Inner City Gazette

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Est 2009 Issue 15 - 2020

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23 - 30 April 2020

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Inner City Gazette

Dept reschedules matric rewrites Johannesburg - Due to the national Covid-19 lockdown the Department of Basic Education has postponed the May/June matric exam rewrites to November.

The department postponed the Amended Senior Certificate and National Senior Certificate examination, which were scheduled to start on 4 May. The exams were to be written by over 350 000 part-time candidates; who include pupils who did not

meet the pass requirements in the 2019 exams, and those who wanted to improve their marks.

The department said these examinations will be merged with the November 2020 exams.

Basic Education director-general Mathanzima Mweli has informed the heads of provincial departments of the change.

“The advent of the Covid-19 virus led to the early closure of schools during the first term. This resulted

in disruption to schooling and hence the writing of the May/June 2020 examinations has to be re-scheduled,” said Mweli.

Details regarding the merged June and November examinations will be communicated to candidates, together with information on registration, examination centres and timetables.

Education Department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the matric candidates will soon be informed

regarding exam registration, the examination centres and timetables.

“We urge all candidates to continue their preparations. Learning and revision materials have been made available on the department’s website,” he said.

Mhlanga added that the second chance matric support programme link on the website is still available to assist especially those who have been studying independently as part-time matric candidates.

Education director Mathanzima Mweli

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Reaching

out, student perspectives

Shannon Nevay, current student in Lockdown, advises on the benefits of Education, keeping up with your studies, and planning for an uncertain future “I am a student currently in my 3rd year of studying a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Marketing Management via correspondence with Boston College. I have been studying via correspondence for the full length of my studies so far and it has been such a truly great experience.

As I write this, it is day 20 of the nation-wide lockdown and although many things have changed such as our ability to move around, restrictions on who we can and cannot see and trying times ahead economically, the one thing that has been a stable constant for me has been my studies. The transition into the lockdown was seamless as I have been able to continue my studies just as I was doing so before, working through course material, completing my assignments and uploading them online and being able to study for the upcoming exams. The amazing team at my Boston Bedfordview support centre have also made this change much easier as we get updates and support from all the staff. Whether this is through continued communication through WhatsApp or personal phone calls about important updates, or through the use of the online student wellness module that includes supportive and motivational articles about how each student can personally deal with this situation.

Boston truly puts immense effort into taking care of their students and continuing excellence in the learning experience through trying times.

As a correspondence student myself, I believe that especially during

Shannon Nevay this time, people have now gotten a much better insight into how important it can be to have the correct foundations for online learning.

Boston has had this online support fully operational to support their correspondence students for years and because of that, they have been quick to transition their other students to this system so that we may all benefit from an uninterrupted learning experience during the lockdown.

In the coming months, I’m sure there will be a lot of uncertainty among people about what happens next. As someone who has been personally affected and has been left unemployed due to this pandemic, one thing I can be sure of is that con-

tinuing my studies with Boston can only improve my situation and help me as I head towards this seemingly uncertain future with hope for what is to come.

I have also had more time to reflect on what I want to do in the future and am considering registering for another course with Boston after I have completed this degree. I think that now is the perfect time to register for a course for anyone who has been thinking about pursuing new career opportunities or wants to support their current career with a recognised higher certificate, diploma or degree in their field.

I know that my academic year is secure and that none of my hard work will go to waste because of all of the systems Boston is using to support their students during the lockdown, which have been working for correspondence students for years and can also support other full-time students.

I cannot express enough how helpful and professional my Boston support team has been throughout the duration of my studies, let alone during this pandemic.”

This mature attitude of Shannon’s towards her own personal circumstances and the wider environment that we all share has inspired other students and staff alike. It is a reminder our future is often uncertain, and we need to plan for unforeseen events by having goals and ambition. This virus has also been a stark reminder for all of us of the importance of developing 4th industrial revolution skills such as IT as well as flexibility and adaptability.

23 - 30 April 2020

Facebook connects faith-based communities The resources include the Faith on Facebook Resource Hub and the Faith on Facebook toolkit groups can use to keep their communities engaged while observing social distancing Tech Reporter

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acebook has launched resources to help faith groups stay connected and engaged during the current Covid-19 outbreak.

Facebook Africa regional director Nunu Ntshingila says: “At a time like this our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

We know that faith leaders across Africa are grappling with the unexpected challenges in serving their members digitally, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and tools to support them as much as possible.”

The resources include the Faith on Facebook Resource Hub and the Faith on Facebook toolkit, both providing guidance and step-by-step tips that faith-based groups can use to keep their communities engaged while observing social distancing.

“Our ultimate goal is to equip faith-based communities with the tools to help them continue faith conversations throughout the pandemic,” Ntshingila says.

Some of the tools that faith-based groups can use to connect with their communities during the Covid-19

Facebook director Nunu Ntshingila

outbreak and lockdown include Facebook Pages, to explore how to build an active and engaged audience of faith communities, advice on posting interesting content, as well as creating events and using Groups for discussions.

Facebook Groups allow people to come together around a common cause, discussing issues and ideas, posting photos and sharing related content.

Facebook Events host virtual events using Facebook Events to spread the word.

Utilising WhatsApp helps consider sending bite sized sermons or recordings through the voice note feature on WhatsApp to members, using either the dedicated broadcast list function or creating a New Group list.

Watch Party helps host a Watch Party for the group, choosing videos that are relevant to the community and invite members to join and discuss.

Facebook Live streams events and performances live on Facebook, utilizing interactive features such as reactions, shares and comments, which also enables further engagement with the audience.

23 - 30 April 2020

Residents evacuated as building catches fire Berea - On Thursday morning residents of a building near the O’Reilly Road and Catherine Avenue intersection in Berea had to be evacuated to safety as it caught fire.

City of Joburg firefighters were summoned, they rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire.

Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said no injuries were reported at the scene, and the cause of the fire had not been established at that time.

“All the building’s residents were safely evacuated from the structure and none was harmed,” he said.

Mulaudzi added that residents are encouraged to always look after any heating devices which might cause fire incidents at their homes.

“The disaster management team has been activated in order to assist the affected families with relief,” Mulaudzi said.

Inner-city Gazette

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Parents scared of sending children back to school One of the proposed scenarios was that a one metre distance between pupils’ chairs would be acceptable if applied with strict precautionary measures such as temperature checking, face masks, gloves and sanitisers Johannesburg - Many parents may not send their children back to school when schooling resumes, fearing that they may contract the corona virus.

Some say they would rather have them repeat the grade next year than let them get back this year.

The Education Department’s discussion document Draft post Covid-19 lockdown recovery plan states that the school must ensure space in reference to social distancing, no bodily contact; and hygiene and sanitising requirements are given attention.

One of the proposed scenarios was that a one metre distance between pupils’ chairs would be acceptable if applied with strict precautionary measures such as temperature

Pupils in a Johannesburg classroom before the Covid-19 pandemic.

checking, face masks, gloves and sanitisers.

In social media discussions one parent, Luvo Ndlumbini said: “I am not sending my children back to school until life is better.”

Another, Tebatso Nkoko said: “I am not sending my children to slaughterhouses regardless of who promises what.”

National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA (Naptosa) director Basil Manuel questioned how social distancing would be done at overcrowded schools.

“We have no clue how many of our teachers have HIV/Aids, they are the most severe cases of immunecompromised people,” he added.

National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) secretary Matakanye Matakanye said some parents would not send their children to school because of fears for their safety.

Children are compelled to attend school until the end of Grade 9 or after they turn 15.

According to the Education Department document, social distanc-

ing will be one of the biggest challenges for provincial education departments to implement.

“Our classrooms are not always able to accommodate the requirements in terms of social distancing,” it warns.

Department regulations state that the acceptable number for a class is 40 pupils, while in Grade R it is 30.

The optimum classroom size should be 60m2; for Grade R it is 80m2.

The document states that the norm for social distancing in terms of the Covid-19 pandemic is 1.5 metres.

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23 - 30 April 2020

Namola CEO Peter Matthaei

Safety app adds tools to counter GBV MEC Panyaza Lesufi (in yellow) with officials during the handover of the donations

MEC receives Covid-19 relief donations Booysens - Last Wednesday Acting Social Development MEC Panyaza Lesufi received more than 10 000 food parcels worth over R2.5 million from social partners and businesses at the central food bank warehouse in Booysens.

Lesufi said that was an addition

to the R80 million provincial government had allocated for the food relief fund.

“The Solidarity Fund and the national Department of Social Development will give us R43 million as part of the process of fighting the coronavirus,” Lesufi said.

The donations he received included 120 000 bags of mealie-meal and R5 million to procure food, nutritional energy drinks, blankets, and toiletries.

Lesufi added that the relief donations would go a long way in assisting in the fight against hunger.

“We just need the machinery to ensure that the food reaches the people immediately as part of the process of fighting poverty,” he said.

The donations would be distributed to the vulnerable and families in distress during the current nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.

Price increase complaints flood commission

Competition Commission spokesperson Sipho Ngwema

Johannesburg - The Competition Commission has been flooded with more than 800 complaints of unfair price increases during the national Covid-19 lockdown.

It has been reported that in some cases essential items were priced in increments amounting to more than 10 times the usual price.

On Monday the Competition Commission found that the Centrum pharmacy situated in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, was charging excessive prices for face masks during the current Covid-19 lockdown period.

The Competition Tribunal or-

dered the business to donate hand sanitisers, surgical gloves and face masks valued at R25 410 to two old age homes in the area.

The pharmacy was also ordered to reduce the prices of its masks, but no percentage or fixed prices were given.

The Competition Commission found that the pharmacy’s average mark-up in respect of facial masks for March 2020 was in excess of 100%, which is significantly above its average mark-up on other nonessential products that it has maintained over time.

Public complaints the commission

is currently handling are mostly on the prices for essential hygienic products such as sanitisers, surgical masks and facial masks.

Competition Commission spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said there were also increasing complaints on pricing of basic foods.

“We have also noted a new wave of steadily rising complaints on basic food stuffs like eggs, milk, chicken and more. These investigations include almost all shapes and types of enterprises, manufacturers, suppliers, spaza, corner shops, local pharmacies and also some big retailers,” Ngwema said.

Johannesburg - Considering that during the nationwide lockdown there has been alarming reports of gender-based violence (GBV) around the country; safety app Namola, which offers 24-hour emergency response, has added free Covid-19 support tools.

Namola CEO Peter Matthaei says the safety app provides easy access to accurate and reliable information and support tools during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We want to ensure that all South Africans, especially those without access to private security, stay safe while we are in lockdown,” Matthaei says.

All Namola users enjoy free access to public emergency services such as police, fire and rescue, and government ambulances around the clock during the national lockdown, Matthaei adds.

“We are concerned that domestic violence has increased over the lockdown, and that loneliness and feelings of uncertainty may impact many people’s mental health.

We encourage our fellow South Africans to access important services such as the Domestic Abuse hotline, Childline and mental health hotlines through the Namola app if they need further support,” says Matthaei.

Additionally, Namola’s Response Centre team remains available 24/7 to deal with any emergencies. The app also provides the latest case statistics, access to important helplines and latest news, as well as Covid-19 alerts.

“We are deeply grateful to all first responders and emergency operators for their fearless and untiring work during this time,” says Matthaei.

The Namola safety app is available as a free download for iPhone and Android. The company has discounted its optional Namola Plus upgrade from R49 to R39 a month for both new and current members, after an initial free month. Namola Plus allows users to access private armed response and emergency medical assistance through the Namola app.

23 - 30 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

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News

Measures to protect workers during lockdown Dale Hes overnment has announced some measures to protect workers from the impact of the lockdown.

These include employees who work in non-essential services and are required to stay at home.

The Department of Employment and Labour measures to protect affected employees include the establishment of the Covid-19 Employee/ Employer Relief Scheme (TERS) set up through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi explained that if employers were forced to close during the Covid-19 lockdown, they can apply to the relief scheme to pay their employees.

“This benefit will be de-linked from the UIF’s normal benefit structure. This benefit will be at a flat rate equal to the minimum wage per em-

ployee for the duration of the shutdown, to a maximum period of three months,” he says.

In other words, once businesses apply for the benefit and their application is approved, the UIF will provide at least R3 500 per employee. If they earn above the national minimum wage, then employees are entitled to receive between 38% and 60% of their normal salaries.

The minister has encouraged businesses to approach the UIF so that applications can be processed quickly. However, if businesses do not approach the UIF for assistance, then employees who are working reduced hours or are not being paid can individually apply to TERS or existing UIF benefits.

Workers must be aware that employers are not allowed to force their employees to take unpaid leave during the lockdown.

The department’s chief director of

labour relations, Thembinkosi Mkalipi advises employers not to force their staff to take either paid or unpaid leave.

“We encourage employers not to request employees to utilise their annual leave credits for the lockdown, but to rather utilise the financial assistance the department has placed at their disposal through the Covid-19 TERS, in cases where companies cannot afford to pay employees,” Mkalipi says.

Employers of domestic workers have been encouraged to give their employees paid leave. If they are unable to do so, then the domestic worker will be able to claim the national minimum wage from TERS. The Department has set up a hotline number to be used to get advice on how to access the TERS benefit. UIF staff will assist employers and employees between 8am - 8pm, Mondays to Fridays, at 012 337 1997.

More school burglary suspects arrested

Soweto - On Saturday Orlando East residents caught three suspects who allegedly tried to break into Ditawana primary school in Taukobong Street, and steal learning materials.

Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said three suspects were found in possession of stolen items and arrested.

“The three suspects are also

linked to another break-in at another school in the same area,” Makhubele said.

A community member said: “The community here is struggling; this school is not for wealthy children.

Why would they want to steal from a school that barely has anything?”

Since the beginning of the lockdown over 350 schools have been broken into and equipment stolen;

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Minister Nxesi has stressed that employers of those working in essential services must have all the measures in place to protect the workers.

The department has received complaints about companies forcing employees to work without the necessary protective equipment.

Labour inspectors are following up on the complaints. “At this stage we urge these employers to do the right thing. After that we will start to name and shame individual companies and branches,” he says.

Employers can apply via www.ufiling.co.za or contact the UIF on 0800 030 007.

If you believe you are being unfairly treated in any way by your employer during the lockdown, or that you are not being protected from health risks in the workplace, contact the department at 0800 843 843.

This article was originally published in GCIS Vuk’uzenzele.

and some have been burned.

By that time in Gauteng 67 schools had been broken into. Items that have been stolen include roofs, doors, tiles, pipes, toilets, TV sets, chairs, pianos, stationery, stoves and food.

Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said 41 school burglary suspects had been arrested in Gauteng by last week, and three

Chief labour relations Director Thembinkosi Mkalipi

more were arrested in Sebokeng.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi congratulated the police for arresting the suspects.

“The police have done sterling work in arresting these criminals who disregard regulations during this critical moment. We don’t understand how they find time to commit these crimes since everyone should be at home,” he said.

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Inner-city Gazette

23 - 30 April 2020

23 - 30 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

BASA supports artists

State Theatre applauds Naledi Awards nominees

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affected by Covid-19

The aid can also be used to offset the loss of income due to the cancellation of confirmed engagements, as a result of the lockdown or other emergency measures

Thakgatso Setseta

Sne Mdiya

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B

he South African State Theatre celebrates the 25 Naledi Awards nominations for productions staged during the 2019 theatre calendar.

Naledi Theatre Awards CEO Dawn Lindberg initially announced that the Nominations Reveal Event, scheduled for 24 March, was cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus emergency regulations, banning events attended by over 100 people.

“At this point the Naledi Theatre Awards annual event will go ahead as scheduled at the Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre on 25 May, subject to any further restrictions being implemented,” Lindberg said.

Chairperson Kgomotso Christopher said: “We hope that all our theatre family are safe and well over this difficult time, especially in light of the fact that many productions are being cancelled or put on hold, which will have dev-

The Arts

Chairperson Kgomotso Christopher

astating effect on our industry and working actors.”

Artistic Director Aubrey Sekhabi said: “While I congratulate all the nominees for the Naledi awards, my special congratulations goes to Angola Camp 13 and Xova for perseverance and resilience shown since their incubation process until the mainstream. This is clear proof to all our productions under the SAST incubation programme that success is within reach where there’s determination, energy and patience. We therefore wish all our nominees the best of luck. This is once again testament to the diversity of the work developed by the South African State Theatre and the excellence it upholds.”

usiness and Arts South Africa NPC (BASA) has announced that its Supporting Grants programme will be extended to support creatives infected or affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

To this end, a funding campaign has been launched at www.gogetfunding.com/bizartza/, to enable BASA to also consider applications from individual artists for once-off, short-term financial aid for Covid19-related medical care and/or prescription medicines.

The aid can also be used to offset the loss of income due to the cancellation of confirmed engagements, as a result of the lockdown or other emergency measures.

BASA board chairperson Charmaine Soobramoney says Covid-19 has forced the world to unite and fight against it. “The challenge and the fight are real as the virus impacts lives, the economy and highlights inequalities that need to be addressed. The BASA board of directors acknowledges the chal-

lenges artists are subjected to.

We celebrate their resilience and appreciate the role they play in provoking thought and uplifting the energies of the consumers of the arts.”

To date the BASA Supporting Grants programme has disbursed more than R40 million Board chairperson Charmaine Soobramoney e-mail grants.basa@icloud.com. to over 1 600 projects, which To apply for a Supporting Grant, apin turn have leveraged over R515 million in sponsorship from the plicants have to adhere to a process, business sector; that equates to R19 which has been designed to add valmillion in business support, for ev- ue to an already existing partnership ery R1million of Supporting Grants between an arts organisation and funds during the 2018/2019 finan- business sponsors. Both the arts applicant and the sponsor must submit cial year.

To apply for an Artists Relief Grant, a joint application on the prescribed applicants submit a proposal letter forms and clearly demonstrate how via e-mail, together with specified the partnership benefits both the supporting documentation. Success- sponsor and the recipient.

New, emerging and established arts ful applicants are then invited to projects that already have sponsors complete the application online with on board are eligible, and forms are a final outcome expected within two available from (https://www.basa. weeks.

Further details and eligibility crite- co.za/home-page/growth/supportria are available from https://www. ing-grants-2/supporting-grant/apbasa.co.za/home-page/growth/sup- ply).

For enquiries about supporting porting-grants-2/artist-relief-grant/.

For enquiries on artist relief grants grants e-mail sipho@basa.co.za.

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Women’s football faces threat - report Without having secured solid structural foundations for sustainability, some women’s leagues are cutting contracts and closing down Sports Reporter

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lobal players’ union FIFPro has called for measures to safeguard the women’s game, as it says its growth is now at risk of receding, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, which presents an ‘almost existential threat’ according to its 16 April report.

Without having secured solid structural foundations for longterm sustainability, some women’s leagues and clubs are releasing players, cutting contracts and closing down.

Female players the world over, like their male counterparts, have been forced to stop playing with countries going into Covid-19 lockdown. FIFPro warns that women’s football, despite recent

growth, is particularly vulnerable, with less established professional leagues, lower salaries and less investment.

In England, the Women’s Super League, including some of the continent’s wealthiest clubs, have been hoping to finish their campaign by the end of August, but it depends on lockdown measures being eased.

According to French players’ union the UNFP, only a third of female players in France wish to restart the season, with the rest insisting health matters should remain the priority.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Ada

Banyana action during the previous World Cup finals.

Hegerberg, who plays for French side Lyon said: “If you see how the biggest men’s clubs are struggling, you can only imagine how this is going to affect women’s teams.”

The FIFPro’s report highlights the vulnerability of female players, with just 18 percent of them having secured professional contracts as recognised by FIFA in 2017.

“We have to protect the players as people and as workers and avoid mass unemployment and recession. The women’s football industry will require innovation and intervention from across the private sector and public sectors, from policymakers and governing bodies, to broadcasting companies and sponsors,” the report says.