S contents GOVERNANCE
S contents GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The crucial role of postgraduate education, by Wits School of Governance IN THIS ISSUE | SERVICE 85 | MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2024 SERVE AND DELIVER News and updates INDUSTRY RESPONSE The plastics industry responds to SONA 2024 MAKE THINGS HAPPEN Service speaks to CEO of the Matsapa- A-Botshelo Group, Pinagare Mogodi 1 4 8 10 SONA 2024 By President Cyril Ramaphosa NOT JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL Azola Mayekiso, CEO of the NHFC, speaks to Service MUNICIPAL SUPPORT The current state of local government in South Africa INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURE The Spar Group helping to alleviate poverty 16 18 20 BUYING LOCAL Buying local can boost our economies 24 FOR BETTER OR WORSE The beneficiation of minerals is back on the African agenda 26 IN PURSUIT OF QUALITY Mpumalanga Valve Services is a pumps and valves specialist in South Africa THE SA PLASTIC PACT By Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy THE BLUE ECONOMY A wealth of business opportunities 28 THE QUALITY OF SA’s WATER The Blue, Green and No Drop reports 30 TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT Needed for SA’s economic growth 32 BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE Service speaks to Yershen Pillay, CEO of CHIETA 34 THE PORTAL TO AFRICA Limpopo Province is a thriving hub of innovationand investment 36 GOOD NEWS Head and shoulders above: Cape Town 39 40 2 | Service magazine 44 48
editor’s note S The State of the Nation I In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Rhamaphosa reminded us of the words of Former President Nelson Mandela, who said that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. He said, “I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. “But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.” While we have come far, we have a long way still to go. Government has laid a foundation for growth through far-reaching economic reforms, an ambitious investment drive and an infrastructure programme that is starting to yield results. Companies continue to invest, thousands of hectares of farmland are being planted, new factories are being opened and production is being expanded. Ramaphosa attests that government is on track to resolve the most important constraints on economic growth by stabilising our energy supply and fixing our logistics system. As these obstacles are removed, the true potential of our economy will be unleashed (page 16). In the past year, we have witnessed a truly commendable transformation within our municipalities. The latest evaluation of local governance, in the form of the State of Local Government Report, reflects a substantial improvement in the overall condition of municipalities nationwide (page 20). The Department of Water and Sanitation recently released its 2023 Blue Drop Report, which provides an assessment of drinking water quality, and the No Drop Report, which focuses on water losses and non-revenue water in all municipalities in the country, as well as the While we have come far, we have a long way still to go. Green Drop Progress Assessment Report to provide an update on the performance of wastewater management systems at municipal level (page 36). Minerals beneficiation is back on the South African and wider African mining agenda. While the goal of adding value to mineral resources is laudable, it is a farce if it is hindered by power and logistics problems (page 28). Matsapa-A-Botshelo Group is set to become one of the largest coal exporters in South Africa. Its vision extends beyond mere business success; it encompasses a commitment to creating lasting opportunities, driving economic growth and fostering positive change. Service magazine interviews CEO, Pinagare Mogodi on page 10. Minister Barbara Creecy reports that through the South African Plastics Pact and other forms of government action, our country is making progress in addressing plastic pollution (page 32). On page 40, Service speaks to Yershen Pillay, CEO of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority, about building an innovative and employable workforce for South Africa. Enjoy this issue. Alexis Knipe Editor Editor: Alexis Knipe | Publishing director: Chris Whales | Managing director: Clive During | Online editor: Christoff Scholtz | Design: Monique Petersen Production: Sharon Angus-Leppan | Ad sales: Venesia Fowler, Tennyson Naidoo, Graeme February, Tahlia Wyngaard, Mandenkosi Dlamini, Shiko Diala and Vanessa Wallace Administration & accounts: Charlene Steynberg, Kathy Wootton | Distribution & circulation manager: Edward MacDonald | Printing: FA Print Service magazine is published by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd | Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07 Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales | Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700 Postal: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701 | Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za No portion of this book may be reproduced without written consent of the copyright owner. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Service magazine, nor the publisher, none of whom accept liability of any nature arising out of, or in connection with, the contents of this book. The publishers would like to express thanks to those who Support this publication by their submission of articles and with their advertising. All rights reserved. Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations Service magazine | 3
