Weekly highlights 6 August 2021

Weekly Highlights 06 August 2021 - Issue No. 103 In this issue Dear Colleagues #ICARE Values Campaign: Respect Every year, in August, our country marks Women’s Month, when we pay tribute to the more than 20, 000 women who Letters to the editor; SALUTATIONS To MY marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in pro- COLLEAGUES test against the extension of Pass Laws to women. WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE: CELEBRATING RAF LADIES This year marks 65 years since the watershed 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings. The year 2021 also CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES marks the twenty-sixth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, which created a platform for greater gender RAF EMPLOYEE AWARDS equality. DEATH, BE NOT PROUD This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: “The year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Realising Wom- COVID-19 POST VACCINE TIPS AND INFO en’s Rights”. Ensuring and protecting rights for all has been a constant struggle for government and our social COVID-19 Statistics partners, as we battle the devastating COVID-19 pandem- ic. the fun page The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our nation and her Letters to the Editor people in countless ways. What was initially a health crisis has impacted the economy, health, education, food secu- We invite our readers to share their rity and gender equality. comments, feedback, and suggestions with us. Readers are encouraged to submit Women also face the second pandemic of gender-based their letters, of no more than 200 words, to violence, as well as the economic impact of COVID-19, [email protected] and TholakeleR@raf. and the recent civil unrest which engulfed KwaZulu-Natal co.za. We are looking forward to hearing from and parts of Gauteng. you. Women’s Month allows us to gauge how far we have come Editor: Thabang Mahlatsi ([email protected]) in transforming society, particularly the transformation of Sub-editor: Tholakele Radebe ([email protected]) unequal power relations between women and men. It also Reporter: Tintswalo Nkuna ([email protected]) focuses on and addressing gender oppression, patriarchy, Editor-In-Chief: Anton Janse van Rensburg ([email protected]) sexism, racism, ageism, structural oppression, and creat- ing a conducive environment which enables women to take control of their lives. Enjoy this week’s Highlights! Kind regards Internal Communication



Letters to the editor: Salutations to My Colleagues Somebody once remarked that “We certainly don’t need a month to give women much deserved recogni- tion, we need women leaders top of mind every single day.” Author, unknown. Speaking of multi-tasking, women are inspiring lead- ers when it comes to doing a ‘thousand things’ at once, they motivate others around them, breaking the proverbial patriarchal ceiling and carving out their own paths. They do all of this while uplifting and caring for their own and others around them and by going so they set shining examples for other women to follow for generations to come. Halala! South African Women! Oh my! I almost got carried away and I digress...Just by the way, I was raised by a single woman and that’s why women are so special to me! Kind regards What is common between Kamala Harris (United Mpumelelo Poponi 3 States of America Deputy President); Leonie Meyer Field Case Manager, Post (Post Claims Manager-Cape Town); Wendy Gqolana Claims Settlement: Cape Town (Admin Assistant-Cape Town); Nokubonga Lufutha (Admin Assistant-Cape Town); Rehana Khan (Per- sonal Assistant-Cape Town); Professor Thuli Madon- sela (Former Public Protector) and many more? They are all women of incredible influence and the con- tribution they make in our society is invaluable. In light of the upcoming National Women’s day, 9th August, I though it quite important for me to make a poignant and heartfelt dedication to women across the globe but, in particular to our South African women, to express my gratitude and admiration towards them on the eve of Women’s day... And, most importantly: Cape town Post Claims women; you Rock!!. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

WOMEN’s Month Feature : Celebrating OUR RAF Ladies By Zama Ledwaba and drafting responses to urgent matters on behalf of my Senior Manager. I also arrange meetings, file corre- spondence, liaise with Head Office around documents that need authorisation and follow-up on the outstand- ing matters on behalf of the Senior Manager claims. What is the biggest misconception people have about your job/department? I think the biggest misconception people have about the job of a Personal Assistant is that they believe it to be ‘the easiest job ever’. On the contrary, it is a lot of work and a very demanding role to fulfill. Have you ever pretended to like a gift you hated and what did you do with it? MPaenrasgoeMnra:alCdAilksaseimilsestda-inMMt teaonttslhyielnaSBeranniocrh Yes, I have. It wasn’t that I hated the gift; I just didn’t like it for myself. I appreciated the thought though and I As part of the RAF’s Women’s Month Celebrations, believe that everyone gets it wrong sometimes, includ- the Weekly Highlights’ editorial team decided to run ing ourselves. Sometimes we think that we’ve found a profile feature, shining the spotlight on some of the perfect gift for someone and we give it with the best the Women in the Fund. Through their own voices, of intentions, but we do unfortunately give what is not we get to know them not just for their jobs and post really needed or wanted sometimes. I was given a gift descriptions but we get to understand what drives once that was really not my style. I did not want to hurt and motivates them. This week, we hear from Ma- the feelings or embarrass the person who gave it to me. dikeledi Matsila based in Menlyn. Enjoy! So I took it, held on to it for as long as I possibly could and then gave it to someone I thought needed it. NAME: Madikeledi Matsila POSITION: Personal Assistant to the Senior Manager Where do you see yourself in five years? Claims DEPARTMENT: Operations: Claims, Menlyn branch In five years’ time, hopefully, I will have finished my degree and I might be working in a different position all together. I may even be working in an entirely different organisation - spreading my wings and flying higher. I believe life is like the four seasons, and that we learn something new in every season of our lives, whether consciously or unconsciously. This helps us grow and shapes us into something or someone different. Time is the best gift God gave us to allow this process to take Please tell us briefly about your job at the RAF I am a personal assistant to the Senior Manager: Continuepsatgoethe next Claims. Amongst other duties, my job entails liaising with stakeholders on behalf of my Senior Manager. These are mainly internal but I also deal with external stakeholders from time to time. I also do basic office ad- ministration such as answering calls, taking messages CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 4

WOMEN’s Month Feature : Celebrating OUR RAF Ladies (Cont.) place. This year’s Women’s Day theme is: “Realising Women’s Rights”. What is your view regarding the What would you tell young women, who are just progress of women’s rights in South Africa (Are we starting to work, what would you like them to making progress or is there still room for improve- know? ment)? Firstly, I would tell the ladies that we are all made in I think we have come a long way as a country. Today the image of God, so there is no mistake made by our women have a voice in society and the opportunities Father in who or what we are. You are exactly who for them are endless. But I think everything starts in God intended you to be, together with all your short your mind. You must first visualise to be free for you comings and weaknesses. Secondly, you are the to realise that freedom. So, the power is in our hands perfect woman for your journey. Don’t beat yourself up as women to not only live in this freedom but to also about the past and don’t give up. Everything happens believe, with all our hearts, that this freedom is ours to for a reason and everything ultimately works together keep. That way we can pass it on to our girl children as to shape you for the better good in the long run. Every a precious part of our legacy as women. day is an opportunity! You might fall but remember to shake yourself off, get up and do better the next time. What is the most important discovery you have Sometimes we can leap forward but other times we made in the past year? need to take ‘baby steps’ to reach our goals in life. So, do not be afraid to take those steps! In the past year, when the COVID-19 pandemic de- scended on the world like a heavy blanket I discovered If you had a super power what would it be? that it is easy to forget what it means to really live. Liv- ing, for me, means joy, happiness, productivity, great I would like to know what people think all the time, connections and most of all, family and friends. The what an advantage would that be!! past year has, in essence, robbed us of these amazing gifts of life. All these gifts require effort and intent. So, live with intent! CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Zama Ledwaba is a Marketing Officer, based in 5 Menlyn.

CELEBRATING OUR RAF GRADUATES: Tryphosa Molokwane by Thabang Mahlatsi Our celebrated graduate this week is Tryphosa I have been working for the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Molokwane. With assistance from Learning and for the past 25 years. I first started working for the RAF Development (L and D), she has worked hard to in 1996. I can still remember it as if it was yesterday get her qualifications and has currently attained because it came unexpectedly. I was a housewife and her honours degree in Public Administration. We taking care of my family. I thought I would work later on had a chat with her to find out some more about in my life but I soon realised that I had to give up my her academic journey and future plans. We wish to determination to take care of my children personally congratulate Tryphosa on her achievements and and trust other people to assist so that I could work. wish her well for the future. That is how my long journey with the RAF (the then Please tell us briefly about yourself. Also, please MMF) began. I started working at the then organisation include your current position at the RAF. as an assistant, later on in the years an Archive Master, then Logistics Officer and now I’m currently a Senior Officer in the Facilities Department. L and D informed us of your other qualifications obtained through their bursary scheme. Would you please share those with us? When I started working for the RAF I had a matric certificate as my highest qualification. I then obtained all my qualifications in the course of my RAF employment. I started with certificates like the Customer Management Certificate, Facilities Management Certificates and later obtained a Diploma in Project Management and the Management Development Programme (MDP). I then completed my Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. Tryphosa Molokwane Continuepsaogne the next 6 Senior Facilities Officer Eco Glades CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

CELEBRATING OUR RAF GRADUATES (cont.) Is there a qualification you are studying towards at caring co-workers, who were always willing to help. I the moment or recently completed? If so, what is appreciate and thank them profusely. it? With regards to your personal development, what I have been studying for an Honours degree in Public are your plans for the future? Administration, which I have recently completed. My plans for the future have always been to focus on How was your whole studying experience, what personal growth and career growth, and I think I have challenges did you experience and how did you already achieved so much personally and I’m thankful handle them? to the RAF for that opportunity. It was challenging and very intimidating, but having How do you handle the pressure that comes with grown up from a family that values education a studying while working? lot I knew it had to be done. The support that I got from them made it easier. There were times when If I gave you a straight answer, then I would definitely I considered my age and felt like giving up but that not be telling the truth. I just saw myself juggling both was not an option because as my daughter would and to my surprise, it worked, so honestly I don’t always say, “You are never too old for education”. know how I did it. There were days when I felt that I This experience also brought me closer to some of my was not going to make it, but I just kept on pushing. What advice would you give to someone who is considering being a working student (balancing career, academics and family)? I would definitely tell them that it is very challenging but through hard work and perseverance, it can definitely be done. How did you celebrate your achievement? Unfortunately due to the trying times that we find ourselves in, I could not celebrate it as I would have had it not been for COVID-19. It was just an intimate lunch with my immediate family after the virtual graduation. We can only hope for better days ahead and maybe I’ll celebrate the next one differently. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Thabang Mahlatsi is a Specialist: Internal 7 Communication, based in Eco Glades

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Death, Be Not Proud by Cammy Mkhize I have experienced the death of loved ones on more one. They are commonly referred to by the acronym occasions than most. The first blow was in 2011 ‘DABDA’ and these stages are: Denial, anger, bargain- when I lost my sister, five years later it was my ing, depression and acceptance. mother and soon after that it was my gran. Let’s not forget the miscarriage I underwent in between all There is no set time on how long you will go through these losses. each stage. I remember that I was stuck in stage 2 when I was dealing with the loss of my sister. I was You can see that I have a very close relationship with consumed with “Anger”(stage 2) for a while. I was death. I can tell you about the pain that hurts so deep angry with God the most... I could not understand inside that it’s like a dagger piercing through your heart. why He would let such a horrible thing happen to her. The feeling of despair and depression that overtakes My sister was a really good person, why should the your being. The hurt is so deep, your body literally good ones die? I questioned Him, doubted His exis- vibrates as it struggles to physically deal with the emo- tence and blamed Him for everything. At some point I tional pain. I therefore do not wish the death of a loved even stopped going to church, I couldn’t pray – words one even on my worst enemy. couldn’t come out, nothing at all. I was really at my low- est at that time... It saddens me to think that a large number of our col- leagues within the RAF can resonate with what I have With all this hardship, day in and day out, one tiny step been through. We have lost so many loved ones in after the next, you do eventually gain back some of such a short period of time; our colleagues, friends, your consciousness. You remember who you are and family members, parents – the list is endless. Going slowly drag yourself out of depression. You fight, you through my e-mails to receive a “Sad Announcement” stand strong and you rise again. What I have learnt is has become a daily occurrence. Enough is enough! that the God I once resented, is the same God who lifted me up. We all process the loss of a loved one differently, there is no winning formula. Kubler-Ross et-al developed a My experience has made me realise that as a society five stage model of dealing with death and grief. These we fear death. We allow death to embody and torment stages have different emotional responses that people us relentlessly. Poet John Donne suggests that death go through in response to loss or to the death of a loved should not be feared at all, as death will be overcome by something even greater. Death might kill the physical body, but our souls find eternal peace. This memoir is in essence a message to you, my fel- low colleague, who have also experienced the loss of a loved one, advising you, from first-hand experience, that it does get better. My take is: as a nation, we are bleeding – all in a different way. That is why it is impor- tant that we are kind to one another. As a closing statement, nothing ever replaces the gap left by your lost loved ones. I encourage you to cherish the moments you’ve had together and let their memo- ries live forever in the hearts of those they left behind. You will see that no day goes by without you thinking of them. A miscarriage, as an example, makes you think: my child could have been 5 months or 5 years by now. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Christmas etc. Become a different celebration for you. It is hard, it is painful and might take forever to heal. But be gentle with your soul and remember God’s promise over your life. If you do this, death will definitely not be proud, as joy does come in the morning. *Akwehlanga lungehlanga, RAF family! We will rise again. (*IsiZulu proverb for conveying one’s condolences) l CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Cammy Mkhize is a Manager: Marketing, Brand 9 and Research, based in Eco Glades

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THE FUN PAGE AtosofhwCoeOncoVeuIlDer b-a1rl9laRtaeAnWdFowwmooermknie’nsngmwfrohonomt,hdh,etoshmpisietw,ecetohenektciwnheuaedlleetoncigbdeeesd productive. We hope you enjoy it. 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]