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Est 2009 Issue 11 - 2020

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26 March - 2 April 2020

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Inner City Gazette

Urban farming sprouts in Joburg

According to the SA Cities Network, over 40% of Joburg households are food insecure. Kim Harrisberg

here are about 300 urban farms in Johannesburg, according to Nthatisi Modingoane, spokesman for the City of Johannesburg. Modingoane said the local government is encouraging young people to take part in farming by providing tools, tractor services, accredited training, business development and access to land. And more are sprouting up, said food security researcher Brittany Kesselman. “We are seeing farms in schools, churches, clinics, rooftops and backyards. It is a challenge, but urban farmers are bravely fighting hunger in the city,” Kesselman said. According to the South African Cities Network, an urban development think tank, more than 40% of Joburg households are food insecure.

Urban green spaces can bring significant benefits to cities, including cooling the outside air, filtering pollution, providing refuge from noise and reducing depression, anxiety and stress, according to the World Health Organization. One of the urban farmers is Refiloe Molefe, a 60-year-old former nurse who has been farming on the 500-square-metre bowling green for more than a decade. She said when she asked the city for food for the crèche she was running for 15 children, the authorities had none to give her, so she requested the land to grow her own instead. “We may not have money, but we have land and food. And to garden here is our therapy,” Molefe said. For Molefe, her garden is also where she nurtures a community. On a single day, she was visited by a chef cooking with organic produce, a Kenyan woman whose husband asks specifically for Molefe’s fresh vegetables, and two students returning from a trance party where they sold Molefe’s vegetable juices. Students from

nearby universities also popped in and out, some to farm and others to collect vegetables. Molefe said the city should focus on making more urban farmland available, so people can cultivate the food they need. “If people live in tall buildings with no green spaces, how can they even think of growing their own food?” she asked. She juices her produce - carrots, ginger, spinach, fennel and more - and sells the juices at markets around the city, while selling vegetables at a low rate to anyone who walks through her farm gates. Any excess produce she puts in a car and drives around the city handing out food to the homeless. As proof that urban gardens are taking root and thriving all over Johannesburg, Molefe points to a hydroponic rooftop garden in Hillbrow that is feeding a local orphanage and a group of Rastafarians growing herbs on empty land in Soweto. “This land used to be a dumping site,” said Tali Mphuthi, one of the Rastafarian gardeners from Soweto. “I was unemployed before I asked the council to let us farm,” he said.

Refiloe Molefe displays some of the produce from her farming activities.

Now Mphuthi, 45, and four others grow over 50 species of herbs on the site - including peppermint, lavender, lemongrass and verbena, which they sell to make their income. “Farming gives me the clarity I need in a community that faces many problems like crime and unemployment,” he said. Molefe’s dream is to run an orphanage on a bigger piece of land, where she can feed the children. Until then,

she is training youth to farm so they have the skills to feed themselves. Molefe has hit some obstacles: crops destroyed by hailstorms, the occasional theft of her equipment and funding challenges. Each time, she has been able to buy new seeds and tools with the help of prize money from various awards, including one given to her by food company Nestle. Thomson Reuters Foundation

Inner-city Gazette

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For further information contact Boston on 011 551 2000 Email: info@boston.co.za Visit www.boston.co.za, or Facebook

Boston

beats academic woes caused by virus

These are headlines we have all become used to seeing in South Africa – in the space of three days panic has set and changes life as we know it. Aside from panic buying that has emptied shelves, the other major discussion is learning how to homeschool, both for school kids as well as university level students and lecturers. While the majority of high schools and institutions have cancelled school altogether while they scramble to make plans for technology based education in the face of a continued and length phase of “stay home please” from the government, Boston City Campus finds itself in the ideal position to have uninterrupted flow of education, supervision and tutor input. Our learning methodology for well over 10 years has been technology based, we’re not ‘experimenting’ because of Covid-19 – we have perfected this methodology to the extent that we have raised pass rates and achieved unheard of levels of customer satisfaction. So, what does Boston offer that works so well, especially in times of #PleaseStayHome? * On-line lectures, live contact with educators, regular assessments * Study where you want to, when you want to. * Work at your own pace. What are the benefits of this?

• Never miss a lecture. • Consistent content for the whole of South Africa, with experienced lecturers. Boston originally developed Technology based training as we found that this is the overall best methodology not only to reach students, but to teach them. Why? • The internet keeps their interest • They socialise and communicate with the internet. • They “think” in technology. • The best way for us to transfer knowledge to them is through technology • Technology is interactive • We can continually assesses and monitor their progress. • Alerts supervisor when a student needs assistance. • Allows learners from different backgrounds, different home languages, different skills and interests to learn the same consistent content. . • Ensures consistency and quality of educators. Students can now comfortably plan the remainder of their studies and remain on track with their weekly teaching & learning requirements as set out in the Boston tuition plans provided to them at the beginning of the semester. Boston Academic Head Office in Stellenbosch however realises that despite the ability for ongoing education, this pandemic has caused social panic and confu-

sion and have therefore revised due dates of assessments. This allows students time to plan intervals for studying from their textbooks, drafting their assignments, working on the self-assessment questions & exercises. In turn, this change enables students to plan when and where, if they wish to do so, to go online to catch up on their video lectures and online interactions. They have allowed for time for student to focus on or attend to their family needs for a while. . As always, our Educators will remain available online via email, Skype or telephone to support our students. Boston’s offerings include Postgraduate; Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Degree Programmes Short Learning Programmes; Digital Learning Badges; Occupational Qualifications. We are Industry Recognised and are experts in our state of the art technology based training. This has always allowed for flexible, Full-Time and Part-Time study options including provision for Distance Learning. To further assist students, courseware and Text-books are included in tuition fees. Our message is: “Life happens! And, in our current global environment, we can’t control or predict what lies around the corner. So let’s work together, assist others where we can, and all aspire to achieve our goals.”

26 March - 2 April 2020

Internet demand increases Some experts express uncertainty concerning Internet infrastructure’s ability to keep up with the rapidly growing demand Tech Reporter

nternet infrastructure has experienced significant growth in demand due to the increased amount of people confined to their homes, consequently working and shopping remotely due to the enforced precautionary measures. Having most of our daily activities migrating to the digital space, Internet infrastructure is being strained by the sheer amount of users. Around the world, e-commerce has been booming as many stores remain shut due to safety policies. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in subscription-based digital services, as out-of-home entertainment is no longer a viable option. Internet service providers are extending data caps to meet the newfound reliance on the network. However, some experts express uncertainty concerning Internet infrastructure’s ability to keep up with the rapidly growing demand. Server Infrastructure & IP Management Solutions company, Heficed CEO Vincentas Grinius says

Heficed CEO Vincentas Grinius

the amount of time people are spending online, whether it be for work or leisure, has been immense. “This is not surprising, considering all the restrictions that have been enforced. The demand for Internet servers has risen by at least 30 percent, and, based on how the current events are developing, the need to accommodate the reliance will only continue to grow,” Grinius adds. Current events have revealed how well businesses are prepared to accommodate a remote workforce. Business VPNs, which give workers direct access to their company’s system through a private network, have been overwhelmed by employee usage. High-capacity VPNs are essential for companies seeking to continue their work, as organisations that are less equipped will eventually succumb to the increased load. Adapting a highly developed network infrastructure can aid in handling the escalating use and help maintain operational stability.

26 March - 2 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

Company supports transition to lowcarbon economy Johannesburg - Coal mining company Exxaro Resources, which acknowledges coal’s negative impact on climate, expresses the view that a just transition to low-carbon future should inform global climate action. Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo said: “If we don’t take climate change issues seriously, and see it as being part of our responsibility to respond to climate change in impactful ways, God help us.” The Johannesburg-listed company is one of the largest and foremost black-empowered South Africabased diversified resources companies, with an asset portfolio that includes coal, renewable energy and an investment in iron-ore. In the 20-page publication, the company commits itself to a world that will see less than a 2°C increase in global warming by 2100. Mgojo said the world is facing many challenges which compel organisations to operate with the highest level of social and environmental consciousness. “While the share of coal in the global energy mix is expected to decline in the medium term to longer term, it is likely to remain dominant in South Africa for a foreseeable future as we transition to low-carbon energy sources. Nevertheless, we regard this as a medium to longer-term risk, and it is part of our diversification

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Concert venue to be Covid-19 testing centre ‘While there is a possibility that the Dome could become a quarantine centre if coronavirus cases mushroom, it was unlikely that it would be used as a field hospital’

Paul Ash

Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo

imperative to explore other climateresilient opportunities to develop and commercialise new businesses that will add value to society. We are committed to supporting a smooth and just energy transition to the lowcarbon economy,” he said. He added that Exxaro plays an active role in climate-change policy development, working with policy makers directly and through business associations and research institutions. “The company has a strategy of extracting coal value early and disposes of coal assets that do not fit this strategy. The diversification of the portfolio into renewable energy through Cennergi is part of the company’s effort to build climate-change business resilience,” Mgojo said.

he Ticketpro Dome in Northgate is to be temporarily repurposed as a Covid-19 testing centre. The Dome’s management offered the facility to local disaster-relief charity Gift of the Givers. Carol Weaving, who manages the Dome on behalf of Reed Exhibitions, said: “With all public events cancelled and gatherings of more than 100 people banned for the next 90 days, the company decided to postpone all booked events, and to offer the venue to any organisation that could make best use of the space. We felt we have an obligation to the country. We thought it would be very beneficial to help SA and the community.” The Dome has full Wi-Fi connectivity, extensive ablution facilities and enough space to even house a field hospital. “It’s a very well-

equipped space,” said Weaving. Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said preparations are under way to set up a Covid-19 testing facility at the venue. “Providing affordable testing is another Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman essential aspect of the Dome could become a quarantine management process,” centre if coronavirus cases mushSooliman said. The charity, which has made its room, it was unlikely that it would reputation from its work in disaster be used as a field hospital, Sooliareas such as Sudan, Syria and Ye- man said. “It would be better to have tents in men, already has one Covid-19 testing centre operating at Roshnee in the grounds of hospitals,” he said. Weaving said once the crisis is Johannesburg. Urgent discussions were under over, the Dome would be given a way to open more test facilities ‘deep clean’ before reopening. “At the end of the day we are goelsewhere in SA. Tests cost R750 per person, almost half of what oth- ing to go back to business at this centre. But right now we need a bit er laboratories are charging. While there is a possibility that the of good news,” Weaving said.

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Inner-city Gazette

“This is extremely dangerous for a population like ours, which has a large number of people with suppressed immunity because of HIV and TB, and high levels of poverty and malnutrition.” President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on measures against Covid-19. Pic: Jairus Mmutle GCIS

Lockdown to prevent spread of Covid-19

Pretoria - Addressing the nation on Monday night President Cyril Ramaphosa said only a drastic lockdown can prevent SA from having hundreds of thousands of Covid-19 cases within weeks. “In South Africa the number of confirmed cases has increased six fold in just eight days, from 61 to 402 cases; and this number will continue to rise. It is clear from the development of the disease in other countries, and from our own modelling, that immediate and extraordinary action is required to prevent a human catastrophe,” he said. He added that without decisive ac-

tion the number of people infected will rapidly increase to tens of thousands, and within a few weeks to hundreds of thousands. “This is extremely dangerous for a population like ours, which has a large number of people with suppressed immunity because of HIV and TB, and high levels of poverty and malnutrition,” he said. Ramaphosa said it is vital to delay the spread of the infection over a longer period to ensure the health system has the capacity to handle the possible number of cases. “I’m concerned that a rapid rise in infections will stretch our health services beyond what FORM JJJ we can manLOST OR DESTROYED DEED age, and Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds many people Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue will not be of a certified copy of ST61299/1998 passed by JEREMIAH able to acSADIKE in favour of JEREMIAH SADIKE in respect of cess the care certain SECTION 171 PARK MANSIONS, SS144/1984, SITUATE AT JOHANNESBURG TOWNSHIP, LOCAL they need. We AUTHORITY CITY OF JOHANNESBURG which has must do evbeen lost or destroyed. erything withAll interested persons having objection to the issue of such in our means copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with to reduce the the Registrar of Deeds at Johannesburg at Deeds Office number of Information Section, Mezzanine Floor, 208-212 Marble Towers Building, c/n von Weilligh & Pritchard Streets, infections Johannesburg within two weeks from the date and delay the of the publication of this notice. spread of infection over Dated at Johannesburg this 19th day of March 2020. a longer peAPPLICANT riod,” he said. JEREMIAH SADIKE, Ramaphosa IDENTITY NUMBER 520615 5940 081 UNMARRIED Address: 3788 NKOMO YA HLABA STREET, said this is a ORLANDO EAST, SOWETO 1804 decisive meaE -mail address: MKinternetcaf@gmail.com sure to save Contact number: 082 426 7076 the lives of

South Africans from the infection. “While this measure will have a considerable impact on people’s livelihoods and on our economy; the human cost of delaying this action would be greater. All South Africans will have to stay at home. The nationwide lockdown is necessary to disrupt the chain of transmission across society. I have directed the army to be deployed to support the police in ensuring that the measures are implemented,” he said. The lockdown will start at midnight on Thursday and run until midnight on April 16. But some people and businesses will be exempt, including health workers in the public and private sectors; emergency personnel; those in security services - such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers and other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic; those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food and basic goods; essential banking services; the maintenance of power, water and telecommunications services; laboratory services; and those in the provision of medical and hygiene products. All shops and businesses will be closed, except for pharmacies; laboratories; banks; essential financial and payment services, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; supermarkets; petrol stations and health care providers. “Other businesses that are able to continue their operations remotely should do so,” Ramaphosa said.

26 March - 2 April 2020

Cyber crooks intensify Covid-19 scams New scams include spoofed emails offering products such as masks, or fake offerings of vaccines, leading to phishing websites

Johannesburg - Cybercriminals are exploiting the spread of Covid-19 for their own gain, spreading coronavirus scams, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric). Sabric has issued a warning to bank clients that Coronavirus scams exploit people’s concerns for their health and safety, and pressure them into being tricked using social engineering, the agency explains. “Social engineering is manipulative and exploits human vulnerability because criminals know that the weakest link in the information security chain is the human being.” Sabric states that new scams include spoofed emails offering products such as masks, or fake offerings of vaccines, leading to phishing websites. “These emails come from seemingly realistic and reputable companies which manipulate people into clicking on links. Some of these websites prompt the user for personal information which ends up in the hands of cybercriminals,” the agency said. Sabric added that cybercriminals also use SMS phishing, more commonly known as SMishing, to trick victims into clicking on a link disguised as information on a coronavirus breakout in their area to steal their credentials. “Some of these texts claim to provide free masks or pretend to be companies that have experienced delays in deliveries due to the virus.” Once criminals have the correct level of confidential information about a victim’s bank account, they can impersonate the victim

Sabric acting CEO Susan Potgieter

and transact using the correct credentials but without authority. Sabric acting CEO Susan Potgieter says: “Though some spoofed emails can be difficult to identify, we urge bank clients to think twice before clicking on any link, even if an email looks legitimate. Any suspicious emails should not be opened and are best deleted.” Sabric urges bank clients to take note of the following tips to protect themselves: do not click on links or icons in unsolicited emails; never reply to these emails -delete them immediately; do not believe the content of unsolicited emails blindly. If you are concerned about what is being alleged in the email, use your own contact details to contact the sender and confirm. Check that you are on the authentic site before entering any personal information. Do not click on links or icons in unsolicited SMSs; do not reply to these SMSs - delete them immediately. Do not believe the content of unsolicited SMSs blindly. If you are worried about what is alleged, use your own contact details to contact the sender to confirm. Regard urgent security alerts, offers or deals as warning signs of a hacking attempt.

Baby boy dumped in dustbin Booysens - Paramedics were called to a Booysens shopping centre on Friday, where they found a newborn baby in a dustbin. ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said medics found the baby boy wrapped in plastic and placed in the bin. “ER24 paramedics were called to

the scene after security personnel found the body,” said Meiring. He added that unfortunately nothing could be done by paramedics, and the baby was declared dead. “The details surrounding this incident are not known but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” said Meiring.

Trench collapse kills ‘zamazama’ Germiston - The body of a suspected illegal miner was retrieved from a collapsed trench in High Road, Germiston, on Thursday. Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi said the rescue team was alerted after the suspected illegal miner was mining on open land when the trench collapsed and buried him. “With the help of the police K9 Unit, the place was identified. The patient was found and declared dead on the scene by the paramedics,” Ntladi said.

26 March - 2 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

“We believe it is up to each of us to do what we can to flatten the curve and reduce the possible impact of this virus, particularly for those who rely on the public health system.”

Covid-19 liars to be jailed Anyone who intentionally exposes others to the disease can be arrested and prosecuted for assault, attempted murder or murder

Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko

Telkom pledges R15m for corona virus fight Johannesburg - Telecommunications company Telkom has pledged to contribute R15 million in the fight to control the coronavirus. The funds will be used to support healthcare workers who are at the frontline of the battle against the spread of Covid-19, particularly in the most vulnerable communities, the company said. Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko said the resilience of the public health system will be severely tested. “This contribution will support the frontline staff of health workers,

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who will make the difference in our ability as a country to manage the spread of the outbreak and ultimate elimination. We believe it is up to each of us to do what we can to flatten the curve and reduce the possible impact of this virus, particularly for those who rely on the public health system,” Maseko said. He added that their business continuity and emergency response measures are in place to support increased demand for broadband bandwidth and voice calls across both fixed and mobile network.

Johannesburg -The Cooperative Governance Department (Cogta) has said South Africans would face jail time if they ignore regulations aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19; and also if they spread fake news about the virus. Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma gazetted new regulations in line with the Disaster Management Act, to legally bolster social distancing during the pandemic. Anyone who intentionally exposes others to the disease can be arrested and prosecuted for assault, attempted

murder or murder. Fake news peddlers should also beware. They can be fined and jailed for six months if they spread disinformation. President Ramaphosa has warned against fake news. “We should be alert to disinformation, rumours, fake news and make sure that we do not disseminate fake news,” he said. Gauteng Premier David Makhura says residents will now have to notify the police about funeral and wedding arrangements to ensure that they comply with regulations.

Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Inner-city Gazette

26 March - 2 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

The Arts

Joburg City theatres suspend programmes

HueManity is a proudly South African clothing brand HueManity is a proudly South African clothing brand founded in December 2016 by director Gift Soko at the age of 17.Gift comes from a village in KZN called Ingwavuma. HueManity was inspired by the founders love for Hip Hop, as he is also a musician and believes fashion is a part of the Hip Hop community. The brand has been misspelled with meaning to grab sudden attention to its audience making it simple, catchy and gives it a deeper meaning that makes sense. The ‘‘Hue’’ (color or shade) in HueManity, is metaphoric for all differences in mankind. As there are a variety of colors and shades, so there are different characteristics in humans race, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, motives. Despite all these ,we all blend in as one and have one thing in common we are only human hence the HueManity. The brand is young, vibrant and simple. HueManity vision is to be a worldwide leading movement that sets standard in all streams and makes people feel a part of it. HueManity mission is to be an example in our love, faith and good works by pushing the movement across the world. We value Love, Integrity, Honesty, Exceptional Service and Team Work. HueManity is a registered company and are currently trading in merchandise such as caps, t-shirts, hoodies and tracksuits and are aiming at growing. There is a high demand for the brand in the market, and we have been able to deliver to a number of areas around Gauteng, KZN and Cape Town. We have also dressed the likes of Emtee and some of the ATM (African Trap Movement). The youth is slowly dominating every industry by storm, and better way to build for future generations to come than new inventions and ideas to uplift future companies. HueManity is more involved with the youth as most of our customers are young and are great way to grow the brand or any company in particular. Fashion defines part of who you are, the way you dress gives people an idea of who you are therefore might judge you positively or negatively. Email: sokogift1@gmail.com Twitter: Huemanity_sa Instagram: Huemanity_sa Facebook: Huemanity

‘These cancellations and postponements come as a disappointment, but ultimately we all want the health and safety of our communities. While we are all very concerned, and rightfully so, we must avoid panic and take all precautions to combat this virus.’ Azwihangwisi Nephawe

oburg City Theatres have been directed to postpone all shows and activities until further notice, affecting Joburg Theatre, Soweto Theatre and Roodepoort Theatre. Joburg City Theatres has been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) in response to the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited on Sunday 15 March 2020. Among the productions and events affected at Joburg Theatre are Joburg Ballet’s Don Quixote – cancelled; The Color Purple – cancelled; Joburg International Comedy Festival (JICF) - postponed / new date to be confirmed; Arts and Culture Fest – postponed / new date to be confirmed; Be Our Guest – postponed / new date to be confirmed; The Head and the Load – postponed / new date to be confirmed; SEI/Seboko Roadshow – postponed / new date to be confirmed; Mzansi Reggae Red Carpet Concert postponed / new date to be confirmed; Duma Ndlovu Academy (DNA) development programme – suspended until schools re-open; Applied Per-

forming Arts Administration and Management programme - suspended until schools re-open; The People’s Theatre’s The Jungle Book – postponed / new date to be confirmed. The Soweto and Roodepoort theatres have also been similarly affected. Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema said the safety and health of staff, performers and visitors is number one priority. “Should there be any changes to the current status we will take account of any recommendations from relevant authorities and implement appropriate instructions accordingly,” she said. Community Development MMC Margaret Arnolds said: “These cancellations and postponements come as a disappointment, but ultimately we all want the health and safety of our communities. While we are all very concerned, and rightfully so, we must avoid panic and take all precautions to combat this virus.” All affected patrons will be contacted by Joburg City Theatres’ ticketing office to arrange a full refund for seats booked. For any enquiries e-mail info@joburgtheatre.com or call 011 877 6853 / 011 877 6917.

Joburg Theatres CEO Xoliswa Ngema

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By Prophet Philip Banda

Veteran Sundowns midfielder ‘to join Wits’

Manyisa has been recovering from an injury, and he knows his stay with Sundowns is not guaranteed Sports Reporter

eports indicate that veteran Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Oupa Manyisa will join Bidvest Wits next season. According to sources the exOrlando Pirates midfielder will leave Sundowns when his contract expires at the end of June. Manyisa, 31, has been recovering from an injury, and he knows his stay with Sundowns is not guaranteed, the source said. “With the way things have been going, Manyisa will be playing at Wits next season. He might have been injured but he

is still very good and can do the job. I think Wits will be a good club for him because they are very competitive and he will fit well. He will be back to full fitness soon and probably before the season ends, especially since we don’t know when the PSL will be back after being stopped because of the coronavirus,” the source said. The former Bucs skipper joined Sundowns in 2017. Meanwhile former Orlando Pirates striker Patrick Malokase comments on indications that Maritzburg United defender Siyanda Xulu may join Bucs. The

former Sundowns centre-back has reportedly attracted interest from the Soweto giants in his final six months of his contract. Media reports indicate that Xulu is yet to commit to United and could return to Gauteng. “Probably Maritzburg United are counting on him for the next season because of his experience. I think he can make an impact at Pirates. Xulu is a good player and will be a good addition for Pirates. They are doing well as a team lately, especially in defence but it’s always a good move to sign a good player and stabilise things,” Molokase said.

Veteran midfielder Oupa Manyisa