ISSUE 21 | JuNE 2016

magazine

ENTREPRENEURS Creating jobs and SPINACH growing our economy KING STRESS Is it making you sick? Bread baker’s success story

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT Contents BETTER TOGETHER MAGAZINE TEAM: Editor’s Note Editor in Chief: Faiza Steyn Dear Colleagues Features Editor: Maret Lesch On 16 June we commemorated Youth Day. In 1976, many 3 Game Changer Proofreaders: young people sacrificed their lives when they stood up for After-school programmes Leah Moodaley, Aré van Schalkwyk what they believed in and demanded to have a say in their 4 Motivation Afrikaans translation: education. Working for free Aré van Schalkwyk We take the role education plays in shaping our future 6 Main feature isiXhosa translation: leaders very seriously, which is why the after-school Encouraging entrepreneurship Luvuyo Martins programmes are so important to the Western Cape 10 10 Inspiration Contributors: Government. By giving our young people the opportunity Jobless to business owner Leah Moodaley, Tracé Venter, Tania Colyn, to learn skills and have a safe place where they feel they 12 What’s new Haybré Philander, Jennifer Skordis, Elzona Swartz, belong, we are giving them a chance in life. Read more on Medical innovations Chantell Holland, Jannie van der Westhuizen, page 3 about our progress with implementing this Game 14 Inspiration Beatrice de Jongh, Millicent Merton, Jo-Anne Otto, Changer. Teaching with technology Aziz Hardien, Ean Steenkamp-Cairns, Susan Davis, English teacher, Gafieza Ismail-Le Chat, from Spine 16 Entrepreneur Sithembiso Magubane, Bongiswa Matoti, Road High School realised that technology can contribute Cheese maker creates jobs Petro van Rhyn, Junaid Anthony positively to how our young people learn. Not only did 17 Our organisation Art director: she manage to excite her students about learning and CA Academy Trudine Scannell participating in class, she also equips them for life after 20 Did you know? Layout and design: school by facilitating workshops and technology training Interesting facts about sleep Trudine Scannell, Sylvanus du Plessis during intervals. Read about this remarkable woman on 28 Sports & Culture Photographer: page 14. Our table tennis world Zanele Jam-Jam Someone who also made education a priority is Justin champion Administration: Sitzer from the Department of Human Settlements. He 30 Our schools Nokuzola Ngcizela worked for free for almost one year to gain the experience Feed more with food gardens Communication and liaison: and skills that will enable him to find paid employment. Portia Percival, Nokuzola Ngcizela His story of hard work and perseverance on page 4 will Editorial Committee: definitely motivate you. 28 14 ADVICE Advocate Brent Gerber (DG), André Joemat (SG), Creating employment opportunities in our province Faiza Steyn (Head of Corporate Communication), is crucial if we want our economy to grow, which is why 18 Workplace Sylvanus du Plessis (Deputy Director: Creative); we emphasise a culture of entrepreneurship. A wonderful How to handle conflict Maret Lesch (Editor) example is Lufefe Nomjana. He was jobless and realised 22 Personal finance that he needed to create an employment opportunity for Surviving in tough times himself. Today he is a business owner and PERA winner. 24 Health Telephone: 021 483 3806 Fax: 021 483 8267 Read more about this inspirational man on page 10 and how Stress and burnout Postal address: Better Together Magazine, we are making it easier to do business in the Western Cape 26 Health P.O. Box 659, Cape Town, 8000 on page 6. Vaccinations Email: [email protected] I loved working on this issue. Not only did I meet 27 Information security truly remarkable people and units in the Western Cape Phishing All letters and competition entries can be sent to the Government, I also realised that we must give our young above e-mail or postal address. Only Western Cape 32 Self-development Government employees may enter. Note that all cash people a fair chance to prove themselves. We are often so Secretarial Learning prizes are subject to tax. negative about our country and its future that we tend to Programme forget that our youth already proved decades ago that they are prepared to stand up for what they want. Please write to us to tell us your inspirational story. I look

OTHER Disclaimer: The Department of the Premier’s forward to hearing from you! Corporate Communication Directorate has copyright on all intellectual property and artwork in the 2 Letters Until next time 30 Better Together magazine. All content in the 34 Support services Better Together magazine adheres to copyright law. Maret Lesch

Better Together magazine 1 Letters After School Game Changer overviewGame Changer

Just under 50% 58% of Western 29.9% of What we do of grade one Cape matriculants’ youth are learners do results prevent unemployed SP in the OR not make it to them from going T to university province , V A matric in the nd 12 ario C 11 a us N I es co ad ort de D Western Cape M r pp sp s r G su ec of o e ifi s E f g c p R s ua sp o n g o rt D so n r E s la t o e , ff l d w e A a n h r C r a ic e t h d x e R C e c b r , n e t e u c Home life plays a key role in learning. r i i r A c ld e E o s p s a , t p s m i A u c o i a s t n s Best Letter THE a a k t l T r e l Children whose families live in poverty m y o r e y a w h I t n e and in violent communities often lack a d O

m m a o s H the resources and infrastructure to Regular N a and support their learning.

CHALLENGE consistent participation of

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e p 20% of learners

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o a d u in no-fee , r g e o e Dear Better Together, disabilities been ignored and Regular and consistent participation in after- m r r n e r a s schools. e r h o m IMPACT g f i i school programmes will: a p m t d d r simply overlooked especially in v d n e i a i e s c , E v c e s i o e t f r i r a l o a c R It was a very proud moment in my the workplace and in society in • Dramatically improve learner outcomes e n e p l m d m a p u s b o e • Reduce dropout rates e t is a U L h n v WIN d t s y life when the BT magazine was general. It does not have to take d e , , r t c a r e e i r e T • Reduce risk taking behaviour I d li a s t f m u o s F p e m y a r s , ll L o k w g a m distributed with me and my team an exceptional person to be an g il o n n s E ls rk li o d ra , g ti il U m of he ug a u m fe a , j re b re lth ce c h C mates on the cover of the last ambassador for disabled people, S es d aw dan re ic Partners: w as aren ma, ed h R500! K it st ess, Dra fer w h a of in nda es D I oth lone gam edition. The story has created quite but society must create the space L er p N • Western Cape Department L illars A a stir among my colleagues and for disability to be incorporated in of Cultural Affairs and S S Do you have Sport R T I still get compliments about it. It everything that we do. In this busy • Western Cape Education A any stories Department was good for me to see how many world of ours we do need people • Western Cape Department www.westerncape.gov.za | www.yearbeyond.org.za about excellent of Social Development people feel inspired by the story to be considerate of persons that • City of Cape Town NGO’s and this has driven me to write this are disabled and through various government • officials? Perhaps letter to the magazine’s editorial ingenious ways allow for equal Helping to build the future for our youth BETTER TOGETHER. team requesting a regular feature opportunities for participation in all you have seen on disability. Because my life was activities. someone do affected by disability and I choose We also have to accept that remarkable work or Opportunities for our youth to live positively with it. While I do there are certain limitations that go the extra mile not fully understand the concept, will prevent complete or universal By Tracé Venter programmes we already have in incentives pilot. for a citizen or a but have accepted it with its access to some activities, but these place under our Game Changer; This is also a joint Game Changer challenges as I continue living with will need to be addressed and the colleague? Write a ne of the Western Cape including the Mass participation; with the City of Cape Town and it, I want to share my experiences amount of occurrences reduced short letter and tell Government’s priority Opportunity and access; we will be taking advantage of the and thoughts about disability. until it is completely eliminated. us about them! Oprogrammes is to expand Development and growth (MOD) scores of libraries and recreation It was fairly easy for me to I can think of numerous facilities quality after-school programmes Programme at 181 schools across hubs operated by the Metro. reintegrate back into my family such as playgrounds, beaches and in the province. There are far too the province run by the Department Through this Game Changer, and community and place of sporting venues that are fairly many children leaving school each of Cultural Affairs and Sport we hope to drastically increase employment due to the accepting accessible and that include features day and entering unsafe, violent (DCAS), the MODYearBeyond the number of young people attitude of the community. Far too that are very accommodating to neighbourhoods and homes with (YeBo) Programme at 22 schools living in the province who have many people that face disability persons using assistive devices no adult supervision. (and an additional five schools the necessary support and skills feel excluded from certain activities such as crutches, wheelchairs, Our aim is to provide over running YeBo-Lite) run by the to advance themselves in life and that they enjoyed participating in, canes and guide dogs. These 112 000 learners from no-fee Department of the Premier and achieve their dreams. but this should not be the case. facilities should be promoted Please send us any schools with access to safe, quality DCAS, the five Youth Cafés and However, we recognise that We should join hands and embrace and used by as many people as questions you might after-school programmes by 2019. 93 funded after-school partial care we will only be able to achieve the diversity that each individual possible. Public transport is still a The programmes offered fall under centres run by the Department this through a whole-of-society have on processes, brings. We should in fact look challenge for many, but at least four pillars: Sport & Recreation, of Social Development and the approach where our provincial for opportunities and events that there are some routes that can procedures, Academic Support (including Tutoring, School Enrichment and government works in partnership make it easier for everyone to accommodate everyone, including programmes and eLearning), Arts & Culture and Life Peer Education Programmes run with municipalities, NGOs, the enjoy despite their background or disabled persons. We should projects within Skills. by the Education Department private sector, principals, teachers difference. remember that it takes time for the Western Cape We believe that regular and (WCED). and most importantly, parents and I feel that disability should have these things to be put in place, Government. We will consistent participation of Through this Game Changer, learners. its own place among all the other but while it is being worked on, we ask the appropriate learners in these programmes we are also interested in This is what we mean when we concepts of diversity such as race, should all stay positive, look out for department or will dramatically improve learner experimenting with innovative and say “Better Together”. gender, age, sexual orientation and each other and enjoy the one thing outcomes, reduce school dropout diverse after-school programme We encourage all parents to directorate to answer religion. Disability is an evolving that we all share, life. rates and reduce risk-taking models and have partnered with enquire at their children’s school concept and needs to be included you and you might behaviour. six collaboration sites in Nyanga about the after-school programmes in every new development. For too Kind regards see your answer in the We will be leveraging the Junction, Atlantis, Kraaifontein, on offer and ensure that their child long have people with different Raven Benny next issue. infrastructure and after-school Paarl East and a high school-based attends these on a regular basis.

2 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 3 Motivation

y only option was to prove are wardens and another uncle is a police myself. That is why I gave officer. In a twist of fate, Justin applied for A leap of faith “Meverything and worked hard. I a position at the SAPS shortly before his knew I had to start somewhere, even if it is at internship had ended. He always believed that the bottom. It’s much better to do something he was destined to help people. “In January and to gain experience, than to sit at home,” 2016, I did not know yet if my application After Justin Sitzer completed his PAY internship, he decided to work says 21-year old Justin Sitzer about the year was successful and I was offered a job in the that he volunteered at the Department of SAPS where I would be responsible for access without payment to add to his skills and gain experience rather than Human Settlements. control at Parliament. But I wanted to work wait for an opportunity to come his way. By Maret Lesch Justin was a PAY intern at Local for Human Settlements where I knew I could Government for one year, where he gained make a difference and where I can build a experience in the auxiliary services unit. When career. I decided to take the chance and stay his internship came to an end in March 2015, at Human Settlements and it was worth it.” Justin did not have another job to go to. According to his supervisor, Elrico van “I knew the kind of situation my parents Schalkwyk, Justin already made a difference were in and I had to come up with a plan B in service delivery during the year that he Justin Sitzer says really fast. As I regularly helped out at Human volunteered. “He was a keen and eager his passion is to Settlements in auxiliary services during learner and performed his responsibilities make a difference my internship, I knew there was a need for over and beyond what was expected of in public service. someone. I wanted to help them and I also him. He assisted the department to achieve wanted to gain experience to add to my excellent audit results. Because he found CV. I then asked if I can volunteer at Human various ways of improving office procedures Settlements, where I had the opportunity to and systems in use, we can also improve our move to security services.” service delivery to the clients of the office,” Human Settlements reimbursed Justin for says Elrico. his train ticket from Paarl every day, but Justin Elrico says helping other people and still had to compromise greatly in order to putting their needs before his own is also adjust to working without earning an income. important to Justin. “He is an exemplary role “It was a very stressful time for me. I model for young adults, as he truly leads by wanted to gain the experience, as I knew I example.” wanted to work in risk management in the Justin believes that his colleagues and public sector. I would not have been able his personal values have motivated him to to do it without my parents’ support. I had persevere, even when he felt despondent. absolutely no money. My mom sometimes “I believe in honesty, following your passion gave me R50 for the week and I sometimes and never giving up. I just pushed through helped my uncle to lay tiles over weekends because I realised I had the opportunity to to earn some money. My dad is my hero. He build myself up. Some young people just care got up at 04:00 every morning to make me a about money, but I knew I had to work hard if sandwich for work and to take me to the train I wanted to achieve something. Now I dream station. The train leaves at 05:15 from Paarl. of buying a car and I’m saving as much as I “I did not have money to go out with can. But if my younger brother doesn’t get a friends. I just told them that I’m saving and bursary to further his studies next year, I will that I cannot join them to go to the movies help him first.” and to go out. To me it was more important Another dream of his is to apply for a to add to my skills and to build my CV. I also bursary to further his own studies in risk did not tell the people in the building that I’m management once he’s completed his a volunteer. I did not want them to treat me probation period. differently,” says Justin. “My passion is to make a difference in the As soon as there was a vacancy at the public service. I believe you should use your Department of Human Settlements, Justin opportunities and I’m very grateful for the “It’s much better to do something and to gain jumped at the opportunity. After a stressful opportunity I had to volunteer. I think if you experience, than to sit at home.” application and interview process, he was don’t have the means to further your studies, finally appointed in February 2016. you should find a job where you will be able Justin grew up with strong male role to learn a skill and add experience to your CV. models in service delivery. His father works By working hard you will make a success of for Drakenstein Municipality, two of his uncles your life.”

4 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 5 Feature

We are encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship by helping small businesses to expand in order to create employment and grow our Future investment economy. By Maret Lesch

One of the Western Cape Government’s this platform to create awareness about strategic goals is to grow the province’s entrepreneurship.” Oeconomy by creating opportunities Low entrepreneurial activity can be ascribed for jobs. Entrepreneurs play a major role in to a scarcity of role models in disadvantaged achieving this goal as they create a significant communities, explains Joshua. “In disadvantaged amount of jobs in the Western Cape and communities we seldom have family or friends contribute to our province’s Gross Domestic who are entrepreneurs as role models. We are Product. encouraging entrepreneurship in high school Entrepreneurs and small, medium and students. We must influence their minds at a micro enterprises (SMMEs) are thus critical young age and introduce entrepreneurship in addressing our high unemployment in after-school programmes and teach them rate. According to South Africa’s National practical skills and the different aspects of Development Plan (NDP), the majority of the business. jobs will be created through SMMEs by 2030. Pat September, the PERA Project Manager, Unfortunately, we have a low entrepreneurial agrees. “Most of us did not grow up with culture in the Western Cape, which presents entrepreneurs as role models and it is not part us with a significant challenge. According to of our mind frame. It is important that we work the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) with young learners and plant that seed in their report (2014), South Africa’s Early-stage minds that they do not have to become an Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate dropped employee, but can create their own work. On with 34% in 2014. This means that in order to the other hand we must also work to support address unemployment and economic growth businesses.” in the Western Cape, we need to implement a strategy to create awareness around ENABLING ENVIRONMENT entrepreneurship and develop a culture of Creating an enabling environment means that entrepreneurship. We must encourage people we must make it easier for businesses to do to move away from the concept of seeking business in the Western Cape. We are taking employment to one of creating self-employment a multifaceted approach to support SMMEs and employment for others. to grow, access markets and access finance Joshua Wolmarans, Director: Enterprise opportunities. Our initiatives include cutting red Development for the Department of Economic tape, matching entrepreneurs and businesses Development and Tourism (DEDAT), says with funders, business development support our key focus to boosting economic growth services and helping businesses to position is creating an enabling environment, making themselves in the market. it easier for businesses to do business in Sharief Davids, a Project Manager at the the Western Cape, and instilling a culture of Enterprise Development Unit focusing on entrepreneurship. finance opportunities for businesses, explains “It is vital that we inculcate a culture of that for the past 10 to 15 years, access to finance entrepreneurship. This is why our flagship has been seen as one of the major obstacles project is the Premier’s Entrepreneurship faced by small enterprises. “It is not a lack of Recognition Awards (PERA). In our society, we money, but the mismatch between what the celebrate sportsmen and television personalities funders want and what the small businesses for their contribution but we hardly celebrate have or are looking for. We are working to entrepreneurs. We created a platform to narrow that gap and the Western Cape Funding celebrate entrepreneurs and to say thank you Fair is an attempt to narrow the mismatch gap.” for creating jobs, contributing to our economic The Western Cape Funding Fair is a public Ten former informal sector growth, and for what they are doing in our private partnership between the Western Cape entrepreneurs now have the society to deal with socio-economic challenges. Government and international professional opportunity to do business We are recognising entrepreneurs who achieved services firm Deloitte. This initiative seeks from the Long Street kiosks. success in a particular area and we are using to educate and empower project promoters

6 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 7 Feature Feature

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and entrepreneurs on the holistic approach “We must encourage people to establish the concept of shared services. en van die Wes-Kaapse Regering se strategiese doelwitte is om and processes to follow in turning ideas into We must be creative with what we have; Edie Provinsie se ekonomie te ontwikkel deur werksgeleenthede bankable business plans that have a higher move away from the concept of use mentorship to add expertise and te skep. Entrepreneurs speel ’n groot rol om hierdie doelwit te probability of attracting the right type of address challenges identified. We must bereik aangesien hulle heelwat werksgeleenthede in die Wes-Kaap funding and investment. The Western Cape seeking employment to one of also teach people to apply the skills they skep en tot ons Provinsie se Bruto Binnelandse Produk bydra. Funding Fair for 2016 was held on 25 May. creating self-employment and have learnt,” says Deon. Ons het ongelukkig nie ’n baie sterk kultuur van Western Cape based businesses, requiring a One example of how we are shaping entrepreneurskap in die Wes-Kaap nie en dit is vir ons ’n minimum of R2 million in funding, were invited employment for others.” entrepreneurs from informal sectors are groot uitdaging. Volgens die 2014-verslag van die Globale to submit their applications. The applications the small businesses occupying the Long Entrepreneurskapsmonitor (GEM) het Suid-Afrika se vlak van were shortlisted and the top 20 applications Street kiosks. Sharief Davids says the vroeë-stadium-entrepreneurskap (TEA) met 34% gedaal. Dit were educated on how to turn ideas into with the business, what is their core product or kiosks were a Public Works initiative that beteken dat ons ’n strategie moet implementeer om bewustheid bankable business plans and were matched service and how they can maximise it. We must was handed to DEDAT. “We are making van entrepreneurskap te skep en ’n kultuur van entrepreneurskap te with suitable investors, thereby increasing their reorientate the mind of the business owner in it an extension to one of our training ontwikkel om werkloosheid en ekonomiese groei in die Wes-Kaap chance of attracting the right type of funding or looking at different business opportunities. We programmes. In 2013, we trained 1 500 aan te spreek. Ons moet mense aanmoedig om weg te beweeg van investment. need to make them aware of their challenges informal traders in the Philippi area. In die konsep van werk soek na een waar mense werksgeleenthede vir The Red Tape Reduction Unit contributes and provide them with the skills to take the 2014/15, we partnered with the University hulself en ander skep. to making it easier to do business in the business forward. Part of this is how to package of the Western Cape and trained another Ons moet sakebedrywighede ook steun deur ’n bemagtigende Western Cape. “The World Bank has done themselves to access finance, improve the 1 000 entrepreneurs. The purpose of the omgewing te skep. Dit beteken dat die WKR dit makliker extensive studies with regards to the ease of business and ultimately create employment Long Street kiosks is to relocate some of vir sakebedrywighede moet maak om sake in die Wes-Kaap doing business and we have taken some of it opportunities.” the township-based businesses we trained te doen. Ons het ’n veelsydige benadering om KMMO’s te on board. The Red Tape Reduction Unit deals into the CBD. The idea is that they run steun sodat hulle kan ontwikkel, en om toegang tot markte with issues such as legislation, processes, INFORMAL SECTOR their kiosk in Long Street and continue en finansieringsgeleenthede te kry. Ons inisiatiewe sluit in die communication, and stakeholder collaboration. Deon says creating entrepreneurial activity and to run their township-based business uitskakeling van rompslomp, om steundienste vir sakeontwikkeling Our first approach is reactive, where businesses starting a business in the informal sector is a by employing one or two other people. daar te stel en sakebedrywighede te help om stelling in die mark in come to us with obstacles and we address unique challenge. “Businesses in the informal We want to make the Long Street kiosks te neem. them. The second is proactive, where we deal sector have a tendency to copy existing available to new businesses every year.” with systemic issues, such as reducing the businesses under the perception that they will Creating awareness and developing a X number of processes or procedures relating to make huge profits. Our informal sector approach culture of entrepreneurship has become business facing services. We also deal with the is to add a franchise model to duplicate business a priority. SMMEs represent an important nye yeenjongo zeqhinga lokusebenza loRhulumente weNtshona unintended consequences of legislation that models that work. The key is to assign areas to solution to the challenges of job creation, EKoloni kukukhulisa uqoqosho lweli phondo ngokudala amathuba could potentially stifle economic growth and entrepreneurs who specialised in a product, for economic growth and equity in our emisebenzi. Oosomashishini badlala indima ebonakalayo enkulu development,” explains Joshua. example a small bakery producing fresh bread province, as set out by PSG1. kakhulu ekufezekiseni le njongo njengoko ingabona badala Pat says that they are also conducting every day for their immediate neighbourhood. amathuba amaninzi emisebenzi eNtshona Koloni nanegalelo roadshows and workshops to inform businesses The aim is to get each business to generate an kwiMveliso iYonke (Gross Domestic Product) yeli Phondo. of the importance of being compliant, e.g. income and sustain itself.” PSG1 Ngelishwa, apha eNtshona Koloni asingobantu abakwezoshishino businesses must understand the importance In the informal sector, entrepreneurs face kakhulu, nto leyo engumngeni omkhulu. Ngokwengxelo yeGlobal of being registered on the newly implemented tough competition from small business owners The WCG wants to create an Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) (2014), umlinganiselo weSouth national Central Supplier Database. The unit also from other African countries such as Nigeria and enabling environment for businesses Africa’s Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) wehle nge- has sessions to educate businesses on Broad- Somalia. Deon explains that business owners to grow the economy and to create 34%. Oku kuthetha ukuba ukuze sikwazi ukujongana nentswela- Based Black Economic Empowerment (BB- from African countries have a natural ability jobs. To achieve this, we are focusing ngqesho nokukhula kwezoqoqosho eNtshona Koloni, kufuneka BEE), how it affects them, and how important to work together and that their family-owned on two key areas designed to sifezekise iqhinga lokusebenza ukuze sazise uluntu ngezoshishino it is for the business to be compliant in terms of businesses often benefit from a central banking encourage increased investment and kwaye sivelise inkcubeko yokuba ngoosomashishini. Kufuneka the BB-BEE Codes of Good Practice. system. “They operate a business by collective a more competitive economy: sibakhuthaze abantu ekubeni bahlukane nengqiqo yokukhangelana The Cape Accelerate Programme also purchase. The products move in the same nomsebenzi endaweni yoko bazisungulele amashishini abo kwaye plays a major role in assisting and supporting circles and distribution becomes easy through • Developing our economy, which baqashe nabanye abantu kuloo mashishini. business owners to take their business to the informal distribution network. Some of includes demand- and supply- Kananjalo kufuneka siwaxhase amashishini ngokwenza imeko the next level and position themselves in the these businesses have networks that pull into driven initiatives to dramatically ekuvumelayo ukwenziwa kwamashishini. Oku kuthetha ukuba market, says Project Manager Deon Damons. Africa and locally. They can sell high volumes at increase our economic uRhulumente weNtshona Koloni kufuneka akwenze kubelula “The programme’s intention is to grow existing low prices through a successful central buying performance; and ukushishina eNtshona Koloni. Oku sikwenza ngeendlela ezininzi businesses in order to create employment. We system at low profit margins.” • Optimising our infrastructure ukuxhasa iiSMME ukuze zikhule, zifikelele kurhwebo kwaye go to the business, identify the key challenges, In order for us to make our informal sector and resources for growth, which ziwafumane amathuba ezemali. Amanyathelo ethu okuqala help them with a communication plan, and based businesses work and create employment include action steps to position malunga noku aquka ukususwa kwemiqathango ebonakala show them how to implement change and opportunities, we must focus on collaborating our economy as a regional hub ithintela ukwenziwa kwezinto ngendlela efanelekileyo, sihlanganise improve efficiency. The idea is to enable the and using unique business models to push them and a great place to invest, work oosomashishini nabaxhasi ngemali, sibonelele ngeenkonzo business owner to think differently about their forward. “National Government has started and live. zenkxaso yezoshishino ngokunjalo nokuwanceda amashishini business and to identify where they want to go with a cooperative programme and we must akwazi ukuzibeka endaweni efanelekileyo kwezorhwebo.

8 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 9 Inspiration

Born and bread to-door salesman selling his aunt’s tailor- which prevent cardiovascular illnesses and made traditional clothing. He remembers chronic diseases. Boom! That was my first From being unable to travelling as far as Hermanus to sell the confirmation that spinach was medicinal.” clothing to interested buyers. Lufefe says it Lufefe then realised that he could do more put bread on the table to was this experience that first “ignited his fire for his community members and their health. He providing bread for all, of entrepreneurship”. He also spent time as volunteered at the local hospital, encouraging Lufefe Nomjana shares his a casual employee at a large clothing retailer all new patients to follow a healthier diet. “I was journey from being jobless which added to his sales skills. Although these shocked. Every day, there were hundreds of opportunities allowed him to develop his new people. This was also a confirmation that to being an entrepreneur. marketing skills, he longed to pursue something what I had to do was something to do with By Leah Moodaley that would help not only him, but also his health.” For one month, he helped the hospital’s family and community. He needed security and dietician to treat patients with lifestyle diseases. stability – things that a casual Around the same time, the job could not offer. marketing of low GI bread With his matric and an “My vision was bigger became popular. Lufefe NQF 4 certificate in business than my shack and my took an interest in this and management, he clearly began researching the recalls asking himself “What is circumstances.” ingredients and what they my purpose in life; what can mean. “Internet was my only I share in order to receive?” resource. My idea was to Finances prevented him from furthering his come up with a substitute for what they were education, but a sense of urgency pushed him already consuming... this was healthy, but there to take control of his future. were no vegetables, how about I come up with He approached the community garden spinach low GI bread.” With a smile and a spark where he volunteered his services to the of insight, he states that “innovation is born elderly women who looked after the plants. after information”. He jokingly explains that just “I understood that there are blessings in after the idea for spinach bread, he went online hard work. I knew that it would come with and googled “How to bake the best bread responsibility and the risk of getting nothing, in the world”, which led him to a site called but they were happy, I was young, I had energy, Breaducation. With forty rand and an informed and I was a salesman.” He describes this mind, he began kneading his ingredients decision to volunteer as a “vocational voice” in a bucket and fine-tuning his recipe. “My or his calling; he had to act immediately. With vision was bigger than my shack and my no background in agriculture, he knew he had circumstances. If I stopped, I’d be running away something to add to the garden. From being a from my calling.” little boy who idolised Popeye the Sailor Man From its start in 2011, Lufefe’s Espinaca and his famous cans of spinach, he now planted Innovations is the result of passion, skill and grew spinach; falling in love with the and a clear vision of what he wanted to do concept of “giving life” through planting and and how he wanted to do it. A large part of nurturing, as he describes it. Lufefe’s entrepreneurial journey involved in- In his four months working in the garden, depth research and an inner voice reminding he converted it from a strictly social garden him of his purpose, despite his financial to a social/commercial garden, selling every circumstances and rejection from potential harvest as a door-to-door vegetable salesman. investors. Lufefe’s express bakery is situated read is a basic food item in most the year. Lufefe with In exchange for his hard work and dedication, in Spine Road, Khayelitsha, and his bread is households, alongside staple products Lufefe laughs at the suggestion of his idea a tray of he earned the vegetables he needed to feed distributed to various retailers throughout the Blike milk, butter and oil. However, with being a “spark of genius” and instead begins to fresh spinach himself, and also gained the awareness of Cape. He continues to support his community the rise in additives like fructose and sodium, describe it as more of a journey which resulted bread from agriculture as a solution to many problems. He by sourcing his ingredients from a company not to mention gluten, bread might satisfy from a number of affirmations along the way. his bakery. experimented with many ways of preparing called Abalimi, who collect their harvest from your hunger but it doesn’t necessarily benefit Growing up, Lufefe recalls collecting water spinach and remembers feeling healthy and community gardens in and around Khayelitsha. your health. A Khayelitsha-born entrepreneur for his neighbours in exchange for an hour strong, becoming a vegetarian in the process. Espinaca Innovations is currently in the has seen the value in creating bread that or two in front of their televisions to watch At the time, spinach was the most accessible process of opening a production factory in does. Lufefe Nomjana, founder of Espinaca cartoons. As he describes the various stages and affordable vegetable. “From there, I went Stellenbosch, and a café in Khayelitsha Mall. Innovations, stands as the overall winner of the of his life, the passion in his voice is distinct. online at the library to learn more about spinach; Lufefe encourages all young entrepreneurs to Premier’s Entrepreneurial Recognition Awards Lufefe Nomjana had something to prove. At Internet was the only resource I had. One realise their “net worth” and unlock their minds (PERA) 2015 and the best agro-processor of the age of 18, he earned money as a door- spinach leaf contains almost 13 phytochemicals, to the possibilities. “You succeed by starting.”

10 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 11 What’s new?

KEYHOLE HEART SURGERY In the past, open-heart surgery meant that Medical innovations surgeons would cut through the breastbone, resulting in longer recovery periods for patients. In March 2016, Groote Schuur Hospital Truly remarkable service delivery means finding innovative ways to became the first in South Africa to perform an save costs and help patients with the best care possible. Let’s take a open-heart aortic valve replacement operation look at some of the breakthroughs that are changing the landscape of by using keyhole surgery. The patient was 55-year-old Boniswa Simon from Khayelitsha, medical treatment in our province. By Maret Lesch who could go home only one week after her open-heart surgery. The cardio-thoracic surgeon, Dr Jacques NEW HOPE FOR BURN VICTIMS Scherman, performed the minimally invasive Patients with extensive burns spend many procedure by making only one incision of about months in hospital and often their only hope 6 cm and using an endoscopic camera and tiny for a full recovery are highly specialised skin instruments to excise and replace the valve. transplant techniques, which can cost up to This kind of surgery is a standard R1,8 million and are not always available. procedure in First World countries, but not Last year, the head of the adult burn unit at widely practised in South Africa owing to a Tygerberg Hospital, Dr Wayne Kleintjes, and his skills shortage. To prepare for this intricate team developed a new technique. It involves procedure, Dr Scherman, who specialises in growing the patient’s own skin in a laboratory keyhole surgery, trained for two years at the from skin harvested in a skin biopsy. It is University Hospital of Zurich in Switzerland. AFFORDABLE IVF TREATMENT biologically safe as it uses only the patient’s “This surgical procedure results in less Many couples experience fertility problems, skin and no animal cells. surgical trauma, this leads to faster recovery but only a few can afford in vitro fertilisation What makes this technique, called the times and eventually cost savings for the (IVF), as it costs R25 000 to R35 000, is only Tygerberg Burns Unit technique, truly hospital,” says Dr Scherman. offered in private hospitals and clinics, and is remarkable is that it costs less than R1 000 per BREAST CANCER BREAKTHROUGH The operation was so successful that Groote not covered by medical aid. patient and no immunosuppressant drugs are The medical technology company, Cape Ray, Schuur Hospital is now setting up a training Dr Thabo Matsaseng, a fertility expert at needed because the patient’s own skin is used. has designed and developed a special machine programme in the province. the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences The skin can be cultivated in the room next to make breast cancer diagnosis for women (FMHS) left his private practice in KZN in 2008 to the ward without using a laboratory. The faster, simpler and less painful. to find a more affordable option in order to recovery time for patients is also much shorter. The Aceso machine is the world’s first give more couples the chance to conceive and imaging system that combines mammographic start a family. and ultrasound technologies and can instantly Using Dr Matsaseng’s simpler model, the detect microscopic cancer cells without fertility unit at Tygerberg Hospital charges multiple screening tests. It’s the perfect between R6 000 and R7 000 for a cycle of IVF solution to the difficulty in analysing dense treatment. breast tissue. The first step was to cut down on costs. It was officially launched by the Department Dr Matsaseng cut down on human resources of Science and Technology at the Groote and shared responsibilities amongst his team Schuur Hospital on Thursday, 5 November members. They also entered into a public- 2015. The machine costs R30 million and private interaction with the Aevitas Clinic in is funded by the Industrial Development Pinelands to save on the price of consumables Corporation. and certain laboratory services. “It produces a low dose of X-rays while The treatment process was also changed. using ultrasound simultaneously. This allows The patient receives less hormone therapy to for an almost immediate detection by sight produce a smaller but sufficient amount of and enables us to perform mammographic and eggs. The eggs are then harvested under local ultrasound funtions at the same time. Not only anaesthesia and conscious sedation instead do you save time, but you don’t have to have of placing the patient under anaesthesia in a two machines, so you save money too. The key surgical theatre. to this technology is that it can be widely used The success rate of the more affordable IVF to reach a large number of people, so it is ideal treatment is 25% to 30%, compared to the 35% to use in a public healthcare setting,” explains to 40% achieved by private treatment – making

Dr Kit Vaughan, the chief executive of Cape Ray. Sources: IOL; Western Cape Department of Health; SA People News; it a viable option nonetheless.

12 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 13 Inspiration Inspiration

Teaching for tomorrow

This innovative English teacher uses multimedia and smart devices to create in-depth resources and enhance the learning experience in her classroom. By Maret Lesch

f we teach today’s students as we taught the edublog https://themarvelteacher. yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” edublogs.org to succeed the initial blog. It is “IEnglish teacher, Gafieza Ismail-Le Chat, more condensed and interactive with more says this quote by John Dewey is her guiding multimedia. Learners can download content light and the reason she’s pioneering the use on their smartphones and study the material of technology in her Spine Road High School as study cards. They can also listen to audio classroom. readings of class discussions, which assist them In February 2016, Gafieza was recognised for with learning, reading and articulating words her innovative thinking and use of technology and to understand the meaning of words and in her classroom when she received the how to contextualise it.” national award for Excellence in Technology- Gafieza says she can see the difference Enhanced Teaching and Learning from the using technology in her classroom has made. Department of Basic Education. “E-learning helps the learners to capacitate She says she’s always been technologically themselves and to become more critical inclined and when she started at Spine Road thinkers. They can now create their own High School in 2012, she saw technology as learning resources and their work has become Gafieza has won They will find new means of learning through circumstances, not all the learners could bring a way to help her learners who were more more interactive. They try to impress in a national award that same context. When they come to me to their own or their parents’ devices to school. academically challenged to improve their class with what they are doing in terms of for enhancing her show me something new, it means they took To accommodate them, Gafieza made print- learning and to make sure that what she technology. I’ve also taught them how to do learners’ learning the time to find another way to learn. That is outs for them and they could use the devices in teaches them can also reach them outside of annotations and highlight on PDFs when they experience through exceptional and very rewarding.” her classroom during intervals and after school. the classroom. use their cellphones or tablets. I encourage technology. Many parents and teachers are firmly against She also loaded the material onto memory Since Gafieza started using technology and them to use colour to enhance brain activity using cellphones in the classroom, but Gafieza sticks for those learners who wanted to use e-learning in her classroom, the school has and memorisation skills.” says using smartphones in schools as a learning devices at home to learn. had a 100% English pass. Learners’ marks have She feels so strongly about enhancing the tool has obvious advantages. “In 2014 we had “There are negatives, but also great positives also improved from 60% in Grade 10 to an 80% learning experience that when she started at when using cellphones in the classroom. Kids average in Grade 12 over the three years they Spine Road High School, she purchased her who did not want to learn in the first place have participated in e-learning. own projector and screen for her classroom. “E-learning helps the learners to were now first to want to learn and use their “We live in a digitally-enhanced world. To She also facilitates workshops for learners phones to do so. I taught them to back up get my learners more interested in English as during intervals. “I assist them with using capacitate themselves and to constantly, which taught them responsibility a subject, I started a blog. I placed slides, pdf PowerPoint in a more interactive fashion and become more critical thinkers.” and taking ownership of their work.” files of novels and the drama and poetry we teach them how to use Microsoft, interactive A crucial aspect of being a teacher is to are doing in class on the blog, as well as the tools, and animated videos. They will need cater for all the children with different learning resources and questions that I’ve developed. these skills when they leave school and I a backlog with textbooks. I asked the Grade 12 styles in the classroom. “With the multimedia The blog was very effective, especially during want to ensure they are holistic learners and learners to bring their smartphones or tablets I present to my learners, I affect different examination time. However, it has become equipped with skills they can use throughout to school with their parents’ permission to learning styles. Our kids do not learn the same a stagnated blog as I’ve improved on that in their lifetime.” ensure I could continue with lessons. I kept and we must accept that everyone learns in terms of the teacher I’ve developed into and The learners are not the only ones who their devices safe in my storeroom and loaded a different manner and accommodate that am still developing to be,” explains Gafieza. benefit from this approach. Gafieza says she PDFs of the textbooks on their devices. learning style.” She wanted learners to be more involved also learns from them. “We don’t realise what Suddenly they became more assertive and Gafieza believes that by using technology in e-learning, which is why her focus became our children are capable of now. Learners are disciplined in taking down class analysis. They and multimedia in the classroom, she can clearer towards that goal. “Using e-learning also exposing me to new things. They become were more intrigued to learn and became more show our children that there are unlimited resources in the classroom enhances the excited and enthusiastic when they see you are involved in the process of learning.” possibilities when it comes to learning, and that learners’ learning capacity and I started interested in this way of learning and teaching. Because of different socio-economic we must never stop learning.

14 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 15 Economic growth Our organisation

Hope Shaping skills Testimonials “It is quite nerve-wracking By creating the Chartered Accountant Academy, to be one of the first set of for all Provincial Treasury is creating a unique talent pool of trainees in the CA Academy. chartered accountants with specialised skills fit for the However, with the support Kasselshoop Cheese and motivation that I’ve public sector. Compiled by Maret Lesch shows us why cheese received, I am determined and enthusiastic to see this making is a scarce but ur Provincial Treasury To do this, the three- to programme through and to necessary skill in the took an important step in four-year professional training be a part of its success.” Western Cape. Osecuring a suitably skilled programme is aligned to the – Ayesha Phillips future workforce by establishing processes of government By Leah Moodaley the Chartered Accountant institutions in a structured manner, “I have always wanted a The Kasselshoop Cheese team at the SA Cheese festival in May 2016. Academy (CAA) this year. ensuring that trainees gain key career in the public sector. The CAA gives trainees the competencies in performance The CAA has made that opportunity to become chartered management, financial statements, dream come true to me. It estled among the greenest Food Initiative. The farm and factory but to improve their lives. Two accountants with an in-depth IT controls, expenditure has given me the opportunity pastures of Stillbaai, in the has built a 15-year tradition in the of our past cheesemakers went understanding of public sector management, HR management, to work with experienced Nheart of fynbos country, crafting, curing and marketing of on to secure permanent jobs at financial systems and processes. supply chain management, and people who are passionate the Kasselshoop cheese makers innovative and exceptional cheese. Parmalat,” says Kasselshoop’s Liesel This is in line with Minister Meyer’s asset management. about what they do. It is and their trusty stud of Jersey How can cheese be described as Kasselman. vision of embedding good Aziz Hardien explains that the nothing short of an honour cows work passionately to deliver innovative, you may ask? With 11 In partnership with the governance across the Western CAA will achieve this by exposing to be one of the first people excellent service to stores across unique variations of cheese, and Department of Agriculture and Cape and entrenching a culture of trainees to different knowledge to be part of this amazing the country. counting, Kasselshoop has proven the Burgundy Cheese Making financial accountability and best areas and units. “Trainees will programme.” Farming has sustained humankind itself to be inventive, creative and Fellowship, two Kasselshoop cheese practice. be rotated on a six-month basis – Kabelo Mafiri for centuries and is still a vital bold in the preservation of tradition makers were sent to France for The Academy is managed by to different units, providing part of our environmental, social, and the development of flavour. further training. “It was the first Mr Aziz Hardien CA(SA) DDG: them with a holistic training “I believe the CAA physical and economic wellbeing. Klein Soebattersvlakte, the time they saw a machine on a Governance and Asset Management experience. During the first year programme will be life- Agriculture and agro-processing are Kasselman family farm, is where production line. They were trained and Ms Adila Aboo CA(SA), Deputy of the programme, rotation will be changing experience and it highlighted as key industry sectors these cheeses are carefully and in the production of soft cheeses.” Director: Chartered Account implemented close to the Provincial provides a promise to change in the Western Cape Provincial methodically produced. In 2000, In addition, employees receive Academy Manager and follows Treasury in order to address the lives of others in future. Strategic Plan, and cheese making the Kasselmans decided to build a certified training through the South the formal training programme unforeseen challenges pertaining It is an excellent opportunity is listed among the many required cheese factory to help subsistence African Milk Processors Organisation from the South African Institute of to the programme. Thereafter, the that will provide me with the scarce skills. Kasselshoop Cheese dairy farmers in the area earn a (SAMPRO) and the University of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). trainees will be placed in various practical experience to be a is a perfect example of how local steady income. Fifteen years later, South Africa (UNISA). According According to Aziz Hardien, provincial departments and public CA in the public sector.” farming can sustain economic these farmers still deliver their Liesel Kasselman, “Kasselshoop the primary goal of the Provincial entities.” – Sinazo Mtuzula growth through food production milk to the factory in cans every Cheese is based on integrity – from Treasury is to improve the To qualify for the CAA, and skills development. morning. The factory continues our farm, to our produce, to our quality and standard of financial candidates must be in their final “I have always wanted to be a The Kasselshoop family business to support its local economy, people”. governance throughout the year of a SAICA-accredited degree part of something that would forms part of the Western Cape Fine “Kasselshoop helps the farmers Businesses like Kasselshoop province with the CAA. “We or have completed a Certificate make a difference; the CAA continue their Cheese fill the gap between our are investing in training youth in the Theory of Accounting has presented me with that business”. Rightfully, natural resources and sustainable who wish to become Chartered (CTA), Postgraduate Diploma in opportunity. It is an amazing the cheese factory economic growth potential. They Accountants. We offer the trainees Accounting (PGDA) or a SAICA- programme which has been Kasselshoop cheeses: built its foundation on pride themselves on excellence, the opportunity to gain the accredited equivalent, which will introduced by people who an abandoned school integrity and creating opportunities competencies required by SAICA to enable them to write the qualifying are passionate about what • White/yellow Gouda and Cheddar building located on the for others. “The three words that ensure business continuity and we board exams. CAA trainees commit they do and it is an honor to • Smoked Gouda farm and continues describe our business are integrity, equip them with the skills required to a full-time three- to four-year learn from them. This is the • Pickled onion Cheddar to be a centre of excellence and family.” to be successful leaders and internship contract with a market- beginning of a great journey; • Olive white Cheddar education to all 17 of Kasselshoop, or “the hope of specialists in the public sector.” related salary. a journey that will provide • Nettle white Cheddar its employees who a Kasselman”, has grown into a young, driven individuals like • Pepper white Cheddar receive on-the-job successful enterprise that began ourselves with a career filled • Paprika peppers white Cheddar training. “We train our with a farmer and a little bit of hope For more information on the CA Academy, email Ms Adila Aboo at with endless opportunities.” • Chilli Gouda employees, and not – hope that the potential of the land [email protected] or call 021 483 9081. – Taryn Jacobs just for the business, and its people can be reached.

16 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 17 Workplace

e spend the better part of our day with our colleagues and it is normal BODY LANGUAGE Wto have different opinions and ways of doing things. However, sometimes doing According to ICAS, our verbal message provides less than things differently can create disagreements 10% of the message’s impact. The rest comes from non- in the workplace, which will affect your work verbal cues and it’s important that we are aware of the relationships and the way you feel about your job. unspoken messages we convey. Conflict management in the workplace is an important skill and something we can all • Adopt a friendly posture. Keep a comfortable distance; acquire with the right knowledge. According try to sit or stand next to the person rather than to ICAS (Independent professional Counselling opposite them and don’t fold your arms, cross your legs and Advisory Service), conflict in the workplace or look down. mostly means that we care enough about • Make eye contact, but don’t stare. our work to disagree strongly. It is how • Use a friendly tone of voice. we resolve our conflict that will determine • Smile. whether something positive comes from the • Look relaxed by relaxing your jaw and forehead. disagreement. • Speak the same language by listening to how the person expresses him/herself and use the same format to To establish and maintain good relationships convey your message. They will feel better understood at work, it is important that you know how and they’ll be more responsive to you. to conduct yourself. According to ICAS, you • Find common ground or a shared interest, but don’t should keep the following in mind: pretend to be interested in something when you are not.

1. 1 Positive thinking: You can choose to be positive in how you react to situations. 5.5 Recognise and work with differences: Make an effort to see the benefits of each Don’t judge people who are different from situation. You can consciously choose you. Find out how they work and use it to your reaction to every situation. communicate more effectively. Respect different approaches and perspectives. 2.2 Build rapport: It will make your working life a lot less stressful and it will be easier 6.6 Deal with conflict: Resolve disagreements to resolve conflict situations. A pleasant as soon as possible. Try to take a step work atmosphere allows people to be back and assess the situation objectively. more productive, more efficient, produce Identify the reason for the conflict and try better quality work and go home less to find common ground. Don’t use blaming drained. Always keep in mind the non- statements; rather say “I disagree” or “I am verbal message you are sending (see the upset” than “You make me angry”. box on body language). 7.7 Be considerate: Rude and inconsiderate 3.3 Communicate clearly: If you want your behaviour will lead to antagonism and message to be well-received, be sure of resentment from your co-workers. what you want to say. Think about how Respect them by avoiding loud telephone it will make the other person feel and conversations, cleaning up your mess be careful with your tone of voice, body in the staff kitchen, respecting personal Cut the language and choice of words. space, not being late for work or meetings, not taking credit for someone else’s work, 4.4 Pay attention: This will help you to avoid not having a condescending attitude assumptions and understand what the toward others, and by pulling your own other person is saying. You should: weight. • pay attention to the words being used; conflict • pick up on the tone of voice and the Also, it’s a good idea to consider why people meaning behind their words; react to you the way they do. Try to avoid By working on your communication skills, conflict • observe their body language; behaviour that can be seen as inconsiderate • listen to your gut feeling; and or confusing. Remember that despite our situations in the workplace can be resolved with ease. • see things from the other person’s differences, we can all make a valuable

By Maret Lesch Sources: ICAS Southern Africa & Healthinsite, Careers24, US News point of view. contribution to the team.

18 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 19 Did you know

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

If you fall asleep in Long-term sleep loss can cause: Sleep talk • an increased risk of a heart attack less than 5 minutes, you are • high blood pressure Sleep is very important for our bodies and minds to recharge and sleep deprived. • a higher risk of catching a cold or the flu something many of us look forward to every night. But how much • a 10% higher risk of developing depression It should take 10-15 minutes • 20% of all car crashes do you really know about it?

1.5 hours less 16 hours without sleep leads to a 10 days sleep can cause a 30% decrease in performance equivalent to RIP without sleep INTERESTING FACTS decrease in alertness having a blood alcohol level of 0.05% can kill you

Some deaf people use sign We need different amounts of sleep depending on our age: Lack of sleep can cause weight gain A snoring partner can wake his language in their sleep of 0.9 kg in less than a week non-snoring partner an average of 20 times per night, causing them People born blind don’t have You might feel hungry, because to lose an hour’s sleep 16 10 9 8 6 visual dreams, but dream with your leptin levels (which regulate your appetite) fall their other senses. Those who Parents of new babies lose about became blind after birth do 16 hours 10 hours 9 hours 8 hours 6 hours six months’ worth of sleep in the have visual dreams babies 3-12 year 13-18 year 19-55 year 65 years first two years of the baby’s life olds olds olds and older SLEEPING CONDITIONS About 75% of people dream in We spent 1/3 of our lives sleeping When executed patiently and colour. Before colour television, • There are more than 84 sleep/wake disorders systematically, sleep deprivation is – approximately 25 years only 15% did said to be the single most effective • Dysania is a condition where you find it hard to form of coercion and torture get out of bed in the morning Giraffes sleep for A snail can IT’s a myth that we only 1.9 hours per day in sleep undisturbed for swallow about eight spiders • 4 in 10 men and 3 in 10 women snore HEALTH 5-10 minute sessions up to three years while we sleep • Somniphobia is the fear of sleep When you sleep: We are the only species that willingly delays sleep • The sudden jolt you feel when sleeping is called a • Your brain recharges “myoclonic jerk” • Your cells repair themselves • Your body releases important hormones People can take cat naps You can’t • Sleep apnea, a condition where you actually with their eyes open without sneeze while stop breathing for up to 30 seconds, is the most even being aware of it you are sleeping common cause of sleep disruption

Snoring occurs only Many Tibetan monks • Sleep paralysis or parasomnia is when you wake in non-REM sleep sleep upright up, but can’t move. It’s a weird limbo between when your mind being awake and asleep. It can last from a few seconds to minutes You burn more Bananas, grapefruit, tuna, The average person spends • Sleepwalking is also called somnambulism. calories sleeping yogurt and milk are high six years of their life dreaming Most sleepwalkers remember little about the than watching in tryptophan, which experience. While sleepwalking, a person can television encourages sleep • You can only dream of faces you have already seen sometimes use the bathroom, eat, or even talk • You can control your dreams. It’s called lucid Regular exercise can help Tired after lunch? It’s dreaming and it involves becoming aware that you are • Exploding head syndrome is a disorder known to you to fall asleep at night, normal. You’re actually dreaming, but not letting your mind wake itself up cause the sensation of an explosion going off in but not if you exercise most tired at two points in your head when you wake up shortly before going to bed the day – 02:00 and 14:00 Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Sleep Pro, Daily Infographic, Health Guru, Factslides, Sleep Foundation, Zleeps, Viralnova, Random History, Education Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Sleep Pro, Daily Infographic, Health Guru, Factslides,

20 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 21 Personal finance

Mamello Lentsa, Chief Supply Chain Management Clerk, DCAS: DEAL WITH DEBT • Make a shopping list before going to the shop and only buy Smart spending what is on your list. According to recent statistics from Debt • Have sit-ins or dinner parties at home rather than going out to Rescue and Statistics SA, South Africans restaurants. are spending 75% of their salaries on Saving money can be difficult in our current economic situation, especially if you • Keep track of account balances to help avoid overdraft fees. paying off debt. Fin24 reports that a are struggling to pay off old debt. By Maret Lesch debt industry survey showed that 51% of Sihaam Nieftagodien, Economist, Treasury: respondents were unable to meet their • Request a review of your premiums from your insurance minimum debt repayments every month. provider – you are allowed to request the review annually. Not only will they have trouble paying the f you are struggling to make ends meet every bank statements to get a realistic picture of • Regularly check supermarket pamphlets for good deals on double up payment the next month, the month and feel like you are barely surviving your spending patterns. non-perishable goods and buy in bulk if possible. interest charged on the balance will plunge Iuntil the next pay day, you are not the only If your monthly expenses exceed your • Put a data/airtime limit on your cellphone contract and them even further into debt. one. Economists expect hard times ahead for income, you need to cut down drastically. Curb manage your usage carefully. If you are one of the South Africans consumers with the petrol price and electricity your monthly spending by bringing your coffee • If you drive to work daily, join a lift club. struggling to repay your debt, it is tariff increases, higher food prices and the very to work in a travel mug rather than buying a important that you take action as soon as real possibility of even more interest rate hikes. take-away coffee every day. Pack your own Leigh Pollio, Tourist Guide Registration Office, DEDAT: possible. Here are a few things to keep in The first step to financial security is to draw lunch and plan your meals for the week ahead. • I freeze bread and only take out the amount I need. The bread mind when trying to pay off your debt: up a monthly budget and to stick to it. Honesty Keep in mind that if you are using credit to pay always stays fresh and I don’t have to throw away stale or is your best tool when you budget – be honest for eating out or buying clothes, you cannot mouldy bread. • Do not make more debt to pay existing and realistic about your expenses. For example, afford your lifestyle. • Pre-make pasta sauces in bulk and freeze. debt. don’t guess how much you are spending on We’ve asked some of our staff members to • Don’t throw away overripe tomatoes. They are excellent for • Make a list of all your debt and identify entertainment and food. Look at your previous share some of their best money-saving tips: sauces. the debt with the highest interest rates. You must pay these off first. Alta Schwenk, Case Manager, Health: • If you cannot make your monthly • Never go shopping when you are hungry – you always buy payment, call the bank or retailer and more than you were supposed to. inform them of your situation and work • If you just need bread and milk, go to the nearest café and not out a payment plan. You can end up the supermarket. It will prevent you from walking down the with a bad credit record if you ignore aisles and looking for “something else I might need”. your monthly repayments. • Don’t wash the dishes every five minutes. Rather wait for a • Do not cancel your insurance when your few items before washing. budget is stretched. If you bought your • Potato peels and leftovers go into the fridge in an ice cream car using vehicle finance, the agreement container. On Saturdays I cook a pot of porridge for my dogs is subject to you having comprehensive and add the peels and leftovers. It’s healthy for them and insurance for the duration of the nothing goes to waste. agreement. If your car is paid up, opt for third party insurance until you can Nonzwakazi George, Language Practitioner, Treasury: afford comprehensive insurance again. • Stay away from Matshonisa (loan sharks). • Debt consolidation is also an option. • Don’t buy clothes on credit. Rather lay-buy or buy cash. Short-term debts, such as your credit • Buy what you need, not what is on sale. card, personal loans and store cards • Instead of buying take-aways, cook healthy meals at home. are consolidated with your long-term debt (home loan) into a single monthly Jennifer Skordis, Client Relations Manager, DotP: payment. Although this can decrease • Don’t bring money to work. If you have cash, you will buy the amount you pay every month, in the things you don’t need, for example take-away coffee. long run you are going to pay more on • When you buy clothes, leave the tag on them for as long as your short-term debt, as the repayment possible. You might change your mind and want to return it to period is now 20 or 30 years. get the refund when you realise you don’t really need the item. • You can consider a debt review. It should be a last resort, as you will not For practical advice services on debt Ean Steenkamp, Head of Communication, Treasury: be able to take on further debt or use management or financial planning and • Review your credit agreements and see if you can’t find better credit cards, and must stick to a very budgeting, please call ICAS toll-free on interest rates elsewhere. SA Homeloans offer members of strict payment plan. You can only be 0800 611 155 or dial *134*905# from your GEPF preferential rates on home loans. Contact them to find released once your debt counsellor cellphone and ICAS will call you. out if you could not refinance your existing home loan at a gives you the go-ahead.

Sources: Old Mutual, Fin24, Standard Bank better interest rate.

22 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 23 Health

2. Develop healthier ways of responding to If you experience burnout, it is important that stress. Instead of indulging in fast food you take it very seriously. You should try to or too much caffeine and alcohol, try to implement these three steps immediately: Let it go exercise regularly, eat healthy and regular 1. Identify and address the issues that meals and get enough quality sleep. make you feel helpless. For example that 3. Set boundaries for yourself, for example you have little control over your work, We work in a fast-paced environment and often feel the pressure to not check work emails in the evenings don’t get any recognition, have overly of work-related stress. Learn to recognise the signs and deal with it and not answer calls and messages during demanding job expectations, do work that before it leads to burnout. By Maret Lesch family time or dinner. It is also important to is monotonous or unchallenging, or work in say “no” and to learn to delegate at work. a high-pressure environment. 4. Use your vacation days to recharge. Take 2. Slow down and to take a break from work. tress is a physical response that has levels as well as our risk of cardiovascular time off to unwind and relax. If you can’t Cut back as many commitments as you can helped humankind survive for ages. It’s disease. It can also cause headaches, eczema, take time off, make time for regular phone- and give yourself time to rest. Exercise, eat Snot always a bad thing and it gives us digestive problems such as irritable bowel free activities or hobbies that you enjoy. nutritious food and find a hobby or activity the ability to react to situations quickly and to syndrome, and it can supress the immune 5. Learn how to use relaxation techniques you enjoy and make time to do it. fight, flee or freeze. system. to relieve the stress (see box on breathing 3. Don’t isolate yourself or try to deal with When we stress, our bodies release People experience stress in different ways. techniques). the situation on your own. Speak to your the hormones cortisol, adrenaline and Symptoms include memory problems, difficulty 6. Talk to your supervisor to find solutions to supervisor and make use of the services norepinephrine. These hormones make our concentrating, self-doubt, depression, moodiness, the stressors you have identified. Solutions offered by our Employee Health and hearts beat faster, giving us a rush of energy irritability, anxiety, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, can include a course in time management, Wellness programme. and the sensation of breathing faster. frequent colds, indigestion, skin complaints, using employer-sponsored wellness However, stress is bad when we experience struggling to sleep, feeling demotivated and an resources such as ICAS, and amending your BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM it over a long period of time. Blood will only increased use of alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine. performance agreement to clarify what Stress suppresses your immune system and flow to the muscles if we need to fight or flee is expected of you and to include more makes you more vulnerable to a cold or flu. and brain function is diminished, which is why Fortunately, stress can be managed using the challenging or meaningful tasks. Give your body the tools to fight, by exercising we often feel that we can’t think straight in right techniques. You can manage your stress at regularly and eating a healthy and balanced stressful situations. When we are in a state of work by following these six steps: BURNOUT diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. stress for a long period, it can affect our health 1. Identify which situations create the most When you are under excessive and prolonged Supplements such as zinc, vitamin B by increasing blood sugar and blood pressure stress and how you respond to them. stress, you can experience burnout. This is complex, magnesium and omega 3 and 6 can a state of emotional, mental and physical boost your immune system and help to relieve exhaustion. If you feel that every day is a bad stress symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, day, you are so exhausted that you don’t care colds and flu. about your home or work life anymore, you are overwhelmed by your responsibilities and that nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated, you might be on the road to

Sources: The Stress Management Society, Mayo Clinic, Helpguide.org, American Psychological Association, www.doctoroz.com, www.webmd.com burnout. BREATHING TECHNIQUE Burnout is a gradual process and you can experience some of these warning signs and Deep breathing is a powerful relaxation symptoms: sense of failure and self-doubt; technique. All you need is a few minutes feeling helpless, trapped and defeated; loss and a place to stretch. Sit comfortably of motivation; feeling detached and isolated; with your back straight. Place your hands lowered immunity and frequent illness; on your stomach and breathe in deeply frequent headaches, back pain, muscle ache; through your nose. Breathe from the and a change in appetite or sleep habits; abdomen to get as much fresh air as procrastination; using food, drugs, or alcohol possible into your lungs. You should feel to cope; and skipping work or coming late and your abdomen expand under your hands. leaving early. Then exhale through your mouth. Repeat the deep breaths for a few minutes until you feel relaxed and your mind is clear.

Contact ICAS for help if you feel you Tip: If you find it difficult to can’t cope. Call the toll-free number breathe from your abdomen 0800 611 155 or dial *134*905# on while sitting up, you can lie your cellphone for a call-back. down on the floor.

24 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 25 Health Workplace Prevention Don’t get caught!

is better than cure Be careful when clicking on links in emails, as attackers can try to steal your personal or financial information through a scam called phishing. By vaccinating your child, you give their bodies a good chance to fight off deadly By The Information Security Team diseases and you help to keep your community healthy. By Maret Lesch

any of us send and receive What to do: n some African countries, the or virus in future, it will recognise it emails every day as a part • Never respond to an email death toll from measles is so and have a greater resistance to it. Mof our jobs. Although this asking for personal or financial Ihigh that many mothers don’t When a child is vaccinated, form of communication is vital in information. Reputable give their children real names until a very small, dead or weakened our working and personal lives, it companies don’t ask for sensitive they have survived the disease. dose of the virus or bacteria also gives thieves an opportunity information in an email. According to the humanitarian enters the body and with the help to steal our personal and financial • Don’t click on the link in the and development agency UNICEF, of the vaccine the body builds a information. This is called phishing. email. To go to a website, open more than 500 000 children die resistance to that virus or bacteria Phishing attacks use false emails your web browser and type in from measles every year. Together, without the child being in any that pose as legitimate emails in an the web address. diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, danger of getting sick. attempt to get you to provide your • If you need to click on an compromise end-user devices to pertussis (whooping cough), It’s never too late to vaccinate. personal or financial information to emailed link, hover your mouse gain information. pneumonia and meningitis kill more Even if your child has missed attackers, usually by clicking on a over the link to verify what the than one million children worldwide some of his/her vaccinations, they link in the e-mail. actual destination is before How to avoid spear phishing annually. can still go to a clinic to catch up clicking on the link. attacks: Unvaccinated children who and receive the vaccinations they PHISHING • When in doubt, call the • Be careful with information you survive these serious diseases are should have received. Identifying a phishing email organisation in question via their make public via social media, often left brain damaged, deaf or SIDE EFFECTS An email is likely to be a phishing official call centre number. forums, chat rooms, etc. blind. The polio disease can cause WHERE TO VACCINATE Sometimes your baby can have a scam, if: • Be aware of the information you crippling paralysis. The possibility We have an Expanded Programme slight fever or symptoms of a cold • It asks for your personal or SPEAR PHISHING have shared on social media that children will become seriously on Immunisation (EPI) in South after the vaccination. The area financial information to be This form of phishing is more and don’t be fooled by someone ill or die depends largely on Africa according to which every where they were injected can also provided or confirmed. difficult to detect and even more contacting you with this whether their immune systems can child in the country must be be a little red and sensitive. • It uses urgency and fear to trick effective. Spear phishing generally information. fight off infections. This is why it is vaccinated against certain diseases. You can ask the clinic if you you. works by trying to scam a single • If you regularly transact or so important that we vaccinate our Immunisations against these can give your baby something for • It uses a generic greeting, such person or targeted group of communicate with someone, children. diseases are free and available at all the pain before the vaccination. as “Dear Customer” or “Dear people. they will most probably already Sources: Department of Health, UNICEF, Your Baby magazine Immunisation or vaccination government clinics. Sometimes they prefer that you Account holder”. The email usually looks like it have the personal, financial works according to a simple If you want to vaccinate your don’t. • The e-mail is short, vague or is from a reputable organisation or corporate information they principle: The body’s immune baby against other diseases, strange with promises that seem and can even have a logo or an require. Don’t be fooled by a system reacts to foreign bacteria you can visit a private clinic. For AUTISM too good to be true or if it is official-looking email address. It will false email requesting this type and viruses by producing example, the vaccine for chicken In 1998, the scientist Andrew from an unknown sender. address you by your name and will of information. Always use antibodies to fight it. When the pox is only available at private Wakefield alleged that there is a • It has poor grammar or spelling have some information about you alternate channels, for example body is infected with this bacteria clinics at present. link between autism and the MMR mistakes. that makes it seem legitimate. the official call centre, to verify (measles, mumps and rubella) • It provides a link that you can To gain information about whether the email is valid. vaccine. This article has since been click to verify your information. you or the WCG, attackers can • Always try to patch (the process discredited and Wakefiled admitted When you hover your mouse prowl social media sites and of taking old bugs out and DID YOU KNOW? that the data in his article was over the link without clicking it, public websites. They can also putting new ones in) and update falsified. TheBritish Medical Journal you will be able to see the true monitor recent online transactions all devices, including mobile Many of the clinics in the Western Cape now have appointment also published a series of articles website behind the link. of a person or organisation and devices, as soon as possible. systems. This means that you can phone or visit your clinic and ask to prove that Wakefield was for an appointment time and date. In this way, you can choose a time wrong and that no link has been that’s suitable for you instead of waiting in long queues. established between autism and For more information, email [email protected] or call 021 483 4879.

the MMR vaccine. Image: Thinkstock

26 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 27 Sports & culture

in Africa in 2012. He played “My biggest achievement professionally in Belgium for two and a half years before was walking away from coming back to South Africa a life of drugs and to join the High Performance Centre for Table Tennis at the gangsterism.” Playing University of Pretoria, where he worked and played for six years. lose everything if I continue to use drugs and In 2012, he lost his job due stay in that area. I moved to Woodstock and to a lack of funding and came never used drugs again.” for back to Cape Town, where he Shane experienced the impact drugs and successfully applied for the alcohol can have on a young person’s life first- position of Table Tennis Code hand and he felt that it was important for him Developer at the Western to motivate children to use their opportunities. Cape Government. “I regularly deliver motivational speeches at primary schools. I want to motivate children keeps to make something of their lives. I want to show them that there is something better than MINISTERIAL AWARD gangsterism. Sport is vital in a child’s life. It gives them a sense of belonging and helps On 11 March 2016, Shane Overmeyer’s lifelong them with self-discovery and learning their achievements were recognised at the Provincial Sport strengths and weaknesses. It’s also an integral Awards. Shane says that his Ministerial Award is one of the part of hand-eye coordination and holistic highlights of his career. “It meant a lot to be recognised development.” in the same category as someone like athlete Wayde van He believes that the values a child is taught Niekerk and cricketer Temba Bavuma. After all the years at home lay the foundations of the grown- of hard work and representing South Africa, this was the up they will become. “Children’s values and cherry on top.” education at home are crucial. Values such as respect and working hard for what you want. SA table tennis champion Shane Nothing comes easily. We must teach our Overmeyer says that table tennis children to persevere and not to give up when saved him from a life of drugs and Shane Overmeyer wants Being a professional player things get tough. We must show them how to to show young people that may sound glamorous, but apply their values and to understand that it is gangsterism. By Maret Lesch drugs and gangsterism are Shane says that it takes their own responsibility to grow and develop not the answers. hard work and many hours themselves.” of daily training. He almost This is exactly what Shane and his wife of lost it all because of drugs. two years, the singer, performer and poet “Before I went to England for Janine van Rooy, more populary known by anked as South Africa’s number one Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport the Commonwealth Championships and the her stage name Blaq Pearl, are teaching their player for the past ten years. Eight was introduced to table tennis at the age World Championships in 1998, I used marijuana two-year-old daughter. “Whether she likes Rtime South African champion and of 13 and it was love at first serve. “I was in and Mandrax for two years. I also drank a lot. sport or culture, we want her to know that current South African champion. Gold medals primary school when I decided to play and I then went to England and realised I was with it is important to work hard and to use her in doubles and mixed doubles for the South this is where my love for the sport started. My a different crowd and did not crave any of the opportunities to make something of herself.” African Open Championships. Participated at passion was soccer and I was always kicking drugs.” Shane now plays and coaches for the Bishop three Commonwealth Games. South Africa’s a ball, even when I went to the shop, but I did “I decided not fall prey to that lifestyle Lavis Table Tennis Club. Although he had to most successful player to date and ranked not like passing the ball. With table tennis I again when I returned to Cape Town. My good cut down on his practice time to accommodate number two in Africa. could play alone. I started playing table tennis resolutions lasted for only three days. The his family life, he looks forward to playing table Shane Overmeyer boasts a list of at the community centre. In the beginning, I friends I stayed with were all involved in gangs tennis for many years to come. “They have a achievements in table tennis but says that his kept losing against the same player, but I came and used drugs and I joined them again. One veterans’ division and even people over 90 still biggest achievement was walking away from back every day to play against her. One of night I had to go to a house in a neighbouring play. There’s a lady who’s 103 and still plays a life of drugs and gangsterism because he the experienced players saw that I was really area that was run by a different gang. They table tennis. I will always play. I love that the wanted a professional career in table tennis. keen and he showed me how to play. He soon started shooting at me and I had to run for game is so technical, challenging and fast. You With hard work and dedication, this is exactly became my coach.” my life. That day table tennis saved my life. I have to deal with different kinds of spin and what he did. Shane played various overseas realised that I can have a good professional very little time to react. I love the thrill of table This Table Tennis Code Developer at the championships and was ranked number two career if I choose table tennis and that I will tennis.”

28 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 29 Schools Good Gardening Tips

• Use empty glass/plastic bottles half- buried upside down to: Gardening -  conserve moisture in the soil; -  divide flower/vegetable beds; and -  scare moles away (the wind causes an echo inside the bottles which travels into the ground).

• Make a natural pesticide to keep insects away using chillies, peppers, or peppadews soaked in water overnight with a spoonful of sunlight liquid. This can be sprayed over your plants using a spray bottle.

GARDENS FOR SCHOOLS

The Western Cape Education Department has a budget of R315,3 million to provide 473 770 learners with two meals per day. However, with the drought and increasing food prices, it is struggling to meet the demand. In the spirit of “Better Together”, Cavalleria Primary School is planting the seed for a new era of fresh A learner should be prepared with each meal, “If it’s a we are encouraging public-private and organic food produce. By Leah Moodaley helps to fish day, we will usually harvest butternut, or partnerships and the establishment of harvest from cauliflower”. He jokingly admits that the cooks food gardens at schools to continue the school’s cleverly disguise the vegetables amongst the feeding our learners. ntering the garden, various shades of garden started”. The idea for the garden food garden. other food to please the younger children. One of the schools that recently green decorate the 50 m2 outdoor area. became a reality in partnership with the One The children are fed twice during the course received a food garden and new kitchen, EBlossoming sights and the sound of Love Learning Foundation in addition to the of each day – maize meal in the morning, is Sarepta Secondary School in Kuils nature excite the senses, but hardly compare to resources provided by the National School supplied by the NSNP, followed by a hot meal River. Media24’s leading education the intense aroma of fresh basil and rosemary Nutrition Programme (NSNP) which are in short with vegetables to sustain the children for the programme, WeCan24, recently teamed in the air. Welcome to the Cavalleria Primary supply. The NSNP is able to cater for 330 of remainder of the day. Any leftover food is given up with Volunteers24 to sponsor Sarepta School food garden, home to two trusted the 600+ learners at Cavalleria Primary School. to needy families or communities, “nothing goes Secondary School a food garden. scarecrows and plenty of delicious fruits and A good source of nutrition was considered the to waste, even the leaves and roots are added Sarepta Secondary School is part of the vegetables. best solution to malnutrition and poor learning to the compost”, says Mr Carollisen. The garden Western Cape Government’s Safe Schools Situated in Scottsdene Kraaifontein, the progress amongst students. Not only does relies solely on rain water collected in tanks Programme. The Programme ensures food garden stands in striking contrast to the the feeding scheme provide children with the which line the walled section of the garden. safe school environments for successful surrounding residential area. Dense planting necessary nutrients to focus on their learning, Mr Carollisen adds that the last resort is to teaching and training, and addresses beds are divided by empty wine bottles half- it also gives students an added incentive to use municipal water. “Apart from avoiding the social environments that influence buried in the soil to conserve moisture. The attend school every day. chemicals, it is just another way that we save.” learning behaviour. smell of natural compost is carried by the Financially supported by the NSNP, stipends Insects are part of the ecosystem of all The team of volunteers expanded the breeze and an earthworm farm frames the are allocated to pay one gardener and two gardens, but in the Cavalleria school garden, school’s vegetable garden which supplies entrance – this may sound unpleasant, but cooks who prepare daily meals for the 600 insects are kept away using a homemade fresh produce to the school’s feeding compost and earthworms have kept the garden primary school learners. The NSNP also assists pesticide: a few whole chillies and a tablespoon scheme, created benches for the learners healthy and productive since its start in 2010. by providing a detailed menu to the school, of sunlight liquid soaked in a bucket overnight. around the trees and revamped the According to the gardener, John Booysen, the which is used to plan which vegetables and According to Mr Booysen, it really works! Not school’s kitchen. 2010 Soccer World Cup brought more than fruits need to be harvested weekly. Meals only has this garden found innovative ways to tourists and soccer fever; “the wine bottles include breyani, samp and beans, and pilchards. keep feeding hungry learners, it has also led to For more information on the we use to keep the soil moist were donated School principal, Mr Carollisen explains that the establishment of a community food garden programme, visit www.wecan24.co.za. by a hotel during the World Cup when the the gardener often decides which vegetables a few streets away.

30 Better Together magazine Better Together magazine 31 Self-development Employee Health and Professional Secretarial Wellness Programme Learning Programme

By passing this three to four month course in business administration skills, The Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP) consists of independent, participants can obtain a Certificate in Secretarial Studies. professional Counselling & Advisory Services – free of charge to all our employees of the CSC. Compiled by Beatrice de Jongh and Maret Lesch These services are not only available to staff members but also to their “household dependents”, i.e. your spouse and children.

he Professional Secretarial The learning programme covers Administration, says the course Learning Programme was the following modules: stimulated her intellect and helped Tinitially instituted to enable • Business Administration: her to grow academically. What are the services on offer? • Independent (the services are provided by an outside administrative assistants and Fundamentals “This is an excellent course. service provider, ICAS) secretaries (at salary level 5) to be • Business Administration: Office The class was a hub of valuable • Counselling Services which includes unlimited • Multi-lingual (you can choose to speak in your home upgraded to personal assistants Practice information and to my delight telephone counselling as well as short-term face-to- language) face counselling for individuals and/or couples at a • 24/7/365 (service is available anytime during day and (salary level 7), in line with the • Business Practice Operations we could tap into each other’s time and place convenient to you. night, every single day of the year) modernisation processes across • Executive Secretarial skills experiences, challenges, strengths • Practical advice services on financial matters e.g. debt • Direct access to you via a toll free number free of departments. and weaknesses. The PTI had been management or financial planning and budgeting,legal charge to you. Since 2013, the course is not The Cape Peninsula University of the glue holding this hub together. advice e.g. divorce or maintenance, consumer issues only to up-skill administrative Technology has been procured They fed us with information, gave or wills and estates and family matters e.g. childcare, assistants, but also for other public as the service provider for the us the tools and inspired us to care for the elderly, education and allowances. How to contact us? • Trauma Counselling for groups and individuals after servants who want to obtain a training. The programme is SAQA better ourselves and to challenge involvement in a traumatic incident. If it was a work- 1. If you have access to a landline contact is free of certificate in secretarial studies in accredited at a NQF level 4 and ourselves to break free from our related trauma, the counselling will happen at the work charge on our toll-free number. order to qualify for a wider range is completed over a three to four comfort zones. The PTI, and in place. 2. Call us from your cellphone and as soon as you speak of positions. month period at the CPUT Cape particular the lecturers and admin • If the problem requires specialist help or a longer to a counsellor, ask them to phone you back on your Town campus. support, were instrumental in our period of counselling, you will be helped with referrals cellphone so that you don’t incur the cost. Approximately 50 development and the success of to other organisations or resources. participants enrol for the our programme.” How will it work when I phone ICAS? learning programme The programme has also made Why are these services a good every year. The course its mark nationally and at Higher source of support? They are: 1. When you phone the toll-free number, an automated is concluded with a Education Institution level, when voice message will welcome you to the Employee certification ceremony the PTI was granted a National • Confidential (your identity, or the specific details of Health and Wellness Programme. where participants and Public Service Achiever’s Award for your call, will not be revealed) 2. You will then be asked to choose your language • Impartial (the counsellor you speak to doesn’t preference by pressing the relevant number on your their respective managers, Best Institutional Performance for a represent anybody else’s interest) phone. are invited to celebrate Coal-face Service Delivery Training • Professional (helpdesk manned by clinical or 3. Your call will be answered by a professional counsellor their hard work and Programme during the 2015/2016 counselling psychologists) who will assist you with your concerns. accomplishments. financial year, while the Institute Nicolette Fielies, a received an Excellence Award Personal Assistant from Cape Peninsula University of for CEI: Economic Technology for an Excellent Valued Governance and Empowerment Partnership.

For more information about the Professional Secretarial Learning If you have any problem that feels too big to handle – be it personal, family, health, or work-related – or you need Programme, you can call Beatrice de information on a legal, financial or family care matter, phone toll-free for confidential, professional and free assistance Jongh at 021 865 8001 or email and advice. [email protected].

32 Better Together magazine Your toll-free number: 0800 611 155 | USSD Code for a call-back: *134*905# Flag Header 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 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 opportunies and make the Western Cape BETTER TOGETHER. 34 Better Together magazine