Let's Talk Newsletter July 2019

Internal newsletter of government communications (GCIS)
July 2019
Congratulations!
GCIS receives
clean
audit report -
AGAIN!
GCIS
Mandela Day
contribution
GCIS recognises
long serving
employees
Let’s grow South Africa together as we celebrate 25 years of freedom.

Internal newsletter of government communications (GCIS)
Editorial team
Let’s talk is the internal newsletter of the GCIS,
published by the Subdirectorate:
Internal Communication.
Chief editor:
Keitumetse Semakane
Editorial staff:
Tebogo Kgomo and Brenda Nkuna
Content editors:
Miriam Mokoena and Malphia Honwane
Layout and design:
Goitseone Wesi
Keitu Semakane Tebogo Kgomo Brenda Nkuna Miriam Mokoena Malphia Honwane Goitseone Wesi
The views expressed in the newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the GCIS or the editors.
Contributions may be sent to: internalcommunication@gcis.gov.za
Enquiries: Brenda Nkuna: 012 473 0038 email: Brenda@gcis.gov.za
Let’s Talk _July 2019 2

Internal newsletter of government communications (GCIS)
Contents
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Editorial note:
Minister calls for professional and capable GCIS
Congratulations! GCIS receives clean audit report - AGAIN
GCIS honours legend Ronnie Mamoepa
GCIS Mandela Day contribution
DID YOU KNOW?
Support the GCIS “Buy-A-Book Fridays”
Register your customary marriage
Bursaries turn workplace into centre of learning
How provinces observed Nelson Mandela Day
GCIS long service recognition ceremony
Prioritising employee health and wellness
Happy birthday
Bits and pieces
8 5 14
Let’s Talk _July 2019
3

Welcome to the July edition of Let’s Talk.
A pat on the back for a job well done is
what drives ambitious organisations and
individuals to work harder in pursuit of
excellence. The GCIS has a good reason to rejoice:
We have just received a clean audit report from
the Office of the Auditor-General. This edition has
a congratulatory note from our Acting Director-
General, Phumla Williams.
The clean audit report simply means that all
processes have been adhered to and that the
department has been operating in a disciplined
manner during the period under review.
As the head of Corporate Services, I am thrilled by
this achievement and therefore congratulate and
express our gratitude to all employees on behalf of
the management of the GCIS.
As we continue to move the GCIS forward with our
vision to be the pulse of communication excellence
in government, we must also embrace the
organisational values: Professionalism, Openness
and Transparency, Diversity, and Honesty and
Integrity.
In the spirit of growing South Africa together, we
must continue to demonstrate excellence and
professionalism when doing our work and also
pay particular attention to all programmes and
campaigns identified and led by the GCIS through
the TOPSCO.
Mr Keitumetse Semakane
Let us also allow the spirit of Thuma Mina to guide
us in our pursuit to serve the people of South Africa.
But, above all, let us remember to have fun!
Let’s Talk _July 2019 4

Minister
calls for professional
and capable GCIS
By Tebogo Kgomo, Internal Communication
Minister Jackson Mthembu addressed GCIS staff
members on 29 June at Tshedimosetso House.
A call for a professional and capable GCIS
With the dawn of the new era, Minister Mthembu indicated
that there is a need for new capacities within the GCIS
to exploit new opportunities. The Minister called on
employees to collectively contribute to the realisation of
government priorities.
“Each one of us must contribute towards the realisation
of the priorities of government as announced by President
Ramaphosa,” said Minister Mthembu.
“President Ramaphosa said that ‘as we work toward
meeting the government priorities, the targets that we will
be chasing, are the National Development Plan targets or
goals’.” The relationship between you as public servants
and us as the executive, will be on how much we deliver
on the electoral mandate. It is very important that we
help government to reach its targets. If we do not, we will
have more people unemployed and unemployable, more
protests, a situation that will delegitimise the State and
government,” he continued.
Importance of continuous learning
Minister Mthembu acknowledged that in order to build “a
capable, developmental and ethical State” there must be
capacity building in the Public Service. The Minister also
highlighted the importance of continuous learning, which
forms part of one’s personal and professional development
in an effort to reach full potential and avoid stagnation.
“In the Public Service, there is an added expectation and
requirement that one possesses academic qualifications.
One ought to have some speciality as well, especially
around communication,” said the Minister.
He also said that employees “should strive to remain
relevant by keeping up-to-date with trends and adopting
new skill set”.
Conducive work environment
Minister Mthembu also spoke about the effects and
implications of officials having to act on certain position
for a long time.
“People who have no certainty, or feel their work
environment is not conducive, cannot give their best”.
“Departments that have Directors-General (DGs)who have
been there for longer periods, have a vast difference in
terms of performance and administrative stability as
opposed to those where DGs come and go. “It is incumbent
on us as the political leadership to ensure the stability,” he
said.
Deputy Minister Thembi Siwela encouraged open
communication and innovation. “Our doors are open. We
are open for interaction. If you feel you have ideas on how
we can take the GCIS forward, please come through. Help
us to achieve what we have been sent to do.”
Let’s Talk _July 2019 5

Congratulations!
GCIS receives clean
audit report – AGAIN
By Phumla Williams, GCIS Acting Director-General
T
he GCIS has received a clean audit for
the 2018/19 financial year for the fourth
successive year and seventh time since
inception.
As the department, we are happy and we
welcome the Auditor-General’s report. The
clean audit outcome is another accomplishment
that positions the GCIS as a high-performing
department and with sound financial records.
A clean audit relates to three aspects, namely;
the financial statements are free from material
misstatements, there are no material findings
on the annual performance report, and
that there are no material findings on noncompliance
with key legislations.
The assertion that together we can grow
South Africa holds truth. It is through working
together as ‘team GCIS’ that we continue to
maintain and keep this record. It is everyone’s
effort in all levels within the department who
continue to do their work with diligence.
As the Accounting Officer and speaking on
behalf of GCIS management, we commend all
staff members who worked tirelessly and in
most instances, went beyond their call of duty
to give us these positive outcomes.
As we strive to retain this clean-audit outcome,
let us continue to observe all policies and
other guidelines in place. Let us strive to
ensure that the GCIS complies with National
Treasury/DPSA regulations, which require
that; all invoices be paid within 30 days upon
receipt; we all refrain from performing other
remunerative outside the GCIS without prior
approval; all forms of disclosures are done
within the set time frames; and departmental
assets are accounted for and any losses or
movements are reported accordingly.
I am very proud to be associated with the
winning team.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 6

GCIS honours legend
Ronnie Mamoepa
Ronnie Mamoepa, a legendary government
communicator and spokesperson, passed away
in July 2017. But like all legends, Mamoepa’s
influence is still felt at every corner of the
communication and journalism industry and by every
person who crossed paths with this gentle soul, two
years after his passing.
It therefore came as no surprise to many when the
GCIS decided to extend to Mamoepa what can be
regarded as a greatest honour by the department. By
naming the Press Room on the ground floor after this
seasoned communicator on a day that could have
marked his 59th birthday, the GCIS, as a communication
hub of government, officially cemented the memory of
Mamoepa in its head office.
GCIS Acting Director-General Phumla Williams
welcomed scores of people who gathered at
Tshedimosetso House to witness that momentous
occasion on 12 July. From communicators to journalists
and media personalities, they all joined the staff of
GCIS in saying that they agree that the Press Room had
to be named after Mamoepa. There could be no other
fitting name. Also gracing the event was the Minister in
the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, and Deputy Minister
Thembi Siweya.
Through the Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, “Bra Ronnie”,
as he was affectionately known, now gets to welcome
journalists, communicators and politicians who visit
the centre every day. This is something that Mamoepa
lived for. He lived to ensure that the communication of
government reached every corner of South Africa, the
world and every citizen was informed about government
programmes, polices and services.
The Acting Director-General stated that Mamoepa was
not just a government communicator, he was a politician
By Vuyo Bathembu , Rapid Response
who fought for the liberation of South Africa. He was one
of the youngest prisoners at the Robben Island, joining
the likes of Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. Mamoepa’s
illustrious work and passion to serve began when he
was only 18 years old, when he was arrested for the first
time. His career as a journalist and communicator did
not deter him from working within the structures of the
African National Congress, the Atteridgeville-Saulsville
Residents Organisation, the United Democratic Front
and the Mass Democratic Movement.
“Not lack of telephone line of desk would stop Ronnie
from doing his work. Nothing stopped him, during
those days he worked anywhere there was space even
worked from his car at times,” Williams said. “The Ronnie
I knew, loved his job, he loved the media, and he loved
journalists whether they were writing bad or good
about government. He was a free-spirited individual,”
continued Williams, adding that it was befitting that
one of the GCIS’s strategic facilities of communication
is named after him.
Delivering the keynote speech at the ceremony, where
he lauded Mamoepa’s work ethic and respect for those
around him, Minister Mthembu said the reason Mamoepa
was a great communicator was because “he was a
revolutionary with content”. “He understood where we
came from as a country. He respected everyone, including
those who worked under him,” said the Minister.
Giving vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Mamoepa’s
son Olefile said: “The best thing each person can do in
honour of my father is to do what he did to the last day of
good health - serve, show up and be committed. He did
the hard work writing press releases, called journalists
and spoke to Ministers and the President about what
needed to be done.”
Let’s Talk _July 2019 7

GCIS Mandela Day
contribution
On Thursday, 18 July, GCIS staff members joined
many other people across the country and the
world who dedicated their time, energy and
resources to touch the lives of others through
good deeds. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the
Nelson Mandela International Day, with specific focus on
education and literacy, food and nutrition, sanitation, and
shelter and active citizenship in the next 10 years.
The GCIS visited Zodwa Special School in
Atteridgeville, Pretoria, which is home to 200
children with disabilities. The department
donated books, seedlings (tomato, carrot,
cabbage, spinach and onion) and some fruits to
the children to promote healthy eating. Apart
from the donations, the children also enjoyed
some moments of fun-play, storytelling and
book reading done by GCIS staff members:
Kopo Ndhlovu, Joanne Cornellisen, Munzhedzi
Makhuvha and Valencia Rachuene. The session was facilitated
by Nal’ibali, a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign
which seeks to spark children’s potential through storytelling
and reading.
The GCIS and Nal’ibali donated books for reading to the
school. “Despite the tough times we have as a department, we
“We highly
appreciate
your
presence and
contribution
to the school.”
By Brenda Nkuna, Internal Communication
should adopt a facility for future,” said Michael Currin, Acting
Deputy Director- General: Intergovernmental Coordination
and Stakeholder Management. He further thanked all the
GCIS staff members for their contribution and efforts at the
school.
In the spirit of Thuma Mina, the South African Broadcasting
Corporation, Pheli FM and the South African National
Defence Force were also present at the event.
All stakeholders worked together towards
improving the living conditions of the future
leaders at the school. The Nelson Mandela
International Day has once again proven that
working together, we can become a united and
prosperous nation.
“We highly appreciate your presence and
contribution to the school and also for making
a great day for the children and teachers. We
always look forward to days like these and we remain grateful
for every contribution received,” said Hellen Molekwa: Head
of Zodwa Special School. The school presented a certificate
of appreciation to the GCIS.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 8

DID YOU KNOW?
By Thabile Zuma, Human Resource Development
?ou can enrol for an Open eLearning Course at no cost to the department
Y
by choosing any of the following online courses:
• Generally Recognised Accounting Principles.
• Getting started with eLearning.
• Introduction to Financial Management and Budgeting.
• Introduction to Leading Change.
• Introduction to Strategic Planning and Management.
• Policy and Procedure on Incapacity Leave and Ill-health Retirement.
• Writing for Government.
To access the Open eLearning courses, follow these instructions:
1. Visit: www.thensg.gov.za
2. Locate the eLearning tab and click on “Open eLearning Courses” under
the eLearning tab.
3. Returning participants can log in to access the list of available eLearning
Courses.
4. New participants must click on “Register” and follow the on-screen
instructions to create a new account and access the list of Open eLearning
Courses.
For more eLearning information visit: www.thensg.gov.za/about-elearning
Let’s Talk _July 2019 9

Support the GCIS
Buy-A-Book
Friday
By Phillimon Kgomo, Internal Communication
In response to President Cyril
Ramaphosa’s call to start the reading
revolution, the GCIS is exploring
means to promote the culture of reading.
During his State of the Nation Address,
President Ramaphosa spoke of the
National Development Plan as a guide
to South Africa’s efforts to defeat poverty,
unemployment and inequality.
The President further made a call about
the “need to mobilise the entire nation
behind a massive reading campaign”
which is in support of education as one
of the seven priorities to fast-track the
country’s path to prosperity.
The Presidential Reading Circle, to be
launched in September 2019, is one of
the various national efforts aimed at
mobilising society to embrace a common
goal of improving reading in our society.
It is against this background that the
GCIS introduces the “Buy-A-Book Fridays”
initiative.
Support the initiative by visiting the
display stalls on Fridays and buy a few
books for yourself, a family member or
donate toward the initiative.
Efforts are being made to ensure that
books to be brought on site are sold at
reasonable prices.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 10

I
Register your
customary marriage
By Zanele Ngwenya, Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management (HRM)
unit encourages employees to register
their customary marriages. Previously,
a customary marriage did not require proof
of marriage. The Recognition of Customary
Marriages Act, 1998 (Act 120 of 1998), which
came into effect on 15 November 2000, gives
full legal recognition to customary marriages in
South Africa. The marriage must be registered
by either the wife or husband at the Department
of Home Affairs (DHA) within three months
after the celebration or agreement to enter into
a marriage. Although non-registration does
not invalidate the marriage, having a marriage
certificate makes it easy to solve disputes in
customary marriages. In an event of death, it
can also be used to prove that people were
married.
The Government Employee Pension Fund
(GEPF) makes provision to pay, over and above
the lump sum (gratuity) paid to beneficiaries
when employees pass away. A spouse or life
partner may qualify for a monthly pension
(annuity).
Employees who wish to register their spouses
need to complete the life partner application
form and also provide HRM with certified
copies of one of these documents:
• Marriage certificate from the DHA;
• Customary union certificate;
• Lobola letter/agreement;
• Civil union certificate; or
• A certificate confirming Asiatic (e.g. Hindu
or Muslim) marriage, or marriage in terms of
any other religion.
The GEPF is not allowed to consider a person as
a life partner automatically, even if a member
has lived with the person for many years.
The status of a life partner will need to be
confirmed should a member pass away. This will
be done by means of a life partner application.
Difficult terms explained:
Gratuity: A lump sum paid when the member
exits employment.
Annuity: An income a spouse or life partner
will receive every month from the GEPF after
a member passes away. It is paid in equal
monthly instalments on or before the last or
first day of each month.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 11

Bursaries
turn workplace into
centre of learning
By Dikeledi Nthite, Human Resource Development
The GCIS offers a bursary programme
as one of the many vehicles to
create an environment where
employees can work, learn and grow at
the same time. This is in line with Skills
Development Act, 1998 (Act 97 of 1998),
which states that a workplace must
become an active learning environment
and provides employees with an
opportunity to acquire new skills. Every
year, the department invites employees
to apply for a bursary to further their
education.
During the 2018 academic year, 19 bursary
holders graduated using the departmental
bursary programme. Through the bursary
programme the following number of
qualifications were obtained:
• Certificates and programmes (Two).
• Diplomas (Four).
• BA Communication Science (Three).
• BA (Hons) (Eight).
• Master’s degree (Two).
This achievement is in line with goal 4.5 of
the National Skills Development Strategy
III, which encourages work-based skills
development. A bursary advert is already
out.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 12

How provinces observed
Nelson Mandela Day
he Minister in The Presidency, Jackson Mthembu encouraging children to read at the Alutha
TEarly Childhood Development Centre, Western Cape during the Mandela Day event.
CIS North West Provincial Office together with the Department of Correctional Services donated
Ghygiene and health products during the Mandela Day event at Retlametswe Special School.
pumalanga Provincial Office partnered with the Nkangala District, Emakhazeni Local Municipality,
Working for Fire, Epilepsy Centre and other government and private stakeholders to celebrate
Mandela Day on new approach and presentation on environmental awareness. It proceeded to
MEpilepsy Centre for garden work, cleaning and renovations by officials and citizens.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 13

GCIS recognises long serving employees
By Internal Communication
Honesty and Integrity build a foundation for
trust. Employees’ loyalty is still alive in the GCIS
and a level of excellence that goes beyond
our normal work and official requirements is
always demonstrated. GCIS management honoured 136
employees in recognition of their loyalty to the Public
Service on Tuesday, 9 July. The purpose of the event was
to strengthen cohesion within the GCIS and tp build a
good legacy in the Public Service.
In her appreciation message, GCIS Acting Director-General
(ADG) Phumla Williams commended employees who “on
a daily basis display professional, ethical values and
behaviour which reflects a professional Public Service as
envisaged in the National Development Plan”. She further
stated that without dedicated and professional public
servants, the image of the Public Service and service
delivery would be impacted negatively.
Under the 10 years of service category, 87 employees
were recognised, for 20 years, there were 36 employees
and for 30 years, there were 13 of them. The event did
not only recognise and celebrate employee loyalty, it also
demonstrated the positive spirit of togetherness and
sense of belonging by all employees. “Employee loyalty
is nurtured through creating a more human-centred
workplace culture and this is just one of the many
interventions we have as the GCIS to be the employer
of choice,” said Keitumetse Semakane. All employees who
were honoured received certificates.
The ADG thanked all employees for being passionate
about their work and for serving the department with
pride, commitment, dedication and their willingness to
serve the Public Service and the country. She was proud
of the employees for providing service delivery despite
the trials and tribulations. The ADG encouraged the
employees to share their knowledge and experience
with young employees in the department, and for the
new ones to learn from them. She also thanked them for
their honesty and being responsible since during their
journey of work they never engage in fraud or corruption.
She encouraged them to be involved in community work
when they retire.
Delia Rossouw
Delia Rossouw, Deputy Director: Provincial Coordination, received a
30 years service award and this is what she said, “Looking back at this very
long path of 33 years, I started working in government in the middle 80s at
the then Bureau for Information. I was appointed as a typist deployed in a
typing pool that was responsible for the typing of all staff correspondence,
letters and reports on an electronic typewriter. The correspondence was
sent to clients via the postal service rendered by the South African Post
Office. There was no Internet, social media or cellphones. Staff members
did not have any computers or laptops to work on, everything was paper
based and handwritten. The teletex machine and fax machine was then the
most advanced technology, used for high-level communication to foreign
media. Experiencing the rapid technological changes was a blessing
and looking back today, I cannot believe that we survived without these
resources and platforms. The new technology however, severely impacts
on daily stress levels, compared to life in the past. Who knows, maybe our
next communication will not be through words but senses.”
Let’s Talk _July 2019 14

Prioritising employee
health and wellness
Source: Vuk’uzenzele
Workplaces that promote mental health
and support people with mental
health conditions are more likely to
reduce absenteeism and increase productivity.
The best way to understand the difference
between anxiety and depression is to look at
the primary symptoms of each.
Those suffering from depression – which is
defined as an excessively depressed mood,
with significant impairment in social and
occupational functioning – are miserable for at
least two weeks, all day and every day. They feel
sad, down or depressed; lose interest in nearly
all of the activities they previously enjoyed; and
experience other symptoms such as fatigue, the
inability to concentrate and feeling worthless or
guilty. They could also have suicidal thoughts.
Managers and senior officials can help to
create a heathy workplace by being aware of
mental health conditions and knowing where
people can find help. They can also inform staff
members that support is available; involve
employees in decision-making, thus conveying
a feeling of control and participation; support
a healthy work-life balance; and recognise and
reward employees’ contributions.
“Depression causes problems with memory,
procrastination, extreme fatigue, difficulty
concentrating, anxiety, fear and panic, which add
to work-related stresses, crippling the output
from the employee,” said Dr Sebolelo Seape,
the chairperson of the Psychiatry Management
Group.
“In South Africa, employees are very likely to
keep working during periods of depression,
impacting their productivity and performance
at work. This can be due to fear of losing their
jobs, being ostracised by colleagues or a lack of
mental health knowledge,” he said.
To get help for anxiety or depression, visit your
doctor who may refer to you a psychologist or
psychiatrist. You can also contact the South
African Depression and Anxiety Group on 011
234 4837; the suicide emergency line on 0800
567 567; or Lifeline’s 24-hour helpline on 0861
322 322.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 15

Happy Birthday
1 August: Simon Mankgaba
2 August: Itumeleng Bokaba
7 August: Mbuyiseli Boqwana
7 August: Lefentse Maroga
7 August: Faith Moumakoe
8 August: Lennox Klaas
10 August: Ntombenkosi Malgas
10 August: Dr Ntombi Nala
11 August: Xikombiso Khosa
13 August: Miriam Mokoena
14 August: Musandiwa Makumbe
14 August: Jeanine Naicker
15 August: Tshifhiwa Makungo
15 August: Sandile Nene
15 August: Nandipha Sondati
16 August: Mulalo Mamphweli
17 August: Ziningi Maphanga
17 August: Palesa Ndlovu
17 August: Londekile Mteshane
18 August: Matlale Nkoana
18 August: Janine Arcangeli
19 August: Irvan Rakgoale
19 August: Lucas Makhubela
21 August: Gerzell Mathey
22 August: Alice Pontso Melato
22 August: Rudzani Mbengeni
24 August: Zukiswa Potye
25 August: Mathope Thusi
26 August: Dumo Diko
26 August: Kolani Neba
26 August: Saadia Moolla
26 August: Pertunia Seete
27 August: Jetrho Grootboom
28 August: Mammie Zako
28 August: Baarata Motlhaoleng
29 August: Karabo Diale
30 August: Carel Mojela
31 August: Tiisetso Ramotse
Let’s Talk _July 2019 16

Moepeng Tshwane addressing the audience.
Thando Magidela and Puleng Sithebe
enjoying themselves at the event.
Thabo Matome showing us how
to do the “Thuso-phala” dance.
Jabu Sibanyoni about to do the ‘Vosho’.
Mary Ribisi expressing her excitement
through dancing.
Kenalemang Nonxoloba showing
us her dance moves.
Keitu Semakane congratulating Eben Carstens
during the Long Service Award ceremony.
‘A cup of tea a day, keeps the doctor
away’, as displayed by Thulani Veveza.
Phumla Williams, Mpho Sekgaphola and
Tasneem Carrim understand the true meaning
of “cheese” when posing for a photo.
Lerato Mokgolo and Faith Seletela
having fun at the event.
Hlapyadi Lefsifi preparing food parcels
for the Zodwa Special School learners.
Joanne Cornelissen, Sifiso Mahlambi and Tiisetso
Ramotse giving the speakers full attention.
Michael Currin proudly wearing his
Mandela t-shirt on Mandela Day.
Let’s Talk _July 2019 17