Upon arrival, each colleague was instructed to pick a labelled cup from a selection of descriptors like “hardworking,” “productive,” “creative,” “multi-tasking,” and more. These labels were more than words; they served as a personal touchpoint for each participant.
After an opening prayer by Mr Tello May the Manager: Product and Capacity Development. Mr Dominic Maimela, the Programme Director requested that each person introduce themselves and share the reason behind their choice of descriptors. Whether it was because they saw themselves as “creative” or identified as being “multi-tasking,” this exercise offered a glimpse into each individual’s self-perception. It allowed us all to learn a bit more about our colleagues in a light-hearted manner. The activity was simple yet impactful.
Following our engaging icebreaker, the staff meeting proceeded with each executive sharing key updates and highlights from their respective units. Here is a summary of the main points discussed:
Mr Imraan Khan – Chief Operating Officer:
· Investment Analysts: Finding other means for funding is a priority such as partnerships to boost the investment team.
· Information and Communication Technologies(ICT) Systems: There will be efforts to enhance and upgrade our ICT systems for better performance.
· Recapitalisation: There are plans to strengthen financial resources.
Ms Nosipho Khonkwane – General Manager: Monitoring & Evaluation:
· Performance Achievement: GEP reached a 100% performance rating against the Annual Performance Plan, the best in three years!
· Audit Concerns: GEP received an unqualified audit due to irregular expenditure. This is a chance to learn and make improvements.
· Strategic Planning: It is the end of the five-year strategic plan for 2020-2025, plans to start planning the next one to set our future goals are in place.
Mr Tinevimbo Gondo – Acting Chief Financial Officer:
· Irregular Expenditure: The reason for irregular expenditure was attributed to poor contract management, therefore new controls will be put in place to avert this.
· Budget Cuts: With ongoing budget cuts, there is a need for creative ideas to improve debt collections, for that reason everyone is invited to share their suggestions.
· Audit Outcome: Unqualified audit with no material misstatement. Reduction of audit findings from the previous years. Improvement on irregular expenditure reported and all 2023/2024 audit action plans are being implemented.
Mr Sello Manoto – Acting General Manager for Corporate Support & Administration:
· Leave Liability: GEP is currently facing a significant leave liability , thus it becomes crucial for both employees and managers to ensure that leave is taken as needed to help address this concern.
· Performance Bonus: Employees who have demonstrated strong performance will receive a performance bonus of 6%.
· Employee Development Plan: This has been drafted and is aimed to provide opportunities for employees to strengthen their skills in various roles within the organisation, aligning with their career aspirations and supporting their studies and qualifications. At the end of the meeting, Ms Nono Kali the Acting Manager: Office of the Chief Executive Officer thanked all for their participation and contribution. Then Ms Thenjiwe Msomi the Manager: Organisational Development and Human Resource Development closed the session with prayer.
The key takeaway from this session was that engagement is encouraged, new ideas are welcomed, and the best way to move forward is to work together. Let’s continue to build on our successes and tackle our challenges with determination and creativity.
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