Feb 2006

Feb 2006 sadmin

Advice for this year's matrics

Advice for this year's matrics sadmin

Congratulations class of 2005!

The 2005 national matric examination was tough, but more learners managed to pass with high results.

Encouraging
Education Minister Naledi Pandor said the 2005 matric results showed that there were more learners who wrote and passed the exams compared to 2004.  It is encouraging that 16 500 more learners passed than in 2004. But there were also more than last year who didn’t pass and governement is going to work to change that.  Umalusi, an organisation that makes sure that the exams are free and fair, said given the high standard of the 2005 examination, the 68, 3 % pass rate was a  good result, even though a  2.4% lower than the 70.7% achieved in 2004.  Education Minister Naledi Pandor also supported Umalusi’s statement and added that some of the national papers were tough.  Umalusi report said more learners passed with better results.  The process of writing the examinations and the marking were also checked more properly with extra care than in the past years.  Pandor said the entire process was managed more professionally and showed an improvement with teachers and learners.

Democratic
“It’s clear from these examinations and our past experience that success does not come in one year, but takes several years and hard work to achieve good results.”  The Minister said the matric class of 2005 was very important as they were the ones who started learning under the new democratic education system.  “This year’s (2005) matriculants started school in 1994. They are the first to learn from the beginning until the end under a democratic system. They learned the principles of equality, non-racialism and non-sexism at school. They are our measure of how our education system is growing.”

Education

African peer review mechanism

African peer review mechanism sadmin

Openness is the key to democracy.  Openness in the activities of government means giving ordinary people the chance to highlight the weak and strong points of government and how the government can improve the delivery of services. It is against this background that ordinary South Africans have a chance to look into the progress the country has made in the first 10 years of democracy, and into the challenges of speeding up progress.

 Assessing government
The idea of giving ordinary people a chance to help report on their governments was adopted by the African Union, which represents all African countries.   Through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), African countries help one another to improve the way they are governed. It also helps  them get the best policies for development in line with New Economic Partnerships for Africa’s Development (Nepad). The process to create the country report on South Africa will involve participation by ordinary South Africans in trying to check the progress made by the government.

 Become real
The nine months process for the South Africa country report started in October 2005 and will  end in June this year. To provide participation the government gave the Community Development Workers (CDWs) a duty to interview ordinary South Africans about the government’s performance.  

 Improve delivery
Those who take part are asked to comment about progress in service delivery,  democracy and how the country is being run.    They are also asked to point out where government needed to improve  service delivery as well as areas where it performed well. The same questions asked by the CDWs  are being used by trade unions, business and other community-based organisations to make  their own assessment. All these views are being brought together, along with other information from government and researchers to produce a Draft Country Report. The Draft Report will be discussed at a national conference in March 2006.

After that:

         the review panel will release an issues paper in  April 2006;

         the Country Review Team will visit South Africa in May;

         the Country Review Team will release their report in June;

         the Country Review Report will be submitted for comment;

         the report will be submitted  too the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of States and 
           Government in August 2006.

General

CDW's: Community Service

CDW's: Community Service sadmin

A young woman cries bitterly. She tells Thozama Lande how her husband beat her and chased her out of their house. She fled from the Itereleng informal settlement  in Pretoria, and got help at the Laudium Community Centre from thozama who is a Community Development Worker (CDW). Thozama listened to her story. She contacted social workers, the ward councilor and others to open a case, arrange shelter for her, and provide other aid. As a CDW, Lande sees about 50 people a day with different problems ranging from abuse to applying for ID’s and grants.

 Help Government
The CDW programmes were started after President Thabo Mbeki, in his 2003 state of nation address, asked people to help government identify gaps in service delivery in communities. CDWs were sent in to communities to identify needs and bring these to government.  They have relationships with municipalities, non-government organisations, ward councilors, government departments and community structures. “We work with communities where I do door-to-door calls. During Imbizos, we tell government about poor services. “During disasters like shack fires we also call for help from government and other organisations,” said Lande who quit teaching to be a CDW. When Vuk’uzenzele met with Lande, she was on her way to Itireleng settlement to register people for government’s food parcels.

 Learnerships
Chief Director of the CDW Unit in the Public Service and Administration (PSA) Ministry Emmanuel Kgomo said the department of local government funded the programme, but the PSA ran it. He said it was also supported by South African Government Association and Local Government Sector Education and Training (LGSETA).  The National Skills Fund gave R70million for learnerships and R4million was from LGSETA to train mentors.

Nationally there are 2141 CDWs. -Ndivhuwo Khangale

Jobs / Vacancies

Editors note

Editors note sadmin

Greetings

Piece jobs. That is the reality of livelihood for many of our readers. But things are changing. Many of those who are dependent on these ‘piece jobs’, are discovering opportunities that are allowing them to become full-time employees and entrepreneurs.Government, through its different departments, has started many projects to develop and transfer basic skills to encourage people to empower themselves. Many people are taking these opportunities and are reaping benefits that new skills bring.

This month’s role model, Cheryl Carolus, tells  us not to wait for handouts, but do things for themselves.Also in this edition, we focus on opportunities created by government, via the Department of Labour and the Department of Public Work’s Expanded Public Works Programme, to equip people with new skills in areas like road construction, early childhood development and environmental projects.

The government has created  these projects for all  South Africans. It is our duty to find out and make use of them.

Call the Batho Pele Gateway Call Centre on 1020 and change your life today.

The Editor

General

Fish farming: Science improves lives

Fish farming: Science improves lives sadmin

The work of our country’s scientists can be used by any of us to improve our lives.

The Department for Science and Technology says government projects include science to help people turn their skills and knowledge into small businesses or work which enables them to earn an income.

 Train workers
Farm workers in the Western Cape have made the most of the ‘Hands-on’ aquaculture project. For this project, the Department of Science and Technology partnered with the University of Stellenbosch to train over 150 local wine farm workers to become fish farmers and businesspeople.

 Trout farming
The new farmers operate from 13 small-scale trout farming projects. They use their new skills to run a small trout-farming business.  By December 2005, they began to supply a company in Franschoek processing trout into food. To ensure that the project keeps growing, the Hands-on Fish Farmer Co-operative Limited was formed. It helps member farmers with start-up funding and busioness. Another 12 fish farming projects should come into operation in 2006.

 Low-cost
Projects like this help build skills of local people and create opportunities in low-cost technology to create jobs. Richard Holden, Director: Science and Technology for Social Impact explains: “We continuously identify opportunities for the development of local communities to address poverty.  In partnership with academic and research institutions, we can help communities to gain the skills they need to make the most of these opportunities. The Department’s funding is the ‘start-up’ capital for projects which, if successful, will not only provide jobs but could also attract private investors in the long-term.”

 Other projects
At Giyani in Limpopo, the Department has helped  local people use their knowledge of indigenous plants. The Hi-Hanyile Mosquito Repellent and Essential Oils Project, started by the DST in 2001 in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), provides jobs to 67 locals.  They have been trained to farm plants and to extract essential oils, using simple scientific processes.  It was during this phase of the project that researchers from the Scientific and Industrial Research worked with traditional healers in the area to develop effective mosquito-repellant from oils of an indigenous plant.   

In 2005, the Department funded the building of a factory in Giyani where this oil could be used to make mosquito-repellant candles and local people were trained to operate the machinery.  The candles are being sold in South Africa and there are plans to market them internationally along with the essential oils farmed through the project. 

 

Getting skills we need

Getting skills we need sadmin

Solutions to skills shortage

Before 1994, many  South Africans had few skills they could sell on the job market. This was because the apartheid system neglected the education of the majority of South Africans. The National Skills Development Strategy adopted in 2001 changed this. More than 6 million people have completed skills training in different programmes run by the Department of Labour.

Improve skills
The training has been done through government organisations like Sector Education Training Authorities (Setas) and the National Skills Fund.

The programmes are part of the National Skills Development Strategy. They are part of the government’s plan to improve skills in the country and to make sure that people who have no skills get training so that they can make a living.

Some of strategy’s aims are to:
help create an environment that would grow the economy; support job creation for unskilled people; and           
promote the growth of small businesses.

To create opportunities for training, the government  formed 23 SETAs. The Setas give workers, ordinary unemployed people and young people opportunities to become part of skills training programmes.

6-million trained
By March 2004, 109,647 unemployed people under the age of 35 had received training on learnerships coordinated by the different Setas. Three quarters (75%) of people  who had completed this training were employed on a full or part time basis.

By now, more than 6 million workers have received training through different Setas.

The Department of Labour provincial offices have spent R1 billion every year to support skills training projects for unemployed people.

These projects have helped:
as many as 47,189 learners with Adult Basic Education Training;

give 44,201 people additional skills training;

train 29,200 small businesspeople and give tips on how to do business;

9,332 learners receive learnership qualifications.  

The Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana said creating quality training places for people with no skills is a challenge. He said more work needed to be  done to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity for training.

Reduce poverty
Mdladlana said the skills training projects would help promote the government’s plan to reduce the levels of poverty.

Skills development is part of other big government programmes to fight poverty and create jobs such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

 

Education

Health - Malaria preys on children

Health - Malaria preys on children sadmin

Protection against malaria

As many people were enjoying their holidays with family and friends, some landed up in hospitals aroundLimpopo and Gauteng being treated for the deadly disease - malaria. Those admitted into Gautenghospitals had visited Limpopo and Mozambique areas during the festive season.  

Most Frequently Asked Question About malaria. 

What is malaria?
Malaria is a serious killer disease caused by a parasite. The parasite enters human-beings through female mosquitoes called Anopheles .

Is malaria a seriousdisease?
Yes. Malaria is a leading cause of death and diseases worldwide, especially in developing countries likeAfrica. Most deaths occur in children. Patients with malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, colds and flu-like illness, headache muscle aches and tiredness. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Malaria may also cause yellow skin and eyes because of lack of red blood cells. If not treated it may cause kidney failure, mental confusion, coma and death.  

How is malaria transmitted?
Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infected female mosquito.  

How to prevent malaria?
People traveling to areas with malaria transmission should protect themselves by taking an anti-malaria drug and preventing mosquito bites especially at night. People should fix leaking water pipes, cut lawns and get rid of running water to avoid mosquitoes. Spray insecticides on your home walls to kill adult mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved clothing if outdoors at night, and take anti-malaria drugs to kill parasites.  

What is the treatment for malaria?
Malaria can be cured with prescription drugs from doctors, clinics and hospitals. 

What to do before visiting a malaria area?
Visit a health provider at least 4-6 weeks before the time of the trip. 

Where does malaria occur?
The disease is mainly transmitted in the lowveld regions of Mpumalanga, the northern eastern parts ofKwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. Malaria is mostly found in warmer regions as Anopheles mosquito enjoy higher temperatures.

Health

Hope for unemployed graduates

Hope for unemployed graduates sadmin

Getting a university degree is no guarantee that a person will move straight into a job. Instead, it could prove the most difficult time for a new graduate. So government set up the Unemployed Graduate Initiative.

 Find jobs
This intiative helps jobless graduates find jobs or start their own businesses.  The project was launched jointly with the Umsobomvu Youth Fund last month.  As part of the project the government makes a list of unemployed graduates which is forwarded to the Umsobomvu.

 Opportunities
This project is a response to President Thabo Mbeki’s call for a register of unemployed young graduates. Umsobomvu has formed the Jobs and Opportunities Seekers’ Database. The database contains information on jobs, learnerships, practical work, skills development and business opportunities that are available for young graduates.  So far, 61 000 young graduates have registered on the database.

 Launch
During the launch of the Unemployed Graduates Initiative, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said companies and government departments would find suitable candidates on the database.  “Private companies and departments will have an opportunity to select graduates from different areas and those who were denied opportunities during apartheid,” she said.  Companies and departments will be able to use the database  to place advertisements on the internet about job opportunities. All candidates who have registered on the database will  have their curriculum vitae (CVs) checked with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The Umsobomvu chief executive officer Malose Kekana said the database will make it easier for unemployed graduates to find job opportunities that are available through its programmes and partners.  “We want employers to register the positions they have on our database and that of the Sector Education Training Authority (SETA). We are happy because everybody will be a winner,” he said.

 Asgi-SA
A few months ago Cabinet discussed development of young people,  as part of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative (Asgi-SA). The Asgi-SA task team,  headed by the Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has been working at  how to ensure that the economy grows up to 6% a year between 2010 and 2014.

Jobs / Vacancies

Letters

Letters sadmin

WINNING LETTER

Recently I went through my matric examinations and I did not have a clue what I was going to do. So I decided to do something so I could earn money and not have to ask my parents for money.

What I did is this. I opened  a very simple hair-dressing salon in my home, weaving hair. After a few days I started receiving support from people who knew me. Then I got support from other friends, street mates and my family. Today I am earning from something that I started on my own. It was not only about money, but about using my talent positively. I just did not want to have a situation of having to always run to my parents when I needed money to buy something special for myself.

Vuk’uzenzele made me wake up and learn how I can stand up for myself. It is a magazine that motivates and gives direction to our people on how they can improve their lives. I am 17 years old and I want to tell all young people they should not hide their talents and not be afraid to do things because they are young.

Matshioiso Molathudi - Kuruman                                                   

MATSHIOISO is the winner of the  Motorola C680 cellphone sponsored by: Lewis

Is this freedom?

I am surprised because the government is talking about Batho Pele. We the residents of Tamasikwa and Takaneng Village are being violated by the local government and ward committee. We don’t have electricity and roads. Our footpath has been closed and the department has fenced it off. Is this what you call freedom!

Moses Boepile - North West 

Proud volunteer

I’m 21-years-old and unemployed. I completed my matric in 2003. Because of Vuk’uzenzele’s encouragement I’m proud to say I am a volunteer in my community. I formed a local action group called “Child Care Forum” where we help orphans and vulnerable children. We go door-to-door and list children at risk and find help for them from Home Affairs, Department of Health, Social Welfare, Education and the police.

I’ve learned that: “A vision without a dream is a daydream, and a dream without a vision is a nightmare.”

Dhlamini Nthabiseng - Bethlehem

Stop making excuses

It is time the youth as future leaders of the country woke up. We are responsible for our failures but we like to blame others. We say immigrants are taking our jobs. We say the government does not deliver. When meetings are called about projects offered by the government, we do not attend yet we keep on complaining. We are running out of excuses. It is time to act. Empty hands are the devil’s workshop.

Thabiso Tsilo - Sebokeng 

Don’t kill yourself!

Be responsible if you find you have HIV and don’t try to kill yourself. We still want to enjoy life with you in this beautiful world. Life is precious and there is still life after HIV.

Letlhogonolo Mojapele - Rustenburg 

Play safe

Somebody says, Love is always around us. But now so is HIV and Aids, and it is here to stay. So do yourself a favour, play safe and take care of yourself.

Sam Samito Sakeng - Rustenburg

Women are our strength

Vuk’uzenzele is making things happen. Women show  strength by being independent by doing their own projects. Keep it up ladies. You are the mothers of the nation and without you there is no better life. Please  men, don’t abuse women.

A. Mononyane - Soshanguve

Bad behaviour

Alcohol and drugs don’t relieve stress! Most underestimate the causes of stress but one thing for sure is that it cannot be relieved by bad habits. Bad behaviour can cause dangerous situations.

P. M Matseane - Schweizer Reneke 

16 Days Campaign

The 16 Days of Activism campaign started and I was very touched by what one man said, that we tend to focus on people who are phiscially abused as it is easy to see the bruises on their bodies., rather than those who are emotionally abused.

This man made me think of many who are suffering through depression. They are emotionally abused and nobody knows about it execpt themselves and their abusers. I appeal to everyone who is abused to stand up and report it now!

Busisiwe Mpisane - Margate

We all care

Women and children are so beautiful and contribute so much to this world that it upsets me very much to know they are being abused. They are so fragile, yet so strong and do not deserve to be abused in any way. The 16 Days Campaign really raises awareness and highlights the importance pof the problem of abuse. The article in the last Vuk’uzenzele reassured me that all good South Africans care and want to help. Our fight against abusers must not stop.

Louisa Visagie - Upington

General

Provincial focus: KZN

Provincial focus: KZN sadmin

General

Transforming the land

Transforming the land sadmin

Land is everything to many poor people. It is a means of survival. Taking it away from people who depend on it to produce food to feed their families is equal to condemning them to a life of poverty.  This was why the democratic government of 1994 started the land reform programme. It was aimed at giving people who have no land ownership rights to a piece of land. Another programme was the restitution of land rights – its purpose was to return people who had been forcibly removed from their land under apartheid to their land.

 Land claims
The Commission on Land Rights  was set up to deal with these issues.  Since the commission was formed it has received 79 696 land claims of which 59 345 claims had been settled. The Chief Land Claims commissioner Tozi Gwanya told Vuk’uzenzele that the return of land was important to revive the pride of people who were forcibly removed from their land. In the next nine years, he said, the government will have provided 30% of agricultural land to black farmers. “The government has also paid millions of rands to people whose land could not be returned because it was turned into an industrial area (where factories were built) or houses have been built,” he said.

 Progress
Gwanya said before 1994, 87% of land was owned by white people, whereas only 13% was in the hands of black people.  “We have managed to return the land belonging to 172 769 families. This has been an important achievement,” he said. The cut-off date for land claimants was December 1998. And December 2004 was the date by which all claims should have been resolved, but this was extended so that the remaining claims could be dealt with.Gwanya said he did not believe the land claims process would be reopened because it would cost a lot.

 Forced removals
So far, the commission has given 887 093 hectares of land to people who have applied to have their land back.  “We are sure the remaining claims will be solved in the next three years,” he said. In July 2005, the government organised the Land Summit in Johannesburg. The meeting was attended by several community-based groups and leaders of political parties. It was at this meeting that the Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Thoko Didiza pro- mised that unfair forced removals would remain something of          the past.

 Speed up
Didiza said in the first years of democracy the government had created laws to speed up the return of land to its rightful owners. “Since 1994 the government has given 1,2 million people more than 3 million hectares of land through the Land Reform programme,” she said.

 

Rural development