Inner City Gazette

Inaugural medal to recognise those transforming education

Teachers, NGOs, politicians, tech entrepreneurs and figures from the public and private sectors, need to work together to build a future where every African child can achieve quality education.

Johannesburg - The inaugural Africa Education Medal, launched by T4 Education in collaboration with HP and Intel, is open for applications and nominations.

The medal has been launched to recognise the work of those who are transforming education across the continent, to celebrate the stories of those who have lit the spark of change and inspire others.

Former deputy president and founder of the Umlambo Foundation, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has joined leading figures on the judging panel of the new award, that will be given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership and advocacy in the field of education.

In the decades leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa had been making great strides in boosting school enrolment. To protect and expand upon these gains in the wake of Covid-19, teachers, NGOs, politicians, tech entrepreneurs and figures from the public and private sectors, need to work together to build a future where every

African child can achieve quality education.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said Africa’s great change makers recognise that education is key to the future.

“From the classrooms to the corridors of power, from the libraries to the laboratories, they are working every day to ensure we deliver a brighter tomorrow for our continent’s children. I call on these inspirational leaders from South Africa and across Africa to step forward and apply for the Africa Education Medal so their stories can inspire thousands more,” Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

The medal is open to individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational and university education who are educators and school administrators; civil society leaders; public servants and government officials; political leaders; technologists and innovators.

Nominees must demonstrate their contribution in significantly improving learning outcomes; promoting girls’ education; promoting equity and broad-

ening access to education; advancing pedagogical or technological innovation; building and strengthening educator capacity; catalysing civic participation in education and championing the rights of education stakeholders.

Nominees will be assessed by a jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria. The top 10 finalists for the medal will be announced in July, and the winner will be announced in September. Nominations for the award, including self-nominations, can be made online at www.africaeducationmedal.org, and entries close on 3 June 2022.

Former deputy president Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Reminder for robust security

PreParing For a job which doesn’t yet exist

While digital and tech trends provide bread crumbs in the direction of future occupations – we are educating for the in-demand occupations of the future. School guidance counsellors and parents of today’s data analysts, or social media managers didn’t know that these positions would exist when they offered advice on school subject choices.

So how do we prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist?

“It becomes a question of having your finger on the pulse by constantly being in contact with industry, and understanding current trends,” says Dr Deonita Damons, director at Boston City Campus. “Accept that most jobs and professions require lifelong learning to remain relevant, keep up-to-date by enrolling for a qualification, elevate your CV with a higher education degree. Boston’s PGDip is upper management level gold for those looking for a promotion or opportunity in a new company.”

A brave new world

Technology is indispensable and reshapes our workplaces in many ways, through the adoption of tools like the internet and email communications, and artificial intelligence that monitors Boston’s degree and diploma students.

Continual learning

Author Alvin Toffler predicted that the future belongs to those who can unlearn and relearn. History tells us that technology creates more opportunities and jobs. Sounds odd right?

The thinking was that automation would cause people to lose their jobs!. Virtual or tangible, automated or humanised, work is changing in many ways, but the fundamentals remain: acquiring skills to meet new-age workplace demands. Job market as barometer of economy

A recent CareerJunction report shows a continued increase in recruitment activity over the last 13 months - encouraging because it signifies that employers are showing confidence in the local

economy with more opportunities becoming available for job seekers. This despite the ongoing challenges faced by our economy.

Between March 2021 and March 2022, hiring activity increased by 39%, CareerJunction said, representing an uptake of 18% in job advertising, compared to the year-on-year stats for March 2020 to March 2021.

Jobs in demand

CareerJunction Index says that although Information Technology continues to be the top-performing employment sector in South Africa, hiring activity in this area has declined slightly in the last three months.

“This decline may be partly attributed to increased emigration as travel restrictions are relaxed, as well as the growing trend of ‘digital nomads’ in the IT space,” the report said.

“Digital nomads are location independent, allowing them to work in any region of the world. While this enables a flexible lifestyle, it also drains the country of necessary talent to fill positions,” says Dr Damons.

Back to work

Interesting to note, according to CareerJunction, the Admin, Office & Support sector has seen the biggest increase in hiring activity at 17%., this possibly because an increasing number of local companies are moving back to a more office-bound working environment as Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease.

“Despite this trend, remote working resulting from the pandemic has definitely changed the workplace with a fluid approach by companies to job locations. This has given rise to a hybrid environment with employees alternating between home and work, according to job requirements and company policies,” says Dr Damons.

Skills in demand

Along with the increased demand for digital skills across the board in most occupations, there is a demand for a higherlevel thinking in order to accommodate this digital transformation in the workplace. Key skills include Cognitive Flexibility, Emotional intelligence, Critical thinking: and Decision making, all skills that graduates of the Boston BsocSci gain in this degree.

We are living in a time of flux where the demand for essentially human skills such as decision making, empathy, critical thinking is growing in tandem with the digital evolution. Boston is an award-winning SA private higher education institution.

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

WorldPassword Day on 5 May was a reminder of the increase in cyber threats affecting South Africans and the country’s businesses.

Country lead for Trellix South Africa Carlo Bolzonello said a recent TransUnion study revealed that 37% of South Africans admitted that they had been targets of Covid-19 related digital fraud.

“Furthermore, the rate of digital fraud against the country’s businesses went up by 44%. While passwords may be a critical part of everyday life, they aren’t adequately protecting personal and business data against these growing threats. Instead, individuals and organisations should use biometric or phone message multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible,” Bolzonello said.

He added that individuals and organisations that rely heavily on passwords should be vigilant in keeping track of security vulnerabilities that can lead to data breaches.

“But most importantly, their first line of defence against cyber-attacks needs to be bolstered with cyber security solutions like MFA and anti-malware,” he said.

Trellix chief product officer Aparna Rayasam said while laudable in its aims, if World Password Day highlights anything it is how passwords remain a relatively weak first line of defence against cyberattacks, and they should not be a primary counter measure.

“A few years ago some experts predicted that the password would disappear entirely, which interestingly has not been the case. But thankfully, we no longer rely on them as the primary method for protecting sensitive and critical data. Security practices have moved on and multifactor authentication (MFA) is now commonplace, with biometric information increasingly being used to thwart attacks,” Rayasam said. She added that the use of passwords persists and it is critical for organisations of all sizes and sectors to educate employees on best practices for password management.

“Sharing or reusing passwords should be avoided, and using software which prompts regular updates can be beneficial. However, cybercriminals will continue to look for ways around defences. Organisations must remain vigilant for unusual activity on their network, implementing security that detects, stops and adapts quickly to incoming threats,” Rayasam said.

Country lead for Trellix South Africa Carlo Bolzonello

“Individuals and organisations that rely on passwords should keep track of security vulnerabilities that can lead to data breaches.”

New phone rules planned

How mobile operators manage biometric data would still be subject to strict privacy laws laid out in the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines

Johannesburg - If the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) proposal to link biometric data to SIM cards is approved, it would require providing biometric data to mobile service providers to obtain a new cellphone number or do a SIM swap.

The proposals were included among others which closed for public comment on 11 May this year. The Icasa proposal calls for biometric data such as fingerprint mapping, facial recognition and retina scans to be bound to a consumer’s SIM card.

Chief executive of iiDENTIFii security company Gur Geva said the proposals seek to protect consumers from identity fraud where phone numbers are used.

“Criminals who use a multitude of mobile numbers in fraud, money laundering, terrorism and kidnapping would have a harder time hiding from law enforcement should the new regulations be effective. Biometric data cannot be copied, so consumers would have more protection against their cell number being used in identity theft or fraudulent payments,” he said.

Geva said biometric technology is already a common security feature with service providers like banks and insurers to protect consumers.

“The proposed regulations are more sophisticated than the cur-

Charlotte Maxeke hospital re-opens emergency units

“The detection system is centrally connected, so we will know even before anybody else notices that there is a fire. The alarm and detection systems will be so significantly improved that it will allow for earlier detection and enable ability to react in an appropriate manner.”

Johannesburg - Following a long period of closure after a fire gutted the Charlotte Maxeke hospital, its casualty unit was reopened on Monday, with new fire alert and prevention systems installed.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla and senior health officials conducted an on-site inspection on the progress in repairs to the health facility.

Only transfers of patients from neighbouring facilities will be allowed as ambulance services are not functional owing to the absence of the CT scan, which was vandalised.

Phaahla said some parts had to be imported, which has taken some time.

rent RICA laws in protecting South Africans against fraud,” Geva said.

Icasa said stricter security measures are required to curb hijacking of mobile phone numbers through porting or SIM swap, among others.

How mobile operators manage biometric data would still be subject to strict privacy laws laid out in the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines.

Geva said raw biometric data would not be stored, so the information is encrypted and nontransferable.

“There is concern that biometric data can be used for other means once captured by the service provider. But there is little difference from what customers provide to financial institutions,” he said.

Motorist killed in spike attack

Pretoria - Following a recent incident in which a motorist was shot dead along the N4 highway in Pretoria police have warned motorists to be vigilant when driving in that area.

A motorist was killed after his car reportedly drove over spikes placed by criminals targeting motorists on the road.

Akasia police spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa said last Saturday the motorist was found with gunshot wounds on his upper and lower body.

“A man who had been driving a green Audi was killed, and the car was found with no front tyres and keys. The motive of the man’s murder is unknown at this stage and a case of murder is under investigation. We appeal to anyone who may have information of the perpetrators to come forward,” Mabasa said.

Last year the Tshwane Metro Po-

lice Department (TMPD) warned motorists to be vigilant when driving on the N4 highway due to an increase in the use of spikes to puncture car tyres by criminals.

In May last year spokesperson Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said TMPD officers found a motorist stranded on the highway after one of his vehicle’s wheels was punctured after driving over spikes on the road near the Solomon Mahlangu Drive off-ramp.

“The motorist said he heard the puncture after driving over something that looked like a plastic bag, he was fortunately not robbed. The spikes are usually placed by criminals to force vehicles to stop after driving over them. These perpetrators then attack the motorists, especially at night and in the early hours of the morning. The targeted areas are mostly highways and quiet roads,” Mahamba said.

“Some components only arrived in the country this morning, so they are now working on that CT scan as it also has to be calibrated. These are sophisticated machines as most of the time CT scans are needed with patients who have not been processed anywhere else,” he said.

He added that several mental

health patients have been transferred to the facility.

“Most equipment and machines have been installed and the process of transferring more serious patients will begin. This is a central and important level of service, and also as an academic hospital, its focus is in terms of priority one and two patients, it is meant to look after complicated patients,” he said.

Head of the Disaster Committee Professor Steve Moeng said new measures are aimed at mitigating the impact of any future fires.

They include reinforcing the walls between different sections, so that the heat can be contained, and an early detection system to indicate the location of a fire, he explained.

“The detection system is centrally connected, so we will know even before anybody else notices that there is a fire. The alarm and detection systems will be so significantly improved that it will allow for earlier detection and enable ability to react in an appropriate manner. There

is also a new telephone system that connects the hospital to a control centre, from which different emergency services can be deployed. There is also a link between the alarm and the fire detection systems to the smoke control doors, so that not only can we manage the heat, but can also control the smoke so that it does not circulate throughout the hospital,” Moeng said.

Residents are advised to avoid fire incidents

Safety tips on heating devices this winter

Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has advised residents to exercise caution when handling heating devices this winter.

In this EMS shared safety tips for heating devices.

It said when using an electric heater, place the heater on a flat surface away from anything flammable.

“Plug the heater directly into an outlet and avoid using an extension cord. Never leave a heater unattended and turn it off before going to bed. Choose an electric

heater that has an automatic safety switch that turns the heater off if it is tipped over,” it said.

It advised that when operating a gas heater do not use aerosol or solvents near the heater, as they are highly flammable.

“Only move the gas heater when it is switched off; moving it while it is on could cause a gas leak, which may result in an explosion. Always ensure that the room in use is well ventilated. Make sure all parts of the gas heater are in good condition, and service it regularly. Always replace worn-out or defective tubing and regulators.

Trust your nose, if you suspect that you smell a gas leak, chances are it actually is. Cut off the gas at the cylinder first and get it checked.” When using a brazier, imbawula, or coal stoves to keep warm, note that this can result in killer gas such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are not easily detected.

“Take the imbawula outside when preparing to sleep. Never leave the brazier burning, always extinguish the coals with water when it is not in use.”

In case of a fire call the EMS number 011 375 5911 or 112.

Professor Steve Moeng

Security company CEO Gur Geva

Curro appoints new school head

JohannesburgCurro Holdings has appointed Wynn Haupt as head of school for Curro Jewel City in Johannesburg.

Haupt’s passion for the education sector and equal opportunities for every learner has motivated him to work with various NPOs over the years. He spent the last five of his 13-year education career in Cape Town as a senior manager for the Collaboration Schools initiative, a partnership with education sector NPOs, Acorn Education and Common Good.

As an innovative educator, Haupt won the Johannesburg East District National Senior Certificate Award as a Top Achieving Educator in Computer Applications Technology in 2016, a fantastic fit for Curro Jewel City, which is one of Curro’s four DigiEd schools. These technology-driven schools are aimed at helping equip South Africa’s youth with critical skills to navigate the fourth industrial revolution.

Haupt has senior leadership experience in both primary and high school environments, and explains

that his vision for education revolves around building strong, innovative and mission-aligned school management teams that can lead staff with integrity.

“I believe this will lead to teams that prioritise personal professional development, learning over teaching, academic excellence and learner well-being with the support of a data-driven culture,” he explains.

Haupt holds an honours degree in Biodiversity and Conservation and a postgraduate certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of the Western Cape. He is also an ARK certified teacher trainer and his leadership style places priority on learner performance and development.

As a family man, Haupt is a devoted husband and father, a handyman, an avid sportsman and a runner who has completed the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons. “As a family, we believe in leading balanced, healthy lives and sowing back into our communities,” he says.

Free training empowers jobless youths

Johannesburg - Participants of the bartending and mixology programme provided by spirits company Bacardi, get trained to develop a career and work experience in some of the industry’s top bars and restaurants, giving them a chance for a fresh start in life.

The free bartender training programme called Shake your Future is for disadvantaged youths.

The South Africa launch marks the expansion of the programme, which was originally launched in 2018, and has trained youths in France, Spain and Italy, and 80% of its graduates have secured careers in the hospitality industry.

The 16-week programme started with 20 aspiring bartenders, 10 in Gauteng and 10 in the Western Cape, and plans for rollouts in the coming months.

Country manager for Bacardi in South Africa, Yeshene Singh says they support the needs of bar owners searching for talented bartending staff.

“We are proud to bring this transformative programme to South Africa. We have seen it change lives and build a brighter future for our graduates in other countries, and now we cannot wait to do the same here in Gauteng and the Western Cape provinces,” Singh says.

Bacardi has partnered with Managed People Solutions (MPS) and Thirst Bar Services in South Africa on candidate selection and creation of a programme that provides students with experience in bartending, including the art of bartending and mixology and behind the bar skills.

Graduates receive a globally recognised certification with Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 1 accreditation, which gives them career opportunities in the hospitality industry and beyond.

For more info visit https://www. bacardilimited.com/corporate-responsibility/shakeyourfuture.

NSPCA celebrates jailing of dog rapist

Roodepoort - The Roodepoort magistrate’s court recently sentenced a man to eight years imprisonment for raping his neighbour’s dog.

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) celebrated when Mojalesa Mofokeng of Soweto was found guilty of bestiality after raping his neighbour’s dog, known as Moana.

The NSPCA brought criminal charges against him, and a guilty verdict was delivered on April 28.

The magistrate said no distinction should be made between the rape of an animal and that of a human, as the courts have a duty to protect the rights of animal victims and impose sentences to avoid communities taking matters into their own hands.

In a statement the NSPCA said in the early hours of November 21 2020, a tenant living on a property in Soweto witnessed the man naked and precariously positioned in Moana’s kennel.

“He was then apprehended by community members. The NSPCA found the dog severely violated and in need of urgent attention. The dog was taken to the NSPCAs veterinarian for an emergency examination and treatment. Dr Bryce Marock confirmed that the dog, named Moana, was inhumanely restrained, and demonstrated injuries consistent with rape. Moana was only 11 months old at the time,” said the statement.

The NSPCA said Mofokeng was granted bail after his initial arrest. “However, he did not appear before the court, which resulted in him being rearrested.”

The NSPCA added that with the original witness being absent, the conviction’s success rested on NSPCAs veterinary consultant Dr Marock and inspector Shiven Bodasing of the NSPCAs Special Investigations Unit.

The NSPCA said this is the highest direct imprisonment ever imposed for animal cruelty in Africa, and sets the precedent nationwide. NSPCA director Marcelle Meredith said bestiality is a serious concern in the country. “It is a shameful crime that is swept under carpets to protect perpetrators, forgetting that bestiality usually progresses to the abuse of children and eventually other adult human beings. We hope that other bestiality cases will follow suit as a precedent has been set, and that animal rapists have been cautioned of the consequences,” she said.

She encouraged communities to report bestiality, and bring this evil to its knees.

Moana has made full recovery under the watch of the NSPCA, sterilised, vaccinated, microchipped and dewormed.

The NSPCA added that it will continue to assist Moana and her human family as they are also victims of this crime.

Some participants of the training programme

NSPCA director Marcelle Meredith

School head Wynn Haupt

Expert advises parents on ECD

Johannesburg - The transition of Early Childhood Development (ECD) from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education, to be effective from next year, will change how the academic development of children is approached.

Among the changes is the obligation on parents to send their children to school from Grade 00, as opposed to only being compulsory from Grade 1.

An education expert says parents who need to consider where to send their children must choose carefully to ensure the school approaches ECD from a child-led learning perspective. This will ensure they start their academic journey appropriately for their age, build strong foundations and have positive association with attending school.

Academic advisor at ADvTech Schools, Lynda Eagle says schools have different programmes and approaches.

“Parents may be seduced by the idea of sending their child to a strictly academics focused ECD institution which will turn their little one into a mini Einstein before they even head to big school. However these good intentions are likely to fall flat, as this is not the correct and age-appropriate approach. The early years are exceptionally important, but learning should be playbased as far as possible. One of the best approaches to this is contained in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of learning. Bombarding children with a curriculum more suitable for older students is entirely counterproductive,” Eagle says.

When looking for an early learning campus, parents should search for a school that is not only aesthetically pleasing but more importantly where the student’s wellbeing is placed at the forefront.

“Young children learn best when provided with opportunities to play, where they can explore, discover, and experiment to make sense of the world around them. The school and teachers need to be cognisant of this and facilitate the child’s learning journey through careful observations and relevant opportunities,” says Eagle.

Other things to look out for the right ECD environment for a child include that teachers are appropriately qualified to teach in an early learning environment, have a caring and positive disposition where a child is viewed as capable; a strong sense of community; teaching is engaging, relevant and interactive; and the school follows a positive discipline policy, students guided positively and supported as they develop their social and selfregulation skills.

“Approaches to teaching and learning in the early years such as the Reggio Emilia approach are well documented and provide schools with prime examples of best practice. The emphasis is not on equipping a school with expensive resources, but rather connecting the student with natural elements in meaningful ways, with rich learning experiences and helping them to reimagine and repurpose available materials, resulting in rich learning opportunities and possibilities,” Eagle adds.

Toy gunman held for hair-salon robbery

Johannesburg - Last Friday police in conjunction with security guards arrested a 23-year-old man for business robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon, which turned out to be a toy-gun, at corner Commissioner and Von Brandis streets.

Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said seven suspects alleg-

edly stormed a hair salon and one pointed what appeared to be a firearm at clients.

“They robbed the security guard of R700 and his cellphone. They then rushed to their getaway white Toyota Quantum, but two of them failed to jump in and one was arrested,” Mbele said.

Winners of the previous edition of

Partnership launches awards for innovators

The prizes range from R250 000 to R500 000 in grant funding. In addition to the funding, each award winner also qualifies to receive business coaching, mentorship and technical support.

Johannesburg - The South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with the SAB Foundation, has launched this year’s SAB Sharp Awards and is open for entries. Applicants with innovative solutions that seek to develop existing social innovations are encouraged to apply.

The awards target innovators, social entrepreneurs, institutions, students, researchers and social enterprises with innovative ideas or prototypes that empower women in at-risk communities, either by assisting them to become economically independent or by addressing issues associated with foetal alco-

hol syndrome or gender-based violence.

The prizes range from R250 000 to R500 000 in grant funding. In addition to the funding, each award winner also qualifies to receive business coaching, mentorship and technical support. This programme is flexible and adjusted to the needs of each awardee, as mutually agreed by both awardee and mentor.

SAB entrepreneurship director Barbara Copelovici says: “We are excited to work with the SAB Foundation on this initiative and hope it introduces us to some of South Africa’s finest innovators we can partner with to develop sustain-

able solutions for women in our communities.”

SAB Foundation social innovation specialist Itumeleng Dhlamini says they seek new opportunities to empower social innovators.

“We look forward to receiving applications this year that will help find innovative solutions that will help solve one of our country’s social challenges,” Dhlamini says.

Applications are open to South African citizens aged 18 years and above, and only those submitted on the SAB Foundation portal will be accepted; and close on 1 June. For more visit www:sabfoundation. co.za/social-innovation-awards.

Man rapes, attempts to kill woman

Johannesburg - Police have arrested a 28-year-old man who allegedly raped and stabbed a 49-year-old woman at a field near the Mall of the South in Swartkoppies Road.

Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said the suspect, Lesotho national Kgotso Rakgaleye, allegedly attacked the woman on 21 March, and appeared at the Booysens magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

“The victim was selling mielies next to a taxi rank. She went to a

nearby field to fetch water when she was confronted by the suspect. He raped her and after that told her he had to kill her because they knew each other. She sustained multiple stab wounds in her upper body and he left her thinking she was dead. The victim crawled to the taxi rank and taxi drivers called an ambulance. She told them about her ordeal and gave a description of the suspect who was wearing a cultural Lesotho blanket. His homeboys went to the field and apprehended him,

with his blanket soaked in blood,” Mbele said.

He added that the victim spent a month in hospital.

“Police would like to thank the Orange Farm taxi rank drivers for calling an ambulance and the Lesotho nationals who handed the suspect to the police. Good working relationship between the police and the community will subdue the escalation of crime in our community,” he said. Court proceedings had not completed by the time of publishing.

Contact: 076 531 8597

the awards express their happiness

Parents must ensure the school approaches a child-led learning perspective

Arts events challenge perceptions about Africa

Lusanda Zokufa

The Windybrow Arts Centre is hosting performances that started from 7 May and continue up to the 28 May.

May, recognized as Africa Month, is a time when Africa is in a quest for unity, political and economic emancipation of its people.

The arts centre has curated a series of events for the month under the theme Flipping the Globe, which challenges perceptions about Africa. The theme weaves through an inspiring series of performances, workshops, conversations and exhibitions engaging artists in collaboration with Lefika La Phodiso, Centre for the Less Good Idea, Puleng Plessie and Ub’Dope Shishini. Looking at the world upside down brings new perspectives in the status of the north/south relationship, to the distortion of the sizes of continents and the psychological realm. Flipping the Globe is a political act giving the opportunity to engage in a playful and provocative way expressed in song, art, dance and conversation.

The events are set to inspire reimagining of the world in a new perspective. The first workshop, facilitated by Pule Kanjanolitjie, a

Afro-futuristic fusion of folklore

Sneziwe Dube

In celebration of Africa Day, UJ Arts and Culture and Madevu Entertainment present Hlakanyana at the UJ Arts Centre on 25 May.

The production is set to bring folklore, award-winning music, and magic to the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre at the UJ Arts Centre this Africa Day.

Directed by theatre icon Janice Honeyman and featuring some of South Africa’s most promising emerging artists, Hlakanyana features a cunning, unethical creature, depicted in animal or human form, and who is the long-awaited son of a village chief, but instead of being a uniting force he leaves devastation in his wake.

linguist, artist and comedian questioning what happens to perspective and understanding of the world when north is placed south. He also does an in-depth discussion around African semiotics and linguistics, which interrogate and unpack understanding in constructs such as gender and identity.

In partnership with Lefika la Phodiso, the arts centre will open an exhibition bringing together works created by participants of the WAC after-school programme and Lefika on 14 May. The young artists will explore Flippin as an act of defiance, resistance and connection. The launch will include a discussion that unpacks the role of art therapy and play in the lives of children. Puleng Plessie, will co-curate the exhibition with the young artists and facilitators.

Together with the Centre for Less Good Idea, independent artist and facilitator of the Windybrow drama programme Sibahle Mangena will host a workshop at Centurion College for Grade 12 history learners and teachers; in preparation for the outreach programme of the acclaimed production The Head and the load by William Kentridge; which will roll out in 2023.

A Comedic Flip on 20 and 21 May,

Nominations for top artist open

Arts Correspondent

Nominations for the South African Music Awards (Sama28), South African Music Performance Rights Association (Sampra) artist of the year category are open.

This category, first introduced in 2021, acknowledges musicians who best entertained during the past year as decided by the public.

Any South African musician who has released a body of work between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 is eligible for nomination.

The Sama28 Sampra category joins Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories as the third award voted for by the public exclusively. The other cat-

egories are adjudicated by a panel of judges.

Sampra CEO Pfanani Lishivha said: “We urge every music lover to nominate and vote for their favourite artists because it is what will count in the Sampra Artist of the Year category.”

Recording Industry of South Africa (Risa) CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said it has been a fantastic year for South African music, with the emergence of new class acts.

“We anticipate this to be a hotly contested category and we look forward to crowning the recipient at Sama28,” he said.

To nominate your favourite artist send the person’s name by SMS to the number 33121 by 19 May. The SMSs are charged at R1.50 each.

in partnership with Ub’dope will host three comedy shows that look at the act of flipping from a comedic lens presented at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre. The weekend will kick off with a game night on Friday, the Saturday edition will present a matinee for high school audiences which will also include a workshop that focuses on social issues from the comedic perspective. The event will wrap up with a comedy show that presents an African line up of young and other comedians.

Music Flip on 28 May will be for the family to enjoy an exciting lineup of music, local food and craft stalls at the arts centre.

The day will host upcoming artists from across the continent, and a closing performance from internationally renowned band The Brother Moves On. An original composition in collaboration with the Windybrow choirs and The Brother Moves On will have its debut at the event. The line-up is The Friendly Drummers, The Brother Moves On, Emmanuel Paul and Femi Koya. For more information on the events visit www.markettheatre.co.za.

A retelling of the Zulu folktale, Hlakanyana is an Afro-futuristic fusion of traditional folklore in a contemporary world. The trickster Hlakanyana is an anti-hero, beset by isolation and forging a path in a rapidly changing world.

Many issues South Africa is facing, such a gender-based violence, corruption, lack of mentorship and moral guidance and uncertainty are explored through folklore.

In its ninth draft, perfected by Momo Matsunyane, Hlakanyana draws audiences with a stellar cast including Sandisile Dlangalala, Dolly Louw, Momo Matsunyane, Sibusiso Mxosana, Manakomba Ndimande, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Mphumzi Nontshinga and Kensiwe Mathebula Tshabalala.

Head of UJ Arts and Culture Pieter Jacobs says the FADA Interdisciplinary Theatre programme facilitated collaboration of second-year students on the design of various elements of a production by UJ Arts and Culture.

“With Hlakanyana, this interdisciplinary intent of the programme was embraced by extending these creative processes to professionals including writers, actors, mu-

sicians, composers, dancers and choreographers to create the muchanticipated musical we present in partnership with Madevu Entertainment,” he said.

The Hlakanyana journey started in 2020 when it was commissioned by UJ Arts and Culture as part of Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture’s flagship Interdisciplinary Theatre programme. However, the programme stopped in April with the onset of Covid-19. Despite the restrictions, UJ Arts and Culture revised their strategy and Madevu Entertainment’s Zolani Shangase and Michael Wallace and Honeyman continued creation of the musical using online platforms.

In September 2020, five songs were recorded with composer Sne Dladla, lyricist Dionne Song, the Viwe Mkizwana Jazz Band and released as The Sounds of Hlakanyana on Heritage Day in 2021. The Sounds of Hlakanyana has won Best Public Performance at 7th Humanities and Social Sciences Awards 2022 from the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences. The production features new composition by Viwe Mkizwana, under comusical director Dale Scheepers. Hlakanyana will run on the Kingsway Campus in Auckland Park from 25 May to 8 June. For more info visit arts.uj.ac.za.

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Members of The Brother Moves On during a performance

The cast includes Momo Matsunyane

all your Panel beating and sPray Painting

Contact: Charles on 060 738 8851

Banyana aim at AWCON title

The top four teams qualify for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and two more teams advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Sports Reporter

Following the recent draw in which Banyana Banyana were pitted against Nigeria in Group C of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) coach Desiree Ellis said her primary objective is to finally win the continental trophy.

Banyana will face Nigeria, neighbours Botswana and Burundi in Group C of the tournament, which runs from 2 -22 July 2022 in Morocco. Group A comprises of Morocco, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda, while Group B has Cameroon, Zambia, Tunisia and Togo.

The 2022 AWCON, officially known as the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, for sponsorship reasons, will be the 14th edition, formerly African Women’s Cham-

pionship, the biennial international football championship organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for women’s national teams.

The tournament also doubles as the African qualifiers to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The top four teams qualify for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and two more teams advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Ellis’ charges came close to winning the title in 2018 but lost to the Super Falcons on penalties. South Africa however, qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and seek to repeat the same achievement in Morocco.

South Africa will play Nigeria in their opening match on 4 July 2022, then host Burundi on 7 July before

concluding their Group C matches against Botswana on 10 July.

Banyana will conclude their preparations of the finals in mid-June before going to Morocco for their 12th participation in the continental showpiece, Ellis said.

The opening match will see hosts Morocco face Burkina Faso on 2 July at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

Nigeria are three-time defending champions, having won the tournament in 2014, 2016 and 2018. The 2020 edition, which would have been the first to feature twelve teams, was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Morocco qualified automatically as hosts, while the remaining eleven spots were determined by the tournament’s qualifying rounds.

Part of the action during a previous Banyana and Falcons encounter