Issuu

ProjectTools1

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Every year in August, we as a country celebrate Women’s Month and pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws.

We have much to celebrate with beautiful, brilliant, accomplished women from all walks of life taking charge of their destiny, making their voices heard, and setting an example for generations to come. History is taking into account those committed to service excellence, ethical leadership, transformation and empowerment.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

In these very challenging times, government is looking towards PPP’s, or Public-Private Partnerships, to better respond to SA’s growing concerns that include unemployment, economic development, poverty, re-imagining SA after Covid19, the KZN floods, waste management, housing, our energy crises, social cohesion and bridging the digital divide, to name just a few of the challenges we now face.

One such woman is our AuditorGeneral Tsakani Maluleke, whose career is grounded in a passion and duty for her work, and her active

Government Audit Outcomes for the 2020-21 financial year. The report reflects the state of our municipal finances and a call from her “for all role players in the local government ecosystem to diligently play their part to ensure accountability for government spending, and for improving service delivery and quality of life for South Africa’s citizens.”

and products that enable them to participate in the growing economy.

We showcase four inspiring women leaders at the Municipal Demarcation Board who are committed to delivering spatial justice, and they share with us their career highlights, empowering advices to other women and views on fighting GBV.

Local, provincial and national government leaders are looking at innovative solutions, and synergies with civil society and the private sector, to identify and seize opportunities for collective impact.

We spoke with Joy Hlongwane, a successful young female

Municipal Focus unpacks the role, commitment and contribution of the National School of Government (NSG) to the establishment of a capable, professional and responsive public sector, and speaks to Principal, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, about the NSG’s work in the local government sphere that include programme partnerships and capacity building interventions, so that public servants can best understand and implement their work.

KwaNgwane Plant Solutions, Joy has become a formidable player in the industry, and a major supplier to both the mining and construction sectors.

August is TVET Month and our feature on Taletso TVET College highlights the College’s role in mentoring and supervising Rebecca Tshuma, the young, brilliant and ambitious female winner of the National WorldSkills Competition.

The Electoral Commission has embarked on a Youth Democracy Campaign, aimed at youth voter education, participation and registration. Mawethu Mosery, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer: Outreach at the Electoral Commission, said that engaging the youth in this manner will empower this generation with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate in elections and to shape their own future.

In this edition our cover feature showcases Cell C which has invested in “connecting communities and building capabilities”, where those who have been previously disadvantaged are afforded opportunities that empower them with the necessary skills, services

June 2022 coincides with Youth Month and we have a conversation with Malusi Shezi, the CEO of CETA (Construction Education & Training Authority) about the construction industry, empowering youth with skills in the sector, the SETA’s successes and challenges, and collaborations with some of the other SETA’s and TVET Colleges that will benefit the youth.

Adopting laws and policies that require equitable representation of women decision-makers is a powerful means of empowering women. In turn, these women are inspiring role models for our future generations who will ensure quality governance with their unique skills, qualities, resonancebuilding leadership styles, adaptive communication skills and qualities of cooperation, mentoring and collaboration.

Barloworld celebrates its 120th Anniversary and continues the group’s legacy of positively impacting the communities in which it operates. Through its flagship programme, Barloworld Mbewu, it offers support to start-ups and other organizations that exist to help solve local socioeconomic challenges. Through its perpetual policy of giving back to communities, this iconic South African company continues to thrive.

We join our readers this August in celebrating all women who refuse to be erased or made invisible. Keep

Enjoy the read and keep safe!

Through collaborations, and by introducing civil society and private sector technology, innovation and ideas to deal with SA’s challenges, we are better positioned to make local government work, supplement the limited government capacity and resources we have, and provide better public services!

Enjoy the read and keep safe!

Nardine Nelson Publisher & CEO Kweda Media & Communications

Nardine Nelson Publisher & CEO Kweda Media & Communications CELL C: Partnerships - The Key to Serving South Africa and Her People

• Service delivery

• Reputation & credibility

• Ethical practices

• Audit outcomes

• Risk identification & mitigation

• Management

• A robust ethical approach

• Stronger stakeholder relationships

• Efficient & economic ways of working

• A competitive edge

• Full control through performance measurement

Ensure Decrease

• Accountability

• Employees are highly skilled & competent professionals through up-skilling

• Costs

• Wastage

• Complexity

Assisting Local Government and Municipalities to strengthen their Procurement & Supply Chains and help deliver better services to communities. Now is the time.

Email saenquiries@cips.org.za to find out more.

50 National School of Government Executive Education Portfolio

54 KwaNgwane

SA's First Black Female Youth Owned and Managed Capital/Heavy Earth Moving Equipment Distributor

60 FSGLTA

Discover and Explore the Free State

64 Palabora Mining Company

68 Taletso TVET College

Congratulations to the Gold Medal Winner, The Best Mzanzi Student In CAD!

MUNICIPAL NEWS

74 Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

75 Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality

76 Thaba Chweu Local Municipality

78 City of Ekurhuleni Report on 100 days in office

ProjectTools1

DESIGN PRINT PUBLISH

“Communications, Marketing and Advertising are indispensable tools towards success and growth in any business venture…”

Kweda Media & Communications offers a diverse range of business and sales solutions, strategies and ideas that are customised to meet our clients’ standards and exceed their expectations.

Our Vision is driven by the passion to inspire, assist and elevate business enterprises by forming strategic collaborations that will yield multiple benefits of success and growth for all.

Kweda Media and Communications is a Proudly South African, 100% black female owned company located in Plumstead, Cape Town, registered as a private company since May 2014 - we hold a level 1 B-BBEE certificate. We are a team of multi skilled staff members who have a fresh, innovative and diverse approach to working and always willing to put in the extra time and attention to ensure great service delivery on time.

Your vision… our drive

SIMO MKHIZE

SITHOLE MBANGA CEO: SA CITIES NETWORK

SITHOLE MBANGA CEO: SA CITIES NETWORK TSAKANI MALULEKE

EDITOR

PUBLISHING EDITOR

DISTRIBUTION

Nardine Nelson nardine@kwedamedia.co.za +27 82 739 3932

nardine@kwedamedia.co.za +27 82 739 3932

Nardine Nelson nardine@kwedamedia.co.za +27 82 739 3932

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Happy Nkhoma

Madala Thepa

Contributors Happy Nkhoma Isaac Mahlangu Madala Thepa

Nwabisa Pondoyi Madala Thepa

MAGAZINE DESIGN & LAYOUT

KCDA Design Agency Jaco Kotze jk@kcda.co.za

MAGAZINE DESIGN & LAYOUT

Digital Pixels Studio Paul Sampson paul@digital-pixels.co.za

MAGAZINE DESIGN & LAYOUT

Digital Pixels Studio Paul Sampson paul@digital-pixels.co.za

Mphumzi Njovana

Nazly Leite nazly@kwedamedia.co.za

Advertising Mphumzi Njovana mphumzi@kwedamedia.co.za Nazly Leite nazly@kwedamedia.co.za

Advertising Mphumzi Njovana mphumzi@kwedamedia.co.za Brian Qaba brian@kwedamedia.co.za

Advertising Mphumzi Njovana mphumzi@kwedamedia.co.za Nazly Leite nazly@kwedamedia.co.za

Production production@kwedamedia.co.za

Production Rayhaan Suleiman production@kwedamedia.co.za

Administration admin@kwedamedia.co.za

Administration Tameryn Moses tameryn@kwedamedia.co.za admin@kwedamedia.co.za

Marketing / Distribution marketing@kwedamedia.co.za

GCIS, Assembly, National Provincial Municipalities:

subscriptions@kwedamedia.co.za

Subscriptions / Distribution subscriptions@kwedamedia.co.za

Administration subscriptions@kwedamedia.co.za

Subscriptions / Distribution subscriptions@kwedamedia.co.za

GCIS, National Assembly, NCOP, National & Provincial Departments, Municipalities: Mayors, Managers, Heads of Procurement, Tenders and Purchasing Officers, Conferences and the Private Sector

National Assembly, National Municipalities: Officers, Conferences Sector

GCIS, National Assembly, NCOP, National & Provincial Departments, Municipalities: Mayors, Managers, Heads of Procurement, Tenders and Purchasing Officers, Conferences and the Private Sector

Procurement, Tenders and Purchasing Officers, Conferences

DIGITAL E-BOOK CREATION

www.digital-pixels.co.za CCO: CELL C

www.KCDA.co.za AUDITOR-GENERAL

PUBLISHED BY

PUBLISHED BY Kweda Media & Communications

Media Communications

PUBLISHED BY Kweda Media & Communications

Kweda Media & Communications 1 The Village Square, Main Road, Plumstead, Cape Town Tel: +27 (21) 768 0115 www.kwedamedia.co.za

1 The Village Square, Main Road, Plumstead, Cape Town Tel: +27 (21) 768 0115 www.kwedamedia.co.za

1 The Village Square, Main Road, Cape +27 (21) 768 0115 www.kwedamedia.co.za

Communications Village Main Road, Plumstead, Cape Town Tel: +27 (21) 768 0115 www.kwedamedia.co.za

and production correspondence should be addressed to Municipal Focus, PO Box 12454 Plumstead 7800. Manuscripts, illustrations and other material must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to amend and to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kweda Media & Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any form or any means without prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Municipal Focus are not necessarily those of the publishers.

publication may be reproduced, or by any any prior permission of the The Municipal Focus are not the publishers.

All editorial, business and production correspondence should be addressed to Municipal Focus, PO Box 12454 Plumstead 7800. Manuscripts, illustrations and other material must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to amend and to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kweda Media & Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any form or any means without prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Municipal Focus are not necessarily those of the publishers.

business and correspondence be addressed to Municipal Box Plumstead 7800. Manuscripts, illustrations and other material stamped, self-addressed No responsibility can unsolicited material. editor reserves the right to amend and to and deemed necessary. Copyright by Kweda Media & part of

editorial, and production correspondence should addressed to Municipal Focus, PO Box 12454 Plumstead 7800. Manuscripts, illustrations and other material must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to amend and to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kweda Media & Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any form or any means without prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Municipal Focus are not necessarily those of the publishers.

“A clean audit should not be undermined or underestimated; it is an important foundation to achieve for a municipality to deliver much-needed services to their communities and spend scarce public resources prudently to improve their lived experiences,” says Maluleke

AUDITOR-GENERAL TSAKANI MALULEKE CALLS ON MUNICIPAL LEADERS

to transform local government to improve people’s lives

While launching the 2020-21 consolidated general report on the local government audit outcomes, Auditor-General (AG,) Tsakani Maluleke, called on all role players in the local government accountability ecosystem to diligently play their part to ensure accountability for government spending, and for improving service delivery and quality of life for South Africa’s citizens.

The AG emphasized that, “A clean audit should not be undermined or underestimated; it is an important foundation to achieve for a municipality to deliver much-needed services to their communities and spend scarce public resources prudently to improve their lived experiences.”

Her office’s latest report reflects on the audit outcomes over the five-year term of the previous local government administration, and she says the trends in the report demonstrate that the fourth administration (2016-17) left municipalities in a worse financial position than when they took office.

“The lack of improvement in municipal outcomes is an indictment on the entire local government accountability ecosystem, which failed to act and arrest the decline that continued to be characterised by service delivery

challenges in municipalities,” she says. She said the report “presents a not-tobe-missed opportunity for the new administration to address the already reported audit findings,” and called on all role players involved in local government to “heed our call to action to transform local government and improve people’s lives”.

Unheeded calls result in undesirable audit outcomes

The AG reports that, over the term of the previous administration, the national audit office was consistent in its messages about the progressive and sustainable improvements required to prevent accountability failures and how such failures should be dealt with. Among other matters, the AGSA had emphasised the need to strengthen basic financial and performance management disciplines, and to safeguard and maintain municipal infrastructure to prevent mismanagement, transgressions, nonperformance, fraud and financial loss.

The AG noted that, “Unfortunately, these issues persist.” She said, “Our message was always directed at the leadership, imploring them to turn the tide in local government – the theme of our 2019-20 general report was, Ethical and accountable leadership

should drive the required change.”

A renewed call for a culture shift

Following the 2021 municipal elections new councils were formed, with a new electoral mandate. And she stated that, “It is now time to activate the accountability ecosystem to shift the culture in local government towards performance, integrity, transparency and accountability, saying that it can only be achieved through a shared vision, and leadership that is:

• Courageous,

• Ethical,

• Accountable,

• Capable, and

• Citizen-centric.

She called on all role players involved in local government including; mayors, municipal councils, municipal public accounts committees, audit committees, provincial leadership, premiers, members of the executive council (MECs) of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Finance, coordinating national ministries of CoGTA and Finance, provincial legislatures, Parliament, citizens and community organisations, to play their part to the betterment of people’s lives. >

STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Overall audit outcomes

The AGSA’s audit outcomes, based on the audits performed on the quality of financial statements and performance reports, and on compliance with key legislation, showed that some municipalities improved their audit outcomes, just to regress again in later years. Overall, only 61 municipalities had a better audit outcome in 2020-21 than in 2016-17, with 56 now having a worse audit outcome.

She stated that clean audit outcomes continued to represent less than a fifth of the local government budgets, although it was encouraging to see the slight increase in the number of clean audits - 27 municipalities were able to maintain their clean audit status throughout the administration, 14 achieved a clean audit for the first time, while six lost their clean audit status. “A clean audit outcome is not always an indicator of good service delivery and does not always directly correlate to the lived experience of all the communities in a municipal area,” explains Maluleke. “However, we have seen that municipalities that have the controls and systems in place to plan, measure, monitor and account for their finances and performance, and to stay within the rules, often also have a solid foundation for service delivery that will benefit their communities. This provides these municipalities with opportunities to shift their focus to ensuring the delivery of services for the benefit of all their residents.”

The AG gave the example of Senqu, a small, rural Eastern Cape municipality, and Western Cape municipalities such as the Cape Winelands and West Coast that have received a clean audit for five consecutive financial years, and reports show that these municipalities have used firm controls and systems to benefit their communities through effective service delivery.

The graphic on the right shows the overall audit outcomes and movement since the 2016-17 financial year.

Despite the improvement in the number of clean audits, it was evidenced that, for the most part, internal controls and financial management disciplines are still lacking, and that local government still has a long way to go before we can celebrate improvements. The vast majority of unqualified audit opinions are only achieved after the auditee was given an opportunity to correct the annual financial statements that were submitted for auditing, which is not sustainable. There are also still municipalities with disclaimed audit opinions, while municipal financial health continues to deteriorate and service delivery is declining.

Material irregularities

The AGSA has recorded successes and has made an impact in implementing its enhanced powers. Through its expanded mandate, and especially the issuing of material irregularities (MIs), the Office has enriched its insights and strengthened its ability to influence and enforce performance, accountability, transparency and integrity in local government. In this regard, a number of notable successes were recorded on matters relating to actual or potential financial loss, as well as those causing substantial harm to institutions and their entities, and those causing substantial harm to communities. For 81% of these matters, municipalities had not taken any action until the Office of the Auditor-General issued the MI notifications to them. On MIs with financial loss, notifications led to the successful correction of municipal

billing systems, which led to an increase in revenue; prevention of further financial losses; improved municipal systems; improved controls; and safeguarding of assets.

In some cases, accounting officers responded to the MIs issued by stopping supplier contracts where money was being lost or where there was the potential for fraud, instituting criminal investigations by the relevant state agencies and disciplining municipal officials where that was required.

In the 2020-21 financial year, the AGSA issued MI’s against repeatedly disclaimed municipalities, these material irregularities were causing substantial harm to the institutions. Since then, the impact has been felt, with firm actions having been taken, notably, investigations have been performed or were underway to determine the root causes for the lack of records, registers and reconciliations. Accounting officers have now developed action plans – or are in the process of doing so – to address the root causes, and financial recovery plans are receiving attention from municipalities, the national government and provincial government. In the past year, and for the first time, the AGSA raised MIs where significant weaknesses in infrastructure and environment management resulted in pollution that caused harm to the general public.

“We are convinced that by implementing our enhanced powers

and being deliberate in raising these MIs, we can encourage corrective action and enforce accountability. In this regard, the successful resolution of the MI is when further financial loss is prevented, the loss is recovered, the harm is effectively addressed, and consequences are effected against implicated officials,” says Maluleke.

Financial Reporting

Financial reporting consultants have become a permanent feature in municipalities’ processes, and the annual cost of consultants doubled over the term of the previous administration, with the financial reporting cost of consultants totalling R1,26 billion in 2020-21.

Financial reporting consultants cost local government R5,31 billion over the term of the previous administration, and 70% of municipalities used consultants for every year of the term.

Maluleke states that the expected benefits of using consultants to enable quality financial statements were not always realised. The financial statements submitted for auditing by 121 (59%) of the municipalities that used consultants had material errors. Even after corrections, 41% received modified audit opinions. When combining the money spent on finance units and consultants at

municipalities, it is clear that financial reporting carried a substantial price tag in 2020-21, coming to just over R11,67 billion. Internal audit units and audit committees also reviewed the prepared financial statements, while national and provincial coordinating departments deployed specialist advisors to support finance units and provided tools to help ensure that financial reporting was credible.

However, Maluleke notes that “despite the resources and support municipalities have available for financial management and reporting, the key financial management controls were not adequate to prevent material misstatements or major mistakes in the financial statements submitted for auditing”.

Financial Health

The AGSA’s assessment of the financial health of 230 municipalities and 18 municipal entities based on their financial statements revealed increasing indicators of a collapse in local government finances and continued deterioration over the term of the administration. Maluleke paints a picture of municipalities often depending on the money they receive from the national government (in the form of an equitable share) to stay afloat. In 2020-21, this amounted to R80,26 billion, up from R67,83 billion in the previous year.

Metros

The financial health of metros is particularly concerning, as they serve the largest segment of the population and account for more than half of the local government expenditure budget. The City of Tshwane (Gauteng), City of Johannesburg (Gauteng), City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng), City of Cape Town (Western Cape) and Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape) were all downgraded to below investment grade by 30 June 2021. Most of the metros were put review for further downgrades by the credit-rating agencies meaning that they could plunge deeper into sub-investment territory if economic conditions worsen.

Service Delivery

Most municipalities had inadequate systems to collate and report on their performance information, and officials did not understand or could not apply the performance management and reporting requirements. There is a correlation between a good performance management system and service delivery, which weakens if performance measures and targets are not met. Many municipalities had no material findings on performance information because they corrected material errors identified during the audit process. This indicates weak and inconsistent monitoring controls over performance management processes and systems. >

Impact – municipalities with disclaimed audit opinions

In 2020-21, there were 25 municipalities that received disclaimed audit opinions – the worst audit opinion possible.

This is almost 10% of all municipalities in the country. The AGSA could not express an opinion on the credibility of their financial statements or determine what was done with the funds the municipalities received for the year towards service delivery.

Maluleke said that in most of these municipalities, the auditors observed leadership instability (both at political and administrative level), poor oversight by councils, significant financial health problems, protests and strikes, a lack of consequences, and interventions that were not effective. She also stated that one of the key matters that plague the disclaimed municipalities is the lack of proper asset registers and records and that half of these municipalities struggled with project management, resulting in delays in project completion, overspending on contract amounts and contractors being paid for substandard work. Municipalities had a lack of technical skills, and vacancies in the technical departments and in positions responsible for signing off on work

done in the project management units. It was noted that six municipalities did not use unique identifiers such as payment descriptions and descriptive references for bank payments to enable meaningful matching and analysis between the bank statements and the financial system.

Infrastructure:

We reported on weaknesses in infrastructure projects and inadequate maintenance and management of infrastructure throughout the term of the previous administration.

Maluleke also notes that communities could be negatively affected by municipalities not properly maintaining the infrastructure and managing the environment for which they are responsible. “After inspecting some of the wastewater treatment works and landfill sites controlled by municipalities, our experts identified poor or ineffective environmental management, limited environmental monitoring and enforcement, as well as defective management and delivery of wastewater and solid waste services at municipalities. “When these sites are not properly operated, there is a significant likelihood that both service delivery and the environment could be negatively affected. This is the

case when untreated sewage is discharged into water sources or refuse is illegally dumped or not properly compacted and treated at suitable sites,” the AG warns. See page 41-432 in the report for the impact of infrastructure neglect on service delivery.

CONCLUSION

Culture of performance, accountability, transparency and integrity

“Our role and mandate as the country’s supreme audit institution is to audit every municipality and municipal entity, report on what we found and share the insights to strengthen transparency and enable accountability. It is not mere compliance for us, but a genuine effort to ensure improvement and enforce accountability where it is lacking.”

"We have a vision, shared by many, for this new administration to make significant strides towards instilling in local government a culture of performance, accountability, transparency and integrity. We will monitor the implementation, effectiveness and impact of the commitments made by various leaders over the term of the new administration,” concludes Maluleke.

Contact Details:

Auditor-General of South Africa

Contact: Africa Boso (012) 422 9880 Africab@agsa.co.za

Follow the AGSA on Twitter: AuditorGen_SA Media note: The Consolidated general report on the audit outcomes of local government is available on www.agsa.co.za.

About the AGSA: The AGSA is the country’s supreme audit institution. It is the only institution that, by law, has to audit and report on how government is spending taxpayers’ money. This has been the focus of the AGSA since its inception in 1911.

MDB GAME-CHANGERS Committed to deliver spatial justice

The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has transformed drastically over the years in terms of gender parity to currently being led by 50% of Board Members who are women. This has contributed to the good and consistent performance of the entity which is on an upward trajectory to deliver spatial justice.

Born in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, Mbali Myeni is a middle child from a family of five siblings. She holds a Masters of Commerce (MCom), Master’s in BusinessAdministration (MBA), Honours Bachelor of ArtsDegree (Communication Science Major), Diploma in Project Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Her experience extends throughout her leadership roles in both the public and private sectors and a combination of more than 20 years of local and provincial government experience.

She has held various positions in the administrative establishment of uMngeni Local Municipality from 2011 until 2016 before she became a Councillor and Mayor of the same municipality serving a five-year term.

She has been appointed to various Boards gaining vast experience in Corporate Governance, and was appointed by SALGA to provide training to councillors.

MBALI

PEARL MYENI

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON

Municipal Demarcation Board – Non-executive Director & Deputy Chairperson of the Board; Moses Kotane Institute –Non-executive Director; KZN Liquor Authority – Non-executive Director and Chairperson of the Board; KZN Gambling and Betting Board – Non-executive Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Board; Business Owner of two (2) POSTNET franchises, in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.

WHAT MOTIVATES HER AND ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED

Myeni believes that women should believe in themselves, their hopes and their aspirations.

They should not be told by anyone that it cannot be done. Rather try and fail at it – you will learn from your mistakes. Her advice to all women is to “work hard so that you won’t have to depend on anyone for anything.” As a mother to three beautiful kids she advises women to set an example for their children and to inspire them, “give them an opportunity to learn and be the people that they want to be and knowledge that will allow them to be able to conquer the world.”

VIEWS ON FIGHTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN OUR SOCIETY

Myeni believes that if you allow people to take advantage of you it will escalate to the level where you will not be in a position of control. She says that if you are experiencing domestic violence, speak out and reach out for help whilst you can. Don’t give in.

Born in Komani (formerly Queenstown), a small town in the Border region in the Eastern Cape, Namso Baliso has lived there most of her life attending boarding schools in the former Transkei area. She hails from a very close-knit family, and to this day spends as much time as possible with her siblings and elderly parents who she counts as her blessings and anchors.

Baliso holds qualifications in Town and Regional Planning and Project Management and has worked mostly in the public sector mainly, in the National Departments and in local government. As her studies were sponsored by government she intentionally stayed in the public sector after she qualified, wanting to not only show her gratitude, but wanting to be the change she wanted to see. Her vast skills cover areas of strategy, legislation and policy development; urban planning; international relations; environmental planning; administration; financial management; and project management.

WHAT MOTIVATES HER AND ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED

NAMSO BALISO BOARD MEMBER

Baliso is highly motivated by her parents, who like many in the history of our country, are from humble beginnings entrenched in poverty in the rural areas but were able to overcome, work and provide for their family. Her passion for public service is inspired

by father who worked in various capacities in the fields of local government and housing. She inherited her love of helping people from her mother who worked as a qualified nurse. An avid traveller, her journeys to all provinces, the African continent, and overseas, and her experiences of different cultures, have moulded the person that she has become.

Her empowering advice to other women is that they must take the leap of faith and conquer the fears that hold them back, and to dare to reach beyond their dreams. She quotes Marianne Williamson, “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

HER VIEWS ON HOW WE CAN FIGHT GBV

GBV is institutionalised in the context of the patriarchal South African society. It is mostly seen as a female problem. For instance, when one speaks of the high levels of GBV some responses from men have tended to shift the narrative and say that men are also victims of violence. While this is true, the magnitude and scale are tipped greatly against women. In my view, men should also actively participate in gender work and make it harder for their friends, colleagues and family members to be perpetrators; to be “their brother’s keeper” so to speak. >

Tintswalo Baadjie is a mother of two who was born and educated in Limpopo Province. She is a certified Professional Accountant with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and holds a Bcom Degree and an MBA. She has over 23 years’ experience in financial management and has worked for state owned entities such as the South African Post Office, in the banking sector for Standard Bank and ABSA and in the public sector at Gauteng Provincial Treasury. She is currently the Chief Financial Officer at the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) and has been employed there for the past 5 years.

She is appreciative of the opportunities and the vast experience she has acquired despite the challenges that most black women face in the workplace. She has been fortunate to have come across managers who provided training, assistance and mentorship that led to her career as an executive at the MDB where she has proven to be instrumental in the entity achieving a clean audit for four (4) years in a row.

WHAT MOTIVATES HER AND ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED

She is motivated by young people in the workplace and finds fulfilment in mentoring and coaching them to be future accountants and assisting them to reach their full potential.

TINTSWALO BAADJIE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

She believes that women need to stop waiting for men to empower them and instead take matters into their own hands and empower themselves. She believes women need to lead by example and need to support each other and create an enabling environment so that the younger generation find a better place to reach their full potential.” Baadjie says “It is only women who can break the chains of patriarchy by believing in their own capabilities, men who believe in a patriarchal system which favours them are less inclined to want the status quo to change.”

HER VIEWS ON HOW WE CAN FIGHT GBV

Speaking on GBV she says that due to the patriarchal nature of our society, gender-based violence thrives because most women rely on their abusers for financial well-being thereby limiting their choices. Furthermore, most awareness programmes focus on the victims and not on the perpetrators. As long as these matters are not addressed, GBV will persist.

“Creating an enabling environment for women will give them choices, and Programmes that focus on abusers by assisting them find better ways to deal with their anger will also come a long way in minimising GBV.”

BBARILENG BATHAKGILE DICHABE

SENIOR MANAGER: STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION

arileng Bathakgile Dichabe is a seasoned communicator with extensive experience in Communication, Stakeholder Relations, Public Relations and Marketing across various sectors. Within her portfolio at the MDB Dichabe specialises in events management, project management, strategy, content development, managing corporate social investment initiatives, amongst others. She has worked in various government departments at national and provincial level and has worked for state-owned entities.

Dichabe comes from a close-knit family in Mabopane, and is married with three children. She obtained her Master’s in Management Degree from Wits Business School in 2015.

WHAT MOTIVATES HER AND ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN TO SUCCEED

Dichabe conveys her gratitude to her late mother Tiny Dibakoane for being her pillar of strength, for advising her to be independent at an early age, and to work hard. Her elderly father, Page Dibakoane, remains her hero for his unwavering support, his never-say-die attitude and resilience. She is grateful, that her parents provided a warm and loving home for the family, and instilled wonderful values of respect, hard-work and humility that have helped her and her siblings to thrive.

She firmly believes in the mantra ‘each one, teach one’ and is totally against the ‘pull her down syndrome’ perpetuated by

most women in higher positions. On her way up the ladder she has made sure to respect everyone regardless of their levels and to uplift and motivate female colleagues whenever she engages them.

She says, “Women go through hard times whether personally or professionally. Why can’t we support and lift each other up where possible. Why not unite for a greater cause and break the barriers that prevents us from living our best lives.”

Dichabe believes that women can adapt to change effortlessly, and lead with distinction, and that this is the kind of leadership required given the current situation in the country.

She says “Empowered women are shattering the proverbial glass ceiling at a rapid pace as they occupy spaces previously reserved for men like never before. Women are claiming their spaces unapologetically. We are blessed with an extra dose of resilience that drives us to move mountains. Soon we will have the first ever female President in the country, watch this space.”

HER VIEWS ON HOW WE CAN FIGHT GBV

Dichabe has a firm belief that teachings that will identify, reduce and prevent gender-based violence needs to start with boys and girls at elementary level at schools. She says that men need to step up and take a firmer and more visible stance at being stronger role models. It should be ingrained from a young age that women have equal rights to men and must be respected. She strongly believes that tougher action taken against those who continue to abuse women and children will serve as a deterrent to this criminal behaviour. "Men need to change their mindsets, move with the changing times and work with women not against them. We need each other to move the country forward," said Dichabe.

EASTCAPE MIDLANDS TVET COLLEGE: CREATING NEW FUTURES

Eastcape Midlands TVET College (EMC) is continuing to play a critical and meaningful role in skills development and the lives of its students in the Eastern Cape Province. EMC serves a highly industrialised urban area; part of the Nelson Mandela Metropole, the rural western parts of the province, as well as Grahamstown and Graaff-Reinet. This means that the College faces unique challenges in being a provider for both the needs of a developed and advanced industrial economy, as well as a widespread rural area with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Another challenge that EMC faces is the Eastern Cape’s primary and secondary education systems in rural and less fortunate communities. Yet, amid the challenges, EMC has not only increased its number of students who pass their exams yearly, but has also produced the top 10 students in the country over the past couple of years.

Vision

To excel in creating employability and life-long learning opportunities for all our students and communities.

Mission

Educating learners for career success and personal development by utilizing committed and competent staff, and a conducive learning environment and adequate resources. In support of our mission, we are committed to:

• Develop institutional capacity to support our programmes

• Provide student support and services and endeavor to assist in job placements for our students

• Be a modern but relevant college that is informed by development challenges facing its communities

• Be a centre of excellence, characterised by competitive competencies, capabilities and service orientation

Values

We will uphold all the values as enshrined in the spirit of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the various legislations that regulate the College directly or indirectly. We will particularly uphold strict financial discipline as contemplated by the PFMA. Our vision and mission will direct us at all times, and we will endeavour to be effective, efficient and economical at all times by being responsive and relevant to our client’s needs and by working as a coherent team.

Our core values are as follows:

EMC’s Head Office is situated at the corner of Cuyler and Durban Street, Uitenhage. Contact details for our campuses are as follows:

College Head Office/ Uitenhage Campuses: 041 995 2000

Graaff-Reinet Campus: 049 891 0201

Grahamstown Campus: 046 636 1823

Opening date: Monday, 1 August 2022 & Closing date: Friday, 30 September 2022

NCV R191

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES:

LEVEL 2 - 4

• MARKETING

• OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

• FINANCE, ECONOMICS & ACCOUNTING

• TOURISM

• HOSPITALITY

• SAFETY IN SOCIETY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

LEVEL 2 - 4

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE

• ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION

• ENGINEERING RELATED DESIGN : AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

• ENGINEERING RELATED DESIGN : FITTING & TURNING

• ENGINEERING RELATED DESIGN : WELDING

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDIES

N4 - N6

• MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• MARKETING MANAGEMENT

• BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

• HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• LEGAL SECRETARY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

N1 - N3

• CIVIL ENGINEERING

• MOTOR ELECTRICAL

• MOTOR MECHANIC & DIESEL MECHANIC

• FITTING & MACHINING

• ELECTRONIC TRADE

• WELDING

• CIVIL ENGINEERING

N4 - N6

• MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

• ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

HIGH STREET CAMPUS, GRAAFF-REINET CAMPUS, GRAHAMSTOWN CAMPUS & HEATH PARK CAMPUS

THANDUXOLO CAMPUS, GRAAFF-REINET CAMPUS, GRAHAMSTOWN CAMPUS & HEATH PARK CAMPUS

CHARLES GOODYEAR CAMPUS & PARK AVENUE CAMPUS

As a wholly black-owned corporate commercial law firm, Poswa Incorporated promotes its ethos of brilliance, action and heart when rendering legal services to clients.

RENDERING A WIDE RANGE OF QUALITY AND RELIABLE LEGAL SOLUTIONS TO MUNICIPALITIES

FFounded in 2010, Poswa Incorporated is a progressive corporate and commercial law firm providing services across all aspects of commercial law, including the structuring of transactions, negotiation and drafting agreements, legal opinions and due diligence. Poswa Incorporated also offers conveyancing and notarial expertise, litigation and dispute resolution through commercial and civil spheres, forensic investigative and advisory services, as well as labour and employment law services.

ounded in 2010, Poswa Incorporated is a progressive corporate and commercial law firm providing services across all aspects of commercial law, including the structuring of transactions, negotiation and drafting agreements, legal opinions and due diligence. Poswa Incorporated also offers conveyancing and notarial expertise, litigation and dispute resolution through commercial and civil spheres, forensic investigative and advisory services, as well as labour and employment law services.

As a wholly black-owned corporate commercial law firm, Poswa Incorporated promotes its ethos of brilliance, action and heart when rendering legal services to clients. Through its high value transactions and deal closures the firm has proven to be a credible legal services provider, within the South African landscape.

ethical behaviour; and ensuring that accountability, transparency and responsibility standards are met in respect of the relevant codes and legislation.

Our state clientele includes:

• The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality;

• Midvaal Local Municipality;

• The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality;

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality;

• Midvaal Local Municipality;

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality;

• eThekwini Municipality;

• Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality;

• Umgungundlovu District Municipality;

• Ray Nkonyeni Municipality;

• City of uMhlathuze Local Municipality;

• Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs;

• South African Revenue Services;

• Land and Agricultural Bank of South Africa (Land Bank)

Poswa Incorporated has a wealth of experience in advising private and public entities on practices and procedures related to the rules, procedures and processes related to their operations. The firm’s competitive advantage is provided by our comprehensive offering of broad legal based services which includes but are not limited to: advice on risk, procurement law; management;

• Land and Agricultural Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) Gauteng Partnership Trust trading (Gauteng Department of Human Settlements); and

• Gauteng Partnership Trust trading as Gauteng Partnership Fund (Gauteng Department of Human Settlements); and

• Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (Gauteng Province).

Poswa Inc is adequately equipped and well positioned to provide state entities with the following mentioned legal services: >

Poswa Inc is adequately equipped and well positioned to provide state entities with the following mentioned legal services:

Contracts and Procurement Law

Our corporate commercial team deals with a wide range of contract law and corporate commercial matters which includes general commercial drafting; document review; regulatory advice in relation to commercial transactions; finance transactions; legal due diligence investigations and reports; transaction advisory services and opinions; memoranda of undertsanding; infrastructure development; and assisting with the facilitation of public private partnerships.

Poswa Inc has vast experience in dealing with contract law matters which includes negotiating, drafting, reviewing and advising on a broad range complex contracts.

Poswa Inc has vast experience in dealing with contract law matters which includes negotiating, drafting, reviewing and advising on a broad range of complex contracts.

We further provide legal advice and legal opinions relating but not limited to the following legislation:

• the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act No. 108 of 1996;

• the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003;

• the Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000;

• the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003; the Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000;

• the Municipal Structures Act No. 117 of 1998;

reputational risks;

• the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations of 2005;

• National Treasury Practice Notes;

• the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 1999;

• Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act No. 5 of 2000;

• Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2017;

• the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No. 3 of 2000;

• the Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000; and

• the National Treasury Regulations

Forensic

Forensic Investigations and Advisory Services

Investigations and Advisory Services

Our forensic services are designed to assist public, private and stateowned organisations in achieving their goals by identifying, mitigating, and remedying fraudulent activities which threaten core mandates by:

• conducting holistic and comprehensive forensic audits and investigations;

• drafting and implementing fraud risk management strategies;

• preventing and/or managing

• compiling anti-fraud and corruption policies and strategies;

• drafting policies and processes that prevent economic crime and misconduct; and

• facilitating the institution of disciplinary proceedings

A great law firm is one that puts its clients first. This means not only providing high-quality legal services, but also taking the time to get to know each client and understand their unique needs. In addition, a great law firm will be responsive to client inquiries and attentive to their concerns. Above all, a great law firm will be dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for each and every client. By putting clients first, a great law firm can build long-lasting relationships of trust and mutual respect.

This is the professional consistency that places Poswa Incorporated ahead of the legal game, taking on challenges daily, building their credentials and aiming for a strong outcome. To be successful in the field of law one must care not only about the legal intricacies but the client.

LUYOLO POSWA - CHAIRMAN

LUYOLO

POSWA - CHAIRMAN

Luyolo Poswa is the founder of Poswa Incorporated Attorneys. In March 2010 Luyolo commenced business under the name Poswa Incorporated Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers. From 2010 until 2017 he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the company as well as the Director of a successful banking and finance department. In April 2017 Luyolo appointed Nima Gagjee as the Chief Executive Officer and serves as the Chairman as well as the lead director of the Banking & Finance Team.

Luyolo’s leadership has taken the company from strength to strength and will continue to drive Poswa Incorporated’s mission and vision. Luyolo is a Director for a number of companies within the Debt Capital Market space. Notably he is a Director for ED INL Investments (Pty) Ltd (Investec Limited BEE Company), Commissioner Street No 5 (RF) (Pty) Ltd (Absa Capital Securitisation Vehicle).

Representing each individual client as an extension of their own team is something that resonates strongly with Poswa Incorporated.

NIMA GAGJEE - CEO

Poswa Incorporated has received various awards which speak to their brilliant service, some of which include:

- Global 100 - Best Black-Owned Commercial Law Firm - 2022South Africa

- Global 100 - Best Black-Owned Commercial Law Firm - 2022 - South Africa

- 2022 Impumelelo Top Empowered Company – Qualifying company

Nima joined Poswa Inc. as a Director in April 2010 to establish the company’s conveyancing and notarial practice department. From inception Nima was actively involved in managing and controlling the operational efficiencies of the company. In 2011 Nima was instrumental in obtaining the Bronze top supporting source of business award, from ABSA home loans, in the Gauteng region for Poswa Inc.

- Recognised by Best Lawyers 2022

- 2020 MEA Market African Excellence Award in recognition of being the Best Black-Owned Commercial Law Firm – South Africa

- 2019 Certificate of Achievement award in recognition of 1st Place Top Performer ABSA Home Loans Panel Attorney, Free State Region

- 2019 Acquisition International Achievement award in recognition of being the Best Black-Owned Commercial Law Firm – South Africa

In 2016 under Nima’s leadership the firm was instrumental in receiving a certificate of achievement award in recognition of 1st place top performer ABSA home loans panel attorney in the Gauteng region.

Poswa Incorporated’s head office is situated in Johannesburg with its provincial footprint in both Durban and Bloemfontein.

In 2017, Nima was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Poswa Incorporated and continued to dual role as both Chief Executive Officer and Director of Conveyancing and Notarial Practice. Presently Nima continues to provide direction and guidance in respect of the firm’s strategic, operational and financial growth and success of the firm and also serves as the Head of the Conveyancing and Notarial Practice Department.

Poswa Chairman: Luyolo Poswa

Poswa CEO: Nima Gagjee

EHLANZENI TVET COLLEGE

Ehlanzeni TVET College falls under Ehlanzeni District Municipality constituted of Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Thaba Chweu and Nkomazi Local Municipalities.

The College is made of eight sites, seven Campuses and a central office. The Campuseses are Mapulaneng Campus located in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Mthimba Campus, Nelspruit Campus, Barberton Campus and Kanyamazane Campus all located in the Mbombela Local Municipality, Mashishing Campus is located in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality and Mlumati Campus that is located in Nkomazi Local Municipality.

The Central Office also refered to as the Corporate Centre is situated at 29 Bell Street, Nelspruit. This is at the centre of Nelspruit/Mbombela, the capital City of the Mpumalanga Province. Nelspruit is located on the Crocodile River and lies

about 110 kilometres by road west of the Mozambique Lebombo border, 330 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and about 82km and 106 km North of the Mananga and Matsamo border gates to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Ehlanzeni offers a range of technical and vocational training programmes within its qualification mix. The programmes offered could best be classified into two main categories within the Post School Education and Training namely the Ministerial Programmes and the Occupational Programmes with the Mnisterial Programmes covering the Report 191 Programmes popularly known as Nated Programmes and the National Certificate Vocational Programmes (NCV).

All the College programmes are designed to enhance employment of any nature be it formal employment or self-employment

as they all integrate theory and practice.

OUR VISION

A World-class college providing relevant quality education and training.

OUR MISSION

Committed to create quality teaching and learning environment that meets the expectations of our clients and the world of work.

This will be achieved through:

Continuously develop staff to meet the requirements of the evolving curriculum and demands by Business and Industry by fostering collaboration and partnerships with Business and Industry.

Implementing efficient and effective system and ensuring that infrastructure meets the demands of the curriculum and is well-equipped for the changing

environment and technology evelopments such as the 4IR.

Continuously improving student support services system support services system to assist students to reach their full potential.

Offering quality and relevant vocational and occupational programmes through diversified modes of delivery which accommodates lifelong learning initiative benchmarked with research, development and innovation based on local, national and global best practices.

Increasing access and success of students.

OUR VALUES

Our values are in our DNA underpinning who we are and serve to direct our thinking, our decision-making and the way we conduct our business.

1. Responsible stewardship

Prudent protection and management of the resources entrusted to us in a manner that ensures accountability.

2. Innovation and excellent service

Encourage the highest quality instruction within the classroom and services throughout the campus community.

3. Integrity

We embrace moral values of truthfulness, trust and the treatment of others with respect.

4. Ubuntu

We value informed decisions closest to the issues by encouraging open communication and teamwork.

5. Collaborating and democratic decision making

We care for each other and advance the Batho-Pele principles.

PARTNERS

The business nature of the college requires the fostering of partnerships with the purpose of ensuring that the products are holistically development to confront the world of work. To this effect the College established a Business Development and Innovation Unit linked to the Academic Unit with a purpose of dealing with the Occupationally directed programmes. Amongst he responsibilities of the Unit is the establishment of partnerships with various stakeholders which in the main are industries, government departments and otherbig businesses within the catchment area of the College.

In this area the College had been able to secure and maintain partnerships with the stakeholders as enumerated in the table below. >

COLLEGE LOGO

13. Range of Technical Trades

IMASHISHING CAMPUS EXPANDS WITH EIGHT LECTURE ROOMS SPONSORED BY GLENCORE SMELTERS

t is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This can be seen in the manner in which Mashishing Campus, the newest and youngest in the College, has grown fast within an unexpectedly short time. It is not only by fortune, but through the college and campus leadership capabilities, and abilities to forge working partnerships. The Public-Private Partnership concept and initiative is a great enabler for the efforts of government to mitigate the triple challenges (Inequality, poverty, and unemployment), through collaboration in improving government structural issues.

On 11th March 2022, Glencore Smelters Lydenburg officially handed over eight lecture rooms. The classrooms are a result of a R5 Million phase two project which started in September 2021 and was concluded by February 2022. This project succeeded an initial phase one project with an investment of R7 Million that Glencore made, which saw the campus being declared a fully accredited examination centre and campus in the 2019/2020 academic year.

During the event where the eight classrooms were launched, distinguished guests were present to support. These included the Thaba Chweu’s Executive Mayor, Hon. F Nkadimeng; the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms M Masilela; the Director-General from the Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr N Sishi; the Regional Manager (North West – Mpumalanga), Dr P Balkrishen; Deputy Chairperson of College Council, Prof. JP Shongwe; College Principal, Mr EM Mbuyane, and the college Management.

The Executive Mayor for Thaba Chweu, Hon.

F Nkadimeng officially opened the gathering and welcomed all dignitaries to the Campus that resides under her jurisdiction. Hon. Nkadimeng could not hold back her gratitude towards Glencore Smelter Lydenburg for the continual support to the College. She also requested that the Department of Higher Education and Training assist the College with the introduction of new programmes that will empower the youth and address the needs of industries and the community of Thaba Chweu. “The people of Thaba Chweu are grateful to Glencore for the continued investment towards the future generations,” said Hon. Nkadimeng.

The College Principal, Mr EM Mbuyane, delivered an address and outlined the purpose of the event, while highlighting the background of how the campus was established, and stated that the campus has become one of the best performing campuses in the country with 96% pass in 2021 NC(V) and 94% pass in the second semester in 2021. This performance has contributed to the college being in the top 10 performing public colleges in the country. Mr Mbuyane shared words of gratitude towards Glencore for partnering with government institutions in trying to improve the quality of infrastructure meant for teaching and learning in different communities. In his closing, Mr Mbuyane stated that this is not the end of the Glencore-Ehlanzeni relationship, and that a third phase is envisaged which includes a possible set of classrooms as well as a cafeteria.

Glencore Ferroalloys’ Chief Community and Social Responsibility Officer, Mr. Conroy van der Westhuizen, addressed dignitaries on the day and emphasised the importance of prioritising quality education to help position the youth for better opportunities.

In his address, Mr Van Der Westhuizen vividly explained the importance of TVET Colleges in industries such as mining. He also mentioned a few successful TVET college alumnus engaged with the mine, which inspires Glencore to make quality education a priority that will help position the youth for better opportunities and a brighter future.

Dr P Balkrishen also appreciated the generous gesture from Glencore and he highlighted parts of the historical facts of the two wonderful projects sponsored by the mining company. “Your own opportunities for growth increase when you help others win,” said Dr Balkrishen.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr N Sishi. During his address, Dr Sishi acknowledged the positive partnership between Government and Glencore as this was not the first project that they have generously sponsored. Dr Sishi mentioned that the Minister, Dr Nzimande, would have attended the event but could not due to other pressing official commitments and expressed the appreciation on behalf of the Minister and the entire ministry.

The unveiling of the plaque and the opening of the classrooms was honoured by the Hon. Mayor Nkadimeng and Dr Sishi. In the presence of Mr van Der Westhuizen, Prof. Shongwe, Mr Mbuyane, Hon. M Masilela and Dr Balkrishen.

Over 75 Years of dedication to Quality Assurance!

A thriving manufacturing industry creates jobs and business opportunities, enables skills development and improves South Africa’s competitiveness in global markets. A first step is procuring Quality locally manufactured goods, manufactured in a certified environment, with obvious benefits for national competitiveness and economic growth.

Gives consumers the conﬁdence and assurance in the quality and safety of the manufactured product(s) they purchase, as well as ensuring the product is ﬁt for purpose.

Standardised Quality Assurance Solution.

• Manage and develop SANS (South African National Standards)

• Laboratory Testing Services that support Municipal delivery through: Testing of water quality, Testing/Certifying Water Meters, Smart Meters, and other products/systems

• Certiﬁcation of Companies to Management System Standards

•

• Training of

and Employees

PRESIDENTIAL CLIMATE COMMISSION MULTI-STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE

JUST TRANSITION FRAMEWORK

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) held its first Multi-stakeholder Conference on 5th and 6th May 2022 in Johannesburg aimed at contributing to the development process of the Just Transition Framework: a multipronged practical strategy to guide the implementation of necessary interventions across the short-medium, and long-term to achieve a just transition in South Africa. The framework is meant to be an inclusive and representative guiding document for the country’s just transition.

Panel discussion on co-developing the Just Urban Transition Framework moderated by Commissioner Bongani Mwale, with representatives from Youth (Ayakha Melithafa); Labour (Ashley Benjamin, FEDUSA); Business Fleetwood Grobler, SASOL); Civil Society (Thando Lukoko, SACAN); and Government (Minister DFFE Barbara Creecy); Philanthropies (Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana)

Prior to the Multi-stakeholder Conference, the PCC held a series of engagements across the country, mainly with social partners and communities, to build consensus on the Just Transition Framework. The engagements were held in various provinces across the country and centred on ensuring the intersectionality of participatory workshops, where community and individual voices brought to the fore their knowledge and experiences of their local communities, sectors, livelihoods, opportunities, and needs.

The South African Cities Network was invited to contribute in the first thematic group: Building Community Resilience to Physical Impacts of Climate Change. This thematic area explored the challenges in achieving a whole-of-society approach in building resilience, particularly at community level.

Nosipho Hlatshwayo, Executive Manager: Programmes at the South African Cities Network, shared highlevel reflections on the importance of cooperative governance required to build climate resilient communities. Referencing the 2021 State of Cities Report, she highlighted the critical need for an all-of-society

approach which promotes effective collaboration and partnerships between government, communities and all urban actors, adding that communities should be seen and engaged as partners that can equally and meaningfully contribute to building climate resilience in their communities using local resources.

In closing, Nosipho shared an example of an initiative that is using an all- of society approach to build community resilience: the Urban Water Resilience Initiative currently being carried out in partnership with SACN, World Resources Institute (WRI), City of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Resilient Cities Network, Arup, and Zutari. As part of this initiative, Water Resilience Plans for Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay are being developed through multi-stakeholder dialogues, systems mapping, and research. Stakeholders include government, state owned entities, industry, civil society, academia, and development agencies. This all-of-society approach enables various actors to gain clarity on shocks and stresses affecting water resilience, their role in building resilience, and how they can partner towards building resilience to water related shocks and stresses. The journey and lessons will be shared with cities across the continent

Nosipho Hlatshwayo from SACN providing a high-level overview of cooperative governance and an all-of-society approach for building climate resilient communities to physical impacts of climate change

A SUSTAINABLE GRID FOR ALL EXPLORING

THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF MUNICIPALITIES IN ACHIEVING A LOW-CARBON GRID

As the cumulative ripple effects of the past 14 years of Eskom’s rolling blackouts, or loadshedding, are increasingly being felt across the country, the imperatives of the National Development Plan (NDP 2030) of a just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate resilient economy have never been more urgent to achieve. Not only does the continual use of fossil fuel-based energy, that the country so heavily relies on, greatly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, it also creates a carbon lock in for the economy – perpetuating and delaying the transition to low carbon alternatives– thus prolonging economic recovery and keeping steady the ever-stubborn high unemployment rate, poverty and increasing inequality.

The decarbonisation of the power grid, as reflected in the draft Just Transition Framework of the country, is a core step in building a sustainable, low-carbon, inclusive and climate resilient economy, thus the idea of a sustainable grid-for-all has never been more relevant. Municipalities must justify increasing electricity prices, ensure stable and sustainable energy supply, and manage the impact of the technical transitions on their

distribution grids. Simultaneously, the climate crisis is increasingly evident in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Mitigating climate change therefore requires ambitious progress in decarbonising electricity grids, and many South African Cities are ready to embark on this journey.

The Urban Energy Network has been running these peer-to-peer knowledge exchange events for over a decade with participants ranging from the managers responsible for electricity and energy policy and planning from cities, selected intermediary and local municipalities, as well as other relevant national and provincial government departments, Eskom, civil society organisations, researchers and private sector \representatives.

The aim, over the years, has been to strengthen municipal staff capacity around current sustainable energy issues and enable lesson sharing and mutual solution development and coordination amongst municipalities grappling with similar issues.

This June 2022 event centred around the theme A Sustainable Grid for All and started off with an overview of municipal climate commitments and energy security as well as the role of local government in driving grid decarbonisation.

Day 1 focused on renewable energy implementation for local government: unpacking renewable energy commitments, pathways, regulatory frameworks,

and implementation mechanisms at the local level. Participants heard from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on the Plentify case study which explores what a dynamic, smart and efficient future grid would look like; George Municipality shared their journey of buckling down and getting the job done in developing a Municipal Energy Policy and provided a deep dive into their wheeling framework: contract amendments, tariff design, billing and metering, and policy overview.

Participants were provided with a Renewable Energy Policy template/ worksheet provided by and based on the GreenCape Renewable Energy Policy template, which enabled them to draw the learnings from the inputs directly into a draft policy.

This was followed by a lesson sharing session on the City of Ekurhuleni’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) procurement journey – working with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA).

Day 2 of the event centred on effective and impactful energy communication for consumers with inputs on developing an Electricity Communication Plan and the aunch of a Grid for All communications toolbox. In addition, the City of Tshwane’s TshwaneYaTima electricity payments campaign demonstrated the impact of political will to effect changes, the importance of building

trust with consumers, raising awareness and educating them on the services they receive and in turn influencing behaviour change. A walk-through video of a case study on municipal implementation of SmallScale Embedded Generation (SSEG) was flighted and provided lessons on the policies, tariffs and by-laws used for integrating off-grid systems into the municipal system and incentivising customers to register their SSEG systems. The SACN’s City Communicators Toolkit was presented as an additional resource for municipalities to use for developing citizen-centred city brands and raising awareness and educating consumers on municipal policies and programmes.

In closing off the two-day peer-to peer knowledge exchange session, the key take-aways were that technology improvements, falling costs of

renewable energy, innovation, network effects and digitalisation are all opening new opportunities and making an undeniable business case for a sustainable grid.

Although there are differences of opinion in how South Africa should transition to a low carbon, inclusive and climate resilient economy, at what pace and how the costs and benefits are apportioned, there is consensus that the transition must and should indeed take place. What is required on the technical side is an acknowledgement of the current (but surmountable) constraints to a fully renewable and sustainable “grid for all” and the political will to enact the sometimes-painful changes necessary to decarbonise the grid by adjusting the generation mix. As the locus of where all these challenges and opportunities intersect, and as evident globally, cities are and will continue to be at the forefront of this transition to a new global reality.

Dr. uZwi-Lezwe Radebe: Chairman Trillion Cart Investments

MUNICIPAL FOCUS SPEAKS TO DR RADEBE

THE MAN AT THE HELM OF TRILLION CART INVESTMENTS

Trillion Cart Investments has not only seen exponential growth since inception in 2009, but has also weathered the Covid-19 Pandemic storm. The Company has grown from a single entity to over 18 subsidiaries in less than 15 years, piloted by the visionary Dr. Radebe. We talk to him about his philosophy, vision and plans for the future;

Can you tell us a little about your background and what got you into business?

Dr. Radebe: Business is the foundation of any economy, thus my involvement in business emanates from my innate need to contribute to the economy. Furthermore, I have inherited the spirit of entrepreneurship from my forefathers who too were formidable business people.

You have studied extensively, what are your credentials, and how does your academic track record, experience, and values play a role in the success of Trillion Cart Investments?

Dr. R: I am armed with a doctorate in Philosophy and Community Development, and a qualification in Property Development.

The success of Trillion Cart Investments is not through my academic achievements alone, but my life experiences and my experience in a leadership position has assisted greatly in how I conduct business. I have over the years studied human behaviour, our economic activities here in South Africa, and by extension

Africa, and how our economy seems to marginalise those who do not have the requisite business background but want to become entrepreneurs.

Further, through my knowledge and experience I have championed the distributor’s model that makes an allowance for people who have the passion for business to start their own businesses by becoming distributors for our products.

A majority of our distributors know little or nothing about entrepreneurship, thus we have a duty to take them step-by-step on the running of a successful business. Additionally, we provide workshops and training for our distributors.

Most importantly my values in life revolve around sharing through empowering others, hence our

distributor’s model includes building and sharing wealth together.

By this we mean, we always ensure that we split our profits with our distributors in a fair manner. Our prices remain competitive and our distributors are still able to make a sizeable profit.

To summarize, Trillion Cart Investments is built on the foundation of sharing and creating wealth. As an organisation we employ, empower and validate youth, men and women as worthy people and this warrants Trillion Cart Investments as a top of mind black empowering organisation in South Africa and by extension Africa.

This is strengthened by my philosophy of life, that the pursuit of excellence at all cost is integrated in all I do, hence my ability to identify a gap and a need. >

Trillion Cart Investments has grown from a single company in 2009 to over 18 subsidiary companies in less than 15 years, what has been your formula for success?

Dr. R: Focus, drive and passion. I am focused on empowering our nation of entrepreneurs. Geared towards being the driving force behind Africa’s economy, and passionate to put Africa on the world economic map. All this while maintaining the trust of the people I have employed.

You have stated an intent to grow the economy and empower South Africans, particularly entrepreneurs, how do you plan to achieve this?

Dr. R: Our distributor's model is very unique it is structured in such a way that our distributors make a sizeable profit from the products they sell. The profit margins vary from product to product. With some of our products, the margins are very competitive, and the split is almost at 50/50 percent.

As an entrepreneur yourself, you know that being one is challenging, what added challenges are faced by South African entrepreneurs?

Dr. R: The current pandemic has shown us that the country is heavily reliant on imports. South Africa imports almost everything, from raw material to packaging. When the

western world shuts down, we are forced to stand still.

Over the years, the growth of small and medium enterprises has been stunted and halted in the manufacturing sector.

The South African business landscape has for the longest time missed the trick of developing and nurturing small and medium enterprises and consequently missed the trick of harnessing the manufacturing industry conducive to SME’s.

How does Trillion Cart Investments assist or plan to assist entrepreneurs in this regard?

Dr. R: Our African Centre of Excellence was established to also train entrepreneurs and arm them with skills that will bring a positive impact in our economy.

Which one of your subsidiaries is best poised to have a positive impact on the lives, the economy and future of South Africans?

Dr. R: Almost all of our subsidiaries, however, our Imvelo Pharmaceutical subsidiary which houses our novel herbal tonic Agrico Umhlonyane has positioned itself as one of the best respiratory tonics which has proven to be a go-to herbal tonic for our client base both locally and internationally. It is also hailed to be good for anxiety amongst other health benefits. Agrico Umhlonyane is indeed

Our Umhlonyane is grown from scientifically certified soil and scientists have commended our soil as having good minerals and nutrients; thereby producing a high quality product.

the pride and joy of our Trillion Cart Investments Company. The ability to merge a traditional medicinal herb with science makes our product rare.

Our Umhlonyane is grown from scientifically certified soil and scientists have commended our soil as having good minerals and nutrients; thereby producing a high quality product.

At the African Centre of Excellence you talk of changing the mindset of South Africans, what mindset exists that you feel requires fundamental change?

Dr. R: I have noticed over the years that we are still struggling as black people with our mindset. We seem to possess the spirit of entitlement. Our view of life is very limited, hence we possess a negative perception around anything black-owned. Black people tend to have more respect and work better when another race is in the forefront of the organisation and/or project.

What are the major challenges and obstacles to this change of mindset?

Dr. R: An ingrained resistance to change, upholding the status quo of poverty, and resignation of mindset.

Are there any plans to expand this Centre to reach the broader South African population?

Dr. R: Yes! Certainly. At all our branches both locally and abroad plans are afoot to do so.

Through the Centre for African Excellence, we offer a specialised mindset program with the aim to be the number one leading African indigenous educational hub in Africa.

Growing Trillion Cart Investments to the successful conglomerate it is today was also a long journey with ups and downs, can you give us a brief run-down of the course you have traversed as Group Chairman.

Dr. R: Starting anything from scratch is never easy. To have to convince people to buy into your vision and mission is draining and if you are not a person who is resilient and thrives under pressure, the roller coaster ride of building a successful business will demotivate you.

In addition, the onset of Covid-19 and the period thereafter, was one of the most challenging for the company, we had to devise innovative ways to make money in order to sustain the company and pay all salaries. When other companies were retrenching, we never did. My foresightedness has been and always is the cornerstone for Trillion Cart Holdings.

Most businesses were negatively affected by Covid-19, how did Trillion Cart Investments survive this storm, and is there any particular sector or industry that played a key role in surviving the pandemic?

Dr. R: An innovative mind, closely studying the markets and most importantly, catering to the needs of the people who are the driving force behind any organisation is a winning strategy at all times.

What do you think can be done differently to better prepare the South African economy and business for a challenge such as the pandemic?

Dr. R: It is very important to study the market trends, however as a business that caters to the African Market we need to understand the needs of our consumers. What works for foreign countries may not necessarily work for the market here.

Who would be the key stakeholders that are required for this role?

Dr. R: The various arms of government and leaders in the private sector.

How will Trillion Cart Investments support such an initiative?

Dr. R: By being hands-on and sharing knowledge that will benefit our economy.

Dr Radebe you are the vision behind Trillion Cart Investments. Who are the other people who have played a role in getting the company to where it is today - both inside and outside the company?

• Employees and Customers drive the Trillion Cart Strategy

• Entrepreneurs implement the Trillion Cart Strategy

• Distributors and Shareholders benefit from Trillion Cart Strategy

• We believe that the right people are the most important asset.

Where do you see the company in the next 10 years?

Dr. R: Our vision is to continuously expand and diversify our business operations to become one of the leading multi-national conglomerates, providing world-class and competitive products and services that enhance stakeholder value, whilst empowering our communities, creating employment and creating wealth. We see ourselves having offices in major cities around the world.

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: 15 Salisbury Street Salisbury Claims, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2001 Tel: 010 030 4610

SANEDI’S ENERGY PERFORMANCE REGISTER FOR BUILDINGS BOOMS

Government’s efforts to boost South Africa’s energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from buildings is producing multiple co-benefits- proving that sustainable development serves everyone.

Owners of buildings, in four categories, are required in terms of government regulations published in December 2020 to obtain and prominently display an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by 7 December this year.

SANEDI General Manager for Energy Efficiency, Barry Bredenkamp says compliance with the EPC regulations will enable building owners to identify where they could introduce energy efficiency measures that would, in turn, save them money on electricity costs and possibly increase the value of their buildings.

“The more energy efficient buildings become, the more they will contribute to taking electricity demand off the national grid. This could help to ease loadshedding, and by reducing carbon emissions, building owners will be helping our country to meet its international obligations to combat climate change.”

The regulations make provision for a fine of R5 million or five years imprisonment or both for failure to comply. As building owners scramble to comply with the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMRE) EPC regulations by the deadline, thousands of new jobs and skills are also expected to enter the market. The data collection and assessment exercise at thousands of buildings across the country is a mammoth task which will require new labour and skills capacity.

This is why SANEDI led an initiative in which 50 qualified, and mostly

unemployed, young electricians were trained to enable them to obtain the energy usage data required to issue the certification which gives buildings a rating based on the amount of energy consumed per square metre.

SANEDI undertook what is known as the EPC Practitioner Skills Programme in partnership with the Institute of Energy Professionals Africa (IEPA).

With buildings estimated to be responsible for between 30% and 40% of carbon emissions worldwide, the government has introduced the regulations primarily to encourage building owners to work towards making their buildings as energy efficient as possible. However, as

SANEDI manager for renewable energy Dr Karen Surridge explains, the regulations would deliver multiple benefits if correctly implemented.

“We have done a lot of energy usage assessments and have always been struck by how many building owners or operators there are who have very little idea of how much energy they use,” she explains. “The EPC process will help them to understand what they consume and will draw their attention to areas in which they could make improvements.

By being more energy efficient, they will save money on electricity. Improving energy efficiency will also boost the value of a building.”

For more information on the EPC regulations, go to https://www.sanedi.org.za/Energy_ Performance_Certificates.html and Notice 700 of Gov Gazette 43972 of 8 December 2020 (1).pdf

About SANEDI:

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), established by the Government, directs, monitors, and conducts applied energy research to develop innovative,integrated solutions to catalyse growth and prosperity in the green economy. It drives scientific evidence-driven ventures that contribute to youth empowerment, gender equity, environmental sustainability, and the 4th Industrial Revolution, within the National Development Plan (NDP), through consultative, sustainable energy projects. For more information, go to www.sanedi.org.za.

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. GROWTH IS UP TO US.

Never underestimate the power of stable connectivity and digital inclusivity. Cell C is now providing the best quality network to SA through partnerships with key industry players and the Government. By choosing to make data affordable and put the value back in consumers’ hands, Cell C is rapidly bridging the digital divide. Digital access is not a privilege or a luxury; it’s a need and a right. This ‘change mindset’ has allowed Cell C to place the empowerment of communities through digital skills building at the forefront of the organisation.

CHANGE YOUR WORLD. PARTNER WITH CELL C.

Email: government@cellc.co.za

UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INNOVATION

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) was established in 2013, and it enrolled the first cohort of 169 students in 2014. Thereafter, the University has been experiencing rapid and gratifying growth. The University now offers 48 qualifications and have a total number of 7,100 students enrolled in 2022. UMP has and continues to invest in stateof-the-art infrastructure to support the academic project as the University grows in stature and offerings.

UMP is a comprehensive University which offers variety of undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the field of Agriculture, Nature Conservation, Hospitality and Tourism Management,

Information Communication Technology, Development Studies, Early Childhood Education, Arts, Administration and Economics.

In pursuit of our vision of being an African University leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation. The UMP positions itself as an African University rooted in its home province, Mpumalanga, and is responsive to its political, socioeconomic, geographical, and historical contexts, as well as its place in the world.

Among some of the key highlights that UMP has been able to succeed in implementing in line with our strategic

key focus areas include broadening access to higher education and promoting equity of access and with a fair chance of success. The student population at UMP is predominately from previously disadvantaged communities and female. Of all the students enrolled this year 62,8% are female and only 37,8% are male.

Teaching and Learning – takes centre stage to advance the academic project

Teaching and Learning at UMP focusses on the development of our students as independent and critical thinkers with a passion for knowledge and its application.

Our approach to teaching is theoretically informed, pedagogically appropriate, and sensitive to diversity in all its forms in the educational environment. Therefore, we continuously develop qualifications and curricula that are context responsive.

UMP has been able to attract and retain established academics in various disciplines. Currently 47,1% of UMP academic staff have Doctoral Degrees. As part of student support, First Time Entering students (FTEN) are supported in the transition from school to university by a welldeveloped Orientation Week and a First Year Experience (FYE). Ongoing support is provided by peer mentors

and tutors. As a result of these interventions, student success is generally high with more 85% success rate annually.

The University seeks to produce quality graduates who are (a) resourceful, responsive, and responsible, (b) innovative and entrepreneurial, (c) confident and effective communicators, (d) ethically and socially aware change agents, (e) adaptable, and (f) have sound discipline knowledge.

Annually (UMP) holds a graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of students who have completed their qualifications during

past academic year. This year, a total of 1,112 students were awarded/ conferred qualifications during the seventh graduation ceremony of the University. Amongst some of the notable achievements for this year’s graduation included:

• Tree planting ceremony of the umkhanyakude indigenous tree by the Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga, Justice Mandisa Maya.

• 25 different qualifications will be awarded/conferred during the graduation ceremonies and amongst the 25 qualifications, six of them are new.

• A total of 15 Master’s degree to be awarded/conferred. >

• 40 students will be awarded/ conferred their qualifications with a Cum Laude (distinction).

• A total number of 33 recipients of Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship will be graduating.

• 13 students who are recipients of the UMP Excellence Awards will be graduating.

• Graduating students are from 5 different countries including South Africa.

• Member of Parliament, Mr Timothy Mashele (MP) will be graduating with a Bachelor of Development Studies Honours.

Research and Innovationgenerating new knowledge in support of social and economic development

As a new University, UMP has built its research project from a zero base and has made good progress. Active researchers are supported through the Research Office and staff without a PhD are supported to complete their doctorate. The University provides research facilities and equipment, library resources, training workshops in for example qualitative and quantitative techniques, proposal writing, and writing retreats.

The University has identified seven Research Focus Areas and has set aside funds and supported the appointment

of Postdoctoral Fellows to promote these. The Research Focus areas include:

• Ethics and Governance

• Information Communication and Technology for Development

• Youth Development and Empowerment

• Environmental and Socioeconomic Sustainability

• Post-harvest Management and Food Security

• Biodiversity Conservation and Development

• Early Childhood Development, Education and Training

The research focus areas are linked to one or more Millennium Development Goals and is of relevance to the province, the nation, and the continent. The University has eight NRF rated researchers with two C1, three C2, two C3, and one Y2 categories. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Thoko Mayekiso is leading by example as she is C3 rated researcher. As a result of the various research interventions and the research work of established staff, the audited output of research products in 2019 per permanently employed academic staff member was the 18th highest out of 25 institutions that submitted data

Prof Thoko Mayekiso, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga with the recipients Academic Excellence Awards

UMP Conference and Wellness Centre

and higher than seven established institutions.

Engagement and Partnerships - drivers and enablers of achieving our Vision

As an engaged institution, UMP places great value on partnerships and networks as both drivers and enablers in achieving our vision. UMP’s partnerships and networks are probably one of our distinctive features as we pride ourselves in fostering strong, vibrant, mutually beneficial partnerships with strategic stakeholders. The University of Mpumalanga has successfully established partnerships, collaborations and networks with national and international tertiary institutions and Research institutions through signed Memoranda of Understanding/ Agreements (MoU/ MoA). Amongst some of the notable partnerships are as follows:

• Partnerships with South African National Parks (SANParks), Eastern Cape Parks, several private conservation areas, and several hotel chains support student placement for Work Integrated Learning in the Diploma in Hospitality Management and the Diploma in Nature Conservation.

• The University has hosted and co-hosted several national conferences for learned societies

including the Zoological Society of Southern Africa, the South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum, and South African Association of Public Administration and Management.

• The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ehlanzeni District Municipality (EDM) to enable work-integrated learning opportunities while promoting research and strengthening service delivery within the municipality.

State-of-the-art (iconic) infrastructure

- conducive environment for the academic project to thrive

The University has been able to build state-of-the-art (iconic) infrastructure which includes lecture venues, laboratories and computer labs to create a conducive environment for the academic project to thrive. The iconic infrastructure and landscaping provide a multifaceted environment

inspiring both social and intellectual exchange in an atmosphere that is unconventional, original, and creative.

Earlier this year, UMP launched a fourstar Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre. Located in the Mbombela Campus of UMP, the hotel is wholly owned by the University, envisioned as a “hotel with a purpose” - for teaching and learning. The hotel focuses on “Learning by Doing” for students to gain hands-on experience in operational roles in the restaurant, kitchen, and all other hotel divisions. Students from the University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management are placed to work at the hotel as part of the workintegrated learning (WIL) programme and practical orientation.

Connect with us

Website: www.ump.ac.za

Twitter: @Unimpumalanga

Facebook: @UniMpumalanga

Front: Prof Thoko Mayekiso, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga, Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela, Municipal Manager of Ehlanzeni District Municipality

Back: Cllr. Jesta Sidell, Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District Municipality and Prof Shirley Prof Shirley Sommers, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning of the University of Mpumalanga during the signing of an MoU between the University and the Municipality.

RURAL HEALTH BOOSTED AS NALEDI

SUBDISTRICT RECEIVES

HIGH TECH ICU BUS

The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has welcomed the acquisition of a state of the art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Bus by the Naledi Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The vehicle has been installed with high technology medical equipment which will allow for lives to be saved en-route to medical facilities in the district.

One of the key features of the bus

is its spaciousness and capacity to accommodate a sufficient number of EMS personnel to attend to critical patients as well as extra on-board equipment which could previously not be transported due to vehicle space constraints.

“Whenever an emergency strikes and the hospital is too far, ambulances save lives on the go. This ICU Bus gives us an assurance that we will be able to

timeously preserve lives of our people by having critical medical equipment at hand,” MEC Sambatha said.

MEC Sambatha went on to indicate that, previously, the Department’s response vehicles could not fit most medical equipment and had to keep some of the apparatus in the office because of insufficient space. Now this challenge has been addressed by the newly acquired ICU Bus.

The ICU Bus has been fitted with the following medical equipment

• AN INCUBATOR

• A 12 LEAD ICG

• A NEONATAL INCUBATOR

• TWO SYRINGE DRIVES

• TWO INFUSION PUMPS

• A HAMILTON H1 VENTILATOR

• A SUCTION UNIT (ELECTRONIC)

• A MANUAL SUCTION UNIT

• A CPAP –UCL DEVICE & CONNECTIONS

• TWO LARGE OXYGEN CYLINDERS

• ONE PORTABLE CYLINDER

• CONSUMABLES

North West Health MEC: Madoda Sambatha

MEC MADODA SAMBATHA LAUDS THE REFURBISHMENTS AT THE TSHEPONG HOSPITAL CARDIAC/NEUROSURGERY THEATRE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, conveyed words of appreciation to the medical team at Tshepong Hospital following the first neurosurgery which was conducted on a patient this week at the newly revitalised cardiac theatre at Klerksdorp in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

“It is quite encouraging to see the commitment to the mandate of delivering quality health care services to the people of the North West Province bearing fruit in this manner. The newly revitalized cardiac theatre will operate momentarily as a shared

cardiac/neurosurgery theatre here in Tshepong Hospital” said MEC Madoda Sambatha.

The re-opening of the theatre will serve to relieve the Department of the pressure of sending patients to neighbouring provinces for cardiac and neurosurgery operations and other related medical procedures.

This theatre revitalization at Tshepong Hospital is part of a one hundred and fifteen million, six hundred and thirty one thousand, five hundred and fifty four rands and seventy cents (R115 631 554.70) project undertaken since 2020,

and is envisaged to be concluded later this year by the Department.

"The project included amongst others, the refurbishment of all theatres, the creation of two (2) Lamina flows, an X-ray unit for Orthopaedic OPD and the Intensive Care Unit at ward 8, as well as the conversion and refurbishment of ward 1 and 2 into orthopaedic wards," added MEC Sambatha.

The Department has committed six hundred and fifty four million, four hundred and ninety one thousand rands (R654 491 000.00) this financial year to the maintenance of health facilities with the aim to improve access to quality services. >

ANOTHER MILESTONE AS NORTH WEST HEALTH CONDUCTS A SUCCESSFUL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE PROCEDURE ON TWO CHILDREN

The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has congratulated Tshepong Hospital in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality for successfully conducting two surgical procedures of cleft lip repairs which resulted in the restoration of smiles on the faces of two young girls born with cleft lips and palates.

The children who are residents of the North West Province had been awaiting

surgery at referral centres based in the Gauteng Province. However, delays were experienced due to the outbreak of COVID-19 which resulted in cancellation of the elective surgical procedures.

"We

will be able to offer timely surgery to all children with cleft lip and palate within the North West Province at Tshepong hospital,” MEC Sambatha highlighted.

Highlighting the departmental intervention in addressing similar cases in the province, MEC Sambatha said a plastic and reconstructive surgeon was recently appointed at Tshepong Hospital to conduct cleft lip and palate reconstructive procedures and alleviate dependency on referrals to health centres in neighbouring provinces.

“Through a departmental intervention

and appointment of a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Shashikant Agarwal, the surgical procedures which were the first of their kind at the facility were conducted successfully,” MEC Sambatha said.

MEC Sambatha thanked the supporting surgical team at Tshepong Hospital which comprised of Dr Olga Rademan, Dr Erin Du Plooy and Dr Nicole Broich, the anaesthesia team managed by Dr Burcan, and the nursing team led by Sister Mosia and Sister Makhuta who ensured excellent pre-operative and intraoperative care for both patients.

“The success of these first two cases has led to a few more referrals to the hospital’s unit of plastic surgery and in due course, we will be able to offer timely surgery to all children with cleft lip and palate within the North West Province at Tshepong Hospital,” MEC Sambatha highlighted.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both. They result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby do not close completely. They most commonly occur as isolated birth defects but are also associated with many inherited genetic conditions or syndromes.

Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Merriam Malatji, has hit the ground running having concluded her monitoring of key service delivery projects identified a few days after she came into office November last year, and earmarked for completion in a period of 100 days.

Mayor says the Mashishimale Sports Complex is now officially complete and is ready to be used by the public. "The facility which has basketball, netball and tennis courts, and a Community Hall, will host the upcoming 2022 Mayor's Cup", she said.

The renovations of the Namakgale Memorial Precint is completed. The precinct consists of a museum with a collection of names, pictures and autobiographies of people who played a major role in shaping the Ba-Phalaborwa community's political, social and economic history, as well as a heroes' grounds featuring a water fountain – an apt commemoration of past and present Limpopo heroes who shaped the South African landscape.

Cllr Malatji also mentioned that the muchanticipated Honeyville Bridge which links Nyakelang and Sebera Cemetery is also now complete, as well as:

1. The renovations of Lulekani Stadium is complete and is ready to be used by the community.

2. Potholes in some parts of Namakgale have been patched and it’s an ongoing process to patch potholes in various other communities.

Waste Management Interventions:

Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality received a donation of a brand new TLB and rubbish collection truck from the National Department of Environmental Affairs at a ceremonial handover held at Mulenzhe Village outside Thohoyandou on 31 May 2022.

Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality and Collins Chabane Local Municipality in the Mopani District Municipality and Vhembe District Municipality respectively, were the sole Municipalities selected by the National Department to receive these prestigious fleet resources, with this forming an integral part of the District Development Model (DDM) and Waste Management Intervention Programme which was officially launched during the event by the Minister, Barbara Creecy.

Speaking during the handover, the acting Mayor of the day, Cllr Joe Mampuru, says this timely donation is a significant contribution towards improving the lives of Ba-Phalaborwa communities. "This handover is another good example of how the spheres of government are working together in finding solutions for

challenges that confront our citizens on a daily basis", he said.

The acting Mayor expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Department of Environmental Affairs for helping Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality to continue with its commitment to provide quality services the people.

He said, "Our sincere appreciation goes out to our Honourable Minister Creecy for remembering our communities. Minister, be rest assured that these vehicles will go a long way to improve the quality of life delivered by our departments. Indeed, this new fleet will invaluably add to our departmental efficiency, safety and reliability, and further deepen our work in the municipality".

Civic Centre, Nelson Mandela Drive, Phalaborwa, 1390

Address

Municipality

Bag X01020 Phalaborwa, 1390 Head Office Tel: +27 (15) 780-6300

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PORTFOLIO

The National School of Government Launched a suite of Executive Education Portfolio in the Month of June. The NSG has been delivering a range of Executive Programmes for several years. The momentum has increased over the past year and there is a growing demand within public institutions for relevant, high-quality Executive Education and related learning opportunities. The school has responded to the wider demand by introducing a range of initiatives

of executive education training programmes suitable for political and administrative levels of government across the country and region.

Focused learning programmes have also been established for Boards of Public Entities and for senior officials with strategy design, policy formulation, and programme implementation responsibilities in government. Coupled with these, the NSG is in the process of developing additional offerings for the coming

years, to create a timely Executive Education portfolio for the public sector. The NSG Executive Education offerings broadly fall into the following categories, Executive Short Learning Programmes and Courses as well as Master Classes and Seminars.

1. Executive Short Learning Programmes and Courses: These are arranged as immersive learning opportunities co-created with senior practitioners and academics, and focusing on application in real contexts of service. Available and forthcoming programmes include the following, among others:

• Executive Induction Programme for newly appointed senior managers at levels of DirectorsGeneral, Heads of Departments and Deputy Directors-General;

• Etella, an eight-module programme for Accounting Officers in the three spheres of government, state-owned entities, and organs of state accounting officers;

• Executive Education Programme for Senior Government Officials, offered in partnership with the University College London;

• Economic Governance School for Members of the Executive for local and continental Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs, Mayors, and Members of Mayoral Committees;

• Ethical Leadership and Executive Oversight Programme for Members of the Executive and Accounting Officers;

• Induction Programme for Boards of Public Entities for serving and aspirant members of Boards of state-owned entities;

• Applying the Socio-Economic Impact Assessments System (SEIAS) as a Policy Making and Implementation Tool, for public office bearers and officials and with policy making, research, and monitoring and evaluation roles

• Public Sector Design and Systems Thinking;

• Scenario Planning for Public Sector Governance; and

• Coaching services for individuals, groups or organisational teams.

2. Masterclasses and Seminars: These are generally short engagements over a few hours and sometimes over a few hours or a day. In general, these just-in-time sessions are directed at bringing to participants some of the latest thinking on the role of public institutions and the dynamics of the economic, social, and political environment.

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT GOES CONTINENTAL WITH ITS ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE WINTER SCHOOL

Prof Ngcaweni adds, “The Economic Governance Winter School is part of the Executive Education Portfolio launched by the NSG early in June 2020. The Executive Education Programme is targeted at high level executives in the public sector, both political office bearers and senior public sector managers and executives.”

The inaugural programme was held as a Spring/Summer School in November 2020, the second iteration as a Winter School in July 2021. These learning engagements were hailed as a resounding success with over forty members of the executive having attended the virtual sessions in compliance with lockdown regulations of the time.

After launching the Executive Education Portfolio, the school hosted the Economic Governance winter school from 27th of June to the 1st of July 2022 at Olwazini Nedbank training Centre. The Economic Governance school is part of the Executive Education Suite of programmes launched by the school. The weeklong programme was attended by South African Government Ministers, Mayors, Members of Mayoral Committees and Members of Executive Councils, together with Government Ministers from Côte d’Ivoire and South Sudan, Director-Generals from Lesotho, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Ghana.

The Acting Minister of Public Service and Administration Mr Thulas Nxesi paid a courtesy visit to the participants of the Economic Governance Winter School where he briefly met with the two Ministers from the continent who attended the winter school.

Prof Ngcaweni further said, “The NSG has been delivering a range of executive programmes for several years. The NSG has responded to the growing demand within public institutions by introducing a range of initiatives to attract participants from the political and administrative levels of government across the country and region. For example, high-level masterclasses have been attended by the President, Ministers, DirectorGenerals and many senior officials. We have formally launched this portfolio of programmes and are quite excited by this development.”

The combination of attendees from different countries at the 2022 Economic Governance Winter School provided an opportunity for extending learning opportunities, exchange of ideas and lessons from difference scenarios that Political Executives

Principal of the NSG, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, said “This third instalment of the Winter School was a resounding success and it looked at the >

challenges and solutions of building the continental economy as well as promoting inclusive growth. In addition to local concerns, the 2022 programme brought into focus the Agenda 2063 aspirations that we hold dear for the continent, foremost of which is a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

Attendees had intensive engagement on topics around Digital Transformation, Climate Change, Trade and Industrialisation, African and GeoEconomics, and leading responsive Economic Governance.

This year’s winter school was hosted by the National School of Government and Wits School of Governance with the support of Nedbank, Anglo American, Metrofile and Imperial Logistics. “As Nedbank, we appreciate the value that can be derived from friendships and partnerships between the public and private sectors. We support and advocate for cooperation and collaboration between these two sectors for the benefit of our economy, and for the progression of our country and its people. It is for this reason that we were delighted and honoured have hosted the National School of Government for its Winter School chapter,” Mpho Makwana, Chairman: Nedbank.

In the 2020 State of the Nation Address President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the need to confront South

Africa’s challenges. These included rebuilding institutions and removing impediments to investment, ensuring excellence in planning and execution in government, and placing the South African economy on a path to recovery and inclusive growth.

Within this context, the National School of Government (NSG) designed the annual Economic Governance School Programme for Members of the Executive as part of its support to the government’s commitment to building

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT

The National School of Government (NSG) has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide Education, Training and Development (ETD) in the three spheres of government, state-owned entities (SOEs) and organs of state. To achieve this objective the NSG offers quality education, training and development interventions that are relevant to the needs of the public sector. The school’s interventions are targeted at Cadet and Foundational Development; Middle Management Development; Senior Management and Professional Development; Executive Management & Leadership Development offering programmes in Leadership, Administration, Management and Induction.

a capable state.

The innovative programme was approved by Cabinet in August 2020. It intends to enhance leadership and oversight capabilities and broaden perspectives through analysis and critical reflection, and enable members of the executive within the three spheres of government to re-examine governance challenges that constrain inclusivity and sustainable economic growth.

UP-COMING COURSES

• Ethical Leadership and Executive Oversight Programme: 24-26 August 2022

• Etella: 11 October 2022

• Executive Education Programme with University College London: 03 Nov-14 Dec

General enquiries

The NSG Contact Centre: contactcentre@thesng.gov.za 086 100 832 Visit: www.thensg.gov.za

ETHICAL LEADER SHIP AND EXECUTIVE OVERSIGHT PROGRAMME

Designed as an intensive learning intervention, the Ethical Leadership and Executive Oversight Programme is intended for Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs, Mayors and MMCs. It is curated to assist Members of the Executive to deal with and manage the varied ethical and leadership challenges. It aims to promote a culture of effective oversight and ethical leadership as envisaged in the Constitution, the Executtive Ethics Code, the PFMA, MFMA, and other relevant prescripts.

We recognise that the oversight responsibility of Members of the Executive is complex, highly regulated and often requires profound ‘in the moment’ decisions with significant public value implications. Our goal is to go beyond compliance with norms and standards for oversight, accountability and ethical behaviour. We seek to nurture deeper reflection, active learning and peer engagements.

The programme will enhance awareness of conditions that affect Members of the Executive and their decisions, which are increasingly under public scrutiny. The NSG’s core-creation model of delivery will offer space for Members to reflect on parameters of their oversight roles, and the prescripts governing their portfolios as Executive Authorities. They will gain practical insights for managing the performance of Accounting Officers, whilst also simulating scenarios that present moral temptations and ethical dilemmas.

The Ethical Leadership and Executive Oversight Programme is facilitated by seasoned professionals, current and former Ministers and Heads of Oversight Institutions.

For More Information and Enrolment:

Vuyo Mathapo Vuyo.Mathapo@thensg.gov.za

Nompumelelo Lukhele Nompumelelo.Lukhele@thensg.gov.za

KWANGWANE PLANT SOLUTIONS & KWANGWANE CONSULTING

SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST BLACK FEMALE YOUTH OWNED AND MANAGED CAPITAL/HEAVY EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTOR

Municipal Focus speaks with MD; Joy Hlongwane

You’re a successful woman working in what is still predominantly an industry dominated by men, what lead you to this industry, and what are the challenges you’re faced with if any?

Joy Hlongwane: I wanted to, and have become, a trailblazer for women in this sector. After spending several years in construction, I saw a gap for black empowerment in the supply of heavy-duty and earth-moving equipment in the mining and

construction sectors. I had become tired of being charged exorbitant rates for unreliable machines. The challenge I’m now faced with is not so much about being a woman, but being a new player. This sector requires high capital outlay, and funders require strong balance sheets, which I don’t have as yet. We also have a challenge when it comes to tendering against overseas companies for projects when in fact there are only two local and home-grown OEM’s in SA that can provide the equipment and create

employment opportunities for South Africans.

What are the benefits of having both your companies KwaNgwane Plant Solutions (KPS) & KwaNgwane Consulting (KC) operating in this industry, and how does the synergy exist?

JH: We have become in essence a one-stop-shop. KPS is the dealer that sources machines primarily from DEZZI Equipment for whom we are a national >

dealer. KC is the company that sources business and provides rental capital equipment required by contractors for short, medium and long term civil, mining and materials handling projects. KC deals strictly with renting out earth moving equipment, and will contract with clients wanting to lease, and those wanting to buy but that don’t have money to purchase as yet. To lease machinery KC only requires a 10% deposit. If the client does have an off-taking agreement but does not have the 10% deposit KC requires, KC will give the client the machinery to rent, and when the client has sufficient deposit to own the machine they pay a deposit to KPS and can then own it.

KPS have partnered with Dezzi Equipment, a well-established SA OEM (original-equipment

manufacturer), what has been the journey so far?

JH: It’s an exciting journey. DEZZI was chosen specifically for being a local manufacturer rather than an importer. This partnership does present challenges on pricing in the marketplace that is dominated by importers. We have decided to join hands with DEZZI to approach government to explore options of how to overcome the various challenges.

You have operations in all 9 provinces, servicing both the public and private sectors, what industries do you service? (please list)

JH: We are the DEZZI dealer appointed to nationally service primarily the three spheres of government. We also have

We are particularly focussed on the emerging contractors ie. SANRAL appointed contractors. We have also noted the entrance of new junior miners who are in desperate need for machines.

the added responsibility of servicing new industry clients in the following sectors:

• Mining

• Construction

• Agriculture

• Forestry

• Materials handling

• Quarrying

• Allied industry

We are particularly focussed on the emerging contractors ie. SANRAL appointed contractors. We have also noted the entrance of new junior miners who are in desperate need for machines.

In which sectors do you see growth for your companies, and what do your companies uniquely bring to the table?

JH: As mentioned before, we see huge opportunities in the Road building and maintenance sector if SANRAL and the DBSA are able to roll out the R17b project pipeline. The municipality infrastructure backlog is in the trillions of rands and we hope to see the President’s promise of a programme to address this being implemented. DEZZI is strong in agriculture and forestry, and we see opportunities and hope to collaborate with SAFCOL and other agencies of state. The current commodity boom is predicted to continue and we are actively positioning the 2 companies

Billy Guy Bembe, BCIP; Mzwakhe Mbatha, DTIC; Lehlohonolo Moloyi, MEMSA; Joy Hlongwane, MD KPS; Phillip Lagerwall, Financial Director DEZZI; Todani Moyo, KPS non-executive Chairman

to ride this wave as long as it lasts in the mining sector. KPS and KC bring industry experience that is allied to local content that other OEM’s cannot match. As we are 100% women youth owned, we are unmatched from the preferential procurement perspective. We are able to source new and used machines through our OEM and dealer network and provide the support through the nationwide dealer presence to minimise downtime.

What are the benefits of local companies working with a SA OEM?

JH: As an example, SANRAL contracts stipulate a local content requirement for certain machines for awarded tenders. There are only 2 local OEM’s that meet these requirements. As each company has to maintain a BEE scorecard, procuring from a 100% youth, women owned company enables the end user to claim more than 120% of their spend as preferential procurement which is unmatched in this industry. It also enables one to claim valuable bonus points over and above.

You’re passionate about creating employment, how do you envision going about this, what are your short and long-term goals to achieve this?

JH: The manufacturing sector, according to a study done by Dr Justin Barnes and commissioned by the DTIC, represents the greatest opportunity

for creating jobs. The DEZZI factory employs nearly 100 people but has the potential to create a few hundred more jobs. In the short term, we will employ salespeople, technical support and mechanics to service machines. The medium to long-term goal is to manufacture componentry for the machine range to increase local content and integrate this into the main manufacturing facility in Port Shepstone. We will further deepen the value chain and create further jobs downstream

Do you have clients outside of SA? Please give examples.

JH: KPS and KC currently do not have clients outside of SA but are actively exploring these opportunities primarily in forestry and agriculture.

DEZZI has established an impressive track record over 30 years in Zambia, Malawi, DRC, Zimbabwe.

What support from government, if any, is required for businesses like your own to thrive in this very challenging environment we’re faced with?

JH: Government support is critical to ensure that KPS/DEZZI become competitive. The imposition of duties/ tariffs as a protective measure is a first step. Products should then become designated to foster localisation from importers. Government should then actively assist local OEM’s to offer finance packages through the OEM’s or in partnership with banks, to benefit the end users.

SA Road S ig ns

a n d e x p o r t o f h i g

Ss o l u t i o n p r o v i d e r t h a

p e o p le an d s o ciet y throu gh it s uniqu e 36 0

T he company is BBBEE Level 4

T he SA Road Signs team has eight years of e xp erience

i n t h e m i n i n g a n d c i v i l s e c to r We f o c us o n m

compliance with resp e c te d authorities

We w o r k i n p a

solutions by employing our vas t e xp erience of road proje c t s O ur

s t a i s co m m i t te d to w o

e xp erience and vision to achieve ma ximum s atis f ac tion and value with a true commitment to qualit y and s afet y

O ur

business with a wide fo otprint across the world

Corporate philosophy

SA Road Signs believes in alliances and par tnerships and nur tures them to reach our customers with the right solution. SA Road Signs is your par tner with excellent k nowledge of :

• products that meet approved standards

• fast deliver y

• turnkey ser vice provision

Produc t por tfolio

• • • panel stack signs

•

• mining signs (safety and informative)

• auxiliar y safety products

WE OFFER COMPETITIVE RATES and civil industr y – a one - call solution.

Manufac turing

S A R o a d S i g n s o e r s a w

SA Road Signs supplies

• road studs

• epoxy k its

• delineators and bases

• cones: 450mm up to 1.8m (monster cone) in various colours

• New Jersey barricades

• barricade netting

• es)

Clients

Some recent projects completed include permanent road signs for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, road block signs for the militar y of signs in Limp o p o Prov in ce

DISCOVER AND EXPLORE THE FREE STATE

The wide golden plains, with its’ open farmlands, and uninterrupted skylines, unique, eccentric towns and villages, interesting road routes, and the vast rocky mountain areas make the Free State a natural beauty. This tranquil inland jewel is known for its warm South African hospitality and a mix of culture which is clear in street names, public buildings, monuments, and museums.

CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Rich with a cultural mix of African and European, and a history of struggle wars, the Free State has a range of museums which houses valuable collections from various disciplines such as history, nature, art and culture. Visit the Oliewenhuis Art Museum to view art collections that represent the heritage of South Africa. The museum also promotes artwork by young artists in the region. The National Museum has life size sculptures,

displays and paintings that illustrate the history of South African tribes and of Bloemfontein. The Women’s Memorial and the Anglo Boer War Museum provides a background on what transpired during the war and the harsh realities of the concentration camp. Take a journey through four centuries of Basotho culture, history and tradition at the Basotho Cultural Village situated in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. On top of the mountain in Leratong Village, Monontsha, near the border of Lesotho you will find the Bothobapelo Country Lodge which gives tourist a real-life Basotho cultural experience.

The village educational tours which forms part of the activities at the lodge are aimed at educating tourists about the Basotho culture and lifestyle. Dinkoeng Tented Camp in the area has redefined camping by being the first adventure and tented camp in the region. Boosting of modern tented and glamping accommodation,

the establishment is a blend of both the current and past times with architecture designs depicting the heritage and culture of the Basotho. The location is a natural habitat for many indigenous herbs used by the locals to treat various chronic diseases.

WILDLIFE AND SAFARI

Known for its impressive sandstone, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its stunning sandstone formations is a beckon for honeymooners, an Eldorado for hikers, climbers and nature as well as history lovers. Experience a unique environment true to its highland habitat which offers a picture-perfect view for explorers who climb all the way up. The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve and Sterkfontein Dam Reserve are home to a variety of mammals, birds and fish. Willem Pretorius Game Reserve ensures excellent game viewing, here you can visit the environmental education

centre, controlled by the Directorate of Environmental and Nature Conservation. One can find a well-preserved ruin of a prehistoric settlement, apparently of the long-vanished Leghoya people. One of the settlements has been refurbished and declared a national monument.

Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve is one of those rare gems, hidden from the crowds. The Nature Reserve protects one of South Africa’s wetlands. It has 7 two-roomed houses to rent at a fair price.

It is a great bird viewing destination with numerous bird species in and around the Nature Reserve including buffaloes, reed buck and other species.

Imvelo Safari Lodge contributes to the conservation of not only nature but also to that of wildlife in the Free State, as many of the animals in the reserve had to be re-introduced.

De Oude Kraal Country Estate & Spa situated in Reddersburg promotes environmental awareness through sustainable conservation initiatives including the reduction of landscape water use, labour force motivated to be more conscientious, reduce scrap material during production.

Get on the top of the highest point in the Golden Gate Park, Ribbokkop, to witness the picturesque view from the impressive sandstones. Cool highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transform the Golden Gate National Park into a winter wonderland. Naval Hill in the City of Roses, Bloemfontein gives you the panoramic view of the whole city, this where you will find the 8m tall statue of the late former president Nelson Mandela. The Free State offers a beautiful scenery

and alternative experiences for the off-the beaten-track traveler on the National Road (N1) between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Experience the serenity of nature, and the excitement and thrill of the adrenaline pumping rapids with the white-water rafting at the Gariep in Clarens, a charming town rich in scenic beauty, majestic arts and craft, museums and tranquility. In between valleys and fertile agricultural land of the Free State, visitors will find quaint little towns /dorpies with its own unique wine, beer, gin and rum offerings. >

SCENIC BEAUTY

ACTION AND ADVENTURE

Take a hike in the Rocky Mountains surrounding the Vredefort Dome, view untouched San paintings, and abseil or rock climb in the area. Parys is an ideal place for white-water rafting, hiking, mountain-biking, abseiling, horse-riding, fly-fishing, deep-water angling and game drives, perfect destination for adventurers to flock. Visit the fourth best racetrack in the world, the Phakisa Freeway Track, like the highly acclaimed Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada is rated as one of the safest circuits, but also one of the most demanding.

Phakisa hosts several national and international; races – including the six World Motorcycle Grand Prix events to date. Cliffdale Quads, based in Memel and located in the foothills of the Free State Drakensberg, boasts lovely weather and breathtaking views. They offer 4x4 trails exploring dirt roads, riverbeds, farms and magical mountain passes. Summit the Sentinel Peak, 34 metres chain ladder, which is 3000 metres above sea level.

CITY LIFE

For a modern, thriving, and cosmopolitan city, the Free State boer history of Bloemfontein is prominently displayed in its architecture, museums and in memorials. The Loch Logan Waterfront boasts world-class shopping facilities, sports stadiums, and entertainment venues. The City of Roses has thriving arts, culture, entertainment industries,

and hosts several large annual events.

Explore Kasi tourism, to get a taste of the local cuisine and to experience how the people from the townships live, and their form of entertainment.

The Free State has an abundance of experiences for tourists, whether they’re looking for an action-packed adventure, medical, educational or a well-deserved leisure break.

Navigate and explore the Free State Province and enjoy its people, great experiences, wildlife, adventure and local culture!

The Free State has an abundance of experiences for tourists, whether they’re looking for an action-packed adventure, medical, educational or a well-deserved leisure break.

ORBIT TVET COLLEGE

ABOUT US

ORBIT TVET College is one of the 50 public Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) countrywide that specialise in priority skills development. All TVET Colleges are part of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

The speci c focus of public TVET Colleges is to address the skills shortages in South Africa by o ering relevant and responsive Vocational and Occupational programmes. Vocational Programmes are quality assured by Umalusi and Occupational Programmes are quality assured by the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations).

We are located in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province and consist of three campuses: Brits, Mankwe and Rustenburg.

A VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES TO CHOOSE FROM!

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) NQF LEVEL 2 - 4 (Accredited by Umalusi)

• Engineering- related & ICT elds

• Business & Utility-related programmes

REPORT 191 (NATED) PROGRAMMES

• Engineering studies N1- N3 (Artisan development programmes)

• Engineering studies N4-N6

• Business & General studies N4-N6

OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAMMES (Services SETA-accredited)

• Hairdressing NQF Level 2 - 4

• Beauty & Nail Technology NQF Level 4

ARTISAN DEVELOPMENT (QCTO)

• The Centres of Specialisation (CoS) are departments within the public TVET College Campuses dedicated to artisan development training in partnership with employers. These centres strive to produce successful quality artisans in one or more of the priority trades. Centre of Specialisation programmes ensure a closer working relationship with industry, training centres and the Post School and Training (PSET) Sector. ORBIT College o er CoS Programmes in:

- Electrician Trade - Diesel Mechanic Trade

PMC INVESTS IN SELWANA VILLAGE by

constructing a 3km road

PMC is aware and understands its moral responsibility as a corporate citizen of BaPhalaborwa and the influential role that we are expected to play in the development of local communities and supporting economies, and strive as far as possible to nurture harmonious relationships with host communities. As PMC, we firmly believe in establishing relationships with our stakeholders on the basis of trust.

The socio-economic issues most prevalent in our host communities include unemployment, low economic growth, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to services including healthcare and education. Communities also have concerns about food and water security.

In framing our approach to social contribution, we are guided by a set of guidelines that outline the philosophy,

scope and application of our community development initiatives.

Focus areas include:

• Enterprise and supplier development

• Localization of employment

• Localization of procurement opportunities

• Infrastructure development

• Support for public health initiatives

• Education and skills development

• Preservation of the environment

In helping to build livelihoods in host communities, we work with a range of stakeholders at local and provincial level, on projects and initiatives to ensure that we secure our own social license to operate in the local communities. The main local stakeholders are Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Traditional Authorities,

Ba-Phalaborwa Community Forum and sector departments.

For many years Selwana always had a dusty and uncomfortable gravel road that was not maintained on a frequent basis. Palabora Mining Company as part of their Social and Labour Plan identified and committed to construct a 3km tar road into the village. The road was officially handed over to the Department of Roads and Transport on the 07th of July 2022 after an event that was hosted at Selwana Traditional Authority with a number of community members in attendance.

The event took place at the Selwana community hall which was constructed in 2019 from the dividends received from PMC through the Leolo Community Trust.

For years, Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) and Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality

were in discussions seeking a resolution to meet the fair expectations of the Selwana Traditional Authorities and its community, resilient in their protest, demanding for change in their quality of life through construction of a proper access road into the village. The mining giant, through the Integrated Development Plan of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, was convinced by the consolidated due diligence outcomes that measured the potential socio-economic impact and return on investment achievable through construction of a 3km road in Selwana village. The new 3km road was constructed following the specification of a regional road and finished with asphalt.

The project partnership was beyond just ticking a compliance checklist to secure the mining license for PMC. It was equally motivated by the desire to unleash the projected potential that could transform the lives of the people in Selwana for the better. Once the partnership commenced, some benefits were activated immediately such as:

• Community appreciation of the immediate positive impact of the road construction project.

• Municipality was on par with service delivery expectations from the community.

• Tribal authority was prioritizing the interest of the people.

• Improved market access for the local crop farmers.

This project has presented a number of spin-offs for the community of Selwana which includes but not limited to:

• The road construction project enabled an overnight boom of fixed term job opportunities.

• The project workforce and employees were conveniently sourced from the local community ranging from elementary to skilled.

• Subcontracting opportunities for local businesses.

• Farmers have improved access to markets to preserve their produce.

• The locals were temporarily employed, financially empowered, and able to boost local economic activity through circulation of money within Selwana.

MEC for Roads and Transport, Honourable Nkakareng, was delivering the Keynote

Address at the event and stated that she appreciated PMC for always lending a helping hand to the municipality in ensuring that the lives of the Ba-Phalaborwa residents are improved and sustained. She commended the mining giant on caring for the people within their host communities, just as Tata Nelson Mandela encouraged people to do.

Many speakers at the event echoed the same message directed to the community of Selwana, the road that was constructed was neither done for PMC, the municipality, nor the traditional authorities. The 3km road belongs to the people of Selwana village. It remains their responsibility to protect and look after their infrastructure. Roads tend to be damaged during community protests all over the country and this was strongly discouraged as it needs to serve everyone who resides in those communities.

The road will create easy access for community members to travel into town, ensure that medical services can be accessed easily, and enabling emerging crop farmers in Selwana to reduce travel time to the markets as well as wear and tear on their vehicles. The relationship between the traditional authorities, government partners and PMC played a vital role in

ensuring that the construction of the road was successful.

In witnessing how the road added value for the community of Selwana, PMC has decided to fund a further 3km. "We have a strong conviction that after the additional 3km road construction, the Department of Roads and Transport will be in a position to come on board to construct the road to connect to the Eiland road. We are proud to kick-off Mandela Month by handing over this road to the Department of Roads and Transport as well as the community of Selwana", said PMC Business Leader, Zakes Malepe.

As part of PMC’s Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, it is important for us to partner with government to ensure that we are able to collectively make a difference for the people in Ba-Phalaborwa and ensure that we leave a long-lasting legacy in our host communities.

PMC IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MURRAY & ROBERTS GIVE BACK TO LOCAL VILLAGE SCHOOLS

The provision of services such as water in the local schools of Makhushane village came in as a major boost when Murray & Roberts Cementation in partnership with Palabora Mining Company (PMC) officially handed over the three (3) fully equipped boreholes that came with purification systems, three (3) water tanks and concrete basin basins at St Patrick Mathibela primary school, Makhushane lower primary school and Bollanoto primary school. The official handover took place at Makhushane Lower Primary School on the 13th of June 2022.

Murray & Roberts, in partnership with PMC have ensured that teaching and learning continues within Makhushane village by providing proper sanitation and purified drinking water. This partnership

has ensured that three (3) schools’ benefits from the sinking of boreholes for the provision of water. Education is a societal issue and considering all the challenges that the Department of Education is facing.

By partnering with our stakeholders, we can indeed improve the lives of every child across the education landscape and Ba-Phalaborwa communities at large.

“As PMC, we always believe in giving back to the community and that is what we have been doing. I would also like to applaud our contractors for always coming through when we plead with them to help us in developing our local communities. This in turn provides temporary employment to the locals in the respective areas, who usually are from

previously disadvantaged background,’’ said PMC’s Manager for Transformation, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication, Abby Ledwaba.

As a responsible corporate citizen of Ba-Phalaborwa PMC’s focus is usually guided by the influence and engagement with local traditional authorities, municipality SLP and community leaders.

Our strategic focus areas include but are not limited to:

• Infrastructure development

• Education based initiatives

• Skills development and creating local employment

• Enterprise and Supplier development

• Providing support to Safety and Health initiatives

For many years, schools in the villages did not have classrooms, sufficient water, or sanitation. The three (3) schools were identified as the neediest for boreholes as they have been struggling with running water in their schools which posed a significant health challenge. The three (3) schools in Makhushane were identified as the neediest and deserving of the intervention.

Fred Durand, Senior Project Manager from Murray & Roberts Cementation gave a heartfelt speech regarding the borehole water project that they were able to fund as a company. “I am grateful I was part of this good initiative and to the leaders of the three schools, please feel free if you need help with anything, we will openly assist, these children are the future”, Durand said.

The contractor representative from Team Legodi Pty (Ltd), Dennis Legodi was also afforded an opportunity to share a message of appreciation. Legodi thanked

the two companies for giving him an opportunity to render the service. The three schools were giving a warranty of 12 months and he further mentioned that the boreholes will sustain them for at least 15 years to come.

Director at the Limpopo Education MEC office, ‘’We are grateful to PMC for always assisting and supporting the Department of Education, with these projects, you have restored the dignity of the black child.

These initiatives have played a huge part in developing these rural schools at Makhushane village as well as restoring the human dignity for learners and educators alike. The three (3) schools now have drinkable water, flushing toilets and water to irrigate their garden, which supplies vegetables for the school’s feeding scheme which supplies the community with fresh fruit and vegetables.

It remains PMC’s objective to support the community in ensuring that there is proper sanitation, shelter, and basic resources. PMC has also built ablution buildings for all three schools and kitchen to bridge the gap that existed within the schools. Most of these projects have ensured that some of the disadvantaged communities have created temporary employment as the companies who were tasked are local Enterprise companies to execute the projects. This in turn provides income for the locals and boost the local economy.

Speaking at the handovers for the ablution facilities and newly built kitchens at Bollanoto primary school, Dr N Ndebele, Director at the Limpopo Education MEC office, ‘’We are grateful to PMC for always assisting and supporting the Department of Education, with these projects, you have restored the dignity of the black child. As educators and principals, we commit ourselves to looking after the investment that you have made in ensuring that teaching and learning is uninterrupted, “She said

Even though it is required by the Social Labour Plan for corporate companies to provide financial support to local disadvantaged communities, PMC continues to be a leader in the mining industry that cares for the community where it operates, by providing relevant projects to sustain the community in ensuring that the future of the youth is secured.

Copper (Pty) Limited

Tel: +2715 780 2911

Fax: +2715 780 2093 www.palabora.com

Under the supervision and mentorship of one of the most dedicated and passionate lecturers at Taletso TVET College, Mr. Collins Ngomane, Rebecca “Becca” Tshuma has become the CAD Gold Medal Winner in the National WorldSkills Competition.

Born and bred in the Khuma (Stilfontein) location, “Becca”, as known to her friends, started the competition from provincial preliminary levels in Brits, Rustenburg, in 2021. She went through to the nationals in Durban, held her first position, and won gold - this after vigorous skills tests and competitions in CAD-Computer Aided Design. Becca will be going on to represent South Africa internationally in October 2022 in France.

Tshuma is a go-getter and graduate who received numerous distinctions in her academic record and is an SRC academic officer at Mafikeng Campus. Her ambition is to be a great example to the young black child, and show them that an African child can achieve and live up to his/her dreams. She maintains that her journey will not stop after the WorldSkills competition, she wants to start something for herself, saying that there is no limit to any career be it mechanical, or any other field of study one may choose to follow.

The 2022 WSZA National Competition, hosted under the theme “It’s Cool to be a 21st Century Artisan”, was incorporated into a two-day WSZA Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre hosted parallel to the National Competition.

The conference was strategically used as a launching pad for the National Apprenticeship and Artisan Development Strategy 2030 which is in its final stages of being promulgated by the DHET.

The WSZA National Competition also incorporated the National Artisan Development Career Festival which was hosted in different selected districts of the KwaZulu-Natal province. The career festival aimed to reduce, among others, the stigma related to artisan careers, and to provide information on artisan careers and possible career projections.

The winners at the National Competition will get an opportunity to represent the country at the WorldSkills International Competition in France, to compete in different skills areas covering different disciplines. i.e. Construction and Building Technology; Manufacturing and Engineering Technology; Information and Communications; Social and Personal Services; Creative Arts and Fashion; and Transportation and Logistics, among others.

The 46th WorldSkills International Competition hosted in France, will feature over 1600 competitors from more than 60 countries and regions, competing in over 63 skills. The WorldSkills competitions create a global platform to develop and help young people who want to change their lives and affords them the opportunity of improving the fortunes of their communities and societies.

WHICH SCHOOL DID YOU GO TO?

I started my journey in Hata-Butle Primary School, then later went to Borakanelo Secondary School, a school well known for its excellent academic record in a small township of Khuma (Stilfontein).

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOLLOW MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND EVENTUALLY CAD?

Growing up I always wanted to be an engineer, but the question was which type of an engineer, and what did I exactly want to specialise in? Even when I was about to apply to a college I was still unsure, then it happened that there was this unique course in NCV called Engineering and Related Design. Even the name itself tells you it’s very versatile and vast, by then I knew exactly what I wanted and made up my mind and then enrolled for it.

Growing up we were never educated about different professions other than being a teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc. so, as a child I was very curious to know and learn more, that's where I was inspired to do something different, different from what we were taught, and do something unique from the rest.

Mechanical Engineering is known as the mother of engineering, it was present from the dawn of human civilization, from the cell phone you are holding now, to a building you are in, everything is purely Mechanical Engineering.

It's always challenging getting to learn new things, you stumble a bit at first and it's so frustrating when you fail to get it right at first, but with the love I had for learning the programme, I became patient with myself. It was not smooth sailing at all and I encountered many bumps along the way, I however remain proud of myself for persevering through CAD.

In the future I hope to improve my CAD skills by learning more of the functions, there is a whole library of tools that I have yet to learn and I want to push myself to be the best that I can be. I can't wait to use CAD in my future designs as a Mechanical Engineer, whether for simple

projects or real applications in the world.

HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF COMPETING NATIONALLY IN DURBAN?

Being my first time participating in a competition, it was a very wonderful experience. I acquired many new and useful CAD skills also not forgetting to have a good time along the way.

The competition provided an opportunity to showcase our Artisan Trades Skills (ATS). I became part of the WorldSkills ZA competition by the encouragement of my mentor Mr. Collins Ngomane, who has always been there for me, to enlighten me with all the knowledge I needed to showcase my skills and how much I could learn and benefit from the exposure of participating in such a competition.

It was a blessing and an opportunity of a lifetime to compete in the nationals.

The pressure was intense as only one competitor per skill would be chosen to represent South Africa in the International WorldSkills Competition. As professional as the competition was, we had experts and our mentors to bring out the best in us and guide us.

We had the opportunity to get to know other competitors from other skill areas, who were very friendly, and I got the opportunity to get exposure to their skill categories. I was able to establish new relationships which I hope will help me as time goes by.

Technically, the projects that were chosen allowed me to showcase all the skills I have been working hard on. I gained more experience, in how to approach certain challenges and manage my time, it has also encouraged me to adopt innovative techniques and develop ideas and skills and most importantly it played a big role in building my self-confidence.

THE COLLEGE LAUNCHES AN AUTOMATED BROILER FACILITY

On the 20 th September 2021 the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in partnership with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (DHESIT), through Taletso College, saw the college’s Lichtenburg Campus Farm and local community being awarded a state-of-the-art Automated Broiler facility. The initiative culminated into months of preparation leading towards the much anticipated and successful hand-over ceremony.

In attendance were, the Deputy Minister of DHET Mr. Buti Manamela, MEC for Basic Education Ms. Wendy Matsemela (NWPG), Head of Corporate Affairs from the IDC Mr. Tsepo Ramodibe, Chairperson of the AgriSeta Board Ms. Sharon Sepeng, DHET Regional Manager Dr Nick Balkrishen, Chairperson of Taletso TVET College Ms. Nomvuko Nomnga, Acting Principal of Taletso TVET College Mr. Moeti Nkomo, and VIPs of the day who were agriculture

students from Lichtenburg Campus lead by Mr. Moeng, a lecturer at the campus, as well as members of the community represented by the municipality officials.

In his delivery, the Deputy Minister went on to highlight the importance of partnerships and community-based projects in the form of Incubation Programmes, he believes that both students and lecturers will benefit greatly.

He went on to express how he wished that the beneficiaries would not only be ready for the job-market but equally use the skills and training acquired to start their own businesses and be selfsufficient and contribute meaningfully towards the localised economy sectors without limitations. The message of excitement and renewed hope towards the development and empowerment of our youth was in the air across speakers of the day.

Kgosi Jeffery Montshioa pledged land towards rural development for more similar initiatives to be realized in various communities across the region and province.

The Project Leader and Business Development Innovation Manager

Mr. Sello Musi was ecstatic about the automated broiler house and office facilities that was launched and believes there will be great spin-offs which will expose Taletso TVET students who are doing Primary Agriculture to the modern technology used in the poultry industry currently. He continued to state that students would hit the ground running when they either got employed in the commercial industry, or, start their own businesses in poultry farming.

Mr Musi said that the College would also look into training unemployed youth on accredited poultry qualifications with AgriSeta and that the staff and the students at AgriSeta have all shown an interest in the facility.

A further benefit to the College is that the chickens will become a source of income for the college on a continuous six (6) week cycle.

The proceeds will be used for the maintenance of the facility and the farm in general. Mr Musi stated that he envisaged roping in big hatchery industry through their social responsibility activity and mandate them to donate chickens to the college so that they are trained and readied for the industry.

He further continued to say that Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) would be the order of the day and that the College would be working together with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for the slaughtering of chickens at the Kgora Training Centre abattoir in Mahikeng (Ramatlabana).

Tel: +27 (0) 18 384 2346/ 50

Fax: +27 (0) 18 384 7511

Email: info@taletsofetcollege.co.za

Website: www.taletso.edu.za

Adress: 761-762 Setlogelo Dr, Montshiwa Unit 2, Mahikeng, 2790

Deputy Minister of DHET: Mr. Buti Manamela

Acting Principal of Taletso TVET College: Mr. Moeti Nkomo

Development Innovation Manager: Mr. Sello Musi

NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY Empowered leadership

DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Driven towards business development and local economic development

THABA CHWEU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Obtains an unqualified audit outcome

CITY OF EKURHULENI Report on 100 days in office

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA

NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY EMPOWERED LEADERSHIP

CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.

The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George.

Hon Mayor Eugene Johnson comes from humble beginnings born in 1963 as one of five children to Elizabeth-Ann, a unionist and lay preacher, and David Johnson, a factory worker at the Ford Motor Company. Mayor Johnson spent most of her formative life in Arcadia, a northern township of Gqeberha, leaving Arcadia High School in 1980 to join the resistance movement against Apartheid. Her entry into politics would come through the factory floor as a NAAWU shop steward at the tender age of 17 years. After just three years as a shop steward, Johnson would be elected as a national executive member of NAAWU and become the first female deputy president responsible for gender at NUMSA. Her tenure in South African national unionism would span over a decade.

In 1994, after leaving the factory floor and union politics, Johnson was employed as a creditors and accounts clerk at Auto Plastics. Over the next fifteen years she would build extensive experience in finance and corporate governance in the private sector.

It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has a multi-dimensional character that has created employment, enhanced commuter movement, enhanced investment opportunities, increased economic activity, etc.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Johnson served as founding member of the Institute of Retirement Funds of South Africa, chaired the Board of Trustees of Auto Plastics and Faurecia Employees Provident Funds, and headed Auto Plastics and Faurecia’s Employment Equity and Skills Development Boards.

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

Committee. In 2010 she was elected to the National Executive Committee of the South African National Civic Organisation and served in the ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Women’s League from 2015 to 2018.

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities.

MATLOSANA AS A MEDICAL HUB

Ubutyebi Trust, setting up a new human settlements program in Nelson Mandela Bay, and served as chairperson of the Donkin Hospital Board and the Gelvandale Frail Care Board.

• Wellness tourism

With the dawn of democracy, Johnson joined the ANC and became involved in the regional structures of the organisation. She served as branch chairperson of Ward 7 and cluster co-ordinator of ANC branches in the northern areas of Gqeberha. Between 2001 and 2009, Johnson served on the ANC Nelson Mandela Regional Executive

Johnson had an impressive stint in local and national government between 2005 and 2016. She was elected to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Council in 2005. After leaving the council in 2010, Johnson would go on to join Statistics South Africa in its census program, and serve on the National Economic Development and Labour Council of South Africa. In 2016 she was an aid in the Office of the ANC Parliamentary Chief Whip.

Between 2017 and 2020, Johnson would put her experience in governance and administration to use as an entrepreneur, consultant, and corporate governance expert. She would work as a consultant for the Swedish backed NGO, The

To us health care is of paramount importance as a healthy city is productive and constitutes prosperity. We boast well-developed medical facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage of Matlosana as a major Medical Hub in the North West Province. Services include: general and private medical fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental services. Most clinics focus on primary health care services.

The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.

PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

Mayor Eugene Johnson has an impressive track record in public service and private sector leadership. However, she is often found highlighting her most important achievements as raising her three children, and being a grandmother to five grandchildren. She is also a devout Christian, deeply rooted in her religious teaching of justice for the poor, compassion for the vulnerable and service to the needy.

Hon. Mayor Eugene Johnson has taken the reigns at a time when the municipality faces a plethora of crises, but her energy and passion for getting the work done and her compassion for the communities she serves is her driving force to complete the tasks at hand.

N12 Development Route was identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden opportunities in the following sectors: housing, business, industrial, heritage, mining, tourism, sport as well as recreation.

Executive Mayor: Cllr Eugene Johnson

DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY DRIVEN TOWARDS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL ECONOMIC

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum, sunflowers, etc... (climatically suitable with a 70% probability of production success).

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality is named after Dr Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma, the present Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, elected 30 May 2019, and previous Minister in The Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation from 27 February 2018 to 25 May 2019.

achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration obtained from the Management College of South Africa in 2018.

Mayor Msomi holds an academic qualification in Local Government, and served her community as a former ward councillor.

commercial infrastructure which will enable the formalisation of informal business. These facilities categorized as township/rural industrial parks, township business hubs, and automotive hubs, contribute as a driver of township/rural revitalization and the promotion of local business within the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Municipality.

Aside from attracting investment, the N12 Treasure Route connects communities to the economic hub of Matlosana City. The improved road infrastructure changes the lives of the City’s citizens making it easier to access employment opportunities and other services.

The municipality, situated on the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the local municipalities that fall under the Harry Gwala District Municipality, which borders on the Eastern Cape and Lesotho. The Municipality is the result of the amalgamation of the previous Ingwe Local Municipality and the Kwa Sani Local Municipality.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Under the sterling leadership of Mayor Msomi, the municipality is making a deliberate effort to advance township/rural revitalization, and listing entrepreneurship as an important contributor to the economy in terms of creation of employment, economic growth, innovation and competitiveness.

NATIONAL FRESH PRODUCE MARKET

Shoppers can also be spoiled for choice between Matlosana Mall, City Mall, Flamwood Walk Shopping Mall, Tower Mall and other leading shopping centres in Matlosana.

Hon Mayor Sindisiwe “MaJobe” P Msomi was elected on 22 November 2021 and became the second democratically elected Mayor of Harry Gwala District’s second-biggest local municipality since its formation of the municipality in August 2016.

From an early age, and during both her primary education in Donnybrook, and her secondary education at Nokweja High School, her budding character was moulded around the ideals of liberation and the struggle for freedom and equality for all South Africans. She became a teacher after qualifying with a Secondary Teachers Diploma from Eshowe College of Education and then attained a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of Natal in 1999. The Mayor then went on to

To achieve this end, the municipality has invested in the development of

Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Matlosana, which proudly boasts a region rich with agricultural potential. The emphasis is focused on field crops, such as maize, wheat, sorghum,

The Market is the property of the City of Matlosana and was established in 1980 and it is ranked 8th out of 17 Fresh Markets in the country according to turnover.

“The more equitable provision of economic infrastructure to underdeveloped areas is a key tenet of our inclusive growth strategy and th e municipality’s efforts aimed at achieving the government’s industrial objectives that are outlined in the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) also took the growth of industrial activity in townships and rural regions into consideration,” said Mayor Cllr P.S Msomi.

With five Market agents, the market

Hon Mayor: Sindisiwe “MaJobe” P Msomi

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

THABA CHWEU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY OBTAINS AN UNQUALIFIED AUDIT OUTCOME

Thaba Chweu Local Municipality received an Unqualified Audit Opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa in relation to the 2020-2021 financial year. The signs of improvement have been evident in recent years. In 2019-2020, 2018-2019 and 2017-2018 financial years, the municipality received qualified audit opinions. In the preceding financial years, the TCLM used to receive disclaimers.

Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mogotle Friddah Nkadimeng, has attributed this great milestone to improved financial reporting, performance management reporting, and adherence to applicable legislation.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

“This is a historic achievement and an indication that the Municipality is steering in the right direction, and matters previously raised by the Auditor-General are receiving full attention. We are however still faced with several challenges to accelerate and improve service delivery to the public. Some of these challenges emanate from past backlogs which we have since prioritised and are addressing as a matter of urgency.” said the Executive Mayor.

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

Credit must go to the political leadership, the Accounting Officer and the entire administration for their tireless efforts and hard work that led to the improvement of the Municipality’s audit outcome.

• Wellness tourism

Executive Mayor: Cllr. Mogotle Friddah Nkadimeng

In Mpumalanga Province the day is also used to raise awareness of the importance of Wetlands and Grasslands - referred to as the Provincial Twin Treasures of Nature.

To mark the day, the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Busi

Shongwe, together with Cllr. Mogotle Friddah Nkadimeng, Councillors from TCLM and Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and officials, embarked on a cleaning campaign of a wetland located alongside the Sterkspruit River.

The day also saw the official launch of the Air Quality Monitoring Station at Thusong Service Centre in Mashishing, which is the first to be introduced in the Ehlanzeni District. The station will assist with measuring and monitoring levels of gases and dust emitted in the air due to mining and other industrial activities which are detrimental to the health of the community.

NATIONAL FRESH PRODUCE MARKET

The Market is the property of the City of Matlosana and was established in 1980 and it is ranked 8th out of 17 Fresh Markets in the country according to turnover.

With five Market agents, the market supplies customers as far as Botswana, Kimberly and Vryburg.

CONTACT DETAILS

2022 marks 51 years of celebrating the Wetlands globally since the Convention of Wetlands Ramsar in 1971, a day that makes an appeal to the world to invest financial, human and political capital to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing and to restore those that have been degraded. Mpumalanga was the first Province in the country, in 2013, to declare a Grassland Week and the event was the first of its kind as a combined celebration of Grasslands and Wetlands.

Address: Cnr Braamfisher & OR Tambo Streets, Klerksdorp

Every year the Province purposefully creates awareness about the linkages between Wetlands and Grasslands and sets out to demonstrate the importance of managing ecosystems in their totality, acknowledging that protecting the ecological character, as well as the freshwater resources and related ecological services are vital to human activity on Earth.

Tel: 018 487 8000/ 018 487 8800

Email: communications@ klerksdorp.org

CityofMatlosanaUpdates @MatlosanaCom

Cityofmatlosanamunicipal

Municipal Manager: MS SS MATSI

NEWS

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MATLOSANA CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE CITY OF EKURHULENI MAYOR’S 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

During the address made to mark her 100 days in office, Mayor Campbell said that “While there is no legislative obligation for any administration to report back on their first 100 days, we recognise this symbolic milestone as an important opportunity to account to the residents of Ekurhuleni on progress made since our accession to office.”

The City has an inclusive multi-party coalition government consisting of the DA, Action SA, FF Plus, IFP, ACDP, Cope and the PA.

Regarding roads and stormwater, maintenance was done on 2 100 stormwater drains, 48km of roads were rehabilitated, 550 road signs were installed and maintained, with 29 000m² of potholes were patched.

By her 100th day the City had concluded contracts with 1 100 Public Employment Programme beneficiaries, with a further EPWP 220 work opportunities created in roads and stormwater maintenance.

A new city audit committee was appointed with the full support of the multi-party coalition governance to ensure proper financial compliance and good governance by the city administration.

She stated that as a minority government she was happy to have secured an adjustment budget for the 2021/2022 financial plan that will be used to improve service delivery and will be focused on: water and electricity supply, environment and waste management, roads and stormwater infrastructure, sanitation, human settlements and job creation with a focus on long neglected areas. The City will also focus the much needed budget allocation on financial management, good governance, and general valuations rolls.

The City had cleared 112 illegal dumping sites and progress had been made to clear hyacinth from the Benoni Lake and rehabilitate the Benoni lakes and dams for environmental and waste purposes.

The progress made in the 100 days has had a positive impact on the residents of Ekurhuleni but Campbell admitted that they still have a long way to go in ensuring service is delivered efficiently. The Mayor had taken the reigns at a time when much needed to be done, but she firmly believes that good governance will ensure the stable recovery of the region.

WHY VISIT THE CITY OF MATLOSANA?

Using a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to service delivery within her 100 days , the City included the following significant results amongst its successes:

Create unforgettable memories at our quality business and leisure accommodation venues which include conferencing, wedding and spa facilities. The City has a wealth of attractions for visitors:

• Adventure tourism

• Wildlife tourism

• Medical tourism

Of the R117 million allocated to the Energy Department in the city, R40 million was allocated for maintenance, and R77 million was allocated for new infrastructure to minimise power outages cause by aged and poorly maintained infrastructure.

• Wellness tourism