PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGER PUBLIC SECTOR THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS S P M Public Sector Manager • THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS THE MAGAZINE Tips on Minister how to stay fit this winter Manuel on lessons for the future Everything Young you need managers to know on the rise about the Gautrain Book reviews: the latest must-reads A tribute ISSN 2221-6723 • JULY 2011 JULY to Madiba our global icon 9 772221 672007 R29.95 (VAT INCL) SOUTH AFRICA July 2011 PSM Government Employees Medical Scheme enjoys unprecedented growth Scheme reaches the 1,5 million member milestone For years the South African performance has been inspirational and important to GEMS and its operations. A medical schemes sector sets an example to other employers number of channels are provided through by demonstrating that meaningful which members can communicate easily struggled to improve access benefits can be made available to all and openly with the Scheme. These to healthcare for South employees.” range from feedback on service levels Africans. But much of this to suggestions regarding new benefits, changed with the launch “The need for the establishment of GEMS services or other improvements. “We in January 2005 of the stems from the imperative of Public have worked hard to ensure that GEMS, Service as a major employer in South despite its great size, does not become Government Employees Africa to protect, improve and support a faceless bureaucratic entity, but rather Medical Scheme (GEMS), the health status of its work force in a remains highly approachable and easy a medical scheme that has manner, and at a cost, that is justifiable to to communicate with,” adds Prof Levin. seen unprecedented growth the citizens of this country. In GEMS, the “Our impressive membership growth since its inception. employer has one of the most effective suggests that we are succeeding in this.” and efficient mechanisms at its disposal to proactively provide for a healthy and GEMS has also implemented a number “GEMS now covers over 1,5 million productive workforce and to support of initiatives to ensure that the Scheme’s beneficiaries, which equates to almost those employees who suffer from ill benefits are easy to access and use. 3% of the entire population of South health.” Among these are the courier delivery of Africa,” says GEMS Chairperson, chronic medication, the sending of claims Professor Richard Levin. “This kind of Prof Levin points out that GEMS has alerts via SMS, and ‘Friends of GEMS’, growth is unheard of in the medical broken “every record” in the South a registry of healthcare service providers schemes market and what makes us African healthcare funding market. that enables members to easily locate even more proud is that many of these Among the reasons for this is the great healthcare service providers in their area. beneficiaries were not able to afford emphasis the Scheme has placed on medical scheme cover previously.” providing outstanding service to its GEMS works to get members actively members and in developing products involved in the running of their scheme, According to Prof Levin, who has been that meet the needs of Public Service encouraging them to attend stakeholder the Scheme’s Chairperson for five years, employees. GEMS concentrates on meetings and AGMs, according to Prof it has been remarkable to witness the providing good core benefits and Levin. This is important and helps to success of GEMS in providing public does away with superfluous frills, he ensure that GEMS is a scheme that is service employees with healthcare observes. “As a scheme whose sole “for its members and by its members”. cover. “Prior to the advent of GEMS, purpose is to provide affordable and public service employees did not have accessible healthcare services to our “We have now cemented our reputation access to medical scheme benefits that members, we are committed to making as an industry pioneer that is always offered such value for money,” he points every healthcare rand count.” ‘a step ahead’ of the rest of the out. “Now they have some of the finest market. As you well know, access to benefits available at affordable rates.” The Scheme also concentrates on excellent healthcare benefits is one of ensuring that members understand their the standard service conditions that “GEMS promotes improved access benefits and communicates with its employees expect from an employer of to outstanding healthcare benefits members in a manner and in a language choice, which is what the Public Service especially for lower income earners,” they are able to understand. The needs is becoming as it continues along the continues Prof Levin. “The Scheme’s and perceptions of members are all road to its stated goal of reinvention.” Call 0860 00 4367 or send an email to: [email protected] www.gems.gov.za Bringing health within your reach FROM THE MINISTER 26 Public sector appointments Brief profiles of recent appointments in the public sector 29 Upcoming events A look at local and international events on the radar for the month 31 Women in the public sector Dr Margaret Mkhosi of the Technology Innovation Agency is fusing science with leadership 46 35 The workplace Special leave for special circumstances 38 Management and professional development Professor Solly Mollo of Palama talks about an innovative new programme that will allow more access to public service jobs 40 Book reviews Profiles of the latest must-reads Contents 14 July 2011 Regulars 42 Financial fitness 10 On camera How are you getting through the month – straight See who attended GCIS’ Budget Vote this year and pictures or budget? taken during the swearing in of the new South African Defence Force chief in Pretoria Features 12 Vital statistics 43 Perspective Fast facts and figures about the departmental budget Public Sector Manager delves into the book – Leading votes like Madiba 14 Lessons for the future 46 “Whose Mandela is it anyway?” Minister in The Presidency responsible for the National Busani Ngcaweni interrogates the question Planning Commission, Trevor Manuel, unpacks the recent Diagnostic Overview and what it means for the Public 54 This month in history Service Public Sector Manager pays tribute to Nelson Mandela in his birth month 20 Profiles in leadership Public Sector Manager caught up with Jack van der Merwe, 58 Make a difference this Mandela Day Chief Executive Officer of the Gautrain Management What are you doing this Mandela Day? Agency 63 Moral regeneration: the value of 24 Young public sector managers values Luyanda Tsipa from the Eastern Cape Development Zandile Mdhladhla, CEO of the Moral Regeneration Corporation and Dr Zolani Dyosi of the National Research Movement, gives her opinion on the importance Foundation are on the rise of moral regeneration 4 Public Sector Manager • July 2011 22 Public Sector Manager THE MAGAZINE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKERS Publishers: Government48 Communication and Information System Information Enquiry Service: +27 (0)12 314 2211 Switchboard: +27 (0)12 314 2911 356 Vermeulen Street, Midtown Building, Pretoria Private Bag X745, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001 www.gcis.gov.za Head of Editorial and Production Vusi Mona [email protected] Content Manager Tyrone Seale [email protected] Managing Editor Dorris Simpson Copy editors Delien Burger Nina Bhaktawar 34 94 Louise van Niekerk Roze Moodley 42 Contributors Ongezwa Manyathi Samona Murugan 65 Does the Government need the media? Mbulelo Baloyi Sandile Memela gives his opinion Kingsley Mboweni Xoliswa Zulu 71 The National Library: a new chapter in Photography Elmond Jiyane Ntswe Mokoena heritage Yolande Snyman A profile of the National Library of South Africa and the role it plays in preserving our heritage Designer Ntsiki Mputamputa Production Assistant Mduduzi Tshabangu 76 International Relations AU Summit Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions Uhuru Communications (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 (0)21 657 4800 Fax: +27 (0)21 657 4860 E-mail: [email protected] Lifestyle Website: www.uhurucom.co.za Managing Director: 78 Car review Thomas Sampson Business Development A look at the sleek styling and Manager: superior presence of the VW CC Vusi Mashabane Sales: 82 Grooming and style Key Accounts Manager Nardine Nelson Day-to-night glamour for executives Tel +27 (0)82 739 3932 [email protected] 86 Food and wine Advertising: Enoryt Appollis, head chef at the Head Office, Cape Town Tel +27 (0)21 657 4800 Caledon Manor Hotel in Ballito, shares Fax +27 (0)21 657 4860 some of his favourite recipes 96 Subscriptions: Subscriptions Manager Jeremy September 88 Surviving Comrades Public sector managers who participated in the ----------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Manyi Comrades Marathon tell us their stories Deputy CEO: Corporate Services Phumla Williams Deputy CEO: Government & Stakeholder Engagement Nebo Legoabe 90 Health and well-being Deputy CEO: Communication & Fitness expert Lisa Raleigh shares some tips for keeping Content Management Vusi Mona off winter weight Chief Financial Officer Lediana Amaro ----------------------------------------------- No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written 94 Travel permission of the publishers. GCIS is not responsible for unsolicited material. Views and opinions expressed in Public Sector Manager are not necessarily those of GCIS or the The perfect getaway; escape the busy city life for the South African Government. They can accept no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of the publication. hills of beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Copyright: GCIS Printed by Shereno Printers 96 Nice-to-haves Get smart and enter a new dimension with the latest LG television offering Public Sector Manager • July 2011 5 FROMFROM THE THE MINISTER MINISTER Madiba, during his active years in public life, displayed a caring and burden-bearing attitude towards others.