Written by Dale Hes

In 2011, Portia Mavhungu (30) spent seven months in a wheelchair after breaking her pelvis. For the first time in her life, her eyes were opened to the difficulties that disabled people face, especially when going to the bathroom.

“I suffered the pain and humiliation of needing help to go to the bathroom and became depressed. I kept wondering about people who are in a similar situation,” said Mavhungu. 

This prompted Mavhungu who originates from Gauteng to design an innovative seating device that allows wheelchair-bound people to go to the bathroom independently.

Mavhungu and her partner, Darushna Chellan, set about developing the device and eventually produced a pioneering invention that is now attracting attention from around the world. Called the Para Tube, the device fits onto any wheelchair and consists of seating, disposable bags and sanitisers.

“When the person needs to use the bathroom, they pull the centre part of the seat forward with a handle, and the middle seat flips up, in the shape of a toilet. There is a bio-degradable bag in the opening, which allows the user to go to the bathroom without any help. The bag can then be disposed of, similar to a nappy,” Mavhungu explained.

In 2015, the Johannesburg inventors received funding from a public entity, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), which allowed them to further develop the product under their newly-formed company, PRD Logical Solutions.

In 2017, they were named as finalists in the medical category of the Gauteng Accelerator Programme, which is hosted by the Innovation Hub, an agency of the Gauteng provincial government. They went on to win the award, beating 500 competitors to the title and winning R500 000 in funding, along with incubation and mentoring services.

“We have received immense business support from the Innovation Hub and the Gauteng government,” she said.

Mavhungu was recently selected to take part in a business development programme sponsored by the Swiss South African Joint Research Program. This saw her travelling to Switzerland to present her ideas.

PRD is also in the process of acquiring funding from the Industrial Development Corporation, in order to commercialise their product.

They want to work with hospitals, retailers and medical aid companies to bring the Para Tube to people who need it. 

International Relations / Africa News

The former UN  secretary-general worked closely with late President Nelson Mandela in the international Elders organisation which advocates peace and human rights.

Kofi Annan was described as a champion of human rights, the rule of law and good governance.

Annan (80) took his last breath on 18 August after a brief illness. He was the first black African to lead the United Nations as secretary-general.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said Annan’s death was a great shock and loss to the global community.

He described Annan as a great leader and diplomat extraordinaire who had advanced the African agenda within the United Nations and had flown the flag for peace around the world.

The Nobel Peace Laureate and global statesman will be remembered for the decades of his life he committed to the UN‚ and for furthering the cause of peace throughout the world.

Annan also served as the Chairperson of The Elders - an international non-governmental organisation of public figures noted as elder statesmen, peace activists, and human rights advocates, who were brought together by Nelson Mandela in 2007.

He was instrumental in establishing the Millennium Goals focusing on halving extreme poverty rates to halting the spread of HIV/Aids. Annan was born in the city of Kumasi in Ghana in April 1938. He completed his university studies at Macalester College in the US and received his first job with the United Nations in 1962 in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1993 he became head of peacekeeping operations. Four years later in 1997 he was appointed seventh secretary-general of the United Nations.

In 2001 he won a Nobel Peace Prize for a better organised and more peaceful world. Ten years after serving as UN secretary-general in 2006 he stepped down for retirement.

He set up the Kofi Annan Foundation, which promotes global sustainable development, security and peace.  

www.SAnews.gov.za

Written by Dale Hes

Western Cape artists have been shown how to turn their talent into a sustainable income by producing market and location-relevant work.

Charles Small’s collection of over 700 paintings and matchstick models has captured the imagination of his fellow Paarl residents.

Although the 56-year-old has always loved art, a development programme for local artists changed the way he thought about his artwork. 

Funded by the Drakenstein Municipality and implemented by the Drakenstein Local Tourism Association and the Craft and Design Institute (CDI), the programme has benefitted 60 upcoming artists and crafters this year through workshops that focus on product development, business skills and marketing.

The programme is designed to help artists earn a living through their work. “I saw that some of my work could be converted into postcards, and that was something I had never thought about before. I also realised that creating work with a local theme would sell better,” said Charles, who is currently working on a solo exhibition inspired by his beautiful hometown.

“The workshop was very meaningful. What I learnt here at the CDI in a short time made me realise how much more I can learn.”

The response to the workshops has been so positive that the CDI has extended its reach into the townships of Cape Town. Well-attended workshops were recently hosted in Khayelitsha and Masiphumelele.

The workshop in Khayelitsha focused on helping entrepreneurs understand how money flows in a business. Using a simulated business game, the workshop explored the nature of money, and how the choices an entrepreneur makes will affect the success or failure of their business.

“The entrepreneurs appreciated the sharing of knowledge on how to do basic bookkeeping and how they can improve negotiations with retailers,” said CDI training co-ordinator Rosemary Cooke.

 In Masiphumelele, the focus was on product development and participants were taught how to consider their clients’ needs when creating products.

Cooke added that not every entreprenuer has the resources to attend training in the city centre. This was one of the reasons that made tthe CDI hold their workshops in townships where they are needed the most.

Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

Captain Knowledge Bengu is set to command the South African research ship that will be taking an international team to one of the remotest places on Earth, to probe the 1915 sinking of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance.

Bengu (38) is an ice pilot and is licensed to navigate some of the most dangerous oceans, where one mistake could leave a ship stranded. 

Ice pilotage of vessels is performed to ensure safe navigation and prevent accidents at sea, as well as to protect the marine environment.

Born in Umlazi near Durban, Bengu will lead the pack on the SA Agulhas 2. The vessel is a South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

Bengu is responsible for the voyage of the annual team that spends winter at Sanae IV, a South African Antarctic research base. He also ferries scientists to the base for shorter seasons.

In January he will captain the international expedition that will investigate the sinking of Endurance in Antarctica over 100 years ago.

He told Vuk’uzenzele that as a young boy growing up in a township, he knew little about the maritime industry and, in fact, was determined to become a gynecologist.

“I was introduced to the shipping industry by my neighbour, who was working as a seaman at that time. He used to bring me pamphlets and magazines and push me to go to sea one day. He went as far as organising me a bursary to study from Unicorn Shipping,” he said.

Bengu started his maritime studies at Durban University of Technology, eventually graduating from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In 2002, he joined Smit Amandla Marine as a cadet.

He qualified as a junior officer in 2004 and progressed through the ranks while meeting the stringent maritime industry requirements.

However, his career got off to a choppy start when Bengu was unable to secure a job after graduating. For two years, until the cadet placement was secured, he worked as a labourer for his bricklayer uncle.

Bengu is responsible for the safety of the crew, passengers and ship itself.

Written by Allison Cooper

With Tourism Month celebrated annually in September various government-owned attractions and private tourism facilities are offering South Africans the opportunity to explore our beautiful country at a price they can afford.

The inaugural Sho’t Left Travel Week will enable South Africans to take up deals and discounts from 24 to 30 September. Deals will be advertised in the beginning of September on Sho’t Left’s website, www.shotleft.co.za/deals.

National parks

During South African National Parks’ National Parks Week, from 10 to 14 September, free access will be granted to most of its 21 parks for day visitors. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency is also encouraging locals to visit its nature reserves, free of charge, during Mpumalanga Parks Week from 17 to 21 September. Free access does not include accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. Visit www.sanparks.org and www.mpumalanga.com for more information.

Heritage festival

The SA Heritage and Tourism festival takes place from 14 to 16 September at Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument in Tshwane. The festival offers a wide variety of family activities from craft and food stalls to tourism exhibitions and presentations, a 10-km walk or a bicycle race, cultural dances and other entertainment by various artists. Tickets cost R350 for adults, R50 for children and R80 for pensioners. Tickets can be obtained at Computicket. For more information, visit www.freedompark.co.za.

Botanical gardens

Another fun, educational and low-budget outing for the entire family is a trip to one of the South African National Biodiversity Institutes’ ten National Botanical Gardens. For more information about each garden, visit www.sanbi.org/gardens.

Inland bus cruise

For something a little different, why not try the Free State Inland Bus Cruise offered by www.vukatours.co.za, from R250 per person. The tour includes Naval Hill, Cheetah experience, Crocodile farm, Nelson Mandela statue and the vibrant second avenue. It runs every Saturday from 10h00 to 20h00 and your ticket enables you to hop on and off the bus throughout the day.

Surfing to snorkelling

Have fun in the sun in KwaZulu-Natal from surfing to snorkelling and a variety of other beach activities from R138 per person. Visit www.zulu.org.za for more information. Other places to visit include Wild Waves Water Park (www.suninternational.com) and Ushaka Marine World (www.ushakamarineworld.co.za).

All of our provinces will have various activities for their communities to enjoy whilst celebrating Tourism Month. Visit www.tourism.gov.za to find out whatís happening in your province.

Written by Dale Hes

Every person has a legal right to choose who they marry but according to Statistics South Africa, over 91 000 girls in South Africa between the ages of 12 and 17 are already married, divorced or widowed, largely because they were forced into a relationship. Commission for Gender Equality legal director Marissa van Niekerk (MvN) speaks about the issue:

Vuk: What is forced marriage?

MvN: A forced marriage is a marriage entered without the free and valid consent of one or both parties. The pressure put on people to marry against their will can be physical or emotional (for example, when someone is made to feel that failure to enter marriage will bring shame to their family).

Vuk: What are the reasons for forced marriages?

MvN: The most common reason for forced child marriages is financial gain for the family. In some instances, it may happen because the parents do not want to deal with unwanted pregnancies.  Lastly, some cultural beliefs state that girl children must not grow up without being married.

Vuk: What happens to the life of a young girl who is forced into marriage?

MvN: The young girl’s right to dignity is taken away.  It is only when a person is treated with dignity that they feel worthy and important in society. Secondly, the girl is deprived of her right to freedom and security. Young women find themselves subjected to non-consensual sexual intercourse and are not given a choice regarding giving birth to children. They may also suffer physical and emotional abuse and may be refused access to education.

Vuk: Are forced marriages against the law?

MvN: This practice goes against the Marriages Act of 1961 and against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The ‘husband’ may be charged with statutory rape, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping or abduction. The relatives who forced the girl into marriage may face charges of sex exploitation and human trafficking.

Vuk: What can be done?

MvN: There is a need to intensify awareness campaigns. Traditional leaders must be encouraged to report forced marriages in their communities. Furthermore, the justice system needs to respond effectively to complaints, making immediate arrests and imposing harsher sentences. It is imperative that victims report the crime to the police. After this, contact must be made with the Department of Social Development for proper counselling and possible placement in a place of safety. Victims can approach the Commission for Gender Equality to assist with these processes.     

If you need information about this matter call the Commission for Gender Equality on this number 0800 007 709.

Written by Parapara Makgahlela

At age (17) Maleeto Mabe was already a convicted murderer. While in a correctional centre she took a decision to change her ways to ensure a better future for herself.

She is now 25 and is a supervisor with the Working on Fire (WOF) programme.

WOF is an Expanded Public Works Programme funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

The programme trains young people to become veld and forest fire fighters. There are more than more than 200 teams stationed throughout South Africa.

Mabe received an opportunity to be part of WOF through the Department of Correctional Service’s parolee programme.

She is now a crew leader of 23 at the Bailey Nature Reserve team in Carltonville.

Mabe says her reintegration into WOF has given her at a second chance.

“I am saving lives and protecting our environment.”

In the programme, she says she was able to go through the different processes of healing.

‘‘Part of healing is to admit the offence that you made. Be willing to go through rehabilitation and see life differently.’’

She relays her story explaining the events that lead to her being convicted for murder.

At the age of 15 Mabe was playing pool at a local shop in her community in Bekkersdal in Gauteng.

“I accidently stamped on another man’s foot and I apologised to him for the mistake.”

The 27-year-old man that Mabe fumbled over took her mistake to heart and started swearing at her and refused to accept the apology.

“He kept coming at me and intimidating me. I lost control of my anger and went into a house nearby where the exchange of words was happening. I found a knife and stabbed him and he died.”

The police were called and she was arrested and a two-year trial followed.

“In 2012 I was given the title of convicted murderer.”

Mabe was sent to a correctional centre to serve her 15 year sentence.

“When I arrived at the correctional centre I took part in programmes such as anger management and I attended sessions with a psychologist.”

She says while going through the process of healing she realised that her anger towards men came from being abandoned by her father.

“I grew up alone with my grandmother. There were no male figures in my life and I always thought that I should always protect myself because I had no one to protect me.”

In 2013 Mabe was released on parole after serving one year of her sentence.

Although there is a stigma attached to former convicts, Mabe is not deterred from living her best life.

As the country celebrates Women’s Month, Mabe says women should always fight for their goals.

“It is also equally important for the community to respect the rights of women.”

Written by Dale Hes

A Mpumalanga-based safari operator whose love for wildlife has led to starting his own enterprise.

Once a cattle herder and now the managing director of a tour company, Khimbini Hlongwane bears evidence to what can be achieved through determination and passion.

Hlongwane is the founder of Vomba Tours & Safaris, a tour operator based just outside the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. Established in 2015, the company is a finalist in the prestigious Lilizela Awards in the category of black-owned tourism enterprises employing under 50 people.

Hlongwane hails from a small village where he used to herd cattle and goats in the bush.

“This exposed me to wildlife from a young age and I was fascinated by the behaviour of various animals. It was really fun yet challenging because every day we had to try to find food without becoming food,” remembered Hlongwane.

His love for wildlife saw him joining Inyati Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve as an animal tracker in 1994. Five years later, he became a fully-fledged game ranger at the lodge, guiding tourists on game drives and walks. Now, 24 years after he entered the industry, Hlongwane has achieved his dream of operating his own company. He also received mentoring assistance from the Small Enterprise Development Agency.

Vomba offers safaris in the Kruger National Park, village tours and trips to Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route and the Mozambican capital of Maputo.

Hlongwane said his company has improved the lives of his community members. “The people are proud to see what a company from the middle of nowhere is able to achieve, and it inspires them,” he said.

Vomba provides full-time employment to three locals and part-time and freelance work to another 12 people.

Future plans include educational safari drives into the Kruger Park, a collaboration with local crafters, a tented camp and an enlarged vehicle fleet.

Hlongwane gave credit to his staff who ensure that his business is a success. 

Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

She may only be seven years old, but Anothe Buthelezi is determined to jockey herself into the limelight as a top horse rider.

Buthelezi, who started horse racing at the age of four in 2015, has taken first place in a number of races, including the Indumeni knockout in the build-up to the Dundee July and the Umtelebhelo Heritage Cup.

At this year’s popular Dundee July, all eyes were on her as she was the youngest jockey to participate in the female race. She ended up in sixth position and was given a special prize for her participation. Her beloved horse Blackberry also won a prize for the best turned-out horse.

Buthelezi told Vuk’uzenzele that she wants to follow in her father's footsteps as he was once a horse racer. “I see myself winning big races, including the Vodacom Durban July,” she said.

Buthelezi’s father Menzi said his daughter is very special. “I just see a bright future ahead of her. From the age of three, Anothe wasn’t afraid of a horse. When I was still competing, she would take my horse for a post-ride cool-down. and when she was four, she told me that she wanted to ride.”

The little girl initially used her dad’s old horse Teargas but when he saw how talented she was, he bought her Blackberry.

A Grade one learner at Dundee Junior, Anothe recently secured sponsorship from Cosmic Transport to help her with jockey gear and transport money.

Although her career is jockeying nicely into place, Anothe has a back-up plan. She wants to be a veterinarian to help ensure that race horses are in tip-top shape. 

Written by Dale Hes

Government is working hard to reduce the financial burdens placed on ordinary South Africans by zero rating some consumer items.

Zero rating aims to provide relief to low-income households, which spend a high proportion of their income on household goods.

Zero rated items do not have the 15 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) attached to them. They are intended to help South Africans save money.

There are 19 basic foods that do not have VAT attached to them these including: maize, samp, rice, brown bread, fruit, vegetables, pilchards and eggs. 

Additionally, items such as diesel, petrol and paraffin, as well as certain services including rental accommodation, rail and road transport and educational services, are also exempt from VAT.

In February, government announced that it would increase VAT from 14 percent to 15 percent. Government also recognised that poorer households would be placed under more financial pressure.

To ease the rising cost of living Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene appointed a panel that would produce recommendations on which additional household items should also be zero rated.

Following intensive research and public consultations, the panel submitted a report to the Minister Nene and recommended additional items to be added to the list. These include;

-White bread

-White flour

-Sanitary products

-School uniform

-Nappies

In their report, the panel also encouraged National Treasury to ensure that all the benefits of zero rating go to consumers rather than to producers. 

The panel further recommended other ways to help poor households, for example by strengthening government programmes such as nutritional support, free provision of sanitary products and social grants as areas where government spending could be increased.

Earlier this year, Minister Nene said in his budget vote that government would work to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not hardest hit by the VAT rate.

South Africa remains one of the most fascinating places in the world. There are few countries that boast the rich cultural mix and remarkable natural attractions.

Testament to this is the number of international visitors that keep coming to our country to experience the wonder that is our country.

Last year over 10 million international tourists visited South Africa and that number will without a doubt keep growing while also continuing to create sustainable jobs.

With a total of 1.6 million people employed across its wide value chain, the tourism sector is a shining example of hope for so many people in our country who are without jobs and incomes.

In the 2017/18 financial year tourism was worth R69 billion and represents over eight percent of the total investment into South Africa.

Every investment in products, facilities and infrastructure makes our country an even more attractive destination, bringing more tourists, more jobs and more opportunity.

In addition, we all have the responsibility of helping to enhance the experience of tourists in our country.

We are all brand ambassadors in the eyes of foreign travellers and we must  treat our visitors with the outmost respect, hospitality, safety and friendliness which are all engraved in our heritage of the spirit of Ubuntu.

Often international visitors are looking for authentic and unique cultural experiences which we can all provide. Enterprises that provide these cultural experiences attract more tourists, and at the same time extend the geographic spread of tourism to remote rural areas, where jobs are so desperately needed.

To attract more tourists their overall experience has to leave customers satisfied and wanting more.

This means it is up to all of us to ensure that tourists feel safe in our country. Criminal acts against tourists will only damage our reputation as a country and set back our efforts to take create jobs and build our economy through this thriving industry.

Being brand ambassadors for our country also means travelling locally ourselves so that we can grow our domestic tourism numbers.

We know we live in a beautiful country, but for us to really know it we need to experience it. We must experience the rolling hills, the never-ending coastlines, the rivers that run freely and our majestic mountains that stand tall.

Exploring your country does not have to be costly. You can visit your local botanical gardens to educate yourself about the different plant species or take a walk at our monumental beaches.

I am proud to say that the number of domestic holiday trips increased by about 30 percent last year, although the average spends and length of stay on these trips has decreased.

Affordability remains the biggest barrier to domestic travel. This presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop products that suit the needs and pockets of all South Africans.

As we work hard to ensure the growth of the tourism sector we must ensure that it is inclusive growth – creating not only jobs, but real opportunities for new entrants and the expansion of black-owned businesses in the industry.

Funding remains a major challenge for new entrants and small businesses. The Department of Tourism has incentive programmes to advance tran-
sformation, including the Tourism Transformation Fund that funds black investors and communities in the tourism sector.

This is a dedicated source of funding managed by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF).

This is an open door for new entrants in the tourism sector who are invited to apply for funding which can reach up to R5 million per application.

So, if you’be been thinking your neighbourhood could do with a guesthouse, or you could operate a shuttle service, or you wish to put up a new hotel in your town, you know where to go.

The Department of Tourism is contributing R120 million to the fund over the next three years which will be offered as grants. This will help to unlock investment in the tourism sector by qualifying black-owned small and micro tourism enterprises.

The value of tourism goes far beyond its contribution to economic transformation – it offers life-changing experiences, forges new friendships and allows people to learn about each other, while embracing our wonderful diversity.

As we celebrate Tourism Month, let us work together to grow tourism responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively.     

Written by More Matshediso

South Africa has an independent body that was established to consider, investigate and dispose of complaints regarding the health system.

The Office of the Health Ombud exists to ensure that citizens have access to the kind of health care services they deserve. It was established in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013 and is headed by Professor Malegapuru William Makgoba.

If health care users, the media or members of the public are not satisfied with services provided at any health establishment whether public or private they have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Health Ombud through its complaint management system.

Falsified allegations about Tower Psychiatric Hospital

Earlier this year, Tower Psychiatric Hospital in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape caught media attention after a Psychiatrist Dr Kiran Sukeri‚ who worked at the hospital at the time, complaint to the media that the hospital violated human rights of patients and alleged that a total of 90 patients had died at the facility.

Makgoba said Sukeri’s complaint was depicted and portrayed in the media as another ‘Life Esidimeni saga’.

Following Sukeri’s allegations, the Office of the Ombudsman conducted investigations and discovered that the allegations were falsified.

On Thursday, Makgoba released a report on an Investigation into Allegations of Patient Mismanagement and Patient Rights Violations at the Tower Psychiatric Hospital and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre (TPHPRC).

The report states that “no prima facie evidence of institutionalised, systematic or deliberate violations of Human Rights by staff at Tower Psychiatric Hospital and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre was found.”

Makgoba said Sukeri’s allegations were falsified and exaggerated, and that his office found that about 68 patients died over a period of eight years.

“This means that 8.5 patients died per year, and that translates to 0.71 deaths per month in a 400-bed psychiatric hospital,” said Makgoba, adding that this was not abnormal.

The report also states that there was no link between the 68 deaths with the alleged Human Rights violations, unlike the 144 deaths in Life Esidimeni.

“For Dr Sukeri to release such ‘shoddy’, poorly-researched, falsified and exaggerated patient’s vital statistical information into the public via the media, amounted to ‘scientific misconduct or fraud’, a cardinal sin in science,” said Makgoba.

Makgoba said the Life Esidimeni comparison to the situation at Tower Hospital has created a national mass hysteria and shame.

He has recommended that Sukeri be suspended although he since has left the hospital to work in private practice.

For more information on lodging complaints with the Office of the Health Ombud on call 080 911 6472. The office will deploy its investigators on cases it has receives.

 

 Post: Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6)

Centre: Chief Directorate: Legal Services, Head Office

Reference No: HR 4/18/09/01 HO

Salary: Commencing: R448 269- R1 084 437 (OSD)

Enquiries: Prof V Singh, Tel: (012) 309 4611

Applications: Chief Director: Human Resources Management: Private Bag X 117, Pretoria, 0001

For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Operations, Head Office

 

Post: Statutory Services Officer

Centre: Provincial Office: Kimberley 

Reference No: HR 4/4/8/341                                  

Salary:  Commencing: R356 289 per annum         

Enquiries: Mr. IS Vass, Tel: (053) 8381652

 

Post: Assistant Director: COID-Statutory Services

Centre: Provincial Office: Kimberley

Reference No: HR 4/4/8/336

Salary: Commencing: R356 289 per annum

Enquiries: Mr. IS Vass, Tel: (053) 8381652  

Applications: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: Private Bag X 5012, Kimberley, 8301 

For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Management, Provincial Office: Kimberley

 

Post: Assistant Director: Human Resource Management and Employment Relations (2 posts)

Centre: Provincial Office: East London- Reference No: HR4/4/1/201(1 post)

                                   Provincial Office: Kimberly- Reference No: HR4/4/8/343 (1 post)

Salary: Commencing: R356 289 per annum

 

Enquiries: Mr. WG Dumalisile, Tel: (043) 701 3032

                 Ms. MR Musa, Tel: (053) 8381523  

 

Applications: Chief Director: Human Resources Operations: Private Bag X 9005, East London, 5201

For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Management, East London

Applications: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: Private Bag X 5012, Kimberley, 8301 

For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Management, Provincial Office: Kimberley

 

Post: Principal Inspector: Mechanical Engineering

Centre: Provincial Office: Free State

Reference No: HR4/4/8/199

Salary: Commencing: R 444 693 per annum

Enquiries: Ms. A Mantutle, Tel: (051) 050 6347

 

Post: Principal Inspector: Electrical Engineering

Centre: Provincial Office: Free State

Reference No: HR4/4/8/200

Salary: Commencing: R 444 693 per annum

Enquiries: Ms. A Mantutle, Tel: (051) 050 6347

 

Applications: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: P O Box 522, Bloemfontein, 9300                         

For Attention: Sub-directorate: Human Resources Management, Bloemfontein

Closing Date for Applications: 17 September 2018 at 16:00

Full details visit www.labour.gov.za

Applications must be submitted on a Z83 form, 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), academic records including a Senior certificate and ID-document [Driver’s license where applicable]. The certification must be within three (3) months as at the advert closing date. 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 the relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which be communicated by the Department. 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.

Written by Sihle Manda

South Africans are encouraged to explore the country by travelling to areas they have never visited before. To reduce the price of travelling, South African Tourism is embarking on a campaign that will see would-be travellers getting offers at discounted rates.

This was disclosed by the Department of Tourism during the media launch of the 2018 Tourism Month in Tsitsikamma in the Eastern Cape.

The theme this year, as decided by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation, is ‘Digital Transformation’. South Africa’s World Tourism Day will be celebrated in Umtata on 27 September.

South African Tourism Chief Executive Sisa Ntshona said the campaign is meant to encourage locals to travel and explore the country. The campaign will run from  24 - 30 September.

“We want the country to go gaga in booking and buying deals. We have engaged with travel partners to ensure that the offers entice locals to travel to all corners of the country,” Ntshona said.

He challenged South Africans to be adventurous in discovering new places and experiences, as the country is a “wonderland of unforgettable experiences, just a Sho’t Left away’.

“We are driving domestic tourism. It is one of our focus areas. We are competing for a share of disposable income in a… stressed… economy. We are driving around making sure that domestic tourism is accessible,” he said.

Speaking on this year’s theme, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said it was critical for the industry to embrace technology if it was to evolve.

Written by More Matshediso

Proper planning, reporting and managing of municipal and provincial finances are essential if services are to be delivered to citizens equitably and without glitches.

This is according to Malijeng Ngqaleni, National Treasury’s deputy director-general for intergovernmental relations.

The main mandate of her division is to co-ordinate economic and financial relations across the national, provincial and local spheres of government. 

Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele, she said people need to understand that the three spheres of government manage their functions simultaneously.

For example, the National Department of Education is responsible for formulating the policies, norms and standards that provinces then have to implement. But for implementation to take place, funds are needed and they are allocated by National Treasury.

“Because we give them (provinces and municipalities) allocations on a three-year basis, we enable them to plan ahead. It also helps the National Treasury to review plans drafted by municipalities and provinces before they are implemented,” she explained.

She said Treasury takes into account the demand for services and capacity to raise revenue by municipalities and provinces and assesses plans and budgets to ensure that they are aligned and give effect to government priorities.

With the 2019/20 financial year approaching, she said National Treasury is helping provinces and municipalities finalise their plans, including Integrated Development Plans and budgets.

Ngqaleni said the main aim is to ensure that all citizens have access to basic services.

When it comes to financial reporting, Ngqaleni said it is important because it enhances transparency and accountability to taxpayers, strengthens co-ordination and alerts national government to potential problems.

“The concept of transparency is very big in our system because if the national department is responsible for education and yet education is delivered by the provinces, then they (national government) want to be able to know whether that delivery is happening,” she said.

She said financial management is about making sure that the resources are used according to plan and they are able to achieve the set objectives of delivering services to the people. 

 

Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

A KwaZulu-Natal woman has earned her stripes in the hospitality industry.

A gap in the market and a love for tourism motivated Busi Malanda to open a lodge in the small village of Umzimkhulu in KwaZulu-Natal and more recently another establishment in Margate.

Malanda (65) said while she was working as a teacher years ago she had an opportunity to visit a hotel and she fell in love with the hospitality sector.

“In 2011 I bought a site and built a lodge in Umzimkhulu, named Lala Khona, which means ‘sleep there’,” she said, explaining that visitors to the village previously had to travel over an hour to find lodgings.

Lala Khona Umzimkhulu is a three-star lodge that boast 20 en-suite bedrooms while Lala Khona Margate has eight en-suite bedrooms and sea views. Malanda told Vuk’uzenzele that when she started in 2011, she discovered that she loved mingling with guests.

“My guests would ask me about the history of Umzimkhulu and I would gladly share our rich history and customs,” she said, explaining that Umzimkhulu is famous for its large Bhaca clan.

She is proud that Lala Khona is considered a home away from home for her guests.

Malanda said things were not easy when she started her business and she battled to secure a bank loan because of a lack of surety.

She beat the odds, however, and today her lodges are well supported.

Malanda received valuable hospitality training from the National Department of Tourism’s Tourism Enterprise Partnership and from the provincial Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs.

The lessons that Malanda learned are evident in the elegant décor at Lala Khona, the warm hospitality offered to guests and the hearty food. Malanda was already a trained chef when she bought the Margate property and has passed on her knowledge and culinary skills to her staff.

Lala Khona employs nine people; six in Umzimkhulu and three in Margate.

She attributes her success to hard work. “I wake up early and go to sleep very late because I believe that for a business to be successful, it needs hands-on attention,” said Malanda, who spends four days at the new B&B in Margate and three days in Umzimkhulu to ensure they both properties benefit from her expertise.

Written by More Matshediso

A top-class pack  house is the latest achievement by a Limpopo agriculture venture that stands firm as a success story.

Land restitution – seen by government as one of the solutions to address the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality – is a big talking point in South Africa.

The Moletele community in the Mopani District of Limpopo has some good news to share on the topic. Over five years ago, the Moletele Communal Property Association (CPA) was registered after the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform spent approximately R255 million in acquiring 7 000 hectares of land through the restitution programme on behalf of the Moletele community.

The land is situated in the Hoedspruit area and borders the Kruger National Park.

 “About 2 233 households are members of the CPA and we have big families in our community so that number can be multiplied by five,” said chairperson of the Moletele CPA Hezekiel Nkosi.

“We have managed to establish close to ten agricultural enterprises, including livestock, youth projects and planting,” he added.

Although Nkosi is excited about the progress that the CPA has achieved, he said the land that has been acquired only makes up ten percent of what the community is claiming and he is adamant that more land is needed for adequate grazing.

New developments

Recently, the CPA launched a multi-million rand citrus pack house.

Nkosi said about R37 million was invested in the project and in the purchasing of machinery.

“At the moment, we have 887 workers and we are anticipating that the pack house will create more jobs,” he said. In addition, the pack house will also benefit neighbouring farmers.

One of the companies that falls under the CPA is Dinaledi Farming Enterprises (Pty) LTD, which is currently the largest citrus producer in Hoedspruit.

Written by Kanego Lewele and More Matshediso

The Centenary of Mama Albertina Sisulu sees the Limpopo Department of health naming a breastfeeding room after her.

Breastfeeding is optimal for child health development and nutrition of infants but most working mothers find it difficult to continue the practice when they return from maternity leave.

This is because there are no suitable spaces at most workplaces for new mothers to express or breastfeed their children during working hours, and they become discouraged to continue breastfeeding because they spend most of the day at work without their babies.

In an effort to address this challenge, the Limpopo Department of Health has launched the first ever breastfeeding and expressing room within its offices.

The breastfeeding room was launched by MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba.

It is named after Mama Albertina Sisulu whose centenary is also celebrated this year.

It is hoped that the room will not only support working breastfeeding mothers, but also encourage other departments to support breastfeeding women in the workplace.

Employees at the department can also have baby-minders bring their babies to work during lunch time for breastfeeding. The room can also be used by mothers who want to express during working hours.

One of the department’s employees Mpho Kutumela and mother of 11-months-old twins, a boy and girl, is excited about the facility.

“The breastfeeding room will come in handy for us as mothers because it will also afford us the opportunity to express our breast milk freely in a conducive environment,” she said.

Mothers who visit the department with their babies for any reason will also be allowed to use the room to breastfeed their children.  

MEC Ramathuba said the Albertina Sisulu Breastfeeding room is one of a kind in the province.

The MEC hopes that this initiative will contribute towards the promotion and protection of exclusive breastfeeding practices with the aim of achieving optimal child health development.

“Breast milk contains all nutrients needed by infants and cannot be reproduced artificially,” said the MEC.  

Benefits of breastfeeding

• Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
• Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having allergies.
• Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months have lower risks of infections, respiratory illnesses, and stints of diarrhoea.

Written by Dale Hes

Residents of George municipality in the Western Cape will be giving overseas travelers a night to remember through the "Dine with a Local" initiative.

This forms part of celebrating Tourism Month. The municipality selected six teams from the townships of Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp to host overseas tourists for a three-course meal and entertainment.

In preparation for hosting, the teams attended training sessions related to tourism and catering.

They were taught skills in line with starting and running their own businesses, with the end goal of becoming successful income-earners within the tourism industry.

Nomzamo Entile (31) who is part of the six groups leads the Explore our Hood team, based in Thembalethu. Entile established Explore our Hood to promote a spirit of togetherness in George.

“We had noticed that there was a divide between the various communities of George. We want people to come into the townships to see that we have a vibrant Xhosa culture that they should come and experience for themselves,” said Entile.

In the lead-up to Tourism Month, the team already completed two successful test runs, hosting visiting members of the tourism industry.  

“We feel ready and extremely excited to host overseas tourists. We hope that this will open doors for all of us to gain experience in the tourism industry, and that it will also show that South Africa’s townships have a lot to offer for both overseas and local tourists," Entile said.

George Tourism Manager Joan Shaw explains that the programme will showcase a variety of cultures.

“Our Dine with a Local programme represents the rainbow nation, with no less than five different cultural experiences being offered, namely Xhosa, Venda, Khoi, Cape Malay and a local ‘Snoek and Patat’ seafood experience,” said Shaw.

After the dinner evenings, the teams will become fully fledged businesses that provide services to George Tourism, which in turn will market and book the experiences on offer.  

Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

The female farmer of the year is playing her part in job creation and food security.

Thobile Mpontshane has been crowned KwaZulu-Natal’s top female farmer of the year.

The Female Farmer Entrepreneur Awards are hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which recognises the contribution that women can make in increasing food production, reducing hunger and malnutrition and improving rural livelihoods. 

Awards are presented in several categories, with provincial winners competing in the national finals where an overall national winner is announced.

In the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the competition, Mpontshane (30), a pig farmer from Vryheid, walked away with R250 000 for being the overall winner,
R125 000 for being the best commercial farmer and R50 000 for the MEC’s special award.

She started her piggery in 2014 with two sows and today this number has swelled to 220, with about 80 pigs being sold to local abattoirs each month and the farm employing 12 workers.

"From childhood l had dreamed of owning a farm but l didn’t know it would be a pig farm. When l started out, I didn't know anything about pigs but I employed managers from Denmark who had vast knowledge of pig farming.”

Programmes like the Female Entrepreneur Awards help the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to reward the contribution of women in creating and sustaining food security, job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation in the sector.

"Through programmes like these awards we as the department hope to upscale women entrepreneurs from being subsistence and smallholder producers to commercial entrepreneurs,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Themba Mthembu.

Mthembu said women comprise the largest percentage of the workforce in the agricultural sector, but do not have access to or control over sufficient land and other resources. 

Did you know?

The Female Farmer Entrepreneur Awards were introduced in 1999. A total of 2000 women farmers have competed for the top prizes.

Written by Noluthando Motswai

Tourism Month

Tshireletso Mokate is all about showing young people the beauty of South Africa through his company Camping Retreats.

After struggling to convince his wife to experience nature first hand by spending the night in the bush, he thought of an innovative way of making his dream come true. 

“My wife was not interested in sleeping in a camping site especially because it was a chore to put up your own tent and to start a fire a for food.”

Mokate, who is based in Johannesburg, added that this led him to think of another way to convince his wife to join him on his expedition.

“I teamed up with a friend who was a chef and asked him to cook for us for the weekend and asked a couple of friends and family to join us.”

The idea of having a private chef at a camp site appealed to Mokate’s guests. They agreed to join him on the camping experience.

“There were about nine of us. I set up the tent. My wife did not do anything and we had such a fun time. This made me think that perhaps it could become a business.”

Mokate who is an information technology specialist by training took to social media, uploading videos and pictures of the fun activities that had taken place while camping.

“I received an overwhelming response so I thought of hosting another retreat. I set up a basic website with all the information of what my company provides and I had 45 people wanting to join us.”

The company officially started in 2017 and in the same year hosted four retreats. His company has created four jobs.

“With the money I made from the first retreat I reinvested it into the business and bought 65 tents. At the moment we can accommodate about 100 people in one retreat. We provide three meals a day prepared by a private chef and set up the tents all you need to do is bring yourself.”

He adds that South Africans don’t understand what a beautiful country they live in.

“With September being Tourism Month I would like to encourage South Africans to explore our country. We have such a rich heritage complimented by our interesting history.”

Since beginning of the year, Mokate has hosted 11 retreats at camping sites such as Clarens in the Free Sate, Loskop Dame in Mpumalanga and Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Written by Sihle Manda

Tourism Month

An adventure company is showing people that township tourism is possible.

In 2010, brothers Suping and Kgomotso Pooe, born and bred in Orlando East, Soweto, gathered the courage to resign from their day jobs to start a quad bike venture in the township. 

With friends and family as first clients, they set up office in a corrugated iron shack behind the township’s iconic decommissioned coal-fired power stations. Today, Soweto Outdoor Adventures is attracting visitors from all walks of life.

Suping said they realised that people had to leave Soweto to have fun. “You’d come to Soweto to visit your grandparents and then you’d get bored in the hood.”

They decided to create an experience that would help change youngsters’ perception of the township.

Soweto Outdoor Adventures is passionate about Soweto and about offering adventure activities, not traditionally expected in a township setting, to this thriving community.

Every year, new activities are added and while quad biking remains the main attraction, the establishment  added paintballing, go-carting, boot camps and speed boating.

The brothers even offer guided tours, quirkily titled ‘Sowetoo’, across the township and the country. 

Like any budding business, Soweto Outdoor Adventures had to clear hurdles in its path to success. The biggest was a lack of funding. “We had to dig into our own pockets,” said Suping.

The brothers now employ 23 people, with another seven seasonal staff members joining the team in December.

He advised entrepreneurs to be resilient and bear the hardships.

“They need to bear the winters; the winters can get cold and that’s when most people throw in the towel. We can go for a month or two with no cash flow. That is when it gets tricky and you have to decide whether you stay for your dream or you fold and go back to the corporate world,” he said.

On Twitter

Vincent @da_Vince2

Punish those who are corrupt that's the only way you can stop it.

Mbendzani Maurice Risimati Shitlhangu‏ @maurice7248077

We must start from above first.

On Facebook

Sikholiwe Thando GOOOOOOOOOOD A THINK GOVERNMENT MUST HAVE A SOCIAL PAGE TO REPORT SUCH THING AND THE REPORTER MUST BE HIDDEN

Brilliant Cbk Kgoale This message is good but directed to the wrong people. It would be nice to preach this message to government officials.

Shaun Isaac Malambo We should have more of this messages across the media.

 

 

Written by Vuyo Ndlovu

While many enjoy surfing just as a sport, an organisation in KwaZulu-Natal has made it a recreation activity for the youth.

Gliding on water is not just a sport or a fun activity for young people living within the Durban city centre in KwaZulu-Natal but it is also an escape from social ills.

Surfers Not Street Children is an organisation that provides free surfing lessons to street children and disadvantaged youth within the city centre.

The organisation is a direct response to tackling homelessness among children and ensures that the youth do something positive with their lives.

The eThekwini Municipality recently supported this organisation by donating 10 surf boards.

The boards are designed for development purposes and are made out of foam that help beginner surfers to stay above water level.

The municipality’s sport and recreation development department Manager Teddi Adams said that the boards would assist aspirant surfers.

“The donation is part of the municipality’s strategy to develop sports and ensure that all youth, irrespective of race and class, have access to facilities that will help them to excel in their chosen sports code.”

Langelihle Nkosi (16) who is a surfer thanked the municipality for the donation.

“I enjoy coming to the surfing lessons because they help me get fit and I enjoy riding the waves.” Nkosi encouraged other aspirant surfers to come and participate and learn more about surfing. Surfers Not Street Children Club coach Sandile Mqadi said that the organisation was aimed at teaching children surfing skills as a means to get them off the streets.

“We cater for street children and those from previously disadvantaged communities.  Our services are free and youth from the ages of five to 23 are welcome,” said Mqadi.

He added that the boards donated by the municipality will assist their efforts and more children will be able to take part in the programme.

The municipality also donated another 10 surfboards to the KwaZulu-Natal Surfing Federation.

The Surfers Not Street Children Club offers surfing lessons from Monday to Friday at 8:30 and again at 13:30. Interested participants can register at the Surfers Not Street Children Office at North Beach.

President Ramaphosa has called for better trade relations with the private sector in the region.

The South African business community has pledged about $500 million to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure thatbusiness activities thrive in the region.

This was according to President Ramaphosa when he was speaking at the 38th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the SADC region in Windhoek, Namibia recently.

This included investments in forestry, agriculture and agro-processing, fertiliser, mining and mineral processing, as well as pharmaceuticals.

“We need to ensure that we create a conducive environment for business to thrive, and to deepen our engagement with the private sector.

“Collaboration with the private sector is important not only in designing SADC regional strategies and initiatives, but also in identifying impediments to greater regional economic integration,” said President Ramaphosa.

The Summit marked the 26th anniversary of the adoption of the SADC Treaty, which was signed on 17 August 1992, and laid the foundation for the formation of the SADC.

President Ramaphosa said he was encouraged by strides taken to maintain peace and stability in the SADC region, including the holding of regular, free and fair elections.

“The consolidation of democracy and the elevation of the rule of law across the region is a sign of the improved effectiveness of our regional institutions and mechanisms”.

As the outgoing chair of the regional body, President Ramaphosa delivered his report to the summit outlining the work of the regional body for the duration of South Africa’s tenure as chair from August 2017 to August 2018.

As chair, South Africa was guided by its tenure theme, ‘Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains’.

The President also handed the Chairship of the SADC to Namibian President, Hage Geingob since South Africa’s tenure had come to an end.

 President Geingob expressed gratitude to the region’s heads of state for welcoming him warmly and supporting his chairship.  

www.SAnews.gov.za

President Ramaphosa has called on the private sector to play their part in providing safer sanitation for schools

The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative is an answer to an emergency of nearly 4 000 schools with pit latrines. This is according to  together with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, launched the SAFE initiative, rallying leaders of business to pledge their support towards the eradication of pit latrines in schools.

The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo top the provinces with the highest number of pit latrines or inadequate sanitation facilities.

Reflecting on the tragic deaths of Michael Komape and Lumka Mkhethwa, who died in 2014 and 2018 in a pit toilet accidentally. The President said more needs to be done.

“The utterly tragic and devastating deaths of children so young and so innocent reminds us of the human consequences of service delivery delayed.

“They remind us that we must focus all our attention not on what we have achieved, but on what we haven’t,” said President Ramaphosa.

Recognising that government cannot eradicate pit latrines alone he called on stakeholders from the private sector to join hands with government.

“We are calling on all South Africans, corporates, NGOs and international partners to be part of this ambitious, but necessary, effort to give effect to the fundamental human rights of our learners.”

More than R100 million was raised towards the eradication of pit latrines by businesses such as Avbob, Lonmin and Sasol.  

SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Written by Noluthando Motswai

Government has no place for corrupt civil servants in the public service.

A Warrant Officer from the South African Police Service (SAPS) was arrested for allegedly smuggling dagga into the Polokwane Correctional Centre in Limpopo.

According to officials at the correctional facility, the SAPS member, from SAPS Mankweng, was fetching inmates, who were due to appear in court.

A correctional official on duty allegedly caught him smuggling dagga for an inmate in the centre. The SAPS provincial office was informed and the police official was arrested on the spot.

Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Chief Operations Officer Mandla Mkabela commended the correctional official for his exemplary conduct, and thanked the SAPS for their swift response and cooperation in this matter.

“This is what is expected of correctional officials. We must serve our country with pride. As DCS we can have a meaningful impact on the rehabilitation of inmates, as well as the citizenry, if we remain true to our conscience and mandate.”

Mkabela also warned the public not to commit crimes in correctional facilities.

“Corrections is critical in correcting society. The Department of Correctional Services has embarked on a journey of shaping the future of corrections in South Africa, and making society proud of what we do,” said Mkabela.

How you can help fight corruption

A number of hotlines and helplines have been created by government to ensure that you can pass on information without having to reveal your identity.

Corruption is a crime and can be reported to the police. You can pass on any information you may have without having to give your name or personal details. If the information helps in the positive investigation of a criminal case, you may be entitled to a reward. Call the Crime Stop number 08600 10 111.

Anonymous tip-offs on criminal activities can also be sent to Crime Line. You can send an SMS containing information to 32211 at a cost of R1 per SMS.

In addition to the above numbers, you can also call government’s National Anti-Corruption Hotline to report corrupt activities you are aware of without giving your name. The number is 0800 701 701.

Yusuf Dadoo, political activist, is born

5 September 1906

On 5 September 1909, a tireless fighter for national and social liberation, Dr. Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo was born in Krugersdorp near Johannesburg. Dadoo’s life was intimately linked to the resistance of racial discrimination and apartheid.

Dadoo was known by many for always forging closer links between underprivileged groups of Indian, African and Coloured people in the struggle for liberation. His family arrived in South Africa in the 1890s, three decades after the first group of Indian immigrant labourers entered South Africa.

He left an impressive political legacy, covering a number of fields spanning the relationship between transnational identity, racial identity, national liberation, socialism, non-racialism and internationalism. On 19 September 1983, Dadoo died while in exile in London.

(Sahistory.org)

Written by Dale Hes

In 2011, Portia Mavhungu (30) spent seven months in a wheelchair after breaking her pelvis. For the first time in her life, her eyes were opened to the difficulties that disabled people face, especially when using the bathroom.

“I suffered the pain and humiliation of needing help to go to the bathroom and became depressed. I kept wondering about people who are in a similar situation,” said Mavhungu.

This prompted Mavhungu, who originates from Gauteng, to design an innovative seating device that allows wheelchair-bound people to go to the bathroom independently.

Mavhungu and her partner, Darushna Chellan then developed the device and eventually produced a pioneering invention that is now attracting attention from around the world. Called the Para Tube, the device fits onto any wheelchair and consists of seating, disposable bags and sanitisers.

“When the person needs to use the bathroom, they pull the centre part of the seat forward with a handle, and the middle seat flips up, in the shape of a toilet. There is a bio-degradable bag in the opening, which allows the user to go to the bathroom without any help. The bag can then be disposed of, similar to a nappy,” Portia explained.

In 2015, the Johannesburg inventors received funding from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), which allowed them to further develop the product under their newly-formed company, PRD Logical Solutions.

In 2017, they were named as finalists in the medical category of the Gauteng Accelerator Programme, which is hosted by the Innovation Hub, an agency of the Gauteng provincial government. They went on to win the award, beating 500 competitors to the title and winning R500 000 in funding, along with incubation and mentoring services.

“We have received immense business support from the Innovation Hub and the Gauteng government,” she said.

Mavhungu was recently selected to take part in a business development programme sponsored by the Swiss South African Joint Research Program. This saw her travelling to Switzerland to present her ideas.

PRD is also in the process of acquiring funding from the Industrial Development Corporation, in order to commercialise their product. They want to work with hospitals, retailers and medical aid companies to bring the Para Tube to people who need it.

Written by More Matshediso

In ten years, young agriculture graduate has worked his way up from trainee to majority owner of a now thriving enterprise.

Tshilidzi Matshidzula (30) is a dairy farmer whose mix of passion and education has made him a success.

After completing his National Diploma in animal production at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2007, he became a trainee at Matshibele Pty (Ltd), a dairy farm in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.

“At the time, the business was still trying to get off the ground. It had 49 cows and was owned by about 18 members,” he told Vuk’uzenzele.

Within a year, he was tasked with managing the business and he ran with the opportunity.

In the space of two years, Matshidzula and two other members who owned the farm managed to buy out the other members of the business and now the three of them have full ownership.

Matshidzula owns 40 percent while the other two own 30 percent each. As the director of the business, he is responsible for many of the executive decisions. Under his leadership, the business is booming and is now milking about 800 cows, producing around four million litres of milk per annum.

The farm has a 50-point rotary milking parlour which takes about one-and-a-half-hours to do the milking each morning and afternoon.

The milk is taken to Coega Dairy which distributes its products under the Coastal View brand in selected retail and wholesale outlets across South Africa.

Matshibele has created employment for 15 permanent workers and trained eight university graduates while taking in seasonal workers from time to time.

In just over 10 years, the farm has received a string of accolades for its sterling work, including the 2018 Youth in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (YAFF) Award.

Matshidzula said winning the YAFF Award for Agricultural Excellence is very meaningful to him because it acknowledges the role of young people in agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries established the awards in 2016 to celebrate and encourage youth participation in the three sectors.