Department of Local Government and Housing

January 2007 Issue

Provincial Government Western Cape

Overstrand Muncipality Scoops National Vuna Award

Local Government and Housing

Wins Top Award

First Fire Rescue Training Centre opened in the Overberg District

new look issue - 2007

Editorial Team:

Editor:

Content:

Design and Layout:

Contact Us:

Xolani TyilanaTel: 021 483 2686

Xolani LuthuliTel: 021 483 3605

Debbie FrancisTel: 021 483 6672

Sandy GodlwanaTel: 021 483 4976

Vumile NcedaniTel: 021 483 8975

Zoë ButsakaTel: 021 483 2578

Thyrza HornTel: 021 483 8790

Malusi RayiTel: 021 483 4981

Jacques van WyngaardtTel: 021 483 3634

Tel: 021 483 2870lghnews@pgwc.gov.zawww.capegateway.gov.za/dlgh

Cover Page:Fire Fighters giving a demonstration at the launch of the first fire Rescue Training Centre that opened in the Overberg District

Xolani Luthuli from the Communication Team

From the Editorial Team

COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON

On your marks… get set…. and goooooooooooooooooo! Yep guys, another new year, that, we have entered with most of us safe and sound. All glory and praises to Higher Power for blessing us that we see 2007 and unscathed. By the way, this happened, not because we are clever, but because, Someone bigger than all of us, is watching over each and every individual here on earth. Usually by this time we have what is called New Year's Resolutions. What is funny and amazing about this, is that, we all have this renewed vigor to make the most of the incoming year, but, as the year progresses, we tend to more and more lose sight or focus of these resolutions we have made.

2007 is no exception to a number of people, colleagues have made resolutions and LGH News will bring you some of the resolutions. Yours, truly, my resolution is that I quit smoking in 2010.

Iyo… December 2006 was so hectic. The MEC for Local Government and Housing, Mr. Qubudile Dyantyi, pulled out all the stops going east, west, north and south of the province discharging his duties. As we know that at around the December holidays there are a number of fires that take place. With this in mind, it was great to see the Overberg District Municipality opening a Fire Rescue Training Centre.

Then there was the Vuna Awards. Now, for some of us, who don't know about these awards, simply put, these are the Oscars or the Grammy's Awards, specially made for municipalities. It was with great pleasure and honor to see, two of our very own municipalities (Overstrand and Swartland) made the Province proud at the country's capital city of Johannesburg. To put icing on the cake, our Department also scooped an award, by beating 8 other Provincial Local Government Departments, winning the Award for: Best Supportive, Hands on and Performing Department (Nationally).

Be prepared to be touched by a 47 year old, visually impaired lady, who became a proud owner of her house, for the first time in her life.

As always grab your cup of tea, coffee and juice – relax as we inform and entertain you. Remember, one thing that remains though, its all of our responsibility to make Western Cape a true Home For All who live in it. That mandate hasn't changed.

Department ofLocal Government

and HousingWestern Cape

by Xolani Luthuli

Information and application forms are available by: ï Logging onto: www.gems.gov.za. ï Calling: 0860 00 GEMS or 0860 00 4367. ï Emailing: enquiries@gems.gov.za.Government Employees

Medical Scheme

Inside this Issue

Page Content

Letters from our Readers

We’d love to hear from you!Please forward any queries and letters to lghnews@pgwc.gov.za or contact us at 021 483 2870, fax 021 483 2343

Previous Newsletters

I wanted to know if you could help me with copy of a previous issue of this newsletter .

I am not sure whether its the August or September issue but I am looking for the one where Dimakatso features in the career profile section. I hope this can help you.

Thank you ver much

Ismail Babu

Thank you for raising this issue Mr Babu. Please note that all prev ious issues of th is newsletter are available on the s h a r e d d r i v e i n t h e “Communication” folder.

The Editorial Team

Opening of the first Rental Housing Tribunal Call Centre I just want to commend you for this being a very good project, to bring the call centre to the public. This will make it easier for the communities as they will not have to come into town to be assisted but can query over the phone. The person that came up with this idea needs to be commended as well. I also wanted to ask if this service will include you being able to ask them to assist in you renting a house from the Department. Will they also be available to help one through the whole application process making the application successful. Kind Regards

Athena JohannesEnvironmental, Planning and Economic Development

The Call Centre is at this stage a pilot for the Rental Housing Tribunal only, but it is planned that this will be a first phase for a call centre for the whole Department. Within this year, the Department will look into what other funtions will be served by a call centre and then also implement that. It is hoped that a call centre will be able to provide a more streamlined service to our clients, who not always are able to visit the offices.

Andre RossouwDeputy DirectorRental Housing Tribunal

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Overstrand won the Vuna Awards 2006

The Department of Local Government and Housing wins a top award.

MEC Qubudile Richard Dyantyi hands over 115 houses

Fire Training Centre launched at Bredasdorp

Community Development Workers Achievements 2006

An Early Christmas Present for Mrs Mkhohli

New Years Resolution for 2007

Motivational Corner

New Appointments

Birthdays

Career Profile: John Tabatha

by Malusi Rayi

verstrand Local Municipality scooped the National Vuna award worth 2 million rands, at a

gala event held on 12 December 2006 in Sandton. In addition to this, the Municipality won in two of the five key performance areas namely, Good Governance worth (R100 000) and Financial Viability worth (R100 000).

According to Mr. Fanie Kr ige, Communications Manager for the O v e r s t r a n d M u n c i p a l i t y , t h e achievement has added value to the area as a holiday destination. “This is evident because of the number of tourists flocking into our district.” said Krige. He also said that since the municipality won the award, there has been huge pressure from tourists. During the peak ho l iday season the municipality saw the number of tourists rising from 20 000 to 80 000 as compared to the same period during 2005.

Mr. Theo Beyleveldt, the Mayor of Overstrand Muncipality said: “ An award like this, however is not won over

Oone day but is the result of a long process and hard work.” Beyleveldt thanked the community, the officials and the council of Overstrand Municipality for their contribution towards this achievement.

“In total, we won close to 3 million, and our municipality is already in a process of working a business plan on how to spend this financial reward,” said Krige. He further said consultation with different ward councilors will take place in order to identify the needs of the communities.

The Vuna Awards for Municipal Performance excellence is a National competition, which recognizes and r e w a r d s e x c e l l e n t m u n i c i p a l per formance. The compet i t ion a s s e s s e d t h e p e r f o r m a n c e o f municipalities for the 2004/05 financial year. Municipalities who participated were assessed on 5 key performance a reas and these a reas were : Infrastructure Development and Service D e l i v e r y , L o c a l E c o n o m i c

D e v e l o p m e n t , M u n i c i p a l Transformation and Inst i tut ional Development, Financial Viability and G o o d G o v e r n a n c e . A l l t h e municipalities were eligible to compete in the competition.

The assessment is based on Category B and C that assesses participants at a provincial level. After the 1, 2 and 3 winner has been determined for the province, the first place winners from each category then qualify to compete at a national level. There are rules regulating the competition to ensure that the competition is run fairly and consistently across the country.

The Vuna Awards aim to promote creativity and innovative municipal service delivery, promotes efficiency of expanded development programs such as consolidated municipal infrastructure programme, recognizes the effectiveness and efficiency of municipal institutions and promotion of good local governance.

Overstrand Muncipality Scoops National Vuna Award

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Three

Local Government and Housing

Wins Top AwardBy Sandy Godlwana

he stage is set for bigger things to come, watch the space!

The Sandton Convention centre was abuzz with political bigwigs for the National Vuna Awards that took place on the 12 December 2006. The Awards have come and gone, and for the first t ime round, the Western Cape Department of Local Government and Housing emerged as the overall winner for the best supportive, hands on and performing department (Nationally).

“I want to congratulate the Department and our two Municipalities. You have made us proud. If two municipalities excel (Overstrand and Swartland), the other 28 municipalities can too,” said MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile Richard Dyantyi.

Vuna is a Nguni word meaning “Harvest together”. As a symbol of the Vuna Awards, it celebrates those who are helping sow the seeds of development and are ensuring a good harvest for the lives of all the people in South Africa.

The Vuna awards, which were first

Tintroduced in 2003 are an incentive given to municipalities in recognition of their sterling performance in providing services to their communities. This year they took into consideration work carried out by municipalities over the 2005-6 financial years.

These awards are a partnership between the South A f r i c a n L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t Association (SALGA), Development Bank o f S o u t h A f r i c a (DBSA), Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG) and the National Productivity Institute (NPI); and t h e y s e e k t o inculcate a culture of service delivery by recogn i s ing and r e w a r d i n g municipalities' efforts to render services.The award serves as a t o k e n o f

appreciation for the Department's leading role in ensuring ongoing political stability and service delivery, let us plant the seeds and reap the rewards. “Everything can change, but service delivery to the people who elected us must be sacrosanct,” added Dyantyi.

MEC Dyantyi handing over the Vuna Award to the Head of the Department, Shanaaz Majiet

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Four

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Five

by Vumile Ncedani

EC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile Dyantyi officially handed over

115 new houses, planted trees and gave groceries to beneficiaries in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha on Saturday 16 December 2006.

The Mandela Park Project was initially allocated to the Khayelitsha Community B a s e d D e v e l o p m e n t C o m p a n y (KCBDC). Dyantyi said that due to the lack of progress made by KCBDC he decided to step in to get his department to intervene and speed up the housing delivery in the area.

He reminded the beneficiaries that the project had been jammed and he intervened as he had promised. .

The MEC also appealled to the new owners of houses not to invite their relatives from Eastern Cape or elsewhere to come and take over the shacks as they move in to their new houses. “Once you move to your new house the shack is not yours anymore,” he said.

Mr Jeremiah Thyhsmn Manager of Thubelitsha said handing over houses, planting trees and giving groceries to the beneficiaries were symbols of hope for his company (Thubelitsha). He thanked the community of Mandela Park for allowing them to take over the project and to complete it. “ They opened arms and welcomed us to continue with projects. We are very grateful for completing houses without experiencing any problems,” he said.

M Richardhouse. “I am happy to get a house. There was lots of fires in Site C especially this time of the year. Now I don't have to be worried about the fire,” she said.

One beneficiary Ms Nolusindiso Tshetu thanked the MEC and Thubelitsha for building houses for them, but she was quick to say the battle of housing was not yet over because she has received her house. “We will not rest until other thousand beneficiaries receive their houses,” said jubilant Tshetu.

Another beneficiary Mrs. Gadeni Angelina, who will be living with her visually impaired son, said she was very happy to have received the house, after all the years she has been waiting for a

MEC Richard Dyantyi officially handed over 115 houses in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha

A delighted beneficiary giving MEC Dyantyi a warm hug, in appreciation

Main Picture: MEC Dyantyi at the handover in Mandel Park, in front of Ms. Nolusindiso Tshetu’s house

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Six

by Sandy Godlwana

new empowerment project to equip firemen and firemen wannabes, with skills and the

know-how to become successful fire-fighters has been launched.

The Overberg District Fire Rescue Training Centre was officially launched in Bredarsdorp on 11 December 2006.

The centre was established as part of a mandate under the Structures Act, where the district is responsible for training firefighters in the area. The centre also aims to train people from communities and private sector in health (First Aid skills) and welfare training programmes.

It is registered with the Local Government Seta to provide the Emergency Services Operations Certificates, Veld Fire courses and First Aid courses. Making it possible to bring in learner fireman at grassroots level, and train them internally up to South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) standards.

Mr. Reinard Geldenhuys, Chief Fire Officer in the Overberg District said they opened the centre for two reasons. It is a statutory requirement as a district municipality to have a training centre and because a lot of money was being spent sending firemen to study in other places away from the station. Hence there was a need to train them internally. He further added that they wanted to capacitate people from communities on basic fire-fighting skills.

Any person with a standard eight or higher can register and is eligible for full training. In 2004 Overberg was hit by

A

First Fire Rescue Training Centre

opened in the Overberg District

many disasters including floods which left residents scrambling to salvage their belongings. The damages of fire affect everyone. Opening a centre such as this one will not only help the effected communities during times of disaster but people will get the relevant skills and knowledge right on their door step.

New fire fighting trucks were handed over to the centre and after the event there was a tour to view all the new facilities.

DEMO AT THE LAUNCH: Fire fighters demonstrating the different situations they deal with in real life

Main Picture: FIREMEN IN ACTION Two fire fighters demonstrating how a fire is brought down

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Seven

by Vumile Ncedani

fter working tirelessly to educate and recruit people on various p r o j e c t s , t h e C o m m u n i t y

Development Workers (CDWs) regional co-coordinators have compiled their success stories, in a report sent through to the Department of Local Government and Housing. Throughout 2006 these CDWs have been to various communities in the province.

According to Ms Nolungile Sibani reg ional co-coord inator of the Metropolitan area, CDWs in Delft have approached and facilitated meetings with the Department of Labor for training of local residents on making bricks.

In her report she said 123 local residents were recruited by CDWs to participate on the program and the learners completed the training successfully and received their certificates on brick making.

The graduates currently work on housing projects in Delft and surrounding communities. Ms Sibani also mentioned that some of them (graduates) subcontracted the schools and clinics. She also mentioned how they have assisted unemployed residents in food gardening.

The Metropolitan regional co-ordinator said food gardens were provided in schools, clinics, soup kitchens in the disadvantaged communities and Department of Agriculture was involved in workshops and supplying seedlings.

The Nail Mellon Township initiative has also assisted in building a crèche for the people of ImizamoYethu informal settlement in Hout Bay. Urban Renewal Offices involved the Khayelitsha CDWs in conducting research for them.

A In Kleinvlei and Eerste River CDWs were involved in “Safer Festive Season” program. They were also joined by parents, Child Relationship and South A f r i c a P o l i c e S e r v i c e ( S A P S ) . Masiphumelele CDWs were involved in lessening the severity of floods during, winter and shack fires in summer.

Sam Manak regional co-ordinator of the Eden Municipality said Power Town residents agreed to be removed from the waterlogged area and also received food parcels through MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile

Dyantyi and Oasis.

In the Overberg Region, co-ordinator Clinton Bronn said Theewaterskloof has done door-to-door approaching plus minus 2000 households to complete indigent subsidy applications.

Richard

Lynn Phillips who co-ordinates the Metropolitan Region said they have established support groups for families affected by substance abuse and about 50 learners were trained by South African Circus School for a week and are currently showcasing their talent. They also facilitated workshops on substance and behavior problems in high schools as well as teenage pregnancy in primary schools.

The West Coast Region which is under the leadership of Nolan Adams has started the beading project because there is a high unemployment rate in the area. In the report he said they also started a sewing project to accommodate and capacitate unemployed women. They received R 5000.00 grant f rom Goedgedacth community trust to establish the project.

Community Development Workers (CDWs) Success Stories for 2006

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Eight

Main Picture: The CDW Graduation Ceremony

Opposite Left: Community Based Training, a workshop held by the Department of Provincial and Local Government

Right: Some CDWs at the training centre in Pretoria

Bottom: CDWs receiving their qualifications at the graduation ceremony with Minister for Public Service & Administration Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi in the middlen the left and Deputy President Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

by Vumile Ncedani

n the 21 of December 2006 Mr. Ray Rughubar Chief Director for Housing Delivery officially

handed over keys to Mrs. Nobongile Mkohli, 47 who is visually impaired.

He said on behalf of the department, people who were involved and sponsors he wants to thank them for the great job they have done for the women. He said he was thrilled and privileged to have handed over the house to her. He added that he was happy the house has been completed

Obefore Christmas and New Year as they had promised.

“It is our responsibi l i ty as the Department of Local Government and Housing to speed up service delivery. We are very pleased to have given the house to this lady as she has been waiting for the past years,” he said.

After Mrs. Mkhohli complained to MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile Dyantyi about her u n f i n i s h e d h o u s e , t h e M E C

Richard

i m m e d i a t e l y i n s t r u c t e d h i s departmental officials to follow up the uncompleted house and speed up the process of building.

The People Housing Process (PHP) section took it upon themselves to find the sponsor for the material and volunteered to undertake the actual work to complete Mrs. Mkhohli's house.

A prominent businessman Mr. Barry Brooks who owns Westlake Business Park a n d W a t e r f r o n t D e v e l o p m e n t Company Kalkbay (PTY) (LTD) sponsored Mrs Mkhohli with an amount of R3000.

Mr. Brooks said it was only a pleasure for them to help disadvantaged people like her and that it was part of their s o c i a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o h e l p disadvantaged people. “It is a pleasure for us, to assist people who are in need,” he said.

Excited Mkhohli said that she was happy and relieved that she will be spending Christmas and New Year in her new house with her family.

The money was handed over to Jambela Construction to facilitate the whole process of completing the house. The company (Jambela Construction) has also provided skills labour and the material to complete the house.

It is the department's responsibility to give houses to communities. It was a heartwarming gesture to have put back a smile on to Mrs. Nobongile Mkhohli's face who has lived in a shack from 1995 until 2006.

Early Christmas Present for Mrs Nobongile Mkhohli

Main Picture: Mr Rayan Rughubar, Chief Director Housing Delivery, handing over the keys of the house to Mrs Nobongile Mkhohli

To left: Mr Rughubar with his staff members in front of the house

Bottom left: Mr Barry Brooks (left) handing over a cheque of R3000.00 to

Mrs Kate Jambela from Jambela Construction.

Mrs Mkhohli, the beneficiary and looking on

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Nine

by Malusi Rayi

ur news team had the privilege t o c a t c h u p w i t h t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f L o c a l

Government and Housing's staff as they gave highlights of 2006. To many of them, the New Year brings many hopes. Here is what they had to say

Mr. Sipho Phendu: Directorate Community Development and Public Participation

Mr. Lionel Martch: Directorate Customer Relations and Communication

Ms. Debbie Sas: Directorate Human Resource Management and Administration

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“ I spent my festive season in the Eastern Cape as it is always good to be there during this time of the year, because I get to see old friends and family members. My New Year's resolution is to buy a car.”

“I always spend the festive season with my family and I am looking forward to 2007. For this year my resolution is not to be stressed.”

“I work throughout

2007On your marks...

Mr. Jerome Pontac: Supporting Services

Ms. Pamela Sicetshe: Directorate Policy and Strategy

Mr. Craig Mitchell: Directorate Inter-governmental Relations

Ms Hailey Mckuur: Ministry

“What a busy festive season, as I was working with many projects. For this year, I am looking forward to be more productive than before, and this can only be achieved if we communicate to each other.”

“I worked throughout the holidays, and there was not much about it. 2007 is a year where I will focus on my studies and I also want to improve performance at work.”

“My son passed his matric with flying colours and this has made 2006 a memorable year for me. For this year, I would like to get married and to see my Rugby team promoted to 1st division league.”

“I was not impressed with people who are littering on our beautiful beaches.My resolution for this year is to educate people on how to maintain cleaner environment.”

holidays and there was nothing special as there was lots of commitments. This year I'm looking forward to getting a promotion at work.

“2006 was a year where I experienced new things at Local Government & Housing. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to be dedicated and focus in my work.”

“For me the festive season was a time to relax with my family.For 2007, I would like to get a better position in the same department.”

“I enjoyed Christmas trimmings decorations, and other festivities.My New Year resolution is to further my studies and to buy a new car.”

Mr. Petrus Bandzana: Directorate Financial Management

Mr. Malibongwe Gontsana: Directorate Human Settlement and Development

Mr. Alec Pieterse: Directorate Project administration

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Ten

Page Eleven

otiM v ae tih oT nal C

orner

by Sandy Godlwana

A guy phones up his Boss, but gets the bosses' wife instead. "I'm afraid he died last week." she explains. The next day the man calls again and asks for the boss. "I told you" the wife replies, "he died last week." The next day

he calls again and once more asks to Speak to his boss.

By this time the wife is getting upset and shouts, "I'VE ALREADY

TOLD YOU TWICE, MY HUSBAND, YOUR BOSS, DIED LAST WEEK!

WHY DO YOU KEEP CALLING?" He replied laughing, "I just love hearing it..."

Author unknown

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

That it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.

that credentials on the walldo not make you a decent human being.

that two people can lookat the exact same thingand see something totally different.

that sometimes when I'm angryI have the right to be angry,but that doesn't give methe right to be cruel.

that learning to forgive takes practice.that no matter how thin you slice it,there are always two sides.

that it takes years to build up trust,and only seconds to destroy it.

that it's not what you have in your lifebut who you have in your life that counts.

Never visit a friend during this time of the year, they might not be as friendly as they used to, don't blame them.

Always bring your own food when going to see them.

Never call anyone with a private number, I bet they won't answer. They might think its Giddys or Morkels looking for some money.

Avoid conversations that relate more to money, they might borrow from you. Pretend to be without money and act sympathetic or else face the consequences.

Avoid relatives during this time of the year, its trouble!

Never buy new clothes this time of the year unless its for your kids going to school.

After your shopping you shouldn't walk around with plastic bags, cos I'm telling you next door neighbours come knocking with a big cup to get some cooking oil from you.

Last but not least be careful with your money next time in December save for January...

Author: Dena DiIaconi

Believe in Yourself, and Remember that Anything Is Possible

Believe in what makes you feel good.Believe in what makes you happy.

Believe in the dreams you've always wanted to come true,

and give them every chance to.

Life holds no promisesas to what will come your way.

You must search for your own idealsand work towards reaching them.

Life makes no guarantees as to what you'll have.It just gives you time to make choices

and to take chances and to discover whatever secrets might come your way.

If you are willing to take the opportunities you are givenand utilize the abilities you have,

you will constantly fill your life with special moments and unforgettable times.

No one knows the mysteries of life or its ultimate meaning,but for those who are willing

to believe in their dreams and in themselves,life is a precious gift in which anything is possible.

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Twelve LGH Newsletter, January 2007 Issue

Quotes and inspirational poems help us remember the simple yet profound truths that give life perspective and meaning. When it comes to life's most important lessons, we can all use gentle reminders.

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, not the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship."

The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.

"Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers."

He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; One cannot fly into flying.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fosdick, Harry Emerson

Anthony Robbins

Friedrich Nietzsche

Author: Jacqueline Schiff

Don't ever forget that you are unique. Be your best self and not an imitation of someone else.

Find your strength and use them in a positive way. Don't listen to those who ridicule the choices you make.

Travel the road that you have chosen and don't look back with regret. You have to take chances to make your dreams happen.

Remember that there is plenty of time to travel another road - and still another - in your journey through life.

Take the time to find the route that is right for you. You will learn something valuable from every trip you take, so don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Tell yourself that you're okay just the way you are. Make friends who respect your true self.

Take the time to be alone, too, so you can know just how terrific your own company can be.

Remember that being alone doesn't always mean being lonely; it can be a beautiful experience of finding your creativity, your heartfelt feelings, and the calm and quiet peace deep inside you.

Don't ever forget that you are special and you have within you the ability to make your dreams come true.

Remember some of these pictures? You can access previous issues of this newsletter on the shared drive in the “Communication” folder or visit www.capegateway.gov.za/dlgh.

LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Thirteen

New Appointmentsby Vumile Ncedani

We’d like to welcome our new colleagues who have been appointedas from January 2007.

Sedick Salie, Principle Personnel Officer, Human Resource Management and Administration, ext 4923

Malusi Makalima, Senior Labour Relations Officer, Human Resource Management and Administration, ext 4964

Malusi Rayi, Communication Administration Officer, Customer Relations and Communication, ext 4981

Denise Manasse, Senior Secretary, Planning and Development, ext 4224

Nwabisa Mayongo, Chief Works Inspector, Professional and Project Management Services, ext 4435

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Delikhaya Lilane, Chief Works Inspector, Professional and Project Management Service, ext 4035

Fransisco Goncalves, Chief Works Inspector, Professional and Project Management Service, ext 4996

Lwandiso Mahlanyana, Admin Officer, Human Resource Management and Administration, ext 8392

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Brian Wyngaardt, Chief Works Inspector, Professional and Project Management Service, ext 2672

Brian Kewana, Assitant Director, Asset Management, ext 8981

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LGH Newsletter, January 2007 IssuePage Fourteen

January 2007Birthdays

Name Section Birthday

by Vumile Ncedani

Mr Mziwonke MpofanaMs Imiel HendricksMr Stanley CupidoMs Nandipha NukaniMr Sabelo MpangevaMr Clarence HansbyMs Noloyiso MagcwebebaMs Nomaxesibe MdiniMs Zoe ButsakaMr Sidney StilwaneyMr George O'ReillyMs Gladys Kock Mr Mziwamadoda MpangevaMr Sonwabo NgxumzaMr Kelvin HendricksMr Faiez JacobsMr Oriel Jongbloed Ms Aletta SmitMr Joe RenneyMs Cindy OckhuisMr Colin PritchardMs Zylia CloeteMs Herlene BritzMs Sandy GodlwanaMs Wasimah KamishMs Dean KillianMr Jerome PontacMs Bathabile MolekoMr Edward JacobsMs Deidrè ParsonsMr Reginald FredericksMs Charlene PretoriusMr Brian VerweyMr Rodney Arnold Ms Lindelwa SkweyiyaMs Roseline WanieMs Mokoji Modjadji Ms Wendy BinghamMr Stiaan MoolmanMs Rhona Esterhuizen Ms Irene WaniMs Anastasia ClaasenMr Langa MbudeMr Kevin Seaton Mr Carlo BrierleyMs Olga van ZylMs Bonita van der Merwe

Directorate: Policy and StrategyProfessional and Project Management ServiceCommunity Development - DrakensteinCommunity Development - TheewaterskloofHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationCommunity Development - KhayelitshaHuman Resource Management and AdministrationCustomer Relations and CommunicationAsset ManagementHuman Settlement DevelopmentGovernance and IntegrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationCommunity Development - GugulethuGeorge OfficeGovernance and Institutional SupportHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationMunicipal Infrastructure EnhancementCommunity Development - West Coast DistrictProfessional and Project Management ServiceCommunity Development - MatzikamaCommunity Development - KanalandCustomer Relations and CommunicationHousing DeliveryHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationCommunity Development - TheewaterskloofHousing Project AdministrationAsset ManagementHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHousing Project AdministrationProfessional and Project Management ServiceHuman Settlement DevelopmentCommunity Development - Cape TownCommunity Development - Prince AlbertHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationFinancial ManagementGovernance and IntegrationFinancial ManagementProfessional and Project Management ServiceMunicipal Infrastructure EnhancementHuman Resource Management and AdministrationHuman Resource Management and AdministrationCommunity Development

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LGH Newsletter, January 2007 Issue

Ca

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a “Adopting Simodium Informal Settlement”

by Vumile Ncedani

e is one of the Department of Local Government and Housing's most dedicated and successful Assistant Directors and has

devoted his time to improving the standard of impoverished townships.

For Mr. John Romosa Thabata, working with disadvantaged communities is more than work, it is a passion. Judging by his body language and the way his face lights up when he speaks about his work with destitute communities, his colleagues can count themselves very fortunate to have had a committed person of his calibre.

“It's a commitment and I know my core function of my work. Housing department is for communities. I always visit the communities in my personal capacity and I have adopted Simodium Informal Settlement in Klein Drakenstein Municipality,” he said.

Thabatha said he raises funds for the disadvantaged schools kids in the area with an assistance of social workers around the n e i g h b o u r i n g communities. “ Once we raise enough funds, we buy schools uniform for those kids,” he said

During his last f i f t e e n y e a r s T h a b a t a h a s w o r k e d f o r s e v e r a l departments in t h e p r o v i n c e b e f o r e b e i n g a p p o i n t e d a s Assistant Director

H

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of Service Delivery and Community Empowerment by the Department.

He had cut his teeth (during apartheid era) at the Cape Provincial Administration now known as Department of Public Works and Transport from 1992 up to 1997 and then he worked for the National Department of Public Works.

“My first achievements being a first black employee to be employed and first to negotiate a deal with Portuguese Finish Company, which resulted in the Western Cape Black Millionaire,” he said.

He initially worked as Principal Property Inspector for two years, before becoming Assistant Director in 2003. An energetic Thabatha hails from the Eastern Cape in Aliwal North 55 kilometer from MEC

R ichard Dyanty i ' s hometown Burgersdorp. He is a soccer player for the department as a middle fielder and as the striker winger as well as a keen rugby player he was acknowledged with Springbok colours.

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