HEAD OF DEPARTMENT’S 8 PRINCIPLES

The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management women senior managers met in Bojanala District to reflect upon the progress made in implementing the 8 Principle Plan of Action.
The initiative, launched in 2007 by the Minister for Public Service and Administration, was introduced to move beyond discussions on gender equality and ensure that government departments actively implement measures to advance gender transformation.
The 8 Principle Action Plan is a gender equality strategic framework for the public service and it
recommends that one week during the month of August to be dedicated to Public Service Women
Management Week.

Acting Chief Director for Corporate Services, Dr George Marindi, emphasised the importance of reviewing progress made against commitments from previous years.
“Colleagues, let us not misuse it by just ticking the box, but utilise this opportunity productively,” said Dr Marindi.
Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana, addressed female employees on the significance of the 8 Principles and the department’s responsibility to advance gender equality.
Departments are required to have a gender policy, an active Gender Unit, 50% female representation in senior management, as well as a dedicated budget and clear evidence of implementation through their Annual Operational Plans.

Dr Kekana stressed that gender equality is no longer optional, but a measurable performance responsibility that must be planned, funded and implemented.
He further encouraged women to support and empower one another rather than pulling each other down, noting that the 8 Principles provide an important platform to advance women’s empowerment, guided by the principle: “Nothing for women without women.”

Acting Deputy Director for Gender Focal Point and Diversity Management, Ms Kearabetswe Lephoi, presented the Draft Terms of Reference for the COSATMA Women Senior Management Service (SMS) Forum.
Ms Lephoi also highlighted the department’s positive performance, noting that Community Safety and Transport Management has secured second position in the North West Province in responding to the Head of Department’s 8 Principles.
The engagement reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening gender equality, women’s empowerment and accountability through measurable and sustainable interventions.