Article by Ntokozo Biyela

Images by Lungile Mseleku & Nelisiwe Mkhize

Once a year, Departments from multiple sectors in KwaZulu-Natal join in a two-day sporting event. The recent Pandemic scourge had halted all large events. As the country dropped the COVID19 regulations and lifted the ban on large events, there was no better time to host the Provincial Inter-Departmental Games than now. Arriving with dynamic energy, this event features sports competitions in which employees from fourteen departments across the province participate in.

Veterans Soccer Team warming up for their semi-final on Day 2.

On the 22nd – 23rd of July, 2022 the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works participated at the Provincial Inter-Departmental Games, which were held at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex Grounds in Richards Bay. The games were chaired and co-ordinated by the Department of Sport and Recreation in collaboration with the Office of the Premier.

The sporting codes included games ranging through from veterans and under 35 men’s soccer, women’s soccer, netball, volleyball, golf, relay and indigenous games, which include umlabalaba, induku and tug of war. Day one of the two-day occasion commenced well with a number of wins in the bag for the Department of Public Works.

The Relay Team

Complements are extended to the provincial ‘Work and Play’ Wellness Programme under the Departments Employee Health and Wellness unit, for accommodating these prestigious games by affording space for officials to get in on the act of living a balanced lifestyle.

The successful attendance of this event was proven through the jubilant energy, which Deputy Director General Corporate Services from the Department of Public Works Mr P.W. Duma commended as he also showed up to not only instil and influence the importance of attending these types of events. “Such opportunities promote healthy networking relationships for all public sector employees”.

Appreciation also pours out to the local businesses from the North Coast Region as the Departments worked hand in hand with multiple businesses to make a success out of this occasion while promoting local businesses, from the caterers and accommodation provided for the athletes and employees, this was an experience of pure joy and high energy from beginning to end.

The event had out-the-box commentary by the commentators of the day, Mr Nkululeko Mkhize from the Office of the Premier Youth and Mr Wandile Nkala from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Day two (2) of the event ended on a high note with an awards ceremony for the winning participants.

Netball Team on the Left and Womens Soccer Team on the Right.

Home Away From Home

Article by Nelisiwe Mkhize, Images by Sibongile Dlangalala

In celebration of the Mandela Day, the KZN Department of Public Works (Head Office) visited Khazimula Child and Youth Care Center at Howick Lidgetton, on the 18 July 2022. The task team came bearing gifts such as clothes and food for the children living at this center.

Khazimula Child and Youth Care Center was established in the year of 2006 by the people who felt the need of taking care of children living with HIV/AIDs, but later the vision changed to catering to all children with different social needs. The center consist of 20 children who are there because of different circumstances and hardships such as abuse, neglect, abandonment and behavioral issues.

The center usually cares for the children until they reach the age of 18 depending on circumstances. They do not only provide shelter for the children, but also grooming them to find a purpose in life. The center has different programmes namely: Residential, Education, Therapy, Family reunification and Sustainable projects.

Residential it is whereby the center provides a clean and good condition shelter for the children, and making sure that the place feels like home every time. The Education program ensures that every child gets quality education as it is their right. In the Therapy program, children receive counselling and reassurance. Family reunification is an effort the center to reunite the children with their families. The Sustainable project, which includes Vegetable garden, Bee farming and a Marimba band this projects helps the children to identify their capabilities, talent as well as keeping them busy.

The general Manager Mr. thathu Mokoena was very grateful that the Department Of Public Works paid them a visit on the day of Celebrating Mr. Nelson Mandela. “It takes a village to raise kids.” Mr. Mokoena said. Joy, dancing and laughter filled the place when the kids played the Marimba to show their appreciation and gratitude to the officials of the Department.

Written by: Bheki Khawula

Photos: Gugu Mtshali and Neliswa Nhlabathi

Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre, in Port Shepstone is the venue wherein KZN Public Works held the Disability Contractors Training on Thursday, 20 July 2022. The Honourable MEC Ntuthuko Jomo Sibiya is a disability economic empowerment activist both by his actions and his utterances. Since his commencement of his role of leading KZN Public Works, he made a call of “disability inclusivity” in all matters pertaining to the economic development of the previously disadvantaged people of our province, the majority of whom are Blacks. He has always pleaded guilty to the crime of propelling Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Sotobe says: “The redress of economic status of our people is not well-done, in the exclusion of the Disability Sector”.

Cllr N. Caluza kick-started the program by welcoming all, the target audience and the government officials in the venue. Ms Nokwanda Dube (Director: KZN Public Works Southern Region) presented the purpose of the event and said that: “ this event came as a result of the request to Public Works by the invitation from the Ugu District Disability Sector. She proceeded, saying that it is the mandate of MEC Sibiya that Millionaires must be realised also from the Disability Sector as a result of the quest of economic development of previously disadvantaged people of our country, with more emphasis to our KZN Province. In conclusion, she affirmed ring-fencing of opportunities as means to reach the targeted audience, being the Disability Sector in this instance.

Miss Delisile Mncube (Director: Youth, Women, People with Disabilities (PWD) and War Veterans presented the Eyesizwe Contractor Development Program. She stated that the fact that the Disability Sector has the lowest representation amongst other sectors that which are catered for by the Eyesizwe Contractor Development Program, highly concerned MEC Sibiya and as a result he made a call for this shortage to be corrected, hence this directorate is in the helm of organising this KZN province-wide district-to-district crusade.

Ms Lethabo Maseko from Small Enterprise Development Agency SEDA presented, telling the target audience that SEDA can intervene in the quest of Disability empowerment by assisting with the crafting of business plans and also by training with business marketing. Their funding comes in form of loans and grants. The loans interest rate is 5%. One can apply for these in SEDA offices. SEDA gives equipment and not money in order to avoid financial mismanagement. SEDA can also provide mentorship in order to enhance professional business management to the target audience of this program.

Mr Mzwandile Mngadi presented Contraction Industry Development Board (CIDB). He started by defining CIDB and correcting all the misconceptions of what CIDB stands for. He educated the target audience by amongst other things telling them that cutting grass has nothing to do with construction and therefore cannot give them any credits in as far as CIDB grading is concerned. He further told the target audience that CIDB status is measured in terms of grades and classes. He then explained that for one to get a CIDB upgrade, one needs to meet the stipulated requirements. Mr Mngadi also alerted the target audience the importance of writing down all contractual agreements that which are entered into wherein construction work is engaged. This helps to indicate the expected roles, timeframes and payment terms during the project.

Ms Zanele Doncabe from Supply Chain Management presented on the filling-in of the document and the required attachments. She stated that in the Ugu District there are only two people from the disability sector who are registered as contractors and this must be improved. She encouraged disabled people to stand up for themselves and answer to the call of their economic empowerment opportunities targeting them. She emphasised that when filling-in the documents, prospective contractors must not do this while in a hurry but this process must be given thorough attention. She discouraged the audience from self-victimisation by last minutes pressures. Finally, she advised prospective contractors to carefully staple or bind all attachments together and ensure the validity of the required certificates.

After interactive discussions and questions by the program’s audience, Mr Bongumusa Mzobe (Chair Person: Ugu District Disability Forum) concluded the program by uttering the words of thanks to KZN Department of Public Works as the author of the program and the main convener of such spectacular gathering. He stated that the Disability Sector as the highly marginalised and naturally disadvantaged community will surely benefit from this economic developmental engagement by this caring government of the people. Lastly, he thanked the Department for the beneficial relation with the Disability Sector, discouraged the Disability Sector form selfishness and encouraged it to always share this important information with those people who were not part of this gathering.

This year marks 46th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto when the youth protested against imposition of Afrikaans by the apartheid regime. In commemorating this day, Head Office hosted an information session targeting youth employees in line with the theme of this year’s June 16 celebrations ‘Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience of Young People for a Better Tomorrow.’ This special event was held at Oliver Tambo Auditorium on Wednesday, 29 June 2022 with a view to tackle issues such as gender based violence, health and lifestyle as well as financial management.

The day started with excitement and enthusiasm, as officials were thrilled to be part of this cheerful event after challenges emanating from the COVID 19, which prohibited gatherings. Mr Ndumiso Zondi from Southern Region directed the programme of the day. He first called upon the Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Mr PW Duma who made a detailed elucidation on the purpose of the day’s programme. “Today we are commemorating the youth of 1976 who died so that we could be better off. Hence we value young people because they are curious, attractive, energetic, strong and idealistic.” Said Mr Duma.

He was vocal in raising issues related to the youth of today such as gender-based violence and drugs. He then encouraged the youth to seek, seize and secure the opportunity.

Invited guests shared platform as they delivered their respective presentations. Mr. M Ngobese from South African Police Services (SAPS) spoke about gender – based violence; Dr. Mlungisi Dongwe from Luminjalo Medical Centre presented an insightful information on health and lifestyle issues while Ms. Nomfundo Mkhize from Sanlam delivered a presentation on financial management. These presentations targeted young people in the main.

As the programme continued, there were laughter moments as officials took turns on stage to showcase their amazing talents in activities such as drama, traditional dance, Sarafina, and Kofifi dance.