BATHO PELE PRINCIPLES

Have you ever stand in one of those long cues at a municipal building, waiting for service and read the informational banners? Most of the times, it is only available in one of the other 11 languages, but once I learned about them; I have become attentive. Reading and studying about culture and culture changes, I saw it first on the Ekurhuleni website and was flabbergasted. When you weigh the entire Ekurhuleni against the Batho Pele Principles, you realize the shortfalls immediately. The eight points are very interesting. Let’s have a closer look.

The eight Batho Pele principles are:

Consultation: Citizens should be consulted about their needs and preferences. Service standards: Citizens should know what level and quality of service they can expect.

Access: All citizens should have equal access to the services they are entitled to. Courtesy: Citizens should be treated with courtesy and respect. Information: Citizens should be given full and accurate information about the services they receive. Openness and transparency: Citizens should know how the public service is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge. Redress: Citizens should be offered an apology, an explanation, and a remedy when the service standards are not met. Value for money: Public services should be provided efficiently and effectively to give citizens the best value for their money.

"People first" is the meaning of that word in Sesotho. This means that the Batho Pele principles are about helping to improve delivery to the people. Its approach is aimed at getting public servants to stay committed to their work and to find means to enhance this service delivery. Government employees must find innovative ways to enhance services rather than justifying failures. Accordingly, public sector managers bear significant responsibility for cultivating a supportive work environment that promotes effective staff interactions with customers. Effective management mandates the motivation of staff and the provision of requisite tools. They can do this by providing continuous support, especially during times of stress and pressure. 

The Batho Pele Principle is summarized in a slogan that goes, “We belong, we care, we serve.”

We belong: This implies that we are part of the Public Service and should thus work hand in hand regarding colleagues.

We care: It is a directive that shows that we should care for the public that we serve, that is the customers. 

We serve: It is up to the public servants to deliver exceptional service to all citizens.

So, if the above statements are true, why don’t we see the evidence of it in our parks, streets, governmental buildings and day-to-day living conditions? And why does the municipality not live up to these principles? Who keeps them accountable?

Citizens should know how the public service is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge.

Why must we then drive through Plastic City? Driving down Prince George avenue alone, my heart drops. Not to mention Voortrekker road. Athlone, the main road between Brakpan and Boksburg, is in a better shape and busier than ever. Despite the malfunctioning robot at the main intersection for almost twelve months, it is still the preferable access point. But why are so much time and money invested only in the one main road but not in Prince George Avenue connecting us to Benoni? 

These inquiries aim to determine accountability for the provision of public services to the residents of Ekurhuleni, along with the relevant responsible parties.

How to secure your home

 

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The article is taken from Ooba's website. Writer unknown. 

With the rising concern of theft within our area, it is always good to be prepared. Knowing what to look for and check for any vulnerable places within your house will make it that more difficult to become another statistic.  

The turmoil you experience when a break in has occurred diminishes your feeling of safety and causes more problems. 

Effective security should be a priority when moving into a new home, and knowing how to secure your home is crucial for your own peace of mind.

Article summary

· It’s essential to know how to make your house safe from burglars in South Africa to ensure your personal safety as well as to safeguard your belongings.

· This will add value to your property and most likely have a positive effect on your household insurance premiums.

· Make sure all opening windows and doors are protected by burglar guards and preferably an alarm system.

· Don’t become complacent. Use the alarm system if you have one.

Personal safety will always be a priority in South Africa. Securing your new home should be one of the first things you do—preferably before you move in—so that you leave nothing to chance or, in this case, an opportunistic burglar who might see you as an easy target.

What are the most effective ways to secure your home?

Smart home security will not only protect you and your family, but will also add value to your home. South Africans are security conscious and a property that appears to be vulnerable will immediately be perceived as less valuable. Prevention is vital in the fight against crime, so knowing how to secure your home in South Africa is crucial for your own peace of mind and the future safety of you and your family.

Here are the areas you should focus on when looking to improve your home security:

Perimeter

Securing your perimeter should be the first thing you do, and you can do so effectively with a mix of technological and traditional security measures.

· An electric fence or wall can be a solid deterrence. If it’s a wall, it helps to reinforce it with barbed wire or spikes on top; otherwise, burglars will be able to easily climb over.

· Having visibility on the perimeter of your home is essential, so install CCTV cameras as soon as you can.

· Certain smart technologies that enable you to monitor your perimeter from remote locations will also boost your security and significantly improve the value of the home.

The gate

According to the experts on mrgate.co.za, potential weaknesses of a gate include:

· Lifting. Burglars can lift the gate to gain access to the property. You can prevent this by securing the gate with anti-lift brackets.

· The gate rack. On sliding gates, this can be forced away from the gate (usually with a crowbar), allowing it to be opened. You can prevent this by welding a flat bar onto the rack to prevent it from being moved.

· The intercom. Burglars can press this to see if the home is occupied. Certain smart technologies enable you to connect your intercom system to your smartphone so that you’ll know if someone has pressed the intercom button.

· The gate remote. Ensure you’re using a modern remote with up-to-date technology, as older remotes can be copied, or the settings replicated.

Windows

Burglar bars are essential, and should be robust. Agnieszka Gryn, regional executive at Fidelity ADT, suggests installing burglar bars on the outside of the windows, even though they may not be as aesthetically pleasing.

Doors

Main doors must be made of strong material, and reinforced, preferably with multi-point locks that can lock the door at several points.

Dogs

Investigator Brigadier Piet Byleveld says that dogs are one of the most effective security measures. As well as deterring criminals, they provide an early warning system.

Alarm system

Research by professor Rudolph Zinn from UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice and Police Practice shows alarms and security sensors to be among the most effective burglar repellents. The alarm should be installed by an armed response company, and it’s important to test it regularly and keep it maintained.

Staff

Rudolph Zinn interviewed 30 perpetrators who were convicted and incarcerated for aggravated robbery, and the majority said that they relied on inside information when deciding which homes to target. That’s why Piet Byleveld advice to screen your workers, including domestic workers and gardeners, for criminal records, and finding out why they left previous employment.

Know the enemy

Do your best to inform yourself about how burglars operate. Seek advice from the local police station if possible. Low-level thieves will usually only target homes with no security, but more “professional” burglars operate in groups; are keenly aware of security response times; and will usually survey properties before commencing with their burglary attempt.

Rudolph Zinn’s research shows that burglars targeted homes according to the following factors:

· Wealth. Victims were targeted because the burglars knew there would be valuables in the house.

· Inside information. As mentioned above, burglars prefer to target homes where information has been provided to them.

· Proximity. Burglars prefer to target homes within 10 to 30 minutes driving distance.

· Low security. Homes with substandard security were naturally a target.

Finding a good security provider

Whatever your plan is, ensure that your security provider is a registered member of the South African Intruder Detection Service Associations (SAIDSA), so you can be confident that their equipment and training meets the standards.

Source: How to secure your home against burglars in South Africa (ooba.co.za)

To list your property, give me a call. 

 

Where we can... #WritingPrompts4Community

Where we can... Written by Leonita Coutts 

I grew up humble... very humble and I know of hardship. In today’s economic climate, it’s heartbreaking to see how many people struggle to survive. I can also add that the COVID pandemic has contributed to this. 

The feeling of hopelessness: What are we going to eat or how are we going to survive until the end of the month? I know very well. 

No one wants to experience that feeling, believe me. 

Yes, life is challenging. Everyone has their personal “devils” or challenges they have to face. It is therefore difficult to focus on others when you yourself are busy scratching cabbages from the fire. 

In my town, as in many other towns and cities, there are people who have nowhere to go. They live and sleep in front of shops, under bridges or in alleys. Grace carries them and I call them “grace-men.” We don’t always know their past or the reason they live on the streets. I don’t ask questions either. It is not my duty to judge, but to help where I can... 

It’s hot... The sun stands still above my town, and today he punishes those who venture outside. 

I’m on my way to an appointment. Our town is small. Small enough that you can walk where you want to be or else you can just hop in a taxi. Today I choose the taxi option. The heat makes me give up my love of walking. 

In the town centre, Sun is king and the reflecting light on windows makes me reach for my sunglasses. “I should have cancelled my appointment instead.” I thought, but I am here, no reason to waste time on it. 

As I searched under a tree, waiting for the time for my appointment to come, I spotted him. He half-sat against a blue, concrete trash can a few feet from Clicks across the road. In the heat, the blanket around his shoulders is noticeable. The plakkies on his feet have seen better days and I’m sure the heat beats through from the tar, burning his feet. 

I see him muttering every time someone walks past him, but everyone is deaf and blind. For a moment, I try to put myself in his position... How much courage it must take to ask total strangers for something to eat or drink? Then they ignore you because you are “invisible”. 

On the spur of the moment, I walked across the road to him. “Wait here,” I said. His eyes met mine and for a second gratitude and disbelief flashed in them. 

I walked briskly towards Ackerman and entered it. I buy a pair of plakkies, estimate that a number 9 will fit. After that, I slipped into Checkers and bought a bun and a soda and a donut as well. 

On the way back to Clicks, I see he is no longer at his spot. Might he have been startled, because I recognized his existence, I wonder? However, when I looked across the road, I saw him standing under the tree. So he spotted me earlier, in the shadows. I stepped closer and handed the bags to him and as I turned to walk, I heard a hoarse “thank you”. 

The sun had been setting for a long time, but the heat remained captive between the four walls of my house. I sit on my porch and listen to the crickets chatting with each other. I think about him and wonder where he sleeps tonight and if the stickers at least fit. I helped, because I could, I wanted to, and because I felt sorry for him. 

Deep down, there must surely be a sense of satisfaction, because today I did something for someone, just on the spur of the moment. However, the feeling here inside me is an inexplicable feeling of unfulfilment, because I wish I could do more. I know and realize that one cannot help everyone, but we can certainly try to help wherever we can. Try to make a difference in someone’s life for just one day. 

I feel a little better...  

A shooting prayer finds its way towards heaven: “Keep and watch over him tonight, Lord. Please have mercy on him.”

Copyright Leonita Coutts 2024 

Unity brings opportunities.

 

New year's message.

Immediately is an apt word to describe the start of 2024.

The one moment I was still trying to get my head around the fact that 2023 is gone when 2024 announced: “Here I am.”

And it was a good announcement for the community.

Immediate action is Grace.

It is a profound statement that, when I heard it, my spirit jumped. Witnessing how a community comes together after one phone call is something that will stay with me for a long time.

Procrastination is the enemy of 2024.

Laziness, delay, excuses, complains, procrastination they are all excuses we use when we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and unsure of the next step. But let us get up. Fix that roof, build that bridge, grow a seed, and invest in our town. Don’t play the blame game; there are no winners in this game.

Let 2024 be a perspective shift, an immediate action for all of us. Where, instead of complaining, we do. Instead of arguing, we try to understand another person’s perspective. Instead of breaking down, let us build a future for our children.

Let us celebrate the death of procrastination at the feet of the Cross and become a people of action. Rise up for your light has come…

Let us put our laziness aside and learn a new skill, take on a new challenge and become part of something greater right there where you live. Now, more than ever,

it is vital to stand together. This is an election year, a year where your voice can make a difference in the future of our country. Make it count. Your voice matters.

Let us express hope by walking in love with faith as our guidepost.

May 2024 be a year of renewed vigour.

Grace and peace to you.

Issue 5 • January 2024 by Lynelle Clark

You weathered the Storm. What to do now?

Being let back onto one’s property after a disaster or emergency can be an emotional time. It’s important to allow emergency personnel and first responders to do their jobs and follow their instructions. Unless you can turn on all of your utilities again, your access may be limited, but it depends on your municipality and the damage.

You may be instructed to boil your water for a brief period while governmental agencies confirm that it’s potable and safe without treatment. 

Before re-entering the home, do the following: 

Check the exterior.

· Make sure that there are no downed power lines on or near your property. If there are, do not move them yourself; immediately contact utility company personnel or law enforcement. 

· Check for broken tree branches that may impede access to the property, or which themselves may be in contact with power lines; again, enlist help in such situations to avoid a potentially fatal injury. 

· Make sure the perimeter of the property is secure before allowing pets back onto it. Natural disasters can be disorienting for them, and they may try to escape. 

· Check any damage to windows and exterior doors, as well as the roof, chimney, and other penetrations, but do so safely. 

· Check gutters, downspouts, and exterior drainage for blockages, and clear them as soon as it's possible to do so safely.

· It’s always best to document damage from the ground and contact an inspector who can make a more in-depth and detailed inspection. Even after you contact your insurance carrier, an unbiased inspection by a trained home inspector may reveal issues that are not immediately apparent. Such as hail damage, which requires some expertise to properly identify, especially if the insurance investigator must inspect damage incurred by multiple clients in the aftermath of a widespread emergency.

Check the interior. 

· Before turning on the water and gas service to the home, check the individual appliances to make sure that they’re undamaged. Document all damage and contact utility personnel if you don’t feel safe turning it back on yourself. If there is no apparent damage or telltale smells or sounds (such as hissing) emanating from any appliances, it should be safe to turn on the gas and water at their shut-off valves. Make the same damage assessment before turning the electricity back on, too.

· Securely dispose of perishable food items left in the refrigerator during a power outage. Ensure that stray animals foraging for food can’t access it. Some food left in the freezer may be salvageable, but always err on the side of caution to avoid serious illness caused by bacteria.

· Go back through the home to check for structural damage, including broken glass. 

· In the aftermath of a storm or flood, all areas for moisture intrusion, as well as areas at windowsills and exterior doors. Unchecked moisture can lead to mould problems and structural issues down the road. An inspector who is Infrared-Certified® can survey the home with an infrared camera, which can identify areas of moisture intrusion and energy loss that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Check in with neighbours and others. 

· Notify pet owners or Animal Control if you see disoriented domestic pets searching for their owners or homes. Also, avoid contact with wildlife that may have been forced from their natural habitat. Report their location to Animal Control.

Homeowners should schedule a meeting with an inspector who can help devise a checklist to prepare the house in the event of an emergency, as well as assess its condition afterward to make sure it’s safe for the family to re-occupy. He or she can also help the client get started on an action plan for repairs.

Post-Flood Guide

General Tips

Don't return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by local officials. 

Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

Check for injuries. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

· Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports. 

· Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home.

NOTE: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. 

    · Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.

    · Be wary of wildlife and other animals.

    · Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies. 

  · Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.

Before You Enter Your Home

Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Do not enter if:

· You smell gas.

· Floodwaters remain around the building.

· Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Going Inside Your Home

When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

· Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbour’s residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.

· Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or electrical panel. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.

· Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.

· Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or electrical panel. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.

· Water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water supply could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.

· Food and other supplies. Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become contaminated or come into contact with floodwater.

· Your basement. If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse, and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.

· Open cabinets. Be alert to objects that may fall out.

· Clean up household chemical spills. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also, clean salvageable items.

· Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of any damage. Keep records of repair and cleaning costs.

The objective is to stay safe. When in doubt, call for help.

Article by InterNACHI. 

The economic environment and change.

Written by Lynelle Clark

On 14 March 2024, under the supervision of Daily Maverick’s MC, Rebecca Davis, senior journalist, leaders came together for a robust dialogue.

Rebecca Davis had her work cut out for her, which she did with sophisticated flair.

Even from an online point of view, one noticed the level of professionalism the conference held. In partnership with Ninety One, Pick a Pay ASAP, The Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Henley Business School, it was an enormous success.

The Gathering Twenty Twenty-Four conference had six panels which touched on fundamental questions in our society. But I will focus on what the economists had to say about South Africa’s current economic environment.

With the elections around the corner, we are holding our breath for the outcome. The 2024 election is a turning point, and as important as that of the 1994 election.

South Africans are ready for change.

We pray for change.

Desire change.

But the question is, are we ready for change?

The right mindset to change is the key.

But the question that carries the most weight is, do we have skilled leadership?

The narrative of the panel was: “How do you give an economist the jitters? Tell them an election is coming. Low levels of short-term confidence and certainty represent a risk to prospective investors. What’s the possible long-term gain of a “change”? And what (realistic) political scenario is most conducive to the business environment?”

We are not unfamiliar with the term A vote of No-Confidence. In the political sphere, it is a common characteristic on provincial and national level. Economic uncertainty and the continuous breakdown of systems and dissolvents of institutions have marked our economy in a terrible light.

Investors are pulling out; skilled people are leaving, and our education system fails the next generation. South Africa cannot afford another four years of this trend. Change must happen. Unless we do not face the facts, it will continue on a downward spiral. And who will pay the price? You and me.

Dr Iraj Abedian, founder and CEO of Pan-African Capital Holdings, “Economy does not operate in a vacuum. It requires at least two complementary solid foundations. One is the regulatory environment within which different businesses have to operate. And, it requires another important complementary pillar, a political system that is accum to the needs of the economy.”

In layperson’s terms; we need governing stability to grow. As Dr Abedian stated, the money is there, but we, as South Africans, must show the international investors that we are credible. That we believe in ourselves and act as a democratic country.

During the discussion, it was stressed that unemployment is a human resource problem. The human resource training is no longer effective and is stuck in old ways of thinking. It needs to change. We are short of skills. Whether it is an electrician, an engineer, a doctor, or a bricklayer, we need up-to-date skills.

Skills must translate to the ability of the application.

Dr Abedian said, “The age of certification are gone.” We must question the titles; if it does not translate to the ability to lead, then we must strip the title bearer. If they cannot do the job or are not honourable, they must be removed.

Capability is a must.

Accountability is a must.

Without it, we will not survive.

Old leadership must be replaced with new thinking. “We need a 45-year-old president.” Said Mark Barnes, former CEO, SA Post Office. “Africa is the undiscovered opportunity.”

We must think individual first.

Another problem we have is unskilled labourers. The unskilled labourer cannot be ignored. They need to work. They have to eat. They must pay rent. By giving them an opportunity, we help them to get ahead.

Skills are important, but for the unskilled worker, even if it is the first job at a factory, it is their chance at schooling. Schooling is necessary to change their situation for the better. Stated Ann Bernstein, founder and executive director of the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE).

What can the average person do for change? Vote. Vote for a difference. Do not vote for the same party. Especially if they haven’t produced.

The current government has impoverished this country. In 1994, they wanted to change the lives of every black citizen, but that didn’t happen. Currently, we have the highest unemployment rate in the world. 

We can only bring change when we stand together.

The political environment that will be conducive for the economic environment is: There is no shortage of money, there is no shortage of investors. There is no shortage of opportunities. The funds are waiting but we need credibility of the election process and the attraction of economic resources. The government must understand how the economy function. Because of lack of knowledge, they don’t know what is going on in the current market. We need a government that understands the markets. We are not attractive enough. Ignorance is bliss, is no longer an excuse. The second thing is infrastructure upgrading. Our infrastructure needs radical change. Our roads, railways, aviation, ports, bridges—everything needs an upgrade.

A new attitude towards the private sector and how they work is needed. Only when we stand together is change possible.

South Africa needs a government that has everyone on their mind and not only their party members. When the elect is in the Office of the President, he/she cannot think party but people first.

We have to understand each other to co-inside within a new cultural environment. We need commercial vividity. If we do not set aside our own way of thinking and think community, individual first, all the talk will not be enough to bring change.

South Africa is waiting for us.

Are we up for the challenge to change? 

Copyright Lynelle Clark 2024