June 2013 - Department of Defence

eventsChief of Human Resourcestalks openlyS A S O L D I E RBy Ms Tebogo Mampa,Intern SA SoldierPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaMembers of the HumanResource Division gatheredat Thaba Tshwane CityHall for a communicationperiod on 17 May 2013.The main purpose of acommunication period is to talkopenly about challenges and mattersthat arise in the workplace. This isnecessary to create and build mutualunderstanding and common groundso that the workplace can be peacefuland enjoyable.The ceremony started with thereading of the Codes of Conduct foruniformed members and for PublicService Act Personnel (PSAP). TheChief of Human Resources, LtGen Themba Nkabinde, led thisannual event with the theme: “Weare great because we think we aregreat”. He said: “Colleagues, sincewe began having such sessions, Ihave learnt of the great value thatthese interactions add to our dayto-dayexecution of our variousresponsibilities”.Lt Gen Nkabinde added:“Communication periods afford usa rare opportunity to interact andengage with each other on variousissues that are of mutual concern,while appreciating our victoriesas a collective. So I urge you notto hold back; let us learn to air ourviews openly in order to addresswhatever issues there may be andmove forward together in fulfillingour constitutional mandate.“A communication period is where wecan converse openly without any fears.For you to be considered great in lifeyou have to have self-confidence, trustand belief in yourself: then peoplewill trust you and have faith in you.A wise man once said: ‘Masteringyourself is true power, but masteringothers is strength. Knowing yourselfis true confidence, knowing othersare intelligence’. We are the oxygen ofthe Division; a department withouta human resource section cannotfunction well and can collapse.”After Lt Gen Nkabinde addressedthe members the floor was open forcomments and questions. After allLEFT: Lt Gen ThembaNkabinde, the Chiefof Human Resources,speaking during thecommunication periodof the Human ResourceDivision at Thaba TshwaneCity Hall.ABOVE: Membersof the HumanResource Divisionperforming aerobicexercises.LEFT: Membersof the HumanResource Divisionrunning the threeleggedrace.the talking it was time to move to thegrounds of the Personnel ServicesSchool where sport and fun activitiestook place. The members were dividedinto groups to compete against eachother. There were activities such asaerobics, a three-legged race, tug-ofwarand volley ball. The idea was toemphasise the importance of fitnessand members interacting with eachother outside the workplace.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 39