Oct 2016 1st Edition

Oct 2016 1st Edition Estelle Greeff

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Govt to subsidise poor and missing middle

Govt to subsidise poor and missing middle Estelle Greeff
Written by Priscilla Khumalo and Ongezwa Manyathi
Universities will individually decide on the fee increases for 2017 academic year, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announced recently. 

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande says government wants to strengthen post-school learning and teaching.The Minister made the announcement at a special media briefing following the Council on Higher Education (CHE) report for 2017 fee adjustments as well as the Minister’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders.

“Our recommendation is that fee adjustments should not go above eight percent,” Minister Nzimande said.

He added that universities currently face serious challenges in terms of funding, while at the same time large numbers of South Africans find it difficult to access post-school education because of financial challenges.

“Government is aware of these challenges and takes them very seriously.”

The Minister said government is committed to finding the resources to support children of all poor, working and middle class families, with a household income of up to R600 000 per annum, while subsidy funding will cover the gap between the 2015 fee and the adjusted 2017 fee.

“This will be done for fee increments up to eight percent.”

Minister Nzimande said a key priority for government is to ensure that post-school learning and teaching is strengthened, and that financial sustainability of the sector is not eroded.

“Our economy is currently weak and our fiscal position parlous. The tax burden has been rising in recent years, and we must preserve the fiscal space to fund government’s policy agenda in future years.

“This means that any funding government mobilises to support the pressing challenges in higher education, it would need to reprioritise from other government programmes.”

He added that students’ concerns about the affordability of university education were legitimate.

“At the same time, we need to ensure that those who can afford to pay must pay.”

He added that the post-school budget has to cover students in technical and vocational education and training, while at the same time face the challenge of providing 18 million South Africans, who are unable to study at university, access to community colleges.

“In other words, our job as government requires a number of very delicate balancing acts.”

All National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) qualifying students, as well as the so-called “missing middle” students will experience no fee increase in 2017, as government will pay for the adjustment.

“This will bring huge relief to nurses, teachers, police, social workers and other parents who work in occupations that do not earn huge salaries, and who have children at university. This will apply to students at universities and Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) colleges.

“Administrative mechanisms will be developed and students informed on how to apply for the gap-funding grant before the end of this academic year,” the Minister said.

While NSFAS will continue to provide loans and bursaries to poor students, the department and universities will continue to mobilise institutional and private sector financial support to enable affordable financial aid options for the missing middle students.

“I have consulted the Ministerial Task Team on funding support for the poor and "missing middle" students, which is developing a model that will be tested in 2017 to provide affordable support to these students.

“We will continue to look for other ways of supporting financially needy students not covered by NSFAS, whilst a long-term solution is being developed to raise sufficient funding from the public sector, private sector and other sources to fund "missing middle" students at universities and TVET colleges.”

Government has this year provided R1.9 billion of the R2.3 billion shortfall resulting from the subsidisation of the 2016 university fee increase. More than R4.5 billion in the 2016/17 financial year has been reprioritised to the NSFAS.

 

Fast Fact:

  • Students with a family income of up to R600 000 per annum will be supported by government.
  • In 2016 government provided R1.9 billion of the R2.3 billion shortfall following the subsidy on the 2016 university fee increase.
  • In the 2016/17 financial year R14.5 billion has been made available to NSFAS.
  • A total of 405 000 students received government support to access universities and colleges in 2016.

 

Education

From tug master to marine pilot

From tug master to marine pilot nthabi
written by Sekgabo Kedijang

Transport Month

As a young girl from Umlazi in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Londiwe Phoswa (33) barely knew that maritime jobs existed or that she would one day have a career in the maritime industry.

Londiwe Phoswa is living her dream. She works as a Tug Master at Transnet.“Growing up I didn’t want a job where I would be in an office behind a desk. My cousin told me about this very unique industry and exposed me to it. I just fell in love with it,” explains Phoswa.

In 2005 Phoswa started an intense Cadetship programme with Unicorn Shipping, where she worked on three ships until she completed sea time in 2008. She then went on to obtain a license as a third officer/ deck officer.

In an interview with Vuk’uzenzele Phoswa explained that she joined Transnet and began training as a Tug Master where she learnt how to navigate ships in and out of the harbour safely. She was also responsible for moving vessels by pushing or towing ships upon entering or exiting a port.

A Tug Master commands powerful boats used to assist ship movements in ports and harbours.

“Once you work as a Tug Master you can train to become a Marine Pilot. The theoretical work takes approximately six months followed by practical work that takes an additional year,” said Phoswa.

As a Junior Pilot, Phoswa’s average day at work includes checking weather conditions, harbour drafts and traffic. She can do a minimum of three shipping movements per shift which takes approximately an hour and a half.

Her love for the scenic views and interacting with people are among some of the things she enjoys the most about her job.

“The most satisfying part of my job is when the vessel sails safely from the harbour and the Captain is pleased with the way the vessel was handled.”

The state of transport in South Africa has come a long way in terms of transformation however the need for more exposure still exists.

“I still come across people who have no idea how to get into the industry and people who think that the maritime industry is simply about driving a ship,” she said.

With October being Transport Month, Phoswa encouraged young people to choose their subjects in high school wisely.

“Mathematics and Physical Science are a must. This field is not for quitters, you need tenacity and perseverance,” she said.

Jobs / Vacancies

Save water, every drop counts

Save water, every drop counts lebang
Written by Amukelani Chauke
Due to the effects of climate change, South Africa is currently undergoing a devastating drought that is affecting food production and depleting water systems.

In September last year, national dam levels stood at 72 percent.

Although some areas are receiving rain and flooding occurred in some provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, the drought conditions have not improved and dams across the country are at their lowest levels in years.

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane said this calls for better water management by all water authorities and greater behavioural change by households.

Currently, nine of the country’s 12 water supply systems are implementing restrictions to manage water supply and distribution from the source.

Minister Mokonyane said the user patterns in South Africa are at alarming levels.

The average water consumption per person per day in the Rand Water supply area is 280 litres, the Minister said. “This is a lot more than the legislated 25 litres per person per day.”

She adds that an unacceptable 40 percent of that which is allocated for use in terms of households is used on gardens and other non-essential things.

She said that it is possible to make do with the little that we have, if the proper behavioural changes are urgently taken.

General

Equal and affordable education for all

Equal and affordable education for all lebang
Written Ongezwa Manyathi
Government is committed to progressively realise free post-school education for the poor and working class and assisting middle class families.

“This is demonstrated by the creation of the Presidential Commission of inquiry into higher education and training funding, which includes universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, as well as the substantial increases in funding to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme since 2010,” said Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande during a special briefing recently.

The Minister said the task of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry is to realise government’s long-term goal of enabling South Africans to access higher education irrespective of their background.

The commission is currently busy with public hearings on the issue of higher education. Stakeholders from government, academia, student representatives, political formations and other education role players have all been invited to speak at the public hearings which are taking place in various parts of the country.

“Government is alive to the legitimate cries of students regarding fees and to those of the universities who must continue to pay for specialist books and equipment in foreign currency and ensure that academic, support and service staff are adequately paid for their work.”

The Minister said starving universities of funding is not the way to go.

“This is effectively what another across-the-board fee rise moratorium against the current fiscal backdrop would mean at this point.”

He added while the commission does its work in developing proposals for a long-term funding model, universities will not be able to operate with less funds than what they already have.

“Everything is more expensive today than it was this time last year.”

The commission is expected to complete its work by 30 June 2017. Once their work is complete, government will have a better idea of the challenges in the higher education sector, and this will allow government to respond appropriately.

Education

News in brief

News in brief lebang
GovChat for Salga

The South African Local Government Association introduced a social media platform that allows councilors to respond quickly to questions raised by citizens. GovChat allows citizens to send images, photos, videos, public and private message in real time directly to their ward councilors.

GovChat is available as web application and citizens can register as users on www.govchat.org.za. The platform will be available on Andorid and iOS devices in future.

New factory to boost local manufacturing

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) launched the R200 million AVK Holdings manufacturing facility to strengthen localisation by supporting small and medium enterprises. The state-of-the-art valve manufacturing facility, located in Alberton Gauteng, will also include a training academy that will upskill 1 500 workers. So far, 114 jobs, 84 of which are artisan positions, have been created.

Big plans for Nelson Mandela Bay

The administration of the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Municipality will create jobs, interact more with residents and resurface roads across the municipality.

This was the commitment made by newly elected mayor Athol Trollip.

Mayor Trollip said he will dedicate some time to working closer with the people of the municipality.

He added that the roads will be resurfaced and will be completed in the next three months.

General

Better skills mean a better life

Better skills mean a better life lebang

As we approach the most critical period in our annual academic calendar, we are united as South Africans in our hope that learners and students at all levels of our education system will succeed, not just in the classroom or lecture hall – but in life.

Education is the key to dealing with the poverty, unemployment and inequality that continues to affect a sizeable slice of our population.

Learners, students and indeed educators have every right in terms of our Constitution to express their views, engage in orderly protest and challenge any institution or arrangement that may undermine their constitutional rights.

For government and the nation at large, the welfare of individual students and their families and the overall health of the national education system is of critical importance.

This is the reason government spends more on education and health each year than on any other programme.

This is the reason government provides free meals to poor primary school learners and funds tertiary students through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

This is also the reason why we have South African students qualifying yearly as medical doctors trained in Cuba, or why other bright, young South Africans are pursuing Master’s and doctorates in such partner countries as China and Japan to broaden the skills base in our own country.

Government is making efforts to make education as accessible and affordable as possible.Better skills mean a better life for the individual and the community; better skills also mean better earnings and a higher number of South Africans contributing to our society through the taxes they pay, and as more people pay taxes and national revenue grows, the more we are able to afford the public services and infrastructure that will lift poor South Africans out of poverty.

Making education accessible and affordable is part of government’s constant efforts to balance priorities in the country.

Our support for education sits in a national programme of action alongside making the country safe; improving public transport; supporting the creative industries; supporting emerging farmers; compensating claimants for land they lost due to apartheid; making South African exporters more competitive in the global market; supporting peace missions on our continent, and building new dams and reservoirs to ensure we harvest every drop of rain that falls in our water-deprived country.

All these very important programmes have the potential to make great differences to the quality of life and to economic growth in our country and it is indeed difficult to balance our national priorities.

These priorities don’t only come together in Cabinet’s meeting rooms or in the committee forums of Parliament.

These priorities come together in the homes of ordinary South African families where, for example, a student requiring help with university fees shares a life and accommodation with a relative who receives a social grant or who drives a bus on a new urban bus rapid transit system.

Such a household will clearly see and experience what it means for government to keep as many pots of opportunity on the fire so that as many South Africans as possible can be secure and prosperous.

This balance must not only be achieved by government, but it is a balance that all of us as citizens must maintain as we build our country together and as we see what we can do to improve life in South Africa.

Not everyone will be satisfied with what we are proposing or with the investment we are already making. However, it is important for all South Africans to acknowledge some of the difficult realities in our country and to work constructively with current reality.

We therefore call again on students to be responsible, respectful and lawful in the way they raise their issues, and to commit to attaining the qualifications that will ultimately make their lives – and those of their children – better than anything black South Africans in particular have enjoyed in our history.

A higher rate of learners and students failing and repeating a given academic year simply means less or no opportunity for new entrants, and lost opportunities in education mean slimmer life chances and more South Africans living a life of disadvantage and dependence on others.

It is beyond questioning that under democracy, our education system has produced more positive outcomes than bad. Our economy and our society is better off because we are an educated nation.

We cannot afford to let this progress slip through impatience, anger, the destruction of property and the creation of tension and violence on our campuses or in our communities in general.

Let us build South Africa together.

Education

Service delivery to improve in Ekurhuleni

Service delivery to improve in Ekurhuleni andile
Written by Albert Pule

Local government

The new Ekurhuleni administration will deliver quick and efficient services and resolve community issues in a speedy manner. 

The newly elected Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Cllr Mzwandile says his administration will hit the ground running in delivering services.This is according to Mayor Mzwandile Masina who said his team will have a finger on the pulse at all times.

“We are committing to talking less and acting more. We have resolved that this team must be remembered for speedily addressing community issues and accelerating the service delivery agenda.”

As part of improving service delivery, Ekurhuleni will launch a service delivery application that uses GPS coordinates which will allow residents to report service delivery issues, and upload a picture and address for easy reference and attention.

“That is the reason we have set ourselves a goal of a 24-hour turnaround time to service delivery interruptions such as water leaks, street-lighting, malfunctioning traffic lights and many similar disruptions.”

Small businesses doing business with the city will also receive attention and will be given priority.

“Another issue that will be receiving our urgent attention is the empowerment of SMMEs. These are major players in the economy and we want to ensure that they get paid at most within 15 days after invoicing us.”

Mayor Masina said he will encourage the municipality to pay service providers promptly.

He added that his administration also aims to build a university that will cater for young people within the City of Ekurhuleni.

“Our determination in this regard is demonstrated by our resolve to make land available as soon as we get an investor.”

Mayor Masina said the municipality will also honour all those who played a role in the liberation of the country. 

“As we continue to promote our rich heritage, special attention will go to the renaming of streets and major roads after stalwarts of our liberation struggle,” he said, adding that Ekurhuleni was home to the likes of Bertha Gxowa, Chris Hani, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo and Thomas Nkosi.

Meanwhile, the City of Ekurhuleni is set to relaunch the Business Chamber to strengthen relations between the city and business.

The mayor said working with the business sector will help to tackle social issues facing the city.

 “Our objective is to emancipate the economic state of the region through enhancing our ‘poor power programme’ to eradicate poverty. We want to also provide support to local businesses and we seek to attract investments
and provide job opportunities.”

Rural development

Service delivery is a top priority for eThekwini

Service delivery is a top priority for eThekwini andile
Written by *Gugu Sisilani

Local government

Newly elected Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede has vowed to drive a corruption-free city and raise the bar in service delivery.

Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede.Mayor Gumede made the comments during her maiden speech, at the recent inaugural council sitting for the 2016-2021 term of office.

 “Our task, as the newly elected council, is to consolidate and accelerate what has been achieved. We must reach for new heights and raise the bar through interventions that will change our city for the betterment of our people,” she said.

The mayor also tasked city officials with continuing to get the basics right.

“Our streets must be clean, roads must be without potholes, waste must be collected weekly, our street lamps must work, households and businesses must have regular power supply, issues of health and safety must be addressed and water and sanitation are also on our list of priorities,” said Mayor Gumede.

Speaking about council’s service delivery achievements, she said eThekwini Municipality has a good service delivery track record and has received many accolades.

“Despite these accolades, we cannot live on past achievements,” she stressed.

She said several projects were underway to improve people’s lives. These include the multi-billion rand northern and western aqueduct projects which will ensure a steady supply of potable water in these areas.

“Similarly, the integrated rapid public transport system will provide a reliable and efficient public transport service to communities which will have a direct impact on the city’s economic growth.”

Also high on the mayor’s list of priorities is ensuring that the city continues to run efficiently, adding that anyone who transgresses good business principles with the city will face the full force of the law.

Mayor Gumede also reassured business that the city was committed to building a globally competitive investment destination, having set up a One Stop Shop for investors and developers that will facilitate all catalytic projects.

In due course, she said the city will convene a Mayoral Lekgotla to provide political direction on its plan for the next five years, guided by the national and provincial priorities of government.  

Gugu Sisilani works for the eThekwini Municipality.

Rural development

Community media promotes human rights

Community media promotes human rights andile
Written by Edwin Tshivhidzo
The role of community media in promoting human rights and fostering socio-economic development must be at the forefront of building sustainable societies.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi says community media plays an important role in society.Speaking at the launch of Eersterus Community Radio station in Gauteng, east of Pretoria, Minister Muthambi said government departments will continue to assist and develop community media.

“Beyond the microphones and transmitters, community radio stations continue to have a substantial and meaningful impact on their host communities.

“We know how important this initiative is in addressing the scourge of drugs crippling our community. We know how our youth in Eersterust will start using the station to their benefit and channelling their efforts for the good and upliftment of this community,” the Minister said.

Minister Muthambi said South Africa’s mainstream broadcasters recruit volunteers from the community radio sector to strengthen their brands.

“Your station is soon going to be entrusted with the responsibility to inform, educate and entertain your listeners. The kind of information, education and entertainment you present to your listeners will be measured by the impact you create in this community.

“Community radio stations also promote a democratic culture by providing people with information on how to access government services and in this way serves to empower members of the community to become more active and participative,” Minister Muthambi said.

One of the community members present at the launch, Reagan Adams, told Vuk’uzenzele that he is grateful that they now have their own radio station.

“The radio station will be used to inform us about things happening in our community. We are grateful that government has brought us our own radio station.”

Community member Rene du Plessis said they have been longing for their own radio station.

“Having a radio station here means a lot to our community. This means we will have a platform to raise our voice.”

She called on other communities who wanted to have their own community radio stations to be patient and give government a chance to make their dreams come true.

General

Tshwane gets a new housing programme

Tshwane gets a new housing programme andile
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
The newly elected Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimang, said he has a plan to deal with the housing challenge facing the city.

The Tshwane Municipality wants to ensure that residents in the city have access to housing.The city, he says, will establish a housing programme that allocates housing opportunities in a clear and transparent manner.

“Together we will work to address the issues of housing for the residents of Mamelodi, Hammanskraal and Pienaarspoort.

“In 2014/15, the housing backlog in Tshwane stood at over 120 000, while the number of informal settlements had increased to over 170.”

He said the city will also work with the community to fight crime.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is empowered with the skills and equipment necessary to turn the tide against crime in our city.

“Together we will fight the scourge of gangsterism and drug use that fuel a vicious cycle of crime and violence in communities such as Atteridgeville, Kungwini and Eersterust.”

Another top priority is job creation.

“We will reinvigorate the economy of this city to create jobs for those in communities such as Nokeng, Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve who struggle as a result of chronic unemployment.” 

He said business growth needs to be stimulated through incentives such as rate rebates and preferential tariff structures. The implementation of job zones in Babelegi, Ekandustria and Ga-Rankuwa will also be investigated.

“We will make sure that these job zones have a coordinated service delivery plan to ensure adequate electricity and a stable, clean water supply.”

He said he also plans to make the city more business friendly. 

“As Executive Mayor I pledge to do everything in my power to remove the obstacles that small businesses and the informal economy – key engines of job creation – face in this city, allowing them to flourish.

“Together we will work to eliminate red tape and simplify regulations, especially those relating to zoning, planning approvals, health and safety, traffic and licensing.”

He said he is ready to work with anyone who shares his commitments to good governance and turning Tshwane into the capital of service delivery and job

Rural development

Adult literacy campaign wins award

Adult literacy campaign wins award andile
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
The Department of Basic Education has won the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International literacy award for the Kha Ri Gude mass literacy campaign.

South Africa's adult literacy programme Kha Ri Gude has received international recognition.The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy is awarded to countries for outstanding and innovative programmes that promote literacy. 

The Kha Ri Gude mass literacy campaign was launched in 2008 to fulfil the ambitions of the Freedom Charter.

The campaign recruits volunteers who work as community-based coordinators, supervisors and educators.

The volunteers teach at community-based learning centres across the country as well as in informal venues such as backyards, local churches and even bus shelters.

To date, the campaign has touched 4.7 million people across the country and focuses on basic literacy and numeracy skills for people who were never afforded the opportunity to learn to read and write.

The 2016 UNESCO jury appreciated the Kha Ri Gude programme for its well-developed mass literacy campaign that applied scientific research on how adults with no or little education read.

The Department of Basic Education stated the panel found it impressive that since its inception in 2008, the programme has taught urban and rural-based adults in 11 official languages including Braille. Most of the learners were women.

Department spokesperson Elijah Mahlangu said the award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the officials as well as the volunteers and participants of the Kha Ri Gude mass literacy campaign.

The Kha Ri Gude Literacy Campaign is informed by the Constitution of South Africa, which states that everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education.

The campaign intends to reduce the national rate of illiteracy by 50 percent by 2015.

This is in line with the government’s Education for All commitment made in Dakar in 2000 as well as its commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals on poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, HIV and Aids eradication, environmental protection, and sustainable democratisation and peace building.

The aim of Kha Ri Gude is to empower socially disadvantaged people to become self-reliant and to be able to participate more effectively in the economy and society.

Fast Fact:
To date, the campaign has touched 4.7 million people across the country.

 

Education

3 000 young people training to be artisans

3 000 young people training to be artisans andile
Written by Priscilla Khumalo
Three thousand trainees contracted for the War on Leaks project have started training at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

Trainees are currently being upskilled in six disciplines, namely plumbing, instrumentation, fitting and turning, electrical work and welding, with water agents training at various private training institutions. Water agents will be able to transfer knowledge in communities regarding water conservation.

The National Development Plan indicates that by 2030 the country should be producing 30 000 qualified artisans per year.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana said the country is currently producing on average 15 000 qualified artisans per year.

The Deputy Minister is the ambassador for the year of the artisan campaign which seeks to encourage young people to become artisans and get their training in TVET colleges.

“Out of the 100 careers in high demand released by the Minister in 2014, 47 careers are artisanal related. Therefore, TVET colleges and employers become central in the development of artisans,” said the Deputy Minister.

The training of the artisans for the War on Leaks programmme will also focus on collecting and recording data, demonstrating knowledge of the water cycle, water and waste water systems and processes, demonstrating knowledge of pipes, associated fittings, valves and meters used in water and wastewater reticulation systems, demonstrating knowledge of water meters and reading techniques, as well as identifying faults in meters.

It will further focus on reading and interpreting maps and engineering drawings of water and waste water reticulation systems, applying water loss control principles, and demonstrating and understanding sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

The War on Leaks programme aims to work with municipalities and communities to report and fix water leaks. Unemployed youth are being taught basic plumbing skills that will enable them to assist communities to identify and fix water leaks and conduct water conservation advocacy.

The project is run by the Department of Water and Sanitation and is set out in three phases that will be carried out over a period of five years, 2015 - 2020.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said North West province, Madibeng Local Municipality, Tlokwe Local Municipality, Moretele Local Municipality, Ngaka Modiri Molema Local Municipality, Maquassi Hills Local Municipality and Ventersdorp Local Municipality are among the 41 prioritised municipalities which worked tirelessly to ensure that the selection and recruitment processes were carried out smoothly.

Education

By-elections to be held soon

By-elections to be held soon Joy
The Electoral Commission will hold municipal ward by-elections in six provinces on 9 November 2016.

The by-elections will take place in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Western Cape, following the death and resignations of councillors.

What is a by-election?

A by-election is an election that takes place in a ward within a municipality between general municipal elections, which are held every five years.

A by-election must be held if:
  • The Electoral Commission does not declare the results of the election of a municipal council or in a ward within the specified period
  • A court sets aside the election of a council or a ward
  • The council is dissolved
  • A ward vacancy occurs (by death, resignation or expulsion)
What is the process for calling a by-election?
  • Once a vacancy occurs, the MEC for Local Government must, after consulting with the Electoral Commission, call and set aside a date for the by-election in a notice in the provincial Government Gazette.
  • The by-election must take place within 90 days of the previous election, the date of the court decision, the date the council was dissolved or the date of the ward vacancy occurring.
How do you participate?
  • You must be a registered voter in the municipality or ward in which the by-election is taking place.
  • If you have already registered to vote, you do not need to register again to vote in a by-election, unless you have moved home, in which case you may need to re-register in your new voting district, or unless your address details are incomplete or absent on the voters’ roll.
  • You can check your registration details by SMSing your identity number to 32810, dialling *120*432#, visiting www.elections.org.za or visiting your local municipal electoral office. 

The Electoral Commission said 15 wards will be contested, covering 80 voting districts currently containing 93 145 registered voters.

“All voting stations in the affected wards will be open from 17 – 18 September 2016 from 8am to 5pm to allow voters the opportunity to verify and update their registration and address details.

“Special voting at voting stations as well as home visits will take place on 8 November 2016 between 8am and 5pm. Voters interested in casting a special vote can apply at their local IEC office during office hours from 24 – 28 October 2016,” the Electoral Commission said.

To find out where your local Municipal Electoral Office is please visit the IEC website on:  www.elections.org.za or call the IEC office in your province.   

Additional text from the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

Eastern Cape
Tel: 043 709-4200
Fax: 043 743-4784  
 
KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: 031 279-2200
Fax: 031 279-2226

Free State
Tel: 051 401-5000
Fax: 051 430-4845 

Limpopo
Tel: 015 283-9100
Fax: 015 297-2506

Gauteng
Tel: 011 644-7400
Fax: 011644-7448    

Mpumalanga
Tel: 013 762-0640
Fax: 013 753-2564

North West
Tel: 018 391-0800
Fax: 018 391-0851  

Northern Cape
Tel: 053 838-5000
Fax: 053 831-8095

Western Cape
Tel: 021 910-5700
Fax: 021 910-4965
 

General

Female bus driver driven by passion

Female bus driver driven by passion Joy
Written by Nthatisi Modingoane
Thulile Cecilia Mbatha never wants to miss a day’s work. In the event that she does, her regular passengers cannot wait for her to return so they can tell her how much they love and missed her.

This passionate Metrobus driver has a special relationship with her army of passengers – learners attending school in various parts of Johannesburg. So when her alarm goes off at 3.30am every weekday, she prays there are no health issues that might prevent her from doing what she loves most – driving a bus.

She starts her day by doing stretching exercises to ensure her spine does not bother her during the day. After a hot bath, the 59-year-old grandmother drives to work.

Mbatha ferries about 500 school children on Route 551 from Soweto to other parts of Joburg every weekday. It’s a labour of love for Mbatha.

“I love this job. I love these children even more. Every time I step into this bus, I feel their love and respect. I feel at home. It is my responsibility to get them from home to school and back safely and on time. I provide an essential customer care service as a driver, an adhoc counsellor and a mentor for these kids,” she said.

Born in Jabavu, Soweto, Mbatha has been a Metrobus driver for the past 10 years. She got her bus driver’s licence in 1987 while working for Putco.

“Back in the day women were not supposed to do these jobs. I wanted to challenge that stereotype. I became the first woman at Putco to qualify as a bus driver although I didn’t use the licence there,” she said. She quit her office administration job in 1993 after she was transferred to Evaton.

For the next 13 years, the mother of three battled to find another job. She was hired as a driver by Metrobus, the City of Johannesburg’s public bus service, in 2005 after responding to a job advert in a newspaper. Fifteen other women were also interviewed.

“Most of them were young women. That made me very happy. It showed that given a chance, women can do any job. This job has been a blessing. I enjoy every single day.”

Mbatha is prepared to work beyond her 60th birthday next year.

“I will continue as long as Metrobus needs me. God has been very good to me and has endowed me with good health.”

Karabo Molepo (16), a Grade 10 pupil at Coronationville High School, has been riding MaMbatha’s bus for the past three years.

“She’s on time all the time. Her bus is the most reliable and it takes us closest to school.”

Her friend, Lesego Tshabalala (13), said with Mbatha behind the steering wheel, the long commute from Protea Glen to Coronationville and back is an enjoyable experience. Pretty Mthimkulu (14) interjects, saying: “MaMbatha treats us very well. She calls us by name. She’s the best.”

Jobs / Vacancies

KZN gets a health boost

KZN gets a health boost Joy
Written by Noluthando Mkhize
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health has spent R25 million refurbishing the Usuthu Clinic to bring health services closer to the community of KwaNongoma in the north of the province.

This forms part of the department’s preparations for National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI aims to provide quality, affordable personal health services to all South Africans.KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo and King Goodwill Zwelithini during the opening of a 24-hour clinic for the community of KwaNongoma.

The clinic is part of the 203 primary health care facilities that are part of the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance (ICRM) programme, which ensures that health care facilities are upgraded in preparation for the NHI.

KZN MEC for Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the facility was initially built in 1968 but it had to be rebuilt earlier this year to increase its size and services.

The new 24-hour clinic will service close to 12 000 citizens and offers reproductive health and family planning, pregnancy management, adolescent and youth-friendly services, HIV and Aids as well as sexually transmitted infections management, cervical screening, and oral care, amongst other services.

A doctor from Benedictine Hospital will visit the clinic twice a month.

The clinic also has three mobile points for areas that are hard to reach and is supported by the Health System Trust, an NGO that visits once a month to help with antiretroviral medication initiation and Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV management.

MEC Dhlomo said his department was working hard to ensure that state clinics in KZN reach the required status of being Ideal Clinics.

During his budget vote speech earlier this year, MEC Dhlomo said his department will be investing resources to ensure that primary health clinics and hospitals are progressively enrolled into the eHealth System known as the Health Patient Registration System (HPRS).

He added that 578 HPRS-programmed computers and 127 printers have been installed at all NHI pilot districts. Full network connectivity has been achieved.

“By end of the 2016/17 financial year, we will also install an additional 1 661 HPRS-programmed computers and 250 printers in 257 primary health clinics at eThekwini, uThungulu, uThukela and Ugu Districts.”

Fast Fact: The new Usuthu Clinic will service close to 12 000 citizens.

Health

EC gets 1 000 new nurses

EC gets 1 000 new nurses Joy
Written by *Ncedo Lisani
Masixole Pati is one of the 1 000 young people who have just graduated as professional nurses from Lilitha College of Nursing in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

He said this is the first step in achieving his dream of helping those who are in need of care.New nurses eager to serve their communities and improve health services in the province.

“This graduation puts me in a position to be able to serve those who desperately need healthcare services in our country whilst enabling me to support my family,” said Pati.

Pati was part of the group of young people who received a bursary from the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH) to enter the nursing field.

Prior to being a nursing student, Pati was unemployed.

“I am truly grateful to the ECDoH and government in general for the opportunity given to us. Without their help, we may not have had the resources to further our studies and would likely have remained unemployable,” said Pati. 

Tsokodi Ntsoane, who is the General Manager: Human Resources Development and an official representative of the ECDoH, congratulated the graduates.

Ntsoane informed the attendees of the graduation ceremony that Lilitha College is one of the flagship programmes of the ECDoH and that the direct impact of the programme on the communities is there for all to see.

However, Ntsoane also expressed concern over the general image of the nursing profession, saying it is viewed as the profession that has ‘lost its soul’ when it comes to healing and caring. 

“We trust and hope that you will help the province to begin the process of changing this perception and restore the image of nursing,” added Ntsoane.

Dr Mashudu Bereda-Thakhathi, Deputy Principal of Lilitha College, urged the graduates to remain humble, caring, solution-driven, proactive and teachable. She said they must take responsibility for their actions and have an intimate understanding of the laws that govern their profession.

She reminded graduates about the challenges facing the sector and the positive contribution needed in the profession.

“Healthcare remains the key service delivery that is lagging, with serious reputational challenges, and you have the responsibility to ensure that positive progress is made and that its reputation is repaired.

“Your families and communities expect a positive impact and change in their lives and you dare not fail them,” she said. 

*Ncedo Lisani works for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape.

Health

Helping SA’s vulnerable

Helping SA’s vulnerable Joy
Written by Noluthando Mkhize

Social development

The Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development, Thokozani Magwaza, says all vulnerable people should have the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre’s (GBVCC) contact number. The department’s GBVCC is a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence. Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele about Social Development Month, Magwaza said the GBVCC was one of the programmes run by his department.“This call centre is also linked to the police by something called the geolocation, whereby we can trace where the call comes from, especially if the person is under attack.

Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development Thokozani Magwaza.“Should a vulnerable person feel they are unsafe they can call the number and their call can then be redirected to the police and they can come to the scene.”

He added that the command centre has about 70 social workers, most of whom are retired and highly experienced in the field.

By November 2015, the GBVCC had taken more than 24 046 calls and received more than 22 683 ‘please call me’ messages from distraught members of the public who were in need of help.

The contact centre also received the Changing Lives Award at the 2014 AfricaCom Awards.

It also received the Best Technology Innovation award by the Contact Centre Management Group (CCMG) in recognition for being the first integrated technology of its kind in terms of social service delivery in South Africa and, arguably, in the developing world.

The Command Centre can be called toll free on 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also ask a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone.

 

General

Promoting Early Childhood Development Centres

Promoting Early Childhood Development Centres Joy
Written by Noluthando Mkhize

Social development

The Department of Social Development wants to do more to promote Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD).

“Our research indicates that ECDs are important because the first years of the cognitive thinking of a child are being taken care of at that level.”

“Research has shown that children who have gone through ECDs have an easier life in primary and high school in terms of learning,” said Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development, Thokozani Magwaza.

South Africa has informal, formal, semi-formal and private ECDs, which have to register with the department.

“Everyone needs to be registered before they can operate an ECD, especially since we found certain ECDs already operating illegally.”

He added that his department wants to ensure that ECDs have minimum standards.

“As the Department of Social Development, we are responsible for the first 1 000 days of the child’s life and access to early childhood development.

“We are still in discussion with the Department of Basic Education. We are saying zero to four years is our responsibility in terms of access to ECDs, but beyond this who will be responsible for four years to six years?”

Magwaza said there are about 21 000 registered ECDs that are part of the department’s system.

Education

SASSA celebrates 10 years

SASSA celebrates 10 years Joy
Written by Noluthando Mkhize

Social development

This year the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is celebrating 10 years of service.

Acting Director-General and CEO designate of Sassa Thokozani Magwaza said that as part of the celebrations the organisation will reflect on its failures and successes.

One such success is that 17 million people are receiving social grants. 

Magwaza said that although this is positive, the agency still struggles to get people to register to for social grants.

“We are told that two million children from the age of zero to three years are not accessing social grants.”

He added that his department was registering about 300 000 new applicants for social grants each year and that soon the organisation would go on an educational drive to inform people that in terms of the Constitution they have the right to access grants.

One of the challenges facing the Sassa is the deductions that are made on social grants.

Magwaza, who is the chairperson of the Ministerial task team that is looking at deductions on social grants, said the Department of Social Development was against the deduction of airtime, water and electricity, amongst others, from social grants.

“The amount that government is paying is meant to push the frontiers of poverty. It cannot be done in any other way. The law has always indicated that this money should not be touched.”

Magwaza said the department has come up with amendments to the policy that. No deductions are allowed except for 10 percent for a funeral benefit.

“The department says 10 percent for one policy. What we have found that people have two or three family policies and sometimes they exceed this 10 percent.”

Sassa is also boosting its efforts to fight fraud and corruption.

“We have established an inspectorate that we are busy trying to finalise. We already have staff members appointed in the inspectorate to operationalise. We want to stop fraud and corruption at Sassa.”

General

Plucky female farmer clucks with success

Plucky female farmer clucks with success nthabi
Written by Thandeka Ngobese
Hlengiwe Mjiyako, a former risk management specialist, always knew that she would have her own business one day. In 2009, when Mjiyako heard that Greenlands Farm in Winterton was for sale, she didn't think twice about making it her own.

The farm produces 165 000 eggs daily.She resigned from her job and began making the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) farm her own, renaming it Ukwanda Farm and putting her heart and soul into making it a success.

Today, Ukwanda Farm has a poultry count of 60 000 and produces 165 000 eggs a day. It has grown its employee base from 10 to 66 permanent employees.

Hlengiwe Mjiyako the owner of Ukwanda Farm in Winterton. Mjiyako told Vuk’uzenzele that her success is largely due to the mentorship she received from the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZNDARD), as well as the funding she managed to raise privately.

Mjiyako also sank her retirement money into the farm. “So I had no choice but to make it work.”

Apart from poultry farming, Ukwanda has a piggery and 10 hectares of maize to assist with animal fodder.

“The farm has 270 sows and we sell over 40 each week, supplying retail shops in KZN, Johannesburg, Qwaqwa, guesthouses and hotels.”

Mjiyakho’s future dream is to see her farm produce 200 000 eggs daily. 

“The KZN Department of Agriculture helped us a lot. Poultry farming is very challenging because each year you need to buy young chicken to replace the old ones that are no longer efficient egg producers. KZNDARD lessened the burden because they gave us 20 000 stock that was delivered last month,” she said. 

As a female farm owner, Mjiyako said she has faced many challenges in the sector.

“The hardest challenge is having to overcome the attitude of other farmers, especially male farmers, as this sector is male dominated. Male farmers find it very difficult to take female farmers seriously,” she said.

 Mjiyako’s advice to aspirant business people is to work hard and be 100 percent committed to their businesses.

“Be hands-on. Starting a business is like raising a baby; it needs all your time. Also, do not use money intended for the business for your personal needs,” she said.

One of the workers on the farm, Bongiwe Madonsela, a piggery manager, said she enjoys her work because it helps her to provide for her family.

“Our employer is a very humble and understanding person who cares about the wellbeing of her workers. When we are here, we do not feel that we are at work. This place is more like home,” she said.

Mjiyako encourages young people to study agriculture because there are many opportunities in this sector.

“There is a misconception that farming is only for an uneducated person, which is not true. The truth is farming is a highly specialised field that anyone can enter,” she said.

Rural development

Youth project uplifts community

Youth project uplifts community nthabi
written by Sekgabo Kedijang
The Bokamoso Agricultural Innovation Hub is having a positive impact on the community of Manyeledi in North West. The hub, situated in the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, is helping young people fight poverty and unemployment.

Bokamoso team members from left: Goitsimang Barapami, Ashley Arent (visitor from Texas, USA), Lesego Serolong (Founder of Bokamoso Impact Lab) and students Matlhogonolo Pitso, Gopolang Montshiwa.The social enterprise has also introduced innovative agricultural solutions to the community of Manyeledi with the aim of tackling the lack of basic resources with commercial strategies and natural asset mobilisation.

The Bokamoso Agricultural Innovation Hub employs six full-time employees and is dedicated to uplifting remote, underdeveloped areas of the country.

Through the hub, community members underwent training for four months and were provided with a basic course in agriculture which started with seedlings, advanced to planting and ended off with guidelines and tutorials on how to harvest.

In an interview with Vuk’uzenzele, founder and project leader of Bokamoso Lesego Serolong said she chose Manyeledi because she wanted to bring opportunities closer to rural communities.

 “The main reason for creating the enterprise was to get young people interested in agriculture and begin to see it as a business. This will improve accessibility to fresh produce in areas that lack healthier options and are plagued by health issues.”

The vegetables produced at the hub are supplied to local public schools and shops.

The enterprise, which currently has two hubs operating in North West province, aims to take its model to all nine provinces in South Africa and the rest of Africa.

“I believe in the potential of young South Africans and the young people in Kagisano Molopo possess equal capability, like any other young people. The most important thing that we need to do as a civil society facing the triple challenge of poverty, employment and inequality is to ask ourselves what then do we do. We need to find solutions to our problems,” said Serolong. 

The enterprise also runs an afterschool programme with a library for the local community. The aim of the programme is to expose young children to farming at an early age.

Rural development

Joburg to get better roads in 100 days

Joburg to get better roads in 100 days nthabi
Written by Albert Pule

Transport Month

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has set itself a target of resurfacing 45 km of roads and tarring 12 km in the next 100 days.

The Johannesburg Road Agency wants to change the experience of road users in the city.The JRA is an agency of the City of Johannesburg, and is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation, control, rehabilitation and maintenance of the roads and storm water infrastructure in the City of Johannesburg.

Among others, the main responsibilities of the agency include the construction and/or maintenance of bridges/culverts, traffic signals/traffic signal systems, footways, road signage and road markings.

In an interview with Vuk’uzenzele, Managing Director of JRA Dr Sean Phillips said the city will resurface and tar roads in and around Johannesburg.

The agency will start with tarring 12 km in Protea South, Lawley, Ivory Park, Tshepisong and Braamfisherville while 45 km will be resurfaced.     

He added that the agency is working hard to fix broken traffic lights and potholes within the stipulated time frames.

“We’ve put in place a customer charter standard that says that we need to fix 90 percent of the potholes within three days of them being reported through the city’s call centre. At the moment, we are sitting at 82 percent,” Phillips.

He said with the new plan the agency is implementing, he is confident that they will reach 90 percent.

The customer charter standard also stipulates that the agency should fix broken traffic lights within 24 hours of receiving a report. He adds they are working closely with City Power and Eskom to deal with the challenge.

To deal with the vandalism of traffic lights and the theft of copper cables, he said the agency is working with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.

Also a top priority for the agency is rehabilitating the city’s rivers.

Head of the Infrastructure Development Unit Mpho Kau said the rehabilitation of the Braamfontein Spruit River is aimed at addressing all the weaknesses associated with the rivers across the city.

 “There have been a lot of defects around the Braamfontein Spruit and it is not only on that river, in fact, it is with many of the rivers that run through the city.

 “This has happened as a result of the increased runoff of storm water and there has been a lot of erosion along the rivers which leads to risks, especially to properties that are adjacent to river banks.

 “We are looking at what has occurred, what we can do and what we need to do to repair the defects. We already have a project that started in April and will be completed in December this year; this is just one part of a multi-year project.”

The project will cost the agency R8 million and has created jobs for local community members.

Rehabilitating the rivers will ensure that property owners living close to the rivers feel safe.

Rural development

Industrial parks' revival to boost SA economy

Industrial parks' revival to boost SA economy nthabi
Written by More Matshediso
Government is investing millions in revitalising industrial parks across the country to breathe new life into communities that have been left out of the mainstream economy.

The Department of Trade and Industry spent R21 million on the first phase of the Seshego Industrial Parks.One such park is the Seshego Industrial Park that is managed and owned by the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA).

The park houses 72 factories, which include manufacturing, agro-processing, services and storage enterprises, among others. The Head of Land and Property Development at LEDA, Mouric Molepo, said they hope to see manufacturers more than any other industrialist renting space in the park because it is this sector that creates the most jobs.

Around 1 550 jobs have been created through the Seshego Industrial Park in large industries, while small industries in the industrial park have created about 240 jobs.

Molepo said LEDA is upgrading the park.

“We have started with security features and have committed approximately R21 million. We hope to continue revitalising the facility to increase job creation and contribute to the economy of Limpopo.”

Industrialisation has become more important to South Africa’s expansion plans amid a tough global economic environment. Regional Industrial Cluster Chief Director at the Department of Trade and Industry, Stieneke Samuel, said the department is working on a programme to revitalise industrial parks across the country.

“In Limpopo, to date, we are looking at two industrial parks,” said Samuel, adding that phase one of the Seshego development is complete.

She envisages that the Seshego Industrial Park will create more jobs for the surrounding communities as more investors come on board.

Explaining the history of the industrial parks, she said they were initially established outside cities to keep “certain people in certain areas”.

“Ironically, skills were actually developed… You will find specialised skills in various areas where these parks are located,” said Samuel.

Minister Rob Davies explained that the first stage of the Seshego revitalisation programme focused on professionalising the industrial area, improving the physical security and eliminating non-business related activities that were taking place in the park.

The sum of R189 million is being spent on six prioritised parks under the department’s Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme which is aimed at promoting industrialisation and increasing the contribution of the parks to job creation and the country’s economic growth.

He said phase two will focus on refurbishing the buildings and some of the physical infrastructure beyond security.

General

Self-starter has plenty of engine power

Self-starter has plenty of engine power nthabi
Written by Thandeka Ngobese
Themba Mthembu (42) is proof that no number of challenges can stand in the way of dreams. It was Mthembu’s dream to work as a mechanical engineer, but poor health forced him to drop out of school in Grade 10. 

Themba Mthembu with the engine he invented.For over 12 years – Mthembu, from Ingwavuma location, north of KwaZulu-Natal, – stayed at home and kept busy by working as a light motor vehicle mechanic.

What his community did not know was that while he was fixing cars, he was also working on an invention. He recently surprised his community when he unveiled a unique engine that doesn’t use petrol or diesel to operate. The engine needs only a battery and it can connect up to eight light globes, a fridge and a TV.

Mthembu told Vuk’uzenzele that the idea to invent the engine came in 2013 while the country was experiencing load shedding.

“I collected all the material from the scrap yard. It took me two years to complete all the work.

I am so happy to see that all these years were not a waste as the engine now works.

I am now ready to invent a car that doesn’t use petrol or diesel,” he said.

Mthembu’s engine has six electrical wires that connect to a power button and once it’s on, it sounds similar to a grinder.

He said if he had the proper resources in place, including financial backing, it would have taken him a less time to finish one engine.

“In fact, it could take me even less time because with the right resources, I could teach two young people to help me,” he said.

Scrap yard owner Bheki Gumede said when Mthembu approached him for parts to make an engine he did not take him seriously.

 “Now, however, I respect him so much for his work. I never thought someone from a rural area like Ingwavuma could do such a thing. We are gifted differently and his gift is really amazing. I have no doubt that he will go far if he keeps on pushing. I wish him all the best,” he said.

Jobs / Vacancies

Internship: Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation 2017/18

Internship: Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation 2017/18 Estelle Greeff
Internship programme/ in-service training 2017-18

Duration: 12 months
Stipend: R4 989.51 per month
Closing date: 10 October 2016 at 16h30
Centre: All posts are based in Pretoria
Website: www.dpme.gov.za

Applicants for Internships are invited to apply for the following areas:

Area/component: Human Resource Management, (REF: DPME/01)       

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Human Resources Management or Development, Industrial Psychology or Labour Relations

Area/component: Accounting, (REF: DPME/02)       

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Accounting

Area/component: Supply Chain Management, (REF: DPME/03)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain or Purchasing Management

Area/component: Information Technology X3, (REF: DPME/04)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Information Technology, IT Support, Computer Sciences, System Development, Network Support, Information Security.

Area/component : Public Management & Administration, (REF: DPME/05)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Public Management/Administration

Area/component :Internal Auditing, (REF: DPME/06)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Auditing

Area/component : Communication Studies, (REF: DPME/07)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Communication, Journalism, Marketing, IT/website and Multimedia.

Area/component : Office Management, (REF: DPME/08)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Office Management

Area/component: Outcome Support, (REF: DPME/09)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Research, Policy Development or Analysis and Social Science

Area/component : Data Support x2, (REF: DPME/10)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics and Informatics

Area/component : Data War Room (REF: DPME/11)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics and Informatics

Area/component : Evaluation & Research, (REF: DPME/12)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Developmental Studies, Economics, Town and Regional Planning

Area/component: Economics & Research, (REF: DPME/13)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Economics and Research

Area/component : Local Government Performance Assessment (REF: DPME/14)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Developmental Studies, Project Management, Economics and Statistics

Area/component : Operation Phakisa, (REF: DPME/15)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Public Management and Project Management

Area/component : Special Projects (DPME/16)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Public Administration and Social Science

Area/component : Outcome 12: Public Administration, (REF: DPME/17)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Public Administration and Social Science

Area/component : M & E Policy and Capacity Building, (REF: DPME/18)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Social Science or Management Science

Area/component : Management Performance Assessment, (REF: DPME/19)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Public Management/Administration

Area/component: Frontline Service Delivery Implementation, (REF: DPME/20)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Statistics, Project Management, System Administration, Public Management, Development Studies, Social Science with research background and Anthropology

Area/component: Citizen Based Monitoring, (REF: DPME/21)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Social Science and Anthropology

Area/component: Frontline Service Delivery Monitoring Systems and Process, (REF: DPME/22)

Requirements: Degree/ 3 years National Diploma in Statistics

Area/component : National Planning (NPC Policy and Research, (REF: DPME/23)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Development Studies, Public Management, Social Science, Economics, Town and Regional Planning

Area/component : Presidential Frontline Systems and Processes, (REF: DPME/24)

Requirements: Degree/3 years National Diploma in Statistics, Project Management, Systems Administration, Informatics or Monitoring & Evaluation and Research

Enquiries: Ms Dinah Pooe (012) 312 0479/57

Applications: Applications must be sent to: The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, attention Ms J Mchunu, by mail to Private Bag X944, PRETORIA, 0001 or hand delivered at 330 Grosvenor Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.

Centre: All posts are based in Pretoria

NOTE:

The Department of Planning Monitoring & Evaluation (DPME) is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. It is our intention to promote representativity (Race, Gender and Disability). Applications must be submitted on a Z83 form, obtainable from only Public Service Department, stating the field to which the intern is applying for, a CV, certified copies of certificates and identity document copy and transcripts. The relevant reference number must be quoted on all applications Failure to submit required documents will results in the application not being considered. No faxed or e-mailed applications will be considered.

The relevant reference number must be quoted on all applications. The successful candidate will have to sign an annual performance agreement and will be required to undergo a security clearance. Applications must be submitted on form Z.83 accompanied by copies of qualification(s), Identity Document (certified in the past 12 months.), proof of citizenship if not RSA citizen, and a comprehensive CV specifying all experience indicating the respective dates (MM/YY) as well as indicating three reference persons with the following information: name and contact number(s), email address and an indication of the capacity in which the reference is known to the candidate. Applicants will be required to meet vetting requirements as prescribed by Minimum Information Security Standards.

Failure to submit the above information will result in the application not being considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Reference checks will be done during the selection process. Note that correspondence will only be conducted with the short-listed candidates. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates must be available for interviews at a date and time determined by DPME. Applicants must note that pre-employment checks will be conducted once they are short-listed and the appointment is also subject to positive outcomes on these checks, which include security clearance, security vetting, qualification verification and criminal records. For salary levels 11 to 15, the inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the state’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion in terms of applicable rules. SMS will be required to undergo a Competency Assessment as prescribed by DPSA. All candidates shortlisted for SMS positions will be required to undergo a technical exercise that intends to test the relevant technical elements of the job. The DPME reserves the right to utilise practical exercises / tests for non-SMS positions during the recruitment process (candidates who are shortlisted will be informed accordingly) to determine the suitability of candidates for the post(s). The DPME also reserves the right to cancel the filling / not to fill a vacancy that was advertised during any stage of the recruitment process.

 

More information about government jobs

 

Jobs / Vacancies

Jobs: North West Department of Tourism Oct 2016

Jobs: North West Department of Tourism Oct 2016 Estelle Greeff
Assistant Director: Awareness & Education

Salary notch: R311 784 per annum (SL 09)
Reference number: K27237/1
Centre: Mahikeng

Job purpose: To implement skills development initiatives for the tourism industry in all districts.

Requirements: • A degree in Tourism Management or equivalent qualification in a related field • 3-5 years’ experience at administration level in a related field • Proven training skills • Advanced project management skills • Good computer literacy • In-depth knowledge of tourism-related policies, strategies and legislation • Extensive knowledge and understanding of the tourism value chain • In-depth knowledge of prescripts and processes applicable within the Public Service, such as the Public Finance Management Act • A good understanding of the provincial tourism dynamics • Legal and mediator skills • Skill in the interpretation of prescripts • Proven strategic planning skills • Organising skills • Presentation skills • Financial management skills • Excellent communication skills • Good negotiation skills.

Duties: • Conduct skills audits in the tourism sector businesses provincially • Implement training projects • Liaise with various training SETAs for compilation of training • Coordinate and conduct education awareness programmes in the industry • Promote service excellence services and products.

Enquiries: Ms S Manone, tel. 018 387 7883

Assistant Director: Tourism Infrastructure

Salary notch: R311 784 per annum (SL 09)
Reference number: K27237/2
Centre: Mahikeng

Job purpose: To coordinate the North West Province Tourism Infrastructure.

Requirements: • A degree/National Diploma in Construction/Building Engineering and related field • 3 years’ experience at management level in a related field • Proven strategic planning • Advanced project management skills • Knowledge of tourism legislation and policies • In-depth knowledge of tourism-related policies and strategies • In-depth knowledge of prescripts and processes and legislation • Proven strategic planning skills • Organising skills • Research and analysing skills • Presentation skills • Financial management skills • Excellent communication skills • Negotiation skills • Good computer literacy.

Duties: • Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the tourism infrastructure development plan/master plan in line with the North West Province Tourism Sector Strategies • Play a support function in facilitating and coordinating the departmental Infrastructure projects • Coordinate and facilitate information pertaining to the implementation and development of the Provincial Tourism Product Development Programmes • Liaise with stakeholders • Advise, facilitate and coordinate the current market price for infrastructure material and construction industry costing per square meter.

Enquiries: Ms S Manone, tel. 018 387 7883

Assistant Director: Monitoring & Evaluation

Salary notch: R311 784 per annum (SL 09)
Reference number: K27237/3
Centre: Mahikeng

Job purpose: To ensure effective and efficient corporate Monitoring and Evaluation processes and implementation.

Requirements: • A higher/National Diploma/BTech/B degree/NQF Level 6-7 • Excellent computer literacy • 3-5 years’ experience in Monitoring and Evaluation • Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation systems, indicator development and administrative procedures • Knowledge of the PFMA • Computer literacy • Sound organising and planning skills • Good communication skills • Basic document management skills • Teamwork orientation • Financial management skills • Honesty and integrity • The ability to work long hours • Good interpersonal relations • The ability to work under pressure • A sense of confidentiality, responsibility and loyalty • Initiative and creative • Time management skills.

Duties: • Manage overall coordination in Monitoring and Evaluation • Coordinate quarterly performance reports • Liaise with oversight commitments on review/evaluation of reports • Manage feedback in terms of reports and portfolio of evidence.

Enquiries: Mr J Radebe, tel. 018 388-2243/2151

Assistant Director: Strategic Planning

Salary notch: R311 784 per annum (SL 09)
Reference number: K27237/4
Centre: Mahikeng

Job purpose: To manage the development and implementation of strategic planning documents and monitoring and evaluation of departmental performance.

Requirements: • A degree in Public Admin Management or equivalent qualification in a related field • 8 years’ experience at management level in a related field • Proven strategic planning skills • Advanced project management skills • Good computer skills • In-depth knowledge and application of strategic planning process management • In-depth knowledge of the monitoring and evaluation process • Extensive knowledge and understanding of the strategic planning value chain • In-depth knowledge of prescripts and processes applicable within the Public Service, such as the Public Finance Management Act • A good understanding of the provincial tourism dynamic • Good planning and organising skills • Research and analysing skills • Presentation skills • Advanced financial management skills • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Duties: • Facilitate and coordinate the monitoring of Performance Assessment Tool process in the Department • Oversee implementation of special programmes and transformations • Facilitate and coordinate the departmental strategic planning process • Monitor the development and implementation of the Department’s annual performance plans and Operational Plans (MSTF) • Monitor and evaluate the performance impact on the implementation of departmental plans, programmes and agency oversight (MTEF/APP) • Manage the human and financial resources of the Directorate.

Enquiries: Mr J Radebe, tel. (018) 388-2243/2151

Assistant Director:_Research & Policy Development

Salary notch: R311 784 per annum (SL 09)
Reference number: K27237/5
Centre: Mahikeng

Job purpose: To create tourism knowledge management base for tourism planning and monitor the implementation of policies and strategies.

Requirements: • A Grade 12 or equivalent • A National Diploma/degree in Tourism Management, Social Science, Statistics and Economics • Advanced Excel/SPSS skills • 3 years’ working experience in the relevant field • In-depth knowledge of prescripts applicable to tourism • In-depth knowledge of prescripts applicable to the Public Service, such as the Labour Relations Act and PSR • Advanced research and analysis skills • Computer literacy • Problem-solving skills • Communication skills • Project management and forecasting skills.

Duties: • Develop tourism plans, legislation and policies • Conduct monitoring on the implementation of developed strategies • Conduct research and produce reports on tourism trends • Maintain the research and policy knowledge database • Render all-inclusive administrative support to the unit.

Enquiries: Ms L Marakalla, tel. 018 387-7880/7887

Directions to Applicants

Applications must be submitted on the prescribed form Z83 (fully completed), obtainable from any Public Service Office, and should be accompanied by certified copies of qualifications and Identification Document, a Curriculum Vitae with competencies, experience and the full names, addresses and telephone numbers of least3 referees.

Applications with foreign qualifications must submit a SAQA evaluation report on the qualification. Applications should be forwarded in time to the Department, since applications received after closing date indicated below will, as a rule, not be accepted. It will be expected of candidates to be available for interviews on the date and time and at a place as determined by the Department.

Appointment of successful candidates will be strictly subject to the result/outcome of Personnel Suitability Checks. Failure to comply with the above requirements will result in the disqualification of the application.

Completed applications should be forwarded to the Director: Human Resource Management: Department of Tourism, Private Bag X2099, Mmabatho 2735 or hand delivered at the Telkom Building, 3366 Besemmer Street, Industrial Site, Mafikeng (behind The Crossing Shopping Complex), for the attention of Mrs Keolebogile Rasebitse.

The North West Department of Tourism is an Affirmative Action Employer with the intention of promoting representivity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of these posts.

NB: The Department reserves the right not to make appointments. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.

Closing date: 14 October 2016

More information about government jobs

 

Jobs / Vacancies

7th biennial national LandCare conference

7th biennial national LandCare conference Estelle Greeff
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in collaboration with the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will be hosting the 7th Biennial National LandCare Conference at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley from the 3 to 6 October 2016 in the Northern Cape province under the theme “Making a LandCare difference towards achieving land degradation neutrality.”

LandCare is a community-based, community-led and a government supported programme with a goal to optimise productivity and sustainability of natural resources in greater productivity, food security, job creation and a better life for all.

Conference objectives

1. To promote the sustainable use of natural resources and to celebrate global, African and South African LandCare achievements.
 

2. To recognise and honor communities, partners and land users in advancing the Land-Care philosophy.

3. To share best practices and technologies in protecting and for the rehabilitation of degraded natural agricultural resources as the only means to attain food security, job creation and better agricultural livelihoods in a sustainable manner.

4. To demonstrate Conservation Agriculture (CA) as one of the successful adaptation and mitigation measures to address the impacts of climate change on all services provided by the ecosystem; production services, ecological services as well as the sociocultural services.

5. To assess the progress and achievements of the 6th Biennial National LandCare Conference in KwaZulu-Natal.

Conference subthemes

1. Management strategies and practices to promote resilience and the sustainable use of communal grazing for improved livestock, market access and economic benefits.

2. Sustainable use of wetlands and water management options in arid and semi-arid regions to mitigate the impact of drought and enhance livelihood.

3. LandCare Solutions to enhance adoption of sustainable land management practices for improved agricultural production.

4. Best practices for control and utilisation of invader plant species.

5. Experiences of LandCare committees in promoting community-based (CBO, NGOs) natural resource management.

Rural development

G20 commits to inclusive growth

G20 commits to inclusive growth Estelle Greeff
Written by Bathandwa Mbola

International relations

President Jacob Zuma says more emphasis has to be placed on innovation, fair trade and investment as the fundamentals of sustainable and inclusive growth.

“Our trade and investment policies should be designed to enable countries to improve competitiveness and gain access to markets to successfully participate in the global economy,” said President Zuma at the conclusion of the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit.

South Africa is a member of the G20, which consists of 19 countries, plus the European Union as the 20th member.

G20 members have been meeting regularly since 1999 to discuss global economic policy coordination.

The G20 was conceptualised to stabilise and strengthen the global economy by bringing together the major advanced and emerging market economies.

President Zuma called for the strengthening of the World Trade Organisation as the principal body to negotiate trade-related matters. This, he said, entails working towards the early conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda, in line with the development mandate and improving market access for exports of developing countries.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit, which was hosted in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, was held under the theme ‘Towards an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy’. It focused on new strategies and innovations to boost the global economy.

Under this theme, the G20 leaders discussed specific priority areas such as carving a new path for growth, more effective and efficient global economic and financial governance, robust international trade and investment, inclusive and interconnected development, and other issues affecting the world such as anti-microbial resistance.

On the issue of inclusive and interconnected development, President Zuma said that industrialisation, infrastructure development, intra-Africa trade and curbing illicit financial flows are crucial goals for the development of the African continent, as stipulated in Agenda 2063.

President Zuma said for Africa not to be left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, world leaders must ensure the transfer of technology and investment in skills.

“In this regard, protection of intellectual property rights should not be used to exclude or create barriers to Africa’s industrialisation. We further recognise that without peace and security, there can be no sustainable development or meaningful economic growth,” the President
said.

General

Know your Minister

Know your Minister Estelle Greeff
Dr Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele is the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, a position he has held since May 2014.
About the Minister

Minister Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele.Prior to his current position, he served as Minister of State Security from 11 May 2009 to 25 May 2014, and Minister of Intelligence from 25 September 2008 to 10 May 2009.

Minister Cwele completed an MBChB at the University of Natal and a postgraduate diploma in child health at the College of Medicine in South Africa. From 1984 to 1989, he worked as a medical officer at the Edendale and Port Shepstone public hospitals before going into private practice in 1989. In 1994 he was deployed to Parliament.

As a student, he participated in anti-apartheid activities and was a national council member of the Progressive Medical Association. He is also affiliated to the National Medical and Dental Association (NAMDA).

About the Department

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services aims to develop Information and Commnication Technology     policies and legislations that create favourable conditions for accelerated and shared sustainable growth for the South African economy which positively impacts on the well being of all people.

The department’s objectives are in line with the country’s National Development Plan, which recommends developing a coordinated and enabling ICT strategy and a plan that cuts across government departments and sectors to improve e-literacy, and provide clarity on the roles and functions of the state to prevent unintended policy outcomes.

General

SA, China collaborate on transport

SA, China collaborate on transport Estelle Greeff
Written by Bathandwa Mbola
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and China Communications Construction Company Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore various infrastructure development initiatives.

Key among them is the Moloto Rail Development Corridor. The MoU was signed at the 2nd Investment Africa Investment Forum attended by President Jacob Zuma in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, in China.

The Investing in Africa Forum, which is an initiative of the China Development Bank and supported by the Chinese Government, is a platform that brings together leaders from business, government and international organisations to discuss and explore opportunities for investment in the African continent.

 This year’s discussions at the forum focused on, among others, investment opportunities in the African continent in areas such as agriculture and agribusiness, infrastructure development, manufacturing, trade, tourism and renewable energy.

The construction of the Moloto Rail Development Corridor will help ease traffic congestion, numerous fatal road accidents and general economic underdevelopment in the area.

The Moloto Rail Project’s main objective is to ensure that passenger rail becomes the backbone of an integrated multi-modal transport system, using proven state-of-the-art rolling stock and equipment.

The project will also resolve challenges of safety, efficiency, reliability, affordability and overall integration with other public transport services.

Speaking at the investment forum, President Zuma said the project is designed to change the quality of life for people in the area by cutting the long commuting distances from home to work.

He called on the Chinese business community to further explore investment opportunities in South Africa and Africa.

“Our message is clear. Africa is open for business. Africa is open for partnerships with China. A lot of economic interaction is already taking place between China and Africa with good results,” said President Zuma.

He assured the forum that the South African economy is resilient and has the potential to grow even more, despite the significant domestic and global headwinds it faces.

General

Heroes’ welcome for Rio Paralympic stars

Heroes’ welcome for Rio Paralympic stars Estelle Greeff
Written by Neo Semono

Sport, arts and culture

South Africans converged in their numbers at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome home the athletes who participated in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

South Africa’s Paralympic team flew the flag high at the recent Rio Paralympics in Brazil. “I didn’t expect to see so many people coming to the airport to welcome us. I’m very happy to see them,” silver medallist Jonathan Ntutu said. He won silver in the men’s 100m T12 at the games. The T12 category is for athletes with visual impairment.

Swimmer Kevin Paul won South Africa’s first gold medal at the games with a strong finish in 1min, 04.86sec in the SB9 100m event.

Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele, Paul (25) described the moment he won gold as an emotional one.

Paralympic silver medallist Ntando Mahlangu won one of the country's 17 medals at the Rio Paralympics in Brazil. The 14-year-old won his first paralympic medal in the 200m.“I started my first Paralympic games in 2008 when I was only 17 years old. I came away with a gold medal then. In 2012, I had a little more pressure on me and I came away with a silver. That really motivated me to go for it and put everything into 2016, knowing that I could come away with that gold medal again,” he said.

Like Ntutu, Paul was taken aback by the number of South Africans who came to show their support for the athletes.

“You don’t realise what you’ve actually done until you come home. When we walked through the doors of OR Tambo this morning to this great reception, that’s when you start realising what you’ve done.

“It’s so much more than a medal, it’s more than just a swim in the pool. It’s nation building stuff and I think all these athletes are now going to realise this once they go home to their communities,” said Paul, who has participated in three Paralympic games.

Hilton Langenhoven, who won gold in the men’s long jump T12 and silver in the men’s 200m T12, said he is proud of his achievements.

“I’m excited that at the age of 32, I was able to win a gold and a silver medal. I’m so ecstatic,” he said.

Addressing the welcoming ceremony Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula said South Africa is proud of the athletes’ performance.

“The story of the Paralympics is a great story. It’s the story of the triumph of the human spirit. It’s the story that says to us, ‘you are not disempowered by your disability’,” said the Minister to loud cheer.

The Minister announced the following rewards for the medallists:

Gold medallists will get R500 000 (plus R100 000 to the coach); Silver medallists will get R200 000 and the coach will get R50 000. The bronze winner will get R100 000 and the coach will get 30 000. Those who broke records will get R150 000 extra. Silver and bronze medallists will get an extra R30 000 bonus.

“The legacy of Nelson Mandela lives on. We are a winning nation and we are a united nation. Well done Team SA,” said Minister Mbalula.

Minister Mbalula also paid tribute to 14-year-old silver medallist Ntando Mahlangu.

Team South Africa’s 17 medals comprised of seven gold, six silver and four bronze medals.

 

General

Semenya wins 2016 Diamond League

Semenya wins 2016 Diamond League Estelle Greeff
Written by Albert Pule

Sport, arts and culture

South Africa’s golden girl Caster Semenya has done it again. Fresh from winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she recently won the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) 2016 Diamond League Race, held in Monaco.

Caster Semenya at the end of 800m International Association of Athletics Federations 2016 Diamond League Race in Zurich where the won the last race of the season.Semenya won the 800m in 1:55.33, breaking her own national record. The IAAF Diamond League is made up of 32 individual event disciplines, with a points scoring ‘Diamond Race’ which runs throughout 14 different venues, mostly in Europe.

Winners of each Diamond Race get a Diamond Trophy, a cash prize, and a wild card for the IAAF World Championships (certain conditions apply).

Since the beginning of the 2016 season, Semenya has won five of the seven races staged in her discipline. She won the inaugural race in Doha, then won in Rabat, Rome, Monaco and in Zurich.  

She is ranked number one followed by Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi who has won only two races and in third spot is Kenya’s Eunice Sum. Semenya walked away with US$10 000 (R140,448.65) in prize money.

Semenya has had a good season. She also recently won the Spar Athlete of the Year Award and was recognised by Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula when she won the Minister’s Recognition of Excellence Award at the recent 2016 SPAR Sport Awards.

General