Inner City Gazette by Inner City Gazette

ee r F

p Co

Est 2009 Tel : 011 023-7588 / 011 402 - 1977 Inner-City Gazette

Fax: 086 609 8601

Issue 13 - 2019

Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za

inner_gazette

4 - 11 April 2019

Website : www.inner-city-gazette.com

072 824 3014

Inner City Gazette

Distributed free to households, churches, schools, clinics, government departments, police stations, libraries and businesses in Bellevue • Berea • Bertrams • Braamfontein • City and Suburban • City West • Crown Gardens • Doornfontein • Fairview • Fordsburg • Hillbrow • Jeppestown • Jules • Johannesburg Inner City • Kensington • Lorentzville • Malvern • Marshallstown • New Doornfontein • Newtown • North Doornfontein • Park Meadows • Rosettenville • Selby • Troyeville • Turffontein • Village Main and Yeoville .

Gauteng govt takes over trains from Prasa

‘The rolling stock is old but also the infrastructure of the signalling system is old, maintenance is poor, the service itself is very poor. Trains must be the travel mode of choice, especially long distances’ Johannesburg - On Tuesday Gauteng Premier David Makhura said the provincial government would soon take over the running of trains from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). Speaking at the unveiling of TMH Africa’s recently acquired rolling stock manufacturing plant in Boksburg, Makhura said the provincial legislature has passed a law that gives the province powers to run the passenger rail system. He said there is also a law passed in parliament for urban regions to operate integrated public transport systems. “Provincial government will now operate not only buses, but also the Metrorail system. Prasa will be devolved to the provincial government. We are going integrate Prasa and the Gautrain. The new public transport system will just be like the Gautrain by standard, look, feel and efficiency.” Makhura said.

He added that in the last sitting of the Gauteng Legislature the Transport Authority Bill was passed, to create a single transport authority in Gauteng. “The transport authority that will be created has been part of our vision for a long time. It will integrate the rail system, the buses, the taxi industry into a single, more efficient and reliable transport system in Gauteng,” he said. The Transport Authority Bill (2018) was introduced by Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi in August last year before the portfolio committee on roads and transport in the Gauteng provincial legislature. Vadi had then said that a legally constituted transport authority will transform the current fragmentation of public transport governance and better co-ordinate public transport operations in the province. The responsibility for planning,

Commuters ride on an overloaded train in Johannesburg.

coordination, optimisation, rationalisation and facilitation of public transport functions, authorities, systems and resources within the province will rest with the body once up and running. Makhura said modernisation of the whole rail network system is critical

as rail is the backbone of the South African public transport system in the National Development Plan. “Prasa needs to overhaul its rolling stock. In this country many people use the rail system and it’s not so much by choice. They use the rail system because it’s the cheapest

mode, but it’s in terrible shape. The big challenge is that the rolling stock is old but also the infrastructure of the signalling system is old, maintenance is poor, the service itself is very poor. Trains must be a travel mode of choice, especially long distances,” Makhura said.

Inner-city Gazette

News

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

Boston City Campus & Business College embraces the fundamental role of e-resources in the digital universe of e-learning and teaching “For the majority of South Africans, the lack of information and knowledge impedes their development due not only to scarce material resources but also to a lack of appreciation of the developmental role that the e-resources sector plays. The constitutional right of access to information implies equal access to the knowledge infrastructure, technologies and networks of the 21st century (Department of Arts and Culture, 2018).” To this end, Boston’s ICT reconnoitre products that store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit, and receive information electronically in a digital form serve to empower their students and staff alike to enter the digital universe. Recognising the rapid growth of elearning worldwide, Boston’s academicians continually collaborate, and gauge e-resources related to programmes and modules taught, in order to continually offer accessible ‘library’ resources “in your own space, at your own time”. Heading the e-Resources at Boston, Jacques Viljoen, maintains that “Boston’s Integrated Quality Advancement System, technology-based prescribed texts and training materials, eresource library and the ample access arrangements, are tailor fit to support distance learners and provide incentives for students to learn according to their own needs, i.e. capacity, place, and space. A broad range of scholarly texts and advanced trade journals are available online to support appropriate professional and

Jacques Viljoen scholarly activities pertinent to the knowledge context of each programme at different levels of complexity that mirror the NQF levels of each programme.” Currently, a staggering 10 897 e-books and 12 019 e-journal titles are reachable from anywhere in the world 24/7 provided that you are a registered Boston student and have internet connectivity. Student Tshepiso Mokoena remarked on Boston City Campus & Business College’s Bookboon HE eLibrary: “… wow great platform. I feel like a kid in a candy store. Thank you”. Another student, Mqondisi Sibonelo Gumede commented: “Mindblowing...the Information Technology section has many useful books on Programming...love it”.

Technologically mediated support that is offered by the various faculties focuses on assisting students in navigating and accessing the available on-line knowledge services for their associated fields of commercial practice. This is in addition to the instructions located in the prescribed and supplementary learning materials that are issued with each programme for which a learner registers. As an added support, Boston Head of Departments and academic tutors are available via various electronic and telephonic processes to provide personal academic tuition. Boston’s Head of IT, Shaun Hart, remarks about the essential effectiveness of the Boston network of support centres granting distance learners localised access to technology, e-resources, and service support resources. “Boston is playing its rightful role in achieving an integrated ICT system and by so doing supports the development of a dynamic and connected information society and a vibrant knowledge economy that is more inclusive and prosperous” as envisaged in the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper of 2016. Through unpacking the above, students are thus able to position their own knowledge project within the broader commercial knowledge system and to benchmark their endeavours on the knowledge continuum from the lower NQF levels to the most advanced. For more information on study options at this vibrant institution, visit boston.co.za.

4 - 11 April 2019

Warning on increasing hijackings ‘They are probably more scared than you; show them that you are not a threat to them. Lift your arms to show them that you have no weapon and will surrender. Avoid direct eye contact with them, but try to take in what they are wearing and the sound of their voices’ Staff Reporter

otorists are being warned about increased incidences of car hijackings and cautioned to be vigilant. The police’s latest crime statistics report showed car and truck hijackings continue to be a major scourge. There were 16 325 car jackings and 1202 truck hijackings reported countrywide. In addition, 50 663 vehicles were stolen during the 2017/18 period. The 2018 Bryte Crime Tracker indicates that hijacking and theft by force were at their lowest in the third quarter of 2017, and have since risen sharply quarter-to-quarter. “An acceleration to 6.8% in contact crime was noted in the first quarter of 2018, compared with the 3.8% acceleration in quarter one 2017,” the report revealed.

Fidelity ADT communications manager Charnel Hattingh

Fidelity ADT communications manager Charnel Hattingh says with hijackings still such a problem, people should always be vigilant. “If motorists suspect that they are being followed they must wait on the road, and not in their driveways. Wait for any cars to pass, and wait until the car is far away before entering your property. If you have a panic button or a mobile security app, have it ready, just in case you may need to use it,” she says. She advises that in the event of getting hijacked, motorists must not antagonise the hijackers. “They are probably more scared than you; show them that you are not a threat to them. Lift your arms to show them that you have no weapon and will surrender. Avoid direct eye contact with them, but try to take in what they are wearing and the sound of their voices,” she adds.

4 - 11 April 2019

Inner-city Gazette

News

City embraces online billing

Finance MMC Funzela Ngobeni

‘By opting to receive municipal accounts electronically, that helps the City reduce the amount of paper used to print statements, thus cutting costs and ensuring environmental sustainability’

Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

he City of Joburg has encouraged account holders to register to receive municipal bills online. In a statement the City said: “In a technologically advanced world, it is more convenient to access your municipal account at the click of a button. Printing has become costly for both the City and the environment and receiving a statement via the post is outdated.” Finance MMC Funzela Ngobeni said taking action now helps the City deal effectively with the impact of climate change, brought about by global warming, and will eliminate the trash generated by utility bills. “The environment is important to every person on the planet. We all need to take action in preserving the environment and its resources, in an effort to create a sustainable earth for future generations,” Ngobeni added. One of the prime benefits of registering to receive an electronic statement is that it reaches the customer

almost immediately, eliminating the fatigue that comes with queuing for hours on end for a municipal bill. “Online registration offers customers the ability to view backdated statements for up to 12 months, and the convenience to manage their accounts from the comfort of their own space,” Ngobeni said. Ngobeni added that by opting to receive municipal accounts electronically, that helps the City reduce the amount of paper used to print statements, thus cutting costs and ensuring environmental sustainability. “Going green will ultimately help the City reduce pollution, cultivate more trees, and help maintain the ecological balance on earth, so that all living beings can survive and thrive in their natural habitats. We urge techno savvy account holders to help the City create an environmentally friendly work space by opting to receive their municipal bills electronically. By keeping our environment cleaner, we build a healthier future for ourselves and future generations,” MMC Ngobeni added.

An artist’s impression of the Jewel City redevelopment project.

Project to revitalise Joburg CBD Johannesburg - Construction of the iconic Jewel City redevelopment in the Joburg CBD is in progress. The Divercity Urban Property Fund’s project is revitalising six city blocks that have been closed for decades. Work has started on the first new residential building, and the first residential conversion of an existing building on site is now underway. The Jewel City redevelopment initiative is an investment by Divercity, a new investment fund that is renewing urban centres. The project has stated that it combines commercial buildings with affordable residential accommodation to create diverse neighbourhoods. It’s shareholders are Atterbury Property, Ithemba Property and Talis Property Fund,

and cornerstone investors are RMH Property and Nedbank Property. Jewel City will reopen to the public in 2020 as a mixed-use precinct, including 1 200 new residential apartments in its first phase and up to 1 000 in its second phase. Leading property developer Atterbury is managing the development for Divercity. Atterbury’s development manager Derrick Pautz said there will be a crescendo of activity as those buildings that require less time for completion are progressively added to the active construction programme. “Jewel City is enjoying excellent buy-in from major national retailers, which are showing keen interest and commitment. We’re excited to

break down the walls of Jewel City and open up great living opportunities and enhanced quality of life for people in the city,” Pautz said. Residents are expected to move into the Jewel City apartments from November this year, as the first floors of residential development are completed. Upper floors will be available first, moving down the buildings until all floors are finished with Phase 1 completion in April 2020. The amenity-rich mixed-use precinct also includes commercial space and parking. There is already progress on leasing the commercial space, which includes a primary and high school, and medical facilities. This is billed to create 1 279 temporary jobs and 25 permanent ones.

News

Inner-city Gazette

4 - 11 April 2019

IEC moves to counter disinformation The electoral body says the move is as a result of the rise in disinformation, especially via digital platforms and the potential negative impact it may have on the integrity Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

IEC chief executive Sy Mamabolo

n response to increasing digital disinformation, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched an online reporting platform to counter false information. The electoral body says the move is as a result of the rise in disinformation, especially via digital platforms and the potential negative impact it may have on the integrity

of the coming May 8 elections. The platform is developed in partnership with Media Monitoring South Africa and will facilitate the online submission and tracking of complaints relating to disinformation encountered on social media platforms, according to IEC chief executive Sy Mamabolo. “Once a complaint is submitted online, it will be referred to a panel of experts under the umbrella of the Electoral Commission’s office

for electoral offences. This panel, which has expertise in media law, social media and disinformation, will assess and investigate the complaint and make a recommendation to the commission for consideration. The commission will then make its determination on any further action,” Mamabolo says. The IEC’s vice-chairperson, Janet Love says they are also working with social media organisations in curbing the spread of disinforma-

tion relating to the elections. “We have engaged with various stakeholders and these include some of the social media platforms themselves, since the second half of last year. These include Facebook, Twitter and Google. And a number of these have interacted with political parties to make them aware of the opportunities in some of the potential ways in which parties can use and protect themselves from media abuse,” Love adds.

City registers waste pickers Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

he City of Joburg, in conjunction with Pikitup is conducting registration for waste pickers within the City. In a statement the City said over 1 000 waste pickers have been registered in Region D. “Through this registration waste pickers can be considered for training opportunities and benefit from waste minimisation value chain projects. The City’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) also has a forum where waste pickers are registered. We will therefore consolidate these lists to better engage with waste pickers in the future. We

will engage on how we can assist with protective clothing, tools of the trade and inoculations through corporate sponsorship,” the City said. The statement added that registration is to recognize waste pickers who are currently in the system for integration into the City’s solid waste management system as stakeholders; to verify, record and quantify waste picker contribution to waste minimisation by collecting statistics of recyclable materials collected by waste pickers; to have accurate records of the number of waste pickers that can be used for planning programmes, selection of people to access opportunities such as training. “This will ensure that the process is

transparent, and can be monitored to make all opportunities equitable; to allow for new waste pickers to be registered and recognised; and all waste pickers, South Africans and documented foreign nationals, will be registered and issued with a Waste Pickers identity card,” the statement said. A report commissioned by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) estimates that there are 62 147 waste pickers in the country, about 25 467 of them operate as trolley pushers, and about 36 680 operate at landfill sites. The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) said one percent of the world’s population sustains livelihoods through recycling activities.

A waste picker drags a trolley laden with recyclable materials in Johannesburg.

Daniel Mogoregi the ETQA manager’s WOW!!!!! moment was the parents, grandparents and family members that were screaming with joy witnessing their siblings achievement.

What

a wonderful day for

Hard

work finally paid off

the scholars of iCollege. Last week the Johannesburg and Midrand campuses held their Graduations in the City Hall of Johannesburg. There were just below 200 graduates receiving their certificates after 12 months of hard work. The students were very excited for receiving their rewards. Johnny Milias the campus manager of Johannesburg said that the students changed from being children to become young adult ladies and gentlemen.

Most these students come from very poor backgrounds. Many said when they first heard of the iCollege offer, it sounded too good to be true. Today they are proud graduates. Students get sponsored by companies that they in turn are contracted to for the duration of their studies. Some of the companies then could employ some of the students that meet their needs. This is a win - win situation for all concerned.

4 - 11 April 2019

Inner-city Gazette

4 - 11 April 2019

Inner-city Gazette

The Arts

SA model makes history What is a condition that is literally nothing more than a lack of pigmentation, has for the longest time been shrouded in dangerous superstition which often places those living with albinism in danger. Arts Reporter

odel Thando Hopa has made history as the first woman with Albinism to appear on the Vogue magazine cover The model, lawyer and activist graced the April cover of Vogue Portugal. Vogue magazine dubbed its April issue 'Africa Motherland'. It is supposed to promote Africa, which is often termed the "cradle of humanity" and regarded as the place from which all human beings originated. Hopa is the first woman living with albinism to ever grace the cover of the magazine.

People living with albinism still face tremendous stigmati-

zation, persecution and even murder in many African countries including South Africa. What is a condition that is literally nothing more than a lack of pigmentation, has for the longest time been shrouded in dangerous superstition which often places those living with albinism in danger. Speaking about her Vogue cover feature, Hopa wrote on Instagram: "I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a

Vogue Cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me. We are the ones we have been waiting for. I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative." What Vogue has done is not just historical but progressive and given the magnitude of the publication, it has played a major role in highlighting how people living with albinism are people. Since the Vogue Portugal magazine’s April edition has two covers, well-known British-Sudanese supermodel, Alek Wek, graces the second cover.

Kwaito legend blames ‘drunk driving’ arrest on medication

Kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza

Johannesburg - Award-winning kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza, whose real name is Victor Bogopane, has blamed a recent drunk driving arrest on his medication, after spending a night in police custody for the alleged offence. Bogopane was arrested during a joint operation between the South African Police Service (Saps) and the Johannesburg Metro Police

Department (JMPD) in Fairland, according to press reports. One of the media reports cites a police officer who was at the scene, who claims the kwaito star was two times above the legal alcohol consumption limit; and that he tried to use his celebrity status to get let off the hook. Police spokesperson Kay Makhubele confirmed Bogo-

pane’s arrest. He added: “Bogopane was released on R1 500 bail on Monday morning; and the matter is currently still under investigation.” When asked to comment on his arrest, Bogopane said he was not drunk, but on medication. “The mistake I made was to take all six tablets in a short period of time,” Bogopane added.

Celeb children audition to play Lebo Mathosa Own Correspondent Hundreds of youths who included children of celebrities recently auditioned to play the iconic Lebo Mathosa. Those included Bahumi Mhlongo, daughter of Somizi Mhlongo and Palesa Madisakwane, and Owami Mafokate, daughter of Arthur Mafokate and Queen Sesoko. Bahumi, 22, looked the part sporting Boom Shaka’s 1990s box braids. “The acting I’m fine with it, I’m more nervous about the dancing. I don’t dance professionally. In school I was a cheerleader, but it was freestyle choreography. So I can get the steps right,” she said. The casting call for the six-part BET

Africa biopic required actors between 10 and 14 years as well as 20 and 30 years to audition for the younger and older Mathosa, respectively. Participants auditioned in front of industry heavyweights Mmabatho Montsho, Portia Gumede and Rolie Nikiwe over two stages - dance and acting. They were given a script and taught a funky dance routine before auditioning with Mathosa’s Sizaziwisa playing in the background. Arthur was there to support Owami. “You can’t have a Lebo story without having Queen. They grew up together and were friends from an early age. I encouraged Owami to audition as Lebo, she might impress them enough to play her own mom in the series. It’s just an experience for her.”

Bahumi Mhlongo and Owami Mafokate at the event

Model, lawyer and activist Thando Hopa

Phuti Financial Services Quick cash loans at very affordable rates.

WhatsApp 084 206 8983

Advertise To place your advert Call us on:

011 402 1977

Coach laments ‘bad luck’ losses Sports Reporter

idvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has expressed concern at the rate which his side is conceding goals at the moment. The team let in four goals and scored as many against Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal at Bidvest Stadium last Saturday. They went on to lose on penalties, a few weeks after losing 3-2 to Cape Town City in the Absa Premiership at the same venue. Wits conceded 25 times in 24 PSL matches, which is uncharacteristic of a side coached by Hunt, who always says “strikers win you games, the defence wins the league”. “The positives are we are scoring goals every week. We scored eight in two games but we have conceded six in the last two games, what’s that? Every team scores a free kick here against us. Every team in the

league and they have scored more than one. I mean every week those free kicks will end up over the bar like they normally do but against us, they are going in. So, you have to say it is a lot of bad luck now. I have never seen it in my life.” Having been knocked out of the cup competition, Hunt said they will try to give a full go in the league, but that they need to work on defending. “We wanted to do well in the cup because it is a lucrative cup and it keeps our season going. We wanted to do well and there is a lot of things we need to work on. We did a lot of work on what happened so it was not the right work. You can work all day and do all the things but if it doesn’t happen on the night there is nothing you can do about it. The second round has been a problem for us, a lot of individual errors,” he added.

A tussle for the ball during the recent Wits, Chippa United match.