department launches water bottling plant young … edition1.pdfcv - mec yn ‘pinky’ phosa dr....

January - March 2014 Edition

Mpumalanga’s economic story, in our wordsMpumalanga’s economic story, in our wordsMpumalanga’s economic story, in our words

Department:Economic Development, Environment and TourismMPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

the dedet

Litiko Letekutfutfukiswa Kwetemnotfo,Simondzawo netekuVakasha

Umnyango WezokuThuthukiswa KoMnotho, iBhoduluko nezamaVakatjho

Department van Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling,Omgewing en Toerisme

Department launches Department launches Water Bottling PlantWater Bottling Plant

Tourism establishments Tourism establishments

a security riska security risk

Celebrate Celebrate human rightshuman rights

Explore Mpumalanga's Explore Mpumalanga's

twin treasurestwin treasures

Young minds Young minds

fight climate changefight climate change

contentHOD’sremarks

Temnotfo was compiled by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism's editorial team. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, the MEC or management of the Mpumalanga Department Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. Although care has been taken to verify the accuracy of information, the editorial team of this publication takes no responsibility for any inaccuracies.

The first quarter of the year has come and gone, and as a Department we can pat ourselves on the back for successfully manoeuvring this busy time of the year. Returning from the festive season, there was no time to idle for the MEC and her delegation as they went from one school to another at the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme area during the Provincial Back to School Campaign in the first week of January. A very successful campaign indeed as the country continues to prioritise education.

The old adage 'better late than never' proved true for the people of Volksrust as Christmas came in the middle of January, having been postponed to observe the mourning period for former President Nelson Mandela in December.

As a custodian of environmental management, the Department continues to be at the forefront of environmental education as the continue to teach about and tackle the chronic issues of water scarcity and climate change in our country at preschool and high school levels through the Mpumalanga Climate Change and Water Programmes.

Through assistance from various stakeholders, the Department is proud to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Donkerhoek Water Bottling Project, which is set to benefit a 22 member co-operative from the area. This project will certainly assist in addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, particularly in rural areas. The current financial year proved to be a great challenge for the Department. Measures had to be implemented to curb overspending. As the new financial year draws nearer, let us learn from the failures and successes of the previous year and make 2014/2015 a year of success. Let us strive to achieve our Departmental objectives and mandate without major hiccups. Working as a team, we can certainly be a Department that leads by example.

Dr V Dlamini

Head of Department

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Editorial Team

Editor : Mohau RamodibeSub Editors : Beulah Lucas and Sibusiso MgwenyaPhotography : Silence Mhlaba, Searabo Motshwanedi and Sibusiso MgwenyaJournalists : Searabo Motshwanedi, Comfort Ngobe, Silence Mhlaba, Sibusiso Mgwenya and Mohau RamodibeLayout and : Dineo MotshegareDesign

Send your letters and comments toThe Editor, Building No 4, First Floor, Communication DepartmentE-mail: [email protected]

Temnotfo

Remembering the past and celebrating the future

Mpumalanga Government hands-over a Government-funded State of the Art Water Bottling Plantto a Donkerhoek Co-operative

Mpumalanga celerates twin treasures of nature

Phosa encourages stricter security measuresat Tourism establishments

Climate and Water wise schools awarded

Education is everybody’s business- MEC YN ‘Pinky’ Phosa

MEC Phosa appeals to businesses to join hands in the fight against poverty

Department Advocates for E-Government

Co-operatives encouraged to applyfor grants

cv

- MEC YN ‘Pinky’ Phosa

Dr. Vusanani Dlamini

contents

2 Temnotf o Official Newsletter

Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

Temnotf o Official Newsletter 3

newsnews

Remembering the past and celebrating the future

The month of March provides a moment of reflection in the history of South Africa. During this month the country remembers the past whilst celebrating a bright future full of

promises. Many of these experiences are the tragic disasters confronted by black people during apartheid South Africa, most notably, the Sharpville Massacre. On 21 March 1960 police opened fire, without prior warning, on a crowd gathered at a Sharpville station to protest against the pass laws that required black people to carry in their person, at all times, books to be produced to law enforcement officials on request. A total of 69 people were killed and an additional 180 were injured during the confrontation with the police.

It is believed that this tragic event was sparked by the Pan Africanist Party, under the leadership of Robert Sobukwe, appealing to all black men to put an end to this humiliating law by leaving their ‘dompas’ behind and march to a police station and demand to be incarcerated for not carrying the document. However, things turned sour when police were allegedly intimidated by the large crowd and opened fire, killing many of our own.

Coming closer to home, March also marks 28 years of the Lowveld Massacre where security forces of the apartheid regime killed a student, Mandla Lekhuleni, during a protest. The security forces continued to torture the people

during Lekhuleni's funeral and at the trial of those arrested during Lekhuleni’s funeral, in the process killing more people.

As we celebrate 20 years of freedom, it is refreshing to note that the struggle of the people has not gone unnoticed; the black man's blood was not shed in vain. The late freedom fighter, Solomon Mahlangu once said 'my blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom'. Through the revered South African Constitution, individual rights are protected, such as the right to move freely without having to produce the infamous ‘dompas’, and as citizens of the country, everyone is entitled to basic human dignity in this democratic Republic. Lest we forget, we need to look back and appreciate how far our country has come. Let us celebrate the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of this country. Let us forget not the massacres: Soweto, Langa, Sharpville and Lowveld, to name but a few. Let not Human Rights Day be just another day to get drunk, but a day to reflect, celebrate, appreciate and teach about the history of our beautiful land.

“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land experiences the oppression of one by another” - Nelson Mandela

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Donkerhoek – The 22 Member Water Bottling Co-operative in Donkerhoek in the Mkhondo Local Municipality are the beneficiaries of a government-funded fully equipped state-of-the-art Plant to the

tune of R9, 9 million. This follows the launch and official hand-over of the Donkerhoek Water Bottling Plant to the Co-operative by Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC, Mrs. Pinky Phosa, on behalf of Premier David Mabuza, on Thursday, 20 March 2014.

“As government, we have a good story to tell. The launch and hand-over of the Donkerhoek Water Bottling Plant today is just one example of the good story the ANC-led government has written over the past 20 years. This is one of the hills we have climbed, but after reaching the climax of this hill, we have realized that there are many more hills to climb, hence we implore on our people to give the ANC yet another chance to change their lives for the better,” said MEC Phosa.

The construction of the plant was funded by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism to the tune of R6, 9 million, and machinery

Mpumalanga Government

hands-over a Government-funded

State of the Art Water Bottling Plantto a Donkerhoek Co-operative

and equipment was funded by the National Development Agency (NDA) to the tune of R3 million.

The Plant has a capacity to bottle 20 bottles per minute (48 000 bottles per day). It will run on two (2) eight (8) hour shifts with at least fifteen (15) workers on the production line per shift. The water will be bottled at source and was tested and analysed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in accordance with the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) requirements. The water to be bottled will be certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

The project is the brain-child of Premier Mabuza, and was conceptualized in 2009 as an economic intervention aimed at addressing high unemployment and poverty levels in Donkerhoek in the Mkhondo Local Municipality. Government's objective through the project is to encourage community members to form co-operatives which have been identified by government as a crucial vehicle towards job creation and to propel economic development.

“Through this project, we are busy fighting the triple challenges facing the current administration, which are

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MEC Phosa hands over

a certificate to Stafu Ndaba,chairperson of Donkerhoek

Water Bottling Plant

MEC Phosa hands over

a certificate to Stafu Ndaba,chairperson of Donkerhoek

Water Bottling Plant

Cooperatives members hold aloft the R3 million and fourty two randcheque donated by the National Development Agency

Cooperatives members hold aloft the R3 million and fourty two randcheque donated by the National Development Agency

MEC Phosa at the bottling lineMEC Phosa at the bottling line

MEC Phosa and Mayor of Gert Sibande District,

Mr Meshack Nhlabathi unveil the plaque

MEC Phosa and Mayor of Gert Sibande District,

Mr Meshack Nhlabathi unveil the plaque

MEC Phosa officially opens the doors MEC Phosa officially opens the doors to the bottling plantto the bottling plant

poverty, unemployment and inequality. We want people to be their own employers. We don't want everybody to sit and wait for a job even though they can use their own hands to make things happen for themselves. I think we can all agree that South Africa is a better place today than it was before 1994. Together we move South Africa forward,” added Mrs Phosa.

The project will be mentored by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) for an initial period of six months, which will impart both technical and business management skills to the members of the Donkerhoek Water Bottling Co-operative. The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) has also been mandated to operationalise and commercialise the Plant, and ensure its sustainability and profitability. MEGA is currently looking for a private investor to partner with the co-operative.

Government Departments involved in the projects are the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport; NDA; MEGA; SEDA; SABS; and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

She was speaking at the celebration of Wetlands and Grasslands Day at the Delmas Environmental Centre. She described Wetlands and Grasslands as the Provincial twin treasures of nature.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 2 February. This year marks the 43 years of celebrating the Wetlands globally since the Convention of Wetlands Ramsar in 1971, under the theme Wetlands and Agriculture-partners for growth.

On Friday, 04 November 2013, MEC ‘Pinky’ Phosa, declared a Provincial Grassland Week to be held annually during the last week of February. Mpumalanga is the first Province in the country to declare a Grassland Week.

The event was the first of its kind as a combined celebration of Grasslands and Wetlands. The purpose of the celebration was to create awareness about the linkages between Wetlands and Grasslands and to demonstrate the importance of managing ecosystems in their totality. Protecting their ecological character, as well as the freshwater resources and related ecological services are vital to human activity on Earth.

Mpumalanga celebrates

twin treasures of nature

Delmas -

“In the 12 months I have been

with this Department,

I have discovered a second layer

of eternal love. The first layer

being the love of God and

the second layer being

the love of Mother Nature,

” said MEC Mrs Pinky Phosa.



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MEC Phosa (middle) and Duane Rothman (far right) with the Zenzele Nursery GroupMEC Phosa (middle) and Duane Rothman (far right) with the Zenzele Nursery Group

- by Searabo Motshwanedi

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The MEC encouraged the community of Victor Khanye Local Municipality to protect the grasslands and wetlands, adding that working together will ensure environmental sustainability and development of the area.

Ms Anthea Stephens, Director: Grassland Programme at SANBI also applauded a good partnership with dedet, MTPA, and other stakeholders. She encouraged continuation of partnerships in order to create awareness on the importance of the environment.

What is a Wetland? wetland can be described as an area with poor drainage, where the soil is permanently, seasonally or temporary saturated with water. The plants and wildlife are specially adapted to living in such conditions. Other names for Wetlands include names such as marshes, swamps.

What is a Grassland? The term ‘grassland’ creates the impression that the Grasslands biome consists only of grass species. In fact, it is a complex ecosystem, including rivers and wetlands, species and habitats. In healthy Grasslands, only one in six plants is a grass, while the others are forbs (bulbs, aloes, watsonias, gladioli, ground orchids and herb-like wild flowers).

Mpumalanga celebrates

twin treasures of nature

Ms Anthea Stephens (Sanbi) and Ms Celeste Dias (dedet ) Ms Anthea Stephens (Sanbi) and Ms Celeste Dias (dedet )

Mr Sam Maluleka together with members of the community at the wetland side

Mr Sam Maluleka together with members of the community at the wetland side

Mr G Cowden,Mpumalanga

Wetland Forum, presenting message

of support

Mr G Cowden,Mpumalanga

Wetland Forum, presenting message

of support

Nomkhumbi Mokoena Nomkhumbi Mokoena

Argent Ndebele Dancers ushered

MEC and Zithobile Hlaka to the hall

Argent Ndebele Dancers ushered

MEC and Zithobile Hlaka to the hall

Officials from dedet listening attentatively to the speakers

Officials from dedet listening attentatively to the speakers

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Phosa encourages

stricter security measuresat Tourism establishments

Nelspruit- Mpumalanga MEC for Economic

Development, Environment and Tourism,

Mrs. YN Phosa has urged all stakeholders

in the tourism industry to prioritise the

safety of tourists visiting establishments in the Province

by working together with the South African Police Service

to ensure that the safety of tourists is not compromised.

“As the Department responsible for tourism, we will

continue to work very closely with the South African

Police Service in partnership with private sector to safe-

guard tourists and our communities. The Province is in

the process of developing the Tourism Safety Plan which

we believe will strengthen our work in this regard,” said

Phosa.

The plan will be rolled out all over the Province with a

certain level of bias towards the Lowveld area, where

most of these tourist attacks are reported. It will involve

strengthening the Tourism Safety Monitors Programme

in the Province, Tourism Awareness Campaigns to

sensitise communities about the importance of the tourism

sector, in terms of job creation and its contribution to the

provincial economy.

She further emphasized the importance of the tourism

industry given that it is one of the pillars of the

Mpumalanga Economic Growth and Development Path

(MEGDP), and has a huge potential to create the much

needed jobs for the people of Mpumalanga.

During the Peak Season, Safety Campaigns will

conscientize tourists about their safety, and further offer

them safety tips. Crime victims will also be offered After-

Care support which aims to assist tourists with temporary

accommodation, arranging of travelling documents (if

lost), amongst others.

MEC Phosa has also committed to work together with all

stakeholders in the tourism industry in an effort to ensure

an increase in a number of tourist arrivals and their safety

in the Province.

- by Mohau Ramodibe

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This follows isolated incidents of attacks and robbery at

some privately-owned tourism establishments in the

Province.

“We strongly denounce any attack on tourists because

this barbaric act may negatively impact on our efforts to

grow tourism in our Province. If our own people continue

to attack visitors to their Province, it is like they are

attacking their own visitors, and the message they are

implicitly sending is that visitors are not welcome in our

Province. I do not think you can treat any person who is

visiting your household in that manner. Let us

collectively embrace the spirit of Ubuntu, and extend a

welcoming hand to our visitors,” said the MEC.

“I remain confident about the growth of tourist arrivals

from all over the world into our Province, and I believe

that working together with all role players in the tourism

sector we will be able to ensure that the safety of tourists

becomes our collective number one priority,” concluded

MEC Phosa.

Phosa encourages

stricter security measuresat Tourism establishments

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Pilgrim's Rest – On 18 March 2014 the red carpet was rolled out for top achieving schools in the Mpumalanga Climate Change and Water Programmes. These programmes, Climate Change Literacy Programme for

Secondary Schools and the Water Programme for Pre-schools, were incepted in 2008 by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism with the aim of promoting and encouraging environmental empowerment in schools. The water programme is targeted at pre-schools situated in previously disadvantaged schools, with the aim of introducing early childhood environmental education. They play a critical role in shaping a child's attitude, values and behaviour patterns towards the environment. Programme coordinator Ms Makam explained that this programme aims to increase water awareness in pre-schools and encourage children to use water responsibly.

On the other hand, the Climate Change Literacy Programme guides and educates learners to act responsibly regarding global warming to ensure a healthy environment, while also providing guidance on addressing the causes of climate change. “This programme serves to create awareness in schools on climate change; initiate local actions to combat climate change; and assist schools in taking positive initiatives towards environmental improvements and sustaining the use of natural resources,” explained Programme Coordinator Mr Botha. The Department of Education and the National Department of Environmental Affairs were present on the day to pledge their support to these groundbreaking Departmental initiatives. “The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is looking forward to working closely with the dedet to ensure that this programmes are a success,” said Ms Palesa Mashego. Dr Moodley from the Department of Education (DoE), commended the Department for this initiative and vowed to support it further. “The state of the environment has a big impact in the lives of its citizens and the preservation thereof is of great importance,” said Dr Moodley. “The education department will definitely give its full support to dedet.”

During her visit to the stalls erected by the pupils from the various schools in the Province, the MEC, Mrs Pinky Phosa was astonished by the creativeness of the pupils. Environmentally friendly models demonstrating best ways to save water and electricity were on display on the day. From the Nkangala District, the winners were Thembalihle Primary, Sibonelo Pre-School and Sizofunda Primary. Phiva, Thembalethu and Ekhiyeni Primary Schools came out top at Ehlanzeni District. In Gert Sibande the awards went to Isibanisezwe, Siyaphumelela and Lamagadlela Primary Schools. In Bushbuckridge, Moratiseng, Magashule and Ntsie Primary Schools took the honours. In the Special Schools category, Masenakane and Maletlhogonolo Primary Schools each went home with 4 table basins, 4 x 20 litre bottles and 5 dettol bags as winners in that category.

Harmony Park Combined School was the big winner in the climate change category. The pupils designed an innovative solar geyser, that saves both energy and water. Makuke Secondary School and LM Mokoena Secondary School were second and third, respectively, in the provincial category awards.

Climate and Water Wise Schools Awarded

Climate and Water Wise Schools Awarded- by Sibusiso Mgwenya

Pupils demonstrate their models to the MEC and her delegation

Pupils demonstrate their models to the MEC and her delegation

Mkhutshwa Secondary School pupils receive

their prize for second place

Mkhutshwa Secondary School pupils receive

their prize for second place

Let there be light: Pupils wow the MEC Let there be light: Pupils wow the MEC with their energy generating modelwith their energy generating model

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Mayisha Secondary School Mayisha Secondary School learners with their modellearners with their model Provincial winners, harmony Park, take the big prizeProvincial winners, harmony Park, take the big prize

MEC Phosa hands over a certificate to the overall preschool winners

MEC Phosa hands over a certificate to the overall preschool winners

MEC observes the big winning innovative, water and energy saving geyser model

by Harmony Park Combined School

MEC observes the big winning innovative, water and energy saving geyser model

by Harmony Park Combined School

A learner puts A learner puts the finishing touches the finishing touches

to his modelto his model

Mayisha Secondary School Mayisha Secondary School receives their second prizereceives their second prize

Bright future: Makuke Secondary School Bright future: Makuke Secondary School pupils receive their prizepupils receive their prize

Two heads are better than one: Pupils from Two heads are better than one: Pupils from Leonard Secondary School Leonard Secondary School

receive their certificate receive their certificate

Being a former teacher herself, the MEC, Mrs `Pinky’ Phosa's passion for education was felt during her 3 day schools reopening visit at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality. The MEC pleaded with educators, leaners and parents to heed the call made by former

President, Dr Nelson Mandela, to make education a top priority in this country, when he said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“The fact that all government representatives are visiting schools around the Province this time, is a clear indication that the Mpumalanga government takes education very serious. Government has identified education as an APEX priority and more resources will be channeled toward education,” said MEC as she moved from one school to another.

She was accompanied by Executive Mayor of Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality, Councillor Malatjie and government officials.

The MEC visited Seme Secondary school, Nalithuba Secondary School at Dagakraal and a farm school called Bhekithemba Primary school at Wakerstroom.

The importance of the January 2014 Mpumalanga Province School Reopening Programme is to afford the schools an opportunity to raise the challenges and concerns they are faced with. These are challenges that might also lead to schools producing poor results at the end of the year if they are not attended to. Through this programme, deployed public representatives ascertain schools readiness right at the beginning of the school year.

Amongst other things, the deployed representatives were tasked with the responsibility to ensure the following non-negotiables are in place and ready:

? Readiness of the schools? School budget? Governance of the school? Learning material? Infrastructure

everybody's business– MEC YN ‘Pinky’ Phosa- by Silence Mhlaba

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everybody's business– MEC YN ‘Pinky’ Phosa

MEC Phosa addresses pupils at Bekithemba Primary SchoolMEC Phosa addresses pupils at Bekithemba Primary School

Seme Secondary School students gather at the assemble to listen to MEC Phosa

Seme Secondary School students gather at the assemble to listen to MEC Phosa

? ? Schools Code of Conduct in place ? Schools Maintenance Plan? Human Resource Development? Roles and responsibilities of the School Governing

Body

During her final visit on the last day, MEC Phosa indicated that she was happy with the readiness of all the schools she visited. “From what I have observed during these past three days, I am happy to announce that the state of readiness in schools around this area is satisfactory and I am delighted to report this to the MEC for Education, Ms Reginah Mhaule.”

“We must acknowledge that there are still a few challenges facing schools, however, I want to believe that they do not pose a threat to learning and teaching and great outcomes. Challenges such as pupil discipline, school attendance and taking care of our facilities shall be dealt with. We need to work together with parents, SGB and teachers to overcome some of these minor problems,” concluded the MEC.

Nutrition programme Leaners from the three (3) schools couldn't believe their eyes when MEC Phosa took to the podium at assembly to encourage them. It was clear that they were not expecting an MEC to make time to talk to them.

“We feel very important today that MEC Phosa took time off her busy schedule to come and encourage us as students to work hard and focus all our energy into learning. Our promise to her is, we as the class of 2014, are confident that we will produce 100% pass rate,” said Sipho Mhembe, a Maths and Science student at Nalithuba Secondary School.

Sipho's words were echoed by Masondo Tholakele, a Commerce student at Nalithuba who said, “With the right attitude coupled with hard work, dedication and discipline, the sky is the limit. We have already established group studies and extra classes.”

In every school that she visited, MEC reminded educators that they are very important in shaping the future of the learners. She also emphasized to the school's Head Masters the need to create a conducive environment for learning and teaching.

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is

MEC Phosa, Executive Mayor Malatjie, Seme school principal and officials from

Education pose for a Photo

MEC Phosa, Executive Mayor Malatjie, Seme school principal and officials from

Education pose for a PhotoAssembly: MEC

addresses pupilsAssembly: MEC

addresses pupils

MEC Phosa, her entourage and the leadership of Bhekithemba school

pose for a photo

MEC Phosa, her entourage and the leadership of Bhekithemba school

pose for a photo

Volksrust – Sibongile Ngubane, a single, unemployed mother of six children, couldn't hold back her tears of joy when the MEC, Mrs `Pinky’ Phosa, presented her with food parcels, toiletry bags and blankets during the

Christmas party with orphans and the destitute, which took place at Volksrust Municipal Offices, on 16 January 2014.

The belated Christmas party with orphans and the destitute is the MEC's annual event which takes place in December. Last year, the party had to be postponed to early this year, as the country was observing the mourning period of former President, Mr Nelson Mandela. The MEC, together with her constituency in the Dr Pixley Ka Seme Municipality, spent time distributing food parcels and other necessities as well as bonding with children from the impoverished municipality.

An overwhelmed Sibongile Ngubane said, “I am very happy that God sent a Good Samaritan to give us food parcels and other necessities for our daily lives. As a family, we are confronted with abject poverty and our daily life is a misery.” She also thanked the MEC for the gesture, saying it will go a long way in restoring the dignity of her family.

Speaking during the hand over, MEC Phosa said, “As government, we are committed to fight poverty. We will go out of our way to ensure that no family goes to bed with

empty stomachs. We also call on business men and women to play a role in the fight against poverty.”

A visibly emotional MEC also thanked everyone who ensured that the Department brings hope and joy to the people of the Province, one family at a time. “I want to thank our partners (business people). I also want to thank the ward councillors who helped identify the families in need of our assistance. To my constituency here at the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, thank you for your continued support. To the beneficiaries, we are delighted that we managed to contribute meaningfully to your lives.”

“We are very humbled to have a high profile individual such as MEC Phosa visiting us and handing over food parcels to us. We pray that God bless her so she can continue to do the good work that she has demonstrated today, said another beneficiary,” Nomkhosi Gwenya.

“What happened today is a clear indication that the current government represents both the poor and the rich. We want to see the current government continue to govern,” concluded Ms Gwenya.

A total of 12 families, identified by the local ward councillors, benefitted from the 2013 Christmas Party. The local business people donated the food parcels through the request of MEC Phosa.

MEC Phosa appeal to business to join hands in the fight against poverty

MEC Phosa hands over food parcel to destitutesMEC Phosa hands over food parcel to destitutes

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- by Silence Mhlaba

MEC Phosa appeals to businesses to join hands in the fight against poverty

Philanthropist: MEC gives food and other household necessities to the poor






Executive Mayor, Malatjie hands over food parcels

CounsillorExecutive Mayor, Counsillor Malatjie hands over food parcels

Executive Mayor, Malatjie hands over food parcels

CounsillorExecutive Mayor, Counsillor Malatjie hands over food parcels

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As a way of promoting knowledge management and sharing, the D e p a r t m e n t o f E c o n o m i c Development, Environment and Tourism (dedet) nominated Mr

Denzel Januarie to attend a 5 month training dialogue programme, Fundamental Technology and Measures for E-Government Promotion, held at Japanese International Co-Operation Agency (JICA) Centre in Japan.

We caught up with Denzel upon his return: which Directorate do you serve and what is your role?

I started with Knowledge Management in 2006. I'm currently the Manager for the Information Systems sub-Directorate. My role is to manage the development of GIS and Databases. I'm also part of the IT Committee of the Department and my role is to liaise between the dedet and Finance (ITB). My general knowledge about IT also helps me to assist my colleagues in the Department.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

We do not have enough staff members in our unit.

What is the one thing that you would like your colleagues to understand about your job?

Since we deal with information and knowledge, we will always try and assist colleagues with their information requests. If we don't have the required information, we will try and direct them towards where they will most likely be assisted.

Knowledge Management aims to achieve organisational objectives through the use of knowledge. What measures or steps has the

Department Advocates

for E-Government

Denzel Januarie (back left) with someof the attendees of the trainingDenzel Januarie (back left) with someof the attendees of the training

Mr Januarie receives his certificateat the completion of the trainingMr Januarie receives his certificateat the completion of the training

Mr Januarie with the course facilitator show off his certificate

Mr Januarie with the course facilitator show off his certificate

- by Sibusiso Mgwenya

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Department implemented to achieve its objectives through Knowledge Management? Through the Knowledge Management Directorate, the Department has established a Resource Centre. The centre is used to disseminate information to walk-in staff and also provides information to the public upon request. We also developed a website where people can download documents. Any person can phone, email or walk-in and request information relevant to the Department. Getting to the crux of the interview, can you describe in detail the purpose and outcomes of the training you attended in Japan.

The formal training programme commenced on Monday 5 August 2013. The day was devoted to the Opening Ceremony and introductions. It also included a Pre-test to establish participant's knowledge about the various subjects included in the training programme.

The classes started on the 6th of August 2013. Classes were from 09:30am in the morning until 17:00 in the afternoon. A lunch break from 12:30pm to 14:00 was included in the daily routine. Classes included formal lectures and exercises presented by professionals in the relevant field. The different subjects had different lengths ranging from two days to four days. At the end of a subject, a test and questionnaire were completed on a Learner Management System.

The training programme consisted of 25 subjects, observation tours and a workshop.

The main modules were as follows; ?Collective knowledge on E-Government promotion?Human skills in team-working at a project?Gather, analyze and process data related to respective

thematic issues?Plan, design, develop and operate Data Base utilized

systems

?utilized systems to solve business problems in respective thematic issues

During the training programme, trainees also participated in cultural events as well as visited communities and schools.

Why was Japan chosen as the place to attend the training?

The South African Government and Japanese Government has through DPSA and Japan International Co-operation Agency, identified training programmes for officials to attend. A training programme is for officials from more than one country. For instance, we were 9 people from 7 countries in one class. Also, most subjects out of the 25 subjects have different experts lecturing. Since Japan is a developed country, trainees went on observation tours to large corporations to see how they implement what was lectured in class.

In closing, briefly share with us your personal experiences in Japan.

During my stay in Japan (Okinawa) I have learned much. Not only from the training programme but also from the people who came to attend other programmes. The interaction between people from different countries was truly a great experience. The cultural differences and way of life was well received. The visits to companies in Tokyo were a big eye opener. A visit to Okinawa Island the largest metropolitan area in the world was something I would never dreamt of happening. The other noticeable thing was the respect the people have towards each other and the environment. Crime seems to be non-existent. It should be mentioned that with the passing of Madiba, the entire world mourned and I experienced it in Japan amongst people from all over the world. Although the world has a positive view on South Africa, it was clear to myself that we are our own enemy. The media in SA unfortunately paint the country in a very bad light. Overall, the experience was priceless.

Siyaxoxa had a chat with

Mr Januarie on his experiences during the

training in Japan.Flanked by fellow Africans,

Mr Januarie shares his experiences on JapanFlanked by fellow Africans,

Mr Januarie shares his experiences on Japan

An aerial view of Okinawa in JapanAn aerial view of

Okinawa in JapanA tug-of

war festival in JapanA tug-of

war festival in Japan

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Middelburg – As part of its policies to support and develop small businesses and co-operatives in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in conjunction with the Department

of Economic Development Environment and Tourism (dedet), held its provincial workshop at Nkangala District Municipality on the 26 February 2014, on the Co-operatives Incentives Scheme (CSI). The CSI is offered by the dti to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in the country.

Through the scheme, the dti brings services closer to the people, stimulate and facilitate the development of competitive enterprises. They fund and facilitate the transformation in the economy to promote industrial

development, investment, competitiveness and employment creation. Speaking during the workshop, Mzwakhe Lubisi said, “The Co-operatives Incentive Scheme (CIS) is a 100 % grant for primary co-operatives in South Africa in terms of the Co-operatives Act of 2005, and all co-operatives must take full advantage of this scheme. Co-operatives must also learn to comply before they complain. You need to show professionalism in your presentations, urged Mr Lubisi.

The dti scheme also provides opportunities with activities for business development services, market research, machinery,working capital, technological improvements or production efficiency and its maximum grant is R350 000", said Mzwakhe Lubisi.

Co-operatives encouraged to apply for grants

the dti officials the dti officials

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to apply for grantsAccording to Millicent Hlabangane, the Trade and Industry Advisor in the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism, the Co-operatives Incentives Scheme will assist co-operatives, considering that the dti through the Co-operative Scheme is prepared to offer a grant worth R350 000 to co-operatives in the country, and this will assist more co-operatives to grow their business in order to create job opportunities for the people of Mpumalanga.

We are appealing to different co-operatives in the Province to come in their numbers, and apply for the grant from the Department of Trade and Industry. The Department will gladly assist those co-operatives who apply for the grant, and apart from that, there are quite a number of incentives that the dti offers, and those are primarily made to assist

SMMES and cooperatives in the country,” concluded Ms Hlabangane.

The incentives include Black Business Supplier Development Programme, Bavumile, which is targeting women in rural areas who specialise in sewing, Enterprise Investment Programme, Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme, Support Programme for Industrial Innovations, and Technology and Human Resource for Industry Programme, concluded Mzwakhe Lubisi.

The workshop was attended by various stakeholders such as Emakhazeni Local Municipality LED office, South African Revenue Services and Hitachi.

- by Ngobe Comfort

Co-operatives encouraged

Ambani Ramani from the dtiAmbani Ramani from the dtiMs Carina van Biljon

from HITACHI

Ms Carina van Biljon

from HITACHI

Ms Portia Maila presentingMs Portia Maila presentingon the dti incentiveson the dti incentives

Cllr TM MalulekaCllr TM Maluleka Ms Christal Papierfrom the dti

Ms Christal Papier from the dti

In terms of the Mpumalanga Liquor Licensing Act, (Act 5 of 2006), the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mrs YN Phosa, is responsible for the administration of liquor matters in the Province of Mpumalanga.

What is the MLA?? It is the new Public Entity of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government established in terms of Section (4) of

the Mpumalanga Liquor Licensing Act, (Act 5 of 2006)? It will report to the MEC of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

What are the Powers and Functions of the MLA (amongst others)?(a) License applicants in terms of the said Act;(b) Facilitate the entry of new participants into the liquor industry;(c) Ensure that all participants in the liquor industry fully comply with all applicable legal prescripts pertaining to

the liquor industry;(d) Establish and maintain a Provincial Liquor Register of all persons and entities licensed in terms of the Act;

a description of the category of license in each instance; the validity period of such license and a description of the licensed premises concerned in each instance; and

(e) Advise the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism on the social impact of alcohol abuse.

How does the establishment of the MLA affects the current Mpumalanga Liquor Board?

? The MLA will replace the current Provincial Liquor Board which was established in terms of Act 27 of 1989 - “The National Liquor Act”.

? It will be run by a Board of Directors, whose members will be appointed in terms of Section 7 of the Mpumalanga Liquor Licensing Act, (Act 5 of 2006)

Progress to-date:

? Acting Chief Executive Officer has been appointed – Mr Angelo Sebastian? Recruitment of members of the Board of Directors currently underway

When will the MLA be operational?

? The new Liquor Authority will be operational by 01 April 2014

Department:Economic Development, Environment and TourismMPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

the dedet

Mrs YN Phosa Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

department launches water bottling plant young … edition1.pdfcv - mec yn ‘pinky’ phosa dr....

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