Weekly Highlights 03 September 2021

Weekly Highlights 03 September 2021 - Issue No. 104 In this issue Dear Colleagues #ICARE VALUES CAMPAIGN: EXCELLENCE September marks Public Service Month (PSM) in South Africa. PSM is an integrated strategic national event in the WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE : CELEBRATING OUR RAF calendar of the Department of Public Service and Adminis- LADIES tration. This year’s theme is: “The Year of Charlotte Maxeke – RAFZINS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 JAB building the capacity of the state through a resilient work- force that responds to the coronavirus pandemic”. THE DAY THE NETWORK WENT BERSERK! PSM serves as a reminder of what it is to serve, and offers us an opportunity to reflect on our services, their impact, WHAT TO DO IN CASES WHERE NOT EVERYONE IS VAC- and how the work of government is changing the lives of CINATED AGAINST COVID-19 communities. As part of PSM, public servants are expected to: NOW AVAILABLE @ONLINE & AT THE LIBRARY • Roll up their sleeves and spring-clean their service COVID-19 STATISTICS delivery points; • Talk to citizens, mediate the delivery of services and THE FUN PAGE get things done; Letters to the Editor • Unblock the bottlenecks and red tape in the delivery of We invite our readers to share their services; comments, feedback, and suggestions • Ensure the systems and infrastructure are working and with us. Readers are encouraged to submit their letters, of no more than 200 words, to use public resources efficiently to the benefit of the Thabang@raf.co.za and TholakeleR@raf. citizens; and co.za. We are looking forward to hearing from • Recommit themselves to belong, to care and to serve you. the people. The theme reinforces government’s commitment to con- tinue serving the public despite an ever-changing service delivery environment shaped by the coronavirus pandemic and other external forces. The vaccine roll-out would not be possible if it were not for the dedication of our public servants, that is, our nurses, doctors and health care pro- fessionals. Despite the challenges posed by the corona- virus, public servants must never tire to provide excellent service to citizens. They must adhere to the Constitution and other laws of the Republic and put public interest first in the execution of their official duties. Enjoy this week’s Highlights! Kind regards Internal Communication Editor: Thabang Mahlatsi (thabang@raf.co.za) Sub-editor: Tholakele Radebe (tholakeler@raf.co.za) Reporter: Tintswalo Nkuna (Tintswalon@raf.co.za) Editor-In-Chief: Anton Janse van Rensburg (antonj@raf.co.za)



WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE : CELEBRATING OUR RAF LADIES by Thabang Mahlatsi; Ntombi Kulati and Zama Ledwaba Our Women’s Month celebrations continue and this week we hear from Lamees Salie from our Cape Town Office and Sphiwe Mampa from our Menlyn Office. These two ladies are among the heroines who ensure that our office environment is safe from hazards and, also in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, keep our offices and employees safe from COVID-19 by ensuring the implementation of preventative measures and protocols.Through their own voices, we get to know them for more than just their job titles. Enjoy! Lamees Salie Sphiwe Mampa CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next 3 page

WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE : CELEBRATING OUR RAF LADIES (CONT.) NAME: Lamees Salie Outside of work what hobbies do you have to relax POSITION: Occupational Health and Safety Officer or unwind? DEPARTMENT: Facilities Management: Security, Cape Town Region Spending time with family, especially my children. Please tell us briefly about your job at the RAF Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what is it? I am here to ensure that the staff works in a safe and As a woman, my hidden talent is multitasking, being a secure environment and to ensure that Management child to my parents, a sister to my siblings, a wife to my implements the Occupational Health and Safety rules. husband, a mother to my children, an aunt, a friend and a colleague. We basically are all in one, we play many What is the biggest misconception people have different roles in our lives and have many different func- about your job/department? tions, and we do it with a smile. ☺ The biggest misconception about my job is that I do Which book are you reading currently and what is it nothing and all I do is walk around, and that being re- all about? sponsible for people’s safety is easy. Fruits that heal by R.A. Lasania. I’m trying to learn more What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever re- about whole foods and their healing properties. ceived and still apply to your life or work? What’s the top destination on your must-visit list Always have respect for everybody, from a cleaner to and why? the CEO, always be humble because there is always someone worse off than what you are, and stand up for Makkah in Saudi Arabia, and Palestine, i.e. a Muslim yourself. pilgrimage, I haven’t been. This year’s Women’s Day theme is: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Realising Women’s Rights”. What is your view regarding the progress of women’s rights in South Africa? (Are we making progress or is there still room for improvement?) Yes, we have made progress. However, there is always room for improvement. Women are the mothers of this generation and the next, we need our views to be heard. We raise our children; we educate our children and we need to protect our children. I think we should never give up on education for chil- dren and adults alike, knowledge is power and if we continue to provide them not only with basic education but tertiary education as well, our daughters of this na- tion will not only be guided, but will also thrive in making a better world. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next 4 page

WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE : CELEBRATING OUR RAF LADIES (CONT.) What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever re- ceived and still apply to your life or work? Unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collabo- ration, wonderful things can be achieved. Outside of work what hobbies do you have to relax or unwind? I like travelling and I am a reader of Positive Psychol- ogy books. Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what is it? I do coaching and counselling for young adults, in order to help them relieve stress, build resilience, improve self-esteem and ultimately improve their own lives. NAME: Sphiwe Mampa Which book are you reading currently and what is it POSITION: Acting Senior Manager: Support Services all about? DEPARTMENT: Support Services, Menlyn Region The Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel. The author Please tell us briefly about your job at the RAF has structured this book with a new concept of how interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in shaping As a COVID-19 Compliance Representative, I am ap- our thoughts, actions and emotions. It opens a whole pointed to assist the COVID-19 Compliance Officer in new dimension to the science of human connections the Pretoria Region. My participation involves the devel- and its relevance in psychotherapeutic interventions. opment and implementation of the COVID-19 Return- to-Work Plans prior to the reintroduction of employees What’s the top destination on your must-visit list into the workplace. Such development and implementa- and why? tion takes place in accordance with the regulations is- sued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Manage- Jamaica. It has a proud and vibrant culture. It is one of ment Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), to ensure close the most popular and unique cultures in the world that monitoring of the plan, post the re-opening of offices. I is embraced by locals and non-Jamaicans. Besides the ensure a plan is developed for the phased increase of amazing food and music, one of the best aspects of the employees returning to the workplace. The plan should culture is the livelihood and friendly nature of the Jamai- correspond with the regulations issued in terms of the can people. There are many cultural spots, like the Bob Act and must be retained for inspection to, inter alia, Marley Museum and Devon House, where visitors can protect our employees, prevent the spread of infections learn about the history and culture of Jamaica. in the workplace and promote a healthy and safe work- ing environment. This year’s Women’s Day theme is: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Realising Women’s What is the biggest misconception people have Rights”. What is your view regarding the progress about your job/department? of women’s rights in South Africa? Are we making progress or is there still room for improvement? “Since we were prepared for a crisis yesterday, it means we are prepared for a crisis today.” Just be- Women make up half the world’s population and yet cause the RAF was prepared for Adjusted Alert Level represent an incredible 70% of the poor. It is only over 4 of the lockdown does not mean we are still well the last three or four decades that women’s role in the prepared for Adjusted Alert Level 5. It is imperative to history of South Africa has, slowly, been given some make sure that the Return-to-Work Plan is still relevant recognition. for any possible changes under COVID-19 regulations or lockdown level (s). Our plan is continuously reviewed Ntombi Kulati is a Marketing and Communications Manager and implemented in line with the amendments. based in Cape Town CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Zama Ledwaba is a Marketing Officer, based in Menlyn. 5 Thabang Mahlatsi is a Specialist: Internal Communciation, based in Eco Glades



THE DAY THE NETWORK WENT BERSERK! by Benny Kola It was on 12 August 2021 on a Thursday morning. was experiencing had affected everyone. The sun was shining in the sky and the weather was good; you could feel the warmth in the air that Our boss decided that we should postpone the meet- spring was around the corner. I had my breakfast ing for the next day, only to find that izinyoka (an as usual with my lemon tea. I sat down to enjoy my IsiZulu colloquial term for cable thieves) had captured food and thought to switch on my work laptop be- our system. Why on earth would izinyoka do that? We cause we usually have our Teams meetings around could not do anything, not even to connect. This has 9 or 10 am on Thursday mornings. frustrated many of our colleagues because we had momentum going for a new business model. We were As I enjoyed my lemon tea and breakfast, I logged on ready to hit the ground running until we were disturbed and waited for pop up messages to show me that I by izinyoka. As they say ‘every storm has to calm was connecting to the organisation’s system. I would down’. When the dust settles, we hope to start where normally be the first one to connect because I couldn’t we left off because our duty is to serve our community wait to engage with my colleagues. As I waited for the at large. We apply the values and norms of our organ- system to connect me, it seemed as though my break- isation. fast plate had just vanished. I guess my big appetite is a result of the 10km jogs that I take every morning We told ourselves that the network going berserk before I start my day. Jogging in the morning keeps my would not stop us in our tracks to implement what is mind and body fit and at the same time keeps CO- rightfully for the good of the public. The moral of the VID-19 away. story is that every storm has its casualties, but after it has died down we pick up the pieces and rebuild Ten minutes passed without any connection on my sys- where the damages have occurred. Sometimes when tem, I looked at my watch and realised that the meeting a storm occurs we find ourselves caught in the middle would have already started. I took my phone and called and we can see the damage it causes but at the end one of my colleagues just to find out if everyone was the dust settles down. Izinyoka will never cause havoc connected. I then found out that the same problem I in our system again and we hope the time of the storm has passed and what we have experienced will never CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE happen again. Benedict KoClaooisrdainPartoomr, obtaiosnesdainndEAcoctGivlaatdioenss Marketing 7

RAFZINS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 JAB by Zama Ledwaba In his statement on Friday, 06 August 2021, Minister Were you scared /had any fears before getting your of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, indicated that more than COVID-19 jab? eight million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been given across South Africa since February Frankly speaking, I was terrified to get vaccinated 2021. because of the viral conspiracy theories on social and news media. My fears made me very reluctant. As the country’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues, it is important that we emphasise the importance of What is your why for getting vaccinated? getting inoculated to ensure the country overcomes this pandemic and get back to building our economy. My reasons for agreeing to be vaccinated had to do Furthermore, this feature serves to encourage with the conviction that the Government wouldn’t give RAFzins to register to get the COVID-19 vaccine. its citizens a vaccine that would harm them. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and getting vaccinated will help protect you against developing severe I also accepted the vaccine because I wanted to comply COVID-19 disease and dying from COVID-19 related and cooperate with our Government to help curb the complications. spread of this fatal virus. We touched base with some RAFzins who have already What side effects (if any) did you experience after received the jab to hear about their vaccine experience. getting your jab? After receiving the vaccine I experienced a mild fever and some aches on my body for a day and then they subsided over time. What would you say to someone that has doubts about getting the COVID-19 vaccine? Since receiving medical treatment is often a personal choice, I wouldn’t compel anyone to do anything they feel uncomfortable with. However, for those who are considering being vaccinated but are held back by fear of the unknown, I do encourage them to take the vaccine with the assurance that our Government wouldn’t harm its own citizens. Listening to unfounded conspiracy theories is damaging to an individual and the rest of the country. Additionally, agreeing to be vaccinated does much more than protect an individual but it subsequently protects and saves many lives. Katlego Sebidi Continues on the next 8 Litigation 2 page Menlyn When and where did you receive your COVID-19 jab? 03 August 2021 at Eersterust Clinic. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

RAFZINS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 JAB (CONT) Not at all, instead I was looking forward to it. What is your why for getting vaccinated? I am a responsible citizen and believe that if we all get vaccinated, it will pave our way in fighting this pandemic. What side effects (if any) did you experience after getting your jab? Mild headaches, and pain at the site of injection, but after three days everything was fine. What would you say to a person that has doubts about getting the COVID-19 vaccine? Let’s all do this in order to fight the pandemic and defeat this deadly devil, so that we can go back to the normal life we had before. This is for our own health and helps in saving lives. Mashudu Bernice Makhuvha Quality Assurance and Complaints Menlyn When and where did you receive your COVID-19 jab? Dischem Head Office, in Midrand. Were you scared /had any fears before getting your COVID-19 jab? CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Zama Ledwaba is a Marketing Officer, based in Menlyn. 9

WHAT TO DO IN CASES WHERE NOT EVERYONE IS VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 Researched by Mmelele Klaas After almost two years of turmoil and torture of • In public – or any time they’re around people they this dreadful pandemic, we can finally breathe and don’t live with – unvaccinated children should wear feel some sense of relief amid the vaccine roll-out. masks, do social distancing, and take other CO- The elderly and those between the ages of 49 and VID-19 safety precautions. Generally, everyone 35 as well as essential workers have got their jabs who’s unvaccinated should wear a mask. already, leaving next in line the 18-34 age group and those below. This has been a slow but steady Note that guidelines differ for vaccinated and unvac- progress in which our government and health care cinated people, meaning they can differ for adults and institutions have been working tirelessly to ensure children within the same household. That means you that we soon get back to life as we know it, well to a may not need to wear a mask when hosting visitors, certain extent at least. even though your child should. However, the excitement of this possibility of things To help children feel included, consider wearing a finally going back to some sort of normality must be mask even when you don’t need to. Your little ones are contained for just a little longer. We have to ensure always watching, so seeing you keeping up with mask- that our children and those who are still not vaccinated ing behaviour will encourage them to do the same. remain safe and protected from the pandemic. Plus, it can help them feel more included and comfort- able. In a world where guidelines are different for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, it can be tough to know what Can children get (or spread) COVID-19? Are they to do in different situations. So, to help answer these really at risk? questions and ease your conscience a little, here are a few tips on how to approach common scenarios that Yes. While it is true that fewer children get infected have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, with COVID-19 than adults, COVID-19 cases have especially our young bundles of joy. been reported in all age groups – including infants. Children who develop COVID-19 also sometimes de- What to do when you’re vaccinated, but your chil- velop a serious medical complication called Multisys- dren aren’t? tem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Right now, everyone who is 50 and above and 49 to 35 To lower the risk of serious illness from COVID-19, it’s should get a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s the safest, most essential that children continue to take safety precau- effective way to help bring the pandemic to an end. tions – and that their parents encourage them to do so. Until vaccines are available, masking, social distanc- Unfortunately, children aren’t yet eligible to be vac- ing, frequent handwashing, and other COVID-19 safety cinated. That means until vaccines are available for measures are important for children to stick with. younger children, it’s safest for them to follow some guidelines for unvaccinated individuals: Where to take the children during COVID-19 • At home around their family, unvaccinated children 1. Can unvaccinated children visit their grandpar- don’t need to wear masks or do social distancing. ents? The risk of unvaccinated children getting COV- Yes, if both grandparents have received their CO- ID-19 while in a controlled domestic setting is very low. Continues to the next 10 page CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

WHAT TO DO IN CASES WHERE NOT EVERYONE IS VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 (CONT) VID-19 vaccines. Family bonding time is always a great idea, especially after a long year. However, safety guidelines, masks and social distancing are still recommended for children, so maybe keep the hugs and smooches brief. For even a lower risk of catching COVID-19, consider holding family time outdoors. 2. Is it safe to set up playdates? Since neither your children nor other children can be holding the event, you should set, communicate, vaccinated, any playdates should include mask wear- and enforce clear rules so people know what to ing and the children should make a good attempt at expect. social distancing (which, we know, can be tricky with active little ones). Outdoor playdates like trips to the • Consider setting event rules that don’t single park, nature hikes or backyard activities are safer out unvaccinated people. While it is suggested choices. all people get a COVID-19 vaccine, you may wish to invite friends or family members who haven’t 3. Are there safe family vacation options during been vaccinated. In these situations, for example, COVID-19? you might consider having everyone wear a mask – regardless of vaccination status. Or you could Experts advise that unvaccinated people – including consider having your event outdoors for the great- unvaccinated children – don’t travel. But if you choose est safety for unvaccinated people. Rules like to travel anyway, it is highly suggested you take a road these may help all your guests feel more included, trip rather than travel by bus or plane. Being in your and they may help balance public health safety car is similar to being in your home: The masks can with personal choices. come off, and you can feel a little more relaxed. Also, if you do choose to travel, consider staying in • If you’re attending an event, learn what you a place that is exclusive, like a vacation rental or a can. For public gatherings such as churches and secluded campsite. Hotels and campgrounds can be funerals, it’s most realistic to assume that at least riskier choices. a few people in the crowd are unvaccinated. But for private events like weddings and parties, vac- 4. Can children go out to eat with their adults? cination status may vary. Ask the event organiser if they’re taking any COVID-19 precautions related Yes, but if you can, sit outside – outdoor dining is to vaccination status, masking, or social distancing. safer. In addition, children should have their masks With that information, you can plan accordingly. up when not eating or drinking.Consider asking for a place that’s a little farther away from other people, if Everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to possible – many restaurants will be happy to rearrange starting to socialise again. Some people may only want things a bit to accommodate your family. to be around vaccinated people, while others may simply prefer that unvaccinated people wear masks. How to handle events that mix vaccinated and un- Some people may feel more relaxed in a friend’s back- vaccinated people? yard than in an event room at a restaurant. Maybe you’ve been invited to a braai, but you’re not No matter what, it’s important to be patient and sure if everyone there’s been vaccinated against CO- respect choices. A declined invitation or missing VID-19. Or you’re going to a pool party, but you know attendee isn’t necessarily a personal slight – rather, a few of your cousins haven’t been vaccinated. everyone is on their own schedule with getting back to normal, or determining what normal now means for These situations can be tricky.However, to ensure them. Try to keep a positive attitude. everyone has a good time, here are a few tips: Source: • If you’re organising an event, you set the rules. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/topic/womens-health/ Does everyone need to be vaccinated? Does ev- eryone need to wear masks? Do only unvaccinated Mmelele Klaas isbaasPerdominoEtioconsGalanddeAsc. tivations Officer, 11 people need to wear masks? Are there virtual options for people who can’t meet your attendance criteria? There aren’t really any right or wrong an- swers to any of these questions. But as the person CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

NOW @AVAILABLE ONLINE AND THE RAF LIBRARY For more information on how to access these books, contact Kgomotso on: (012) 621 1835 or send e-mail to library@raf.co.za by Knowledge Management BMyaKnnaogwemleedngte 03 September 2021 CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 12



THE FUN PAGE Today we take a funny look at what happens to some of our book collections when we don’t feel like reading some of the books. 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: internalcommunique@raf.co.za