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13 - 27 May 2021

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Inner City Gazette

Inaugural Commonwealth women’s entrepreneurship summit kicks off The event is convened by the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network, directly recognised by all 54 Commonwealth governments; the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which supports entrepreneurship ecosystems across 180 countries; the UK Government’s Women in Innovation Network; and African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP)

World Trade Organization director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

“The summit will focus on how business is being transformed by emerging tech areas, such as fintech, createch, edtech, healthtech, fashiontech, cleantech and agritech.”

Johannesburg - The inaugural Commonwealth Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit, reportedly the first global event to focus on women in emerging tech sectors, is set to take place between 19 and 20 May. The two-day online conference focuses on women’s entrepreneurship and features 50 speakers, 20 talks and 12 panel sessions. Targeting policy-makers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, entrepreneurship support organisations, funders and educational institutions, it aims to frame and feed into key international meetings including the Group of Seven (G7) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June and the Group of Twenty (G20), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress later in 2021. At her recent appointment World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “E-com-

merce will help us to be more inclusive of women, and as the G20 said in December 2020, there is a missed opportunity, to tackle the gap that needs immediate action, which is the representation of women in emerging fields. The Commonwealth Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit will address that need.” The event is being convened by the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network, directly recognised by all 54 Commonwealth governments; the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which supports entrepreneurship ecosystems across 180 countries; the UK Government’s Women in Innovation Network; and African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP) which was established and supported by the Obama-Biden administration. “The summit will focus on how business is being transformed by emerging tech areas, such as fintech, createch, edtech, healthtech, fashiontech, cleantech and agritech; how women from diverse

backgrounds are and can be a key part of this innovation ecosystem, and how governments and industry can help make this happen, especially as we build back better in the wake of Covid-19. Three of the partners already host their communities on the WorldLabs innovation ecosystem platform which is free to join and has grown to 15 000 members during the pandemic, adding over 200 every day and is being leveraged to drive involvement before, during and after the event,” Okonjo-Iweala said. Women entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth are invited to create a 60 seconds video sharing their experiences as entrepreneurs, providing inspiring and challenging accounts. The campaign, called Heroine Entrepreneurs, will be shown during the summit and made available to worldwide audiences through social media and in schools and universities across the Commonwealth and beyond. For more visit the site www.worldlabs.org/cwesummit.

Inner-city Gazette

News

13 - 27 May 2021

Tips to combat

And

finally, the good news!

After a year of a serious lack of good news, we finally have something that can make us smile! President Ramaphosa in his address announced the creation of new jobs through global business opportunities. And the numbers look good! The Daily Bagel announced in its headlines of 13 April 2021 that Jobs are on the rise! According to this publication, in the weekly presidential newsletter Ramaphosa revealed that South Africa clinched the top spot – yes really -as the best country for global business services. At Boston we have been rallying this cry for years, and it is for this reason we actively sought out international accreditation for our institution from the USA as well as the UK. As evidenced in this report, the world has become a smaller employment market, digital tech allows us all to be global players, and we need now for our skills and talents to be on an international level to take advantage as business borders melt away. What makes South Africa an attractive market for global business services? Well, consider this: we are centrally located in time zones, labour is less costly when you factor in the relatively weak currency we have, the majority of those seeking employment speak a good English, and while data is expensive and, in some cases, prohibitive for skills acquisition, our institutions have come to the party and made it affordable for students to carry on learning even during a pandemic. In fact, institutions such as Boston were already tech enabled and moved seamlessly into online learning for their students. Overall the digital economy in South Africa improved rapidly and dramatically during our Lockdown, and WFH (work from home) has remained in pace for many corporates. WFH actu-

ally created its own industry in décor, facilities, and tech as companies and individuals became entrepreneurial telling us what we needed to study or work in comfort from home! What are global business services and how does one take advantage of this boom? Global business services are call centres – imagine you buy a Dell computer and need to have a query answered? You will email or call a call centre, without knowing which country your response emanates from. So they deal with customer support and tech support for international products. This sector has added 40 000 jobs to our economy since 2018, and is aiming to make this number 100 000 by 2023. Looking to grow to a half million new jobs by 2030, this will help lower our current unemployment rate with accessible and manageable jobs. What should you be doing? Look at upgrading your skills in tech, this will include qualifications such as A+, N+,

MS Security and more. Also, debt collection and call centre qualifications. Ensuring that your qualifications recognised is important, and having that international accreditation on your CV is a real life bonus. Because of time differences, you can often get work in this industry on night shifts – daytime in Australia or America, so this can help fund your studies as you complete your qualification. Look also at international work sites where you are able to advertise skills such as copywriting and graphic design amongst others, and complete individual jobs on an international basis. One such is Upwork. Keep in mind in some instances payment can be complicated, so look at that aspect first to make sure it is worth investing your time advertising your services. Looking to do a qualification or gain new skills? Visit www.boston.co.za

cyber crime Tech Reporter

esearch has shown that over 16 million Covid-19 related cyber security threats were detected during 2020; when many businesses prioritised working online. These cyber security attacks ranged from malicious URLs, to spam emails and malware, and many of them made reference to the pandemic, while others involved Covid-19 scams. Of these 16 million threats, close to 90% was malicious spam. Senior engineer at TrendMicro Zaheer Ebrahim says: “As the world moved to remote-working; businesses around the world faced vulnerabilities and security gaps resulting from employees working from home.” Ebrahim shares simple considerations to protect your business against cyber threats. He says cyber-attacks can happen across various entry points of the business. “This is why understanding how to enable security parameters for endpoints, cloud applications, email and web is critical. Utilising security solutions that deliver proactive global threat intelligence against zero-hour threats ensures that you are always protected,” he says. He adds that internal policy documents and best practice guides should be a non-negotiable for any organisation with remote employees, including educating employees about phishing attacks, potential hazardous URLs or even emails from within the organisation. “In 2020 there was a 67% increase in smartphone malicious attacks compared to 2019, including Cer-

TrendMicro engineer Zaheer Ebrahim

berus an Android banking Trojan that allowed attackers to infect and assume control of Android devices, allowing attackers to conduct overlay attacks, gain SMS control, and harvest the victim’s contact list.” He adds that smartphone best practices to keep in mind include verifying an application’s legitimacy before downloading it; implement the same security best practices against common network threats; physically secure mobile devices against threats and tampering; and install mobile security solutions and multilayer mobile security solutions. He says unknowing employees are often the weakest links in security chains, so regular training sessions and skills sharing is crucial to empowering them to safeguard themselves and the organisation. “Failure to safeguard against this next generation of cyber threats remains one of the biggest downfalls for organisations. The findings of our 2020 Annual Cyber- security Report show that the remote work shift has opened up new vulnerabilities that could have serious financial and reputational harm to organisations across the globe,” he adds.

13 - 27 May 2021

Inner-city Gazette

News

Bid to transform the city Johannesburg - The City of Joburg is working on development projects aimed at upgrading and transforming the city and its surroundings, according to executive director for Economic Development Thembeka Mhlekwa. She said key focus will be on the inner-city, with plans for both transformation and housing opportunities. “This will build on the opportunities of the CBD as a dense economic core, and tackling issues of fragmented developments, crime, bad buildings and lack of affordable housing. The strategy proposes consolidating the inner-city through public space, street network and expanding it towards the southern industrial area and the Turffontein Corridor of Freedom,” Mhlekwa said. The city said it focuses on attracting investment and increasing supply of affordable, quality housing in the inner-city. One aspect of this is aimed at rehabilitating bad buildings through their release to the private sector for conversion into low-cost housing. The city said it has also programmed the release of government-owned buildings to develop affordable rental housing and temporary emergency accommodation. Mhlekwa said the City is also looking for upgrades in and around

Soweto, with plans to turn it into its own district city and economic hub. It envisages diversifying Soweto to address its largely residential nature by developing mixed land uses and social services, making use of its good street pattern and public transport network. “The strategy is to develop Soweto into self-sufficient mixed-use nodes, starting around public transit stations and nodes, as drivers of economic growth and job creation. This will allow Soweto to function as a liveable city district with access to jobs and an array of urban amenities,” she said. Mhlekwa said the city is also looking to unlock opportunities and development on the old mining belt. It defines the broader belt beginning in the Randfontein and Merafong area to Ekhurhuleni in the Brakpan area in the east. “This presents opportunities for development and public open space that could integrate the north with the south of Johannesburg, and improve cross-border linkages with Ekurhuleni and the West Rand. This will be done by identifying strategic interventions along the belt such as road linkages, mixeduse redevelopments, rehabilitation of degraded and damaged land,” she said. The indicated move has been welcomed by the private sector.

Emergency services personnel attend to an accident scene

Department calls for end to

attacks on EMS personnel Johannesburg - The Gauteng Health Department has called on community members to help end attacks on emergency services personnel in the line of duty. The department said recently two paramedics were shot and wounded while responding to an emergency in the Dukathole informal settlement in Germiston. The shooting slowed down emergency response

Female-led investment

company launches

‘The launch of the company coincides with the growth of entrepreneurship in Africa’ Ishani Chetty

ohannesburg based investment company, Crystal Partners, is the latest to open in South Africa and aims to be the premier partner of choice for global and local companies wanting to establish and expand their footprint in Africa. Crystal Partners director Kgomotso Motshidi says the launch of the company coincides with the growth of entrepreneurship in Africa. “It is undeniable that Africa is the next frontier in terms of growth and entrepreneurial development, that is why it is timely for Crystal Partners to cement its place in the market,” she adds. Crystal Partners is the alternative investments arm of Beryl Group, a panAfrican investments company. Officially launched in Johannesburg on 27 April 2021, the company is majority black female-owned and led investment entity. CEO of Crystal Partners Dr Keitumetse Mothibeli provides insight into the inspiration and meaning behind the name of the company. “In the literal and figurative sense, crystals signify the embodiment of clarity, but also, the formation of crystals

Pic: Denvor de Wee / Spotlight

Dr Keitumetse Mothibeli

speaks to a process of robust refinement to produce beauty and strength in one. That symbolises who we are as a company, we are not afraid to make bold moves in the marketplace,” she says. The company focuses on providing and supporting business leadership that will have a positive social impact in Africa and globally. The leadership team consists of Dr Mothibeli; Tumediso Lobelo, an authority in business development and a digital innovation advocate; and Kgomotso Motshidi, a technologist, entrepreneur, and strategist. The group will focus on investments in agriculture, energy, technology and innovation, health and mining.

to the wounded resident, who then died on the way to hospital. In another incident, a shift leader and her crew were recently attacked by community members in Magaliesburg while responding to a distress call. The department warned that these assaults could leave many communities without emergency medical assistance. The department’s

spokesperson Kwara Kekana said an attack on EMS should be seen as an attack on the rest of society. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the continued attacks on the Gauteng emergency health systems. The last thing we want is for EMS personnel to start fearing for their lives instead of being concerned about saving as many lives as possible,” Kekana said.

News

Inner-city Gazette

13 - 27 May 2021

Community accelerator applications open

Management leader Kiran Yoliswa

Johannesburg - Social media services provider Facebook has invited community leaders from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria to apply for its 2021 community accelerator programme. In a statement Facebook said the programme offers training, mentorship and up to $50 000 in funds to invest in an initiative that extends their community’s positive impact. “The aim is to help leaders of Facebook communities to harness the power of their community to turn ideas into action. The selected leaders will spend five months learning

from experts and a customised curriculum so they can strengthen their community. Lessons include community identity foundations, leading action-oriented programmes and sustainability. Participants will also receive early access to new Facebook products aimed at helping communities better manage and activate their members.” Participants will identify an important initiative that will create a positive impact on the broader world and develop a plan to mobilise their community around their goal. Initiatives will be shared with

potential partners, mentors and a panel of judges for the chance to be awarded funding and receive public recognition. “Participants will then spend three months executing their initiatives. They will collaborate with advocates and leaders in the community space and work with the Facebook team to bring their ideas to life.” Facebook management lead for Middle East and Africa community partnerships Kiran Yoliswa said: “Communities and their leaders are helping to resolve social challenges, sharing information while

connecting with others that share their interests for a cause. We’ve seen so many incredible communities from across South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria using our platform to drive change and provide support for thousands of people.” This programme is open to communities with a presence in Facebook Groups with leaders 18 years or older. Communities must have existed for over a year and have a minimum 1 000 members. Applications are on https://www. facebook.com/community/accelerator and close on 31 May 2021.

Life jail for deadly CIT heist The men were found guilty of four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, nine of attempted murder, three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, murder, three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition

Johannesburg - Last Friday the Johannesburg High Court sentenced two men to life imprisonment for robbing a Protea Coin vehicle of about R1 million, which also involved the death of a policeman on the N1 south in June 2010. The men, Hosia Modiko Dipale and Percy Segoe were aided by accomplices during the robbery. NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said: “A week before the 2010 World Cup, the two and their accomplices attacked a Protea Coin vehicle with rifles, and took about R1 million. During the robbery, two

Protea Coin officials were shot and were treated in hospital.” The men were arrested following a shootout with police in Soweto, which left a policeman, Gert du Toit, dead. The men were found guilty of four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, nine counts of attempted murder, three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, murder, three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Senior prosecutor Gertrude Market said the men had serious intent. “The accused came prepared for

war on the day of committing these offences. This is evident in the number of firearms recovered by police at various crime scenes. They shot at everything and everyone that moved on the day in question. They blatantly put innocent road users and citizens’ safety at risk. It was aggravating that these heinous offences were perpetrated against the security officials employed by Protea Coin, police officials and members of the public in broad daylight,” said Market. Dipale was sentenced to life and 130 years imprisonment, while Segoe got life and 132 years imprisonment. “Segoe was further sentenced to two years for housebreaking with the intent to commit a crime, following his entry without permission, into a shack in Soweto during the police’s search for the robbers,” Mjonondwane said.

Supply chain launches youth training programme

Committee head Kholofelo Mabila

Johannesburg - Supply chain management group SAPICS has launched a youth development programme that aims to address youth unemployment, skills deficit in the supply chain field and help young professionals get ready for job opportunities in the field. SAPICS Young Professional Committee head Kholofelo Mabila, a third-year student at UNISA, says: “Since I joined SAPICS last year I gained access to local and international expertise and insights that have helped me to expand my knowledge, and also map

The programme affords university students the opportunity to be a part of the industry before even graduating and officially entering the workplace out my potential career path. I also got involved in the SAPICS Youth Programme because I saw it as a unique opportunity to connect and network with other like-minded university students pursuing a career in the field.” Despite media coverage on the profession as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, Mabila says it is still not getting the interest it deserves from school leavers and graduates. “This is one of the main reasons for the programme; to ignite interest in the profession among the youth. The aim is to connect with university students, graduates and young professionals by inviting them to join a community that will help align their career values with what the industry expects from supply chain professionals. Our goal is to establish a flourishing community of young professionals to be the next generation of seasoned industry professionals, leaders and mentors. The programme affords university students the opportunity to be a part of the industry before even graduating and officially entering the workplace. It offers them valuable exposure to experts in the industry working in diverse areas and different levels,” Mabila says.

13 - 27 May 2021

Knifemen get 14 years jail Johannesburg - Last Friday the Johannesburg Regional Court sentenced two men to 14 years imprisonment for aggravated robbery, and declared them unfit to possess firearms. Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said the men, Wilson Ndlovu, 25, and Bongani Mahlangu, 32, stabbed and robbed a 25-yearold man at corner Rissik and Main streets on 29 November 2019. “The victim was robbed of his three cellphones, a WiFi router and bank cards. The accused were apprehended at the Bree taxi rank on the same day. Police received a tip-off from a member of the community about two males selling cellphones. They were found in possession of one cellphone and WiFi router of the victim,” he said. Mbele added that the conviction was a result of diligent work by the investigating officer Sergeant Gaserotse. “We hope this sentence will scare would be offenders from committing the same crime,” he said.

Security company tracks robbers from stolen radios

Jeppestown - During a business robbery in Midrand last Thursday six robbers held security guards and robbed them of their hand radios, according to police. Jeppe police spokesperson Captain Richard Munyai said after the robbery the men drove to Kensington, where they booked overnight accommodation at B&B Lodge. “The next day the security company tracked the hand radios and got the location where the suspects were. They informed our members and asked for backup. On arrival the two vehicles used by the suspects were found on the premises. When the suspects saw the police five of them jumped over the wall and escaped, but one was arrested. In the room the suspects had booked police found four firearms and some muthi, which we believe the suspects are using, for what we don’t know,” Munyai said. He added that one of the vehicles used by the suspects, a white Ford Figo was found to have been stolen.

Police CSC relocates temporarily

Inner-city Gazette

Warning on Covid -19 resurgence

News

“The situation is very fragile, we need to be aware of social-distancing now more than Johannesburg - The Gauteng Covid-19 advisory committee has warned that the risk of resurgence is rising in some parts of the province. The committee said the situation is particularly worrying in Sedibeng, and that it is vital to step up non-medical interventions to slow Covid-19 transmissions. Advisory committee member Bruce Mellado, who is also director of the Wits Institute for Collider Particle Physics and convener of a group of experts that uses artificial intelligence to track and model the trajectory of the pandemic, said: “The situation is very fragile at the moment, and we need to be aware of social-distancing now more than ever to delay the third wave. With vaccines on the way, every week counts,” he said. The group has created a risk index to

reflect the likelihood of resurgence in Covid-19 cases. While the risk index for Gauteng as a whole remains low, the analysis shows the risk of a third wave in Sedibeng has been above the “medium risk” threshold for several weeks, and that while still small, the risk is rising in some sub districts in Johannesburg and Tshwane. They also noted a sharp increase in new cases in Emfuleni in the past few weeks, and the test positivity rate in the province has increased to 5%, up from 4% a week before. Mellado described the situation in Gauteng as one that could be shattered by super-spreader events or a sudden change in behaviour leading to less social-distancing. “It is in a very unstable situation that can transition to a third wave easily. Gauteng has more active cases of Co-

vid-19 and greater mobility of people than it did before its second wave in 2020,” he said. The Gauteng health department has warned of a rise in cases in Sedibeng, which includes Vereeniging, Meyerton, Boipatong, Vanderbijlpark and Sebokeng. It said Johannesburg, Tshwane and Emfuleni have also recorded increases. As of last Monday, 1 311 people with confirmed Covid-19 had been admitted to hospital in Gauteng. Department spokesperson Kwara Kekana urged the public to help slow transmission by maintaining physical distancing; wearing masks and keeping their hands clean. “Non-pharmaceutical measures remain the best to contain the spread of Covid-19; we all have a part to play to stop the spread,” she said.

Professor Bruce Mellado

Partnership launches ‘pothole patrol’ ‘The initiative will make differences, but changes will not happen overnight as the city faces a backlog’

Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg, Dialdirect Insurance and Discovery Insure have launched a partnership aimed at managing the repair of potholes throughout city, called the Pothole Patrol. Joburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo said: “We have no doubt that this joint initiative with private sector support is the boost we need to fix road infrastructure in the city. We are confident that the launch of this initiative is a game-changer in resolving the scourge of potholes on our roads.” Makhubo added that the initiative will make substantial differences, but changes will not happen overnight as the city faces a significant backlog. “It is important to note that due to the vast expanse of the City’s road infrastructure and the backlog created over time through various reasons, including increase in road traffic and worsening weather conditions, it may take time for a logged pothole to be repaired,” he said. vent The insurers said the initia-

Cleveland - The Cleveland police community service centre (CSC) has moved to the back of the station at the police barracks due to renovations, according to spokesperson Captain Johan Jordaan. He added that cell phone numbers 071 675 6071 and 071 675 6069 will be used for the time of temporary location, and for emergencies it is 10111. “This is temporary and as soon as the new building is completed the Admirall Solutions CSC will move to its permanent loGarage Doors Motors cation. Alarm Systems The entrance to Electric Fencing the community service centre Gate Motors will be at the C/O TV Mounting 30th and Hospital Intercoms streets at the back CCTV / DSTV of the station. Station management New Installations, apologises for any Repairs & Upgrades inconvenience, as soon as landlines Contact 074 901 6329 are available you will be notified,” admirallsystems@gmail.com Jordaan said.

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Roadworks personnel repair a road in the city

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Dialdirect Insurance head Anneli Retief said: “The pothole patrols will prioritise roads that are more frequently used, impacting more users and thereby causing more

damage. Simultaneously a smartphone app is being developed to allow residents of the City of Johannesburg to log pothole locations which will be prioritised for repair.”

Inner-city Gazette

13 - 27 May 2021

Inner-city Gazette

Arts festival to present varied

Arts awards entries open

programmes

All creative mediums are eligible for entry; including music, visual arts, dance, theatre, physical performance, architecture, fashion and design, as well as any other form of arts, culture and creativity

Rucera Seethal

he 2021 edition of the National Arts Festival (NAF) will include an in-person, virtual and countrywide programme. The festival will revive its live 11day programme in Makhanda, Eastern Cape from 8 to 18 July and stage an online presentation in July. For the first time the festival will present a series of shows, in partnership with Standard Bank, in cities across the country. The collection, called Standard Bank Presents, will give audiences a taste of what the festival offers from 17 June to 4 July 2021. The CEO of NAF Monica Newton says the festival has adapted its experience to bring the arts to audiences where they are. “We still need to be very careful about where we go and what we do to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The gathering of artists is an important catalyst to reignite the industry, and the festival remains committed to presenting the best and safest possible space for artists and audiences to come together, experience and appreciate the arts. We are curating a tighter, more intimate festival and we have to work very carefully around the Covid protocols, but we think it will be an opportunity to feel the pulse of a Covid-impacted

The Arts

CEO of NAF Monica Newton

arts world and to hear artists speak from live stages. We invite audiences to come and share this important moment with us,” Newton says. She adds that the NAF successfully transitioned into an online festival in 2020, drawing a global audience of over 83 000 and breaking new ground for the South African arts sector. The decision to present work in other cities was founded on that some audiences may not be willing or able to travel far, and that many artists would struggle to afford the costs of travel. “Our new showcase, Standard Bank Presents will give people a taste of the festival and a window into what our artists are thinking and doing. As we adapt we need to try new things and imagine new ways for the arts to speak to audiences,” says Newton. The festival programme will be announced on 7 June 2021. For more visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.

Johannesburg - Entries for the Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) 2021 awards are now open, and entries will be accepted until 4 June. The digital platform offers a streamlined application entry process at https://awards.basa.co.za; and applicants will need to register to enter, and then follow the steps outlined online. Registration and entry is free. The awards will recognise work done in 2020 and reward partnerships in seven categories. BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien says this year’s awards aim to spotlight the imaginative ways in which the business and creative sectors have partnered for mutual benefit. “All too often, changing economic conditions increase the pressure on businesses to justify the value and benefit of partnering with the arts. Our role is to do and share the necessary research and instil sense of confidence, and courage among our stakeholders, by disseminating the relevant data via platforms,

such as the awards,” Johaardien adds. Hollard’s marketing officer Heidi Brauer says: “Art brings us together in the most human way. At a time when we have been forced apart, it’s more important than ever for us to celebrate the power of art to bridge gaps and bring us together. The awards are a lovely opportunity for us to celebrate this power.” All creative mediums are eligible for entry; including music, visual arts, dance, theatre, physical performance, architecture, fashion and design, as well as any other form of arts, culture and creativity. Where sponsorship of a project, event or organisation has been shared, each of the sponsoring companies may enter. Among the categories is community development; recognising support for arts and culture projects enhancing their communities, whether through education, skills development, contributing to livelihoods or employment, tourism, or other growth opportunities in

BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien Pic: Jan Potgieter

the community. Awarded for vital support given to the arts by a micro, small or medium enterprise with up to 200 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R10 million. Special awards will be made at the discretion of the BASA board of directors, to celebrate contributions by an individual, business or organisation to the sustainability of South Africa’s arts. For further information about categories, eligibility and judging criteria, and entry guidelines, visit https://awards.basa.co.za/. Interested applicants can also contact the Awards’ support team at awards@basa.co.za or call 063 669 6281 during business hours.

Fifa’s bid for Women’s

Club World Cup tourney Sports Reporter

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has announced that a new Women’s Club World Cup is planned in a bid to ‘revolutionise’ the female game. Infantino said he is looking forward to the first edition of the new 24-team men’s Club World Cup, and a women’s version is in the pipeline. “My dream is also to see the birth of the first Women’s Club World Cup, which is coming soon to revolutionise women’s football,” he said. Such a tournament would have top UEFA’s Women’s Champions League teams to face clubs from the US National Women’s Soccer League as well as those from areas where the women’s game is still developing. The US women’s national team is the current world champion; however top European clubs have heavily invested in their women’s teams in recent years. The Club World Cup is being expanded

from a tournament involving seven teams, including one from Europe, to a 24-team event including eight from Europe, which Fifa hopes to be a major revenue generator as the World Cup. The first version of the new tournament was to be held in China in June 2021, but was postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic that forced the 2020 European Championship to be delayed. Fifa’s current position is that the Club World Cup is to be held every four years, but there has been talk of it being an annual event. “This new competition will eventually become the best club event in the world, and help develop football on all continents. It will offer possibility for clubs from all regions to reach the highest level while giving the big clubs, especially European ones, a unique playing field,” Infantino said. He rejected the idea that another tournament would be too much for the game, given already busy schedules, and said Fifa would distribute all revenues from the tournament.

Sasol league action in a recent match