are directly linked to taking active steps in dealing with the vulnerable and their jobs as well as to ensure that all of the activities are aimed at strengthening the capacity of the economy to grow and create decent jobs. The Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council2 (PSCBC) plays a central role in facilitating negotiations on issues related to conditions of service for public servants. . It has among others, facilitated an agreement on the retention strategy for professionals in the public service, referred to as the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD)3. New initiatives during the period under review also saw the launch of the Presidential Hotline in September 2009 as part of the government’s drive to enhance interaction with citizens. The Hotline receives complaints that reflect the diverse concerns of the South African populace. These concerns include , service delivery issues such as, land claims, housing shortages as well as challenges related to crime and corruption . Since its inception, the Hotline has received a large volume of calls, indicating both the need for such a service and the eagerness of South Africans to interact with government. During the period under review 72 299 calls were received, 79% were complaints, of which 53% were resolved. Government continues to utilise Izimbizo4 as forums for public participation on matters affecting communities and civil society. The issues that form the content for these interactions are taken from the Government Programme of Action, and also emanate from issues raised through the Presidential Hotline. 4.2 Advancement of gender equality The National Policy Framework on Gender Equality has led to the creation of entities within every sphere of government to ensure gender mainstreaming and the promotion of gender equality. Other key initiatives include the development and implementation of the Public Service Gender Equity Strategy which assists government in reaching its 50% minimum target representation of women. A Gender Mainstreaming course for the Public Service was developed in 2009 and is being rolled out to departments. Government and civil society continue to implement measures aimed at eliminating violence against women and children. These measures include initiatives such as the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign; 365 Days National Action Plan to eradicate violence; popularization of ‘Project Ndabezitha’ which is a mechanism for integrated management of domestic violence cases towards the effective implementation of the Domestic Violence Act as a partnership between government and traditional leaders. 2 The PSCBC is the largest bargaining council in South Africa, covering over one million workers. Its parties are the State as Employer, and public service unions, who represent 90% of public service employees at the national and provincial spheres of government. The PSCBC’s key function is to create a platform for developing sound labour relations in the public service, through the provision of independent collective bargaining and dispute management services. 3 OSD is a retention strategy for professionals in the public service and further enhancement of conditions of service as contained in PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2007 4 Izimbizo is a Zulu word referring to community gatherings: In this context it refers to community consultation gatherings organized by government as a platform to interact directly with communities on service delivery matters that affect them. 24