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26 March - 2 April 2015
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All set for Africities
summit
‘African economies have grown at rates rivalling those of East Asia, such growth driven by natural resources, a vibrant services sector, rising private investment, increased exports and improved agricultural production’ Johannesburg - Mayor Parks Tau hosted the Africities diplomatic corps on Monday, as preparations for the staging of the Africities Summit in the city later this year get under way. Scheduled to be held from November 29 to December 3 at the Sandton Convention Centre, the summit is expected to be attended by more than 5 000 delegates from all over the continent and beyond. The theme of the summit is Shaping the Future of Africa with the People: Africa’s Local Government Contribution to the Africa 2063 Vision. Mayor Tau told several African and international diplomats, mayors and top local government leaders that Joburg was ready to welcome the world for the Africities Summit. Mayor Tau said the event has devel-
oped into a premier showcase of tried and tested developmental innovations by local governments and cities of our continent. “It also plays an increasingly important role in creating discourse, dialogue and debate on African cities,” the Mayor said. He added that the theme was highly appropriate, especially considering the myriad challenges encountered by African countries at local government level. “For African cities to survive and prosper in the 21st century, officials need to work closely with their constituencies and tap into the African Union’s Vision 2063. More than ever before, African cities are at the forefront of rapidly accelerating change. Africa’s prospects in 2015 are remarkably different from what they were in 2000. African economies
Joburg Mayor Parks Tau (seated right) with Africities diplomatic corps during the event. have grown at rates rivalling those of East Asia, averaging 6% in 2013. Such growth is driven by natural resources, a vibrant services sector, rising private investment, increased exports and improved agricultural production.” But Africa was lagging behind on achieving the Millennium Development Goals targets, particularly poverty, job creation and food security, and a focused response from local governments is required, he said. “The summit will encourage dialogue on more innovative programmes to
tackle climate change, rapid urbanisation and demand for housing, youth unemployment and other challenges. We must send out a clear message that as African cities, regions and local authorities, we remain committed to serving our people by involving them in decision-making processes. This will ensure we are not disconnected from our people. This will also ensure that we consolidate our voices for the betterment of the continent.” Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa congratulated Joburg for being chosen to host the summit and
pledged his support. DR Congo ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Bene M’poko said it was time for action. “My frustration is that we talk a lot and do very little after summits. Let’s come up with a pragmatic approach, a programme of action to implement these resolutions,” he said. The City of Joburg is hosting the summit in partnership with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South African Local Government Association and South African Cities Network.
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News
Con-lady
‘targets
pensioners’
Inner-city Gazette
26 March - 2 April
‘I felt uncomfortable as she was constantly looking at my cellphone’ Kensington - A con-woman is believed to be targeting pensioners in the Kensington area. A resident of the De Wetshof retirement village, Mickey van
Wyk, 88, said the woman arrived on Sunday saying her car had broken down and she needed to make a phone call. “She also said her two children were waiting for her in the vehicle. I allowed her to make a phone call from my landline, but Urban Olive felt uncomFlats To Rent fortable as she From R1 950 was constantly For the 1st Month looking at my No Lease Fee cellphone. When she had Urban Olive, Central Joburg finished on the Mobile: 082 535 1234 / Tel: 011 333 0200
phone, she asked me for R40 for petrol so that she could drive to Queen Street. I told her that she was in a retirement home, and no one could be able to help her with money. We have very little as it is. She then asked if she could use the bathroom and I agreed. When she was done, she asked if I could take her to Queen Street and I said no. It was only after she had left that I discovered she had taken several items from my bathroom,” said Van Wyk. She said the woman is about 40 years old, and wears a large windbreaker and stretch pants.
MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe
Innovative
solutions at waste summit
Johannesburg - At the Waste Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday Joburg Mayor Parks Tau said it is time residents and other key stakeholders looked at waste as an opportunity and a valuable commodity. The summit, aimed at consolidating innovative waste management solutions, was organised by Pikitup, the City of Joburg’s waste management company. The summit has attracted several international and local environmental and waste management experts to exchange best practices and innovations in the waste management sector. Delivering his opening address Mayor Tau said: “We aim to reorient people’s views on waste and waste management. With finite landfill space, we need to relook at waste and see it as an opportunity, a valuable commodity.” His views resonated with those of waste management experts attending the summit, who included Henry Roman, Director of Environmental Services and Technology at the Department of Science and Technology, who said waste had both social and economic value. “There is an economic loss every time resources are utilised in a way that results in them being discarded as waste,” he said. Other speakers said for the sake of future generations, it was time South Africans changed their mindset on waste management. Environmental and Infrastructure Services MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe said Joburg’s rising waste generation was a result of increased urbanisation. “Johannesburg is not just a city of bricks and mortar. It’s about real people living real lives with real issues. As our resources become ever increasingly restrained, we need to push for change and encourage all our residents to become involved,” MMC Mfikoe said. She said since the inaugural waste summit in 2013, Pikitup had implemented several interventions to minimise waste in Johannesburg. Pikitup chairman Dr Trish Hanekom said Joburg residents produced more than 6 000 tons of waste a day, most of which ended up in landfill sites. “As a City, we have seen a 300% increase in per capita waste generation. Ten years ago waste generated per capital per year was an average of 146kg. This has spiked to 385kg per capita per year. We urgently need to reverse and change trends and behaviours,” said Hanekom. Organisations sharing their knowledge and latest developments at this year’s Joburg hosted waste summit include Waste to Food, South African EWaste Alliance, C40 Climate Leadership Group, Packaging Council of South Africa, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, Sustainable Solid Waste Network and Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa.
26 March - 2 April 2015
Inner-city Gazette
Stage two load shedding is on Johannesburg - Eskom has confirmed that stage two load shedding would be implemented from 4 pm until 10 pm on Wednesday. Eskom announced that the power system remained vulnerable this weekend due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units were out of service for maintenance. Eskom’s Khulu Phasiwe said: “Generally, around this time of the week, is when much of our water and diesel is being depleted. And that’s where we are now. But also, some of our generators are not working the way they’re supposed to be working.” Earlier this month Eskom said there was no guarantee that there would be no load shedding for the month despite having enough money to buy diesel to keep the generators online. The parastatal called on its customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off all non-essential appliances throughout the day. The power utility has battled to keep the lights on for months now due to problems with its generators and aging infrastructure. Eyewitness News
Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe
News
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Inner-city Gazette
26 March - 2 April 2015
News Briefs from around SA
Local Government MEC Collen Maine
Protest victim
laid to rest
Rustenburg - Over the weekend relatives buried a 33-year old woman from Letlhabile, who died when an ambulance was not allowed into the area during a water service delivery protest last week. Minah Motlamme had difficulty in breathing and when the ambulance wanted to pick her up it was denied entry into the area by protesters, who blocked the roads with burning tyres. Motlamme’s sister Eva Tapala said: “These people never considered people are going to lose lives with the strike. The least they should have done is allow the ambulance to come through so that she could be rushed to hospital, maybe she would have survived.” Later Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Collen Maine visited the area. The community complained about the haphazard water supply, lack of electricity, potholes and poor service delivery. Maine said the provincial government would take over the water supply from the local municipality, and also promised to appoint a new contractor to provide sustainable electricity. Meanwhile, teaching and learning is expected to resume at about 20 schools that were affected by last week’s protests in the Letlhabile and Jericho areas. Thousands of learners were advised to stay at home as residents went on the rampage. A councillor’s house was set alight in Jericho, while a bus and a bakery truck were also gutted in Letlhabile. Sapa
Commission concerned with lack of basic rights
Polokwane - The Human Rights Commission (HRC) says it is concerned that communities in some rural parts of Limpopo are still living without basic services such as water and sanitation. Commission chairperson Victor Mavhidula says they have found that the majority of the residents are not aware of their constitutional rights. Mavhidula says basic services are part of basic human rights. “We still have a lot of challenges such as lack of water and sanitation, education also. The biggest challenge is that most of our people are not aware of their rights; however if any member of the community feels that their rights are violated, they must feel free to approach us,” says Mavhidula. He was speaking at Northam, where Limpopo’s Human Rights Day celebrations were held on Sunday after being postponed due to the funeral of Minister Collins Chabane.
Bonus toyitoyi...hotel academy staff protest outside the premises.
Academy staff in bonus protest Mbombela - Students at Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust hotel academy had to leave the campus after they were abandoned by the staff, because they did not receive their December bonuses last year. According to the students, the staff brought the academy to a halt. “Since Monday we are not bathing and cannot use the toilets since the staff members have closed water in the whole campus. We spent the whole of Monday without food,” a student said. They also said that the staff ordered them to get out of their residences and join the strike or go home. Members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) picketed at the gate where they had burnt tyres and completely closed it.
The staff said management ignores their pleas. “We want our bonuses or everything will come to a standstill here,” they said. Nehawu’s acting regional secretary Scara Masilela said management held their bonuses without proper explanation. “We took the matter to CCMA and they tried to intervene. CCMA gave us a certificate to strike, this is a protected strike and unless the matter is resolved, we go ahead,” Masilela added. The academy’s CEO Davis Moropane said the bonuses were performance based, given after evaluation. “We follow procedure and after we were queried by the Auditor General for issuing bonuses without conducting any evaluation, we couldn’t go ahead. This was communicated to them,” said Moropane.
Mayor demands evidence of racism
Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille
Cape Town - Mayor Patricia de Lille has asked Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to send her evidence of alleged racist incidents which have happened in the city. “The City of Cape Town is taking the lead in addressing these difficult issues of race. I call on you to send me the evidence to back up your claims in Parliament. I will use that evidence in my engagements and take direct action.” she said in an open letter to him. De Lille was responding to comments made by Ramaphosa in the National Assembly last Wednesday. Ramaphosa reportedly spoke
about incidents where black people were treated badly in restaurants, blocked from booking into certain hotels and found it difficult to rent flats in the Western Cape. He called on the provincial leadership to stand up and say it was not right and not allowed. De Lille said she launched a campaign to address the issue of racist incidents. “Over the next few weeks, I will engage industry bodies to find ways to prevent these incidents. I take your allegations seriously and ask you to join me in tackling these issues head-on,” she said to him. SABC
IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi
IFP celebrates 40 yrs existence Durban - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has celebrated its 40 years anniversary. The party has been led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi since its inception in 1975. Celebrating a milestone with a special service the party showed unity among its members. On Saturday its leaders and supporters returned to its birthplace KwaNzimela celebrating its existence. The party was formed in 1975 as a cultural organisation, at a time when the ANC and PAC were banned. IFP President Mangosuthu Buthelezi said:” Inkatha never deviated from the principles we placed at the heart of our organisation, the principles of the 1912 founding fathers of the oldest liberation movement the African National Native Congress.” Since 1994 the party’s place in history is assured with a steady erosion of support. Buthelezi said the party has been not merely as a grouping of people under one name but as a concept and a political entity in Africa’s historical landscape. The party will host several events this year to mark the event. SABC News
Residents urged to participate in ‘community conversations’ Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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he City of Joburg has tabled its 2015/16 Draft Medium term Budget and 2015/16 IDP for public comment, the metropolitan municipality said in a statement. The city-wide process of consultation on the content of the 2015/16 Budget and Integrated Development Plan will take place in all wards in April. “A series of regional cluster meetings, or ‘community conversations’, are scheduled between 11 and 23 April at which residents can give their inputs into the draft IDP. The 130 wards of the City are clustered together according to geographic proximity and overlapping attributes and developmental needs,” the statement said. Included in the document are the City of Joburg’s proposals on tariffs for essential services, including water, electricity, refuse removal, as well as the draft property rates and taxes for the 2015/16 financial year.
Joburg Mayor Parks Tau said residents are called on to comment on the proposed tariffs. “Tariff policy is determined by the affordability of services, the competitiveness of the City and returns on investments made on infrastructure used to deliver services. The final tariffs will be announced in the 2015/16 Budget.” The IDP is a multi-year strategic plan that describes the City’s strategic vision as well as the strategies and implementation plans required to achieve the vision. The IDP process will culminate in a Stakeholder Summit on 25 April; where the submissions and proposals from the various cluster meetings will be discussed, and where applicable, incorporated into the final IDP document. “The inclusive nature of the IDP process demonstrates the City of Johannesburg’s ability to go back to the basics and reconnect with its citizenry. We therefore call on residents and stakeholders to actively participate in the IDP process to enable Johannesburg residents to make their voices heard,” said Mayor Tau. Joburg residents have been asked to contribute in the handling of the city’s finances.
26 March - 2 April 2015
News
Inner-city Gazette
Cop shot dead at Park Station Johannesburg - A police officer was shot and killed at Park Station in the Joburg CBD on Tuesday morning. Police spokesperson Major Mack Mngomezulu said the incident took place at around 5am when the officer and colleagues responded to a robbery at a local bakery. “Police were chasing the suspects on foot;
Some of the cyclists during the Jozi Cycle Week event.
Thousands turn up for Freedom Ride Johannesburg - This year’s race attracted an estimated 7 500 cycling enthusiasts – about 1 500 more than the number of riders who took part in last year’s edition. Sandton was turned into a kaleidoscope of colours as cyclists of all shapes and cycling ability swarmed the Gautrain Station for the start of the 27km fun race. Straddled in their equally colourful bicycles, tricycles and electric bikes, the cyclists put a smile on the face of Joburg Mayor Parks Tau, as he was about to lead his team in the race from Sandton and back via Alexandra Township, Parktown and Rosebank. Mayor Tau, a keen cyclist himself, has been leading the charge to promote cycling and walking among residents as viable alternatives to motorised transport to help reduce the city’s carbon footprint. It was also a fitting way to mark the end of Cycle Jozi Week. After greeting and thanking the throngs of riders for coming, the Mayor – clad in his City of Johannesburg white, gold and black colours – led the cyclists in one of the City’s exciting races. However, a sore knee forced him to quit the race on his way back from Alexandra. But he was happy to see so many Johannesburg residents taking part in the race. “The success of this Freedom Ride reflects the growing enthusiasm for cycling among Joburg residents and it bodes well for the Eco-Mobility World Festival in Sandton in October,” he said. Transport MMC Christine Walters said she was happy that all the hard work was paying off. “People came out in huge numbers to participate
and to support the cyclists. What is beautiful is that now the City, business, the cycling community and activists are all working together. Cycling is increasingly becoming a way of life. Non-motorised transport is the future. It will also help us address the carnage on our roads.” She said already 60km of dedicated cycling lanes had been built in and around Johannesburg.Muhammed Suleman, organiser of Jozi Cycle Week, also participated. “It was a perfect day to cycle through the City and the experience of riding through Alexandra was phenomenal. The community came out to cheer us on. All the riders in our group were overwhelmed by the community’s support and a powerful feeling of community spirit. Cycling in Joburg is safe and accessible to all,” he said. Dali Tambo, who rode with his wife Rachel and their son, said the Freedom Ride was an excellent advertisement for road safety. “This is about the freedom we fought for,” he said. Gao Meraba, an avid cyclist from the South of Johannesburg, hoped the public awareness would improve. “I hope cycling will be safer. We would love to cycle everyday but taxis are a problem.” Margie and Peter Moodie, an elderly couple from Randburg, finished the race after two-and-half hours later but were happy they had taken part. “Hopefully, we will be ready for the 94.7 Cycle Challenge later this year,” she said. “We want to see more people ditch their cars for bicycles. Awareness comes slowly but it seems sometimes taxi drivers are more aware of cyclists than many ordinary motorists,” Peter said.
Police issue crime hotspot warnings
Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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olice have issued warnings about crime hotspots in the Jeppestown and Cleveland policing precincts. Jeppe police spokesperson Warrant Officer Richard Munyai said the Bez Valley area is a car hijacking spot, together with Jeppestown, where robberies are also a problem. “In Doornfontein, next to the railway station and University of Johannesburg campus, there have been many reports of robberies. Car theft and car break-ins are also a cause for concern in the area. Next to the Maboneng Precinct, car theft is also rife,” Warrant Officer Richard Munyai added. Cleveland police spokesperson Cst Mpho Mashakane said Hereford Street in Malvern is
popular with drug dealers. “A number of suspects have already been arrested for possession and dealing in drugs, and we are in the process of cleaning up the street until it is drug-free.” Cst Mashakane said the corner of Monmouth and Jules streets in Malvern is a motor vehicle theft spot. “Some vehicles were stolen from the area because of the negligence of the owners. Motorists usually park their cars without properly locking them, and some truck drivers leave the vehicles idling and go to the supermarket. Within a few minutes, the vehicle is stolen.” Cst Mashakane added that even those motorists who do lock their vehicles properly, have reported having the door locks tampered with. “Police have arrested suspects for possession of car theft equipment near the supermarket in Monmouth Street,” Cst Mashakane added.
Trolley pushing knifemen held for robbery Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
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ohannesburg Central police have arrested two suspects between the age of 23 and 27 for armed robbery at MTN taxi rank, Communications Officer Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele says. He says the suspects allegedly robbed a 26-year-old male at corner Klein and De Villiers streets on Saturday evening. “The victim was walking caring his two bags when two trolley pushers approached him. They wanted to carry his luggage by force but the victim refused; one of them threatened him with a knife
and demanded money. He gave them R40 and they left him.” Warrant Officer Mbele adds that the victim then alerted police about the robbery, and two suspects were apprehended and the money recovered from them; but the knife used in the crime is still missing. Warrant Officer Mbele warns people not to trust people pushing trolleys. “They normally ask to help with the luggage. If they don’t steal some of your items; they demand more money from the victim or end up robbing them. Refrain from asking for help from the trolley pushers or those wearing bibs next to taxi ranks,” he says.
and the officer was shot at the corner of Noord and Wanderers streets during the chase. His service firearm was also taken. At present no arrest and the case of murder is being investigated,” Mngomezulu said. Major Mngomezulu appeals to anyone who witnessed the incident to give police information that may help arrest the killers.
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Inner-city Gazette
Medical Directory Dr David Ekanem Specialist Urologist
Tel: 011 336 2375 / 8700 Lower Ground Sanlam Building Cnr Jeppe & Von Weilligh Str Johannesburg
MBBS, FCS (SA) Urol
PR No. 0054011
Tel: 011 933 5057 Fax: 011 933 1605 Room 35 Nembula House Zone 6, Diepkloof
26 March - 2 April 2015
Inner-city Gazette publishes this Medical Directory every monthend. Medical practitioners wishing to feature in this section may contact 011 402 1977 or Email: hr@inner-city-gazette.co.za.
Importance of drinking water
Men’s Health services
* Circumcision * Male infertility * Weak Erection * Premature Ejaculation
* Bladder, Kidney & Prostrate problems * Difficulty in passing urine * Burning urine etc
Emergency: Dr D. Ekanem 082 959 7874
Suite No 1004 10th Floor Lister Medical Centre Johannesburg 2000 Malusi Educational Centre 42 The Boards Road Mulbarton 2190
Speech - Language Therapist & Audiologist
* Hearing test * Pre-employment hearing screening * Diagnostic hearing test for compensation purposes * Hearing aids
Tel: 011 333 9198 Cell: 082 752 7552 Email: wandinkosi@yahoo.co.uk
James McIntosh Many people may take drinking water for granted, but keeping hydrated can have a huge impact on overall health. Despite Water is a vital requirement for the human body. how crucial it is that people drink enough intake is around 9 cups (2.2 litres). water, a significant amount of people Many people may have heard the phrase, may be failing to drink recommended levels “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day,” of fluids each day. The Institute of Medicine recommend that which works out at around 1.9 litres and is men achieve a daily fluid intake of around 3 close to the IOM’s recommendation for women. Drinking “8 by 8” is an easy-to-remember liters and that women take in 2.2 liters. Around of 70% of the body is comprised of amount that can put people on the right track water, and around of 71% of the planet’s sur- in terms of water consumption. Water also helps dissolve minerals and nuface is covered by water. Perhaps it is the ubiquitous nature of water trients so that they are more accessible to the that means that drinking enough of it each body, as well as helping transport waste prodday is not at the top of many people’s lists of ucts out of the body. It is these two functions that make water so vital to the kidneys. healthy priorities? One part of the body that relies on adequate What do the kidneys do? Despite their importance, the kidneys can water intake is the kidneys. The kidneys are organs that might not get as much attention sometimes receive less attention than other as the heart or lungs, but they are responsible organs in the body. The role of the kidneys in for many functions that help keep the body as keeping the body healthy may be underrated in relation to the heart and the lungs. healthy as possible. “In fact, the kidneys play an important role But what happens to the kidneys when we do not drink enough water? And what can be in the daily workings of our body. They are so important to health that nature gave us two done to improve levels of hydration? kidneys to cover the possibility that one might Why do we need to drink water? Water is needed by all cells and organs in order be lost to an injury. They are so important that for them to function properly. It is also used to with no kidney function, death occurs within lubricate the joints, protect the spinal cord and a few days.” A crucial function of the kidneys is to remove other sensitive tissues, regulate body temperawaste products and excess fluid from the body ture and assist the passage of food through the via urine. The kidneys also regulate the levintestines. Although some of the water required by the els of salt, potassium and acid in the body and body is obtained through foods with a high produce hormones that influence the perforwater content - soups, tomatoes, oranges - the mance of other organs. When we eat and drink, nutrients and minermajority is gained through drinking water and als enter the bloodstream in order to be transother beverages. During normal everyday functioning, water is ported around the body and used for energy, lost by the body, and this needs to be replaced. growth, maintenance or repair. The blood also passes through the kidneys It is noticeable that we lose water through activities such as sweating and urination, but wa- where it is filtered, and any waste products and excess nutrients and water are removed and ter is even lost when breathing. Drinking water, be it from the tap or a bottle, sent to the bladder for expulsion. Every day, the kidneys filter around 200 quarts is the best source of fluid for the body. Beverages such as milk and juices are also of fluid. Of these, approximately 2 quarts are decent sources of water, but beverages con- removed from the body in the form of urine, taining alcohol and caffeine, such as soft and 198 are recovered by the bloodstream. If the kidneys do not function properly drinks, coffee and beer, are less than ideal due to having diuretic properties, meaning that through kidney disease, waste products and excess fluid can build up inside the body. they cause the body to release water. Untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to The recommended amount of water that should be drunk per day varies from person to kidney failure, whereby the organs stop workperson depending on factors such as how ac- ing, and either dialysis or kidney transplantation is required. tive they are and how much they sweat. Water is important for the workings of the There is no universally agreed upon threshold kidneys, not only for helping to initially disof water consumption that must be reached, but there is a general level of consensus as to solve the nutrients, but for ensuring that waste products, bacteria and proteins do not build up what a healthy amount is. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in the kidneys and the bladder. These can lead to dangerous infections and an adequate intake for men is approximately 13 cups (3 litres) a day. For women, an adequate painful kidney stones. Continues on Page 7
26 March - 2 April 2015
Medical Services
Inner-city Gazette
Importance of drinking water
A sufficient amount of water in the body can prevent kidney infections.
How does not drinking enough affect the kidneys? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body and account for around 8.1 million visits to health care providers. If infections spread to the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys, permanent damage can be caused. Sudden kidney infections (acute) can be life-threatening, particularly if septicemia occurs. Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of developing a UTI and is also advised for people that have developed an infection. The presence of kidney stones can complicate UTIs as they can compromise how the kidneys work. Complicated UTIs tend to require longer periods of antibiotics to treat them, typically lasting between 7 and 14 days. The leading cause of kidney stones is a lack of water, and they are commonly reported in people that have been found not drinking the recommended daily amount of water. As well as complicating UTIs,
research has suggested that kidney stones also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease developing. In November 2014, the American College of Physicians issued new guidelines for people who have developed kidney stones, stating that increasing fluid intake to enable 2 liters of urination a day could decrease the risk of stone recurrence by at least half with no side effects. Dehydration - using and losing more water than the body takes in - can also lead to an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphate and sodium, help carry electrical signals between cells. The levels of electrolytes in the body are kept stable by properly functioning kidneys. When the kidneys are unable to main-
Professional Tips on Dental Care Dr Shilpa Ramla Gingivitis is a common infection of the gums. It is a form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, inflammation/swelling, and/ or bleeding of the gums. Gums may be raw and tender and may bleed upon brushing. Halitosis (bad breath) can also manifest. The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque on and around the gums. Plaque is the soft yellow/white substance found in your oral cavity, and it is made up of many different types of bacteria and fermented food debris. Poor control of plaque levels by improper brushing techniques and missing professional cleanings can result in a mineralised buildup called calculus/tartar. Calculus is the yellow hardened material which usually forms at the necks of the teeth. Both plaque and calculus causes irritation of the gums, and if left untreated, can lead to
gingivitis, periodontal disease, and ultimately to tooth loss. Besides plaque induced gingivitis, a number of other factors can cause gingivitis: • Certain types of medications e.g. Those taken for epilepsy and hypertension • Systemic diseases such as cancer, diabetes mellitus under poor metabolic control and HIV. • Hormonal fluctuations e.g. during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Pregnant ladies should have regular dental check-ups to monitor the gums. • Severe malnutrition • Smoking may also contribute to gingival disease. In terms of the treatment and prevention of gingivitis, meticulous oral hygiene is key! Brush twice a day, ensuring that you clean both
the teeth and their surrounding gums. Brush on the outer, inner, and top surfaces of your teeth. Change your tooth brush every three months. Floss between your teeth at least once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse regularly. Drink water regularly, as this helps with the mechanical cleansing of the oral cavity. This makes up the home based care of your oral hygiene programme. Professionally, one should visit their dentist twice a year (every six months) for a cleaning/scaling and a general check-up. The scaling will reduce and remove the plaque and calculus build-up, which is often difficult to remove with a conventional toothbrush. Underlying conditions contributing to gingivitis should be treated by the relevant health care practitioners. These helpful hints will go a long way in securing a bright and beautiful smile now and always. Dr Shilpa Ramla is a Dentist at Newtown Junction Medical Centre
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tain a balance in the levels of electrolytes, these electrical signals become mixed up, which can lead to seizures, involving involuntary muscle movements and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, dehydration can also lead to kidney failure, a potentially lifethreatening outcome. Possible complications of chronic kidney failure include anemia, damage to the central nervous system, heart failure and a compromised immune system. There are a considerable number of health problems that can occur simply through not drinking enough water, and yet researchers have found that a significant number of Americans may be failing to obtain the recommended levels of fluid intake every day. Medical News
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Inner-city Gazette
Focus
26 March - 2 April 2015
on
Africa
President wins re-election bid
Child recruits at a military base in South Sudan.
Pic: Amnesty USA
Rebel group frees child soldiers Juba, South Sudan - The Cobra rebel group has freed 250 child soldiers, including a nine-year-old girl, UNICEF has said. The UN however warned that thousands were still forced to fight in the civil war. The group said it would release another 400 child soldiers this week under a deal with the government, out of 3 000 it holds, UNICEF added. However, about 12 000 youths are still fighting in the ranks of the country’s warring factions, the UN says. Civil war broke out in December 2013, after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy, rebel leader Riek Machar, of attempting a coup. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since, and two million have been forced to flee their homes. Another four million people face starvation.
The violence has put paid to a law that Kiir and Machar signed in 2008 banning the use of child soldiers and setting a minimum age of 18 for recruitment or conscription. Earlier this month UNICEF accused both the government and rebels of forcibly enrolling hundreds of children in their ranks in February alone. The government and the rebels have been accused of widespread atrocities and war crimes - including gang rapes, massacres and attacks on aid organisations and peacekeepers. “While we welcome freedom for the children, we are also deeply disturbed by the hundreds of children being abducted in Upper Nile and Unity States,” the UN child agency said, condemning their recruitment as a ‘violation of human rights’.
Monrovia, Liberia - Frontline aid agency Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has slammed the international community’s slow response to the Ebola epidemic. Over 10 000 people have been killed and some 25 000 infected since the Ebola epidemic was first identified in March 2014, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. MSF said lives were lost because the World Health Organization (WHO) failed to respond quickly or adequately. It accused the WHO’s Global Alert and Outbreak Re-
sponse Network of ignoring pleas for help from Liberia in June. MSF emergency coordinator Marie-Christine Ferir said: “It was early and there was still time. The call for help was heard but no action was taken.” It therefore fell to MSF to carry much of the response, but it had only 40 staff with experience of Ebola. It was only when an American doctor and Spanish nurse were diagnosed with Ebola that the world woke up to the threat, MSF said. WHO did not respond to a request for comment. AFP
Aid agency slams WHO over Ebola
Abidjan, Ivory Coast - President economy of the world’s Alassane Ouattara has won his parlargest cocoa producer expanded by nine percent ty’s backing to run for re-election in this year’s upcoming vote as the between 2012 and 2014, with strong investment in country seeks to move on from the public sector. years of political turmoil. Ouattara has pledged to The 73-year-old leader faced maintain similar levels of no challengers as he was chosen as the presidential candidate for growth until 2020. Ouattara also claims credit for the ruling Rally of Republicans restoring calm, although (RDR) at a congress in Abidjan. opposition figures and Faced with a divided opposition, Ouattara, a former vice-prescivil society activists argue that deident of the International spite the creation Monetary Fund, is tipped to of a truth and recwin the October vote. Ouattara took office in onciliation committee to help heal 2011 after a bloody postthe wounds of the election crisis sparked by President Alassane Ouattara conflict, the results ex-president Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to hand over power, claiming have not been significant enough. While forfraud in the 2010 presidential vote. More mer first lady Simone Gbagbo was sentenced to 20 years jail for her role in fomenting the than 3 000 people died in the unrest. Following a decade of political and mili- post election violence, no charges have been tary crisis, the economy has been revitalised brought against Ouattara’s supporters who allegedly also committed abuses. AFP during Ouattara’s four years in power. The
Country’s new president takes over
Windhoek, Namibia - The country’s 25 years of independence on Saturday was marked with a colourful military parade in a sports stadium and the swearingin of the country’s third president Hage Geingob. Outgoing President Hifikepunye Pohamba said: “Today 25 years ago a new and liberated nation was born after a long struggle for freedom, for which our heroes and heroines paid a high price and moulded a new nation. Namibia obtained its freedom through the help of nations like Angola, Zambia, Tanzania and Cuba.” Pohamba handed Geingob the symbols of power, the national seal, flag and a specially bound copy of the Constitution. Geingob then took the oath of office, and sworn in by Namibia’s Chief Justice Peter Shivute. Several heads of state, among them Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, King Mswati of Swaziland, South African vice-president Cyril Ramaphosa, ex-president New President Hage Geingob Thabo Mbeki and AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma attended the ceremony.
UN envoy Bernadino Leon
Hope for peace deal Benghazi, Libya - The UN’s Libya envoy has said documents to pave the way for a unity government have been delayed, but could be ready this week. Speaking in Morocco, where he has been working with representatives of Libya’s rival parliaments to nail down the agreement, Bernardino Leon blamed the delay on fighting around Tripoli. “For the moment, no one is leaving. We have had a difficult moment, and after these attacks there was a possibility either to cancel the dialogue or to lose some of the delegations,” Leon told reporters. Libya has two governments and parliaments, and on Friday the internationally recognised cabinet said loyalist forces had launched an offensive to ‘liberate’ Tripoli. The capital was seized by the Fajr Libya militia in August. The militia alliance includes Islamists that has installed its own government in Tripoli. Leon had hoped to nail a draft deal by Sunday, which would have capped three consecutive days of discussions. But he said he spent the day consulting the delegates and insisted again “that since there is no military solution they should work at clinching a political deal. “I can confirm that everybody is on board, and hopefully these consultations will produce positive results and all delegations will resume their work,” he added. AFP
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Interesting match-ups in Nedbank Cup
Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards action during the last Nedbank Cup round.
Soccer Correspondent
T
he Nedbank Cup quarterfinal draw threw up some interesting match-ups when it was held at Southgate Mall on Monday. SuperSport United, the most successful team in the Nedbank Cup competition’s history still alive, were handed a home fixture against National First Division (NFD) leaders Lamontville Golden Arrows. Matsatsantsa, who have won the tournament three times previously, dumped out reigning champions Orlando Pirates 1-0 over the weekend, while Abafana Bes’thende ousted lower division side Natal United by the same scoreline. Arrows were one of three NFD teams still standing after the last 16 and the other two, Black Leopards and Vasco Da Gama will meet in
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one of the other quarterfinals. Lidoda Duvha famously beat Amakhosi 2-1 in their weekend fixture; the biggest upset of the last round. Vasco, meanwhile, thumped Maluti FET College 3-0 in their all-NFD affair. The remaining two fixtures involve just Absa Premiership clubs with Mamelodi Sundowns, arguably the biggest team still standing in the competition, drawn to face Mpumalanga Black Aces away from home. The Brazilians, also three-time past winners, beat Platinum Stars 3-1 in the last round and AmaZayoni overcame Jomo Cosmos 1-0. Finally, last season’s runners-up in the tourney Bidvest Wits will meet Ajax Cape Town in the last eight after crushing University of Pretoria 3-0 to seal their progress. The Urban Warriors will be at home, just as they were for the 1-0 win over
Bucs coach is faced with the difficulty of motivating his players following their weekend Nedbank Cup defeat at the hands of SuperSport United Bloemfontein Celtic in the last round. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for April 11 and 12. Meanwhile Austin Ditlhobolo reports that Pirates coach Eric Tinkler has admitted that he is faced with the difficulty of motivating his players following their Nedbank Cup exit at the hands of SuperSport United. Tinkler is still adamant that he can guide his side to a top two PSL finish at the end of the season, and therefore qualify to play in next year’s Caf Champions League. However, he revealed that it is going to be extremely difficult to motivate his charges in their remaining league matches after losing 1-0 to SuperSport United in Nedbank Cup. “It’s going to be very difficult to motivate players, but they need to be professional in terms of their attitude and how they apply themselves,” Tin-
kler was quoted by The Sowetan. Third-placed Pirates are currently 11 points behind log leaders, Kaizer Chiefs with seven games to go, and Tinkler believes that finishing second on the log is the only realistic target for them. “We want to finish second in the league because we want to qualify for the Champions League. It’s important that I relay the message to the players and make them understand they have to be disciplined,” he said. Tinkler’s next assignment is an away second leg clash with Ugandan side Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in the Caf Confederation Cup next weekend in Kampala. “We have to lift our heads and go back to the training field. We have to start preparing for our trip to Uganda. We need to finish off the season on a positive note,” the coach said.
Marathon start Hendrik Ramaala
Veteran carries marathon hopes Athletics Correspondent
A
t the age of 43, Hendrik Ramaala could be one of the top contenders for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on April 4 in Cape Town. Ramaala, the SA Half Marathon record holder and multiple national champion, has little Ultra Marathon experience, but according to statistician Riel Hauman he has a realistic chance of winning. Other gold medal contenders included Warinyane Lebopo of Lesotho, who was fourth last year, Michael Mazibuko (sixth in 2014), Peter Muthubi, Motlokoa Nkhabutlane, who was second in 2011 and Lucky Miya (21st in 2014). Fans will have their eyes on Mthandazo Qhina, who was second in 2013 and ninth last year, and Zimbabwean Bernard Rukadza, who last ran in 2011. “But let’s not forget Ethiopia’s Teshome Gelana, one of the fastest marathon runners in the field, who finished second in the Tiberias Marathon earlier this year in 2:12:33,” said Hauman. The women’s field would also be hotly contended. “Charne Bosman is a great candidate as the first South African winner since 2001,” said Hauman. Hauman, however, said Russian Nina Podnebesnova would be the favourite to take top honours in the race. Sapa