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2017
Ancillary Health
Est 2009 Issue 2 - 2017
19 - 26 January 2017
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Inner-City Gazette
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Gauteng races to place 19 000 extra kids in grade 1 and 8 By Lungelo Shezi news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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he Gauteng Department of Education is grappling with an influx of late online and walk-in applications for grades one and eight, leaving 19 000 kids without a school to date. The department provided an update on the process to place children across schools in the province, a week after schools officially opened. Recently, a total of 7 092 late online applications are yet to be closed, while 12 821 walk-in applications were recorded, despite grade one and eight applications only being accepted through the department’s Admissions website. Combined, unplaced online and walk-in
applications total 19 913. “To date, 312 088 applications were processed online and 304 996 learners have been placed, of which 175 827 are for Grade one and 136 088 for Grade eight,” Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi said. The Department is prioritising placement of pupils that applied online, while walk-ins will have to wait until that process is complete before they’re attended to. “We reiterate our deep sense of empathy with the parents whose children are still not placed and commit to accelerate placement to at least eliminate the backlog of online applications. Unfortunately, for parents that have just walked into our operations centres, this may take a while,” Lesufi said. The issue of limited or no space in former Model C schools that are high in demand is what
has been the department’s biggest mountain. “This makes it hard to accommodate the child in the first school of choice of a parent. We appeal to parents to accept the offers being given by districts,” Lesufi said. “Another reason has been administrative delays, for example, schools not updating placement data on time and the intense process of verifying the placement information submitted by schools to our districts. To alleviate pressure in high-demand areas, the department is implementing a number on interventions including using libraries, halls and specialist rooms as learning spaces in the interim, neighbouring schools sharing unplaced pupils and the introduction of makeshift classrooms. — additional reporting by @moses_moyo
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Inner-city Gazette
Water restrictions remain in Joburg Water restrictions in Johannesburg will remain in place despite an increase in dam levels.
Inner-City Gazette welcomes editorial contributions from readers. They may raise new issues or respond to articles published in the paper. Contributions may be sent to the editor’s address below. Published by Inner-City Gazette 149 Pritchard Street, Johannesburg 2000 Tel : 011 024 - 8210 011 023 - 7588 011 402 - 1977 Fax : 086 609 8601 Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co.za All rights and reproduction of articles, images and other items published in this publication are reserved in terms of Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act 96 (1978) and its amendments thereof.
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Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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ember of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services Cllr Anthony Still said although the increase in the water level at the Vaal Dam had risen to 49.56%, residents still needed to continue heeding the call to save water. The Vaal Dam level increased by about 5.16 percentage points recently – from 44.4% to 49.56%. Cllr Still said there had been an encouraging improvement in the saving of water among residents since the introduction of Level 2 water restrictions late last year. But he stressed that more still needed to be done to save the precious but scarce resources. “Even though the level of the Vaal Dam has increased, the Level 2 restrictions that Johannesburg Water has put in place to ensure that residents use water sparingly will not be lifted,” said Cllr Still. He said the decision to lift the water restrictions would have to come from the Department of Water and Sanitation and not from the City. “I believe that if we continue getting good rains, we should have the restrictions lifted in six months.” He said the City had realised that Rand Water’s 15% cut in supply had come with a lot of pain for Johannesburg residents. “I’d like to commend residents for doing their bit to save water. We started off with a saving of about 5%, but then went down to 1%. We’re now at 10%, so residents are indeed taking this matter seriously. We need to get to 15% and I think we will get there.” The Department of Water and Sanitation said although 90% was the ideal level for dams, it
Cllr Anthony Still
would be delighted with at least 60% at the end of the rainy season as this would ensure water security for the country following the recent drought. It said the Vaal Dam was showing a considerable increase in water levels, rising from 37.58% at the beginning of December 2016 to 49.56% on Monday. 5.16% Increase in Dam Level
Distribution – Free copies door to door delivery weekly to all households and businesses in the Joburg inner-city.
19 - 26 January 2017
The Vaal Dam level increased from
44.4% to
49.56%.
“We believe that the Vaal Dam can exceed 60% by the time the rainy season ends,” said the department’s Sputnik Ratau. Level 2 water restrictions, which have been in place since 15 November 2016, call on consumers not to water or irrigate their gardens between 6am and 6pm. Only handheld hosepipes, buckets or watering cans are allowed outside these hours. Residents have been urged not to fill their swimming pools with municipal water and not to use hosepipes to wash their cars or clean paved areas and driveways with hosepipes.
19 - 26 January 2017
Inner-city Gazette
Entertainment galore at City’s theatres Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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heatre-goers are in for a big treat this year with all the City of Johannesburg’s three theatres – Joburg, Soweto and Roodepoort – offering entertainment from the top drawer for the next 12 months. This year’s thrilling programme kicks off with the musical West Side Story on the Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on January 24. The Eric Abraham and Fugard Theatre production is probably one of the best musicals ever written in recent years in which a modern-day Romeo and Juliet are caught up in a turf war between rival New York street gangs. The musical runs until March 5. February sees the staging of Six Inches at the Joburg Theatre’s The Fringe – from Valentine’s Day (February 14) to February 18. Loaded with innuendo, Six Inches touches on all things sexual. It is an exploratory comedy about three girls and their different sexual identities. The Festival of Fame, presented by the National School of Arts, runs from March 7 to March 12 on the Mandela Stage. “We pride ourselves in sourcing and producing world-class shows geared for all ages,” says Joburg Theatre Executive Producer Claire Pacariz. “We’re excited to be hosting such an electrifying calendar and look forward to being the venue of choice for citizens seeking the very best in entertainment.” Meanwhile, across town in Jabulani, Soweto, Woza Albert!, the world-acclaimed anti-apartheid satirical play, makes a welcome return when it hits the Red Theatre stage at the Soweto Thea-
tre after a successful run at the Joburg Theatre in February last year. The play by Mbongeni Ngema, Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon runs from February 8 to February 22. Woza Albert!, which forms part of the Gauteng Department of Education’s school set work, is set in the 1980s at the height of apartheid repression. The play is still as relevant today as it was when it was first staged more than 30 years ago, when black South Africans were treated like second-class citizens and their movements restricted by pass laws. Woza Albert! is political satire at its best. The play imagines the Second Coming of Morena (Jesus Christ) in apartheid South Africa. Awardwinning actors Bheki Mkhwane and Hamilton Dhlamini, who each play a number of roles – from a vendor, barber and domestic worker to manual labourer and soldier – make it easier for audiences to relate to the new South Africa, where people, despite enjoying political freedom, still yearn for a better life. Mkhwane and Dhlamini show off their skills in acting, miming, singing and dancing. They also create images using a few words and actions. Using the metaphor of Morena, the production raises questions about how Christ would have reacted if he came back to witness how the country’s majority population was being treated in apartheid South Africa. Would he have liked what was going on? If not, what would he have done to stop the atrocities, what the United Nations declared was a crime against humanity? The actors perform with a rich humour despite the hardships the characters go through. Mkhwane is best known for his TV role as Samson in Mzansi Magic soapie Isibaya.
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Financial Tips
Inner-city Gazette
19 - 26 January 2017
Tricks to stretch every cent this January By Chloe Hackland
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ost consumers are under pressure in January and usually consider ‘run-ofthe-mill’ strategies, such as packing lunches or foregoing their cappuccinos just to make it to the end of the month, however there are other tricks to help navigate to the next pay day without accumulating debt. “Getting through January is always a battle as everyone is stretched to their limit financially,” says Eunice Sibiya, head of consumer education at FNB. “Challenge yourself to get through the month on a ‘shoe-string’ budget and consider some unconventional ways to make it to the other side.” Self-imposed house arrest The easiest temptation to spend money you don’t have is to go to places that encourage spending. So staying at home is the safest option. “This may seem a bit dramatic but without the temptation of malls or restaurants it is unlikely that you will be able to spend compulsively,” says Sibiya. If you leave the house to visit friends or family, don’t take any cash or cards with you. And if you need to make a purchase, such as grocery shopping or back to school stuff for the kids, take a list and no extra ‘helpers’ who may convince you to buy additional items along the way.
Self-imposed house arrest Sell unwanted stuff for quick cash Cut down on everyday expenses
Eunice Sibiya FNB head of consumer education
Sell unwanted stuff for quick cash If you want a quick cash injection to get you through the month consider doing a ‘spring clean’. “Most consumers have stuff that they haven’t used or won’t use lying around the house,” says Sibiya. “Now is the perfect time, while you’re housebound to go through everything.” Rope in your family to help for a real clean out. Nothing is off limits including clothing you haven’t worn in ages, sporting equipment, an old cell phone or even larger items such as furniture or trailers. There are many stores that will pay cash immediately for your goods. If you have a bit more energy you can consider selling it your-
Contact Lorraine Makgale on:
‘Make every cent count’
self on an online site. “When selling items privately make sure that you receive proof of payment or cash before you hand over the goods,” says Sibiya. Cut down on everyday expenses While there are easy wins such as packing lunch or foregoing your daily cappuccinos, consider cutting back on other everyday expenses. “Our phone bills are definitely something to cut back on. Chatting on the phone or surfing the internet on your phone quickly adds up,” says Sibiya. “Put your phone away, or use internet hot spots to do your messaging this month.” Make a conscious effort to save water and electricity as well as consider car-pooling for the rest of the
month. Not only will it save on your bill, but also the environment. If you prepay for your services this will help immediately, however, savings on a post-paid bill can go towards paying down any debt you may owe. Use inventive ways to purchase items Many stores and services providers have rewards programmes such as eBucks that you can make full use of over this period. “This is the time to max out any rewards programme that you have access to, whether it is your bank, cell phone provider or grocery store or pharmacy,” says Sibiya. “Even a few cents on an item will make a
Use inventive ways to purchase items Make it a team effort
difference.” Make it a team effort Everyone feels the pinch at this time of the year. So challenge your family and friends to cut down with you. “Let your family know that you are aiming to get to the end of January on as little cash as possible. They are integral to the plan as you will need their help to cut down on household expense and may even help come up with other ways to save,” concludes Sibiya.
19 - 26 January 2017
Inner-city Gazette
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Inner-city Gazette
19 - 26 January 2017
Inner-city Gazette
19 - 26 January 2017
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Banyana Banyana face France Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za he Banyana Banyana squad will be without goalkeeper Roxanne Barker and midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni who have been withdrawn as they are nursing injuries. Barker was part of the team that travelled to Cameroon for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where she was withdrawn after injuring her toe at training. Nyandeni missed the final of the 2016 Sasol League National Championship for her club JVW FC in December due to a troublesome knee, but had recovered. “Mpumi picked up an injury after training, before we reported for the national team camp – she felt a pain on the knee and came in to have an assessment, but unfortunately it doesn’t look
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good for her to be part of the squad,” said Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana interim head coach. “She will, however, be coming to training with us so we can help with her rehabilitation, adding on what she will be doing on her own at home. “Roxanne has recovered from her toe injury but is not yet fit to play in a match, and her club has advised that she not travel for the match against France. Together with the technical team we are working on the names to replace the two players who have withdrawn.” Banyana Banyana assembled for camp on Friday, 13 January and held their first training session on Saturday, 14 January. Ellis was happy with what
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she saw. “I think it went reasonably well for our first training session, considering we have just come back from a festive break,” she said. “They were really enjoying themselves and didn’t want to stop – but the aim on the first day was to get the muscles going and just to give them a bit of a run, and they looked good. The focus was mainly on the finishing and it looked very encouraging. The French national team is ranked 3rd in the world and 2nd in UEFA behind Germany, while South Africa is ranked 4th on the continent and 48th in the world. France and South Africa will be meeting for the second time since 2009 when the Europeans won 3-2.