A New Dawn

NewsletterVol 3

2012

When Thomas Gray suggested that women were ‘flowers that are born to blush unseen and waste their

sweetness on the desert air’ he was clearly not writing about the ladies of Bosasa. Bosasa is no

barren desert where personnel find difficulty in developing their talents and getting appreciation for

their efforts. The Bosasa ‘flower’ that lends testimony to internal career path development is none

other than 35 year old Samkelesiwe Sibeko – Sam for short.

Reaching for the Sky

The story you about to read about Sam has value beyond this page. It is the story of the Bosasa

Group which is a metaphorical land of opportunity. At Bosasa if you are prepared to pick up the

gauntlet, Bosasa will answer the challenge. Your leaders will stand by you all the way. You can soar

to lofty heights as this article will show.

Sam started her working career at Bosasa as a cleaner “because I was happy just to find work” Quick

to identify potential talent, Bosasa discovered that Sam, who has always been driven to achieve, has

several engineering certificates. She also has a pilot’s license for flying a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cutlass

or the hawkxp. Sadly due to financial constraints, Sam was not able to renew her PPL and

thus it expired in May 2008. However, she still managed to log 92 hours flying time,

verified by her log book .

Carlos Bonifacio who had uncovered this wealth of talent in Sam was quick to

harness her drive and capabilities for Accounts. “Sam is clearly a highly motivated

and energetic person. She was prepared to begin at the bottom to gain employment

and help her husband who was ill. Her husband’s illness caused a break in her

career path. We will develop her talents further in our department in line with

Bosasa’s career development philosophy and policy. Continues on page 4

Sam – Bosasa’s Inspirational Pilot

Future Technology Solutions

of empowering people around you… you simply give the best of yourself.

Receive the best BOSASA has to give you as you pursue your position

and career from the premise of intellectual development and empowerment.

“Empowerment starts with yourself – you have to keep yourself accountable

for what you do with the opportunities given to you.” Gavin Watson

“Teams2empower: Take pride in your work and have high standards,

be accountable for your actions and be trustworthy. Remember we are

“teams2trust”.”

The word “empower” is a verb. This means that

it is a word that has an action attached to it. It is

defined as “give authority or power to someone;

make someone stronger or more confident.”

To “give authority or power to someone, making

them stronger and enhancing who they are

as individuals” has always been part of our BOSASA vision. The vision

to empower our people has been grafted into our written vision however

it does not only remain written, it is alive in the hearts of every one of our

BOSASA leaders. We have a proven commitment to ensure that our

team members receive the outcome of the word “empower”, making them

stronger and more confident, both in their individual lives as well as part of

the body of BOSASA.

It is of extreme importance for every individual to realise that they have the

ability, talent and skills to become the best people that they were created

to be. Empowerment within BOSASA does not only reach into our teams’

lives where we are committed to enable each one of you to deliver excellent

service through continues mentoring and development, but it also reaches

beyond our BOSASA family and touches the lives of our clients. We are

committed to make our clients stronger by always being an extension of their

vision and enhancing their services by providing excellent service delivery,

in essence teams who have been empowered to deliver on our vision. We

also see the evidence of the value of empowerment when we look at the

impact BOSASA is having on the lives of one of our most important and

treasured areas of operation, our Youth Centres. To give our youth a second

chance embodies the definition of empowerment and we will always remain

committed to see their lives transformed into lives filled with hope, potential

and destiny… just because they have been at BOSASA.

When speaking about empowerment however it is also important to

understand that you have to nurture this opportunity given to you. This is

where integrity, strength of character and the core of your value system will

become evident. Never take for granted the trust placed in you as a person

to reach your full potential, never misuse or abuse this and always thank

God when you are given this opportunity to be empowered. Embrace it!

BOSASA will always remain committed to give you this opportunity to be

empowered and to empower those around you. As we continue to work

in teams we will inevitable reach out and touch one another with our gifts

and talents, and this, my BOSASA team, is inseparable to the essence

02

South African writer and philosopher Veli

Mbele has often brought different perspectives

to every day occurrences. He writes about

corporate social responsibility for instance.

Companies engage with this generally

because they have to. Bosasa engages with

this because it wants to. Righting wrongs of

the past, making a difference to the lives of

the disadvantaged, growing a community and

building a nation fall into this CSI category.

Veli Mbele calls it ‘a service as a self-imposed

rent we pay for living. It is the purpose of

life and not something you do only in your

spare time’. I never thought of it that way. We

cannot just assume that we have a right to

participate in the benefits and resources of a

country without a payback more than personal

or corporate taxation. What Bosasa does

differently is its internal and external perspective. As a Group of companies

it probably has one of the largest, conscious, active and driven approaches

to CSI in the country. I run out of hyperbole, used with just cause I could

argue, because it accurately describes the ethos of the Group. Bosasa’s

internal CSI programme is the focus here. It is demonstrated with the

dedicated development of its own staff on which this Bosele reflects. It is

about empowerment and how it has become an internal corporate social

responsibility to grow staff and their potential from the bottom up. With many

companies, progression is achieved on a ladder from 1 to 10. No messing

around with the numbers. At Bosasa it could be 1, 2, 3 and then 10. Read

on. It all depends on you. DBJ

Letter from Group CEO Letter from the Editors

Nkokeli.

Contact Us

Fax +27 (0) 11 662 6535 Email bosele@bosasa.comWebsite www.bosasa.com

01 Sam - Bosasa's inspirational pilot

02 Group CEO & Editors

03 Contents

04 Sam - Bosasa's inspirational pilot continued from page1

13 Yvonne - an apple grew from the Watson tree

14 The Bosasa choir makes spiritual waves

16 "When duty calls" Allister Esau: A "chef" called to keep people "comfortable; safe and directed"

Chief EditorSub Editor/s

Design & Layout

Contributors

Photographer

Project ManagementStrategy & ProductionCommissioningOfficer

Denise BjorkmanVelile PhatoThembi ModungwaElla van der WaltTebogo MatsimelaBridget MosadiPaballo SeipeiLindie GouwsDesmond de VriesAdam Van VeenGeoffrey GreenJason StoltzPapa Leshabane - Director(Corporate Communications)

Bosele Editorial Team

“We aim to inform, educate, delight & entertain”

25/0

6/20

12 -

1588

- T.

P

03

Dudu Dube - Woman on the rise 06 Bosasa Youth cast votes for World's 07children's price

For the love of child 08

JOASA judiciary gives Bosasa youth 10 development centres thumbs up

Training in DCS 18 Rudolph and friends arrived at MBP 19

Driving for the truth 19

Truth Online Blogs 21

Marketing & Branding Solutions

Contents

04

She may have started as a cleaner with an upward move to filing clerk,

but like the famous Douglas Bader, she will reach for the sky.” Within two

days, Sam passed Marietjie Abrie’s filing test, second only to our other

star Monica Mojatau, who is now a Divisional Accountant at Cash Build.

Lynn Loots of Human Resources also comments: “Sam knew she

needed a uniform. With speed and alacrity she borrowed a shirt from a

colleague, so that she could look the professional part. I was blown over

by her spirit of initiative and rapid problem solving. I believe this is an

indicator of her general resourceful personality.”

If you are an admirer of the Richard Branson family it should strike a

chord. Richard’s mother, Eve, wanted to be a pilot. She started at the

bottom at an airport with only hope in her heart and wings in her eyes.

Ever resourceful she used her initiative and borrowed a leather jacket to

look the professional part. So impressed were her managers that she

rapidly escalated to glider pilot status.

The making of a pilot

Sam has already featured prominently in the

international media. Journalists on her travels

were quick to recognise and report on her unique

profile. A female pilot from a disadvantaged

background is news. So is Sam’s study of

specialised Aviation engineering. Bosasa Financial

Director, Andries van Tonder, who is a veteran

pilot, comments on this skill. “You need to have a

technical and logical brain which can be developed.

An appreciation of risks, excellent decision making,

speed of response and good concentration powers is

essential. You also need excellent perception skills. Pilots in any type

of aircraft must be able to differentiate between irrelevant and essential

information while flying. They must focus and ignore distractions. A high

degree of fluency in communication is a must as well. To this add good

eyesight and solid reputable training. It is important to have intimate

knowledge of a plane coupled to basic mechanics. Therefore Sam’s

knowledge of engineering will really support her flying ability and agility.

More importantly, a pilot needs supreme self-confidence. A vacillating

character will only court disaster.”

Sam sadly, lost her husband recently and Bosasa sends its heartfelt

condolences to this plucky individual. A mother of two daughters she

is determined to teach them about courage, goal achievement and

reaching for the stars.

Sam – Bosasa’s Inspirational Pilot continued from page 1

Samkelisiwe's aviation licence

Sam attending a women in aviation function

Future Technology Solutions

"A female pilot from

a disadvantaged background..."

A recipe for success

“Orphaned at 17, my recipe for life coming from a poor

background is simple” says Sam. “My childhood was one of

poverty - my mother was a single parent. I wanted to be a

global woman and today I am. Computer literate, I became

an executive PA in a chartered air cargo field. They trusted

me to travel the world in this position on the Company’s

behalf, representing their interests. My boss saw my

potential and ambition and she helped me to become a

pilot and a business globe trotter. I was equally at home

in London, Paris, California as well as five countries in

Africa. She deliberately ‘multi-tasked’ my day to broaden

my knowledge and skill base. She included me in

operations and expert tender design and note please, we

got all those tenders. I even wrote executive minutes.

A great moment for me, was representing South Africa

at the Woman in Aviation

conference in USA which my

boss motivated. I am driven

by people who believe in

my potential. I also studied

Information Science at wits”

Fulfilling God’s plan

She adds: “God gives

everyone a brain and

potential. I want to show

Him that I will use this gift

and stop at nothing. I want

to learn French and Russian this year and complex computer software

programmes. French and Russian are aviation languages. I want to

make a difference in the lives of all those around me. I want to be a role

model for young women like MD, Sibongile has been for me. My heart

lies in practical engineering tasks as well, which is why I was mentored in

Aviation mechanics. I believe Bosasa will help me develop my potential.”

There is a lesson of humility from this highly intelligent and driven woman

for all of us. Her tested IQ is way above average and she grew that

herself. We are limited by our own thinking as we pilot ourselves through

life. No task is too lowly. Quadriplegic ex-mirage pilot, (still flying) Arthur

Piercy reminded Bosele ‘that no pilot is 100% on course all the time.

It is the job of the pilot to bring the plane on course.” There is a life

lesson in that for us. We need to return to focus if we deviate

from our targets. Small steps always lead to greatness. Sam is

an inspiration to us all. She will fly in more ways than one. DBj.

05

Sam standing tall with Gavin Watson

people, passion and purpose

Dudu Dube has achieved again with a newly awarded degree. Head of

procurement, with a staff complement that has grown from 3 to 16, she

has just demonstrated her evolving leadership qualities. Appointed as a

Director in procurement in 2006, she was determined to prove her worth.

“I was thrown in the deep end. It is typical of Bosasa to do that but support

was provided at the same time. I was sent to Wits Business School to

prepare me and I passed with distinction.

Dudu Dube – a woman on the riseI was given an opportunity from grass roots level. This is a message

of encouragement for all the women at Bosasa. It has been said

that when we educate a man you educate an individual. When you

educate a woman you educate a nation. Accomplishment comes with

a lot of challenges in a male dominated society. A woman’s liberation

lies in education – that was my Dad’s view”.

Dudu now has her hard earned degree - a BA in Logistics. “This

degree will help me a lot. I started in hospitality management

with a Hotel School Diploma. We had just obtained the

DCS contract. Procurement knowledge became a

fixation. I had a flair for it. Bosasa gave me the room

to empower myself – I honoured that with a degree.

I hope to influence my 3 children as well. They

have medicine, accountancy and engineering in

their vision. My 2012 strategy chartered a new

path, bolstering procurement skills. The division is

grown so much in relation to the Group’s need. We

had to make sure that as a service department our

support structure is in place.” Dudu Dube is a shining

example of the empowerment of women at Bosasa.

DBj.

06

Dud

u in

her

gra

duat

ion

gow

n

Dudu doing what she does best

Dudu at her workplace

Just as South Africans were preparing to celebrate Freedom Day,

children all over the world voted for the World’s Children’s Prize laureate

on April 26. Three remarkable ‘child right’ heroes had been nominated for

the World’s Children’s Prize, 2012: Anna Mollel from Tanzania, Sakena

Yacoobi from Afghanistan and Ann Skelton from South Africa. Children

at all Bosasa Youth Development Centres, nationwide, simultaneously

voted. The World’s Children’s Prize is an educational programme which

teaches young people about the rights of children, democracy and

how they should be respected. A programme tailor-made for the Prize

educates children in 102 countries to cast their votes for the winner who

stands out as their role model because of her work with children. South

Africa has 3 laureates of this Prize to date in Nelson Mandela, Graca

Machelle and Nkosi Johnson.

South Africa’s participation

South Africa and India are some of the largest countries to participate in

the education programme every year. The minister of Basic Education,

Angie Motshega is an adult friend of this organisation and supports the

education programme in the Life Skills and Life Orientation classrooms in

South African schools.

The organisation was established in 2000 as a millennium project by

the Swedish government. It has since grown to be recognised

globally as the World’s Children’s Prize.

Marlene Winberg, the World’s Children’s Prize

coordinator in Southern Africa recently visited

Mogale Business Park to conduct workshops

about the rights of children with Bosasa Youth

Development Centre Life-skills educators. Also

present to share her experiences as a children’s

rights activist was Dr. Ann Skelton.

She has been nominated for the World’s Children’s Prize 2012. Dr.

Skelton’s role has special meaning for Bosasa. She has guided Bosasa

Youth Development Centres in the formulation of programmes in her

quest to get Youth Centres to be child safe havens.

Dr. Ann Skelton is the Project coordinator for the Children’s Litigation

Project. In 1994 when the democratic government was established,

Nelson Mandela asked Dr. Skelton to chair the committee that would

craft laws for children who were in conflict with the law. Dr. Skelton and

her colleagues organised a campaign in 1997 to free prison cells of

children. She also developed a framework to manage cases in which

children were accused of crimes.

Through the years, the law has changed the way in which children are

treated while in state custody. “We have less than a thousand children in

prison in South Africa now and children can now be referred to alternative

facilities like Bosasa facilities which are much better for children because

they offer programmes and provide them with a secure and safe

environment where they can still develop,” says Dr. Skelton. The laws

that she has been instrumental in creating made a difference to Bosasa

and the manner in which we operate. Prior to 1994 there were instances

in which children would be imprisoned for months without the knowledge

of their parents. Now the Youth Centres keep them secure while they

await trial. It makes sense to reiterate the words of Bosasa CEO Gavin

Watson that “we are in the business of second chances”.

Youth Centres are ahead

It is comforting to know that since inception, Bosasa Youth Development

Centres has founded its children’s rights policy on two pillars: reintegration

and rehabilitation. The Child Justice Act made it possible for Bosasa to

drive the mission of restoring youth in conflict with the law to have a

productive life. According to the Child

Justice Act one of the main principles

is to minimise children’s contact with

the criminal justice system, and to

use detention only as a measure

of last resort and for the shortest

appropriate period of time. VP

Bosasa youth cast votes for World’s Children’s Prize

07

Dr Scholtz, Marlene Winberg and Ronald Mathebula

For the love of the child

08

A matter of national interest that has until recently been shrugged off is receiving

increased attention. Children’s issues are treated just as they should be. Even

when they are considered to be in conflict with the law, they are children. The

Child Justice Forum is making significant advances in securing the rights of

children. The strides they are making can be matched only by the character in

Betty Mahmoody’s book, For the love of the child. It is of course Betty who has

to leave her marriage home in the Middle East and return to her native home

country, the USA, without her child in the non-fiction best seller.

The Child Justice Forum pulls together compassionate and incisive

brains from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

and SAPS on the one hand. And then there is the Gauteng

Department of Social Development and Health on the other. NGOs

are an equally vital part of the Forum. They have for some time

pioneered the child justice crusade. The Child Law Clinic founded

by child rights activist Dr. Ann Skelton is among them. The Legal Aid of SA

provides specialized legal services to the children. It also sits in this Forum. So is

NICRO. All of them with one purpose in mind: For the love of the child.

Bosasa Youth Development Centre’s role in the Forum is earning it the

status of a dependable partner in child and youth care.

The diligence and care that went into hosting the Child

Justice Forum at Mogale Business Park pays testimony to

it. The delectable refreshments and the cozy venue aside,

youth centres devoted time and senior human capital to the

Forum. A staggering 7 senior staff members attended, making

major contributions to the deliberations.

But then the Gauteng Child Justice Forum is not an excursion to

network and delight in Bosasa’s hospitality. Some issues are tough

and require rigorous exchanges. Challenges abound but the Forum

steps in to resolve them. Joe Semenya is Senior Legal Administration

Officer in the Regional Office of Gauteng Department of Justice and

Constitutional Development and chairman of the Forum.

Says he: “The mandate of this particular Forum is to ensure that children’s matters

are prioritised because in terms of our constitution we need to be acting in the best

interest of the child. We cannot be having our children sent to prison. That needs

to be considered as a measure of last resort. So the Forum basically looks into all

those type of things. “ Joe is responsible for issues relating to children in conflict

with the law, children’s courts and restorative justice.

He rightly delights in the Forums successes, saying: “We have plenty of

successes but then maybe to mention a few. In Gauteng compared to other

provinces, I think we have very few children awaiting trial in DCS facilities.

Whenever we find ourselves compelled to send children to DCS facilities

who have had to be removed from a secure care or a Child and Youth Care

Centre because of some behavioural challenges and they are found not to

be suited to being accommodated there. The DCS facility they are placed

in is a youth section. They are kept at a particular facility which caters for the

needs of the children, be they boys or girls.”

The Forum has managed to bring all the stakeholders together. The

Department of Justice and regular members, Social Development,

SAPS, NGOs, Magistrates and prosecution, department of

Education and other service providers have all honoured the meeting,

according to Joe.

Adding: “The success of this Forum is that when we are here we talk,

we discuss issues and we come to an agreement. We are not here to

blame one another, to be accusing or pointing fingers. We come here to

resolve issues in as far as our children are concerned because we want to

ensure that Child Justice is meted out.”

Joe says it is partnering with Bosasa Youth Development Centre that is

making the Forum’s mandate easier to implement. Says he: “We have

not really had challenges in as far as the relationship is concerned with

Bosasa Youth development Centre but one thing for sure is that they are

regular members of our forum. They have also accommodated

us at no cost at all and this is not the first time we come through

here at Mogale Business Park.” Joe’s favourable comments about

Bosasa Youth Development Centre leadership denote the youth

centre’s commitment to the mandate of the Forum and to Child

and Youth Care in particular. He says: “Bosasa Youth Development

Centre leadership has also ensured that when we come here we

make rounds to see how Mogale Youth Centre looks like.

Some of our people especially those who when I started this second

meeting went to Mogale, had never seen what is it that we are talking about

when we talk about a CYCC. They have never seen the children in the

youth centre. They have never seen what the children do there. So hence

we said that when they have time they should go there and see what’s

really happening, out of interest and see how committed Bosasa is to the

course. They wanted to have an idea of the Centres so they would know

where they send the children. Unlike the Magistrate who would just send

children to Bosasa not knowing what they are talking about. So it’s very

crucial for them to then go there and see.”

09

When the honourable judiciary of South Africa gives you the thumbs up you know you have passed extreme scrutiny. This is the experience of

Bosasa Youth Centres this month. To the judicially unversed, JOASA is the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa. In a recent workshop

held at Mogale Business Park, JOASA - in association with Bosasa Youth Development Centres and NICRO - dissected the prominent features

of the Child Justice Act. Child and Youth Care Centres referrals are pivotal to the Act, so the judiciary need to know that they can refer with

assurance. Magistrates and judges undertook a first-hand exploration of Mogale Youth Centre. We invite you to read and note their favourable

comments:

10

JOASA judiciary give Bosasa Youth Development Centres thumbs up

Mrs. Thando MankgeMagistrate, Mamelodi

You know this was an eye opener for me. It’s not the first time I am coming here to

Bosasa but... actually I feel like not talking because I’m very emotional about this whole

thing. It has changed my mind set. It has transformed me within these few hours that I

have been here. Really, I think I am going back to the bench a changed magistrate, a

changed person. What touched me the most is that when I arrived, Tumi Monale, your

social worker, called one of my boys from Mamelodi who was referred to Bosasa and

we talked to him. He was so arrogant before. I was saying to Tumi: I wish I had a before

and after picture, so that I can show him a before and after… because now he’s an after.

I was saying to him, look how you are now after coming to Bosasa. I asked him: do you promise me that you will go out being a changed person?

He said ‘I am a changed person’. And I said ‘are you saying no to Nyaope?’ (a street drug) and he said “I don’t even want to hear that word.’ I’m glad

that the social worker from here is coming to our courts next week to relate to us and I wish I can call other children to be there as well.

Just to listen to how changed our boy is. I don’t want to mention his name but he came to me and we hugged each other and talked.

Dario DosioRegional Magistrate, Soweto and Former National President, JOASA

The visit to the Bosasa Youth Centre was mostly informative purely because we met

the young men that are being held there. I was quite astonished at the incredible

programmes that are actually being facilitated. In a sense that they are promoting a

good sense of empathy in these young men. When they are released, the rehabilitative

process that they have undergone will definitely assist in the future, and they should not

be caught up again in the criminal sector they were in previously.

I think the ability of them getting empowered in the various programmes that are offered

at the Bosasa Youth Centre will assist them to stay away from crime. It will assist them to grow as men. They don’t necessarily have to have all

the academic skills required to survive. They’ll have a good sound understanding and knowledge to make money and I think that it is the most

empowering aspect. I also think the leadership that they are being taught in Bosasa Youth Centre is crucial and it will teach them how to teach others

and in the same way to deter others from falling in the same trap that they did prior to the incarceration in the centre.

So I think it’s been an incredible journey today. I’ve learnt a lot from everything that’s happening and I’m grateful to Bosasa because they are actually

giving these young men a new life and another chance, and at the same stage giving them an opportunity to excel in their future life in every way. I

would like to thank Bosasa for the wonderful work. I encourage it to pursue this.

11

But most of all, I like the programmes, that is why I was talking about the journey programme. I so wish all these boys can be referred to this Centre

so that they can learn from it.

I was asking Mrs Makoko…I understand you all working together for the same Company and you have the same vision - but tell me your secret.

Why are you having one spirit? From the security at the gate up until I reached the room where I was going, people are singing one harmonious

song, so to speak. How are you doing it? There was someone walking behind me when I commented about your work culture; he said you can

feel the presence of God in this place. Even the man who was driving us to the Youth Centre said it starts from the management.

I wish you can take these kinds of facilities to the townships, where children are suffering from drug abuse and all that. To tell you the truth before I

came here, I thought the process was very complicated to refer a child to Bosasa. But ever since I met Tumi, with the previously held Child Justice

Forum, we started to refer children to Bosasa. It’s not complicated; actually they are the ones (the children) who are gaining more than anything.

Thank you very much guys, we appreciate it.

Mrs. Benedict MatlhapeMagistrate, Pretoria North and Provincial Secretary of JOASA, Gauteng

JOASA is the judicial organisation of South Africa. I’m the one that was responsible for

organising the workshop - and to come and partner with Bosasa, to visit the centre and

to conduct the workshop here. The aim of our workshop was to learn more about their

programmes as we receive juveniles or deal with children in conflict with the law, so

that we can equip ourselves as judicial officers especially with the law evolving, dealing

with children, the Child Justice Act and so much more.

When we arrived here at Bosasa the programmes started and we were enlightened as

to the various programmes that are run by Bosasa, the institution. Programmes ranging from the Matrix, whereby kids who are in conflict with the

law especially involving drugs and those programmes educating children about sex and their sexuality and sex offenses.

We learnt a lot as an organisation especially as judicial officers. I can simply say on behalf of the magistrates that this experience is going to help

us when we go back and sit in our various courts going forward so that we don’t see those children that appear before us just as statistics but we

see them as human beings with challenges. The staff here at Bosasa are very professional. The environment is soothing and serene. It was a

wonderful experience. I would really recommend it to any one and even I wish that I had attended this course. Thank you.

Judge TP Mudau South Gauteng High Court

It is very heartening to see the kind of programmes that Bosasa has in place. It is in

the interest of the child, which to me talks to the provisions of the Constitution, that

the interest of the child comes first. From what I have heard this morning up to now,

I’m very pleased to see that you have programmes in place that seek to promote

the interest of the child. I have seen various programmes that you have in place, the

workshops that you have in place, the educational tools that you have in place. That

to my mind also addresses who in a short period of time has to leave your premises.

It is also heartening to see that you also have programmes that seek to address an offender who may be here a little longer and wished to study

further. So that to me further seeks to suggest that it is an alternative place which is definitely better than your usual prison facility. I thank you.

12

All the proud attendees

Mr. Joe Ngelanga,

Magistrate and Lecturer at the Justice College and a member of JOASA

One of the courses I lecture on is the Child Justice Act and Child Justice in general. We

have taken our task in our organisation of Magistrates, JOASA, that we need to centralise

the existence of non-custodial sentences or alternative sentencing because the traditional

view is to lock up children in conflict with the law. One of the views we wanted to take

because there have been complaints by magistrates that there are no programmes, there

are no facilities that offer alternative sentencing so we organised a workshop with the view

that we want to sensitise and expose magistrates to some of these alternative sentencing

regimes. We liaised with Bosasa Child and Youth Development Centre so that we can

have time to look at their programmes. We also brought in NICRO to help and tell us about their programmes. We made presentations. We received

presentations from NICRO on their programmes. We also received some presentations by Bosasa on the programmes they offer and what kind of

children they deal with.

We went through Mogale Youth Centre and saw the facility. It is very accurate in screening. We were quite impressed by the facilities, the programmes

they have, various workshops that they have, all the facilities offering work like welding, formal education, plumbing and all these kinds of services.

We felt that there is a lot that we did not know. We felt that with our coming here as magistrates and JOASA, our purpose has been achieved. We

have seen programmes that we can utilise in our sentencing as alternative sentencing options. We also felt that our colleagues out there, who did not

come because of commitments, have missed a great opportunity. We hope that in future when we come, we will come with more of our colleagues

so that every magistrate can have access to these programmes. Thank you.

These accolades are just rewards for and appreciation of the leadership of Bosasa Youth Centres - Thandi Makoko and Jackie Leyds. VP

Yvonne Spandiel is a serial achiever. After a head start from an unknown

and kind benefactor in her youth who recognised her potential she pursued

two careers: social work and child and youth care work. Excellence in

her work years in the two professions which she combined with flare led

to her appointment as a senior social worker at a government place of

safety.

Our story does not end there. Yvonne moved to Bosasa. She saw Bosasa

as an environment where she would gain benchmarked knowledge of

the child and youth care environment. This was a place where she could

also use her talents and give back to society. Bosasa’s reputation had

gone before it. The achievements of Thandi Makoko and Jackie Leyds

in developing a world class Youth Centre inspired her. She was content.

To Yvonne there were still some unanswered questions. To whom did

she owe thanks for her exponential career path? Who was the person

that recognised her potential and made university possible? Would she

ever get to thank this person? The opportunity came sooner than late.

Yvonne’s mother became ill in the Eastern Cape and a dutiful daughter

Yvonne went to provide support. Over a bowl of hot comforting soup,

which mother and daughter shared, the unanswered questions that had

dwelt on her mind surfaced. The answer shook her.

“Mr.Watson, my boss, who owned a shoe factory in the Eastern Cape,

wanted you to be a success” shared her mother, Mary Edwards. “The

father of Gavin Watson, who is the CEO of Bosasa, for whom you now

work, made your career possible. He gave you a bursary. It changed your

life. ” The reader may not know this, but Watson’s shoes was one of the

most powerful brands in the country. No man journeyed into high places

without the prerequisite pair of Watson’s shoes. What made the Watson

shoe company stand out from others is that community development

always formed part of its business strategy. When other companies clung

to every cent of their profit, the Watson Shoe company gave to others.

Yvonne speaks in wonderment. “I always wanted to give something

back to this unknown man. Imagine how I felt when I discovered that the

company I worked for, Bosasa, is the result of the legacy, old Mr. Watson

left his children – always give to the disadvantaged. Today I know Bosasa

is built on that premise. Nothing has changed. Now I can give back to

him.” Yvonne has commenced her Masters in Social Work.

Yvonne - an apple that grew from the Watson tree

Today she mentors and trains other people to work with children.

“I write learnership material for child and youth care. With my own

personal journey of empowerment, I can see the value to the world

of youth. I want to be part of their empowerment. I am an apple

that came from the tree. I fell on the fertile ground not far from it.

Bosasa is the tree. Thank you Gavin Watson.” DBj

Yvonne Spandiel

13

The Bosasa Choir makes spiritual waves

Most famous choirs have had the humble beginnings in tiny remote

villages and valleys around the world. The best choirs in the world are

associated with Christianity and songs of praise. ‘In music and choral

singing there is truth, harmony, cooperation and oneness with God’

members of great choirs will say. They go on record as diplomatic agents,

harbingers of peace and ‘balm for hurt minds’. Choirs unite communities

and grow emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The famous ‘MTC’ is one

such choir and their ‘Christ Lyrics’ and won them global acclaim. It had

humble beginnings in 1847 and today boasts 325 men and women

choristers. It is called the Choir of America. Choir singing has gone from

generation to generation. But what has this to do with Bosasa you may

ask. A great deal. Bosasa has its own remarkable choir that has started

to make its own waves around the world: the Bosasa choir.

It was Bosasa Director Ishmael Mncwaba who first recognised the rich

baritones of staff members. Understanding the origins of music and

choirs in Africa he immediately saw an opportunity to become not only the

Bosasa Choir but the Choir of Africa, one that perhaps one day also takes

its own place in the world. He is himself a singer of note with a fine ear

for tone and harmony. For years he has worked tirelessly to hone choral

singing at Bosasa. Dr. Jurgen Smith was overwhelmed when he heard

this 11 man choir sing for the first time. “It brought tears to my eyes and

moved me for the entire day” he said.

When Lindie Gouws drove Mandate Africa as ‘a once off prophetic call

to the body of Christ in Africa to go to Israel’ Ishmael saw the opportunity

with her. It was time to showcase what Bosasa had achieved in a spiritual

dimension. Imagine the excitement for these choristers who had never

flown before. They were representing Bosasa and Africa. They were flying

to Israel and were also visiting the birthplace of Christ. Lindie had been

a conscious witness of their spectacular development as a spiritual and

corporate voice. She opened the door.

The Bosasa Choir sang for the entire trip to Israel, starting at Oliver Tambo

Airport with ‘We are marching to Zion’. Leaders in Israel who attended the

first ‘Mandate Africa’ meeting on the 28th March, 2012, stated “We have

never seen praise like this. It is a commitment never seen in any other

continent.”

Choir singing in Bosasa has become more than an extra curriculum activity

and sensory experience. It is the discovery of extraordinary God given

talent. It speaks of Bosasa’s will to grow people and harness potential.

The choir comprises Bosasa’s cooks from various units who have been

identified for richness of soul and voice. Their singing is evidence of our

Christian values and their exaltation. The diversity of Bosasa is given

voice. DBj

Bosasa Choir performing in Israel

The choir departing for shores unknown

14

Thandi Makoko and Lindie Gouws in prayer before departure

15

All smiles as the journey gets underway

Bosasa choir praising in Israel

The ceremony

The group gathering The proud choir ready to go

Welcome and thank you

Event coordination can be an anxiety arousing nightmare at the best of

times. Ask any event coordinator and he will tell you a crisis is always

looming on the horizon ready to strike the proverbial fan. Dreading

it compares only to wishing it away. It will not send any disaster, crisis

or anxiety out by the back door. The 3 best known panaceas of event

management are venue pre-valuation, planning and rehearsal. Bosasa’s

Event Coordinator, Executive Chef and Mogale Business Park GM,

Allister Esau, knows this only too well.

His function planning and execution streak has pioneered our touchstone model for which Bosasa is known.

It is for this reason that when “Mandate:

Africa!” undertook its prophetic journey

to Israel, it sought his expertise. Lindie

Gouws, the driver behind “Mandate:

Africa!” has poured her heart and soul into

this initiative and given it the success

“When duty calls” Allister Esau: A “chef” called to keep the people “comfortable; safe and directed!”

it has attained to date. Nothing less than the best would do. Allister is

convinced that without the convenience of reconnaissance in which he

was able to screen the hotels, security and transportation, any efforts at

preparation would have come naught.

Resilience comes standard with chefs and event coordinators.

Coordination capabilities must be top notch at all time. After all, Allister

had 250 guests from South Africa, the US and the greater African

continent to look after.

Balancing the culinary scales with such divergent palates was always

going to be a mission. Asked if he was ready for the task, Allister

appeared to say, “I was born ready.”

As if this was not enough, he had to contend with the dissonance

inherent in the manner in which Jewish culture relates to the rest of the

world. Staying in Jewish hotels meant observing Jewish culture. Some

Jewish customs of food preparation do not permit cooking of certain

food groups together. Pork products are a no-no. So if eating a full

English breakfast means enjoying bacon and egg, a kosher diet would

preclude this.

16

It was with variations of possible logistic settings in mind that Allister

flew to Tel Aviv on two separate trips spanning a week each. He had to

investigate and plan without leaving a solitary detail to chance. “I had

meetings and examined bus and train schedules to see if they fitted

into our planned itinerary,” recalls Allister.

An exclusive group of male voices’ choir which harmonized the

“Mandate: Africa!” prophetic journey to Israel proved to be a game

changer. The choir consisted of chefs which made each member an

arrow in Allister’s quiver. They cooked up a storm in the Israeli desert,

creating culinary masterpieces in the land of milk and honey.

The success of “Mandate: Africa!” to Israel depended on sound event

management principles. Allister Esau kept the Genie in the bottle.

With near perfection attained, it was mission accomplished. Lindie

Gouws’ non-negotiable standards and Allister Esau impeccable event

management and food planning acumen delivered “Mandate: Africa!”

with zero defect. Now there can be no more looking back for Bosasa’s

catering teams. VP

17

Our catering contract sets offender training as a requirement. However,

being a knowledge-based organization, Bosasa has expanded on this

requirement with a dedicated and accredited training division. We have

prioritised and designed specialised industry training courses.

Grooming personnel

These have reinforced Bosasa’s resolve

to produce qualified trainees among DCS

members and offenders as well as Bosasa

staff with market related skills and practical

experience. To this day, Bosasa has trained

in excess of 36,000 people, giving them highly

specialised and well sought after skills in the

hospitality industry. The offender trainees are

assessed by the HTA School of Culinary Arts

and the successful candidates are awarded certificates as qualified

chefs. When they leave the prison, they will have credible and meaningful

qualifications. This prepares them for community reintegration.

As Bosasa, we manage catering training centres in all correctional centres

in which we serve hot and hearty meals. “We offer a two year hospitality

training programme which doesn’t only cover catering but includes first-

aid, occupational health and safety, and firefighting. During the course of

2011 all the trainees who completed the first and second year cookery

courses received their certificates,” shares Tshipu Motsoeneng, training

coordinator in Pollsmoor. VP “The hospitality programme is a great course

that gives the offenders the opportunity to gain valuable experience in

the cooking trade. The stories of hope and success are overwhelming.

Some of the students are working at hotels and others can take comfort

knowing that, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” says Marieke Theron,

Pollsmoor HPCSA Registered Dietician.

Correctional centres are places of

rehabilitation and opportunities.

Offenders can make meaning use

of them to gain knowledge that will

help them build a better life outside of

prison. This is all thanks to the power of

collaboration between Bosasa and DCS for

the benefit of the offender. VP

To many victims of crime, the notion

of offender rehabilitation is a fallacy.

Offenders have to pay their debts

to society. Society demands that they

deserve to be locked up for life. However, Bosasa in association with

the DCS takes a different view. They draw their wisdom from the White

Paper on corrections. They have learnt that offender rehabilitation ought

to be afforded a chance. The flipside of this state is undesirable. It is

the revolving door of career criminality - out of prison today and back in

tomorrow.

What offenders need

Concerned members of society are assured of minimum chances of

escape. After all, some of South Africa’s known dangerous criminals and

difficult gangsters are held in these prisons. For some in these centres,

there are few amenities for prisoner programmes. An odd visit by

independent religious caregivers and another of NGOs is all they have.

As provider of Integrated Facilities Management services to the DCS

for the past eight years, Bosasa’s collaboration

with the DCS has come of age. Serving

meals that are fresh are a proud hallmark

of our service. Training runs central to our

growing knowledge based business.

Bosasa shares this distinguishing

attribute with our key stakeholder, the

DCS.

TechnicalTraining in DCS

18

Another day in paradise takes on new meaning with the arrival of

three reindeer at MBP. Yes real reindeer. Doesn’t every child know the

enchantment of the mythical Santa Claus and his pack of reindeer,

delivering much wanted presents by climbing down chimneys? We at

Bosele have all recorded histories of letters written to Santa for impossible

gifts that our parents could not afford: quad bikes, tall ships, trips to the

moon or a trip to Disney Land.

MBP is graced with three of these Northern hemisphere animals who

have found homes in South Africa for some time now. Rudolph, Dasher

and Dancer have arrived: one male and two female. The one year old

male Rudolph is already commanding attention from his two year old

female companions. The names are drawn from the original ones

given to reindeer by the writer who thought up the magical story for

a department store in the USA. They still hold charm. The song

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer followed with global success.

Reindeer are traditionally found in the Arctic, Scandinavia,

Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Canada, Washington and even in

Rome according to the Emperor, Julius Caesar. Unlike their

larger cousins, Elk, reindeer remain small. Both male and

female grow antlers which are velvety to the touch. Their

feet change shape to accommodate seasons and the terrain on which

they walk. Their knees make a famous clicking noise. They also sport two

fur coats depending on the weather. They are believed to be the only

Driving for the TruthThe Bosasa culture is a complex yet simple one. It is complex because every facet of its operations and every unit is linked for the benefit

of the greater good. We are after all a knowledge economy. It is simple because it is driven by the truth. Stand back and observe Bosasa’s

actions in the media – external and internal. There is one common thread. We do what we do in search of the truth.

What is the mark of a leader? As you know there are many facets to this question as well. The hallmarks of leadership and what is

expected within our own culture is clear from the Truth onLine blogs. We persevere in the public arena so that all our stakeholders know

what we stand for. We actively demonstrate our value system. We drive for integrity. The Bosasa has a Five way test against which all

our actions are tested: We ask ourselves the following: Is it objective, is it fair to all concerned, is it grounded in integrity, have we pursued

the Truth and does it serve the common good. Read the TruthonLine blogs for the facts.

Rudolph and friends arrive at MBP

19

animals that can see ultra violet light. So far the newcomers have kept to

themselves as they explore their new home. “They love grass” according

to Gerhard van der Bank “but they like juicy green apples more.” Now

there is even more reason to take walks at MBP during lunch hours, and

search the foliage for these shy creatures with soulful eyes. Spot them

if you can. DBj.

A Collection of Blogs From Gavin WatsonMay 2012

Internal communicator to our Employees and Human Capital

External communicator to our Complimentors and Extended Stakeholders

1721

CEO - BOSASA GROUP OF COMPANIESAND FOUNDER OF TRUTH-ON-LINE

This compilation of blogs posted during

January and February has been prepared for

you in the faith that it will inspire, guide,

mentor and motivate you in both your

professional and personal lives

www.truthonline.co.za

Nkokeli.

Gavin Watson

Contents

“teams2lead-with-passion”: PASSION OF VISION

“teams2communicate”: COMMUNICATION

WHEN YOU KNOW YOU NEED TO STOP... AND THINK... AND TURN!

“teams2build”: BUILDING BLOCKS OF A BOSASA LEADER.

“teams2learn”: QUOTES ON COMMUNICATION FROM LEADERS ACROSS THE WORLD TO VALUE

“teams2work”: The Discipline of Teams

"teams2strategise": Building Team Performance

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27

28

30

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34

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01

02

03

04

05

06

07

Founder of

Institute of Business Leadership

people, passion and purpose

Future Technology Solutions

22 TEAMS2think . . . TEAMS2innovate . . . TEAMS2trust . . . TEAMS2build

“teams2lead-with-passion”: PASSION OF VISIONPassionate people are those who have discovered that there is more than mere living one day at a time without making any lasting impact or leaving a legacy. Passion is stamina that says, “I’m going to pursue my destiny, no matter what happens. If I have to wait ten years, I will wait! For I believe in the dream in my heart!” You therefore must have purpose that is produced by your internal passion.

It is unfortunate that the majority of people on earth really have no passion for life because there is no vision in their hearts. Faithfulness to vision is one of the marks of the legitimacy of the vision. And with this blog I would like to inspire each one of you as our BOSASA leadership to re-evaluate your own personal vision in life that is fired by the passion in your heart.

Passion for Vision Overcomes Resistance.

If you are going to become what you envisage in your mind, if you are going to go after what is in your heart, believe me, there will be resistance. One of the only ways to overcome that resistance is to have passion for your vision and the perseverance to run the race. When you are passionate about your dream, you can stand strong when trouble comes. Persistence will keep you moving forward, and your passion will feed your persistence. A passionate person who believes in their destiny, cannot stop until they have seen the fulfillment thereof.

I have witnessed in so many people that it is often difficult to satisfy this drive while you are in the process of pursuit. If you stop what you believe in and then be content, it was never passion in the first place. Passion can overcome every problem. Passion is propelling and unfortunately many people give up due to the result falling or failing the first time. “Falling; failing and then getting up” is however part of the forming of a strong character. It tests your belief and passion and makes you even stronger to run across the finish line and say, “It is complete!”

Passion Keeps You Focused.

Passion helps you to stay focused on your vision. You can see this principle at work in successful organizations. Wherever there is no vision, the team and people perish. A symptom within such an organization will be internal fighting, gossiping, murmuring, backbiting and complaining. If an organization, a team is passionate about their vision, they will undoubtedly defy the odds and persevere to fulfill their objectives and goals. They will work in unity and their personal vision in life will be in synergy with the entire organizations focus, passion and vision. They would have found their position in the team.

So as a team, whenever you are tempted to quit too soon or to stay down when your are knocked by circumstances, remember the examples of Paul the Apostle. As he did, capture your vision and stay with it, and you will be rewarded. You will see that vision becoming a reality, no matter what resistance you might face.

The Principles of Passion.• You cannot be successful without passion.• Passionate people know that there is more to life than mere living without eternal purpose.• Vision is the precedent for passion and passion keeps you focused on your vision.• A vision will always be tested by tribulation.• Faithfulness to vision is one of the marks of its legitimacy.• Passion means that no matter how tough things are, what you believe is bigger than what you see.• A person of passion is always eager to fulfill his vision.• Passion helps you to overcome every problem.• Faith with passion and vision is GOD’s gift to you.

01

23TEAMS2think . . . TEAMS2innovate . . . TEAMS2trust . . . TEAMS2build

In the Bible in Acts 26, Paul was on trial before King Agrippa. As he told the king about the purpose that Jesus Christ had given him on the road to Damascus, he made a statement that is very important concerning people with a vision and passion. If it was not for the passion Paul had for the Gospel and the calling that God placed upon him he would not have completed his calling. Paul explained his encounter with the Lord as follows:

Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’, the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Paul summed up his account by saying, “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (v 15 - 19). Paul knew what his purpose in life was, and it kept him going through all his struggles.

Hence, when your vision is from GOD, you live and implement it with passion and determination and nothing can stop you. Whether you are gossiped about, slandered, receive jealousy for who you have been called to be... when people try to bring you down with their words and actions, do not despair and know that you should count it all joy when you face all various kinds of trouble, for this produces patience and this patience has a perfect work in you! Then you will say, “Even if it takes time, I will persevere!” You undoubtedly overcome and stand head out above the rest in the strength of the knowledge that GOD has given you an instruction. As Paul you can be shipwrecked, beaten, and starved. However, if you are committed to accomplishing your vision with passion the journey will be successful. Why did Paul never give up every time they persecuted him? He KNEW GOD. He received his passion in the instruction and the vision.

A word of encouragementDo you stop when you receive any form of resistance or do you set your sight like a flint on the outcome? What will you do to regain your passion for your dreams if you feel that you have lost it? Remember, passion says, “You might as well give up resisting me, because I am not going to quit. If you knock me down, I am going to get up. You cannot live without passion for your calling.”

...hence for the BOSASA leadership and team

As Paul and so many other patriarchs of faith were called, so too has BOSASA been called. We have an assignment bigger than individuals. We need to harken unto this call in all respect and seriousness and instill the values of vision and passion in our teams. We have witnessed that the BOSASA passion is contagious and it will continue to create a dynamic focused environment enhancing our team spirit. Every BOSASA leader has to ensure that their own personal vision in life is complementary to the vision of our group. This creates an even stronger passionate leadership team going forward into our defined New Frontiers.

“BOSASA leadership, we will always face challenges. The evidence of our unity will be how we respond to them as a group! Your teams needs your passion to keep them passionate!” Gavin Watson

Take up our slogan, “teams2lead-with-passion”.

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing.” Albert Schweitzer.

“What I really lack is to be clear in my mind what I am to do, not what I am to know... the thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wishes me to do... to find the idea for which I can live and die.” Soren Kierkegaard.

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.” Goethe“Passion without a vision is a life not worth living... we are called to impact the lives of people we interact with.” Gavin WatsonMay God bless you.

24 TEAMS2think . . . TEAMS2innovate . . . TEAMS2trust . . . TEAMS2build

02“teams2communicate”: COMMUNICATION Posted on: 4/30/2012

In our previous email, I spoke about the knowledge based society, the educated person that thinks big! Now we are challenged to think beyond the norm and become a group that continuously grows, redevelops and improves upon ourselves. This is a challenge and one I am presenting to you as BOSASA leader.

BOSASA team, this is one of the most important emails yet to be distributed and debated among yourselves. In this email I will be using practical examples [similar to our series on Financial Discipline] within BOSASA. Certain teams have been assigned a vital task to practically integrate; implement and emphasize the importance of knowledge based systems and effective communication within our high growth group, BOSASA. And in this email I will briefly introduce these teams and their functions.

This email therefore firstly emphasizes a principle that is vital to the survival of any organization, any organism, any life giving entity… communication! And subsequent to elaborating on this topic you will see why such importance is placed on communication.

HOW DO WE PERCEIVE COMMUNICATION?We have become so accustomed with a certain perspective and thinking regarding “communication” that we perceive communication to be either some kind of verbal conversation, a written form of communication which either stimulates our sense of hearing, speaking or seeing.

However, communication is truly about: “Who is communicating? What is the message being conveyed? Who is the recipient and is the message coming across as intended to be received?”

We need to consistently ask ourselves this question in a growing society of communication where the worldwide web and particularly social media has become a floodgate of information and created communication platforms. The increase in knowledge sharing through technology and social media has increased the speed, the methods as well as the amount of content communicated on a much more regular basis. And we need to consistently ask who and what is communicated.

As an organization, how do we keep track, how do we stay abreast, how do we sustain our organizational foundation, how do we develop and grow with the emphasis on being and remaining relevant and a high growth organization? True to the ethos of BOSASA, we have deployed teams to drive this process. They are responsible to ensure that we as an organization remain at the cutting edge of our disciplines.

COMMUNICATION WITHIN BOSASA:In BOSASA communication has to remain the glue that binds strategy and delivery together. Simply stated, what is communicated has to be delivered. We need to embrace personal one-to-one communication, team-to- team communication, all from the premise of one central knowledge based integrated approach in which we realize that as “teams2think” every time we communicate... we direct, we position, we enable, we empower, we deliver, we serve!

As BOSASA leader you have to be the sender and bearer of unity; one vision needs to be at the forefront of all our communication. We are integrated with one single platform from which multiple disciplines and functions and teams will draw their information and create knowledge bases. There is a new; fresh season coming to BOSASA, one where “teams2educate” becomes greater “teams2deliver” and our delivery will be measured by the synergy you create in integrated teams. Each team member has phenomenal gifts and talents, some latent, therefore we are to stimulate debate, communicate and share knowledge to bring out the best in one another. If we are successful in breaking down our personal silo’s and allow the united message to be the driver of our communication, we will successfully embrace one another and we will live our vision even in a greater measure: “...expressing our personalities and strengths in a team environment...”

25TEAMS2think . . . TEAMS2innovate . . . TEAMS2trust . . . TEAMS2build

BOSASA needs to remain a very dynamic communicator internally as well as externally. BOSASA has to be seen as a pioneer of innovative team development, deployment and growth and you are part of this exciting challenge! A knowledge based organization impacting society. Therefore as a BOSASA leader you have to realize that you do not operate in a vacuum. You are leading “something”… a team with a project, a unit, an enterprise. When you are faithful to the one entity, within BOSASA you will soon find yourself leading divisions, teams… always on a mission. This calls for a system and an in-depth understanding of communication and the impact it has on the organization. The teams responsible for creating an integrated platform from where we implement; deliver; communicate and measure are:- Our OnIT Team- EkayaMedia: Design House- Our Compliance Team

This team is currently responsible for creating:Our own group integrated information technology solution and platform [OnIT Team].Branding; Communication; Media [EkayaMedia].Compliance with the vision and industry standards of excellence; services and integration thereof across all units and teams [Compliance Team].

I can truly say that they have embraced this challenge and you as BOSASA team members can look forward to a new dimension of “teams2think”; “teams2educate”; “teams2communicate”. They are three teams who are now focusing as one team and has become a forerunner team faced with the challenge of “keeping a group as large and dynamic as BOSASA abreast with development and communicating effectively, ensuring service delivery”...

THEIR CHALLENGE IS TO:Articulate our vision with crystal clarity.

Take time and care to ensure it is easily understood, memorable, motivating and unambiguous.

Know that our people and their development are crucial and develop educational and monitoring systems that will contribute to our people development in BOSASA.Their strength is the communication and knowledge sharing among them. This is an example for all BOSASA teams, it is evident of synergy.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS INTEGRATED TEAM:

OnITOur OnIT team drives and develops one central communication and technologically driven hub that empowers all other teams from gathering their requirements. They are the engine for our entire organization and enables BOSASA to supply systems and information that needs to be communicated. Their main focus is to develop one central integrated system. All other teams will plug into this integrated knowledge based system which we as BOSASA will drive. Our OnIT team needs to empower every team in BOSASA with the tools, integrated to deliver their responsibility and tasks, in order to create an ever increasing educational and knowledge based organization and society.

26 TEAMS2think . . . TEAMS2innovate . . . TEAMS2trust . . . TEAMS2build

eKayaMediaOur EkayaMedia team focuses on our brand, communicates our ethos and character and channels the correct message to our clients and employees. Their challenge is to communicate as the voice of BOSASA, empowered by the system they created in synergy with OnIT. Their job is to show the world that BOSASA is a successful organization with a reputation to deliver value and they are to be the voice! They are central to communication. As BOSASA we need to ensure that they are equipped and empowered to communicate who and what we are. They produce Bosele; Bosele Pulse; our websites and many more communication channels and mediums in the future for your own personal and our group development.

Compliance TeamOur Compliance team works with OnIT and EkayaMedia to deliver integration of services more effectively and creatively in order to ensure communication to our clients that will establish BOSASA as one of the most relevant standard setters when it comes to national and international bench marking.

An example within our Group of communication at work, with one vision, one goal.

BY COMMUNICATING THIS PROCESS OF SYNERGY, WE PRACTICALLY LEARN THE FOLLOWING:

We need to continually embrace an integrated mindset. They are working in teams beyond their own disciplines, sharing knowledge.

The speed of communication is vital for BOSASA to be the organization of choice; they are continuously developing new systems and solutions.

The increase of communication channels: digital, email, voice video etc. needs to be used to empower you and make BOSASA an organization that is focused on customer service.

They need to focus the entire BOSASA on delivery. We are no longer going around and around the mountain, we are going up the mountain and pioneering for the future!WHY ARE WE PLACING SUCH IMPORTANCE ON KNOWLEDGE SHARING; INTEGRATION AND COMMUNICATION?Our people and clients expect to be communicated to much more and see themselves as part of a democracy where they consent to being led. We will assist to get our people there…

Sustainably is the watchword. It applies to our longevity as well the social and physical environments within which we operate. We commit to sustainability through integration; communication and service delivery.

People want leaders that they can believe in… do you communicate this?

Scrutiny is going to be intense. It won’t go away. We will have to learn to live with it.

Every enterprise needs an articulation of higher purpose than profit. We have it... the growth of our people!

IN CLOSURE:

Some of these emails and blogs might be repetitive but when you scrutinize them you will notice that with each email a different component of the same message is communicated. It is important, for we need to emphasize, re-emphasize and remain “teams2educate”.

“Communication is vital, silos are dangerous therefore integration is imperative. BOSASA as a high growth organization will, with the strength of “knowledge is power”, drive through the implementation of one central integrated knowledge based technological hub from which every division will function equally. We will continue to refrain from having units operating as silos; unity and integration is our aim! Development and excellent service delivery is our game and communication is the name!” Gavin Watson

May God bless you abundantly in this week as you embrace your fellow team members and communicate.

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WHEN YOU KNOW YOU NEED TO STOP... AND THINK... AND TURN! Posted on: 5/1/2012

In this week I sent an email to all the team members in the organization I lead. I emphasized communication and the value we add to one another by communicating our knowledge, life experiences. We uplift each other individually and we should, as followers of Christ, focus on giving more than receiving. This giving should be giving of ourselves, from the premise of knowing HIS perfect will, and then we will live fruitful lives.

You are a leader in our nation and abroad. You are a person with a passionate heartbeat to see transformation come to the lives of all people because they have met JESUS.

Today I want to however speak into YOUR heart as leader. We are so passionately pursuing this change, the change in society, our corporate organizations, our nation that we sometimes forget to just take the lead of JESUS and take time out with our HEAVENLY FATHER and “be still and re-focus and ascertain that we are where we are supposed to be”.

Even if you take a few minutes out, even a day maybe, focus on aligning 100% with GOD’s will again:

Here are a few questions to ask yourself and communicate with GOD, speak to HIM about this:1. Is my personal walk with GOD the way it should be... intimate?2. Am I keeping my priorities straight?3. Am I aware of and honest about my weaknesses?4. Do I spend time with GOD alone in HIS Word, and how much of HIS Word is transforming me?5. Am I sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the body of Christ as a whole in this hour? 6. Am I in the place and position where I have been called to be?7. What do I need to do to correct the imbalances in my life?8. How do I re-align to be 100% in GOD’s perfect will?9. How do I not allow the distractions of the daily walk to take me even 1 degree off the course?10. Is the calling that GOD has for me constantly before me and am I placing GOD in charge of that calling?

My prayer to every business man and woman is that we will learn by the power of the Holy Spirit to remain focused, balanced and that GOD will have the priority in all our actions, business dealings and decisions. Seek Him diligently in the pursuit of the answer to the above questions, and faithfully, HE will show you and lead you.

Pray that HE leads you daily, step by step and that from this day on, HE prioritizes your diary.

Have a blessed week and month of May.

May GOD bless you, and remember...

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valour!” Judges 6:12Gavin Watson

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“teams2build”: BUILDING BLOCKS OF A BOSASA LEADER. Posted on: 5/5/2012

In my previous email I addressed the importance of communication in our teams. To re-iterate: We will reach our desired outcomes by working in synergized teams, communicating effectively and continuously. In that email I made mention of a dynamic process unfolding through the synergy established between our OnIT-team; EkayaMedia [Design House] as well as our Compliance team and that they are spearheading our entire integrated communication drive internally within BOSASA. They are exemplifying what this blog is about: Building blocks of being a leader. Now I would like to encourage each one of our team members with this blog that you too are a leader in the making

Communication is a vital building block in the development of a leader, however, as BOSASA we have other very important building blocks which we ensure that our leaders build upon.

These enable our leaders to successfully execute their duties as servant leaders and automatically lead as mentors, building internal capacity within BOSASA.

This blog in intended to communicate to all our team members that you too have the capacity to be the leaders of the future within BOSASA as we continue in our “teams2develop” drive.

If you want to be a BOSASA leader, here are more building blocks which you can use to develop your leadership skills:

1. We know ourselves.

Our BOSASA leaders need to continuously develop strength of character in order to lead divisions and teams. In execution it’s absolutely critical to be strong in character. Emotional fortitude is a term which means that you are honest with yourself, this shows strength in character. It takes emotional fortitude to be open to whatever information you need, whether it is what you like to hear or not. Emotional fortitude gives you the courage to accept points of view that are the opposite of yours and deal with conflict, and the confidence to encourage and accept and deal with your own weaknesses, be firm with people who are not performing, and to handle the team dynamics involved in a high-growth organization like BOSASA. Emotional fortitude comes from self-discovery and self-mastery. It is the foundation of people skills. Good leaders learn their specific personal strengths and weaknesses, especially in dealing with other people, then build on the strengths and correct weaknesses.

2. We know our people and our business.

Leaders have to live their business. We have seen over the years that the BOSASA leaders who have not executed, are usually out of touch with the day-to-day realities. As BOSASA leaders you have to remain engaged with your team delivery and service. You need to develop relationships with your individual team members as well as ensure that you know your required service deliveries of your business unit.

3. Our leaders understand realism.

Realism is a very important building block. It deals with the real issues of the day and the reality of what every team leader and member has to face. There are many challenges confronting our teams daily and realism is at the heart of execution, but many organizations have team members who are trying to avoid or shade reality. Why do they do this? Facing reality makes life uncomfortable.

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Many leaders and team members rather want to hide mistakes, or buy time to figure out a solution rather than admit that they do not have an answer at the moment. How do you make realism a priority? Start by being realistic yourself. As a BOSASA leader keep realism as a goal of all your team debates, keeping the vision in mind.

4. We set clear goals and priorities.

BOSASA leaders keep their team members focused on executing clear priorities that everyone can grasp. As a leader you have to have clear realistic goals and priorities, which will influence the overall performance of the group.

5. We follow through.

Within BOSASA we always ensure that we complete the task at hand. When we have our team meetings, we need to ensure that they are productive and the decisions that are taken are followed though. The team members need to be accountable and responsible for the execution of the decisions that have been formulated and discussed.

6. We reward the “doers” and those team members who execute.

If you want teams to produce specific results, you reward them accordingly. As BOSASA leaders I would like to encourage you to identify those team members who are truly the “implementers” and those that deliver the vision of service excellence to the client and the group in order to ensure that they are adequately rewarded.

7. We expand people’s capabilities through coaching.

As BOSASA leaders we acquire knowledge and experience and wisdom along the way. One of the most important parts of your career is to mentor and share your knowledge with others. This is how you expand the capabilities of everyone else in your organization, individually and collectively. It’s how you will get results today and leave a legacy that you can take pride in when you move on. This is a vital building block as a BOSASA leader as we are developing the new generation leadership in our group. Coaching is very important to develop your team members capabilities. It’s the difference between giving orders and teaching people how to get things done. Our BOSASA leaders regard every encounter as an opportunity to coach.

IN CONCLUSION:

This blog is to encourage all our team members to envision their future as BOSASA leaders. I have empowered you with fundamental building blocks of our leadership core.

Take it to heart and learn from and learn to implement it and see how you develop as a next generation leader within BOSASA Always remember people are the most important asset in the group.

Life is a journey of challenges and those who accept and embrace them will endure and become the future of tomorrow. BOSASA means the future. We will drive the vision with passion and commitment so that GOD will receive all the glory and honour in our accomplishments, results and the development of people. We will make a difference in the lives of our clients, teams and the community we serve. We will remain an innovative leadership team!

“Within BOSASA we have the following 5 fundamental building blocks: strategy, branding, innovative technology, teams, group positioning [ marketing]. The execution of our specialized services is always balanced in its implementation having ensured that we have focused and executed on our fundamentals.” Gavin Watson.

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“IBM is a solutions company. We start with customer’s business problem, and work back to the right combination of technologies and expertise.” Lou Gerstner.

“Being in touch with customer needs is…always important. But perhaps more important when needs are changing-and generally that comes during an economic downturn-you want to understand those better than any other company.” Michael Dell.

Have a week to inspire those you interact with and remember to make an impact in all your relationships...family, friends, colleagues and even your enemies.God bless you.

“teams2learn”: QUOTES ON COMMUNICATION FROM LEADERS ACROSS THE WORLD TO VALUE Posted on: 5/13/2012

In this email I will be sharing some quotations with you by leaders who have built high-growth organizations. They expressed their views on the essence of communication in a team.

As BOSASA we have been focusing on communication as one of the foundational building blocks our leaders need to continuously develop. When you are leading your teams and representing the group you are leading, as a leader you need to become a better listener. Coaching and mentoring your divisions and teams to better performance is an outcome of good communication skills and you will see, your meetings will turn out to be effective and productive.

Before we take a look at the quotations, it is important that our BOSASA leaders understand the following:You have a dual role: • to lead outside (customers and clients) and• to lead inside (employees).

By understanding this dual leadership role our BOSASA leadership creates an internal and external energy, a momentum.

Competences for growth or “momentum leadership” have proven to progress through five levels:(1) customer awareness(2) customer experience(3) customer growth or momentum (4) internal momentum and growth (5) and all-stakeholders momentum and growth.

The BOSASA leaders need to consistently build, grow and create momentum in all five above mentioned areas through communicating with their teams, employees, clients, and customers and remain consistent in their actions. Actions too are a form of communication!

QUOTATIONS:These quotations by other team leaders and high-growth organizations focuses on the essence of communication. By continuously speaking this to their teams, they developed growth and momentum in their companies. Communication is of utmost importance for leaders on all levels to communicate clearly to their teams and clients, thereby developing an ethos within the group of clarity and focus. Without clear communication, ambiguity sets in.

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Read an embrace these words of wisdom:“I believe passionately in the power of communication and importance as a skill from all leaders within an organization. Without it, you cannot build trust, nor can you inspire people.” Nicholas Young.

“The most important thing to remember is to be a good communicator and to make sure you have a good communications capability in your whole organization.” Christopher Gent

“As a leader, communication is the job and you should always be trying to get better at.” Anthony Jenkins.“Always prepare properly and you will communicate well.” Clive Woodward.

“Communicate, communicate, communicate, you’ve just got to keep on communicating. But that can’t work on its own; you also need a good strategy.” Phil Bentley.

“The only way you can lead is by being visible. If you are you will be out and about. If you are out and about you will be listening to your customers, to people in the business, and to all the people who matter to your organization. In order to tune in with the right communication, you have to have listened.” Paul Drechsler.

“The best communication, no matter how complex the message is, is about simple language repeated over and over and over again. The danger is that we get tired of hearing our own message when many people haven’t heard it all. You’ve got to find ways to make your message sound as fresh on the 157,000th time as it was to day one.” Amelia Fawcett.

“You can never do enough communication. At the end of every week I look at my diary and ask myself whether I spent enough time communicating. You have to be tough on yourself and if you think you haven’t, then you’re got to do a better job the following week.” Moya Greene.

“Good communication starts with putting yourself in the shoes of the people you’re going to talk to. If everybody started from that point, they would be much more effective communicators.” Barbara Cassani.

“Good communication is two-way communication. It is about mutual trust, confidence and respect between the leader and the led.” Mike Jackson.

“Grant me, O LORD, A LISTENING HEART” is what King Solomon asked of the LORD, when offered anything he desired.” Chris Satterthwaite.

“Your vision and your values are the most important thing, and you have to devote huge amounts of the time to communicating them.” Nick Partridge.“You have to have a really clear vision. But there’s no point in having a vision unless you communicate it to everyone.” Ron Dennis.

“To communicate effectively, you have to do so with integrity and you have to believe what you are saying. You have to understand the audience and tell them as you mean it.” John Heaps.

“The most important thing is authenticity and sincerity and walking the talk. You can get away with a lot of shortcomings in your communication style if you have high levels of authenticity and integrity.” Paul Polman.

“The single most important thing about communication is to remember that as a leader your job is to inspire, and you cannot inspire unless people feel your passion.” John Connolly.

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“Good communication is passionate communication.” Ron Sandler.

“If you don’t have passion, go home, for goodness sake, because you’ll be going nowhere.” Frank Williams.

You have to learn to show your passion if you are to inspire others to great performance. Communication is all about whether you are to move people to change their behavior and achieve the result you desire. The passion must come from truly understanding what it is you want to do, why it is important, how you want to do it, and what values are most important to you. Most of all, it comes from the absolute belief that what you want to do can be done.

“I believe that communication is crucial in BOSASA. Without communicating with your fellow team members, you will not build relationships... through communication you get to know one another.” Gavin Watson.

Have a blessed week and please read these quotes carefully; internalize them, use them as discussion and debate them.God bless

“teams2work”: The Discipline of Teams Posted on: 5/13/2012In BOSASA we find that there is a basic value that makes our teams function optimally: Discipline! Functioning optimally delivers good performance and good performance and our teams are inseparable. We cannot have one without the other. Discipline = Excellent performance!

Teamwork represents a set of values that encourages listening and responding constructively to views expressed by others, giving others the benefit of the doubt and always feedback when they require. Teamwork provides support, it recognizes the interest and achievements of the entire group and is always open to change for the better.

Our teams come together to share information, perspectives, and insights; to make decisions that help each person to perform their individual functions and to reinforce accountability.

The first step in developing a disciplined approach to team discipline is to evaluate our team performance and this we do in line with the heart and the values of BOSASA.

BOSASA’s team value of discipline comprises five characteristics:

1. Common purpose.BOSASA teams are committed and respond to the mandate of the group. To be successful the team must “own” this purpose, develop its own internal discipline and team spirit… be truthful with people, it is a discipline. What you say in a meeting, let it be what you communicate outside the meeting, on email, via telephonic conversation or SMS. This portrays character and discipline and enhances our common purpose!

2. Performance goals.Here is an example: The ACSA and Justice contracts we have successfully rolled out in time. Compelling goals inspire and challenge our teams, and give us mutual a sense of urgency. They also have a leveling effect, requiring members to focus on collective effort necessary rather than any differences in positions or internal egos.

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3. Complementary skills.A mix of skills are required that include technical or functional expertise, problem solving and decision making skills, and very importantly interpersonal skills. Successful teams rarely have all the needed skills at inception - they develop them as they learn what the challenge requires. As leader of a team, if you do not develop your team and embrace other individuals to be part of your team, people will be drawn to the person who motivates them and brings out the best in them. Managers are not necessary leaders! But in BOSASA we mentor and coach our managers to become leaders.

4. Commitment.Teams must agree on who will embark on which function, how schedules will be established and implemented, and how decisions will be made and modified. In a truthful team, each member does equivalent amounts of real work; all team members, the leader included, contribute in concrete ways to the team’s collective outcomes.

5. Accountability.Trust and commitment cannot be coerced. The process of agreeing upon appropriate goals serves as the crucible in which members forge their accountability to each other - not just to the leader. If the leader cannot be trusted, how can the team portray trust. Our BOSASA teams should take accountability, commitment and trust very seriously!IN CONCLUSION:

Once this value of discipline has been established, a team is free to concentrate on the critical challenges faced.Our team performance needs to be sustainable, consistent and continuous.

The attainability of specific goals helps teams maintain their focus on getting results.

Successful teams evaluate what and how each individual can best contribute to the group goals and, more importantly, do so in terms of the performance objective itself, rather than a person’s status or personality.

Performance goals are compelling. They are symbols of accomplishment that motivate and energize. They challenge the team to remain disciplined to make a difference. Only a united team can make it happen.

“BOSASA teams discuss, decide and work together.” Gavin Watson

“Make discipline, honesty and service excellence your focus. Respect your fellow team members, even if you do not like them.” Gavin Watson

We would like to congratulate the Youth Centre team and all who were involved in hosting and facilitating the function at Mogale Business Park for the Judges and the Magistrates this past weekend. Well done team.

God bless you in this week, and as per the words in the one video on WATSonline, may trust and the love of GOD be that which binds us together.

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"teams2strategise": Building Team PerformanceWe have taken a look at communication in our teams as well as the building blocks of a successful team. In this email we will take a look at basic principles that will enhance building our team performance.

To continuously build BOSASA's performance, it is essential that our leaders continue to focus on these essential principles and values within BOSASA.

1. Accountability, Trust and Direction.Accountability is one of the most important aspects that lead to effectiveness within teams. Accountability creates direction, commitment and urgency to perform. Accountability is the fuel that springs from trust; when you trust somebody you will want to be accountable to that person. Think of it as a critical element that flows throughout the engine of the team.

Trust in a team builds unity, which is turn strengthens the foundation of the team's performance. And inevitably creating value required by the customer.

All team members need to believe that the team has an urgent and worthwhile purpose. Our team members need to know what the expectations are, the more urgent and purposeful the rationale, the more likely it is that the team will live up to its performance potential, building BOSASA team performance. Teams work best in compelling and creative environments. That is why groups like BOSASA with strong performance ethics usually form teams readily.

2. Select skill not personality.Leaders need to select team members on the skills needed to meet the purpose and performance goals. These team members selected need to be mentored and coached according to the requirements of the service to be delivered.

3. Meetings and the action.Meetings need to be meaningful so that those monitoring the outcome of the meetings [the assumptions and concerns which are raised] are discussed and action taken. Team members pay particular attention to their leaders in authority and how they influence the team and develop strategy to implement the decisions taken. Leaders need to create the rhythm and energy in meetings, workshops and in brainstorming sessions to consistently develop the capacity of “teams2strategise.”

4. Rules of behavior.Business is conducted through relationships, and trust is part of relationships. Only those who are willing to share information about their thoughts, ideas and feelings earn high levels of trust in relationships that build a dynamic team with high performance value.

Some of the trust factors that build BOSASA's team conduct are:• Attendance• Confidentiality (what we agree on)• Analytical approach (facts)• Product and service orientation (everyone gets assignments and does them)• Constructive conformation (no figure pointing) • And the most important, contributions (real work).

5. Performance-oriented tasks and goals.Most effective teams trace their advancements to key performance-oriented events. There is no such thing as a real team without performance results, so the sooner such results occur, the sooner the team bonds even greater with a common purpose to perform greater key performance orientated events.

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6. Facts and Information.New information causes a team to redefine and enrich its understanding of the performance challenge, thereby helping the team shape a common purpose, set clearer goals, and improve its approach. There must be continuous evaluation and input from the team.

7. Quality Time.Team members need to spend quality time together to develop team unity. Team workshops or meetings create a dynamic bonding relationship that produces momentum and energy internally and externally in team performance. This time spent together results in developing the skills and talents within the teams.

SMS’s, emails, phonetime, electronic, faxes etc can also count as time spent together. However you need to make the time to be in constant contact and recognize even these methods used.

8. Power of Feedback-Recognition and Reward.Positive feedback will reinforce the team unity and increase performance levels. Recognition of team effort and the value they perform for BOSASA develops an environment that enables all team members as well as individuals to strive for group performance."We are in the 'business' of building and caring for people. Our teams are vitally important to the entire group. Cherish your co-worker, everyday, for we do not know the future. We only have today to make a difference in our fellow team member's lives. This underpins the values of building stronger teams... caring! Gavin Watson

God bless you.

isit www.truthonline.co.za for more inspirational and informativeblogs and words from Gavin Watson.

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"I believe that communication is crucial in BOSASA. Without communicating with your fellow

team members, you will not build relationships... through communication you get to know one another."

Gavin Watson.