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ISSUETOGETHER. | June 2020 37

A post COVID-19 COVID-19 world service excellence Adapting Our frontline and backline heroes today and into One app for the WCG the future Service delivery at a click Beating coronavirus A story of hope and recovery editor’s note

Preparing for MAGAZINE TEAM a post COVID-19 world, and learning to Managing Editor Faiza Steyn contents adapt to the changes it will bring. Editor adapting to change Leah Moodaley Proofreaders ISSUE 37 JuNE 2020 in uncertainty Aré van Schalkwyk, Mishqa Rossier Afrikaans translation How has COVID-19 impacted our Aré van Schalkwyk corporate wellness? page 6 Since the distribution of our last magazine in March, our provincial isiXhosa translation administration, and society at large, has had to adapt to operating Luvuyo Martins in an unusual way. Under lockdown, the magazine team had to Contributors adjust to a situation where our face-to-face interviews and hands-on Byron La Hoe, CapeNature, photoshoots were an unnecessary risk in the face of a spreading Fatima Gallie, Florence Kotze, virus. We had to produce a magazine that stands for all things Haybre Philander, Hayley Baron, Jako Smith, Khuthala Swanepoel, “Better Together”, separate from one another. Landeka Diamond, Larissa Venter, We had to adapt to sudden change, which is why this issue is unique. Laticia Pienaar, Maret Lesch, Our current circumstances have forced all of us to see and do things Mishqa Rossier, Natalie Roman, Nomakhaya Mngqibisa, differently in the face of much uncertainty. Robert Shaw, Trevor Luthango, What have the past three months made you realise? As you reflect Wendy Horn from the perspective of a mother, father, daughter, son, sister, or Layout and design brother – and as a Western Cape Government employee – think about Corporate Communication what you are learning from this experience and how you can use these Art Director lessons to empower yourself moving forward. For instance, how have Annalie Boshoff you embraced the use of technology Designer We share our experiences of working to complete professional and personal Hantie Engelbrecht from home and showcase a few of tasks? On page 38, read about the Artwork, illustrations and our public service heroes from across Western Cape Government eServices infographics 6 departments. Their positivity and mobile app. Enabled by technology, it Annalie Boshoff, Hantie Engelbrecht willpower lay the groundwork for is one service delivery platform for all

getting through this. provincial departments. Photography 38 One App for our WCG Supplied KNOW BETTER 2 DG letter Provincial public service’s Following a national lockdown of schools, we also delve into the topic Administration 16 A provincial COVID-19 new mobile app of how parents can help with schoolwork, offering tips from award- Denise Williams, response 42 Our work-from-home Nokuzola Ngcizela winning educators [page 20]. On the topics of parenting and educators, 4 Inside info experience read about how our departments are collaborating to advance Communication and liaison Staff weigh in across 20 Parenting and homework departments “eTeaching” [page 36] and how decisions about your child’s health care Portia Percival, Nokuzola Ngcizela Learner support post- can impact an entire population [page 30]. Editorial Committee Harry lockdown & beyond Malila (DG), André Joemat (SG), The public service has stood a true test of efficiency and readiness 30 Community and immunity Faiza Steyn (Head of Corporate Why childhood vaccinations? this year, and we pay special tribute to each and every public servant Communication), Sylvanus du 40 who has stepped up to the plate during a global pandemic. We share Plessis (Head of Creative), 32 Men’s Health Month Checking your prostate our experiences of working from home [page 42] and showcase a few Leah Moodaley (Editor) of our public service heroes from across departments [page 11]. Their Disclaimer FEEL BETTER positivity and determination lay the groundwork for getting through this. + The Department of the Premier’s Corporate 6 Corporate wellness Communication Directorate has copyright on all Post COVID-19 lockdown: Our heartfelt respect and sympathy to all employees who have been intellectual property and artwork in the Better Our new normal directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together magazine. All content in the Better 16 Beating coronavirus Together magazine adheres to copyright law. A colleague’s story of hope This magazine is the sum of many efforts. We came together to make + All information is considered to be correct Coronavirus from and recovery it happen. at the date and time of publication. Required modifications may exist on the electronic magazine the perspective of a 28 A ‘Constant’ reminder Leah Moodaley accessible via MyGov and the official website. survivor page 16 Lucille Constant serves despite the odds Editor 40 Dreaming of the outdoors BE BETTER CapeNature tourist offerings 11 COVID-19 service to look forward to excellence A few of our frontline & backline heroes 30 WORK BETTER contact us 25 CTICC to beacon of hope 34 Slotting in to serve A look at a WCG COVID-19 Eunice Hlahla is a voice for field hospital the people Telephone: 021 483 6017 Considering the significance 36 ESD Moodle training Postal address: Better Together magazine, P.O. Box 659, Cape Town 8000 of immunisation to a 26 On the frontlines How Tygerberg prepared for Advancing eTeaching & Email: [email protected] population page 30 a pandemic eLearning All letters can be sent to the above email or postal address.

ISSUE 36 | Better Together Better Together | march 2020 1 DG letter DG letter

Our COVID-19 response efforts are currently being message we have, we are pursuing community-based testing and concentrated on those areas that are most in need. screening in a targeted way, We have put facilities in place, and as a caring from the DG especially in and around the employer we have equipped our staff to protect identified hotspots. our provincial themselves from the disease. Humanitarian efforts The President announced a administration and R350 per month grant last month, and we are assisting COVID-19 SASSA to ensure that the Hot Spot Strategy funding goes to those who In the Department of the Premier, need it. Together with NGOs we are concerned with saving and municipalities, the WCG Thank you lives and improving livelihoods has organised the delivery of by developing and implementing food parcels to the thousands For the past two and a half months, those plans and strategies, and of people who have contacted of us who are usually office-bound, have monitoring their effectiveness. our Call Centre. Many of our had to work from home, with or without Our Health team has developed citizens have lost their wages the tools of the trade to do so effectively. a planning model and has during lockdown and are hungry Thank you for persevering and doing mapped out various scenarios to and in need of support. Our your best. guide our planning throughout humanitarian efforts will be I am sure that you have taken some time the course of the disease. The intensified in and around the they have been infected. The have also provided guidance to reflect on our role as the public service model is frequently updated and hotspots. WCG has established quarantine to municipalities regarding during the state of disaster, which lends continues to inform our planning We are continuing to provide and isolation facilities all over waste management and burials a new urgency to the work that we do. and approach to managing the food to learners at schools and the province in partnership with management. People throughout our province are pandemic. children at Early Childhood municipalities. “Field hospitals” For our efforts to be suffering and we have to respond to ease Through data management Development Centres. We have are also being established successful, we must secure their suffering, and also to rebuild society and mapping, we have identified emphasised the importance for those patients who need the buy-in of people living once the effects of this disease have that outbreaks are happening of proper personal protective a higher level of care. Such a in communities in suburbs As a symbol of passed. in clusters around various equipment to providers of food centre has been established in and informal settlements to hope for every congregation points. Initially, relief, including the compulsory the CTICC – "Hospital of Hope' change their behaviour to patient, rainbow- There are many brave colleagues among weddings and dances, and now wearing of masks, and social (page 25). avoid contracting COVID-19. themed artwork us, such as health care workers, social under lockdown, these clusters distancing. The feeding has Our Human Settlements We have approached faith- drawn by children workers, law enforcement officers and are around supermarkets, police proceeded largely without programme includes the in-situ based organisations and other in the province food relief providers, who serve on stations, correctional facilities, incident so far and provides upgrading and “de-densification” community leaders to amplify decorate the walls the frontline. They risk infection on a and so on. From these places, much-needed relief to hungry of informal settlements and our significant communication above every bed in daily basis to help people in need. We people return home and spread children. overcrowded dwellings as a efforts to ensure that social the CTICC Hospital appreciate the sacrifices they make in the infection in their local area, measure to combat COVID-19 distancing and sound personal of Hope. terms of home and family life in the and vice versa. We have seen Business guidance in communities. The Whole of hygiene are observed. service of others. “hotspots” arise all over the Metro The WCG is also providing Society Approach is evident in Our COVID-19 response and in the Cape Winelands. guidance to retailers and the participatory processes that efforts are currently being In response to this, we have factories to prevent COVID-19 facilitate opening up space for concentrated on those areas developed a Hotspot Strategy in their workplaces and has the provision of emergency relief that are most in need. We have People who have tested positive need to be and have adopted a Whole of secured the commitment of and basic services. The WCG put facilities in place, and as isolated to prevent others from potentially being Society Approach to reducing business people in hotspots works with community networks a caring employer we have infected, while their close contacts need to be the number of infections in those to implement preventative to ensure that our people’s equipped our staff to protect areas. We are working with the measures. In some cases, needs are heard and met. themselves from the disease. quarantined while it is established whether they South African Police Service, an inspection reveals those We are feeding citizens who have been infected. which is assisting in enforcing premises that must be Intergovernmental are hungry, while our law social distancing in queues at closed. Businesses are also communication enforcement agencies are Those of us who are warm and shops and SASSA grants and encouraged to implement We have worked closely with working closely with the SAPS comfortable in our homes, or safe and other locations where people screening including temperature local government including and SANDF to keep us safe and protected in our offices, salute their tend to congregate. measurement to prevent the the City of Cape Town and secure. Ultimately, the Whole efforts and will do everything we can Another important strategy virus being brought into the district municipalities through of Government and Whole of to make their jobs easier and safer. The to contain infections involves workplace by staff. the Joint District and Metro Society must be mobilised Western Cape Government cares about screening, testing and contact People who have tested Approach that was adopted to ensure that we effectively all of its staff. Heads of Department are tracing. However, we are currently positive need to be isolated to prior to lockdown. Information contain the spread of the taking every measure possible to ensure challenged in that the national prevent others from potentially is shared rapidly with disease. the health and safety of staff. testing capacity is under strain being infected, while their close municipalities to empower them which causes test result delays. contacts need to be quarantined to play their role in assisting the DR HARRY MALILA Nonetheless, with the resources while it is established whether communities they serve. We DIRECTOR-GENERAL

2 ISSUE 36 | Better Together Better Together | march 2020 3 Golden rules of A historic INSIDE INFO good hygiene 2 appointment ++ Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap – as we and water. ++ Cough and sneeze into commemorate 3 your bent elbow, or into a tissue and throw it away. Youth Month ++ Practise social distancing 2020 WCED + Google by staying at least 1.5 metres The Western Cape Education away from one another. On 1 June, South Africa’s first ever Department has partnered with ++ Do not touch your face Commissioner for Children took office Google to introduce an Online with unwashed hands. in our province. Christina Nomdo Safety curriculum to the Life ++ Stay at home, especially has been a proven children’s rights Orientation subject at our high when you feel unwell. advocate and now has a platform schools. MEC Debbie Schäfer to further protect and promote explained that the aim is to those rights. at the National Planning Commission teach students the fundamentals As implicated in the Commissioner for have enhanced my understanding of how of internet safety so that they Children Act, Christina will work with government works as well as the value can explore the digital world individuals who are more likely to be the departments of Education, Social of being able to draw children into the safely. With four lessons in hospitalised and get seriously sick. Development, Health, and Cultural governance arena.” each grade, grade eight lessons Fighting Our targeted hotspots interventions, Affairs and Sport to advance children’s “My approach in this role would be introduce to the concepts of 1 including community screening and rights. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, to fully understand the workings of secure accounts, the difference testing, have already been repurposed these social sector players are critical for government, especially the strategies between personal/non-personal COVID-19: to meet this imperative. Our focus is employed to address the COVID-19 information, guidelines for Three months in now on saving lives. pandemic. In order to contribute child online communication, and cyberbullying. Matric lessons Our government has taken significant How can you help? focus on e-commerce platforms steps to make sure that we are ++ Stay at home as much as possible. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, these social sector players and services, safety in prepared for the COVID-19 peak, ++ You should not leave your home are critical for ensuring child wellbeing. I would like to e-commerce transactions, and based on the best available evidence unless absolutely necessary if you build respectful relationships with these departments.” using online job searches and and modelling, but it is difficult to are in a high-risk group category, courses. know exactly how pronounced the particularly with underlying health peak will be at this stage. conditions. ensuring child wellbeing. I would like to rights insights to the responses to the To try and create more certainty, ++ Always wear a clean cloth mask build respectful relationships with these pandemic, I will need to engage with BT MAG 36 the WCG has since worked with the when in public. Keep it over both departments,” says Christina. “Children children. Children need to know that they COMPETITION WINNER National Consortium to calibrate your nose and mouth and don’t must be able to play freely, attain can share their experiences and raise their our models based on new data now touch it. optimal health, and be educated to concerns with decision-makers especially Congratulations Emille available on COVID-19 in the Western ++ Keep your distance. Always. reach their full potential. My vision is during this pandemic and lockdown. Hoffman, you have won There is nothing more respectful, for children to enjoy better childhoods “In my first 100 days as Commissioner, yourself and branded and caring, to do right now than to and realise the full extent of their rights.” I will focus on the following strategic WCG pen and notebook! If every single one of us takes up this responsibility tell someone to keep away from you. With three decades of experience initiatives: now, the worst-case scenario peak can be avoided, and ++ Always follow the golden rules in the children’s sector, having started ++ Credibility: The Commissioner of hygiene, by washing your hands, at a grassroots level in Belhar where for Children will be set up as an Emile Hoffman we can save lives. When we keep ourselves safe, we sneezing into a tissue, and not she was raised, Christina was given independent institution to promote is a Human keep our loved ones safe, too. touching your face. the opportunity to develop models of and protect the rights of children. Resource ++ If you have flu-like symptoms, practice. First, in children’s librarianship ++ Holistic: The Commissioner will Development Cape, including hospitalisations and such as a fever and a cough, please as a local government civil servant, then make referrals to the appropriate Practitioner in deaths. This was done because their stay at home and contact one of the in youth development with a non-profit government departments when the Department modelling is also being used by the numbers below for advice or email: initiative. “I was formally introduced to concerns are raised about children in of the Premier. Do you use public National Government. [email protected]. child rights theory and practice at the need of support. transport to get to The calibrated modelling exercise - Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102 Children’s Budget Unit at the Institute ++ Inclusive: The Commissioner for and from work? has projected the following: - National hotline: 0800 029 999 for Democracy in Southern Africa. I then Children will engage all stakeholders Dial *134*234# to tell us if: ++ A peak towards the end of June, - WhatsApp "Hi" to 0600 123 456 invested eight years in leading RAPCAN to shape the mission of the office. ++ the midibus and minibus beginning of July 2020. (All lines are operational 24/7) (Resources Aimed at the Prevention ++ Listening: The Commissioner will taxi is more than 70% full ++ There will be a requirement of ++ But if you get very sick, and you of Child Abuse and Neglect) as its enable child government monitors ++ the bus, metered taxi or approximately 7 800 beds at the are battling to breathe, seek urgent director.” RAPCAN became known for to act as a reference group and to e-hailing vehicle is more peak of the pandemic. health care. its innovative practice models to prevent connect with the realities of children. than 50% full ++ Cumulative deaths of violence against children. ++ Developmental: The Commissioner will ++ the driver is not wearing approximately 9 300 people in The above contact details are for The Leadership Innovation Network foster relationships within government a mask the Western Cape. health related matters only. To lodge a for Collaboration then nominated her to promote a child-rights approach to ++ there is no hand sanitiser We have already adjusted our health complaint about a business’ COVID-19 to the National Planning Commission, governance.” on board strategy to focus on protecting high- safety compliance, click here. where she still serves. “Here I led an A long-term plan would be developed in ++ the vehicle is dirty risk individuals, including those who For regular updates on our case initiative for children to be actively cooperation with children, government are older than 55 and those with figures and related news, visit our involved in the review of the National and civil society when the crisis ends and underlying conditions. It is these Provincial COVID-19 website. Development Plan. “The last four years we are able to move around freely.

4 ISSUE 36 | Better Together Better Together | march 2020 5 @work @work

July marks Corporate Wellness Week, which has to do with all things “wellbeing” in the workplace. As we reel 2. Mental health awareness in the devastation of COVID-19, The effect of COVID-19 on colleague. Check in with one a national lockdown, and a mental health is not something another regularly and monitor period of working from home, to take lightly. Although we are behavioural changes, if any, a resilient nation, some of us so that an employee going we assess the impact on our may experience post-traumatic through a difficult time can be wellbeing at the WCG. stress depending on how or assisted. to what extent the pandemic affected us – in terms of 3. New ways of working infection stigma or loss of life, While it may be desirable and for example. Employees who easy to return to “old” or “tried did not have any mental health and tested” ways of working, challenges in the past could we need to change our mindset find themselves suffering from and be open to new routines depression or anxiety issues and ways of working. This and those with pre-existing may include flexible working mental health concerns may arrangements and more virtual also be experiencing personal meetings, for example. difficulty. This could impact From a service delivery levels of productivity. It is point of view, our frontline important that as colleagues employees may experience and managers we remain heightened pressure to address considerate of this at all times. the mounting needs of citizens be well Other personal challenges that in addition to their personal may impact productivity levels needs for safety and normality. and professional interactions We need to be open to include personal financial practical new ways of delivering work well difficulties, substance abuse, services. relationship issues, and conflict Thanks to technology, we at home. are always connected via email For the first three to six and messaging applications, months at least, try to show which blurs the line between greater support, empathy, personal time and work. This As we return to and tolerance toward one can lead to increased burnout work, let's not lose another, both colleague to for individual employees, which sight of showing colleague and manager to may lead to absenteeism and kindness to one another during this time.

1. Post-lockdown Our suspicions of who change as we learn more about reintegration to the might be infected may even navigating the digital world. workplace negatively affect how we Reintegration is also an While reintegration has been interact with one another opportunity to show our slow and steady over the past in terms of interpersonal Social distancing, humanity by reaching out to weeks, it is completely normal communication and sharing wearing a face colleagues who may have been to experience ongoing feelings office equipment and directly infected or affected of stress, anxiety, and fear. It is resources. Having to take care mask at work, by the virus. Kindness and only human to have thoughts of our own health as well as and regular compassion during these of the ongoing presence of the that of our colleagues means times are a good way to fight virus in society. Returning to that it will be “business as handwashing are the stigma around COVID-19. work and leaving the safety of unusual” and this may be the the new normal. While our experiences may your home may cause feelings case for a very long time. have been vastly different, we of fear and panic. These Social distancing, wearing a have endured these recent Feelings of fear, feelings could be made worse face mask at work, and regular events together. COVID-19 has stress, and anxiety at the thought that those handwashing are the new affected all of us, and we can are expected. Mental around you are not taking normal. Desk distancing and find comfort in our unity. health support is the virus as “seriously” as virtual meetings will still be in freely available to all you do. effect, but let’s embrace this employees.

6 Better Together | JUNE 2020 7 @work @work

If a team member tests positive or has been in contact with someone who has tested Known public positive, this must be openly communicated service stressors Examples of common to management in the interest of everyone’s stressors in our workplace safety and in order for the workspace include: to be decontaminated. ++ Internal red tape As public servants, we need to exercise acceptance by understanding why certain reduced productivity for To improve employee internal processes exist. While the organisation. As a rule morale, supervisors need they may be frustrating, they of thumb, managers and to think outside of the box. have been put in place for employees should make an Introduce daily check-ins, or a reason – to guard against effort to communicate during relaxation exercises at the corruption or to ensure a the normal working hours, even beginning of each shift, and detailed record for auditing when working remotely. set aside an area away from purposes, for example. clients or the public where However, where possible, be 4. Care and employees can take a mental encouraged to enact change communication break. Acknowledge those through innovation. If you The task of “managing” who express personal difficulty realise that a certain internal in a crisis like this involves adjusting to the sudden process can be changed or being alert and proactive. changes in the workplace, improved in the interest of Transparent communication is and form support groups service delivery, raise this vital during this time. If a team within different teams to allow with your manager and the member tests positive or has employees to share their relevant department. been in contact with someone experiences and learn from one ++ Service delivery who has tested positive, this another. pressures / limited must be openly communicated In order to lead effectively, resources to management in the interest those in managerial roles need With decreasing budgets and of everyone’s safety and in to practise self-care in terms limited resources, we are still order for the workspace to be of being aware of personal mandated to deliver services, decontaminated. triggers and limitations to with the intent to deliver prevent burnout. The emotional these services excellently. states of managers often This can be stressful. Again, reflect in their interactions with this is something felt by most To prevent burnout, employees. Self-awareness public servants. You are not try to keep your could prevent the knock-on alone. However, showing working hours the effect of negative emotions. empathy towards our clients same even when could mean the world to them. working remotely. We need to do what we can To improve employee to the best of our abilities for the greater good of our morale, supervisors communities. need to think outside ++ Emotive citizenry 5. Health and Virtual meetings Whether it comes to health, of the box. Introduce wellness support ++ Managerial support are a part of housing, social development, daily check-ins, or Our Employee Health and ++ Tailored work/life support our new normal or education, we are tasked Wellness Programme, ++ Mental health support and clear relaxation exercises at to deal with matters that are administered by Metropolitan ++ Financial advice communication is close to people’s hearts. We the beginning of each Health, offers the following ++ Legal advice more important need to actively practise our services to all WCG employees ++ Hello Doctor – online than ever before. shift, and set aside an values of caring, competence, free of charge: access to medical advice area away from clients accountability, integrity, ++ Personal counselling – on any device responsiveness and respect. or the public where employees and immediate Click to page 45 for details. These values can assist us in family members employees can take overcoming the difficulties ++ Trauma counselling – a mental break. we face, and are needed now individuals and teams more than ever. ++ Family counselling ++ Relationship counselling Source: ++ Substance abuse • Information supplied by Fatima Gallie, management Directorate: Organisational Behaviour

8 Better Together | JUNE 2020 9 at work our people

Many were on the frontline and many were right behind them. These are just a few of our COVID-19 heroes, each representing a division of the WCG doing their best in the race against internal affairs the pandemic. In the midst of trying times for our province and country, the Western Cape Government welcomed two new Heads of Department to our organisation in April. COVID-19 onsequently, we have expressed thanks and bid the faces of farewell to Ms Joyene Isaacs from the Department of Agriculture and Dr Beth Engelbrecht from the CDepartment of Health. heroes While Dr Cloete and Dr Sebopetsa have been appointed to lead their respective departments, their role in assisting in the leadership of the provincial administration in its Michyla van Wyk with her lockdown work entirety is vital. permit, Neighbourhood School Programme Cape Dr Mogale Sebopetsa Winelands, Cultural HOD Department of Agriculture Affairs and Sport With a good track record in his role as a Chief Director: Farmer Support and Development within the Department Michyla vaN Wyk is an assistant of Agriculture, and having worked within the agricultural coach for the Neighbourhood School sector for more than 20 years, Dr Sebopetsa is certainly Programme. During lockdown, she no stranger to the agricultural fraternity. Dr Sebopetsa is has been assisting the school feeding a strong believer in the power of continued learning and programme at Paarl’s Paarzicht if this is any reflection of character, the horizon can only Primary School. Over and above this, look greener for the Department and the Western Cape’s she has kept up-to-date on the latest agricultural sector. precautionary measures required to fight the pandemic, whilst educating those around her. Mishqa Jakoet, Community Service Doctor on the frontlines involved with COVID-19 swabbing of possible COVID-19 positive cases, Health

Mishqa Jakoet, Community Service Doctor, has been working on the frontlines since the onset of the pandemic. She has been actively involved in the swabbing of possible Sigqibo Radebe COVID-19 positive cases and has always Mrubata with acknowledged that health risks are team members, part and parcel of the profession she Auxiliary chose. “Obviously we are at high risk Services, Social Development for possible infections, but there are protective measures and processes that Sigqibo Rabede Mrubata, have been put in place by our health Auxiliary Services official within the department in which I am very confident. Dr Keith Cloete Department of Social Development, It is important that we as health workers HOD Department of Health has worked throughout lockdown follow those processes and that we are Over the past 26 years, Dr Cloete has worked in like many of his colleagues. He forms not afraid of conducting the tests, so that the Western Cape Public Health Sector in various part of a team that works through the we are helping people who test positive.” capacities. He is the founding member of the night when required, to help offload Western Cape Reference Group for Health Promoting deliveries of food parcels, and ensure Avril Smit, ASD Salaries Administration, Education Schools, and since 2017, has been closely involved that parcels reach communities in need with the Whole of Society Approach on behalf of without delay. The team supplies food Avril Smit works in the Salary Administration unit for the Western the Department. As a qualified medical doctor with parcels to De Doorns, Touwsrivier, Cape Education Department. Along with her team, she has worked a postgraduate qualification in Child Health (SA) and Ceres, Robertson, Swellendam, throughout lockdown to ensure that employees, including educators Health Management, and with extensive experience in Caledon, Paarl, Worcester, and across the province, receive their salaries. Like many other superhero the field, Dr Cloete will lead the Department to further surrounds. “We are blessed while many parents during lockdown, Avril has also had to balance working from heights in its journey of adding public value. people are suffering in our country. Our the office and home-schooling her kids. “It’s a team effort and I can’t management reminds us that what we work without my team. Our job impacts people’s livelihoods; it’s are doing is in the name of Batho Pele.” essentially about putting and keeping food on the table.”

10 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 11 Andre Louw, Neighbourhood School Programme Central Karoo ensuring that learners practise social distancing, our people Cultural Affairs and Sport our people

Ebrahim Wajoodien is one of many public servants who have worked throughout lockdown to ensure that citizens have direct access to health care. He is also the pharmacist behind innovations to speed up the medication dispensing process, and ultimately reduce the risk of patient exposure to COVID-19. This involved working with the Centre’s reception team to pre-draw patient folders in advance and facilitating a home delivery service with public and private stakeholders. “Our whole team has embraced the implementation. We can’t do it without each other. What we do is for the benefit of the patient and we are determined to do what needs to be done to ensure we can work to the best of our ability.” From left to Mustapha Baderoen, Ebrahim right: Wilfred Programme Manager, Wajoodien, Carelse, Craig WCG Contact Centre Pharmacy Louw, Augi De Andre Louw is a head coach Supervisor, Landeka Diamond, Freitas (Chief Mustapha Baderoen and the WCG Contact Centre have been fully focused for the Neighbourhood School Grassy Park Principal of Director), and Community Westlake Primary on COVID-19 support. In April, the Contact Centre received a total of 205 477 Programme. His determination to Abdullah Damon, Day Centre, School with citizen contacts compared to 15 213 in March. Capacity was increased from 17 to assist children in need meant that he Department of Health members of her 128 agents located at three sites. Most of the queries related to humanitarian relief, found a way to source his own masks the Premier team, Education verifying lockdown measures, COVID-19 health, and the odd complaint about and gloves to do so safely. He has banning cigarettes! “I’m extremely proud of my team as we had many challenges been fully committed to the feeding Landeka Diamond, Head of Westlake to overcome at speed. We achieved citizen responsiveness with the amazing programme and is always prepared to Primary School in Cape Town, has worked support of our colleagues including volunteers from all departments for the food take on extra work. throughout lockdown alongside fellow parcel call backs. I am extremely thankful to all of you.” educators and parents to buy, cook, and distribute food parcels in the Westlake Faizel Williams, along with area. She took the initiative to approach the his team and partners, assisted in Ackerman Family Foundation to support the repatriation of 7724 foreign the feeding scheme, and then formed a team nationals to their home countries Denzil Van Wyk is a with her staff and student governing body during the month of April 2020. All Centre Manager and student members. Windlab and Peninsula School repatriation flights targeted foreign governing body member at Feeding Association have also assisted nationals who had been stranded in Saxon Sea Primary School. Landeka and her team during this time. The South Africa due to the COVID-19 He has been actively involved team has fed approximately 300 children every lockdown and restrictions. “This was with the distribution of day. Landeka used this opportunity wisely, to a multi-stakeholder coordinated cooked meals since the distribute learning material to students who do Claudette effort involving multiple provincial beginning of the COVID-19 Chief Network not have access to smartphones or computers. Ruiters, ICT departments, Cape Town International humanitarian relief initiative. Technologists from the “Serving disadvantaged children is my passion Service Manager, Airport, SAPS Border Police, Port Denzil delivers meals door Centre for e-Innovation have worked and the smile on their faces at the end of the Department of Health, and the Cape Town Stadium. to door to 350 learners per tirelessly with their teams to ensure day is my reward. I am blessed with a big- the Premier To reduce congestion at the airport, an day. His dedication to the that testing centres, isolation wards, hearted team that shares my passion and this Claudette Ruiters is an ICT Service “assembly- point” operating model was youth of Atlantis has not been palliative wards, and field hospitals is the bonus. We have a vision of developing Manager responsible for all things ICT- implemented, where the Cape Town dampened by the pandemic are equipped with the necessary learners holistically; one cannot achieve that related for the Department of health. For Stadium was used as a base to process as he continues to serve his technology to serve citizens without looking at the basic needs. Food is one more than 11 years, she has ensured that travellers and perform mandatory community during these effectively during this time. of those needs.” our province’s public health facilities have health screening before setting-off by trying times. the connectivity they need to operate bus to the airport.” Faizel managed the efficiently and deliver quality services to planning and operational elements of citizens. Since the onset of the pandemic, the assembly point. Sivuyile Fadane Claudette has worked with various teams carrying out to prepare health employees to work from temperature home, to ensure connectivity, end user screening, Senior equipment, and convenient digital systems Security Officer, in COVID-19 screening, testing centres, Community Safety and field hospitals across the province. Claudette and her team have also worked Sivuyile Fadane, Senior to ensure that isolation wards in hospitals Security Officer, has been based at have the necessary ICT infrastructure to the Disaster Management Centre care for patients, and that health care at the Tygerberg Hospital precinct facilities have SMS capability to share to assist in the containment of the test results. Claudette in partnership with virus by enforcing a higher level of Health even made tablets available to non- access and egress control. Sivuyile visitation isolation wards, allowing patients and his team work to ensure the opportunity to communicate with their that each person who enters the families. “The various teams I work with are facility is temperature screened, doing an amazing job. No matter how dark Faizel Williams, Denzil Van Wyk with registered, sanitised, and wearing this time is, we can get through it if we do it Deputy Director Land his team, MOD Centre acceptable protective gear. Better Together.” Transport Integration, Manager, Cultural Transport and Public Affairs and Sport 12 Works ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 13 our people COVID-19 safety

Christina Wu, Doctor on the frontlines involved with COVID-19 screening and testing, Health

Nkosana Vaveki has worked as a Technical Complaints Manager for the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) for the past two years, but the past two months have been the most challenging. Under a national lockdown, his team has had to provide relief to tenants who have been unable to pay their rent, and landlords who are unable to take any action or keep up with their bond payments. Under normal circumstances, Nkosana and his •• Do pull your hair back •• Do cover your nose team investigate and mediate and mouth disputes through the Tribunals’ court system to resolve issues such as rental arrears, unlawful evictions, disconnection of municipal services and illegal lock outs. “Unfortunately, the RHT was not designated as an essential service during lockdown, Christina Wu, which made it difficult to offer relief Community Service Doctor, to citizens in distress. This was a has been involved in the bitter pill for us to swallow. The team swabbing of patients during used posters to inform citizens of the screening and testing. She •• Do tie straps behind •• Do remove the mask from office’s closure and provided them has served residents selflessly your ears or head behind your ears or head to with the contact details of personnel. since the outbreak, isolating prevent touching the front We also issued a press release herself when not at work to of the mask informing citizens of the moratorium avoid putting others at risk. •• Don’t pull the mask •• Don’t cross the straps placed on all evictions during “If you can stay at home, stay below your nose lockdown. Furthermore, we placed at home. It seems so simple, FAQs on rental related issues on our but some of us struggle to do website to assist the public.” Nkosana this. We don’t know what is Nkosana Vaveki, Technical and his team worked determinedly Complaints Manager Rental to come, and so we have to during the lockdown offering advice Housing Tribunal, Human be responsible for ourselves.” and facilitating relief where possible. Settlements

Following the disaster declaration in response to COVID-19, the Chief Directorate: Immovable Asset Management in •• Don’t leave your hair in •• Don’t wear the mask •• Don’t hang the mask the Department of Transport and Public Works your face on your forehead from one ear deployed officials to assist with the identification of quarantine and isolation sites. The team has seen Wear a mask a number of quarantine sites established for those who need to be quarantined to curb the spread of the virus. Whilst identifying these quarantine sites, at all times to they work closely with Health officials to ensure that the necessary resources are available before ensure your safety, placing people. “A challenge was the placement of people arriving at any time during the day and night, requiring us to work irregular hours, on some and the safety •• Don’t pull the mask •• Don’t wear a dirty •• Don’t leave mask days dealing with placement enquiries in the early below your chin or wet mask straps hanging hours of the morning. We are coping and driven of others. by the knowledge that we are contributing to the fight against this ‘invisible enemy’. The amazing support within the Department, the good working relationships and understanding of officials, and the guidance from our senior management team has motivated us to always go the extra mile. We also have great appreciation for our family who have Top row from left to right: Angelo Crowder, Zubair Isaacs, Cheryl Peterson supported us and encourage us to do our best under Bottom row from left to right: Shaun Mars, Tracy Davids, Raashied Domingo, these very difficult and unprecedented times.” Transport and Public Works

14 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Insaaf Mohammed thankful for life after surviving her traumatic ordeal with COVID-19.

COVID-19 does not discriminate and anyone can contract it, but people need to be caring towards each other and respect the privacy of those who have contracted the virus as they are experiencing a lot of emotional turmoil.

“My family was understanding, caring and supportive, and brought us supper every evening, but sometimes your community can be inconsiderate and the harm they cause on social media is disheartening,” shares Insaaf. “Being an asthmatic, the tight COVID-19 does not discriminate and anyone chest, coughing and unbearable can contract it, but people need to be caring headaches were the worst towards each other and respect the privacy of symptoms to handle,” says those who have contracted the virus as they are experiencing a lot of emotional turmoil. Insaaf Mohammed, a 40-year-old “After contracting COVID-19, I immediately Occupational Therapist who informed my manager and was told to stay at works for the Department of home. Management was supportive and would Health’s Klipfontein Sub-district. contact us daily to hear if we were coping. I would not have been able to handle the news Written by Monique Johnstone, if I infected my colleagues, and I apologised to Department of Health them for putting their lives at risk,” says Insaaf. The reactions she received from her colleagues were understanding, comforting and caring. together as a family. I would communicate After isolating for 14 days, people were with her via my cellphone and it was difficult a bit weary when she returned to work, but not being able to hold your children in their also concerned for her and her family. Many Beating time of need. My two-year-old son could not approached her for advice. understand why he was unable to see mommy “Recovering from this virus changed Insaaf and her and daddy for a bit,” shares Insaaf. my thought process and perspective on Insaaf suffers from asthma and her worst life. You appreciate your family and the small Coronavirus seven-year-old fear was experiencing serious respiratory things in life even more. I want people in any son contracted complications from COVID-19. “I experienced working environment to take responsibility tiredness, coughing and tightness of chest for their health, to educate their families and COVID-19 from a story of hope and which my asthma pump resolved, but my children, especially now that kids are going her husband symptoms were not as severe as my husband’s, back to school. Help your child find creative who works at who had body aches, nausea, a tight chest, ways to show affection to their friends without recovery shortness of breath, blocked sinus and thick going close and touching each other. Get your the Groote phlegm on his chest with a fever. My son had family to sterilise themselves before entering Schuur Hospital a fever for three days but recovered quite fast the home, leave your shoes in the garage if nsaaf and her seven-year-old son contracted “We self-isolated in our bedroom while once he overcame his symptoms,” says Insaaf you can, take all your clothes off and shower COVID-19 from her husband who works at my mother-in-law (who has diabetes and laboratory. He with a grateful smile on her face. before greeting your family and be more health Ithe Groote Schuur Hospital laboratory. He hypertension), thankfully never contracted the contracted the Insaaf and her family have since been conscious to protect them,” says Insaaf. contracted the coronavirus after giving his virus, could take care of our other two children adhering to all of the golden rules of COVID-19 is going to be with us for a while colleague a lift home. Her husband started while we were trying to fight and overcome coronavirus hygiene (page18) at work and home to avoid and we need to adapt to the new normal, showing symptoms of COVID-19 and went COVID-19,” says Insaaf. after giving his contracting the coronavirus. The Department be more health conscious and increase our for testing on 23 April. Insaaf was tested on The family were heading into the month of continues to educate people on the hygiene management and health education 24 April, and soon after the couple had their Ramadan and it was hard for the couple to be colleague a importance of social distancing, hand washing, in our surroundings and when entering and three children (aged nine, seven and two), and separated from their two other children and lift home. sterilising and disinfecting surfaces, wearing a exiting our homes. Insaaf’s mother-in-law tested on 25 April. Only mother-in-law. “My nine-year-old daughter mask to prevent the spread of sputum droplets Insaaf and her family celebrated Eid Source: • Department Insaaf, her husband and their seven-year-old would cry every morning and evening when she to others, and being more health conscious peacefully in the comfort of their home and of Health son were confirmed positive for COVID-19 and had to pray, start and break her fast because and strict when more than one person is in gave thanks for surviving their traumatic immediately self-isolated for 14 days at home. it was her first time not being able to do it your vehicle. COVID-19 experience.

16 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 17 COVID-19 safety Warning signs: COVID-19 safety

If you have shortness of r

breath, persistent chest te

pain/pressure, confusion or Wa

worsening drowsiness, seek 6 x teaspoons leach help urgently. If needed, B Get the help you need call an ambulance. COVID-19 symptoms? Keep your home •• Western Cape Provincial Health coronavirus-free Hotline 021 928 4102 •• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and •• National Coronavirus (COVID-19) objects like door handles, keys and cell Health Hotline 0800 029 999 Who will be phones with a diluted bleach solution (toll-free) (6 tsps. bleach/1L water). tested for COVID-19? Need a food parcel? •• Wash cloths, sponges and •• As more people get COVID-19, towels frequently. Western Cape Government it will not be possible to test •• 0800 220 250 (toll-free) everyone. •• Send a ‘please call me’ to •• Tests will need to be kept for 079 769 1207 (toll-free) those at risk of severe COVID-19 •• [email protected] and for health workers. SASSA I have COVID-19 •• 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free) •• 021 469 0235 symptoms. Now what? •• [email protected] •• If you are at risk of severe COVID-19, contact your health provider, facility or hotline to discuss having a test for COVID-19. Be kind Suffering domestic violence? •• If you are not at risk of severe COVID-19, assume you have COVID-19. •• COVID-19 affects us all. It •• Gender Based Violence Command Centre Don’t panic. Remember most people have a mild illness. You are will infect many of us. 0800 428 428 or *120*7867# from a cell phone unlikely to be tested unless you are at risk of severe COVID-19. •• Be patient. Everyone is suffering •• Childline SA (ages 0-16 years) 0800 055 555 •• Stay home. If working, inform your supervisor. and measures to limit the spread (24-hour toll-free) •• Limit contact with others. Safely isolate in your own room if possible. are not easy to do. •• Ask someone to do your shopping and, if needed, collect medication •• Avoid treating those who have had Reliable COVID-19 information: or pension/grant. COVID-19 differently. After 14 days, they •• www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus •• Watch for warning signs, will no longer be infectious. •• www.sacoronavirus.co.za especially at 5-7 days. • Physical distancing should not mean social • •• www.who.int •• If symptoms are no better after isolation. Stay connected and reach out to 7 days, contact health provider, others. If you are going out, here’s how facility or hotline. •• Avoid spreading fake news or messages •• You can stop isolation 14 days that cause panic and fear. to do it safely: after your symptoms started. •• Show appreciation to Think twice: Follow the •• Continue to take precautions to those helping. prevent COVID-19. 1 •• Only go out if you have to. 5 Golden Rules of •• Reduce trips to the shops. Good Hygiene Avoid crowded places.

Take extra care Wear a cloth mask: 2 •• Use a clean mask every time You could if you are elderly or at risk you go out. be at risk of severe of severe COVID-19: •• Ensure mask covers mouth and nose. •• Avoid touching your mask. COVID-19: •• Strictly follow the Golden Rules •• Never share a mask. of Good Hygiene Wash hands Don’t touch face Cover your •• If you are 55 years or older or 1 2 3 •• Stay home as much as you can. cough •• If you are any age and have: •• Limit the people you interact with. Use hand – diabetes, hypertension or heart disease 3 sanitiser before on treatment and after – Cancer on treatment touching items. – tB on treatment – hIV with poor adherence to ARVs – Chronic lung disease on treatment •• Ask someone to do your On returning home: (e.g. asthma, emphysema, shopping and collect 4 •• Remove your mask chronic bronchitis) your medication or grant/ touching straps only. pension. •• Disinfect objects you Keep apart Sick? •• Adhere to your chronic touched (like keys) and 4 5 Stay home treatment. Restart it if wash hands well before touching anything or Source: you stopped it. Content adapted from the WCG Department of Health Coronavirus in anyone in your home. Cape Town Winter 2020 infographic for social and print media empowerment empowerment

few months ago, we were With some lockdown ++ Involve your child in creating a PARENTING thrown into the deep end of regulations lifted, we all need to daily schedule. Taking ownership of a global pandemic. Part of readjust to a “new normal”. The their own time might make it easier JUGGLING YOUR HOME, Aour government's response to curb same goes for over one million for them to follow. the spread of the COVID-19 virus school learners across our province. involved closing schools – leaving In this article, educators share IT’S OKAY TO BE THE PARENT YOUR WORK, AND YOUR many parents with the challenge of their advice on the best ways to AND NOT THE TEACHER keeping their kids stimulated and support your children academically You may often feel very alone in productive during their time at home. post-COVID-19, and beyond. your uncertainty of how best to CHILD’S HOMEWORK support the academic development The importance of our teachers STRUCTURE IS VITAL of your children – but you need to had never been clearer. According to Wendy Horn, former know that most parents feel the Principal of Protea Heights same. Wendy, a parent herself, Academy and now District Director, explains that parents don’t need to structure is the first word of advice put pressure on themselves to be she can offer to parents: teachers. “We don’t expect you to ++ Ensure a daily structure when teach your children academically, children have schoolwork to but you can offer support and complete. “School provides a lot of encouragement. Where possible, structure throughout the day, and sit with your child to make sure while kids might not ‘like’ structure, that they are getting through it offers them a sense of security. their work.” Unlike the classroom ++ Structure involves simple where there are teachers and other things like waking up, eating lunch, students, homework is a lonely completing tasks, and taking a exercise. This is why making it a break at a certain time every day.” team effort may help them. ++ Structure also helps to manage your child’s expectations. If they know that homework happens at a certain time every day, they can plan their activities around it while ensuring that it remains a priority. ++ Try creating a space for “If you can assist with homework at the same time every an answer by guiding afternoon, and keep evenings open for family and personal time. your child, so be it, but do not do the work Landeka Diamond, Principal of Westlake Primary School, realises for them.” that many learners across the province commute long hours to and from school, and as a result, homework may suffer: Natalie C Roman, Head of ++ Educators are very aware that Department for Intermediate children, depending on their living and Senior Phases at Sunderland circumstances, may experience Primary School, explains that tiredness at the end of a long day parents should allow children to of travelling and schoolwork. complete their homework to show ++ “If a school’s programme independence, as mom and dad of assessment is not paced will not be in class the next day. As a parent, you may often feel social appropriately, it may lead to “If you can assist with an answer pressure to support your children in homework overload,” she shares. by guiding your child, so be it, Parents should ensure that they but do not do the work for them,” their academic development; but what do Are you a are informed of the school’s says Natalie. Landeka shares that educators need from you when it comes to homework assessment programme by the end “parents who are not confident providing academic support at home? While or beginning of each term. in their academic abilities should helicopter ++ It is also important to not feel pressured to assist by we cannot expect parents to be teachers, hovering over distinguish between structure and giving content knowledge; a we can gain knowledge and wisdom strictness. While school days are parent may support by ensuring your child? structured, they are also filled with that the work has been done from teachers who are parents. distractions, peer interaction, and even if it is not 100% correct. amusement. Parents can break the Educators prefer it when learners day up into structured chunks of give their best and complete the learning, resting, and playing or work rather than not attempting interacting with others. at all”.

20 ISSUE 37 | Better Together 21 empowerment empowerment

FOCUS ON ++ We as teachers will catch NURTURING THEM them up. Trust in us.” While it is not scientifically proven, many can attest to the fact that The most important thing once arguments and disagreements again is that when we start getting between parents and children are back into the swing of things, that the results of issues relating to routine and structure are still there schoolwork. Wendy explains that and that new habits will not need as a parent, your most important to be broken first. Since we have responsibility is to ensure returned and still are returning that your child feels cared from an extended lockdown, there for. “There’s a saying that goes is a good chance that your child ‘Maslow before Bloom’s’. Maslow may have developed a few bad refers to Maslow’s Hierarchy of habits. Needs and Bloom’s refers to ++ Be prepared to assist their Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning. teachers in undoing these habits What it means is that if a child is and getting them back on track.

Wendy flags grades six and seven, and grades eleven and twelve as potential pressure points because these are exit years not feeling safe, fed, and nurtured; “Parents don’t need to pressure if their basic needs are not met, their children; they just need to there is no way that they can enforce a structure,” says Wendy. learn,” she says. According to Landeka, “parents Natalie emphasises the naturally want their children importance of this. “I always to succeed and sometimes set encourage my parents and unrealistic goals for them. guardians at parent meetings to ++ “You can assist both the love their child unconditionally. teacher and your child by simply This will make them feel secure ensuring a conducive environment and do their best.” to complete schoolwork at home.”

MIND THE SCHOOLWORK AS AN PRESSURE POINTS ADVENTURE, RATHER THAN While primary school is more AN INTELLECTUAL HURDLE about explorative learning, and Children may experience feelings high school more about in-depth of anxiety when it comes to their learning, both stages of education homework, which, to parents, can place significant pressure on looks like they simply don’t want young people. to do their homework. This may Wendy flags grades six and seven, be further from the truth than we and grades eleven and twelve as care to realise. From a young age, potential pressure points because our society teaches us that As difficult as Natalie reminds us that every women as well. Grades one to nine these are exit years: success and overachievement and problem solve through child is different. With different are only a guide to the future. ++ While children are pressured to are important. When children something as simple as baking it is to watch passions and talents, academia “Sadly, many parents attach a improve their marks for entry to think about their schoolwork, with you.” Mathematics can your child struggle may not be for everyone. “A child stigma to alternative education high school and university, let go they may perceive it as a hurdle be brought into the home not excelling academically is not (school of skills), but these schools of the need for perfection, and to overcome rather than an environment very easily by with their the end of the world. Not every are the places that children guard against burnout. opportunity to learn new things, incorporating counting in daily schoolwork, there child is academically inclined, find their passion and love for a ++ If you have a child who is causing undue stress for both activities. many at my school are practical career,” says Natalie. As parents, currently in a transitional year, it is parents and children. ++ Try creating a list of chores for is more reward in learners. I normally inform parents we want our children to become okay to offer a bit more support children to complete and allow allowing them whose child is not performing lawyers and professors. This desire and guidance to them. Wendy shares that getting crafty them to calculate their incentives/ to learn. academically that there are may influence the way your child ++ “Schools understand that these and creative is a great way to learn rewards based on chores alternative forms of education. envisions their future career and are very trying and difficult times, if you put your mind to it. “Let them competed successfully. Chores ++ Let your child do his/her best how to get there. and teachers will take this into play. Especially when they’re in not only encourage personal until the time is right to shift. ++ Be open-minded and account when we start looking at primary school. They can learn responsibility, but also teach them The world doesn’t only need supportive. results in 2020. to measure, follow instructions, the need for a work/life balance. academics, but tradesmen and

22 ISSUE 37 | Better Together 23 empowerment responsiveness

“Hospital of Hope” Are you “Isibhedlela seThemba” a homework In the fight against lawnmower “Hospitaal van Hoop” COVID-19, the CTICC is one of removing all the facilities government difficulties in has established to assist their path? in caring for a growing number of patients.

The facility will relieve hospitals as cases increase. Rainbow-themed artwork from our province's children share a message of hope with patients and staff. The Hospital of Hope was officially ++ Additional temporary opened by President Cyril n 8 June, the biggest COVID-19 hospitals are currently still Ramaphosa, Premier Alan Winde, PUT THE “ABILITY” IN field hospital in Africa became under construction in the and the WCG on 5 May 2020. ACCOUNTABILITY ++ Try explaining and discussing ++ Adjust your expectations as a Ooperational. province at Sonstraal in It is easy to become invested in homework topics in your home parent to the learning experience The CTICC Hospital of Hope the Cape Winelands and at your child’s schoolwork because language and allow them to of your child and who he/she is as conversion, which took just one Brackengate along the R300. The operations of the facility are you want them to succeed, but complete the task in the language an individual. “Understand your month to complete, provides some WC Cabinet is currently entirely paperless to ensure that risk of it is important to teach them to required. child’s potential and guard against 850 additional general care beds for considering the best ways to infection is minimised, and a specialised be accountable for their progress ++ Ask questions to probe your frustrating them by expecting COVID-19 patients. further expand the number of waste removal system is in place to and allow them the opportunity to child’s thinking, like “What do you more than they can accomplish,” The preparation of temporary health available beds in the province, ensure that potentially contaminated learn for themselves. think that means?” says Landeka. care facilities is part of the Western including the option of a waste is cared for. The facility has also ++ Watch the use of pronouns. ++ Do homework before allowing ++ There is no one-size-fits-all Cape Government's plan to prepare further 800 beds at CTICC 2. carefully considered staff safety, with Instead of saying “we need to privileges like screen time or play approach to encouraging your the health care system for the peak of ++ By de-escalating non- appropriate protective equipment sit and finish your schoolwork”, time. child. You know how much your the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be essential operations at our available for treating patients. Staff say “You need to finish your ++ Encourage them to read, child can handle. expected in the coming weeks. Field healthcare facilities, 2 162 showers and change rooms are housed schoolwork. Would you like me to or read to them, followed by a ++ Teach your child that there hospitals such as this will take pressure general care beds and 150 on a separate floor, to allow staff to help you?” conversation on what they have is nothing wrong with failure off of existing health care facilities as ICU beds have been made shower and change before going home ++ Enquire about the school’s read or understood from the or getting things wrong. With the number of cases rise. At peak, it available that exist in central to minimise the risk of infection and homework philosophy or reading. Ask them a reflection failure, comes resilience. is estimated that 200 admissions and and regional hospitals across transmission. homework policy. Open question: “what have you ++ If your child is withdrawing 200 discharges will be managed per day. the province. Over and above the requirements communication with your child’s learned?” Whether it’s a comic from activities or acting The CTICC facility is set to ++ Nineteen quarantine and to function effectively, the hospital was teacher may lead to a healthier book, newspaper, or a textbook, differently, don’t hesitate to provide intermediate care, such as isolation facilities have been also established with compassion and learning atmosphere. reading will keep their brains ask for external help from a the administration of oxygen and made available offering 2 365 care in mind. There is a sign above each ++ Develop a good relationship stimulated. psychologist or tutor depending physiotherapy, and has facilities for beds. An additional nine bed that says “beacon of hope and with their teachers. Natalie on the apparent cause. patients whose health may deteriorate facilities are being activated recovery” to serve as a reminder to staff explains that the Triangle of When parents make the aim while in the facility. With four fully which will realise 2 292 beds. and patients that every case is a real Education involves communication of homework to be “focus” or functional wards, the 987 hospital staff ++ Eighteen testing and person – with hopes and fears – who and trust between learners, “concentration” for the child, For more practical learner support members include medical specialists, triage centres, of which 12 has family members thinking of them. parents, and educators. “If this it may seem like yet another resources, visit WCED Online. general practitioners, nurses, physio- are already operational, have While patients will be unable to see triangle is complete, then I would chore rather than an activity. Try therapists, and administrative and opened to provide additional their families or receive visitors while in say half your battle is won.” to approach homework as an support staff. With a state-of-the- support at hospitals. this hospital, WiFi and mobile devices ++ When you offer help, be clear opportunity to be creative and art digital x-ray machine, the facility ++ We have 432 ventilators will be accessible to allow patients to about your role. Allow your child interact with one another. Source: is equipped to screen patients for and have ordered an video call their loved ones (see page 12 to read the instructions to you or ++ Be careful not to let your *This article was largely informed by discussions with and the pneumonia, a secondary and more additional 100 to be used for teams that have made this possible). experiences of qualified educators in the Western Cape. Additional sources you to them until they figure out perfectionism get in the way of include: www.positiveparentingsolutions.com; theconversation.com; progressive stage of COVID-19 in at the peak of the COVID-19 The facility has begun treating what to do. Patience is key. your child’s learning. www.focusonthefamily.com severe cases. pandemic in our province. patients using a phased-in approach.

24 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 25 responsiveness responsiveness Fighting on the frontlines

with patients there are. There is also a ‘one person per chair’ policy, where each chair moves with each patient and is then cleaned. Mask- Tygerberg wearing and hand sanitising are compulsory for everyone. “Doctors and nurses are well- Hospital trained in the proper usage of protective equipment and practise When it became clear that COVID-19 was a growing this vehemently,” says Dr Mowlana. pandemic, Tygerberg Hospital began planning for the How we handle influx of cases by preparing dedicated COVID wards. confirmed cases These wards would assist in treating those who tested Confirmed cases are transported positive and containing THE DISEASE. How we made the and apprehension started setting using a dedicated elevator and plan of action work in. We tried to devise systems dedicated corridors to prevent Dr Mowlana explains that the that would protect health care transmission. The COVID wards operation required collaboration workers, and at the same time are locked with controlled access, r Abu Mowlana, a and understanding between provide the best possible care and clearly marked as such. No Meet Tygerberg's Consultant Physician at various medical departments. to patients. But this didn’t take visitors are allowed, and security robotic colleagues DTygerberg Hospital and “The operation was headed up away the fear. When we started, officials assist with the transport Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch by the hospital management in we were all apprehensive, but of patients to ensure that no Tygerberg Hospital has new colleagues University, helped to paint a collaboration with the Infectious soon we realised that the sooner unauthorised persons enter the helping them do rounds in COVID wards. picture of the hospital's COVID-19 Disease Department and the we all get used to it, the better. COVID-dedicated corridors. "Quintin" and "Salma" are Double Robotic preparations. Department of Medicine. The The fear of getting infected and Regarding the process robots who are lucky enough to be operation was then staffed taking it home to your family of allocating patients to the completely immune to the virus! They can Our plan of action by these departments, with is always there, but you learn dedicated COVID wards, Dr be remotely controlled to accompany junior Dr Mowlana explains that the significant support from Nursing, to live with it, and take all the Mowlana explains that patients are doctors and nurses on ward rounds, allowing hospital was divided into “COVID” and allied departments, like necessary precautions to limit either referred from surrounding senior consultants to remotely join in the and “non-COVID” areas, with cleaning, administration and the risk.” The team also adopted hospitals as confirmed positive discussions in the event of them being ill dedicated COVID wards being security. a ‘protect each other system’ by the day is the highly professional or awaiting results, or screened or offsite. This is the brainchild of our ICU established on one side of the As the pandemic spread, other constantly checking that each and caring team at Tygerberg and tested onsite. Patients are consultants, Professor Coenie Koegelenberg, hospital only. departments got more involved, team member is practising the Hospital. transported to Tygerberg Hospital Professor of Pulmonology at Stellenbosch ++ A screening and testing area especially with screening and proper precautions and Infection by emergency medical services University's Faculty of was established outside the testing. Medical teams became Prevention and Control (IPC) Putting safety first or private ambulances in special Medicine and Health hospital with separate access to busier as the number of inpatients guidelines. With a highly-infectious virus, Tygerberg COVID vehicles, clearly marked Sciences, and Senior these wards for admission. in the wards increased. Staffing “Obviously, when a colleague strict safety precautions need medical staff and regularly cleaned, with specialist, Dr Usha Lalla. As ++ The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) expansion was well planned with has unexpectedly tested positive to be taken with all patients and masked up trained personnel in appropriate critical care consultants are set up a large COVID ICU, with increasing numbers of staff pulled or has been accidentally exposed staff inside the hospital, and on in one of the protective gear. one of the “scarce resource the capacity to ventilate up to in as the need arose,” he says. to the virus, this does cause a lot hospital premises. Dr Mowlana hospital's “All public hospitals in the areas”, if one or more of 46 patients at a time. Dr Mowlana went on to explain of strain and uncertainty. We have explains that IPC guidelines, video corridors. Western Cape were readied to them require isolation, ++ The Surgical, Paediatric, that this quick response was the health care worker protocol in tutorials, and training sessions assist with any COVID cases. We they can still contribute and Obstetric Units developed made possible by the planned place where staff and colleagues have played a massive role in at Tygerberg Hospital assist with remotely. Salma was separate areas to manage COVID de-escalation of nonurgent can be fast tracked and counselled preparing the wards for the admitting the more difficult or donated by local company, patients, and separate theatres services and operations. “The wherever necessary.” pandemic. These guidelines were serious cases from hospitals in the Smollan and Quintin is from were set aside for COVID-positive entire process has been one He goes on to explain that drilled into all hospital staff at East Metropole while Groote Schuur the Sunskill Laboratory. patients who require surgery. huge team effort, with lots of when choosing who to place on an early stage of the pandemic, Hospital assists the West Metropole. ++ A Testing and Triage Centre volunteers, including medical duty in the wards, there is a risk with everyone encouraged Most private hospitals also manage was built on the premises to deal students, helping in various areas.” assessment tool for health care to attend training sessions to COVID-positive patients and have with the large volume of patients workers where individual risk is familiarise themselves with the gone to great lengths to prepare expected. What it’s been like for us assessed and based on this, the virus and how to contain it. themselves for this.” The aim is to turn the Triage and Dr Mowlana explains that even appropriate area for the health Regular information sessions were Dr Mowlana adds that when a Testing Centre into a field hospital for medical professionals, the care worker is decided. Personal also held to alleviate fears and patient succumbs to the virus, the Both robots, when required. A field hospital is devastation of the virus has preferences are also considered concerns. family is informed and the body is picture Segway a temporary hospital or mobile been difficult to manage. “As if someone chooses to work in In screening and testing areas, covered and protected following scooters with medical unit that takes care of the disease became more and COVID high-risk and COVID low- staff try their best to enforce IPC protocols. Most funeral round wheels at casualties on-site before they can more widespread, and we started risk areas. social distancing with markers protocols have been adjusted to the bottom and a be safely transported to a more seeing the devastation it caused He adds that what also helps on the floor, even though this follow strict IPC guidelines. long pole with an permanent facility. in other parts of the world, fear greatly in getting him through becomes difficult the more iPad on top.

26 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 27 motivation motivation

school, buildings weren’t as her passion for saving lives wheelchair friendly as they are was fuelled. today. It was challenging and “In 2017, I was introduced inconvenient. I had to choose to the EFAR Programme. a Constant a different path for myself. Of course, being disabled I studied via correspondence was a challenge. But it was learning and I was employed up to me to decide what to reminder in 2002. My first job was at a make of it,” she says. Lucille mining company.” While at the can’t always go to the site Having a mining company, Lucille was of an emergency as she disability does elected as a shop steward and relies on transportation, not limit your then as a secretary, and so her but she has found a way to passion for people was realised. help by using technology. Lucille's numerous ability to She has served her “We work in a group, and awards and uplift others community for as long as she can if the person on the scene around the one baby’s neck. qualifications include remember. From independent requires assistance, I provide I could tell that they were outstanding outreach community projects to the guidance telephonically or panicking, but in the end, the services, HIV/Aids community police forum, via WhatsApp. As part of my delivery was successful and peer education, and lay counselling, Lucille training, I have learned to pick the coordinators arranged an human resource established a presence within up on whether the patient or ambulance,” she says. It is no management, and her community. “In 2006, I was responder is panicking. I respond surprise that gender equality victim support, elected as a secretary for the accordingly, based on my is also an issue that is near amongst others. community police forum. Year observations.” Lucille shares and dear to Lucille’s heart. after year, I was re-elected that she has found a way to She has joined various non- because people could see my work around her disability by profit organisations specifically passion and value. I worked with good people. I was sent for various forms of training, and out of my own continued providing a personal counselling service to community members. Navigating the world does not necessarily require legs My life took off from there.” that can walk, but rather ears that can listen, a mind that When Lucille’s parents fell can understand, and a deep desire to help others. ill, she decided to step aside from community service to take care of them. “During that facilitating the training of new focused on women and their or the past four years, View community, in which she time, I continued counselling. EFAR members and offering contribution to the wellbeing Lucille Constant has grew up. That’s when people started information wherever needed. of communities. Fbeen one of many willing Lucille’s disability does not coming to see me at home. “Just this morning, I Last year, Lucille got and capable community affect her ability to serve her Some people won’t understand, received a message from married. “Many asked me members who form part community. Paralysed since the but we are here to help carry the group about a woman ‘Why now?’. I said that I had of the Emergency First age of three, she has learned our neighbours’ burdens.” Soon giving birth to twins at home. to labour to earn my blessings Aid Responders (EFAR) that navigating the world does after, Lucille was appointed I guided the responder and I was blessed with a loving Programme. Despite being not necessarily require legs at the fire department as a through the birth as the partner who accepts me not in a wheelchair, she has been that can walk, but rather ears control room operator where umbilical cord was twisted for what I am bound to, but for responsive to those in need that can listen, a mind that can who I am.” and is a pillar of the Ocean understand, and a deep desire In a working world built to help others. “I have never for able-bodied people that Lucille finds the let my disability hold me back encourages equality for most joy serving her from the opportunities that all, accessibility remains an community in any Since 2014, the Western Cape life has to offer. I can’t speak ongoing issue. Lucille hopes capacity, whether Government Department of on behalf of all people with that the initiative can be through peer Health has supported the disabilities, but I am thankful expanded to more rural areas counselling, women Emergency First Aid Responders to God, my parents, and all of where there is a great need empowerment, (EFAR) Programme. Implemented the people I’ve met along the for health and counselling or emergency across the Cape Metro, all EFAR way for the opportunities I’ve services. “So many see services. volunteers undergo basic first aid been given.” my disability, but I see Please note: images and disaster relief skills training, Having received a main- my ability. They call me used in this article to empower communities with stream education, Lucille shares Lucille Constant disabled, but I call myself were taken prior immediate emergency responders that once she reached high joined the provincial differently-abled. The gift of to the onset of the and assist those who live with school, she decided that she Department of Health's life that God has blessed me COVID-19 pandemic. chronic illness. could use the skills she had Emergency First Aid with motivates me to conquer to start working. “I am 50 Responders Programme all challenges in life.” years old. Back when I was in in 2016.

28 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 29 awareness awareness

reactions go away on their own chest pain, sweating at night, weight within a few hours or days. loss, and even death if left untreated. community & immunity Severe, long-term side effects are In young children, the TB germ may extremely rare according to the infect the brain and cause meningitis, According to the World Health Organization, immunisation Centers for Disease Control and or enter the blood and spread to other A vaccination introduces the saves approximately three million lives every year by Prevention. parts of the body. immune system to something protecting children, and adults, from preventable diseases. ++ Rotavirus: causes diarrhoea. that looks like a particular Herd immunity ++ Pneumococcal disease: causes Think of vaccines as a When a germ successfully enters meningitis, otitis media, pneumonia, or virus or bacterium. What are vaccines and precautionary measure. If a population, it can create chaos bacteraemia. how do they work? your child is exposed to a and quickly destroy life as we ++ Human Papillomavirus: causes very parent wants the A vaccination introduces the disease, you wouldn’t want know it, especially if a large cervical cancer, and may lead to death best for their child, and immune system to something them to suffer potentially fatal portion of the population is not if left untreated. this involves making that looks like a particular virus consequences or further spread protected. Herd immunity, also E X important decisions about health or bacterium (not a live virus the disease. known as community immunity, is The Department of Health strongly care. Immunisation, however, is or bacterium). This is done a situation where enough people advises that children are vaccinated Ugonyo lusindisa malunga nezigidi a decision that not only affects by injecting an antigen into What are antigens? in a population are immune to from birth to the age of 12. Vaccination ezintathu zobomi minyaka the child, but every person in the upper arm, a muscle such Antigens are the parts of germs an infectious disease (through is free of charge at all public health le ngokukhusela abantwana, that child’s community. It is a as the thigh (muscles have that cause the body’s immune vaccination or prior illness), facilities and immunisation campaigns kunye nabantu abadala, kwizifo measure taken to protect entire better blood flow and help system to go to work. Getting making its spread from person to are rolled out at crèches and schools ezinokuthintelwa. Ukanti, uninzi populations by protecting one the vaccine work faster), or the disease and getting the person unlikely. annually. lwabantwana alukagonywa. Sources: • World Health Organization immune system at a time from it is administered orally. The vaccine may both result in U gonyo lwazisa inkqubo yamajoni • National and Provincial fatal, yet preventable diseases. body then recognises this immunity, but unlike getting What diseases do omzimba kwinto ebonakala ngathi Departments of Health Vaccines work best when “fake” disease and creates the disease, with a vaccine, children get vaccinated A yintsholongwane ethile okanye everyone uses them. Many antibodies, strengthening the you don’t need to get sick to against in South Africa? Ongeveer drie miljoen kinders en ibhaktheriya. Oku kwenziwa South African parents choose immune system against the develop immunity. A natural Most of the diseases below might volwassenes se lewens word jaarliks ngokufaka inaliti kumntla wengalo, to vaccinate their children real infection. infection may cause many other seem uncommon, but that is only as gevolg van immunisering teen kwisihlunu esifana nesisethangeni Immunisation can according to the immunisation Vaccines reduce your health problems in the same the immunisation schedule doing voorkombare siektes beskerm. Tog (lihamba lula igazi kwishlunu nto prevent potentially schedule recommended by the child’s risk of infection by way that a vaccine may cause its job. word baie kinders nie ingeënt nie. leyo encedisa ekubeni lusebenze fatal consequences National Department of Health working with his/her body’s side effects. ++ Polio: attacks nerves, causing Inenting stel die immuunstelsel bloot ngokukhawuleza ugonyo), okanye and the spread of (see next page). The true power natural defenses to help safely weakness or paralysis of the aan iets wat soos 'n spesifieke virus lwenziwe ngokufakw' iyeza logonyo disease within a of vaccinations lies in the fact develop immunity against What are the side leg and/or arm and if severe, of bakterie lyk. Dit word gedoen emlonyeni. Emva koko umzimba uye population that an entire community of disease. When children are effects? may involve respiratory muscle deur 'n antigeen in die boarm, in 'n asiqonde "senkohliso" aze azenzele Photograph by people can be protected. When young, their immune systems Like any medicine, vaccines weakness. spier soos die dy (spiere het beter izilwintsholongwane, aqinise inkqubo Dwayne Evans everyone in a community is are not fully developed, and can sometimes cause mild side ++ Measles: causes a high bloedvloei en help om die entstof yamajoni omzimba ukuze umelane vaccinated against a disease, while they can fight off most effects such as a low-grade fever and a rash, and can lead vinniger te laat werk) in te spuit, of nolosuleleko lokwenene. it is possible to eradicate that germs, they are still vulnerable fever, or sensitivity and redness to diarrhoea and dehydration, dit word oraal toegedien. Die liggaam Ugonyo lunciphisa umngcipheko disease from that community. to some deadly infections. at the injection site. These mild deafness, eyesight complications, herken dan hierdie “vals” siekte wokosuleleka komntwana wakho pneumonia, brain damage, and en skep teenliggaampies, wat die ngokusebenzisana nazikhuseli zendalo even death. immuunstelsel versterk en help om emzimbeni ukuncedisa ekulweni ++ Haemophilus Influenza Type die werklike infeksie te beveg. nesifo. Xa abantwana besebancinci, B (Hib): affects mainly children Entstowwe verminder jou kind inkqubo yamajoni emizimba under the age of five years; death se risiko vir infeksie deur met die yabo ayikakhuli ngokupheleleyo, from Hib disease is common in natuurlike verdediging van sy/haar ngelixa besenokululwa children under the age of one. liggaam te werk om hulle te help om uninzi lweentsholongwane, ++ Hepatitis B: an infection of immuniteit teen siektes te ontwikkel. basesemngciphekweni wosuleleko the liver, which can cause liver Jong kinders se immuunstelsel is nie olunokubabulala. damage, liver cancer, and death. ten volle ontwikkel nie, en hoewel Njengalo naluphi na iyeza, ugonyo ++ Whooping cough: starts with hulle die meeste kieme kan bestry, lunokubangela iziphumo ezimbi a headache, fever, and cough. The kan hulle steeds dodelike infeksies kry. eziquka umkhuhlane ongephi, okanye strenuous coughing makes it hard Soos enige medisyne kan iintlungu kunye nobubomvu kwindawo for a child to eat, drink, and even entstowwe newe-effekte hê, insluitend ekuncuntswe kuyo inaliti. Ezi ziphumo breathe. lae-graad koors, of pyn en rooiheid zingephi ziye ziphel' emehlweni ++ Tetanus (lockjaw): causes rondom die inspuitplek. Hierdie kwiiyure okanye kwiintsuku nje muscle spasms, breathing and ligte reaksies verdwyn op hul eie ezimbalwa. Zinqabe kakhulu iziphumo heart problems, and death. binne enkele ure of dae. Volgens ezimbi eziqatseleyo, ezithath' ixesha The chances of dying from this die Sentrum vir Siektebeheer en elide ngokokutsho kwamaZiko condition are very high. -voorkoming is ernstige newe-effekte oLawulo noThintelo lweZifo. ++ Diphtheria: causes difficulty op die lang termyn uiters skaars. ISebe lezeMpilo licebisa breathing. Children who survive Die Departement van Gesondheid ngamandla ukuba mabagonywe diphtheria disease suffer beveel sterk aan dat kinders vanaf abantwana ukususela kwiminyaka permanent damage such as geboorte tot die ouderdom van 12 jaar yokuzalwa ukuya kweli-12. Ugonyo blindness, deafness, and brain ingeënt word. Inenting is gratis by alle lufumaneka simahla kuwo onke damage. openbaregesondheids-orgfasiliteite amaziko ezempilo nakumaphulo ++ Tuberculosis (TB) Meningitis: en immunisasieveldtogte vind jaarliks ogonyo aqhutywa kwizikolo causes incessant coughing, by kleuterskole en crèches plaas. zabantwana nakwiikhritshi minyaka le.

30 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 31 healthy living healthy living

rostate cancer is the second doesn’t mean this disease only affects GET IT most common cancer in men older men. Men who are of African Pworldwide, and the number one or Caribbean descent, and men who cancer affecting men in South Africa. have a family history (a brother or According to the National Cancer father with prostate cancer), are Registry, South African men have a two and a half times more likely to CHECKED one in 19 chance of being diagnosed develop prostate cancer. in their lifetime. It occurs when some of the cells in Only present in the male body, the prostate reproduce more rapidly the prostate gland sits underneath than normal, resulting in a tumour. the bladder and surrounds the Prostate cancer often grows slowly Globally, more than 1.3 million urethra, which is the tube men to start with and may never cause urinate and ejaculate through. It any problems, but some men have men are diagnosed with prostate is usually the size and shape of a prostate cancer that is more likely to cancer each year. The difference walnut and grows bigger as you get spread. These prostate cancer cells, if older. Its main job is to help make left untreated, may spread from the between early detection and late semen – the fluid that carries sperm. prostate and invade distant parts of The risk of developing prostate the body, particularly the lymph nodes detection can be life and death. cancer increases with age, but that and bones, producing secondary tumours.

DETECTING PROSTATE CANCER If you’re 50, you should be talking to your doctor about PSA testing. If you’re of African or Caribbean descent, you need to start that conversation at 45. And if you have a brother or father with prostate cancer in their history, do it at 40. A PSA test is a simple routine blood test. It’s used to determine the June is measurement of Prostate Specific Choosing a treatment for Antigen (PSA) concentration in the Men's Health prostate cancer blood, and is the primary method When making treatment decisions, of testing for prostate cancer. The Month the following is recommended: Department of Health urges men, ++ Make a decision after a treatment particularly those who are over recommendation from a multi- 40 years old, to go for a check-up disciplinary meeting (where at least once a year. According to Prostate cancer available). This meeting would Dr Barry Smith, Medical Manager: symptoms ideally consist of input from the Karl Bremer Hospital: "Screening for ++ A need to urinate following specialists: urologists, prostate cancer in males older than frequently, especially radiation oncologists, medical 40 helps to detect the cancer before at night oncologists, a radiologist, nursing it spreads. Many of these cancers can ++ Difficulty starting and allied health. be cured with the right treatment if it urination or holding ++ Seek a second opinion from a is picked up in the early stages." back urine urologist, radiation oncologist, or ++ Weak or interrupted even your GP. Treating prostate cancer flow of urine ++ Enquire whether a specialist is part If you have been diagnosed with ++ Painful or burning of a quality improvement audit, prostate cancer, it is important to urination such as a registry. keep in mind that many prostate ++ Difficulty having an ++ Utilise cancer support services cancers are slow growing and may erection available, such as www.cansa.org.za not need surgery or other radical ++ Painful ejaculation to increase your level of treatment. ++ Blood in urine or understanding around treatment Treatment options include: semen options, and the potential ++ Active surveillance ++ Frequent pain or side effects. ++ Prostatectomy stiffness in the lower ++ Radiotherapy back, hips, or upper Making daily healthy choices will improve your ++ Hormone therapy thighs Source: quality of life. Start taking care of your health by going for ++ Chemotherapy • cansa.org.za • Department of Health testing and screenings at your local health facility.

32 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 33 caring caring

slotting in to serve Sometimes it is necessary to step OUTSIDE the bounds of your Since the onset of the day-to-day job to help others. Eunice Hlahla has been described as a COVID-19 pandemic, worker who puts the needs of others first by being the listening ear Eunice has been of government IN her community. assisting community members via WhatsApp and even from behind her front gate.

By volunteering For a population of over Eunice as an exemplary public her services to 43 000, Eunice is one of two servant. “One of my duties is other public service CDWs in the area. She logs and to oversee the operation of stakeholders, Eunice resolves cases involving the our unit in the Western Cape. is able to further South African Social Security Eunice welcomed me with a assist communities. Agency, Home Affairs, Health, smile and showed a willingness Human Settlements, and other to learn about the work we do government stakeholders at the Independent Tribunal for daily, and has also become Social Assistance Appeals. She involved in the Thembalethu would even show me around Neighbourhood Watch. “It and help engage with the helps to find the root of community. She is indeed More about issues like crime. We find the a hard worker and always the Community children who vandalise schools goes above and beyond to Development and steal from the crèches,” assist me and the general Worker she says. To Eunice, serving public,” says Mogomotsi. He a community excellently adds that because of people Programme means knowing a community like Eunice, the Thembalethu Implemented by the excellently. She describes office has recorded the Department of Local her work as “her general highest number of appeal Government, the Serving a community knowledge”. “It comes naturally reconsiderations in the entire CDW Programme involves excellently means knowing to me. Sometimes I ask God Western Cape. “We need to strengthening the how I know the things I know; teach people how to manage government’s ability to a community excellently. and how I am able to help a rejected disability grant, for improve service delivery; build people,” she says. example, they must follow the partnerships with society; When she is not acting as right process to appeal,” says and promote a culture of am Eunice, as she is As their title suggests, areas. Even though she is the link between community Eunice. transparent, honest, and affectionately known, community development appointed to serve Ward 15, members and the government, Eunice places no limits compassionate public service. Mis a community workers help communities Eunice’s assistance is often she is assisting government on her job. “There are so The Programme improves the development worker (CDW) tackle the problems they face extended to all wards in the stakeholders wherever needed. many regions that lack the distribution of information stationed in Thembalethu, in their area. An important part area, providing a service from She recalls assisting a grown resources and the budget to about benefits and services George. She has worked as of their role is to represent the local Thusong Centre and woman who had never had an offer their people assistance. which all citizens are entitled a CDW for the past 14 years the voices and needs of door-to-door visits. Born in identity document. “We finally It would be great to work on a to and assists disadvantaged Eunice Hlahla, and has helped give true disadvantaged communities Worcester, Eunice decided to filled out an affidavit with her rotational basis to help other communities in accessing community meaning to Thembalethu, to policy makers at all levels of relocate to George in 1999 in brother to apply for an identity communities. The answer to services to improve their lives. development worker, which means “our hope” government, and to empower search of employment. Until document at Home Affairs,” this unemployment is business CDWs also act as a middleman on the job with her in English. Like most people by sharing access to her appointment in 2006, she she explains. “In February, I and entrepreneurship, and here between municipalities and colleagues. townships in South Africa, relevant information about volunteered as an assistant resolved four cases for child we are with the knowledge communities to improve Please note: images Thembalethu is characterised government services. teacher and managed a grant pay-outs in the Western to help people register their the level of participation used in this article by unemployment and In reality, however, it appears community food garden. Cape, and outside the Western businesses.” between communities and the were taken prior related social ills, but it is also that a CDW does not have a set She explains that since the Cape.” In the future, Eunice Integrated Development Plans, to the onset of the characterised by kind, spirited, job description. They often go COVID-19 lockdown, she has Mogomotsi Monageng, hopes to open the EH (Eunice Urban Renewal Projects, and COVID-19 pandemic. and hardworking community beyond the call of duty to help been assisting community a colleague from the Hlahla) Foundation to help and Integrated Sustainable Rural members trying to make a community members from their members via WhatsApp and National Department of Social empower all people living in Development Programmes. difference. province and even surrounding from behind her front gate. Development, describes disadvantaged communities.

34 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 35 Environmental Affairs, Education, and eLearning

"During COVID-19, we are witnessing how critical it is to eLITERACY: Moodle-based Why train teachers? transition our school communities Education for According to Khuthala: to a digitised world, including Sustainable ++ It begins with teachers. Development (ESD) If teachers are not confident eLearning.” is a legacy project of with ICT (information and the WCG eLearning communication technology), Game Changer. The learners will not be confident. WCG eLearning Game ++ To support the Education Changer enabled a Department by improving the Framework and other number of Western digital literacy of teachers, and appropriate ESD strategies Cape schools to be a to contribute to improving via the eLearning ESD Moodle part of eLearning Game the quality of education Toolkit. Changer Schools, that in our schools by building Overall, the project have been migrated teachers’ competency to provides eLearning resources to WCG broadband teach science with a focus to capacitate teachers, in connectivity. This on Education for Sustainable support of the Western Cape innovation triggered Development (ESD) in line with Education Department’s a partnership the United Nation’s sustainable strategy to improve the The initiative provides approach between development goals. eLiteracy of its educators. The ESD Moodle teachers with the the government, ++ To capacitate teachers According to Khuthala, “there initiative promotes tools for teaching, innovators, and to implement transformative is still room for improvement, transformative learning and assessment institutions of higher environmental learning, but through a strengthened environmental approaches for specified learning, to ensure achieved by using the Active partnership approach, the sky learning and the subject knowledge. that eLearning takes Teaching and Learning is not the limit.” integration of Please note: images used place in Western Cape information and in this article were taken schools. Moodle- communication prior to the onset of the based Education technologies in COVID-19 pandemic. for Sustainable classrooms. Development is just one example of an intervention to promote eLearning.

by the South African Council Khuthala Swanepoel, Control keeping up the pace, for Educators, the training Environmental Officer for modules support intermediate Sustainable Awareness and together phase science teachers’ Empowerment, describes understanding of, and capacity the initiative as a critical for, teaching intermediate intervention for the changing With 13 departments phase science – with a focus world we find ourselves in. “As on environmental sustainability. a former teacher, I empathise running as one provincial s the world changes, A first of its kind for the with teachers today, as government, we need to so does the way we Department, and unique to the information and knowledge – pull together and share Alearn about it, and Western Cape Government, especially in science education the ways we teach about it. the initiative provides teachers – has evolved. This change resources to reach our Last year, the Department with the tools for teaching, requires a blended learning goals. The Department of of Environmental Affairs and learning and assessment approach, integrated with Environmental Affairs Development Planning Chief approaches for specified digital teaching methods and Directorate: Sustainability, subject knowledge, skills and not just traditional teaching and Development Planning introduced teacher training values, including language methods. During COVID-19, shows us how. interventions in partnership across the curriculum, the we are witnessing how critical with the Western Cape integration of information it is to transition our school Education Department. and communication communities to a digitised Approved by the University technology, and transformative world, including eLearning,” of Cape Town and endorsed environmental learning. she says.

36 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 37 access access

Achieving digital government one app for our provincial with Client Relationship public service Management (CRM) To achieve “optimised, transformed, and integrated citizen-centered service delivery through digital government”, the WCG ith COVID-19 Government Strategy written needs to see itself through a different lens forcing all of us to by Hilton Arendse, Deputy without forgetting its core values. In line Wseek more digital Director-General for the CeI. with the Gartner model that proposes a solutions to running our daily The CRM unit was identified balanced investment in information and errands, the Western Cape as an essential element in communication technology, and in line with Government eServices App assisting and enabling various our values, the CRM Unit ensures: is right on time. The mobile digital strategy principles. Citizen centricity: keeping application is one element of The App's vision is to align citizens top of mind and meeting the digital transformation of with the Digital Government their needs effectively, affordably, our government, ensuring that Strategy which Jako Smith, and on a timely basis service delivery meets the Lead Solution Architect within needs of all residents. the CRM unit, defines as Internal/external balance: ensuring that the right balance In 2019, the WCG App optimised, transformed, and is achieved between managing was conceptualised by integrated citizen-centered data assets, digital technologies internal efficiency and external the Customer Relationship service delivery through digital and people,” says Jako. “We value to citizens Management (CRM) unit within government. have done pilot testing with As a government, the Department’s Centre for “We aim to be in a position WCG employees and with we aim to deliver Sustainable outcomes: building “assets” for society by e-Innovation (CeI). Some of where public services have been citizens in George and Cape services that have managing social, environmental, the key principles for the CeI’s optimised, transformed and Town to determine the usability been optimised cultural, intellectual, mobile strategy were informed integrated through maximising of the application. Thus far, the through maximising infrastructural, ICT and political by the Western Cape Digital the value of our government’s response has been positive.” the value of our data participation capital assets, technologies, Who can use and people. THE WCG APP? The digital age is upon us, and the Department of the Premier’s CRM Unit has ++ citizens who need to interact with WCG developed an app bringing the future of government into the palms of our departments/employees; hands and the four corners of our screens. ++ employees who need to interact with other WCG employees; ++ external service providers or businesses that need to interact with the WCG; and ++ other inter-departmental users. Nomakhaya Mngqibisa, Programme Manager within the CRM unit, explains that the WCG App is available for download on both the Play Store for Android, and the App Store for iOS. “Citizens have direct access to download the application, and we will be monitoring the adoption rates of the application closely,” she says. Since March 2020, the WCG App has been used to assist citizens in accessing housing services and updating WCG APP services covering general queries, illegal the housing database. The include dumping and criminal activity. section of the App dedicated ++ news and events; The App is built to allow to information from the ++ notifications; users to locate public facilities Department of Human ++ permit and job applications; such as hospitals, libraries and Settlements was covered in ++ information and frequently internet hotspots and makes it Source: • Department of the Premier the March issue of the Better asked questions; and a easier for residents to access Customer Relationship Together magazine. ++ query and report section emergency contacts. Management unit

38 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 39 strapline leisure With COVID-19 keeping all of us indoors, CapeNature’s Kogelberg Nature Reserve is definitely something to look forward to. Dreaming Hang in there, great adventures of the are yet to come! outdoors they’ve created a unique and stylish edge to the new units, driven by a desire to support and acknowledge South African creativity. The phase two development also includes a second eco-pool which acts as a closed extension of the Palmiet River. No chemicals are used in its upkeep, while naturally occurring plants from the area filter impurities ABOVE: from the water. One of these, the Palmiet Cabin verandas plant (prionium serratum), gives the water its offer guests characteristic brown colour. breathtaking Within the Reserve, visitors can enjoy views of the gentle walks, exhilarating hikes, mountain Reserve. biking, and picnicking along the Palmiet River. RIGHT: For those wanting to explore further afield, the Interior décor surrounding area has plenty on offer – such as is simple, the Stony Point seabird and penguin colony at yet stylish, Betty’s Bay, wine farms, and whale watching in showcasing Hermanus. The Reserve also offers white water South African kayaking on the Palmiet River, allowed each flair and year during the winter season. creativity.

one-bedroom Palmiet studio, five two-sleeper units, and three six-sleeper family units – one of which has WIN A Golden Key been designed and built for universal accessibility, for you and your partner ensuring that everyone can enjoy access to the Be the first to experience the newly built self- Reserve. catering two sleeper cottage in the award-winning The new studio and two-sleepers are ideal Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated between for couples seeking privacy and romance. The Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay, just one and a half spacious six-sleeper cottages boast open-plan LEFT: hours from Cape Town. living, equipped with a fire place for indoor/outdoor The self-catering Entering couldn’t be easier: entertaining, as well as a kitchen and a bathroom. cabins are ++ Step 1: Like the CapeNature page on Facebook. All building work has been meticulously planned beautifully situated ++ Step 2: Subscribe to the CapeNature newsletter. ABOVE: using green building technology. The glass fronted and surrounded ++ Step3: Complete your name and contact details Kogelberg Nature eco-cabins are designed to offer guests unparalleled by unspoilt nature, below and then name at least two activities that Reserve's guests ogelberg Nature Reserve, managed 360-degree breath-taking views of the Reserve. with one unit you can enjoy at Kogelberg Nature Reserve in can look forward to by CapeNature, is often considered CapeNature partnered with the Craft and Design built specifically the dialogue box provided. When you’re done, enjoying a scenic Kthe heart of the Cape Floral Region. Institute for the interior décor of the units. Together, for universal just hit the submit button! braai in the heart The area is renowned for its unique flora, accessibility. #KogelbergGoldenKey of nature. and is home to an exceptional number of plants and complex biodiversity Link to the competition page: RIGHT: found nowhere else on the planet. The https://www.capenature.co.za/win-golden-key- The Reserve's reserve, just 100km from Cape Town, has partner-kogelberg-nature-reserve/ eco-pool acts remained remarkably unspoilt. For more information or to make a booking as a closed As a UNESCO World Heritage please visit www.capenature.co.za or email extension of the Site, this flagship tourism offering was [email protected]. Palmiet River, with launched by CapeNature in 2012 with Alternatively, call 087 087 8250. naturally occuring its Oudebosch cabins. The five self- plants that filter catering cabins and eco-pool set a new Terms and conditions: impurities from benchmark in sustainable infrastructure Prize excludes travelling the water. development as it received various and catering costs, standard international recognition awards. Nine competitions terms and new units have been added as part of conditions apply. Source: CapeNature phase two development. These are the

40 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 41 our people our people

Stephanie Fabrik Department of Transport and Public Works the “Work-from-Home” “I absolutely loved working from home! Before the lockdown, I had to get up at 04:00 and get home after 18:00. I spent Working remotely four hours travelling to and from work. I was so exhausted experience requires discipline, when I got home and had to manage my family time. Now, Over the past months, WCG employees have had to adapt to a new and data… instead of getting five hours of sleep, I got eight. I have way of working. For some of us, this involved working remotely. more time to exercise, spend time with family and friends (even if it is a telephone call). I work eight to nine hours We asked you if working from home was everything you thought and have four to five hours to study, per day. I was more it would be, and you answered: productive, relaxed, and handled stress better. COVID-19 lockdown afforded me an opportunity to readjust and just breathe, yet, still manage my day-to-day duties in a happier Nonzwakazi George relaxed setting.” Provincial Treasury “At first, I was a bit worried. Our department introduced Rowena Van Wyk Microsoft Teams which was something new to us. We had Department of Local to practise and see if we were able to use it at home. It was Government not difficult at all. As part of the communication team at “My husband and I are Juggling family Treasury, we had check-in meetings every day at 9:30 and now both working from life and work 15:00. In those meetings, we discussed our daily activities, home, well 90% of the time, priorities, deadlines, and challenges. I enjoyed getting up and we are so grateful was a challenge, in the morning and checking my emails, planning for my that we have the types of but it came with meetings, and checking my daily tasks. It was different, jobs where we can remain and something that I could continue with. MS Teams made employed and have the rewards. things very easy.” resources and support to work remotely. While Evan Papier Theo Dodgen we are trying to keep our Western Cape Johan Strauss Department of the jobs as uninterrupted Education Department of Premier as possible, we are also Department Agriculture “Having a toddler around expected to put on our “Working from home, I “As a researcher, it was very was a bit tricky as I had teacher hats and keep determined my own pace easy to work from home. to keep him occupied our two-year-old busy of work. I was forced to All my trials are planted for most of the working with enriching activities. become disciplined to all over the Western Cape day. Apart from this, I Like many, I’m sure, some plan my day. Prioritising and not at the office. I can missed interacting with my days we feel as if we’ve became essential. There work very effectively from colleagues, seeing their been hit by a truck by are so many distractions home without going into the faces, and the usual office 20:00 at night. We quickly working from home and my office, except for meetings.” chit chat and laughter. I learnt that we have to Erika Taylor sleeping routine changed certainly didn’t miss the Natasha Murray allocate each person time Department of dramatically. Not seeing dreaded daily traffic and Department of to concentrate solely on Cultural Affairs and colleagues and friends definitely think this could Environmental work and our older son Sport was difficult. Working become my new normal. Affairs and on studies to ensure that “Ironically, working from from home, you need to Chantelle Challenges included not Development everyone gets key tasks home while in lockdown accommodate others who Hendricks being able to access Planning done without resentment. made me feel free for the are also home and make Department of the unit’s shared drive, “I have done more in this I had to learn to separate first time in years. It made sure you're not stepping on Community Safety relying solely on email month while working from work from home as I ended me realise once again how each other's toes.” “As a communications correspondence for swift home than I have done in up working late at night. I we have become slaves of practitioner, it was easy to action, data usage, and the previous three months have learnt to appreciate the routine that is expected work from home as I am internet connectivity that put together. There are less freedom of movement, of us – especially as working able to action tasks in line changes with the weather, interruptions and you do not spending time with my mothers. Before lockdown, with my work via email literally.” have to be frustrated on the family and friends, and I had a daily commute and online communication roads to and from work. We going into the office to of three hours or longer. platforms. Although, I have are finally using technology! share the camaraderie and Working from home allowed missed the hustle and bustle Angus Raatz Chantelle Pepper It makes absolute sense and jokes between colleagues me the opportunity to sleep Nobody of community outreach Department of Human Department of Social it works.” during a normal work day.” more and feel refreshed and events and exhibitions. I Settlements Development focused when I tackled the missed the have also been able to work “Working from home “I enjoyed working from Darrin Roman tasks of the day. I was also out a work/home schedule definitely beats commuting home. I got more work done Department of Health less stressed when I started traffic, while which includes official work, in peak hour traffic. and could virtually meet many “Personally, I was more productive. Being in my own my working day. All in all, many missed home schooling and do it The logistics of having more people compared to environment and personal space instantaneously brought I think working from home yourself home gardening, documents signed remained doing it the old-fashioned back passion, energy and productivity. I usually spend two allows you to focus and a good office arts and crafts projects a challenge and this needs way (face-to-face) and/or hours a day on the road travelling to work. Missing out on take a step back from the which makes for an all- to be fine-tuned. I also through workshops. This has the morning traffic allowed me that extra working time to daily madness to see what is chit chat! inclusive lockdown activity missed the face-to-face and will change the way I be more effective and efficient. And if you miss the social important in your work and schedule.” interaction with colleagues.” work from now on.” office chat, hop on to MS Teams and you’re A for away.” your life.”

42 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 43 our people Employee Health Our Work-from-Home and Wellness Programme Survey findings

Below are some of the key findings from an Our Employee Health and Wellness Programme, administered by online survey on WCG employees working from Metropolitan Health, offers professional counselling and advisory home during “alert level five” lockdown. The data was collected from a representative sample services – free of charge to all WCG employees. of 1 791 employees with internet access, across all departments between 29 April and 15 May Tembisa Blom Lesley Van Helden 2020. Department of the Department of Premier Agriculture General experience What types of services are offered? What will happen when “I must say working from “I am privileged to be in a + More than 75% of respondents feel valued + you call the EHWP number? home was not as rosy as position where working from and trusted by their employer, as well as ++ Counselling – employees and immediate family I thought it would be. I home was a very positive motivated to deliver their best. members 1. When you phone the toll-free number, an automated never thought I’d ever say experience for me. My house ++ 88% love the flexibility of working from ++ Trauma counselling – individuals and teams voice message will welcome you to the Employee this, but I MISSED GOING is a quiet space that allows home. ++ Family counselling Health and Wellness Programme. TO WORK. I guess our me to really concentrate on ++ 61% often work long and irregular hours now, ++ Relationship counselling 2. You will be asked to select the type of service you home environments are not my work without the usual than when they were office bound. ++ Substance abuse management require by pressing the relevant number on your conducive for working and noise and distractions of ++ 89% have a clear understanding of what is ++ Managerial support – issues relating to employee phone. therefore the productivity the office. I found myself expected of them in doing their job. engagement 3. You will then be asked to choose your language suffers a bit. But I also being able to get more ++ 96% indicated that they had regular contact ++ Tailored work/life support preference by pressing the relevant number on your guess one needs to have done than usual and felt with their manager. ++ Mental health support phone. discipline and understand more motivated as a result. ++ 41% sent daily monitoring reports of their ++ Financial advice 4. Your call will be answered by a professional that you are not on holiday I also saved about an hour work activities to their manager, whilst 39% ++ Legal advice counsellor who will assist you with your concern. and deadlines still need of commuting time every indicated weekly reporting. ++ Hello Doctor – online access to medical advice on to be met. We needed to day which enabled me to ++ 23% are concerned that working from home any device If you have any problem that feels too big to handle, be adapt to the situation and have more time to prepare will impact on their ability to deliver on their it personal, family, health, or work-related, or if you need this is where resilience came healthy food to keep me performance agreement. information on a legal, financial, or family care matter, Why are these services into play.” going through the work day. phone toll-free using the number below, send an email, a good source of support? Although I missed seeing my Mental health and wellbeing or send a “call me back” using the USSD code below. All colleagues from the office, ++ About 80% feel hopeful and in control. ++ Services can be accessed by employees and their Departments, excluding Health and Education, fall under our Veterinary Services ++ 93% maintain remote contact with family immediate family members telephonically and the Corporate Services Centre (CSC). team is spread out across and friends. digitally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including ++ WCG (CSC): 0800 611 155, [email protected] the province, so we are used ++ 76% reflect, journal, meditate and/or pray public holidays. ++ WCG (Health): 0800 611 093, [email protected] to keeping in touch via our during this time. ++ A multi-disciplinary team is available to offer a ++ WCG (Education): 0800 111 011, [email protected] phones and email. Most of ++ 70% exercise during this time, of these 30% multi-lingual and confidential service. my colleagues have stayed exercise daily. ++ Services are provided by a professional external USSD code for a call back from a cell phone: in touch with regular phone ++ 68% are taking vitamins to boost their service provider, representing your interests. ++ *134*664*40# (CSC) calls, and it always lifts my immunity. ++ Direct access to services is provided to you and your ++ *134*664*39# (HEALTH) spirits to chat to one of them ++ 42% are eating more healthily. immediate family members at no cost. ++ *134*664*38# (EDUCATION) and hear how they are doing.” ++ 46% say their mental health condition has improved. ++ Almost 70% of respondents indicated Joe-Mark Arnold that after lockdown they would prefer to Department of Economic Development continue working from home. and Tourism “I don't know where I read this, but when framed more —— Almost 1 in 3 (30%) indicated that their sleep accurately, we are ‘staying home because of a pandemic pattern and routine have been disrupted. and trying to get some work done’. This has not been an —— 21% say their work/life balance has been easy adjustment given certain personal expectations of disrupted. productivity (which I set way to high originally). What —— 26% feel anxious about their health. worked best for me are productivity time blocks: 25-minute —— 17% are not coping with the current situation. work sprints and then a bit of a walk in the yard to clear my —— 21% have been worried about their job. mind. We may have moved into a digital space; however, I still —— About 10% are feeling isolated and lonely. feel we should respect the people on our conference calls for —— 21% indicated they have lost sleep worrying letting us into their homes and their personal spaces. about things.

Tip: Always check your colleagues' online diaries. In the office environment, you can see work volumes (number of documents or files on a desk), however in the online world you may actually be overwhelming a colleague or team member. ” If you have access to a landline, contact is free of charge on the toll-free numbers provided. When calling from a cell phone, ask the counsellor to call you back to avoid incurring the cost. 44 ISSUE 37 | Better Together Better Together | JUNE 2020 41 THE VALUES

Caring To care for those we serve and work with.

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

Accountability We take responsibility.

Integrity To be honest and do the right thing.

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

Responsiveness To serve the needs of our citizens and employees. the VISION-inspired priorities

A province in which our children grow A province A province up healthy in which we in which our and are embrace new A province in hard work and prepared for A province in ideas, and which we all dedication brings tomorrow's which people can always do the feel safe. us success. economy. live with dignity. right thing.

Safety Growth & Jobs Empowering Transport & Spatial Innovation People Transformation & Culture

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

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