Weekly Highlights 13 May 2022

Weekly Highlights 13 May 2022 - Issue No. 135 In this issue Dear Colleagues Road accident fund donation towards provin- Tuesday, 10 May 2022, was Move for Health Day. cial top learners – matric (Grade 12) 2021 This is an international event created in 2002 by the World Health Organization to promote physical RAF Celebrates World Facilities Management activity. Lack of physical activity is among the biggest Day 2022 risk factors for chronic lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The day RAF URGES MOTORISTS TO BUCKLE UP DURING CAM- provided an opportunity to generate public awareness PAIGN IN KROONSTAD of the benefits of physical activity in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. International Awareness Day for Chronic im- munological and neurological diseases (cind) “Move for Health” refers to moderate to vigorous physical activity of any type that anyone can perform RAF Activations – Road safety awaresness anywhere to improve health, such as recreational activities, walking, stretching, or dancing. In addition, Covid-19 Statistics it refers to how individuals, communities and nations can promote their health and well-being through the fun page healthy lifestyles. Letters to the Editor The main objectives include increasing population- wide participation in physical activity; increasing We invite our readers to share their participation in physical activity through sport comments, feedback, and suggestions organisations, events, and other socio-cultural with us. Readers are encouraged to submit forums; promoting healthy behaviour and lifestyles their letters, of no more than 200 words, to and addressing health-related issues through sports [email protected], [email protected] and physical activity, such as no tobacco use, a and [email protected]. We are looking healthy diet, reduction of violence, stress and social forward to hearing from you. isolation. Editor: Thabang Mahlatsi ([email protected]) RAFzins are therefore encouraged to adopt a healthy Sub-editor: Tholakele Radebe ([email protected]) lifestyle with regular exercise routines and a balanced Senior Reporter: Naziphi Mpokela ([email protected]) diet. There are a few ideas of how you can stay Editor-In-Chief: Anton Janse van Rensburg ([email protected]) active and get fit without feeling like you are tied into a gym routine. You could go for a bicycle ride; play in the backyard with your child; go for a walk with a friend or family; or dance to your favourite music playlist. The point is to do regular exercise regardless of how you do it! Enjoy this week’s Highlights! Kind regards Internal Communication

ROAD ACCIDENT FUND DONATION TOWARDS PROVINCIAL TOP LEARNERS – MATRIC (GRADE 12) 2021 by Babalwa Mdandalaza and Noluthando Mvabaza Education and Skills Development (with a focus on Schools for Learners with Special Educational Needs) form part of the RAF’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus areas. This focus area is budgeted for annually in line with the approved CSR Operational Plan. As part of this focus area, the RAF supports Matric Top Learners nationally and recently extended its hand to provincial level. For 2021, the RAF extended its partici- pation into Provincial Awards. Given that this was the Fund’s first provincial participation, a decision was then taken to focus on those provinces that performed below 75% in the final examinations as per the Department of Education’s 2021 Report (Limpopo and the Eastern Cape). For the first time in history, Setotolwane Special School in Ga-Mashashane – Limpopo, produced the overall Top Learner who is totally blind, followed by two par- tially blind learners from Rivoni School for the Blind. The learners’ names are Wisani Mbendzani, Vuhulu Mabunda and Lethabo Maleka. The Eastern Cape also produced two partially blind All these learners are pursuing their studies at the Top Learners including the overall female Top Learner. University of Limpopo and at Walter Sisulu University Their names are Sisipho Tamara Mafalala and Msekeli respectively. Gwele. To make their university learning smooth and enjoyable, CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE the RAF donated assistive devices to all the five learn- ers, to enhance their learning experience at tertiary level. These devices were handed over by the RAF’s CSR Team to the learners in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape on 27 April 2022 and 03 May 2022 respectively. The donation included the following devices: VICTOR READER STREAM The Victor Reader Stream is a portable device similar to a media player for visually impaired and blind users. The compact device has a recorder, microphone, and a built-in human sounding voice for assisting with text speech and voice replay. It has wireless connectivity enabling web access to rich media content, radio sta- tions, audio films and video clips, and online reference tools. The stream plays media formats such as MP3, MP4, EPUB and DAISY books. Continues to the next page 2

ROAD ACCIDENT FUND DONATION TOWARDS PROVINCIAL TOP LEARNERS – MATRIC (GRADE 12) 2021 (Cont.) SUPERNOVA MAGNIFIER & SCREEN READER CELL PHONES The SuperNova boasts a magnifier, screen reader and These cell phones have accessibility to adjust the Braille for Windows that grows with you and your sight, speed or the level of the screen reader, which uses a for life. With SuperNova, students can boost magnifica- double tap pattern. tion, announce punctuation, replace difficult colours, increase verbosity, hear webpages, turn on Braille, etc. JBL HEADPHONES WeWALK SMART CANE These wireless headphones have a noise cancellation unit which can rewind, fast forward and pause function- The mobility of visually impaired people is enhanced ality. through the revolutionary smart cane and smartphone app. Revolutionary features of the WeWALK Smart Cane and app: • WeWALK detects above-ground obstacles with ultrasound while still retaining the standard white cane’s ground feedback. • WeWALK’s Navigation feature has been built from the ground up for an accessible experience like no other. It uses clock directions, destination track- ing, and low-vision mapping to make any journey a familiar one from the very start. ACER ASPIRE LAPTOP Included in the packages was RAF branded collateral to These laptops are fitted with advanced jaws software, ensure brand visibility and awareness, whilst promoting which also goes to the extent of illustrating a graphic or drawing and can read what is written on the screen. the organisation’s image. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Babalwa Mdandalaza is a Senior Officer: CSR, based in 3 Eco Glades Noluthando Mvabaza is a Manager: CSR, based in Eco Glades

RAF Celebrates World Facilities Management Day 2022 by Thabang Mahlatsi The RAF commemorated World Facilities Manage- ment Day on Wednesday, 11 May 2022. The annual celebration exists to celebrate Facilities’ and work- place managers’ contribution to the built environ- ment, and their influence on people’s well-being and productivity. This year’s theme is: “Leading the Sustainable Future.” As the RAF, we recognise and honour these unsung heroes and heroines who work tirelessly to ensure that our place of work is well kept. We chatted with some of our colleagues working in Facilities Management (FM) to find out more about their respective jobs. 3.What is the misconception that others have about the work you do? That we sit around the whole day and do nothing and that our job is not very difficult to do. Also, some people think you do not need qualifications to do this kind of job. 4. Which of our ICARE Values (Integrity, Compas- sion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) do you resonate with and why? All of them. I try to be better every day. 5. What is the one thing that the COVID-19 pandem- ic has taught you in your work as an FM employee and how has it changed the way you work? Did not affect me so much as my work is more hands- on than with people. JP Botha, Continues to the next page 4 Maintenance Officer, Eco Glades 1. How long have you been working at the RAF? Nine years. 2. Please tell us briefly about your job in FM Building maintenance which includes electrical mainte- nance, plumbing, carpentry, and painting. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

RAF Celebrates World Facilities Management Day 2022 (CONT.) 3.What is the misconception that others have about the work you do? Their misconception is that of thinking that I act as if I own RAF assets. People perceive me as strict when I implement depart- mental policies (e.g., the Fleet and Asset Management Policy which some of our colleagues are not willing to adhere to). 4. Which of our ICARE Values (Integrity, Compas- sion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) do you resonate with and why? Integrity – I value total honesty above all else and hav- ing strong moral principles. Accountability – I have an obligation and willingness to accept responsibility and to account for all my ac- tions. Thembisile Mange, 5. What is the one thing that the COVID-19 pandem- Senior Facilities Officer, East London ic has taught you in your work as an FM employee and how has it changed the way you work? 1. How long have you been working at the RAF? That people are equal, and we must practise self-care 15 years. in numerous ways during the pandemic. 2. Please tell us briefly about your job in FM We adjusted to new work schedules, changed some routines, and cut back on socialising. Facilities is a supporting department to the entire re- gion. Employees are our clients. We had to seek out new strategies to counter the stress caused by the pandemic. Key performance areas: Continues to the next page 5 • Inventory Control • Asset Management • Fleet Management (Pool Cars) • Providing Facilities Services Support • Policies and Procedures • Space and Parking Management • Contract Administration • Accounts’ Payment • Facilitating and Monitoring Insurance Claims • Budget Management • Providing Input on Audit and Risk Findings CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

RAF Celebrates World Facilities Management Day 2022 (CONT.) 3.What is the misconception that others have about the work you do? Some of our colleagues do not understand the full scope of the work we do, and what goes into mak- ing the goods and services they use every day readily available to them. There are processes and timelines that need to be followed and kept in procuring all the goods and services that are required in the organisa- tion. Afterwards our groceries, stationery etc, are readily available for all our end users on a daily basis. 4. Which of our ICARE Values (Integrity, Compas- sion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) do you resonate with and why? Respect – I resonate well with this particular Value as I believe it stands out boldly in my line of work. We do not only work with the teams where we are based as we service the entire region, thus we deal with different personalities and temperaments on a daily basis, which requires treating others with respect. Nosipho Winifreda Zungu, Office Caterer, Durban 1. How long have you been working at the RAF? I have been working at the RAF for the past 22 years. 2. Please tell us briefly about your job in FM I am an office caterer in the FM Department in Durban. 5. What is the one thing that the COVID-19 pandem- My main duties include primarily the cleanliness of all ic has taught you in your work as an FM employee pause areas, kitchens, boardrooms and the replenish- and how has it changed the way you work? ing of refreshments in these areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught me the importance Key performance areas: of hygiene and health in the workplace and the impor- tance of using protective measures in order to ensure • Ensuring food safety management in the work- that everyone is safe, for example, using sanitisers and place. masks to stop the spread of the virus. This has changed the way I work significantly as now I have to ensure that • Planning and co-ordinating events (interviews). before I enter the workplace I wear a mask, I sanitize • Liaising with internal stakeholders in preparation and take my temperature and I also ensure that my workstation is sanitised before I commence work. for all events. • Conducting hygiene inspections and implementing Continues to the next page 6 hygiene standard operating procedures. • Ensuring best service delivery within the catering space. • Conducting kitchen stock management and pro- viding replenishment services. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

RAF Celebrates World Facilities Management Day 2022 (CONT.) another will help us achieve more as a collective. Fur- thermore, we are going through a lot as individuals and we spend many days at work, so we need to be consid- erate towards each other. Letlakane Mashiloane: Officer: OHS Menlyn 1. How long have you been working at the RAF? 5. What is the one thing that the COVID-19 pandem- ic has taught you in your work as an FM employee Four years. and how has it changed the way you work? 2. Please tell us briefly about your job in FM The pandemic has taught me the value of life and to cherish good health. My duties are primarily to ensure that the RAF Menlyn Office as well as its respective CSCs comply with the As we all know, the FM Department interacts with the Occupational Health and Safety statutes that govern majority of the staff. Not knowing if you are infected with us in South Africa. I also advise Management on mat- COVID-19 or if the colleague/s we interact with are, is ters falling under the area of Occupational Health and tricky since my job in Facilities includes interacting with Safety. my colleagues regularly. Thus, COVID-19 has changed the way I work because I have to be very careful when 3.What is the misconception that others have about interacting with my colleagues, apply and comply with the work you do? all COVID-19 regulations and protect myself and my colleagues from possibly contracting the disease. Well, people tend to think that safety is my sole respon- sibility. In contrast, safety is actually OUR responsibility as a collective. Without each other’s concern and look- ing out for one another, we can never achieve a safe and healthy work environment. 4. Which of our ICARE Values (Integrity, Compas- sion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) do you resonate with and why? Compassion. This is purely because we are who we Thabang Mahlatsi is a Specialist: Internal 7 are because of others, so showing compassion to one Communication, based in Eco Glades CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases Researched by Sibathathu Mlonyeni and Nomthandazo Wright 12 May is International Awareness Day for Chronic The hardest thing for people with fibromyalgia, how- Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND). ever, is having to live with it. Having the support and The day is designated to spread awareness among understanding of the people in their lives can make it a people about CIND and help the world to under- lot easier. stand the seriousness of these diseases and condi- tions. It also aims to assist and educate patients, What is fibromyalgia? patient support groups and organisations, and healthcare professionals about CIND. It is a chronic, devastating disorder characterised by widespread pain all over the body. Fibromyalgia affects CIND is a term used to refer to a group of diseases between 2−5% of the population globally. affecting both the central nervous system and immune system. One of the CIND conditions is fibromyalgia. It is also referred to as widespread pain This illness can incapacitate someone who is educat- People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain ed, ambitious, hardworking, and tireless, and rob them than people without it, this is called abnormal pain per- of their ability to work, clean house, and exercise, think ception processing. clearly, and ever feel awake or healthy. Causes • It’s NOT psychological ‘burnout’. • It’s NOT laziness. This condition is often triggered by the following: • It’s NOT whining or malingering. • A stressful event, including physical stress or emo- • It is the result of widespread dysfunction in the tional stress. body and the brain that’s hard to understand, dif- • Injury. ficult to treat, and, so far, impossible to cure. • A viral infection. Continues to the next page CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 8

International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (Cont.) Risk factors • Higher rates of major depression. Adults with fibro- myalgia are more than three times more likely to • Age: this condition can affect people of all ages, have major depression than adults without fibromy- including children. algia. • Most people are diagnosed during middle age and • Higher death rates from suicide and injuries. chances of getting fibromyalgia increase as you get • Higher rates of other rheumatic conditions. Fibro- older. myalgia often co-occurs with other types of arthritis • If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you are more such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic likely to develop fibromyalgia. lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis. Symptoms of fibromyalgia How can it be treated? • Excessive fatigue. Doctors usually treat this condition with a combina- • Sleep is disrupted due to pain. tion of treatment, which may include: • Headaches. • Medications, including prescription drugs and over- • Mood disorders, depression and anxiety. • Pain in the face or jaw, including a disorder of the the-counter pain relievers. • Aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening exer- jaw known as temporomandibular joint syndrome. • Swelling or tingling numbness in hands and feet. cise. • Good sleeping habits to improve the quality of What are the complications of fibromyalgia? sleep. • More hospitalisations. • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat un- • Lower quality of life. derlying depression. CBT is a type of talk therapy meant to change the way people act or think. • Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and massage. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Shtotpusrc:/e/ws:ww.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm 9 hhttttppss::////mmee--ppeeddiiaa..oorrgg//wwiikkii//FCihbrroonmicy_aIlmgima unological_and_ Neurological_Disease Compiled by Sibathathu Mlonyeni, EWS Intern, Cape Town Supervision by Nomthandazo Wright, EWS Specialist, Cape Town

RAF Urges Motorists to Buckle up during Campaign in Kroonstad by Sibusisiwe Mzila “Buckle up and stick to the speed limit!” This was to stay safe and adhere to the rules of the road. These the message to motorists in the Free State town of activations also encouraged motorists to be responsible Kroonstad when the RAF visited the area from 07 and complete their trips without any accidents. to 08 May 2022, as part of the Fund’s road safety campaign. During these two days, motorists were given tips on how to avoid fatigue by taking small breaks when driving over On Saturday, 07 May 2022, the activation took place at long distances. Those travelling with infants were encour- Seeisoville Shopping Complex and on 08 May the of- aged to buckle them up in car seats for their safety. ficials were located at the Shell Ultra City petrol station in Kroonstad. These kinds of activations are the RAF’s all-year-round attempt to change driver behaviour on the roads to avoid The idea behind these activations was to assist in sav- collisions. ing as many lives as possible by reminding motorists CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page 10

RAF Urges Motorists to Buckle up during Campaign in Kroonstad (Cont.) CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Sibusisiwe Mzila is a Marketing and 11 Communications Officer, based in Johannesburg

RAF Activations – Road safety awaresness by RAF Durban Region Road Safety Awareness Campaign Venue: uMzinto Taxi Rank Date: 10 May 2022 CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 12



THE FUN PAGE This week we look at the funny side of Facilities Management. Enjoy! NOTE TO READERS: What kind of content would you like to see on this page in future editions? We would love to hear from you! Kindly send your suggestions to: [email protected]