Weekly Highlights 24 June 2024

Weekly Highlights 24 June 2022 - Issue No. 141 In this issue Dear Colleagues RAF 360-Degree Values Assesment FAQs On Thursday, 23 June 2022, the African continent celebrated Africa Public Service Day (APSD). Public RAFzins Got Talent – Celebrating Peter’s Musi- administration, the cornerstone of governments’ cal Escapades work, plays an essential and critical role in improving people’s lives. This year’s APSD will be celebrated The Language Unit Commemorates Youth Day, under the theme: “The role of Public Administration with Tshepagalang Secondary School in Brits in building and sustaining peaceful co-existence among communities.” Gauteng Launches First Licensing Centre at a Gautrain Station APSD is an event entrenched in the African Union calendar. It originates from the conference of African International Day against Drug Abuse and Il- Ministers for Public or Civil Service held in Tangier, licit Trafficking 2022 Morocco in 1994. It was agreed at this conference that 23 June should be celebrated annually as Africa Public LANGUAGE TIPS - Collocations Service Day to recognise the value and virtue of service to the community. How do you know if you are depressed? The aim of this commemoration is to boost public Government scraps some of SA’s last remain- administration programmes, public sector performance ing Covid-19 regulations and recognise the value of service to communities. It also highlights the contribution of public service in the the fun page development process; recognises the work of public servants and encourages young people to pursue Letters to the Editor careers in the public sector. We invite our readers to share their This day also serves as a reminder to the Road comments, feedback, and suggestions Accident Fund’s (RAF’s) employees whose duty, as with us. Readers are encouraged to submit public officials, is to ensure that the Fund continues their letters, of no more than 200 words, to to provide excellent service and care to claimants and [email protected], [email protected] victims of motor vehicle accidents. The important role and [email protected]. We are looking we play helps restore some hope for people who face forward to hearing from you. traumatic experiences. As we continue the journey towards a transformed, agile and financially sustainable Editor: Thabang Mahlatsi ([email protected]) Fund, let us be guided by our organisation’s ICARE Sub-editor: Tholakele Radebe ([email protected]) Values to realise this vision. We wish to thank all Senior Reporter: Naziphi Mpokela ([email protected]) RAFzins for putting in the extra effort to ensure that Editor-In-Chief: Anton Janse van Rensburg ([email protected]) the RAF achieves its mandate to deliver much-needed services to the South African public. Enjoy this week’s Highlights! Kind regards Internal Communication

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RAFzins Got Talent – Celebrating Peter’s Musical Escapades by Zama Ledwaba Technology Management with MANCOSA. Most people don’t know that I’m one funny guy and quite witty too. I was with the comedy crew John Black, then opted to be a writer instead of getting on stage be- cause of my shyness. I enjoy watching sports generally, socialising and getting to mix with different people. I like gadgets and anything IT, I’m tech savvy. I enjoy travel- ling and exploring. I’m also a car fanatic. 2. Why did you decide to go into music? Peter Makhubela, Well, I’ve been involved in music since my primary Officer: Facilities Management, Menlyn school days, and then in my entire high school career I was involved in choral music. My school was dominant Region in my region, and I have a national medal to show for it. From grade 8 I also took an interest in rap music and writing poems. When I got to varsity, I quit choral music then focused on rap. As a postgraduate student I lost contact with my then crew and I sort of quit music. Then came the lockdown and I suddenly had plenty of time on my hands. An old friend called and told me about a producer who was interested in working with me since he had mentioned my immense talent. Look at me now, I’m dropping my inception EP. “If music be the food of love, play on”. This lovely 3. How would you describe your musical style? phrase comes from one of Shakespeare’s plays titled Twelfth Night and highlights music’s ability I’m doing amapiano and hip hop. My amapiano is a vibe to heal; to uplift people’s spirits and transport one and a fun type of music, clean and energetic. My raps to lands unknown. Musicians tend to be viewed for now are rare and unreleased. as possessing some special powers to create beauty with musical notes. Today we chat to Peter Makhubela, Facilities Management Officer based in Menlyn, who has been bitten by the music bug. The upcoming musician whose stage name is “Dot Peezy” gave us some insight into his musical journey and his inspiration. His music infuses amapiano and hip hop, making it trendy and upbeat. His inception EP (Extended Play) is an introductory showcase of his musical talent. This is a testament that when you love something you don’t have second thoughts about it, even if you are to leave it for a while something always pulls you back to it. 1 Please tell us a little about yourself I’m a 50/50 type of person which means from a dis- Continues to the next page 3 tance I look like I’m a bit shy (well, I am shy) but when you get to know me, I’m outspoken and free to express myself, highly opinionated on different subjects, and smart at that. Currently, I’m doing the BCom Information CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

RAFzins Got Talent – Celebrating Peter’s Musical Escapades (CONT.) 4. Which song do you feel is your best one so far 8. Tell us about your first performance and how you and why? felt Honestly, I feel they are all the best, but I feel that my When I had to do my first performance it rained heav- first single, “Ke Mang,” is my best song so far. ily. After then performances were hard to come by for a while and that gave me some more time to focus on my 5. If you could be some fruit, which one would you craft and improve. My first official event when I even- be and why? tually returned to performing was lit and packed. The crowd’s reaction was great, which also added to my I’d be a mango, knowing the seed will bring forth a new realisation that I can do this. tree after consumption and the mango juice is nice. 9. What advice would you give to anyone who 6. Who inspires you? wants to follow in your footsteps? No one specifically. There are many elements to what Stay focused and be true to yourself, love the process, inspires me and my true sense of belief in my abilities worry not about the future outcomes. Be willing to learn keeps me going to execute any task I focus on. and do some research to improve yourself. Have self- belief and confidence that you can do it. 7. What is your favourite part of creating music? Writing lyrics and making beats are both on a par for me. Zama Ledwaba is an Officer: Marketing and Communications, based in Menlyn CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 4

The Language Unit Commemorates Youth Day, with Tshepagalang Secondary School in Brits by Nickey Mokone Tshepagalang Secondary School became a hive of The purpose of engaging the learners was to share our activity as learners, former learners, educators, and knowledge and personal experiences to assist them in RAF officers descended on the school grounds to their pursuit of different careers and to access the skills, commemorate the 2022 Youth Day on 16 June 2022. learning opportunities and social interaction which are The event was the brainchild of Tshepagalang Sec- essential for them to access the labour market. The ondary school’s former learner from the RAF’s Men- high unemployment rate amongst young people is as a lyn Office, Vanessa Mathope. This year’s National result of a lack of career information, limited information Youth Day theme was: Growing youth employment on the labour market, their ever-changing needs, and for an inclusive and transformed society.” unstable economic conditions. Getting young people employed is critical for our future because that influ- ences the future of our economy. “With their skills, hard work and efforts at improving themselves, young people might be the most prosperous and accomplished gen- eration,” said one of the former learners, Mr Thapelo Manamela – civil engineer and designer. Vannesa Mathope (Middle), Menlyn’s Registration Language Unit’s Celimpilo Dladla and Nickey Mo- Officer, interacting with learners from Tshepa- kone, sharing information on career paths in the galang Secondary school field of linguistics. The Language Unit responded to a call made by Van- A teacher at the school who lives in Soweto gave a essa to visit the school and share information on career personal account of the June 1976 Soweto uprising paths in linguistics. Also, other former learners of the and provided a parallel comparison of the two genera- school who are pursuing a variety of careers in both tional differences’ challenges and opportunities. And he the public and private sectors were invited to the event. summed up the gist of his motivational message with Each one of us shared their chosen career information this quote: “Each generation must out of relative obscu- with the learners which benefitted them a great deal. rity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.” Another former learner, now a medical practitioner, Dr Matjila, It is a foregone conclusion that the youth in our com- munities face challenges in their lives from personal to socio-economic issues. Primarily, future goal set- ting and support structures create optimal conditions for youth empowerment and the achievement of their career dreams. Some of the driving factors to youth mo- tivation include resilience, creativity, making informed decisions and socio-economic stability. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page 5

The Language Unit Commemorates Youth Day, with Tshepagalang Secondary School in Brits by Nickey Mokone Tshepagalang Secondary School Learners attending the Youth Day Event held at their school premises, at Brits, North West touched on several factors affecting the developmental about media, marketing, and language-related careers. stages of young people and the influence these fac- These include marketing and communication special- tors have on their lives towards realising their career ists, social and digital media specialists, acting, writing, dreams. Dr Matjila echoed to learners that in their dif- journalism, teaching, language practice (translation, ferent developmental stages, they face crises of identity interpreting) TV and radio presenting, being a spokes- versus identity diffusion. That is, as young people they person, language engineering, etc. are trying to figure out who they are and what matters to them. The highlight of the day was when an entrepreneur in various fields, a former learner at the school as well, Amongst some of the former learners was Gladness warmed the audience’s hearts by offering a lucky Masindi – a geohydrologist – who has a career in the learner a voucher for driving licence lessons at her driv- occurrence and exploitation of underground water ing school. resources in different geological formations. She talked about possible career paths in that industry. Another The event was a resounding success and the young presenter, Kutlwano, shared information with learners people in attendance gained much from it. about cooking skills, recipes and entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry. During a breakaway session between learners and the school guests, RAFzin’s Marketing and Communication Officer – Zama Ledwaba, Social and Digital Media Of- ficer – Lesego Matshaba, and IsiZulu Language Spe- cialist – Celimpilo Dladla and the Language Unit Man- ager: Nickey Mokone, shared information with learners CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Nickey Mokone is a Manager: Language, based in Eco 6 Glades

Gauteng Launches First Licensing Centre at a Gautrain Station Researched by Naziphi Mpokela Using smart technologies, the new DLTC promises to halve the time it takes for customers to complete the process of renewing the validity of their driving licence cards while on the move. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has opened a first of its kind, smart Driv- ing Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC) at the Gautrain Midrand Station. The new pilot DLTC, which was built using alternative building materials, is completely off the grid, guarantee- ing customers minimal disruptions and a quick, conve- nient service along the Gautrain line. The centre is part of four new stations set to be deliv- “This additional capacity will make it more convenient ered by the GDRT together with the Gautrain Manage- for customers to access services. Last year, we intro- ment Agency (GMA) and the Road Traffic Management duced two new smart DLTCs at Waterfall Estate, City Corporation (RTMC) to add capacity that will help ad- of Joburg, and Eco Park in the City of Tshwane. These dress driving licence card renewal backlogs in Gauteng. new generation DLTCs are the benchmark we are set- “This state-of-the-art facility gives us an opportunity to ting ourselves as we look at modernising all our facili- efficiently deliver licences and other related services to ties across the province,” added Mamabolo. the people. Working together with the GMA and RTMC, in just over two months we have delivered this facility,” said MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastruc- ture, Jacob Mamabolo. The centre will also provide full online and cashless services as part of the provincial government’s com- mitment to exploring modern technologies and process optimisation. The centre will operate from 08:00 – 17:00 from Mon- day – Friday, and from 09:00 – 15:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Shntoetpuwsrlcy:/e-/cw: ownwst.rguocvt.ezda-/ssmpeaertc-hderisv/ignagu-lticeenngs-reo-atedsst-inagn-dc-etrnatnresport-opens- CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE NCazoimphmi MunpicoakteiolanisbaasSedpeinciEalcisot:GInlatedrensal 7

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022 Researched by Thabang Mahlatsi mandated to assist in the fight against substance abuse in the country. The day, amongst others, serves as a call to public officials all over the world to help spread the message about the extreme cultural and economic harm the trade in drugs is still doing across the globe. The United Nations General Assembly decided to What you can do: observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 1987. It was Government calls on all South Africans to join hands in meant as an expression of its determination to the implementation of the national programme of action strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the against substance and alcohol abuse. goal of an international society free of drug abuse. • Community support is extremely important to pre- Drug trafficking and addiction in all their forms continue vent, treat, rehabilitate and accept those addicted to be a huge problem for South Africa. There are sev- to substances. Help break the stigma and promote eral potential health risks for young users, including an faster recovery. increased risk of injury and death due to either violence or accidents. Furthermore, it leads to an increased risk • Be a good role model and empower young people for suicidal behaviour and psychiatric disorders. to deal with life challenges to buffer substance abuse. Drug and substance abuse is a complex socio-econom- ic issue that requires a multi-stakeholder and integrated • Be a messenger – provide factual information such approach toward a drug-free society, captured in the as the following on the negative socio-economic National Drug Master Plan. Creating awareness of the effects of substance abuse to bring about behav- dangers of substance abuse in society and effecting ioural changes: behavioural change are integral parts of the National Drug Master Plan. - The carnage on South Africa’s roads can be re- duced drastically if adults drink responsibly. The Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (Act 20 of 1992) and the Prevention of and Treatment - Don’t drink and drive – Arrive Alive! for Substance Abuse Act (Act 70 of 2008), provide for the establishment of programmes for the prevention - Celebrate year-end festivities soberly and re- and treatment of drug dependency. sponsibly: Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare. The Central Drug Authority was established as an advi- - Say NO to drugs. sory body in terms of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (Act No. 70 of 2008) and is Partner with government volunteer and support rehabili- tation programmes to increase access to information for CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE affected individuals and communities. Source: https://www.gov.za/InternationalDayAgainstDrugAbuse2022 Thabang Mahlatsi is a Specialist: Internal 8 Communication, based in Eco Glades

LANGUAGE TIPS – Collocations by Tholakele Radebe What is a collocation? Some of the most common collocations are made up of verb + noun and noun + noun. A collocation is two or more words that often go to- gether. These combinations just sound “right” to native Let’s take a common collocation like do business, for English speakers, who use them all the time. On the instance. It’s natural for the verb do to be paired with other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and the noun business. To the native English speaker, this just sound “wrong”. Look at these examples: sounds natural and makes sense. This is why you often hear people say do business but you won’t hear them saying make business or have business, even if that might sound right in some other language. The business world has lots of its own, specific collocations. Because these collocations are popularly and universally understood by business professionals all over the world, it’s important to recognise and be able to use them. Natural English... Unnatural English... the fast train the quick train fast food quick food a quick shower a fast shower a quick meal a fast meal Why learn collocations? Words That Go Together: 20 Common Busi- ness Collocations for Natural Sounding English • Your language will be more natural and more eas- ily understood. Right, so now let’s get to the list of business English collocations that you can start using at your workplace • You will have alternative and richer ways of ex- right now! pressing yourself. Verb + Noun Collocations • It is easier for our brains to remember and use 1. Do business language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words. To do business is to enter into a business relationship with another person or company. According to an article in Entrepreneur, there are many risks to consider if you’re planning to do business in other countries. 2. Make money To make money simply means to earn a profit from your business. While waiting for a job offer, he’s trying to make money as a seller on Amazon. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page 9

LANGUAGE TIPS – Collocations (CONT.) 3. Join forces 8. Attract investors To join forces means to team up and work together with To attract investors is to promote a business in such a another person or business. way as to encourage people and companies to invest in The Sales and Marketing Departments will join forces it. to promote the next product campaign. This Forbes article shows you how to attract investors to fund your own startup company. 4. Go bankrupt 9. Suffer losses To go bankrupt is a situation where a company doesn’t In business English, to suffer losses means your costs have enough money to pay its debts. are more than your earnings. It’s usually used to talk The weak economy is causing many companies to go about business investments, markets, etc. bankrupt. He suffered losses in the stock market recently. That’s why he follows the market news closely every day. 5. Run a company 10. Build trust To build trust is to develop a strong relationship with Toof arucnoma pcoamnyp. aTnhyeisvetorbbreuninhcehraerrgeefeorfsthtoetohpeearcattioofns others, where you both expect the best of each other. managing a business activity or store. You wouldn’t hear an English speaker say create trust, make trust, etc. Sraontt,hreunn, ayofulowcoeurldshsoapy, run a business, run a restau- One way to build trust with our customers is by keep- etc. ing our promises to them. 11. Discontinue a product After I retire, I plan to move to the countryside and run To discontinue a product is to stop manufacturing or a small business. selling the product. Since this line of sportswear isn’t doing well, the com- 6. Chair a meeting pany may decide to discontinue the products. To chair a meeting is to play the role of a chairperson at 12. Meet a deadline a meeting. To meet a deadline is to complete a task or job by the It’s your turn to chair the sales meeting this week. scheduled date. The whole team has been working long hours to meet 7. Lead a team the deadline. To lead a team is to be the leader of a group of people working together on a business activity. Words Have Power Robert doesn’t have enough experience to lead the team. Use them Wisely!! CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page 10

LANGUAGE TIPS - Collocations (CONT.) Noun + Noun Collocations try over a period of time. 3. Customer service Don’t forget to include last year’s sales figures in your report as well. You may already know this one. Customer service is about providing your customers quality support and as- 17. Business model sistance, and ensuring they’re happy with your product or service. A business model refers to a business plan of how a company intends to successfully make a profit. This in- Good customer service is one of the main reasons cludes many details such as the business goals, financ- customers keep coming back. ing, products and services, market, etc. 14. Price war Let’s review the success other companies have had us- ing a business model like this one. A price war refers to a period of intense competition between businesses where they continually lower their 18. Customer base prices to gain more customers and increase their mar- ket share. A customer base is a group of customers who repeat- edly buy your products and services. The best time to book your plane ticket is when airlines are having a price war. The sporty design of this watch will appeal to a young customer base. 15. Brand name 19. Market leader A brand name is the name a company gives to its product that makes it easy for people to recognise it. It’s A market leader is the company with the highest sales typically used to refer to very well known products and and largest market share in the industry. indicate a certain level of quality. We have to work much harder this year to maintain our I’m sure you know of famous brand names like Toyota, position as the market leader. Kleenex, etc. 20. Product launch Many people will only buy brand name products. A product launch refers to the act of introducing a new 16. Sales figures product to the market for the first time. This usually involves marketing activities where the company draws Sales figures are used, in general, to refer to the num- attention to the new product. ber and amount of sales made by a business or indus- It seems the best time for a product launch of bever- CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE ages is in April. Until next week! Shhtotttpupsrsc::/e///w:wwwww..eflnugelnistuh.ccluobm.c/bolmog/v/boucsaibnuelsasr-ye/cnoglllioscha/btiuosnisn-ecsosm-emnognlis.hht-m collocations/ based in Eco Tholakele Radebe is a Copy Editor Glades 11

by Employee Welness Services and ICAS CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 12

Government scraps some of SA’s last remaining Covid-19 regulations by Government Communication and Information Systems hospitalisations. The reproductive rate of the virus, test positivity rate and reported deaths had all declined. “We have been monitoring the epidemic, working with the NICD, and the current epidemiological analysis points towards lower infection rates and that the country has exited the recent spike (‘fifth wave’), which the cur- rent limited regulations were promulgated to mitigate,” said Phaahla in his letter. The Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, has scrapped He recommended repealing the regulations on the some of South Africa’s last remaining Covid-19 mask mandate, gatherings and travellers and his pro- regulations, ending the mask mandate, limitations posal appears to have been approved by the Cabinet, on gatherings and checks on travellers coming into which sat on Wednesday. the country. On Wednesday, Phaahla signed a document repealing Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has sections 16A, 16B and 16C of the Regulations Relating cautioned that the lifting of the remaining COVID-19 to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical protocols does not mean employers must adopt a Conditions made under the National Health Act. cavalier attitude towards health and safety in their work- places. That means regulations stipulating that people in an in- door public space, including public transport, must wear In a statement on Thursday, Nxesi said his department a face mask no longer apply. welcomes and supports the decision to drop COVID-19 regulations. However, he urged employers to “play it Regulations on public gatherings have also been safe”. repealed. They stated that indoor gatherings must be limited to 50% of a venue’s capacity, where attendees “The health and safety of workers remains a priority for could show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid our labour market. The Code of Practice on the Man- test, or a maximum of 1,000 people. Outdoor gather- agement of Exposure to Sars-Cov-2 in the Workplace ings faced similar restrictions, but capacity was limited remains the guiding principle on matters of health and to 2,000 people. safety in the workplace and is still the responsibility of all leaders to design an inclusive environment that Travellers coming to South Africa were previously re- promotes safety and makes workers comfortable in the quired to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR workplace,” Nxesi said. test and would be subjected to an antigen test if they hadn’t complied. Those regulations have now been With the development of the decsion to repeal some of scrapped. the country’s last remaining COVID-19 regulations, the Weekly Highlights’ editorial team has decided to discon- Phaahla’s decision to repeal the regulations follows tinue sharing the COVID-19 Statistics. We furthermore a letter he sent to colleagues on Monday noting the would like to urge all RAFzins to remain vigilant of the recent decline in the number and severity of Covid-19 virus and still practise safety measures to prevent infec- cases. Phaahla said the regulations were passed when tions. “the status of the epidemic was very concerning and unpredictable”, when there was still concern over the Sources: Omicron variant and potential new subvariants. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/employers-urged- Citing data from the National Institute for Communica- promote-safety-workplace ble Diseases (NICD), the minister said there had since been a decline in the number of reported cases and https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/thank-you-your- 13 cooperation-during-pandemic CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

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