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21 - 28 May 2020

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UJ scientists develop drone to track people during lockdown ‘There will be the AI system at some centre with a super computer, which gets real-time information from airships and processes them to determine the people’s distance, wearing of masks and temperature; and send the results to the relevant people for action’ Johannesburg - A group of University of Johannesburg (UJ) Scientists seek to adapt aviation technology to help control the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. Professor Qingguo Wang of the UJ Institute of Intelligent Systems (IIS) said a pandemic drone and other aviation technology could ensure that citizens comply with coronavirus prevention measures. “UJ and researchers at Beihang University in Beijing sought to find solutions to ensure compliance in social distancing measures that are implemented by most countries; and came up with an unmanned aerial vehicle named Rudderless. This is a new generation of drones with guaranteed safety and superior performance. We will adapt it to South Africa, find allocations and add AI elements to make it work for this country,” Wang said. He added that the drone is part of a new

generation of drones with guaranteed safety and superior performance. “It is 4.5 meters long; 1.2 meters wide; two meters high; weighs approximately 8kg; and has working time of around four hours. The interdisciplinary team has reinvented the blimp by designing technology that could monitor social distancing, spot if people are wearing masks, and even track whether they have a fever. We envision that thermal and infrared cameras; real-time images and the control of distance between people; and the direct reporting to relevant parties via wireless communication will transform the aviation sector,” Professor Wang said. He explained that the drone can fly with 100% safety over a street and shopping malls. “The camera can take pictures of the scene and calculate the distance between

people, then report to some centre via wireless communication. With the same images the AI system can detect if a person is wearing a facial mask or not. It can be equipped with infrared camera, and the AI system can measure the temperature of a person in the infrared images. There will be the AI system at some centre with a super computer, which gets real-time information from airships and processes them to determine the people’s distance, wearing of masks and temperature; and send the results to the relevant people for action,” he said. Wang said no funding for the airship has been established yet. “It depends on locals where and when they want this new technology. We trust that rollout of the autonomous airship technologies will be instrumental in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Professor Qingguo Wang

Inner-city Gazette

News

Picking

yourself up after retrenchment

By Natalie Rabson on behalf of Boston City Campus 2019 saw retrenchment from major companies – from Standard Bank, Group Five, ABSA to Multichoice, Continental Tyre and more. Now, with COVID19 looming its ugly head, we are in the depths of an even greater economic downturn, resulting in many more retrenchments at the beginning of 2020. This is a time of uncertainty and anxiety. With the change in daily routine and the insecurity of needing to earn an income, it is difficult to navigate the new territory. “However, it is important to take control of your life and plan ahead. There are proactive steps which you can take to empower yourself and put yourself more in charge of the situation,” says Taryn Steenkamp, Head of National Sales at Boston City Campus. Steenkamp provides the following advice to help you remain buoyant: Your employer Practical steps will get you on the road to moving ahead. Engage with the company which is letting you go. Find out about your pension and provident fund. You can also supplement your income by finding out about Unemployment Insurance which can help you for up to 6 months, taking away some of the pressure of not having a steady income. Find out if you have an income protect policy which will pay you out. It is also important to let all your creditors know what’s happening so that you can make the necessary arrangements with them to avoid falling into bad debt. Get backup Use your network of family and friends that you can rely for advice, coaching and support. This is especially important if you have children, if you are the primary caregiver. Surrounding yourself (virtually for now) with people who care provides an anchor for you to help you to get through this time.

21 - 28 May 2020

Initiative to encourage blood donors Since its launch in 2017 Facebook has partnered with blood donation centres around the world, with over 60 million people having signed as blood donors in the US, Brazil, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Working from home Try your best to keep busy You need a daily purpose, and a schedule. It is also important to keep your mind active and occupied to avoid falling into a slump. Enrol for short courses that enhance your skills and add value to your CV, increasing your employment eligibility. Or consider starting that degree or Postgrad that you never got around to. You will never regret starting on a pathway of continued education. This is the ideal time to build your CV. The Boston Postgraduate Diploma in Management offers unique skills for the fourth industrial revolution, and for these undefined times such as which we now find ourselves. Find ways to start over Be open to taking other jobs just to get you on your feet again. Look at websites such as Upwork that offer adhoc projects that can be done from home, using your existing skills. This will also give you an idea of which skills are in demand and will result in employment opportunities. Be creative in terms of your resources in this transitional episode. Use this time to explore different industries in which you may have an interest. Leverage your LinkedIn

network to offer your services. Use this time to re-skill yourself. Take courses which can help you focus on a new subject while building your selfesteem by gaining a new or deeper competency. Coping emotionally “Keep in mind that this is happening to you. It’s not who you are. Although it may feel completely personal, it has nothing do with you and everything to do with the economic environment,” says Steenkamp. Focus on the things over which you have control. Start small with just getting up and getting dressed. “It is important to manage your expectations. There is a strong likelihood that it will take 6 - 18 months to find a job comparative with the one you lost,” says Steenkamp. “Feeling down is a natural result of retrenchment but keeping busy and taking proactive steps can help you manage this challenging time,” she says. “Retrenchment is one thing - but it’s the aftermath that’s the real issue. Get sleep, exercise and keep your mind active. It is a difficult time but keep on reminding yourself that this too shall pass,” concludes Steenkamp.

Johannesburg – Facebook, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) have initiated a partnership to encourage people to donate blood. South Africans aged over 18 years can sign up as blood donors on Facebook, be notified when blood donor centres near them have an urgent need for donations and invite friends to donate. South Africa is the first African country that Facebook has launched this feature. This is at a time as the country sees a significant drop in blood donations as a result of people staying home to prevent the spread of Covid-19, though health institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) said it is still safe to donate blood. Since its launch in 2017 Facebook has partnered with blood donation centres around the world, with over 60 million people having signed as blood donors in the US, Brazil, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Facebook Africa director Nunu Ntshingila said they are committed to building safe and supportive communities during the difficult time. “We want to make it easy to con-

Facebook director Nunu Ntshingila

nect people who want to donate with opportunities to give, while learning about the blood donation opportunities near them and inspiring action. This is an important partnership with SANBS and the Western Cape Blood Service, and one which we believe will make a positive difference to blood giving,” Ntshingila said. SANBS chief marketing officer Silungile Mlambo said they face challenges in collection of blood each year. “This year the pandemic brought us a new challenge. We hope that through this tool we will have better reach to all our donors. This will revolutionise the way we connect with the donors, allowing us to work smarter and optimise our resources,” Mlambo said. People aged between 18 and 65 can sign up to be blood donors on Facebook by going to Blood Donations in the About section of their profile, or access the link: facebook. com/donateblood. People will be able to view requests and opportunities to donate on Blood Donations in the Facebook app on their mobile devices to over 80 blood donation sites.

21 - 28 May 2020

Inner-city Gazette

Dept unveils plans to reopen schools

Dogs join the corona virus fight London - The United Kingdom hopes to develop a new weapon in the global war against the corona virus pandemic; using the Covid-19 sniffer dogs. A government programme to find new ways of fighting the pandemic that has gripped the nation since March will back clinical trials to train dogs to see if they can spot corona virus before symptoms appear, the Department for Health and Social Care said on Saturday. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Durham University and charity Medical Detection Dogs will conduct the trials. The plan isn’t totally crazy; dogs have already been trained to detect certain cancers, and if they could be used to detect the virus in asymptomatic people, they could serve as an early warning measure, the department said. The dogs used will be a mixture of Labradors and Cocker Spaniels. In a statement Minister for Innovation, James Bethell said: “Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as

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UK Innovation Minister James Bethell

part of our wider testing strategy. Accuracy is essential, so this trial will tell us whether ‘Covid dogs’ can reliably detect the virus and stop it spreading.” For the initial phase of the trial, National Health Service staff in London hospitals will collect odour samples from people who are infected with coronavirus and those who are uninfected, and six dogs will be trained to recognize the virus from the samples. In theory, the animals could each screen as many as 250 people per hour, according to the department. It added that the Covid-19 sniffer dogs could also be trained to detect the odour of disease at the equivalent dilution of one teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-sized swimming pools of water. Bloomberg

Pretoria - On Tuesday Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga unveiled plans for the phased reopening of schools from 1 June. She said in a plan approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet; schools would reopen for Grades 7 and 12, and other small schools first, followed by other grades at later stages. Motshekga said reopening schools has to be done in a manner that did not contribute to the spread of the corona virus. “If there is anything we have learned and appreciated from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that we are all in this together. This is unchartered waters and that is why we have relied heavily on the advice of experts in the medical fraternity under the leadership of the Department of Health,” she said. She pointed out that during the lockdown 1 577 schools were vandalised, damaged and burnt, 336 in Gauteng and 463 in KwaZulu-Natal. “This is a disturbing trend that will set us back in trying to get back the academic programme,” she said. She added that the Department of Basic Education is in the process of distributing sanitisers, masks, water and sanitation facilities. “Schools are also being cleaned ahead of the arrival of pupils. It will be compulsory for all pupils to wear

masks, starting before they board transport such as buses or taxis on their way to school,” she said. She added that the department is working with health professionals and the Department of Public Service and Administration to issue guidelines for staff and teachers who have comorbidities; illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, which may worsen corona virus infection. “We urge parents to work closely with schools to ensure pupils with pre-existing illnesses are also assisted, schools shall work with parents to obtain the necessary information from parents. We will use innovative methods about how health, safety, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga social or physical distancing require- food handlers will be provided with ments are met in schools,” Motshek- required personal protective equipga said. ment, including gloves, aprons and She explained that a trimmed cur- masks,” she said. riculum would be sent to schools for She added that the department is planning purposes. working with organisations on the “School sports will not be permitted phased approach to reopen special as that would increase chances of in- schools. fection; when classes dismiss learners “Early childhood development cenmust go home,” she said. tres (ECDs) provide care for chilMotshekga said school trips and vis- dren of essential service workers and its have been suspended. people returning to their workplaces. “We focus on the core business of Careful consideration will be made basic education, which is curriculum in order to ensure a balance between implementation,” she said. allowing the ECDs to operate, alongShe added that nutrition programmes side the safety of the children and will be reopened for all pupils. “All their caregivers,” Motshekga said.

Inner-city Gazette

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21 - 28 May 2020

Hijackers are back in business Hijackings are back at the same level they were pre-lockdown; tips to prevent becoming another statistic

Dialdirect spokesperson Bianca De Beer

Johannesburg - Dialdirect Insurance has warned motorists to be vigilant as the country eases out of lockdown, because according to statistics hijackers are back in business. Dialdirect spokesperson Bianca De Beer said they have noticed that hijackings are back at the same level they were pre-lockdown; and recommended tips to prevent becoming another hijacking statistic. “Stay alert, make sure you keep your eyes on the road and notice your surroundings. If possible in-

vest in an electric gate. Many hijackings and home invasions happen just as you enter or leave your home. Having a well-lit driveway and an electric gate that can switch to a battery during power failures can help you get in and out safely. Leave enough room between your car and the one in front to avoid being boxed in. If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, don’t go home. When driving home alone, always phone ahead to give a relative your time of arrival. Know your neighbours and the cars they

drive, this will help identify any uncommon vehicles in your area. Adopt a search pattern radius to scout before approaching your home. Adjust your speed when approaching a traffic light so that you do not have to come to a complete stop,” De Beer said. There are also some rules to follow if you are accosted by a hijacker. “Remain calm; do not argue or make sudden gestures. Avoid eye contact, but try to remember what the carjacker looked like by identifying and remembering

Man shot dead

Businesses gear up for next level lockdown “Moving to Level 3 will mean more business for us, as many people will be able to work and have money to spend” Nodumo Makaza

ollowing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent announcement that most of the country may move to Level 3 lockdown; Joburg businesses say they have taken necessary measures anticipating the next level. “We will begin the process of consultation with relevant stakeholders on the proposal that by the end of May most of the country be placed on alert Level 3, but those parts of the country with the highest rates of infection will remain on Level 4,” Ramaphosa said. James Rossouw, manager of Siesta butchery in Twist Street in the Joburg CBD, says they are gearing up to the expected Level 3; hence they

special features. Comply with the hijacker’s directions, within reason. Try and get away from the area as quickly as possible. Don’t be a hero; your life is worth more than your car. As we all know, prevention is better than cure, but in order to prevent a hijacking, one needs to be equipped with the correct information. Remember that the greatest weapon in a hijacker’s arsenal is not his gun, but the belief that it won’t happen to us. Hijacking is a reality and you need to be prepared for this horrific eventuality,” De Beer said.

Part of the Siesta butchery in Twist Street, Joburg CBD

are practicing safety measures as required by the Department of Employment and Labour. “Moving to Level 3 will mean more business for us, as many people will be able to work and have money to spend. In Level 4 our business was not fully operational, and most of our workers are still at home. We are however working hard to make sure that safety measures are practiced,” Rossouw said. He said they check every employee’s temperature every morning before they start working, as a way of identifying employees who might have Covid-19 symptoms. “We provide employees with face masks and disinfect the whole butchery two times daily, in the morning

and before we knock off. Customers’ hands are sanitised at the entrance, and we don’t allow anyone inside if they don’t have a mask on. A lot has changed in the way we run the business, and we only allow one person at a time at the tills” he said. Sboniso Manqele, owner of Auto Body Parts in the CBD says he is worried for his employees if the lockdown was to continue. “Business is very slow; we only make money to be able to keep us going. I am not able to pay all my workers but I’m optimistic that if we move to Level 3 our business will slowly go back to normal. I have already ordered face masks for all my employees and I’m also opening up space inside the shop so that they can

Pic: Nodumo Makaza

practice social distancing when they resume work,” he said. The Department of Employment and Labour has expressed concern on the non-compliance level of businesses during Level 4 of lockdown. The department’s inspector-general Aggy Moiloa said: “From 30 April to 12 May we conducted over 3 094 inspections, 461 in the public sector and the rest in the private sector. The overall compliance rate was at 56% with 44% non-compliance.” The expected Level 3 lockdown, which involves easing of some restrictions, including on work and social activities to address a high risk transmission, is expected to allow more businesses to operate, providing a much needed boost to the economy.

Braamfontein - A man was shot and killed in an apparent hit at corner Juta and De Beers streets in Braamfontein on Monday, according to police. Police spokesperson Captain Musa Shihambe said the 36-year-old man was found dead in a car he was driving, with five bullet wounds to his upper body. “It is alleged that two men who were inside a BMW X5 started shooting at a man inside an Audi. The deceased was sitting with a friend in an Audi; while a BMW X5 with two occupants drove past and they fired shots at the one sitting at the driver’s seat. The victim died instantly while the other was not harmed. A total of 11 cartridges were found at the scene,” Shihambe said. He added that the shooting saw bullets fly through a retail store in the vicinity. ER24 paramedics and a local security company were on the scene. “He had suffered a wound to the chest and was declared dead on arrival,” said ER24 spokesperson Ross Campbell. Shihambe said a case of murder was opened and a manhunt for two suspects has been launched.

21 - 28 May 2020

Inner-city Gazette

News

Covid-19 grant beneficiaries await payment Turkish aid agency helps S vulnerable families Nodumo Makaza

Hassan Isilow Mayfair - Turkey’s state-run aid agency recently distributed food hampers to hundreds of families in Mayfair to help residents who are not working because of the coronavirus lockdown. The coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Mehmet Akif Sekerci said: “In this challenging times when the entire globe is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, while mindful of the lockdown regulations we thought we should go from house to house to distribute the aid to vulnerable people in the spirit of Ramadan.’’ Sekerci said TIKA partnered with local NGOs in Johannesburg who know vulnerable families in the communities. “The food distribution would help Muslims who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as needy non-Muslim families residing in Mayfair,” Sekerci said. Items distributed included maize, flour, sugar, cooking oil and peanut butter. A Mayfair resident who identified himself as Mohammed said: “This Ramadan would have been difficult for us if we had not received this aid, because we have not been working since the lockdown.” Councilor Alex Christians thanked the Turkish government for the aid. Last month TIKA provided a hospital in Pretoria with more than 10 000 N95 face masks to help health workers curb the spread of the virus. The agency has been operating in South Africa for more than two years, and has been involved in several projects that include refurbishing hospitals, mosques and cultural centres. Anadolu Agency

Three gunmen nabbed Kempton Park - On Saturday police arrested three suspects after their vehicle, a silver Toyota, drove past traffic board members in Kempton Park, according to police. Police said preliminary reports suggested that the same vehicle was involved in a shootout the previous night in Yeoville. “Police cornered the suspects just over three kilometres away. They seized the silver Toyota, four illegal firearms with ammunition and cellphones. The suspects, aged between 28 and 40 were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, and will be profiled to check if they were involved in other crimes. The firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other crimes,” police said. Gauteng Police Commissioner LtGen Elias Mawela commended the police, traffic officials and private security members for playing a role in efforts to eradicate crime.

ome beneficiaries of the R350 special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant have expressed disappointment at the application system which was recently launched by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu. More than 3.5 million people have applied for the SRD grant, and some are still waiting for their grants. The grant is meant to help those facing hard times during these unprecedented times, and will be payable for the next six months. “The special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant is intended to mitigate the undue hardships faced by individuals and families through this difficult time. We are pleased with the intake so far and we urge all eligible individuals to apply for the grant on time,” said Zulu. For one to be eligible to receive the SRD grant they must be above the age of 18, must not be receiving any form of social grant, unemployed, not

receiving a stipend from the National Financial Aid Scheme, not receiving any unemployment insurance and must not be a resident in a government funded or subsidized institution. “Once again, we appeal to those already receiving social grant not to apply as they are not eligible for the Special Covid-19 SRD grant. It is only meant to benefit persons who are currently not receiving any form of income from the government,” Zulu said. The minister pleaded with applicants not to upload any documents when applying, as it would overwhelm the system. Johannesburg resident Mathapelo Matshwete says she applied for the grant using a Whatsapp number and has not received any response yet. “I applied for the special grant using a Whatsapp number that was provided on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website, but I haven’t received any notification to say I have been successful or not. So now I don’t know whether I will get

the money or not,” she said. Another Joburg applicant, Thabo Nkuna says he is confused by the whole application system as he has tried several times but has been unsuccessful. “I have tried countless times to apply but haven’t received any response. At first I used the online system, when I didn’t get any response I used the Whatsapp number but I’m still waiting. I entered all my details and I’m even afraid that my details might be used for fraud,” he said. Another Joburg resident Nelisiwe Ndlela says she applied using the USSD code and her application went through; however she is still waiting for the response that says her application was a success. According to SASSA once an application has been approved, SASSA will request the applicant to provide their banking details. For the SRD grant applicants can use Whatsapp number 082 046 8553, USSD or Sim line *134*7737# or Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu send email to srd@sassa.gov.za File image

City officials and Polo South Africa representatives during the handover

Clothing manufacturer donates masks to City Braamfontein - In a bid to boost the fight against the transmission of the corona virus in the workplace luxury clothing manufacturer Polo South Africa recently donated 25 000 face masks to the City of Joburg. The donation was the first batch of 50 000 face masks the company is providing to municipal employees and councillors, most of whom are on the frontline of combating the pandemic. Health and Social Development MMC Eunice Mgcina received the donation last Thursday at the Metro Centre in Braamfontein. Polo SA managing-director Mark Oliver said the company is motivated

to contribute 25 000 face masks to metropolitan areas in the country, to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. “This is our small way of supporting the call from our President to come together to fight this crisis. It is our way of caring for our communities in this time of extreme crisis,” Oliver said. MMC Mgcina said the

R1m drugs found in house Robertsham - Last Thursday police seized drugs worth R1 million and arrested one person at a house in Robertsham. Police said the male suspect was charged with manufacturing and dealing in drugs from the house. “Crime intelligence acted on a tip-off and raided the property, and the man was taken into custody. He has however denied knowing anything about the drugs or the equipment used to make the drugs,” police said.

face masks would boost stocks of much-needed protective equipment for the City’s health workers. “This is a true demonstration of beneficial public and private partnerships, and government could not carry out the fight against the spread of

the pandemic alone. We are grateful that this positive response continues, as demonstrated by Polo SA. We will make sure that this donation reaches all staff members, some of whom are on the frontline in the fight against this disease,” Mgcina said.

Inner-city Gazette

21 - 28 May 2020

Inner-city Gazette

Art auction to benefit artists’ relief campaign

Virtual lessons for

Junior Orchestra

Sne Mdiya

n honour of Africa Month, Between 10and5 is curating and hosting an Instagram auction. Reminiscent of the Between 10and5’s auction that kicked off its Creative Women Week in 2019, the auction is a charity initiative and 100% of proceeds will go towards the next round of BASA’s artists relief campaign. The auction will run with various creatives who are invited to participate and create, all in the spirit of giving back. A number of artists have already signed on, including multi-awardwinning illustrator, graphic designer and street artist, Karabo Poppy Molestane, and illustrator, and Russell Abrahams, founder and Creative Director of illustration studio Yay Abe. Molestane said this period has created a level of uncertainty for the creative sector. “Projects such as these are essential to sustaining the greater artistic collective,” she said. Abrahams said the idea of artists supporting artists is important. “We’re often forgotten when it comes to the bigger picture. So taking part in this auction is a great way to help those in need, plus a

The Arts

Lessons are prepared and shared with learners who prepare, then meet facilitators on a one on one basis Philile Ntimbane

I Graphic designer Karabo Molestane

means to encourage others to do the same. Compassion is what will take us forward,” he added. BASA Artists Relief campaign was launched at gogetfunding.com/ bizartza/ and has enabled BASA to consider applications from individual artists for once-off, short-term financial aid for Covid-19 related medical care and/or prescription medicines. The aid has also helped offset the loss of income due to the cancellation of engagements, as a result of the nationwide lockdown or other emergency measures. The auction will launch on Africa Day, May 25, between 10and5’s Instagram, and will run until 29 May. There will be a lot auctioned every hour daily between 16:00 -19:00. For more information visit 10and5.com or www.basa.co.za.

n the midst of the Covid - 19 global pandemic the Soweto Theatre has kept the doors of teaching and learning open with virtual classes to ensure that their Junior Orchestra can write exams with UNISA at the end of the year. Music and playing an instrument is therapeutic and having noted the impact of music worldwide in managing community stress and anxiety, the Soweto Theatre and its partner Structuring Society Through Music decided it was important to facilitate and ensure that classes continue. From Italy to New York City, the healing power of music has played an integral role in getting people through the lockdown, these classes are doing the same for young people and their immediate community as they practice and perfect their musical skill. The classes are held utilising Google classroom as well as

WhatsApp. Lessons are prepared in advance and shared with learners who prepare and then meet facilitators on a one on one basis. These online classes are for leaners from Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 7. Soweto Theatre’s youth, community and audience development manager Makhosazana Hlatshwayo says: “We pride ourselves in developing our communities, for they are our true reflection. This initiative by the Youth Development Department ensures that the learners don’t miss out on lessons for the year, and that they exceed the 50% pass rate received from the previous 2019 annual exams.” Soweto Theatre general manager Nomsa Mazwai said: “Preparing our junior orchestra for their end-of-year exams is one of those things that are still possible under the shutdown, and we are taking advantage of that. The Soweto Theatre Junior Orchestra is three years in the making and we must ensure that its third year ends on a

uotable

uotes

By Prophet Philip Banda

Soweto Theatre manager Nomsa Mazwai

higher note than its second.” This group of talented leaners have graced the stage with some forces to be reckoned with in 2019. Among the musicians they have worked with is Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Mandla Mlangeni, Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra (USA), and singer/composer Gabi Motuba.

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Women’s World Cup Council to choose host In the most competitive bidding process in the history of the tournament, four bids are in the race to host the competition. Sports Reporter

lobal soccer organisation FIFA has confirmed to bidding member associations that selection of the host or hosts for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 by the FIFA Council will be made at its online meeting on 25 June this year. The meeting was to take place in early June in Addis Ababa, but was postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the most competitive bidding process in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, four bids are in the race to host the competition.

There is a joint submission by Football Federation Australia and New Zealand; more by the Brazilian Football Association; the Colombian Football Association and the Japan Football Association. FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura said: “FIFA remains committed to implementing the most comprehensive, objective and transparent bidding process in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This is part of our commitment to women’s football that will see FIFA invest US$1 billion in women’s football during the current cycle.” Following inspection visits to

the bidding associations, FIFA is now finalising the evaluation report, which will be published in early June on FIFA.com. “Eligible bids will be presented to the FIFA Council for it to select the host within the scope of an open voting process, in which the result of each ballot and related votes by the FIFA Council will be made public on FIFA.com,” Samoura said. Further details are available in the Voting Procedure (link), which has been approved by the Bureau of the FIFA Council. The 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to be the first to feature 32 teams.

FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura