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Home Affairs responds to City’s concerns on illegal immigration

Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

he City received the Department of Home Affair’s official response to our demand for them to develop a plan to address the rising illegal immigration challenges faced by the City. City of Johanneburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba said, “Recognising these challenges, the Department has proposed the establishment of a joint committee between the Department and the City. This joint committee will be tasked with developing a plan to address illegal immigration within the City of Johannesburg.” “In the best interest of our residents and in the interest of good cooperative governance, the City has accepted the Department’s proposal,” said Mashaba as he expressed gratitude. This City will now engage with the Department to agree on terms of reference for the joint committee and times frames for completion of the committee’s work. Once the joint committee has finalised its work, I will meet with the Minister of Home Affairs, Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo, to consider and approve the plan. “I am happy to see that Minister Dlodlo is taking these immigration challenges seriously, unlike her two predecessors. For over

a year, I have on numerous occasions sought an audience with the Department of Home Affairs, in good faith – sadly those attempts were in vain,” added Mashaba. Many people from across the continent and world seek a better life in South Africa, and the City of Johannesburg in particular. Those who are undocumented immigrants, are then forced to live on the fringes of our society with limited protection afforded to them. From the City’s perspective, illegal immigration compounds serious challenges for the provision of temporary emergency accommodation for residents and other basic services. It is therefore crucial that a comprehensive plan be developed which will finally start addressing these pressing concerns. This new joint committee can thus not be allowed to degenerate into another intergovernmental talk shop with few results. “As the custodian on immigration matters, I hope that the Department will show leadership in this matter. “Hopefully, the newfound commitment shown by the Department will bear an effective and lasting solution which will protect the best interests of our citizens and law abiding foreign nationals in our City,” concluded Mashaba.

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City conducts joint operation in Yeoville The objective of the joint operation focused on strict adherence and compliance of the City’s by-law’s, which include illegal parking, vehicle repairs, car washing, depleted buildings, displaced persons and illegal dumping

Moses Moyo news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

he City of Johannesburg’s Region F led a joint operation to tackle socio-economic issues currently affecting residents and business owners in Yeoville. This follows vigorous assessments conducted by the Region’s multi-disciplinary team, which highlighted traffic management, by-law enforcement and crime related issues as key contributing factors to the current state of misconduct in Yeoville and neighboring suburbs. The objective of the joint operation focused on strict adherence and compliance of the City’s by-law’s, which include illegal parking, vehicle repairs, car washing, depleted buildings, displaced persons and illegal dumping. The region identified priority precincts including Raleigh Street, Grafton Street, Hunter Street and Becker Street that have become riddled with a number of challenges including health hazard issues. The operation further discovered water meters that have been tampered with by shop owners

Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba & MMCs Cllr Ntombi Khumalo & Cllr Funzela Ngobeni inspected numerous shops in Yeoville as part of a #CoJLawEnforcement operation as we enter the festive season. and illegal electricity connections which resulted in immediate terminations of services by Johannesburg Water and City Power. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning and Regional Head for Region F, Cllr Funzela Ngobeni, praised the multi-disciplinary team for conducting the joint operation and identifying issues affecting residents and business owners in an effort to improve living conditions and apply con-

ducive working conditions. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Department of Community Safety were present to oversee that appropriate compliance and enforcement of security was undertaken during the operation. Another focus area included a thorough assessment of emergency signage, electricity, fire equipment and cleanliness undertaken by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), whilst the Building

Management Department (BDM) conducted a series of compliance inspections in different buildings. The joint operation yielded positive results, which saw displaced persons taken to shelters for screening and assessments in a bid to provide them with the necessary assistance. Members of the community are urged to get involved in restoring Yeoville by reporting any illegal and unusual activities to the Region.

Inner-city Gazette

14 - 21 December 2017

For further information Contact Boston on 011 551-2000, e-mail info@boston.co.za, visit www.boston.co.za, or Facebook.

Distribution – Free copies door to door delivery weekly to all households and businesses in the Joburg inner-city. 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. 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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African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Press Ombud at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619, or website: www.presscouncil.org.za

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The American GED - an alternative route to success for matrics

tudents face many challenges during the year – they vary from social, personal, academic and extracurricular activities. One of these challenges that can be very sensitive is for students who do not have the academic means to continue successfully and pass matric. The South African matric certificate is highly regarded in the labour market. Nearly all companies in the South African labour market require employees to have a matric – even for something practical or manual such as packing groceries. Therefore an avenue for an alternative matric is essential. There are some important stats to consider with regard to matric. The pass rate in 2016 was 72.5 percent, which means that out of 800 000 who wrote matric, 220 000 did not succeed! In addition, it must be noted that, according to basic education activist group Equal Education, research has shown that between 40% and 50% of pupils drop out before they even reach matric. This leaves many people who need an alternative to the regular South African IEB or GED matric. Relative to a Grade 10 and Grade 11, the matric certificate is a big determining factor in terms of earnings and the likelihood of finding employment. This is supported by data from the 2011 National Census, which indicates that the unemployment rate for 25 to 35 year olds who had “less than matric” was 47% in 2011, compared to 33% for 25 to 35 year olds that had a matric and 20% for people of the same age group with a diploma or post-school certificate. What this means is that unemployment rates are lower for people who have higher levels of education. In 2006 there were just over 1 million

learners in Grade 2 (Matric Class of 2016). Of these learners, only 610 178 wrote the matric exams, with 442 672 passing. However, out of those that passed, just under 162,500 qualified for university studies (bachelors pass). Even among matrics who qualify for a university education, many still have multiple obstacles to their success. Nearly 30% of those who enter university drop out within five years. What does this mean? It means that just over 500 thousand learners get lost in the regular teaching system. Research Boston City Campus & Business College conducted revealed some of the reasons for this, including: • Personal • Financial • Big classes • Social issues • Bullying • Not being able to cope with all subjects Even now, in January, students who have failed their matric, or students who did not achieve the necessary results required for acceptance into tertiary studies, have the opportunity of a second chance. The GED Testing Service GED® Programme, created in 1942 in the USA as a second chance opportunity makes it possible to earn the equivalent of a secondary school leaving certificate to open doors for employment or entry to further studies. SAQA considers the GED® credential as comparable to the NSC (Grade 12) and according to Higher Education Enrolment, a programme of Universities SA, you may apply to study at a South African University with a GED® Credential accompanied by letter of admission from an appropriately ac-

credited US university. What is really important to note here is that it is Boston’s intention to give those who cannot succeed at the South African matric, for whatever reason, a better chance at employment and further studies, a second chance for success. The GED® –is an International Grade 12 High School Diploma Equivalency, running since 1942, with over 20 million successfully completed. The following will give you peace of mind: • Boston will assess students who have a Grade 10 and are over 16 with a free Readiness Assessment. • We have an astonishing 85% pass rate. • There are only 4 subjects to be studied, and, • 1 subject at a time! • Once the student writes the exam -it’s done • Students can start any time • With 11 months to complete • The GED® can be completed in 3 to 6 months • All students have a Personalised Tutor through our MaaS system • MaaS addresses the following student issues: • Not spending enough time on work • Low Scores • It gives a pat on the back And it gives progress reports The American GED® is opening many doors for students who previously had very limited options, and they now have a second chance for employment opportunities or to study further. Contact Boston on 011 551 2000, visit www.boston.co.za

14 - 21 December 2017

Inner-city Gazette

City intensifies fight against crime The City has developed an extensive operational plan to clamp down on traffic management violations, prevent crime and enforce by-laws

Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

he JMPD has also been in the thick of things in raids to arrest hijackers of buildings, operations to arrest drug syndicates and led in the recovery of hijacked vehicles. These operations are informed by the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medium to long term safety strategy, which proposes a common approach to dealing with crime, violence, public safety, safety programmes and initiatives. It proposes that the City play a leading role in public safety and work in close co-operation with SAPS, the province, community based organisations and residents themselves. The strategy underpins the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to reduce the incidence of crime and the negative perceptions of crime, which affect business confidence and investment decision-making. It forms the basis for the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festive Season Safety Campaign and other safety programmes and interventions by JMPD, EMS, City entities and departments including external stakeholders like SAPS, safety agencies, business forum, transport operators, hawkers associations and communities. The City has developed an extensive operational plan to clamp down on traffic management violations, prevent crime and enforce by-laws. The plan also outlines ways to prevent hijackings, robberies, theft,

fires, floods, emergency situations, xenophobia and cable theft. The festive season falls within the summer school holidays which is also the period when normal business activities end or are scaled down. This is the period during which many people take leave and travel, visit places of entertainment and recreation and shopping centres. Unfortunately, the festive season is also an opportune time for criminals to target shoppers, businesses, homes and child trafficking. There is definitely a marked increase in criminal activity that requires the police to be on high alert with greater visibility on main roads, highways, exit routes and shopping malls. During this period there is flagrant disregard of the rules of the road which results in the loss of life and or serious injuries through reckless driving, drunkenness and failing to reduce speed on wet roads. So the City is dealing with various kinds of problems because as it is commonly said, it is the silly season. Illegal street trading, indiscriminate use of fireworks and dumping also increase. The City has set out to gradually inculcate a culture of responsibility at home, on the roads, during events or leisure activities through education. This can only succeed with cooperation from motorists and communities at large as well as to get

everyone to maintain a heightened sense of awareness and report illegal and criminal activity. It is against this background that a Festive Season Plan has been developed to put in place proactive remedial actions in order to counter and curb the illicit activities during this season in order to create a harmonious and conducive society for the inhabitants of the City of Johannesburg and its visitors. A large number of fatal injuries occur due to motorists who do not obey the rules of the road at all times, who drink and drive, text and drive or behave aggressively. Motorists also fail to reduce speed and keep a safe following distance when it rains which is a must because roads become slippery. A system of demerits has been introduced to deter motorists from being reckless or disobedient on the roads. The change has to come from motorists themselves. Maybe as a motorist you should have your own points merit system that you observe once you get into your car, for example give yourself three points for using a safety belt, another three points for not using your phone at all, three points for obeying rules of the road, three points for not swearing, showing the finger and another three points for not driving in the emergency lane. When you get home total up and see how well you have done then reward yourself with the great thought and knowledge that you may have prevented

Cllr Michael Sun, MMC for Public Safety City of Joburg

an accident today. At home people need to have a heightened sense of awareness as well. As it gets hotter and hotter, you likely to become lethargic and more careless. After cooking ensure that the stove is turned off, kitchen is floor properly wiped and dry. Emergency numbers should be clearly written and pasted where everyone can see them. Test your alarm daily if you have one, make sure that security doors are indeed locked when doors and windows are left open for cooling purposes. Most outside gates are made of steel which expands in the heat, make sure that gates actually close and do not reopen due to hitting against something. Being inside a mall does not mean that you cannot be mugged. You need to be just as alert because

Picture: Moses Moyo

criminals are also shopping alongside you. Do not be distracted by people needing assistance with buying or at the ATM, refer them to security. The mall toilets are not exactly safe so be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and hold onto your bag. In fact carry as little cash on you as possible and if you are, prepare your route and go directly to the store to make your purchases instead of wandering around first. You are also cautioned against leaving your children unattended as they can disappear in an instant. Do not even consider leaving them or your pet in the car whilst shopping as this is totally irresponsible, temperatures reach incredible highs that could result in loss of life. Whilst at the mall also double check that your car doors are locked before walking away.

Inner-city Gazette

14 - 21 December 2017

Joburg celebrates Disability Day “We are also ensuring that the recruitment processes are accessible to them compared to other applicants with the same educational qualifications”

City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Group Corporate and Shared Services Cllr Ntombi Khumalo Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

ity of Johannesburg buildings that do not have restrooms that accommodate people with disabilities have to be overhauled so that the municipality does not “Leave No One Behind”. Speaking at the International Disability Day held by the City of Johannesburg’s Group Corporate and Shared Services’s Employment Equity and Transformation Office on Friday, 08 December 2017, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Group Corporate and Shared Services Cllr Ntombi Khumalo said

persons with disabilities have been excluded from the mainstream of society and continue to experience difficulty in accessing fundamental rights. “As the leadership of the City of Johannesburg, we acknowledge that disability is a key priority that requires special attention. In my office for example, I have an intern. The bathrooms we have cannot fit even the smallest wheelchair. Now imagine if it was you facing this kind of struggle on a daily basis,” said MMC Khumalo. To realise some of the ob-

jectives and bring everyone on board under the theme “Leaving No One Behind”, the City of Johannesburg was urging all departments to commit to providing the necessary support to people with disabilities with mentorship, coaching and any other necessary tools of trade required to enable them thrive. “We are also ensuring that the recruitment processes are accessible to them compared to other applicants with the same educational qualifications. The City must therefore continuously improve the contractual obligations

with the recruitment agencies to support and encourage applications from people with disabilities,” concluded MMC Khumalo. The annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. It aims to promote the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of on the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

14 - 21 December 2017

Inner-city Gazette

Festive message to residents

14 - 21 December 2017

Toy Movement Campaign gives SA’s most vulnerable the right to play Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

FROM: Cllr Vasco da Gama Speaker of the Joburg Council City of Joburg

s the year comes to an end, I would like to thank all residents of City of Johannesburg for your tireless contribution to the City and wish all of you a good rest. As the festive season approaches, we know that it brings with it a host of problems such as road accidents due to drinking &amp; driving, crime, theft, hijacking etc. I urge you to please be vigilant and take care of yourselves and your families.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I’m sure we can all look forward to a Prosperous New Year.

hildren are full citizens under South Africa’s Constitution, but South Africa faces enormous challenges when it comes to providing our children with safe play areas and early learning tools, such as toys. According to UNICEF only 29 percent of South African children have access to safe, child-appropriate play areas in their communities. Unequal distribution of safe play areas and toys erode children’s right to play. This according to Gretchen Wilson-Prangley, CEO of Play Africa – a non-profit, social enterprise organisation championing inclusive public learning for the country’s most vulnerable. With this in mind, Play Africa has partnered with leading international children’s entertainment corporation - Spin Master Corp, and through its global Toy Movement campaign, the organisations will give thousands of toys to disadvantaged children in the country. “Many South African children lack toys and other learning tools that can help stimulate a range of child-initiated, open-ended play activities, which bolster cognitive, physical, social and emotional development,” said Wilson-Prangley. “In order to honour children and their right to play, we need to respond to neuroscience research that consistently proves the importance of play and stimulation in children’s healthy development, and make provisions for play in every child’s daily life,” she said. The official launch of the Toy Movement campaign took place at Constitution Hill last Friday, with support from Just Fun (Pty) Ltd, Nickelodeon South Africa, Ty Inc and Value Logistics. About 300 children from local schools, including Nkosi’s Haven received toys, meals and enjoyed live entertainment. A further 44 000 toys will be distributed to hospitals, orphanages, schools and community centres across the country during the holiday season.

Contact Lorraine Makgale on:

“Spin Master’s vision is to make life more fun, and based on our position in the toy industry we feel it’s our responsibility to help children in need,” said Mark Segal, Spin Master’s Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer. “The Toy Movement has the goal of bringing inspiration and the opportunity to learn, grow and play to children living in challenging situations and that’s what we hope to inspire. Many of us have roots in South Africa, so this is a particularly gratifying initiative,” he said. Toy Movement has completed missions all over the world, including in Mexico, Israel, Jordan and Turkey, and 2017 marks its first year in South Africa. “Play is how children learn, and every child’s right to play is enshrined in the Universal Declara-

tion of Human Rights and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. We are thrilled to partner with Spin Master’s Toy Movement to help bring joy and the transformative power of play to thousands of children and their families this holiday season,” said Wilson-Prangley. Children will receive the toys through partner organisations, including 73 schools and creches, five hospitals, seven orphanages, and dozens of NGOS, including: Afrika Tikkun; The Ernie Els Centre For Autism, South Africa; Ikageng Itireleng (Child Headed Households affected by HIV/ AIDS); Smart Start; Magical Moments; Orange Babies - Mount Olive Outreach; NCCWA/ UNICEF - Isibindi Project; CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare); Gumboots Foundation; and Johannesburg Child Welfare.

14-21 December 2017

Inner-city Gazette

#AfroPunkArmy + #Aresebetseng = Cleaner Joburg Location: Constitutional Hill

City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba leads the AfroPunk Army

The #AReSebetseng community clean up’s objective is to create active citizens in Joburg who take ownership of their surroundings, any day of the week. Residents are encouraged to pick up litter, weed a pavement, cut back an over grown bush or remove illegal signage; it all helps in the efforts to make Joburg clean and welcoming. The best way to find out what your community is doing on the day is to search #aresebeteng on Facebook and Twitter. Pictures by: Moses Moyo

AFROPUNK (AP) ARMY is the volunteer arm for the AFROPUNK GLOBAL INITIATIVE. The AFROPUNK ARMY acts as a catalyst for social movements, helping organizations tackle the critical issues — systems of oppression, LGBTQ+ rights, gentrification — dismantling our communities globally, AFROPUNK ARMY volunteers bring focus and awareness to issues of social justice, translating their ideas into positive action.

AP encourages interested festival-goers to volunteer their time, passion and talents to give back to their communities in exchange for (1) ONE General Admission Weekend Pass to attend AFROPUNK.

Inner-city Gazette

14 - 21 December 2017

EKhaya Neighbourhood kidz day 2017 Children enjoy an early christmas hosted by Ekhaya Neighbourhood. Ekhaya kidz were given bicycles, toys, colouring books and food was also served for the children at the event. A wedding group from Bussy Bee Combined School in Hillbrow provided exciting entertainment.

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Inner-city Gazette

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Sharma lifts Joburg Open title

COJ Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba and Shubhankhar Sharma

Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

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ndia’s Shubhankhar Sharma overcame the odds to win the Joburg Open by three strokes at Randpark Golf Club. Sharma closed with a round of 69 to claim the biggest victory of his career on 23 under par. South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen finished second on 20 under with a final round of 66. After a heavy thunderstorm forced the suspension of Sunday’s final round, play resumed on the Firethorn course on Monday morning. Sharma led Van Rooyen by four strokes with 11 holes to play on the Firethorn course. The 21-year-old rising star of Indian golf started the final round with a five-stroke lead and birdied the second hole to climb six strokes clear of the field. Van Rooyen made four birdies in five holes from the third to make a contest of it. Sharma returned on Monday morning and birdied the ninth, which was the last birdie he would and also needed to make. Van Rooyen did his best to chase down the leader, adding birdies at nine and 12. But he will be left to rue his third round of 70, which left him with too much ground to make up in the final round. “It feels fantastic,” Sharma said of his victory. “I’m glad I made the decision to come here after thinking about not coming. It has been ab

‘It has been absolutely fantastic and the people are very welcoming. I don’t think I will ever forget this week’ solutely fantastic and the people are very welcoming. I don’t think I will ever forget this week. This is my first win on the Asian Tour and the European Tour so it means a lot to me.” Despite having a five-stroke lead at the start of the final round, Sharma stayed true to his strategy of playing aggressively. “On the first day there were 240 players. I was just trying to play two good rounds to make the cut and the cut was really low. I was playing well and had a great start on the second day which got things going for me. As soon as I reached -13 after two days, I thought I had a chance to win. “The only thing I was telling myself was to stay aggressive. I never wanted to be defensive. Even when I was leading I never thought of defending my lead. I actually set a target of 25 under.” Sharma also led the three qualifying spots into The Open from this tournament. Van Rooyen and Shaun Norris took the other two for next year’s Major at Carnoustie.