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Sub-Heading NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL TREASURY
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Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL TREASURY ISSUE 25 Beginning of story
Page 1: Treasury welcomes MEC MacCollen Jack
Page 2: Face to Face with HRD
Page 3: Northern Cape tightens the budget belt
Page 4: The key to a productive workplace
Page 5: GEPF allay pension fears
Page 6: Management Strategic Session
Page 7: One on One with Lizel Fillis
Page 8: * Power Mondays * NCPT at play * Benefits of sleep
Page 9: Events Photo Gallery
Backpage: * Meet the new ministerial team * People on the move
The new MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr MacCollen Jack Heading Editor’s Note
Dear reader, Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading It is an honour to serve as the new editor of this newsletter following the departure of my
Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading predecessor, Mr Mojalefa Mphapang, who I believe did an outstanding work by ensuring
Beginning of story that the newsletter serves as a mirror through which we are able to look back at the work we are doing for the province.
I intend to ensure that this publication will educate you about the economy, highlight the accomplishments of dedicated officials, keep you informed about new developments like promotions, appointments, including other matters that affect your health as well as managing finances.
You will also be reading about the redeployment of MEC MacCollen Jack who has just joined Treasury. We will be sharing with you his achievements and dedication towards everything that comes his way. Another interesting topic we covered in this issue is provincial budget vote, the strategic planning session held recently and many more.
I feel glad to acknowledge the support and encouragement of all those who contributed directly or indirectly to bring the Newsletter out. I would not have done this alone, I have a dedicated team who I believe will continue to keep you informed,
Keep telling us your inspiring stories and send your letters to the editor by emailing them to [email protected].
I look forward to hearing from you, Happy reading Galaletsang
The HeartBeat newsletter is a quarterly publication of the Northern Cape Provincial Treasury. Heading Treasury welcomes MEC MacCollen Jack
THE employees and management of leadership level is really capable of Sub-Heading the Northern Cape Provincial hitting the ground running.
By line if there is no sub-heading Treasury are looking forward to a long and fruitful working relationship Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading Mr Vuyisile Gumbo, the acting with MEC MacCollen Jack. Beginning of story Head (HOD) of Treasury expressed his confidence in the MEC. “We are This follows the recent change of the honored and privileged to receive Northern Cape Executive Council the MEC and we wish him all the which saw MEC MacCollen Jack best and promise that we will filling the post he has acted on it for a support him in all his efforts in the while. execution of his responsibility”, he said. Treasury officials believe that the MEC would lead the department to “We have a dedicated team of men greater heights, given his political and women who have brought joy, and administrative experience. MEC happiness and pride in the Jack is not a new kid on the block, department and will continue to having served as health MEC for make his plans for better service years coupled with the exposure at delivery succeed,” he concluded.
Profile of the MEC - Mr Ntsikelelo MacCollen Jack
different schools and further went the Pixley Ka Seme region. He on to matriculate at Thubalethu currently serves in the PEC and PWC State High School. of the ANC.
He furthered his post matric studies His work career include, being a through, Masibulele College of Teacher at Isibane Primary School, a Education for a Teachers Diploma, School Principal at Lillian Noveve RAU – further Diploma in Combined School and an Assistant Educational management, Wits – Chief Education specialist at CPMD, Housing Policy Department of Education (Eastern Development Programme (HPDP) Cape). Deputy Director at and other short courses from Department of Housing and Local different institutions. government at De Aar (Northern Cape), LED Manager and later In 2013, he obtained an Honours Municipal Manager at Pixley ka Degree in Public Admin from the Seme District Municipality. University of Stellenbosch and he is currently doing a Masters Degree in He went on after being appointed as a Public Admin through Wits Member of the Provincial University. Legislature (MPL) to be the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, and As a political activist, he served in later MEC for Health in the Northern MR Ntsikelelo MacCollen Jack was different alliance structures of the Cape Province. He is currently the born in 1965, in a dusty Karoo town mass democratic movement. MEC for Finance, Economic called Graaff-Reinet. He attended Furthermore, served for more than Development and Tourism. 10 years as the ANC chairperson of
Heartbeat 391 Heading Face to face with HRD
employees in these trainings?
By: Masego Masilo For CIP, all newly appointed Sub-Heading employees qualify to attend this training. As for the SMS leadership By line if there is no sub-heading HUMAN Resource (HR) holds a development, the focus will be on Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading pivotal position in any company and it newly appointed Senior Managers Beginning of story affects the lives of employees in a and those Senior Managers who meaningful way. Heartbeat news never had an opportunity to attend came face-to-face with Kenneth leadership courses. Other training Melakeco, the HRD manager to interventions for employees will be explain the unit's plans for this year. by means of conducting a skills audit Kenny as he is affectionally known through the PDP's submitted by has a lot of knowledge acquired on the employees for development, and the job for the past 19 years coupled with Workplace Skills Development his qualifications. He shared his Committee (WSDC) decides on what officials will have already committed knowledge in the HR profession and criteria will be used to identify which on some other work activities. We his work in the field that sit at the training interventions will be usually have to look for replacements centre of the department. implemented within that particular at the last minute financial year.
What are your goals in achieving Briefly give us a background on Are there specific requirements more improvements on your what you do in the HRD unit? needed for certain trainings? trainings for 2016? I am responsible for the management Some requirements will be We want to implement the pre- and and implementation of HRD determined by the service providers post- evaluation questionnaire which interventions within the department, based on the NQF level of the course, we have developed in order to such as Training and Development, for instance, for Management measure the return on investment for Internship programme; bursary Development Programme, a matric training. This will give us an programme, learnership and certificate and work experience will indication as to whether the training experiential learning programmes as be required. provided to the employees did make well as compulsory induction an impact on their performance. programme. I’m also coordinating How do you measure the outcomes MPAT and Employment Equity of these trainings? Are there any developments/ within the department. changes now in 2016 that we are not We ensure employees submit aware of and need to share with What trainings have you Portfolio of Evidence (POE) as Treasury employees? planned/scheduled for 2016 and required by the service provider. We why? have developed a pre- and post- The only change is with the bursary evaluation questionnaire which we policy, where the focus is now on Apart from the Compulsory Induction intend to implement from the new funding only those employees who are Programme (CIP), which is a financial year, whereby we will on salary levels 1-8 and studying requirement for all newly appointed evaluate the impact of training towards their first tertiary employees within the Public Service, provided to the employees. Others qualifications and no more post there is also the SMS leadership will be determined by the results, for graduate qualifications. capacity development which is a instance, bursaries. mandatory training and minimum What inspirational message will you entry requirements for SMS What challenges do you face when give to Treasury employees in terms development intervention for a coming to your trainings and what of skills development and training? minimum of 18 days over a period of 3 do you do to rectify or curb those years. It is in response to the challenges? “Think of yourself as a brand. You developmental agenda as stipulated in need to be remembered. What will the National Development Plan 2030. The non-availability of officials to they remember about you?. If you The directive which was approved by attend training after confirming their have it in you, do something that Cabinet on 22 October 2014, and attendance, this is mostly due to defines you. Invent something, issued by the MPSA on 25 November operational reasons. This might also develop a unique skill, get noticed for 2014. be due to the lengthy SCM processes something – it creates a talking point” which by the time it's been finalised What criteria do you use to involve with the service provider, some
2 Heartbeat Heading Northern Cape tightens the budget belt
By: Galaletsang Moncho Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading THE Northern Cape Provincial the Northern Cape perform a can be still be achieved although this Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading Legislature held its House Sitting in regulatory function, some of them is not expected to result in significant Beginning of story Upington on March 06 2016 for the will be rationalized without savings for the province, but this will tabling of the 2016/17 Provincial compromising their legal mandate assist to ensure that we deliver Budget by the MEC of Finance, to further achieve efficiencies in the services to the people in the most Economic Development and system. This process is currently effective and economical way to Tourism, Mr. Mac Jack. The speech underway and firm proposals will improve our business processes. was a reaffirmation towards the be tabled at the Executive Council commitment of government in soon. There is also a moratorium in the reducing the budget deficit and filling of vacant posts in an effort to contain the wage bill of the province, all posts that are currently advertised will be closely scrutinised to ensure that they are critical and relate to front line service delivery requirements and are fully budgeted for over the 2016/17 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
The Northern Cape Government receives its revenue from the national transfers in the form of the equitable share, conditional grants and provincially collected own revenue. The total projected revenue for Learners from a high school in Victoria West who attended the Budget Speech. 2016/17 financial year amounts to R14.928 billion. The provincial spiralling debt service costs. Based on the current expenditure equitable share contributes the largest Provincial government's priorities patterns on non-core items like share to the total receipts followed by were also clearly articulated whilst catering, hiring of venues and conditional grants and own receipts. maintaining the 2016 MTEF travelling etc. Provincial Treasury is expenditure ceilings. convinced that some efficiencies
Cost containment measures had to be imposed in order to achieve maximum benefits and efficacy in spending. Whilst the strategy is to maintain expenditure ceilings in all government departments, Provincial Treasury has managed to protect the social sector spending mainly in health and education to ensure that cost drivers like learner teacher support material and medicine continue to grow to enhance service delivery.
The province is currently busy reviewing all public entities with the aim of realigning and rationalising some of its entities to achieve maximum efficiencies in the budgets. Whilst most entities in Heartbeat 39 Heading Employee Health - the key to a productive workplace
By: Tshidi Monethi Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading THE Northern Cape Provincial ensuring that issues paramount to or otherwise, remains important to Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading Treasury always takes strides in the youth, women, disability the department, and implementing
Beginning of story ensuring that employees are groups, gender equity and job health programmes in the workplace presented with professional health access are addressed at all available has become a vital part of employee and wellness as well as special platforms. healthy lifestyle for a productive programmes at all times. The workplace, hence the development department approaches these The department provides EH&W of the below programme to keep programmes through the provision and Special Programmes in employees updated: of personal health sessions, safety & partnership with various entities risk management, personal such as the Department of Health, EMPLOYEE HEALTH SCREENING development and HIV & AIDS the Government Employee Medical DATES 2016 voluntary testing, programs for Scheme (GEMS), the Commission vulnerable groups (youth, women of Gender Equality (CGE), Right- Venue Date and the disability groups), gender to-Care and individual experts such issues, Corporate S o c i a l as doctors, psychologists and Metlife Towers 23 March 2016 Responsibility and many more. finance experts amongst others. Templar Building 26 April 2016 According to Mr Elias Mosikare, the According to the Occupational Care Metlife Towers 26 May 2016 Manager for Special Programmes, South Africa (OCSA), employee the department (although not its core wellness is no soft issue, human Templar Building 23 June 2016 mandate) has over the years capital is a valuable asset which remained committed to the should be well managed with as improvement of the lives of much focus as any other strategic underprivileged communities by business development. For more details regarding the above investing needed funds and plan contact the coordinator for equipment through corporate social Ms Lolo Pharasi emphasised that Employee Health and Wellness, Ms responsibility initiatives. The health, whether physical, Lolo Pharasi at 053 830 8490 or department has also focused on emotional, psychological, financial [email protected].
SPECIAL PROGRAMMES EVENTS CALENDAR
Dates Activity
April- June EXCO outreach Programme
May Take a girl & boy child to work
June Youth day
July Mandela Day
July- Sept EXCO outreach Programme
August Women’s Month
September Spring day, Heritage Month and Casual Day
Oct- Dec EXCO outreach Programme
November National Children’s Day
November –December 16 Days of Activism on “No violence against women and children”
December Disability Month
Jan- Feb Back to school support Programme
Jan- March EXCO outreach Programme
4 Heartbeat Heading GEPF allay pension fears
By: Tshidi Monethi Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading are no beneficiaries to pay. This Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading leads to the money being paid into Beginning of story the unclaimed benefits account, which is currently standing at R600 million.
Unclaimed benefits also disadvantages the dependents and beneficiaries of the member as it becomes difficult for them to access the benefits left behind for them by the member. Over 270 members attended the event which was aimed at educating them about all the services and benefits offered by the Fund. THE Government Employee debt as well as lack of infor- Pension Fund (GEPF) undertook mation regarding pensions. an education and outreach Ms Mamiki Mooki, the Senior campaign to the Treasury offices Manager for Human Resource in during a roadshow on 12 Members of the Fund were the department reminded February 2016. According to encouraged to continue updating employees that a beneficiary Neil Leefon, from the Northern their details as well as their nomination form was distributed nomination forms. The Cape GEPF Regional Office, the to all employees via email. She importance of a nomination is to purpose of the campaign was to urged employees to complete the assist the Fund to know who to provide Treasury employees, as forms and to hand these in at the pay the member's benefits to in important customers of the HR office. the event of death. scheme with meaningful information to help them make Treasury employees were also informed decisions about early In the absence of the nomination encouraged to be in constant resignation, their benefits and form, it becomes difficult for the contact with their HR office to selection of beneficiaries. Fund to process payments as there obtain clarity or more information related to the pension fund. According to a press statement released by the GPAA on 19th September 2 0 1 5 , a b o u t 4 0 0 0 government employees are resigning from their work every month in order to access their pensions.
Neil mentioned that the resignation tendency is fuelled by the need to access funds so as to pay off
Heartbeat 5 Heading Maping a clear way forward through strategic session
By: Galaletsang Moncho Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading to day running of the department and Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading also help in evaluating progress and Beginning of story changing approaches when moving forward.
It was amazing to see how presenters kept on quoting “Who Moved My Cheese”, the book which talks about change in all aspects of life. It may even be a “strategy” or our way of doing things. Its main message relates to work, where most employees are employees because they prefer the security of a set wage.
In a Nutshell “Who Moved My Cheese” says: Anticipate change. Be ready to change quickly, and THE department recently held a two must be made and called on Enjoy the new Cheese. day strategic review session at management to be a formidable Flamingo Casino, Conference Hall. force to fight corruption, to be In closing Mr Gumbo said that the The aim was to identify appropriate activists on all government reasons for the department's means that will assist to evaluate the programmes and address provincial existence must be seen through achievements, highlight prudent skills development through justified tangible deliverables in areas especially in municipal areas terms of how far we have gone in that require support to enhance the meeting the MEC's expectation of departmental performance, and extricating people from bad solicit collective understanding and conditions of poverty, approach in the implementation of unemployment and inequality. strategic objectives of the department.
The issues that were discussed extensively are from Sustainable Resource Management, Asset & financial aid. The MEC also called Liabilities Management, Financial on treasury to provide support to Governance and Internal Audit. The stakeholders without arrogance, to discussions resulted in a formation promote professionalism and to of task teams and report that will be assist the communities to venture implemented to drive Treasury into commerce subjects. forward. When setting the tone, the Acting In his opening remarks MEC Mac HOD encouraged members to work Jack, said no efforts should be spared as a team than in silos. He said that it in changing the departmental is through the collective efforts and culture, excellence, accountability hard work we can make the province and professionalism. MEC placed a a better province. He said it is great expectation on the success of imperative to ensure that the the strategic planning session by departmental strategic objective, saying that a significant contribution mission and vision are aligned with for the betterment of people's lives the planning that will guide the day
6 Heartbeat Heading One on One with Lizel Fillis
By: Galaletsang Moncho Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading Authorising of requisitions on course, which I am very thankful for.
Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading LOGIS and approval of orders, Co-ordinate that payments are done Other responsibilities or activities you Beginning of story on LOGIS. are involved with outside your scope Compile the Commitment, of work? Accruals, Procurement Statistics and Supply chain is a circle where Instruction 34 reports. everything links together. In our environment, if an official is absent we have to assist in order for services to be Do you love your current work? rendered. I am also the Logis System Controller. I have to coordinate and Yes I do. Supply chain is an interesting monitor all system related activities such environment. It allows you to find as compile and maintain user profiles on solutions to problems and to take LOGIS. Determine official training initiative. There is never a dull moment requirements. Maintain infrastructure in this field. used in the administration of LOGIS. Coordinate problem resolution on the What keeps you motivated to do your system. Compile quarterly reports. job? Message to others who are not happy Knowing that I am part of a team who's with what they are doing? always willing to go the extra mile and TO others she might be shy but she has trying to improve on service delivery. Life has its ups and downs, but my proven herself to be anything but message is to keep strong, keep on doing unforgettable. During Heartbeat’s short What course did you do at school, the your best and believe in yourself. The interaction with her a lot was duration and challenges you Bible verse in Philippians 3: 13-14 says discovered, her obvious love of her encountered during the duration of it so well. “Brothers and sisters, I do not work, life and of people painted an your studies? consider that I have made it my own yet; enduring impression of intelligence, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies wit, and enthusiasm and, above all, a I studied Public Management for four behind and reaching forward to what lies dedicated public servant. This is what years at Central University of ahead, I press on toward the goal to win she had to share with us: Technology, Free State. I studied part the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of time from 2007 to 2010 and it was God in Christ Jesus.” challenging to juggle work, study and Share a little bit about yourself. personal life, but at the end it was worth What will be you next step, or where to it. from here? I was born in Kimberley and completed matric at Diamantveld High School. I Did you get any financial assistance My next step is to achieve my Master's started working for Treasury in 1998 as a outside or from the Department? Degree in Public Management and to contract worker and my career has just develop and enhance my skills to be a been growing. I love spending time with Yes I did receive a bursary from the good leader not only at work, but in my family, to cook and to do some Department for the duration of the church and in my community. interior decorating. I love music, I think music is food for the soul, Ella Fitzgerald and Eva Cassidy were blessed with such beautiful voices.
Your current position and responsibilities and how long you have been doing it?
I am the Assistant Manager for Logistics. I have been working in supply chain management for 17 years. My responsibilities among others includes: Ms Lizel Fillis and her colleagues To Monitor and evaluate supplier performance. Heartbeat 7 Heading NCPT at play Power Mondays - Dress for success!!
By: Matu Nkati By: Galaletsang Moncho Sub-Heading
By line if there is no sub-heading THE Northern Cape Provincial Treasury (NCPT) soccer MONDAYS are such a drag; they Beginning of story if there is no sub heading By line if there is a sub-heading team has been on a roll lately having won several of the are very long and are days which matches they have played with opposing teams. On Beginning of story most of us don't look forward to. February 24, 2016, the NCPT soccer team played with Transnet and walked away having lost to the opposing It's even more daunting when we team by 2 goals to 1. cannot think of what to wear because of the low energy and Despite their loss, our boys held their heads high and tiredness from the weekend. outdid themselves during their match with the Office of the Premier team. They won the match by 4 goals to 3 and Power Monday , e a s i l y are revved and ready to take on more teams. translated to Power dressing, has been designed to get us energized The team was formed as part of the Employee Health and for work by dressing in our Wellness program which aims to ensure that all officials corporate/formal wear. These are are healthy both mentally and physically. It is very items that we usually keep in our important for an organisation to be able to perform its wardrobes for special events like daily duties outstandingly by ensuring that officials are interviews, graduation ceremonies and life changing healthy and can perform their duties properly. When events. These items include suits, ties, shirts, pencil talking to one of the sports committee members, Mr. skirts and dresses. It has been proven that once a person Keegan Mushota, he said the benefits of being part of the looks good, they feel good and once they feel good, they team are the ability to enhance personal health and enable have the ability to achieve their best. officials to socialise after hours. All units are encouraged to participate in the Power It is therefore a great idea to be part of the soccer team to Monday concept by either inviting communicators to enhance the spirit of unity within the department. The any of their Monday team has grown from strength to strength since its gathering to capture the establishment almost 4 years ago. moment or they can send their group pictures to All officials who would like to join the soccer team are [email protected] or welcome to do so and spectators are always a great [email protected] . motivation for the team. So next time you see an announcement of a match, do join the team and cheer The best dressed officials them on. will be featured on our newsletter, so ladies and gentlemen what are you Benefits of Sleep waiting for, share with us Inadequate sleep affects the daily functioning, the joy of dressing up. physical and mental health in many ways. Sleep is necessary for survival. Sleep is necessary for growth in all age groups. Sleep allows and promotes proper functioning of the nervous system. Sleep helps to maintain optimal physical, social and emotional functioning while awake. The physiology of sleep is such that its effect relieves the brain's activity so that on waking up mental functioning is optimal and maintained. Poor sleep leads to lack of concentration when awake. Poor sleep results in memory problems
8 Heartbeat Heading Events Photo Gallery
Provincial Budget Speech
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Management Strat Plan GEPF Presentation
Heartbeat 9 Heading The new ministerial team
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MEC MacCollen Jack
Darius Babuseng Sharon Plaatjies Zandisile Luphahla Zwelendyebo Mpampi Head of Ministry Private Secretary Media Liaison Officer Parliamentary Liaison Officer
Vuyo Ngxabazi Unondumiso Buda Lucia Nozuko Nel Sylvester Makapela Chief Registry Clerk Registry Clerk Receptionist Driver People on the move
Galaletsang Moncho Lebogang Kgarebe Masego Zaula Reginald Jacobs Man: Communications IT Officer Ast Man: Special Programmes Security Admin Officer New Appointee New Appointee New Appointee New Appointee
Designed by: The NCPT Communications Sub-directorate