Dreams do come true!

I was told that my wife Ntombi had a childhood dream of being a model, being on TV, on billboards, magazines, on newspaper adverts. By the grace of God we are seeing the fruition of that dream. I also remember that the last person that my wife talked to before leaving Cape Town for Johannesburg in February 2012. She said, "you will see me on billboards". Now she is on a DSTV Compact print ads in national newspapers. Few lessons I have learnt from this: 1. Never stop dreaming (no dream is too small or too big) 2. Entrust your dream to God in prayer 3. Do not harbour thoughts or utter words that will negate your dream 4. Take action towards your dream 5. Be patient (wait, wait, wait) See...

TV reality show

My wife and I participated in a live TV show that is screened throughout the SADC region (South Africa and neighbouring countries). The theme that we addressed is marriage and relationships. We live in a time when marriages are under attack as if they are going out of fashion. Unfortunately many entered this institution with little preparation or no knowledge of the purpose of marriage. Lacking insight of the origins of marriage, they always see an end even before they embark on the journey. Many ignore the instructions of the Bible and mismatch their priorities to add to a negative statistics. See pic from the live TV show...below

My presentation at the ICKM 2012: Taking Knowledge Management to the next level in South Africa

In June 2012, the University of Johannesburg invited me to submit a paper for the ICKM (International Conference on Knowledge Management).

At first I was double-minded whether to wait until we have concluded the Knowledge Audit exercise for my current employer. The challenge for many organisations is how much info can one disclose on the public domain. I think in many ways SA corporations are so cautious of what information must be shared; and unfurtunately ending up sharing nothing to the public. We ought to strive to balance the scale by sharing some information and knowledge with the researchers and the industry at large.

With all the concerns, I eventually agreed to present the KM Journey which entails the embarking on a Knowledge Audit exercise in an organisation with over 27 000 employees who are dispersed in 9 Provinces of South Africa. A mixed methodology was deployed including the Zack's Knowledge-SWOT, KM Perception survey, and various KM Diagnostic tools. The journey has been eventful and rewarding.

During the conference I shared our experiences as well as Lessons Learnt from the exercise.

A special meeting with the top Strategy Evangelist

This morning I had a fruitful meeting with one of the South African "Strategy Evangelist", Dr Glen Mansfield who has a PhD and MBA in Strategy.

Dr Mansfield has been in the strategic planning field for more than 30 years. He is also a founding member of the Strategy Institute of South Africa, www.strategyinstitute.co.za. His institute focuses on strategy research, training and consulting.

On a numerous times he trained government officials as well as corporate senior/executive managers in Strategy courses at Business Schools and Government training centre, PALAMA.

Voting panel member for IEEE African Conference 2011

IEEE is hosting an African Software Conference on the 19-21 September 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa. The ACSEAC (African Conference on Software Engineering and Applied Computing) is attracting over 200 international and African delegates.

I was introduced to this conference by a prospective co-supervisor for studies, Professor Andy Bytheway, www.imbok.org. Owing to my current Studies and my Lecturing engagement, ACSEAC organisers nominated me to partake as a voting panel member for the Best Software Paper.

Visit www.acseac.org for more information.

Day 3 - GovTech conference, Durban

I started my day by a walkabout around the eye-catching Moses Mabhida Stadium. Took few pictures....

A walk along the South Coast Beachfront and I was hoping to ride on a Rickshaw but they only start a little later than 09h00. I managed to put my feet on the warm Durban waters. I am not so used to such warm water as I live closer to the ice cold Blouberg beaches in Cape Town.



Then during the last day of the conference I sat in the plenary session where a KZN provincial official was presented a Digital Nerve Centre project, which was followed by a presenter that I personally want to meet. He is a professor from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Prof Shaun Pather spoke on Government for Citizens.

Day 2 - GovTech conference, Durban

The day was kickstarted by real time VC interaction with the Australian Government Chief, Mr Glen Archer of the Australian IM Office. The video conference was made smooth by the Neotel's data lines and Polycom's video streaming technologies. Government 2.0 to achieve the three goals informing, engaging and participation with the citizens. Web 2.0 tools such as blogs (govspace.gov.au)

Followed by a presentation by a Canadian from OpenText who spoke on the Public Sector Social Media. Social Media in organisations is a brilliant KM tool to share tacit knowledge and collaborate to their colleagues. Their recent success story is setting up a social platform for the 2010 G20 convention in Toronto where governments, business, academia and youth in attendance interacted and collaborated on issues being discussed. Another successful social media project is the "Public Sector Without Borders" which encourages all governments to interact and collaborate on public sector issues.


My key moment was interacting with big business on how they are closing the skills gap, for instance, the recent graduates when they leave college they are work-unready and most of them struggle to catch with the work demands in the first year. There are quite a number big IT business that offer Learnerships, Internship and Training opportunities to close this gap. Let's see how far will this assist some of the recent graduates that I know - I will have to link them to these companies.


My personal contribution was at a breakaway session on "Effective Project Management in Government". I informed the delegates about the journey of Project Management Approach in the Western Cape Government and how in terms of the PM Methodology we are finding a balance between Prince2 and PMBOK. I also highlighted the biggest challenge to PMA implementation in any government, that is, residence to change. So Change Management should be a major investment in any PMA. The speaker from SITA, Ms Elize van Straten, agreed with me 100%.

Evening socialising

I ended my day by attending an MTN social party, upon invitation. I interacted with government officials and business as well as catched up with former classmates from university.

Day 1 - GovTech conference, Durban

The session started late but managed to capture my attention especially with the notion by the Acting CEO and the National Minister of Public Service and Administration on turning around SITA (the South Africa's State Information Technology Agency).


Ms Ntsinde, the Acting CEO of SITA did not seem to be enthusiatic on presenting the change that she is bring to the ailing agency as she iterated that she does not want to be measured on the plans but on the action made. Among other things the turnaround strategy for SITA pointed out to three areas
(1) PRice competitiveness
(2) Supply Chain Management efficiencies, and
(3) Wiping out corruption that has dogged the agency

Dr Harold Wesso, from the Western cape's government and the architect of Cape Gateway initiative, who is now the Acting DG at Comms Dept, made a presentation on the South African move towards broadband. It is exciting how both public and private sectors have finally moved beyond the talks to push for broadband. We cannot deny that the Soccer World Cup was an impetus behind this major investment in broadband. I can't wait for the full rollout that will benefit the Government, SMME business and the ordinary citizens. Within no time we can begin to see the real eGovernment benefits to the Citizens especially the rural citizens.

I was surprised to meet a friend Dr Solomon Bhunu who presented the Presidency's Government-wide M&E framework and system. He indicated that an information system (with GIS, M&E indicator framework and BI reporting capabilities) will be developed soon to monitor and report on the performance of individual Government Departments, National and Provincial. It was interesting to meet him together with other Western Cape based delegates.

One of the presenter made a good impression on virtualisation and cloud computing for government. There is a talk and a practise on Government Cloud (g-cloud) which can be made highly secured as a VPN for all government tiers and agencies.

During the afternoon I visited the UShaka Marine World. Wow, this place is truly amazing. I will be bring my family here. Unfortunate the interesting sections such as the Aquarium were closed.

What I expect at the GovTech conference

This afternoon I am taking a Durban flight to attend the SITA's GovTech Conference which is kickstarting tomorrow morning until Wednesday. Being my first time to attend this gathering of Government IT Managers & Specialists, I am looking forward not to learning as much as to sharing from the Western Cape's experience of the Modernisation Process of Government.

Among other things my interest is in the following areas...networking with key movers and shakers in IT/IS/IM, knowledge sharing, learning on successful running of a Project Management Office (PMO) in Government, Cloud Computing, deployment of FOSS applications such as Joomla, Business Intelligence tools, eGovernment for Citizens, ICT effiencies and effectiveness etc.

I am looking forward to this one...

In the evening I visited the Sun Coast Casino where I had my dinner.

My passion

I have found my passion... lecturing and motivating University students.

Recently I have been awarded a second job which does gives me satisfaction. After I have delivered every weekly lecture I go home with a great sense of achievement, fulfulment. This time it is not about money, even though extra money is appreciated. It is about each of my 21 students who listen to me for the 3 hour slot that I have with them.

At the 3rd year level they are in the valley of decision where they face certain/uncertain future whether it registering for an Honours degree or looking for a job or starting own businesses. As much as I am a lecturer, I see myself as an advisor and facilitate to link them with possible job opportunities etc.

I am really grateful for this opportunity!

Soccer World Cup 2010

South Africa has recently hosted the grandest world cup ever to be staged in Africa. Well done South Africa!

2010 Budget Speech for South Africa

Again it is even more encouraging that South African government is putting money where their mouth is. Mr Gordhan through his budget speech for 2010 has reiterated the words of the President Zuma in that "green economy initiatives will create new opportunities for enterprise development, job creation and the renewal of commercial and residential environments"

Mr Gordhan after noting the challenges that climate change is posing, he on the other hand pointed out to opportunities for South Africa such as creating an environment that will "enable investment in sustainable technologies". He with the same vigour calls for "industries to be helped to manage scarce resources more efficiently and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through appropriate pricing of energy."

Green Opportunities

I believe that South Africa is doing her bit to contribute to the green economy. This is a call to local and foreign investors to reconsider opportunities in the country and in Africa in the renewable energy sector including R&D of sustainable living technologies and efficiency-driven approaches.

President's speech

Two things that may be of much interest to the Green Community from the South African Presidential State of the Nations Address last Thursday.

Firstly, he highlighted that his administration over 2010 will create green jobs.

I quote his words..."Our Industrial Policy Action Plan and our new focus on green jobs, will build stronger and more labour absorbing industries." I still need to familiarise myself the Industrial Policy Action Plan that he is refering to. This is encouraging as the whole world need to make progress in terms of building an economy that is less carbon-intensive.

Secondly, he also promised to create an enabling environment for the IPP's (Independent Power Producers) as opposed to one ESKOM monopolised approach. This is good news for both local and foreign investors who have for so many years tried to penetrate the renewable energy sector in South Africa but the legislative framework has not been supportive.

Happy New Year, 2010!

As a proud South African I am ready to welcome visitors to the "Mother Land" for the FIFA Soccer World Cup. It is exciting!

I wish everyone a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2010.

Ntombi is a model too!

My wife was invited to partake in a demo make-up makeover session.

See the new Ntombi:-

http://www.realwomenmakeup.com/inspire_makeovers.html


Watch the space for more action!!!!!!!

Happy 2009!

Happy New Year. 2009 looks promising for South Africa & the rest of the world. As RSA is bracing herself for the 4th democratic elections, we all anticipate a good balance in the polical leadership and opposition (as Obama shown us in 2008 that change is possible). 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa is just over 500 days away, and 2009 will see us hosting the Confederation Cup. Hopefully Zimbabwe and other neighbours will find political and economical solutions in 2009. We have confidence that Mr President Obama will push to resolve some of the world challenges - economic crunch, peace - lead the renewable energy revolution and contributing positively to climate change resolutions. Happy, peaceful and prosperous 2009!

Airshow in Cape Town

Excellent display of South African military aircrafts including fighter jets...


more pics....

more...

and

A visit to Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve

On the 5-7 September, my extended family, my family and I visited and lodge at Kagga Kamma, which is located near the Cederberg mountains. The whole trip, the scenary was refreshing. Driving more than 70km's on gravel road reminded me of the former Transkei region with the mountainside roads. Hikes, Snow, Animals - boks, Bushmen's ancient paintings, all was just amazing.

Pics....

InWent course on Renewable Energy

On the 14-16 July 2008, I attended a Renewable Energy course, sponsored and facilitated by InWent, a German-based organisation. The course focused on the State of Bavaria - how they are optimising the manufacture and implementation of wind turbines and PV panels.

"Cap your Carbon"! Happy World Environment Day, South Africa!

Happy World Environment Day to all! Today the world is celebrating the WED by encouraging people from all nations and all walks of life to TAKE ACTION against the greatest threat of all, the global Climate Change. The UN theme for 2008 is "Kick the CO2 habit! Towards a low carbon economy!" In that, everyone is encouraged to put a ceiling to their business-as-usual, carbon-intensive lifestyle and pursue a low-carbon lifestyle.

Our organisation is celebrating the day by encouraging the employees to play "Climate Change Quiz" on a Touchscreen Kiosk (that I personally masterminded). The Quiz has ten questions ranging from what the definition of CC to what actions the Provincial Government of the Western Cape is taking, to personal actions that individuals should adopt.

The prize for the winners is a cap (a tight-fitting headdress...see picture below) with the label "CAP YOUR CARBON". The cap was introduced by the Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Tasneen Essop during her Budget Speech in the Legislative House, encouraging the Legislative members to calculate their Carbon Footprints in order to necessary steps in reducing their footprint. The Carbon Foorprint of all the senior managers in my organisation has been calculated.

The Cap...


The employees queueing to participate in the CC Quiz...


I personally want to challenge, YOU (the reader) to calculate your Carbon Footprint, and then examine what small and big changes you may need to make in your everyday lifestyle.

Happy WED!