodged a claim before but have not yet been compensated, verify that the provincial office has your original claim before you resubmit a claim.

Do not lodge a new claim if your claim is still being processed. It is illegal to submit a fraudulent claim by not disclosing other potential interested parties.

What information is needed?

• The description of the property, e.g. farm name, Erf or stand number if it’s in an urban area.
• The year of dispossession
• Compensation that was paid at the time.
• Details of the person who lost the right.
• Details of the claimant and the capacity in which you are acting, e.g. community representative, son, executor of an estate, etc.
• History of the land dispossession.

How to submit a claim?

Claims must be lodged at a designated lodgement office on a prescribed form, which will be captured electronically during the lodgement.

Forms will not be distributed. You have to visit a lodgement office to claim.

You have until 30 June 2019 to lodge a claim. Mobile lodgement offices will visit districts during the claim period.

How to follow up

You can phone the toll-free number 0800 007 095 or contact a provincial office for information on progress of your claim.

Mobile offices in the Eastern Cape

Since April, mobile land claim lodgement offices have been traversing the Eastern Cape. Below are the details of the remaining dates, venues and times when the office will visit various communities across the province:

Date: 04 July to 05 July 2016

Towns: Bethelsdorp
Venue: West End Hall
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 06 July to 08 July 2016

Town: Motherwell
Venue: Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 11 July to 12 July 2016

Town: Mthatha
Venue: Mthatha Town Hall
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 13 July 2016

Town: Libode
Venue: Libode Municipality Hall
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 14 July to 15 July 2016

Town: Port St John’s
Venue: Port St John’s Town Hall
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 18 July to 19 July 2016

Town: Lusikisiki
Venue: Lusikisiki Police Station
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 20 July to 22 July 2016

Town: Flagstaff
Venue: Flagstaff Bargain Wholesaler
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 25 July to 26 July 2016

Town: Mbizana
Venue: Mbizana Rank opposite Spar
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

Date: 27 July to 28 July 2016

Town: Matatiele
Venue: Matatiele Town Hall
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Contact person: Nandipha Sondati
Cell no: 072 611 3990
Contact person: Bongani Letlaka
Cell no: 071 287 3622

From the 29 July 2016, the mobile offices will move to KwaZulu-Natal.

Director: Court Interpreting Court Services

Reference: 16/65/CS
Package: R864 177– R1 017 972 per annum (All inclusive). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: An LLB Degree in Legal interpreting at NQF level 7 or any other relevant tertiary qualifi cation; Profi ciency in three or more indigenous languages and English; 5 years' experience at a middle/senior managerial level; Extensive knowledge of court interpreting; A valid driver’s licence

Enquiries: Mr T Rangwato (012) 315 1456

Deputy Director: HR Skills Development

Reference: 16/157/HR
Package: R612 822 – R721 878 per annum (All inclusive). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree/National Diploma in Human Resource or equivalent qualification; 6 years experience in Human Resource of which 3 years should be at supervisory/management level; Knowledge and application of legislative requirements

Enquiries: Ms S Bezuidenhout at (012) 315 1090

Court Manager (3 posts)

Reference: 2016/110/GP Centre: Magistrate Tsakane
Reference: 16/119/KZN (re-advertisement); Centre: Magistrate Court: Umzimkhulu
Reference: 2016/48/MP Centre: Middelburg
Salary: R389 145 – R458 385 per annum The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: Three (3) years qualification in Administration (NOF level 6) and / or National Diploma in Service Management (NQF level 5) plus the module on Case Flow Management or equivalent qualification; At least 3 years managerial or supervisory experience; knowledge and experience in office and district administration; Knowledge of Public Financial Management Act (PFMA); Experience in managing Trust (Third Party Funds) and Vote Account; A valid driver’s licence; Experience in the Court environment will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Gauteng: Mr T Modise 011 332 9000; KwaZulu-Natal: Mr SC Ndwandwe 031 372 3000; Nelspruit: Mr SE Mashele 013 753 9300/08

Assistant Director: Quality Management

Reference: 16/158/CLO
Salary: R311 784 – R367 254 per annum. The successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree in Administration/Management/Finance and Statistics;  3 years’ experience of which one year should be at supervisory level; Knowledge of Finance/Accounting, Quality, assurance, Public Sector; Human Resource, Data Analysis and Supply Chain Management; Knowledge of experience in Basic Accounting System (BAS), PERSAL, Departmental Financial Instructions (DFI) and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Enquiries: Ms K Ngomani (012) 357 8661

Assistant State Attorney (LP3-LP4)

Reference: 16/162/SA
Salary: R247 236 – R707 925. (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement

Requirements: An LLB or 4 year recognized legal qualification; Admission as an Attorney; At least 2 years appropriate post legal/litigation experience; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Mr M Kooko (012) 315 1164

Assistant Master MR3- MR5

Reference: 16/160/MAS
Salary: R210 837 – R762 630 per annum. (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: LLB Degree or four years recognized legal qualification; 2 years appropriate post qualification legal experience; Knowledge of the Administration of Estates Act, Compliance Act, Mental Health Act, Insolvency Act, Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, Trust Property Control Act and other relevant legislation; Experience in the functional field and services provided by Master’s of the High Court.

Enquiries: Mr. M. Lehong (012) 315 1264

Closing date is 4 July 2016

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 form & CV must be accompanied by original certified copies of qualifications and identity document and a driver’s licence where necessary. A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applications that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will not be considered.

All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments).

Candidate will complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. If the candidate is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV.

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. Reasonable accommodation shall be applied for People with Disabilities including where drivers licence is a requirement. 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. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Target.

Tel: 012 315 1111 Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001  Momentum Centre, 329 Pretorius Street, Pretoria,  www.justice.gov.za   Twitter     Facebook

Preference will be given to those candidates whose appointment will assist the department in achieving its employment equity targets at specific levels in terms of the Department’s Employment Equity Plan (People with disabilities and Coloureds, Whites and Women of all races at Senior Management level.

Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services

Branch: Administration
Salary: All-inclusive salary package of R 1 201 713 per annum of which 30% can be structured according to individual needs.
Centre: Pretoria (Head Office)
Reference: 2016/01

Requirements: An appropriate Bachelor degree in Public Administration or Public Relations, Human Resource Management or LLB qualification at NQF level 7 and an appropriate postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 (honours) as recognized by SAQA plus at least ten (10) years’ relevant experience at a Senior Management level. An appropriate Master’s degree will be an added advantage

Note: The following will serve as recommendation: Excellent communication skills, extensive knowledge and experience of the Transport planning, high level ability to analyse and synthesise information and to formulate policy and strategy, analytical abilities, excellent liaison skills, sound knowledge of government protocol and processes, sound knowledge of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)

Duties: The successful candidate will: Provide internal and external communication. Manage the internal communication, media relations, monitor and analyse the media. Manage stakeholder management, research, content development and publications. Provide corporate management services. Provide a secretariat service, security services, travel and facilities management services. Manage and administer the Government Motor Transport processes and Government Fleet contracts. Render human resource management and development. Render human resource planning and administration services. Develop and improve departmental transport sector capacity. Provide an effective professional legal service to the Minister, Department and its Agencies. Render a corporate legal service to the department, Minister and the domestic and International Air Services Councils. Develop appropriate legislation in support of the departmental policies.  Provide and manage an effective information technology services to the department. Develop and maintain business information systems to enhance DoT operations. Maintaining current systems and ensure operational effectiveness. Maintain effective information technology infrastructure and manage IT security. Manage and control the branch. Provide guidance and adequate support for and development of the staff of the branch. Ensure compliance with all administrative requirements, regulations, rules and instructions pertaining to the branch and the department. Establish and maintain governance and administrative systems continuity within the work of the branch and the department. Develop financial reports for forecasting, trending and results analysis. Prepare and submit of implementation plans. Evaluate infrastructure spending plans, authorize expenditure, authorize travel plans, and monitor quality of work. Ensure the compilation of the annual performance plan, annual report and strategic plan of the branch. Monitor planning, organizing and delegation of work. Ensure that monitoring and evaluation is carried out in all areas of the branch.

Enquiries: Mr Christopher Hlabisa 012 309 3170

Deputy Director-General: Rail Transport

Branch: Rail Transport
Salary: All-inclusive salary package of R 1 201 713.00 per annum of which 30% may be structured according to the individuals needs
Centre: Pretoria (Head Office)
Reference: 2016/02

Requirements: A bachelor degree in Engineering or Transport Economics, Administration or Arts at NQF 7 and an appropriate postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 (honours) as recognised by SAQA plus at least 8 - 10 years relevant experience in the related field of which at Senior Management level. An appropriate Master’s degree will be an added advantage.

Note: Knowledge and Skills required: - Compilation of management reports - PFMA

Duties: The successful candidate will: Manage the development of an effective rail regulatory framework by ensuring policy and strategy for the development of the rail industry; manage the development and implementation of a rail economic regulation framework; ensure the development of rail transport safety and security and develop operational standards and guidelines for safety. Manage the planning and development of an integrated rail Infrastructure network & industry by ensuring the development, maintenance and updating of infrastructure funding and coordinate funding needs; ensuring the coordination development of integrated transportation systems network with sectors in the built environment and economic development; ensuring the maintenance and updating of expenditure related to rail infrastructure projects / programmes and evaluate the progress. Coordinate and manage the implementation of effective rail transport services by ensuring an analysis of service delivery challenges facing the rail transport industry and develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems; ensure the performance of rail agencies against performance MOU; ensure the effectiveness of passenger rail systems (PRASA & Gautrain); analyse, evaluate and monitor the performance of rail freight services. Manage and control the Branch by providing guidance and adequate support for and development of the staff of the branch; ensure compliance with all administrative requirements, regulations, rules and instructions pertaining to the branch; establish and maintain governance and administrative system’s continuity within the work of the branch; develop financial reports for forecasting, trending and results analysis; prepare and submit implementation plans; evaluate infrastructure spending plans; authorise expenditure; Monitor quality control of work; ensure the compilation of the annual report and strategic plan of the branch; Set budget levels; monitor the planning, organising and delegation of work; ensure monitoring & evaluation is carried out in all areas of the branch.

Enquiries: Mr Christopher Hlabisa 012 309 3170

Deputy Director-General: Maritime Transport

Branch: Maritime Transport
Salary: All-inclusive salary package of R1 201 713 per annum of which 30% can Structured according to individual needs
Centre: Pretoria (Head Office)
Reference: 2016/03

Requirements: A Bachelor Degree in Transport Economics, Transport Planning, Transport Engineering and Law at NQF level 7 and an appropriate postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 (honours) as recognized by SAQA plus eight to ten (8-10) years’ relevant experience at a senior management level. An appropriate Master’s degree will be an added advantage. Possession of a qualification in Maritime related studies will be an added advantage.

Note: The following will serve as recommendation: Financial Management and Treasury regulations • Strategic Capability and Leadership • People Management and Empowerment • Project / Programme Management • Client Orientation and Customer focus • Change Management • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).

Duties: The successful candidate will: Develop and promote an integrated Maritime Infrastructure and Industry • Ensure the development of a strategic framework for the development and growth of the maritime sector • Ensure the management and the development of and planning of Maritime Transport Infrastructure • Regulate and direct maritime industry promotion and capacity development • Provide and facilitate the management of an effective internationally competitive regulatory regime in support of the efficiency of maritime transport sector • Ensure effective implementation of maritime economic regulations • Facilitate the implementation of and effective maritime environmental protection regime • Create an enabling environment for the provision of a search & rescue function within South Africa and in cooperation with other states • Provide an effective framework for the safety and security of navigation, port infrastructure, services and environment • Ensure the implementation of the Maritime Safety Regulatory Framework • Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of maritime environment compliance • Oversee the conducting of investigations on maritime accidents and incidents • Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of maritime public entities• Manage and control the Branch• Ensure compliance with all administrative requirements, regulations, rules and instructions pertaining to the branch •Establish and maintain governance and administrative systems continuity within the work of the branch •Develop financial reports for forecasting, trending and results analysis •Ensure the compilation of the annual report and strategic plan for the branch •Ensure that monitoring and evaluation is carried out in all areas of the branch including its agencies.

Enquiries: Mr Christopher Hlabisa 012 309 3170

Chief Director: Aviation Economics and Industry Development

Branch: Civil Aviation
Salary: All-inclusive salary package of R 1 042 500 per annum of which 30% can be structured according to individual needs.
Centre: Pretoria (Head Office)
Reference: 2016/04

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA. Minimum of 6-10 years relevant experience of which 5 years must be at Senior Management level.

Note: The following will serve as recommendation: Proven experience in dealing with regulatory matters, more particularly in the economic regulation environment. Extensive knowledge of tariff determination methodologies, processes and instruments. Knowledge of government’s transformation agenda. A strategic thinker with managerial, leadership and operational knowledge and skills. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies. Good analytical, liaison and project management skills. Ability to engage with all levels of Government and Private sector.

Duties: The successful candidate will: Provide aviation economic analysis and regulation and develop strategies for industry development. Manage all aspects related to air services market access and regulation. Manage tariff regulation aspects related to air services, airports and air navigation services. Manage the development and promotion for the aviation industry and freight logistics. Facilitate civil aviation industry promotion and development. Manage freight logistics activities, Manage and control the Chief Directorate. Provide guidance and adequate support for and development of staff of the branch. Ensure compliance with all administrative requirements, regulations, rules and instructions pertaining to the branch. Establish and maintain governance and administrative systems continuity within the work of the branch. Develop financial reports for forecasting, trending and results analysis. Prepare and submit implementation plans. Evaluate infrastructure spending plans. Authorise expenditure and monitor the quality of work. Ensure the compilation of annual report and strategic plan of the branch. Set budget levels. Monitor planning, organising and delegation of work. Ensure monitoring and evaluation is carried out in all areas of the branch.

Enquiries: Mr Christopher Hlabisa 012 309 3170

Chief Director: Aviation Policy and Regulation

Branch: Civil Aviation
Salary: All-inclusive salary package of R 1 042 500 per annum of which 30% can be structured according to individual needs.
Centre: Pretoria (Head Office)
Reference: 2016/05

Requirements: An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Transport Economics/Transport Planning or a degree in Law at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA plus Six (6) - Ten (10) years relevant experience of which 5 years must be at Senior Management level. Excellent Management skills.

Note: The following will serve as recommendation: Compilations of management reports • Extensive knowledge of public finance management act •

Duties: The successful candidate will: Manage aviation related policy development in support of the branch strategies. Develop effective legislation in support of policies. Manage the enactment of international instruments which have been ratified. Audit the effectiveness of related legislation in compliance with international standards and amend as required. Ensure the administration of the Air Services Licensing Act 115 of 1990 and the International Air Services Act 60 of 1993. Manage the implementation of the Airlift Strategy. Manage all aspects relating to licensing and permits for air services. Participate in intra and inter-governmental strategic meetings for planning purposes. Negotiate Air Services Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding on behalf of South Africa with foreign states. Ensure the effective coordination of State Letters received from ICAO. Coordinate and facilitate research on multilateral issues. Facilitate South Africa’s participation at regional and continental level. Ensure fulfilment of South Africa’s obligations and associations in terms of the ascendance of international legal instruments. Monitor the implementation of continental and regional Agreements and Protocols. Represent South Africa’s position at international fora. Finalisation and implementation of the National Airports Development Plan. Implementation of the Aviation Policy relating to airport and airspace infrastructure. Manage the development, annual revision and facilitation of the implementation with DEA and NEMA Act on airspace matters. Represent the DoT in the regional and international airport and airspace forums. Ensure the development of required regulatory frameworks. Monitor and evaluate agency performance. Manage and control of the Chief Directorate.

Enquiries: Mr Christopher Hlabisa 012 309 3170

Chief Director: Road Transport Regulation

Branch: Road Regulation
Salary: All-inclusive salary package of R 1 042 500 per annum of which 30% can be structured according to individual needs.
Centre: Pretoria (Head Office)
Reference: 2016/06

Requirements: An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Law or equivalent qualifications at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA plus Six (6) - Ten (10) years relevant experience of which 5 years must be at Senior Management level. A Post Graduate Degree will be an added advantage. A strong legal background with extensive experience in the drafting of legislation including the process involved until it becomes an Act. Skills in road safety standards, vehicle inspections and standards will be an added advantage.

Note: The following will serve as recommendation: Compilations of management reports • Extensive knowledge of public finance management act • Knowledge of Road Traffic Legislation • Negotiation and problem solving • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) • Experience in legal road regulations • Project management skill.

Duties: The successful candidate will: Manage, regulate and promote road safety and road traffic management • Manage and update all road traffic related acts and regulations • Draft and promulgation of road traffic legislation through the parliamentary process • Ensure the review, implementation and monitoring of road traffic management related legislation • Manage the implementation, monitoring and compliance of traffic related standards • Develop and implement uniform standards and procedures in the monitoring of road traffic management • Develop, manage and inspect standards and procedures at driving license testing centres and motor vehicles testing stations • Manage and inspect standards relating to the transportation of dangerous goods, dangerous goods operators, consignors and consignees • Investigation of fraud and corruption within the road traffic management environment. (Driving licenses and motor vehicles) • Mange, promote and co-ordinate road safety projects and related services • Oversee the establishment, coordination and management of road safety consultative structure • Liaise with other  government departments, law enforcement, road safety organization, industry and NGO’s on road traffic related matters • Assist and oversee in the implementation, management and monitoring of the road traffic agencies • Ensure the implementation of service delivery intervention and innovation within road traffic management • Manage and control the Chief Directorate.

Enquiries: Mr Christopher Hlabisa 012 309 3170

NOTE: All shortlisted candidates for the above posts will be subjected to undertake a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated to the candidates prior to the interviews. Recommended candidates will also be required to attend a generic managerial competency assessment after the interviews. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.

The successful candidate must disclose to the Minister particulars of all registrable financial interests, sign a performance agreement and employment contract with the Minister within three months from the date of assumption of duty.

The successful candidates must be willing to sign an oath of secrecy with the Department. Applicants will be expected to be available for selection interviews and assessments at a time, date and place as determined by the Department. An offer letter will only be issued to the successful candidate once the following has been verified: educational qualifications, previous experience, citizenship, reference checks and security vetting.

Closing date: 22 July 2016.

These posts are being re-advertised and candidates who applied previously may re-apply if they are still interested.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants who apply for more than one position are requested to submit separate applications for each position they wish to apply for.

Please note: Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.

Applications must be accompanied by form Z.83, obtainable from any Public Service Department, (or obtainable at www.gov.za) and a recent updated comprehensive CV (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed, i.e. positions held and dates), as well as certified copies of all qualifications, ID document, service certificates of previous employers stating the occupation must also be submitted and attached for each application. Failure to submit the requested documents/information will result in your application not being considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Due to large volume of responses anticipated, receipt of applications will not be acknowledged. Applications who do not receive confirmation or feedback within 3 (three) months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

The Department reserves the right not to fill the posts. No e-mail and faxed applications will be considered. It will be expected of candidates to be available for selection interviews on date, time and place as determined by the Department.

Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number to: The Department of Transport, Private Bag X 193, Pretoria, 0001 or hand deliver to Forum Building, Cnr Struben and Bosman Street, Pretoria for attention Recruitment Unit Room 4034.

The following posts are advertised for the Department of Water and Sanitation. Interested applicants are encouraged to view full details of the advertisement at www.dws.gov.za.

Closing date: 08 July 2016 at 16h00

Control Engineering Technician Grade A

Reference: 080716/01
Salary: R 369 408 per annum (OSD)
Centre: Pretoria Office

Requirements: A National Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Civil Engineering or relevant qualification. Six (6) years post qualification technical (Engineering) experience. Compulsory registration Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as an Engineering Technician (proof of registration must be attached). A valid driver’s licence (copy must be attached).

Chief Artisan

Reference: 080716/02
Salary: R 319 971 per annum (OSD)
Centre: Tugela Vaal (O&M Jagersrust)

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate in electrical. Ten (10) years post experience required as an Artisan/ Artisan Foreman (Electrical). A valid driver’s licence.

Chief Artisan Grade A (Mechanical)

Reference: 080716/03
Salary: R319 971 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations: Vaal Dam

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate. Ten (10) years post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman. A valid driver’s licence.

Chief Artisan Grade A - B (Civil)

Reference: 080716/04
Salary: R319 971 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations: Vaal Dam

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate. Ten (10) years post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman. A valid driver’s licence.

Chief Artisan Grade A (Electrical)

Reference: 080716/05
Salary: R319 971 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations: Standerton Area Office

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate in Electrical engineering. Ten (10) years post qualification experience required as an Artisan/Artisan Foreman. A valid driver’s licence.

Chief Artisan Grade A: Mechanical 2 Posts

Reference: 080716/06
Salary: R319 971 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations - Usutu River

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate in mechanical engineering. Ten (10) years post qualification experience required as an Artisan/Artisan Foreman. A valid driver’s licence.

Artisan Foreman (Grade A): Electrical

Reference: 080716/07
Salary: R249 540 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations - Usutu River

Requirements: Appropriate Electrical Trade Test Certificate. Five (5) years post qualification experience as an artisan. A valid driver’s licence.

Artisan Foreman Grade A: Mechanical

Reference: 080716/08
Salary: R249 540 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations - Usutu River

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate in mechanical engineering. Five (5) years post qualification experience as an artisan. A valid driver’s licence.

Artisan Foreman Grade A

Reference: 080716/09
Salary: R 249 540 per annum (OSD)
Centre: Tugela Vaal (O&M Jagersrust)

Requirements: Appropriate Trade Test Certificate in mechanical/civil. Five (5) years post qualification as an Artisan. A valid driver’s licence.

Artisan Production Grade A-C

Reference: 080716/10
Salary: R156 363 - R268, 824 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI: Central Operations, Usutu River

Requirements: Appropriate trade test certificate in Plumbing. A valid driver’s licence. Three (3) to five (5) years working experience will be an added advantage.

Artisan Production Grade A-C: Electrical

Reference: 080716/11
Salary: R156 363 - R268, 824 per annum (OSD)
Centre: NWRI Central Operations - Usutu River

Requirements: Appropriate Electrical Trade Test Certificate. A valid driver’s licence. Three (3) to five (5) years working experience will be an added advantage.

Head of Department: Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs (5) years fixed term contract)

Reference: OTP/08/16/01
Salary: R1 656 618 per annum (SMS Grade D, salary level 16). Non-pensionable HoD allowance: 10% of the payable inclusive remuneration package
Centre: Polokwane

Requirements : An undergraduate qualification NQF level 7 and a post graduate qualification NQF level 8 as recognised by SAQA; At least 8 -10 years’ experience at a senior managerial level (5 years of which must be with an organ of State as defined in the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996).A post graduated qualification in Financial/Business Management/ Administration will be an added advantage; Proven managerial skills;

Competencies: Core and Process Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership; People Management and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management; Financial Management; Change Management; Computer Literacy; Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation; Problem Solving and Analysis; Client Orientation and Customer Focus; Communication; Public Service Knowledge; Negotiation skills, Policy formulation Analytic thinking and Proven management skills.

Personal Attributes: Assertiveness, Self-driven, team player, innovative.

Duties: The successful candidate will be the Head of Department and Accounting Officer responsible for:- Render advice to the MEC and any other relevant authority on all aspect of CoGHSTA administration in the Province; Ensure effective Co-operative Government and integrated Human Settlements; Ensure that the programme of action of the Governance and Administration, Economic and Infrastructure clusters are implemented; Liaise with the national Department of Co-operative Governance and traditional Affairs and National department of human Settlements; Provision of Strategic leadership in the Department; leading and managing intergovernmental relations with respect to local government; Maximise benefits arising from regional integration; Implement the Environment Management Act; Promote and facilities twinning agreement with municipalities; Perform any other responsibilities delegated by the Executive Authority; Ensuring that financial and physical resources allocated to the Department are spend cost effectively and efficiently; Ensure that there is creativity and innovation in the implementation of programmes in the department

Enquiries: Ms Suzan Mahlase (015) 287 6030 OR Mr Junior Maboya (015) 287 6290

Head and Accounting Officer for Department of Sport, Arts & Culture (Five (5) Years Fixed Term Contract)

Reference: OTP/10/16/01 (This is a re-advertisement and applicants that have previously applied are encouraged to re- apply.)
Salary: R1, 656 618 per annum (SMS Grade D, salary level 15). Non-pensionable HoD allowance: 10% of the payable inclusive remuneration package
Centre: Polokwane

Requirements : An undergraduate qualification NQF level 7 and a post graduate qualification NQF level 8 as recognised by SAQA; At least 8 -10 years’ experience at a senior managerial level(5 years of which must be with an organ of State as defined in the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996).A post graduated qualification in Social Science/ Public Administration will be an added advantage; Proven managerial skills; Track record in preparation of management of strategic plans, business plans and budgeting; Ability to interact at both strategic and operational levels.

Competencies: Core and Process Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership; People Management and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management; Financial Management; Change Management; Computer Literacy; Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation; Problem Solving and Analysis; Client Orientation and Customer Focus; Communication; Public Service Knowledge; Negotiation skills, Policy formulation and Analytic thinking.

Duties : Rendering support and Advice to the MEC on the core mandates of Department; Ensuring development and transformation of Sport and Recreation services in the Province; Providing strategic guidance and support in the delivery of cultural, language, museum, heritage, library and archives services; Guiding the development and implementation of the departmental strategic plans in line with national, provincial and departmental strategic goals and objectives; Acting as Accounting Officer of the department in terms of the Public Service Act, Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations and the Public Service Regulations; Advising the Executive Authority on departmental strategic programmes and objectives; Performing management functions in relation to the mandates and activities of the department in line with the Constitution; Managing service delivery improvement plan of the department; Managing the performance of the department, including submission of Annual Performance plans and reports, ensure implementation and monitoring of the NDP and LDP; ensuring that financial and physical resources of the department are expended cost effectively and efficiently; Providing strategic Human Resource management of the Department; Providing and managing the departmental assets (movable and immovable), and Ensuring that eight Gender Principles are effectively and efficiently implemented

Enquiries: Ms Suzan Mahlase (015) 287 6030 OR Mr Junior Maboya (015) 287 6290

APPLICATIONS : The Acting Director General, Office of the Premier, Private Bag X 9483, POLOKWANE, 0600 or Hand delivered to the Office of the Premier, No 40 Hans Van Rensburg Street, Mowaneng Building, Offi ce No.A013, General Records (Registry), Ground Floor.

For attention: Ms Suzan Mahlase / Mr Junior Maboya

Closing date

HoD: CoGHSTA 12th July 2016

HoD: Sport, Arts and Culture – 15th July 2016

NOTE : Applications must be submitted on form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at https://www.gov.za/about-government/government-vacancies . The completed and signed form Z83 should be accompanied by a recently updated, comprehensive CV as well as certified copies of all qualification(s) and ID-document. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Applicants who do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements, as well as applications received late, faxed and emailed will not be considered. Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification and employment verification). Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of 12 months. The successful candidate will be subjected to a security clearance. The successful candidate must be willing to sign an oath of secrecy with the Department. All shortlisted candidates for these posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the Office of the Premier. The successful candidate will be expected to enter into a performance agreement with the Executive Authority and sign a five (5) year contract of employment upon assumption of duty with the Premier. The candidates will be required to disclose his/her financial interests in accordance with the applicable prescripts. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend a candidate to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.

Post: Secretary

Level of remuneration: R142 461 per annum (Level 5) Appointment Act: Public Service Act, 1994 (Act 103 of 1994)
Section: Provincial Head Crime Intelligence
Gauteng Ref no: GP 1/4/2016 (1 post)

Post requirements:

• Applicants must display competency in the post-specific functions of the post
• Be in possession of Senior Certifi cate (Grade 12).
• Applicants in possession of a higher qualifi cation in the specific field or have completed an internship or currently undergoing an internship in the Public Service may receive preference.
• Be fluent in at least two official languages, of which one must be English
• Appropriate and relevant experience in the field of the post as well as competency in MS Word, Excel and Power Point may be an advantage
• Willing to work extended hours when necessary.
• Must have no previous convictions or cases pending.

Core functions:

• To provide secretarial support functions to the Provincial Head.
• Arrange, prepare meetings, agendas, typing and taking of minutes.
• Answer and screen all incoming calls to the office of the Provincial Head.
• Liaise with other sections and components on matters relating to the Provincial Head’s office.
• Maintain good recordkeeping, filing and bring forward system.
• Handle confidential documents.
• Process and submit claims, make travelling and accommodation arrangements.
• Manage the diary as well as receive and hosts visitors of the office.
• Operate standard equipment (fax, photo copy machine, telephone, computers etc).
• Serving refreshments to visitors and during meetings.
• Manage office inventory.

General:

• Only the official application form (available on the SAPS website and at SAPS recruitment offices) will be accepted. The Z83 previously utilized will no longer be accepted. All instructions on the application form must be adhered to. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application.
• The post particulars and reference number of the post must be correctly specified on the application form.
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae must be submitted together with the application form.
• Certified copies of an applicant’s ID, Senior Certificate and all educational qualifications obtained, service certificates of previous employers stating the occupation, proof of relevant experience in the field of the post.
• The copies must be correctly certified on the copy itself, not at the back. The certification must not be older than three months.
• Qualifications submitted will be subjected to verification checking with the relevant institutions. The South African Police Service will verify the residential address of applicants and conduct reference checks.
• Appointments will be made in terms of the Public Service Act, 103 of 1994 as applicable to the post environment.
• Applications must be mailed timeously. Late applications will not be accepted or considered.

The closing date for applications is: 4 July 2016

• If a candidate is short-listed, it can be expected of him/her to undergo a personal interview as well as a practical assessment.
• Reference checking will be conducted on all short listed applicants.
• Short-listed candidates for appointment to certain identified posts, will be vetted in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007) and the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No 38 of 2005). A candidate, whose particulars appear in either the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register, will be disqualified from appointment to that post.
• All short-listed candidates will be subjected to fingerprint screening.
• Correspondence will be conducted with successful candidates only. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
• The South African Police Service is under no obligation to fill a post after the advertisement thereof.
• Applicants will be subjected to a vetting process at the level of “Top Secret Security Clearance
• The SAPS application forms can be obtained from any SAPS Recruitment Office within the South African Police Service.

Application forms must be hand delivered or posted to the relevant office as indicated below.

Gauteng:

Co-ordinator: Col Van der Merwe / Capt Wessels
Old JSE Building, 17 Diagonal Street, Newtown, Johannesburg
PO Box 30607, Braamfontein, 2017
Tel no: 011 373 3423 / 3417

Director: Court Operations

Reference: 140/16/WC
Package: R864 177 – R1 017 972 per annum (All inclusive). (Candidates who previously applied need not re-apply). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement

Requirements: An undergraduate qualification (NQF Level 7) as recognised by SAQA; At least six (6) – ten (10) years’ experience of which five (5) years must be at middle/ senior managerial level; Experience in Court management will be an added advantage; Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Departments within the JCPS; Knowledge of legislation, prescripts and Frameworks of the Public Service; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Adv H. Mohamed (021) 462 5471

Family Advocate LP7 – LP8

Reference: 2016/129/GP
Package: R637 860 – R1 058 196 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 4 year legal qualification; Admitted as an Advocate or qualifies to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court; The right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa; At least 5 years appropriate post qualification, litigation experience; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Ms P. Raadt (011) 332 9000

Assistant Director: Third Party Funds: Operations

Reference: 16/73/FS
Salary: R311 784 – R 367 254 per annum. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: A Financial related Degree / Diploma. A minimum of three years relevant experience in a Financial Accounting / Management environment, of which one year must be at a supervisory level; Knowledge of Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) and National Treasury Regulation; Knowledge of the Department and Third Party Funds and service will serve as a recommendation; Experience in Third Part Funds administration at National, Regional or court level; Experience in bank and cashbook reconciliations. Advanced spread sheet skills (may be tested). Experience on the Justice Deposit Account System (JDAS). Justice Management Information System (JMIS) and advanced spread sheet skills.

Enquiries: Ms N. Dywili (051) 407 1800

Assistant Director: Security and Risk Management (Re-Advertisement: Candidates who previously applied need to re-apply as previous applications will not be considered)

Reference: 2016/127/GP
Salary: R311 784 – R376 626 per annum. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: National Diploma or Degree in Risk and Security Management or equivalent qualification; Fire-fighting and prevention certificate; 3 years’ experience of supervisory or management in Security and Risk Management; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Mr T. Modise (011) 332 9000

Assistant Director: Court Intermediary (This post is a re- advertisement; candidates who previously applied are encouraged to re-apply)

Reference NR: 080/15NC
Salary: R311 784 – R376 626 per annum. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: Three year Bachelor Degree/ National Diploma academic qualification in one of the following fields; teaching, social work/ family counselling, child care and youth development, paediatrics, psychiatry, clinical counselling, educational psychologist; Applicants must be duly registered with the relevant professional/ scientific organization/body in their field of specialization; Five (5) years’ experience in intermediary services of which three (3) years should be at supervisory level; Experience in working with different types of disabilities, exposure to court procedure, court etiquette, legal terms and terminology and functions of courts will be added advantages; Knowledge of the relevant legal and regulatory framework (Constitution of RSA, 1996; Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No 51 of 1977), particularly sections 153, 158 and 170A of the Act; Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007); Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No 38 of 2005); Domestic Violence Act (Act No 116 of 1998); Be fluent in the predominant language(s) of the jurisdictional area of the court; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Ms D. Kistoo (053) 802 1300

Social Work Supervisor (Family Counsellor Supervisor)

Reference: 2016/109/GP
Salary: R318 102 – R591 774 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 which allows for professional registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker; A minimum of 7 years appropriate experience in social work after registration as Social Worker with the SACSSP; Social work supervisory experience will be an added advantage; Knowledge and experience in Mediation; Court experience in evidence, knowledge and application of family law, including mediation in certain divorce matters Act, maintenance Act and Domestic Violence Act, Children’s Act (inclusive of Hague Convention on international child abduction); A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Ms P Raadt (011) 332 9000

Assistant Master MR3- MR5 (2 posts)

Reference: 16/169/MAS Centre: Master of the High Court: Johannesburg
Reference: 16/174/MAS Centre: Master of the High Court: Durban
Salary: R210 837 – R762 630 per annum. (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: LLB Degree or four years recognized legal qualification; 2 years appropriate post qualification legal experience; Knowledge of the Administration of Estates Act, Compliance Act, Mental Health Act, Insolvency Act, Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, Trust Property Control Act and other relevant legislation; Experience in the functional field and services provided by Masters of the High Court.

Enquiries: Mr S. Maeko (012) 315 1996 and Mr M. Lehong (012) 315 1264

Maintenance Officer (MR-1 – MR-5), (Contract post ending 31 March 2017)

Reference: 029/16/NC (This post is a re-advertisement; candidates who previously applied are encouraged to re-apply)
Salary: R162 726 – R762 630 per annum. (Salary will be determined in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: An appropriate four year recognized legal qualification (Proc or LLB); Extensive knowledge of the maintenance system; Proficiency in at least two official languages; Understanding of all services and procedures in the area of maintenance and other areas of family law; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Mr. R. Muller (053) 802 1300

Errata: Director: Court Interpreting Court Services: Reference: 16/65/Cs

Kindly be informed that the above mentioned post advertised in this publication dated 12 June 2016 with incorrect qualification. Please note that the correct qualification is An LLB Degree at NQF level 7 or any other relevant tertiary qualification. The Department apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Closing date is 18 July 2016

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 form & CV must be accompanied by original certified copies of qualifications and identity document and a driver’s licence where necessary. A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applications that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will not be considered. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments). Candidate will complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. If the candidate is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV.

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. Reasonable accommodation shall be applied for People with Disabilities including where drivers licence is a requirement. 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. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Target.

Tel: 012 315 1111 Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001  Momentum Centre, 329 Pretorius Street, Pretoria,  www.justice.gov.za   Twitter     Facebook

Written by Nthambeleni Gabara

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi has hailed the two-day VIII International IT Forum -- which was held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia -- as a success for the country’s growing multilateral relations.

Minister Muthambi, who represented the country at the IT forum, said as new participants, the forum allowed South Africa to expand the horizons of cooperation in communication science and emergent technologies, and to progress to new forms of partnership within the communication and media space, especially within the BRICS grouping.

“The forum created an opportunity for us to develop mass media cooperation agreements and we believe that very soon, the citizens of the BRICS nation states will be shown the true picture of a grouping with growing economic and social ties that complement our shared histories and political development.

“We are already working on enhancing our media cooperation and collaboration with the member states in BRICS, especially Russia, so that our media houses can share content and technologies to reflect the achievements of the grouping, which is marching towards shared prosperity,” the Minister said.

Forum highlights

Minister Muthambi has initiated the process of linking the Gauteng provincial government and the autonomous region of Okrug-Ugra to work towards entering into a techno park partnership.

The Minister said South Africa fully supports the idea to create compatible integrated telemedicine systems within BRICS countries, an idea which was also echoed by Governor of Ugra, Natalia Komarova. This will bring affordable medical services to the regional grouping’s three billion people.

“The creation of compatible integrated telemedicine systems in the regions of the BRICS countries is well advanced. In fact, we are talking about the combined potential and opportunities of the largest economies of the world, containing more than 40 percent of the population of the planet to put their resources to protect human health, no matter where citizens live.

Telemedicine is a new frontier that will boost efforts to fully eradicate a wide range of diseases and address many different persistent and emerging health issues.

“I think that we can do this together - uniting our efforts to unlock communication and cooperation between BRICS states for the betterment of our citizens’ lives,” said Minister Muthambi.

Malusi Gigaba is the Minister of Home Affairs, a position he has held since 2014.

About the Minister

Prior to his current position, he was Minister of Public Enterprises and has also served as a Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.

Minister Gigaba is a graduate of the University of Durban-Westville (UDW) with a Bachelor of Pedagogics (Education).

He further completed a Master of Arts degree in Social Policy, majoring in Urban Affairs and Policy from UDW during the period 1992 to 1994.

In 1997 he was awarded a Certificate of Merit by University of Durban-Westville’s Faculty of Education for outstanding achivements and contribution to faculty and society and the Cuban National University Students Federation awarded him the highest medal awarded to students and youth leaders in Cuba, the Jose Antonio Echeverrias Medal at the University of Havana’s Aula Matta in 2002.

Aboout the Department

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for offering both civic and immigration services.

Civic services include, among others, application for marriage certificates, identity documents and travel documents while immigration services include amongst others, application for asylum, citizenship and special permits.

Written by Albert Pule

In recent months, beneficiaries have complained about an increase in the number of deductions made against their monthly social grant payments without their knowledge.

To deal with this the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is conducting a national campaign to educate beneficiaries affected by unauthorised and illegal deductions.

The campaign aims to educate beneficiaries on how to lodge a dispute or make claims relating to unauthorised deductions through the newly-introduced Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM).

In lodging disputes, beneficiaries should write an affidavit explaining that they did not consent to the deduction. The affidavit has to then be signed by a commissioner of oath.

After that, the signed affidavit must be submitted to the nearest SASSA office after which SASSA will verify the authenticity of the affidavit and carry out its own investigation.

The investigation takes about a month and if there is enough evidence that the money was deducted illegally from a beneficiary’s account, it will be paid back in the next pay cycle. During the investigation, beneficiaries are kept updated on the status of the investigation. 

Since the campaign was launched a few months ago, it has been successful and 60 percent of the lodged cases have been resolved.

“The remaining 40 percent of the cases are a bit tricky because in some of those cases, you’ll find that beneficiaries have given consent to the service providers to deduct money from their accounts,” said SASSA spokesman Kgomoco Diseko.

He added that most illegal deductions relate to airtime, insurance policies, electricity and funeral covers.

Through the DRM, beneficiaries also are educated on the illegal issuance of the ‘green card’ purported to substitute the official SASSA card.

In addition, SASSA has been working with financial services partners, such as the Financial Services Board and the National Credit Regulator, to deal with the
problem.  

If your social grant money has been deducted from your account without your consent, go to the nearest SASSA offices to report the matter or call: 0800 60 1011 or 012 400 2322

Written by Albert Pule

Sport

Senzo Zindela (32) of Port Shepstone has always had a passion for the arts. Although he studied Business Management and Accounting, he says his creative juices got the better of him and he had to follow his passion.

He studied for a Business Management Certificate from Chicago State University in the United States of America in 2004 and returned to South Africa in 2005 to pursue a BCom Accounting Degree from 2005 to 2007.

After completing this degree, he started writing plays in 2007. His first was a stage play on HIV and AIDS.

Next he wrote a science fiction movie about water. He submitted the script to the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and was elected to attend the Cannes Film Festival in France. 

He says he learned a lot and established relationships during his recent trip to Cannes.

“I made contacts with a number of film producers who have made big movies in recent times. I had also got to meet the producer of Thor and I learned a few things from our chat.”

Zindela said that for young and aspirant film makers to make it they should respect experienced players in the industry.

“I hope that South African film producers can produce films that tell a South African story beyond our borders,” he said. 

Zindela’s current project is an animation feature film about a young hippo from Zululand called Huberta.

The hippo enjoys celebrity status because unlike most other sociable hippos Huberta is driven by an uncontrollable urge to stand out from the rest of the herd.

In her journey of life she makes friends and enemies who have both good and bad intentions for her.

The film is in the final stages of production.  

For more information on the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission visit: www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.za

Written by Albert Pule

Sport

Swimming South Africa is sending a strong 10-member team to represent the country at the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month.

The 31st Olympic Games will attract athletes from 206 countries competing in 28 sporting codes between 5 and 21 August 2016.

One of the popular sporting codes at the games is swimming, which is a discipline in which South Africa will be well represented.

Swimming South Africa President Jace Naidoo says he believes the team is ready to dive into the pool and represent the country.

“The team has been in serious training and has just completed a competition programme in Europe where they did very well.

“They will be based in Italy for a camp before going to the final holding camp in the USA. This will give the team time to adapt to the time zones in Brazil and assist in their performance.”

In recent times, the standard of swimming has advanced and Naidoo says he is hopeful that team South Africa will be competitive.

“The performance in international swimming continues to improve each year and we expect the competition in Rio to be extremely strong.

“We certainly hope that our team will be able to match the performance of our swimmers in London.”

In the 2012 London games, the team won two gold medals. Naidoo says he hopes the 2016 team will bring home more gold. 

“We will be sending a team of 10 swimmers, two men’s relay teams, a women diver and two open water swimmers for the 10km event (in the men’s and women’s event).

“Our main events will be the butterfly, were Chad Le Clos will represent us, and Cameron van der Burgh in the breaststroke.”

He says although South African swimmers have a good reputation, it will count for nothing at the games and they need to bring their A-game to the swimming pools.

“At a major international event like the Olympics reputations will not count for much. Our swimmers’ current form will be critical to our ability to win medals.

“In London 2012 Michael Phelps went to the Olympics expecting to win the 100m butterfly as he was the Olympic and World Champion in the event for a number of years. And we all know that our Chad le Clos won the race.”

Naidoo added that the federation needs to work together to ensure that the team representing the country reflects the demographics of the country.

“As a country we will however have to invest more resources in ensuring that the swimming team becomes more reflective of the demographics of the country, both in terms of race and gender.

“We are certainly hopeful that with the performances of some of our younger swimmers this will become a reality in the near future.”