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Est 2009 Issue 16 - 2015

23 - 30 April 2015

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New move to reclaim inner-city ‘This was developed following an extensive review of the progress, successes and shortcomings of the Inner City Charter and alignment with the City’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040’ Johannesburg - The City of Joburg has introduced a new strategy to breathe life back into the inner city, according to Development Planning MMC Roslynn Greeff, who is also assigned to Region F. She says the Inner City Roadmap, spearheaded by Mayor Parks Tau, has taken over from the Inner City Charter, developed in the previous administration. “The Inner City Charter was a regenerative strategy focusing on property and environmental upgrades. The Inner City Roadmap,

on the other hand, is a transformative, precinct-based approach,” Greeff says. She adds that the battle against crime, grime and urban decay started in 2007 after the inner city lost its allure, following the flight of investors and capital to upmarket areas such as Rosebank and Sandton. “Under the Inner City Roadmap, the fight to restore the inner city to its former glory has now moved up a gear,” she says. In his recent State of the Province address Gauteng Premier David

The new inner-city regeneration project is set to improve the working and living conditions of Joburg residents.

Makhura said the provincial government would over the next five years mobilise R10 billion in public and private investments to regenerate the Johannesburg CBD. MMC Greeff says the Inner City Roadmap was developed following an extensive review of the progress, successes and shortcomings of the Inner City Charter and alignment with the City’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040. “Almost R2-billion had been spent around the city; greening public spaces, upgrading derelict buildings, devel-

oping the Rea Vaya BRT system, upgrading housing and other infrastructure and making the city more eco-friendly, under the Inner City Charter.” MMC Greeff says the inner- city seemed like a huge construction site; first with the construction of the Rea Vaya system lanes and stations, and then with the laying out of cycling lanes and the building of new malls. “The Troyeville Hotel was restored, so was Chancellor House, which housed the law firm run by

struggle stalwarts Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in the 1950s. Unlike the Inner City Charter, which lasted five years from 2007 to 2012; the Inner City Roadmap is a longterm strategy. This is a holistic approach to addressing the challenges in the Inner City. The strategy was approved by the mayoral committee in September 2014 and it has since been all hands on deck. Implementation is under way. We are planning to officially launch the Roadmap before the end of this financial year,” MMC Greeff adds.

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Inner-city Gazette

23 - 30 April 2015

Police officers display a bag with dagga â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;worth R20 00â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Police raid Jeppe hostel

Jeppestown - Hostel dwellers awoke to the sound of police battering their doors in the early hours of 22 April. Police, together with the army, raided the hostel in response to various xenophobic incidents that have taken place outside the hostel on the corner of Hans and Margaret Mcingana streets. According to National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega, the raids are meant to send a message to the public that the police are still in control of the streets and that more raids are to come. Police went room to room while the military remained as backup outside the hostel. Police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said they raided the hostel in search for drugs, weapons and stolen goods. Jeppestown had suffered xenophobic attacks since last week, when protesters stoned vehicles and clashed with the police. Police said 11 people were arrested during the operation, and dangerous weapons were also confiscated, together with dagga with a street value of R20 000. It is believed that this is the first of many raids to be carried out in Gauteng in a bid to end to xenophobic attacks.

23 - 30 April 2015

Inner-city Gazette

Part of the large crowd that featured during the virgil at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.

Virgil against xenophobia Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette

peaking on the sidelines of the recent silent vigil against xenophobia at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, Mayor Parks Tau said the City of Joburg is holding discussions with civil society organisations to devise ways and rolling out campaigns to educate the public about xenophobia and the need for social cohesion in the country. He was among hundreds of people who attended the vigil in solidarity with foreigners who have been subjected to xenophobic attacks in Durban and Johannesburg over the past two weeks, and to take a stand against the scourge. Mayor Tau said the City is working closely with the Gauteng Provincial Government to explore effective ways to put the skids on xenophobic violence and tendencies. “We are saddened by what has been happening in our country. South Africans of goodwill must stand up and make their voices heard. This is not who we are as South Africans,” he said. Earlier, Gauteng Premier David Makhura announced that the provincial government would support all initiatives to clamp down on xenophobia. “If

there are any lessons to be learned from the attacks of 2008, it is that there should not have been a break in the campaign to root out this hatred among ourselves. We are now going to have an ongoing campaign that says: ‘No to Xenophobia’.” Among those who attended the vigil were CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Nicky NewtonKing, Brand SA Chairperson Chichi Maponya, CEO of ArcelorMittal Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita, former Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and veteran lawyer George Bizos. Vavi said South Africans must not allow themselves to be defined by the actions of a minority group of “hot heads”. “The people who are behind these attacks do not represent us,” he said. Seven people, including three South Africans, were killed in the latest wave of xenophobic violence in the country. These include Emmanuel Sithole, a Mozambican informal trader who was stabbed to death by four men in broad daylight in Alexandra. His murder, captured by a Sunday Times photographer, shocked the nation. President Jacob Zuma earlier strongly criticised xenophobic acts and ordered the SANDF military to be deployed to hot spots to quell the violence.

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23 - 30 April 2015

News Briefs from around SA Defaced colonial

statues moved

Deputy Minister Obed Bapela

Minister slams govt dependence Kimberley - The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Obed Bapela has slammed South Africans for being a “lazy nation” that was too dependent on handouts. Bapela said this during a visit to traditional leaders and Khoisan representatives in the city. He also used the opportunity to condemn reported xenophobic attacks as “shameful acts perpetrated against fellow human beings”. “Jobs that are shunned by South Africans, such as mining, farming and jobs in the hospitality industry are being given to foreign nationals, who are prepared to work hard. South Africans do not want to get their hands dirty and rely on the government to provide them with free houses and free schooling,” he said. He pointed out that while illegal immigrants would be deported, talks were taking place with traditional leaders to unite cultures and promote social cohesion. Bapela said the Traditional Khoisan Affairs Amendment Act would allow the Khoisan language to be recognised as an official language. “The amendment act will be referred back to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration. We are hoping that the process will be finalised by August. Traditional leaders are also not been given access to enough resources and support to preserve cultural identities, languages and encourage moral regeneration.” Diamond Fields Advertiser

Polokwane - Four statues have been removed from the Polokwane CBD after one was defaced. The Moolman Group, which owns various properties in the city, says it was compelled to remove the statues. The statues of Voortrekker leaders had been placed at the city’s Library Gardens in 1986. Moolman Group spokesperson Peter Pratt says they will consult relevant stakeholders on the next step. “In light of the fact that the statues have been defaced in various places it was decided after consultation with the town council that we would remove the statues and place them where their cultural heritage can better be protected. “We are presently in discussion with various role players as to where to keep these statues. This decision was moved forward in light due to the fact that one of the statues was defaced on Monday morning with paint,” explains Pratt. Vandalism of statues began a few weeks ago at the University of Cape Town after students demanded that the statue of Cecil John Rhodes be removed from its campus. SABC

Premier David Mabuza

Looters flee soon after attacking a shop in Isipingo.

Pic: The Citizen

Foreign owned shops re-open Durban - Foreign owned businesses in the Durban CBD have reopened after turmoil erupted last week when violent mobs attempted to loot their shops. The xenophobic violence claimed the lives of six people in the province. A Tanzanian called Raymond who runs a barbershop in the CBD said he is still scared but has no choice. “We need to eat, we need to feed our families; some of us have wives, some of us have families and children. Some of us support families back home. So, we can’t stay one week without working.” Disaster Manager of the SA Red Cross Society Cyril Vezi says the number of foreigners displaced by xenophobic violence pouring into makeshift shelters is growing at a

rapid pace. “A large number of people are still coming, almost every day. Currently we have about 2 500 refugees on site. We are assisting them with whatever requirement they have.” Meanwhile King Goodwill Zwelithini has declared war against violence directed against foreign nationals. Addressing an Imbizo in Durban, he said his speech about two weeks ago, which it was claimed led to xenophobic attacks, had been taken out of context. He also said South Africans have not learnt from past mistakes regarding attacks on foreigners. He said they did the very things they had been warned against in a Human Rights report in 2009; after 62 people died in xenophobic violence in 2008. IOL

Premier in anti-xenophobia drive

Premier Phumulo Masualle

East London - Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle took to the streets of East London to promote an anti-xenophobia message to the people. He accompanied Sports‚ Recreation‚ Arts and Culture MEC Pemmy Majodina and Buffalo City Mayor Zukiswa Ncitha on a walk through the busy streets of East London’s CBD speaking to taxi operators and commuters. The delegation went to the Gillwell and Buf-

falo Street taxi ranks‚ where taxi drivers said they were impressed that government was taking an active stance against South Africans hurting foreigners. Gabi Adzokatse from Ghana wished the campaign well‚ saying he hoped it would show how foreign nationals and South Africans got along. Masualle was expected to ride the train through the city on Tuesday afternoon handing out pamphlets and talking to people. - RDM News Wire, Daily Dispatch

Taxi war erupts Mbombela - The Middelburg District Taxi Association (MDTA) has asked Premier David Mabuza to intervene in the taxi war that has resulted in the death of a man and injury of a six-year-old boy. The incidents took place last weekend following allegations that coloured taxi owners, under the Nasaret Taxi Association (NTA), were ill-treating their black counterparts, who belong to the MDTA. On Monday, MDTA members and Extension 24 residents delivered a memorandum at the provincial government complex in Mbombela, asking Mabuza to intervene. “We ask them to ensure that police who were involved in the shooting be arrested. We can’t afford to be killing each other,” MDTA’s Sindi Khumalo said. Community member Senzo Mahlangu said police were also aligned to NTA, making it difficult for peace to prevail in the Middelburg taxi war, which broke out three months ago. The community members said police were siding with MDTA because the members of the association were not allowed to ferry passengers into suburbs around Middelburg, while NTA was freely doing business in townships. “We want MDTA which is owned by the blacks because they care more about us. We cannot allow coloureds who call us kaffirs to transport us.” Police spokesperson Brig Selvy Mohlala could only confirm the death of one person, and that 21 people were arrested.

Mayor Parks Tau addresses community members during the xenophobic violence.

City unites against xenophobia Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg has moved to condemn the recent xenophobic violence and criminality, which has wreaked havoc in several parts of the country, including Alexandra and Jeppestown in recent weeks. In a joint press conference with the Migrant Help Desk and religious leaders, Joburg Mayor Parks Tau called for the cessation of violence against foreign nationals, who have been targeted for over three weeks and blamed for the country’s escalating social ills. Mayor Tau said the City had developed a solid response to the scourge of xenophobia and would continue to work with all migrants, national government and law enforcement agencies in stabilising the situation. “We’ve convened the migration advisory panel, a committee set up to advise the City around issues of migration to discuss the spate of xenophobic violence and our response is the same; no amount of social ills can justify the violence against foreigners,” Tau said. The mayor announced on Monday that an

action plan had been devised to deal with xenophobia. The City has partnered with cellphone giant Vodacom to set up an electronic system in which foreigners can log a distress call 24 hours a day; *134*422# to get assistance when attacked. Mayor Tau said the system would also assist civilians to report incidents of xenophobia and looting in an efficient way and will enable those affected by the violence to get in touch with their loved ones in case of emergencies. A joint operations centre has also been set up in the inner city to help those displaced by the violence. Foreigners in the city can also access assistance through the Migrant Helpdesk, which has been set up to provide them with information on socioeconomic opportunities, education, housing, healthcare and non-governmental services. Mayor Tau said the municipality would assist those displaced by the violence to integrate back into communities before the temporary shelters housing them are dismantled. The xenophobic violence that began al-

most three weeks ago in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, later spread to Alexandra and Jeppestown and other parts of the country. Mayor Tau said as part of the City’s intervention, foreign nationals would be educated about the rights and status of migrants entering the country, either as refugees or asylum seekers, , bylaws governing the city, the type of documents they need and the existence of the Migrants’ Helpdesk. “There is an action plan that seeks to mobilise every unit of society to ensure that migrants are registered to trade and that everyone who is displaced is integrated back in their communities,” he explained. In addition, the City of Johannesburg will host a free benefit concert in Newtown on Saturday 25 April to mobilise people against xenophobia and publicly deride the violence. A fun walk will also be held in Joburg on Sunday 26 April to denounce xenophobia and issue an impassioned plea for unity among Africans. Community Development MMC Chris Vondo said the free concert is designed to celebrate the City as a melting pot of people and cultures from all over the continent, all of whom make it what it is. He said a host of activities had been planned for May, Africa Month, to promote unity and coexistence. “We strongly disapprove of the violent attack in Alexandra in which Mozambican Emmanuel Sithole died and are calling on communities to refrain from any violent attacks or xenophobic activities,” Mayor Tau said. Rev Thomas Reinekitutu from DR Congo commended the City for affording migrants a platform to engage and find solutions to xenophobia. He thanked all South Africans for condemning the attacks and for accommodate foreigners in their communities. He said the issue should not be politicised.

23 - 30 April 2015

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Inner-city Gazette

Health screening to mark autism month To round off World Autism Month the City will stage an 8km fun run/walk in the inner city on May 3 Johannesburg - As World Autism Month enters its third week, the City of Johannesburg has lined up several regional workshops to heighten awareness of autism, a condition that results from a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain. Spearheaded by the Office of the Speaker, Councillor Connie Bapela, World Autism Month kicked off with the lighting of the iconic

Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein on the eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. “When we switched on the blue light across the Nelson Mandela Bridge, we joined the rest of the world in putting autism in the spotlight. This is the City’s way of helping reduce the stigma associated with autism, embracing people living with the condition and educating on early detection,” Bapela said.

City to ‘level’ local trading environment ‘We will be going out to say ‘this is how you register your company and these are the by-laws’ so that everybody knows the rules and complies with the rules when it comes to the trading environment’ Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg is planning to assist foreign owned businesses operating in townships and other areas as part of its campaign to fight xenophobia and improve social cohesion. On Monday Parks Tau said the city’s response to the recent xenophobic attacks had to address immediate and long-term problems. One of these was foreign nationals trading in communities. “For example‚ the police may remove a South African trader who might be selling at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital for not having a license to trade. The person then goes back to their community and finds a foreign shop owner who might not have a license‚ the South African will get aggrieved‚” said Tau. “We need to ensure that the rules apply to everyone. We will be going out to say ‘this is how you register your company and these are the by-laws’ so that everybody knows the rules and complies with the rules when it comes to the trading environment.” Since April 15‚ the city experienced sporadic xenophobic attacks in areas such as Alexandra and Jeppestown‚ which are situated near hostels. The city’s public safety‚ communication‚ social development and disaster management divisions have established a joint operations centre which will help the city coordinate immediate responses to the xenophobic attacks. A cellphone-based platform has been established in partnership with Vodacom‚ which will enable the public to call and get immediate response from the city. With just a dial of *134*422# the public can use the number to report attacks‚ lootings or any other activities suspected to be linked to the xenophobic attacks. The platform also creates a facility for those in distress to get free airtime to the tune of R10 to enable them to make contacts with their loved ones. Mayor Tau said meetings had already begun with the Inkatha Freedom Party‚ National Freedom Party and izinduna in the hostels to get all political parties involved in the city’s response action. The city’s migration advisory panel will continue to provide guidance to the mayor on all issues dealing with foreign nationals in the metro. The panel is made up of organisations representing foreign nationals and South African organisations active in this space. Other initiatives to promote social cohesion include the May 23 Joburg Unite for Africa Festival at the FNB Stadium and other activities which will be announced later. RDM News Wire

City health officials are scheduled to conduct workshops around the city in an educational campaign to place increased focus on the condition. “There will be speakers who will address residents on autism, how to detect it and how to look after people living with the condition. Aerobics classes will also be conducted as part of the Healthy Lifestyle Programme and people will be screened for high blood pressure,

cholesterol, diabetes, and prostate and cervical cancer,” said the City’s Deputy Director: Public Health, Mary Daka. To round off World Autism Month activities, the City will stage an 8km fun run/walk in the Johannesburg inner city on Sunday May 3. Autism South Africa has compiled a list of possible signs of the condition to help parents and caregivers detect it early in children:

Councillor Connie Bapela

Inner-city Gazette

23 - 30 April 2015

Inner-city Gazette publishes this Motoring Section every last week of the month. Motoring dealers, mechanics, etc wishing to feature in this section may contact Tel: 011 402 1977 Email: hr@inner-city-gazette.co.za

Ford’s new B-Max heads for SA Motoring Correspondent

F Easy access will make life easier when performing a school run or loading shopping.

ord’s new B-MAX is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2015. The automaker says its new multi-activity vehicle (MAV), features “a unique design, superb fuel economy and unrivalled small-car technology”. Based on Ford’s global B-car platform, which underpins the Fiesta,

the B-Max represents the company’s vision for a premium, compact MAV. Ford SA said: “The B-Max’s Ford easy access door system, provides unobstructed entry and exit with hinged front doors and pillarless rear sliding doors, integrating the central body pillars into the doors rather than it being part of the body shell itself.” It has 60/40 split rear

seats that can be folded flat with a “one-hand, one-motion” mechanism. Ford engineers developed innovative solutions to ensure it provides high levels of crash protection compared to vehicles with “a more conventional structure”. Though the line-up will be revealed closure to its local launch, the range will be powered by automaker’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

A retro-inspired Generation SIX model will be offered.

VW unveils new T6 transporter

It has also been packed with adaptive high beam adjust, pre-emptive braking and adaptive cruise control overseen by a radar scanning system and adaptive dampers Gareth Dean

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles has lifted the wraps off the latest iteration of its versatile Tseries kombi, the T6.

Along with a slew of material and technical improvements, the newcomer will also spawn a limitededition model inspired by the original kombi. Among the T6’s cosmetic up-

Major Service R450 Engine Gearboxes & Brake overhauls

Recon-of-Power Steering Racks-Boxes and Pumps for Cars and Trucks

dates is a new front-end treatment integrating VW’s now-familial strip grille and angular headlamps, stronger character lines on the flanks and a revised tailgate with integrated spoiler. Inside, a new facia design with metallic trim accents and an infotainment system featuring a 6,3inch display with a proximity sensor that allows swipe motion inputs are among the highlights. The auto manufacturer also claims that noticeable improvements have been made to the quality of the cabin’s trim. The Volkswagen T6 Transporter has also been packed with a plethora of new technological features, including adaptive high beam adjust, pre-emptive braking and adaptive cruise control overseen by a radar scanning system and adaptive dampers. A new range of robust 2,0-litre turbodiesel engines in several states of tune (62 kW, 75 kW, 110 kW and 115 kW) have been earmarked for the T6 along with a 2,0-litre turbopetrol in 110 kW and 150 kW guises. In a nod the original kombi, VW will also offer a retro-inspired, limited-edition model dubbed “Generation SIX”. Underpinned by the Multivan Comfortline T6 model, the Generation SIX features additional chrome trim and LED lights, and can also be specified with a two-tone paint scheme. The manufacturers of the new VW kombi have announced that the new T6 will be launched locally during the fourth quarter of 2015. No decision has been taken regarding the Generation SIX model as of yet. Source: www.carmag.co.za

23 - 30 April 2015

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Inner-city Gazette

Focus

on Africa Poll protesters face life jail Some of the survivors who were rescued by the Italian coastguard. Pic: News Vice

Fears of worst immigration tragedy Tripoli, Libya - More than 700 people are feared dead in what may be the Mediterranean’s deadliest migrant disaster to date. Italy’s coastguard said only 28 people had survived a shipwreck off war-torn Libya, which was seen by many as an avoidable tragedy. “It seems we are looking at the worst massacre ever seen in the Mediterranean,” said Carlotta Sami, spokesperson for the refugee agency UNHCR. She said survivors suggested there had been around 700 people on board the 20m fishing boat when it keeled over. A Bangladeshi survivor put the numbers on board at 950, and said 200 women and children and nearly 50 children had been among them. EU foreign ministers were set to discuss the immigration disaster in Luxembourg on Monday. EU president Donald Tusk was considering holding a special summit on the crisis. Member states Spain, Greece, Germany and France urged immediate action, with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi leading calls for a summit by weekend. The latest disaster comes after a week in

which two other migrant shipwrecks left an estimated 450 people dead, with increasing boatloads coming from Libya as the North African country falls deeper into chaos. If the fears are confirmed, it would take the death toll since the start of 2015 to more than 1 600. More than 11 000 other wouldbe immigrants have been rescued since last week and current trends suggest last year’s total of 170 000 migrants landing in Italy is likely to be exceeded in 2015. Rights groups including Amnesty International are calling for the restoration of an Italian navy search-and-rescue operation known as Mare Nostrum which was suspended last year, after Italy failed to persuade its partners to help meet operating costs of $9.7m a month. It was replaced by a smaller EU-run operation called Triton. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said governments worldwide should take in more refugees. “Governments must ensure the right to asylum of the growing number of people worldwide fleeing war who need refuge and safe haven,” he added. AFP

Bujumbura, Burundi - The state constitutional rights,” he said. has charged 65 people with reA crowd of opposition activists bellion after clashes calling for sang outside the court to supthe president not to seek report those charged. The UN election. They face life jail. has warned that the June polls Burundi emerged in 2006 could be violent, and vowed to take action against those from a brutal 13-year civil creating unrest. Five oppowar. President Pierre Nkurunziza’s expected bid for sition parties and the ruling a re-election despite the CNDD-FDD splinter groups have launched a campaign callconstitutional limit of two ing for the president not to run terms has stirred high tensions in the country. Police again. fired teargas and water Chauvineau Mugwengezo of the opposition UPD parcannon after stones were Rights activist Pierre Mbonimpa ty said protests would conhurled at them. Pierre-Claver Mbontinue. However, President impa, a rights activist and president of inNkurunziza has not declared that he will be fluential campaign group Aprodeh, has conrunning for another term. His CNDD-FDD demned the charges. “It is a political issue, party is expected to hold a congress end April to nominate its presidential candidate. these people were about to exercise their

New bill ‘hostile to freedom of expression’

Deadly stampede fans sentenced to death Cairo, Egypt - A court has sentenced 11 men to death for their involvement in a 2012 football riot in Port Said, in which 73 people died and 1 000 were injured. However, the decision still requires the approval of most senior religious authority, the Grand Mufti, and the men can also appeal, a process that may take several years. “With the agreement of all members, the case will be sent to the Grand Mufti to give his Islamic opinion on the defendants’ fate,”

Judge Mohamed al-Saeed Mohamed said, in a court session shown on TV. In Egypt, the Grand Mufti’s decision is not binding but referral is needed to impose the death sentence. In the incident, fans of the winning Al-Masry team invaded the pitch seconds after the Port Said match with AlAhly, Egypt’s top football team. Most of the 73 people killed were trampled in the crush of the resulting riots or fell from terraces, according to witnesses and health workers.

Prime Minister Habib Essid

Tunis, Tunisia - Political parties and unions have criticised a draft security law draft, saying it could harm freedom of expression and other rights, four years after an uprising that ushered in democracy. Prime Minister Habib Essid last week sent parliament a new bill said to be aimed at protecting the police and armed forces. It follows an attack last month by Islamist militants on Bardo Museum in which 21 foreign tourists were killed. The draft law sets out five years jail for insulting the morale of the security forces and two years for publishing information on operations. Publication of any security documents can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years. The journalists’ union rejected the bill as hostile to freedom of expression. “This law establishes a police state and dictatorship, we cannot accept this scandal” Journalist Union President Neji Bghouri said. Security unions also criticised it, saying it would widen the gap between citizens and security forces. But officials in the secular Popular Front and Ennahda Islamist parties demanded the bill be withdrawn. Tunisia has had a successful transition to democracy since its Arab Spring uprising in 2011. But it has also struggled to define the role of Islam in politics.

President Peter Mutharika

Child marriages ban

Lilongwe, Malawi - President Peter Mutharika has signed into law a ban on child marriages, two months after lawmakers passed a bill raising the marrying age to 18. Rights activists say Malawi has one of the world’s highest rates of child marriage, with some girls as young as nine married off, though the marriage age was previously set at 16. The new law carries a 10-year prison sentence for anyone who marries under the age of 18. A coalition of local and international NGOs had promoted the bill, saying child marriage “traps girls, their families and communities into a cycle of inter-generational poverty” in the nation. “Most of them are forced by their parents into early marriages,” said Milliam Chilemba, director of the Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment. “Many parents cannot afford to pay school fees for their girls and they opt to marry off their children to relieve themselves of the burden,” Chilemba told AFP. She said cultural beliefs also played an important role. “Once they reach puberty, parents consider their girls as adults ready for marriage.” The United Nations late last year adopted a resolution calling on governments to stop child marriages. About 15 million girls worldwide become child brides each year, and more than one in three were married off before the age of 15, according to the UN children’s Fund. AFP

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23 - 30 April 2015

Part of the gathering during the IDP session at the Braamfontein Recreation Centre.

City hosts IDP meeting Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

ity of Joburg representatives attended Region F’s Integrated Development Planning (IDP) meeting at a packed Braamfontein Recreation Centre on Monday night. Among those present were Urban Development and Planning MMC Roslynn Greeff, Region F Director Irene Mafune, councillors Nokuthula Xaba, Takalani Munyai and Francina Mashau, and senior officials of the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Emergency Management Services and City Power. Region F comprises wards 58, 59, 60, 62,123 and 124 and includes areas such as Turffontein, Hillbrow, Bezuidenhout, the Joburg inner city and Steeledale. Councillor Thobejane Ndoqo summed up the purpose of the meeting when she said: “We can’t plan alone or without involving the community at large. Because we are a true democracy, we listen to the people. Budget and IDP consulta-

tion meetings are an exercise that allows residents to make input into the City’s development agenda and to get feedback from elected public representatives.” A moment of silence was observed just before the start of the proceedings in honour of the victims of xenophobic attacks that ravaged South Africa. MMC Greeff said it was necessary to revisit the IDP’s wish-list every year to track progress and get the basics right. “Some of the projects have not moved as speedily as had been anticipated. One of the challenges facing the City is that informal settlements continue to grow even though the gap between the rich and poor is narrowing.” She outlined a number of new multi-million rand projects the City was going to undertake in the region. The meeting heard that there was an increase in vagrancy and homelessness in the city. One resident, Letie Tshwane, said there was rampant prostitution and that most of the derelict buildings

had been sold to private white developers and had consequently become too expensive to rent. “The City seems to be empowering the same whites by selling them the same buildings,” she said. MMC Greeff observed that most of the residents’ complaints were more about service delivery issues rather than developmental ones. She said the council was determined to address the issues. She dismissed suggestions that Jozi@Work was not meeting residents’ demands. “This is an exciting initiative that should be embraced by all. With the 20152016 financial year beginning in July, the City is gearing itself for the ‘final push’ towards eradicating poverty and making Joburg a smart city with smart people.” According to the City, overall impression of the meeting was that although tremendous progress had been made in Region F in the 2014-2015 financial year, more still needed to be done to improve “the quality of life and create a socially inclusive and adaptive society.

Transport MMC Christine Walters

Eco-festival to create business opportunities Johannesburg - The EcoMobility World festival to be staged in Sandton in October this year is set to create many opportunities for companies in the city. EcoMobility is an integrated form of mobility that combines the use of non-motorised means of transport with the use of public transport. “We are calling on businesses to come forward with proposals on how they can partner with us on the EcoMobility Festival,” said Transport MMC Christine Walters. “There are opportunities to provide transport, to exhibit different forms of transport options, to sell products and to arrange events”, she added. The EcoMobility World Festival provides the following opportunities: First, businesses involved in ground transport, e.g. cycling, or any electrically powered modes of transport can take part in the EcoMobility World Exhibition to showcase their products to both local and international audiences. The City does not envisage exhibitors to pay to exhibit but that they supply their own equipment and vehicles. Secondly, businesses can arrange an event on one of the closed off street such as a fashion show, street food festival, etc. can participate through the approved channels The City is encouraging companies and organisations to take advantage of the street space being made available to arrange events, which preferably should have a link to EcoMobility. Examples of such events could be a healthy food festival, public art with a focus on EcoMobility and sustainability, outdoor gyms, fun runs, music or spoken word festivals. Third, businesses involved in food, drink, walking tours, creative arts and crafts can participate and sell their products in street festivals during some or all days of the Festival; Maude and Glen Streets are earmarked to be a place for street markets on an ongoing basis during the festival

although depending on interest. The following kinds of items are targeted for the street markets – health food, arts and crafts. Fourth, organisations and businesses involved in road safety, are encouraged to participate in road safety activities. During the Festival, the City plans to host a Road Safety Family Day, on one of the Sundays of the Festival as well as having ongoing activities at least during weekends at a Teen and Kids Station focused on road safety for children. Fifth, public and other transport operators including metered taxis, tuk tuks, bike share etc. are called on to become involved in providing alternative transport. The City is going to develop an plan to provide more buses and mini bus taxis as well as possibly arrange for pop up cycle paths so that people could cycle more safely. It is also seeking companies who run tuktuks and similar services (especially those that are eco-friendly) to transport people from nearby park and rides and within the Sandton area. The City would also like to see companies arrange for bike share schemes or establish an employee bike scheme. “Indeed, we would like to see the same companies that are affected in Sandton to partner with us to spread the EcoMobility message and take measures to improve the transport options for their employees”, said Christine Walters, MMC for Transport. “We are hoping that even after the Festival, Sandton workers will realise that it is healthier, more affordable and safer to travel to work using public transport, walking or cycling”, she added. Organisations and businesses which are interested to take up any opportunities during the EcoMobility World Festival are urged to complete a form entitled “Opportunity to Partner Form” so that the City can find out more about the opportunities they interested in and make necessary logistical arrangements to accommodate such companies. The City will then organize a further meeting with all those who have come forward on the 3rd of June 2015 at the IDC Conference Centre in Sandton.

23 - 30 April 2015

Inner-city Gazette

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23 - 30 April 2015

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23 - 30 April 2015

Inner-city Gazette

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Plans to demolish the part of existing structures at 260 Main Street, (Erf 789 – 794, 801-806 and 1221), City and Suburban). Any interested or affected party who wishes to comment on this is invited to do so in writing to the Provincial Heritage Resource Authority at Private Bag X 33, Johannesburg, 2000 Facsimile (011) 355 2565. Closing date of comments 10 May 2015. Conditions of Acceptance

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Chiefs tightlipped on departures

Overseas links... Eric Mathoho

Soccer Correspondent

aizer Chiefs will only confirm at the end of the season the players who will be retained and those who will be leaving. Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has yet to renew his contract and the 27-yearold has been linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, while Bafana Bafana centre-back Mulomowandau Mathoho has the possibility of securing a move overseas. Veteran midfielders Josta Dladla and Siyabonga Nkosi are almost certainly leaving at the end of the season. The club’s spokesperson Vina Maphosa said: “At the moment we are only concentrating on our remaining league matches, and we will not be making any statements regarding our players’ contracts. We will talk about a player’s contract only if there is some serious breaking news, other

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Not for sale... Rofhiwa Tshikovi

than that people will have to wait.” Tiyani wa ka Mabasa reports that Chiefs are set to renew their interest in Platinum Stars defender Rofhiwa Tshikovhi as a possible replacement for Mathoho. Amakhosi have previously been linked with the central defender, who is from Tshiondo village where Mathoho was also born. Mathoho is set for a move abroad if reports are anything to go by. The Bafana Bafana defender has been linked with Belgian sides Anderlecht, Standard Liege and KV Oostende, who are home to Andile Jali and Knowledge Musona. “If Mathoho leaves, Tshikovhi is seen as his replacement,” a source said. “So there is a good chance that Tshikovhi may end up signing for Chiefs, but that move depends on whether Mathoho stays or not.” Tshikovhi, 26, has started 17 times

Mathoho has been linked with Belgian sides Anderlecht, Standard Liege and KV Oostende, who are home to Andile Jali and Knowledge Musona

for Dikwena in all competitions this season. Chiefs’ captain Tefu Mashamaite is yet to sign a new deal. Tawanda Mutema reports that Platinum Stars have however put a ‘not for sale’ tag on Tshikovhi after he was linked to Chiefs. Stars say they will not be letting go of any of their key players as they are rebuilding with a view of challenging for top honours again in 2015/16. “We will not be parting ways with Tshikovhi or any of our key players during the off-season,” Stars manager Senzo Mazingiza said. Although Tshikovhi’s contract with Dikwena expires at the end of the season, Mazingiza said the club will exercise an option contained in the deal. “I do not want to discuss the contents of the player’s contract, but we have an option that we will exercise. Tshikovhi has a contract with Platinum Stars and he is not for

sale. We are used to these rumours every now and then but we are not really concerned.” Rofhiwa Lihaiwa reports that Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cuthbert Malatjila concedes that Kaizer Chiefs could break the Brazilians’ points record this season. Sundowns set the mark of 65 points last term, the highest since the PSL became a 16-team league at the start of 2002/03, as they powered their way to their sixth League title. “Chiefs have a chance to break the record. We wanted to achieve more than 65 points this season. We wanted to improve from last season to get more than 65 points, but we are improving and maybe next season it will be something else. But Chiefs have a chance to go over 65 points and we wanted to achieve that as well but it is not possible anymore and Chiefs can do it now,” Malatjila says.

Top sprinter Simon Magakwe

SA’s fastest man banned David Isaacson

Sprint king Simon Magakwe has been banned for two years for refusing to submit to an out-of-competition test. Athletics SA president Aleck Skhosana said Magakwe refused to give testers a urine sample in December. That was considered a doping violation and the world athletics body IAAF suspended him for two years. Magakwe‚ the only South African to have run the 100m under 10 seconds‚ was approached by testers on December 22 last year‚ but he refused to give them a urine sample. That is considered a doping violation‚ according to anti-doping regulations. A tribunal was held on January 19 and in early February Magakwe was suspended for two years. “He had the right to appeal, but the appeal period has expired and the IAAF is not aware of any appeal by Magakwe, so the decision is now binding.” Skhosana hoped other athletes would learn from Magakwe’s mistake. Magakwe‚ 28‚ clocked 9.98sec at the SA championships in Pretoria last year to become the country’s fastest man of all time. The Times