Mar 2017 2nd Edition

Mar 2017 2nd Edition Joy

English PDF version

Translations

2017 Budget focuses on the poor

2017 Budget focuses on the poor Joy
Written by Ongezwa Mogotsi and Amukelani Chauke
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan recently tabled a budget that emphasises the need for transformation for all.

In his Budget Speech he outlined government’s plans to make the economy stronger and service delivery to citizens efficient.

To achieve these objectives South Africa has to go through radical transformation.

“To achieve sustained higher growth there are also more fundamental, radical transformation measures that are needed. These relate, in particular, to economic power,” said Minister Gordhan. 

He said the relationships between labour and capital, rich and poor, black and white, men and women, town and townships, among others, still reflect the entrenched legacy of colonialism and apartheid.

“Wealth is produced and allocated along lines that remain fundamentally unjust. The ownership of assets and the distribution of income is captured by a minority of the population – a situation that is morally wrong and economically unsustainable.

“We agree with President Zuma that a new perspective on economic transformation is required,” said Minister Gordhan.

Transformation for growth

For the country to achieve sustained higher growth, there are fundamental, more radical transformation measures that are needed said Minister Gordhan.

“The relationships between labour and capital, rich and poor, black and white, men and women, town and township, urban and rural, still reflect the entrenched legacy of colonialism and apartheid.”

He said the principles that should guide transformation include:

  •  Transformation must  be  mass-based, benefiting  the  most  disadvantaged South Africans through the creation of new assets, capabilities and opportunities to build livelihoods.
  • Mobilise both private and public investment in social and economic infrastructure, new technologies and new activities that help build a modern and diversified economy.
  • Continue  to  confront  cartels  and  collusion  robustly  and  provide  new opportunities for access to markets.
  • Transformation must re-shape our cities and build linkages across the rural and urban landscapes, where fragmentation and separation characterised past patterns.
  • Transformation must achieve a more balanced structure of ownership and control in our economy.
  • Transformation should build on and strengthen democracy, and entrench open, transparent governance and the rule of law.
  • Transformation must build self-reliance of South Africans, reject the dependence on debt and protect our fiscal sovereignty.
  • Transformation must result in an economy that belongs to all, black and white, where the legacy of race domination is no longer visible.

Transformation must unleash growth, establish a new economic direction, mobilise investment, empower the masses and create new resources for social change.î Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Transforming higher education

Minister Gordhan said transformation is not only about overcoming the legacy of exclusion and inequality of the past, but it is also about restructuring the economy to take advantage of new technology, market access and investment opportunities.

It is about investing in social capabilities, through better outcomes in health and education and skills development, and through inclusive and responsive institutions.”

The minister also announced the following:

  • R5 billion would be allocated to higher education and training in 2019/20.
  • Funds have been provided to ensure that students from households that earn up to R600 000 do not pay university fee increases for 2017.
  • All poor students who applied and qualified for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) awards, and who have been accepted by a university or a TVET college, will be supported.

The Budget and transformation

The budget gives effect to our transformation action agenda by financing government programmes which:

  • Ensure that many more people live in dignity every year
  • Radically improve access to services and economic participation across all racial lines
  • Energise growth and create jobs
  • Increase investment and development – at national, provincial and local level –mobilising resources across government, business and other sectors.

Minister Gordhan said the South African budget finances, among others, the construction of houses and schools, the education of young people, care for the elderly and incomes of the most vulnerable.

But budgets alone cannot achieve our transformation goals.”

He said the country needs a powerful combination of:

  • Effective and targeted government delivery of economic programmes,
  • An energetic coalition with labour, business and civil society,
  • A consensus on a transformation programme – with each of us clear about the contribution and sacrifices we have to make to ensure optimal inclusivity,
  • A commitment to eradicate gross inequality and share the benefits of growth and restructuring of the economy.

Providing social support to the poor

A social grant is the most direct way to alleviate poverty. By 2020, social grants will reach 18.1 million South Africans, mainly children (12.8 million) and the elderly (3.6 million).

The child support grant is expected to increase by R25 in 2017/18 while the foster care grant will go up by R30. The old age pension grant will increase by R95 a month in 2017/18.

Radical socio-economic transformation

Radical socio-economic transformation will help to grow the economy in a way that will include all South Africans and will ensure true reconciliation and prosperity.

Through transformation the country can achieve a more balanced structure of ownership and control of the economy.

 

General

Are municipalities spending money properly?

Are municipalities spending money properly? Joy

Municipalities are responsible for providing basic services such as water and electricity to their local communities, as well as ensuring that cities and towns are well taken care of. 

It is important for citizens to know how their municipality is raising money and how it is spent. Citizens should also have a say in how future resources are spent to better their lives.

National Treasury is introducing changes to improve data on municipal finances and making it more accessible to the general public. In October 2016, the “Municipal Money” website www.municipalmoney.gov.za was launched. The website provides general information on each municipality, such as where it is located, how many people live in the municipality, who the mayor and the municipal manager are, who is in charge of the municipality’s money; and how the municipality makes and spends its money in a given year. The website also provides an opportunity to view and to compare financial performance between municipalities. It also has easy-to-follow analysis of what the data means, as well as links to other educational resources. It can be accessed from a cell phone, so residents can call up and use the information at anytime and anywhere.

This will empower citizens to use the information to make decisions, direct questions to municipal managers and mayors and hold
them accountable to their communities

General

Early childhood development gets top priority

Early childhood development gets top priority lebang
Written by Noluthando Motswai
Limpopo wants to continue to improve school infrastructure, grow the economy and transform the health sector.

Limpopo’s Premier Stan Mathabatha said in his recent State of the Province Address that there are over 100 children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the province, thanks to government’s turnaround strategy.

“To date, about 2 339 public primary schools offer Grade R. This translates to over 123 356 children enjoying access to ECD education,” Premier Mathabatha said.

The province is also intensifying teacher development programmes. Over 1 400 teachers were trained between the 2012/13 and 2015/16 financial years at the province’s Continuous Professional Development Centre. 

“In the next financial year, we will train 80 curriculum advisors and 300 teachers in Science and Commerce and 3 600 teachers on content and methodology in Mathematics and languages.”

School infrastructure

Premier Mathabatha said providing quality school infrastructure goes a long way towards creating a conducive learning and teaching environment.

In the 2015/16 financial year alone, the province built 354 classrooms, supplied 57 schools with proper sanitation facilities, connected 33 schools with drinking water and built 128 specialist rooms in public schools.

“We have also built five new schools to improve teacher-learner ratios in our province, namely New Look Primary and Mphengwa Secondary in Capricorn, Khubvi Primary in Vhembe, Tšhweele Primary in Sekhukhune and
St. Patrick Primary in Mopani,” said Premier Mathabatha.

He added that the provincial government intends to provide 210 schools with potable drinking water, 185 with decent sanitation facilities and connect nine  to electricity in the 2017/18 financial year.

Growing the economy

On the economic front Premier Mathabatha said the average growth rate of the provincial economy from 1996 to 2015 was 2.8 percent.

“The last StatsSA growth rate analysis shows that our province grew by 1.1 percent in 2012, 2.4 percent in 2013 and 0.8 percent in 2014.”

The province recorded the second highest employment gains and created 64 000 jobs in the fourth quarter.

Special Economic Zones

Cabinet  has approved Musina-Makhado as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the province has requested that Tubatse, another strategic growth point,  also be declared a SEZ.The two SEZs are expected to attract investments of over
R44 billion.

“The Musina SEZ is projected to create 20 800 direct jobs, whilst the Tubatse SEZ is expected to create 2 000 permanent jobs,” the Premier confirmed.

National Health Insurance

A total of 77 of healthcare facilities in Limpopo are meeting the Ideal Clinic status, which is in line with the imperatives of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

“This means that these facilities have good infrastructure, adequate staff and medical and bulk supplies, and good administrative processes,” the Premier said.

The province is buying state-of-the-art ambulances, 50 of which were sent to healthcare facilities last year.

The province has reduced maternal HIV vertical transmission from 2 percent to 1.1 percent, against a target of 1.4 percent.

“Our tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate is 82 percent, whilst our Multi-drug Resistance TB treatment success rate is 87.7 percent,” the Premier confirmed.

He said the province also managed to reduce the malaria case fatality rate from 1.68 percent in 2014/15 to 1.04 percent in 2015/16.

As part of the NHI pilot programme, the province has started with the implementation of the Centralised Chronic Medicine Dispensary and Distribution Programme in the Vhembe district.

Education

Empowering Gauteng’s youth

Empowering Gauteng’s youth Joy

The Gauteng Provincial Government has adopted a policy that states that 50 percent of all people employed in infrastructure projects must be youth.

The focus on youth in the province is imperative as youth unemployment is the “most acute and primary economic problem of our time”, said Premier Makhura.

“There are 2.7 million young people of working age who are neither in education or employment, while around three million young people are in the public and private education system, including higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.

“Many of these young people end up getting involved in social ills, such as drug and substance abuse and crime. They deserve a second chance in life.”

To address the issue, the provincial government introduced Tshepo 500 000 in 2014 to enhance the employability of youth and ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship among young people to rescue them from a self-destructive lifestyle of drug abuse, violence and crime.

Over the past two years, Tshepo 500 000 has touched the lives of more than 350 000 young people, who benefitted from the four pillars of the programme.

More than 90 000 permanent jobs were facilitated. Training and skills development were provided for more than 145 000 young people, while 15 000 youth received entrepreneurship and business development support and 110 000 received transitional employment.

“The major lesson we learnt since the launch of Tshepo 500 000 is that to deal with the chronic global problem of youth unemployment successfully, we must embark on unconventional approaches and build sector-specific partnerships,” said Premier Makhura.

Working with partners such as Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and private sector companies, Premier Makhura is certain they will reach 500 000 young people by 2019.

He called on businesses, civil society and municipalities to join the crusade to give youth a chance to prove themselves.

Rural development

Farm owner sets the bar

Farm owner sets the bar lebang
Written by Amukelani Chauke
Wine farmers in the Western Cape took it upon themselves to do their bit to empower their workers and yield positive results.

Many farm workers stand to benefit from government's policy that seeks to help beneficiaries to be co-owners of the properties where they work or live.The first thing that the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti, noticed when he visited the Solms Delta Wine Estate in Franschoek, near Cape Town, recently was “human integration”.

He saw how well different races were getting along on the farm when the long-time owners had sold a 50 percent stake to the workers. 

The Solms-Delta Wine Estate, established in 1690, sold a stake of its equity to farm workers under the Wijn De Caab Trust, effectively turning workers into their business partners on the 54 hectare property.

Minister Nkwinti visited to launch the Strengthening the Relative Rights of People Working the Land Policy.

Through the policy, government seeks to assist beneficiaries, mainly farm workers and dwellers, to secure permanent tenure on the properties where they work or live and to acquire economic interests in the agricultural land and businesses where they live or work.

Minister Nkwinti commended the established wine farmers for pioneering the 50/50 policy before it was implemented.

“I think Professor Mark Solms is one the most unselfish South Africans because we did not know about his farm. He heard about the programme that we developed,” said the Minister.

Professor Solms, a co-owner of the wine estate, said that since they introduced the policy and sold a 50 percent stake to the Wijn De Caab Trust, things have been good on the farm.

“I am very proud. People can look at what we have done and see that it’s not a bad thing. This farm is a wonderful place. It is a very good community.”

After working as a domestic worker for Professor Solms, Sussana Malgas is a qualified wine and heritage guide today. Malgas is one of the beneficiaries and board trustees of the Wijn De Caab Trust.

She said life on the farm has greatly improved as workers now have a say in the affairs of the farm.

Rural development

Focussing on economic growth, education and youth

Focussing on economic growth, education and youth lebang
Written by Noluthando Motswai
The North West highlights key priorities.

Economic development, improving education and youth empowerment are key priorities for the North West province.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo said the province will introduce the Oliver Reginald Tambo top maths and science achievers for all Grade 12 learners in all schools in villages, towns and ‘small dorpies’ to fulfil  former African National Congress President Tambo’s wish to see the African child master science and maths subjects.

“This Tambo initiative will launch the first cohort of learners who will be products of consistent push, a year-long dedicated strategy aimed at identifying and giving support throughout the year to all learners from Grades 9 to 12, said Premier Mahumapelo.

To achieve this, non-governmental organisations,  university lecturers and retired other professionals will be recruited to provide extra classes over weekends, evenings and holidays.

Support for the youth

During the 2016/17 financial year, the North West Youth Entrepreneurship Services (YES) fund came into effect. This paved the way for the establishment of a new youth fund that will serve as a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurship, skills development and job opportunities.

YES, located in the Office of the Premier, will have ongoing engagements with development finance and institutions like the National Youth Development Agency and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency to provide support packages that will create sustainable jobs and working enterprises managed and operated by the youth.

“On 1 March, 200 youth began training in security-related fields. The YES, in partnership with the North West Development Corporation and the South African National Defence Force, continue to give both financial and non-financial support to youth enterprises,” said the Premier.Funding for higher education

 The North West government will spend R48 million to fund 493 students in higher education institutions across the country in 2017.

“In partnership with Denel Technical Academy a new satellite campus will be launched in Mahikeng in June, with an initial intake of 40 students with at least a 50 percent matric pass in mathematics and science.

“The total cost of student funding for tuition in the first year will be R6 million, or R150 000 per student for a full government bursary,” the Premier confirmed.

He added that the province has partnered with the National Department of Water and Sanitation and the Presidential Youth Development Programme to train 561 artisans and water agents in four municipalities.

“Government, working with Eskom, will training 31 technicians sourced from various villages, townships and ‘small dorpies’, and 60 students will be awarded bursaries for the 2017 academic year.”

Electricity for all

Over 19 000 North West residents now have access to electricity, 122 houses over the target was set at the beginning of the financial year.

“The North West has reached an impressive coverage rate of 85 percent, and the backlog, to reach universal coverage, is 15 percent.”

In the 2017/18 financial year government and Eskom will connect 4 787 houses in the Bojanala Platinum District, 4 832 in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, 2 203 houses in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and 178 connections in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

General

Forestry projects empower EC communities

Forestry projects empower EC communities lebang
Written by Siya Miti
Eastern Cape Provincial Government entities are uplifting communities in the region.

Community members at the Mkambati forestry project, near Flagstaff, at work on a project they own.Government entities in the Eastern Cape have planted millions of rands worth of trees with off-take agreements in place to supply South African Pulp and Paper Industries (SAPPI), resulting in rural communities being 100 percent owners of multi-million rand forestry projects.

So far the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) have backed the forestry commercialisation projects with R113 million in funding.

To date, R56 million has been spent on the five projects, namely Sinawo and Izinini in Mbizana, Mkambati in Flagstaff, Gqukunqa in Qumbu and Sixhotyeni in Maclear.

The forestry commercialisation drive is also backed by an R83 million grant from the Development Bank of Southern Africa Jobs Fund, which has  resulted in 2 700 hectares (ha) of new afforestation across five projects.

Over 800 jobs have been created and an additional 1 000 ha are to be planted by March 2017.

 Community member Nowinile Giyose-Gasela, who works for the Mkhambathi Land Trust, said the community-owned forestry projects have been "life changing”.

“Life has changed quite a lot since this project started. Some of us did not have a job. Now the burden has been lightened because we can put food on the table and take our children to school,” said Giyose-Gasela.

ECRDA chief executive Thozi Gwanya gave a breakdown of the five projects’ progress.

He said that the Sinawo project in Mbizana is close to commercialisation. It is already selling timber to SAPPI for paper milling. In 2015/16 the Sinawo project generated
R7 million from the sale of timber and bought two tractors and a bakkie.

“In 2015/16 16 additional staff members were employed, bringing the total employee count to 208. There were also  113 short-term employees.”

Izininzi spent R3.5 million on planting 111 ha of gum trees, in addition to existing plantations, bringing the total amount of land planted to
335 ha in 2015/16. It now has 60 full-time permanent employees.

In Sixhotyeni R4.4 million was spent in 2015/16 and 39 people were permanently employed, bringing to 86 the total number of full-time staff.

In Gqukunqa R85 million was spent bringing the number of hectares planted to 605.

In Mkambathi R5 million was spent and 78 ha of gum trees planted, bringing the total area planted to 668 ha. The Mkambathi project also generated a revenue of R803 949 from the sale of timber. 

Gwanya said some of the projects were land resettlement projects, which made the work easier as they had legitimate owners.

General

Free State sheds light on its plans

Free State sheds light on its plans lebang
Written by Albert Pule
The province is doing  all it can to ensure a better life for community members.

The Free State provincial government will continue to send students to international universities, open new health facilities and implement the back-to-basics approach for clean governance.

Premier Ace Magashule made the announcement during his recent State of the Province Address.

He said his administration will model its work on the life of activist and struggle icon and former President of the African National Congress Oliver Reginald Tambo.   

“We do this because we appreciate the influence of President Tambo in ensuring that the Bill of Rights became one of the tenets of our Constitution.”

Improving education

Since 2009, the provincial government has been sending students to further their education in medicine, engineering and other Science-related studies at various local and international universities, including those in China, Russia and Cuba.

“We have successfully increased the number of bursaries from 139 in 2009 to 8 232.

“Out of these, 861 students are pursuing various fields of study in different countries in the world,” said Premier Magashule.

He added that many other students will also be sent to other countries. “Later this year 48 students will go to Turkey for vocational training, and 29 will study agriculture in Bulgaria.”

Enhancing healthcare infrastructure

Premier Magashule’s administration is striving for quality and affordable healthcare services.

“In our endeavour to achieve a healthcare system that works for everyone, we identified four strategic outcomes to improve the national health system, namely to increase life expectancy, decrease maternal and child mortality, combat HIV/Aids and tuberculosis (TB) and decrease the burden of disease.”

The province has improved TB screening from 65 to 70 percent. Currently, 100 percent of new multi-drug resistant TB patients are on the new drug, Bedaquiline.

Developing rural areas and supporting farmers

Farmers in the Free State will receive support from the provincial government to make a positive contribution to the economy. 

“We will provide support to producers with high potential to contribute to the economy. We will also focus on commodities with high value chain and potential to contribute to agro-processing and job creation.

“The main commodities receiving support include grain, poultry, ostrich, fish, red meat, vegetables and fruit production,” said Magashule.

General

Gauteng to spend more on township economies

Gauteng to spend more on township economies Joy

The township economy will get a further boost as the Gauteng Provincial Government intends to increase its spending on township-based enterprises.

Premier David Makhura said his administration will continue to invest in economic infrastructure in townships, including the refurbishment of industrial parks.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government has increased its spending on township economies from R600 million in 2014 to R6 billion in 2016,” said the Premier.

He added that the Gauteng Provincial Government has reached a critical point, where 91 percent of the procurement budget of R46 billion is directed to empower black people, women, youth and people with disabilities.

“Of the 12 000 companies that conduct business with our provincial administration, 10 000 are historically disadvantaged individuals, including township enterprises.”

Premier Makhura said some of the radical measures his administration is undertaking, in partnership with key industry leaders, include:

  • Assisting and encouraging black firms and township enterprises to get involved in localisation and manufacturing initiatives so that they can produce goods locally and sell them to domestic and foreign markets.
  • Setting conditions for big companies doing business with government to sub-contract at least 30 percent of the main contract to qualifying black firms and township enterprises in a manner that ensures their meaningful participation.

Improving infrastructure

Another focus for the province this year is the maintenance of existing infrastructure, the lifeblood of the social and economic transformation agenda.

From 2013  to  2016, Gauteng’s infrastructure investment was R30 billion, translating into an average annual growth of 20.7 percent – the fastest growth rate in the country.

“As we rollout the R42 billion infrastructure budget over the next three years, we need to ensure that there is a decisive shift to true empowerment of black firms so that they become more sustainable and more transformative,” said Premier Makhura. 

He urged all municipalities to continue working with the province to deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure, create jobs and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Rural development

Highlighting the EC’s priorities

Highlighting the EC’s priorities lebang
Written by Albert Pule
The EC has again outperformed other provinces by meeting housing targets.

The Eastern Cape will focus on dealing with the challenges in education, improving healthcare and providing decent housing in this financial year.

In his State of the Province Address Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle called on all stakeholders to work with government to deliver its mandate.

“ The provision of quality education is a collective concern of all of us, as parents, citizens and stakeholders in industry and all other sectors,” he said.

In recent years, the Eastern Cape’s Grade 12 classes have not performed well and Premier Masualle says this will change as a result of the plan the provincial government has implemented. 

It focuses on turning the education system around, by focusing on different aspects.

“At the beginning of 2016, we tabled a three-year education transformation plan, which focuses on, among other things, increasing the number of functional schools and the rationalisation and realignment of small and unviable schools.”

Transforming healthcare

Premier Masualle said priority will also be given to improving healthcare in the province. 

“The second area of our focus has been on improving the health profile of our province. It is our health that ensures we get to live and thrive longer.

“The improvement of the health status of the province depends on us addressing the critical social determinants of health, which include income and social status, social support networks, employment and working conditions and healthy child development.”

The province has succeed in reducing the infant and child mortality rates for children under five have been reduced to 12.8 per 100 000 children.

Decent housing

Every year the Eastern Cape provincial government outperforms other provinces in housing construction. Its performance in housing delivery has required that it sources additional funding from national government.

“The department has delivered 38 345 housing units and installed 31 945 services since 2014. I can also report that the department has again won the National Govan Mbeki Social Housing Award, Peoples Housing Process and Best Informal Development Project awards, among others.

 In the coming financial year the province will focus on new housing units for the destitute, military veterans and beneficiaries affected by disasters.

“The department will also be working more closely with all municipalities through Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to ensure improved integrated spatial planning of all projects, to adhere to the objectives as outlined in the Provincial Development Plan,” the Premier confirmed.

General

KZN to grow economy and improve citizens’ health

KZN to grow economy and improve citizens’ health lebang
KwaZulu-Natal government  wants to do more to change the lives of people the province.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Willies Mchunu said the provincial government and private sector must work together to grow the province’s economy.

One such partnership is between Dube Trade Port (DTP) and Toyota.

“As we call on Unity in Action, we are pleased to report that there are already many examples of partnerships which have proven to be extremely successful in our endeavours to grow a shared economy.

“A collaboration between DTP, Toyota SA Motors and eThekwini Municipality has resulted in the acquisition of
1 000 hectares of land for the establishment of the Automotive Supplier Park,” said Premier Mchunu.

Another partnership expected to benefit people of the province is between Tongaat Hulett and government.

“We are also pleased to report that an agreement has been reached with Tongaat Hulett Sugar for the implementation of a R52 million sugar cane growing project.

“This project is aimed at planting 3 000 ha of new cane by cooperatives, freehold and contract farmers over three years in and around Maidstone, Darnall and Felixton.”

Improving citizensí health

The KZN government believes that healthcare for all cannot be achieved without local leadership and citizen engagement.

“We therefore undertake to continue to put the health of each citizen of this province at the centre of our agenda. And we invite leaders of society to work together to turn around the situation.”

Various forms of preventable disease continue to undermine the health and quality of life of many people in KZN as a result of health illiteracy.

“There is a close connection between education outcomes and health. Therefore education has a critical role to play in helping us to achieve wellness and healthy lifestyles,” he said.

Given that chronic ill-health is the leading cause of death in South Africa, we are aggressively implementing a Centralised Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution Programme.

“Currently we have 1 081 pick-up points for chronic medication collection across the province, with about 293 546 patients already registered.”

More than 167 primary healthcare clinics have been accredited as Ideal Clinics.

General

Lead the fight against racism

Lead the fight against racism lebang
The Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA) is hosting Anti-Racism Week from March 14-21

The network includes some 60 organisations across various provinces and is spearheaded by the Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela Foundations.

The annual campaign culminates on March 21, marked as Human Rights Day in South Africa and globally as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The week aims to raise awareness nationally about racism, challenging all sectors of society as well as individuals, to do more to #TakeOnRacism. It encourages people to learn and talk about racism, and speak out and act against it.

Very much like Mandela Day, Anti-Racism Week encourages ordinary South Africans to get involved in activities aimed at eradicating racism.

Get involved

Schools for instance, are called upon to host anti-racism assemblies, while faith-based institutions could dedicate their sermons during the week to addressing issues of race. Similarly, workplaces could host lunchtime discussions against racism, while sports teams could dedicate particular matches in support of the campaign.

Do whatever you can to challenge racism!

For more information on how to be part of the #TakeOnRacism campaign, visit www.arnsa.org.za or follow @AntiRacismNet on Twitter.

General

Let us fight crime together

Let us fight crime together Joy
Written by Jacob G Zuma - President of the Republic of South Africa
Rich and poor, black and white, rural and urban and male and female South Africans are regrettably united in their fear of crime, and especially violent crime.

Across our country, millions of citizens spend hard-earned money on security gates, burglar bars, remote controls, panic buttons, higher walls and the services of security firms, to avoid falling victim to ruthless criminals who respect no-one’s life or property.

Apart from the financial cost of feeling insecure, many South Africans live with the trauma of witnessing shocking events with their own eyes or hearing tales of terror and bloodshed from relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues.

To the criminals and their victims alike, the statement in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution that “everyone has the right of freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources” means little.

Government is determined to change this and to work with communities to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe.

In recent weeks, I have visited communities in Gauteng and the Western Cape to demonstrate government’s sincere interest in helping communities imprisoned by crime.

In Soshanguve Township, Pretoria, I met residents, recovering drug addicts and the leadership of the South African Police Service to learn about the situation there and what is needed in the fight against crime.

I had a long interaction with young people who are addicted to drugs, particularly the drug called Nyaope. They explained their situations to me and it was indeed depressing to see our youth in that disheartening state. All of them have requested government to help rescue them from drugs and their current situation.

I have asked relevant departments to urgently assist these young people, most of whom have no parents or have been dismissed and disowned by their families for various drug related reasons. One of them is a University of Pretoria graduate who is in possession of a Degree in Public Administration and has been taking drugs for four years after struggling to get employment.

This shows that there are various serious reasons that will lead them to drugs and ours is not to forsake them but to assist those who want to be assisted and then deal decisively with drug traffickers and drug-lords.

I have also recently visited Nyanga in the Western Cape where residents live in daily fear of being attacked by criminals who roam the streets and terrorise law-abiding citizens.

As a caring government that will not allow criminality and lawlessness to rule our communities, we have decide to review and improve our programmes that are fighting crime and drug abuse.

We need to come up with new strategies to fight crime and its root causes, particularly drugs, simply because our people cannot live side by side with crime and we cannot be defeated by criminals in this battle.

The fight against crime and responsibility rests on all of us, and therefore I will be reaching out to various sectors including business, civic organizations and communities to join government in this campaign to ensure safer and peaceful communities.

As evidence of government’s commitment, Cabinet has been briefed that the Minister of Police wants to declare an amnesty in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), for a period of six months from 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.

The amnesty will focus on the following holders of firearms and/or ammunition in South Africa: persons in possession of illegal firearms and/or ammunition in circulation, including those involved in one or more criminal activities, and persons who inherited firearms and/ or ammunition and failed to comply with the provisions of the Firearms Controls Act.

The amnesty will reduce the circulation of illegally possessed firearms which will in turn reduce contact crimes.

At the same time, Cabinet has approved the National Anti-gangsterism Strategy to address gangsterism in all its manifestations by way of an all-government approach.

This is aligned to the National Development Plan to ensure that people living in South Africa feel safe at home, schools and work, and enjoy community life free of fear.

This also recognises that crime and violence are not just a security issue, but have deep social and economic roots and consequences.

We urge all South Africans to work more closely with the police and other security agencies so that we can overcome the plague of crime that affects so many communities.

It is up to all of us to ensure that the only people who won’t be or feel safe in South Africa will be those who want to live outside the law.

Safety and Security

Mpumalanga’s key focus areas tabled

Mpumalanga’s key focus areas tabled lebang
Written by Noluthando Motswai
Infrastructure development,  strengthening the economy and the revitalisation of agriculture are priorities for the province.

Infrastructure development was one of the key things highlighted by Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza during his recent State of the Province Address.

“During this period of our electoral mandate, we have finished the reconstruction of 16 road projects, totalling 284 km, including the coal haulage grid.

We have upgraded 74 km of gravel roads in highly populated rural areas and completed the blading of 10 644 km of municipal roads,” he said.

On health infrastructure, the province has constructed eight new community healthcare centres; the revitalisation of five hospitals; the rehabilitation, renovation, refurbishment and maintenance of 61 health facilities; and the replacement of life support equipment across the province.

On education infrastructure, five boarding schools were constructed, 28 unsafe schools were replaced and 222 were part of the basic sanitation project.

The provincial government also constructed 24 Grade R facilities, six new secondary schools and nine libraries.

“As part of our infrastructure portfolio, we are pleased to report that the construction of the state-of-the-art Mpumalanga Traffic College has been completed,” the Premier said.

 Over the past two-and-a-half years there has been progress in the roll out of key municipal infrastructure to improve the quality of service delivery. This includes

  •  327 water infrastructure projects, benefiting 350 259 households
  • 165 sanitation projects, benefitting 285 065 households
  • 85 electrification projects, benefiting 48 140 households
  • 17 solid waste disposal and treatment projects, benefiting 146 835 households
  • 250 km of road and storm water constructed in various municipalities
  • 582 boreholes drilled in various municipalities

Strengthening the economy

“Over the past year, we allocated R80 million to ensure the success of this programme. This amount was intended to stimulate economic activity through financial and technical support to a range of small and medium enterprises.”

Amongst the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency’s (MEGA) interventions was the rehabilitation of industrial premises in former homelands and the establishment of partnerships with financial institutions for further funding initiatives.

“Progress in the establishment of the SME Fund has been slower than anticipated but the process is close to finalisation. Once finalised, this will be capitalised at R500 million in joint funding supported by MEGA and Standard Bank.”

Through this partnership, the province will enhance its capacity to fund the development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises and cooperatives in townships and rural areas.

Revitalisation of agriculture and agro-processing

Premier Mabuza said the province will continue to focus on agriculture as one the key sectors to drive industrial development and job creation.

“The establishment of the International Fresh Produce Market remains our critical lever to stimulate increased agricultural production to supply domestic and international markets.”

The province is moving with speed to implement Agri-parks in all three districts. Two farmer production support units have been developed by the Department of Rural Development, in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi.

The Feedlot in Mzinti is complete and the pack house in Bushbuckridge is 90 percent complete.

General

Northern Cape’s plans announced

Northern Cape’s plans announced lebang
Written by Albert Pule
The province will focus supporting small businesses and the youth this year. 

The Northern Cape provincial government will support small businesses across the province this year.

Premier Sylvia Lucas said in her recent State of the Province Address that her provincial administration will do this by pushing for local procurement, targeting businesses in township and rural areas, and continue support in terms of grant funding and related businesses development.

“Local procurement and supply will always remain our top priority. We are therefore continuing our efforts to unlock the potential of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, cooperatives and township and rural enterprises,” she said.Plans for the youth

 Government will commit approximately R30 million towards youth development to provide young people with skills that will assist them to secure employment and establish their small businesses.

“This programme will provide skills to over 1 000 young people across the province. In addition, we will also lead a pilot initiative aimed at ensuring youth transition to employment, especially in the Green Economy. 

“The project is aimed at young women, disenfranchised from economic opportunities, that have obtained matric or lower,” she said.

Rural development and youth

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform is placing unemployed agricultural graduates at land reform farms in the province. 

“The aim is to ensure that the farms remain functional, while allowing graduates to grow into successful farm managers and farmers.

“These graduates mainly assist with project management, enterprise development and economics,” the Premier said.

Class of 2017

Premier Lucas said the provincial education department will implement plans, crafted after the assessment of the performance of the Class of 2016, to improve the Class of 2017’s performance. “An in-depth analysis of the performance of the Class of 2016 has been completed and the department will implement programmes to ensure that we improve overall learner performance across all grades,” the Premier said.

She added that all role players should come on board to assist.

“We call on all stakeholders, especially organised labour and school governance formations, to work with the department in our individual and collective quest for the continual improvement of quality public education.”

General

Skills, job opportunities for Gauteng youth

Skills, job opportunities for Gauteng youth Joy

Gauteng Premier David Makhura delivered his State of the Province Address (SoPA) where he outlined bold plans aimed at moving the province forward.

The plans include a special focus on youth empowerment, job creation, growing small businesses and maintaining infrastructure in the province. 

The Gauteng Provincial Government has formed partnerships that will provide thousands of young people with training and job opportunities, while empowering them with the relevant skills needed in the job market.

One of the programmes, Tshepo 500 000, focuses on creating opportunities for half a million young people to enter the labour market and access skills and entrepreneurial development.

Microsoft and government will also partner over the next two years to provide one million young people with training opportunities in digital skills.

In partnership with the Massive Open Online Varsity, an additional 80 000 young people will access free, high-quality online university education.

The provincial government will also partner with the Business Process Outsourcing Sector to facilitate the creation of 20 000 digital jobs for young people over the next three years.

Other partnerships include: 

  • One with Buddibox and the National Youth Development Agency to provide 10 000 ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities in the cooperative wholesale and retail sector.
  • One with Coca Cola to provide employment and new entrepreneurship opportunities for 30 000 new retail outlets in the townships for youth.

Another programme targeting youth is the National Youth Service, which will increase the number of opportunities for young people in the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Works Programme to 300 000.

“We are launching Gauteng@Work, targeting young people, who will be contracted by government and sub-contracted by companies doing business with government, to do infrastructure maintenance and other work in public facilities,” said Premier Makhura

General

Western Cape highlights its milestones

Western Cape highlights its milestones lebang
Written by Noluthando Motswai
The province is growing its economy and connection communities

The Western Cape tourism sector continues to grow. International arrivals are up by almost 16 percent and 10 million passengers made their way through Cape Town International Airport last year.

This was revealed by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille during her State of the Province Address.

“Guided by Wesgro, we’ve generated an additional R3 billion for the economy by adding over half a million new two-way direct seats through our Cape Air Access Initiative,” Zille said

 The launch of the expanded Cape Town International Convention Centre this year will also help grow the conference industry. 

Premier Zille said the province has secured over R5.9 billion worth of investments for the Western Cape, through Wesgro, which resulted in 1 865 new jobs from 2014 to 2016.

“We have also closed 25 trade deals to the value of R8.6 billion since 2014, creating 662 new jobs.”

Red tape cut for SMMEs

Premier Zille said the provincial government must do more to decrease red tape for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) so that growth is not stifled.

“Red tape can be especially harmful for small enterprises. Since taking office, we have refined a support system for entrepreneurs, with 35 000 small businesses supported since 2009.”

 The SMME Contract Finance Fund facilitates loans to SMMEs that require more capacity to secure larger business contracts. A total of 164 SMMEs have been assisted since 2014, with loan transactions worth almost R13 million.

The second funding vehicle is the Enterprise Development Fund, which has supported 300 SMMEs in three years.

Filling the skills gap

The Western Cape government is prioritising skills development, particularly among the youth. 

“Our answer is the Apprenticeships Game Changer, which aims to ensure that young people have the necessary skills for jobs in the sectors where demand is growing.

“We have set a target of introducing 32 500 apprentices into the labour market by 2019, to meet the needs of a growing province,” said Zille

She confirmed that between April and September 2016,
3 009 young people completed their work-based programmes, in fields linked to the tourism, oil and gas and agri-processing sectors.

The province’s priorities for the year include intensifying Maths support in its 23 technical high schools and other schools; enhancing  public awareness of the technical and vocational career path through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, engaging  employers about taking on learners for workplace-based learning programmes, such as apprenticeships; and working with sector education training authorities on  an innovative dual-system apprenticeship programme for solar PV Installers.

General

2017 #YAFF Awards Competition: Call for nominations

2017 #YAFF Awards Competition: Call for nominations Estelle Greeff

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries invites stakeholders in the sector to nominate young top producers either in agriculture, forestry or fisheries to enter for the 2017 #Youth in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Awards Competition.

Nominations are requested in the following categories:

  • Agriculture Awards
  • Forestry Awards
  • Fisheries Awards
  • Agro-processing Awards
  • Special Awards: Agricultural TrainingInstitutions graduate and Disabled Youth

Opening date for nominations: 15 February 2017

Closing date for nominations: 31 March 2017

Please note that late nominations will not be considered.

NB: Nomination forms are obtainable from the departmental website: www.daff.gov.za, under the DAFF Youth tab. Filled in nomination forms should be submitted to #YAFFAwards@daff.gov.za.

For enquiries please contact:

Mr Matlhatsi Seloane
012 319 6228
MatlhatsiS@daff.gov.za

or Ms Olebogeng Gaelejwe
012 319 6222
OlebogengG@daff.gov.za

Jobs / Vacancies

Health: Jobs Erratum - Mar 2017

Health: Jobs Erratum - Mar 2017 Joy

Please note that the following posts that were advertised in Vuk’uzenzele March Edition 1 have been withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances:-

  1. Director – Human Resources Management
    Ref No: NDOH 14/2017
  1. Chief Financial Officer
    Ref No: NDOH 15/2017
  1. Director – Information Communication Technology
    Ref No: 17/2017

Sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Jobs / Vacancies

Internship: Department of Military Veterans 2017/18

Internship: Department of Military Veterans 2017/18 Estelle Greeff

The Department of Military Veterans is contributing towards skills development by providing opportunities to unemployed graduates to gain work experience in various skills areas. It is therefore inviting applications for Internship Programme that will run for a 12 months contract period.

The internship programme is aimed at enhancing the employability of qualified unemployed graduates aged between 18 and 35 years.

Requirements: Applicants must be graduates in fields below and/or have successfully completed the theoretical part of study and are in need of experiential learning in order to complete the

qualification. Military Veterans Dependents are encouraged to apply.

Chief Directorate / Directorate

Field of study / Qualifications

Reference

Financial Management

Financial Management

DMV01/IP/2017-18

Audit and Risk Management

Internal Audit and Risk

DMV02/IP/2017-18

Research

Research Methodology, Public Man, Public Dev, & Social Science

DMV03/IP/2017-18

Policy

Policy Management & Management of Social Sciences

DMV04/IP/2017-18

Supply Chain Management & Logistics

Diploma or Degree in SCM and Logistics

DMV05/IP/2017-18

Communications

Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

DMV06/IP/2017-18

Strategic Planning

Planning Reporting / Business Public Administration Governance

DMV07/IP/2017-18

Monitoring & Evaluation

Monitoring & Evaluation or Public Administration

DMV08/IP/2017-18

Military Veterans Skills Development

Training Management and Skills Development

DMV09/IP/2017-18

Compliance

Diploma in Auditing and LLB

DMV10/IP/2017-18

Security Management

Safety & Security Management

DMV11/IP/2017-18

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT)

Degree or Diploma in PC Skills

DMV12/IP/2017-18

Office Administration: Empowerment & Stakeholder Management Branch

Public Administration

DMV13/IP/2017-18

Office Administration: Socio-Economic Support Branch

Public Administration

DMV13/IP/2017-18

Office Administration: Administration Support Branch

Public Administration

DMV14/IP/2017-18

Application forms for Internship Programme can be downloaded from the Department of Military Veterans’ website: www.dmv.gov.za or http://www.dmv.gov.za/documents.htm or you can physically collected from the  corner of 328

Festival & Arcadia Streets, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001, Please don’t use Z83 for Internship Programme Application.

Directions to candidates:

The suitable candidates will be selected with the intention of promoting representivity and achieving affirmative action targets, as contemplated in the relevant components Employment Equity Plan.

The Department reserves the right not to appoint any applicants to these positions and to conduct pre-employment security screening.

NB: PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO MILITARY VETERANS

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Unless otherwise stated, please forward applications, quoting the relevant reference number, to The Director: Human Resource Mnagement, Department of Military Veterans, Private Bag X943, Pretoria, 0001 or may be hand delivered at corner 328 Festival & Arcadia Streets, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001. All enquiries should be directed to: Ms Dineo Masemola or Mr Caiphus Mailula (012) 765 9325,

Closing date: 17 March 2017

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Jobs / Vacancies

Jobs: Labour Mar 2017

Jobs: Labour Mar 2017 Estelle Greeff
Assistant Director: Risk Management 

Provincial Office: Braamfontein
Reference: HR 4/4/4/02/11
Salary: Commencing: R 311 784 per annum
Enquiries: Ms RE Tema, Tel: 011 853-0311
Applications: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: PO Box 4560, Johannesburg, 2001, For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Management, Provincial Office: Gauteng

Assistant Director: Factory Production/Operations ( 2 posts) 

Office: SEE, Potchefstroom (Metal Factory Production)
Reference: HR4/17/3/25

Office: SEE, Bloemfontein (Wood and Textile Metal Factory Production)
Reference: HR4/17/3/7

Salary: Commencing: R 389 145 .00 per annum
Enquiries: Ms Gladys Manamela Tel: 012 843 7300
Applications: Chief Director: Human resources Management:  Private Bag x 117, Pretoria, 0001 Or hand deliver at 215 Francis Baard Street, Laboria House, For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Operations

Assistant Director: Training and Performance

Provincial Office: Western Cape
Reference: HR 4/4/10/176
Salary: All inclusive R 311 784 per annum
Enquiries: Ms Z Maimane Tel: 021 441 8125
Applications: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: PO Box 872, Cape Town 8000, For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources
Management, Western Cape

Workshop Team Leader : Operations (3 posts)

Office: SEE: Pretoria (Wood, Metal and Textile Workshop) (1 post)
Reference: HR4/17/3/81

Office: SEE: N’dabeni : Cape Town (Wood, Metal and Textile Workshop) (1 post)
Reference: HR4/17/3/82

Office: SEE: Rand (Gauteng)(Textile Workshop) (1 post)
Reference: HR4/17/3/83 

Salary: Commencing: R 311 784.00 per annum
Enquiries: Ms Gladys Manamela, Tel: (012) 843 7300
Applications: Chief Director: Human resources Management:  Private Bag x117, Pretoria, 0001 Or hand deliver at 215 Francis Baard Street, Laboria House, For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Operations

Closing date for applications: 3 April 2017 at 16:00

Applications must be submitted on form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za/documents. The fully completed and signed form Z83 should be accompanied by a recently updated, comprehensive CV as well as recently certified  copies of all qualification(s) including a Senior Certificate and ID-document [Driver’s license where applicable]. Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders must attach a copy of their Permanent Residence Permits to their applications. 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, will not be considered. The Department does not accept applications via fax or email. 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 eight (8) weeks 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). Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/knowledge test. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical competency exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of 12 months. The Department reserves the right not to make any appointment(s) to the above post. The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance agreement. The Department of Labour is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Department. It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer / promotion / appointment will promote representativity in line with the numerical targets as contained in our Employment Equity Plan.

website: www.labour.gov.za

Jobs / Vacancies

EC community gets new roads

EC community gets new roads Estelle Greeff
written by *Thami Sesmani
The Libode Interchange Bridge will benefit the local community. 

The Libode Interchange Bridge along the R61 in the Eastern Cape has improved road safety for all road users in this rural area.

The improvements at the interchange and overpass bridges on the R61 road mean shorter travel times, improved safety for pedestrians and motorists; and fewer accidents on the R61.

Community member Mthuthuzeli Xotyeni (30) said the road used to be a nightmare for residents. “The road was very small. Pedestrians would get hit by cars whilst walking on the yellow line. In a month we would have three to four accidents on this road.”

He said this has changed with the new road. “Now that it has been renovated the situation is much better … and we are happy with the road.”

The village of Libode is about 36 km from Mthatha.

The Department of Transport built an interchange bridge at Libode, one vehicular overpass, one vehicular underpass, one pedestrian bridge, taxi bays and pavements. Eight intersections were formalised and upgraded, new road signs were erected and road markings were improved.

The renovations that cover a distance of 21.5 km from Ngqeleni to Libode cost about R371 million and were finished in just over two years.

The project created work for 37 small, medium and micro-sized enterprises, of which five are owned by women, and 22 youth.  The total value of SMME work was R79.27 million.

The project created job opportunities for 795 people, of whom 381 are youth, 125 are women and one person is living with a disability. Training was also provided to 303 people. 

The Department of Transport partnered with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to improve road infrastructure in the area, which is underdeveloped.

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said SANRAL delivered completed road infrastructure development and road maintenance projects to the value of R1.4 billion in the Eastern Cape in the 2015/2016 financial year.

“The new pedestrian bridge will provide safety to 1 200 school children while offering peace of mind and solace for their parents, families and teachers,” said Minister Peters at the official opening of the R61.

*Thami Sesmani works for the Department of Transport.

Rural development

Jobs: Military Veterans

Jobs: Military Veterans Estelle Greeff

NB: Kindly note that preference will be given to military veterans. The Department of military veterans is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of these posts and candidates whose appointment/promotion/transfer will promote representivity will receive preference.

Director: Policy Analyst

Reference: DMV 001/2017
An all-inclusive salary package: R898 743 per annum (Level 13)

Requirements: A graduate degree in the Humanities and Policy Development e.g political science, governance, law or with social degree with modules in governance, public policy, political studies is the minimum requirement. A post-graduate degree in policy, governance, public administration or related fields is a preference. 5 -10 years appropriate managerial experience in policy development, analysis and review related duties as a Deputy Director. The successful candidates must be willing to undergo security clearance processes before appointment, a valid driver’s code 08 license. The applicant must have a very good understanding of governance and policy development processes. The successful applicant should be able to have wide network in the broader government establishment, especially security, veterans and foreign affairs. A demonstrated ability to write research reports and a policy research experience is a requirement for the job. A demonstrated knowledge of government procurement processes and the PFMA is essential.

Key Performance Areas/Duties: Areas/Duties: Conduct policy research, analysis and provides recommendations and reports military affairs. Ensure DMV strategy and operations plans are aligned to departmental and national policy. Collaborate with Monitoring and Evaluation to enhance the implementation of policies, practices and procedures. Research comparative benefits related theories and practices to inform military veteran’s policies. Maintain and enhance stakeholder (Interest groups and academics etc) relations through regular consultations with relevant civil society crime prevention initiatives within the policing community of the South African environment. Assist provincial spheres of government in developing military veteran’s policies to ensure strategic alignment with national military veteran’s policies and strategies. Manage the policy directorate and measure organizational performance accordingly. Develop policy and discussion papers on aspects of military veterans’ affairs as requested by the Chief Director and EXCO. Manage the secretariat of the department policy committee and that of the advisory committee Report of the Chief Director: Policy and Research and on policy development processes.

Director: Socio-economic Support Programmes (education support, pension and social relief of distress)

Reference: DMV 002/2017
An all-inclusive salary package: R898 743 per annum (Level 13)

Requirements: An appropriate Bachelor’s degree/National Diploma or equivalent qualification, 5-10 years relevant managerial experience, Insight into legislation, which impacts on the administration of Military Veterans affairs, thorough understanding of policy analysis, formulation and interpretation and understanding of Public Service Regulatory Prescripts. Insight into broad legislation which impacts on the administration of Education Support, Pension and Social Relief of Distress.

Key Performance/Duties: Develop, Manage and give technical support on the implementation of military veterans socio-economic support policies, regulations, practices and procedures relating to education support, pension and Social relief of distress. Monitor and review Military Veterans Socio-Economic support strategies, policies and plans. Manage Military Veterans Socio-Economic information for reporting purposes and produce reports thereof. Oversee Military Veterans Socio-Economic programmes and related projects. Report on strategic frameworks in the area of functional responsibility. Monitor the implementation of Military Veterans Socio-Economic support according to departmental objectives. Participate in the development of operational plans of the Chief Directorate. Participate in the preparation of service level agreements and ensure implementation thereof. Determine possible future need for service by conducting a gap analysis. Identify line function departments and other services providers. Design and maintain analytical reports beneficial to the department. Participate and monitor contract drafting and prepare bids and proposals where necessary. Implement and monitor service level agreements. Establish and maintain a data-base of all stakeholders/clients. Develop, monitor and evaluate the referral, service delivery protocols and systems and ensure compliance. Ensure quality reporting on sourcing of goods and services. Consolidate procurement plan based on inputs from various stakeholders. Develop partnerships and network with relevant stakeholders. Establish and maintain good relations within the department, NGO’s and all stakeholders. Liaise and co-ordinate with governmental, non-governmental institutions and other structures and organizations on benefits and access. Represent the department in various meetings. Manage resources (physical, human and financial). Ensure proper implementation of the budget by monitoring, projecting & reporting expenditure. Monitor and report on the utilisation of equipment. Evaluate and monitor performance and appraisal of employees. Ensure capacity and development of staff. Enhance and maintain employee motivation and cultivate a culture of performance management.

Director: Supply Chain Management (2 Years Contract)

Chief Directorate: Financial Management
Reference: DMV 003/2017
An all-inclusive salary package: R898 743 per annum (Level 13)

Requirements: A recognised B Degree or Diploma in commerce, financial management, supply chain or any appropriate qualification A minimum of 5-10 years’ experience at middle / senior management level executing supply chain related duties. Must have knowledge of organisational and government structures, PFMA, Treasury Regulations and guidelines. Applicable legislative and regulatory framework, supply chain management related regulations, practice notes, circulars, policy frameworks, PPPFA and its associated regulations, SCM: A guide to Accounting Officers and Authorities, BBBEE Act, Government wide policies. Ability to interpret and apply policies and legislations. Must be able to perform skills of report writing, research, people management, leadership, problem solving, presentation, analytical, motivational, decision making, facilitation and all other general management skills.

Key Performance Areas / Duties: Develop and oversee the implementation of the supply chain management system by developing and ensuring an established and effective supply chain management system including: an established and capacitated SCM unit with official components within the Office of the CFO, approved and implemented departmental policies and procedures, implemented effective anti-corruption measures, and approved and implemented delegations of authority, that are compliant with the applicable legislative requirements. Establish the bid specification, bid evaluation and bid adjudication committee, and oversee the proper functioning of such committees by ensuring that: Effective bid committees are established with clearly defined roles, functioning in accordance with applicable legislative requirements. Manage the Demand Management process by ensuring that the approved demand management process is effectively managed, including: needs assessment, categorisation of commodities, availability of funds, market assessment and industry analysis, identify methods of procurements, identify preferential procurement policy objectives, specifications/terms of reference and life cycle costing. Identify preference points system and appropriate goals per commodity in line with preferential procurement policy objectives. These must be in compliant with: Preferential procurement goals determined in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and complaint with applicable legislative requirements. Oversee bid/quotation process that is effective, cost-efficient and is maintained in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and compliant with applicable legislative requirements. Oversee the management of logistics operations that is effective, efficient and complies with departmental policies and procedures and compliant with applicable legislative requirements. Develop and oversee the implementation of assets management and the disposal plan. This includes the development and maintenance of a sound assets management system. The assets management system should be developed in accordance to internal policies and procedures and all applicable legislative requirements. Assets management is inclusive of fleet management.  Timely reporting of supply chain management information to internal and external stakeholders in compliance with departmental policies and procedures and applicable legislative requirements. Develop and oversee an effective SCM performance management system in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and applicable legislative requirements, that measures performance of: suppliers, the SCM unit, and the Department. Complete and manage the annual SCM risk assessment, development of the SCM risk universe and risk response plan. Ensure an effective utilisation of LOGIS for provisioning, procurement, stock control, assets management and reporting

Deputy Director: Provincial Coordinator (Kwazulu-Natal)

Reference: DMV 004/2017
An all-inclusive salary package: R612 822 p.a (Level 11)

Requirements: An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree/National Diploma or equivalent with 3-5 years appropriate working experience and understanding of Public Service Administration,  a good Knowledge of Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relation Act and other employment legislations, good office management skills, good organisational skills, good inter-personal relations, coordination skills. Be able to work independently.

Key Performance Areas / Duties: Administer the provision of provincial offices management services by implementing provincial operational plans in line with the strategic objectives of the department and report thereof. Implement regulatory framework for provincial management services and cooperative governance. Coordinate skills development programmes for Military Veterans. Assist Military Veterans with and coordinate employment placement programmes. Coordinate provincial Military Veterans honor, ceremonial and heritage functions. Manage SLA with line function department and other service providers. Manage provincial Military Veterans inspection programmes. Coordinate the provision of all the posthumous services (heritage, burials, re-burials, exhumations and repatriation) iro Military Veterans in the province. Provide Military Veterans with first-line support and assistance on their services and benefits. Compile Military Veterans profiles, update their records and manage provincial Military Veterans resources systems. Monitor and ensure effective and efficient co-ordination of activities in the provincial office and at the access points. Develop operational standards and ensure the attainability and sustainability. Compile monthly, quarterly and annual reports. Plan, organize and control activities pertaining to the provincial office and in access points. Implement service level agreements. Distribute resources to other service areas. Manage service delivery and performance of regional offices and access points. Be able to manage provincial office independently.

Deputy Director: Policy Analyst

Reference: DMV 005/2017
An all-inclusive salary package: R612 822 per annum (Level 11)

Requirements: A graduate degree in the Humanities and Policy Development e.g political science, governance, law or with social degree with modules in governance, public policy, political studies is the minimum requirement. A post-graduate degree in policy, governance, public administration or related fields is a preference. 3 -5 years at middle management level executing policy development, analysis and review related duties as Assistant Director. The successful candidates must be willing to undergo security clearance processes before appointment, a valid driver’s code 08 license. The applicant must have a very good understanding of governance and policy development processes. The successful applicant should be able to have wide network in the broader government establishment, especially security, veterans and foreign affairs. A demonstrated ability to write research reports and a policy research experience is a requirement for the job. A demonstrated knowledge of government procurement processes and the PFMA is essential.

Key performance areas/duties: Areas/Duties: Implement policy development processes, develop sustainable Military Veterans policies through the pro-vision of administrative, technical and logistical support. Assist provincial spheres of government in developing Military Veterans related policies in order to ensure strategic alignment with the national policy. Undertake policy research, analysis Conduct policy research, analysis and provide feedback to the department regarding policies. Support the development of policy and discussion paper on military veterans’ affairs. Provide support in the alignment of departmental policies through the interpretation of applicable laws, strategic as well as political policy determinations. Support the introduction and understanding of new and revised policies, guide the departmental functionaries in the development of new policies and provide support in the development of new priority policies. Undertake policy review processes, continuously evaluate and review Military Veterans policies in order to align them with appropriate laws and national governments’ objectives. Analyse and provide inputs on policies, conduct general and comparative policy research, analysis, review and provide feedback to the department, support the undertaking of general and specific literature review on national and international best practices regarding policy models. Handle the provision of secretariat services to the departmental policy committee and the advisory committee. Support the policy implementation, interpretation and u understanding processes, support the implementation of mechanism and consultative processes in order to ensure proper rulings in the case of uncertainties and disputes in relation to policies. Support the implementation of workshops and work session in the in the department in order to ensure continued awareness and understanding in relation to policies, associated strategies and guidelines. Provide administrative, technical and logistical support in demarcating and ensuring mutual understanding of respective roles and responsibilities in relation to policies. Man-age the establishment of networks with stakeholders and the maintenance thereof, support consultative interactions with stakeholders and partners on policies and develop and maintain policy stakeholders and partners database.

Deputy Director: Auxiliary & Registry

Chief Directorate: Financial Management
Reference: DMV 006/2017
Salary/Package: R612 822p.a (Level 11)

Requirements: An appropriate Bachelors degree/National Diploma in Public Administration. Candidates with alternative qualifications or prior learning will also be considered. 3-5 years relevant first level managerial experience in records management environment. Insight into legislations and other prescripts, which impacts on records management (National Archives and Records of SA Act 43 of 1996, Promotion of Access to information Act, 2000).Thorough understanding of policy analysis, formulation and interpretation. Understanding of Public Service Regulatory Framework

Key Performance Areas / Duties: Develop and manage the implementation of records management and auxiliary policies, practices, procedures, guidelines and policies in accordance with the national legislation. Ensure that records managed according to relevant legislative prescripts. Ensure the implementation of a Disaster Recovery Plan. Ensure the implementation of the Departmental records management policies. Ensure the development, implementation and maintenance of Departmental Electronic Records Management System that is compliant with relevant prescripts. Advise management and the department on Records Management practices, procedures, guidelines and policies. Monitor and evaluate the compliance of the filing system to the National Archiving Act. Conduct research and impact analysis pertaining to Records Management practices, procedures, processes and policies in the Department. Monitor and evaluate management and utilization of records. Apply and implement a policy on document economy. Developing and implementing records management systems and procedures, departmental File Plan and records control schedule for correspondences. Manage the archives, the filing system and maintain a Departmental Electronic/Manual Records Management System. Conduct inspection on records keeping and ensure the security of records. Develop and maintain a Disaster Recovery Plan, draw up and manage a:- Retention Schedule, Registry Procedure Manual, Records Survey, Transfer of Records Procedure and Vital Records Protection Program. Develop a system that will integrate the collection, opening and distribution of mail. Manage the faxing, speed mail, etc. Ensure service delivery improvement regarding delivery of documents, telephones, typing and cleaning management. Monitor and evaluate management and utilization of resources e.g. telephones in the Department. Co-ordinate and maintain cleaning services through the maintenance of the workplace facilities (offices, boardrooms and other facilities). Ensure the provision of food aid and office support services. Monitor and ensure proper utilization of equipment (e.g. photocopier, switchboard and fax machines). Manage messenger and postal/mail services. Develop partnerships and network with relevant stakeholders.    Manage resources (human and physical).

Administrative Officer

Chief Directorate: Research & Policy Development
Reference: DMV 007/2017  
Salary/Package: R211 194 p.a (Level 7)

Requirements: A diploma or Degree in Office Management, Public  administration or equivalent qualification, 2-3 years’ experience at clerical or senior clerical level or as an intern in a relevant office.

Key Performance/Duties: Provide secretariat support services by typing documents, take minutes during meetings. Compile and distribute agendas and minutes. Circulate and collect attendance registers during meetings. Receive and re-route incoming calls. Record and relate massages. Operate and ensure that office equipment is in good working order. Coordinate and schedule meetings. Coordinate the provision of refreshments and water during meetings. Follow-up with the supervisor regarding scheduled meetings and appointments. Manage the cancellation and rescheduling of appointments. Provide records management and filing services. Ensure the effective flow of information to and from the office. Receive and register incoming correspondence. File and safe keep documents in line with the file plan and other relevant regulations and practice. Register and distribute outgoing correspondence. Maintain the confidentiality of documents. Receive clients and visitors. Receive and seat visitors. Provide refreshments to clients and visitors where necessary. Respond to general enquiries of visitors. Manage the tidiness of the office.   Provide administrative and logistical support services. Order stationary for the office, serve as a chief user clerk and coordinate the procurement of Office supplies, computer consumables and stationary for the office. Check invoices for correctness and certify them for payment. Coordinate the payment of invoices. Make bookings for venues, accommodation and manage travel arrangements. Ensure the processing of S&T and overtime. Collate and compile reports and any other information as requested. Obtain the necessary signatures on documents. Scrutinise documents to determine actions. Manage the leave register and the submission of leave forms for the office. Monitor budget spending for the office in order to note under and over utilisation. Collect and coordinate all documents that relate to the budget and funding requirements.

Administrative Officer

Chief Directorate: Heritage, Memorials, Burials and Honour Services
Reference: DMV 008/2017
Salary/Package: R171 069 per annum (Level: 6)

Requirements: A diploma or degree in Office Management, Public Administration or equivalent qualification and 2-3 years’ experience at clerical or senior clerical level or as an intern in relevant office. Be able to work independently. Knowledge, skills, training and competencies required: Relevant legislation, policies, prescript and procedures. Information management, basic financial/ budget management, basic knowledge of MS office programs and operating switchboard equipment. Computer skills, Interpersonal skills, telephone etiquette, customer relations skills, office management skills, organizational skills, communication skills and problem solving skills. Interpersonal relations, integrity courteousness, responsive, credibility, commitment and loyalty.

Key Performance/Duties: Provide secretarial support services such as typing of documents, take minutes during meetings, compile and distribute agendas and minutes , receive and routine incoming calls, record and relate messages, operate and ensure that office equipment is in good working order, coordinate and schedule meetings, coordinate the provision of refreshment and water during meetings, follow up with the supervisor regarding scheduled meetings and appointments and manage the cancellation and rescheduling of appointments. Provide records management and filling services, ensure the effective flow of information to and from the office, receive and register incoming correspondence, file and safe keep documents in line with the file plan and other relevant regulations and practice, register and distribute outgoing correspondence and maintain the confidentiality of documents. Receive clients and visitors, receive and seat visitors, provide refreshment to clients and visitors where necessary, respond to general queries of visitors and manage tidiness of the office. Provide administrative and logistical support services, order stationery for the office, serve as a chief user clerk and coordinate the procurement of office supplies, computer consumables and stationery for the office, check invoices for correctness and certify them for payment, coordinate the payment of invoices, make bookings for venues , accommodation and man-age travel arrangement, collate and compile reports and any other information as requested, obtain the necessary signatures on documents, scrutinise documents to determine actions, manage the leave register and the submission of leave forms for the office, monitor budget spending for the office in order to note under and over utilisation and collect and coordinate all documents that relate to the budget and funding requirements.

Administrator: Assets Management

Chief Directorate: Financial Management
Reference: DMV 009/2017
Salary/Package: R171 069 per annum (Level: 6)

Requirements: A recognised B Degree or Diploma in commerce, financial management, supply chain or any appropriate qualification. Previous experience on assets management may be an advantage. Must have knowledge of Public Finance Management Act, Supply chain management related policies, guidelines, instructions and directives. Government wide policies. Ability to interpret and apply policies and legislations

Key Performance/Duties: Monitor Assets Register and address variances by ensuring timely update of the assets register, reconcile assets register with trial balance and reconciliation,  and ensure source of variances are addressed at all times. Barcode and update the inventory list with all newly acquired assets. Conduct timely assets verification by identifying losses at Least Quarterly. Conduct monthly spot checks on assets. Conduct, administer disposals and write-offs. Compile assets movement reports i.e. Additions, reallocations, disposals and any other related transactions. Update records for lease and warranties of assets and keep records. Update and maintain the register for all leased assets including Fleet and Cell Phones. Facilitate and keep records for all the movement of assets. Maintain the inventory list by ensuring that it is update and signed by the end users. Follow up on losses and ensure that the assets register is updated. Utilise LOGIS for the maintenance of assets. Provide support to the SCM and Finance for all daily and quarterly reporting including the preparation of annual financial statement.

 

Invitation to serve on the Department of Military Veterans Risk Committee

The Department of Military Veterans has been established to facilitate delivery and coordination of all activities that recognizes and entrench the restoration of dignity and appreciation of the contribution of military veterans to our freedom and nation building.

Chairperson: Risk Management Committee (DMV)

Reference:  DMV 010/2017

The Department of Military Veterans is inviting interested independent and suitably qualified individual for appointment as chairperson of the Risk Management Committee for a period of three (3) years.

Requirements: MBA/MBL/CASA. Applicants should have extensive experience in corporate governance, strong leadership, analytical and good communication skills, sound knowledge and including, (a) in possession of a post degree or equivalent qualification in any of the following fields: Accounting/Risk Management/Financial Management/Auditing/Legal or Business/ Information Communication Technology, b), at least 12+ years’ experience in the risk management environment, c) should be independent and knowledgeable of the status of their positions as a chairperson, (d) a member of a professional body, (e) having experience of serving in Boards of Directors and/or similar committees.

The following will be an added advantage: Experience in or knowledge of the public sector. Knowledge and understanding of internal controls, project management, governance, risk management principles and accounting practices. Knowledge and understanding of and exposure to legislation/policies (Risk Management and Corporate Governance, EWRM, COSO model, PSRMF, PFMA, GRAP, GAAP, Treasury Regulations and relevant legislation and practice notes). Knowledge and understanding of ICT, including the roles of internal and external audit.Integrity, dedication, inquisitiveness within reasonableness of probing, an enquiring mind, analytical reasoning abilities, and a good understanding of the committee’s position in the governance structure, thorough understanding of corporate governance principles.

Role and Responsibilities: The candidate will chair the Department’s Risk Management Committee and discharge its responsibilities as set out in the Risk Management charter, regulations/codes: to provide an oversight role regarding: monitoring the implementation of risk management within the Department, review the risk policies, strategies and other working procedures. Review the risk management action plans to be instituted and ensure compliance with such plans. Integration of risk management into planning, monitoring and reporting processes. Review the risk appetite and tolerance levels of the Department. Provide reports to the Director General on a quarterly basis, management and other oversight committees. Implementation of risk maturity model. The risk management committee shall meet at least three times yearly.

Applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae as well as certified copies of qualifications and identity document. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). This is not a full time appointment. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews

Remuneration: Chairperson will be remunerated in accordance with the rates as determined by National Treasury from time to time.

Members: Risk Management Committee (DMV) (5 x members)

Reference: DMV 011/2017

The Department of Military Veterans is inviting interested independent and suitably qualified individuals to serve on the Audit Committee, established in terms of section 76(4) and 77 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) read together with chapter 3 of Treasury Regulations for a minimum period of three (3) years.

Requirements: Applicants should have extensive experience in corporate governance, strong leadership, analytical and good communication skills, sound knowledge and including, (a) in possession of a relevant post  graduate qualification with at least 10+ years’ experience in any of the following fields: Accounting/Auditing/Financial Management/Legal or Business/ Information Communication Technology, and Monitoring and Evaluation), should be independent and knowledgeable of the status of their positions as members, (c) A member of a professional body. (d) Have experience of serving in Boards of Directors and/or similar committees. The following will be added advantages: Post graduate qualifications. Experience in or knowledge of the public sector. Highly specialised knowledge of internal controls and accounting practices. Major accounting and public sector reporting frameworks/models. Intensive knowledge and understanding of and exposure to legislation/policies (PFMA, GRAP, GAAP, Treasury Regulations and other relevant legislation and practice notes). Knowledge and understanding of ICT, including the roles of internal and external audit. Integrity, dedication, inquisitiveness within reasonableness of probing, an enquiring mind, analytical reasoning abilities, and a good understanding of the committee’s position in the governance structure, thorough understanding of corporate governance principles.

Responsibilities: To execute roles and responsibilities as outlined in chapter 3 of Treasury Regulations issued in terms of the PFMA and provide advice to the Executive Authority and Accounting Officer of the Department of Military Veterans on matters relating to: Internal Audit and Internal Financial Controls; Risk Management; Accounting policies and frameworks; Legal and Information Communication Technology matters; review the annual financial statement to provide the department with an authoritative and credible view of the financial position of the DMV, its efficiency and effectiveness and its overall level of compliance with the relevant acts, legislation, policies and procedures; adequacy, reliability and accuracy of financial reporting and performance information; effective governance; respond to issues raised by the Auditor-General in the audit report; Carry out such investigations into the financial affairs of the Department as may be requested by the Executive Authority; perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

Term of Office for Risk and Audit Committees

The term of office will run effective immediately upon appointment for a period of three years.

Directions to candidates:

The suitable candidates will be selected with the intention of promoting representivity and achieving affirmative action targets, as contemplated in the relevant components Employment Equity Plan.

The Department reserves the right not to appoint any applicants to these positions and to conduct pre-employment security screening.

NB: Preference will be given to military veterans

Applications:

Applications must be submitted on form Z83 obtainable from any Public Service Department, and should be accompanied by comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed) and certified copies of qualifications, service certificates, driver’s license and Identification Document. Applicants with foreign qualification must be submitting a SAQA evaluation report on the qualification. Non-SA citizens must attach a certified copy of proof of permanent residence in South Africa. In addition to completing the Z83, applicants are required to disclose any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other adverse allegation or investigation against them. Applicants must also provide the full names, address and telephone numbers of at least 3 references. Failure to submit the requested documents may results in your application not being considered (applications lacking evidence of relevant experience will not be considered). If you apply for more than one post in the Department, please submit a separate application form for each post. Applicants will be expected to be available for selection interviews at a time, date and place determined by the Department. If you have not been contacted for an interview within three (3) months of the closing date, please assume that your application was not successful. Kindly note that a security clearance and verification of qualification by SAQA will be conducted to successful shortlisted candidates.

Correspondence will be entered into with short-listed candidates only.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Unless otherwise stated, please forward applications, quoting the relevant reference number, to The Director: Human Resource Management, Department of Military Veterans, Private Bag X943, Pretoria, 0001 or may be hand delivered at corner 328 Festival & Arcadia Streets, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001. All enquiries should be directed to: Ms Dineo Masemola or Mr Caiphus Mailula (012) 765 9325,

Closing date: 17 March 2017

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Jobs / Vacancies

Support for small businesses

Support for small businesses Estelle Greeff
South Africa has a growing number of women entrepreneurs and government has programmes in place to help their businesses grow. 

Nomcebo Printers is growing in leaps in bounds thanks to the support from the Small Enterprise Development Agency.The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor revealed that the typical South African entrepreneur is male and between the ages of 25 and 44. However, the number of women entrepreneurs is growing and they are starting businesses previously dominated by men.

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) noted that 72 percent of micro-enterprises and 40 percent of small enterprises are currently owned by women. Government and private enterprises have put programmes and funds in place aimed at empowering the women of South Africa.

Help is at hand through agencies like Seda that offer support to these businesses.

Seda is an agency of the Department of Small Business Development which provides non-financial support to small enterprises and co-operatives.

One such business is Nomcebo Consulting Enterprise cc T/A Nomcebo Printers situated in the centre of Lydenburg town, Mpumalanga. 

The business, which started in 2004, is solely owned by Nomcebo Sibanyoni and is successfully navigating the world of business.

Nomcebo Printers offers graphic design, printing and document solutions and  in 10 years of formal operation, the business has grown to employ 22 permanent workers including the owner.

The company has now expanded to provide full-scale production printing. However the growth of the business was not without its challenges. These include inadequate business management skills, and limited access to markets and among other things.

Seda assisted the company with developing a sound financial management system, training and implementation of the financial management system.

Seda provided the client with EMPRETEC Training which enhances the behavioural competencies of successful entrepreneurs and development of QMS and facilitation of SABS certification.

The support given by Seda, together with the entrepreneur’s commitment and hard work resulted in Nomcebo Printers being recognised as the 2016 Eskom Business Investment Competition Winner. The competition recognises entrepreneurs in the manufacturing, trade and services, construction and engineering as well as agriculture and agro-processing categories for their innovative businesses that are significantly contributing to the fight against unemployment and poverty while contributing to the growth of the economy.

Supplied by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda).

For more information on Seda visit:  www.seda.org.za or call 0860 7663 729

General

AUC hosts meeting on free trade

AUC hosts meeting on free trade Estelle Greeff

Africa news

The African Union Commission (AUC) hosted the Fifth Meeting of the Continental Free Trade Area Negotiating Forum (CFTA-NF) from 27 February to 4 March 2017.

The meeting was attended by senior trade officials from member states, trade experts from Regional Economic Communities and other members of the Continental Task Force, such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the African Development Bank.

To meet the Agenda 2063’s aspirations, such as ’a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development’ and "an Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children", the establishment of CFTA-NF by 2017 is imperative.

 The Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Fatima Haram Acyl, indicated that the CFTA-NF presents significant welfare gains, output and employment expansion, and intra-African trade growth in the long run.

“I am confident that the end of 2017 will usher Africa into a new era where our traditional borders will become less important as a result of the establishment of the CFTA,” she said.

The meeting adopted the modalities that will guide  negotiations in tariff liberalisation and trade in services liberalisation..

General

Agriculture takes centre stage in Uganda

Agriculture takes centre stage in Uganda Estelle Greeff

Africa news

The country aims to increase agricultural exports to US$4 billion and halve the labour force engaged in subsistence production from six to three million.

Uganda has big plans to transform the country's agricultural sector to help grow the economy.Senior Ugandan government officials recently joined a team of private sector and development partner representatives for an intensive two-day meeting to develop a strategy to attract and increase investments in the country’s agricultural sector.

The meeting — organised in partnership with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) Agency —  reviewed the country’s Agriculture Sector Development Plan (ASSP) to identify opportunities for investment and to align it to the continental Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) which will present its biennial Inaugural Report review at the January 2018 AU Assembly.

Uganda’s national development blueprint, the National Development Plan II (NDP-II), that aims to propel the country towards middle-income status with a per capita income of US$1. 033 by 2020, places agriculture at the centre of this bold ambition.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Pius Wakabi Kasajja, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, reiterated that it is the government’s goal to transform Uganda from a predominantly peasant and low-income country to a competitive upper and middle-income country.

“We aim to transform agriculture in Uganda from subsistence to commercial farming. It holds the greatest potential for attaining inclusive economic growth, employment creation and boosting local, regional and international trade,” said Kasajja.

Agriculture is still a major force inUganda’s poverty reduction, economic growth and economic development. The sector’s contribution to economic development remains strong, with agriculture contributing 24 percent of the national gross domestic product and 52 percent of total export earnings in 2015/16.

The sector is expected to contribute to wealth and employment creation through the implementation of actions for the value chain development of 12 priority commodities, namely: bananas, beans, maize, rice, cassava, tea, coffee, fruits and vegetables, dairy, fish and livestock (meat); and four strategic commodities, namely, cocoa, cotton, oil seeds and oil palm.

Over the NDP-II period, the government aims to increase agricultural exports to
US$4 billion by 2020, from the current USD1.3 billion, and halve the labour force engaged in subsistence production from six to three million.

The meeting in Uganda is the third to be held in the continent after Nairobi (Kenya) in December and in Abuja (Nigeria) last week, as part of revamping the National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs) linked to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) process. Similar meetings will be held in Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Senegal this month.

Speaking on behalf of the AUC’s Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Ernest Ruzindaza, the AUC-CAADP Team Leader noted that the NAIPs are the central tool for implementing the AUC’s CAADP, as they translate continental and country aspirations into an evidence-based plan with clear targets, budgets and mutual accountability.

The NAIPs are also key to realising the ambitions of Africa’s Agenda 2063, a detailed 50-year framework for transforming African economies through inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“We all have a key role to play in energising the agriculture sector in Uganda in a bid to ensure food security in this country, create employment and accelerate the growth of the country’s economy,” said Ruzindaza.

Source: AfricanUnion.org

Rural development

This month in history

This month in history Estelle Greeff

Africa news

21 March 1966 The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was first proclaimed a United Nations’ Day of observance in 1966. The day was inspired by events that took place six years earlier, when police shot and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. The Sharpeville Massacre is also observed as Human Rights’ Day locally. The theme for The International Day for The Elimination of Racial Discrimination is “Racism and Sport”.

The theme was chosen to highlight racism in sport, which has been a problem in sports around the world.

Source: sahistory.org

General

SS Mendi: A 100-year voyage to peace

SS Mendi: A 100-year voyage to peace Estelle Greeff
written by Edwin Tshivhidzo
South Africa marked the 100th anniversary of what has been described as one of the 20th century's worst maritime disasters in British waters. On 21 February 1917, a large cargo steamship, Darro, collided with the Mendi in the English Channel, south of the Isle of Wight. Mendi sank killing 646 people, most of them black South African troops.

South Africa marked the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi during Armed Forces Day. The Mendi sank in the English Channel, south of the Isle of Wight.About 616 South Africans, 607 of which were black troops plus 30 crew members, mostly from Britain, died in the tragedy. About 139 of the soldiers who died were from the Eastern Cape.

The SS Mendi was chartered by the British government as a troop carrier to serve in World War 1, carrying 823 members of the Fifth Battalion. They had completed 34 days of the voyage from Cape Town to England, and were on their way to France to the war when tragedy struck in the English Channel.

South Africa took the opportunity to mark the tragedy during Armed Forces Day last month. The day is held annually to display the country’s military prowess, so it was a fitting tribute to the troops whose lives were lost in pursuit of a better world at peace with itself.

Addressing the crowds during the event held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, President Jacob Zuma paid homage to the troops who lost their lives a century ago to the day.

“Black people had volunteered to join the First World War in order to fight against fascism. They were ahead of their time. They were internationalists who loved peace and justice.

“They also joined the war believing that their contribution would lead to better treatment back home after the war by the colonial masters.

“Unfortunately their sacrifice did not earn them any respect from the rulers of the time. They were not allowed to carry weapons and were to be utilised as labourers rather than as fighting soldiers. They were also never decorated or awarded any medals at the end of the war.

“That is the painful history we come from, a history of brutal and blatant racism and colonialism,” said President Zuma.

President Zuma said Armed Forces Day should be understood in the context of promoting a better understanding of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

“It provides an opportunity to promote better understanding of the SANDF and its role in the consolidation and defence of our democracy and our people… Through the Military Skills Development System, the SANDF has continued to recruit healthy and fit young people to join the South African National Defence Force.

“They can be artisans, doctors, nurses, engineers and whatever they want to be within the Armed Forces. Over the past three years, the SANDF has recruited over 11 000 young people.”

President Zuma said the SANDF has trained 6 000 students, who are part of the National Rural Youth Service Corps.

Locals were pleased that Armed Forces Day was commemorated in their city.

“I am happy that today I was able to see the army and what they are capable of doing. I have also learnt a lot from this event,” said Mzwakhe Nkambule from KwaMashu.

Jabulani Skhakhane from Stanger said it was important for people to know what the army does. “We need the army to protect us.”

The event was marked by a SANDF parade by all spheres, a flypast and demonstration of military vehicles.

General