Better Together Magazine

magaz ineISSUE 4. NOVEMBER 2012

Together

O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E W E S T E R N C A P E G O V E R N M E N T

HAPPY HOLIDAYSEVERYONE

On Our CoverOur 110%GREEN Cyclists pave

the way to a Greener Economy

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THE VISION:

External VisionOpen opportunity for all.

Internal VisionTo be the best-run regional government in the world.

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

Dear DG

I am proud to serve and work for the Western Cape Government and I want to compliment you for the good example you show to employees.

I love travelling and where ever I go, people always ask the same questions. The conversation will begin with, ‘Where are you from?’ and I always answer,

‘South Africa’ and I proudly add that I work for the Western Cape Government. I am so proud of our country and our beautiful province, and I always try to be a good ambassador who promotes South Africa. As I am healthy, I consider myself fortunate to be able to work. I want all of us to be proud of our jobs, our country and our province!

Thank you for being such a wonderful DG and my compliments to Ms Zille for being such a strong woman.

Willieta Swart Provincial Training InstituteDepartment of the Premier

Dear Willieta

Thank you for your lively letter and kind words. I share your love for our country and province and am grateful every day for the opportunity to live and work in the Western Cape. I wish you well in your important work at Kromme Rhee and I hope you have some exciting travel plans arranged in the future.

Regards Brent Gerber

Director-General

Dear BT mag

I would like to congratulate all the organisers of the Better Together Games for the great work they did to make the sports day such a success. It was a cold day, but that did not stop WCG employees from attending and participating in the various sports on offer.

I think it is important to have the sports day every year because it is a good way of bringing us together with the employees from other departments. It also gave us the opportunity to exercise and encouraged us to live a healthier lifestyle. I look forward to the 2013 Better Together Games!

RegardsWCG employee

Your Letters

Ask the D-G anything

Do you want to know if we should have bicycle racks

outside the building? Or what about the food

in the canteen?

This is your forum.

You can ask the D-G a question or take the opportunity to express

your opinion.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Write to usWe will be

awarding R300 to the best letter we receive! You

also have the opportunity

to write to our Director-General,

Brent Gerber.

Dear BT mag

Thank you for putting together such a wonderful magazine. The third issue was brilliant! I have read it from front to back and some things twice. The articles are all informative and the one I enjoyed most was the Work and Skills Programme article. I did not know there was a government programme that helps to give youth the opportunity to gain job experience. Many of us don’t know what other departments

do, but this magazine really gives us an opportunity to read about the great work and projects our colleagues are working on.

I can’t wait for the next issue!

RegardsWCG employee

ON OUR COVER

1 Better Together Magazine

Icon KeyThe icon key will be used at the end of each feature story to highlight which values, visions and Better Together philosophies are demonstrated in the article.

AccountabilityWe take responsibility.

IntegrityTo be honest and do the right thing.

THE VALUES:CareTo care for those we serve and work with.

ResponsivenessTo serve the needs of our citizens and employees.

CompetenceThe ability and capacity to do the job we were employed to do.

Hitting the road for 110%GREEN

Dear Colleagues

It has been a formidable year and Western Cape Government employees have done their best to provide services during a period when the world’s economies are struggling. We have had to work within tight budgets while still providing more services at a level better than before.

Now is the time that we should be grateful to those colleagues who have gone out of their way to deliver their service to the best of their ability in an environment that is hampered by bureaucracy. It is those people who, while they themselves are overloaded with work, turn around and smile at you and sincerely ask, ‘How are you?’ This simple question makes you feel that someone truly does care about you. Most of us know that we can all work harder at taking the time out to ask our colleagues how they are doing. Wouldn’t you want to make someone feel cared for? As was mentioned in our first issue of the Better Together magazine, the most important Western Cape Government value is care, because as long as we care about one another, we will live out the other values naturally.

The December holidays are a time for giving and thinking about those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Find out how you can give this season and perhaps add a permanent slot in your 2013 diary to volunteer at a children’s home or animal shelter.

It is with great joy that I wish you all a wonderful festive season and happy holidays. May you relax and feel revitalised to once again come back to work in the new year ready to face whatever challenges come your way. Remember to use your breathalyser if you are driving and you think you may be over the legal alcohol limit and encourage your friends not to drink and drive. It is just not cool.

Stay safe and don’t forget the Factor 30 sun-block. Have a great new year from all of us!

RegardsBT mag

Editor’s Notes

Helen meets a 110%GREEN supporters.

The best way to inspire change is to put words into action and this the Premier of the Western Cape certainly does. In her State of the Province Address given in February this year, Premier Helen Zille stated that a primary focus for the year was to build a green economy in the province and advance its goal to become the Green Economy Hub of South Africa. The 110%GREEN campaign was launched on 5 June 2012 and since then they have focussed on building awareness to the importance of going green as well as encouraging existing businesses and entrepreneurs to focus on new technologies and ideas to bring to our economy.

The 110%GREEN Better Together Cycle Tour was inspired by one of these flagship companies, the Victoria and Albert Baths, a Worcester-based business that bought bicycles for their employees who, due to unreliable public transport, were having problems getting to work. Victoria and Albert Baths found an innovative way to address their employee’s absenteeism by providing them with bicycles, which is both a greener and healthier way for them to get to work. This terrific idea has been beneficial to both the employees and the company. The employees know that their employers are listening to them and the company can continue to work productively with a full staff compliment.

The 110%GREEN Better Together Cycle Tour wanted to encourage other companies to take action to build a green economy in the Western Cape and join the 110%GREEN network.

The cyclists left on Saturday, 27 October 2012 and they covered approximately 110 km – to echo 110%GREEN – passing through Villiersdorp, Rawsonville, Bonnievale, Ashton and Robertson and ending in Worcester on 29 October 2012. The Premier was accompanied by most of the Ministers who all did us proud by cycling over terrain that was far from easy. Our green economy cyclists visited schools to promote going green and handed over bicycles to grateful children who will now find it easier to get to school.

The 110%GREEN cycle tour is also an initiative to make citizens more aware of the health benefits of cycling and to motivate people to look at cycling as a means of transport that is green as well as a fantastic way to keep fit.

As a leader it is important to put your words into action and that is exactly what Helen Zille and her team do. This three day tour brought awareness to the health benefits of cycling and the green aspect of riding to work on a bicycle in comparison to a petrol guzzling option. Great job to the 110%GREEN cycling team, you have made the Western Cape Government proud.

One thing all of our champion finalists

have in common is their undeniable

enthusiasm and passion for what they

do. Maria Vos is no different and to add

to the list of similarities, she has also

worked for government for the past 25

years. The Department of Community

Safety is fortunate to have Maria as their

Accounts Manager. Here is a lady, who

along with her team, has achieved the

enviable 2 year clean audit report for

2011 and 2012. Her department is thrilled

to have this accolade to their name and

when asked how she did it, she replied, “I

persevere. I have this driving force to see

what I am working on accomplished.”

When I started working I knew I

had to make a mind shift as I was now earning a salary and I had to give

something of myself.

Maria does not allow grass to grow

under her feet. Instead of only doing

what is required of her, she is constantly

looking for the next challenge. This self-

motivation has been with her since she

began working after Matric. “When I

started working I knew I had to make a

mind shift as I was now earning a salary

and I had to give something of myself.

This has stuck with me ever since and

has carried me through the years. It is

really about bread and butter issues – in

an instant things can change and you

can be without a job. I am here to serve

the public and make their lives easier.”

Maria was nominated by one of her

employees in her team and when I read

to Maria a few of the paragraphs from

the nomination form she begins to cry.

Here are a couple of sentences, “Maria

is a civil servant of superior quality and

she is a true asset to the department. I

am proud to have her as my team leader

and mentor.” Maria says that she is

honoured to have been nominated and

she still can’t believe that she is a Better

Together Champion finalist. “I am very

honest when I say that I am nothing

without my team. They all work hard and

I would like to congratulate and thank

them for all their effort and support.”

When asked what tips she can give as

to how to be a good manager, she says,

“Managing people is a balancing act and

each person is a separate individual. Not

everyone can be managed the same.

This does not happen overnight and

only through experience can a person

learn how to be a good leader.” In order

to encourage her employees, she sets

benchmarks so that they can see what

they are aiming towards. They also

review their achievements and discuss

how they can improve on them.

Maria is a civil servant of superior quality and she is a true asset to the

department.

Maria’s nomination form ended with the following sentence, “You will have to interview Maria yourself to be blown away. When you recover, only then will you know what I am talking about.” Blown away is the right way of describing our interview. This is a woman who is self-disciplined and self-motivated, two characteristics that have earned her the respect of her colleagues. We, as the Western Cape Government, are fortunate to have this amazing woman working

with us. All the best in the finals Maria!

One more finalist to go – get your

nominations in now!

6

Better Together

Our Better Together Champion Finalist

MARIA VOS BLOWS US AWAY

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU, THE NOMINATORThe Better Together magazine would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague they believe is living the Western Cape Government values. We would especially like to thank the nominator of Maria Vos for writing such a heartfelt nomination. You managed to capture the essence of what we are looking for in our Better Together Champion – someone who cares, is responsive and who is proud to be a Government official. We look forward to receiving many more nominations and just remember – without the nominators we would have no Better Together Champion. The nominator is the person who has taken the time to share with us the story of someone who they think is remarkable, and for putting someone else before themselves. We say thank you. You are what makes us better together. Find out how you can nominate someone on the back page of the magazine.

YOU COULD BE THE WINNER OF R10 000!

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Alcohol has been around for thousands of years and has been closely intertwined with people throughout the ages. In ancient Greek and Egyptian culture, wine and other forms of alcohol had many uses, most of which are still used today. Alcohol has medicinal value and has been used in various religious rituals over the years.

However, when we think of alcohol, we generally think of an alcoholic beverage which people drink – sometimes to be merry, sometimes to forget and sometimes to lose control. As with most things, alcohol itself is not bad, but it is rather the people who drink it in excess that has resulted in alcohol, and its negative effects becoming a serious concern to our health and society at large. According to the

World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa has the world’s highest proportion of binge drinkers which is worrying, especially when we consider the many repercussions that one night of heavy drinking can have. The Department of Community Safety is specifically focussing on building awareness amongst Western Cape Government employees to the possible side-effects of excessive drinking. Alcohol in its various forms has been in society for many years and has been used to celebrate happy occasions. However, as we excitedly look forward to spending our holidays on the beach and visiting friends and family, we should pause to consider the possible effects alcohol can have on our health and the implications binge drinking can have on our social lives.


The Vision

TheGOOD

TheBAD

TheUGLY

ALCOHOL

continued on next page


The Western Cape Province is fortunate to have a climate which is perfect for the growth of vineyards and we have many award winning wines that are praised around the world. Our brandy production is also flourishing and Route 62 has enticed brandy-lovers to visit the many tasting rooms that are now offering this historical drink. It is thanks to these growing wine and brandy industries that thousands of people are employed and are able to earn a living.

From a health aspect, having asmall glass of red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart

and cardiovascular disease.

From a health aspect, having a small glass of red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease. It also contains antioxidants and other properties which are said to lower the risk of breast and prostate cancers.

Cooking with various alcohols can enrich a meal – from red wine sauce with a fillet steak, to brandy in brandy pudding. Alcohol is central in bringing flavour and variety to our food. As many a host and hostess will agree, pairing the perfect white wine with their fish or chicken is essential to enhance the flavour of the meal and it adds to their guest’s fun and enjoyment of the evening.

Finally, alcohol was, and still is used for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes such as anaesthetics, antiseptics, lotions and cosmetics.

A factor for which alcohol is enjoyed can also be considered one of its most harmful attributes. Alcohol has the ability to help us relax and lower our guard. In moderation, a couple of drinks can ‘take the edge off’ and allow us to loosen up. The concern arises when too many drinks are consumed in one sitting and it is South African’s binge drinking culture that needs to change. The WHO defines binge drinking as “consumption of five or more drinks in one sitting or on one occasion.” As the African continent has the highest proportion of binge drinkers in the world, you as an individual, have to be conscious of what binge drinking is, and acknowledge if you may have a drinking problem. Alcohol has many negative health effects, but it also plays a role in how you see yourself as a person.

As the African continent has the highest proportion of binge drinkers

in the world, you as an individual have to be conscious of what binge drinking is, and acknowledge if you

may have a drinking problem.

After a session of heavy drinking, you could fall, say things you regret, lose your temper and possibly blackout. None of the above are desired results of an evening out, as there is nothing more embarrassing than knowing you have said something to someone which you shouldn’t have. Binge drinking has a link to how we perceive ourselves and can reduce our self-confidence. Our behaviour in public and our social standing with friends and colleagues can be upset due to things being said, and which cannot be taken back. If evenings out are repeat episodes of the same arguments and embarrassing moments, then your confidence will slowly diminish as you constantly regret your behaviour and your friends begin to withdraw from you.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE DRINKING:

Cardio problems – the heart muscle weakens, causing breathing difficulties and swollen legs and feet.

Weight gain – for example, 1 glass of wine is equivalent to 2 slices of bread.

Stomach problems – gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcers and bleeding.

Foetal alcohol syndrome in children whose mothers drink during their pregnancy.

Alcohol dependence from long-term binge drinking.

Psychological symptoms, including heightened feelings of depression and anxiety.

TheGOOD

TheBAD

TheUGLY

There are numerous campaigns and initiatives that

try to change the behaviour of people who drink and

drive. As employees of the Western Cape Government,

we know all the hard work that our colleagues

from the Department of Community Safety and the

Department of Transport and Public Works put into

making drivers mindful that alcohol will affect their

ability to control their vehicle and their awareness on

the road. As South African’s we have grown up with

the belief that it is okay to drive after a few drinks,

but this perception is slowly changing. People are now

planning their evenings with the intention of having a

designated sober driver or taxi cab to take them home.

This responsible behaviour is growing and will help in

ensuring that our roads become safer. It is no longer

considered acceptable to drive under the influence,

and as society makes this change, more people will

feel pressurised into not drinking and driving. Peer

pressure is the best way to end drunk driving.

ARE YOU A BINGE DRINKER?

If you answer the majority of these questions ‘yes’ then you may have a drinking problem:

• Do you drink alcohol to get drunk?• Do you drink more than four units of alcohol in a seating, three or more times a week?• Do you find it difficult to stop drinking once you have started?• Can you go a day without thinking about

alcohol?

DRINK RESPONSIBLYEat something to line your stomach. This will help to absorb the alcohol and prevent nausea.

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect by causing increased urine production. Drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help keep you sober and it will lessen the extent of your hangover.

Try a low-alcohol/non-alcoholic alternative.

Think of every drink as a unit of alcohol, be it a shooter, beer or glass of wine.

Drinking more than 2 units of alcohol will classify you as over the limit. Note that many other factors such as your weight and metabolism will impact your alcohol reading.

Set limits for yourself and stick to them. Don’t let people pressure you into drinking more than you want. You are ultimately responsible for yourself and your alcohol intake.

Decide who will be the designated driver before going out or make use of a reputable taxi cab service.

The festive season is a busy period for the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Department of Community Safety. They will coordinate, along with other operational partners, the best way to create a safe road environment for all road users. Some of the challenges will include: an increase in traffic volumes, pulling over tired drivers, pedestrian safety, events and the continuous monitoring of our roads. As we will be enjoying our holidays, many of our colleagues will be working hard at road closures and keeping our roads safe from speeding and drunk drivers. They have embarked on a special project where each of the 12 Provincial Traffic Centres will set up special road blocks to screen drivers for drinking and driving – one every Friday evening and one every Saturday evening. Drivers found guilty of driving under the influence also run the risk of being exposed in the “Name and Shame” campaign.

We say thank you to everyone who has been involved in planning the safety of our roads and we wish our operation-al partners all the best over the December period.

As part of the Department of Community Safety’s PSO 5 strategy, they have attached a disposable breathalyser to this issue of the Better Together magazine as a means of bringing awareness to drunk driving. Community Safe-ty wish to encourage responsible driving habits and the breathalyser is a means for you to check whether you, or someone you may know, is over the legal alcohol limit. By using the breathalyser you can take responsibility for your-self and decide whether you should be driving home or not. Remember that alcohol can still be in your system the day after a heavy night’s drinking and you could still be over the legal alcohol limit. Be safe and let us be responsible during the holidays. BETTER TOGETHER.

Breathalyser units retail at approximately R25.00 per unit and are available at leading pharmacies.

Xhosa Summary

Ukonwaba kwabantu xa besela utywala kusenokuthathwa njengenye yeendlela zomonakalo owenzekayo. Utywala

buyakwazi ukusenza sizive siphumle. Ngandlela ithile amathamo nje ambalwa otywala angasinceda ‘ngokusinika isiqabu sokungaxhalabiswa ziingxaki’ sibone ngathi ususiwe kuthi umthwalo. Inkxalabo yenzeka xa umntu erhabule amathamo aliqela otywala ngexesha elinye, ngulo mkhwa waseMzantsi-Afrika wokuselela ukunxila ekufuneka ngamandla ukuba mawuguquke. IQumrhu lezeMpilo eHlabathini (WHO) ukusela komntu ngeenjongo zokuba makanxile likuchaza “njengokugoyolozwa kwamathamo otywala amahlanu okanye angaphezu koko ngexesha elinye okanye kumsitho owodwa”.Njengoko eli zwekazi lase-Afrika linolona lwalamano luphezulu lwabantu abaselela ukuba mabanxile ehlabathini, wena njengomntu oyedwa, umele ukuyithathela ingqalela intsingiselo yokuselela ukuba mawunxile, kufanelekile ukuziqaphela ukuba ingaba unengxaki yokusela kakhulu na. Utywala ngeendlela ezininzi buligalelo elibi empilweni yomntu, noxa kunjalo utywala bunendima obuyidlalayo kwindlela wena ozibona uyiyo njengomntu. Emva kokuzintyintya kakhulu ngotywala, unakho ukuwa, usenokuthetha izinto ujike kwawena uzisole emva kokuba uzithethile, ungenza nantoni na usemsindweni, kanti usenokumkelwa naziingqondo. Kwezi zinto zikhankanyiweyo ngasentla apha akukho nenye kuzo ekunqweneleka ukuba ingasisiphumo sokuzikhupha kwakho ngorhatya oluthile, kaloku ayikho into ekwenza uphoxeke njengokwaziswa into obuyithethile nobungamelanga kuyithetha. Ukuselela ukuba mawunxile kunonxibelelwano nendlela esizibona ngayo iimeko zethu ezinokubangela ukuba masiphelelwe kukuzithemba. Ukuziphatha kwethu xa siphakathi kwabantu nendlela esihlalisana ngayo nabahlobo bethu kunye namahlakani ethu, kungadala impixano ngenxa yezinto ezithethekileyo, ntetho leyo singenakube siphinde siyiginye ngoba seyivakele. Ukuba ukuya kuzonwabisa kwethu ngorhatya kungayimpikiswano ethe gqolo nesenza sizive sidanile, ngokuqinisekileyo ukuzithemba kwethu kuzakuya kuphela ngenxa yokuzisola emva kwendlela ebesiziphethe ngayo, ngolo hlobo nabahlobo bethu baza kurhoxa bangasondeli kuthi.

Afrikaans Summary

’n Faktor waarvoor alkohol geniet word, kan ook as een van sy mees skadelike eienskappe beskou word. Alkohol

laat ’n mens ontspan en laat geïnhibeerdheid afneem. ’n Matige paar drankies help vir stresverligting en laat ’n mens toe om te ontspan. Die kommer ontstaan wanneer te veel drank op een slag ingeneem word. Suid-Afrika se kultuur van oormatige drankinname moet verander. Die Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie (WGO) definieer oormatige drankinname as “die inname van vyf of meer drankies na mekaar of tydens een geleentheid”. Omdat Afrika die grootste verhouding oormatige drinkers in die wêreld het, moet u as individu duidelik weet wat oormatige drinkery is en dit erken indien u ’n drankprobleem het. Alkohol het vele negatiewe uitwerkings op ’n mens se gesondheid, maar dit speel ook ’n rol in hoe ’n mens hulself beskou. Ná ’n hewige dranksessie kan mens val, dinge sê waaroor mens spyt is, mens se humeur verloor en moontlik ook bewussyn verloor. Nie een van hierdie gevolge word as wenslike uitkomste van ’n gesellige aand beskou nie, want dit skep ’n erge verleentheid indien ’n mens weet dat ’n mens iets aan iemand anders gesê het wat onnodig was. Oormatige drankinname skakel met ’n mens se selfbeeld en dit kan ’n mens se selfvertroue verminder. Ons gedrag in die openbaar en ons sosiale verkeer met vriende en kollegas kan gekortwiek word vanweë goed wat gesê is, en nie teruggetrek kan word nie. Indien dieselfde argumente en verleentheidswekkende gedrag herhalend tydens sulke sosiale interaksie plaasvind, sal ’n mens se selfvertroue afneem omdat ’n mens dan voortdurend spyt sal wees oor jou gedrag en jou vriende hul van jou sal onttrek.

8 8

Current News

STATISTICS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR

Total cases on hand as at 30 September 2012

Cases reported

Total hours worked on cases

Cases closed

Disciplinary actions recommended

Cases referred to SAPS

92

16 320

49

83

29% of cases closed

209

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Provincial Strategic Objective 5 (PSO 5) Increasing safety – making our roads safer and making safety everyone’s responsibility AWARENESS is key

World Anti-Corruption Day –

On Sunday, 9 December 2012, Inter-national Anti-Corruption Day, people around the world are urged to consider the implications of fraud and corruption in their respective countries. They are being asked to take a stand and commit to joining the fight against this scourge of illegal activity that is ruining the societies we live in.

To honour International Anti-Corruption Day, the International Anti-Corruption Conference will be held in Brazil from 7-10 November 2012 and is themed Mobilising People: Connecting Agents of Change. The conference will underline the fact that fraud and corruption is a global problem that impacts many countries across the world. This is not a problem faced by South Africa alone. The purpose of the conference will be for people to share what is being done globally to fight corruption and also to learn if the anti-corruption measures they have already put in place are having the desired effect. A key focus will be on ways to encourage and mobilise citizens to take a more active role in reporting fraud and corruption and demonstrating the kinds of problems that arise if these illegal activities are not stopped.

WHAT IS THE WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT DOING?

The Western Cape Government under-

stands the negative impact associated

with letting this problem get out of hand

and is following best practice to prevent

and root out fraud- and corruption in the

province. To achieve the goal of running a

corruption and fraud free administration

that is focused on quality service delivery,

the Western Cape Government has taken

the lead in fighting this issue by following

these two plans:

1. Adopting a robust and comprehensive

Anti-Corruption strategy that provides clear

and concise parameters for manage-ment

and employees to adopt in the fight against

fraud and corruption. This transversal

anti-corruption strategy concentrates on

combatting fraud, theft and corruption

and focuses on the prevention, detection,

investigation, resolution and deterrence of

fraud and corruption.

The implementation of this plan is

currently being driven through tailored

Fraud Prevention Plans in each of the

individual Departments, each aligned to

the overall strategy.

2. Significantly increasing the capacity of

the Forensic Investigating Unit (FIU) that

investigates all allegations of corruption,

fraud and theft that are reported via the

various channels available. This function

has been outsourced to a professional

services firm (Deloitte) for a period of

three years and the forensic investigation

experts include a number of lawyers,

chartered accountants and cyber forensic

professionals.

To achieve the aims set out in the strategy

the Forensic Investigating Unit has taken

a twofold approach to delivering on its

mandate of ridding the Western Cape

Government of fraud and corruption.

This is being achieved by being reactive

(investigating reported allegations and

tip-offs) and proactive in preventing and

deterring misuse and illegal activity within

the Departments of the Western Cape.

REACTIVE INITIATIVES

All allegations are entered into a case

management system (CMS) and a

preliminary assessment determines the

specific method of investigation, which

includes referrals to various bodies. The FIU

strives to act swiftly and resolve cases in

the shortest possible time. The CMS allows

for real-time status updates and managing

and reporting to stakeholders on progress.

The FIU is currently dealing with over 200

active cases, more than half of these having

been reported in the last six months. This

can be attributed to the on-going successes

of the unit as well as the dedication and

commitment of employees who have

taken the time to report suspicions.

PROACTIVE INITIATIVES

The old adage that prevention is

better than cure has never been more

applicable than in the combatting of

corruption and fraud.

WCG employees form the first line of

defence in combatting these offences.

They are quite literally the eyes and ears of

the unit and a critical part in managing and

preventing them from happening. To this

end, the FIU have embarked on a number

of proactive initiatives, which include:

Fraud and corruption awareness training

in each of the Provincial Departments.

Anti-Corruption online training across

SMS and MMS levels.

Customised fraud risk assessments in

most departments.

Annual fraud and corruption perception

surveys across all employees of the

Western Cape Government.

Data analytics to identify red flags.

OVERVIEW OF THE FRAUD INVESTIGATION UNIT TO DATE THIS YEAR:

The Western Cape Government is

committed to combatting corruption

and fraud. While the FIU is at the forefront

of this fight, each employee in each

department plays a role in delivering on

the anti-corruption strategy. This can

only be achieved through awareness

and education. Together we can make a

difference.

Better Together Magazine


The Values

it right, as our extension, we are doing it right. It is a full circle.”

One Child and Youth Centre that is getting it right is Leliebloem House based in Crawford. This is a haven for children to go to if our courts have declared that their parents are not able to look after them properly and they don’t have any extended family to stay with.

Having someone help out even for a few

hours over the weekend by playing with the

children or reading to them, would make

a world of difference to the children.

The Director of Leliebloem, Francisco Cornelius says, “We have very few orphans staying with us. Most of the children are here because their parents have a drug or alcohol problem or because of an inadequacy issue such as the child is not being fed or they aren’t given a bed or clothes. If the court finds that the child needs protection, then that child will be sent to us.”

Leliebloem House accommodates eighty-four children who have gone through traumatic experiences and need extra care, which is provided by child and youth care workers. The facility encourages the involvement of volunteers from the community to help care for the children. Francisco states, “We would love to have more volunteers as this will take some of the burden off

the staff. Having someone help out even for a few hours over the weekend by playing with the children or reading to them, would make a world of difference to the children.”

These children live at Leliebloem until the court agrees that their parents are capable of looking after them again. The reunification process is done carefully with the child first visiting their parents on weekends, and if all goes well the child will move home permanently. Sometimes reunification is not possible or successful, which means that the child will remain at Leliebloem. Alternatively, they will perhaps stay with host families who volunteer to look after the child over holidays such as Christmas time.

The employees of Social Development, from the social workers to the programme managers, are striving to ensure that their department meets the needs of the children in our Province. In trying to provide much needed services, they have to partner with non-profit organisations such as Leliebloem House, who look after children who have no where else to go and provide them with a safe place to stay. We thank you for caring about the children of our future.

Please contact Alfred Harris for more information on the Child and Youth Care programme:

Tel: 021 483 6113

E-mail: [email protected]

Note: DSD is in the process or re-registering all residential homes within all six districts within the Western Cape Province. This process needs to be completed by 2015 and is a primary focus of the Department of Social Development.

Many children grow up in homes where they hear and see their parents physically abuse each other, have drug or alcohol addictions and are shown no concern for their well-being. When children have had to endure this harrowing reality on a daily basis, many of them are traumatised and anxious. This puts into perspective how fortunate some of our youth are and how through poverty and other social discrepancies, some children are faced with insurmountable obstacles.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has been at the forefront of initiating programmes and initiatives that deal with the numerous challenges that our society faces. In 2010 the new Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) was passed and the Department of

Social Development was identified as the custodians of the Act. As a result programmes and services are required to comply with the regulations of the Act which makes a number of new provisions for children. The Act can be found on http://www.westerncape.gov.za/eng/your_gov/4190

Social workers strive to serve the best interest of the child, which is to remain with their families. However, if the child is found to be in need of attention, alternative care is provided. The Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) is one such example of an alternative care measure. CYCCs are residential facilities which address the child’s needs outside the family environment. The Department of Social Development works in partnership with NGOs to ensure that

these types of facilities are a safe haven for children.

Alfred Harris explains, ‘We want to increase the availability of programmes and facilities so that children with any issue will be looked after and cared for in accordance with the new Act.” Alfred is the project manager working on the Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) programme. He talks to NGOs on a regular basis to help them work in alignment with the new Act. Alfred says, “We have to have a good relationship with our partners and I am happy that NGOs feel comfortable contacting me to discuss problems they may be facing. They need to know where we are going and what we are working towards. They may have been doing something a certain way which now has to change. This takes time and the NGOs need our support. They know that when they do

CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRESA SAFE PLACE FOR CHILDREN

Did you know that giving is just as good for the giver as it is for the receiver? It is all part of our genetic make up.

According to studies, people who make financial contributions to charities or who volunteer are the happiest. We get a natural high from doing good deeds for others. By volunteering our time or by helping someone, you get what is called the ‘helpers high’. In an American study six personal improvements were found in the well-being of regular volunteers: happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control over life, physical health and lack of depression. From time to time, we can feel overwhelmed or sad, but giving is a natural way of lifting your spirits.

A s y o u p l a n y o u r N e w Y e a r s resolutions, consider whether you could possibly make a regular commitment to volunteering at an organisiation that touches your heart, be it a children’s home, animal welfare or helping to cover books for school children. Perhaps time is not on your side, but you decide you can commit to donating a box of food to a homeless shelter on a monthly basis. Any way in which you are able to give, will make you happy and will surely make a difference in society.

BEINGGOOD TO OTHERS, IS GOOD FOR YOU.

continued on next page

Afrikaans Summary

Die Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling (DMO) het die leiding geneem met die aanbied van

programme en inisiatiewe wat die talle uitdagings wat deur ons gemeenskap ervaar word, aanspreek. In 2012 is die nuwe Kinderwet (Wet 38 van 2005) uitgevaardig en die Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling is as die bewakers van die Wet geïdentifiseer. Gevolglik word dit vereis dat programme en dienste voldoen aan die regulasies van die Wet wat ’n aantal nuwe bepalings vir kinders bevat. Die Wet kan gelees word by http://www.westerncape.gov.za/eng/your_gov/4190

Maatskaplike werkers probeer om die beste belange van die kind te dien, wat beteken dat hulle in hul gesinne bly. Indien die kind egter aandag benodig, word alter-natiewe sorg voorsien. Die Kinder- en Jeugsorgsentrum (KJSS) is een voorbeeld van so ’n alternatiewe sorg-maatreël. KJSSs is verblyfsfasiliteite wat op die kind se behoeftes buite die gesinsomgewing gerig is. Die Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling werk in vennootskap met NROs om te verseker dat hierdie tipe fasiliteite ’n veilige hawe vir kinders is.

Die werknemers van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling, vanaf die maatskaplike werkers tot die programbestuurders, strewe daarna om te verseker dat hulle departement die behoeftes van die kinders in ons Provinsie vervul. In die poging om soveel noodsaaklike dienste te voorsien, moet hulle vennootskappe vorm met nie-winsgewende organisasies soos Huis Leliebloem, waar kinders met geen ander heenkome versorg word en hulle van ’n veilige plek om te bly, voorsien word. Ons bedank u vir die sorg wat u aan die kinders van ons toekoms verleen.

Xhosa Summary

ISebe lokuPhuhliswa kweNtlalo (DSD) lilo ebelinkqenkqeza phambili ngokuqalisa iinkqubo ezihlangabezana nemingeni emininzi ejongene nabahlali bethu. Ngonyaka ka-2010 umThetho omtsha ojongene nabaNtwana (umThetho 38 ka-2005) wapasiswa, kwaye iSebe lokuPhuhliswa kweNtlalo lilo elachongwayo njengeziko eliyi-arhente yokuphuhliswa kwalo mThetho. Ngenxa yoko iinkqubo kunye neenkonzo kuyafuneka ukuba zithobelane nemiqathango yalo mThetho obonelela abantwana ngamalungiselelo amatsha. Lo mThetho uyafumaneka kule dilesi: http://www.westerncape.gov.za/eng/your_gov/4190

Oonontlalo bayazama kangangoko ukubalungiselela abantwana ngokudala ezona meko zibuchaphazela ngendlela ey- iyo ubomi babo, meko ezo zijongene namakhaya abazalwa kuwo. Nangona kunjalo xa umntwana kufunyaniswa ukuba uyayifuna inyameko, uyabonelelwa ngononophelo oluth-ile kuhlangabezwana nale mfuno. IZiko lokuNonophelwa kweeNtsana kunye noLutsha (CYCC) lingomnye wale miz-ekelo njengenye indlela yokubanceda abantwana. AmaZiko okuNonophelwa kweeNtsana kunye noLutsha (CYCCs) ziindawo zoncedo abahlaliswa kuzo nezihlangabezanayo neemfuno zaba bantwana bengekho kumakhaya abo. ISebe lokuPhuhliswa kweNtlalo linamakhonkco entsebenziswano neeKhampani ezingaLawulwayo nguRhulumente ngeenjongo zokuqinisekisa ukuba ezi ndidi zamancedo zilukhuseleko oluncomekayo ebantwaneni.

Abantu abasebenza ngoPhuhliso lweNtlalo, ukususela koo-nontlalo kude kuyiwe kubaphathi beenkqubo, bonke bazabalazela ukuqinisekisa ukuba isebe labo liyahlangabezana neemfuno zabantwana kwiPhondo lethu. Ngokuzama ukubonelela ngezona nkonzo zifunekayo, kufuneka aba baqeshwa basebenzisane namaqumrhu angenzi nzuzo afana neLeliebloom House, kulapho kulondolozwa abantwana abangenandawo yimbi abanokuya kuyo, babonelelwa ngeyona ndawo yokuhlala ikhuselekileyo. Siyanibulela kakhulu ngokubalondoloza abantwana bekamva lethu.


Employee Bulletin

Be Financially Savvy these Holidays

following on from page 10

Remember to pick a cause you are passionate about, as this will help you to remain committed. If you have a soft spot for children, then focus your energy on helping them. If you are an animal lover, then see how your talents can be of benefit to an animal organisation. Take on 2013 with a heart full of giving, and you, and others, will reap the rewards.

WAYS TO GIVE

Tutor children living in children homes. Many of them are behind in their education.

Volunteer at a call centre.

Find a green organisation that helps underprivileged people grow their own gardens.

Help sort books for schools.

Volunteer at an animal welfare organisation.

Help support campaigns that want to build aware-ness to issues such as breast cancer and HIV.

Donate books, food and clothes to organisations in need.

Go to: www.westerncape.gov.za/pubs/public_info/W/86704 for a list of some of the charitable organisations in the Western Cape.

Reference: Dr. David Hamilton, author of ‘Why Kindness is Good for You’.

There is no greater strain on a relationship or on an individual than the constant worry over finance. South African’s have had to face the rising costs of basic necessities over the past year and this has made saving money more difficult, if at all possible. And to top it all, we are told that prices will not be stablising anytime soon and that we should tighten our belts even more. After battling through the past year, you are now faced with the holidays where you will either be wanting to go away or you will be staying home which will still cost money to entertain friends and family. And for those of you who have to buy Christmas presents over the December period, the pressure to purchase just the right gift is mounting. So instead of relaxing during your break, you are worrying about how you can afford to buy everyone gifts without being perceived as a Scrooge. Here are a few ways to protect your bank balance and start the New Year off without financial stress.

BE BUDGET NIFTY

Ah, yes the good old budget. That thing that you have written out a hundred times, but have never stuck to. Never mind, this is a whole new beginning.

The Plan

Write out amounts for the following:

Your regular household expenses. eg. electricity, rates, levy, water, credit card payments, mortgage, etc.Give realistic amounts for how much you will need for other necessities. eg. groceries and petrol bearing in mind that you will probably be travelling more.Entertainment amount – this includes at home and out-and-about. eg. trips to the beach, movies, holiday destinations, meals out, etc.Clothing/pampering/necessities – this includes a clothing allowance, haircuts, beauty buys, etc.

Be very objective about each of these categories and don’t be thrifty – be realistic. If you think you will be good and only spend R1 000 on entertainment, but in the back of your mind you know that it is more like R2 000, then put R2 000. Rather plan for this at this stage.

Deduct these amounts from your take-home salary. What you are left with can then be allocated to what you want to spend on gifts and the rest can go into your savings. This amount is not to be touched unless it is an emergency. Please note that this part of the budget is based on gift purchasing, if you do not have gifts to buy, then it can all go into your savings.

BE GIFT SMART

We have all been swept away by panic as we dash from shop to shop, only to find the perfect gift costs double than what you were planning on spending. You either have to face trawling the shops once again for another gift or spending the extra money. In the end, you go home having overspent on all your family’s gifts. You tell yourself that it was worth your increased negative balance on your credit card, but realistically, you will be paying off this debt for the next 6 months and your overpriced gifts would have wound up at the back of someone’s closet. It is not worth getting into debt for presents. Instead take your gift budget and draw the cash. Decide how much you want to spend on each person and put each amount into an envelope with the persons name on it. When you go shopping, take only the envelopes and spend only what is in the envelope on each person. Do not stray from this path. Stick to the plan.

Some Affordable Gift Ideas:

Visit www.greenpop.org and purchase a Tree Ring which represents a real tree that will be planted on behalf of the person receiving it.Give a gift voucher to the receivers favourite store.Make your own Thank You notes saying where you have given money to a charity on behalf of the receiver. eg. a deposit to a children’s fund or animal centre – ensure that it is a cause the receiver cares about.Buy children educational gifts that will help them learn or books that are age appropriate.

CREDIT, WHAT’S CREDIT?

Do not apply for any new credit cards and do not reach for your current ones. According to the website: www.fin24.com‘banks are inundated every January with applications for two products: debt management and debt consolidation. This means that consumers rely on credit cards to get through the festive season.’ Don’t let this be you. Face the New Year without a cloud hanging over your head.

BE DECISIVE

The only way you will stick to this game plan is to make the decision to stick to your budget no matter what enticement comes your way. Anyone can write their plans down on paper, but only you can put them into action. The festive season is a minefield of tempting shopping centres and goods that are shouting your name. Remember that this season is about giving and caring. Give what you can afford and show you care for those you love without breaking your bank balance.

14

RULES: All nine questions must be answered and spelt correctly to be entered into the final draw. You can e-mail or post your answers to us. Our details are to be found at the back of the magazine. Entries by telephone will not be accepted. All entries must be received by us no later than Wednesday, 21 November 2012.

Send us your Quick Quiz answers and you could win R500! All correct entries will be entered into a draw and the first entry picked will be the winner.

1. What is the name of Kenya’s capital city? 2. How many Provinces are there in South Africa? 3. What is the largest energy source on the surface of the earth? 4. What is the name of the Public Protector in South Africa?5. How many colours are there in a rainbow? 6. Which South African Paralympic Champion has retired this year? 7. What species of fish is the biggest in the world? 8. What date is World Anti-Corruption Day? 9. Which mountain is the highest in the world?

Congratulations to ourQuick Quiz winner

for the September issue:

Amanda van Niekerk Department of Human Settlements

ANSWERS TO ISSUE 3. QUICK QUIZ.

1. Northern Cape Province; 2. Economic Development and Tourism; 3. Spain; 4. Jamaica; 5. Keratin; 6. Scotland; 7. Blue Whale; 8. Chris Barnard; 9. Timothy Berners-Lee


T h i s p h o t o w a s t a k e n when I went on a strategic session at Nortier Research F a r m a t L a m b e r t s B a y . In the evening, we went for supper at the Muisbosskerm Restaurant situated on the beach front and in the open air. It was about 18:30 when the sun began to set and I just had to take a picture. When you are so close to nature and looking at such beautiful scenery, who can resist taking pictures?

Anelda Bowker Department of Agriculture

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS: Photographs can be of any landscapes, landmarks, seascapes, flora or fauna of the Western Cape. You may enter as many photos as you like. Images will be judged on their artistic quality. Entries may either be posted (15 x 10 cm) or e-mailed (electronic images must not exceed 1 MB). Descriptions of the image must accompany the photograph. One winner will be chosen per issue and the winner’s photograph will be published in the following issue of the Better Together magazine. In the sixth issue of the magazine R1 500 will be awarded to the best overall picture.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

PHOTOGRAPHIC WINNER!

It was a wet and chilly day on Friday,

19 October 2012 but instead of this

deterring people from the Better

Together Games, the rain only added to

the fun. As soon as the rain would begin

to fall, employees would make a mad

dash for the grand stands while giggling

and helping each other run faster.

Thousands of employees turned up to

either partake in the sporting activities

or to support their colleagues who were

making their department proud. The day

began with each department marching

proudly around the sports field, followed

by the fun walk and fun run which most

people took part in. This was no mere

walk around the block, but a 2.5 km

trek. Colleagues urged each other on

and felt proud of themselves when they

crossed the finish line and received a

medal for their efforts. After this, our

sports heroes found their way to their

allocated spots and took to their sport

with sheer determination. Our sports

men and women were true competitors

and did their utmost to succeed, both

for themselves and their department.

The intensity and resolve with which the

participants played their sport left the

spectators enthralled.

Three separate Better Together Games

were also held in the Eden, Boland and

West Coast areas. The primary purpose

for the sports days was to highlight

the importance of our health and to

encourage our involvement in sporting

activities. In Premier Helen Zille’s speech

which she gave at the metropole Games,

she praised Minister Ivan Meyer from

the Department of Cultural Affairs and

Sport for promoting the need to have

the Provincial sports day. As the Premier

is focussed on encouraging all citizens

to live a healthy lifestyle, she agreed

with Minister Meyer that it is necessary

to promote this from inside our own

organisation and persuade employees

to be excited about being active. The

day was a roaring success and everyone

is looking forward to the 2013 Better

Together Games. Well done to all the

organisers, especially the Department of

Cultural Affairs and Sport and thank you

to our sponsors: Nedbank, Old Mutual

and the Peninsula Beverage Company.

In Brief

The Better Together Games a Resounding Success

Travel your Province

Things to do and places to see these holidaysIf you aren’t going away these holidays why not take the opportunity to be a tourist in your Province. There are some terrific things to do and places to visit. So instead of going to the same beach and visiting the same places, spread your wings and explore all that the Western Cape has to offer.

EXPLORE OUR BEACHES

Bikini Beach, Gordons’s Bay.Mnandi Beach, Khayelitsha.Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town.Muizenberg Beach, Muizenberg.Strandfontein Beach, near Strandfontein.Llandudno Beach, Llandudno.Noordhoek Beach – enjoy this beautiful beach from horse back. Contact a horse riding facility in the area to book your ride.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Spoil yourself – Award-winning restaurants

The Cellars-Hohenort, Constantia.Jordan Restaurant, Stellenbosch.The Test Kitchen, Woodstock.

Family Restaurants

Dornier Bodega, Stellenbosch.Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch.Enjoy a picnic.Ons Huisie, West Coast.Blue Water Café, Kommetjie.

HIKING HOTSPOTS

Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West.Asperpunt Hiking Trail, Cape Agulhas.Cape of Good Hope Trail, Cape Point.Newlands Forest, Kirstenbosch.Kleinplaas Walk, Simon’s Town.

Please note that these are only suggestions and the Better Together magazine is in no way associated to any business mentioned.

OUR NEXT ISSUE -16 pages full of your stories, competitions and entertainment

Contact the Better Together Magazine team:

Telephone: 021 483 3806

Fax: 021 483 8267

Postal address: Better Together Magazine

PO Box 659

Cape Town

8000

E-mail: [email protected]

When sending us post or e-mailing us, please use

one of the categories below in your subject line:

Categories:

• Better Together Champion Award nominations

• Your letters

(to the D-G and/or to the magazine team)

• Quick Quiz entries

• Photograph submissions

Please contact us if you wish to regularly receive an electronic version of the magazine. Note that all cash prizes are subject to tax.

Greening our municipalities – how are they doing it?

Invest or save your money – which is best for your needs?

Great tips to keep you organised.

Literacy and Numeracy -what every child needs to learn.

All Better Together Award entries for the November issue

of the magazine must be received by us no later than Wednesday, 21 November 2012.

All nominations that miss this date will be carried over to the next issue.

Printed on FSC certified paper

How do you nominate a Champion?

There will be a R1 000 prize given to the employee who nominated the winning champion for each issue of the magazine. For every issue, the nominated employees will be assessed and the top three employees will be chosen. The Better Together Awards team will then choose one of the three employees as the Better Together winner for that magazine issue. The winning employee will receive a R1 500 prize and he or she will have their inspirational story featured in the magazine. After the publication of our fifth magazine, one employee from the four finalists will be chosen as the Better Together Champion of 2012 and he or she will receive a R10 000 award. If you want to nominate someone please contact us for a nomination form either via e-mail, post or telephone. The deadline for applications for this magazine is below.

Better Together Magazine

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Transcript of Better Together Magazine