FAMILY FEAST - Western Cape€¦ · Special unit promotes police efficiency MAINS ANd dESSERT FoR uNdER R500 FAMILY FEAST magazine ISSUE 19 ... Ayesha Augustus, Safely Home, Monica

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

Priority projects to tackle Western Cape issues

CHANGING THE GAME

WATCHING BRIEFS

Special unit promotespolice efficiency

MAINS ANd dESSERT FoR

uNdER

R500

FAMILY FEAST

m a g a z i n e

ISSUE 19 | DECEMBER 2015

32

28

14

30

In EvERy ISSUE

2 Q&A

32 Recipes

40 Games, Quiz and Solutions

FEatURES

3 Inside Info

Dreamfields Partnership

4 Inside Info

Benefits of our management courses

6 Main Feature

The thinking behind the Game Changers

10 What’s new

The internet revolution

12 Breatheasy Programme

Empowering mothers

14 Watching Briefs Unit

More criminals in court

16 Children’s Parliament

Deaf Speaker makes history

18 Did you know?

How much food we waste

20 Safely Home

Fighting fatigue

aDvICE

22 Personal Finance

Tips for the festive season

24 Workplace

Plan your leave

26 Health

Treating sunburn

LIFEStyLE anD LEISURE

28 Out&about

The best spots in Darling

30 arts&Culture

Trumpeter saves our youth

36 Bt Games

Photos of our sports day

CoNTENTS

Better Together magazine 1

Editor’s note

BEttER tOGEtHER MaGaZInE tEaM:

Editor in Chief:

Faiza Steyn

Editor:

Maret Lesch

Proofreaders:

Aré van Schalkwyk,

Leah Moodaley

afrikaans translation:

Aré van Schalkwyk

isiXhosa translation:

Luvuyo Martins

Contributors:

Leah Moodaley, Sylvanus du Plessis, Jenny Cargill,

Tania Colyn, Ameerah Kenny, Ayesha Augustus,

Safely Home, Monica Makaula, Charlene Sheraton,

Fabian Williams, Dianne le Roux

Layout and design:

Corporate Communication

art director:

Trudine Scannell

artwork and illustrations:

Trudine Scannell

Photographers:

Zanele Jam-Jam, Sergio Kirkwood

administration, quiz and competitions:

Nokuzola Ngcizela

Communications and liaison:

Portia Percival, Nokuzola Ngcizela, Bilqees Davids

Editorial Committee:

Advocate Brent Gerber (DG), Andre Joemat (SG),

Faiza Steyn (Head of Corporate Communication),

Sylvanus du Plessis (Deputy Director: Creative),

Maret Lesch (Editor)

telephone: 021 483 3806 Fax: 021 483 8267

Postal address: Better Together Magazine,

P.O. Box 659, Cape Town, 8000

E-mail: [email protected]

all letters and competition entries can be sent to the above e-mail or postal address. Only Western Cape

Government employees may enter. note that all cash prizes are subject to tax.

Dear Colleagues

Working on this issue inspired me. I realised once again

that most of the people working for the Western Cape

Government are here because they truly want to make a

difference.

Government is often scrutinised and criticised and we

tend to not see the positive side of how our hard work and

dedication help other people. This is why we decided to

make a few changes to the magazine. We want to show

you how you are making a difference in our citizens’ lives.

A great example is the nursing team of the Breatheasy

Programme at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. They are

doing ground-breaking work in empowering mothers with

nursing skills to look after their children at home.

We also met the Watching Briefs team, who made

history by being the first unit in South Africa to monitor

court cases. Thanks to them stepping in when cases are

struck off the court roll, more criminals now have to face

their day in court.

When talking about firsts for South Africa, I have to

mention the deaf learner Jean-Claude Smit from the

De La Bat School for the Deaf. He was recently elected as

the first disabled Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Children’s

Parliament. What an achievement! This goes to show that

we have young leaders who will not let anything stand in

their way of having their voices heard.

We face unique challenges in the Western Cape that are

severely affecting our quality of life. This is why the WCG

has decided to implement projects that address specific

issues, such as alcohol abuse, unemployment and safe

after-school programmes for our children. These priority

programmes are called Game Changers because as a

government we are changing the way we tackle issues.

Read more about our approach on page 6.

Do you have plans for Christmas lunch yet? I know

many of us are on a tight budget this festive season. This

is why we have done the hard work for you and planned a

delicious family meal for under R500. (And if you do get

into financial trouble, please read our financial advice article

on page 22!)

I wish you a merry festive season and a prosperous 2016.

Until next time

Maret Lesch

Disclaimer: The Department of the Premier’s Corporate Communication Directorate has copyright

on all intellectual property and artwork in the Better Together magazine. All content in the Better

Together magazine adheres to copyright law.

Letters

Do you have any

stories about excellent

government officials?

Perhaps you have seen

someone do remarkable

work and who has gone

the extra mile for a citizen

or a colleague? Write a

short letter and tell us

about them!

WIn R500!

QUEStIOn:dear Better Together magazine,

My concern is the effective use

of skills and employees within the

WCG.

Many employees are unhappy

because they feel they are being

underutilised. It is extremely

alarming, as the WCG has highly

skilled officials who are either

wrongfully placed or their skills are

not being used effectively.

We often hear the phrase “using

people who are fit for purpose”.

Yet someone who was awarded a

departmental bursary for a three-

year degree is still employed at

a salary level 2, regardless that

they’ve successfully obtained the

qualification.

I also make reference to admin

clerks who have either obtained

or are busy completing their

postgraduate qualifications, but

are restricted to taking minutes or

carrying out general administrative

tasks.

directorates and departments

often conduct skills audits for the

proper placement of officials, but it

never materialises.

My suggestion is that if the

department is not able to upgrade

the salary level of these officials

and if no posts are vacant, at least

let these officials be exposed to

a relevant work environment.

Then they can gain the relevant

experience in their field of study and

contribute to the WCG’s strategic

goals and vision of improving the

quality of life of its people.

yasien Ryklief

Priority Programmes Coordination,

DotP

Please send us any questions you might have on processes, procedures, programmes and

projects within the Western Cape Government. We will ask the appropriate department or

directorate to answer you and you might see your answer in the next issue.

anSWER:dear Yasien

Your concern is valid.

Government is driven by legislation,

policies and rules. From an

organisational design perspective,

structures and posts are created

to ensure that certain functions

are performed by a department to

achieve certain goals to meet the

needs of its customers. Changes

in the functions of one post can

have an impact on other posts and

the achievement of organisational

goals.

Your concern also calls for a

carefully managed human resource

planning process, with the main

objective to have the correct

number of employees with the right

skills available when required to

achieve our organisational goals.

Bursaries and skills development

interventions are put in place

to ensure that employees with

the required skills are available.

This may result in a situation

where employees have higher

qualifications than required for their

posts.

In view of the above, the WCG

has highly skilled officials who may

not be in their “correct” positions,

yet. An employee may have joined

the WCG as an Administration

Clerk, having satisfied the

criteria for appointment (“fit for

purpose”) and then acquired higher

qualifications whilst employed.

Prescripts require that employees

must apply and compete for higher

posts that require the acquired

skills. However, as you correctly

pointed out, there may be no

vacancy (for which the employee

would have to compete) within

which to appoint them.

Matching and placing processes,

where skills audits are done to

ensure the correct placement of

employees also have legislative

prescripts; one of which is that

employees may not be matched

and placed in a post with a higher

salary level. Employees must apply

and compete for higher vacant

posts that are in line with their

qualifications.

However, all is not lost. It is the

responsibility of the employee’s

supervisor to utilise the newly

acquired skills optimally within

the work environment, still taking

the job’s required functions into

consideration. Supervisors can

apply job rotation and enrichment

to expose employees to other areas

of work and to increase their job

satisfaction. It calls for innovative

leadership and management, which

I am sure our supervisors are

capable of.

nS Miti

Chief Director: People Training and

Empowerment

Better Together magazine2

I n S I D E I n F O

Making dreams come true Building on the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Dreamfields

Partnership seeks to promote youth empowerment through sport

participation and stimulating social dialogue.

By Leah Moodaley and Ayesha Augustus

The Dreamfields Partnership is a multi-

stakeholder partnership between the

Western Cape Government, Dreamfields

and Life Zone, and has been successful in

empowering youth since the first event in

2009.

This partnership will provide learners at

schools across the province the opportunity

to participate in a football and netball

tournament with a twist. While some groups

are playing, others will be engaged in dialogue

sessions during which they can talk about

their challenges and experiences. Topics for

discussion include bullying at school, peer

pressure, alcohol and substance abuse, and

teenage pregnancy.

The programme has taken place in all five

regions of the Western Cape, in addition to

the Metro. This year, the programme was

expanded to include learners from the De La

Bat School for the Deaf, St Dominicans and

Noluthando School for the hearing impaired.

“We see activities that integrate learners from

different backgrounds as critical for youth

empowerment in the Western Cape,” says

Denver Moses, Acting Director for Priority

Programmes Co-ordination.

The Dreamfields Partnership facilitated nine

events this year, including an event on 16 June

to commemorate Youth Month with Minister

Anroux Marais, who launched the programme

at De La Bat School for the Deaf in Worcester.

Tournaments and interventions that are

linked to days of significance on our country’s

calendar were rolled out successfully.

Sport development, combined with social

dialogue, provides a platform for pupils,

learners and coaches to address the needs

of our youth and the larger community.

According to Dreamfields’ Graham Bath,

“Engaging in conversation provides specific

insight into the unique circumstances

they are experiencing. Sport provides

a rich and inclusive lifestyle outside the

classroom and family circumstances.

Creating a supportive school and

community environment encourages healthy

choices and outcomes for the greater benefit

of society.”

De la Bat, Noluthando and St Dominicans

have expressed their appreciation for the

partnership that the programme has built. As a

result of this partnership, two representatives

were chosen as part of the National Children’s

Parliament which took place in Bloemfontein

during October 2015. (Read the article on

page 18.) The Speaker of Parliament and the

Western Cape Ambassador are both deaf

learners at De la Bat School. This is testament

to how different entities can collaborate to

mainstream the needs of the disabled into our

programmes and society.

DREaMFIELDS PROGRAMME

aBOvE: Aviwe Jemane and Jean-Claude Smit, from the De La Bat

School for the Deaf in Worcester, represented the Western Cape at

the National Childrens Parliament.

See page 16 for full article

on the National Children’s

Parliament.


Changing perspectives

Use the Provincial Training

Institute as a resource to build

your skill set and make headway

in your career.

By Maret Lesch

Government does not only impact the

lives of citizens, but can also make a

positive impact on the lives of its staff

members. The Provincial Training Institute (PTI)

is a valuable resource that staff members can

make use of to add to their skill set and make

headway in their careers.

According to 28-year-old Sandra Pow

Chong, the Managing Editor: Web and

Production for the Communication Unit

in the Department of Local Government,

attending the Junior Management course at

the PTI assisted her in preparing for greater

responsibility in her job.

“I was brought in to manage the digital

platforms at Local Government in November

2014. This was a first for the Department and

my first time in a middle management role. I’ve

never had to manage people before, but my

position entailed managing two staff members.

“I wanted to acquire the necessary skills

and improve myself and decided to attend

PROvINCIAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

a management training course at the PTI. I

considered the Middle Management course, but

realised that I would have to build a foundation

first.”

Sandra opted for the Junior Management

training and says the course helped her to see

the bigger picture. “It helped me to understand

the core values of the organisation and where

legislation and policies fit in. It helped me to

look at things differently and to realise that

management is all about the people. Once you

can see the bigger picture and realise there are

different ways of dealing with problems, you

can make more strategically based decisions.”

Soon after completing the course, Sandra

was asked to fill in as acting HOC for four

weeks. “I was excited about the opportunity,

as it gave me the chance to practise the skills

I had learnt at the course. But I have to admit,

I would not have been able to cope in the new

role if I did not go for the management training.

It was really hard, but is now a great frame of

Inside info


reference,” says Sandra of the experience.

“It is important to have a mentor who you

can talk to and who can support you. It is scary

to make decisions on your own because you

are accountable and responsible for projects

that cost a lot of money. That is why you

must build a supportive culture – people with

experience you can learn from.”

Sandra says the course changed her

perception of management. “I realised it is all

about the people and humanity. As you move

up, you need to be a good people manager.

You must be aware of how people react to

your decisions and actions.”

It is especially the peer-to-peer learning that

Sandra valued during the course. “It breaks

down the silo mentality and forces you to work

in groups. It is also nice to hear how others

resolved issues similar to those that you have

to face. I heard actual case studies and learned

how to look at things differently. The course

included elements of project management and

the assignments were quite intense. It was like

being back at varsity!

“Most importantly, I learnt that as a manager

you have to improve the skills of those you

manage and there are different ways of dealing

IMPROVING SERvICE DELIvERy

Beulah Neumann (49), a Senior

Administrative Clerk: Information

Management working for the

Department of Health, says the

Introduction to Junior Management

course she attended at the PTI enabled

her to enhance service delivery in her

unit.

“The course equipped me with

knowledge about the operational

requirements necessary to enhance on

service delivery. It brought back how

important compliance, correctness

and transparency are in the work

environment.”

Beulah said the course changed

the way she thinks and added to her

skill set, enabling her to serve the

citizen better. “I’ve always been a

person devoted to serving to the best

of my ability. The course definitely

changed my perception of work. I’m

now conscious of a broader spectrum

of current affairs in information

management.”

She recommends that other staff

members also attend the course.

“I think many of us can add to our

skill set and this is a good course to

start with. It changes how you deal

with community queries, interaction

with staff members, commitment,

compliance, and transparency.”

Beulah feels that the course

motivated her to lead by example to

create a more pleasant and healthy

environment within the community

and among service delivery staff. The

next course she wants to attend is

the Junior Management Development

course in February 2016.

ManaGEMEnt TRAINING

Shirley Esterhuizen, a Course Coordinator at the Provincial

Training Institute, says many of their programmes are

focused on managerial and leadership skills, as these were

identified as skills gaps.

“There are several programmes on different levels for

managers. Many first-line managers enrol for the credit-

bearing Junior Management Development Programme. The

goal is to prepare you for a junior leadership position. It is a

little bit tougher and more work than normal programmes.

You have to complete a portfolio of evidence, go back to

the workplace and incorporate some of your work in the

portfolio of evidence. Because of all the work participants

have to do, we are very confident at the end of the

programme that they have mastered the content and skills.”

If you want to develop managerial skills regarding people

management, Shirley advises that you enrol for one of

the following programmes: Performance Management,

Managing Incapacity and Poor Performance, Meeting Skills

for Chairpersons and Facilitators, Grievance Procedure,

Managing Absence in the Workplace, Progressive Discipline

for Supervisors, Project Management, or Problem-solving

and Analysis.

with problems. It is important to find the

root cause and understand the strategies

around your decisions.

“I believe that everyone who wants

to advance in their career and better

themselves must do this course. It changes

your entire perspective of management and

where you fit into the picture.”

LEFt: Sandra Pow Chong

Inside Info

To adapt to a changing world and ever-increasing

service delivery demands, the WCG has adopted a new

delivery approach for eight top priority programmes.

By Maret Lesch

Uppingourgame


Feature

The world in which government operates

has changed drastically. We are

experiencing a technological revolution

and have to rethink the way we deliver services

and address problems.

Our citizens are becoming increasingly

demand driven and we must find new and

innovative ways to deliver quality and value-

for-money services. This means that the

Western Cape Government must become more

consumer focused and think of ways that we

can make a real and sustainable difference.

To do this, we have identified eight Game

Changers that we will drive over the next

five years. These programmes will be action

driven and focused on specific problems and

opportunities in the Western Cape, as identified

by our five Strategic Goals (PSGs).

According to Jenny Cargill, who is the

Special Advisor to the Premier, we are tackling

key issues in a new and innovative manner.

“The Cabinet decided that it was crucial to

address some of our intractable problems in

the Western Cape, like alcohol abuse, and new

opportunities, like e-learning, in a focused and

business unusual manner in order to achieve

visible impact on the ground.”

The Game Changers were selected with

specific outcomes in mind. They are energy

security, building a skilled workforce,

e-learning, broadband, after-school

programmes for youth, reducing alcohol-

related harms, sustainable sanitation for all, and

better living for all.

“The Game Changers were chosen to

prioritise the youth, address the legacy of

apartheid through a focus on better living, and

to strengthen the key foundations of economic

growth,” explains Jenny of the thinking behind

the strategic decision.

Other governmentsTo address the problems our province is

facing in a rapidly changing world, the WCG

investigated how other successful governments

worldwide adapt to address the unique

challenges they face. Jenny says delivering

services in an increasingly demand-driven

environment is a challenge all governments

across the world face.

“Globally, governments are finding it difficult

to meet the demands of citizens. They have to

do more with less, in an increasingly complex

and challenging environment. In addition, we

are amidst a technological revolution that is

driving change in ways we have never had to

deal with.”

In order to adapt, the WCG decided to

change the way we think and behave. “It was

critically important that we rethink and reform

the way we go about our business. To help

guide and advise this change, the Cabinet

decided to create a special team, called the

Delivery Support Unit,” explains Jenny.

The WCG has drawn on international

experience of improving public sector

performance, in particular the approach of Sir

Michael Barber from the United Kingdom. “He

established the world’s first Delivery Unit in the

Tony Blair government in the UK. This system

has an excellent track record worldwide and

the WCG is now implementing it in a manner

that suits our circumstances,” says Jenny.

Our approachWe are changing the way we operate to

be absolutely result and delivery focused.

According to Jenny, “Our overall approach is

to be intensely result focused, with a suite of

delivery tools to keep on-going track of the

performance of the Game Changers.”


Energy security

We are prioritising

finding solutions for

the power supply crisis.

We want to ensure that

the Western Cape has

sufficient energy to

grow the economy and

encourage households

and businesses to be

energy efficient.

e-LearningTo enable our young

people to be well-

equipped for the

21st century working

environment, information

technology must be part

of their learning and lives.

With this Game Changer

we will create modern

classrooms and improve

teaching and enhance

learning by connecting

teachers, learners and

parents.

Building a skilled workforceThis Game Changer aims to equip our youth with the necessary skills to find jobs. We are focusing on prioritised occupations and sectors, particularly the green economy, oil and gas services, tourism, and agri-processing.

Broadband Infrastructure

We want to extend

access to broadband

infrastructure in 2 000

government buildings,

schools, health facilities,

and libraries with the

aim to create connected

government, communities

and businesses.

after school

programmes for

youthThis Game Changer

builds on the work of

the Mass Opportunity

and Development (MOD)

centres. We want to give

learners significantly

more opportunities,

for example homework

support and IT access, as

well as stimulating and

safe after-school facilities.

MOD Reducing alcohol-related harmsAddressing the Western Cape’s history of alcohol abuse is a priority for us. Alcohol abuse is putting severe financial pressure on our health system, communities and economy. One part of this Game Changer will address areas with very high alcohol abuse and violence and the second part will focus on road safety through targeted Random Breath Testing (BRT).

Sustainable sanitation for allSanitation is a huge

problem in informal

settlements. With this

Game Changer we want

to restore dignity to

many of our communities

by providing upgraded,

decent sanitation

services. We will first

focus on informal

settlements that are not

currently part of urban

upgrade plans.

Better Living modelWe have severe shortages of housing for the poor. Many people have to travel far to work and are not close to transport and health infrastructure. With this Game Changer we are addressing this problem by developing a mixed-use, mixed-income housing settlement which will serve as a model for other developments that are in the pipeline.

The

GAME CHANGErS

8


Feature

“It is important to embed a results- and consumer-focused approach in the way government goes about its business.”

She says that we will also implement tight

deadlines and dedicated teams responsible

for delivery, who will be supported by the

Delivery Unit to ensure we address any issues

immediately.

“Leadership is key and the Premier is playing

a central role in ensuring that the momentum

is maintained and that problems are identified

and resolved early.

“It is important to embed a results- and

consumer-focused approach in the way

government goes about its business. We

are starting in a limited but strategic way by

focusing on a few key priorities (the Game

Changers). We hope that this experience

motivates a much wider adoption of the

delivery system we are spearheading.”

PartnershipsThe WCG has adopted a whole-of-society

approach, meaning that we want to form

partnerships with business, institutions,

communities, families, and individuals to ensure

that we deliver the services our people need.

Jenny explains that this is a very conscious

and important effort to change the way we do

business. “On the whole, government cannot

deliver on its responsibilities on its own. Almost

everything requires collaboration in some

form. Also, the WCG is committed to changing

our approach from supply-side (civil service

determined) provision of services to a demand-

side response (consumer- or citizen-centric).

“The delivery approach for the Game

Changers ensures that relationships are

explicitly addressed at the delivery interface.

There is a delivery roadmap and delivery

chain for each Game Changer that detail these

relationships and partnerships.”

Over the next five years these priority

programmes will enable the WCG to create

conditions for economic growth, better

education, and better health, safety and social

outcomes for our citizens.

aFRIKaanSE OPSOMMInG

Ons burgers word toenemend aanvraag-gedrewe en ons

moet nuwe en innoverende maniere vind om kwaliteitdienste

te lewer wat waarde vir geld verseker. Dit beteken dat

die Wes-Kaapse Regering meer verbruikergefokus moet

raak en aan maniere moet dink om werklike en volhoubare

verandering teweeg te bring.

Met hierdie in die oog het ons agt Speltransformators

geïdentifiseer wat oor die volgende vyf jaar gedryf gaan

word. Hierdie aksiegedrewe programme sal op spesifieke

probleme en geleenthede in die Wes-Kaap gefokus wees.

“Dit is belangrik dat ons ’n resultaat- en

verbruikergefokusde benadering vaslê ten opsigte van hoe

die regering sake doen. Ons begin op ’n beperkte maar

strategiese wyse deur op ’n paar belangrike prioriteite (die

Speltransformators) te fokus,” sê Jenny Cargill, Spesiale

Adviseur van die Premier.

Die Speltransformators is met spesifieke uitkomste in

gedagte gekies. Hulle is energiesekuriteit, die opbou van ’n

vaardige werksmag, e-leer, breëband, naskoolse programme

vir die jeug, vermindering van alkoholmisbruik, volhoubare

sanitasie vir almal en ’n beter lewe vir almal.

ISISHWanKatHELO SESIXHOSa

Abemi bethu baye baqhutywa yimfuno ngakumbi

nangakumbi, kwaye simele sifumane iindlela ezintsha

nezivelisa izinto ezintsha ukuze sikwazi ukunikezela

ngeenkonzo ezilungileyo nezinexabiso elilingana nemali

echithwe kuzo. Oku kuthetha ukuba uRhulumente

weNtshona Koloni kumele ajolise ngamandla kubaxumi aze

acinge ngeendlela ezinokwenziwa nekunokuqhutyekwa

ngazo kusenziwa umahluko ngendlela engcinekayo.

Ukwenza oku, kufuneka sichonge iiNkqubo

zokuTshintsha indlela yokwenza eQhelekileyoi ezisibhoso

ezizakusetyenziswa kule minyaka mihlanu izayo. Ezi nkqubo

ziza kuqhutywa yintshukumo kwaye zigxininise kwiingxaki

nakumathuba athile eNtshona Koloni,

“Kubalulekile ukuzinzisa indlela yokwenza izinto

egxile kwiziphumo nakubaxumi xa urhulumente esenza

umsebenzi wakhe. Siqalisa indlela emfutshane entsha

kodwa iyeyeqhinga lokusebenza kwiindawo ezimbalwa

emakuqalwe ngazo (iNkqubo yokuTshintsha indlela

yokwenza eqhelekileyo),” utsho uJenny Cargill, uMcebisi

weNkulumbuso.

IiNkqubo zokuTshintsha indlela yokwenza eqhelekileyo

zakhethwa kukho iziphumo ezithile engqondweni. Ezi

ziphumo lukhuseleko lwamandl’ ombane, kwakhiwe

abasebenzi abanezakhono, ukufunda nge-intsnethi okubizwa

ngokuba yi-e-learning, ibroadband, iinkqubo zasemva

kokuphuma kwesikolo zolutsha, ukunciphisa umonzakalo

obangelwa butywala, ugutyulo olugcinekayo lomntu wonke,

kunye nokuphila ngcono komntu wonke.

.

X

A

* The information on the Game Changers was correct and approved at the time of going to print.


5-7 million years ago: We can communicate orally.

550 BC:The Persians have a working postal system.

11th century:Carrier pigeons

are used for long-distance

mail.

1836:Samuel Morse

develops Morse code and signals are sent via an electrical

telegraph. 7 September 1927:

Philo Farnsworth transmits the fi rst television image at his laboratory.

29 October 1969:ARPANET establishes the fi rst computer-to-computer link. The fi rst message is sent from

a computer at the University of Utah to acomputer at Stanford Research Institute (SRI).

Tim Berners-Lee develops Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). We still use it to navigate the internet.

1998:The Google

search engine is created.

33 000 BC:We can leave messages via cave paintings.

1440: The printing press is invented.

2 November 1920:KDKA becomes the

world’s fi rst commercial radio station.

April 1963:Computer scientist

J.C.R. Licklider (1915–1990)

sends a memo

discussing the concept of an “Intergalactic

Computer Network”.

1971:Raymond Samuel Tomlinson sends the fi rst e-mail via the ARPANET.

12 March 1989:Tim Berners-Lee submits a

proposal for a communication system that would eventually

become the World Wide Web.

1991:CERN (the European Organization for

Nuclear Research) introduces the World Wide Web to the public.

2004:Facebook goes online.

2005:

launches.

1876: Alexander Graham Bell is granted a US patent

for the telephone.

150 BC:Soldiers along the Great Wall of

China transmit messages as far as 750 km by smoke signals.

1990:

“Intergalactic Computer Network”.




<html>

THE INTERNETA SLIGHTLY GEEKY REVIEWTake a second to imagine your life without the internet. Can you? Google could have answered that question faster. A single Google query uses 1 000 computers to retrieve an answer in 0,2 seconds.

In its short history, the internet has made such a massive impact on modern society and the way that we communicate that most of us can’t imagine our lives without it. Through the WCG’s broadband infrastructure projects, what was once a resource for a privileged minority will soon become a reality for everyone.

There is nothing you can’t do via the internet; in fact, there is not much you can do without the internet. Most computers, mobile communication devices and software require an Internet connection to work properly.

But what is the internet, where did it come from and where is it heading?

What’s new What’s new

What is the internet?The internet is a vast system of computers connected to each other. This network serves as a global data communication system that links millions of private, public, academic, and business networks.

What is the World Wide Web?World Wide Web is an information space where documents and other web resources can be accessed via the internet.

It mostly uses hyperlinks and URLs (Uniform Resource Locator), usually accessed by web browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc).

What is broadband?Broadband is simply a very fast internet connection. It usually refers to speeds of 1 Mbps (megabits per second) and above.

THE WORLD

LOGS ON

2015: Around 40% of the world

has access to the internet (3,17 billion).

HO

W I

T A

LL

ST

AR

TE

D

A “

bri

ef”

tim

elin

e

TH

E IN

TE

RN

ET

TO

DA

Y

*No trees were harmed in the writing of this article – it was researched using the internet.

Sources:

• www.factslides.com

• http://www.internetsociety.org

• http://www.investintech.com

• http://www.bbc.co.uk

• http://www.computerhistory.org

• www.livescience.com

• http://www.internetlivestats.com

• http://www.radicati.com

• http://binscorner.com

• http://www.carmag.co.za

• www.bbc.com

• www.atlassian.com

• www.fcc.gov

…basically, the internet.

What does this mean for the Western Cape Government?

In September this year, the WCG launched its new e-Learning Portal. This portal gives learners, teachers, parents, school managers and members of school governing bodies access to various tools to improve education in the Western Cape. By doing this the WCG is embracing the technology reliance of our youth.

The WCG has provided internet access for those who do not have it at home through our Thusong centres, Cape Access centres and Youth Cafés.The roll out of free Wi-Fi to various regions across the Western Cape is also underway.

A new spin on a ‘network driver’

Some manufacturers offer internet connectivity in your car (in addition to your GPS), to entertain your passengers. The driver can access this while the vehicle is stationary, turning your vehicle into a mobile internet hot-spot.

Certain cars are even being released with software that integrates with specifi c smartphone operating

systems (iOS or Android), so that buying a car depends

on the model of your smartphone.

‘Motion pictures’ taken literally

Movie streaming is fast becoming the easiest way to watch your favourite blockbuster while you’re on the move. Why go to the movies if the movies can come to you?

*59% of worldwide online consumers fi nd it convenient to watch video on mobile devices.

Welcome Homepage

Your entire home can be connected to the internet and controlled via your mobile phone!

Scenario: You’re about to leave the offi ce on a hot day and you use the internet application on your phone to turn the air-conditioning to 20°C at home, switch the geyser on, and to switch the oven on to warm the food you made this morning. Better yet, you can programme your home to do this for you every day.

As a security measure, you can monitor your home’s security cameras from wherever you are, even locking and unlocking doors.


5-7 million years ago: We can communicate orally.

550 BC:The Persians have a working postal system.

11th century:Carrier pigeons

are used for long-distance

mail.

1836:Samuel Morse

develops Morse code and signals are sent via an electrical

telegraph. 7 September 1927:

Philo Farnsworth transmits the fi rst television image at his laboratory.

29 October 1969:ARPANET establishes the fi rst computer-to-computer link. The fi rst message is sent from

a computer at the University of Utah to acomputer at Stanford Research Institute (SRI).

Tim Berners-Lee develops Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). We still use it to navigate the internet.

1998:The Google

search engine is created.

33 000 BC:We can leave messages via cave paintings.

1440: The printing press is invented.

2 November 1920:KDKA becomes the

world’s fi rst commercial radio station.

April 1963:Computer scientist

J.C.R. Licklider (1915–1990)

sends a memo

discussing the concept of an “Intergalactic

Computer Network”.

1971:Raymond Samuel Tomlinson sends the fi rst e-mail via the ARPANET.

12 March 1989:Tim Berners-Lee submits a




Nuclear Research) introduces the World Wide Web to the public.

2004:Facebook goes online.

2005:

launches.

1876: Alexander Graham Bell is granted a US patent

for the telephone.

150 BC:Soldiers along the Great Wall of

China transmit messages as far as 750 km by smoke signals.

1990:

“Intergalactic Computer Network”.




<html>

THE INTERNETA SLIGHTLY GEEKY REVIEWTake a second to imagine your life without the internet. Can you? Google could have answered that question faster. A single Google query uses 1 000 computers to retrieve an answer in 0,2 seconds.

In its short history, the internet has made such a massive impact on modern society and the way that we communicate that most of us can’t imagine our lives without it. Through the WCG’s broadband infrastructure projects, what was once a resource for a privileged minority will soon become a reality for everyone.

There is nothing you can’t do via the internet; in fact, there is not much you can do without the internet. Most computers, mobile communication devices and software require an Internet connection to work properly.

But what is the internet, where did it come from and where is it heading?

What’s new What’s new

What is the internet?The internet is a vast system of computers connected to each other. This network serves as a global data communication system that links millions of private, public, academic, and business networks.

What is the World Wide Web?World Wide Web is an information space where documents and other web resources can be accessed via the internet.

It mostly uses hyperlinks and URLs (Uniform Resource Locator), usually accessed by web browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc).

What is broadband?Broadband is simply a very fast internet connection. It usually refers to speeds of 1 Mbps (megabits per second) and above.

THE WORLD

LOGS ON

2015: Around 40% of the world

has access to the internet (3,17 billion).

HO

W I

T A

LL

ST

AR

TE

D

A “

bri

ef”

tim

elin

e

TH

E IN

TE

RN

ET

TO

DA

Y

*No trees were harmed in the writing of this article – it was researched using the internet.

Sources:

• www.factslides.com

• http://www.internetsociety.org

• http://www.investintech.com

• http://www.bbc.co.uk

• http://www.computerhistory.org

• www.livescience.com

• http://www.internetlivestats.com

• http://www.radicati.com

• http://binscorner.com

• http://www.carmag.co.za

• www.bbc.com

• www.atlassian.com

• www.fcc.gov

…basically, the internet.

What does this mean for the Western Cape Government?

In September this year, the WCG launched its new e-Learning Portal. This portal gives learners, teachers, parents, school managers and members of school governing bodies access to various tools to improve education in the Western Cape. By doing this the WCG is embracing the technology reliance of our youth.

The WCG has provided internet access for those who do not have it at home through our Thusong centres, Cape Access centres and Youth Cafés.The roll out of free Wi-Fi to various regions across the Western Cape is also underway.

A new spin on a ‘network driver’

Some manufacturers offer internet connectivity in your car (in addition to your GPS), to entertain your passengers. The driver can access this while the vehicle is stationary, turning your vehicle into a mobile internet hot-spot.

Certain cars are even being released with software that integrates with specifi c smartphone operating

systems (iOS or Android), so that buying a car depends

on the model of your smartphone.

‘Motion pictures’ taken literally

Movie streaming is fast becoming the easiest way to watch your favourite blockbuster while you’re on the move. Why go to the movies if the movies can come to you?

*59% of worldwide online consumers fi nd it convenient to watch video on mobile devices.

Welcome Homepage

Your entire home can be connected to the internet and controlled via your mobile phone!

Scenario: You’re about to leave the offi ce on a hot day and you use the internet application on your phone to turn the air-conditioning to 20°C at home, switch the geyser on, and to switch the oven on to warm the food you made this morning. Better yet, you can programme your home to do this for you every day.

As a security measure, you can monitor your home’s security cameras from wherever you are, even locking and unlocking doors.



Not even the nurses at some local clinics

are familiar with the specialised care

that children with a tracheostomy need,

but thanks to the Breatheasy Programme at

the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital

more than a hundred mothers can take care of

their children at home.

Children with a tracheostomy – a small

surgical incision in their throat through which

a tube is inserted to help them breathe – need

specialised care, which they can usually only

receive at a hospital. This means that in many

cases they have to stay in hospital for a few

years and can’t grow up with their families and

in their communities.

Thanks to the Breatheasy Programme, Sister

Jane Booth and her very competent team of

nurses are teaching mothers to take care of

their children with tracheostomies or ventilators

at home. Not only does this initiative empower

mothers and give children the opportunity to

grow up with their families, it also saves the

hospital more than R120 million per year.

Our story“Thanks to the Breatheasy Programme, I feel

empowered,” says Thandokazi Gosa proudly.

She and her one-year-old daughter, Aghama,

who received a tracheostomy last year on 24

December, are from Strand.

“When the nurses taught me how to take

care of Aghama, I was scared. It was difficult in

the beginning, but now I have the same skills

as a nurse with regards to taking care of her,”

says Thandokazi while she cleans Aghama’s

tracheostomy tube without any hesitation.

Empowering

The Breatheasy

Programme makes it

possible for mothers

to take care of

their technology-

dependent children

at home.

By Maret Lesch

mothers


“Breatheasy helped me a lot. I feel confident

in my ability to look after my daughter and I

even taught the nurses at our local clinic how

to look after a child with a tracheostomy,” says

Thandokazi.

Zukiswa Raga and her three-year-old son,

Awande, are from Port Elizabeth. She says the

Breatheasy Programme had a huge impact on

their lives. “It helped us so much. Because of

the Programme my son now has a chance to

live. It changed my life. I now look after him at

home, where I have people who can support

me. It also means I don’t have to be separated

from him because we stay so far away.”

They only have to come to the hospital twice

a year for a week. Zukiswa can do everything at

home – from cleaning the tube and suctioning,

to handling minor complications. “Being able to

help my son means a lot to me,” adds Zukiswa.

Another mother, Ntombizanele Makasi, says

without the Breatheasy Programme her three-

year-old daughter, Ntombikayise, would not

have survived. Ntombikayise developed outside

the womb and was born prematurely at seven

months. She had breathing difficulties and

was transferred to Red Cross War Memorial

Children’s Hospital shortly after birth.

“She was very small and could not breathe

with her nose. Her airway was in her mouth,

which meant she could not breathe while

feeding. She received a tracheostomy and can

now eat and breathe. She also had another

operation in August to help with her breathing

problem,” explains Ntombizanele.

The Makasis are from Grahamstown

and Ntombizanele says she is grateful that

Ntombikayise can grow up at home with her

family and doesn’t have to stay in hospital. “The

training we received from the Breatheasy team

was excellent and I can now show the nurses at

our Grahamstown clinic how the tracheostomy

works,” says Ntombizanele.

She adds that thanks to the Breatheasy

Programme, she can now teach her family how

to look after Ntombikayise and even further

her studies. “Being able to show my family

how to take care of her allowed me the time to

complete my caregiver training certificate.”

the Breatheasy ProgrammeThe Breatheasy Programme is a nurse-led

initiative, coordinated by Sister Jane Booth, that

enables parents of children with tracheostomies

or ventilators to take care of their children at

home. The programme was founded in 1989.

Before then, almost 30 children occupied the

equivalent of an entire ward at the Children’s

Hospital because they needed specialised care.

Sister Booth realised that it will improve

the children’s quality of life and development

if they grow up with their families and are

integrated into their communities. Along with

a multidisciplinary team, she trains the parents

to take over from the medical team at the

hospital in taking care of

their technology-dependent

children.

“We have about 140

technology-dependent

children living at home,”

says Sister Booth. “We

are the first in the world

to send children home to

conditions of poverty. The

amazing thing about this

country is that many of our

people might live in poverty,

but there is nothing wrong

with them on an intellectual

level. Basically we train the

mothers as nurses. It is better

for the mothers and little

patients and better for the

hospital, as beds free up,”

says Sister Booth, who is

clearly passionate about the

Breatheasy Programme.

The programme is unique

as the parents have to take

complete responsibility for

the care of the children

at home, as there are no

paediatric home-based

caregivers yet. However,

Sister Booth is available 24 hours a day if the

parents have any questions. She also pays

them visits whenever she can to ensure the

little patients are doing well.

Her pioneering work was recently

acknowledged by the Critical Care Society of

Southern Africa’s President’s Nursing Award,

the highest accolade awarded by the Society, in

recognition of her outstanding service to critical

care in South Africa.

“Breatheasy helped me a lot. I feel confident in my ability to look after my daughter and I even taught the nurses at our local clinic how to look after a child with a tracheostomy.”

OPPOSItE LEFt: Sister Jane

Booth with one-year-old Aghama.

OPPOSItE RIGHt: Zukiswa

Raga and her three-year-old son,

Awande.

Inspiration

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you want to learn more about the Breatheasy Programme

or want to donate money, clothes, toys, or baby products,

please visit their website at www.breatheasyprogramme.org.


jUStICEI

f you’ve followed the news over the past

year, you might have noticed that there is an

increase in mob justice or vigilantism where

communities take the law into their own hands

to punish alleged perpetrators.

While this kind of behaviour is absolutely

unacceptable and against the law, it shows

how desperate people are to fight crime and

see criminals be punished. Unfortunately, even

when a suspect is caught by the police, justice

is not always served as cases are sometimes

struck off the roll and the suspects are

released.

This is where the Watching Briefs Unit

steps in. The aim of the Unit is to promote

professional policing. They monitor court cases

and intervene where necessary.

“The Programme was born out of necessity.

The Premier asked our department what is

happening to these serious cases that are

struck from the roll and let criminals walk

free. This gave birth to the Western Cape

Community Safety Act, which is in the process

of being implemented,” explains Gideon Morris,

the Head of the Department of Community

Safety.

Promoting police efficiencyWatching Briefs is a first for South Africa and

the Western Cape. The Unit is headed by Adv.

JC Gerber SC and the other members of this

elite team are Adv. Leslie Morris and former

police captain Adv. Jerome Norris, who has in

the interim been appointed in the Office of the

Western Cape Provincial Police Ombudsman.

Together they have many decades’ experience

in the legal and policing fields.

A pilot Watching Briefs project was run

in five courts in the Western Cape and a

submission was made to the Cabinet to report

SERvING

The Watching Briefs Unit is making history in South Africa by ensuring that

criminals face their day in court. By Maret Lesch

LEFt tO RIGHt:

HOD of Community Safety,

Gideon Morris and the

members of the Watching

Briefs Unit, Adv. Leslie Morris,

Adv. JC Gerber SC and

Adv. Jerome Norris with the

Productivity SA Gold Award.


on the excellent results of the pilot project. In

August 2014, the Cabinet resolved that the Unit

be a permanent function of the Department of

Community Safety.

According to a statement by Minister

Dan Plato, the Unit inter alia identified 144

cases during the pilot phase in 2014/2015,

where serious police inefficiencies or failures

by the SA Police Service resulted in these

cases initially being struck off the court roll.

“Through the intervention of the Watching

Briefs team, who quickly identified a number

of shortcomings, brought these cases to

the attention of the SAPS and because of

the swift and decisive action being taken by

SAPS management, most of these cases were

thankfully placed back on the court roll.”

Adv. JC Gerber, who has 42 years’

experience as a prosecutor, says the most

common inefficiencies or systemic failures that

the Watching Briefs Unit identified during its

pilot phase are cases where the investigating

officer failed to finalise the investigation within

a reasonable time; cases where the police

docket was not delivered to the court; and

cases where the investigating officer failed to

subpoena witnesses to attend court or where

the summons was not properly served.

In order to assist in the monitoring of court

cases across Cape Town, the Unit will be using

six law graduate interns. “They are qualified but

don’t have a job yet. By helping us, they can

get exposure. They will be attending courts and

report to us immediately if they observe police

inefficiencies,” says Adv. JC Gerber.

He explains that it is very important for the

Watching Briefs Unit to build networks and

have the right communication channels when

monitoring cases. “Building networks and

contacts are very important, especially at the

courts and with the various role players. Our

attitude towards people is also very important.

The way we speak to people determines

whether they are going to help us. We ask

them to cooperate and don’t demand that they

help us.”

Jerome Norris adds that using the graduates

makes a big difference in monitoring police

efficiency. “We are no longer reliant on the

police only for information. We get it first hand

from the courts.”

Any inefficiency or ineffectiveness of a

member of the police that is observed by

the Watching Briefs team is reported to the

Provincial Police Commissioner on a quarterly

basis. Disciplinary steps are taken by the SAPS

management against the relevant investigating

officers where necessary.

The Head of the Department, Mr Gideon

Morris, has approved five additional posts in

the Unit, which they aim to fill towards the

beginning of 2016. Adv. JC Gerber says this will

be a major boost to the ability of the Unit to

monitor the performance of the police.

Productivity Sa awardWhat makes the Watching Briefs Unit’s work

excellent value for money is that it is a point of

audit very late in the criminal justice system. As

the court process is very expensive, the Unit

maximises the government’s investment by

ensuring cases are added back onto the roll.

This is why the Watching Briefs Unit was

recently awarded the regional Productivity

SA Gold Award. Productivity SA is a public

entity and its mandate is primarily to enhance

the productive capacity of South Africa. The

awards are divided into four sector categories:

corporate, public, emerging business, and co-

operative.

“What makes this Award noteworthy is

that Productivity SA is a non-governmental

entity. The fact that this project was reviewed

and rated as the best in the Province says a

lot. The reviewers focused on cost and return.

Ultimately, Watching Briefs was recognised as

high value for money,” says HOD Gideon Morris.

The Watching Briefs team says they feel

extremely honoured by the recognition. Adv.

Leslie Morris adds that he is very proud of

the fact that they are helping people. “The

award means the world to me. It shows that

we are doing something good and making a

difference.”

They now look forward to expanding the

team in order to cover courts in more areas of

the Western Cape. “We are now expanding the

Unit and appointing more people. We want to

expand to 25 criminal courts in priority rural

areas, such as Paarl East and Khayelitsha,” says

Adv. JC Gerber.

Minister Plato believes that the Watching

Briefs Unit’s work will also build a better

relationship between the Department, the

community and the SAPS. “We look forward to

many more successes of the Watching Briefs

Unit as it allows the Department of Community

Safety to work even better with the SAPS to

identify areas of improvement, enabling the

SAPS to provide a better quality of safety

service delivery to everyone in the Western

Cape.”

Inspiration


Speaking up

Jean-Claude Smit was elected as

the first disabled Speaker of the

National Children’s Parliament, not

only representing our youth, but

showing that deaf people are just

as capable as their hearing peers.

By Maret Lesch

It was former President Nelson Mandela’s wish

that children share their vision for South Africa

and influence policies and programmes which

affect them. To honour this, a National Children’s

Parliament was inaugurated in 2011 and has been

held every year since, in partnership with the

National Department of Social Development and

the Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund. Every year,

five children from each of the nine provinces are

selected to represent their peers at the Children’s

Parliament.

This year, the Western Cape made history

when one of our representatives, Jean-Claude

Smit, a deaf learner from the De La Bat School for

the Deaf, was elected as the first disabled Speaker

since the Children’s Parliament’s inception.

Jean-Claude (17) was born deaf with a

profound hearing loss in both ears. As a hostel

captain and member of the representative council

for two consecutive years, Jean-Claude was

nominated by his school to represent the Western

Cape at the National Children’s Parliament in

Bloemfontein this year.

“The principal selected me to go because

of my leadership skills. I was very excited to

get the opportunity to show what we (deaf

people) can do. As part of the selection process

for the Speaker, all the children attending the

Children’s Parliament could nominate someone.

The nomination had to be supported by another

member and the candidate (nominee) had

to agree to be part of the process. I was

nominated and had to make a speech to say

why I wanted to be the Speaker. We then

voted and I was elected as the Speaker for

this year,” explains Jean-Claude.

As part of his year as Speaker, he wants

to ensure that children realise that they must

take responsibility for their lives. “I want to make

a difference in people’s lives. Many children get

pregnant at a young age and become involved in

gangs. They do things that ruin their lives. I want

to make them aware of their future and that they

must make good choices. They must be aware

that life is not only about now and that things we

do now will change the future.”

Jean-Claude is very excited about the

opportunity the Children’s Parliament gives


Inspiration

DRIVING FORCE

Jean-Claude and Aviwe were part of the

Dreamfields Partnership and participated in

the social dialogue opportunities that the

programme hosted. Within the WCG, this

programme is managed and coordinated by

the Chief Directorate: International and Priority Programmes.

Monica Makaula is the project manager who worked

extremely hard behind the scenes in order to get the learners

selected and to prepare the Western Cape learners for the

Nelson Mandela National Children’s Parliament.

Monica conducted a preparatory two-day workshop

to prepare the selected five Western Cape learners for

the Children’s Parliament. The children were briefed on

parliamentary processes and what to expect. She was

also responsible for their safety and well-being whilst in

Bloemfontein for the Children’s Parliament.

Monica’s thorough preparation at the workshop paid off

when Jean-Claude was selected as Speaker. “Jean-Claude

was selected because the other children saw his leadership

qualities and the way he engaged during debates. Being deaf

did not prevent him from expressing himself. I see him as a

voice for the disabled community and someone who will be

able to amplify Madiba’s legacy,” says Monica.

AMBASSADOR

Aviwe Jemane (17), was elected as the

ambassador for the Western Cape at

the National Children’s Parliament in

Bloemfontein earlier this year. She is deaf

and a learner at the De La Bat School for

the Deaf in Worcester.

She says that she welcomed the

opportunity to not only represent the

children of the Western Cape, but also to

make a difference in deaf people’s lives.

“I want to make a difference in disabled

people’s lives. I feel it is important for

me to show others that although I’m

deaf, I can still do anything and that my

deafness is not a burden. Hopefully, other

disabled people can look up to me and do

the same.”

Although she is very polite and

friendly, Aviwe is firm when it comes to

her rights and the youth’s responsibilities.

“I am aware of some issues at my school

and community and like to speak out

about these issues. I also feel that I have

the right to do so in my chosen language,

which is sign language.

“After my experience at the Children’s

Parliament, I feel confident to raise key

issues and try and find solutions. We

(youth) must take responsibility for

our own education and problems in

our communities. We cannot wait for

others to fix it. We must use the available

resources and work together to make the

future better for us.”

She believes that young people should

work together. “They must speak their

mind about issues in a civilized way

without violence. We know now that it is

possible to speak out and work together

to find solutions. According to me, it does

not matter what language you speak, who

you are or where you are from, anyone

can become great. Just set goals for

yourself and you can do it.”

As part of her duties as ambassador,

Aviwe wants to encourage the youth

to go to school. “I want to give young

people a purpose to go to school and

become someone great instead of

wasting their life. I also want to raise

funds for schoolbags or shoes. One of my

responsibilities is to do community work.”

learners. “We can speak up

and let our voices be heard.

Children must be willing to

contribute, be positive and take responsibility for their actions. I

believe our input at the Children’s Parliament will be conveyed to

the Parliament to inform our leaders what the needs of the youth

are and how to support us in those specific areas.”

Jean-Claude hopes that his appointment as Speaker will show

disabled people that they are capable of anything. “It is a huge

step forward for me and other deaf people, especially deaf kids

who now know it is possible. In South Africa many people see

being deaf as an illness and something that needs to be fixed.

Now, I can say it is not true. It doesn’t matter that I’m deaf, this

is who I am and I am proud of it. Now I can show others that we

are just as capable as any other person to participate and have

opportunities.”

OPPOSItE LEFt: Jean-Claude Smit.

tOP: Aviwe Jemane. BELOW: Monica Makaula

FAo, 2011;

ToTAL AGrICuLTurAL wATEr uSE

70%ABOUT

of all water withdrawn from its source globally15 415 litres 1 222 litres 1 020 litres5 988 litres 4 325 litres 3 178 litres

LESS IS MoREof all food produce world wide gets lost or wasted.

Globally there are 663 million people with no access to clean water.

IN SouTH AFRICA, MoRE THAN

11 MILLIoN pEopLE ARE Food INSECuRE

ANNuAL CoNSuMEr Food wASTE IN INduSTrIALISEd CouNTrIES:

222 MILLIoN ToNSIS AlMoST AS MuCH AS THE ANNuAL NET Food produCTIoN oF Sub-SAHArAN AFrICA:

230 MILLIoN ToNSThis equals about 1,3 bILLIoN ToNS and could feed more than 3 bILLIoN pEopLE

oNE-THIrd

1 IN 7 pEopLE GloBAllY ARE uNdERNouRISHEd

Food loss and waste contributes to

1. Food INSECurITY2. LoSS oF LANd ANd

rESourCES3. FINANCIAL LoSS

How MuCH wATEr doES IT TAkE To produCE:

1 kg beef 1 kg pork 1 kg chicken 1 kg cheese 1 kg corn 1 litre milk

Water used to irrigate food that ends up being thrown away could meet the domestic water needs of about.

9 bILLIoN pEopLE

FAo, 2011;

4,1% 16,8% 26,7%

25,9% 26,4%

31,4%

SHOPPING

1 3

6

7

54

2

98

Sources: www.csir.co.za; www.fao.org; www.globalagriculture.org; www.tristramstuart.co.uk; www.unep.org; www.waterfootprint.org * Statistics, facts and figures correct at time of going to print.

LESS IS MoREMost of us tend to waste more food

during the festive season than any other time of the year. Let’s make

an effort to waste less food.

About 9,04 MILLIoN ToNS of food produced gets lost or wasted each year (31,4% of average annual production).

Food wASTE ANd LoSS IN SouTH AFrICA

Most of the food loss in South Africa happens before a meal even reaches your plate. But as a consumer, there are things you can do to help reduce your waste:

ANNuAL HouSEHoLd Food wASTE IN SouTH AFrICA:

1,4 MILLIoN ToNS= 7 kG pEr pErSoN

CoST oF wASTEd Food ANd dISpoSAL THErEoF:

r21,7 bILLIoN

A large amount of the food we waste is because of our culture of preparing extra food for unexpected visitors

total food loss in South Africa agricultural production post-harvest handling and storage processing and packaging distribution consumer

Eat in seasonSeasonal food uses less resources to produce.

Plan your shoppingBuy only what you need and check the use-by dates.

Embrace leftoversFreeze left-over food or be creative and use in pastas or on sandwiches the next day.

Buy localShorter travelling distances makes food stay fresh for longer.

Proper storageFood lasts longer when stored at recommended temperature.

Cook only what you needConfirm your number of guests and plan your portions.

Smaller platesSmaller plates prevent dishing up too much. Rather go back for a second helping.

Self-serveLet your guests dish according to their appetite. Leftovers from a serving bowl are less likely to get wasted.

avoid buying perishable giftsOnly buy food gifts when you know for certain it’s something the reciever likes. Select foods with a longer shelf life.


Road safety

Fight the fatigue

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

any emergency in Cape

Town (ambulance, fire,

traffic, police)

• Landline: 107

• Cellphone: 021 480 7700

Emergency Traffic Control

Centre

• Tel: 021 812 4581 (all hours)

• Tel: 021 483 5818

(Weekdays from 08:00

to 16:00)

• Tel: 0800 092 468

(08000 WC GMT)

Metro Emergency Medical

Services

• Tel: 10177

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USEFUL TIPS

When you drive for many hours

without a break, the chances are

good that you can become tired

and even fall asleep behind the wheel. The first

step in combating fatigue is to recognise the

signs that you are tired.

If you can’t keep your eyes open and your

head up, you yawn a lot and miss road signs

and exits, the chances are that you are tired.

Other signs that it is time for a break are if you

let the car wander over the centre line or on

to the edge of the road, your reactions slow

down, and you daydream, have disconnected

thoughts and struggle to stay focused. Feeling

irritable and restless are also symptoms of

fatigue.

Safety firstIt is important that you ensure your vehicle is

in a roadworthy condition before departing.

Always do a quick pre-trip inspection to

ensure the brakes, wipers and all the lights

and indicators are working. Remember to also

check the condition of the tyres and to make

sure you have a ready-to-use spare wheel.

Everyone in the vehicle should wear their

seatbelt. The driver must obey the speed

limit, guard against distractions while driving,

maintain a safe following distance and never

use a cellphone while driving. Turn the vehicle’s

lights on when you drive to improve visibility.

If the vehicle breaks down, you should turn

on the hazard lights and try to get the vehicle

to a safe location. If you can’t move it, turn the

hazard lights on and stay belted in the vehicle

until professional help arrives.

Try these tips to fight the fatigue:• Take a 15 minute break at least every two hours or 200 km.

Get out of the car and walk to stretch your legs.

• Plan your trip in advance so that you know where you can

stop to rest.

• Take turns to drive.

Rest when you are

not driving.

• Listen to music or talk

to your passengers.

• Don’t drive during

your body’s down

time, which is usually

between 01:00 and

05:00 in the morning.

• Avoid eating big,

heavy meals or using

alcohol or drugs

before driving.

• Don’t exhaust

yourself the day

before a long trip.

• Avoid making the

temperature in the

car too hot or cold,

this can make you

feel even more tired.

• Wear good quality

sunglasses that won’t

strain your eyes.

During the festive season we’re

excited to visit our families or holiday

destinations and we often end up

driving long distances at a time.

E X P E R t a D v I C E

Plan early for the festive season. Decide upfront what you

and Santa are going to spend on gifts and stick to your budget.

- Minister Ivan Meyer

PERSONAL FINANCE | WORKPLACE | HEALTH


Personal finance

Surviving the holidaysYou can enjoy the festive season and

survive January without breaking the

bank or getting into debt.

By Maret Lesch

It’s that time of the year again. All the shops

are playing Christmas carols and your post

box is stuffed with pamphlets advertising

gifts at special prices. Many of us get swept

away by the spirit of giving and we cannot wait

to hit the shops and start spending money on

our homes and loved ones.

The bad news is that January can be a very

long month. Not only do you have to recover

after spending a lot of money in December,

you have to budget for your normal household

expenses, bond or rent, and very likely pay

school fees and buy new school uniforms and

stationery.

The good news? You can do something

about your financial situation, no matter how

dire it seems.

tHInK BEFORE yOU GODid you manage to stay out of the red until

now and have not used your credit cards or

retail accounts to buy gifts? Even without any

savings you can still survive December and

enjoy a stress-free January.

Before you start spending, budget for things

that you must pay in January, like your bond

or rent, car payment, insurance, school fees,

school uniforms, stationery, transport, and

food. Set some money aside for emergencies

and entertainment and then see how much

money you have left.

Use the “envelope strategy” if you want to

buy presents. Decide on the amount you can

afford to spend on each gift and draw the

money. Put the cash for each gift in a separate

envelope.

Don’t get fooled by the specials in the

pamphlets and shops. You might end up

buying things you don’t need and gifts your

loved ones won’t use. Take only the envelopes

with the gift money with you to the shops. The

chances are that you won’t be tempted to buy

anything unnecessary, as you will know exactly

what you can spend and only have that amount

of money with you.

It might be helpful to make a list of exactly

what you need to buy and where to buy it to

prevent you from getting swept up by the

festive season shopping hysteria.

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Plan early for the festive

season. Decide upfront

what you and Santa

are going to spend on

gifts and stick to your

budget.

Do not forget to pay

your everyday bills.

Rent, your bond, food,

municipal services, etc.

still need to be paid.

Keep things simple. If

you do not have the

cash, do not give into

the temptation to enter

into extended credit

agreements or access

an overdraft.

Shop around and be

aware of expensive

extended warranties.

The cost of repairs

could be cheaper than

the cost of the warranty.Part of holistic

employee wellbeing is

financial wellness. Our

relationship with money and

how we manage our finances can have

an impact on our lifestyle. If you need

advice in terms of debt guidance and

counseling or basic information on financial

planning, you can get this support from

ICAS on 08600 611 155 as part of the life

management services. This is a free service

where accredited financial advisers will

assist you in resolving financial challenges.

You cannot access any financial aid and

loans through this service.

StOP RIGHt tHERE!You’ve already spent money on necessities

and things for the house, but now you’ve got

almost nothing to buy presents with or to

entertain the children. The only solution you

can think of is a new credit card, a personal

loan or to use your retail accounts.

Planning and budgeting is important to

avoid getting into debt. Don’t be tempted to

spend more money than you have on eating

out, entertainment and gifts. Even if you have

very little money left after you set aside money

for everything you must pay in January, you

can still enjoy the holidays and festive season.

Suggest that everyone in the family only

buy presents for the children or use the Secret

Santa method – write everyone’s name on a

piece of paper and put all the names in a hat.

Every person draws a name and only buys

a present for the person whose name they

picked.

You don’t have to go away to enjoy the

holidays. Why not go for day outings and

picnics to entertain the children? Rather host

a movie day at home with DvDs and popcorn

than going to the cinema. The children might

also enjoy building a fort outside, playing

games with you, arts and crafts, and going on

play dates with friends.

Choose outings that will entertain the

children for the entire day and pack your own

snacks and drinks rather than buying there.

Many libraries offer holiday programmes for

the children and it might be a good idea to ask

your local library what they are planning.

In tROUBLEYou don’t know what

to do or how you are

going to survive the

very long January. You

barely made it through

the festive season and

now have to service the

interest and repayment

on a new credit card

or personal loan and

the increased monthly

payments on retail

accounts. You might

even have to make more

debt just to put food on

the table in January.

Before spending

any more money,

you should try to do

something about your

financial situation. Try

to pay off your debt and

stick to your monthly

repayments.

If you cannot make your monthly payments,

call your credit provider as soon as possible

and before they call you. Inform them of

your situation and decide on a payment

arrangement plan. They might be able to

extend your repayment term and lower your

monthly payments.

If you are in a debt crisis, you might want to

consider debt counselling. It is a legal process

that involves having your debt restructured so

that you can still pay your monthly expenses

and pay off your debt.

1

2

3

4

MINISTER MEYER’S FOUR Top TIpS

FrEE HELP

SERVICE

“You can do something about your financial situation, no matter how dire it seems.”

LEavE Ever had questions about taking leave, but were too

scared to ask your manager or colleagues? We asked

the tough questions for you.

Compiled by Fabian Williams and Leah Moodaley

Q: It’s holiday season and I want to take

leave but I don’t have any or enough leave

days. How can I better manage my annual

leave throughout the year?

The best approach is to be prepared. You

should plan your annual leave at the beginning

of each year. Start by using a calendar to

mark the important days in the year for

you (birthdays, family trips planned, study

periods, and holidays). Once you know the

amount of days needed, complete your Z1

leave application forms and forward it to be

processed. It might be a good idea to ensure

you have a few spare leave days in case you

need to take unplanned leave during the year.

Q: I want to take leave, but my supervisor

does not approve it because my colleague is

already on leave and there must be someone

in the office to do the work. Can they do this

and how can I avoid this situation in future?

This is one of the most frustrating situations in

the working environment. Yes, your manager

can reject your leave application. Your leave is

recommended based on your workload, leave

usage and the effect your absence will have on

your unit as a whole. Your work is important

and leave should be planned around it, not the

other way around. To avoid this situation in

the future, you must plan your leave. In some

cases, employees arrange with their managers

to complete the necessary work and then take

a half day’s leave to attend to their personal

matters.

All about

Workplace

Q: I feel unhappy because I have to stay in

the office over the holidays. My office does

not close for the holiday season and someone

must be there. Can I refuse or should everyone

take turns?

The best solution would be for everyone to

work as a team and take turns over the years.

Bear in mind that we work in a government

environment and have responsibilities to

the public that cannot be placed on hold.

However, this does not mean you cannot bring

the festive spirit to work – try decorating the

office, playing some festive music and lifting

the mood – this is guaranteed to make the

experience enjoyable.

Q: I have not taken leave in more than a

year, only a day here and there. My manager

now wants me to take ten consecutive days’

leave. Can they do that and do I have to?

To avoid a situation where you forfeit unused

credits, your manager can recommend that you

utilise a big portion of credits during a down

time period to ensure minimal impact on the

work whilst granting you time to recuperate.

This is only a recommendation and will not

negatively affect your performance. You can

refuse to take the leave. However, all credits

not utilised within six months after the current

annual leave cycle will expire.

Q: I want to go on leave, but I have project

deadlines and I am the only person in my unit

who can do the work. How do I manage my

leave without it having a negative impact on

my work?

Try to pre-plan your leave around the project

by identifying what needs to be done by when.

Lay out the project on your leave planner to

see how it corresponds to your annual leave

planned for the year. This will give you the

best understanding of how to utilise your

leave around periods during which you have

important tasks and projects to complete.

Q: I want to plan my leave around the public

holidays, but my supervisor won’t approve my

leave request, as he feels too many people

will be out of the office at the same time. Can

he do this and how can I avoid this situation in

future?

The best solution is to apply for leave for the

festive season and around public holidays early

in the year. Create a database where everyone

in your unit can add their preferred leave

periods. This will ensure that there is ample

time to consider your application, and appeal if

your leave is not approved. This will also help

the manager to have a better understanding of

the efficiency of the unit when considering the

leave requests.


Health

Sun smart

With the summer holidays finally here,

many of us are looking forward to

spending time outside in the hot

summer sun. Unfortunately, a wonderful day

relaxing at the beach or in the pool often ends

with red, sore and sunburnt skin.

The good news is that even though sunburn

is very painful, you can easily treat it at home

or even prevent it completely!

PreventionThe Cancer Association of South Africa

(CANSA) recommends that you:

• Use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 to 50 and will

protect you against UvA (cancer-causing)

and UvB (burn-causing) rays.

• Apply water-resistant sunscreen every two

hours and at least 15 minutes before you go

outside.

• Use sunscreen brands with the CANSA Seal

of Recognition (CSOR). It is a guarantee by

the manufacturer that their Uv protective

products comply with the strict criteria

developed by CANSA.

• Avoid direct sunlight between 10:00 and

16:00. Stay in the shade or under an umbrella

as much as possible.

• Wear sunglasses with a Uv protection rating

of Uv400.

treatmentSunburn directly damages the DNA of skin cells

and can cause long-lasting damage to your

skin, such as cancer and wrinkles. To minimise

the damage to your skin cells and help your

skin to repair itself, treat your sunburn as

quickly as possible.

Try these remedies to control the damage and

relieve the pain:

• Drink a lot of cold water. Sunburn draws

fluid to the skin’s surface and away from

the rest of your body. The extra water

when you are sunburnt will help to prevent

dehydration.

• Add a few spoons of bicarbonate of soda

to a lukewarm bath – it is cooling and helps

your skin retain moisture. Avoid the shower

and do not use soap. Pat yourself almost dry

and apply lotion generously to the affected

areas.

• Use aloe vera gel or a moisturiser that

contains aloe vera or soy to soothe your

skin. If it is very sore you can apply a

hydrocortisone cream that you can buy

without a prescription. A lotion that

contains oatmeal is also a good idea, as it

is particularly soothing. Avoid creams with

petroleum, benzocaine and lidocaine.

• You can also soak a soft, clean washcloth or

gauze in cold milk, let the excess liquid drain

off and put the cloth on your burn. Repeat

as many times as you want.

• Go to the hospital if you feel nauseous, get

intense chills or have a fever.

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DID YOU kNOW?

• Skin cancer is one of the most common

cancers in South africa and that at least

80% of sun-induced skin damage occurs

before the age of 18.

• SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.

The SPF listed on a container of

sunscreen tells you how long you can be

exposed to the sun before burning when

protected by sunscreen compared to

without sunscreen.

• you should never take a cold shower

or bath when sunburnt, as it will seal off

your pores and trap the heat.

• Certain medications and cosmetic agents

(face cream, makeup, face wash) can

make your skin very sensitive to the sun

and you can burn much faster than usual.

It’s summer and the chances are that you or

someone in your family might get sunburnt.

Treat it as soon as possible to avoid any

permanent skin damage.

By Maret Lesch


L I F E & L E I S U R E

“I love the way music allows you to communicate with

people. Music is, as they say, a universal language. ”

- Siraaj Allen

OUT & ABOUT | ARTS & CULTURE | RECIPES


HistoricalDarling’s tourism official, Dianne le Roux, says

the Darling Museum is really worth a visit.

It contains a unique collection of artefacts

depicting the beginning of butter making and

the history of the Darling creamery.

Another attraction worth visiting is the

!Khwattu San Culture and Education Centre,

where you can learn more about South Africa’s

first people and see how they lived. Why not

let a San guide take you on a walking trail to

show how they track animals and enjoy the local

flowers, springboks and zebras?

OutdoorIf your family loves adventure, you’ve come to

the right place. Why not test your skills on some

of the MTB trails, go for a hike or sight-running

tour, or play a round of golf? Of course there are

also 4x4, off-road biking and quad biking trails

with various difficulty levels on Swartbergsvlei.

The Mystery Trail is a fun way to keep the

children busy and to explore Darling. It starts

at the Darling Museum and you get to know

Darling by solving the riddles on your very own

treasure map.

art and cultureDarling is known for Pieter Dirk Uys’s theatre-

restaurant Evita se Perron, which is a must-visit

when in Darling. If art is your thing, you’ll enjoy

the Darling Gallery and the Splitpiece where you

can see 31 murals on houses in one road. This

unique project forms part of a living gallery and

is headed by the artist Falko.

Eat and drinkBesides the various wine estates on the wine

route, it will be worth your while to spend

some time at the Darling Brewery to enjoy their

unique craft beer.

The Groote Post Country Market every last

Sunday of the month offers gourmet produce,

handcrafted goods, live music and a play area

for the children.

Foodies should also visit Chicory Cheese

If you haven’t been to the West Coast town of Darling, you’ve been missing out on

one of the most beautiful little towns in the Western Cape. Whether you want to

enjoy the outdoors or catch up on culture, Darling is the perfect place to visit!

My Darling!Out&about


Café and Deli, the Marmalade Cat, the Flying Pig

Deli and Darling Sweet, where you can buy old-

fashioned toffees.

Include Ormonde vineyards, Darling Olives

and Het Bos Olives in your visit if you want to

try a variety of olive products.

Flowers and wildlifeAs Darling is known for its florae, there are

several reserves dedicated to it. If you want to

experience the abundance of flowers, the best

time to visit is between August and October.

The Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve

and Burgherspost Wine Estate are also worth a

visit and boast beautiful natural scenery.

Darling has recently added a bird-watching

route to its offerings and enthusiasts can enjoy

finding more than 250 bird species on the Cape

West Coast Swartland Birding Route.

OtherDarling is close to Yzerfontein, where the family

can cool off in the Atlantic Ocean. You can also

celebrate our heritage by paying a visit to the

West Coast National Park and the West Coast

Fossil Park.

For more information on tourist attractions, accommodation and what Darling has to offer, visit

the Darling tourism website at www.darlingtourism.co.za or call the Tourism Office (located in

Darling Museum) on 022 492 3361.

arts&Culture

nOtEworthyMusic is often described as an escape for the senses, but for many

people it becomes an escape from the social ills that plague their

communities on a daily basis.

By Maret Lesch

“Music saved me,” says Siraaj Allen, a

talented trumpet player.

“Delft, where I come from, is

known for gangsterism. If I didn’t get involved

in music, I would have been a gangster today.

Music keeps me off the streets and away from

bad elements. It makes me see the bigger

picture,” explains Allen.

This is why he devotes so much of his time

to uplifting the youth in his community through

music. “I don’t want them to get involved with

the gangs. I want to be an example to them of

someone who made it out and who saw the

bigger picture. They must realise that it isn’t

worth it to join a gang.”

The shy 24-year-old’s eyes come to life

when he speaks about his passion for music.

“My parents were part of the Cape Minstrels

and as a child I danced with them. Then I

saw someone playing a trumpet and I was

immediately interested. I wanted to play. I

started playing the trumpet when I was 12 and

played in the Cape Minstrels for four years.”

His perception of music changed when he

went to high school and his teacher, Ian Smith,

started a music programme. “I realised I’m

serious about music. I wanted to be able to

read the notes. I love the way music allows you

to communicate with people. Music is, as they

say, a universal language. It even helps you to

get rid of emotions, such as anger.”

He is studying part-time at the University

of the Western Cape with a bursary from

UWC and the Department of Cultural Affairs

and Sport. “I’m currently doing my Grade 8 in

music. Then I’m tackling the degrees,” he says

with a quiet determination.

Siraaj joined the Delft Big Band in 2008 and

now also plays in the Little Giants and the UWC

Jazz Ensemble. “I’m also part of the Minstrel


“If I didn’t get involved in music, I would have been a gangster today.”

band The Happy Boys and we do a lot of gigs

and even television work.”

The Minstrel bands have a special place in

his heart. “I want people to understand the

Minstrel’s history when they listen to the music.

It is part of our culture. It is a music form on its

own and it should be recognised as such.”

At the moment jazz is his signature style.

“I love jazz and listening to what the artists

do when they play. I don’t even listen to R&B

and that kind of music. I like music where I can

understand and recognise the skill of the artist

and the story they are telling.

“However, I don’t think I can continue playing

jazz if I want to survive in the music industry in

South Africa. The trend is now shifting to pop

and house bands that play in clubs. I must move

towards a style like the band Mi Casa. That is

what the new generation likes and there is a

strong movement in that direction.”

Creating opportunities for the youth and

sharing his knowledge and skills with

them is very important to Siraaj.

“I needed someone to help me

and only found Mr Smith when

I was in high school and then

Mr George Werner, the band

director, at UWC. I don’t want

young people to experience the

same situation. I want them to

have opportunities. Music keeps

them off the streets and gives them

something to do. Some of my Delft Big

Band friends and I have started a Minstrel band

in Delft where we teach the youngsters music.

Anyone is welcome and it’s free.”

He also teaches primary school pupils

to play the trumpet at York Primary in

Lansdowne. “I’m not teaching for money. I

want young people to learn, to have a genuine

interest in music and to grow. I will always

make time in my career to teach.”

Siraaj believes having a role model is

important. “My favourite trumpeter is Wynton

Marsalis. He is the absolute best. My South

African role model is Marcus Wyatt. We toured

together in Paris and I had the privilege of

playing with him.”

He warns that music is hard work and that

you don’t make a lot of money. “I won’t advise

young people to make music their first trade.

Make sure there is something else you can do

to fall back on. Music is a tough industry. Find

a mentor or a role model and learn from their

experiences. Invest in your future and that of

others. Share your skills with people in your

community.”

Siraaj is

studying part-time

with a bursary

from UWC and the

Department of Cultural

Affairs and Sport.

LEFT: Siraaj allen. AbovE: Siraaj teaching one of the

learners at york Primary in Landsdowne.


Festive

Christmas is a time to relax, enjoy and

be with your loved ones. Treat them

with our delicious Christmas lunch menu.

For only r500 you can prepare mains

and dessert for eight people!

feast


MENu

MaIn COURSE:Roast chicken

Roast potatoes

Butternut and beetroot salad

with halloumi

Baby spinach and strawberry

salad with feta and walnuts

DESSERt:Spiced poached pears with

vanilla ice-cream

RoAST CHICKEN WITH lEMoN RoAST POTATOES

InGREDIEntS2 whole chickens

Freshly ground salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 kg potatoes, peeled

1 large lemon

Olive oil

1 whole bulb garlic, broken into

cloves

1 handful fresh thyme

1 handful fresh rosemary sprigs,

leaves picked

MEtHOD1. Rub the chicken inside and out

with a generous amount of salt

and freshly ground black pepper.

Do this in the morning if possible,

then cover the chicken and leave

in the fridge until one hour before

you’re ready to start cooking it. By

doing this, you’ll make the meat

really tasty when cooked. Preheat

your oven to 190 °C/gas 5. Bring

a large pan of salted water to the

boil. Cut the potatoes into golf

ball-sized pieces, put them into

the water with the whole lemon

and the garlic cloves, and cook

for 12 minutes. Drain and allow to

steam dry for one minute (this will

give you crispier potatoes), then

remove the lemon and garlic. Toss

the potatoes in the pan while still

hot so their outsides get chuffed

up and fluffy – this will make them

lovely and crispy when they roast.

2. While the lemon is still hot,

carefully stab it about 10 times.

Pat the chicken with kitchen

paper and rub it all over with olive

oil. Push the garlic cloves, the

whole lemon and the thyme into

the cavity, then put the chicken

into a roasting tray and cook in

the preheated oven for around 45

minutes. Remove the chicken and

transfer to a plate. Some lovely

fat should have cooked out of

it into the roasting tray, so toss

the potatoes into this with the

rosemary leaves. Shake the tray

around, then make a gap in the

centre of the potatoes and put the

chicken back in. Cook for a further

45 minutes, or until the chicken

is cooked and the potatoes are

nice and golden. (You can tell the

chicken is cooked when the thigh

meat easily pulls away from the

bone and the juices run clear.)

3. Remove the lemon and garlic

from inside the chicken, squeeze

all the garlic flesh out of the skin,

mush it up and smear it all over

the chicken, discard the lemon

and rosemary and carve the

chicken at the table.

SHOPPInG LISt COSt*2 whole chickens R120

Thyme R9

Rosemary R9

lemons R20

Red onions R20

Butternut R15

Feta R15

Baby spinach R22

Strawberries R40

Pears R20

vanilla ice-cream R50

Potatoes R18

Beetroot R10

Tin of chickpeas R10

Ginger R10

vanilla pod R22

Halloumi cheese R40

Walnuts R20

Balsamic vinegar (small) R30

total R500

StORECUPBOaRD InGREDIEntSOlive oil

Salt

Pepper

Coriander seeds

Stick cinnamon

Star anise

Brown sugar

Butter

Garlic

Parsley

* Prices from a large supermarket at the time of going to print.


Recipes

BABY SPINACH AND STRAWBERRY SAlAd InGREDIEntS4 cups fresh baby spinach

250 g punnet of strawberries,

sliced

100 g walnuts or pecans

100 g feta cheese

Generous sprinkle of freshly

ground pepper

Salt

10 tbs balsamic vinegar (or to

taste)

4 tsp extra virgin olive oil

4 tsp honey

MEtHODIn a medium mixing bowl, add

spinach leaves, strawberry slices

and nuts and toss. In a separate

bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, oil,

honey and salt. Whisk to combine.

Transfer salad to serving plate,

sprinkle feta cheese on top and

then drizzle the dressing over.

Sprinkle generously with freshly

ground black pepper.

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BuTTERNuT ANd BEETRooT SAlAd WITH HAllouMI

InGREDIEntS1 medium butternut squash

4 small, uncooked beetroots

2 small red onions, quartered

3 large cloves garlic, peeled

Olive oil

150 g halloumi, cut into 2 cm cubes

400 g tin chickpeas, drained

Ground coriander seeds

1 tsp lemon pepper or lemon juice

Parsley leaves, to serve

Extra virgin olive oil, to serve

MEtHOD1. Heat the oven to 200 °C/gas

6. Cut the butternut into eight

wedges lengthways. Remove the

seeds and keep them. Halve or

quarter the beetroots, depending

on their size. Place the butternut,

butternut seeds, onions and garlic

in a large baking tray and drizzle

with olive oil. Wrap the beetroot

in tinfoil and place in a separate

baking tray.

Put the butternut and beetroot in

the oven and roast for 40 minutes,

or until tender, turning the onions

occasionally. The times may vary

and the butternut may cook before

the beetroot. Remove the butternut

seeds when coloured and crisp.

2. Just before serving, take the

butternut and onions out of the

baking tray and add the halloumi to

the tray (with any oil that remains).

Place in the oven and cook for

about 10 minutes or until golden.

3. To serve, combine the

vegetables and halloumi with

the chickpeas, spices and lemon

pepper/juice and parsley leaves.

Season with salt and freshly ground

pepper and serve drizzled with a

little extra olive oil. Serve warm or

at room temperature.

Recipes


tIP:You can poach the

pears up to two days

ahead. Just reheat

the pears and syrup

before you want to

serve it.

Recipes

SPICED POACHED PEARS

InGREDIEntS750 g brown sugar

1 cinnamon stick

2 strips lemon zest (use a potato peeler)

1 star anise

1 vanilla pod, split lengthways

5 cloves

a piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced

8 ripe pears, peeled (you can use any pear)

MEtHODIn a pan big enough to hold four pears snugly, tip in all the ingredients

except the pears. Fill the pan halfway with water and bring to the boil.

Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse, drop in four of the pears, cover and

gently poach for about 30 minutes until soft. Remove the pears and

drop in the other four pears. Cover and gently poach for about 30

minutes until soft. Turn off the heat and transfer all eight pears to a

container with a lid. Pour the poaching syrup over the pears and keep in

the fridge. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

9

1

2 3

654

7 8

Bt Games

BT GAMESIt is very important to us that our staff members are

happy and healthy. The annual Better Together Games not only encourages staff

members to be more active, it gives us the opportunity to work in teams and get

to know each other outside our usual work environment. This year our departments

showed their skills at the four BT Games events in October.

Captions: 1. The dominoes competition ensured hours of entertainment. 2. Ms Anroux Marais, the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport

opens the Oudtshoorn BT Games. 3. The winner of the running event. 4. The netball was a big hit. 5. Staff members participating in

the opening ceremony. 6. Participants in the fun walk received a medal at the finishing line. 7. The rugby was a lot of fun. 8. Even

ladies showed their talents in the tug-of-war. 9. The soccer matches had everyone on the edge of their seat.

OUDtSHOORn

2015


11

1312

10

14 15 16

191817

Bt Games

Captions: 10. One of the volley ball games in action. 11. Ready, steady, go! 12. The fun walk was a team effort. 13. Elize Steyn, Deputy

Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay Municipality. 14. The darts competition was a big hit. 15 and 16. Cycling is always a favourite at the

BT Games. 17. One of the chess competitors concentrating on his next move. 18. One of the tennis players showing his perfect serve.

19. The competition was tough in the netball matches.

vREDEnBURG


24 25 26

27

28 29

23

20

21

22

Bt Games

Captions: 20. Dancing at the opening ceremony. 21. Serious competition in the fun run. 22. What a kick! 23. The 2Wise2Waste

mascot encouraging staff to use the waste bins provided. 24. The table tennis was a popular event. 25. A rugby player breaking away

with the ball. 26. The talent show formed part of the opening ceremony. 27 and 28. Intense concentration in the pool competition.

29. Friends and colleagues encouraging the tug-of-war participants.

BOLanD


30

31 32

353433

36 37 38

40 39

Bt Games

Captions: 30, 31 and 32. Everyone enjoyed the opening ceremony. 33. Ladies pulling their weight in the tug-of-war event. 34. Minister

Anroux Marais opening the event. 35. Premier Helen Zille gave everyone a chance to speak. 36. This is how you play jukskei. 37, 38

and 39. The soccer drew a big crowd. 40. Minister Albert Fritz, Premier Helen Zille, Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela, Minister Debbie

Schäfer, Minister Anroux Marais, and HOD Brent Walters.

MEtRO


G a M E S & P U Z Z L E S

No

. 5

No

. 6

SOLUtIOnS - Issue 18

WO

RD

SE

aR

CH

No

. 4

SU

DO

KU

CR

OS

SW

OR

D N

o. 4

ACroSS

4. puddle

8. sosatie

10. offspring

11. thatch

12. acrophobia

13. biltong

14. mentality

16. yesterday

18. citrus

20. weekend

22. burgundy

23. hour

24. laundry

dowN

1. avoid

2. nourish

3. reverse

5. dessert

6. conceal

7. endangered

9. escalator

15. halve

17. smoulder

19. podcast

21. kerb

B D C U S t O M S I a E B n a

W R a P a R E H I S t O R y F

O H a M F I R E O P R y a y O

R n C a a L D R n U M a v C D

t E U Q I n U I S a R M I a E

H K U S n O I t a R E n E G C

y n n D y D S a R I O S G E U

C U L t U R E G I I H n y L E

B S a W t L y E t E t O L a t

L I B S P I E a a t I I F K a

G K L O D I v E R S I t y D R

C L E D O R E I M G t I S a B

E I n H E R I t S E E D M R E

L B y S E I R O M E M a L R L

E U n E H t a B S I R R a E E

n O I t I n G O C E R t E I C

C t U H a S I j R E t H t G I

8 3 9 4 7 6 5 2 1

5 4 1 9 3 2 6 7 8

7 2 6 8 5 1 9 4 3

3 6 8 2 9 7 4 1 5

4 9 7 1 8 5 2 3 6

2 1 5 6 4 3 7 8 9

1 8 4 5 2 9 3 6 7

9 7 2 3 6 8 1 5 4

6 5 3 7 1 4 8 9 2

6 7 3 4 1 9 8 5 2

1 4 9 2 5 8 6 7 3

8 5 2 7 3 6 1 9 4

3 9 7 1 6 4 5 2 8

5 2 1 3 8 7 4 6 9

4 8 6 5 9 2 7 3 1

7 3 8 9 4 5 2 1 6

9 6 5 8 2 1 3 4 7

2 1 4 6 7 3 9 8 5

No

. 7

No

. 8

Send us your Quick Quiz answers and you

could win R500! All correct entries will

be entered into a draw and the first entry

picked will be the winner.

1. Google estimates the size of the internet at 5 million ...... of data:a) Megabytes b) Terabytes c) Gigabytes d) Sugabytes

2. Globally, we send and receive ….. billion e-mails per day.a) 250 b) 3 000 c) 35 d) 800

3. Who was the first queen to send an e-mail?a) Queen Margaret b) Queen victoria c) Queen Cleopatra d) Queen Elizabeth

4. Facebook became active in ......a) 2001 b) 2000 c) 2004 d) 2003

5. the internet was previously known as the ......a) Network b) World Wide Web c) Innernet d) Arpanet

6. Which of the following is nOt a breakthrough technology of 2015? a) Nano architecture b) 3D imagery c) Car-to-car technology d) voice identification

7. What is the abbreviation of the operating system used for iPhone?a) eoS b) ioS c) oSi d) SEo

8. What descriptive word/phrase is used for people who are technologically educated?a) Book worm b) Tech savvy c) New Age d) Street wise

9. the roll-out of ...... is a provincial objective for the WCG.a) Cellular devices b) Broadband c) Excellence d) Strategy

10. Which country has treatment camps for internet addicts?a) uSA b) Japan c) China d) Germany

11. Which famous mountain has high-speed internet on the way up?a) Mount Everest b) Mount Kilimanjaro c) Table Mountain d) Mount Fuji

12. Researchers are debating on whether to add internet addiction to the list of mental disorders.a) True b) False

13. ...... of aLL e-mails sent are spam.a) 30% b) 70% c) 80% d) 90%

14. What does the ‘Fi’ in Wi-Fi stand for?a) Fire Intense b) For Intel c) Nothing, it just rhymes

with Hi-Fi d) Free Intel

15. Before the internet, ‘LOL’ meant:a) Lots of Love b) Laugh out loud c) Love or loath d) Life of living

ANSwErS ISSuE 18 1. The kidneys2. The ear3. The tongue4. Low blood pressure5. Coconuts and dates6. Italy7. Casein8. The praying mantis9. Cat10. Ostrich

rules: All ten questions must be answered and spelt correctly to be entered into the final draw. You can e-mail or post your answers to us. Our details are to be found at the front of the magazine. Entries by telephone will not be accepted. All entries must be received by us no later than 15 January 2015.

win!R500

DID YOU kNOW...• Psychologists claim that

colouring can help you

calm your mind and

relieve stress.

• Adult colouring books

are such a fast-growing

international trend, they

are currently outselling

cooking books in France.

WHy nOt GRaB SOME

CRayOnS, PEnCILS OR

PEnS anD GIvE It a GO?

Let us know whether you

enjoyed the exercise.

No

. 5

D U R S L E H E G R O W t H a

O I n O I t a v O n n I E C R

P G F B D a P H a L B E K O S

P D E F S y t I R O I R P M E

O E R P E U P t a W R y R M B

R L G E O R n a S E C R n U L

t I n y L K E S G a X U a n a

U v a G O P t n R S a O K I t

n E K R R E a K C S U I Q t E

I R E E a H O S H E I v U y D

t S t n C K D K a H v a L U E

y E D E t E B I n O t H O L a

M n M L I B O L G E O E S E I

O a E M O D R L E a S B j a t

G H y U n E D S t R a t E G y

ENERGYYouTHSKILLSCHANGE

Try to find these words in the table. Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

INNOvATIONCoMMuNITYGAME CHANGERSTRATEGY

PRIORITY DELIvERdIFFERENCEGRoWTH

OPPORTUNITYACTIoN BEHAvIOUR vALUE

Flag Header


THE VALUES:

AccountabilityWe take responsibility.

IntegrityTo be honest and do the right thing.

CaringTo care for those we serve and work with.

responsivenessTo serve the needs of our citizens and employees.

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

THE VISION:

External visionOpen opportunity for all.

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

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

Let’s make use of provided opportunies and make the Western Cape BEttER tOGEtHER.

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

Documents

FAMILY FEAST - Western Cape€¦ · Special unit promotes police efficiency MAINS ANd dESSERT FoR uNdER R500 FAMILY FEAST magazine ISSUE 19 ... Ayesha Augustus, Safely Home, Monica