Written by: Nosihle Shelembe

The Gauteng government is making progress in improving transport in the province.

The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, has launched a R170 million state-of-the-art A Re Yeng bus depot in Tshwane.

“We wish to compliment the City of Tshwane for taking the bold decision yesterday to introduce A Re Yeng bus services in Mamelodi, even though the infrastructure is not in place,” Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi said. The MEC was speaking during at the launch held under the theme ‘Transforming and Modernising Public Transport in Gauteng’.

The operating company for A Re Yeng is wholly-owned by the taxi industry in the region.

“This is a wonderful example of the municipality and the taxi industry going the proverbial ‘extra mile’ in service of our communities,” MEC Vadi said.

Provincial road network

The provincial department has a road network of 5 638km, with 4 250km being paved roads. The network includes 676 bridges and 428 culverts.

“We have been hard at work to maintain and upgrade this network. Yet, we are deeply disappointed by the damage that is being done to this network by overloaded freight vehicles and at times community protesters,” MEC Vadi said.

The total asset value of the network is calculated at R25.5 billion.

During Transport Month, the department will officially open new bus-rapid transit routes in the Tshwane city centre and host a rail summit with PRASA to look at safety and service delivery standards, specifically along the Vereeniging-Johannesburg corridor.

A new technological application for travelling information and a pilot of the integrated e-ticket across Gautrain and BRT systems in the province will also be launched.

 

Written by Nosihle Shelembe

The Ministry of Police and AgriSA will work together to develop a plan of action to create safety in farming communities.

“We must attend to farm killings as well as attacks… but equally, we must prevent any form of disruption with regard to production that takes place at the level of the farms,” Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said during a briefing recently. 

The briefing followed a meeting between the Minister and AgriSA to discuss the National Rural Safety Strategy.

“Our programme of safety is to ensure that there is safety in rural areas, order and accessibility to the police in those areas,” Minister Mbalula said.

The plan must include increased police visibility. The South African Police Service (SAPS) also undertook to sharpen its approach to rural safety; farmers must form an integral part of that approach.

A total of 1 181 police reservists have been enrolled for training and will be deployed across the rural areas.

Minister Mbalula said farmers must interact with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure  regarding planning, ensuring protection and preventing crime in all areas.

“We have an obligation to make sure that everybody's safety and security is guaranteed, as it is required by the Constitution,” Minister Mbalula said.

AgriSA CEO Omri van Zyl said the Minister’s commitment to implementing a strategy where the SAPS and AgriSA work closely together to benefit farmers and farm workers is encouraging.

“I think this partnership will help us to lift the spirit and the sense of security that we will have in our country, including rural areas,” said Van Zyl.

“This boils down to creating a safe South Africa, creating a rural village we can live in, and creating an environment where farmers and South Africans can reinvest in the economy as well as an environment where we can show progress and prosperity for our farmers and South Africans,” Van Zyl said.

Written by Noluthando Motswai

The Department of Basic Education is ready for the 2017 Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination.

The Department of Basic Education is finalising preparations for more than 600 000 full-time pupils to sit for the 2017 matric exams. This is according to Minister of Education Angie Motshekga who recently gave an update on preparations. The registration of NSC examination centres and candidates has been completed and final verification of the data was underway at the start of October.

Question papers have been set and externally moderated, according to Minister Motshekga.

“There are 636 814 registered full-time and 161 475 part-time candidates in the 2017 examinations, 37 000 less than 2016 in terms of full-time enrolment,” she said.

KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have the largest enrolments with 169 023 and 112 164 matrics pupils respectively.

Limpopo has 110 639, while Eastern Cape registered 92 755 candidates for the 2017 exams.

“To avert leakage of 2017 question papers, all 212 storage points across the country have been audited to ensure compliance with the minimum security standards. Storage points that do not comply will not be allowed to store question papers," said the Minister.

The department has conducted provincial visits to track learner performance throughout the year.

“Some provinces have done better than others in this respect, but the meeting resolved that as we prepare for the last push before the examinations, provinces will focus on ensuring they provide adequate support to learners.”

The examinations will start on 24 October 2017 and finish on 29 November 2017. The results will be announced on 4 January 2018. Candidates will collect their statements of results on 5 January 2018 at the centre where they wrote their examinations.

Second Chance Matric Support Programme

The department is also on a national campaign to help learners who are preparing to write their matric exams for the second time through the Second Chance Matric Support Programme.

The programme is designed to give out-of-school youth who have been unable to meet the requirements of the NSC the opportunity to complete matric or improve their original results.

The programme has been a huge success, with thousands of young South Africans registered to write the examinations in either the March supplementary sitting or the June sitting.

About 159 269 part-time candidates have registered to write in November 2017.

 

News in brief

Banyana Banyana have been crowned winners of the 2017 COSAFA Women's Championship after they triumphed 2-1 in the final against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Sport and Recreation Minister Thulas Nxesi congratulated the team. 

"I take this opportunity to congratulate SAFA for this recent national team achievement and most importantly, the current Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. She once more stands out as the champion of patriotism by becoming the first individual to win the COSAFA Women's Championship as both a player and a coach,” Minister Nxesi said.

wriiten by Neo Semono

The community of Mdantsane, Eastern Cape will now experience better health services.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa recently unveiled the new wing of Cecilia Makiwane Hospital near East London in the Eastern Cape.

The new wing is expected to  improve access to healthcare for people living in and around Mdantsane.

“It is a facility that will allow us to expand government’s e-health strategy by providing advanced clinical support to rural areas. These investments in infrastructure, technology and innovation will contribute significantly to improve the health outcomes for the people of Mdantsane and the region,” said the Deputy President. 

He said investments in infrastructure to the tune of R1 billion would support local economic development in the townships.

“They will also support local government efforts to improve community infrastructure. As we revitalise public health infrastructure, we are also expanding opportunities for local communities to improve their lives through job creation and local enterprise development.”

The 526-bed hospital is supported by an integrated system that will ensure that patients get efficient and quality healthcare. The integrated system, which uses technological innovation, will cut down patient waiting times, improve diagnosis and improve health outcomes.

The hospital will provide support to districts and maternity units through telemedicine and outreach programmes run by specialist teams.

“This state-of-the-art health facility is a victory in our people’s cause to build a united, equal, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society,” said the Deputy President. 

The hospital is named after South African nursing pioneer Cecilia Makiwane, who was South Africa’s first professional black nurse.

In her honour, 15 years ago government  introduced the Cecilia Makiwane Nurses’ Recognition Award for distinguished healthcare professionals. As both a teacher and nurse, Makiwane chose vocations where she would make her greatest contributions to the betterment of people’s lives.

Local government

Ravi Pillay,the MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements and Public Works, together with Darryl Mayers, Head of Investec Property South Africa, and eThekwini Municipality,  officially opened the brand new 65 000m² Cornubia Mall near Mount Edgecombe in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The opening of Cornubia Mall marks a major milestone for its investors, eThekwini Municipality, the various stakeholders and the people of this community. It is the manifestation of blue sky thinking that can be achieved with partnerships between government and business,” said Councillor Sipho Kaunda, Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, at the launch of the new development.

“The mall, set within the Cornubia Presidential Project, acts as a link between a number of communities from varied economic backgrounds and offers opportunities for employment, skills transfers, economic growth and development.

We are happy as eThekwini Municipality to see that the mall has taken up the charge and continues to work with its local communities in creating a sustainable Cornubia community.”

“Now home to over 110 retailers, we are thrilled to see the mall completed after eight years in the making – from acquiring the land until the doors were opened today, this has been an immense project,” said Mayers.

The indoor/outdoor facility offers an experience for the whole family and offers world-class shopping, entertainment and an outdoor lifestyle for an active community.

“There is room for further growth of the mall and there is already a plan underway for a 20 000m² expansion in the future. The second phase will include a further 70 stores that will be added. The mall has brought infrastructure, jobs and skills transfer and improved transport to residents within the Cornubia development and surrounding communities.

“We estimate that it will create about 1 100 permanent jobs, while at least 2 500 temporary jobs were created during construction. We encouraged the retailers to employ from the surrounding communities. To date we helped 1 100 people with work-readiness programmes and just under 300 people were hired. This will be an ongoing journey to create local employment opportunities,” Mayers added.

 Cornubia is a joint venture between the National Department of Human Settlements, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements, eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett Development. When complete, the establishment will boast 28 000 mixed income housing units, light industrial factories, retail parks, schools and various businesses.

*Article from eThekwini Municipality.

Written by Noluthando Motswai

Every October senior citizens around the world are honoured for their contribution to humanity.

In 1990 the United Nations declared 1 October as International Day of Older Persons. 

This year it is commemorated under the theme ‘Stepping into the future: tapping the talents, contributions and participation of older persons in society’.

Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe led national celebrations in Tshwane recently at Noma Day Care Centre in Ga-Rankuwa.

“Senior citizens remain the treasure trove of our society… I am humbled by the fact that the theme for this year encourages all of us to look into the talents, contributions and participation of senior citizens,” said the Minister.

The aim of the day is to promote the development of a society for all ages without the exclusion of older persons. Minister Radebe said government commemorates this day as a way to teach South Africans, particularly the youth, to always take good care of senior citizens.

The Minister encouraged South Africans to reach out to communities and raise awareness about senior citizens’ rights.

Minister Radebe was accompanied by Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini.

Minister Dlamini said the Department of Social Development has identified the month of October to reach out, meet and interact with the poor citizens of South Africa, especially those who live in rural communities.

“This is conducted in the context of government’s vision of addressing the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality, and the month will be guided by the theme ‘Working Together to Build Caring and Sustainable Communities for All.’

“This campaign will be taking place through the efforts of the department in collaboration with its entities, the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency. It will be done as part of government’s initiative to restore the dignity of our people throughout the month of October and beyond.”

The celebration of elderly people coincided with the launch of Social Development Month.

"This month we focus on profiling the work done by the department. We will also align it with the life of Oliver Tambo, whose life we are celebrating this year. We will also be holding the Golden Games for Older Persons, as well as children’s programmes,” said Minister Dlamini.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Guardian's Fund manages funds on behalf of those who cannot do it themselves. 

The Guardian's Fund was established to hold and administer funds for people who are unable to do so, such as a mentally ill person who inherited a large sum of money, or the money of young children, unborn heirs, or missing persons.

The Guardian's Fund falls under the administration of the Master of the High Court.

A Master of the High Court is appointed for every provincial division of the High Court of South Africa. 

The Master of the High Court administers estates of deceased and insolvent persons in accordance with the law.

This office also protects the interests of minors and legally incapacitated persons.

“The purpose of the Guardian’s Fund is to protect the funds of minors, persons lacking legal competence and capacity, known or unknown, absent as well as untraceable beneficiaries,” said Katekane Mathye, Assistant Master in the Office of the Chief Master.

Mathye said money which remains unclaimed in the Guardian’s Fund for 30 years is forfeited to the state.

Money can only be deposited into the Guardian’s Fund if the funds were generated legally.

A guardian, tutor, curator or a person looking after a minor can claim funds held by the Guardian’s Fund.

When the Master receives or accepts any money an account must be opened in the books of the Guardian's Fund in the name of the person to whom the money belongs, or the estate of which that money forms part.

The money in the Guardian's Fund is invested with the Public Investment Commission and audited annually.

The interest is calculated monthly at a rate per year determined from time to time by the Minister of Finance. The interest is compounded monthly.

A minor account holder, as well as a person who cannot look after their own affairs, can claim maintenance from the Guardian's Fund.

Mathye said the Master is entitled to pay all accrued interest as well as up to R250 000 from the invested capital for maintenance, like school and university fees, clothes, sporting and computer equipment, medical fees, board and lodging and any other needs that can be motivated.

The guardian or person looking after the person of the account holder can claim this maintenance.

The claim can be made by submitting an application by completing the J341 form, supported by quotations and accounts.

Payments can be made directly to the service deliverer, like schools, universities and bookshops.

Minors can claim the invested money as well as the accrued interest on reaching their 18th birthday, marriage or declaration by the High Court of majority.

Money can be claimed by the account holder when entitled by way of an application using form J251, supported by a certified copy of the account holder's identity document and other supporting documents.

Mathye said untraced or undetermined beneficiaries can be claimed by the account holder when the account comes to their attention.

The Master advertises in the Government Gazette every year all accounts that have become claimable.

Services of the Guardian's Fund are free of charge and account holders pay no administration costs.

 

For more information about the Guardianís Fund visit: www.justice.gov.za

 

Senior Assistant State Attorney, (Lp5-Lp6)

(02 Posts)

Reference: 17/36/Sa

Salary: R453 435 – R1 069 791 (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement

Requirements:  An LLB or 4 year recognized legal qualification; Admission as an Attorney; At least 4 years appropriate post qualification legal/litigation experience; A thorough knowledge of legal practice, office management, accounting systems and trust accounts; The right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa; Knowledge of the government prescripts and transformation objective as well as the Constitution of South Africa; Conveyancing experience; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Mr. M. Kooko ( (012) 315 1164

Office Manager

Reference: 17/30/Sa

Salary: R334 545 – R394 065 per annum. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: An appropriate 3 year degree/National Diploma or equivalent qualification; 3 years appropriate experience of which at least one year should have been at supervisory level; Knowledge of Performance Management System and Financial Management in the Public Service will be an added advantage; Knowledge of the Public Service and the working of Government; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Mr. M. Kooko (012) 315 1164

Assistant State Attorney, (Lp3-Lp4)

Reference: 17/35/Sa

Salary:  R265 284 – R759 603. (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

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

Enquiries: Mr. M. Kooko (012) 315 1164

Closing Date: 20 October 2017

Note: Interested applicants may visit the following website: www.justice.gov.za or www.dpsa.gov.za to view the full job specification of the above positions.

Applications must be submitted on Form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za. A Z83 form & CV must be accompanied by original certified copies of qualifications, identity document and a driver’s licence where necessary. A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applications that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will not be considered. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments). Candidate will complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. If the candidate is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV. The DOJ&CD is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts the objectives of section 195 (1) (i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No: 108 of 1996), the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No: 55 of 1998) and relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into consideration. Reasonable accommodation shall be applied for People with Disabilities including where drivers licence is a requirement. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a personnel vetting process. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you do not hear from us within 3 months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Target.

Legal Administration Officer (MR-3): note: (Contract appointment ending 30 September 2018)

Reference: 17/TEMP08/NW

Salary: R226 227– R258 672 (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: An LLB Degree or 4 year recognised legal qualification; At least 2 years appropriate post qualification legal experience; A valid driver’s licence. The following will serve as an added advantage: Knowledge of South African Legal System and legal practices with specific reference to civil litigation; Knowledge of criminal procedures and practice; Knowledge and experience in office administration.

Enquiries: Ms G Tabane (018) 397 7054

Maintenance Officer: (4 Posts) (Contract Appointment Ending 30 September 2018)

Note: This Is Re-Advertisement, Candidates Who Previously Applied Are Encouraged To Re-Apply

Reference: 2017/07con/MP; Centre: Evander Magistrate Office

Reference: 2017/09con/MP; Centre: Kwamhlanga Magistrate Office

Reference: 2017/08con/MP; Centre: Kriel Magistrate Office

Reference: 2017/10con/MP; Centre: White River Magistrate Office

Salary: R174 606 + 37% per annum in lieu of benefits. (Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: LLB degree or equivalent qualification (B. Proc).

Enquiries: Ms N C Maseko ( (013) 753 9300 Ext. 224

Closing date: 27 October 2017

Note: Interested applicants may visit the following website: www.justice.gov.za or www.dpsa.gov.za to view the full job specification of the above positions. Applications must be submitted on Form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za. A Z83 form & CV must be accompanied by original certified copies of qualifications and identity document and a driver’s licence where necessary. A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applications that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will not be considered. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments). Candidate will complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. If the candidate is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV.

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

Tel: 012 315 1111 Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001 Momentum Centre, 329 Pretorius Street, Pretoria www.justice.gov.za @DOJCD_ZA at DOJCD

Assistant Director: Fraud Investigation and Anti Corruption

Centre: Provincial Office: Free State
Reference No: HR 4/4/8/122

Salary: Commencing: R334 545.00 per annum

Enquiries: Ms Z Mabena Tel: (051) 5056 280

Provincial Office

Chief Director: Provincial Operations: P O Box 522, Bloemfontein, 9300 or hand  Deliver at Laboria House, 43 Charlotte Maxeke Street, Bloemfontein

Deputy Director: Public Employment Services

Centre: Provincial Office: East London

Reference No: HR 4/4/1/87

Salary: Commencing: All inclusive: R779 295 per annum

Enquiries: Mr B.H Gama, Tel: (043) 701 3128

Provincial Office

Chief Director: Provincial Operations: Private Bag X9005, East London, 5200 Or hand deliver at 03 Hill Street, East London.

Principal Inspector: Civil and Construction Engineering

Centre: Provincial Office: East London
Reference: HR 4/4/1/94
Salary: Commencing: R 417 552 per annum 

Enquiries: Mr MM Mafani Tel: (043) 701 3032/3279

Provincial Office

Chief Director: Provincial Operations: Private Bag X 9005, East London, 5201 or  Hand delivered at No. 3 Hill street, East London

Tel: 012 315 1111 Private Bag X81, Pretoria

Occupational Therapist Grade 1 (Disability Management) (2 posts)

Centre: Provincial Office: Kimberley –
Reference No: HR 4/4/8/294 (1 post)

Provincial Office: Western Cape –
Reference No: HR 4/4/10/155(1 post)

Salary: Commencing: R459 558 – R510 042 per annum (OSD)

Enquiries: Dr IP Jood- Molaolwe Tel: (053) 838 1589

Ms Z Maimane, Tel: (021) 441 8125

Provincial Office

Chief Director:  Provincial Operations, Private Bag X 5012, Kimberley, 8301 or  Hand deliver:  c/o Pniel & Compound street, Kimberley

Chief Director: Provincial Operations: PO Box 872, Cape Town, 8000 or  Hand deliver Cnr Riebeeck & Long Street, No 9 Long Street, Cape Town

Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations  

Centre: Labour Centre: Germiston

Reference No: HR 4/4/5/116

Salary: Commencing: All inclusive: R 779 295.00 per annum

Enquiries: Mr EM Khambula, Tel: (031) 366 2201

Provincial Office

Chief Director: Provincial Operations: KwaZulu-Natal. PO Box 940 Durban 4000

Assistant Director:  Risk Management

Directorate: Risk Management, Head Office
Reference: HR 4/17/10/17HO

Salary: Commencing: R 334 545 per annum

Enquiries: Mr A Ngxanga Tel: (012) 309 4166

Provincial Office

Chief Director: Human Resources Management: Private Bag X 117, Pretoria, 0001 or hand deliver at  215 Francis Baard Street.

Closing date for applications: Monday, 30 October 2017 at 16:00 www.labour.gov.za

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.

Closing date for applications: Monday, 30 October 2017 at 16:00

For full details of the advertised post visit our website: www.labour.gov.za

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

Director: Legal Services

Ref No: G3/A/2017
Chief Directorate: Legal Services
Total cost-to employer package: R948 174 per annum.

This inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the states’ contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion that may be structured i.t.o. the applicable rules.

Centre: HSRC Building, Pretoria

Requirements: An undergraduate Law/Legal qualification (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA plus 5 years of experience at a middle/senior managerial level in the field of legal services. Knowledge of the Public Service legislation. Knowledge of legislative drafting and contract formulation. Competencies: Communication skills. People Management and Empowerment skills. Financial Management skills. Client orientation and customer focus skills. Planning and organising skills. Programme and project management skills. Problem-solving skills. Policy analysis skills. Business ethics. Legal administration skills. Research skills. Attributes: Ability to work under pressure. Positive. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Confident. Patient. Accurate. Systematic & logical. Adaptable. Disciplined. Trustworthy. Diplomacy. Assertive. Persuasive.

Duties: Provide legislative review and drafting services and coordinate inputs as well as liaison thereof. Formulate contracts and provide litigation management services. Provide legal advice, opinions and prepare legal documents for the Department, State Law Advisor and provinces. Conduct administrative legal actions to ensure compliance. Advice on the drafting and monitoring of service level agreements. Ensure legal compliance with national, international and continental instruments.

Enquiries: Adv N Dladla, Tel: 012 312-7985

Note: In terms of the Chief Directorate’s employment equity targets, White males and African females as well as persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications: The Director General, Department of Social Development, Private Bag X901, Pretoria, 0001, Physical Address: HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street.

For attention: Ms E Steenkamp

Closing date: 27 October 2017

Note: Curriculum vitae with a detailed description of duties, the names of two referees and certified copies of qualifications and identity document must accompany your signed application for employment (Z83). In the event of hand delivery of applications, applicants must sign an application register book as proof of submission. Short listed candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments) The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. The successful candidate for a SMS post will sign an annual performance agreement, complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. If the candidate is applying for an OSD post, certificates of service must be attached to the CV. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit the requested documents will result in your application not being considered. Personnel suitability checks will be conducted on short listed candidates and the appointment is subject to positive outcomes of the checks. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The selection of candidates will be done with due regard to the relevant aspects of the selection process as set out in the Public Service Regulations, 2016 Chapter 4/67. Applications received after the closing date will not be taken into consideration. No faxed or e-mailed applications will be considered. If you have not been contacted within three months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Candidates requiring additional information regarding the advertised post may direct their enquiries to the person as indicated. Internal applicants must submit and register their employment applications at the register book in the DSD reception area for the attention of Ms E Steenkamp.

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

Written by Siya Miti

The recently unveiled Wittekleibosch farm’s state-of-the-art dairy outside Tsitsikamma is a partnership between 152 AmaMfengu families and their partner dairy farmer, Johan du Plessis, to commercially produce milk on the farm.

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform's (DRDAR) investment was used to build a new 66-point rotary milking facility.

The dairy produces 16 000 litres of milk a day that it sells to giant food producer, Parmalat, through an offtake agreement.

Eastern Cape Rural Development MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane hailed the project as an example of the “radical economic transformation” that is necessary to grow the country’s economy and create jobs.

“Government is investing in black-owned businesses, encouraging partnerships between South Africans to work together in their commercial business and [remove] market blockages so that all of us can benefit from the economic opportunities," said the MEC.

The 152 AmaMfengu families who were dispossessed of their land by the apartheid government at the height of the Group Areas Act, own Wittekleibosch farm.

MEC Qoboshiyane said that the provincial government had invested R32 million because it recognised the viability of the dairy farm and saw how committed the Wittekleibosch Dairy Trust members were to growing their business.

Boosting revenue, productivity

The provincial government’s investment has boosted the farm’s productivity by 60 percent.

The joint venture has also created 40 permanent jobs. One of the beneficiaries, Nowethu Msizi, who was 42-years-old when they were evicted from the land, described the opening of the dairy as having restored the AmaMfengu’s legacy and dignity.

“We will ensure we leave a legacy of fighting poverty through agriculture. Now our children will be able to benefit from this establishment hence we are very happy with this development. This establishment will change our lives for better,” said Msizi.

Written by Noluthando Motswai

Putting words into action, government, has allocated R2.5 billion to upgrade, maintain and build police stations.

About 28 villages with a population of 33 000 people now have access to justice with the opening of a new police station in Malipsdrift in Limpopo.

Speaking at Ga-Mathabatha, outside Lebowakgomo in Limpopo during the official opening of Malipsdrift Police Station Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula said the biggest crimes in the area include rape, sexual offences, gender-based violence, burglary, drug abuse and hijacking.

“I am happy that the new police station will address community concerns of a lack of police services.”

Minister Mbalula appealed to the community to work together with the police and also be patient with the young officers who are still learning.

He also condemned crime and corruption in the area and urged the community to look after the new police station.

“The new police station will be fully equipped with a victim-empowerment protection centre that will ensure that victims of crime are serviced accordingly.”

Mbalula emphasised that no victim would be turned back or chased away from any police station and victims should be treated with respect and dignity.

The police station will also assist in the fight against crime and illegal chrome mining in the village and surrounding areas.

The area and Atok village have seen an increase in illegal chrome mining.

Budget allocations

During Minister Mbalula’s budget vote he said R2.5 billion had been allocated to build, upgrade and maintain police stations.

The Ministry of Police plans to build 63 additional police stations at an estimated cost of R588.3 million.

Minister Mbalula also said his department planned to replace vehicles with odometer readings of about 200 000 kilometres as they constituted 35 percent of the total fleet at the end of 2015/16 and required significant maintenance each year.

An amount of R5.7 billion is allocated over the medium- term for transportation equipment, including vehicles, and R4.5 billion has been budgeted for fleet maintenance, he said. 

We have begun the October month, designated as a Social Development Month, Transport Month and the month of commemorating the Centenary of President Oliver Reginald Tambo, on a very high note.

We started by celebrating the International Day of Older Persons, which is observed on 01 October across the world, with senior citizens of the Noma Day Care Centre in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria. The date of October 01 has been set aside by the United Nations as the International Day for Older Persons and is this year commemorated under the theme, “Stepping into the future: tapping the talents, contributions and participation of older persons in society”.

We will continue to promote developmental welfare and social security services as well as care and support for children, older persons and people with disability.

Our commitment of improving the living conditions of all poor and vulnerable South Africans goes beyond the commemorations. It is our vision to address the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality through our Social Development programmes.

Amongst others, Government will, as much as possible, over the coming weeks spend quality time with senior citizens. We will use this time to promote awareness about services offered to older persons and remind South Africans to respect and uphold the dignity of all senior citizens.

Our senior citizens have contributed and continue to contribute significantly to the development of our country. They grew up in an oppressive society where injustice was deep-rooted and opportunities to express their views and concerns were non-existent.  They also continue to experience high incidents of all forms of abuse.

We therefore call on South Africans, especially the youth, to value; respect and take good care of our senior citizens during the month of October and beyond.

Government will hold dialogues with senior citizens in communities to determine and ensure that existing policies and legislative frameworks are able to sufficiently address the challenges posed by an ageing population.

This month we must also work harder to fight the abuse of women and children and build more caring communities, as part of the campaigns of social development month.

Long live OR Tambo

During this month we also celebrate the life and legacy of President Oliver Reginald Tambo. Tambo always remained faithful in the fight against the liberation of the oppressed and poor South Africans. Already across the country, various activities are taking place in honour of this colossus of the struggle for our liberation and a symbol of unity. On 27 October 2017, the birthdate of President OR Tambo, we will converge in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape for the National Centenary celebration of OR Tambo.

In November last year, I established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to prepare for the celebration of the centenary of this founding father of our liberation and constitutional democracy. He continues to inspire all of us to do better to improve the lives of our people particularly in the fight to defeat poverty, unemployment and inequality. Through his remembrance and centenary celebration, we are working together to ensure that his legacy and heritage is known, understood, affirmed and celebrated. 

Transport Month

October is also Transport Month. Our transport networks in the country are the arteries of our economy, moving people to the workplace as well as moving goods to the marketplace, while ensuring the safety of our citizens.

As we have observed, if the transport sector fails, the whole system collapses because goods and services cannot be moved and people cannot get to work to generate the much-needed economic activity that contributes to our Gross Domestic Product.

Through the Department of Transport, Government’s fundamental task is to improve access to economic opportunities, social spaces and services by bridging geographic distances in an affordable and reliable manner while ensuring safety at all times.

In this regard, and in the light of the unacceptable fatalities on our roads, we wish to reiterate the absolute importance for all our road users to obey the rules of the road,  ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles and clamp down on all transgressions.

We will also be mobilising all our transport modes to be reliable, of acceptable quality and safety in line with what is envisaged in our socio-economic blueprint, the National Development Plan.

The Department of Transport will thus this month focus, amongst others, on programmes and projects that will create jobs through infrastructure and direct transport services. Through the many campaigns across the country, government will increase the direct user benefits of transport which include reductions in travel times and fuel consumption, increased reliability, and increased safety in the movement of people and goods. 

We also hope that businesses, as drivers of our economy, will benefit directly when goods can be moved faster and at lower cost.  Government will continue its nationwide infrastructure programme as an important aspect of our Transport Month.

Let us therefore continue on this momentum to work together as we execute the three most important campaigns of this month of October; Social Development Month, Transport Month and the celebration of the centenary of  Oliver Reginald Tambo.

Government has declared this year the Year of OR Tambo. The National Centenary celebrations will take place on 27 October in Mbizana, Eastern Cape.

Written by More Matshediso

Government is giving young people a chance to explore their talents and unleash their creative potential.

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in the Presidency has launched the National Development Plan (NDP) Brand Ambassador Programme.

The launch formed part of the fifth anniversary of the NDP.

The NDP Brand Ambassador Programme aims to promote youth entrepreneurship to boost economic growth, increase employment, and reduce poverty and inequality.

The NDP has specific goals and a vision for South Africa. Minister Jeff Radebe said government’s mission is to transform the economic landscape and make it more inclusive and address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“Entrepreneurship is a fundamental endeavour for economic emancipation, especially in our rapidly changing industrial landscape. A country enhances its prosperity through investment in new ideas, new opportunities and new jobs,” said Minister Radebe during the launch. 

Close to 40 young people were named as NDP ambassadors.
“I am confident that as ambassadors you will serve the country with honour and diligence and enthusiastically champion the values and principles of the NDP.”

Amongst the selected NDP ambassadors is Promise Machimane (32).  After being retrenched from a job in banking, Machimane refused to stay down even though she faced unemployment for a number of years.

“During this depressing time I was motivated to establish a company with just R1 000 capital.”

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mia Sanitary Towels and Mia Foundation. Her company manufactures sanitary towels and baby diapers, among eight other products.

It exports products to Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and Lesotho.

Mia Sanitary Towels has created about 157 jobs with Machimane hoping to increase this number.

“It is exciting to be amongst those selected as NDP ambassadors. This means that my vision to assist other youth will be more realistic. It means that I will be part of a bigger vision, to assist young people to pursue entrepreneurship and for them to see the actual picture of our economy,” said Machimane.

She believes that her responsibilities include clarifying what the South African Government wants young people to do through the NDP.

The identified ambassadors will be guided by mentors who will help them implement projects, and each ambassador will be expected to recruit people who want to start businesses.

Innovation in HIV treatment pricing means that more patients will not default on treatment and help boost efforts to decrease the disease in the country.

A ground-breaking pricing agreement has been reached that will fast- track the availability of the first affordable, generic, single-pill HIV treatment regimen containing Dolutegravir.

Dolutegravir is a medication used for the treatment of HIV infection.

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, together with a number of international organisations and agencies, reached the pricing agreement recently.

The new fixed-dose combination will be available to low- and middle-income countries at a reduced price of US$75 (just over R1 000) per person, per year.

Accelerating treatment

The agreement is expected to fast-track treatment roll-out as part of global efforts to reach all 36.7 million people living with HIV with high-quality antiretroviral therapy.

The announcement will likely have a significant impact on the HIV treatment programme in South Africa’s public health sector.

The HIV programme has grown from 923 000 patients on treatment in 2009 to 3.9 million patients on treatment by the end of August 2017.

In September 2016, the Minister announced the roll-out of the test and treat initiative with the aim to have six million HIV-positive patients on treatment by 2022.

Benefits for patients

South Africa will introduce the new fixed-dose combination of three drugs, Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir (TLD) in April 2018. It is projected this new regimen at the price announced will save South Africa more than R11 billion over the next six years.

Apart from the financial savings, which will decrease pressure on the national fiscus, its introduction will also have significant benefits for patients.

Dolutegravir is a highly effective antiretroviral, which is well tolerated by patients and has fewer side effects.

Patients are, therefore, more likely to be adherent and more likely to be virally suppressed – which means that they are not likely to transmit the virus to others.

Massive savings

“I am excited about this innovative agreement which will allow the government of South Africa to accelerate the introduction of the Dolutegravir-based fixed-dose combination, which will greatly benefit our patients due to its superior therapeutic qualities,” said Minister Motsoaledi.

“The considerable price reductions could yield savings of up to R11.7 billion over the next six years for us, which means that we can initiate additional patients on treatment with the same amount of resources. Ramping up treatment with good viral suppression will enable us to reach HIV epidemic control more quickly. We are aiming at launching the new tender in April 2018,” Minister Motsoaledi said.

The South African Government together with the Government of Kenya, in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNITAID, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDSRelief, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, worked on the pricing agreement.

South Africa’s commitment to make TLD available to patients was key to securing the pricing agreement.

written by Edwin Tshivhidzo

Local government

Government's housing programme in Germiston, Ekurhuleni has given residents in the area a place to call home.

Melta Maluleke, a mother of four, recently became a beneficiary of government’s housing programme in Germiston, Ekurhuleni.

Maluleke’s family is among those who now have a stable environment to call home. A total of 140 affordable housing units have been built in Germiston to improve the lives of disadvantaged people.

The new houses also cater for people with disabilities.

Maluleke, who is originally from Limpopo, lived in a shack in Orlando East before taking ownership of the new house. Life was difficult in a shack, especially in winter and during rainy days when she had to go out to fetch water.

“Staying in a shack with kids was not pleasant at all,” said Maluleke.

Echoing the same sentiments was Wilfred Sindane, who lives with his family in the same area. Sindane told Vuk’uzenzele that their lives have changed for the better now that they live in a new concrete house.

“Our children can do their schoolwork without any hindrances,” said Sindane.

Another proud owner of a new house is Zukiswa Mhlakaza, who initially lived in an informal settlement in Freedom Square. Mhlakaza, who now lives in a newly developed area in Clayville, near Tembisa in Ekurhuleni, had lived in an informal settlement for the past 20 years.

“I am happy that I now have a house of my own. Life here is much better,” she said.

Mhlakaza is visually impaired and unemployed. She depends on a social grant to support herself and her three grandchildren. She now gets by with the help of her neighbours.

“The neighbours here are very good people who look after me.”

The newly built homes in Germiston and Clayville are in areas that are next to bus routes to make it easier for residents to travel to work and other amenities. There are also schools nearby for children to attend.

More than 100 housing units have been built in Clayville. The houses, which are one- and two-bedroomed, have space for a garden, especially those that are on the ground floor. The houses are fitted with solar-heated geyser systems.

Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has celebrated a twin milestone for its KwaZulu-Natal ports.

As part of its R1.4 billion, nine-tug construction contract, the company has named its seventh tug to roll off the South African Shipyards (SAS) production line Usiba. The new tug follows the uMbilo tug launched and named in May.

Usiba will be based in the Port of Richards Bay while uMbilo is based in Durban. Five tugs have already been delivered to Port Elizabeth, Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay.  SAS in Durban is building all nine tugs.

The name Usiba is derived from the isiZulu word for feather. In line with maritime tradition the ceremonial duty of christening the vessel was carried out by Lady Sponsor, Judith Nzimande.

TNPA General Manager: Strategy, Nico Walters, said SAS was playing a proactive role in helping to unlock the potential of the Phakisa: Oceans Economy. He said the Durban-based ship builder had upheld the highest standards of sustainability and socio-economic responsibility throughout the project.

“This project is a shining example of the potential for public private partnerships to create jobs and grow the economy,” he said.

Through the project the TNPA and SAS have created 500 direct and 3 500 indirect jobs with a minimum of 60 percent locally manufactured components.

The nine tugs are being built for the TNPA over three-and-a-half years as part of a wider fleet replacement programme that also includes new dredging vessels and new marine aviation helicopters.

The programme is aimed at improving operational efficiency in the ports. Having new and a powerful tugs in its ports will better enable the TNPA’s marine operations to speed up vessel turnaround times.

Usiba will be handed over to the Port of Richards Bay in November 2017. The eighth tug is due to be delivered in February 2018 and the ninth and final tug in June 2018.

Each of the TNPA’s nine new tugs is 31 metres long with a 70 ton bollard pull. They feature the latest global technology, such as Voith Schneider propulsion.

Written by Noluthando Motswai

As a homeless drug addict, Philani Dladla would never have imagined being a published author one day.

Today his book titled The Pavement Bookworm is available to residents of eThekwini as part of the One City One Book programme.

The aim is to empower local authors and encourage a reading culture among eThekwini residents.

The programme, which started in 2013, sees the municipality select one book each year to be read by eThekwini residents.  Dladla’s book was chosen.

The Pavement Bookworm is a story about Dladla's impoverished background, his  life as a street kid and his battle with drug addiction.

Dladla hopes his book will inspire young people to stay away from substance abuse.

“I hope young people can learn from my mistakes. Life on the streets is hard and kicking the drug habit is not easy. I am one of the lucky people because I am not dead or in jail.”

Dladla’s love for reading started when he was 12.

“A man my mother used to work for gave me a book – my first birthday gift ever. He said if I read the book and tell him what it was about he would buy me another one.”

Dladla, who is originally from Port Shepstone KwaZulu-Natal, dropped out of high school and opted to go to Johannesburg to try to make a life for himself.

He soon found a job, however, he was lured into drug abuse and his life spiralled out of control. He lost his job and flat and found himself living on the streets. 

“Living on the street made my drug-use even worse. I would sleep anywhere and [with] whatever money I got I would buy more drugs.”

He lived on the streets for about two years until books changed his life.

“People started giving me more books and I would do reviews on them and sell them to buy drugs. Some people started giving me self-help books that made me think more about my future.”

He started a reading club and the income he made from selling and reviewing books went to that project.

During this time, Dladla started writing his book about his life on the streets.

According to eThekwini municipality’s head of parks, recreation and culture, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Dladla’s book was chosen because it unpacks several sensitive issues that affect young people.

“It also details Dladla’s life journey; he was once homeless and lived under the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg,” said Ngcobo.

The book is already available in all 93 municipal libraries.

The municipality has purchased 186 copies of Dladla’s book.

Written by Nonkululeko Mathebula

Government’s Black Industrialists Programme is gaining momentum.

Food Company Maneli Pets, a subsidiary of Maneli Foods, opened its doors in 2015. The company manufactures pet food for markets in South Africa and abroad and has contributed to creating job opportunities for young people. 

The company’s growth is as a result of its own efforts and those of the Department of Trade and Industry (dti). The company received funding from the dti through its Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS).

The BIS is an incentive of the Black Industrialists Programme that aims to increase the number of black industrialists operating in South Africa through it does this deliberate, targeted and well-defined financial and non-financial interventions.

The funding helped the company to grow its footprint locally and internationally. Maneli Foods also obtained funding from the Industrial Development Corporation.

Managing Director of Maneli Pets Siphamandla Ndawonde said the funding was helpful.

“Although we received funding, we were also able to put an equity contribution of R8 million into the project and that helps us in reaching the heights we’ve reached so far.

“We are a fairly new business and we process and supply specialist premium pet treats to one of America’s largest pet food wholesalers in the form of game and ostrich by-products, such as bones, tendons, organs and meat.”

The company sources raw materials from farmers in Limpopo, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape. 

“One of the biggest drivers behind Maneli Foods and Pets is social entrepreneurship,” said Ndawonde. 

Nhlanhla Dlamini founded Maneli Foods which is based in Edenvale, east of Johannesburg. The business has created more than 42 jobs since it was first established and intends creating 80 direct jobs during the next five years.

Confidence Jali, who is an Assistant Production Manager at Maneli Pets, said as an employee, he gets recognition for his work.

“I started off as a lines manager and a couple months ago I was promoted to an Assistant Production Manager.

“This goes to show that management does hone our skills and is invested in our growth as well as its employees,” said Jali.

Mbali Khumalo who is a Quality Controller at the company said Maneli Pets has changed her life for the better.

“I  am able to do more for my family with the money that I get here and I’m just growing in my career each day,” said Khumalo.

Written by Thebe Itumeleng and Kelebogile Motseothata

Government is forging ahead with efforts to improve access to health services for all South Africans

The days of walking long distances to access healthcare will be a thing of the past for people living in Ba-Ga-Mothibi in Taung, North West.

The North West Department of Health is building a facility that will cost over R100 million and will benefit community members.

“I am happy that soon we will be getting medical attention closer to where we stay and in a modern facility. I have been living here in Sekhing Village for many years without a clinic,” said community member Mmina Thomas.

“To get … medical attention, we have to travel a long distance to either Kgomotso, Lower Majeakgoro or Upper Majeakgoro Clinic,” Thomas added.

Ba-Ga-Mothibi has a population of over 40 000 people and about 10 villages but has only five fixed facilities. Sekhing is one of the villages that has access to healthcare provided by a mobile clinic.

Sekhing resident Kagiso Seleke said he is happy that they no longer have to wait in long queues to get health services.

“I hope we will get all healthcare services we have been waiting for,” said Seleke.

According to the Acting Greater Taung Health Sub-District Manager Dr Olaotse Vincent Letong the new community health centre will relieve pressure on other healthcare facilities in Ba-Ga-Mothibi.

The facility is expected to create jobs in the area.
It will have general practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists, social workers, dieticians, and provide emergency, radiology and maternal services, as well as male medical circumcision.

The clinic will have an administration block, out-patient department, emergency block, crisis centre, male circumcision block, maternity block, services block including EMRS, and residences.

It will also have a generator set room including the generator, two water tanks for potable water and for other structures.

Improving health infrastructure

North West Department of Health is investing and making progress in improving health infrastructure in the province.

Over the past five years the department conducted an infrastructure assessment of health structures that needed to be refurbished and built.

To achieve this task, North West MEC for Health Magome Masike allocated R630 747 million for improving health infrastructure in the province.

More than half of the North West provincial health budget for the 2017/18 financial year was dedicated to the building and refurbishment of health structures.

A number of health facilities that are part of the project will either be refurbished or
built.    

*Thebe Itumeleng and Kelebogile Motseothata work for the North West Department of Health. 

Government is boosting efforts to develop and transform transport in the country.

The youth and women of Ekurhuleni are set to benefit from a multimillion Rand rail project, which is expected to start next year in Gauteng.

Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi recently announced that starting early in 2018 his department will invest R2.5 billion in the Etwatwa and Daveyton rail project, which will transport an average of 25 000 people daily.

“If you talk about radical socio-economic transformation, you talk about people on the ground, and you talk about empowering the youth. The majority of people to be employed in this project will be women and the youth,” Minister Maswanganyi said.

Almost 12 rail stations will be built to service Etwatwa and Daveyton in Ekurhuleni.

Minister Maswanganyi said the department will make sure that sub-contractors are sourced locally during the implementation of the project to empower local communities.

“We believe that if we take the project to Etwata, priority must be given to people from the community for jobs," said the Minister.

The department has also invested in a train factory in Nigel in Ekurhuleni, where 580 trains are being manufactured.

“We are establishing a supplier park around the train manufacturing project, and the project will employ more than 8 000 people,” Minister Maswanganyi said.

Other big projects in the pipeline that the Minister highlighted include a R4 billion Cargo Hub Project at OR Tambo International Airport and the Moloto Rail Project.

Minister Maswanganyi said the department is finalising the paperwork for the Moloto Rail Project. As soon as this is done, the project will be implemented. However, a R3.7 billion road project starting in Marble Hall is already underway, the Minister said.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the department is investing massively in Durban Port as part of Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy.

“We are investing massively in infrastructure because transport is the heartbeat of the economy,” the Minister said.

Written by: Bathandwa Mbola

South Africa is set to take over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Council (IORA) from October to 2019.

South Africa’s theme for its tenure is ‘Uniting the Peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East through Enhanced Cooperation for Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development’.

As chair, South Africa has committed to further regional cooperation in areas such as the blue economy, women economic empowerment, SME promotion, youth empowerment and cooperation in academics, science and technology.

The IORA is an international organisation consisting of 21 coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean, whose aim is to promote trade liberalisation and trade cooperation between the member states, with activities focusing on trade facilitation, investment promotion and economic cooperation.

South Africa is one of the founding members of the IORA. The Indian Ocean region’s population is home to nearly one-third of the world’s population and is of great economic significance due to its strategic location.

Half of the world’s trade travels through this region and the IORA’s vast coastline holds two thirds of the world’s oil reserves, and one third of the bulk cargo traffic and produces goods and services worth over US$1 trillion, with intra-IORA trade amounting to some US$777 billion.

With South Africa taking over as chair, it will also host the 17th Indian Ocean Rim Association Council of Ministers’ Meetings from
14 - 18 October 2017 in Durban.

Written by: Bathandwa Mbola

Partnering with the private sector will unlock avenues that southern African governments alone cannot attain, says President Jacob Zuma.

“The diversification of our economies and industrialisation will ultimately put the region on its rightful path as a global economic player,” said President Zuma, who is also the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional bloc.

South Africa assumed the chair of the SADC in August, with its tenure theme being ‘Partnering with the private sector in developing industry and regional value-chains’.

Through this theme, South Africa seeks to build momentum and continuity in the collective aspiration towards regional sustainable economic development and industrialisation.

As such, it has identified key activities which will be the development of a high-impact Annual Operation Plan, with targeted interventions and public policy tools to foster the development of regional value-chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and mineral beneficiation.

Another issue the region needs to address is connectivity in information, technology and communications. President Zuma said this must be addressed for the region to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where industries are dominated by high-tech ICT.

In the SADC region – which consists of 15 countries with a population of 300 million people – only 16.3 percent of the population is using the internet, compared to a penetration of 47 percent globally.

The regional bloc is of the view that improved infrastructure can help to address socio-economic issues, ensure a better quality of life, boost regional economic integration, bridge the inequality gap and aid industrialisation efforts.

“Connectivity will ensure the attainment of the goals for regional economic integration, poverty alleviation and industrialisation,” President Zuma said.

The President was speaking at the second session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) underway in Tshwane.

SA-Zimbabwe BNC

President Zuma hosted President Robert Mugabe for the session of the BNC. It is a forum where the two countries review their relations.

The two leaders used the session to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern and development in the SADC region.

President Zuma said South Africa and Zimbabwe’s historical, fraternal and cultural bonds demand that they meet on a regular basis to strengthen and consolidate bilateral cooperation and partnership.

“We note with satisfaction the ever-growing cooperation between our two countries as evidenced by the existing 40 agreements and memoranda of understanding. These agreements are aimed at promoting political, economic and social cooperation.”

The agreements cover a wide range of areas including double taxation, justice, defence, transport, water, science and technology, health, migration, labour, economic and trade cooperation and tourism.

The two countries have put in place monitoring mechanisms,
such as Mid-Term Reviews.

President Mugabe used his address to recall the historical relations that Zimbabwe and South Africa share. He said while one can “choose [their] friends, [they cannot choose their] neighbours. However, if Zimbabwe had a choice, they would “still have chosen South Africa”.

"When we come here, we know we are coming to our second home… We are one, one revolution, one struggle, one future.”

President Mugabe called for improved local business environments to attract investments and concerted efforts to promote cross-border investments.

“New investment opportunities should be opened in airports, railway and road systems. The respective private and public sectors should not miss out on the opportunities we are trying to facilitate.”

Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s top five trading partners on the continent, with trade statistics showing annual growth.

In 2016, South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe amounted to approximately R29.3 billion.

There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zimbabwe in various sectors including mining, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, construction and the fast food sectors.

Mafika Gwala born

South African poet and writer Mafika Gwala was born on 5 October in the town of Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal. Soon after joining the University of Zululand, he chose to rather devote his time to political activities firstly joining National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) that later split to form the South African Students Organisation. Sometime during 1966 and 1967 Gwala began to write his first poetry and “The Classic” – a Black literary magazine – published his first piece.

A poet and writer, Gwala made people think on what it is to be Black and examine their self-identity. Later in life he examined how South Africa had changed and there was the same space for him and his writing as before. He passed away on 7 September 2014.

Source: SAHistory.org.za

Written by: Chris Bathembu

This month government has put the spotlight on transport ensuring that South Africa’s roads are safe and that transport continues to support South Africa’s economy.

With October being Transport Month, Minister Joe Maswanganyi and his team have their hands full rolling out campaigns aimed at ensuring that South Africans appreciate the role of transport in the country’s economic growth and that the integration of the country’s public transport, as envisaged in the National Development Plan (NDP), becomes a reality.

 “The month of October is very important for us as a department to highlight the critical role that the transport sector plays in our economy and indeed our daily lives. It is also a time we use to raise awareness about road safety and how to be responsible on our roads. We highlight the role of transport in job creation and poverty alleviation,” the Minister said.

The Transport Month campaign also advances the country’s road safety initiatives including the 365-Day Road Safety initiative, in line with the United Nations Decade of Action 2011-2020 campaign aimed at reducing road deaths across the world by half at the turn of the decade.

Key transport month campaigns

One of the most significant projects the department will be focusing on in October is President Jacob Zuma’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal where he will be inspecting progress being made with the roll-out of the oceans economy.

Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy, an initiative unveiled two years ago, will be the main driving force behind initiatives to unlock the economic potential of the country’s oceans. Experts say if South Africa fully takes advantage of the potential of its oceans, more than R30 billion can be added to the country’s economy over the next four years, leading to the creation of 70 000 jobs.

Transportation is a component of the ocean economy.

“We have projects that we are implementing along the coast in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape because we believe in the potential of our oceans, so the President will be inspecting progress in that regard,” said Minister Maswanganyi. The President will also be opening a bridge on the N1 outside Polokwane and unveiling the statue of Oliver Tambo at OR Tambo Airport. The Department of Transport is one of the government departments that are playing a key role in the OR Tambo centenary project and the statue is one of the many initiatives that will see the transformation of the airport to reflect the values of the late struggle stalwart.

Future focus

While Minister Maswanganyi acknowledges that he inherited a department with serious and complex issues that need to be resolved, he believes the country’s transport sector is still strong enough to support an economy of South Africa’s size.

“Our main focus going forward is really on the radical economic transformation in the transport sector. How do we make sure transport contributes to better the lives of our people?” The Minister said his focus is on ensuring that transport empowers previously disadvantaged citizens both economically and socially.

“We want to bring more women and more young people into the transport sector and ensure that there are more blacks in rail and aviation and there is progress in that regard,” he said.

Hearing loss affects many people around the world. According to the World Health Organisation, 360 million people worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss, 32 million of whom are children.

Hearing loss affects your ability to hear and makes it more difficult for individuals to hear speech and other sounds.

Although hearing loss can result in partial or profound deafness, in many instances it can be prevented.

Causes of hearing loss

There are a number of causes of hearing loss other than age. These include:

• Genetic: In some instances hearing loss is inherited
• Illness: Certain illnesses such as measles, meningitis and mumps can cause damage to the auditory nerve, resulting in partial or complete hearing loss.
• Neurological disorders: Strokes and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis can also affect hearing.
• Physical trauma: People who sustain head injuries often experience ringing in the ear (tinnitus), which is permanent in certain instances.
• Noise: Noise causes almost half of all cases of hearing loss. Constant exposure to high noise levels can often lead to gradual hearing loss.

How to minimise hearing loss

• Immunising children against diseases such as measles, meningitis, rubella and mumps.
• Promoting and following healthy ear care practices
• Reducing exposure to loud sounds.
• Encouraging the use of protective devices such as earplugs and noise-cancelling earphones and headphones.
• Referring high-risk infants for early hearing assessments to ensure prompt diagnosis and management.

Hearing loss often affects the person’s ability to communicate with others. In children with undetected hearing loss learning to speak is often delayed.

Not being able to communicate and interact normally has a huge effect on everyday life. This can result in feelings of loneliness, isolation and frustration.

Often, people with hearing loss are regarded as different and, in some instances, even mentally impaired, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem.

How to communicate with people with hearing loss

• Establish a comfortable distance between you and the person.
• Establish eye contact before initiating communication.
• Wait your turn before signing or speaking.
• Make sure your face is clearly visible.
• Don’t stand with your back to the light.

Most people who develop hearing loss are able to learn lip-reading skills and sign language. However, when it comes to promoting greater inclusion for people with hearing loss there is still much to be done.

Information supplied by the Government Employees Medical Scheme.

Source: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs300/en

Increasingly, education in the Eastern Cape is becoming digitised thanks to a partnership between government and the private sector.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education and Vodacom have taken the digitisation of education in the province a step further with the launch of the ‘Virtual Teacher’ platform in East London recently.

The move follows the introduction of Vodacom’s Programme for Mobile Devices in the province earlier this year, to promote the use of digital technology in Eastern Cape schools.

Virtual Teacher is a new interactive technology platform which allows an individual teacher or lecturer to deliver lessons in real-time to multiple remote classrooms or locations at the same time.

Through a range of smart devices, learners can join classes from anywhere and at any time. For the first time in South Africa, the technology can be accessed through any personal device.

The department's Superintendent-General, Themba Kojana, said the department is promoting interactive virtual teaching and learning in the province, particularly in rural communities.

“Technology such as the Virtual Teacher platform allows teachers to interact with remote learners to increase their understanding of school subject material, with a goal to improve learning outcomes in the province.”

Portable hardware which delivers high quality visuals and sound, supports the platform. It can also accommodate unlimited viewer numbers. The technology enables live interaction with the remote audience through a texting question-and-answer facility for written responses during the lesson.

The Virtual Teacher platform includes a camera, microphone and streaming data unit, which can be streamed from any device.

Lessons can be pre-recorded if needed and recorded content can also be downloaded to any device. The platform is easy to use and can be linked to a school website. 

To improve the matric pass rate in the province, the department will use the Virtual Teacher platform to provide extra classes to students in selected districts in the province.

Lessons will be delivered remotely by some of the country’s best teachers, with an emphasis on Mathematics, Science and Accounting.

Students from various locations will be transported to teaching sites in the Eastern Cape, including Mdantsane, Maluti, Lusikisiki and Mount Frere.

Written by Edwin Tshivhidzo

The Department of Tourism, OR Tambo District Municipality and Ekurhuleni Metro have launched a youth exchange programme named after the struggle liberation stalwart.

Under the inaugural OR Tambo Youth Exchange Programme a group of 200 learners from OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape has visited Gauteng attractions, including the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct. An equal number of learners from Ekurhuleni in Gauteng has visited the birthplace of OR Tambo in Mbizana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

Government has declared 2017 the Year of OR Tambo. He would have turned 100 this year.

Tourism Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe said they named the exchange programme after the ANC’s longest serving president because he was a renowned leader, who travelled around many parts of the world mobilising societies to fight the injustices of the apartheid government.

“This programme allows school children to explore and learn more about Oliver Tambo, with the aim of fostering future tourism ambassadors and travellers, who can sustain our history, heritage and legacy of OR Tambo as well as South Africa,” said Deputy Minister Thabethe.

The Deputy Minister said there must be greater inclusivity and transformation through practical programmes like the OR Tambo Youth Exchange Programme.

“The majority of previously disadvantaged communities cannot afford to travel due to financial constraints and unavailability of packages for social tourism.

“It is on this background that there is a need to promote social tourism objectives through awareness and educational trips for schools to promote the benefits of social tourism products and social cohesion,” she said.

The learners were delighted to be part of the programme, as many of them have never travelled as tourists before. They explored and learned about the history of Oliver Tambo, shared their experiences and committed to do more social tourism.

Social tourism allows all population groups, particularly youth, families, retirees, individuals with modest incomes and individuals with restricted physical capacity, to enjoy tourism, while also building relations between visitors and host.

This Department of Tourism initiative seeks to address the gaps identified in the Domestic Tourism Growth Strategy, which are, among others, seasonality and uneven geographic spread.

The acclaimed Batswana musical play ‘Kgolo’ affectionately known as “Tlola Pitsa” features some of the country’s well-known actors, namely: Seputla Sebogodi, Peter Mashigo, Ontiretse Manyetsa, Gaolathle Mathenyane, Segomotso Modise, and Gaoimelwe Mokgakala to name a few on stage.

Multi-award winning writer and director Martin Koboekae offers a rare glimpse into a rich tapestry of Batswana culture and takes us on a journey that allows us to stare deep into Batswana’s darkest taboos, theories, myths, faith and convictions.

“It is a significant step towards debunking the myth that shows presented in vernacular languages are a waste of time. Setswana is one of the first indigenous languages to acquire written form and as such deserves to occupy centre stage in all platforms, be it culture, literature, dance and music,” said Koboekae.

Kgolo is a fictional story inspired by true events. It revolves around Oganne played by Manyetsa, a rebellious young man who ignores calls to lead his clan but instead settles with a coloured shebeen queen, Elsie played by Mokgakala in Vergenoeg near Kimberley.

Meanwhile, back home misfortune descends upon Oganne’s people and all manner of mishap is blamed on him because he fails to take heed of his elders’ call.

His aunt is bed-ridden following a mysterious disease, the fields fail to yield any crop and the animals die, prompting his Uncle Sups, played by Mathenyane to go and look for him, but upon arrival, his uncle is horrified to learn that Oganne is co-habiting with Elsie and that he entered the village’s cemetery at noon, an ultimate cultural transgression.

“KGOLO-Tlola Pitsa is an honest but light-hearted drama in the mould of satire and is boldly presented in Setswana. The actors’ comedic timing is a marvel to watch as they portray rural folks with the greatest of ease,” said Koboeka.

‘Kgolo’ is supported by the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) in association with the Nedbank Arts Affinity. It was last seen in Gauteng stages back in 2010 at the Windy brow Theatre.

The play runs until 29th October 2017. Tickets for the play are selling at R110 and the play is taking place in the Arena at the State Theatre.