INNER CITY GAZETTE

Mayor Amad resigns before Motion of No Confidence

In just two and a half months after taking office, councillor Thapelo Amad has resigned as the executive mayor of Johannesburg. His exit comes just hours before facing a motion of no confidence.

Councillor Amad, representing the Muslim minority political party, Al Jama-ah, was elected through the assistance of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighter’s (EFF) partnership a few months earlier.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, April 24, Gauteng Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi thanked Councillor Amad for his selfless leadership skills.

“Following intense consultation and

discussions we have accepted the resignation of our executive mayor, Thapelo Amad.,” said Lesufi He replaced Democratic Alliance’s Councillor DA Mpho Maphalatse who was outsted through a motion of no confidence in January.

Political parties that backed Amad started calling for his resignation after a television interview went viral, where he revealed his involvement in securing a R9.5 billion loan for the city.

“The loan proposal referred to is but one of many unsolicited proposals advanced to the City following widely published reports on the City’s financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic impact on ratepayers and the City,” the

office of the mayor explained.

A constant breakdown in multi party coalitions has led the City to electing a total of six mayors in just three years.

The DA welcomes the resignation of Thapelo Amad and announces Dr Phalatse as their preferred candidate for Mayoral election.

“The mention of the R9,5 billion loan facility was made as a mere example of the proposals received and not stated as a final and concluded deal of the City. It was used within the context of the interview to demonstrate a collective will by the City leadership to steer Johannesburg and the Inner City around towards growth and development,” said the City in a statement.

Former executive mayor Cllr Thapelo Amad

The future is uncertain? Not if you qualify in IT!

Boston City Campus reporter

The future of work is not just about gathering certifications, or as Aubrey Masango (broadcaster) cautions, about credentialism. Rather, we need to focus on skills acquisition, and flexibility.

“The future of work refers to an informed perspective on what businesses and other organizations need to know about how work could shift (given digitization and other trends), plus how workforces and workplaces can prepare for those changes, big and small,” (McKinsey).

Aubrey continues, saying that, “the future of work will be about job skills and interpersonal skills”.

What do the stats tell us? According to Ari Katz, CEO of Boston City Campus, results of an American survey show that 65% percent of children entering primary school will end up in jobs that don’t yet exist (World Economic Forum). For all graduates and employees, it means that we need to investigate new skills in all industries.

Thus, Boston focuses on two important aspects: 1) Liaising with corporate and industry to make sure our output is meeting the skills demand of industry, and 2) external accreditation such as that of CISCO, an international accreditation and certification brand in IT.

Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for non-IT occupations. This increase is expected to result in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade.

Workers with Information Technology backgrounds are in high demand now and will be even more sought after in the next few years. (source: weworkremotely.com)

Kobus Olivier, HOD at Boston City Campus promotes IT skills advancement through completing a variety of the CISCO courses on offer at Boston. According to Kobus, “rapid technological change, combined with rising education costs, have made our traditional higher-education system an increasingly difficult path, so the option of gaining skills through CISCO, skill by skill, gives the advantage of breaking down study time and study costs into manageable chunks. Add to this the stamp of international credibility, and you get a head start in the IT job search queue!”.

A World Economic Forum report found that ‘in many industries and countries, the most in-demand occupations or specialties did not exist 10 or even five years ago, and the pace of change is set to accelerate.’ “What does this mean for us?” asks Katz? “It means we have to adopt the concept of lifelong learning - whether we

are doctors, bookkeepers or IT technicians”.

Kobus maintains that the future of work is about flexibility and adaptability, about willingness to learn and grow. And no one profession can ever insulate us from the unpredictability of technological progression and disruption.

For those that are conservative in their approach to education and believe a degree is the be all and end all, consider this: Jobs website Glassdoor listed “15 more companies that no longer require a degree,…including tech giants such as Apple, IBM and Google”. “Increasingly,” Glassdoor reported, “there are many companies offering well-paying jobs to those with non-traditional education or a high-school diploma.”

New non-traditional education options are found freely on the internet. While campus students used to be focused on a particular profession, they have now broadened demand and understanding that they need to operate in a free market economy with strong competition. To remain competitive, they must be able to compete on many levels.

All graduates need an understanding of books and accounting, even the creatives. We need to be open to new ideas, lateral thinking, creativity, but still with an understanding of the business knowledge that a degree gives us, as well as the doors that it will open.

Careers are no longer static. Education doesn’t stop. It’s a lifelong process.

Visit www.boston.co.za

COUPLE ARRESTED FOR MURDERS OF SOWETO KIDS!

Police have arrested a 50-year-old woman and her 39-year-old partner in connection with the murders of two children, Nqobile Zulu and Tshiamo Rabanye, in Soweto.

Their mutilated bodies were found on Thursday morning (19 April 2023), after they went missing on the Wednesday night. Three boys were abducted and one fortunately survived after running away.

Minister of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has expressed her deep sadness over the killing of the two children.

The Minister said the uncalled for tragedy comes at a time where South Africans are commemorating and celebrating their freedom.

“Children are the most vulnerable in society and

President

we must protect them from unspeakable crimes. Families, communities and individuals must implement measures that safeguard children from such kind of abuses. We all have a responsibility to raise awareness on the importance of protecting children,” said Dlamini Zuma.

The Minister said the South African Constitution has the highest regard for children, their protection and non-violation of their rights.

Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.

“The duo has since been charged with murder. They will appear before the Protea Magistrates Court on Friday, 28 April 2023,” Police Ministry Spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of international singer, actor, cultural and civil rights activist, Harold George ‘Harry’ Belafonte.

Belafonte, who passed away on Wednesday, April 26, was also an esteemed member of the National Order of the Companion of OR Tambo.

President Ramaphosa said Belafonte’s passing on the eve of the National Orders ceremony and the country’s Freedom Day celebration serves a poignant reminder of the contribution Belafonte made to the international cultural boycott of South Africa during the apartheid years.

SEVEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER OF RETIRED JOURNALIST, JEREMY GORDI

The police have arrested seven suspects in connection of the murder of retired journalist, Jeremy Gordin that occurred on 31 March 2023.

The detectives from Gauteng Province, Johannesburg East Trio team and Parkview in partneship with private security companies operationalised intelligence information which led to the arrest of seven suspects aged between 33 and 42 years.

The first suspect was arrested on 12 April 2023 while driving the deceased stolen motor vehicle in Auckland Park. Further investigations led to the arrest of six more suspects later during that day.

All suspects are foreign nationals and are expected to appear before Johannesburg Magistrates’ soon on charges of murder, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unlincesed firearm.

Harry Belafonte

“Harry Belafonte holds a special

place in the hearts of South Africans and many around the world for his outstanding talent and warmth of his personality, but also for his stand against apartheid whilst in the prime of his international career.

“He was instrumental in sustaining the United Nations-led cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa. He worked closely with South African artists, including Miriam Makeba, to ensure South Africa’s struggle against apartheid remained in the international spotlight and agenda,” the President said.

“We will remember him as a hero and true friend of South Africa that we must celebrate during our National Orders ceremony and for many years to come,” the President said.

NEW STATION COMMANDER COLONEL LEKALAKALA READY TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF CLEVELAND!

As from 1 May 2023 the new Station Commander Colonel Lekalakala will take over the responsibility from Colonel Motaung who is retiring from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

GAUTENG TO KICK START PUBLIC HEARINGS ON EXPROPRIATION BILL!

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio on Infrastructure Development & Property Management will over the next two months convene a series of public hearings across the 5 Regions of the Province, in an effort to solicit public inputs on the Expropriation Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to amend Section 25 of the Constitution, so as to provide for the expropriation of property for public purposes or in the public interest; to regulate the procedure for the expropriation of property for a public purpose or in the public interest; including payment of compensation; and to identify certain instances where the provision of nil compensation may be just and equitable for expropriation in the public interest.

The Committee invites residents of Gauteng to come out in their numbers and make inputs on the Bill to ensure that the Bill ultimately becomes product of a wide range of consultation and will serve the greater good of the country.

The public hearings are in accordance with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s constitutional mandate to facilitate public participation in legislative processes, to ensure that laws which are passed in the Province are a reflection of the views and vision of Residents.

Colonel Lekalakala

Colonel Lekalakala started in the SAPS in 1989 at the Pretoria Logistics in Silverton and later worked at Jan Smuts Airport as a Constable. He then worked his way up at different offices such as Witwatersrand Logistics in 1993 and then to the Gauteng Provincial Commissioners office in 1996. In 2004 he was transferred to Cleveland Police station as the Support Commander and promoted to the rank of Captain. In 2007 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at the North West Provincial commissioner’s office as a Facility Manager and in 2008 he was transferred to Moroka SAPS as the Support Commander. In 2009 he went to Hillbrow Police station as the Support

Commander and in 2011 was promoted to the rank of Colonel and transferred to Division HRU as a Support Head. In 2015 he was again transferred to the Gauteng Provincial Commissioners office at the Inspectorate and dealing with Complaints against the police in Gauteng. As from 1 May 2023 he will be the new Station Commander at Cleveland Police Station.

The management of Cleveland SAPS welcome the Colonel back at the station and hve wish him all the best as the new station commander.

“We know that he will do his best to serve the community with pride and dignity.We also want to wish Colonel Motaung all the best during his retirement,” the station’s spokesperson explained.

The Cleveland Police Station can still be contacted at 011-607 5700, the Community Service Centre at 011-607 5745 or 6.

This entire process is critical as it seeks to answer the fundamental question of the issue of the land, which has been a subject of debate across the length and breadth of the country.

Details of Public Hearings

Date & Time: 26 April 2023 @ 10am

Venue: Johannesburg City Hall

Date & Time: 10 May 2023 @ 10am

Venue: Vereeniging Civic Centre

Date & Time: 15 May 2023 @ 10am

Venue: Duduza Multi-Purpose Centre

Date & Time: 1 June 2023 @ 10am

Venue: Akasia Community Hall

Date & Time: 5 June @ 10am

Venue: Krugersdorp Centenary Hall

Members of the public who cannot attend, but wish to make submissions may email these to Ms Maureen Tshabalala (Committee Coordinator): MTshabalala@gpl.gov.za

The closing date for all submissions is Monday, 5th June 2023, @ 16h00. Copies of the Expropriation Bill are available on www. gpl.gov.za or may be obtained at the reception of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

C HILD SEX RING KINGPIN G ERHARD A CKERMAN FOUND GUILTY!

Gerhard Ackerman has been found guilty of over 700 counts including rape, sexual grooming, possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of children.

With the world moving towards a more digitally inclined era, it is no surprise that most of the charges against Ackerman relate to unlawful possession and creation of child pornography.

Moreover, Ackerman used social media to lure young teenage boys to traffic them for sexual services to an extensive list of clients. According to The Dis-

rupting Harm in South Africa report, between to 7 – 9% of South African children aged between 9 and 17 have experienced online sexual exploitation and abuse.

Sexual offences against children in South Africa should be legislated as a capital crime.

South Africa has one of the highest rape statistics in the world with an estimate of 115 rapes per day.

Whilst we acknowledge the power dynamics behind rape; that this motion is not preventative in nature, we are also of the opinion that the Correctional Ser-

vices’ budget is wasted on resources to ‘rehabilitate’ perpetrators that can and should never be reintegrated back into society.

In the same breath, we encourage programs and initiatives which seek to alter dysfunctional patterns of behaviour bred by the archaic socialisation of boys and girls. There is no quick fix or one way to curb the scourge of violence against children, but it must be met with the highest contempt it instructs.

The World Health Organisation esti-

mates that globally up to 1 billion children aged 2 – 17 years have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year. In South Africa, 1 out of 5 children are victims of sexual abuse. The data may not be the true reflection of the impact, and this is owing to the lack of reporting especially when the perpetrator is known to the child, which is often the case.

While in court, Ackerman maintained his innocence saying to the reporters that he did nothing wrong, because the young boys “knew what they were doing”.

CITY COMMEMORATES WORLD EARTH DAY!

By Nthatisi Modingoane

The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, celebrated World Earth Day on Friday, 21 April 2023, with a clean-up campaign under the banner on War on Waste in Hillbrow. Cllr Sekwaila was accompanied by the Regional Director for CRUM Region F, Irene Mafune, Ward Councillors Xolani Khumalo (Ward 63) and Zanele Nyembe (Ward 62), SAPS Hillbrow, Station Commander as well as senior management from the city and Pikitup. World Earth Day is an annual celebration that acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness about the dire need to protect the earth and its natural resources for future generations.

This year, World Earth Day is celebrated under the theme “Invest in our Planet” with the focus on engaging governments, institutions, businesses and citizens to do their part in protecting the environment.

Various stakeholders collaborated with the city and Pikitup to spruce up the streets of Hillbrow.

They cleared illegal dumping sites, swept streets and planted trees. They included

the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dotted O Foundation, Clean City SA, SAPS Hillbrow, Ekhaya Environmental Group, Rand Clinic, Reef Hotel and Mzansi FM Radio.

They all pledged their support for the city’s War on Waste campaign.   The inner city still grapples with challenges of illegal dumping and dirt and grime, which is detrimental to the environment.

MMC Sekwaila said: “Communities are starting to see the value of a cleaner environment. Pikitup cannot ensure a cleaner Joburg without the assistance of the residents and local stakeholders.

“Across Yeoville, major banks have left except Shoprite and Spar; what is left is informal business. We are at the risk of losing other major investors. Cleaning and keeping the city clean will bring back investors and help address unemployment among our youth. It is hoped in this way, meaningful investments will be made in the precinct,” said MMC Sekwaila.

The day started with a march by environmental ambassadors carrying placards highlighting messages on illegal dump-

ing and littering while promoting recycling at the same time.

A recycling exhibition showcasing the value of waste was set up. Recycled products such as bales, handbags, car toys, mats made out of plastic, ear rings and art were demonstrated.

Thuli Gambushe from Dotted O Foundation, an environmental organisation in Ward 62, said: “The challenges of the inner city are substantial, however, we have volunteers who clean the streets religiously every weekend. However, the refuse is not collected by Pikitup and it ends up piling for days. Can Pikitup

please ensure that waste is collected?”

“The local councillors have been very active and helpful and local business have donated brooms and other tools to ensure that the work continues. Nobody will clean Hillbrow more than the residents themselves,” Gambushe said.

In joining the global society to mark World Earth Day, the City further assures its commitment to contributing towards collective global environmental protection efforts as well as securing the constitutional rights of citizens such as creating a healthy and safe environment for the well-being of citizens.

LEARNERS RECEIVE PENCIL BAGS MADE FROM RECYCLED BOTTLES

Over 35,000 primary school learners across South Africa receive pencil bags made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles. The now annual initiative by Pick n Pay School Club aims to educate future generations on the importance of sustainability while having an immediate positive environmental impact.

Since the initiative launched in 2021, over 101,000 learners have received one of these popular accessories for school.

This means that, through this donation, 101,000 recycled plastic bottles have been removed from the environment and upcycled to make these pencil bags.

During the handovers at over 200 schools, the learners are educated on how valuable plastic can be if appropriately recycled and educational posters have been created showing how these pencil cases have been made.

This year, Pick n Pay School Club worked with Feed the Nation Foundation and local Pick n Pay stores to donate food and/or food hampers for the children. 1,000 pencil bags have also been donated to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, which provides free comprehensive support to families of children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

Andre Nel, General Manager: Sustainability at Pick n Pay, says that the pencil bags are a beautiful and practical accessory for learners to store their stationery, but it also promotes environmentally sustainable behaviour.

Each pencil bag is made from one 500ml recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate – known as rPET) water bottle – the type of plastic typically used to make plastic bottles and other packaging, such as food and household goods containers.

“Promoting recycling amongst the youth encourages them to conserve resources and reduce the amount of plastic waste in our oceans, landfills or the environment. By giving these pencil bags to school children, we teach them about the importance of recycling and practically demonstrate the benefits of a circular economy whereby plastic can be used again and again if recycled,” says Nel.

Envi Africa Life launches in South Africa

Envi Africa Life, a 100% Black femaleowned Life Microinsurance company in South Africa, held a successful launch event on Thursday 20 April 2023 to introduce its affordable insurance solutions to those who may not have access to traditional insurance products. The event was attended by notable individuals from various industries, including insurance, finance, and government.

During the event, Envi Africa founder and executive director, Lebohang Mehalane, shared her vision of providing cost-effective insurance options to underprivileged individuals in society. She emphasised the company commitment to designing tailored and innovative products that cater specifically to the low to middle-income segments of society.

Guests were given the opportunity to engage with the Envi Africa Life team and learn more about their products and services. The company also provided a platform for attendees to network and con-

nect with like-minded individuals from various industries.

''We are thrilled with the turnout for our launch event, and we are grateful for the support we have received from the insurance community and related partners'' said Lebohang.

Envi Africa Life is more than just a business solution to the lack of affordable insurance options for underprivileged individuals. We believe that by providing our products, we can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Envi Africa Life is committed to creating long-term partnerships with its clients and empowering individuals to secure their future through affordable insurance solutions. The company launch event was a significant milestone in achieving its vision, and it looks forward to continued growth and success.

For more information on the life and funeral cover products, please visit https://www.enviafrica.co.za.

The initiative is a remarkable example of how public and private partnerships can positively impact society by educating and inspiring future generations to care for the environment.

Pick n Pay School Club is one of South Africa’s leading educational platforms, reaching over 3,280 schools and over two million learners.

“It is so important we support the school’s curriculum with activations such as this as it helps communicate important lessons to learners in a fun and interactive way. It is incredible to see learners taking recycling more seriously in schools where pencil bags were donated.”

Entries open for SA’s largest Women’s Day Celebration, the Totalsports Women’s Race 2023!

Entries for the Totalsports Women’s Race, South Africa’s largest Women’s Day Celebration, will open on Wednesday, 05 April 2023.

Runners and walkers from across three major cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban) will unite on Wednesday 09 August 2023 (National Women’s Day) to show their support of PinkDrive by either taking on the 5km or 10km run/walk.

“What better way to celebrate National Women’s Day than with thousands of active women across three major cities,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We are excited to open entries for 2023 and urge runners and walkers to sign up as soon as possible to secure their spot on the start line.

Look forward to experiencing an action-packed morning with women from all walks of life as we paint the streets of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban pink in support of PinkDrive.”

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is a true celebration of womanhood, and we are both thrilled and proud to once again bring the excitement to the streets of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban,” says Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing Totalsports. “We love seeing thousands of runners wearing their pink event tees with pride. Join us as we celebrate women, health and so much more on National Women’s Day. Yes, men are also invited to join in on the fun, as long as they are willing to wear pink, the event does support PinkDrive after all.”

Each entrant will receive a fitted Event T-shirt and finisher’s

medal, while getting to enjoy an entertaining route with vibrant refreshment points and a Live Performance at the finish.

Like our Facebook page: Women’s Race / The PinkDrive

Follow us on Twitter: @womensrace / @thepinkdrive

Follow us on Instagram: Women’s Race / PinkDrive

For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.co.za.

For further information or to enter the Totalsports Women’s Race visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Over 1.25m players local registered online!

Inqaku, a sports technology company based in Gqeberha, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) are proud to announce that MYSAFA has surpassed a significant milestone of 1,25M player registrations, cementing its position as the most successful digital sports administration platform in Africa.

Inqaku’s innovative approach to unlocking the existing trust, brand, and communication channels that clubs have with their players and supporters allows MYSAFA to reach hundreds of thousands of football fans every week. What sets MYSAFA apart is the number of clubs transacting and profiting from their use of the platform, which creates a low-cost distribution channel to footballers across the country. Over 15 000 South African clubs have been registered with FIFA, and each month over 2,000 clubs transact with MYSAFA.

This achievement demonstrates Inqaku’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that help football players, clubs, and fans thrive. The company’s motto, “Aspire to Greatness,” has been the driving force behind this success.