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12 - 19 March 2020

Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co Inner City Gazette

UJ develops tech

health monitor This technology is especially needed for patients seeking medical attention while healthcare practitioners or care providers are on intervals between patients Johannesburg - Following recent research the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS) has developed a low-cost, smart toolkit that may assist healthcare practitioners monitor and diagnose illnesses. This was after indications of a shortage of skilled staff and budget constraints being a growing concern in the healthcare industry, with the ever-increasing number of in-patients in hospitals and elderly-care facilities. In light of this, the device, named e-mutakalo (tshiVenda for ‘health’) is able to remotely collect, process and analyse realtime vital signs data. The device can automatically detect problems and alert the medical staff in the event of an emergency. The device brings together technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) to make real impact in general society.

An associate professor and researcher at the IIS Wesley Doorsamy said the device can detect problems and alert medical staff in case of an emergency. “This technology allows for a more natural and unobtrusive approach to continuous monitoring and observation of patients, as it works on the principle of noninvasive monitoring. It uses wireless sensor nodes, ambient intelligence techniques to monitor the patient’s comfort and condition and it is able to detect and diagnose problems,” Professor Doorsamy said. This technology is especially needed for patients seeking medical attention while healthcare practitioners or care providers are on intervals between patients, Doorsamy pointed out. “This device has in-built capability to automatically alert the responsible medical staff, treating doctor and other people concerned,” Professor Doorsamy said.

He pointed out that it is envisioned that this device could be deployed for homecare purposes, allowing people or patients to stay at home rather than in expensive healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, as it provides an efficient and cost-effective alternative to on-site clinical monitoring. “Accurate recording of patient data and seamless sharing among care providers, doctors and other healthcare providers is also possible through the system,” he said. He added that artificial intelligence (AI) plays a major role in the delivery of health services. “AI has already transformed some areas of health and medicine towards clinical decision-making. We trust that the rollout of the wearable sensing technologies might be a foundation for value-based care approaches while improving outcome and efficiency of healthcare delivery,” he said.

Professor Wesley Doorsamy

Inner-city Gazette

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For further information contact Boston on 011 551 2000 Email: info@boston.co.za Visit www.boston.co.za, or Facebook

a degree a stamp of job security?

The future of work won’t be only about degrees, experience or status – it will be about job skills and interpersonal skills. What do the stats tell us? According Ari Katz, CEO of Boston City Campus, an American survey results show that 93 percent of freelancers with a four-year degree say skills training was useful versus 79 percent who say their higher education was useful to the work they do now. Sixty-five percent of children entering primary school will end up in jobs that don’t yet exist, (World Economic Forum). For all graduates and employees it means that we need to investigate new skills in all industries such as can be found in the Boston occupational and information technology offerings. Katz says that entrepreneurs have a head start as they put more value on skills training. In addition, entrepreneurs are more likely to participate in lifelong learning. Rapid technological change, combined with rising education costs, have made our traditional highereducation system an increasingly difficult path for students to afford and manage. Degrees are still considered stamps of professional competency. They tend however to raise expectations of the employee when he reaches the workplace, and herein arises the myth of no work for graduates. Katz explains, “There is a tendency for graduates to turn down a job or leave when asked to complete or participate in jobs that they consider ‘menial’ or ‘labour intensive’. Degrees also tend to create a false sense of security, perpetuating the illusion that work — and the knowledge it requires — is static”.

Ari Katz A World Economic Forum report found that “in many industries and countries, the most in-demand occupations or specialties did not exist 10 or even five years ago, and the pace of change is set to accelerate.” “What does this mean for us?” says Katz. “It means we have to adopt the concept of lifelong learning - whether we are doctors, bookkeepers or IT technicians.” It is therefore imperative that we encourage more upskilling options to thrive without our current overreliance on degrees as proof of ability. All people who hope to be employed or who are already employed need to upskill in 4th Industrial revolution thinking. Katz maintains that the future of work is about flexibility and adaptability, about willingness to learn and grow. And no one profession

can ever insulate us from the unpredictability of technological progression and disruption. Jobs website Glassdoor listed “15 more companies that no longer require a degree,” including tech giants such as Apple, IBM and Google. “Increasingly,” Glassdoor reported, “there are many companies offering well-paying jobs to those with non-traditional education or a high-school diploma.” New non-traditional education options are found freely on the internet. While campus students used to be focused on a particular profession, they have now broadened demand and understanding that they need to operate in a free market economy with string competition. To remain competitive they must be able to compete on many levels. They need an understanding of books and accounting, even if they are creatives. A recent article quoted a dad who earns extra working as a DJ by night. Not only that, he has designed outerwear that promotes his DJ brand as well as serves as an additional source of income. We need to be open to new ideas, lateral thinking, creativity, but still with an understanding of the business knowledge that a degree gives us, as well as the doors that it will open. Often laser-focused on the most in-demand skills, would-be students can now enrol in campusbased, project-focused institutions, or online programs such as e-learning sites like Boston Connect. The fastest-growing segment of the workforce - freelancers such as the Dad above - have realized more than most that education doesn’t stop. It’s a lifelong process. Visit www.boston.co.za or www.bostonconnect.co.za

12 - 19 March 2020

Robotics a must for the youth Tech Reporter

o many, robotic and computer coding are reserved for techies, geeks and sci-fi movies, but today these terms are fast becoming the norm in society. If we do not embrace this wave of change; we will be left behind while the world around us progresses at a rate we cannot comprehend. One of the co-founders of Geekulcha, Mixo Ngoveni says we need to inspire the youth to think beyond their classrooms, environments and households because the jobs of tomorrow will be created through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and will be very different to the traditional roles we know today. “Artificial intelligence (AI) and robots are gradually being integrated into our world. These platforms are reshaping the way we look at work, systems and even play. Behind the scenes of AI and robotics are human beings; we need to programme, code and engineer these platforms to do what we require. Our challenge is to instil a way of understanding of these platforms among our youth so that they are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow and a future that we cannot even begin to fathom,” said Ngoveni. Geekulcha creates a platform for young, skilled and creative tech minds to connect with each other, share knowledge, collaborate on projects, network with industry leaders and put newly acquired skills to work. Established in March 2013 with a mandate to empower young minds through information and communication technology (ICT) skills development and training, Geekulcha now has more than 11 200 techies and

Geekulcha’s Mixo Ngoveni

innovators situated all around Africa. Ngoveni says SA has a wealth of youngsters who have the hunger to learn but have minimal access to these tech platforms. “Over the years I have witnessed incredible accounts of young people from underprivileged communities creating amazing solutions for everyday challenges that were inspired by STEM education. We need more support from government, private sector and communities to support STEM education because we cannot be left on the back foot of this worldwide movement,” he said. This month was earmarked for the start of the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) pilot coding and robotics curriculum; however, it has been pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances. The new curriculum is set to lay a foundation of development and keen interest towards coding and robotics from a young age. This programme will see 50 schools participating in this pilot project. Managing Director of RS Components SA Brian Andrew said the pilot programme will be a good start to transforming the current curriculum, so that the youth can be better equipped for future occupations. “Through STEM education, coding and robotics these youngsters will be able to build their capabilities and facilitate incredible levels of innovation which we desperately need. The future looks exciting and it will be interesting to see how our country adapts to this new world,” he said.

12 - 19 March 2020

Inner-city Gazette

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Labour department ready to pay domestic workers’ compensation claims, court told

Building houses ‘homeless’ students T

Zoë Postman

Braamfontein - Following recent protests by Wits University students over lack of accommodation, student leaders have announced that the Witwaters residence re-open to accommodate students who have no place to stay. Last Wednesday academic activities were interrupted as students protested, calling for the institution to assist over 200 students who were without accommodation. After a video emerged of some Wits students sleeping in libraries, students took to the streets calling for the university to assist. It was reported that over 200 students were in desperate need for accommodation. The SRC said it had been in talks with Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku and had come to an agreement to re-open the Witwaters building. “This building will provide registered students with accommodation,” the SRC said.

he Department of Labour is ready to pay compensation for injuries, illness and death at work to domestic workers, the Department told the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. The Court has been asked to rule on whether or not parts of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), which exclude domestic workers from claiming from the Compensation Fund, are unconstitutional. The case was taken to court by Bongi Mahlangu, daughter of Maria Mahlangu, a domestic worker who drowned in her employer’s swimming pool in March 2012 while on duty. When Bongi Mahlangu approached the Department of Labour to enquire whether she could claim compensation, she was informed that because her mother was a domestic worker, she was not entitled to claim. Bongi Mahlangu, with Social Economic Rights Institute (SERI) and the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU), brought the matter to the Pretoria High Court, which ruled in May 2019 that the legislation that excluded domestic workers was unconstitutional because it violated domestic workers’ rights to equality, dignity and access to social

Domestic workers demonstrate outside the court.

security. In October, the Court ruled that the declaration of invalidity must be applied retrospectively. SERI sought to get both orders confirmed by the Constitutional Court. The Department of Labour did not oppose the application. Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla raised concerns about the financial effect of a retrospective judgment on the Compensation Fund. But Advocate Kgomotso Moroka, representing the applicants, said the Department of Labour had not provided sufficient evidence that there would be a significant financial impact on the fund which could lead to claims not being paid. Justice Leona Theron asked: “Be-

cause we have no evidence, does it mean that the court must grant the order? What about the possibility that the retrospective order may lead to the collapse of the fund?” “If that was the case, Justice Theron, then surely the fund would have told you so,” responded Moroka. She said the respondents had a lot of time to present such evidence but had not done so. Advocate Hamilton Maenetje, representing the Department of Labour, said in his submission that the Department was ready to pay compensation to claimants. He said that actuaries hired to look into whether the Fund could afford to pay claims retrospectively could not

Pic: Zoë Postman

predict how many claims would come after the order was granted. But he assured the court that the Department would pay successful claims using the reserve fund. Justice Chris Jafta raised a concern about preventing fraudulent claims with the retrospective order. He asked Moroka how commissioners handling the claims would be able to assess cases dating from 15 years ago, especially if the employers did not know about the injury or accident. Moroka said the onus would be on the claimant to prove that there had been an accident – “to bring evidence, bring medical reports and bring witnesses before the commissioner”. Judgment was reserved. GroundUp

Inner-city Gazette

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12 - 19 March 2020

City Power urges clients to pay up

‘Over 37 000 accounts are in default, among them 480 large power users such as manufacturers and mines, over 10 400 businesses and 104 government departments, including schools, hospitals, and department offices, and over 26 600 residential accounts’

City Power CEO Lerato Setshedi

Johannesburg - City Power is increasing its efforts to collect outstanding debt from customers across the city, in a revenue collection drive also targeting illegal connections which the utility says contributes to revenue losses. According to City Power, they are owed around R4.9 billion by customers who use electricity without paying for it, which includes corpo-

rates, government departments, and ordinary citizens. City Power CEO Lerato Setshedi said the campaign is aimed at assisting customers who owe or use illegal electricity to pay up. “Revenue collection impacts heavily on sustainability of our business and is a key focus area, every cent counts. Without this revenue, we cannot invest in the

Criminals rob security guard Mayfair - Two suspects have been arrested while one is on the run after a robbery at Mayfair train station. Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said officers arrested two suspects for common robbery after three suspects robbed a 21-year-old male security guard at the train station. “He was busy on the phone while waiting for the train, and the suspects surrounded him and grabbed his phone. He followed them until he saw the police and alerted them,” Mbele said. He added that the victim got into the police vehicle and pointed out the two suspects. “They were arrested on the spot; but the cell phone was not recovered. The third suspect is at large and an investigation is underway. We cannot rule out a possibility that the suspects may be linked to other cases,” Mbele added.

necessary infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Illegal electricity connection has also immensely contributed to revenue losses,” Setshedi said. He added that over 37 000 accounts are in default, among them 480 large power users such as manufacturers and mines, over 10 400 businesses and 104 government departments, including schools, hos-

pitals, and department offices, and over 26 600 residential accounts. Customers have been urged to come forward and settle their debts, or make arrangements to do so. “We are reaching out, engaging citizens, business forums and councillors about this campaign, so that they understand the link between our revenue collection and normalisation of services,” Setshedi said.

Lancet Labs offers Covid-19 testing

Professor Eftyhia Vardas

Johannesburg - Lancet Laboratories says it has made lab testing for coronavirus available to the public as from Monday. A clinical virologist at Lancet Laboratories, Professor Eftyhia Vardas said they have a screening procedure. “We are going to ask you questions about where you’ve been and what you’ve done. If you had contact today with somebody coughing and spluttering it doesn’t mean that this test will pick up the virus. Five days later, it might. If you had contact today and demanded a test, it’s

not going to be helpful. If you had contact with somebody who is ill and has been somewhere severely affected by Covid-19, that’s when you should come and see us.” Testing for now, even in private labs will be prioritised for individuals who fulfil epidemiological and clinical case definitions. Lancet Laboratories has clarified that these tests would be done privately only if the patient is referred to by a medical professional. They stated that the cost would be R1 400, but

medical aids could charge a different amount, depending on the company chosen. Doctors and patients are urged to contact the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) directly on their hotline if they want testing to be done at the institute. If doctors want their patient to be tested at Lancet Laboratories, and there is any uncertainty that the patient meets clinical and epidemiological criteria, the Lancet Laboratories virologist on call on may be contacted, the health centre said.

Joshco needs new business model – CEO Takalani Sioga

Joshco CEO Victor Rambau

he Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) needs to find alternative streams of income to become a financially sustainable business, according to CEO Victor Rambau. He says most companies are retrenching, which makes it difficult for retrenched employees to honour their monthly rental fees, and that affects Joshco operations because they depend on rental income. “It also becomes difficult for us to maintain our buildings because we don’t have enough money as a result of financial challenges that most residents are facing. We need to be innovative and come up with a new business model,” Rambau explains. JOSHCO is a City-owned entity responsible for providing and managing affordable rental housing for lower income earners and students residing within the City of Joburg.

12 - 19 March 2020

Inner-city Gazette

Drive against illegal advertising

MEC condemns

taxi killings Johannesburg - Gauteng Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo has condemned killings that are believed to be linked to taxi violence. This follows the fatal shooting of three people at a traffic light in Webber Road, Lambton, Germiston, last Friday. The incident is suspected to be related to the taxi industry, according to police. Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said the shooting happened in full view of witnesses on Friday. “It is reported that a gold Nissan with four occupants approached the car at an intersection and multiple shots were fired from the Nissan to the BMW that was driving along Webber Street. The three male victims were shot while they were coming from a meeting, and all were declared dead on the scene,” said Makhubele. Three cases of murder are under investigation. Police said Mziwakhe Mbatha, a taxi owner from the Greater Germiston Taxi Association, and two security officers from Vendor Security, Sipho Masondo and Sifiso Mthembu, were shot and killed in Lambton, Germiston. Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela condemned the killing and urged investigators

News

‘Illegally placed adverts take revenue out of the city and only aim to enrich a few’ Tankiso Komane

A MEC Jacob Mamabolo

to leave no stone unturned in tracing and arresting the suspects. In another incident on Thursday, Derick Mlungisi Kunene from the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association was shot dead on Chris Hani Road in Dlamini, Soweto. Police said 20 spent cartridges and four bullets were recovered at the scene. MEC Mamabolo said he had a meeting with the provincial leadership of the taxi industry, where they expressed concern that heinous crimes are being committed against them without any arrests. He added the provincial government had established a commission of inquiry into taxi violence in the province; mandated to investigate the root cause of the violence and to give recommendations on what action can be taken to curb it. “We are confronted with a deeprooted problem that has been neglected for many years, and has now grown a life of its own, not only threatening the taxi industry, but the socio-economic stability of the entire province,” said Mamabolo.

long with its property agency, the Joburg Property Company (JPC), the City of Joburg has called on all media and property owners to join hands with them in making sure that illegal outdoor advertising becomes a thing of the past. The move calls upon stakeholders, including local businesses, brand and media owners as well as Joburg residents, to confront unattractive architecture which tarnishes the city’s image. It will also help the city recover millions of rands it loses every year as a result of this practice. JPC CEO Helen Botes said: “We’re concerned with lack of accountability by key stakeholders in ensuring that advertisements are placed on legal sites. We’re now calling for all media and property owners to collaborate with the city in making sure that we eradicate illegality in the outdoor advertising space. More importantly, we want to inform them on the processes and legislation, walking together on this new journey towards creating a clean city and safer spaces.” She added that the residents of Jo-

city, in order to participate in the dispensation. During this period, the City, working with various stakeholders, aims to rid the sector of illegality and clutter in order to increase the value of the sector for all, while resolving challenges regarding the City’s by-laws with the need for any further litigation. The City’s officials warned that non-compliance has significant implications for all involved. Those who do not comply with the city’s law will be subject to a hefty fine. The City also aims to host a series of discussions with industry stakeholders such as brand owners, who are the funders of the outdoor A police officer removes a poster in Joburg advertising, media owners, burg should understand the impact advertising agencies, propthis has on the economy and the city’s erty owners including the public secaesthetics. “Illegally placed adverts tor as well as the community at large. take revenue out of the city and only These discussions will prioritise aim to enrich a few, failing to address the need for collaboration between important issues of transformation, all stakeholders towards a solution we would like to put an end to this.” driven approach at tackling illegal The City has made efforts to gain outdoor advertising. active participation of all industry “It is important for industry players stakeholders. While the 2009 by-laws to be aware that by actively placing are still applicable, the city has de- advertisements on unauthorised spacclared a transitional period to allow es, or simply being associated with all stakeholders an opportunity to those who commit the act, they are declare their advertising assets to the breaking the law,” the City said.

Inner-city Gazette

12 - 19 March 2020

Inner-city Gazette

Rendition of Return of the ancestors

UJ hosts international dance residency “I want to find out what the essential conditions are of being a human; finding out how we can find our roots, our heritage and our ancestors.” Lakin Morgan-Baatjies

The play probes and jabs at the current political climate in South Africa; highlighting the desperate need for an honest dialogue Lusanda Zokufa

ctress Zimkitha Kumbaca’s interpretation of Mike Van Graan’s Return of the Ancestors comes to The Market Theatre Laboratory from 12 March to 4 April this year; presented in association with Onalerona Collaborations. Director Zimkitha Kumbaca and her cast of two, Katlego Chale and Tshepo Bugzito Seagiso tackle the dilemma of what it means to live in a time of political uproar and unaccountability. Return of the Ancestors genuflects to Woza Albert, a South African theatre classic featuring two actors. In Return of the Ancestors, two struggle icons, Steve Biko and Neil Aggett, who died in apartheid detention, are sent back to South Africa during 2014, twenty years after the first democratic elections, to see whether the sacrifice of those who have gone before, has been worth it. They travel through the country, on their way to a celebration that culminates in Nkandla, taking in the sights, sounds and experiences of ordinary

The Arts

Zimkhitha Kumbaca

Africans along the way to the place. Kumbaca says they are very deliberate in how they choose to tell this particular story; from characterization to directing and artistic choices. “This play confronts current South African issues and in addition to that, we’re saying let’s talk about today’s generation from today’s perspective, and strike a much-needed dialogue that will encourage necessary activism,” she says. The play probes and jabs at the current political climate in South Africa; highlighting the desperate need for an honest dialogue. Throughout the piece, which is fairly direct and critical of much about contemporary South Africa, there are short, satirical news reports under the banner The Good News Story, with the actors playing news reporters telling ironic “good news”, the sunshine journalism stories.

op Luxembourg choreographer, Hannah Ma, brings her love for South Africa to the University of Johannesburg for a week-long development residency and performance on 21 March at the institution’s Con Cowan Theatre. UJ Arts & Culture looks forward to welcoming contemporary choreographer and dancer Hannah Ma and development team Sebastian Purfürst and Sergio Mel to the UJ Arts Centre and Con Cowan Theatre stage this March. Hannah Ma will present an intensive workshop from 17–20 March with 30 professional dancers based in Gauteng. The residency will culminate in a performance on 21 March at 19:30. This engagement will lead to the selection of up to four South African dancers to join Hannah Ma Dance in Luxembourg for the premiere of ONDA/Wave in 2021. Ma is a German-Chinese choreographer and founder/director of Hannah Ma Dance and HAN SúN. She was educated at the Conservatory in Vienna and the John-Cranko School, Stuttgart and the University of Hagen in Germany. She was a scholarship student at Kirov Ballet / St Petersburg and Hong Kong Ballet. She has won several ballet competitions such as ÖTR- Contest in Vienna and the International Ballet Competitions in Györ, Hungary and Bologna, Italy.

She has worked with Theater Freiburg (GER), Museumsquatier (A), Theater Trier (DE) and the Expo in Shanghai (CHN) among others and as a freelance dancer all over the world. Her focus lies on contemporary rituals and the translation of archaic roots within our society. She teaches the method Speaking Body, an improvisation method she created from the base of contemporary and classical dance, yoga and acting methods. Hannah also studies cultural sciences with focus on philosophy. She describes her partnership with UJ Arts & Culture as a critical bridge between Europe and Africa, and considers UJ Arts & Culture as a home. “UJ Arts & Culture has a great spirit and I love the people and what it stands for. It’s open and contemporary and a kind of melting pot in the world, and being able to share that makes it a very strong place with its own unique vibration. I think I am able to find the hidden treasures within me in South Africa,” Ma adds. The 2021 work ONDA/Wave that Ma is currently creating is based on research by German philosopher Walter Benjamin who explored the connection between the digital world and real world. In the 1970s he wrote an essay on art and its reproduction in the time of digitalisation with respect to the rise of photography and film and the possibilities of a mechanical reproduction having an aura. “I always want to refer to the po-

Choreographer Hannah Ma

litical situation in the world and how we can solve our problems, and how to overcome our prejudices, colonisation and colonial thinking. We will also work on the relationship of human body and water. Besides the political, I want to find out what the essential conditions are of being a human and I think that is something that is the same with everyone in all cultures, countries and political systems; finding out how we can find our roots, our heritage and our ancestors,” Ma says. The Hannah Ma International Dance Residency will run from 17– 20 March culminating in a development performance, which will take place on 21 March at 19:30 at the UJ Con Cowan Theatre. Tickets are free of charge and available at https://arts.uj.ac.za/show/hannahW/

Financial ecosystem for clubs

FIFA requires a complete record of players during their entire career Sports Reporter

he South African Football Association’s MYSAFA player registration and competition management system will have a ripple effect for generations to come. It provides for the distribution of training rewards for smaller clubs who groom young players and make it more efficient for them to get financial rewards. By now most footballing pundits, administrators, players, coaches and match officials are aware of this technology, and benefits it brings to South African football. Legendary Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo said keeping track of player records is difficult if there is no reliable system for the purpose.

“MYSAFA is a working system that will help football clubs get compensated for their hard work of producing talented players,” he said. These rewards revolve around two main aspects; solidarity contribution and training compensation. These are defined in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). Clubs must register all players with their member association from at least 12 years of age. FIFA requires a complete record of where players have been registered during their entire career. This is contained in an electronic player passport and used for automated payment of training rewards when the player turns professional. FIFA’s solidarity reform pack-

age specifies that payments will be automatically withheld and paid to training clubs using the member associations’ electronic registration system. The MYSAFA, system is the gateway for transfer matching, payments, passports and more. FIFA’s Football Stakeholders Committee recently endorsed the establishment of a fund to partly finance the payment of training compensation. Financed by an additional 1% levy on transfer fees, the system will further encourage and reward the training efforts of football clubs. As payments will be automated via the new FIFA Clearing House, it will ensure that training compensation is actually paid, which, especially in Africa has rarely been the case.

Pirates legend Innocent Mayoyo