JULY/AUGUST 2012

NTOME TSEBE An internal publication of the Department of Economic Development,

Environment, Conservation and Tourism

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WHERE WERE YOU ON 16TH JUNE 2012

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JULY/AUGUST 2012 JULY/AUGUST 2012

MS DUMISA SESHABELA

MS DUMISA SESHABELA DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATION & IT

EDITORIAL

CONTENTS PAGE

EDITORIAL 1

MEC PREFACE 2

CONSUMER AFFAIRS 3

PMDS POLICY 6

BE A TOP CLASS ENTREPRENEUR 8

STAFF ISSUES 9 & 10

To submit any queries, comments or articles, do not hesitate to contact:

Nomawethu Manyeneng

Email: nmanyeneng@nwpg.gov. za

Lesedi Podile

podilel@nwpg.gov.za

What a relief to say hello to spring. It’s been a long cold winter and I am more than happy to wave goodbye to the winter season of 2012.

We are in the second term of the year it is time for us to move faster in ensuring that we achieve our mandate as a Department. This month we celebrate the strides made by women in the mainstream of the economy. We also salute those brave women for their defiance campaign, tactics and strategies. Their action brought about the emancipation of women in our country. In page 7 of this issue we have listed traits that everyone who succeeds in business must have, please read you will definitely make a difference in both your business and your day to day work. We also have an article on the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) this article will give you a better understanding on this government performance management system. Also read the Consumer Affairs article it will assist us in changing our mindsets for financial freedom. Enjoy reading our Internal newsletter (Ntome Tsebe).

MEC FORWORD

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As employees, it is important to continue supporting initiatives of the department which are geared towards accelerating women’s access o capital and empowerment. This will go a long way in building a nation which is self sustainable.

The month of August is an important tool which compels us to think about the reason why we hold so many celebrations in honor of women. It also marks the historic march of 1956. The march that took place was a significant step towards gender equality in South Africa. As we continue to face more challenges, the torch has been passed on to both men and women of today. It is important to pause for a moment and ask ourselves why we are celebrating and also give a thought to what there is to celebrate. Through my

inter interactive sessions with different directorate over the past , I noticed that, there is a great need to enhance capacity in various units to enable us to deliver on our mandate and achieve our goals in the current financial year. Moreover I am aware that the department can contribute significantly to the acceleration of economic growth .

The country at large has made great strides in advancing the recognition of women with it becoming a more gender equitable society, although more still has to be done. Our government is one of the most progressive in Africa with a significant percentage of women in leadership positions; however more women still need to be empowered and to be afforded the opportunities to climb the leadership and corporate ladder. As the country through different initiatives that deal with the high rate of unemployment, the expansion of women’s’ economic empowerment must not be forgotten.

Government has set itself targets to address economic growth in our country. The 2009-2012 New Growth Path (NGP) focuses on decent employment through inclusive growth. Decent employment is defined by the International Labour Organization as “involving opportunities for work that is productive and deliver a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families.; better prospects for personal development and social integration; freedom for people to express their concerns; organize and participate in the decisions that affect their lives; and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.

Let’s familiarize ourselves with Government Economic Development policies and make use of the funds available and spread the message to our families and friends. We have companies such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) which assists in creating jobs and funding..

JULY/AUGUST 2012

MEC MOTLALEPULA ROSHO

CONSUMER AFFAIRS

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“Changing mindsets to Financial Freedom: Save now”

The month of July has been declared nationally as savings month.2012 marks the 11th anniversary of the SASI’s national savings awareness campaign. The objectives of the campaign are to:

- Promote debate around key aspects of saving; - Raise awareness of the benefits of short, medium and long term planning; - Build relationship with key partners to leverage future opportunities; - Foster a culture of saving within local and international context; - Complement the messaging being generated through to the youth as well, which will

encourage them to start saving early.

Source:www.cumberland.co.uk/neon/download

JULY/AUGUST 2012

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CHANGING MINDSET TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM

The theme for savings month 2012 is “Changing mindsets towards Financial Freedom: save now”. The Minister of Finance encourages South Africans to shift an attitude to move away from consumerism and instead improve their savings efforts. This year’s campaign comes during a time when there’s rising inflation and reduced economic growth. This reduced economic growth is likely to exacerbate unemployment, vulnerability and poverty levels of many households.

The concept ‘saving money’ to poverty stricken communities and families sounds like an insult. How do we expect people to save money when they could barely survive? However those who can, are encouraged to save. No matter how little it may be, it will make a difference. The advantage of a high savings rate in an economy is an increase in investment opportunities, reduction of a cycle of dependency and improved financial health of citizens now and during retirement.

SASI encourages savings from an early age. Hence the July savings campaign which targets grade 4 to grade 7 learners. There is a tendency particularly in the youth towards instant gratification. They

like to appear successful by spending the money they don’t have now and spent it before they actually have it and in so doing creating a problem for themselves later in life. What they don’t realise is that life becomes expensive as we grow older, with more expenses such as health care.

The Focus of Savings Month 2012

After 10 years of advocating for a culture of saving, South Africans are still battling to manage their finances. Many consumers have not yet recovered from the 2009 recession. There are factors beyond consumer’s control that prevent many consumers from saving eg, socio-economic factors ,family background, illiteracy etc.Despite the factors mentioned above, some consumers are not practical, after the recession many consumers reverted too quickly to their financial mismanagement behaviour. They are back to the debt spiral that was a norm during the economic recession.

Consumers are urged to proactively take charge of their finances. They are urged to change.

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CHANGING MINDSET TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM

1. The first step towards financial freedom is planning. Planning involves stating your dream and being determined to fulfil that dream; 1. Write down your short, medium and long term goals and set a time frame. 2. Developing a savings plan.ie how are you going to save per month; 3. Draw a house hold budget and involve members of the family; 4. Stick to your Plan and be consistent. 5. Choose the investment whereby money is not readily available.

Ways to find money to save

1. Entertainment: Many people overspend more money on entertainment, eg playing machines at a casino, spending time at night clubs and spending money on liquor, visiting restaurants etc.

2. Cell phone: Many cell phone packages dig deep into consumer’s pockets consumer can save by buying bulk sms packages rather than making calls. Work out how much you can afford to spent and buy prepaid airtime. When that airtime is used up, don’t buy more.

3. Bank charges: Speak to your bank about the best account that is suitable for your needs. Use cell phone banking as most banks do not charge for the service.

4. Debt: Do not blow the money received from cutting off other expenses, rather divide it between settling debts and savings.

5. Save your lunch money: You will be surprised at how much you’ll be saving by bringing your lunch box to work.

Conclusion

It is a well known fact that South Africa grapples with its low savings rate.”As a

Country, an entrenched savings culture can help us to meet our investment goals and

Borrow less from other countries and their investors. This would, in turn boost

Growth and create jobs for the millions who are currently unemployed”.Pravin

Gordhan: Minister of Finance.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.savingsinstitute.co.za 2. City Press:8 July 2012,p, 31 3. City Press:15 July 2012:p,9

Compiled by Sylvia

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The Performance Management and Development Policy (NWPG 13) had been developed in terms of the applicable legislation such as;

Public Service Act, 1994 as amended Public Service Regulations, 2001 as amended White Paper on Human Resources Management White Paper on Transforming of Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele) White Paper on Transformation of the Public Service (WPTPS) Labour Relations Act, 1995 Employment Equity Act, 1998 Skills Development Act, 1998

As a result of this, Provincial Departments are expected to implement the policy accordingly and consistently across the Province. As a chosen management tool, its main objective is amongst others,

To improve not only the quality of service delivery, but to improve the standard of performance, to enhance and build capacity and to have a skilled and professional public service. It must therefore focus on performance-related processes, outputs and consistency across departments.

There are several role-players with their responsibilities and one of the role-players is the Moderating Committee. Its roles are,

1. Conduct assessment moderating meetings to review and/or ratify assessment outcomes.

2. Ensure that there is an objective assessment of all employees’ performance. 3. Ensure that performance bonuses are widely distributed and that pay

progression and bonuses are within budgetary provisions, that is, 1.5% of total salary bill for performance bonuses and 2% for pay progression

4. Monitor procedural and substantive compliance with the policy in assessing employees’ performance; and provide the HoD with recommendations relating to performance assessment reports presented to it.

5. Recommend changes (if any, based on patterns of use and/or problems encountered) to enhance the PMDS system and/or policy.

THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT POLICY

PMDS POLICY AND ITS OBJECTIVES

JULY/AUGUST 2012

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Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) is a well known concept to most Government Officials. The committee is appointed by the Head of Department, so they are legitimate bodies and they play an important role in ensuring that there is equity, objectivity and consistency in the application of the PMDS

The committee also handles grievances emanating from the dissatisfied employees from their supervisors. After all these considerations, it becomes the duty of the Committee to make a comprehensive submission to the Head of Department for approval.

MODERATION COMMITTEES EXITS FOR A REASON

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KEITUM

(MAKE

NTOME TSEBE

JULY/AUGUST 2012

BE A TOP CLASS ENTREPRENEUR

DISCIPLINE

If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you must be disciplined. Stay focused and on course, doing whatever it takes to make the business a success.

There can be no doubt that you will be faced with challenges along the way. But is you are disciplined, you will be able to weather the storms and carry on to achieve your business goals. You have to understand that things must get done, even those that you may not enjoy. Every single day is an opportunity for you to work towards your goals. Do whatever you need to do, no matter how menial some activities seem.

CONFIDENCE

Starting and running a business is a huge responsibility. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted. You cannot go into business if you believe that you are going to fail. You need to have confidence that you will succeed, whatever the odds. If you have dreams, you will work hard at turning those dreams into reality and using those skills to benefit your growing business.

HOW TO GET THAT CONFIDENCE?

You must have a well researched plan and you need to know exactly where you are going? This is the essential foundation of your future success.

OPEN-MINDEDNESS

Entrepreneurs know that they function in an ever-changing environment. In order to succeed and be on top of their game, they need to be open minded to see that every situation is an opportunity for potential business.

They are constantly working on generating new business opportunities and ideas. When the economic environment is tough, they do not lose heart, but are constantly looking for ways to change and develop their business in order to adapt to what is happening around them. If necessary, they will change the nature of their business, and try a new direction.

PROACTIVENESS

Successful entrepreneurs are a step ahead of the trends and changes in their environment. They know that in order to survive, they need to be the leader in their game. Entrepreneurs are solution driven all the time. They do not wait for disaster to strike, but take action to avert possible problems and frustrations.

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BE A TOP CLASS ENTREPRENEUR

JULY/AUGUST 2012

COMPETITIVENESS

A number of people start business because they believe that they can offer better service and give their customers something new and different from what is being offered by competitors. The truth is that, in business, competition is everywhere and , in most cases, it is only the fittest who survive. So you need to be creative, smart and outperform your competitors on every level

DETERMINATION

Entrepreneurs do not give up if they fail. Instead, they look at their failures as opportunities for success by adapting their plans if necessary . When they start a venture, they put all their effort and energy into it, and will change or adapt strategies as they go along until the whole project comes together.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Entrepreneurs need to be able to clearly communicate their goals, vision and direction to stakeholders, motivate their employees to buy into their goals to become a reality. These skills need to continuously worked on and improved over the years.

A STRONG WORK ETHIC

It sounds obvious: in order for one to succeed, it’s essential to work hard. Successful entrepreneurs dedicate themselves fully to their business. They put the time and energy, knowing that they will reap the benefits in the long term. You also need lead by example – you cannot expect your employees to work hard and believe in your business if you, the owner, are not doing the same.

PASSION

You must love what you do and what you have to offer to other people, Be willing to put in the work and don’t think only about chasing profits. The business will reward you at the end of the day.

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School uniforms to remember June 16

By: Seloane Monaisa

Staff members of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism on Friday retraced the footsteps of the June 16, 1976 brigade when they showed up at work marching and donning school uniforms.

Friday’s event was initiated in support of Youth Month. Staff members were urged members to put on school uniforms in

remembrance of the youth who died 35 years ago after protesting against the apartheid government’s school language policies. Unfortunately this message was communicated late it did not reach everyone, we apologize.

People like me had challenges because we have put on a lot of kilograms since leaving school, but many of my colleagues could still be mistaken for learners, as most tended to look much younger in their school attire.

I guess this was the first ever marking

the day by the Department I really appreciate the initiative. I wish everyone even our colleagues at Regional Offices could witness the girlish and boyish mood we had on Friday 29 June 2012 at NWDC Building.

One of the Senior Managers Constance Molosiwa Director: Finance was there, wearing a full Mmabatho High School uniform in support of the day. Moeti Modise, Security Vetting Officer looked like a 13 year old wearing School uniform of Kopanelo Combined School, from home village, Skoongezicht.

Surprisingly, although the event was about marking youth day, Cost Centre Clerk Forum Chairperson, Gosiame Kgabi was amongst group of spoilers that consist of Mr. Papi Dikobe,Webster Chinjavata;oh!!!!!! and our; Labour Relations Officer, Joseph Modise who posed for a photo shoot as Senior Human Rights Teacher, came wearing stylish in jeans ,golf-shirt and leather blazer.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

ON A LIGHTER NOTE – IN REMEMBRANCE OF JUNE 16

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Woow! They all looked very excited for going back to school

Apart from Friday School drama, colleagues I must say that the hype in which the day was remembered is probably one way of embracing our history. Oh we had fun it was momentous day to be remembered.

I wish the MEC and Acting Head of the Department were there to witness the happy mood that all of us had. For a change we were not grumbling about the unpaid PMDS bonus hahahaha! on a lighter note

Solplaaitjie High School 2012 Matric class some were happy, looking forward to be in tertiary next year but Others had mixed feelings.

WHERE WERE YOU ON 16TH JUNE 2012?

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Ag Shame!!!. The Mmabatho High School Learners seem to be very sad. Shuuuuu!! They were not ready for the Photo shooting

The Batswana High School Learners are cool. Mathata!! Ke di All Star ka Uniform. You look good guys!!

ON A LIGHTER NOTE – IN REMEMBRANCE OF JUNE 16

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They all posed

for the photo

shooting but our

brother eish I’m

not sure

.

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JULY/AUGUST 2012

AND THE PREFECTS ARE…

THEY POSED FOR THE CAMERA

AND ARE PHOTO-GENIC

AKERE!!!

AND THE EDUCATORS WERE ….

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1. 1. Ms Natalia Tsietso 2. 2. Ms Kelebogile Letsoge 3. 4.

We thank you for the contribution that you have made in our Department, we wish

you well in your future endeavours.

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Ms MALINDA GROVE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR :

RESIGNATIONS

AND THE EDUCATORS

WERE …

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