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2 - 9 April 2020

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Inner City Gazette

Drive-in Covid-19 testing at Wits ‘A backlog running into thousands had built up as the state system struggled, but now private laboratories are also putting their shoulders to the wheel’ Chris Bishop Johannesburg – In what could be known for Africa’s first drive-in COVID-19 testing centre, scores of cars daily pull in to a car park at Wits University in Braamfontein, with a doctor’s referral letter in hand. Officials verify the letter, sort out payment and then send the driver on to the next station, where a doctor takes swabs from the nasal cavity. The tests are sent to a laboratory; and within 48 hours the results come.

Running the drive-in testing centre is Dr Yakub Essak, a Johannesburg GP and medical coordinator for Gift of the Givers, the charity that came up with the idea. He says drivers do not leave their car seats for the test. “It is a lot safer because then you don’t have to have patients mixing with each other. You test them in their own environment, in the car,” says Dr Essak. Gift of the Givers has also opened a similar operation outside Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital in Durban, and is planning others in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The charity uses volunteer doctors and has managed to keep costs down, so it can charge around half the amount that is charged by other clinics.

The greatest problem the drive-in testing stations face is a lack of protective equipment, a shortage that the volunteers are trying to remedy. The drive-in testing centres are part of South Africa’s attempts to step up its testing of Covid-19. A backlog running into thousands had built up as the state system struggled, but now private laboratories are also putting their shoulders to the wheel, according to public health medicine specialist Dr Atiya Mosam. Dr Mosam admitted that there are probably more cases in South Africa than had been detected by current testing, but thought the medical professionals are doing a fair job of containing the disease. “Even so, people shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security,” Dr Mosam said. South Africa and Senegal were the only African countries with testing laboratories when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), but now more than 40 nations can test for the disease. CNBCAfrica

Dr Yakub Essak

Inner-city Gazette

News

Boston

rocks with free concerts as students continue with uninterrupted studies

As our communities grapple with the realities of living in #LockDown, businesses and schools have had to come up with innovative ideas to serve the communities, maintain contact and work #TogetherApart. Boston started off the LockDown with a concert from Soul Candi recruit Holly Rey, letting people know that we are here, we are available and we are looking for ways to make them feel part of the greater community, while in their lounge at home! The concert was great, Holly Rey done with her outstanding music and warm and bubbly personality. “The cancellation of events due to Covid-19 has affected us badly because that is our main source of income a artists, but luckily for me I still have some income, so I just wanted to give people a free concert during these difficult times” she said. Her free live concert has been viewed nearly 8000 times! “Our intention is to continue as much as we are able, to communicate with, engage with and entertain our audience” says Anne Hollamby of Boston. “Our partnership with the Soul Candi brand has allowed us to promote artists as well as provide live concerts,” she says. With graduates of Soul Candi blazing music trails, they are showcasing their skills learned through Soul Candi qualifications. One of the budding graduates from the program is Dwson – who has released an album on Stay True Sound. “A former student who did the Digital

Nizhe DeSoul

Music Composition and Production course, he is making the most of all work opportunities,” says Blanka Mazimela, Head of Department at Boston. Others include Vinny Da Vinci, DJ Christos and Liquideep. And of course Holly Rey! Have you considered a career in music? Many people have a passion for music but believe that it is a hobby and that they will not be able to earn a living from it. Boston believes that including your passion in your career makes you more successful. “Most budding musicians struggle to create a career in music. In order to create a music career, look into one of the qualifications available at Boston in the music industry”, says Blanka Mazimela, Head of Department at Boston. Another successful Soul Candi Graduate is Neo ‘NayPalmNeo’ Mahao, from Khumalo Valley in Katlehong. She spoke to us virtually, raving about the Soul Candi qualifica-

tions. “I am glad to be considered a successful graduate after the amazing time I had at SoulCandi. I truly consider SoulCandi to be a place where you go to musically thwasa, with some guidance and freedom to indulge in the art. It brought people together, exposed a ton of potential, and is truly symbolic as a safe space for creatives and creative outlaws, and I’d be happy to answer some questions.” Aside from free concerts, Boston advises students, colleagues and employees to stick to a regular schedule and try continue with previous tasks and projects. “This virus has taught us all the importance of flexibility and adaptability” says Anne,” and Boston has made all necessary changes to keep our academic lives running smoothly! We appreciate that this is a challenging time for all. Now more than ever, it is imperative to keep up with your studies from home and/ or work. By focusing on your education, you are investing in yourself, and contributing to the critical human capital and leadership that will be required to move our country forward in the days and years that lie ahead.” From the social media team, we just wanted to make that extra effort to avoid burnout when working or studying from home, and so we have organised the free concerts. Watch out for the next one featuring ‘Nizhe DeSoul’!

2 - 9 April 2020

Cyber crooks take advantage of Covid-19 concerns Linda Misauer

n the wake of the global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), cybercriminals are taking advantage of the fear this has generated and escalating their phishing campaigns. Head of Global Solutions Linda Misauer The large volumes of misinformation, and rising global panic, around passwords and PIN numbers. the pandemic mean that their efforts Checkpoint researchers have discovare likely to succeed, unfortunately. ered over 4 000 domains registered Cybercriminals are preying on peo- globally since January 2020 related to ple’s worries and fears by sending the coronavirus, according to Global emails related to COVID-19 from Audit Tool. This is making it harder to legitimate-looking sources, containing identify suspicious emails just based ostensibly useful, and critical, infor- on the sender’s address as cybercrimimation relating to work policy, health nals get more sophisticated in their efalerts or precautionary advice. The forts to look legitimate. combination of relevant content and an Spoofing legitimate sources is a comurgent tone often work to trick people mon tactic used by cybercriminals. into opening the email and clicking a The World Health Organisation has link or attachment. issued a statement on these scams and Once they click the link or open the asks people to verify the validity of attachment, the recipient is either led any requests before they do anything. to a spoofed website designed to steal Report suspicious emails to the comtheir personal information, or their de- pany that is being impersonated. Many vice is infected with malware, which larger companies have a process for installs itself and allows a hacker to doing this and will ensure their secuaccess information on that machine. rity teams investigate it promptly. The Often people don’t realise that their faster a company is alerted, the more device has been infected until their quickly they can respond and intervene security scanner picks it up or they to warn their customers and shut down become victims of fraud or identity spoofed websites. theft. What makes malware particuSpear-phishing attacks, which purport larly dangerous is that it can get onto a to be from seniors in an organisation, company network and spread to other like the CEO, use a lot of accurate devices in the organisation. detail to make an email appear real. The best thing people can do is to These generally ask a person to urgenteducate themselves, and those around ly make a payment or settle an invoice. them. We’ve prepared some tips to If you receive an email like this, verify help keep yourself, colleagues and or- it through other means, no matter how ganisation safe: Treat every email that legitimate it appears. you are not expecting as suspicious; be Cybercriminals are getting increasdoubly cautious of anything that asks ingly sophisticated, but by being mindyou to click a link, open an attachment, ful and critical of any communications verify your details or share informa- you receive, you can protect yourself tion that is private and personal, like and avoid falling prey to their attempts.

2 - 9 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

Academics propose special grant for the poor

The commission said the majority of these complaints related to essential products, including hand sanitisers and face masks, among others. Competition Commission spokesperson Sipho Ngwema

Commission gets over 500 excessive pricing complaints Johannesburg – On Tuesday the Competition Commission said it had received over 500 complaints about excessive pricing since the start of the national lockdown. The commission said the majority of these complaints related to essential products, including hand sanitisers and face masks, among others. Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel gazetted several regulations to enable firms to

News

cooperate, and deal with anticompetitive conduct during this lockdown period. The Competition Commission’s spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said the complaints were being investigated. “We are going to force the companies to stop where we find that they’re in breach of the act; and we are going to prosecute where we have to, and fine those who are found guilty,” Ngwema said.

The academics wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for all evictions due to failure to meet rent obligations to be banned during the 21 days Covid-19 lockdown period. Johannesburg - A group of academics have proposed a special R1 000 monthly grant for poor households and individuals, as government implemented measures to alleviate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the local economy. The academics wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for all evictions due to failure to meet rent obligations to be banned during the

Senior lecturer at Wits University’s School of Business Sciences Lumkile Mondi

21 days Covid-19 lockdown period. One of the academics, a senior lecturer at Wits University’s School of Business Sciences, Lumkile Mondi said: “We are saying that in addition to all the support that has come through government and our social partners, we perhaps also need to address the others who might be missed, so that we can be able to capture everyone who may not have

access to any sources of income.” Some of the measures implemented by government included a Solidarity Fund to help small businesses and tax relief for those earning less than R7 500. Some municipalities were also dropping food packages to poor households, and some of the banks were now offering payment holidays for some of their customers.

Inner-city Gazette

News

2 - 9 April 2020

Oribi Village Ellen Fischat

Innovators called to solve food concerns

Denver hostel residents listen to the address by city officials

Officials urge Covid-19 lockdown compliance

The municipality has also availed healthcare facilities to screen patients for Covid-19 in case of a wider outbreak and is inspecting buildings to be used as quarantine centres. Johannesburg - Mayor Geoff Makhubo and City officials recently visited various areas of the city, including the Denver, George Goch and Jeppe hostels to encourage enforcement of public health orders in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the visit the officials found a need to intensify awareness of the 21-day lockdown, and to enforce laws that are related to the sale and consumption of alcohol. Makhubo said at the hostels they found residents converged in groups of more than 100 with complete disregard of social distancing.

Thieves steal power cables during lockdown

The amended regulations of the State of Disaster state that transportation and sale of liquor is strictly prohibited, and spaza shops and supermarkets are only allowed to trade in essential goods. Makhubo said the City, working with its entities and stakeholders, will increase compliance measures in densely populated areas to prevent contravention of the Disaster Management Act, which governs the 21-day lockdown. “The City will continue to provide waste removal, water and sanitation services, and escalate efforts to cre-

City Deep - City Power security personnel recently caught six people digging up copper cables at City Deep Extension 2, near the M1 highway. The incident occurred on the third day of the Covid-19 lockdown. City Power general manager for security Sergeant A Thela, said they thought the national lock-

ate awareness of the dangers of the coronavirus,” he said. Last week the City went on a drive to clean and sanitise major taxi ranks and bus stops in the Johannesburg CBD, in an effort to protect commuters from the pandemic. The municipality has also availed healthcare facilities to screen patients for Covid-19 in case of a wider outbreak and is inspecting buildings to be used as quarantine centres. “The City, working with provincial and national government, will continue to enforce compliance, engage communities where there is non-

compliance and assist our people to be safe and protected,” Makhubo said. Residents can contact the City’s 24hour Joint Operations Disaster Management Centre (JODMC) on 010 224 0934 with any emergencies or to locate clinics made available for Covid-19 screening. People who want to donate hand sanitizers, masks and soups can also contact the centre. The municipality is also working with the Gauteng Department of Social Development to ensure homeless people are housed, fed and secured during the 21-day lockdown.

down would reduce theft and vandalism of the electricity network infrastructure. “But thieves respect no rules. For that reason, our security response plans for the lockdown were elevated to ensure protection of our network infrastructure. The arrests bear testimony to the resilience of our security resolve in the face of

the Covid-19 national disaster,” Thela said. In a statement City Power said the suspects, aged between 27 and 38, were found in possession of core copper cables. The suspects were taken to the Jeppe police station, where a case of damage and theft of essential infrastructure was opened.

Johannesburg - Three of the country’s top innovation hubs are calling on local innovators to join the #BridgingTheGaps challenge, which aims to find disruptive ways to fix South Africa’s food system. The Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown will have immense consequences for human, economic and social wellbeing, in the light of Moody’s recent rating downgrade. Oribi Village, the Southern Africa Food Labs, and the Wakanda Food Incubator have joined forces in the #BridgingTheGaps challenge, to address and reshape production, distribution, processing, and consuming food. Oribi Village MD Ellen Fischat says: “In this 21-day challenge we call innovators and food sector actors to work together. We will do so remotely, finding disruptive ways to eradicate risks of accelerated food insecurity, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 crisis.” She says the challenge is for smallscale producers, logistics and market access players, restaurants, food sellers and processors, food technicians, civil society and everyone else to put ideas into practice. Fischat adds that the challenge comprises of weekly content brainstorm sessions between participants and partners. “In the first week, the Southern Africa Food Labs will provide insights into the current state of South African food system, and in the second week, Oribi Village will discuss essential social business strategy shifts related to the Covid-19 context,” she says. In the third week, the Wakanda Food Accelerator will provide participants with advice on how to define, develop, implement and scale their proposed solutions. The submissions will be evaluated on social impact, feasibility, viability, scalability, sustainability and creativity. “Two winning ideas will each take home six months’ worth of paid-for incubator and accelerator support, to be used to develop and implement their solution, as well as six months of co-working space in Cape Town or Johannesburg,” Fischat says. The winners will also be allowed to pitch their solution to local and international investors in November 2020, and attend the Design Thinking Workshop, which revolves around food security innovation. “The aim is to use the lockdown to save our country from a potential food security disaster. Digital technology enables us to come together though not being in the same room.”

2 - 9 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

News

Dramatic decline in shopping

“By Sunday, 29 March, the number of transactions was only about 60% of what we would normally see on major holiday spending days like Christmas and Easter.”

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize

Mass testing to contain local transmissions

Johannesburg - At the start of the national lockdown, South Africans rushed to stores to purchase goods, but this has since changed with many choosing to follow government’s measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. Head of Stakeholder Engagements at BankservAfrica Shergeran Naidoo says volumes of ATM and pointof-sale (POS) transactions declined dramatically at the end of the first three days of the 21-day national lockdown. “This came after the large spike caused by the shopping rush in the days following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on 23 March. Our data, which reflects the volumes of transactions processed by BankservAfrica since the beginning of last week suggests South Africans are complying with the request to stay at home, as the average daily transaction volumes for the three days to 29 March were far lower than the previous year. Bear-

ing in mind that this is month-end, one would have expected higher than normal transaction volumes. But our comparative data to the same three-day period in March 2019 revealed volumes were only 31,6% of the normal,” says Naidoo. On Sunday, 29 March the transaction volumes were just 28% of the normal for the same day last year. Mike Schüssler, chief economist at economists.co.za says it seems economic activity came to a standstill all over South Africa. In the two days before the lockdown, South Africans used their month-end salaries to rush to the stores. “The normal volume of transactions from 24 March, a day after the President’s national lockdown announcement to 26 March reached an incredible 148% of volumes processed at POS terminals and ATMs, as the country population prepared for the 21-day period. South Africans knew they had to fill their cupboards and fridges,” says Naidoo.

On Sunday, only 1,2-million transactions were recorded compared to an average of 5.4 million on a more typical day after month-end. “By Sunday, 29 March, the number of transactions was only about 60% of what we would normally see on major holiday spending days like Christmas and Easter. It is unlikely that we will see the volume of transactions at this low level again,” says Naidoo. “The drop in transactions suggests that about 70% of the consumer-facing economy has fallen away, and that will certainly BankservAfrica head of stakeholder mean a plummeting GDP level,” engagements Shergeran Naidoo says Schüssler. Although it is difficult to proMost of this decline will be evident vide a forecast, one could say that as in the second quarter. consumers make up about 60% of “While the third and fourth quarexpenditure, a one-month lockdown ters could see growth again, the could see GDP fall. On an annual- catch-up will not be as great. A GDP ised basis, this will be spread over decline could be on the cards,” says the first two quarters of the year. Schüssler. ITOnline

‘Intensifying sampling and testing is a major advantage when fighting the virus, emulating China and getting the spread of the virus under control’ Johannesburg - On Wednesday Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said the decision to intensify testing of possible COVID-19 patients is aimed at drastically reducing local transmissions of the virus. He said the 67 mobile units launched in Sandringham on Wednesday would be deployed to so-called hotspots, and officials would conduct door-todoor sampling and screening. Mkhize said concerns about internal transmission of the virus in areas where crowded conditions offer a fertile breeding ground for the coronavirus, meant the response needed to be stepped up. “We are targeting where we want to deal with already identified cases of positive people or contacts. We are scaling up the intervention,” Mkhize said. He said government was done being reactive in dealing with the spread of COVID-19. “We are setting up mobile clinics for mobile workers to move into communities with cases and contacts set up for testing and screening in communities, initially starting with the symptomatic and then turn to the greater community.” Mkhize said intensifying sampling and testing is a major advantage when fighting the virus, emulating China and getting the spread of the virus under control. “It is important for us to move ahead of the spread of the infection,” Mkhize said. He added that with the flu season coming, there is no time to waste in trying to get as many as possible South Africans tested.

Part of the Bree taxi rank soon after the cleaning

City workers clean-up the CBD during lockdown Johannesburg - During the 21-day lockdown, City of Joburg personnel took to the streets to remove litter and sanitise public spaces, in a clean-up campaign referred to as the Kleena Joburg programme. Among the places that were cleaned are the Bree and MTN taxi

ranks, which were at the top of the list, according to the City of Joburg. Other facilities that were attended to included the Hillbrow taxi rank, Sunninghill taxi rank,Traders Market, and the Sandton Public Transport Interchange taxi rank. During the event the City shared

updates of the cleaning campaign. “The city is running an extensive Kleena Joburg programme to clean the inner-city during the national 21-day lockdown. Thank you so much, team, for taking time to clean the City,” the statement said. Joburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo

said: “Our collective duty as the City is to ensure that everyone in the city adheres to the regulations. Further, they are in a safe and clean environment. It is our responsibility as the City of Joburg to make sure that these facilities are in the best condition for our residents.”

Inner-city Gazette

2 - 9 April 2020

Inner-city Gazette

The Arts

ANC pays tribute to Credo Mutwa “He devoted most of his energy towards preserving African culture and challenging the tendency to relegate African cultural practices and beliefs to myths and superstitions”

The late Credo Mutwa Nhlanhla Mahlangu and Hamilton Dlamini in The Head and the Load

Johannesburg - In a statement the ANC has said the death of traditional leader and storyteller Credo Mutwa was not only a loss to the arts and culture fraternity, but to the entire nation. ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said Africa has lost one of its finest sons, whose contribution to the country and continent remains immeasurable. “He devoted most of his energy towards preserving African culture and challenging the tendency to relegate African cultural practices and beliefs to myths and superstitions. The once vibrant storyteller and traditional healer is respected for advocating for the use of traditional medicines and discovering

the origins of mankind,” he said. Mabe added that Mutwa will be remembered for his predictions, including the assassination of SACP leader Chris Hani, and the 1976 uprisings. Mutwa also authored several books in his life. One of his books, Indaba, my children, was both a commercial and critical success; selling over 250 000 copies in South Africa. Mabe added that Mutwa also pursued his talents as a painter and sculptor. “The people of our country will treasure his memory as one of our most distinguished sons, who placed his spiritual gifts at the disposal of his nation,” Mabe said.

Premiere of new Kentridge work postponed Ntombi Mashaba

he South African premiere of The Head & the Load by William Kentridge at Joburg Theatre will move to 6 – 14 August 2020. The Head & the Load, with music composed by Philip Miller and Thuthuka Sibisi, has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Producer Rachel Chanoff said: “In light of President Ramaphosa’s declaration of a state of disaster, and after consulting William Kentridge, the performing company, our sponsors, supporters and key stakeholders, we postpone the May season of The Head & the Load until August.

Anyone with an existing booking can transfer it to the future performance dates or claim a refund via the Joburg Theatre box office before 4 May.” Chanoff added that art is a beacon in turbulent times. “Over the coming weeks, we encourage supporters of the arts to follow The Head & the Load on social media, where we’ll bring a wide range of behind the scenes content, a chance to meet the artists involved, plus updates from the cast and creative team.” After a resounding opening at the Tate Modern in London in July 2018 followed by sold-out shows in New York, Amsterdam and Germany, William Kentridge will bring The Head

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By Prophet Philip Banda

& the Load back home. This exploration of Africa’s role in the First World War illuminates the untold story of the millions of black African porters who served and died for British, French and German battlefield forces. Featuring 38 performers, including actors Hamilton Dlamini, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Mncedisi Shabangu, and Luc De Wit with vocalists Ann Masina and Joanna Dudley, The Head & the Load vividly brings history to life through music, text, dance, film projections, mechanized sculptures and shadow play. The Joburg Theatre box office can be contacted on 011 877 6853 / 6815, or by email: info@joburgtheatre.com.

Coach hopes age won’t

disqualify Olympic players There have been concerns that players who turn 24 next year may not be allowed to participate in the global tournament. Sports Reporter

ollowing the recent announcement that the 2020 Olympic Games that were scheduled for July 24 to August 9 have been postponed for next year, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic; national Under-23 coach David Notoane hopes that players who will turn 24 will be allowed to play. There have been concerns that players who turn 24 next year may not be allowed to partici-

pate in the global tournament. Meanwhile Fifa has called for the tournament to change the under-23 age limit to under-24 to allow the players who qualified their teams to the event to compete. Notoane said he assumes that the same age group will be carried over to the tournament. “I don’t anticipate an age change, especially since the organisers requested to continue with 2020 and not make it 2021. One feels that the players who

were born in 1997 should be allowed to participate. But should things go otherwise, on the list of 78 players I submitted to Sascoc there are players who were born in 1998 and 1999, and there are also those who were born in 2001. This allows looking deeper into the talent at our disposal to reach the final squad,” Notoane said. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not indicated whether it will change the players format to under-24.

SA Under-23 coach David Notoane