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ISSUETOGETHER. | September 2019 34

Our Cradle of Human Culture learn one story; explore two routes

Housing our heritage Why Cape Town's oldest buildings are relevant today Township economy success Celebrating Western Cape entrepreneurship The great gatsby The history behind the supersized sandwich editor’s note

ON THE COVER Enjoy a page-by- celebrating page tour along a MAGAZINE TEAM spectacular Western contents Cape heritage route. public service Managing Editor [pages 31-33]. Faiza Steyn Photograph by Dean Saville for MagicMill. and heritage Acting Editor ISSUE 34 SEPTEMBER 2019 Leah Moodaley Winter is behind us, and hopefully so are the province’s notorious Proofreaders stormy days. Not only do we get to appreciate summer rainfall and Aré van Schalkwyk, the warmth of sunnier days; we also get to appreciate the warmth of Mishqa Rossier 7 South African culture. Afrikaans translation With Heritage Month upon us, it’s only right to acknowledge the Aré van Schalkwyk traditions, culture, and history that have moulded society as we know isiXhosa translation it today. We also celebrate Public Service Month with stories about Luvuyo Martins phenomenal public servants who are living the WCG values and Contributors serving their communities. Mishqa Rossier, Moegamat Gallant (MG), Lance Rushin, Before zooming in on our heritage, we focus on our present and near Hayley Baron, Sally Benson, future by introducing our provincial Ministers, their departments, Mariagrazia Galimberti, Corien and our WCG priorities for the current term and beyond [page 7]. Windt, Joe-Mark Arnold, Faldelah We also delve into the meaning of Public Service Month with an Solomons, Wayne Butler article on "the values-driven public servant". Find out how being one Layout and design Get to know your Premier, contributes to achieving our vision for the province [page 5]. Corporate Communication his Cabinet, and their plans for the next five years. On page 16, we investigate the history behind a few local structures Art Director Annalie Boshoff listed as provincial heritage sites in and around Cape Town, including the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Can you guess what it Artwork, illustrations and

is? Explore the tastier side of heritage with the famous gatsby and infographics Annalie Boshoff, its links to Cape history. One of our colleagues based her master’s Hantie Engelbrecht mini-thesis on it – read all about it on page 28. Photography Zanele Jam-Jam, Dean Saville As we celebrate our South African heritage, we also celebrate for MagicMill our public service values along with our value as public servants. Administration Denise Williams, We commemorate Public Service Month by recognising the Nokuzola Ngcizela commitment of phenomenal public servants throughout this Communication and liaison KNOW BETTER 38 Early retirement issue, some of whom fulfil their public service role by keeping 2 Inside info unpacked Portia Percival, Nokuzola Ngcizela 16 All your questions our heritage alive. Editorial Committee Harry Malila 4 Q&A answered (Acting DG), André Joemat (SG), 7 Know your Provincial If delicious food and high-rise buildings aren’t enough to satisfy your Faiza Steyn (Head of Corporate Cabinet heritage appetite, visit the WCG’s new heritage travel route, aptly Communication), Sylvanus du Meet your Ministers called the Cradle of Human Culture [page 31]. Plessis (Head of Creative), Leah 23 Air pollution crisis Moodaley (Acting Editor) Unveiling the invisible Other inspiring public servants in this issue are a midwife defying killer stereotypes [page 14], a hero working amongst us [page 26], and our 28 The great (local is colleagues who have volunteered as Commissioners of Oaths [page lekker) gatsby 34] to relieve the administrative burden on police officers. Disclaimer There’s more than meets The Department of the Premier’s the eye and tastebuds If you have an inspiring story to share, feel free to contact the Better Corporate Communication Directorate has Together magazine team. copyright on all intellectual property and FEEL BETTER artwork in the Better Together magazine. 14 Motivation Happy reading, Khayelitsha Hospital’s 26 All content in the Better Together first male midwife magazine adheres to copyright law. Explore the history Leah Moodaley behind the man-made 31 The Cradle of Human Acting Editor Culture BE BETTER structures that house Two routes back in time a few of our offices 26 Protecting our schools 36 Keep smiling A story about a principal and training facilities. Tips on oral health and a hero 34 Commissioner of Oaths contact us 28 WORK BETTER Volunteer Project 16 Housing our heritage Learn more about History of our built volunteering Telephone: 021 483 6017 environment Postal address: Better Together magazine, P.O. Box 659, Cape Town 8000 40 Brain games

Email: [email protected] Get a taste of heritage with 20 Exploring local economy How much do you really Township economy know about SA and the All letters can be sent to the above email or postal address. the great gatsby. success at its best WCG?

ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 1 coach mg

Happy Public 5 3 Ellen Pakkies (middle) pictured with the event The consciousness gym INSIDE INFO Service Month organisers (left to right) Elouize Geyer, Beverline Thomas, Julanda Booysen and Celeste Nell. As public servants, we have an Photographer: Tiaan Andreas opportunity to change lives and in so doing, impact the world around us. Let’s use this month – and the months hereafter – to practice our provincial values of care, competence, accountability, integrity, innovation and responsiveness to the best of our abilities. We also have a chance to recommit ourselves to the principles of Batho Pele (Sesotho for “People First”) by pledging the following:

Batho Pele Pledge “I will engage in regular consultation with customers and citizens.” “I will set and abide by service standards.” “I will do what I can to ensure What we will share in this edition is truly one of life’s increased access to services.” little secrets. Ultimately, it’s about learning to control our 1 “I will enforce higher levels of day-to-day life experience. We control how we move and courtesy.” what we say, but we often lose control of our thoughts. “I will provide more and better Some are positive, and others simply drag us down. Best MyGov photo submission information about services.” These negative thoughts, regardless of what we do to “I will promote increased openness stop them, impact our daily activities. They are what Coastal sunrise captured in Arniston in the Overberg region. and transparency about services.” we call, ANTS. Photographed by: Floreinach Geduld, Western Cape Education Department “I will acknowledge and redress my 4 Submit your photographs to [email protected] failures and mistakes.” ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) and your photo might be featured in the next issue of the “I will offer the best possible value ANTS pull you away from being the best you can be and Better Together magazine. for money.” Visionary women: achieving what you want. For example, you want to be the “I will put the people first.” employee of the month; make more time for your family; champions of peace and honour your fitness goals — suddenly, ANTS creep in From gangster non-violence and you tell yourself: “This is boring”; “I’d rather be doing something else”; “I'm good enough, so I don’t need to work 2 to self-published competition time On 14 August 2019, in honour of Women’s Month, any harder”. author Ellen Pakkies visited the Western Cape Government When we give our power to ANTS, we choose an to share her story. Arranged by the Department of ordinary life with ordinary results. Is your aim to be ordinary, Earlier this year, Western Two braai master Transport and Public Works as one of five Women’s or do you want to be extraordinary? You have the power Cape Department of Month activities, the event took place in the 9 Dorp to choose a different experience. By usingCPR (Creative Cultural Affairs and kits up for grabs! Street building foyer in Cape Town. Under the theme Positive Response) you can breathe new life into your ANTS. Sport employee Zolisa Are you any good at problem solving? One “Visionary Women: Champions of peace and non- Let’s take a closer look: Nomandla authored of these braai master kits could be yours. violence”, the event acknowledged women as agents ++ ANT: This is boring. and published his very All you need to do is complete all three of of change in our communities. CPR: What if I pay attention and learn something new? own autobiography, the puzzles on page 40. Ellen Pakkies shared a message of love and ++ ANT: I’d rather be doing something else. detailing his journey from If you are reading the printed magazine: forgiveness despite betrayal and ill treatment. She CPR: I am here; I will make the most of this situation to township street corners ++ Fill your answers in on the page. reminded attendees about the gift of second chances take one step closer to my goal. to the Protea Assurance ++ Scan the page in to your computer and email it to and the importance of family. She also referenced ++ ANT: I'm good enough, so I don’t need to work any Building in Cape Town. [email protected]. the famous “You strike a woman; you strike a rock” harder. The 32-year-old ++ Be sure to include your full name, contact details, and department. quote; and emphasised that we are only a solid rock CPR: More effort will allow me to attract even greater logistics practitioner ++ The Better Together magazine team will be in touch to arrange the if we stand together. “Women need to stand up for results. went from drug-dealing handover of your prize. one another and build one another up,” she said. dropout to dedicated If you are reading the magazine online: The following steps will help you turn positive thinking into public servant and Mr South Africa finalist, and ++ Print page 40 of the magazine. positive action: now hopes to use his story – titled Enduring ++ Fill your answers in on the page. ++ Awareness: practice consciousness so that you can the Hardest of Times – to inspire others. The ++ Scan the page in to your computer and email it to The story of Ellen Pakkies is a story easily notice when you are experiencing an automatic foreword of his book was written by the Minister [email protected]. often untold. The Lavender Hill mother reaction to your negative thoughts or circumstances. of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, and ++ Be sure to include your full name, contact details, and department. confessed to strangling her drug-addicted ++ Choice: choose your context – ANTS (automatic according to Zolisa, “the book will really challenge ++ The Better Together magazine team will be in touch to arrange the son Adam in 2007 after suffering years of reaction) or CPR (self-created response)? people in all kinds of areas in relation to their handover of your prize. abuse at his hands. She was arrested and ++ Transformation: rewrite your story. personal histories. We are deeply influenced by The braai master kit includes: an apron fitted with a cup holder and given a three-year suspended sentence our past. My story, especially the chapters about bottle opener; a cloth; a glove; a set of braai tongs; a braai fork; and and community service, during which Regards, my childhood, will resonate with a lot of people.” a braai spatula. she became a community worker, leading Coach MG Enduring the Hardest of Times is available for Please note: Competition closes 9 October 2019. Only entries the fight against the methamphetamine Head of Sport at Groote Schuur High School and certified purchase on Amazon.com. To stay updated, received before 9 October will be eligible to win. The two names will scourge across the Cape Flats. Life Coach follow @Zolisa_Nomandla on Twitter. be chosen from a lucky draw.

2 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 3 Q&A the vision

the values-driven letters public servant

I am aware of the existence of the Western Cape on Wellness initiative Q across our departments, but I would like to know if the WCG has a transversal gym or wellness policy? I assumed that the WCG has provided employees time during the work day for the purposes of wellness. In the case that this time is not permitted in our unit, as employees, how do we approach this with senior management?

Anonymous What makes a true public servant? With September In terms of the WCG transversal gym marking Public Service Month, we unpack our A policy provisions par 9.1, an employee may request permission from his/her provincial values and vision to find an answer. supervisor to participate in training sessions during working hours. It must, however, be noted that the 40-hour work week must still be observed ublic Service Month is We stretch ourselves, our to demonstrate knowledge, and the time spent participating in a training an annual public service resources, and our provincial understanding and teamwork session during the employee’s official working programme dedicated to mandate as far as possible to deliver excellent services hours must be added to the normal work day. This Do you Precognising public servants for to deliver services to the according to constitutional, means that time spent attending a training session have a A values-driven public their selfless contribution to residents of the Western Cape, legislative and electoral in the gym is not regarded as official working servant works toward a realising a better South Africa. with a renewed and urgent mandates. In being hours or “time off”. question? vision bigger than him/ It is also about celebrating the focus on values, responsibility accountable, a true public For example: an employee’s normal working Please send us any questions herself – he/she sees the virtue and value of service to and safety. servant is responsible for and hour arrangement is from 08:00 to 16:30. The you might have about potential of an effective community. The focus of this takes ownership of his/her employee has been granted permission to attend processes, procedures, and professional public year’s Public Service Month is Our core values work, actions, and decisions; gym from 10:00 to 11:00. The time spent in the programmes and projects service and consistently to revive the ethos of Batho Underpinned by the Batho Pele and holds others accountable gym during working hours must then be added within the Western Cape strives toward fulfilling Pele (“People First”) and principles (see page 2), the for theirs. In having integrity, to his/her normal working hour arrangement, e.g. Government. We will ask The WCG encourages it. He/she is interested redirect public servants back Western Cape Government’s a true public servant always from 08:00 to 17:30 or 07:00 to 16:30. the appropriate department employee fitness on in understanding the to the Public Service Charter. core values guide us toward seeks to do the right thing or directorate to answer the condition that problems of the people The 2019 theme is “Khawuleza: achieving service excellence. and be honest. He/she does Kind regards you and you might see your service delivery is not and is committed to taking services to the people In being caring, a true public not tolerate corruption, and Directorate: Policy and Planning answer in the next issue. compromised. solving them. – We Belong, We Care, We servant treats citizens and behaves consistently in both Department of the Premier You can also send a letter to Serve”. “Khawuleza” – loosely colleagues with dignity, word and action. In being acknowledge, recognise or translated as “hurry up” – respect, and compassion. innovative, a true public compliment service delivery echoes the urgency of our duty In being competent, a true servant is always open to new or an exceptional colleague. as public servants to serve. public servant is empowered ideas and developing creative

4 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 5 the vision MEC introductions

meet your Ministers

A province in which our The executive arm of A province children grow A province provincial government in which our up healthy A province in which we is led by the Provincial hard work and and are in which your A province embrace new Cabinet, which consists dedication prepared for life has value no in which we ideas, and brings us tomorrow's matter where live free from always do the of selected members of success. economy. you live or work. fear. right thing. Parliament appointed by the Premier. Each Cabinet Economy Empowerment Transport & Spatial Safety Innovation & Minister has a portfolio Transformation Culture Change and is responsible for overseeing the work solutions to problems. He/ As true public servants, we need to build and grow our of their respective she fosters an environment we work to empower people economy. Above all, we work department(s) to advance that encourages collaboration with the resources they need to live free from fear. Striving to achieve strategic goals. to improve their lives and towards a province in which provincial priorities. In being responsive, a true themselves physically, socially, we live free from fear is central public servant responds with and intellectually. We work to improving the lives of our Our five priority areas timeous action within agreed to create opportunities for people, because living in fear determine our desired timeframes while listening people to uplift themselves and is not living at all. Underpinned Premier destination, and our actively and being accessible. make a positive contribution by honest, clean and innovative core values set the to society. We will build a governance, these priority Alan Winde tone for our journey. Our vision province in which aspiring areas will create a better, Before the start of his political career, Premier Alan The WCG vision of an “open- residents can find a place of stronger Western Cape. Winde was a successful entrepreneur; opening and opportunity society for all” is work, or start their own; a This Public Service Month operating 10 businesses in his hometown of Knysna. captured in our five priorities: society in which hard-working is an opportunity to reflect Following his election to the South Cape District economy, empowerment, parents are able to put and ask ourselves if we are Council in 1996, he accepted the opportunity to transport and spatial wholesome food on the table doing enough, fast enough, “In 2009, we committed to a vision 'to run for Provincial Parliament in the Western Cape. transformation, safety, and for their children, and ensure to change and improve the realise an open-opportunity society for all, Between 1999 and 2009, he served in various political innovation and culture change that they grow up healthy and lives of our citizens. It is an roles, including Chief Whip of the official opposition – with a focus on values, strong. Through education, we opportunity to address service so that residents of the province can use and Western Cape Provincial Finance Chairperson. responsibility and safety. work to see that these same delivery bottlenecks and cut their freedom to live lives they value'. In 2009, he was appointed as the Minister of children learn the skills needed red tape, ensure that systems At the heart of this vision, was a pact Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, and to take up jobs in the economy and infrastructure are in good between the government and the people. five years later took up the position of Minister of of tomorrow. working order, understand the We undertook to provide our citizens with Economic Opportunities, in charge of the Department By ensuring adequate lived realities of Western Cape of Agriculture and the Department of Economic human settlements and residents, spring clean our opportunities and – in return – we asked Development and Tourism. On 1 November 2018, he Seeing the communities, spatial service delivery points to make that they take personal responsibility for became the Western Cape Minister of Community transformation, and improved sure that we put our best foot making the most of them. Safety, and on 10 May 2019, following a campaign bigger picture transport services, we work forward, and think of new ways that spanned communities across the province, Look out for the priority and value to make the lives of people to take service delivery closer I am recommitting to that vision statement Alan Winde became the Premier-Elect of the tags alongside articles throughout everywhere easier. We strive to the people. – but with a new focus and sense of urgency: Western Cape. the magazine. These icons represent towards a society where the What makes a true public We will live and be held accountable to our Along with the WCG Executive team, Heads how public service actions – big and poorest of the poor are able servant? Above all else: the will values as a government. We will continue of Departments, and all public service employees, small – contribute to our provincial to live dignified lives; a society to be one. Premier Winde remains committed to the WCG 2009 vision. where no matter where you delivering opportunities to our people and vision “to realise an open-opportunity society for live, or how you move around, Stand up and be counted as a we will expect them to take responsibility all, so that residents of the Province can use their your life feels valued. true public servant. for improving their own lives with a culture freedom to live lives they value” – with a renewed We work to create jobs and of accountability. We will make this province focus on values, responsibility and safety. offer people an opportunity to Source: Premier Alan Winde, State of the Province safer – under the Rule of Law." #LetsGetToWork work hard – the type of work Address 2019

6 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 7 MEC introductions MEC introductions

Minister Minister Bonginkosi David Maynier Madikizela Finance and Economic Opportunities Transport and Public Works Appointed as the Minister of Finance and Economic Minister Madikizela’s journey in Cabinet started in 2009 Opportunities in May 2019, David Maynier is when he was appointed as the Minister of Human responsible for what many describe as two “monster” Settlements. Here, Minister Madikizela served the province portfolios. With a shrinking government budget for 10 years. “The Department of Human Settlements has and nationwide unemployment on the rise, the achieved some significant feats over the years, but I think Finance and Economic Opportunities portfolios filter it was time to move on. The job became sentimental and transversally through each of the 13 Western Cape when the Premier asked me to lead to the Ministry of Government departments, with a focus on meeting Transport of Public Works, I agreed. the needs of our key industry sectors through Minister Madikizela's experience in Human Settlements targeted skills development and Project Khulisa. may have been the best foundation to ensure maximum Prior to his role as Minister of Finance and citizen impact in his current position. “The Department of Economic Opportunities, Mr Maynier served as a Human Settlements supported Provincial Strategic Goal 4: member of parliament in the National Assembly for enabling a resilient, sustainable, quality and inclusive living, ten years where he held down several portfolios, along with the Department of Transport and Public Works. including Defence and Military Veterans, and Finance. Infrastructure is what gets people to and from the places Apart from being a self-confessed workaholic, they live. You build houses and then make sure that people Minister Maynier describes himself as a "bookaholic". are able to get to work and everywhere else.” The Minister Since becoming a father to Isabel in 2018, reading also emphasised the importance of coming to grips with has taken a back seat. Born in Cape Town, raised in Minister the technical aspects of his new portfolio. Port Elizabeth, and educated in South Africa and With the support of the Head of Department Jacqui the USA, his flexibility is exactly what his portfolios Ivan Meyer Gooch, and public service employees, focus areas for will require from him and the entire provincial public Agriculture the current term include the restoration and efficiency service. With the support of Heads of Departments Dr Ivan Meyer’s political career began in 2009 of public transport – specifically rail transport by Zakariya Hoosain and Solly Fourie, and public service when he was appointed as the Minister of Social strengthening relations with the national department. employees, focus areas for the current term include Development. One year later, he took up the portfolio “Failing public transport has a major impact on the Minister Tertius economic growth and job creation; stabilising public of Cultural Affairs and Sport where he focused his economy; people don’t get to work on time and don’t finances; promoting good governance; advancing energy on supporting and uplifting rural communities feel safe. This is a key priority for me.” Other areas of Simmers the ease of doing business in the province by way of through sport, arts and culture. Here, he coined focus include resolving issues of illegal operating in the Human Settlements supercharged red tape reduction; and strengthening a concept known as “cultural warmth”, which taxi industry; improving road safety; advancing spatial After more than 19 years in politics and nine the relationship between the different spheres of encourages social inclusion and appreciation for our transformation by creating a network of local economic years in public office, Tertius Simmers was government. country’s cultural diversity. In 2014, Minister Meyer was hubs within the province; and job creation through targeted appointed as the Minister of Human Settlements “When I wake up every morning, the thing that introduced to the Ministry of Finance where he served skills development and practical work experience. in 2019. Raised in a rural community in the galvanises me is the knowledge that nearly 600 000 for five years. Here, his main focus was ensuring good “This is our third term in government. It’s time to be Western Cape, Minister Simmers recalls the people in the province don’t have jobs or have financial governance for maximum citizen impact. bold; go big or go home.” moment he realised that he can change lives and given up looking for one. Now is the time for me to “My greatest achievement as Minister of Finance was address people’s needs. “In order to change lives transition from saying something in opposition to taking the budget to the people. I decided that tabling #gobigorgohome and change circumstances, I realised that you actually doing something in government.” the budget in parliament was simply not enough, we need to be a part of decision-making processes needed to make it real for the people.” within the community.” This was the awareness #walkingthetalk In 2019, Dr Meyer became the Minister of that led him into politics. Agriculture. “Coming into the Ministry of Agriculture, Over the next five years, Minister Simmers I acknowledged three major risks on which I would hopes to change perspectives within the base my strategic leadership: water security, food Department of Human Settlements. With the security, and energy security. With the support of support of the Head of Department Thando the Head of Department Joyene Isaacs, and public Mguli, and public service employees, focus areas service employees, I have outlined five focus areas include the introduction of a home voucher for the next five years to combat these risks: 1) scheme; maintaining the housing beneficiary list; Promote continued research in agriculture as an increasing the number of serviced sites across evidence-based practice, and with this, endorse and informal settlements; exploring alternative support education and training in the agricultural building and other technologies; and the sector. According to Minister Meyer, the best way to development of rural nodes. grow the economy is through agriculture, but to do “Ultimately, Human Settlements is seen as a this, we need more agricultural schools; 2) Support housing department; but during this term, I’d like commercial, small-scale and emerging farmers; 3) to see a radical mind shift from this perspective. Promote rural safety for farmers and farm workers; We would like to create more opportunities to 4) Open market access opportunities to farmers integrate our communities and together with and grow the halaal export market; and 5) Encourage our residents, create a true human settlement innovation, partnerships, and collaboration to fight effect.” and manage climate change.” “I am a living token that proves that the decisions you make can surpass wherever you #fortheloveofagriculture come from. No matter where you are, think about where you can be.”

#openingopportunities

8 ISSUE 34 | Better Together 9 MEC introductions MEC introductions

Minister Albert Fritz Minister Community Safety Debbie Schäfer Having been in the public service for more than 30 Education years, Minister Fritz has an extensive record of serving In 2014, Minister Schäfer was appointed as the Provincial communities across the Western Cape. In 1999, he Minister of Education in the Western Cape. A lawyer by was appointed as the Judicial Inspector of Prisons profession, Minister Schäfer previously served as Shadow in the Office of the Inspecting Judge, before being Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and promoted to Chief Judicial Inspector of Prisons in Shadow Deputy Minister of Police in the National Assembly. South Africa. While all departments are equally important, Minister In 2009, he served the Provincial Parliament as Schäfer shares that education has a massive role to play the Deputy Shadow Minister of Correctional Services, in terms of bridging the skills gap in our province and the and in 2010 he was appointed as the Western Cape country at large, which in turn impacts the employability of Minister of Community Safety. Here, he used his past citizens. “We need to equip our children with 21st-century work experience to contribute a wealth of information skills as well as just getting the basics right, and far too many on civilian oversight. Following a Cabinet reshuffle of our children are still not getting the basics right.” With the in 2011, Minister Fritz was appointed as the Western support of the Head of Department Brian Schreuder, and Cape Minister of Social Development, where he public service employees, focus areas for the next five years focused his efforts on youth development; social include improving levels of literacy and numeracy; 21st-century inclusion; poverty reduction; people living with skills like coding, robotics and critical thinking; reducing disabilities; early childhood development; victim crime and violence affecting schools; and the arts. “The arts empowerment; and the older persons programme. Minister Sharna have been neglected for a while and international research During this time, he was also admitted to the Western shows that the arts impact on other subjects. Our new focus Cape High Court as an advocate; staying true to his Fernandez is STEAMAC (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, Minister advice to all young people to “never stop learning”. Social Development mathematics, arts, and coding and computational skills).” Following seven years of service to the Social After serving as the Speaker of the Western Cape Another area of focus is vocational training and embracing Nomafrench Development portfolio, Minister Fritz was reappointed Provincial Parliament for five years, Sharna Fernandez the three-stream model, which includes academic, technical- as the Minister of Community Safety; a portfolio that was appointed as the Minister of Social Development vocational, and technical-occupational streams. Minister Mbombo truly requires a whole-of-society approach. With the in 2019. With a successful background in banking, Schäfer is also committed to establishing the School Evaluation Health support of the Head of Department Gideon Morris, management and more recently, politics, Minister Authority, which was recently included in the Western Cape Minister Mbombo’s Cabinet journey began in and public service employees, focus areas for the Fernandez is well versed in the area of finance – Provincial School Amendment Act. School evaluations will be 2014 with the portfolio of Cultural Affairs and current term include: improving community policing a matter upon which the Department of Social published online, allowing parents to see how well schools are Sport. In 2015, she took over the portfolio of forum functions and the election process; formalising Development relies heavily in our current austere performing. Health. Minister Mbombo has always been and accrediting neighbourhood watch groups across budget environment. “We need to pull together as a society because our country passionate about empowering communities the province; and improving rural safety, including the Over and above her professional background, is in a difficult place and our budgets are not responding and reclaiming the voices of vulnerable safety of farmers and farm workers. Minister Fernandez has experienced her own share of adequately to our needs. I am also very concerned about the population groups – a passion she was able the social issues she is now obligated to address. In level of violence affecting our schools. Communities must work to nurture in both capacities. #workingasone 2009, she was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, which together and help us protect our schools.” In her previous term, Minister Mbombo led to her resignation a day after her 50th birthday. devoted her energy to the empowerment No longer employed, she spent her time giving back #preparingourfuture of health care users, especially those in to the community, working with victims of abuse. As rural parts of the province. This was done to a single parent, she was not only a victim of physical ensure that all people have adequate access abuse herself; but her only child faced a long battle to acceptable, quality health care services. with substance abuse. Currently, she is committed to strengthening With the support of the Head of Department and upscaling programmes initiated during Robert Macdonald, and public service employees, her previous term to ensure the delivery of Minister Fernandez's focus areas for the current term appropriate health services. include reducing the rate of child neglect; protecting With the support of the Head of women and children; fighting substance abuse; and Department Dr Beth Engelbrecht, and public increasing disability awareness and support. “We need service employees, Minister Mbombo's focus to start acknowledging the link between childhood areas for the current term include piloting trauma and substance abuse. In my job, it would be universal health coverage; embracing very difficult to speak to the mother of an addict if and implementing medical innovations; I didn’t know the pain she was feeling; it would be ensuring that health staff are competent difficult to assist a woman who is fighting for child by investing in training colleges; keeping maintenance or being abused if I didn’t experience emergency medical staff safe; and building it. I’ve been there.” Minister Fernandez believes that and maintaining health facilities and related a whole-of-society approach is needed to deal with infrastructure. many of society's issues. Moreover, she believes in “Health is everybody’s business. We making use of coordinated responses amongst various cannot work towards a healthy province stakeholders, to ensure that the department is more alone; we must collaborate with other successful in its efforts. departments, spheres of government and “I will always place people above paper. It’s not the private sector to fulfil our mandate.” about ticking boxes. It’s about changing lives.” #accessandempowerment #peopleoverpaper

10 ISSUE 34 | Better Together 11 MEC introductions

Minister Anton Bredell Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Bredell has been responsible for the portfolio of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for the past 10 years, carrying the responsibility of overseeing the welfare of the Western Cape’s 30 local municipalities as well as the biodiversity entity, CapeNature, for three terms running. An entrepreneur by heart, Minister Bredell learnt the meaning of responsibility well before his political career began. “Being a business owner is a major responsibility because if you don’t succeed, people lose their jobs”. In addition to local government oversight, the portfolio of Environmental Affairs is tasked with maintaining the right balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Prior to his introduction to provincial government, Minister Bredell also served as the Executive Mayor of Swartland Municipality. As a Minister of two departments, with the support of their respective Heads Graham Paulse and Pieter Minister van Zyl, and public service employees, his focus areas Anroux Marais for the current term include improving municipal service delivery by empowering and supporting local Cultural Affairs and Sport councils; the sustainable management of natural Minister Marais was introduced to Cabinet in 2015 as resources through the Dignity Basket project; the the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport; a creation of green jobs and green opportunities; and portfolio that she has since retained. As the smallest collaboration with CapeNature to promote economic Western Cape Government department, Minister growth through tourism. Marais supports its potential to make the greatest “We have a vulnerable environment that we need impact on local communities. “We are a small but to protect and manage for the benefit of all, including complex department. Sport, drama, poetry, art, future generations. The challenges are real and we and heritage all fall under this portfolio and these will require the cooperation of all, across government are things that celebrate our cultural diversity and and society to get us moving forward and growing bring communities together.” Over and above the together.” entertainment aspect of the portfolio, the Minister is focused on developing and showcasing the #keepitgrowing entrepreneurial aspect of cultural affairs and sport. “It’s not all about the entertainment value; it’s also about the economic impact.” With the support of the Head of Department Brent Walters, and public service employees, Minister Marais's focus areas for the current term include local club development; women in sport leading up to the 2023 Netball World Cup; safe cultural initiation practices; skills development and job creation in the arts and sport; and the promotion of provincial heritage routes. “Our people want to know where IT’S A CLICK AWAY: they come from, and they want to feel a sense of belonging. The Cradle of Human Culture and the https://mygov.westerncape.gov.za/ Mandela Route are two heritage routes developed for nurture-innovation/ that purpose.” “If there is one thing I’ve learned during my time in Cultural Affairs and Sport, it is thatour youth need heroes. Sports and the arts can give them that.” #culturalentrepreneurship Innovation is more than just gadgets and gizmos. Innovation is a unique perspective, a new idea, a way to improve what already exists…Innovation is you. Explore the WCG Innovation Hub now: To learn more about the Western Cape Government’s https://mygov.westerncape.gov.za/nurture-innovation/ Executive team, visit the Western Cape Government YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/westerncapegov #KnowYourMinisters #KnowYourPremier Making innovation happen BETTER TOGETHER. 12 ISSUE 34 | Better Together

DEDAT Innovation Hub Posters A3 FINAL.indd 1 2019/09/02 10:17:56 AM motivation motivation

Bonani Mfeya gives back in To Bonani, the most important thing to a different way, as the first Caring and only male nurse to work We care for those remember while in any public service position in Khayelitsha Hospital’s we serve. t 27, Bonani Mfeya spends his working is Batho Pele and the principles that support obstetrics ward. day doing what he loves. His expressive it. “Put people first. Listen to them, and Ahand gestures and excitement when speaking about his job make this clear for all treat them with dignity and respect.” to see. Born and raised in Khayelitsha as the youngest of three siblings, Bonani had dreams Having grown up in the community, Bonani knows of becoming a lawyer and giving back to his Khayelitsha like he knows himself. “I know the ups and community. Today, he gives back in a different downs of this place; the poverty and what the community way, as the first and only male nurse to work in really needs. It was always my goal to give back to this Khayelitsha Hospital’s obstetrics ward. community. I’m pleased to do it in this way,” he says. After learning of his acceptance to the When asked about the negative aspects of his job, University of the Western Cape in 2011, Bonani he only mentions the lack of basic health knowledge planned to study nursing until he could change of his patients. “Sometimes they don’t come for their course to pursue a law degree. “I thought I’d regular check-ups; they don’t know that mother-to-child change over when I had the opportunity, but transmission can be prevented. We need to work harder to as soon as I started learning about nursing, I educate our communities about health care.” He jokes that fell in love with it. I didn’t want to be a lawyer his patients sometimes refer to him as “sister” but insists anymore.” It was then that his second career that it’s a small price to pay when you love your job. “People choice became his first priority. assume that nursing is a career path for Three years into his training, Bonani women, but things are changing. Men realised the importance of having a mentor; are doing well in this field.” someone he could truly look up to. “In my third Bonani recently To Bonani, the most important thing year of studying, I was fortunate enough to received praise from to remember while in any public service have the current MEC for Health, Nomafrench a former patient on position is Batho Pele and the principles Mbombo, as my lecturer. She motivated us, her Facebook page that support it. “Put people first. Listen supported our passion, and advocated for us for his excellent to them, and treat them with dignity when no one else would.” He recalls a time service. His response and respect.” when Minister Mbombo urged university to the compliment Beyond his current job of delivering management to allow students to remain at demonstrated that more lives into this world, Bonani their student residences during the holidays being praised has his own ambitions. He hopes to for free, to complete their work and make for your work ethic complete a master’s degree in the Midwife up for their required hours. “Over and above means very little when near future, specialising in advanced being our teacher, she was like a mother you don’t have a midwifery. to us. She understood our concerns passion for what you and frustrations.” Listening to Bonani do. “I never do my speak about his role model, it is work for recognition. Mfeya clear that he has adopted the same I do it because in a world where praise approach, as he emphasises the I find joy in serving value of communication in service and recognition are desired people." and valued, WORKING IN THE delivery. “You can’t take for granted that the people you are helping PUBLIC SERVICE REQUIRES A understand the processes. To provide SENSE OF PURPOSE AND an excellent service, you must first MOST IMPORTANTLY, listen and then communicate the PASSION. process, step by step. When I assist my patients, I raise their awareness at the same time. They always know exactly what’s happening.” While Bonani’s four years of training covered the foundations of community service, psychiatrics, and midwifery, he never once thought that an antenatal ward would be his station of choice. “I saw myself in the psych ward, you know, working in an environment with other male colleagues. This was the first time a male was placed in obstetrics at Khayelitsha Hospital and my senior kept reassuring me that I would be transferred to another ward. As time passed, I told her that I actually enjoy working here.”

14 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 15 heritage heritage The Castle of Good Hope c/o Darling Street and Buitenkant Street, Cape Town Established: between 1666 and 1679 The Castle of Good Hope is known as the oldest surviving building in South Africa, and has been the centre Housing our of civilian, political and military life in the Cape since 1679. Today, it houses the William Fehr Collection managed by Iziko Museums South Africa, a permanent ceramic exhibition, and the Castle Military Museum. A symbol of the 17th century Dutch East India Company style of architecture, the Castle was renovated in 2016 – a step toward the aim of being declared South Africa’s next UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Heritage focus is placed on using the Castle as a place for community dialogue and empowerment by hosting regular community meetings, social events, and workshops. Ever wonder what the old buildings around town were used for before we came along? With the help of Heritage Western Cape, we visited a few local buildings that possess historical and cultural significance to commemorate Heritage Month.

The Huguenot Heritage Western Cape is a public entity that seeks Memorial to identify and protect the rich and diverse heritage Building resources of the Western 48 Queen Victoria Street, Cape. The title of a provincial Cape Town heritage site is regulated Established: 1886 through Heritage Western In 1886, the Dutch Reformed Church Council Cape Town City Hall Cape and the South African decided to erect a building in memory of the Darling Street, Cape Town Heritage Resources Agency, French Huguenots who visited the Cape in Established: 1905 and covers a wide range of 1688. However, the cornerstone was only laid The Cape Town City Hall was built in 1905 in the Italian Renaissance style. The locations, including the built on 24 August 1899 by Sir Henry de Villiers who building is made from oolitic honey-hued limestone imported from Europe environment; archaeological, was the Chief Justice of the Cape Colony. The and England, with its lower walls and plinths made from granite sourced from palaeontological and cave sites; building was then made to serve as a synod the quarry on Signal Hill. The Hall was built to function as the centre of city and areas of geological interest. (church council) hall, equipped with committee administration and as such, once housed the offices of the City of Cape Town. Identifying and protecting our rooms and church offices. More recently, the More famously, the City Hall balcony is known as the place late President heritage resources will ensure building has also been the Cape Town Central Nelson Mandela addressed more than 100 000 jubilant people just hours after that they are preserved for home of the South African Social Security his release from prison on 11 February 1990. generations to come. Agency (SASSA) and used as office space by the Department of Social Development.

16 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 17 heritage heritage

The South African National Gallery Government Avenue, Company's Garden, Cape Town Established: 1930 The South African National Gallery, situated in the picturesque Company’s Garden, showcases art from around the world. The main building, designed by Clelland and Mullins (Department of Public Works at the time) and FK Kendall, was completed in 1930. The Gallery’s art collection is regularly rotated so that there is a full programme of paintings, photography, sculptures, architecture, beadwork, textiles and works on paper on display. Since 1990 and the birth of our rainbow nation, the Gallery has set up a collection that celebrates the inclusivity and expressive cultures of South Africa. Today, it boasts a respected collection of beadwork and indigenous sculptures along with original art pieces.

Molteno Power Station Molteno Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town Established: between 1877 and 1881 The Molteno Reservoir is a 200 000-kilolitre water storage facility situated just above De Waal Park in Oranjezicht. The reservoir was completed in 1881 and is the city’s oldest operational reservoir. According to the City of Cape Town, a museum is being built at the reservoir in the same building that used to house the Graaff Electric Lighting Works in 1895 – Cape Town’s first power station. Interestingly, the Molteno spring (one of 20 springs that flow through the city bowl from the mountain) forms part of a series Kromme Rhee of natural waterways collectively known as Kromme Rhee Farm, R44, Stellenbosch “Camissa” ("sweet waters"), which is the Established: 1695 original Khoi name for Cape Town. Kromme Rhee has a rich and interesting history: from the Farm’s land once being owned by a lineage of farmers to it being cared for by slaves from across the world who worked as labourers, Tyne Buildings cleaners, wagon makers and washers. The site 140, 142 and 148 Long Street, is currently a WCG training facility known as the Cape Town Provincial Training Institute. The farm houses a Established: 1977 Dutch-style building that was once Voortrekker The Tyne Buildings make up a trio of Art leader Piet Retief’s home, with a plaque and slave Deco facades that have been declared bell near the house to commemorate 184 years a provincial heritage site. The buildings since the banning of slavery in the Cape. currently house the provincial Ministry of Finance and Economic Opportunities, and other government departments.

18 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 19 economy economy

eKasi economy boom

Don’t look now, but the township economy is hot on the trails of job creation, entrepreneurial growth, and economic upliftment.

Estratweni Mobile Foods started with a R200 loan and has grown into a fully-fledged job-creating enterprise.

visit to any one of the Western Cape’s Siphumeza Ramncwana and Thando townships will tell you one thing for Mavumengwana’s Estratweni Mobile Foods is A sure — that entrepreneurial spirit is just one example of a township-based business alive and well amongst our people. From pillar doing exactly this. to post, small businesses line each street. Hair Situated in Gugulethu just south of the city salons, barbershops, takeaways, fresh produce bowl, the goal of Estratweni Mobile Foods is vendors, fast fashion, spaza shops, internet “to usher in an era of culinary modernisation”. Over and above convenience cafés — where there is a need, a budding Founded by childhood friends Siphumeza entrepreneur recognises it. “Blax” Ramncwana and Thando “Space” and accessibility, these The term “township economy” refers to Mavumengwana, Estratweni is a street food businesses offer unique and businesses based in ‘locations’ or suburbs in social enterprise known for its affordable predominantly peri-urban areas — where prices and excellent customer service. Directly tailored experiences to their entrepreneurs from in and around the townships translated as “on the street”, this is exactly communities, and to visitors cater to the needs of local communities. where their food trucks are located; embodying Customers are able to access the products and the spirit of their aim to make good food eager for a taste of Mzansi. services they need closer to home instead of accessible to all. making the 15-kilometre trip into the CBD. Blax and Space share a unique perspective Over and above convenience and accessibility, on entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship is a these businesses offer unique and tailored bit different in the city where it’s about self- Source: Information supplied experiences to their communities, and to fulfilment or following one’s true passion. Here, by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism visitors eager for a taste of Mzansi. entrepreneurship has developed from a survival

20 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 21 economy wellness

employing seven permanent and eight casual staff members. Blax explains that most of their casual employees are teenagers working Bustling city centres and central business to earn money to pay their matric farewell districts are not the be-all and end-all of the expenses, and that one of them recently began his Premier’s Advancement of Youth internship the invisible South African economy. at the Western Cape Government. To learn more about Estratweni Mobile Foods, visit their Facebook page: https:// killer www.facebook.com/Mobilefoodscc/

perspective; selling something quickly just to Unlocking the township economy put food on the table. Eventually, it develops Small business owners in townships need to into something more; like it did with be flexible, innovative, determined and skilled According to the 2018 United Nations the Estratweni brand.” They highlight the in order to keep their heads above water. In Environment Programme annual report, reality that townships weren’t built for order to thrive, they need access to funding, air pollution kills more than seven entrepreneurship, but clearly, the township some degree of mentorship, and freedom million people worldwide every year. is where entrepreneurs abound. from unnecessary and excessive administrative Blax and Space started their business in requirements. As Blax explains, “measures and 2016, with a R200 loan from Space’s sister. The policies for small businesses are the same for duo’s aim was to bring the variety of cuisine everyone, but the township context is so much seen in the CBD into township spaces; to different than the urban context”. give a more substantial dining experience to residents of Gugulethu. “We wanted to create The Department of Economic Development something sustainable because we were both and Tourism is implementing the Small, breadwinners with no matric qualification and Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) no job. We quickly learnt that mindset is more Booster Fund, which supports the growth and important than knowledge, and we became sustainability of rural and township-based ‘the chefs on the road’; everyone loved it.” SMMEs. However, other SMMEs (metro-based Estratweni Mobile Foods reciprocated the love or sector-specific) where job creation and their community had shown them by making the retention is a real possibility, are not excluded. decision to give back and empower One focus area is infrastructure development young people. The business employs support to SMMEs. The fund provides local youth with petty crime records the necessary support to municipalities, Two of Estratweni's in an attempt to reintegrate them into organisations and institutions to improve and employees preparing their society in a productive capacity. To develop trading-related infrastructure such as signature boerewors rolls and date, Estratweni Mobile Foods has trading spaces and storage for the benefit of burgers for hungry customers expanded to include three operational SMMEs, with an emphasis on the township and food trailers and one food cart; informal sector within rural and urban areas. Support will also be considered where the project or intervention will result in spin-off opportunities for SMMEs, for example, where an infrastructure development will enhance the development and growth of surrounding SMMEs. While enormously popular, it is becoming clear that The WCG Air Quality n 5 June 2019 — World its air quality education and bustling city centres and Management Directorate Environment Day — the awareness initiatives, whilst central business districts are celebrating World OUnited Nations encouraged employing air quality oversight, not the be-all and end-all of Environment Day 2019 global awareness and action to monitoring and regulatory the South African economy. with #beatairpollution protect our environment against services in the province, in line Smaller business districts, like air pollution. According to the with its Western Cape Air township economies, promote World Health Organisation, Quality Management Plan (AQMP). overall economic growth and “60% of household air pollution- The AQMP aims to ensure that ensure that business related deaths globally occur our province etches closer to its activity spans beyond among women and children” goal of becoming the lowest carbon urban, inner-city owing to traditional home-based emission province in South Africa, Economy clusters. roles perpetuated in many societies. and the leading green economic We aim to support informal and township The Western Cape Government, hub on the African continent. economies through small- through the Department of Environ- To ensure that the AQMP business incentive schemes, help with registration for mental Affairs and Development vision is achieved, the Air Quality government- and private Planning Directorate: Air Quality Management Directorate sector tenders, and mentoring services. Management, is working towards measures ambient air quality at its vision of “clean and healthy air 12 locations across the Western for all in the Western Cape”. This Cape (see Figure 1, p 25). From the will be achieved by implementing ambient air quality measurements

22 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 23 wellness wellness

collected, it is evident that the to decrease emissions of air Pollution Accountability We take air pollutants of concern in the pollutants and greenhouse gases from waste burning responsibility for Western Cape are airborne in the province”. The burning of household and our actions. fIGURE 1: Current locations of particulate matter smaller than Air pollution is a mixture of municipal waste is common in ambient air quality monitoring 10 microns (PM10), ozone, and gases and particles. When the many areas of the Western Cape. stations in the Department’s ambient hydrogen sulphide. “It is important air pollutant concentrations These types of fires produce small air quality monitoring network. for us to measure the air quality exceed the National Ambient Air amounts of carbon dioxide and across the province so that we can Quality Standards, they can cause large amounts of smoke, and can make informed decisions on how harm to human health and the release toxic gases and chemicals. to manage air pollution, as well as environment. All of these pollutants are released use the information to inform our into the air at ground level, where climate change response,” says Dr Common contributors they are easily inhaled by people. Joy Leaner, Director: Air Quality to air pollution Management. ++ Motor vehicle emissions Pollution Climate change and air pollution ++ Controlled and uncontrolled from farming activities have been regarded as two sides fires Vast tracts of land are used for of the same coin that affect us all, ++ Landfills (burning and methane farming in the Western Cape; Environmental Officer: Air Quality particularly as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions) modern farming practices that are Monitoring, Palesa Mothiba in one of the and methane, for example, raise the ++ Burning of fossil fuels not environmentally friendly also WCG air quality monitoring stations. earth’s temperature. Recent studies ++ Burning of household waste, have an impact on air quality. From suggest that the concentration plastics, tyres and “wet” wood crop burning, to the spraying of of airborne pollutants in the ++ Refrigeration and air pesticides and the release of dust ++ Recycle paper, plastic, glass, atmosphere increase with rising conditioning using man-made into the air from ploughing, cardboard, and aluminium cans temperatures, and that air pollution gases (e.g. Freon) agricultural practices can pollute to reduce production lingers over cities as temperatures ++ Industrial manufacturing the atmosphere. Modern trends in emissions. rise. According to Dr Leaner, “a key ++ Commercial farming practices agriculture have also led to more ++ Do not burn organic waste; use focus should be to ensure effective animals being reared on farms, it as compost instead. air quality management and Not all pollutants are man-made; resulting in an increase in air ++ Buy a fuel-efficient, low- implement mitigation interventions however, increasing human activity emissions from animal feeding polluting car. and industrial development may operations. ++ Buy energy-efficient contribute to increased refrigeration and air-conditioning Increasing human activity air pollution, which Pollution units that contain natural and industrial development needs to be managed. from traffic congestion refrigerants. may contribute to increased The TomTom Global Traffic Index ++ Do not dispose of old air pollution, which needs How air revealed that Cape Town is the refrigeration appliances to be managed. pollution most congested city in South Africa, without ensuring that the affects our with a global ranking of the 55th refrigerant gases are correctly health most congested city in the world. disposed of. The effects of air Motor vehicle emissions result ++ Fill your car’s tank in the ++ facilitate capacity building times more potent than CO2. With pollution on human in air pollution as well as climate evening to reduce evaporation. and skills development in the rising temperatures, the demand health depend on change, and Cape Town motorists use of emission abatement for refrigeration and air-conditioning the duration of are spending 71% more time on The Air Quality and cleaner technologies by equipment is predicted to increase exposure, and the the road during peak hour than Management SMART-air industry players. dramatically. Without any serious concentration of the they would in free-flowing traffic. Programme The Air Quality Management interventions, the refrigeration and pollutant. Common The Western Cape AQMP introduced Directorate in collaboration air-conditioning sector could be health impacts include So, how do we beat a programme for reducing air with the Free State of Bavaria in responsible for 13% of global GHG asthma, abnormal air pollution? pollution as mandated by Section Germany launched an international emissions by 2030. It is important fatigue, lung disease, In terms of Section 24 of our 31 of the National Environmental project on climate-friendly for the RAC sector to consider respiratory disease, Constitution, “everyone has the Management: Air Quality Act No. refrigeration and air-conditioning “leapfrogging” from using the high and various cancers, right to an environment that is not 39 of 2004, called the SMART-air (RAC). This RAC Project was GWP HFCs to natural refrigerants as well as short- harmful to their health or wellbeing,” Programme. introduced under the SMART-air such as CO2, ammonia or propane, term effects such as and so, we have a right to breathe The aim of the SMART-air Programme, as part of our climate which have a low GWP. In this way, headaches, irritation clean air! This right is also entrenched Programme is to: change response interventions there would be significant savings in to eyes, shortness in the Universal Declaration of Human ++ raise awareness on air quality to reduce ozone-depleting terms of waste and energy, when of breath and Rights, and is fully enshrined in and climate change responses; substances and GHG emissions, in combining energy-efficient appliances nausea. the United Nations Sustainable ++ promote and recognise the line with national and international with natural refrigerant systems. There is a link Development Goals. use of emission abatement requirements. between air pollution A few tips to reduce air pollution: and cleaner technologies Currently, most refrigeration and climate change, ++ Use renewable energy that reduce air pollutant and and air-conditioning appliances use Pledge your support and help us and incidents such as wherever possible. greenhouse gas emissions; fluorinated gases like hydrochloro- get the word out on how to beat air heat waves, extreme ++ Walk, ride a bicycle, or car pool ++ target youth and the fluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydro- pollution. We challenge you to use weather patterns to your destination. unemployed as part of the fluorocarbons (HFCs). When these the hashtag #BeatAirPollution in and food supply ++ Choose products with less capacity building and skills substances leak, they have a high your social media posts and tag @ disruptions indirectly packaging, or reusable development component of global warming potential (GWP) UNEnvironment. Together we can affect human health. packaging. the Programme; and and are up to several thousand #BeatAirPollution.

24 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 25 our people our people

“We need to build partnerships within our Principal communities. We need to look out for one another and care about one another’s best interests. The day we truly care about our hero neighbour, nobody will suffer.” Bergville Primary School principal eing a hero in the real world is about Aleem Abrahams has been hailed a hero more than beating the bad guy or Bwinning the race; it’s about lending by the learners placed in his care, the an ear to those who have a story to tell and giving a voice to those who need it the most. team who teach under his guidance, Located in the heart of Bishop Lavis, and the community he serves. Bergville Primary School is seen as a beacon of hope in the surrounding community. According to long-standing Principal Aleem Abrahams, “hope” is their core business and their profit margin is determined by the determination and success of their learners. Bergville Primary School has been burgled four times since the beginning of the 2019 Certificates decorate the four walls of his academic year. Mr Abrahams shares that only office; some are symbols of appreciation, while two things can solve the issue of crime in our others represent academic excellence and long schools: accountability and care. service. The words “This is where the buck stops” are written boldly across his office door. ACCOUNTABILITY “It means that I stand accountable for whatever Mr Abrahams grew up in Bishop Lavis happens in this school,” he explains. following the forced removals from District He does indeed. The last time Bergville Six in the late 1960s. “I was raised in this Primary School was burgled proves it. The community and I completed my teaching thieves stole all four of the school’s computer practical at Bergville Primary School. I have hard drives; each one storing important been an educator since 1984.” Mr Abrahams administrative information. “We had three describes his teaching career enthusiastically, break-ins previously, and this time they knew but if fate hadn’t intervened on his way to exactly what they wanted. I realised then that register for university, his path would have they intended to take everything we had. No been a different one. He had dreams of meaningful teaching or effective administration becoming a lawyer, but when the train he could take place without those hard drives. I Bergville Primary was on passed his station on registration needed to get them back before they erased School Principal day, he ended up registering at the Bellville the information and sold them. I said to myself, Aleem Abrahams Training College instead of the University of ‘You need to get it back, you need to go.’” In ensures that the school the Western Cape. “I couldn’t understand a state of rage and panic, Mr Abrahams left Mr Abrahams’s CARE is a place of safety how the train skipped the station, but I just the school alone on foot to retrieve the stolen The task of educating students has developed citizens and communities to come together and learning for its told myself, ‘I’m here now’, I might as well items. “I went from door to door asking for leadership into more than completing a curriculum. It is and put fear aside. “We need to build 450 learners. just register.” information. It was only a day later that I was philosophy is about taking care of children physically and partnerships within our communities. We approached by two men saying that their boss emotionally. “My staff come from areas outside need to look out for one another and care had the items I needed and wanted to see me.” based on four of Bishop Lavis. They come here to work; to about one another’s best interests. The day At the end of the day, Mr Abrahams made his words: “Can serve. They don’t come here to solve social we truly care about our neighbour, nobody way to the address given and when confronted, issues, but we need to consider the type of will suffer.” He highlights the unfortunate explained that he needed his hard drives back. I help you?” learners in our classrooms — where they come reality that there is nothing for thieves to steal “The streets may not be my turf, but this from; their quality of life. We work with the from households in poor communities, which school is my turf,” he said to the perpetrators poorest of the poor and therefore we need to is why schools and other public facilities are and their boss as he asked for the stolen items. teach holistically. If children are not cared for, targeted. “Poverty and unemployment are Eventually, Mr Abrahams retrieved the hard they will not be able to learn.” not normal; these are our main problems,” drives. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t given many Mr Abrahams’s leadership philosophy is he says. options apart from taking the hard drives and based on four words: “Can I help you?” To him, Despite the challenges, Mr Abrahams walking away. Our children are the ones who this approach introduces a degree of trust and serves his community and school with pride suffer, and I feel responsible for their safety partnership amongst his staff. “If I can help and passion. and their wellbeing. If I don’t answer for them, them with their problems, they can focus on “Since that train went past that station, I who will?” he explained. their learners.” have never looked back. I don’t know whether It’s no surprise that Mr Abrahams's motto is When it comes to the issue of violence or not I would have been a good lawyer, but I “first justice, then peace”. and crime in our schools, Mr Abrahams urges am sure that I have been a good teacher.”

26 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 27 heritage heritage

The A well-known staple on the Cape Town gastronomy bucket list is the hearty, flavourful gatsby. But have you ever wondered where this popular food item originated Great or how it came about? In the spirit of heritage month, we sat down with Tasneem Wentzel from the Department (local is lekker) of Cultural Affairs and Sport who has published a captivating Master’s mini-thesis on the gatsby. The thesis explores the historical representation of the South African culinary landscape AND the construction of Gatsby race and ethnicity through food.

For her research, she focused on a very specific period of South African history – 1950 to 1980 – which was a very turbulent time in our country with the apartheid regime’s stronghold on citizen's lives; where and how they lived and how they interacted with each other and other races. She used combined interviews, archival research and theoretical readings of food literature in South Africa through desktop research to collect her data. She also interviewed various businessmen in the food industry. “Food is a very political topic and I think because we eat all the time and food is in our lives daily, we forget that it actually has meaning and plays an important role in social relations and community,” she explains.

Takeaways and heritage “Wembley Roadhouse and Super Fisheries, specifically, have cemented themselves as food institutions on the Cape Flats. Family-owned takeaways establishments that appeared on the black periphery and catered for the black consumer were popularised amid the political and economic upheavals of forced removals in the 1970s. The shifting labour market, changing asneem, who is an Auxiliary Services work schedules, and hardening political climate Officer (Educational Officer) at the were reflected in the popularisation and TSimon’s Town Museum, compiled the consumption of bread-based takeaways on mini-thesis titled “Producing and Consuming the Cape Flats,” explains Tasneem. Tasneem's thesis is the Wembley Whopper and the Super Fisheries “With my research, I set out to show how about food, culinary Gatsby: Bread Winners and Losers in Athlone, the production and consumption of the heritage, tradition, Cape Town, 1950-1980” submitted in partial Wembley Whopper and the Super Fisheries politics, history, and fulfilment of the requirements for her master’s Gatsby constituted cultural signifiers of agency how all these things degree from the University of the Western that were historically embedded within a set of For many Capetonians, especially intersect on Cape. Speaking to Tasneem, it is evident how discursive practices and a business ethic that those living on the Cape Flats, the our plates. passionate she is about the often unthought-of distinguished halaal takeaways from franchised gatsby is not just a supersized relationship between food and heritage. “My and state-subsidised food.” thesis was about food and history and I chose Tasneem used the example of people who sandwich; it has become a the gatsby and the Wembley Whopper as it is lived in the former inner-city residential area symbol of culture. food that I am familiar with. I worked with food of District Six during apartheid. They had to find out what kinds of stories could be told very good access to food markets and the from things we think have no history. I found ingredients they needed for their meals, but some very interesting connections between with forced removals (Group Areas Act of race and how food is produced.” 1950) those people were moved to areas far

28 Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 29 heritage new

“Food is a very political topic and I think because we eat all the time and food is in our lives daily, we forget that it actually has meaning cradle and plays an important role in social relations and community,” she explains. of human

A culture X

Ingaba wawukhe wacinga Het jy al ooit gewonder hoe malunga nokuba igatsby le die gewilde gatsby ontstaan idumileyo ivelaphi okanye het? Ons het met ons kollega yavela njani? Siye sahlala Tasneem Wentzel gesels, wat phantsi nomlingane wethu ’n meesterstesis oor die gatsby emsebenzini, uTasneem gepubliseer het. Die tesis from the city centre to neighbourhoods and Wentzel, opapashe ithisisi ondersoek die geskiedkundige Economy We aim to maintain communities unfamiliar to them. They also yakhe encinci yesidanga voorstelling van die Suid- a vibrant and had to do the long daily commute to the seMastazi ethetha ngegatsby. Afrikaanse kulinêre landskap innovative provincial economy characterised by city, where most of them still worked. It was Le thisisi iphicotha indlela met betrekking tot die growth, employment, evident that with their routine change came obuboniswa ngayo iindlela konstruksie van ras en and equitable opportunities. a change in food rituals because there was zokupheka eMzantsi Afrika etnisiteit. Tasneem het die less time to spend preparing and eating. ngokubhekiselele kubuhlanga. baie interessante verband She explains that this is where we see the UTasneem ufumanise ukuba uitgelig wat daar tussen ras development of takeaways on the Cape Flats kukho uqhagamshelwano en die produsering van kos and more specifically, takeaways with distinct olunika umdla phakathi bestaan. Wegneemeetplekke flavours that mimicked those of home- kobuhlanga neendlela wat die eiendom van ’n cooked meals. Under these circumstances, ezenza ngazo ukutya ezo familie is, het in die tydperk foods like the Wembley Whopper and gatsby ntlanga. Ngamaxesha van politieke en ekonomiese were born. obunzima, kwiminyaka omwenteling en gedwonge yoo-1970, kwezepolitiki verwydering in die 1970's Food and politics nakwezoqoqosho kweli lizwe, gewild geraak. Tasneem het die Tasneem also expanded on another apho abantu babefuduswa voorbeeld gebruik van mense interesting relationship between food and ngendlovu kwiindawo zabo, wat gedurende apartheid race that she had uncovered in her research, iirestyu zeentsapho zaye in Distrik Ses gewoon het. including the white bread history of South zaba ziivenkile zokutya Hulle het die bestanddele vir Africa. In her thesis, she explains that bread ezidumileyo. UTasneem wenze hul maaltye by kosmarkte is a "historically produced commodity that umzekelo ngabantu ababehlala gekoop, maar as gevolg van links producers, consumers, and the state in eDistrict Six ngexesha gedwonge verwydering is dynamic and illuminating ways. Emerging localucalulo. Babefikelela lula hulle na gebiede ver van die from a genealogy of research, subsidisation kwiimalike zokutya kunye middestad na onbekende and regulation, bread production was nezithako ababezifunela woonbuurte verskuif. Met hul inextricably bound to the institutionalisation ukutya kwabo, kodwa baye verandering in roetine het hul of colonial and apartheid legislation". bafuduselwa kwiindawo kosmaakroetines ook verander “Many are unaware that wheat was a ezahlukeneyo abangazaziyo omdat daar minder tyd was political commodity from the arrival of the ezikude nedolophu. Ngenxa om kos voor te berei en te eet. Dutch in the Cape because having wheat yoku kufuduswa, kwaye Dit is hoe wegneemetes op die meant you could make bread; and bread is a kwatshintsha neendlela Kaapse Vlakte ontstaan het, en daily staple and therefore a sign zabo zeziqhelo zokwenza meer spesifiek wegneemetes of survival.” ukutya kuba babengenalo met verskillende geure – soos An interesting fact, that many are ixesha elaneleyo lokutya die gatsby – wat dié van THE STORY OF HUMAN EXISTENCE unaware of, is that the gatsby was created nokulungiselela ukutya tuisgemaakte maaltye naboots. BEGAN MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO AT THE when the owner of Super Fisheries needed kwabo. Kulapho Kanye zaye to feed his workers, but there was no fish left zanda iivenkile ezithengisa CRADLE OF HUMANKIND IN GAUTENG, in the shop – only polony, atchar (chutney) ukutya ezibizwa ngokuba AND SPREAD ACROSS THE WESTERN and a French loaf. For many Capetonians, ziitakeaways kwiiCape Flats CAPE, SHAPING OUR CULTURAL IDENTITY especially those living on the Cape Flats, the ingakumbi ezazithengisa gatsby is not just a supersized sandwich; ukutya okunencasa eyodwa AND BEHAVIOUR. it has become a symbol of culture – further nokunongwe ngendlela Photography by Dean Saville for MagicMill proof of the intrinsic connection between eyahlukileyo – njengegatsby – food and heritage. yona eyenziwe yafana nokutya okuphekwe ekhaya.

30 ISSUE 34 | Better Together 31 new

travellers a second opportunity to mingle with the locals in the town of George before Tourism and job making a few more stops to explore the creation norms and practices of early civilisation along Not only does the the coast. Cradle of Human Culture recognise and expose Anchor sites A journey that traces the the evolution of human The evolution of human culture can be culture through tourism, traced across the whole province, but the development of human culture it also creates jobs Cradle of Human Culture focuses on three over the past 100 000 years, and opportunities for main archaeological anchor sites: Diepkloof local economic growth. Rock Shelter, Blombos Cave, and Pinnacle and uncovers the mysteries of According to Wesgro, Point. Here, our earliest ancestors began over 55% of visitors to what it means to be human harnessing their spirituality, using fire and the Western Cape in 2017 said that culture tools, and illustrating abstract thought. Dr and heritage are key Galimberti explains that the Department of activities on their travel Cultural Affairs and Sport is in the process itinerary. Last year saw of nominating the three locations as World a massive increase Heritage Sites, and that there are future plans in domestic visitors to expand to an additional three sites outside engaging in culture of the province. and heritage activities The anchor sites currently hold an throughout South unmatched record of palaeoenvironmental Africa. Cultural activities and human history in an important phase rank among the top of human evolution: the period around tourism activities in the 100 000 years ago when Homo sapiens Blombos Cave is an archaeological site province and are more started developing modern human behaviour located in Blomboschfontein Nature popular than dining characterised by symbolic behaviour; Reserve, about 300 km east of Cape Town out, entertainment and abstract thinking; behavioural, economic on the Southern Cape coastline. shopping. and technological innovations; and the ability to plan and strategise. For instance, at f someone asked you what the meaning of of the South Coast as pictured on the right. Pinnacle Point, the use of fire to heat stone Cultural innovation culture is, would you know the answer? Dr Galimberti explains that over time, the sites to make better tools has been recorded Although the Diepkloof Rock Shelter is I Culture is everything from language and included in the route will expand to ensure the as one of the first in history, indicating currently not open to the public, the Cradle the way we speak it, food and the way we eat involvement of all Western Cape municipalities. technological advancement. The engravings of Human Culture offers an innovative and it, religion and the way we practise it, to our The Cradle of Human Culture journey found at Diepkloof in numbers of up to 400 exciting way to explore the anchor site without beliefs of what is right and wrong, the way we currently splits into two travel routes that start ostrich eggshells suggest interpersonal actually being there. “We thought that through say hello and goodbye, the way we express and end in Cape Town. The Artist’s Journey communication and symbolic thought, which virtual reality, we could make Diepkloof Rock ourselves through art, and a million other stretches up north along the West Coast, while represents a giant leap in human evolution. Shelter accessible to the public by allowing things. the Coastal Journey stretches east along the At Blombos Cave, perforated estuarine more people to explore and experience it To Dr Mariagrazia Galimberti, Cradle of South Coast. Though both routes reveal some shells strung together in necklaces are a first even when they are not physically visiting Human Culture Project Champion, “culture is of the province’s most scenic landscapes, example of body decoration and evidence of the site,” says Dr Galimberti. Diepkloof Rock what shapes us; the way we are and the way the Artist’s Journey takes its visitors on a technological advancement. Shelter, just like many other archaeological we think. It influences our behaviours and creative trip to one of the most impressive sites, is located in an area difficult to access beliefs, and develops our identity and sense rock painting sites at Matjiesrivier Nature on foot or by vehicle. Additionally, the fragility of belonging”. Reserve. Stops along the way include a San of most archaeological sites does not make culture and education centre called !Khwa ttu; for a very accessible visitor experience, Welcome to the the West Coast Fossil Park; Elands Bay Cave; especially if there is no tour guide available Cradle of Human Culture Diepkloof Rock Shelter; and the Sevilla Rock Cradle of Human Culture to tell the archaeological story. Dr Galimberti Launched in 2019 by Wesgro, the WCG Art Trail. During the trip, visitors are given the travel routes are marked explains that the Diepkloof Rock Shelter’s Department of Economic Development and opportunity to immerse themselves in dance, in red and orange. virtual reconstruction offers an overall view Tourism, and the Department of Cultural oral history, rock art and the art of survival of the site and of the period in which it was Pinnacle Point is Affairs and Sport, the Cradle of Human Culture taught by descendants of the San and Khoi occupied. “We show the landscape in which located just south offers its visitors a unique understanding of people. Travel stops are located relatively the site developed and we explain how the of Mossel Bay, along the physical and cultural evolution of human close to one another in distance, making excavation has taken place by superimposing the South Coast. beings. It promotes the idea that our shared the Artist’s Journey an ideal choice for a the progression of the excavation grid over Excavations at heritage is more than where we come from; it weekend away. the years. We have recently found out that Pinnacle Point have is who we are. The project team describes it The Coastal Journey offers its visitors a Heritage Western Cape has been awarded a US revealed occupation as a journey that traces the development of tour along the Southern Cape Coast from Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, by Middle Stone Age human culture over the past 100 000 years, Cape Town to the beautiful Garden Route and which we will be using for the preservation people between and uncovers the mysteries of what it means to Klein Karoo. Imagine the thrill of having supper and protection of Diepkloof Rock Shelter. We 170 000 and 40 000 be human. “Culture is an evolving concept and with a local in Stellenbosch after parading envision that a portion of the funds will also years ago. the Cradle of Human Culture shows us that,” through the Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof. be used to improve the current virtual says Dr Galimberti. Visitors are able to share stories about their reality experience, making it accessible to The heritage route covers a vast area of the backgrounds and cultural differences, before a wider audience.” Western Cape, stretching from the West Coast setting off to enjoy a tour of the Cango Caves all the way down along the scenic landscapes in Oudtshoorn. The Coastal Journey offers Source: https://www.cradleofhumanculture.co.za/

32 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 33 innovation innovation

Innovation and culture change We do what we can The WCG Department of for the people who play arlier this year, Western of facts that the writer signs Wayne explains that the customers on average per day. Community Safety has their part in safeguarding Cape Premier Alan Winde and declares to be true. In the initiative is intended to expand The project has freed up 18 our society. taken an innovative and Elaunched the Commissioner context of the Justices of Peace and include all 13 Western Cape SAPS members from document resourceful approach to of Oaths Volunteer (COV) Project. and Commissioners of Oaths Act Government departments in the certification to perform their combating crime. The COV Project allows designated 16 of 1963, the role of a CO is to near future. crime-fighting duties,” says Wayne. police officers to focus their confirm that a person making a energy and resources on active sworn statement (affidavit) has Who can be a Responsible crime prevention. confirmed that the content of Commissioner of Oaths? volunteering While provincial governments the statement is true. A CO does The Minister of Justice or any “Current control measures do not have a mandate over the not need to confirm the objective of his authorised officers are include, but are not limited to, a police, allowing public service truth of the contents of the empowered to appoint any designated safety kiosk manager, employees to volunteer as statement being commissioned. person as a Commissioner of duty log sheets, and certification Commissioners of Oaths also In fact, he/she is not required Oaths, including any person data forms. The safety kiosk allows police officers to be more to have any knowledge of the designated by the Minister as manager’s role is to assist with visible on our streets. contents of the document an ex officio Commissioner and oversee certification, as involved. Instead, the CO is a of Oaths, including certain well as sign off and hand over What is a Commissioner formal witness to the fact that members of the Administration completed and signed proforma of Oaths? the person making the statement of Justice, the South African data sheets when arriving at and Have you ever applied for a job has sworn that the content of National Defence Force, the departing from the safety kiosk. It that required certified copies of the statement is true; with the South African Revenue Service, is also the safety kiosk manager’s your personal documentation? aim of protecting society from the South African Police Service, responsibility to collect and return Typically, your first thought would dishonesty and fraud by holding the South African Post Office, the certification pack (a bag be to find the nearest police citizens accountable. the South African Social Security containing logistics required for station or post office. Here, you “Currently, the COV Project Agency, chartered accountants, would wait to see a Commissioner only involves the certification banking institutions, universities, of Oaths to have your documents of documents as true copies of designated members of the certified. originals,” says Wayne Butler, health service, marriage How to volunteer A “CO” (Commissioner of designated Project Manager of officers, designated members Simply forward your Oaths) is any person authorised the COV Project. Wayne points of parliament, as well as 1. full name and surname; to verify affidavits, statutory out that since its launch, the officers and employees in the 2. persal number; declarations, or written statements Department of Community administrative, professional, 3. contact details; Safety has continued piloting clerical, technical or general A 4. nearest police station; the COV Project at the Cape and general B divisions of the 5. day/s available; and Town Central Police Station to public service occupying a post 6. time available (either 10:00 – 12:00 or develop a volunteer model of with a salary scale equivalent 12:00 – 14:00) Government Active Citizenship. to or higher than the minimum to the COV Project Team at stamp of approval “The initiative involves notch of salary level two. [email protected]. employees from the Department Volunteering as a CO is of Community Safety who not a separate job or function. volunteer two hours of their Officials simply volunteer their workday from Monday to Friday; time on duty for the benefit certification and data recording) a mobile safety kiosk has been of the public. The project before and after each session. All parked at the Cape Town Central promotes and cultivates what data is then captured to monitor Police Station where certification is known as Organisational and report on progress to the By increasing is done from 10:00 to 14:00 Citizenship Behaviour, meaning relevant authority,” says Wayne. daily,” explains Wayne. that employees will go the extra the number of Active volunteers, Yoliswa mile; doing more than what is Making use of the officers Nyewe and Tshidi Japhta have required of them. "The nature of service as an employee on active supported the project since May this volunteerism project is that If you choose to make use of patrolling 2019 and have not regretted it does not interfere with normal the service, you may need to the commitment. “It’s a work duties. In this regard, it is provide the Commissioner of duty, the wonderful experience to engage key that Senior Management Oaths volunteer with evidence Commissioner of with community members Services, Middle Management of your identity, particularly if Oaths Volunteer and provide a service that is Services and other supervisory you are having an affidavit levels embody and inculcate Project takes us appreciated,” says Yoliswa. Tshidi verified. So, bring a standard adds that time management is volunteerism/citizenship form of identification with you, one step closer a factor when balancing official by allowing some time for for example, a passport or to addressing Yoliswa Nyewe tasks and volunteering, “With volunteering. In essence, this driving licence. the provincial and Tshidi Japhta more volunteers, less of our time should be a normal response as a certifying documents will be required as individuals. public servant. police shortage. at the Cape Town But until more officials apply to “Since the launch of the COV Central SAPS safety volunteer, the sacrifice is worth it. Project, over 11 000 citizens have For more information about the kiosk in Buitenkant We love it and we have the full been assisted with certification; COV Project, send an email to Wayne Butler at Street support of our manager,” she says. which equates to over 146 [email protected].

34 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 35 health health

Quick facts FAQs ++ Teeth may be stronger than ++ What are the most common bones; but teeth cannot heal the oral diseases? According to the way bones can. South African Dental Association, ++ Gum disease has been linked dental cavities and periodontal to strokes and heart disease. (gum) disease are the most ++ Bad breath can be a result of common oral diseases. a dental problem. ++ Are oral diseases ++ A toothbrush should be contagious? Oral diseases can be changed every two to three contagious through the spread months to avoid the build-up of of bacteria. An example of a bacteria and ensure that bristles contagious oral disease is hand, are not worn down. foot and mouth disease. ++ Many diseases show Plaque ++ How do I know if I have gum symptoms in the oral cavity disease? Healthy gums are pink before spreading to other parts attack and do not bleed easily when of the body, meaning a trip to the Everyone has plaque brushing or flossing. Diseased dentist could be life-saving! bacteria in their mouths. gums bleed with little to no ++ Sugar-free gum can help to When these plaque stimulation, have an odour, and wash away plaque. bacteria mix with the are darker in colour. ++ Waiting at least half an hour sugars and starches that *Gingivitis is the medical term before brushing after eating are found in snacks like given to early gum disease. acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, cookies, candies, dried Bacteria settle on the gum can prevent you from scrubbing fruits, soft drinks or even line causing inflammation and acids across your teeth. pretzels or potato chips, swelling. the plaque reacts to create ++ Can a knocked-out tooth be acid, and a "plaque attack" put back in? When a tooth has occurs. been knocked out, the nerves, Each "plaque attack" blood vessels and supporting can last up to 20 minutes tissues are damaged. The nerves after you have finished and blood vessels can’t be Smile Endorsed by the Department your snack. During this repaired and will require a root of Health, Oral Health Month encourages period, the plaque acid is canal, but the tooth can be put steps attacking tooth enamel, back in. The bone can reattach BABY 1 Floss – loosen it awareness about oral disease prevention making it weak. That's to the root of the tooth once it's all up. and daily oral hygiene. when cavities can start! put back into place. The odds BOTTLE 2 Brush – clean it all of saving a tooth are highest in around. young children, but adult teeth TOOTH 3 Rinse – wash it can be saved if you act quickly. all away. ++ Is there such a thing as DECAY 4 Say aaaaaah – see Smile toolkit over-brushing? Yes. Brushing too Early childhood cavities your dentist twice Floss Toothbrush Mouthwash often or too hard can cause your is a painful disease that a year. ++ Always floss below the ++ Use a toothbrush with ++ A mouthwash can gums to recede, and result can be easily prevented. gum line. soft bristles – hard rinse away all of the in tooth sensitivity. It’s also called baby bottle ++ If your teeth are spaced bristles can damage remaining dirt in your tooth decay. together tightly, try your tooth enamel, root mouth. ++ Hold your baby while waxed floss instead of surface and gum line. ++ Mouthwash burns feeding him/her. If nylon floss. ++ Brush in a circular because of its alcohol your baby falls asleep, ++ If your teeth are motion. content; the burning remove the bottle comfortably spaced, a ++ Brush at least twice sensation is not a sign of before putting him/her floss pick might work a day. it working. in bed. well for you. ++ Brushing should last ++ Alcohol-free mouthwash ++ Avoid putting your ++ Floss daily to remove two minutes; 30 seconds encourages a good baby to sleep with a all of the food that gets for each quadrant of balance of bacteria in bottle. stuck between your your mouth. the mouth and does not ++ Avoid letting your teeth. ++ An electric toothbrush burn. toddler walk around ++ Flossing prevents bad can work just as well as ++ You can use a home- with a bottle when not breath and decay (food a manual toothbrush. made solution of salt being fed. stuck between your ++ Your toothpaste should and water as an easy and teeth gets rotten too). contain fluoride. effective mouth rinse. ++ Don’t forget to brush Source: South African Dental your tongue. Association

36 Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 37 at work at work

* Applicable to Corporate Services Centre departments to the pension laws, criteria and Early retirement Directorate: Service Benefits. only. The departments of The early retirement conditions, determined by the facts However, they will not be able to Education and Health are provision gives public employer and the availability of offer you financial advice. subject to independent service employees funding. You will still receive an In terms of the financial processes. an opportunity to annual increase to the management of your pension pay- Is early retirement intended to amount decided upon by the out and any other personal financial retire from the age streamline the public service or GEPF Board. troubles, you will need to consult a of 55 without the 0.33 will my position be re-advertised? financial advisor. You can also make percent penalty. Yes, ER is intended to streamline Your monthly pension use of the Employee Assistance the public service and positions will be paid out at the Programme (ICAS) for financial will only be re-advertised based end of every month rather management advice. on departmental human resources than on the 15th. planning. Service delivery must not What is the most important be hampered but youth employment You will still receive thing to take into account when must be prioritised. your medical aid considering early retirement? Ask benefit and capped leave yourself the following before you How and to whom do I apply pay-out. consider early retirement: for early retirement? You will ++ Will you be financially sustainable need to complete an official ER No additional years of once you retire? application form and submit it to pension pay-out will be ++ Are your tax matters in order? the Corporate Services Centre via added if you decide to take ++ Are your beneficiary details in order? your respective departmental CRU early retirement. office. This process excludes the How long will I wait before my departments of Health and Education. lump sum is paid into my account? To be safe, plan on a month. Will my early retirement If everything is processed as it should application be automatically resign at any age, but it is advisable be, your lump sum should be in your approved? No. Although it is to rather take the retirement account within two weeks. However, employee initiated, it is subject to pension benefit option when you your medical aid benefit may take up early approval based on certain criteria reach retirement age, which includes to three months to be paid out, after and availability of funds from the continuous medical benefits, capped which it will be back-dated. You must National Treasury. For more leave and bonus pay-out. be prepared to pay the first three Economy information on criteria, contact the months out of pocket. We strive toward a retirement Q&A province in which our People Management Contact How will I know if my money hard work and dedication Centre: 021 483 6799. will last? Do I need to change What is government going to brings us success, and opens opportunities What has changed under the Why has it taken this long for my budget/lifestyle? It is advisable save by allowing employees to for others. new early retirement an early retirement option to Can I change my mind once to consult a professional financial leave on ER? Departments are provision? The penalty-free early be implemented? And why now? my application is sent in for advisor before making any decisions. expected to manage their human retirement (ER) provision is only for An ER option is not new. In terms of approval? No, you may not retract resource plans and save approximately employees who are aged 55-59 Section 16(2A) and 16(6) of the your application; which is why you Are there advisory services R20.3 billion in the medium-term years within the limited period 1 April Public Service Act, 1994 as are urged to think carefully about available to me within the expenditure framework period if posts 2019 to 31 March 2021. “Penalty-free” amended, ER was always available your options. public service? In terms of any are moved to where they are required in this case means that the employee to employees. Section 16 (2A) of the work-related service benefit issues, according to post provisioning norms, would not be liable to pay the penalty. Public Service Act allows for ER How long after approval of my you can contact the People and younger entry-level employees Early retirement Additional funds have been made exits with pension penalties. application will I be able to Management Contact Centre or the are recruited. myths available by the National Treasury to Generally, ER benefits are reduced stop working? Once approved, you Early retirement is a cover employee ER penalties and to at 0.33 percent per month for the will receive a notification of either voluntary severance assist departmental accounting remaining period from the age 55 the date that you indicated on your WHO TO CONTACT Early retirement is not officers in their decision making. and 59 years, as provided for under application or an alternative date as package. DEPARTMENT CRU MANAGER EMAIL a VSP; it is a pension benefit plan. Basically, government will be rule 14.3.3(b) of the Government indicated by the employer. However, covering the penalty on your behalf. Employee Pension Fund rules. The the notice period will be three Agriculture DJ Jordaan [email protected] Your monthly pension will reduction of benefits applies to both months after approval. Community Safety Andre Brink [email protected] increase when you turn 60. Are there any conditions to be the lump sum, and the monthly Cultural Affairs and Sport Devero Flandorp [email protected] There is no such thing. met or documents needed to pension payments. In terms of Would I be able to re-enter

apply for early retirement? The only Section 16(6) of the Public Service the public service in the Economic Development Mymona Jacobs [email protected] You may change to a conditions are: Act, the relevant executive authority coming years if need be? Should an and Tourism Once + permanent employment in the or delegated authority is official be employed back into the resignation benefit. + Environmental Affairs and Mariana Kroese [email protected] you apply for ER, you must stick public service; empowered to, upon receipt of a public service it can only be on a Development Planning to it. ++ 55 to 59 years of age between request from an employee, approve contractual basis after the employee Human Settlements Robbie Roberts [email protected] the period 1 April 2019 to 31 an ER application without pension has reached the age of 60 years. Local Government Franick Matthee [email protected] You can be forced to take March 2021; penalties, if sufficient reason exists early retirement. ER is 100% ++ leave the public service before for the retirement. Can I resign at early Premier Navin Lukhai [email protected] voluntary and remains subject to March 2021; and The approval of any ER retirement Provincial Treasury Brandon Damons [email protected] an approval process. ++ apply before the cut-off date: application without pension age and take out a pension with 30 September 2019. penalties, in respect of employees another service provider, or only Social Development Annemie van Reenen [email protected] from the age 55 to 59, is subject retire? In terms of the PSA, you can Transport and Public Works Dean Killian [email protected]

38 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 39 motivation

Complete all three of the puzzles, and A braai master kit Sudoku could be yours. How to play: A sudoku game involves a grid of 81 squares. “A nation’s culture The grid is divided into nine clearly outlined boxes, each containing nine squares. The rules resides in the hearts and of the game are simple: each row, column, and in the soul of its people.” Competition instructions are provided on page 3. box must to contain the numbers 1-9 within its Please note: Competition closes 9 October 2019. Only squares. Each number can only appear once Mahatma Ghandi entries received before 9 October will be eligible for in a row, column or box. the lucky draw. 3 9 1 2 8 4

4 7 8 5 3

6 9 1 8 7

1

1 5 7 2 4 Happy 2 8 7 1 9 5 3 Heritage 3 1 8 and Public 6 8 4 Service Month

5

Across 4 How many official How well do languages does you know your South Africa have? country? 5 A natural world wonder situated in South Africa WCG values wordsearch Down accountability 1 What does ‘Soweto’ caring stand for? competence We serve the 2 What is the second innovation residents of the Western Cape highest waterfall in integrity the world? respect BETTER TOGETHER. 3 The official flower of responsiveness South Africa

40 ISSUE 34 | Better Together Better Together | SEPTEMBER 2019 41 THE VALUES:

Caring To care for those we serve and work with.

Competence The ability and capacity to do the job we were employed to do.

Accountability We take responsibility.

Integrity To be honest and do the right thing.

Innovation To be open to new ideas and develop creative solutions to problems in a resourceful way.

Responsiveness To serve the needs of our citizens and employees.

THE VISION:

Internal vision To be the best-run regional government in the world.

External vision Open-opportunity society for all.

Better Together The Western Cape Government has a duty to provide opportunities. Citizens have the responsibility to make use of them.

Let’s make use of provided opportunities and make the Western Cape BETTER TOGETHER.