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Grade R -11 Metropolitan College 170 Pritchard Street Tel – 011 402 9502

Est 2009 Issue 11 - 2021

Tel : 011 616 1523 Inner-City Gazette

15 - 22 April 2021

Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za @ICG_Sales

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Inner City Gazette

SANCA dispels alcohol abuse myth Some of the warning signs of alcohol use disorder include appearance changes, weight fluctuations, mood swings, secretive behaviour, aggression, and borrowing money from colleagues, friends, and family.

SANCA’s Thembekile Msane

“Alcohol use disorder happens in stages, and if children start to drink that early in life, they are at risk of progressing from mild to severe alcohol abuse disorder by the time they are in their twenties.”

Johannesburg - The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) says the term ‘functional alcoholic’ is not used in a clinical sense when describing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). SANCA spokesperson Thembekile Msane says the myth of ‘functional alcoholism’ is one they continuously try to dispel. “People who consider themselves social drinkers or ‘functional alcoholics’, should be warned that this could develop into a more severe substance use disorder if their drinking patterns become more frequent or intense. Many young people start experimenting with alcohol from as early as 10 years old. Alcohol use disorder happens in stages, and if children start to drink that early in life, they are at risk of progressing from mild to severe alcohol abuse disorder by the time they are in their twenties,” Msane says. She adds that health consequences of alcohol dependency include arthritis, gout, nerve and liver damage, irreversible brain damage,

larynx cancer, and heart failure. Alcohol abuse can also increase a person’s risk of sexual abuse and violence, and a risk of contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS. Symptoms from someone who suffers from AUD include trembling hands, numbness, loss of memory, hallucinations, and dementia. Some of the warning signs of alcohol use disorder include appearance changes, weight fluctuations, mood swings, secretive behaviour, aggression, and borrowing money from colleagues, friends, and family. Employers should look out for absenteeism and the inability to stick to deadlines, as these could be signs that the person is struggling with alcohol use disorder. “People who consider themselves to be ‘functional alcoholics’ will often give different reasons of why they drink, like they are releasing stress, they still able to fulfil their duties that they are responsible for and as the behaviour continues they will start to distance and isolate themselves from friends and family. If a loved one lies about

their drinking, their behaviour and drinking patterns changes from taking alcohol on a monthly basis to every day, and often experiences a hangover or blackouts which becomes dangerous, this kind of pattern and behaviour requires an intervention and this would be an opportunity to address the matter and get help,” Msane says. She adds that communication is the start of a life-changing journey as it allows a family to discuss the problem and find a solution together. “Keeping record or observing the person’s drinking behaviour of how often it occurs will assist in getting professional help for them. This type of monitoring enables a family to access the proper referral channels if they need to resort to involuntary admission for the co-occurring disorder. Involuntary admission should be pursued if the alcoholic can no longer help themselves and they are at risk of endangering themselves or others,” she says. No under-18s are allowed to purchase or drink any form of alcohol

as it is illegal. Most drugs are illegal, and a person could receive a criminal record when caught in possession of such substances. Msane advises young people to evaluate their thoughts, feelings, and values about what leads them to start drinking alcohol or using drugs. “Be aware of the impact of peer pressure, and don’t let friends influence your choices. Don’t drink or use any substance on the spur of the moment because you want to please your friends or wanting to fit in. Decide what could be the worst thing that could happen if you had to become intoxicated or drunk. Weigh-up what you stand to lose if you become addicted or dependent on alcohol or any other drug,” Msane says. To get help, the SANCA can be contacted on www.sancanational. info, via email sancanational@ telkomsa.net, or via phone on 011 892 3829. The 24-hour Substance Abuse Hotline of the Social Development Department is 0800 12 13 14. The suicide helpline is 0800 567 567.

Inner-city Gazette

News

15 - 22 April 2021

No data restored after paying ransom Paying ransoms only encourages cybercriminals to continue their practice So, we seem to have started off the year a bit ‘late’. With matric results being released in the year following exams, and varsity registrations being delayed, it feels like we are still in the beginning of the year when actually we are approaching the end of the first quarter! What does this mean for businesses? Work place Skills Plans are soon due! The time of year is approaching when all companies must submit their WSP (Workplace Skills Plan) discussing the planned and completed skills development of their employees. Says Taryn Steenkamp, Corporate Skills Development Manager at Boston, “This means that while you will record the training as planned on this year’s WSP, by this time next year it will be recorded as completed as you will be able to submit the costs of the training as part of your skills development. This is a labour department requirement, and Boston is easily available to facilitate this for you.” Taryn continues saying that Boston is best placed to assist companies with their skills pans as well as skills needs. “We have departments that will cover all training needs, from group learnerships to individual bursaries. And there are so many reasons why you SHOULD invest in your employees and ensure they upskill with accredited training.” Employers used to be concerned about the loss of an employee’s time when they commit to studies. However Boston has a “Study anywhere, anytime” methodology. Carry on seamlessly with home life or work life

and indirect training costs. This could be for employed or unemployed people, and the spend includes costs associated with non-recoverable bursaries and internal or external training.

Taryn Steenkamp while you complete any Boston qualification. What are the benefits of upskilling your employees? • Investing in employees’ career development improves employee retention. • Boosts staff morale. • Increases customer satisfaction: happy employees lead to happy customers! • Attracts new talent. Why spend on skills development initiatives? Your company can claim B-BBEE points for the money you spend on skills development, for direct

Will your company be able to claim a portion of their spend on skills development? If your company pays levies to a SETA, you will be able to claim a portion of the money you spent on training through the Mandatory Grant provision, provided you have submitted you annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) by the due dates. Please consult you SETA SSP (Sector Skills Plan); it provides an outline of the critical and scarce skills for your sector, and enables you to structure your training accordingly. How to upskill your employees: Contact Boston’s Taryn Steenkamp on 083 404 2131 to discuss your employees’ training and development requirements. Boston City Campus offers Postgraduate, Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates, as well as Occupational Courses and Short Learning Programmes – something for everyone!

Jenna Delport

continue the practice. Therefore we n South Afrecommend that rica 42% of those affected by ransomware ransomware do not victims pay the pay, as that monransom to reey supports this store access to scheme to thrive. their data; yet Instead consumfor 19% of those ers should invest that did not in initial protection guarantee the and security for return of stolen their devices and data. regularly back up However, as all data. This will public awaremake the attack ness of potential itself less appealcyber threats ing or lucrative to grows there is cybercriminals, rethe reason for ducing the use of optimism in the the practice, and fight against presenting a safer Kaspersky’s Marina Titova ransomware. future for web usRansomware is ers,” Titova says. a type of malware which criminals With this in mind, do not pay the use to extort money. It holds data ransom if a device has been locked. to ransom using encryption or by Paying extortionate ransoms only locking users out of their devices. encourages cybercriminals to conAccording to a report from Kasper- tinue their practice. sky, whether they paid or not, only Instead, contact your local law 24% of victims were able to restore enforcement agency and report the all their encrypted or blocked files attack. following an attack. Try to find out the name of the Up to 61% lost at least some files, ransomware Trojan. This informa32% lost a significant amount, and tion can help cybersecurity experts 29% lost a small number of files. decrypt the threat and retain access Meanwhile 11% lost almost all to your files. their data. Avoid clicking links in spam Head of consumer product mar- emails or on unfamiliar websites, keting at Kaspersky Marina Titova and do not open email attachments says this shows that a significant from senders you do not trust. proportion of consumers paid a Never insert USBs or other removransom for their data over the past al storage devices into your com12-months. puter if you do not know where they “But handing over money doesn’t came from. Backup your devices so guarantee the return of data, and your data will remain safe if you do only encourages cybercriminals to experience a ransomware attack.

15 - 22 April 2021

Inner-city Gazette

Brand SA marketing manager Sithembile Ntombela

Networking sessions to support SMEs Johannesburg - Brand SA has partnered with the Business Exchange and FedEx for a series of workshops designed to connect small businesses to learn from those who have found ways to keep going through the Covid-19 pandemic, called Play Your Part programme. Brand SA marketing manager Sithembile Ntombela said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the country to a standstill; and many of those impacted are small business owners. Our small businesses have the greatest economic multiplier because they are not capital heavy and are inclusive with the ability to employ diverse skilled labour; for this reason they need our support.” She added that the plan is to help small businesses recover and get many unemployed South Africans back to work in the most sustainable way possible. “We can make a valuable contribution through training and seminars and workshops to help these small businesses get back on their feet and back to work,” she said. The first workshop was hosted in mid-March in Johannesburg with small business owners from diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, industries and age groups. It featured an inspirational talk by renowned sales, business and personal development coach Barry Mitchell. He engaged delegates on how to embrace fears and challenges, and break the barriers keeping them from having desired lives. “As we look to the future and postpandemic world we need to play our part in supporting small businesses. They close the employment gap by driving economic growth, and also transfer skills while driving economic recovery. This is at the heart of our Play Your Part programme,” Ntombela said. For more get to www.brandsouthafrica.com; www.playyourpart. co.za, and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

News

Premier David Makhura with officials and the student beneficiaries during the event

Bursary investment for innovative youths

The bursary covers the cost of one year study in their selected field at their preferred institutions of higher learning, including provision of electronic devices Johannesburg - At a recent ceremony Samsung awarded bursaries totalling R2, 7 million to 30 talented students in Joburg. The event was hosted by Premier David Makhura and Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi. The award is the third consecutive year of Samsung’s bursary investment to the Gauteng Department of Education. Since inception R21 million has been donated by Samsung through this programme to various academic institutions of higher learning, including the Gauteng Department of Education. The students are residents of Gauteng and study in various universities across the country. The Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), an agency of the education department, identifies, selects the deserving students and administers the bursaries on Samsung’s behalf. The bursary covers cost of one year study in their selected field at their preferred institutions of higher learning, including provision of electronic devices. The bursaries are awarded to graduates pursuing a career in electronics, engineering, commerce, retail, sales and marketing. Samsung director of innovation and corporate affairs Hlubi Shivanda said they believe that education, mentorship and on-the job training can open new doors for the young people. “Working with the students, higher

institutions of learning and government, we can dedicate the necessary resources and time to create endless possibilities, while inspiring our youth to take their place at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is with great pride that we partner with the Department of Education to ensure that we empower our country’s youth to fulfil their potential,” Shivanda said. The money will fund these students’ education, and Samsung also pledged to seek out possible employment opportunities for deserving students, Shivanda said. The on-going funding of students is dependent on the academic performance of the students as per the GCRA policy. The bursary is awarded for one year, but

Cops hunt for murder suspect Johannesburg - Police are requesting assistance from the community to help with information that may lead to the arrest of a murder suspect. Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said the man is known as France and is suspected to be in Tembisa. “He has gold teeth in the front and is about 30 years old. It is alleged that he assaulted Sibongiseni Bhembe, 32, with a golf stick and stabbed him several times in the upper body at corner De Villiers and Quartz streets on 26 August 2020. The victim was taken to hospital and later succumbed to his injuries on 14 October 2020,” he said. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the suspect may contact Sgt Lindiwe Mbatha on 065 975 2583.

could be renewed annually, subject to the academic performance of the bursary recipient. The bursaries include various areas of support to ensure successful outcomes. These include quarterly support meetings with Samsung and student liaison officers as well as academic, personal

and career guidance through individual coaching and academic tutoring. “Samsung will continue to pursue opportunities that give the youth of South Africa the tools and support to become meaningfully engaged in the economy and pursue their dreams in their professions,” said Shivanda.

Inner-city Gazette

News

15 - 22 April 2021

Men’s dialogue addresses GBV Uyapo Majahana

An address during the men’s involvement campaign against GBV

he Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, in collaboration with Afrika Tikkun and other inner-city stakeholders recently held an intergenerational dialogue with men to create a platform for men and boys to work together in reducing gender-based violence (GBV). The Male Involvement Campaign is part of a series of activities including sporting and awareness campaigns to be carried out throughout the year in efforts to protect children and women. Other stakeholders include the South African Football Association, Men’s Forum Inner-city, Ekhaya Neighbourhood and soccer clubs in the inner-city. Nelson Mandela Children’s Funds CEO Kone Gugushe said intergenerational dialogues are a learning opportunity and demonstration that men of different ages collaborate through dialogue and challenge norms as well as cultural practices that undermine women. “But they will only make up part of other ac-

tivities that will be defined by the needs identified in the areas where the Child Safety and Protection programme has a footprint,” she said Gugushe said the purpose of the campaign was to create ways for boys and men to take an active role against abuses against women. “In schools the victimization takes the form of bullying, corporal punishment and sexual abuse, and most of it goes unreported and unpunished. But everyone should ensure that violence against women and girls, a gross violation of human rights is urgently eradicated.” Afrika Tikkun’s Thomas Taole said in their work with young men and boys in the inner-city they found that genderbased violence is a problem that goes beyond adults, and hence they initiated the GBV discourse with them. “When we found that GBV is a thorny issue among young coaches and players, we exposed them to a manual called Peace is a Decision where we discussed this challenge. We partnered with other stakeholders so that the messaging can cascade beyond the football tournament and the weekly league,” he said. African Stars FC chairperson Lucky Shivambo, who represented inner-city soccer clubs, said 16 teams have shown interest in participating in the programme as part of the campaign. “I believe most of the GBV problems emanate from the squalid living conditions these young men grow up in. However, by taking part the young men get to benefit from the educational and leadership programmes which create opportunities for them, and take them away from engaging in activities detrimental to women and children,” he said. Traditional norms like patriarchy which see women as inferior were identified as some of the causes of GBV.

15 - 22 April 2021

Inner-city Gazette

News

Justice challenge invites

innovative start-ups

The programme looks for sustainable innovations that empower people by creating better working conditions

A Johannesburg recycler drags a trolley filled with recyclable materials

New payment platform for waste reclaimers

More than 60 000 waste reclaimers in South Africa earn a living by collecting packaging waste, many of whom are unable to find work or formal employment Johannesburg - An innovative pay- block chain technology to track and ment platform to empower informal trace recycled material across the waste reclaimers and buy-back cen- value chain, providing price transtres has been rolled out by Coca-Cola parency for both buyers and sellers. and supply chain company BanQu. Reclaimers don’t require expensive Coca-Cola Africa director David smart phones; the system sends a Drew said waste reclaimers who col- simple SMS when a payment is prolect waste packaging perform one of cessed.” the toughest, yet most important jobs The payments solution is also intein the circular economy. grated with mobile money applica“They have remained mostly in- tions, enabling reclaimers to withvisible and unbanked. This solution draw cash from ATMs or store their provides a platform to financially earnings in secure e-wallets. The empower waste reclaimers and small technology enables waste reclaimers buy-back centres across South Af- to develop a financial record and prorica,” Drew said. motes their financial inclusion into More than 60 000 waste reclaim- the economy. ers in South Africa earn a living by “From a sustainability perspective, collecting packaging waste, many of this benefits those working in the whom are unable to find work or for- recycling value chain, and is a step mal employment. Much of what re- change in our ability to support this claimers collect is sold through small critical part buy-back centres before ultimately of the circureaching large recyclers. lar economy,” BanQu creates a permanent, per- says Drew. sonal record of the transactions for The rollout each waste picker, enabling them to is in African demonstrate their earnings in order to countries and access credit. It also enables cashless Latin America. transactions that reduce the risk associated with cash to vent enue both reclaimers and buy-back centres, and enables direct financial supWeddings port for waste reclaimers. The system has regEnd of year istered over 300 graduations waste pickers and recorded over 4 900 transactions of Birthday parties over 200 000kg of recyclables. BanQu CEO Call for bookings Ashish Gadnis said: “Our online tracking and payment system uses

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Johannesburg - The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) is calling on justice startups who want to grow their social impact and business to participate in this year’s HiiL Innovating Justice Challenge. Successful applicants will earn a place in the prestigious international HiiL Justice Accelerator programme, along with €10 000, about R173 000, in funding and a package of tailored local support. The programme is searching for promising startups and social enterprises who are solving a pressing justice problem in a way that is high impact and sustainable. Co-head of the HiiL Innovation Hub Southern Africa Themba Mahleka says the social and economic challenges of the past year have made tackling inequality and injustice more urgent than ever before. “Through the challenge we are looking for the best social entrepreneurs from Southern Africa that aspire for everybody to have access to justice at work, at home, in the neighbourhood and in business,” he says. The annual challenge attracts top innovations that have a proven solution with increasing annual revenue and impact; a scalable business model, are on their way to financial sustainability and are led

by a strong team with experienced founders. Applications from both for-profit and non-profit organisations are welcomed. The programme looks for sustainable innovations that empower people by creating better working conditions with their employer; separation terms with their spouse; protection against theft, fraud and violence; arrangements about noise, damages and property access with their neighbour; housing maintenance and rent conditions with their landlord; agreements on ownership, registration and use of land; ways to reduce corruption; contracts, fraud protection and compliance for their small business. The challenge will accept applications until 30 April 2021 via www. hiil.org/innovating-justice-challenge. Successful applicants who proceed to the four-month Justice Accelerator programme will, in addition to receiving the €10 000, about R173 000, non-equity seed funding, have the opportunity to present to an international jury and compete for additional cash prizes at the annual HiiL Innovating Justice Forum.

HiiL Innovation Hub co-head Themba Mahleka

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Inner-city Gazette

15 - 22 April 2021

Inner-city Gazette

Second edition of opera celebration

Series celebrate theatre’s 45 years Lusanda Zokufa

he Market Theatre has curated a series of 30-minute online productions under the banner of Salute the Playwright, shot in high definition and viewed online from 10 April 2021. Salute the Playwright will present a mixture of South African and continental works that will be online throughout the year as part of the 45 years of Market Theatre celebration. Since the past year online theatre has offered audiences to watch great theatre in the comfort of their homes. Salute the Playwright will engage audiences who would not normally experience Market Theatre. For eight weeks it provides a jam-packed line up of pulsating projects for theatre lovers across the globe. A Vegan killed my Marriage kickstarted the online series from 10 and up to 30 April 2021. Award winning playwright Craig Freimond makes his return to the Market with this satire. James is a meat eating South African man. He is plugged into the world of media and insistent concerns about the meat industry role in impending climate catastrophe. Avalon, written and starring Lunga Radebe, directed by award winning Motshabi Monageng, revolves around Sabantu, a young nouveau

The Arts

This concert celebrates exceptional talents of four local soloists who have established themselves in the worldwide opera, oratorio and concert arenas Debra de Souza

Writer and director Rorisang Matuba

riche who, desperate to save his mother’s wilting life, takes advice from a traditional prophet to embark on a search for his grandmother’s grave in one of South Africa’s largest cemeteries. New to the Market Theatre writing sphere is writer and director Rorisang Matuba, who brings this heart-warming drama Di a Paro Tsa Mama. On the eve of their mother’s funeral, two sisters, aged 23 and 29, sort through their beloved matriarch’s clothes in search of the perfect outfit to bury her in. Their sensitive nostalgia morphs into harrowing discoveries about death, grief and survival.

oburg Theatre and Marcus Desando present the second edition of Cantiamo, Mzansi Opera Celebration at the Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre complex from 21 April until 2 May in celebration of South African opera singers that have cemented their place on local and international stages. The programme will showcase some of the most popular opera arias and ensembles, and there will be a selection of local compositions as part of the concert to celebrate South Africa’s contribution to the global opera repertoire. This concert celebrates exceptional talents of four local soloists who have established themselves in the worldwide opera, oratorio and concert arenas. Lyric soprano, Kimmy Skota (Rigoletto, The Magic Flute, Starlight Classics), baritone Bongani Khubeka (Don Giovanni, Handel’s Messiah, Last Night at the Proms), mezzo soprano Teresa de Wit (Madama Butterfly, Verdi’s La Traviata,

Carmen) and tenor, Phenye Modiane (Cosi fan tutte, La Traviata, La Boheme) will be accompanied by Paul Ferreira (Madama Butterfly, Le nozze di Figaro, Tiger Bay) on piano supported by the Vivacious Sounds Choir. Following its successful debut season in October last year, the second edition of Cantiamo - Mzansi Opera Celebration features popular opera arias and ensembles from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Donizetti’sLucia di Lammermoor, Rossini’sIl Barbiere di Siviglia and Verdi’s La Traviata, together with a selection of extracts from works by local composers including Mohau Mogale’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela, as well as Mzilikazi Khumalo’s Princess Magogo. This wide-ranging programme concludes with the Inkathazo Koloi medley of traditional songs. Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema says the homegrown operatic talents of this country’s singers have showcased South African voices around the world, and also produced many interna-

Programme director Marcus Desando

tionally recognised opera stars. “We are honoured to celebrate unforgettable opera at the Mandela Theatre, in the company of four wonderful soloists accompanied by master pianist, Paul Ferreira,” she says. The programme, directed by renowned artistic producer and director Marcus Desando made its debut season at the Mandela Theatre in October last year. With theatre seating limited to 250 guests, patrons are urged to book as soon as possible. All Covid-19 safety protocols are adhered to.

Safa commemorates Ellis Park disaster The Ellis Park disaster on 11 April 2001 was the worst football disaster ever experienced in the country; and came 10 years after the Orkney disaster, in which 42 fans died at a match that also featured Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The year 2001 was not good for African football; in the same year 127 fans were crushed to death in Accra, Ghana, while a number of other disasters occurred around the Sports Reporter

ommemorating 20 years since the incident in which 43 people died at Ellis Park stadium, the South African Football Association (Safa) said the football fraternity will forever remember those who died with a heavy heart. During the event on Sunday Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan said the disaster, which happened during a league match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, is

one of the country’s darkest sporting days, and should never happen again. The Ellis Park disaster on 11 April 2001 was the worst football disaster ever experienced in the country; and came 10 years after the Orkney disaster, in which 42 fans died at a match that also featured Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The year 2001 was not good for African football; in the same year 127 fans were crushed to death in Accra, Ghana, while a number of

other disasters occurred around the continent. These disasters forced Fifa to look closely at stadium safety and safety of the fans. Dr Jordaan said as a result of these disasters, Fifa made safety a priority during the construction of the 2010 Fifa World Cup stadiums. Some of the safety measures included that all stadiums should have 360 degrees uninterrupted view; seating should be numbered and that each ticket should have a corresponding seat; there should be

a pre-sale of all match tickets going forward; and that the entry and exit to and from stadiums must be properly managed. “The loss of so many lives on that day remains a painful experience, and should never happen again. Their spirit remains with us and we remember them together with members of their families. As a result, Safa has built some of the safest stadiums in Africa and the world to make sure that we don’t lose another football fan,’’ Dr Jordaan said.

Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan