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SIU SEX TOYS ROW SACP floats last-ditch bid to remove Zuma

Special Investigating Unit accused of distributing intimate gifts to female staffers

T

S T E V E N M OTA L E

official, who then sent it to the unit’s seniors, including Mothibi.

Mpungose, who’s being charged with “gross misconduct”, is convinced the leaked auditor-general’s response to his e-mail is the source of all his troubles.

Mpungose said: “I feel betrayed by the office of the auditor-general, which dismally failed to protect a whistle-blower. I’m being charged because of this letter I sent to the A-G’s office, which in turn did not respond to me as the complainant but to someone else who then tipped off the SIU management.”

The Sunday Independent has seen an e-mail from Jan van Schalkwyk, an executive in the auditor-general’s office, addressed to Mpungose in which he defended the leak. “The letter you sent to us gave no indication of this being a personal or whistle-blower matter. Your letter was written on an official SIU letterhead and you signed it off in your official capacity. We therefore took it as an official request,” Schalkwyk wrote.

Despite The Sunday Independent being provided with evidence showing Mpungose has been slapped with disciplinary charges, the SIU denied any of its senior staffers were facing charges. “There is no employee who is being charged for being a whistle-blower. On an ongoing basis, the SIU receives whistle-blowing reports/tip-offs and handles them in accordance with the act,” said Pandor.

HE SPECIAL Investigating Unit (SIU) has been accused of gross abuse of taxpayers’ funds after embarking on an intimacy workshop for its female employees in which they were offered a variety of sex toys as gifts.

Impeccable sources within the unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, told The Sunday Independent that during the workshops which were held on different dates in all the SIU’s eight regions across the country, the service provider, which was paid nearly R300 000, displayed various sex toys which were then given to women as gifts.

SIU spokesperson Nazreen Pandor defended the workshop saying it was “part of our employee wellness initiative. The SIU ran a women’s health awareness programme in all its offices for its female employees.”

However, Pandor denied any money was spent on sex toys, saying the successful service provider “as a value-add opted to provide a wide range of gifts relating to the theme of the programme at no additional cost to the SIU”.

“The gifts that staff could choose from, as advised by the coach during individual consultations, were heart massagers, lipsticks, body dew lotion, sensation lotion, educational books and playing cards,” said Pandor.

But the staff claim they were offended and embarrassed by what was said to be a wellness programme that turned out to be a sex workshop targeting women only and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“As a mother and a married woman, I found this sex workshop disguised as a wellness programme highly insulting,” said an SIU staffer.

“Many of the women who attended the workshop were scared to take them home. Some even threw them away while others have kept them in their offices. Sex is a very private matter and issues related to it such as sex toys are matters of an individual’s personal choice.

“For us as women to be showered with such gifts at our workplace is highly offensive. This is blatant abuse of public funds at a time when every government department and state-owned enterprise are being told to cut costs.What I find unacceptable is the fact that senior managers of a state agency whose mandate is to fight corruption and wastage of public resources are the guilty parties. This is so embarrassing,” said another female employee.

A senior SIU member who wrote to the auditor-general Kimi Makwetu blowing the whistle on the SIU management, whom he accused of wasting public funds on the sex toys, is facing a disciplinary hearing.

In his e-mail to Makwetu, SIU internal integrity officer Bongani Mpungose asked the auditor-general to investigate “the expenditure on sex toys paid by the SIU”. “I fail to see how National Treasury and the auditor-general can see this expenditure as fruitful,” Mpungose added.

He also asked Makwetu to probe the recruitment Education Reimagin[ed] of Andre Gernandt as SIU chief financial officer.

The Sunday Independent understands that Gernandt was allegedly recruited from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to Medscheme by Jan Mothibi, current head of SIU, who was the organisation’s then-executive director for legal, governance, risk and compliance.

In his CV, Gernandt lists as one of his achievements “successfully outsourcing a tender for Medscheme to process claims lodged against RAF in 2013”.

He left Medscheme to join Mothibi after he was appointment to his position as SIU head in May last year. by supported distance learning It is this history between the two men that Mpungose is adamant helped Gernandt “to avoid proper recruitment processes”.

But Pandor denied any impropriety in hiring Gernandt, saying the process “was done in accordDURBAN PIETERMARITZBURG JOHANNESBURG ance with established SIU practice, which was Tel: +27 31 300 7200 Tel: +27 33 816 0350 Tel: +27 11 853 3000 applied, consistently to previous chief financial PRETORIA CAPE TOWN EAST LONDON officers, which allows for headhunting”.

Tel: +27 12 742 8450 Tel: +27 21 671 6576 Tel: + 27 43 721 1774 Mpungose has also previously written a scathing e-mail to Mothibi expressing his dismay in his PORT ELIZABETH leadership and accusing him of turning a blind eye Tel: +27 41 816 2159 to corruption within the SIU. He told The Sunday Independent that he asked MANCOSA is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a private higher for the auditor-general’s help after all his pleas intereducation institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (as amended). Registration No.2000/HE07/003. nally, including to Mothibi himself, fell on deaf ears. www.mancosa.co.za However, disaster struck after an auditor-general staffer sent the response to Mpungose to another SIU

[GSB]

MID-YEAR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

CONCILIATORY: SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande closes the party’s 14th congress at the Picture: Itumeleng English Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.

BALDWIN NDABA THE SACP has offered to make a last bid to the ANC to force President Jacob Zuma to ditch the “immigrant Indian family” or risk contesting 2019 elections alone and without the communists’ support.

In what looked like an obvious verbal divorce notice, SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande said the connection between Zuma and the Guptas was “outrageous, embarrassing and humiliating that an immigrant Indian family can have control over the ANC president.

“That’s the reason we’ve lost confidence in Zuma,” he said.

However, Nzimande’s conciliatory tactics differed drastically with the popular view displayed by the party at the conclusion of its 14th national congress at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, yesterday.

After a resolution on state power was accepted, the majority of the provinces including Mpumalanga which had the largest delegation, sang jubilantly and chanted that they had won the battle for the SACP to contest the 2019 national elections on its own.

But their national leaders sang a different tune. Nzimande said they have taken a decision to first consult with the ANC and to discuss with them the outcome of their congress resolution before any decision was taken.

It became more evident yesterday that the SACP national leadership still wants to remain in the alliance, but the sore point remained the Guptas, whom they accused of being responsible for the outflow of billions of rand to Dubai, while the majority of black people, the SACP said, lived in abject poverty.

“We may or may not contest elections sep-

arately. We will be guided by the ANC. Our road map will determine our future decision after our meetings with the ANC. “We have also not engaged Cosatu. When we do take a decision to contest elections alone, we do need the firm support of Cosatu and workers countrywide including other parties from the Left. We still have faith in the alliance,” Nzimande said.

While the SACP repeatedly called for Zuma to step down, it mysteriously decided to take its cue from the ANC on what role its members should play on a vote of no confidence against Zuma in Parliament on August 8.

“We have not taken any resolution. The ANC will decide. Our members are there as ANC MPs,” Nzimande said.

But he warned his party members that if negotiations failed with the ANC, they would have to raise funds for the national elections. He, however, appealed to them to stay clear from getting “dirty funds from the Guptas, saying “it would bring you bad luck”.

“You cannot take the kinds of resolutions you have taken here and have business as usual. We must considerably strengthen the organisational, financial and, in particular, the campaigning capacity of our branches and other SACP structures.

“We must not have passengers in the party.

We must remove passengers from responsibility and leadership.

“All of us will have to do twice, if not thrice, more than what we have been doing for the party,” Nzimande said.

According to Nzimande, a decision to contest alone will only be taken if the ANC shuns their proposals to have equal status in all decision-making in the alliance such as deployment

of members in senior and leadership positions in Parliament as well as all spheres of government and their entities.

“The alliance remains strategic, but the manner in which it functions is clearly outdated.

The alliance mode of operation is incapable of holding it together any further.

“If the modus operandi does not change, the alliance will inevitably disintegrate with serious consequences,” Nzimande said.

“The rise of factionalism and its contagion, with the ANC as the epicentre, the increasing marginalisation of consensus-seeking consultation with the alliance both by an increasing number of individual leaders in positions of power and some leadership structures of the ANC across all levels, and, coupled with these two destructive tendencies, the rise of authoritarianism, are undermining the alliance altogether with its strategic relevance,” he added.

Nzimande pointed out the last time the alliance held its national summit was two years ago and said it should have held an economic policy summit ahead of the national congress.

He insinuated this did not happen due to political bullying by some in the ANC. “The outcome of the economic policy summit was crucial for consideration by the two major policy meetings of the two political formations of the alliance. It did not happen, as did most meetings of the alliance that should have taken place.

“The alliance’s political council is also not meeting regularly.

“When it takes place, the outcome of the last meeting is almost forgotten with virtually no expression of implementation,” Nzimande said.

See Page 4

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JULY 16 2017

Khoza vows to hold her ground SAMKELO MTSHALI

M

AKHOSI Khoza knows what it feels like to be threatened.

She understands the consequences of political hatred. She’s seen the results of it.

It’s ugly and it’s dangerous, and it can come from within and from outside an organisation. She was barely a teenager – but already a United Democratic Front (UDF) activist – when she first experienced the unforgiving nature of local political rivalries.

She speaks with an air of despondency when she recalls those days. “I was displaced at the age of 13,” she says, “and if it were not for the intervention of many families from different racial divides who adopted me and protected me in Pietermaritzburg, I would have been killed.”

Her protectors then included

Yunus Carrim, a former minister of communications, Nalini Naidoo, of The Witness newspaper in Pietermaritzburg and her husband Dennis, and Aaron Mazel and his wife Annie McDonald.

She also mentions how the lawyer, Ian Lax, helped her to escape from police holding cells when she had been arrested as a 14-year-old in the then Transkei.

In the desperate days of the late 1980s, more than 2 000 people were killed in three years in the vicinity of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Khoza was displaced from her family home in Harewood, 12km outside Pietermaritzburg, in this “war”.

Harewood was an Inkatha Freedom Party stronghold in the 1980s.

It was no place for a UDF activist.

Just being there was akin to a death sentence and the family home was destroyed by fire.

Khoza’s bravery, which saw her survive those dark days of the

‘I know what it took to get to where we are’ Struggle against a brutal apartheid regime and its surrogates, is still evident today. Of her current challenges, Khoza says: “It’s not the first time that I am going through this and I was young then.”

“I grew up with this kind of thing and it’s only somebody who doesn’t know my background who would cast aspersions on me by calling me opportunistic. People who understand how I grew up will know the type of person I really am,” she adds.

She has high praise for Mazel, an archaeologist. He and his family took care of her as if she was one of their own, she says. “When I wrote my matric exams, Aaron would take off from work to drive me to Msimude High School, in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg – and wait for me to finish writing,” she says.

Her thirst for education saw her

get a PhD in administration and a master’s degree in social science (policy administration).

Khoza has also served as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Finance in KwaZulu-Natal among numerous management positions she has held in both the public and private sectors.

It is unfortunate, she says, that some people do not understand the sacrifices anti-apartheid activists made to help lead the country to freedom. This is why, she says, she will “not allow South Africa to go down”.

“Some of us understand what it took us to get to where we are,” she says.

“I will not be swayed.”

Although Khoza’s stance urging the National Assembly to allow MPs to vote in the motion of no confi-

Emma Mashinini laid to rest​ SAMKELO MTSHALI THERE were no political speeches made at the three-hour funeral of the late struggle icon and unionist Emma Mashinini, who died on Monday aged 87.

Instead, scores of mourners who packed the St Albans Cathedral Church in Pretoria at the main event shared good memories of Mashinini.

Politicians, unionists, comrades and friends were among the mourners who came to pay their last respects to Mashinini at a provincial official funeral.

Among the dignitaries were Nobel Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Gauteng MEC for community safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, former trade unionist Mbhazima Shilowa and South African Federation of Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.

The ceremony was characterised by the singing of hymns and prayer with Mashinini’s coffin lying in the middle, draped with the South African flag.

In her honour, the presidency had ordered the provincial flags to fly at half mast for the funeral.

Reverend Barney Pityana, who delivered a sermon, eulogised Mashinini as a good friend and neighbour to many who knew her.

“She was kind and generous… and was particular about how she presented herself,” he said.

Mashinini was also described as an active and caring member of the Cathedral Church, where she was also a “struggle heroine and lived values of the Gospel”.

She was remembered for her role in the soup kitchen project for the homeless people and a special collection was taken up in her memory for the benefit of the initiative. Tutu, who graced the occasion, was all smiles when

asked to share his memories of the late Mashinini.

“She was a wonderful person and always shaking you up when you aim too low. She was a wonderful mother and the family can be proud of her,” he said.

Mourners were told that Mashinini was forced to leave school at the age of 14 to work due to domestic circumstances.

She was elected to the national executive committee of the National Union of Clothing Workers, the highest body of the Garment Workers’ Union.

Mashinini was famously responsible for changing the original design of the Cosatu logo, which had initially comprised of three men pushing a wheel.

“During the formation of Cosatu, Emma successfully argued for the replacement of one of the men with a woman wearing a doek and carrying a baby on her back. The redesigned logo with the woman now leading at the front was adopted and remains to this day a globally recognised symbol of equal rights in the workplace,” according to her obituary.

Mashinini was the founder of the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers’ Union and also served as deputy chairperson of the National Manpower Commission from 1993 to 1995.

She became president of the Mediation and Conciliation Centre in Johannesburg in the 1990s and in 1995 was appointed Commissioner for the Restitution of Land Rights.

In 2007, Mashinini was bestowed with the Order of Luthuli Bronze for her outstanding contribution in building the trade union movement.

Glen Mashinini, Electoral Commission chairperson, also a family member, described her as a warrior and fighter for peace.

THE Hawks are urging witnesses and community members to come forward if they have any information relating to a shooting in which three Umzimkhulu Municipality councillors were wounded in KwaZulu-Natal this week.

The three were at a general dealer in the Ibisi area on Thursday evening, when assailants jumped out of a red BMW and opened fire on them, before fleeing.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said: “We know there are people who are being paid. There are people who are fuelling this violence. This must come to a stop.”

Mulaudzi said the police suspected that people were afraid to disclose information, but reiterated that the identities of infor-

mants and the information they had would be kept confidential.

“It cannot be that these things are happening in this area and in the province and that people are prepared to turn a blind eye. This is totally unacceptable.

“We need to make sure that the victims recuperate so they are able to give us statements on what actually happened.”

After the three councillors had recovered from their wounds, they would be taken back to the scene to help police reconstruct what happened, he said.

Interviews had been conducted with people in Ibisi.

“There is somebody somewhere who knows what happened, but people are just reluctant to give us that information. I think those who know something should view it as a social responsibility to

MAKHOSI KHOZA subject of death threats.

Lacking any personal protection from police or her party in the wake of the death threats, several members of the public have volunteered to act as bodyguards for her and her daughter, Khoza says.

The funeral of political leader and struggle icon Emma Thandi Mashinini was held at Cathedral Church in Pretoria.

Pictures: Bongani Shilulbane

He thanked Tutu, who he described as Mashinini’s soul brother, for coming to the funeral.

“I would like to express gratitude to the presidency and the provincial government and the City of Tshwane for all the marvellous support they have extended to our family in the manner that they did,” he said.

Mashinini’s body was later transported to Pretoria West Crematory. Only family members attended the cremation.

(See page 8)

Hawks seek tip-offs after KZN shooting R A P U L A M O AT S H E

dence in Zuma via a secret ballot has won her widespread support, it has also led to her being condemned by fellow party members.

Her series of Facebook posts on the “moral decline” of her party angered the ANC Youth League, who threatened to march to her Hillcrest home earlier this year.

ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu accused her of “extreme ill-discipline”.

In one of her recent posts, Khoza writes: “I’m still wondering why the deputy president, secretary-general and treasurer-general distanced themselves from the decision of the president’s reshuffling publicly?

These are internal matters. Were they charged for ill-discipline? No. So why me?” Pointing to the death threats levelled against her and her daughter, Khoza says it would be easy for other people to throw in the

towel. “But not me.”

With her 25 year-old daughter already getting threats on her life, Khoza says they were now trying to cushion her son Mlando, 20, who she refers to as “a mama’s boy”, adding that he would be devastated if anything happened to her. “The other day he was crying because he saw something on the TV and I realised I have to cushion him.

“He said to me: ‘Ma leave this politics thing, why don’t you just run your bed and breakfast business and forget about this thing? I can’t lose my father and lose you as well’.”

Khoza’s husband, Ntela Sikhosana, Mlando’s father, died from suspected food poisoning in 998, leaving Khoza with a then six-year-old daughter and a then nine-month-old Mlando to bring up on her own. “So I am trying to protect him myself and reassure him,” Khoza says of her son. Her 25-year-old daughter, Zama, has recently also been the

inform the police,” Mulaudzi said.

He said a police detachment from the SA Police Service had been deployed to the Umzimkhulu area.

ANC provincial secretary Super Zuma said two of the councillors who were shot – ward 11 councillor Nonsikelelo Mafa and ward 16 councillor Jabu Mzizi – were in a stable condition. Sindiso Magaqa, the former ANC Youth League secretary, was still in a critical condition.

Zuma said the ANC’s provincial leadership was concerned about councillors being killed and had asked the premier to set up a commission of inquiry.

“Whoever the perpetrators are, whether they are from the ANC or society, they should be treated as people who have committed a criminal act,” he said.

THE WEEK THAT WAS take on Kenyan side Gor Mahia.

■ Chinese human rights activist and Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo dies aged 61.

He suffered terminal liver cancer.

■ Sindiso Magaqa, a former ANC Youth League secretary-general who is now a councillor, is in hospital after being shot several times in uMzimkhulu, KwaZuluNatal. He was with two colleagues.

Sunday, 9 July ■ Four male lions that escaped from the Kruger Park are spotted wandering near the N4 / Crocodile River gorge area.

■ Fashion label Kendall + Kylie says it sold two T-shirts with late rapper Tupac Shakur’s image before withdrawing them.

■ Eight people killed and 50 injured in a grenade attack in Kayanza, Burundi.

Monday, 10 July ■ Solomon Mahlangu would be 61.

■ Struggle stalwart Emma Mashinini dies.

■ Cape Town City captain and striker Lebogang Manyama wins 2016/2017 footballer of the season at PSL Awards.

Tuesday, 11 July ■ Jazz giant Johnny Mekoa is buried. He

died last Monday aged 72.

■ The 14th National Congress of the SACP begins at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.

■ Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu hands over an R800 000 truck to Gridbow Engineers as part of the Gazelles programme.

tions at its 14th National Congress.

■ Music legend Ray Phiri dies after battling lung cancer. He was 70.

■ Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo is honoured for her outstanding leadership in public service by Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago.

Thursday, 13 July

Wednesday, 12 July ■ Dr Blade Nzimande returns for his third term as leader of the SACP at its elec-

■ Wayne Rooney’s first appearance back in an Everton shirt could happen in Tanzania when the English Premier League club

Friday, 14 July ■ The Black Lawyers' Association march to Pretoria to lament the continued disregard for their members by the State in its briefing patterns.

■ Farmers who put Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa in a coffin in court for bail bid.

■ For the first time since 1967, Muslim worshippers are unable to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem after it was attacked. Two Israeli police officers are among those who died.

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THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

N O N TA N D O M P O S O THERE is nothing ordinary about Sun City, The Palace of the Lost City especially. From the cream concrete rough-textured walls supported by thick pillars to the water features decorated with cheetahs pouncing on running springboks, this is a city one can get lost in.

This weekend a group of fashion designers, the business elite, socialites and entertainers have gathered here for the annual Royal Escape Experience (#RoyalEscape2017), an exclusive retreat by event organisers espAfrika.

Guests are spending the weekend indulging in fine dining, participating in a golf tournament, enjoying top-notch entertainment, fashion shows and shopping and being pampered.

The ticket price includes everything from food to drinks and a purple bracelet identifies the special guests.

Festivities began on Friday afternoon with a dinner under the stars at The Royal Mokete. Guests were seated around a bonfire and a buffet of braai meat, salads and starchy foods was served.

The drinks flowed as we listened to soothing sounds by multi-instrumentalist Pops Mohamed and Afrobeat and jazz musician Femi Koya.

Traditional Xhosa dancers had us stomping our feet.

The MC of the weekend is media personality Unathi Msengwana.

Wear South African (WearSA), a collective that promotes local designers and locally made apparel, kicked off the fashion side of things with dancers wearing muted hues of khaki, green and white.

The highlight of the evening was a showcase by premium street-wear brand Magents, celebrating ‘90s music and the iconic kwaito singer Lebo Mathosa.

Dancers delivered a message of unity and spreading love. The brand, launched in the late ‘90s, started a different form of protest, post-apartheid.

Their slogan T-shirts and separates of jackets and jeans celebrate street culture, Africanism and the township lifestyle.

Popular with fashion lovers and worn by artists, musicians and the politically conscious, it’s one of a few brands that have stood the test of time in a saturated market.

Royal treatment at Palace of the Lost City

Malekantwa, traditional dancers from Botswana, entertain the audience and guests as part of The Royal Escape Experience at Sun City.

Doccie to open a window into Ontlametse’s life Progerian girl’s tale in her words AMANDA MALIBA

T

HE life and times of Ontlametse Phalatse will be told in detail in the upcoming documentary film My Attractive Life, which the 18-year-old worked on before she died in April.

It will be released next month.

Ontlametse, who was said to be the only black person to suffer from a rare diseases called progeria, which causes premature ageing, will reveal how she journeyed through life and what her thoughts were of herself and her disease.

“In this tale, you get personal with her story and that’s what makes it unique,” says director Keabetswe Mokoena.

“Ontlametse has always been documented as a black progerian girl, who can speak English and live a normal life, but now the film aims to go deeper into who this young lady really was,” she adds.

The passing of Ontlametse, who also lived her life in the public eye as a motivational speaker and an inspiration to many, forced the creative team to develop new ways of capturing her story without compromising the quality of the film and also keeping true to who she was.

“Because it is a doccie film, there will not be any re-enactments. The angle had to change (a little) because Ontlametse was no longer around to tell her tale. So we thought of telling it in a master class format.”

This master class, according to Mokoena, is a process of imparting knowledge of a specific industry to a group of people.

“In this case, the masters are

3

Stoan Seate

Keabetswe Mokoena

the people we interviewed, being the family and her friends, and our class is the audience.”

The title My Attractive Life was based on how Ontlametse viewed her influential stance in society and also the various people she had attracted during her life.

“And I also think it was derived from a spiritual level.

“From a thought of accepting the journey of being the only black progerian lady, thus making her 18 years on earth meaningful,” says Mokoena.

The aim of the film is to record history. “As South Africans, we don’t (normally) document a lot of our stories and I saw this as a calling to tell a great story of this unique lady.

“There are many stories that we don’t document and it’s sad.

We have great people gracing us in this lifetime and if we don’t give them a chance to tell their story and be part of it, we are losing as the nation.

“I would like to see my sevenyear-old, in the future, learning

the finished product,” says Stoan.

“She stands out as a true hero of our people, old and young, and I am extremely proud to honour her in the best way I know how.”

Stoan, who has played a huge role in the music industry, says the message the song carries is that of self-belief, and speaks to the values that Ontlametse lived by.

“Courage, honesty, love, faith and sincerity.

“This movie is not an ‘ag shame’ movie. I think the producer/director has done a great job in representing that sentiment.

“The process has been handled with the sensitivity and respect it deserves.

“I believe it will add to the legacy and legend of this giant of our generation,” he says.

Ontlametse died in April this year after going to pick a tailormade outfit she was planning to wear to President Jacob Zuma’s 75th birthday party in Kliptown.

The actual date of the documentary’s release is yet to be communicated. @AmandaMaliba

Ontlametse Phalatse about Ontlametse,” says Mokoena.

She also emphasises that this project, which commenced early in January, is not a mere 24-minute profile but a detailed film of her life.

“Ontlametse was brave. She was so brave beyond and you get to understand why she would accept the life of a progerian child,” she says.

Accompanying the documen-

tary will be a unique soundtrack recorded by some of South Africa’s noteworthy musicians, such as Stoan Seate and Tshedi Mholo of Malaika fame.

Speaking to Stoan about the recording of the track to the documentary, he describes the process as bitter-sweet.

“The filming process was started while she was still alive and I would have loved for her to hear

Picture: Karen Sandison

Family hope death will serve as cautionary tale WHEN 39-year-old actor Nelsan Ellis died last Saturday, his manager Emily Saines said he died from “complications with heart failure”.

However, Saines released a new statement showing the story to be much darker and complicated. The heart failure was caused by Ellis’s attempt to stop abusing alcohol on his own, which had been a lifelong, but private, struggle. The subsequent withdrawal led to his death.

“Nelsan’s father bravely agreed to share the circumstances of his heart failure,” Saines told the Hollywood Reporter.

“Nelsan suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years.”

Though he was in and out of rehab, his sobriety never lasted.

“After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own.”

Attempting to detox without medical attention, particularly after sustained use for a long period, is extremely dangerous.

WebMD stated: “Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in people who have been drinking heavily for weeks, months or years and then either stop or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption.”

Symptoms, which can begin “as early as two hours after the last drink”, include shaky hands, sweating, anxiety, vomiting, seizures and death.

Many believe musician Amy Winehouse may have died from attempting to quit alcohol cold turkey.

“When heavy drinkers suddenly stop or significantly reduce their consumption, the neurotransmitters previously suppressed by alcohol are no longer suppressed. They rebound, resulting in a phenomenon known as brain hyperexcitability,” WebMD noted.

Ellis experienced many of these symptoms.

In his statement, his father said during the actor’s withdrawal from alcohol he “had a blood infection, his kidneys shut down, his liver was swollen, his blood pressure plummeted and his heart raced out of control.”

Unlike some celebs whose visits to rehab are splashed in the

Actor Nelsan Ellis

PICTURE: REUTERS news, Ellis’s battle was a private one. Most of his fans never suspected a thing. His father said Ellis “was ashamed of his addiction and was reluctant to talk about it.”

There’s a sad irony, the character Ellis was best known playing was Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s vampire show, True Blood.

In the show, Lafayette was a gay short-order cook with a penchant for taking and selling “V” – vampire blood, which in the show’s mythology produces extreme, euphoric highs.

He’s also often seen with a halfdrunk bottle of liquor in his hand or within arm’s length.

Drinking and drug use is a major feature of the show.

It’s set in a fictional town, Bon Temps, Louisiana, the name a play on the Cajun French phrase, laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll).

The show presents many stereotypes, including the idea that Louisianans spend life on a mardi gras-type bender – as if life in the bayou is one big bacchanal.

Even so, he didn’t publicly discuss his substance abuse issues.

But in the wake of his sudden and unexpected death, his family chose to tell the world in hopes of helping anyone else who might be others struggling with addiction.

They believed “in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others”.

“Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him,” the family said. – The Washington Post

4

independent

Politics

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

For sale: house that hid Madiba T SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI

HE Durban house of struggle activist Fatima Meer, where former president Nelson Mandela spent time hiding from the apartheid government, is up for sale.

The house on Burnwood Road in Sydenham has sheltered many anti-apartheid stalwarts, including Oliver Tambo and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

It first went on sale in 2010 after Meer’s death. Her daughters, Shamin and Shehnaz, sold it to their uncle, Len Anderson.

“The family wanted to get rid of all the sentiments and memories and all other things that went wrong and

Pledges to make Fatima Meer’s Durban home a museum fell away

they are living in Cape Town and Johannesburg,” said Anderson.

“None of the grandchildren wanted the house, so I, as the first cousin, purchased it from the family,” he said.

The businessman never lived in the house, but had people take care of it on his behalf.

It had become too costly to maintain, especially regarding the rates and taxes, he said.

“This house has got such great historical value, it actually hurts me to let it go.

“But maybe there are people out there, especially within the city, who

will take over and keep it as a historical monument,” he said.

Anderson commissioned eKasi Property Sales and Auctioneering to sell the house and, according to Troy Meyer of eKasi, the auction will take place in two weeks.

While the sale is open to anyone, Anderson said he would be happy if the buyer had a political background.

“I am looking for somebody who has some political background, perhaps within the ANC, and also knowing my father and my aunt (Meer’s mom) were from Jewish descendants, maybe they would be

interested. This could be a museum.

This was her (Fatima Meer’s) residence from the time she was married until she passed on,” said Anderson.

Those who were close to Meer and understood the historical value of the house said it must be preserved or history would be lost.

The former deputy director of the Institute for Black Research, established by Fatima Meer, Ramesh Harcharan, is also of the view that the house should be a museum.

“If somebody else buys that house, they would renovate it and the history would be lost.

“It would be ideal to pay homage

to Fatima, we haven’t done enough to preserve her history.

“That house on Burnwood Road has got great history.

“I understand that when Mandela was released from prison he went there.

“It’s the same house where Fatima survived an assassination [attempt]. I think there are still visible marks where the bullets hit,” said Harcharan.

Long-time neighbours of Meer’s also expressed their disappointment at the intended sale of the house.

“I have been living here for 54 years, Fatima was already living

here when we moved in,” said Mohamed Saib.

“She was such a great person. We used to see people like Winnie and Mandela coming in and out of this house. Meer’s door was always open to the people,” Saib said.

Meer’s younger brother, Dr Farook Meer, said that at the time of his sister’s death the government had made promises to him about turning the house into a historical monument.

“I recall that when Fatima died, Dr Zweli Mkhize said the house must be preserved for tourists because of its historical value.

RED TIDE​

Sascoc rocked by sex abuse claims

READY TO LEAD: Minister of Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu.

Picture: Siyasanga Mbambani

Lindiwe Sisulu: vote with conscience

MERVYN NAIDOO

SITHANDIWE VELAPHI HUMAN Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has appealed to ANC branch delegates to use their conscience when voting for their leaders in the upcoming national conference of the party.

Speaking at the East London International Convention Centre yesterday, where she officially agreed to stand in as presidential candidate, Sisulu said no one in the ANC is allowed to intimidate the other based on different preferences on leaders.

“We have a code of conduct in the run-up to the national conference.

“Should anyone intimidate you for your choice of leaders, you have got the right to report that person to the disciplinary committee of the ANC,” she assured.

Her supporters, who attended the gathering, organised by ANC Women’s League sub-region of Mnquma in the Amathole region, claimed to come from the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Limpopo and Northern Cape.

Among them was the #FeesMustFall activist Mcebo Dlamini who told the gathering Sisulu was the “credible leader fit enough” to lead the ANC. Sisulu said it was about time the ANC is renewed to its glorious period.

“If you desire me to lead, I need an assurance from that we will travel this road together.

“If you are assuring me that we will be an anti-corruption entity, because we have seen how pervasive the perception of corruption is about the ANC, then nam ndiyavuma (I also agree) to stand as presidential candidate,” said Sisulu.

“The branch is the basic and most important unit of the ANC. “No one can impose a leader on any branch.

“We have now entered a phase of open lobbying, let’s not indulge in divisive tactics like gate-keeping and vote buying. The ANC is not for sale.

“If they give you money, use it but vote with your conscience,” Sisulu said.

SANDI KWON HOO THE SACP, which has announced it will contest future elections, received a tongue-lashing from ANC Women’s League president Bathabile Dlamini during a visit by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in Kimberley yesterday.

While the ANC’s Frances Baard region insisted Dlamini-Zuma’s visit was not a political campaign, her supporters used every opportunity to sing her praises as the best person to lead the country.

Dlamini Zuma delivered a Freedom Charter lecture flanked by Dlamini, ANCWL deputy president Sisisi Ntombela and

“There were promises made for that house, but I don’t know what happened,” he said. eThekwini head of parks and recreation Thembinkosi Ngcobo said the municipality had embarked on a liberation heritage route project to map and identify sites, houses and buildings of the struggle.

However, he was not aware of the sale of Meer’s house.

“It’s very unfortunate that the family had decided to sell it and did not approach us.

“Fatima formed a great part of our history with her role in education and social cohesion. She was an Indian woman but she broke down the boundaries of race.

“We owe it to her to keep history alive,” said Ngcobo.

SONG: Delegates from the South African Communist Party sing a struggle song during the closing of its 14th congress at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.

Picture: Itumeleng English

Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe.

South African Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande.

SACP slated for not backing gender equality ticket former minister of energy Tina JoematPettersson.

A large contingent of protectors and Umkhonto weSizwe military veterans formed a human shield around Dlamini Zuma at the event and also accompanied her to a blanket hand-over at the Galeshewe Association for the Care of the Aged and Disabled home on Friday.

Dlamini lambasted the SACP for attacking Dlamini Zuma’s leadership ability. She condemned “highly sophisticated

comrades” in the SACP for not recognising her to be a champion of gender equality and women’s emancipation.

“They say Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is no longer a leader and that if she is appointed it would amount to re-appointing Jacob Zuma. They are showing high levels of patriarchy and strong reactionary tendencies.

“Dlamini Zuma has a golden hand, she brings about change whenever she goes. If she is voted in it will be the first

time in the 105-year history of the ANC that it is led by a woman president.”

Dlamini indicated that 60% of ANC members were women.

“The time has come for the ANC to be led by a woman who was part of the struggle.”

Dlamini Zuma highlighted the need to hold onto the ANC’s alliance partners.

“The leader of the alliance must make sure that every member of the alliance is strong, whether it is the SACP or Cosatu.

“We cannot walk away from the alliance but must unite in order to keep the ANC alive for future generations.”

Dlamini Zuma also called for the acceleration of land distribution.

“The land must be returned to us. This will be done within the ambit of the law but the law does not come from heaven, it comes from us.”

She called for free schooling and for a skills revolution to open the floodgates of learning.

Meanwhile, the top six ANC officials led by President Jacob Zuma were locked in meetings behind closed doors with the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) yesterday at Frances Baard district municipal offices to resolve complaints that the ANC Northern Cape elective conference was flawed.

Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas declined her nomination to stand as ANC provincial chairperson during the conference that saw her opponent Zamani Saul taking over the reins of the party.

The ANC PEC has already endorsed Ramaphosa as their presidential candidate.

SEXUAL harassment allegations against the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) chief executive is the latest blow for the troubled sports organisation.

Tubby Reddy has been accused of sexually harassing female staff, and was placed on 48 hours of suspension from duties this week.

He allegedly circulated porn images and lewd messages to some of his subordinates, and has until tomorrow to provide the Sascoc board with compelling reasons why his suspension should not become permanent.

Already burdened by a long list financial mismanagement allegations, the board have planned to convene a special meeting on Wednesday to consider the official’s response to the allegations.

According to a well-placed source, the allegations surfaced nearly two months ago when a female staff member raised the alarm.

Sascoc responded by asking a panel of independent experts to examine evidence they received from complainants, which included sexually explicit images and crude cellphone messages. A report was drafted by the experts.

On learning about the investigations into his conduct, the informant said Reddy allegedly bypassed Sascoc’s hierarchy and complained directly to Minister of Sport Thulas Nxesi “He told the minister in a letter that he was being victimised by certain Sascoc members and the allegations against him were fabricated.

“Sascoc was then directed by the sports ministry to handle the situation,” the source revealed.

The source said that four other highly skilled female staff members resigned from their Sascoc positions in recent years, because they were allegedly sexually harassed by the same official. Sascoc appointed a committee to investigate the allegations, as directed by the minister of sport.

The committee concluded their investigations this week and found Reddy allegedly had acted unethically.

They recommended he be placed on temporary suspension (48 hours) and present reasons to the board why his suspension should not become permanent. That decision was apparently conveyed to Reddy during a board meeting convened at their Rosebank headquarters on Friday.

When Sascoc president Gideon Sam was approached for comment, he said: “This matter is not up for discussion. The minister asked us not to speak about this to the media.”

Reddy denied that he was suspended: “I’m not suspended, I don’t know what you are talking about.”

Nxesi’s spokesperson Sabelo Mali said they cannot comment because Sascoc was an independent federation. “We do not comment on matters between employer and employee.”

ACCUSED: Tubby Reddy, SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee chief executive.

Picture : Sizwe Ndingane

independent

News

5

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

Luthuli wants closure on her father’s death After the government refused to grant him a passport, he left on an exit permit, meaning he could not return to his homeland.

He reportedly died after falling from a seven-storey building and his remains were exhumed and returned to South Africa in 2014. “He died in another country and it took 50 years and immense stress to get his remains back home. “I don’t see how we could get the investigation reopened and what would that achieve and where would we even begin,� said Maphumulo.

Nakasa’s nephew Siza Nakasa said the family had never found closure because they had multiple questions about what happened in the iconic journalist’s last moments. “It’s a tough one because the costs could run into millions and we don’t have that kind of money. “But I’m sure he (Nat) would also like us to know the truth especially since his alleged suicide was widely reported,� he said.

The family also want to know what happened to Nat’s younger brother, Moses, who disappeared shortly after Nat’s death. Moses is the only family member who attended his funeral and he was studying at Oxford University at the time. “We don’t even know where Bab Moses is buried or if he was even buried. Wounds like that never heal, and reopening the investigation could help us find closure. “We are not looking for prosecutions, we just want to know the truth,� Nakasa added.

Nokuthula.ntuli@inl.co.za

NOKUTHULA NTULI

LEFT STANDING: Craftsman Kuber Singh claims he has not been paid for a throne he made for King Goodwill Zwelithini two years ago.

Picture: Leon Lestrade

Zwelithini in the hot seat as master craftsman sues NABEELAH SHAIKH

A

KWADUKUZA furniture manufacturer has approached the courts to attach the assets of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini over a R112 000 debt owed to him for hand-crafted tables and chairs.

Kuber Eadhev Singh, 76, known as the Tambuti King, said he was left with no option but to institute civil action to retrieve his money after his pleas for payment were ignored for more than two years.

Singh manufactured two royalstyled Tambuti wooden chairs for Zwelithini, along with seven chairs for the king’s wives. He also made 10 side tables on request.

The orders were placed by a representative of the royal household in 2014. Singh claims the representative came in regularly to monitor the progress of the furniture. Six months later, the furniture was delivered to the royal household and Singh says he has still not been paid.

Singh is believed to be the only person in the world to manufacture furniture using Tambuti, which grows on the banks of the Tugela river.

Last month, he sought a request for a default judgment to be

Payment outstanding for two years

granted in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court for the amount of R111 600 and R367 judgment costs.

He previously served a summons to the office of the royal household and a receipt was acknowledged, however, payment was still not made.

Singh, who also hails from a royal family in Agra, India, said he had shared a long-standing and warm relationship with the Zulu king. He was disappointed by his actions. “It’s a matter of principle for me. Royals believe in the power of the sword and honesty. This is no way for royalty to behave. It took me six months to handcraft those chairs and my wife helped me to polish them. “So much of time, effort and love went into this, but this is what I get in return. I am old now and it makes me sad to be treated this way.�

Singh said his chairs were used on many occasions by Zwelithini as they were taken to various events the king attended. “I recently saw the king on TV sitting on my chair at an event. He also used my chairs at the Gopio

KwaZulu-Natal craftsman Kuber Singh with King Goodwill Zwelithini.

Picture: Leon Lestrade International Conference that was held in Durban not too long ago.

He is making good use of the furniture,� said Singh.

Singh is no stranger to royal families of the world.

He has gifted and manufactured furniture for the British royals, several heads of states, as well as for other high-profile individuals.

Many of them have acknowledged his work through letters

sent to him, including from former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George W Bush and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. “I just want what is rightfully owing to me. The fact that my numerous communications made to the royal household were ignored hurts. “I started working in this business with my dad in 1961 and in 56 years, I have never experienced

One of the handcrafted

something like this. Normally people pay me before they take delivery, but in this case I allowed for it to be delivered first considering it was for the Zulu king, who I considered a friend,� said Singh.

The king’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, said he was unaware of the matter. He referred queries to a Mr Sithole who ordered the chairs.

The Sunday Tribune was unable to reach him. nabeelah.shaikh@inl.co.za

“WHEN they denied us the truth about how he died they also denied us a chance to heal, so that wound will remain open until we know the truth.�

In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Dr Albertina Luthuli, 85, pleaded for anyone with information regarding how her father, Chief Albert Luthuli,died, to come forward.

On July 21, 1967, Luthuli succumbed to wounds he allegedly sustained in a train accident in his hometown, Groutville, outside Stanger.

However his family believed that something more sinister happened that fateful Friday and want the investigation to be reopened.

The recent reopening of the inquest into the 1971 death of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol has also given them hope that they could get to the bottom of the circumstances surrounding Luthuli’s death. “We are engaging with several people. It’s too soon to publish anything, however, we are not giving up. “We know that it is going to be hard because the government of the day covered its tracks very well but we are not giving up,� said Luthuli.

She was speaking ahead of the week-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Chief Luthuli’s death, which will be held in Groutville.

The activities will commence tomorrow with a visit to the home of the Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Luthuli.

On Friday, President Jacob Dr Albertina Luthuli, daughter of the Zuma is expected to unveil a late Chief Albert Luthuli, wants the memorial stone. Then investigation into her father’s death on Saturday hunreopened. dreds are expected to take part in a PICTURE: DOCTOR NGCOBO

walk/marathon which will retrace Luthuli’s last steps.

Meanwhile, Gladys Maphumulo, the sister of the late anti-apartheid writer Nat Nakasa, said her family had lost hope of ever knowing the truth about how he died while staying in Harlem, New York, in 1965.

The 28-year old took up a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University in 1964.

TENDER NOTICE TENDER NO

DESCRIPTION

NOKUTHULA NTULI The man behind the annual Trek4Mandela hike up Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya, Richard Mabaso, never knows if he is going to come home alive.

And the reality of the danger hit even harder last year when the expedition claimed the life of renowned racing car driver Gugu Zulu. But Mabaso and 22 others, including Gugu’s widow, Letshego Zulu, who were there during his death are not letting the tragedy deter them from going back for the annual Mandela Day summit this year.

In Trek4Mandela, the team put their lives on the line to raise funds for Mabaso’s Richards Bay-based Imbumba Foundation. Through its Caring4Girls campaign, the foundation runs one of the country’s biggest sanitary pad distribution programmes reaching over 350 000 underprivileged girls. “The climb never gets easier and last year it was made even harder by the loss of Gugu. So this year, more than anything, we are doing this for him because we know he would have wanted us to go back,â€? said Mabaso.

Letshego also said Gugu would have wanted her to go back and finish what they started together. “Gugu and I were very touched by the work of Caring4Girls and we wanted to lend a hand so that girls get sanitary pads and never have to miss school during their monthly cycles,� she said.

She said as the mother of a daughter, the campaign was close to her heart. Her two-year-old Lelethu was among those at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday bidding farewell to the climbers.

They are expected to reach Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru, on former president Nelson Mandela’s birth-

day, on Tuesday. Renowned mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane, who has been with Mabaso since the beginning, is leading the team. “We named our event after Tata because we were inspired by his selflessness and it’s our way of thanking him for the opportunities that democracy, which he fought so hard for, has given us. As South Africans, I believe we should do more to help the underprivileged because I think that is how he would like his legacy to be honoured,�

Mabaso said.

Trek4Mandela started in 2012 after Mabaso overheard his family members talking about the challenges experienced by underprivileged girls during their menstrual cycles and he wanted to do something to help.

So he established the expedition to create awareness about their plight. “As African men we are often not privy to details relating to menstruation and as a result we are unable to help. So I decided that I would do my bit to help keep a girl child in school so that she doesn’t miss out on a single lesson because of her periods,� he said.

The foundation supplies sanitary towels for a minimum period of one year.

The campaign has been endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation whose chief executive, Sello Hatang, has also joined the expedition. “We also received a blessing from Mama Graca Machel when we met her at Julius Nyerere International Airport (in Tanzania) today. “We didn’t realise we’d been on the same flight as her until she came and greeted us,� gushed Mabaso on Thursday.

You can support the climbers by sending an SMS with the word GIRLCHILD to 42513 to make a pledge of R30. For more information, see www.trek4mandela.com.

The Trek4Mandela climbers and support team with the young Lelethu Zulu prior to boarding their plane at OR Tambo International Airport in Joburg on Wednesday.

– —˜

REQUIRED AT

DUE AT 11:00am

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The Tender document will be available on https://artsculturesa.wordpress.com/ and on social media platforms Facebook and Twitter:/ArtsCultureSA or obtainable from the Department’s website: www.dac. gov.za or can be collected at:  � ��� ­ €‚ €�  €� � €ƒ€ �„ …�† …�‡… ˆ…ˆ€  €€ ­�  ‰…†�…�  €  �… Enquires:

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20171013

Trek4Mandela team return in tribute to Gugu Zulu

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PICTURE: KEVIN JOSEPH

DIRECTOR: RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Institutions, bodies and commissions to be established in support of NHI Implementation

health

In terms of the Government Notice, Vol. 625 Number 40969, published on 7th of July 2017, the Director-General: Health hereby invites comments and inputs on the terms of reference for the Institutions, bodies and commissions to be established in support of NHI Implementation.

The different committees will be established in terms of section 91 (1) of the National Health Act. SpeciďŹ c comment/input is requested on the following: The structures SpeciďŹ c terms of reference and Composition of the committees

General Information All comments and input must be sent to Civitas Building, Cnr Thabo Sehume and Struben Streets, Pretoria; marked for the attention of the Director-General: Health Alternatively, email to DG@health.gov.za Deadline for submission of Nominations All comments and inputs must be submitted before 31st of July 2017

Salary: All-inclusive remuneration package of R898 743 per annum (Level 13) which consists of a basic salary, the ��������������������������������������������������������������������Å�������������������������������������������� Centre: Pretoria Ref.: 22392/01 REQUIREMENTS: •Relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification •Five (5) years of experience at a middle/senior management level •Be professional, highly motivated, initiative and critical thinker who will be able to gather and analyse information skilfully •Sound understanding of Enterprise Risk Management principles and philosophy •Ability to think conceptually or strategically •Work under pressure •Excellent oral and written communication skills •Provide leadership, direction and team building •Knowledgeable in various policies and practices related to Government regulations •Excellent project management, financial, analytical and strategic planning skills •Have excellent interpersonal and coaching skills •Have ability to analyse and interpret data in a variety of complex processes using standardised methods •Have excellent organisational and planning skills •Flexible with ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously •Ability to organise and motivate others, who in many cases may be in a more senior position •Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships •Have sense of urgency and ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner •Business acumen •Maintain confidentiality •Consultation, negotiation and networking skills.

DUTIES: •Develop and facilitate the implementation of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF), which includes

mitigation plans by risk owners and the monitoring thereof •Implement appropriate risk reporting to the Risk Management Committee, Audit Committee and Senior Management •Develop and facilitate the implementation of the fraud prevention plan and anti-corruption strategy in compliance with statutory requirements, frameworks and guidelines to promote integrity amongst

•Develop and facilitate the implementation of the Gifts, Donations and Sponsorships Policy and reporting thereof •Develop and monitor the implementation of the Whistle Blowing Policy, to protect the rights of whistle blowers and to prevent victimisation by managers and fellow employees •Develop and  � � •Ensure that The Presidency’s code of conduct and relevant policies, are developed or revised to address the ethics risk •Monitoring and reporting on The Presidency’s ethics performance, including the implementation of the ethics management strategy •Develop and implement the BCM Framework, Policy, Strategies and Business Continuity Management Implementation Plan •Ensure � �  ENQUIRIES: Ms L. Mphahlele, tel. 012 300 5865.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 28 JULY 2017 AT 16H30 Applications: The Presidency, Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 or hand-deliver at 535 Johannes Ramokhoase Street (formerly Proes Street), Arcadia, Pretoria. For Attention: Ms L. Boshielo. ���� ����������� ��� ��� ������ ������������� ��¿�������� ������� ���������� ��� ��� ���� ���������� ��� �������� ��������������� ������� ������� ���� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Note: Â? Â? Â? ­€‚ Â? Â? ƒ „ Â?  … Â? Â? † ‡ ˆ† ‡ ‰ Â? Â?Š exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency based assessments).The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to pre-employment screening and a Top Secret security vetting to determine the suitability of a person for employment. Failure to submit the requested documents will result in your application not being considered.

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independent

News

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

Women need to get moving WOMEN are risking their health by walking about 1 000 fewer steps every day than men, say experts.

Childcare, housework and embarrassment have been blamed for women in Britain failing to exercise.

Most people with tracking devices such as Fitbits set themselves a daily target of 10 000 steps, but women achieve less than half of this.

A study using smartphone accelerometers that record stepping motions found that women manage only 4 908 steps on average a day, while men rack up 5 982.

Experts are calling on women to close the gender gap to avoid putting on weight in later life, which can lead to heart disease ON THE MOVE: Jogging on a and stroke.

Lucy Wilkinson, a senior car- treadmill. Picture: PRNewsFoto diac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We know them with less time to exercise.

“Women tell us they are women do less physical activity than men as looking after their self-conscious about exercising.

“But taking more steps in a homes and children can leave

day can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, while doing fewer can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“We want women to incorporate physical activity, such as walking, into their daily lives.”

The study by Stanford University in the US, published in the journal, Nature, took fitness readings from people in 111 countries.

In the 46 countries with detailed results, the UK falls within the top 10 for obesity, which is a particular risk to women who do not walk enough, the authors warn.

Women are 36% more likely to be considered physically inactive than men in Britain.

Stanford’s Dr Jure Leskovec, who led the study, said: “When activity inequality is greatest, women’s activity is reduced much more dramatically than men’s activity, and thus the negative connections to obesity can affect women more greatly.” – Daily Mail

Social Development Vacancies DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender and disability) in the Public ��������������������¿��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������� SENIOR MANAGEMENT SERVICE DIRECTOR-GENERAL: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT REF ������������������������¿������������������ TOTAL COST-TO-EMPLOYER PACKAGE: R1,689,750 p.a. plus a 10% non pensionable HoD allowance. This inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the states’ ���������������������������������������������������������� �� À������� �������� ����� ���� ��� ����������� ������� ���� ����������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �����������������¿������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������� �������������������������������� REQUIREMENTS:���� �������������� �����¿������� ����� ������ ��� �������������������������¿�������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������� �����������¿���������������������������������������������������� ��� ���� ������� �������� ������������� ���������� ���� �������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� ������� 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re�������������������¿������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���� ������������ ���� �������� ��� �������� ���� ���������� ����������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������� ��� ���������� �������� ���������� ����������� ���� ���� ��������������� ��� ����������� ���� ����������� ��� ����������� �������� ���� �������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��� ����������� ���� ����������� ���� 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inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the states’ contribution to the Government Employees �������� ����� ���� �� À������� �������� ����� ���� ��� ����������� i.t.o. the applicable rules. ����������������������¿�������������������� REQUIREMENTS:���� ������������ ����������� ������� ��� ����������� �����¿������� ����� ������ ��� ���� �� ����� ��������� �����¿������� ����� ������ ��� ��� ����������� ��� ����� ����� �� �������� ��� �� ��� ��� ������ ��� ��������� ����������� ��� �� ������� ����������� ������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��� �������������� ������� ��������� ���� ���� ������������ ����������� ��������� ���������� ���� ������������ �������������� ���������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� �������� ���������� ����������� �������� ������� ��������� ���� 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M2/C/2017 ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������ This inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the states’ contribution to the Government Employees Pension ����� ���� �� À������� �������� ����� ���� ��� ����������� ������� ���� applicable rules. �������������������������������� REQUIREMENTS:� ��� �������������� ��� ����������� �����¿������� ��� ��������� ��������������� ����� ������ ��� ��� ����������� ��� ����� �����¿����������������������������������������������������������� ������������� ����� ���� ���������� ��� ������������������� �����¿��� ����������������� ������ ����� ��� ��� ������ ����������� ���������� ��� ���� ����������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������ ����������� ���� ����������� ���������� ���� �������������� ��� ������ ������������ ����� ����������� ���� ¿�������� ������������

socialdevelopment development social Department: Department: Social SocialDevelopment Development REPUBLIC REPUBLICOF OFSOUTH SOUTHAFRICA AFRICA

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FLEXING HER MUSCLE: A woman doing her workouts. Experts are calling on women to close the gender gap to avoid putting on Picture: Newscom] weight in later life, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Why you’re a puppet on a string to sugar VIWE NDONGENI AVOIDING a sugar craving can be one of the hardest things to do.

One of the biggest excuses for being defeated by the craving is that sugar is found in most food.

In my circle of friends, we go on ridiculous diets, fasts and healthy eating plans, but when it comes to sugar, we find all sorts of reasons to justify our intake.

So, I caught up with health experts to find out why it can be so difficult to avoid sugar or to consume the right amount without creating health red-lights.

When it comes to understanding why our bodies crave sugar, dietitian Cathryn Megaw says the hormonal cycle is complex.

“If our body has excess sugar, to normalise the levels in our blood, the body produces insulin, and if insulin is produced in excess it will cause a feedback to ask for more sugar so that it can go back to a state of equilibrium and thus begins a vicious cycle.”

She adds that the body will always choose the easiest and most accessible form of energy, which is glucose. Insulin allows glucose into the cells and stimulates serotonin… our feel-good hormone.

The more serotonin we are used to having in our system the more we need to feel good and so eventually we crave this hormone which is boosted by sugar intake.

Sandi Van Zyl, Virgin Active’s Wellness programme manager, says the reasons for craving sugar can vary from physiological to emotional and that there are strategies to manage it.

What is the right intake of sugar?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines say that added sugar should comprise no more than 5% of one’s total food intake.

“Added sugar doesn’t include sugar that occurs naturally in fruit, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains.

“It includes table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses and any high-calorie sweeteners used in processed foods and beverages.”

This equates to about six teaspoons of added sugar in the case of an average female and nine teaspoons for a male.

A glass of sweetened cooldrink contains about six teaspoons of sugar and a 300ml flavoured-drinking yoghurt contains about nine teaspoons. But our bodies can get all the sugar they need from fruit and vegetables and wholegrain starch products, Megaw says.

She also suggests tweaks to your lifestyle. Exercise produces the same “feel-good effect” as sugar and it keeps your heart and blood healthy and your body fit. Ensure you include sufficient fibre, protein and healthy fat in your meals so blood sugar levels are better controlled.

As soon as blood-sugar levels drop too low, your body goes into ‘survival mode’ and you are more likely to reach for highly processed foods with lots of added sugar.

A sedentary lifestyle can have health implications VIWE NDONGENI

M

OST of us spend over six hours sitting down each day. A widening rear end, sore back and stiffness are not the only results of a sedentary lifestyle.

But experts warn that what you should really be worried about is the impact of sitting on your internal organs such as your heart, digestive system, including your general immune system.

According to a Cape Town chiropractic specialist, Dr Kevin Lentin from Constantia Chiropractic Clinic, there is a great deal of evidence that supports the fact that sitting for long periods of time is detrimental to one’s health and may have serious health implications.

When you sit for a long period not only do you age quicker, but your muscles burn less fat and your blood flows slowly, allowing fatty acids to easily clog your heart.

“Our bodies are designed to move.

We have multiple moving parts, muscles contract and relax, joints allow us to move, blood is continuously circulating, your heart beats on average around 60 to 100 times a minute, your lungs are inflating and deflating.”

Lentin says, once we stop moving, many of these normal processes slow down.

“We start to lose function, there’s a weakening of the muscles over time, digestive function slows down, our metabolism slows down leading to increased weight and adipose or fatty tissue. Increased fat to muscle ratio is very unhealthy and promotes the release of inflammatory cells, tending to eventually compromise the immune system,” he said.

According to Alaric Jacobs, the communications officer at Groote Schuur Hospital, sitting down for extended hours is now understood to be a health risk that is additional to too little exercise. It increases risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, hypertension.

A prospective study that was published in the British Journal of

Experts warn why sitting for long periods is risky Sports Medicines in recent years showed that sedentary behaviour was a predictor of weight gain in Australian women. Sitting for prolonged periods may have chronic effects on the propensity to become overweight. Prolonged sitting may alter the passive stiffness of the lumbar spine and result in lower back pain and poor posture.

“The feeling of heaviness in the legs and distension, swelling of the feet which appears during prolonged sitting posture are due to an increase in the volume of the lower limbs.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an example for how too much sitting, not just too little structured exercise, can induce medical problems. DVT is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where blood clots develop in the veins deep within idle leg muscles,” says Jacobs.

He also adds that when you are sitting for extended hours, you may alter the passive stiffness of the lumbar spine. Changes in the passive flexion stiffness of the lumbar spine may increase the risk of lower back injury after prolonged sitting and may contribute to low back pain. “This may have an effect on work performance, absenteeism, increased health bills…which can all impact on general wellbeing such as stress and depression.”

Dr Lentin says studies indicate that multiple organ systems are affected by an excessively sedentary lifestyle. There is definitely a slowing of the digestive processes, leading to reduced gastric emptying and even constipation.

“There is a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome, and even cardio-metabolic syndrome characterised by elevated blood pressure, raised triglyceride and ‘bad’ cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance, resulting in an increased risk of pancreatic mal-

function and diabetes.”

Long hours can also result in fewer calories being burned, rising obesity levels.

“Obesity is closely linked to raised systemic inflammation, which is linked not only to diabetes and all forms of cardiovascular and heart disease but to all of the chronic degenerative diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease,” he said.

He says there are a number of things that can be done to compensate for having to sit for long hours at work. For example, if you do have to walk anywhere, take the long way round. * Make a point of getting up at least every 30 to 40 minutes to take a 2-minute stroll around the office. * Find a quick, very basic exercise routine that can be done right in your chair. * Be diligent about going for a walk or doing some exercises during your lunch break or when you get home from work. * Do adjustments on calorie intake during the day to compensate for your lack of exercise – especially reduce carbohydrates, sugary and sweet foods Moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity has an established preventive role in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. However, recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that sitting time has deleterious cardiovascular and metabolic effects that are independent of whether adults meet physical activity guidelines.

Stability balls have become increasingly popular as an alternative to office chairs to help reduce the prevalence of lower back pain. A study showed that prolonged sitting on a stability ball does not greatly alter the manner in which an individual sits.

7 independent Professor takes science to people to change their lives for the better News

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

FOR Professor Zodwa Dlamini growing up in the rural village of Mahlabathini, near Ulundi, in KwaZulu-Natal, science was a fascinating puzzle with endless possibilities. “From a young age I knew I loved science and my teachers encouraged me to pursue it further because I was a bright student but I never thought I would end up in academia. “I just knew that I didn’t want to be a medical doctor because I didn’t want to have to deal with patients,� said Dlamini.

The deputy vice-chancellor of research, innovation and engagements at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Dlamini spoke on the sidelines of a five-day research and innovation conference hosted by her department in Durban this past week.

The conference was attended by academics from institutions across the world, leaders in government and representatives from the private sector with the aim to stimulate

discussions and collaborations in medicine, entrepreneurship and green technology. “Being a professor for me is not just about publishing our work so that we get recognition. We need our work to have a socio-economic impact and develop innovations to change people’s lives, so we must find ways to take science to the people and not make it a field of just a select few,� she said.

As a specialist in the field of molecular oncology, the 55-year-old’s latest fascination is precision medicine which she said was going to change the way people received medical treatment. “Precision medicine is very close to my heart as it is an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person,� she said.

This approach allowed doctors and researchers to predict more accurately which treatment and prevention strategies for a particular disease would work in which groups

It’s not just about recognition for Professor Zodwa Dlamini, deputy vicechancellor of research, innovation and engagement at Mangosuthu University of Technology.

Picture: Motshwari Mofokeng of people.

Dlamini said this is in contrast to a “one-size-fits-all� approach, in which the treatment of diseases and prevention strategies were developed for the average person, with less consideration for the differences between individuals.

Revolt paid off fashionably for this millennial

A

L E S E G O M A KG AT H O

SPIRING fashion mogul and blogger Luyanda Madonia belongs to a generation of millennials that have turned to unconventional but innovative methods, such as vlogging, blogging, content production and social media management to generate money and fame.

Madonia is chief executive of Revolt Clothing and says she never imagined a career as a social media influencer, which she started by taking pictures of herself and sharing them on social media platforms. “I started on YouTube and for about four years I’ve had my Instagram page showcasing my day-to-day styles,� says the 27-year-old, who describes herself as a wife, sister and a daughter Madonia has become a specialist for fashion brands and launched her website about a month ago. “I took pictures of my outfits because a lot of people thought I dressed quite differently to the trends that were going on. Not gimmicky, but people appreciated how I styled these things together. When there was a big boom on social media and blogging became a trend, my career grew,� she says.

This career path was not accidental, she says, as she attained a fashion degree from the Art Institute of California Hollywood in the US. “It was very interesting because they obviously teach you the basics and foundations of the fashion industry. “Once I graduated, and got into the field I worked for a lot of online companies to be exposed to different elements,� Madonia says.

Social media became one aspect of business she was interested in, including the ecology of consumer behaviour. “It is not about posting, there is more to it,� she says, speaking of the nitty-gritties that make a blog great.

While the trend keeps growing, she strongly believes it is important for unconventional careers to be promoted more because of the big role they play around the world. “It would be silly for South Africa not to get on board with providing opportunities of unconventional career opportunities, because technology is life and is taking over. “For people not to understand that social media needs to be part of your business is very backwards. If you have a backward business, you’re going to create a backward economy,� she says.

Madonia’s core business is the promotion of brands she

following year it was in pharmacy so I was excited because I thought I wouldn’t have to interact with patients. “Until I went to do my practicals at Prince Mshiyeni hospital during my second year then I realised what the job actually entailed, so I quit. But I didn’t tell my sponsors I’d enrolled for something else,� she recalled with a laugh.

She eventually graduated with a BSc in biochemistry and microbiology and did not stop studying until her post-doctorate in molecular oncology. In 2002, her career in academia officially commenced with a lecturing position at Wits University.

Since then, Dlamini has worked at several universities across the country and has also regularly been invited to give lectures abroad.

As an internationally-renowned specialist in her field, with numerous awards under her belt, Dlamini could work for any institution, but in 2015 decided on MUT. “Throughout my career I’ve worked at universities but I was at a stage where I wanted to work at a local

institution where I could make an even greater difference. “And, as a university of technology based in a township, MUT has great potential to really change the lives of people in uMlazi and KZN,� said the Ballito resident.

Dlamini wants MUT to have a centre of entrepreneurship which would be linked to a technology park where school children from all over the province could visit. This, she hoped, would make science and innovation accessible and also contribute to the growth of the local economy and skills development. “Not everyone can afford a higher education, but that does not mean they can’t think or come up with brilliant ideas. We just have find ways to give them a platform and guidance to prove what they are capable of doing.�

She said it was thinking of ways she could use her skills to make other people’s lives better.

Dlamini conceded her work consumed the most part of her life but she always made time to spend with her family.

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Luyanda vlogged and blogged a future for herself

TRAIL-BLAZER: Luyanda Madonia. represents, and also to motivate others to make a career out of blogging. “It can be something they do from home on a freelance basis or at the office. And to show that it is not just posting, there is a lot that goes into it as it is constantly changing. “You constantly have to learn and move with the times in this industry. “I try my best to do it as best as I can and be a case study for other people,� she says. “I go and source my clothes and create a brand from the clothes that I’ve sourced, something that is very popular in the US. “So when you wear Revolt Clothing you become the Revolt girl. You add the personality to the clothes, and that is what I am selling – a lifestyle.�

Making money as a blogger comes with collaborating with brands, she says.

Through engaging with followers, they will buy your product. So if a brand comes to you and you know your followers are engaged and they support you,

She said that was one of the reasons MUT had chosen to have a session where delegates explored pharma-cogenomics. “In future, we envision a comprehensive disease classification that combines information from biomedical-research, public health, and healthcare-deliv-

ery communities towards advancing knowledge of disease pathogenesis and improving health,� said Dlamini.

As a representative of the department of health in the scientific advisory board on preclinical drug development, which falls within the Department of Science of Technology, Dlamini said South Africa had great potential to be one of the leading countries in groundbreaking medicinal developments. “Our challenge at the moment is that we don’t have enough doctors who are specialists in different fields. and that’s what we desperately need as a country, more so because some of our doctors are leaving to work abroad and most of those who stay behind are in the private sector,� she remarked.

Dlamini’s journey to the helm of the research unit at MUT has not been an easy one as she started her career as an administration clerk for the provincial health department after her good matric marks failed to secure her a scholarship in 1983. “When I finally got a scholarship the

then you can ask for money. “Basically, being a blogger is advertising. To advertise whether in magazines or TV is really expensive. Blogging has now taken out that aspect and you don’t have to be a celebrity any more. So a blogger can make money by covering the brands,� she says.

Madonia plans to have a pop-up tour. “I would like to do a pop-up tour across South Africa, touring the major cities, where I know my clients are, and popping up in the different cities and creating an experience where they come into the store, something memorable where they purchase their items. “I think people shouldn’t take it (fashion) lightly and shouldn’t be scared of it. Fashion is an expression of yourself. You can literally read someone just by looking at the way they’re dressed. “It’s important at the same time to have fun with it. It’s your personality on the outside,�

Madonia says. @LesegoMakgatho

CHIEF DIRECTOR: HUMAN RESOURCE AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

DIRECTOR: CENTRALISED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

REF. DPSA/0018 SALARY: €

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„ It is the intention to promote representivity in the Department through the filling of these positions. The candidature of applicants from designated groups especially in respect of people with disabilities will receive preference.

APPLICATION: Applications quoting reference number must be addressed to: •  ­ Â? Â’ Â? ˜ Â? ƒ „ ‚ ÂĽ  „ ‡ › š „ or delivered:  ‡ ƒ „ ‚ ­ – „ ‡ – ƒ „ „ Â?Â? Faxed and emailed applications will not be considered.

NOTE: All short-listed candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intend to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the department. Following the interview and the technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of the competency-based assessment). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.

DUTIES: ‹ ­ ­ „ ­ ‚ ­ – ­ Š­ ˜ ™ ” � „ ’ ˜ •

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­ Â? ƒ „ ‡ ­ ˜ Enquiries for the 2 above posts please contact: • ¤ ƒ „ „ ‘ “ Â?Â? Â?Â? £ Â?

The successful candidate will have to sign an annual performance agreement, submit financial disclosure and will be required to undergo a security clearance. Applications must be submitted on form Z.83 accompanied by certified copies of qualification(s), Identity Document (certified within the past 06 months). Proof of citizenship if not RSA citizen, a comprehensive CV indicating duration of appropriate experience and three reference persons with the following information: name and contact numbers and indication of the capacity in which the reference is known to the candidate. Reference checks will be done during the selection process. Failure to submit these copies will result in the application not being considered. Note that correspondence will only be conducted with the short-listed candidates. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Applicants must note that further checks will be conducted once they are short-listed and that their appointment is subject to positive outcomes on these checks, which include security screening, security vetting, qualification verification and criminal records.

CLOSING DATE: 31 JULY 2017

20171034

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News

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

JOHNNY MASILELA

B

EING appointed to the board of the National Arts Council is a career highlight for a struggling artist.

This is also the platform on which the selected few get to interact with artists from the lowest to the highest possible level.

To name-drop for a second, I have been on the National Arts Council board with screen personality Patrick Shai, musician of the highest order Sello Galane and impresario par excellence, the late Ray Chikapa Phiri.

My favourite grootman (big brother), man-about-town and streetwise journo, the late Bra Doc Bikitsha, would certainly not take kindly to a laaitie like me calling Ray Phiri by name without attaching the prefix “Bra”.

And so, this is an attempt at paying my last respects to Bra Ray Phiri, my mentor, intellectual, poet and – dammit! – a hoodwinker of the worst kind.

There we were at a board meeting at a hotel near OR Tambo International Airport, crammed into a boardroom, trying to make sense of the state of the arts nationwide.

Board chairperson Mama Angie

“

A FEW WEEKS AGO HE ACCUSED ME OF DELAYING HIS BIOGRAPHY Makwetla (underline the prefix “Mama”) would, out of habit, caution us to switch our mobile phones to silent, “unless you are a doctor on call”.

“Or even a traditional healer!” – that was Bra Ray, triggering a burst of laughter from colleagues.

The lot of us would page through those volumes of documentation, distributed by courier the week before, until our tongues were hanging out with fatigue.

Bra Ray would turn to me, wink, and whisper: “Push for a smoke break, mshan’ wam’.” Suffice to say I had been a born-again ex-smoker for years!

Then when everybody filed out of the boardroom, Bra Ray would lock his arm in mine, dragging me (proverbially) kicking and screaming, to have a puff in the forecourt of the hotel.

The reason behind the hoodwink, the whisper et al, was that Bra Ray was very aware that smoking fags was rapidly going out of vogue, and to deal with his embarrassment, he would present a picture of the two of us as the only smokers on the hallowed board.

As we stood under a tree, Bra Ray with a fag between his fingers, and I

dressed to the nines in white shirt, denims and paint-brush artist’s signature beret atop a shaven scalp, inevitably some hotel staff members would be drawn to Bra Ray Phiri of Stimela fame.

Here, as always in such encounters between the two of us and Stimela fans, Bra Ray would hoodwink fans wanting selfies that I was one of the drummers in the famous music ensemble. My foot!

During those days at the National Arts Council, I proposed that Bra Ray consider me as his potential biographer, official or otherwise.

To be honest, the guitarist’s body language was that of a man who did not believe I would do justice to his life-story.

Or worse still, there were market forces beyond his power, which had to grant permission for my ambitious work of non-fiction. For Bra Ray did say a lot of often amazing things about his journey as an artist of the highest order; a recipient of the Presidential Order of Ikamanga, nogal.

Let me start with an aspect of Bra Ray’s journey unknown to his fans – the politically volatile 1980s.

He confided in me that when Stimela were invited to perform at gigs in the erstwhile frontline states (the Southern African Development Community), the political underground used to unscrew his guitar to stuff struggle-related correspondence into the bowels of the instrument.

So this hoodwinking business had a political touch to it too.

To recap what I have previously published about Bra Ray, he was brought from Nelspruit (Mbombela) to Johannesburg by music producer West Nkosi, along with his band Amazimzim, for a thrilling first-time record deal.

At the time Nkosi put his foot down, charging the platteland youngsters could not continue with that name because the more popular household artist, Simon “Mahlathini” Nkabinde, was recording a 45 vinyl offering going by the same name.

There and then Bra Ray asked for a moment with his fellow band members to caucus on a haphazard name-change, and they translated the Zulu Amazimzim into the Cannibals.

One thing led to another, with Nkosi still not satisfied with the newly-born Cannibals’ potential in the marketplace, so he suggested he would bring along a more recognisable artist as their lead singer.

To the older generation fan, that is how the most popular Mpharanyane and the Cannibals came into being.

My most recent contact with Bra Ray was a phone conversation a couple of weeks ago when once again he accused me of dragging my feet on the planned biography.

As but a laaitie, I hope Bra Ray – and Doc Bikitsha before him – rest in peace in the knowledge that I really tried hard, even with the invisible market forces lurking in the background.

Hamba kahle, mfan’ ka Phiri!

Johnny Masilela is the author of the novel, We Shall Not Weep (Kwela Books)

Phiri, a music legend

Hamba kahle m’fana ka Phiri

L E S E G O M A KG AT H O

Mentor, intellectual, poet and hoodwinker

GREAT MEMORIES: Music legend Ray Phiri, the founder of Stimela.

Picture: Nigel Sibanda.

“WHEN that man played guitar, he played from his soul,” says SA musician and radio presenter Jon Savage, reflecting on the spirit of veteran fusion-jazz musician, Ray Phiri, who died on Tuesday.

“Ray is one of my all-time great artists. I had the great honour of working with him and the original members of Stimela. I was also working at the South African Music Awards as a music arranger when I arranged a collaboration between him and Vusi Mahlasela and I’ve always been a fan.”

Savage says great artists were exploited in the 1970s and 80s with their royalties not being restored.

“It happens every year when one of our great musical icons passes away and everyone goes ‘how did they die in poverty?’

“There’s a very easy explanation for that: if you look at the history of South African music, we saw the exploitation of all our great artists in the 80s and 70s and even though some of their royalties were restored in name, they were never really restored financially.

“For example, the band members from the Mahotela Queens who in the 70s and 80s were getting paid 12c a side. When I met them 20 years later, they were selling their instruments just to survive. They sold millions and millions of copies.

“Ray for me is the pinnacle of the South African music industry because he was a genuine genius, he was a very forward thinker.

“I loved what he was talking about a few years ago regarding artists he wanted to collaborate with and he spoke about how he wanted to collaborate with Die Antwoord.

“He said in this music industry being a musician is about having a unique voice and expressing something different and he believed Die Antwoord are doing just that. He is an absolute idol for me, in songwriting and so many levels.”

Music producer, performer and conductor Victor Masondo, lauded Phiri for being one of the biggest contributors of the music industries.

“He encouraged a lot of people to be themselves. In one of my many conversations with him, he said, ‘why should I conform to other standards when this is me?’.

“He was the kind of person who was always exploring, looking for new avenues and never satisfied by playing only what he knew.

“He challenged and pushed himself beyond.

“Ray was also an educator. I know so much about the music business right now because of him. He schooled me and taught me everything I need to know. He taught me to buy books so I can understand the industry. I’ve gained so much knowledge because of his influence.”

REST IN PEACE MAMA EMMA LUKE FOLB VETERAN trade unionist Emma Mashinini died on Monday at the age of 87.

Mashinini was born in the Joburg suburb of Rosettenville.

When she was 14, her parents separated and she left school to work in the garment industry to support her mother.

At Henochsberg’s clothing factory she became a member of the Garment Workers Union and joined the fight to get workers a 40-hour work week and unemployment insurance.

She was elected to the national executive committee of the National Union of Clothing Workers and served for 12 years.

In 1975 she left Henochsberg to

become a founding member and general secretary of the Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union of SA. “SACTWU dips its banner in honour and remembrance for her contribution to the fight for decent working conditions in the clothing industry, and for her role in building the trade union movement generally,” said Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union general secretary Andre Kriel.

In 1981 Mashinini was detained for six months under the Terrorism Act. She spent most of her six months of detention in solitary confinement. She was released without being charged.

During the formation of the

Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in 1985 Mashinini was adamant about the importance of the representation of women.

She helped to ensure that the Cosatu logo included an image of a woman holding her child.

She resigned from her position at the Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union of SA in 1986 and was appointed director of the Anglican Church’s department of justice and reconciliation.

Mashinini remained politically active post-1994, serving on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and as a commissioner for land restitution.

She was awarded the National Order of Luthuli and the Order of the Baobab for her contribution to the trade union movement.

The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA), a statutory body established in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998), seeks to appoint individuals for the provision of employment services listed below, the employment contract shall be within the duration of the SETA’s licence period which ends 31 March 2020.

• Specialist: Board Support ���ĂŶĂŐĞ����Đ��ŝ�ŝ�ŽŶ��ĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶ� • Manager: Human Resource Management and Development �Ž��Ă�ĚĞ�ĂŝůĞĚ�ĚĞ�Đ�ŝ��ŽŶ�ŽĨ��ŚĞ�ĂďŽ�Ğ��Ž�ŝ�ŽŶ����ůĞĂ�Ğ��ŝ�ŝ���ŚĞ��Ğ��ŝĐĞ��������Ğď�ŝ�Ğ�������Ğ��ŝĐĞ�Ğ�Ă�Ž�Ő��Ă��ĂĐĂŶĐŝĞ� �ŚĞ�ĐůŽ�ŝŶŐ�ĚĂ�Ğ�ĨŽ��Ăůů�Ă��ůŝĐĂ�ŽŶ��ŝ����ŝĚĂ��������ů�����������ůŝĐĂ�ŽŶ���ĞĐĞŝ�ĞĚ�ĂŌĞ���ŚĞ�ĐůŽ�ŝŶŐ�ĚĂ�Ğ��ŝůů�ŶŽ��ďĞ�ĐŽŶ�ŝĚĞ�ĞĚ� �ŚĞ� �Ğ��ŝĐĞ�� ����� �Ğ�Ğ��Ğ�� �ŚĞ� �ŝŐŚ�� ŶŽ�� �Ž� ŵĂŬĞ� ĂŶ� Ă��ŽŝŶ�ŵĞŶ��� �ůů� Ă��ůŝĐĂ�ŽŶ�� �ŚŽ�ůĚ�ďĞ� ��ďŵŝ�ĞĚ� �Ś�Ž�ŐŚ� �ŚĞ� �Ğ��ŝĐĞ�� ����� vacancy portal. �Ĩ��Ž��ĚŽ�ŶŽ��ŚĞĂ��Ĩ�Žŵ��ŚĞ��Ğ��ŝĐĞ��������ŝ�ŚŝŶ���ŵŽŶ�Ś��ŽĨ��ŚĞ�ĐůŽ�ŝŶŐ�ĚĂ�Ğ���ůĞĂ�Ğ�ĐŽŶ�ŝĚĞ���Ž���Ă��ůŝĐĂ�ŽŶ��Ŷ��ĐĐĞ��Ĩ�ů�

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LONG-SERVING: Emma Mashinini was awarded the National Order of Luthuli as well as the Order of Baobab for her contribution to the trade union movement.

Her memorial service was held on July 13. She was buried yesterday in Pretoria

The shop where africa meets PAGE 9

independent

Books

9

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

The shop where Africa meets CULTURE CENTRE: Fortiscue, left, and Nokuthula Helepi are the owners of African Flavour Books in Vanderbijlpark.

Pictures: Dimpho Maja

D O N M A K AT I L E

J

UST in case it was still necessary to explode the myth that black people have an uncanny relationship with the written word, let’s hasten to add that they not only read, they write books and, as the Helepi couple will attest, make an honest living out of selling them.

Fortiscue and Nokuthula Helepi own African Flavour Books which they run in a small shopping complex in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. AFB has sustained itself as the flavour of the moment and the couple are confident enough to be opening a second shop in Braamfontein in August.

Their catchy slogan is “where Africa meets” and indeed one would be hard-pressed to find another place where so many African authors abound under one roof. Think of any African writer and AFB is sure to have a copy of their work.

The emphasis on African literature is deliberate, says the husband, who was pained by a dearth of the continent’s plethora of literature in his search for reading material “by our own”.

This painstaking research for three years from 2011 while travelling the length and breadth of the country culminated in the opening of the store in 2015. So far they have hosted the likes of poet Don Mattera and trumpeter Hugh Masekela: “That’s how we sell books,” says wife Nokuthula, the business’ chief executive officer.

This is a far cry from the 15 people they had at the opening launch of the store who were “mostly our friends”.

Fast forward to February 12, 2016, when acclaimed author Zakes Mda launched his book, Little Suns, at their store: “We had about 200 people.”

Fortiscue says: “The primary reason we established the business was that we were struggling to get African literature. We thought we couldn’t blame other people; we needed to take up the cudgels ourselves. We travelled across the country to get the books we wanted.”

As they were travelling to every nook and cranny in the country looking to source African books to sell, it was around the time Exclusive Books outlets were closing. Friends were cautioning them against the idea of setting up a bookstore. ”You will never know unless you take risks. There were never any guarantees that this would succeed,” says Fortiscue, who is against the notion that bookshops only succeed in big cities like Sandton or Hyde Park. “Why not here?”

African authors galore in African Flavour Books Husband and wife concur they would have chosen differently if all they wanted was to make a quick buck. “We are here to build a legacy, not make money.”

They share the same sentiment that “we want to build a company that will go on for 100 years, long after we’re gone”.

“This is not a fashionable business, like a chisa nyama. Whether we make money or not doesn’t matter. We are about leaving a legacy for our kids.”

Fortiscue uses the Sesotho idiom to make the point that “we are digging this well. We may not be the ones drinking from it, but future generations certainly will”.

He says the numbers they are generating tell them people are hungry for knowledge. “We now have people who come in religiously every month, looking for new books.”

He adds: “During apartheid we were not allowed to read certain books. Our people must know that they have access to those books now.”

The wife and mother has found a novel way to deal with the demands of her own children: “How do I get my kids to read? I can’t beat them into reading.

If they come to me asking for shoes, I give them a big book, and say ‘read this and then you can get your new shoes’.”

It works, she beams with pride.

She deals just as warmly with her customers, especially new readers. “It all starts here. Our people have to feel that you care, not pretend. They then recommend that you come to their churches and other places. We now do story readings.

“People must not be made to feel small. You take them through the books. Teach them what they can take out of the book. AFB survives because we go beyond just selling the book.”

There were doubts initially, she says. “But closing down was never an option.”

“If we can start it here and build a market, then it can work anywhere,” the duo chorus.

Fortiscue is appreciative of the support they get from the people in his hometown. “Vaal is not

known for its culture of literature. We started out of nowhere. But we are still here.

“We have people who travel from Johannesburg, but the Vaalies support us more.”

A reader from the Eastern Cape came here and found a book about his hometown that he never knew existed, Fortiscue recalls happily.

His philosophy is: “Start people where they are.

Not everyone will read big books. Some will come looking for a book on personal finance, then we teach them about other book titles. Introduce them to new authors.”

ALL-INCLUSIVE RETURN FARES FROM JOHANNESBURG TO:

ALL-INCLUSIVE ONE-WAY SPECIAL FARES BETWEEN JOHANNESBURG AND: East London from

Durban from

Cape Town from

Port Elizabeth from

R726

R749

R943

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A LEGACY: Nokuthula Helepi helps people to get into the reading culture.

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them realise that “people are hungry for knowledge” and that “our people are looking for these books, but they are not available”.

Fortiscue told his wife: “Let’s try find out which other books they want and supply them.”

Today they know a lot about reader needs, like that Steve Biko’s, I Write What I Like, remains the most popular buy.

She says they have looked at ways to “decolonise the book” as people complained that they did not read because they found the language in books too high-brow.

Now they service all types of readers, from the new entrant to tertiary students at the three institutions of higher learning in the Vaal to the tourist keen on something new out of Africa.

“We are a culture centre,” says Fortiscue. “We need to have more stores. We are planning to be in every small town in this country. Knowledge must not be confined to big cities.”

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Personal interactions with authors seems to work like a charm, the bookshop owners say: “The more people interact with the author, the more they buy books. If they see who wrote it, they relate better.

“People don’t have a lot of disposable income.

When they buy a book, it is something they really wanted to have, to read. They know exactly what to buy when they come in. Most of them will not spend more than 30 minutes in the shop. They get their book and out they go.”

When they met she was a second-year student at the Secunda satellite campus of the then Vaal Technikon and he was in his first year as a worker for Sasol.

When they talked, it soon became apparent that they loved the same things “books included”.

A few years down the line, it bothered them both that people in the Vaal could not get a copy of Chika Onyeani’s seminal book, Capitalist Nigger, anywhere in the bookshops around them. More enquiries made

Go to flysaa.com, call +27 11 978 1111 or contact your local travel agent to book.

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environmental affairs Department: Environmental Affairs REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Human Communications 136222

independent

Education

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

11

Effective education a click away Potent digital tools to transform teaching and learning were showcased at Eduweek 2017 VICTOR KGOMOESWANA

OUT WITH OLD: MEC for education in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi has declared war on the chalk board and timeconsuming manual functions. Some of the modern boards have found a path into classrooms already.

I

F SOME of the technological solutions I saw at Eduweek this week are anything to go by, our education could and should be world-class, with a little bit of inspired and visionary leadership.

The former teacher in me succumbed to nostalgia and visited Africa’s education expo at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, this Thursday.

If I had had a glimpse that teaching would one day be this exciting, I might have stayed on.

One of the exhibitors at Eduweek left for a different reason, though.

Founder of an online learning platform, UGenerate, David Phipson hung up his chalk and duster at Grantleigh in Mtubatuba to be an online teacher. Still evidently an enthusiastic natural sciences educator, Phipson said: “I did not want to become a school principal or some senior official. I wanted to teach, but I could not see any growth in the system.”

The exhibition floor drew me in deeper with every step uncovering the powerful industry that is education – a tool to change the fortunes of nations. With the Internet of Things (IoT) engulfing every aspect of our lives, exhibitors almost exclusively paraded digital solutions.

They came from around the corner, like Randburg, where the inventor of a cute word game aptly named S.P.E.L.L. originates, and as far afield as Belarus.

For a while I forgot the grim reality of our education. That our

schools were ranked 75th out of 76 by The Economist in January escaped my memory. Wouldn’t you rather not forget the quote: “A shocking 27% of pupils who have attended school for six years cannot read, compared with 4% in Tanzania and 19% in Zimbabwe.”

Even the warning by statistician-general Pali Lehohla that we are toying with a toxic combination of unemployed youth, particularly young African and coloured men, and an education system that is not responsive, could not bother me momentarily.

The speakers sustained the recurring theme of the importance of empowering the educator to operate optimally in our dynamic socio-economic milieu. My teaching experi-

ence from early to mid-1990s resonates with this sentiment. Teachers waste valuable time on administrative work. Eduweek exhibitors had this covered.

In my day, reports were issued from data summarised in a schedule; a master-database of all the year marks and examination scores for all the subjects. We had to tally these for all the learners and submit them to the head of department, the principal, and then the circuit office.

The pressure of getting the “schedule” to balance was every teacher’s year-end nightmare. Microsoft Excel was unknown to most of us. Because we did everything manually, and an average teacher was numerically challenged, getting the tallies right proved insur-

mountable. They were, nonetheless, non-negotiable to the principal, who would withhold our salaries until everything balanced. EFT; what EFT! The things we said under stress of delayed payment cannot be repeated here.

This is where my time at Eduweek made me appreciate how things have changed for the better.

I stood in awe at the stands of two companies – Vastratech and Mwabu.

Vastratech’s touch-screen technology astounded me. It looked like the way to eliminate all the administrative slog and allow educators to teach. Even though this company brought the first interactive whiteboard into South Africa, chief operating officer Candice du Preez considers the product a means to an

end. “Our focus is on empowering people-development… through providing connective learning solutions,” she emphasised.

Since MEC for education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, has declared war on the chalk board and time-consuming manual functions, some of these boards are in classrooms already.

Mwabu, a company founded in Zambia and now in South Africa, provides digital learning and teaching solutions for Grade 1 to 7. Sales and marketing director Jenny Gordon told me the company already deployed 25 000 solar-powered tablets with learning content to schools in Zambia. After adapting their digital content to South African curriculum standards, they are in the pilot phase

in KwaZulu-Natal schools.

To my delight, these tablets are manufactured locally. They cost the equivalent of $85 and can last for three years. The bonus is their off-line capability, which works for our environment where data and connectivity are still an impediment.

Zipping through the expo my thoughts and my encounters with mainly young dynamic South Africans showcasing their potent solutions left me wondering why we are still battling with the delivery of textbooks and an ineffective education system in the midst of such innovations.

The answer is probably the gap between what the world requires and our thinking about education.

We are stuck in the 1900s when the

world has migrated online, except for people like MEC Lesufi, who remarked: “We must make chalkboard history by providing one learner with one tablet; one teacher with one laptop and one classroom with one smart-board.”

Lesufi understands gadgets on their own cannot transform our education, without the right thinking and work ethic of the educators and school managers. However, that transformation will materialise faster with the help of technology.

• Kgomoeswana is author of Africa is Open for Business; media commentator and public speaker on African business affairs, and a weekly columnist for Sunday Independent and African Independent – Twitter Handle: @VictorAfrica

Enviroserv amends suspension appeal NOKUTHULA NTULI

LEFT BEHIND: Shockingly, our schools were ranked 75th out of 76 by The Economist in January.

South African education is stuck in the past when the world has already migrated online.

Private education partnership offers opportunities CO N S TA N C E G A A N A KG O M O MANAGEMENT College of Southern Africa (Mancosa) and Regent Business School form part of a new, exciting pan-African private education drive, Honoris United Universities.

Actis, a leading investor in growth markets, launched this network this week in London.

It brings together the pioneering efforts of leading tertiary education institutions in north and

southern Africa.

Honoris United Universities will harness the collaborative intelligence and the pioneering efforts of these institutions to educate Africa’s next generations of leaders and professionals.

Hichem Omezzine, co-lead global education sector said: “We have developed extensive domain knowledge in the education sector by backing the trend for emerging market consumers to secure their own and their children’s future

quality of life by investing in their education.

“This has given us the credibility and experience to identify and to work with world-class institutions to support their growth ambitions.

We are absolutely thrilled to expand our partnership with Université Centrale and Université Mundiapolis to Mancosa, Regent and EMSI – three incredibly impactful market leaders.”

The Honoris United universities network includes the leading

post-secondary education group in Tunisia, Université Centrale Group, and Morocco’s Université Mundiapolis, renowned for its international approach and focus on employability.

Honoris will offer more than 100 degrees in various fields including health sciences, engineering, IT, business, law, architecture, arts and design, media, education and political science. Delivery is focused on student success and includes a blend of on-campus learning cen-

tres and distance learning.

The newly appointed chief executive Luis Lopez brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record of significantly widening student access and international management experience from Laureate International Universities.

“I’m proud to introduce Honoris United Universities, a unique platform providing international quality education. It is rooted in the vision of the founders of the

member institutions. Aware of the vital need for their communities to develop human capital, they have each worked for decades to build relevant and demanding academic models with the dual objectives of developing the employability and the life skills of their graduates.

“We believe our key values – collaborative, intelligence mobility and agility – unite us in the purpose of securing a successful impact for our students, their families and their communities,” said Lopez.

ENVIROSERV, the waste management company accused of emitting “toxic fumes” from its Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal, landfill, has changed its appeal submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs following the suspension of its operating licence in April.

The initial appeal was submitted immediately after the suspension was served last month but EnviroServ decided to submit a revised version, which leans heavily on the numerous reports that have been compiled by the company and its external specialists.

These include an air dispersion modelling report by Dr Lucian Burger as well as the findings and recommendations of the chemical toxicology and human risk assessment specialist, Dr Willie van Niekerk, of the Infotox team.

Infotox was appointed by EnviroServ to conduct a human health risk assessment on various communities in Shongweni after the escalation in the number and intensity of odour related complaints from surrounding communities who alleged that the “toxic fumes” from the landfill were making them sick.

“The perspective created by the reports and related technical information now available to us has confirmed what we believe to be the cause of the issues at the site and therefore, what measures can safely and feasibly be implemented,” read the revised appeal document as a reason for new submissions.

Based on these findings, EnviroServ believes the cause of the odour problem can be attributed to, among other factors, the reduction of the pH of the waste body, the increased temperature of the waste body and the increased activity of the sulphate reducing bacteria in the waste body which resulted in the generation of hydrogen sulfide and this being released via various pathways.

The amended appeal also highlighted the progress made in the remedial and mitigation processes that are under way on the site.

EnviroServ also believed that the site should be allowed to receive waste streams as these contain various metals, particularly ferrous ions that bind rapidly with hydrogen sulfide forming insoluble metal sulfides thereby reducing fugitive hydrogen sulfide emissions.

On Wednesday, the civil group, Upper Highway Air (UHA), also made its submissions on the appeal opposing the lifting of the suspension of EnviroServ’s operating licence.

July 16, 2017

12

OUT AND ABOUT

independent THE SUNDAY

A finger lickin’ good show start

Fashion showcase for the polo set

Launch gives taste of TV cook-off ​

O

CO N S TA N C E G A A N A KG O M O N Wednesday night I dashed to The Urban Yard rooftop in Bryanston for the KFC Taste Kitchen launch.

The fast-food chain is dabbling in the reality-cooking show scene, and it’s poised to take 11 cooking teams on a 13-week action-packed journey of culinary sensations.

What better recipe to launch a cooking show is there than to have a great social outing, with good food, company, and wine.

The rooftop and the foyer were transformed into a bohemian beach party on the decks, and the theme for the night was fiery-red with gold and wooden finishes.

The night skies were beautiful although there was a nip in the air.

However, as guests rolled up things warmed up.

Two long tables split the foyer into two groups, and sat at white benches with comfy red cushions.

Red and white string lights made the room more intimate and cosier.

The final touch was the fresh herbs placed on the tables, ensuring you didn’t forget it was a cooking show launch.

We were welcomed by TV and radio personality Bonang Matheba, who is to host the show. She sizzled in a gold blazer paired with torn-jeans and a black vest.

The judge, chef Lentswe Bhengu, said they would be looking for passion, skill and creativity.

He prepared a launch dish of tempura, coleslaw and passion fruit, which was pitted against fellow-judge chef Lucia Mthiyane’s masala and corn phutu cake balls with tomato chakalaka. The voting got under way, and Lucia took the honours.

While indulging in the cuisine, we were serenaded by the band, Simpl3 Stori3s, performing Bob Marley, Ed Sheeran and Adele cover songs.

Chef Nti Ramaboa looked dashing in her orange jumpsuit, while businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo chose classical black.

Actors came en masse. Eric Macheru, Matli Mohapeloa and celebrity couple Thami and Jo-Anne Reyneke all sat together – getting us to wish we could inch a little closer.

KFC public affairs director Thabisa Mkhwanazi said viewers could expect a laugh because there would be drama on the show. ”We want to tell a South African story, and went with home cooks, not real chefs,” said Mkhwanazi.

“The home cook in the family – which is the aunty everybody waits for to prepare the salads and seven colours – that’s the story we want to tell. The kitchen is the heart of who we are.”

Back Page

K ARISHMA DIPA

KITCHEN KING: Lucia Mthiyane.

RIGHT RECIPE: Lentswe Bhengu.

SIZZLING: Bonang Matheba.

KFC Africa brand manager Lynette Ngwata and the chain’s marketing manager Hloni Mohope.

DANCING QUEEN: A dancer at the Lost City.

Pictures: Karen Sandison

AN UNUSUAL fashion display, featuring top designers, to show people how to dress up for the much-anticipated Inanda Africa Cup in Sandton next month, took place at the venue this week.

Vanya Mangaliso, from Afro-chic clothing label Sun Goddess, who showcased some of her collection, urged those who attend polo matches to go all out on their look for the day.

Her designs included maxi-dresses splashed in dramatic and often contrasting tones. Outfits in black, paired with gold and red and white, also had a presence.

This included full-length dresses with a thigh-high slit and another with an open back detail. Chiffon, she said, was loose fitting and added a playful element and silk adds a classy look while leather is an appealing contrast.

“Rather be overdressed than underdressed because that is what life’s all about.You will never regret being overdressed.

“If you don’t know what to wear and might not have a lot of money, accessories are your friend.

“You might even have the same dress as someone else at the event but if you add a belt or an interesting neckpiece your look will be completely different.”

Overall, Mangaliso urged those who were looking for outfit inspiration to venture outside of their comfort zone.

“You shouldn’t wear something that you would walk into the office with. Be daring enough to be whimsical and add a little bit of fantasy to your look.”

Fellow designer JJ Schoeman, who specialises in evening wear and attire for special occasions, was also at the launch and added his own thoughts on polo-match style.

“Be practical and comfortable but fabulous because that is how you will get the most enjoyment from the event,” he urged, adding women should find what works for them and embrace it.

“Wear something you like and suits you – maybe a good colour, something that is form fitting or even an outfit which shows a little bit of skin. Individuality is the biggest thing, you should wear what you love and what’s beautiful and appropriate.”

The designer added that classical style and beauty was always in fashion.

L E S E G O M A KG AT H O

ENTRANCING: Olufemi, aka Femi Koya, and Pops Mohamed perform at The Royal Mokete dinner.

Unathi shows who’s queen at the Palace SHINGAI DARANGWA MEDIA personality Unathi Msengana really knows how to party. On the opening night of the second annual Royal Escape Experience, Unathi, who’s the MC for the weekend’s festivities at The Palace of the Lost City, danced and danced across the Elephant Courtyard.

And who would blame her.

We were treated to an absolutely enchanting party and were entertained by the all-female group, 3 Tons of Fun, and the oh-so-cool DJ collective, Kool Out Lounge DJs. 3 Tons of Fun took guests down memory lane with soulful renditions of classic numbers by Aretha Franklin, Mango Groove and Stephanie Mills.

The Kool Out Lounge DJs brought a more up-tempo hip hop and R&B vibe.

Songs such as Lauryn Hill’s Ex-Factor and Beyonce’s Me, Myself and I had everyone on the dance floor.

As usual, Unathi was at the centre of it all getting her groove on.

Earlier in the day, this exclusive retreat opened with a lovely dinner at the Botsalanong Boma. As guests indulged in the

CENTRE OF ATTRACTION: MC Unathi Msengana.

open bar and buffet, the mesmeric Pops Mohamed and Femi Koya entertained us with a regal and entrancing performance of their classics, as well as new music.

Located within the Sun City reserve, it was an authentically African experience.

Traditional dancers and other performances around the fire added to this experience before the evening was capped off with a stunning fashion show featuring some of the most talented local designers.

The music, the food and the fashion all provided for a truly royal experience.

STAND TALL: Reinette Potgieter, back, with Angeli Marais and Katlego Malatji.

BOLD: Vanya Mangaliso, centre, is surrounded by models wearing Sun Goddess designs.

Taste buds don’t hibernate, why should you?

WE are deep into winter. And while many of us can’t wait for spring and to swap our boots for sandals, it’s clear we still need comfort foods to keep the cold at bay.

This is confirmed by the foodies who took their taste buds on an adventure at the launch of the new Winter Menu tasting at the Moyo Zoo Lake restaurant on Wednesday night.

Moyo has a very distinct African feel. As you approach the entrance you pass through a curio store laden with wood carvings and the kind of Afrobricolage that would excite first-time visitors.

The exciting Winter Menu features mouth-watering items that cannot be found on the current à la carte menu and have all been custom created to deliver a unique African experience.

I was off to a good start with their Bleddie warm chicken samoosas.

The three deep-fried triangular pastry pockets were filled with a hot chicken curry and presented with home-made chutney, while the sweet, creamy red pepper soup was drizzled with yoghurt and served with garlic-rubbed pumpkin bruschetta.

For mains they served scrumptious curried butternut cheesy lasagna. It was layered with curried butternut, peppers, spinach and nutmeginfused béchamel sauce, served with garlic-rubbed pumpkin Pictures: Bhekikhaya Mabaso bruschetta.

Line fish jollof complements the vegetarian, while the can choose between creamy Moroccan chicken, Nyama na cinnamon sago topped with a kumba, which is a beef sirloin buttery crumble, baked and skewered with prawns, is served with vanilla ice cream heavenly for meat lovers. and a custard shot – a perfect Those with a sweet tooth way to end the evening. Decadent will be spoilt for choice. They

chocolate brownies are not too bad an option either – a cross between a cake and cookie, with walnuts, drizzled with custard and chocolate sauce, served with vanilla ice cream.

dispatches

13

JULY 16 2017

A CONTEST OF THOUGHTS

MALULUKE

MASOGA

NIEHAUS

MKHIZE

Africa’s just one big joke to the world/14

ANC amid frozen dogmatism and historical continuity/15

White media is captured by white monopoly capital/16

Al-Bashir - Africa must craft its own solutions/17

Structure of ownership still skewed​

Enemy is monopoly capital (it’s white)

T

HE unadorned truth is that almost all delegates who attended the ANC’s fifth national policy conference agreed that the behaviour and conduct of monopoly capital was contrary to the values of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

Thus it was reaffirmed that “there is much in the nature and behaviour of private monopolies that has the effect of constraining higher rates of growth and skewing development, including monopoly pricing and other forms of rentseeking, selfish import parity pricing, barriers to entry in some industries and a value system based on greed and crass materialism”.

“However, the relationship between the national democratic state and private capital is one of unity and struggle, co-operation and contestation” (ANC Strategy & Tactics, 2012:47, P114).

This characterisation reaffirms the position of the movement that defined the enemy of the liberation Struggle as: “The system of white minority domination with white community being the beneficiaries and defenders of this system. These in turn were made up of workers, middle strata and capitalists.

Monopoly capital was identified as the chief enemy of the NDR.” (ANC Strategy & Tactics, 2012:37, P96).

Monopoly displaces capitalistfree competition and replaces it with transnational companies, as Lenin once pointed out. The contemporary socio-economic system, throughout the globe, is dominated by monopolies who set the agenda for various governments and impose themselves on the domestic affairs of other countries.In defence of white monopoly capital, we are coerced to accept that we should not distil form from the content. We are told that the content is the only determinant factor, therefore elements that constitute its character are of less importance. According to Marx and Engels, it is necessary to trace the genesis of various forms and to understand the various stages of the real process by which forms are created, while taking into account the objective subordination of content and form. Monopoly remains a global phenomenon that cartelises industries, fixes prizes and applies uncompetitive practices. In South Africa, largely because of the persistent legacy of apartheid the form of such monopolies is white-oriented.

Another misleading effort aimed at shielding white monopoly capital is the advancement of a strange and distorted narrative that seeks to suggest the movement has never characterised its enemy based on racial lines. Over many decades, the ANC has defined its cause as a revolutionary struggle against white domination. Clearly, this is a characterisation of a racial system that was designed for the oppression of the black majority.

The fundamental meaning of white domination has always been known and understood to represent political and economic dominance.

Accepting and affirming the character of monopoly in our country does not represent a negation of our commitment to build a non-racial society.

The ANC argued that over time, the policies of government and the tactical sensibilities of some white monopolies have precipitated a situation in which some of the black propertied classes are expanding their positions within the important sectors of the economy (ANC Strategy and Tactics, 1997). While the SACP observed that: “The SACP, in evaluating the first decade of our democracy, came to the conclusion that in economic terms white-

It is only by analysing the complex web of activities by white monopolies that one realises the amount of control they wield, w ​ rites Sihle Zikalala​

UNANIMOUS: ANC delegates at the 5th ANC National Policy conference in Joburg, are in agreement, says the author that it is WMC that is the enemy of the liberation struggle.

Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi

dominated monopoly capital was the single biggest beneficiary, at the direct expense of the working class, which experienced casualisation, a job loss bloodbath and outsourcing.

Therefore the first decade of our democracy, in economic terms, became the decade of the whitedominated bourgeoisie, joined by a small elite.” (The South African Road to Socialism).

The myth that the liberation movement has never used the concept of white monopoly capital is not just born out of nostalgia, but is a distortion informed by false consciousness wherein leaders arrogate to themselves divinity rights of telling anything assuming that, we, the followers, will ingest any information without thinking.

The question remains why, today, there is a strong denial of the existence of white monopoly capital and that our characterising must only be limited to content and disregard the form. The answer to these questions can be derived from what Karl Marx said: “It is not the consciousness of men that determines their existence, but their social existence that determines their consciousness”.

The democratic dispensation has opened opportunities for various comrades to participate

in the economy, including those in leadership positions while at the same they have benefited and continue to benefit, through BEE or co-option by the same white monopoly.

Some of our leaders serve on boards and enjoy benefits such as sponsorships from the same white monopoly capital system. The living conditions of these comrades make it difficult to characterise this phenomenon correctly. As the saying goes: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”

Another question that needs to be answered is why we are raising the matter of the white monopoly capital so strongly. The fact remains that the structure of the South African economic ownership and pattern remains intact and controlled by a tiny minority at the expense of the majority languishing in abject poverty. The unemployment rate is stubbornly high. All these are resultant from apartheid economic structure.

To find comprehensive response to these challenges, we need to examine and review the economic structure that has persistently sustained poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Former anti-apartheid activist and economics professor Ben Turok

makes the point: “What are fault lines in the economy and where do these fit in the overall structure of the economy? Once there are certain fundamental cleavages in this country, which maintain the status quo, only then can we understand where incremental reforms fit into the overall structure. Unless we change the overall structure, we will be in the same situation forever.”

The above expression calls for a thoroughgoing analysis of the structure of the economy so that proper interventions can be developed. We equally need to resist temptations of conformism wherein revolutionaries get co-opted and absorbed by the same system they ought to transform.

It becomes even more necessary to know companies monopolising the food industry in the country. The affected companies are:

Pioneer Foods, which produces Sasko that also produces Blue Bird, Uncle Salie and Natural Harvest; Tiger Brands, which produces Albany; Premier Foods Genfoods, which produces Blue Ribbon and BB; and Foodcorp, which produces Sunbake.

Unfortunately all the four companies, together with their subsidiaries, have their ownership pointing to the Rupert family, which happens to be white, thus legitimising the concept of white monopoly capitalism in South Africa.

Further, in all parts of the private sector of the economy, the pattern of a few giant companies persists.

One effect is persistent pricefixing by cartels, exposed in sectors ranging from concrete to bread, by the Competition Commission.

These large private firms – mainly rooted in the pre-1994 period – are correctly termed white monopoly capital.

In the mining industry monopoly, two of the world’s largest mining

“

UNLESS WE CHANGE THE STRUCTURE, WE WILL BE IN THE SAME SITUATION

companies have their origins in South Africa. BHP Billiton was the result of a merger between South Africa’s Billiton and the Australian BHP Group. Anglo American Plc, with a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and secondary listing in Johannesburg, owns many major subsidiaries, including Anglo Platinum, Anglo Coal, Impala Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore. The whiteness is too glaring.

The financial sector of South Africa’s economy is composed of the Big Four banks – FirstRand, Standard Bank, Barclays Africa and Nedbank – and insurance houses– Old Mutual, Liberty, Sanlam in the main. As is the case with the mining sector, insurance companies are listed in the London Stock Exchange.

The argument being proffered that black ownership of shares in some of the major white monopolies renders the characterisation of white monopoly capital an inaccurate depiction is further from the truth. The government pension funds that are invested by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) are a sizeable amount of money to be tempted to dismiss the dominance of white monopolies in the South African economy.

However, it is only by analysing the complex web of interconnected activities by white monopolies that one begins to holistically appreciate the amount of control they wield in the economy.

A complex challenge facing the movement is how to implement its programme of radical economic transformation if this means ignoring the structure of the economy, institutions and patterns of ownership without confronting the reality and challenges posed by monopolies.

The general conduct of monopolies remains a real threat to this. As we argue against white monopoly capital, equally our hindrance to progress and fair distribution of the economy is prevalence of corruption. As we confront the tendencies of white monopoly capital, we must also confront the endemic challenge of corruption. This includes the state capture which is, in essence, a very dangerous emergence of arrogant parasitic bourgeoisie.

We remain steadfastly opposed to any monopoly irrespective of its form and content. n Zikalala is KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

independent

14

Dispatches

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

​Africa’s just one big joke to the world

A

T THE bottom of the pile of Thabo Mbeki’s speeches published in the book titled Africa: The time has come, is a speech that has haunted me for two decades. It is not the beautifully crafted I am an African speech. And no, it is not the speech about South Africa being a country of two nations.

Nor is it Mbeki’s brilliant farewell speech on the occasion of Madiba’s retirement from Parliament. Rather, it is a brief, little-known and seldom invoked speech which Mbeki made in 1998 titled Stop the Laughter.

He delivered it in Swakopmund, one of the most scenic settings in the Southern hemisphere, home to an indomitable people, the Herero and the Nama.

Bewitched by the magnificence of that Namibian coastal city where sea, desert and sky embrace, Mbeki delivered one of his best speeches, to my mind.

Maybe he was stirred by the knowledge of the violent colonial past of that beautiful place, to make a speech that was bitter and sweet.

And yet it is written in elegant prose, sprinkled with fragments of humour, punctuated with dazzling pearls of wisdom and delivered with the proverbial sting in the tail.

Perhaps by way of contrast, Mbeki chose to construct his speech around the the story of the 2 000 or so inhabitants of Dead Man’s Creek, Mississippi, US. Among the citizens was one Stevie Wonder, the only black man in town.

With no access to the most basic forms of entertainment and little connection to the rest of the world, the boring lives of the inhabitants of Dead Man’s Creek, revolved around the “nightly” television news. When they heard on the news one day that President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda was preaching the gospel of African renewal, they said “Hallelujah!” because “they would no longer have to contribute some of their personal money to famine relief in the African Republic of Kalakuta”.

And Stevie Wonder said “Amen”, for the welcome respite from being called upon daily to explain embarrassing African experiences he knew nothing about.

But soon enough, the news from Africa reverted to the usual doom and gloom. One day it was about the Somalian relapse from modernity back to feudalism. Then the familiar stories of famine and war in Africa became regular again.

Then came the story of how one Gnassingbé Eyadéma stole the 1998 elections in Togo – a country he ruled from 1967 until he died in 2005.

Museveni is alive, so he is still president of Uganda, 31 years later.

Seemingly, Paul Kagame intends to remain president of Rwanda, as long as he lives.

And the citizens of Dead Man’s Creek started to laugh saying: “African politicians must be the best comedians in the world.”

Stung by that scornful laughter, Mbeki begged his fellow African leaders saying: “Let us stop the laughter.”

But dear Mr Mbeki, I have news

Dear Mbeki, the mocking laughter has returned, louder and bolder, and it’s no longer only Dead Man’s Creek laughing at us, writes Tinyiko Maluleke

IN STITCHES: The writer says the world sees our leaders, including former president Thabo Mbeki, angrily frothing at the mouth about the punitive justice Picture: Matthews Baloyi of the ICC, yet state institutions are being destroyed and corruption is taking hold. for you. The mocking laughter has returned, louder and bolder. It is no longer Dead Man’s Creek alone that is laughing. Villagers in the backyards of China are laughing at, and joking about, Africa. The entire world is in stitches over our fantastic ability to wound ourselves.

They see our leaders, including Mbeki, angrily frothing at the mouth about the blunt and punitive

justice of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Yet all over Africa, state institutions are either being destroyed or non-existent.

Instead, crooked individuals, family dynasties and cronies are consolidating their power.

Do we think these family dynasties will either enable the emergence of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights, the ICC

equivalent for Africa? How many Bashirs, Laurent Gbagbos, Joseph Kabilas and Yahya Jammehs must we tolerate and appease and for how long? What’s wrong with simply asking for leaders who will respect the will and lives of the people they lead?

Our country, South Africa, has become the laughing stock of the world again. In fact, I am not sure if

the laughter ever stopped. Not even during the Mbeki presidency.

After all, is it not Mbeki who gave us president Jacob Zuma?

The inept and embarrassing attempt to pull South Africa out of the Rome Statute must be one big joke in Dead Man’s Creek.

Last week when the ICC ruled that as a signatory, South Africa was obliged to arrest Omar al-Bashir,

which South Africa ought to have known, they must have been rolling on the wooden floors with laughter.

All indications are that if South Africa needed the ICC before, you can be sure we will need it soon – what with the emasculation and deligitimisation of key state institutions! Key instruments of the criminal justice system such as the former Scorpions, the Hawks,

the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate have been under siege for a long time with a view to turn them into mere tools in the hands of politicians.

We have seen state-owned enterprises (SOEs) being systematically turned into the cash cows of “the family” and its strategic allies. Why should the world not deride us?

When it emerged that Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane had decided to oppose President Zuma’s application to set aside the state capture remedial actions of her predecessor, a television network issued a screaming headline, saying: “Breaking news, Mkhwebane criticises Zuma.” Ought this not to be the normal, though not the only, job of the public protector?

Clearly there is growing desperation nationally, for the incumbent public protector to demonstrate her independence.

Across the land, there is a palpable fear that, as well as the National Treasury and the SOEs, the office of the public protector might be in danger of being “Guptaed”. When the public protector finally criticised the president, all the people said: “Amen! Hallelujah!”

We fear that the repeated jibes at the judiciary by the some of our senior political leaders, as well as the recent burglaries at the offices of the Hawks, the NPA and the chief justice might be part of a planned, albeit sinister, effort to intimidate and weaken the crucial institutions.

At the recent ANC policy conference, the ANC reminded me of my grandmother, who was nearly the same age as the party when the gods called her.

She would look everywhere for the container in which she kept her tobacco, to the point of dispatching us kids to help with the search everywhere. And all the while, she was absent-mindedly holding it in her hand.

Similarly, ANC policy conference delegates huffed and puffed about everything else, looked and searched everywhere, except whence their problems emanated – the absence of a moral and ethical leadership at the highest level of the party.

When the Gupta wedding Airbus A330-200 plane landed at Waterkloof Airbase in 2013, we resented the ruthless audacity of violating a national key point in that way.

We were disgusted by the opulence of a luxury motorcade that ferried the family and their guests to Sun City, under the watch and guidance of our police.

It was nauseating.

To add insult to injury, we have recently learnt the South African taxpayer might have paid for it all, including the lavish wedding.

Surely, we deserve to be laughed at.

Fight over white monopoly capital isn’t a black person’s issue​ LEBOGANG HOVEKA

T

HEADS UP

HERE is an old African saying: “Be careful when a naked man offers you a shirt”. This is what I make of Johann Rupert’s sudden attack of conscience regarding Gupta PR firm Bell Pottinger. Black people, steer clear.

It is not our battle. We are black.

We are on our own. Let me explain.

According to historian and political biographer, Anthony Butler, in 1976, after the Soweto uprisings, English monopoly capital found itself in a panic. It feared the looming threat of a black uprising, and it came up with a plan.

It wrote to the prime minister: “The mature family-oriented black already places the stability of his household uppermost. (He) is

more interested in his pay-packet than in politics. Our prime point of departure should be that this ‘middle class’ is not weakened by frustration and indignity. Only by having the most respectable section of the urban black on our side can the whites of South Africa be assured of containing… the irresponsible economic and political ambitions of those blacks who are influenced.”

Harry Oppenheimer and Clive Menell roped Afrikaner Anton Rupert into the project to avoid “Rome falling to the barbarians”.

They hatched a plan to collect a group of black, “bright people” – as Menell’s son, Brian, put it – to grind them into this paternalistic orgy of a self-interested and black middle-class.

Today, some decades later, the

THE Mercy James Centre remains not only a world-class intensive care hospital, but also a superior learning environment to train the next generation of Malawian healthcare workers. This is as much about healing as it is about empowerment – pop star Madonna said on Tuesday when she opened the Mercy James Institute for Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care at the Queen Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. It is named after her 11-year-old adopted daughter, one of four from the African country.

offspring, Johann Rupert, rallies us into the battle between him and Bell Pottinger. The Freedom Front Plus and DA have joined in, charging treason and hate crimes. All this for three words.

This is white paternalism at its best. Bell Pottinger has never been ethical. It says black people are stupid. We are going to kill white people because we did not know that they own the economy. We just heard it from some foreigners and “Indians” from Saxonwold.

This is absurd. We are routinely called k******, monkeys and clever blacks. Our people are shot, mistaken for animals, placed in coffins and so on. Suddenly we have become these savages over the lexicon “white monopoly capital”.

Wasn’t it fine when the EFF or SACP were using it? Why is it

THE present conviction does not bring this judge any personal satisfaction. Quite the contrary, it is regrettable that a former president be criminally convicted. It doesn’t matter how high you are, the law is still above you – federal Judge Sergio Moro wrote in his decision after he’d sentenced Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to nine-and-a-half years in jail for corruption and money laundering. Lula, who was president between 2003 and 2010, will remain free while an appeal is heard.

becoming a problem because a desperate ANC is using it?

We are back in 1976.

Representatives of white monopoly capital are panicking. They have gone out to look for the “best and brightest” in the ANC to tell us that white monopoly capital is a myth.

Today Johann Rupert, who used Bell Pottinger for 19 years, decides to stop using them because of the three words.

I have no quarrel with him, but I’m disappointed and hurt by the best intellectuals in our movement. As a young black man, I feel betrayed. I’m becoming tired.

I’m losing hope.

When the best in society become the worst, when those of us who look up to them see them eating and thinking for themselves, we too start thinking we must steal. We do it to survive; . so that when everything collapses, we have enough money to evacuate our families, build stronger walls or pay for a private army.

This is what young people, who have lost faith in the liberation movement, are thinking. We see our leaders defending the indefensible. We see them defending the last frontiers of white domination. We see them

OUR STRUGGLE IS TO HAVE ECONOMIC FREEDOM​

THE Inkatha Freedom Party has received with shock and sadness the news of the departure of our iconic artist Mr Ray Phiri. Ray Phiri was one of the artists who remained with the oppressed within the belly of apartheid South Africa so as to contribute to the conscientization of and giving of hope to the oppressed, through his music. Indeed South Africa has lost a hero and a freedom fighter. May God comfort his family, followers of his music and all of us – Joshua Mazibuko, IFP Deputy National Spokesperson.

drenched to the bone in the sins of incumbency. Yesterday they were revolutionaries but today they’re sell-outs. Why is Bell Pottinger our problem? Because it’s a deliberate distraction. We don’t have to endorse Guptarisation but we also bloody well shouldn’t join white people’s projects to undermine our intelligence and agency. We must leave white people to obsess over their own whiteness.

Our struggle is neither to please white people nor force reconciliation down their throats.

Our struggle is black excellence; to eliminate that slimy arrogance and confidence of a mediocre white man.

Our struggle is to eradicate inequality and have economic freedom in our lifetime – if not in ours, then in our children’s to

be sure. Frantz Fanon said: “The European elite undertook to manufacture a native elite. They picked out promising adolescents, they branded, as with red-hot iron, with the principles of highsounding phrases, grand glutinous words that stuck to the teeth… these walking lies had nothing left to say to their brothers, they only echoed.”

We hear them, they echo. “There is no such thing as white monopoly capital. It is white domination, in context.”

We hear them, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. They agreed to have a battle but they forgot their quarrel. n Hoveka is the author of the forthcoming title: They Think and Speak for Themselves. He is a speech-writing specialist in the public service. He writes in his personal capacity.

WE shall always remember hit songs like ‘People don’t talk let’s talk’, ‘Whispers in the Deep’ and ‘Zwakala’. Ray Phiri and his contemporaries urged us on in the darkest days and fired the last salvos at apartheid. This is what gave this music an edge, which it maintains to this day, as it still holds sways among many music-lovers. They were bright, defiant, quick-thinking, street-wise and urbane. Such was the music of Ray Phiri – Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

independent

Dispatches

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

15

Coalition government for South Africa is the solution DR E V RAPITI

D

FINDING THE LIGHTER SIDE: ANC president Jacob Zuma and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa share a joke on the first day of the ANC’s fifth national policy conference Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi held in Johannesburg last weekend.

ANC amid frozen dogmatism and historical continuity The ruling party is fast losing political power, writes Elvis Masoga

T

HEADS UP

HE FOREMOST object of this article is to apply Charles Dickens’s “comparative dialectical epochs” to the incidental dynamics which underpinned the ANC’s national policy conference.

Fascinatingly, that gruelling policy conference has offered some stunning glimpses into the conflicting ideals, epochs and paradoxes of history.

That “festival of ideals” was an epic symbolism of a descriptive antagonism between “historical continuity” and “frozen dogmatism”. ANC president Jacob Zuma and his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, are symbolic emblems of “frozen dogmatism” and “historical continuity” respectively. The draft policy documents which were fiercely discussed by delegates were somehow bound by hallmarks of epochal dialectics.

To best fathom the intrinsic philosophic connotations of that policy conference, one should first articulate on the quintessence of historical eternity.

History is not a study but a living picturesque of lived realities, conscious experiences and testable imaginaries.

History is both the creator and product of human articulations, contributions, tribulations, accomplishments and travails. History is an unblemished, unbreakable mirror that showcases the limitation of our capabilities and the greatness of our imperfections.

Writers and narrators of history are not actually reciting past experiences, but are crafting a new world that is modelled on testable experiences, contemporary ingenuity and transcendental aspirations.

History lives indispensably in our yesterdays and thrives invincibly in our contemporary realities. The eternity of history lives in the depths and bosoms of our daily dreams, fears, aspirations, nightmares, joyous elations and unconscious imaginations.

The ANC policy conference laid bare the undying dynamic theatrics, histrionics and dialectical paradoxes of history.

In every conceptual phase of history, there will be an attritional contradiction between epochs, eras and conjunctures.

Attritional contestation between varied historical epochs characterised the policy warfare between the Zuma faction and the Ramaphosa camp.

Zuma and Ramaphosa have come to symbolise the antithetical epochal versions of historical contradiction.

At that watershed policy conference, the Zuma camp represented a history that is trapped in repulsive stagnation, glorious hypocrisy and authoritarian populism.

On the other hand, the Ramaphosa faction epitomised a history that thrives on epochal reconstruction, leadership refinement and moral idealism.

As anticipated, the Zuma brigade strolled into the policy conference with a miscalculated intention to blackmail and hold history hostage.

The Ramaphosa faction was determined to salvage historical continuity from the doldrums of frozen dogmatism.

Factional warfare over the definitional cogency of “white monopoly capital” illustrated the gravity of that attritional epochal antagonism.

In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens posits: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the moment of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the era of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

In manifold ways, the recent national policy conference was a classic juxtaposition of Dickens’s dialectical epochs. Sheer moments of inspirational courage co-existed with incredulous

THERE is not a day that passes that we do not gain greater insight into a network of illicit relationships, contracts, deals and appointments designed to benefit just one family and their associates. We cannot turn a blind eye to these revelations – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address at the SACP congress. He slated the influence of the Gupta family and demanded, among others, the recovery of the R30 million paid for their lavish Sun City wedding.

rants of imbecile buffoonery. On the first day of the policy conference, the Zuma faction brought to life “the age of foolishness” and “ the era of Darkness”. The Zuma loyalists tried, so unsuccessfully and unwittingly, to prevent ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe from delivering his “diagnostic organisational report”.

An overwhelming majority of delegates rebuffed and crushed such machinations by the Zuma sycophants.

Limpopo ANC provincial chairperson Stanley Mathabatha was instrumental in supporting the deliverance of Mantashe’s report. While delegates favourably implored and nudged Mantashe to present the report Zuma’s bewildered facial expression conveyed the humiliation and vanquish.

The triumphant Ramaphosa faction celebrated that symbolic victory because it epitomised the downfall of “the age of foolishness”.

The “age of wisdom”, “the season of Light” and “the spring of hope” brilliantly captured the tone, analysis and contextual gist of Mantashe’s report.

In his blistering super-clinical report, the secretary-general blamed Zuma’s catastrophic presidential deficiencies for the chronic maladies and conundrums afflicting the ANC. The fearless Mantashe lambasted the Guptas’ toxic influence in government, the Nkandla corruption fiasco, state capture and endemic corruption. He admitted that: “Corruption has become an insipid cancer that is annihilating the moral cogency of the ANC… The series of Gupta e-mails that are being released in tranches each day are causing severe harm to our movement.”

Mantashe also bemoaned the agonising decline of intellectual debates, ideological referencing

“

CORRUPTION HAS BECOME AN INSIPID CANCER THAT IS ANNIHILATING THE ANC’S MORAL COGENCY

THE sums I have seen that they propose to demand from this country appear to be extortionate. Go whistle seems to me to be an entirely appropriate expression – British foreign secretary Boris Johnson tells MPs the EU can “go whistle” if it thinks it can demand huge final payment from the UK upon Brexit.

and analytical expertise in the ANC. Consequently, ANC members and leaders have become poorer in analytical capacity, strategic imagination and introspective calculus.

In that hard-hitting, 24-page report, Mantashe elaborated: “There is a general decline at various leadership levels to anchor debates and discussions on basic policy documents… This costly decline in political consciousness and ideological awareness makes our organisation severely vulnerable to divisions.”

Policy debates on “organisational renewal” and “radical economic transformation” also captured and exhausted the imaginations of most delegates. The “worst of times” arrived when delegates chose to expend two days arguing about the definition of “white monopoly capital”.

Any diligent apprehension of political economics would attest that “white monopoly capital” does not exist. It is just “a mythically concocted bogeyman” that only exists in the wildest imaginations of ultraconservative hotheads.

Howling, heckling and juvenile demagoguery were occasionally orchestrated by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL)and Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA) delegates. This was not surprising at all because the current ANCYL and MKMVA leaderships are not associated with intellectual brilliance.

At the policy conference, it was conspicuously evident that the bearers of technocratic policy pragmatism, the Ramaphosa camp, were up against the boat-rocking, ultra-militant hotheads, the Zuma faction. Another “age of foolishness” was dramatised by Fikile Mbalula’s idiotic referral of anti-Zuma ANC MPs as “suicide bombers”. While Mbalula is a good-natured, sociable and kind-hearted politician, he lacks intellectual calculus and strategic visionary acumen. How could he, a highly seasoned NEC member, brand his fellow stalwarts (MPs) as terrorist suicide bombers?

The policy conference was indeed

never short of hilarious episodes that depict “the age of foolishness” and “the worst of times”. The ANC Women’s League leadership, notably its president Bathabile Dlamini, foolishly hired 30 men to represent the organisation at the conference. The league’s leadership clearly lacks faith in the thousands of women they falsely claim to lead and represent.

The most controversial and incredulous ANC policy resolution was a proposition calling for the nationalisation of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). It is terminally unwise and logically insane to seek to nationalise a globally competitive fiscal-regulatory institution. The ANC government should rather propose to expand its shareholding within the SARB, and not to nationalise it.

Nationalisation would erode the reserve bank’s fiscal-regulatory diligence and inflation-targeting brilliance.

Generally, the buffoonery forces of belligerence, led by Zuma, were vanquished by the Ramaphosa camp at the policy conference in an epic battle between idiosyncratic belligerence and pragmatic brilliance.

The conference proved that Zuma’s political power is waning and dwindling dramatically. The “epoch of incredulity” unfolded when Zuma, in his closing speech, pleaded with party members to embrace a presidential power-sharing deal, in which a losing presidential candidate would automatically become the party’s deputy president. Fortunately, hundreds of delegates furiously shook their overburdened heads in disapproval of Zuma’s unconstitutional proposition.

He is evidently aware his ex-wife is likely to lose the presidential contest to Ramaphosa at the party’s elective conference in December. This proposal

by Zuma and his KwaZulu-Natal ANC is aimed, illicitly, at preserving political power within the Zuma clan. During the fractious 2007 Polokwane conference and the high-stakes 2012 Mangaung conference, Zuma never initiated that presidential power-sharing scheme.

Why now?

WORKING hard to get the Olympics for the United States (L A.). Stay tuned!

– a tweet by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

URING the build-up to the 1994 elections, the majority of South Africans were in a state of euphoria that our country would be freed from the shackles of apartheid with a promise of great prosperity and peace for all.

This dream was to be made possible by the party of Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and many other great stalwarts of the struggle: the much revered ANC. The country did well under the leadership of the late Mandela.

Every dignitary in the world wanted to be associated with South Africa for our excellent constitution and respect for human rights.

This respect fast dwindled ever since the government was involved in the corrupt costly arms deal. During Thabo Mbeki’s rule our country suffered after he refused to allow HIV patients to receive antiretroviral drugs, which was against the scientific thinking of the time. During his reign we had to put up with the corrupt Jackie Selebi and the doddering, beetroot and vodka-loving Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the then health minister.

Little did we realise that when Mbeki was recalled, our country was being handed over to the worst president ever from among so many other competent leaders.

In the past eight years of President Jacob Zuma’s rule, the country went rapidly downhill landing us in junk status and in a recession the past four years. All our state-owned enterprises were all embroiled in corrupt deals, which amounted to theft from the state coffers.

All the state-owned enterprises chalked up huge debts because of gross mismanagement and nepotism.

Eskom is in debt to the tune of R340 billion; SAA has been running at a loss with a debt of about R20bn; and Prasa (the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) has been implicated in a corrupt deal worth R1bn.

We had three police commissioners in eight years, all of whom had serious criminal charges laid against them.

The NPA has tried hard and failed to prosecute the former minister of finance, Pravin Gordhan, on fabricated charges, yet it failed to initiate charges against the president after the leaked e-mails clearly implicated him and members of his party with the Guptas in state capture actvities.

In spite of a slew of charges implicating our president and

senior members of his government, our president remains defiantly unshaken. He has outmanoeuvred the most upright and upstanding members of his party by surrounding himself with a bunch of lackeys who have had to dance to his tune to keep their well-paying, shortlived jobs.

The party of our dreams has become our nightmare. In a very short time these people have transformed the respected ANC into the dictatorial self- serving Zupta party that has reached the point of no return.

The party has become like an old building where the rot has crept right into the framework because of wanton neglect.

It is beyond repair; it has to be replaced.

Calls for Zuma’s resignation from the nation, the ethics committee, the late Ahmed Kathrada and religious leaders have all gone unheeded.

Zuma has managed to operate as a dictator in a democracy and there is nothing that his party, we as a nation, or our judiciary could do to remove him.

The big lesson for this majority party rule, as in the rest of Africa, is absolutely detrimental to the country if it is soaked in corruption.

Zimbabwe, once the bread basket of southern Africa, has become a basket case in less than 30 years under the dictator Robert Mugabe. It is an outright abuse by a majority party to allow people with criminal records to serve as public servants.

When the ANC refers to itself as a totally non-racial party, it is nothing more than empty rhetoric.

The new breed of leaders gives minorities little hope for their future.

It is common to hear minorities complain that they are denied jobs in state institutions and are by-passed for promotion.

The only way to put an end to nepotism and cronyism, and protect the interests of the minorities, is to prevent majority rule because, as Blade Nzimande correctly summed it up at the SACP’s conference: “the ANC has no appetite to fix itself ”.

How sad that this once great party with great potential has been morphed into the reprehensible Zupta party in eight short years by one wrecking ball president.

Our country deserves better; the nation deserves better.

It is time for radical change in government. n Rapiti is a family physician

THERE are other central banks in other countries that have relatively multiple or broader mandates – Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

This was her motivation to get the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank reviewed.

independent

16

Leader

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

The rise of exclusionary politics in India

T

Remembering Madiba in the midst of a crisis

M

ANDELA Day is a time when people rally to help others and make the world a better place. It’s also a time to celebrate Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s birthday. The sombre mood in the country makes it more a period to mourn and yearn for another Madiba.

But it would be a shame to mourn more than we celebrate on Tuesday for the troubles that engulf us are all the more reason to be grateful he was born in Mvezo, Transkei, on July 18, 1918.

It will be the fourth Nelson Mandela International Day since the icon died at the age of 95.

The stubborn, debilitating problems of poverty, inequality and unemployment that he devoted his life to eradicating are still with us today. He spent 27 years in prison and worked for 67 years to ensure a better country for all. Madiba once remarked that after climbing one hill, another would lie in wait.

We need to reminded of his resilience and determination. It should be noted that he did not achieve success alone, rather leading from the back, much like a shepherd. Now it is in our hands. It may help to ask what would Madiba do in our situation?

Our message this Mandela Month is that each of us must do what is in our power and means to make South Africa a better place. Let’s consider one of the most critical areas, the economy.

Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba did what he could this week, coming up with his 14-point plan to stave off further credit rating downgrades and boost our tepid economy. The plan and the man are not perfect. Key stakeholders rejected it for various reasons.

Some say our country needs more implementation of the good plans we have rather than an entirely new one.

Still, few could fault it as a short-term measure to boost growth.

The reality is we are in deep trouble and without a resolution to our political and structural economic problems, the situation will get worse. With a deep recession looming, should we have done nothing?

Our appeal is that we join the millions remembering Madiba on Tuesday, try to emulate him by fighting injustice, embrace all who inhabit our country regardless of race, help the needy and practise reconciliation. And if we make every day a Mandela Day, our problems may recede or disappear.

Mbeki interview a Power move

W

HETHER or not Power FM head honcho Given Mkhari acquitted himself well during his interview with former president Thabo Mbeki is immaterial.

What matters is that he brought the Mbeki perspective into the public arena.

And if the buzz on social media is anything to go by, it is clear that many have been hankering to hear what Mbeki thinks of the current state of the nation.

Since his acrimonious exit from public life, Mbeki has elected to keep his views to himself. He has a sizeable number of followers and an equally significant horde of detractors who illustrated their love or hate in their Twitter posts and Facebook exultations and rants. The AMPS figures will show Power FM did really well with this interview.

That television station eNCA chose to do a rerun of the interview points to the soundness of the editorial genius of Mkhari to suss out Mbeki.

Whether we like it or not such an interview will almost invariably induce a comparison of the two periods on either side of Polokwane 2007.

What we, the electorate, make of it is really no skin off Mbeki’s nose.

Editor Steven Motale 011 633 2183 steven.motale@inl.co.za

Deputy Editor Lebogang Seale 011 633 2566 lebogang.seale@inl.co.za Sport Mark Beer 011 633 2374 mark.beer@inl.co.za

HE politics of narrow, nationalist, parochial ideas is fast gaining ground in India.

Under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the pseudo-fascist Hindu nationalist group the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has gained unprecedented political clout.

Modi was, after all, a footsoldier of the RSS for decades, and his rise to power can largely be attributed to the mobilisation of the RSS behind Modi’s campaign, as well as his anticorruption message. The convergence of a majoritarian religious ideology with big business catapulted Modi to power. With RSS branches in more than 50 000 villages, the group forms the backbone of the ruling BJP party, and is considered its ideological parent.

For those unfamiliar with the ideological underpinnings of the RSS, it is a militant group that believes in the supremacy of Hindus, and is known to preach hate against Muslims and Christian minorities. The RSS advocates what has become known as Hindutva, or Hindu-ness, and is alleged to be dictating the policies of the Modi administration behind the scenes.

Gandhi in 1948, and testified in court that he had consciously killed him.

Godse was an outspoken advocate of Hindu nationalism, and felt Gandhi was working against the interests of Hindus. The slogan at the time among Hindu nationalists was “those who will work for Hindu interests will rule the country”.

The RSS has been banned three times in post-independence India – the first time after Gandhi was assassinated, the second by prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, and again in 1992 after the RSS demolished the Babri mosque in Ayodhya to build a Hindu temple.

Modi was introduced to the RSS at the age of 8, and by the age of 21 he was a full time worker for the group. It was the RSS that assigned him to the BJP in 1985, and propelled him forward, seeing him become the party’s general secretary in 2001. Key posts in the BJP have traditionally been manned by RSS Pracharaks, or propagandists, and with Modi’s rise to power, the RSS has gained a foothold in the corridors of power.

Modi has appointed people

The Global Spotlight

Shannon Ebrahim The group is notoriously secretive, with no existing register of its members, and communications carried out verbally. Many have likened some of its practices to fascism, with men marching in unison with wooden staffs, wearing khaki shorts, white shirts, and black caps. They perform a sideways salute to their saffron coloured flag, with a symbol that has been likened to a swastika at the centre.

It was an RSS activist, Nathuran Godse, who assassinated Mahatma

with strong RSS backgrounds in key government positions, and spearheaded an issue at the top of the RSS agenda – to strengthen the position of the BJP in north-east India in order to stop the conversion of Hindus to Christianity.

The umbilical ties that bind the RSS to the BJP, has meant that its chauvinistic agenda has gained momentum and become increasingly popularised across the country since 2014 with the BJP as the ruling party.

With the calls of RSS figures for the lynching of people that eat beef in the name of Hindutva, the country has witnessed a spate of lynchings in recent months. Official figures put the number of lynchings at 17, although opposition politicians say that the number is as high as 50 in the past two months. A prominent RSS leader said recently: “Those who eat beef have no human rights.”

Such inflammatory rhetoric has led to the killing of innocent people, such as 15-year-old Junaid Khan who was stabbed to death on a train by men calling themselves cow vigilantes.

Khan was returning home from buying

clothes for Eid, when the mob shouted that he should go and live in Pakistan, before stabbing him to death.

There was no immediate condemnation of his killing from Modi or the central government. Other such cases involved a meat trader being beaten to death by cow vigilantes, for which a local BJP leader was arrested. These developments have left minorities in India feeling insecure. It took a significant amount of time and lobbying before Modi made a public statement that killing on the pretext of protecting cows was not acceptable.

Given India’s slide towards the politics of exclusion, it will take a broad platform of secular, progressive, anti-communal forces to forge a united front and engage in mass action if the current forces of Hindutva are to be marginalised. Over the previous decade of Congress Party rule, there was no strategy to check the rise of Hindu nationalism and lay a strong basis for social cohesion. Perhaps the forces of the left will now have to learn the lessons of history. n Ebrahim is group foreign editor

Tongue in Cheek

Dennis Pather

Busisiwe saving her own skin?​

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Private sector more corrupt than government

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MERICAN lawyer, novelist, historian and essayist Louis Auchincloss is quoted as saying: “If you can sense the corruption in me, it is… because there is a dose of it in you.” This is what I tell people, especially non-Africans, who are wont to describe my continent as being inherently corrupt.

At the risk of sounding like a defender of corruption, big business is increasingly being exposed as the bigger catalyst of impropriety than the public sector.

Only decisive action by the private sector to marginalise those among its ranks found guilty of corruption can bury this vampire for good.

German enterprise software multinational, SAP, has suspended its South African leadership over allegations of corruption.

This is another hint that corruption, like a mathematical equation, has two sides – in an alliance of equals.

Unfortunately, in the private sector, corruption is only corruption when our competitor practises it. When we do it, it is creative salesmanship.

The story goes: The R130 million contract by Eskom to procure SAP’s management tool that tracks purchasing‚ invoicing and payment documents, was reportedly facilitated by the Guptas.

SAP has since, after a short stint of denials, announced a sweeping anti-corruption investigation into the allegations over

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Victor Kgomoeswana how its South African foot soldiers were closing deals.

Good for SAP. An international law firm, said SAP’s Europe, Middle East and Africa head of business, Adaire Fox-Martin, would investigate the allegations of kickbacks arranged for a Guptalinked firm.

Allegedly, members of the Gupta family were allowed space – by SAP staff in South Africa – to open doors for them to clinch the Eskom deal by paying a facilitation fee.

The fee is commonly known by innocuous names on the management reports of multinationals, for example “business development costs” or “entertainment budget” or simply “sundry expenses”.

Multinationals conveniently look the other way when their sales

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development teams report back on how they secured contracts with African governments.

They eschew asking probing questions, for fear of uncovering the muck under the bonnet.

When details come out, like secret service bosses, they can always blame the impropriety on junior officials – or even suspend them.

No disrespect to SAP, but this is but one instance of what former president Thabo Mbeki referred to in his High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows From Africa Report, in 2015.

Mbeki cited a figure of $50 billion leaving Africa illegally each year – in the form of criminal activity such as drug and human trafficking.

Seventy percent of these outflows, however, are due to the sleight of the private sector hand.

The latter category covers such ploys as transfer pricing or, more broadly, base-erosion-and-profitshifting (BEPS).

This means the methods used by multinational corporations, commonly those domiciled in developed countries but with highgrowth operations in emerging economies, hide their true earnings from authorities in emerging economies.

The companies easily transfer the costs of running their emerging markets businesses to their base in developed economies.

A European company with operations in Africa, can siphon

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exorbitant licensing fees and other expenses to the financial reports of its European base – declaring a loss in Africa.

This is made possible by weak institutions in emerging economies, but also aggressive tax planning by multinationals, not without some help from professional services firms.

If these multinationals can look the other way while their managers in emerging countries are engaged in illicit practices, only to blame countries in Africa or Asia or South America for being corrupt, who is more corrupt – the private or the public sector? Neither.

Still, Transparency International easily labels African and other emerging-market countries high-risk territories, using surveys of the very business leaders of the companies domiciled in Europe, North America and so on, without any sanction for the companies that pay bribes in these countries.

Here is to hoping that SAP’s investigation will uproot any rot there is; but, the private sector must prioritise the extermination of corruption in its ranks – with the same intensity with which it criticises African governments. n Kgomoeswana is the author of Africa is Open for Business, a media commentator and public speaker on African business affairs, and a weekly columnist for African Independent – Twitter Handle: @VictorAfrica

HEN I was little but old enough to dish out my own food at family lunch, I recall my dad often casting a stern eye in my direction as I piled over-generous helpings on to my plate.

“Boy, your eyes are bigger than your stomach,” he would warn.

It’s the kind of advice he would like to have shared with Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who is suffering a severe attack of political indigestion right now.

In a week she would probably want to forget, Mkhwebane clearly bit off more than she could chew and has had to eat some humble pie.

After a few Rennies to ease the heartburn, Mkhwebane would do well to sit back and take stock of what brought on this uncomfortable condition.

Well, for a start, whatever possessed Mkhwebane to instruct Parliament to amend South Africa’s constitution so that the mandate of the SA Reserve Bank could be changed?

To make matters worse, when it became apparent she had overreached herself and that her rulings were incorrect and unconstitutional, she remained obstinate – even arrogant.

Now that she has been forced to back down, the excuses are coming through thick and fast.

One is that she changed her decision after taking legal advice on the matter. Another excuse being proffered by her spokesperson is that the whole imbroglio is the result of a simple typographical error.

Now, in an astonishing turnaround, she shocked the pundits by calling for an urgent inquiry into state capture and made it clear President Jacob Zuma should not have a say in which judge will handle the case. Just when many were beginning to suspect she had been captured by the Zuptas, she does this amazing 180 volte-face, which has everyone puzzled.

Well, one possible explanation for the latest flip-flop is that this is a calculated move by Mkhwebane to save her own skin.

Speculation is rife that with the ANC leadership elections looming and Cyril Ramaphosa looking likely to take over the reins, she could face the sack. So it would be prudent to dump Zuma now and save her attractive salary package, fancy car and many other benefits.

A case of protecting your own purse before you protect the public?

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independent

Dispatches

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

Let the whole truth and nothing but the truth come out about state capture, writes Carl Niehaus

I

N THE dying days of her term as public protector advocate Thuli Madonsela was burning the midnight oil to bring out her State of Capture report.

Miraculously, she managed to secure additional emergency funding from the Treasury to get the report out before her term expired.

This was made possible by the former minister of finance, Pravin Gordhan, despite the strict austerity measures previously announced with big fanfare.

When one reads the report, one cannot but be amazed about how such a flimsy and poorly researched and unsubstantiated document can have such a disproportionately massive impact. Evidently it is not based, and cannot be based, on the substance of the document because it hardly has any substance.

Evidently the explanation for this phenomenon is to be found outside the worth of the document – because it hardly has any worth. Rather it is about how the mainstream media had been reporting about it, and how it used the report to create an overbearing and dominant narrative frame to constantly intensify the perception that President Jacob Zuma and his government are corrupt and rotten to the core.

What we are actually experiencing is what Noam Chomsky and Edward S Herman described in their seminal book, Manufacturing Consent – The Political Economy of the Mass Media, as propaganda for the manufacturing of public consent about a particular issue.

Chomsky and Herman argue that the dominant mainstream media outlets are large companies operated for profit, and therefore they must cater to the financial interests of the owners, who not surprisingly usually are big corporations. The size of a media company is a consequence of the investment capital required for the mass communications technology required to reach a mass audience of viewers, listeners and readers.

Since the majority of revenue of major outlets are derived from advertising (not from sales or subscriptions), advertisers in fact have a “de facto licensing authority”. The reality is that in order to survive financially the news media must cater to the political prejudices and economic desires of their advertisers.

They make up a coalition of the

FLIMSY: Thuli Madonsela’s unsubstantiated State of Capture report has been used by the mainstream media to create the perception that President Jacob Picture: Phill Magakoe Zuma and his government are rotten to the core, says Carl Niehaus.

Mass media is captured by white monopoly capital financially powerful who subsidise the mass media and gain special access to the news.

What we have seen with regards to Madonsela’s State of Capture report is a real-life example of what is described in more abstract terms

by Chomsky and Herman.

The white monopoly capitalists who are the owners and paymasters of the mainstream media actively backed her so-called findings and deliberately directed the media narrative about it in order to manufacture a general public consent in which Zuma and those who are considered to be associated with him are portrayed as “captured” and “corrupt”, while the likes of Gordhan and his former deputy Mcebisi Jonas are painted as almost saintly good guys.

Interestingly enough, efforts to highlight Gordhan’s links with conflict-ridden shareholdings in white monopoly capital companies, as well as Jonas’s chequered history with regards to his tenure as CEO of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, are ignored and hardly reported on. In

as much as the so-called findings of Madonsela’s State of Capture report are highlighted and reported on at every possible opportunity, there is no less than a conspiracy of silence by the mainstream media to report news that reflects negatively on the “heroes” of the dominant narrative that they are so actively manufacturing for the public to consume. We have in the mainstream print media a text-book case of what Chomsky and Herman described. News reporting in our country is dominated by four big companies that control over 80% of all newspapers and magazine.

The four media houses are: Media 24, Independent Media, Caxton and the Times Media Group (with Media24/Naspers controlling 40% alone). When so few people, who share the same social and economic interests, have control over the media that we consume the “market place of ideas” and “national debates” become elite driven, and it makes a mockery of the so-often punted idea of a free media within our democracy.

The white monopoly capital

owned and controlled mainstream media reinforce each other’s narratives and jealously guard their hegemony. Any attempt that they perceive as threatening their media monopoly is fiercely resisted. This was experienced by Dr Iqbal Survé and his Sekunjalo Group when they made a bid for Independent Newspapers when it was up for sale.

The negative attacks on Survé and Sekunjalo by the rest of the mainstream media, who feared that a brick was being dislodged in the monopolistic media wall that they have so carefully erected, immediately started.

These attacks reached fever pitch when the Sekunjalo Independent Media Consortium, which includes the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and a Chinese consortium, succeeded to buy Independent Newspapers. Apparently Sekunjalo (and especially Survé) not being part of the old (white) boys’ club, together with its ownership of the African News Agency (ANA), which was launched after the demise of the arch-conservative SA Press Association (Sapa), was

just too much for white monopoly capital to stomach. An avalanche of negative publicity followed and in quick succession no less than 386 negative articles were written, with Survé negatively written about 266 times, Sekunjalo 207 times and Independent Media 319 times.

A considerable number of stories concentrated on unsubstantiated claims that Survé was “asset stripping” Independent Newspapers through ANA, a claim that Survé rejected outright. The stories contained mainly conjecture and speculation, mostly written by white journalists who have built their journalistic careers by being virulently anti the democratically elected ANC government.

It is my belief that one of the main reasons for these attacks was that ANA was developed as Africa’s first content syndication service and that in a short time it reached more than one billion users.

Those who at all costs wanted to continue to control the flow and content of the news that reaches the public feared that they were losing the iron grip that they had. Survé’s

Use lessons from economic crisis to move on

HEADS UP

A BAD situation may sometimes have good effects, and what is required now is to draw lessons from this global economic crisis and the subsequent losses suffered by most countries.

Despite the gloom of the global economy and the pessimistic atmosphere enveloping the entire world, all countries, whether separately or collectively, are working hard to contain the crisis, or at least to minimise losses.

At present, there are regions in Europe and Asia, including the Gulf Arab region, emerging as hubs of huge investments, which will bring about huge stability to the world’s financial system.

This shift is important for restructuring international relations in the post-global

credit crisis stage.

For example, the US and Western countries are now studying the salient features of Islamic Banking and the Islamic finance system, which introduces greater discipline into the economy and links credit expansion to the growth of the real economy, is capable of reducing the severity and frequency of financial crises.

The second positive result of the financial crisis revolves around redrafting laws and rules that regulate global financial institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation, whose membership could not have been possible without American interference and a green light from Wall Street.

NOW that she is really not proceeding with the application, it will be difficult for her office to pursue Absa. She is standing in muddy waters. She should rather focus on her mandate. She has a lot to do – Constitutional expert Professor Shadrack Gutto quoted in IOL, giving his opinion on Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwenane’s withdrawal to amend the Reserve Bank’s mandate.

The previous rules governing economic relations were appropriate for the post-SecondWorld War II era and during the Cold War, but are no longer suitable for the globalisation age, and the emergence of new and influential economic powers on the map of international relations.

For example, in the Persian Gulf States, foreign currency reserves reached $3 trillion (R40 trillion) at a time the US budget deficit amounted to $1 trillion.

The third positive point is related to the change in the world investment map and the opportunities and challenges to be provided by the new emerging investment hubs, which offer guarantees and opportunities for global capitalism.

THE SA Reserve Bank (SARB) has noted the decision by the public protector not to oppose its application to the High Court for the urgent review of her remedial action directing Parliament to effect a constitutional amendment to the SARB’s powers. The SARB is consulting its legal team about the way forward.

However, as announced in a media statement of the of June 20, the SARB will proceed with a separate application for the review of the public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s report and evidential factual inaccuracies therein – a statement from the SARB on Tuesday.

This will offer Gulf Co-operation Countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and other Arab countries like Libya, etc. rare opportunities to take advantage of the possible outcomes of this global credit crisis.

Finally, the next global financial and banking system will be strictly regulated and supervised by applying the measures of control, transparency and global governance.

A bad situation may sometimes have good unintended effects, and what is required now is to draw lessons from this crisis and the subsequent losses suffered globally.

SAMAOEN OSMAN CAPE TOWN

positive stance towards and support for independent newcomers in the market, such as The African Times, also raised their ire.

In the meantime, the rest of the mainstream media continued to punt the State of Capture report, and they were handed three more narratives to assist in their continued manufacturing of consensual outrage against Zuma and calls for regime change.

The first came in the form of a pseudo-academic tract called “Betrayal of a promise: How South Africa is Being Stolen”, produced by the State Capacity Research Project, which is heavily funded by George Soros’ Open Society Foundation.

Under the cloak of “academic respectability” the (very unscientific) narrow focus of its work is set out in the preface to the publication as to: “Release case study reports of the state-owned enterprises that have been captured by the Zuma-centred power elite over the past decade”.

One cannot ignore that the State Capacity Research Project is convened by Professor Mark

17

Swilling, head of the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, which is based at Stellenbosch University, that well-known bulwark of continued white Afrikaner pseudo-intellectual resistance to our democratic state.

The second came in the form of the SA Council of Churches’ so-called “Unburdening Panel” report. At first glance one may not see the link, but the manner in which the mainstream media reported on these two documents, and used them to strengthen Madonsela’s State of Capture report, provide the undeniable link.

The third came in an apparently “massive” number of e-mails that – so the claim goes – have been “hacked” from a server or servers linked the Gupta family. It was revealing how amaBhungane together with the Mail & Guardian ganged up with the usual mainstream media – Media 24, Caxton and the Times Media Group – to on a day-after-day basis release, in a closely co-ordinated and deliberately dragged out process, hand-picked e-mails that confirm their particular narrative of state capture. One also cannot omit to note that – as with the State Capacity Research Project – the main funder of amaBungane is George Soros’s Open Society Foundation.

At this stage there is no way to know whether all the e-mails that have up to now been released, or some, or any of them, are authentic.

The manner in which they have been obtained evidently does not make for obvious authentication, and one surely cannot expect from the hackers and their reporters – who obviously have a vested interest to claim that they are authentic – to police themselves.

It is particularly revealing that the same mainstream media and their white monopoly capital paymasters who are apparently so deeply concerned about state capture have no appetite for a truly thorough and in-depth mandate for the forthcoming commission on state capture that Zuma has agreed to. Even the already very narrow time-frame for the commission’s proposed mandate to date back to 1994 is resisted. Instead they want a mandate that will only concentrate on Zuma, his political associates and the role of the Gupta family.

Not surprisingly, this is exactly what Madonsela did, it is also what the State Capacity Research Project and the SACC did with their respective reports, and similarly what the selective drip-drip releases of the hacked e-mails now also do.

It is evident they are only interested in how they can use the emotive concept of state capture in order to continue to manufacture consent for regime change.

Ultimately the mainstream media do not want to free South Africa from state capture – they want to ensure that we continue to be captured by the very same Johann Rupert and other white monopoly capitalists who are currently keeping our society (especially African society) captive.

It is my ardent hope that with the newly found independence of Independent Media, we the people of South Africa have an ally to reveal the whole truth and nothing but the truth. n Niehaus is a former member of the national executive committee of the ANC and a member of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA).

All his articles can also be found on his blog, Carl’s Corner: www. carlniehaus.co.za

Review Bankorp panel report THINGS have been said at variance, confusing ordinary people not to follow the discourse on why Absa is liable for the loss sustained by the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) as a consequence of the flawed assistance to Bankorp.

Neither was Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane certain about the enforceability of the remedial action on the SARB. What remains problematic though is the continuing secrecy with which the assistance was covered up and the continuation in the form of assistance to Absa, including its lack of care to both avert the default by Bankorp

THE country is stagnant today because the Zanu president is running the show from his hospital bed – an unnamed opposition party spokesman told Zimbabwean media after President Robert Mugabe made his third trip to Singapore this year for medical treatment. Mugabe, 93, is reported to have flown to the city state last Friday .

RE-LOOK: Judge Dennis Davies before the acquisition and disclosing it in the public interest.

It thus follows that a review

of the Judge Davies Panel of Experts report would be legally practicable, including analysing the investment policy conceptualised by Sanlam.

The tide may possibly turn against Sanlam and prove that the demutualisation scheme was contrived out of insider trading to benefit policyholders using the ill-gotten gains of Bankorp.

This might also prove that Sanlam derived an undue benefit from the acquisition. Mkhwebane, put a review to the test! n Morgan Phaahla, Ekurhuleni

YOU know that we’ve asked the ANC president to step down. We did not want a repeat of the May Day fiasco that occurred at the Cosatu celebrations in Bloemfontein. We felt it was appropriate that we wrote to the ANC to inform them that we needed any delegate other than the president – Solly Mapaila of the SACP.

independent

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Dispatches

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

‘Africa must craft its own solutions’

T

HE first warrant of arrest for President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir of the Republic of Sudan was issued on March 4, 2009, and the second on July 12, 2010. They were based on seven charges, including five counts of crimes against humanity, two counts of war crimes and three counts of genocide.

Without doubt, the landing of Bashir became a test case in South Africa’s exceptional history of engagement on human rights.

South Africa was one of the first countries to ratify the Roman Statute and was passionate about both the work of the International Criminal Court and the fact that the whole world was tackling heinous crimes against humanity.

The country had diverse views on this issue, and this was of course before and after the landing of President al-Bashir in our country.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha’s view was that the ultimate authority to decide on international policy for the country is an exclusive executive prerogative in terms of the constitution of the Republic.

Minister Masutha likened what everybody expected South Africa to do when Bashir landed in our country to an example in modern history, where a sitting head of state was indicted and had to stand trial under international or domestic law.

His exact words were: “What we were being asked to do is for South Africa to be a guinea pig using the ICC to effect induced regime change through external means to the normal diplomatic process of another nation.”

Others said that Sudan is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, therefore South Africa was not obliged to arrest its sitting Head of State.

On the other hand, the country felt that the ICC did not make enough effort to engage the African Union to co-ordinate efforts to end the fighting in that country.

The country’s withdrawal from the ICC is in no way the reneging from our commitment to human rights.

Our history of support for the ICC is evidence of South Africa’s commitment to the principles of multi-nationalism and universal human rights.

During the leadership of the first Minister of the Department of Justice under democracy, the late Dr Dullah Omar, South Africa strongly supported the establishment of the International Criminal Court.

While giving a speech to delegates from 156 countries in Rome, Minister Omar called for an ICC with the authority to make an independent decision of when to

South Africa’s withdrawal from the ICC is in no way a reneging on our commitment to human rights, ​writes Hlengiwe Mkhize​

WANTED: Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir during a joint news conference with opposition Umma Party leader and former Prime Minister al-Sadiq Al Picture: Reuters Mahadi, left, after their meeting at Mahadi’s house in Omdurman. take up cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression.

He supported giving the prosecutor the powers to begin investigations on his or her own

initiative.

South Africa continued to support the establishment of the International Criminal Court and was among leaders of about 50 countries which had the same view

on the creation of the ICC, and giving it independent powers.

On July 18, 2002, immediately after the establishment of the ICC and the enforcement of the Roman Statute came into force, the South

African Parliament passed the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act 27 of 2002. This was to create a framework to give effect to the provisions of the Rome Statute in

the law of the country.

Another powerful contribution to the country’s mission to preserve human rights through the ICC as an instrument was through wellknown human rights activist and

winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in resolving and ending apartheid, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Due to his continued valuable contribution to the safeguarding of human rights, he was elected to the board of directors of the International Criminal Court’s Trust Fund for Victims in 1994.

He was also named a member of the UN advisory panel on genocide prevention in 2006.

In my portfolio as the South African Ambassador to the Netherlands, I was honoured to serve as the vice-president of the member states at the International Criminal Court at The Hague and the UN. This task focused on the preservation of the victims’ rights and administration of justice.

It is a known fact that our country is a member of the UN and the African Union.

We ratified many UN human rights conventions and we therefore continue to abide by these international commitments to adhere to the standards laid down in these universal human rights documents.

As the government has clearly stated, the way in which the instrument has been used, and the failure of the most powerful states to adopt it, has resulted in South Africa’s decision to withdraw.

South Africa has been involved in the processes leading to the merger of the African Court of Justice and the African Court of Human and People’s Rights, the review of the mandate of the Pan-African Parliament, and the operationalisation of financial institutions such as the African Development Bank.

This is to help the continent to craft its own home-grown solutions that are informed by a clear-eyed analysis of its own realities and the broader continental aspirations.

South Africa remains committed to upholding human rights.

Our mooted rescinding of participation in the International Criminal Court does not in any way mean that the country will no longer uphold its commitment to treaties aimed at protecting human rights globally.

Our constitution is fortified by an entrenched Bill of Rights, enjoining us to continue to protect and respect human rights. n Mkhize is Minister of Home Affairs

Failed coup revealed Turkish nation’s courage, determination BINALI YILDIRIM

I

HEADS UP

T HAS been a year since we thwarted the bloodiest terrorist attack in the history of the Republic of Turkey. Turkey has proven its resilience, ability to recover and strength. It is essential to make an evaluation of the past year and look forward.

First, we should remember what we have been through. What happened that night was an attack on the Turkish state by traitors who infiltrated the Turkish military, who are loyal to a deranged man who sees himself as the “imam of the universe”.

We were confronted with murderers, who bombed their own national parliament, destroyed the headquarters of police special forces that fight at the forefront against terrorist organisations, drove tanks over unarmed civilians, fired from fighter jets and attack helicopters.

We have never before been through such brutality. This

terrorist network killed 250 citizens and left more than 2 000 injured.

Two sources of pride emerged from this. The first is the courage and determination of the Turkish people. Citizens from all backgrounds and political views took to the streets against the putschists. Our television channels continued broadcasting despite the threats and raids by coup plotters.

The Turkish nation became one.

Second, the nation showed the world that it defended democracy and will continue to do so.

My people demonstrated that only governments taking office through democratic processes and the will of the people would rule Turkey, not armed groups.

The strongest legitimacy is the democratic one. We passed this tough democracy test as a country.

But the question my grandchild asked me with all her naivety that night will never fade from my mind or anyone else’s: “Grandpa, aren’t these our soldiers?” Indeed, what kind of mindset would drive

THE current unfortunate path that the SACP has taken to disregard the well-established tradition that alliance partners do not prescribe to each other about internal organisational matters, by trying to prescribe to the ANC about who should be its president, is not conducive to our attendance.

– Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) president Kebby Maphatsoe, who said they would snub the SACP congress

a person to attack his own people, institutions, symbols and leaders in such a brutal manner?

The answer underlies the nature of the treachery network we are facing. That night, we were confronted with a crime network, blindly following the orders of ringleader Fetullah Gülen via a professor of theology.

We are talking about a treacherous gang that failed to grasp the notion of the glorious millennial history of Turkish soldiers, saluting the manager of a company owned by the Gülenist Terror Organisation (Fetö) and the ostensible owner of a school operated by the same organisation, at the military base they used as their headquarters.

As a matter of fact, my government had actually unmasked Fetullah Gülen and taken action accordingly. We had already been exerting efforts to unveil the existence of this structure inside the state and had made significant progress to this end. However, the July 15 coup attempt bitterly

WAYNE Rooney made me support Manchester United and now I don’t know what to do because he has gone back to Everton. – Tanzanian vice-president Samia Suluhu Hassan. The England player is visiting Tanzania with his new club

THE COUP ATTEMPT REVEALED THE THREAT WE ARE FACING IS MUCH DEEPER revealed that the threat we are facing is beyond our estimation, that it is much deeper and more vital.

The magnitude of the plot masterminded by Fetullah Gülen for the past 40 years to seize control of the Turkish state was exposed.

Fetö members, following the orders of Fetullah Gülen, had acted unnoticed inside the capillaries of the system and reached almost all power centres, like an infection caused by a virus that gradually

takes over the vital organs of a body.

Comprehensive administrative, criminal and legal investigations have been conducted throughout the year since July 15, 2016.

Extensive evidence has been reached on this structure that masterminded and implemented the coup attempt. The evidence has demonstrated that we are facing a heretical, esoteric belief system built by Fetullah Gülen. The schools and dorms of the organisation operated as brainwashing and recruitment centres.

Members of the organisation indoctrinated in these intuitions and loyal to their mastermind, whom they believe to be “the Messiah”, were enabled to infiltrate the state apparatus.

This way, the followers, ready to resort to all sorts of illegal and immoral acts without any questioning, were promoted to key positions.

These people hatched plots such as cheating in public service entrance tests, illegal wiretappings,

I’VE known Chuck for a lot of years. He did a lot for the sport. Sorry about all the issues regarding Fifa, but he was a good man. He helped the sport in the US. – American national team coach Bruce Arena reacting to the death of disgraced former Fifa official Chuck Blazer, aged 72.

blackmailing and sham trials.

The organisation had been financed through so-called charities and foundations. Billion dollars’ worth of money transactions have been laundered via large companies and banks.

The organisation’s media branch functioned as a propaganda tool.

Is it conceivable for an “education movement” to operate in cell structures, recognise members with code names, develop encrypted applications to communicate among themselves, teach its members techniques of counter-intelligence and tactics to mask their affiliation?

This new generation of terrorist organisation has resorted to every possible method to eliminate those who are not with them and tried to control not only the political power but also the state of the Republic of Turkey in line with their own heretical ambitions.

It is this heretical and dangerous ambition the Turkish nation thwarted on July 15.

I can say that we have destroyed

the backbone of the organisation in Turkey with the measures we have taken. However, the threat is not limited to Turkey.

The organisation has similar structures in many countries.

Currently, they continue to plant treacherous seeds in other states. This time, they are more actively seeking global economic and political influence for their survival. I hereby would like to alert our friends once again. The Turkish nation proved to the world that democracy is not a cheap victory but is precious enough to die for its sake.

Our primary duty is to take necessary measures to prevent it from happening again.

We are making efforts to manage this challenging process within the constitutional order.

Eventually, Turkish democracy was targeted and our democracy won. So our aim and endeavours will be to take the necessary steps in time to crown our democracy. n Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey

THE diagnosis was made that a lot of (his) brain is not functioning. All this probably occurred due to a lack of oxygen supply. The blow is also difficult for Ajax, though we knew we had to consider this scenario. They were uncertain days, lots of people in different ways have sympathised with his situation and is greatly appreciated.

Abdelhak (Nouri) is such a great talent, but unfortunately we will never know how far his star would have reached had this not happened. – a statement on Monday from Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam after Nouri suffered permanent brain damage after collapsing during a friendly on Saturday.

independent

Dispatches

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

The church has always had a part to play in politics, ​

writes Lebo Keswa

I

N a shocking analysis of the role of the Church in our dynamic society, Bishop Ramailane (The Sunday Independent, July 9, 2017) passes political gossip as analysis, making a startling claim that a representative organisation of churches with an impeccable history has a political agenda.

He does not stop there and in his inspired debut input into these pages where thoughts contest, suggests that the SACC must either shut up or form an opposition political party with the likes of Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana as candidates to make a play for power.

This, of course, is after he has reached a bizarre conclusion that the SACC’s role must be dismissed as partisan and in fact factional.

Be forgiven for assuming that the likes of Ramailane did not live through the ’80s and have no clue what the Church had to do to bring down apartheid.

One of the things that the Church could not do then and can’t do now is to remain silent in the face of theft, corruption and moral degradation of political leaders.

To do this, the Church must have an agenda to contradict anything immoral.

Such a task is what the Bishop, even with cursory grasp of liberation theology, should be able to understand.

Such a task is not neat and predetermined but requires the Church to dirty its hand even at the risk of coming across as politically biased.

The nature of truth telling cannot be neatly planned not to

Devout: South African Council of Churches general Secretary Rev Mautji Pataki at the (SACC) Khotso House in Johannesburg.

Picture: Tiro Ramatlhatse

Why the SACC cannot afford to look away from politics offend one faction over another.

Even if the truth coincided with Ramailane’s favourite faction, the Church has a responsibility to tell such a truth.

Ramailane may well be right that the current administration does not particularly like the SACC, but with all the Gupta (email) leaks, that

seem to have escaped his analysis.

It is clear why this administration would not have been comfortable with the SACC that points out its missteps. Is it therefore expected that the SACC should remain silent in the face of an immoral project that is unfolding in its eyes? The unburdening report that paints a

picture of utter theft of the state was a result of the Church playing its prophetic role and creating a safe space even for ANC members who could not trust their own organisation about the capture of the state.

Were they supposed to keep quite with this knowledge because

it would offend a faction of the ANC that is at the heart of this looting?

While this argument that the Church needs to be neutral is misplaced, it raises questions about how the role of the Church is often discounted, even by those who should know better.

It is a more sophisticated version

of what President Zuma said to churches last year – that they need to “stay out of politics” and pray for the political leaders.

This demonstrates high levels of dishonesty among our politicians and their apologists, about how civil society must engage with elected leaders who ought to be accountable

to the people who have elected them.

This argument and that of Bishop Ramailane is no different from the misuse of scripture by dictators, including the apartheid regime, that they are God-ordained and so should not be challenged even as they oppress God’s people – in this case by fleecing resources that should be dedicated to lifting them out of poverty.

What should be our approach to the role of the Church in the context of rebuilding a society ravaged by moral degradation? It may help to remember that In South Africa, the liberation Struggle was sustained by the role the Church played.

The ministers of the gospel in South Africa took a stand against injustice and when the ANC and PAC was banned, it was the Church that brought young people together and they organised themselves and began the Black Consciousness Movement, which brought a revival to the liberation Struggle.

The influence of the BCM was behind the Soweto Uprising of 1976.

The Church was at the forefront of the United Democratic Front, which mobilised civil society in the 1980s to stand against the apartheid regime. It must be at the forefront of defeating corruption, regardless of which political party or faction is dominant in our politics.

The Church provided education, training and healthcare in many parts of the nation. University of Fort Hare was established by missionaries and produced leaders not only for South Africa but an array of southern Africa’s black leaders such as Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Robert Sobukwe and Robert Mugabe.

Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko were also educated at Lovedale. In the mid-1920s, mission schools in South Africa were educating far more Africans (about 215 000 compared with about 7 000) than were state schools.The Church cannot sit on the sidelines of development and must be immersed in finding and being a part of solutions to rebuild society.

The Church in South Africa before 1994 played a crucial role in raising leaders, and also proving leadership on social issues.

It cannot be cowed into silence by any kind of apologists of state capture or any other corrupt scheme that is looting the resources of the poor.

Finally, while we are entitled to criticise the Church for being quiet for a while after liberation, we shouldn’t stop now that it has finally woken from their slumber.

We must all admit that for a while we had hoped that somehow things would work themselves out and sanity would return.

We should perhaps try to understand where the SACC is coming from and embrace their contribution as we try to find our way out of the current dilemma. n Keswa is a businesswoman and writes in her personal capacity.

Follow her on Twitter: @lebokeswa

A healer of the soul, art has a place in SA BINTU PETSANA

I

HEADS UP

GREW up in an era where Art was encouraged as a hobby and not a career. Many aspiring artists were encouraged to have second options or Plan B’s.

A career in law or, better still, in medicine was seen as ideal. The prospects of future success and prosperity were brighter in those careers. At least, it is what we were made to believe.

I am glad to see our world is changing and artists are no longer being frowned upon.

Art in all its forms, including creative art including music, painting, drawing, sculpture, and many others, sit as equals side by side with other professions.

Not only does it contribute towards economic development and job creation, but also heals those involved in it.

Many artists often say art takes them away from their daily pressures, realities and stresses.

According to the Art As a Healing Force web site (www.

artashealing.org), “art heals by changing a person’s physiology and attitude”.

“The body’s physiology changes from one of stress to one of deep relaxation, from one of fear to one of creativity and inspiration.”

It goes on to say Art changes a person’s perceptions and attitude of their world. It changes their attitude, emotional state, and pain perception. Art creates hope and positivity thereby helping them to cope with difficulties.

From an economic impact perspective the Art and the creative economy contributes over R90 billion to South Africa’s GDP and employs thousands of people, mainly the youth, who make up 77.6% of the population in our country.

This is according to the South African Cultural Observatory (Saco).

Artists of today no longer need Plan B. They no longer have to play second fiddle to their peers in other professions. They can be just as successful in their craft and make a

I JUST try to hold my head up high, no matter what is happening in life. In sport especially, you have injuries. You have illnesses.

You’re not going to be always 100%. If I decide to walk out on the court, I try to just complete that day. – tennis ace Venus Williams, now 37, choking back tears about an incident at the start of Wimbledon.

meaningful contribution to society and communities within which they live. They can inspire others and be positive role models.

Family support is especially crucial as this is where their confidence to face the world is derived. Pressurising our kids to follow careers in the sciences or quantitative fields when it is not their natural inclination leaves them feeling overwhelmed, defeated and feeling like they are failures.

I live with two artists. They are my daughters, Kagiso and Kabelo.

I am in awe of their talent and with each beautiful piece of art they produce, I am thankful that I never stood in the way of their career choices. I never tried to convince them to be what they are not. I let them follow their hearts. Apart from the art produced in my home by my daughters I am also privileged to be living in an art city and being surrounded by so much beautiful art.

Johannesburg is one of the leading Art cities and boasts many galleries including Braamfontein,

SOME leaders in the ANC look up to the SACP in light of the current chaos in the ANC. They believe that as their strategic ally, we can rescue the ANC. – outgoing first deputy general secretary of the SACP Jeremy Cronin, quoted in a Johannesburg daily on Friday.

Maboneng, Keyes Art Mile and Parkwood’s so-called Art Gallery Row. There is also art in the parks which comes alive in spring and summer. Not forgetting the multitudes of art fairs including the FNB Joburg Art Fair which annually attracts top curators from

New York, London and Paris.

I could not ask for more. Cheers to all the artists and creative souls. n Petsana is chief executive of Venabi Communications – A Communications and Marketing agency. She lives in Johannesburg.

I KNOW what JP brings to the team apart from the runs he can score. But he knows it’s runs that guarantee you your place in this team. JP’s performances simply haven’t been consistent enough and therefore someone else should get an opportunity.

– Proteas captain Faf du Plessis on why JP Duminy had to be dropped from the squad.

19

ALL OF these items that we have announced … they constitute an important intervention to restore confidence and demonstrate action, and outline an action plan that we as government can be responsible for.

– Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba on the 14-point plan to take the economy out of recession.

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independent

Sport

THE SUNDAY

JULY 16 2017

THIS IS YOUR EX-CAPTAIN SPEAKING

Injury Time

Graeme Smith has advice for an inexperienced Proteas side in which ‘Hash’ is feeling the pressure STUART HESS Trent Bridge

W

HEN Hashim Amla pulled Mark Wood to the square leg boundary for four on the first morning of the second Test to become the fourth South African batsman to pass 8 000 runs there might have been a wistful sigh from many Proteas fans.

The other three players to pass that mark are Jacques Kallis (13 206), Graeme Smith (9 253) and AB de Villiers (8 074). The last time South Africa toured England all four of the ‘8 000-club’ were in the starting line-up – those were the days.

Indeed that quartet was instrumental in what is arguably the best period South African cricket has experienced in the Test format. Series wins in England and Australia in 2008 were followed by series wins in the same countries four years later.

Amla is all that remains of those glory years, and his captain in that period looks at him now feeling sorry that he has to carry such a

massive burden in a team with an unsettled batting line-up. “I just think our batting unit (of 2008 and 2012) had six or seven quality players that could do it on a day. Now at the top of the order, for me, there’s just too much on Hash ... he feels that he carries that responsibility,” said Graeme Smith, who is commentating for BBC Radio in this series.

Amla’s average across his last 13 Tests – including his first innings 78 here – is 33.90. He’s made just the one century in that time and the authority with which he played when he was last year five years ago is missing.

Many who watched him score that superb 311 and then make 121 at Lord’s in the deciding match of the 2012 series, have wondered what happened to the player who serenely and elegantly carved England to pieces. His newly acquired T20 status has been put forward as one reason. His technique, so tight and disciplined in 2012, is now loose and he’s susceptible to error because he wants to attack more, is a theory that is gaining popularity.

But Amla’s form is a symptom of

HASHIM AMLA a South African side that at Lord’s especially appeared to lack identity.

And look, a significant part of that was Faf du Plessis’s absence, but there is also a sense that we’ve reached something of a turning point with this South African team.

Their results in the period in which Amla has been in a slump, have been good – wins in Australia and New Zealand and a clean sweep at home against Sri Lanka.

It now seems apparent, that as well South Africa played in Australia, there were too many weaknesses with Steve Smith’s team and South Africa did very well to exploit them, This England side is a solid outfit, but not without flaws and of course in Joe Root it too is seeking a new identity. But England played with such energy and purpose at Lord’s against a lacklustre Proteas that it was right that so many commentators expressed concern about South Africa’s future as a competitive Test side.

Whatever the other faults in Graeme Pollock’s assessment last week of SA cricket, he was quite right in pointing out that the state of domestic cricket is poor and wasn’t good enough in preparing players for international level. A look at how the SA A side, which toured England recently, fared confirms that. Out of that SA A team the selectors have put their faith in Heino Kuhn and Aiden Markram, with the latter a long-term prospect to anchor the top order.

There have been calls for Markram to be given his chance as

a Test cricketer now, but England is a harsh environment for anyone to make their debut, even one with Markram’s talent and most importantly his composure.

The fact that Markram is even being considered as an option, speaks to the lack of depth from which the SA selectors have to choose. “We had been together a while,” Smith says of that 2012 team.

“We built the squad up, had all the bases covered. The big decision on that tour, was for De Villiers to keep which enabled us to play an extra batter in JP. We had depth, Kallis and AB as the two all-rounders, gave us a luxury player.”

Luxury is something Du Plessis’s team don’t have. They’ve been forced to drop Theunis de Bruyn, the seventh batsmen, because they’re concerned by the number of overs the fast bowlers have to deliver in Kagiso Rabada’s absence in this second Test.

“We also had a steeliness about us, we knew how to win, we were a toughened Test side so when you come to places like England you have to have the ability to handle pressure and exert it. These are long

Test series’, you’re under the cosh for a long time, and you need to have that ability,” said Smith.

That was an element missing from South Africa’s play at Lord’s, and it surprised so many watchers in this country and the England team too. Du Plessis was hoping he could quickly restore it to ensure this Test series didn’t get away from his team ahead of the third Test.

For Smith the path ahead has to be simplified. A lack of experience in the starting line-up of the second Test – England has seven players with with 30 or more Test caps to South Africa with five – means players have to just get on with the jobs they have to do.

“I know it’s Heino’s first series, but the senior guys will be saying to him, ‘Look, you’ve got to find something now. This is a big Test series, you’re picked to do a job and you’ve got to get that job done. That has to be the message to the players. Don’t look at the man next to you, take ownership of your position and do your job’.”

It is the only way to take the burden off the only man still standing from the ‘8000-club.’

TEST Match Special is the BBC’s cricket commentary show that’s become an institution in the UK. Summer in the “Blighty” is simply not the same without TMS rolling in the background.

Beyond just descriptions of deliveries, shots and catches, it’s the irreverance which the commentators bring to the job which makes it such a pleasure to listen to. Cakes, buses, pigeons, seagulls and for a period at the Lord’s Test, the bowling actions of world leaders all come under the microscope for the TMS team. That conversation started because Henry Blofeld, who’ll be retiring from commentary at the end of the season, almost miss-spoke, saying: “Merkel’s bowling from the Pavilion End,” instead of Morkel.

The Blowers’ bus BLOFELD loves mentioning the pigeons, the attire of various members of the crowd and of course buses. So it was appropriate that the Nottingham City Transport authorities would name one of its new, environmentally friendly buses in his honour. “Henry Blofeld OBE” is inscribed on the front, side and back of the bus which offers all day transport for £3.70. “It is rather splendid, bright green,” remarked ‘Blowers’, looking resplendent in his green pants and shoes.

Another pole for lightning fast Lewis SILVERSTONE, England: Lewis Hamilton yesterday took pole position for his home British Grand Prix for the third year in a row on with a sensational lap that left him one step away from Michael Schumacher’s Formula One record.

Hamilton’s championshipleading Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel, who has a 20-point advantage after nine of 20 races, qualified third.

The Mercedes driver was half a second quicker than Ferrari’s second placed Kimi Raikkonen and his time of one minute 26.600 seconds was so outrageously quick there were gasps before the crowd erupted.

“I always try to leave the best to last,” the Briton told retired champion Jenson Button in postqualifying interviews on the grid.

“I had to make sure I got that lap in. I couldn’t do it last weekend (in Austria) so I made sure I could here.”

Hamilton still faced a nervous wait after race stewards announced they were investigating an incident involving French driver Romain Grosjean, who complained he had been blocked earlier in the session.

They swiftly decided to take no further action.

The Briton’s mastery of a damp but drying track lit up an overcast afternoon and the pole was the 67th of his career, sixth of the season, and gave him every chance of equalling Schumacher’s record 68 before the August break.

The triple world champion has won the last three British Grands Prix and can today equal the late Jim Clark’s feat of four home wins in a row, and five in total.

Yesterday ensured he has already matched Clark’s 50-year-old record of five British Grand Prix pole positions.

“I feel amazing in front of a great crowd like this. I hope you liked the lap,” Hamilton told the grandstands full of cheering fans.

“I generally like it to be dry but I like it when the conditions are tricky.”

Hamilton’s Finnish team-mate Valtteri Bottas, winner in Austria, was fourth fastest but has a fiveplace penalty following a gearbox change.

That promoted Red Bull’s Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, who has suffered five retirements in the last seven races, to the second row.

Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg and his former Force India team-mate Sergio Perez filled the third row.

There was good news for beleaguered McLaren, who raised a cheer when Fernando Alonso made the most of improving conditions to set the fastest time in the first phase of qualifying, with Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne qualifying in ninth spot.

That was the first time he had out-qualified Alonso, who has a 30-place grid penalty, and will move up a place thanks to Bottas’s drop.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, a winner in Azerbaijan in June, will join Alonso at the rear after a gearbox penalty followed by the car halting on track in the first phase and bringing out the red flags. – Reuters

A Test to savour

‘A bat’s a bat’ SOME of Proteas paid a visit to the local Gunn & Moore factory in Nottingham this week. For Vernon Philander, who is especially meticulous, it was an opportunity get the weight of his bats right, and his handles just comfortable.

Philander is one of those who shows great care about weight and shape of his bats; his teammate Quinton de Kock, not so much: “There are nice bats, nice shapes, but a bat’s a bat, wood’s wood, it doesn’t matter. Others have their preferences. I take the bat that’s been given to me. I’m not finicky.”

Summer days FROM football365.com’s Mediawatch section about how the tabloids in the UK struggle in the off season when there’s no football to write about. So what they do is analyse footballers on holiday.

Here’s an example from The Sun: “Lionel Messi playfully threw sand at his new wife Antonella Roccuzzo. Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez and his wife Sofia watched the sand fight. Antonella did not back down and threw sand back at Messi. Messi appeared to flee into the sea. Antonella was covered in sand afterwards and she held out a hollowed out pineapple for her husband to sip from.” Which essentially boils down to: “We went on holiday and it was nice. The weather was hot and there were fishes in the sea and it was nice.”

‘Same old s..t’

SHINING SMILE: Garbine Muguruza of Spain with the Championship Trophy as she celebrates her Centre Court victory over American Venus Williams in the women’s final of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London yesterday.

Picture: EPA

Muguruza cuts loose to bring Venus down to earth LONDON: Garbine Muguruza clinched a maiden Wimbledon title yesterday with a stunning 7-5, 6-0 demolition of Venus Williams, whose dreams of a fairy tale victory at the age of 37 were blown apart in a devastating second set.

After some tense early exchanges, the Spaniard cut loose, winning nine straight games to claim a second Grand Slam title to add to last year’s French Open. The 23-year-old fell to floor in celebration after clinching victory in an hour and

17 minutes. It was her second Wimbledon final, having lost to Venus’s sister Serena on the same stage in 2015.

“Two years ago I lost in the final to Serena and she told me one day I was going to maybe win and hey, two years after here I am,” she said in a courtside interview.

When asked if she had a message for her coach Sam Sumyk, who is absent as his wife is expecting a baby, she held the trophy aloft and said: “Here it is.”

In the first women’s final played under the Centre Court roof, a high-quality first set gradually built towards a captivating conclusion.

It included several tests of nerve for the battling Spaniard, who showed an almost iron will not to give an inch even as Venus upped the aggression levels with ferocious intent.

Muguruza saved three break points, which included two tension-filled set points in the 10th game, the first of which saw the Spaniard emerge with

a clenched fist from an epic 19-shot rally.

It was then her turn to go on the offensive. She crafted her third break point of the set when Venus netted a forehand and took her chance when the American sent a second forehand long after another lengthy exchange.

She took the first set when Venus netted a backhand and then put her foot to the floor with astonishing brutality.

She broke on three straight occasions in the second set as

Venus seemed to hit a mental and physical wall.

When the five-times winner could barely get her racket to a vicious forehand, it gave the Spaniard three match points, but in keeping with a messy second set, she needed two Hawk-eye challenges to put the beleaguered American out of her misery. As the scoreboard showed the ball had bounced out at 40-30, she dropped her racket and fell to the ground, before covering her face in an emotional celebration. – Reuters

Fabulous Fed now serving for Wimbledon immortality LONDON: Already one of the greatest sportsmen of his era, Roger Federer will become the most successful man in Wimbledon history if he can beat Croatian Marin Cilic on today’s final and claim an unprecedented eighth men’s singles title.

The Swiss, level with Britain’s William Renshaw and American Pete Sampras on seven titles, is rejuvenated after taking a sixmonth break last year and enters the final as the clear favourite having not dropped a set in the tournament.

Add in the fact he has been almost unstoppable this season, winning four of the six events he had entered – including an 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January – many pundits and rivals believe Federer is playing some of his best tennis this year.

While Cilic will be contesting his first final at the All England Club, this will be a record 11th appearance for Federer and, less than a month short of his 36th birthday, he is the oldest Wimbledon finalist since Ken Rosewall

finished runner-up in 1974 aged 39.

Should he triumph, Federer will become the oldest winner of the Challenge Cup since tennis turned professional in 1968.

“It makes me really happy, making history here at Wimbledon. It’s a big deal. I love this tournament,” Federer said after another vintage performance dealt with Czech Tomas Berdych in the semi-final.

“All my dreams came true here as a player. To have another chance to go for number eight now, to be kind of so close now at this stage, is a great feeling. I am unbeliev-

ably excited. I hope I can play one more good match. Eleven finals here, all these records, it’s great.

But it doesn’t give me the title quite yet. That’s why I came here this year. I’m so close now, so I have just got to stay focused.”

Cilic, the first Croatian to appear in a Wimbledon singles final since Goran Ivanisevic triumphed in 2001, is looking to become the first man from his country to win multiple Grand Slams. In seven meetings with the tall Croat, Federer has lost just once – in the semi-final of the

2014 U.S. Open when Cilic went on to win the title. In last year’s Wimbledon quarter-final, Federer needed five sets and saved three match points to get past Cilic and that should give the Croatian hope.

“I was one point away from winning a match over here against him. Definitely I believe in my own abilities to get through and to win it,” the 28-year-old said after beating American Sam Querrey in the semis. “But I still know that it’s a big mountain to climb. Roger is playing maybe some of the best tennis of his career.” – Reuters

HE HOBBLED out of the tournament on the first day but Nick Kyrgios is still making headlines. He was not amused when he found out about Ken Rosewall criticising him and Bernard Tomic.

“I feel a lot of us older players, who came from tennis-playing families, we learned to play the game and behave,” Rosewall told Reuters. “Plus the fact there was more discipline then. The players of today, because they’ve made more money, they think that they don’t need that discipline, and misbehave accordingly.”

Kyrgios would not take that lying down.

“Same shit everyday man …people need to stay in their lane … I’m sorry we can’t all be perfect like you ‘older players’ smh,” the 22-year-old wrote on Twitter – before later hitting the delete button.

White is right OF ALL the rules at Wimbledon – and there are many – surely none is more outdated than one referring to players’ clothing. Not the part that insists they should wear “almost entirely white”, something players do not mind. But rather the one that refers to the colour of their underwear and how visible it is during play. First Venus Williams was asked to change her pink bra in a firstround match, which drew a suitably clipped response to a media inquiry: “I don’t like talking about bras in press conferences. It’s weird.” On Wednesday, four junior doubles players were asked to change their underwear because it could be seen under their white shorts, and on Thursday 18‑year‑old Austrian Jurij Rodionov was asked by a supervisor to show her his underwear. “Yesterday I wore black pants and nobody said anything and today I wore blue and suddenly it’s a problem,” he said. “It was a big surprise for me.” Asked if the white rule was outdated, Rodionov he said: “Wimbledon is special. Maybe it’s a little bit too much but I like that the players only have to wear white. It’s tradition.”

independent SA blow their chances in hockey clash with Egypt Sport

JULY 16 2017

OCKERT DE VILLIERS REDUCED to the bottom of their pool the South African men suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Egypt in their World Hockey League semifinal.

The Proteas went on a self-sabotaging mission as they blew almost every single chance they had to put the game away.

Needing a victory to stay among the top four sides in the pool to clinch a quarter-final berth, they now need to beat the fifth ranked team in the world, Belgium, in Johannesburg tomorrow.

South Africa had 13 shots at goal while they were awarded eight penalty corners with almost nothing to show for it.

The Egyptians, in turn, had more cards than opportunities with only 40

percent of the possession, two shots at goal and two shots at goal.

In an ill-disciplined encounter, Egypt had a man or two short on the pitch for a total of 26 minutes of the game through three green and four yellow cards.

Without a single shot at goal in the first quarter, the sides finally exchanged blows two minutes form the half-time break with Egypt opening the scoring.

Houssam Ghobran landed the blow but Egypt’s celebrations were soon extinguished with South Africa equalising 30 seconds later with Dan Sibbald hitting the back of the goalbox.

The home side had another golden opportunity of taking the lead when Ignatius Malgraff missed a shot shortly after the restart.

Dayaan Cassiem set up the shot for Malgraff, who got his angle towards

the box wrong with the ball deflecting away from the open goal.

Instead of South Africa enjoying the advantage it was Egypt that went into the final quarter courtesy of a second Ghobran goal for the knockout goal.

The South African women’s team will face the United States today which is a must win game if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.

STORMERS WIN THRILLING TRY-FEST

But defence must improve ahead of Super quarter-final VATA N G O B E N I Loftus Versfeld

Bulls ������������������������������������������������(21) 33 Tries: Jason Jenkins, Duncan Matthews, Jesse Kriel (2), Piet van Zyl. Conversions: Tian Schoeman (3), Tony Jantjies. Yellow card: Conraad van Vuuren (52minutes) Stormers ����������������������������������������(22) 41 Tries: Cheslin Kolbe, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Dillyn Leyds, Siya Kolisi, Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla.

Conversions: Damian Willemse (3), Cheslin Kolbe. Penalty: Damian Willemse

T

HE Stormers did their best to make a spectacle of this dead rubber derby against the old foe but it would have probably left them with more questions than answers ahead of their quarterfinal clash against the Chiefs this coming Saturday.

The Cape side would have taken plenty of confidence in their ability to score tries at will and create magic out of virtually nothing with their six tries in what transpired to be a pulsating end-to-end try feast which saw the Bulls run in five tries.

It was only at the end that the Stormers were able to seal an entertaining 41-33 win after the Bulls had threatened to steal victory from the jaws of defeat in their final outing of the season at home.

What the Stormers showed they can do well and exceptionally so is to create and finish off those try-scoring opportunities which was epitomised by Cheslin Kolbe’s breathtaking try when he bobbed and weaved past six Bulls defenders, and a late second half try by star flyhalf Damian Willemse which came from a timely dart by Dillyn Leyds from their own half.

Another pleasing aspect of the Stormers attack that will come in handy next weekend against the Chiefs will be their ability to capitalise on turnover possession which accounted for two of their tries, one to Leyds in the first half and the second to Seabelo Senatla who benefited from a Leyds punt ahead after the visitors had turned the ball over in their own half.

And it will be in the Stormers’ best interest to build on their unquenchable thirst for tries if they are to avert last year’s quarter-final disaster where they lost 60-21 to the Chiefs at Newlands.

23

THE SUNDAY

As much as the Stormers showed their ruthlessness with ball in hand, the unanswered questions that coach Robbie Fleck will need urgent resolution to was how brittle their defence looked at times and their lack of dominance in the set-pieces.

It might have been easy for the Stormers to breach the Bulls’ defensive lines but the Bulls were also given the freedom of Loftus by a Stormers defence that look uncertain at times and in the course of the 80 minutes leaked five tries.

Their scramble defence was non-existent as they were often caught off guard by the Bulls who also capitalised on some valuable turnover possession to run in their flurry of tries.

The lack of alertness and urgency to stop the counter attack will also be a big concern with the Chiefs being a team that thrive off unstructured play and counter attacks.

With both sides hell-bent on playing expansive rugby regardless of the implications, the setpiece battle was limited to patches with the line-out being more prevalent than the scrums.

While the Stormers looked the more assured of the two in the scrums with prop JC Janse van Rensburg showing his experience in schooling his younger opponents, it was the shaky line-outs that the Stormers will need to address with one that went astray in the second half leading to a Jesse Kriel try.

For the Stormers they will live to play another week and hopefully they will be better off from both their strengths and weaknesses that were highlighted in this encounter.

The Bulls, on the other hand, will look at this performance along with a string of others this season with regret as they have a good enough team but failed to do the hard yards that would have earned them wins.

So porous have the Bulls been this season that they only managed to win three of their eight games at home and finished second from the bottom of the South African group ahead of the Sunwolves in their worst season since 2000 where they lost all of their games.

As the curtain goes down on a season that they will want to forget, the Bulls will have to do some serious soul searching if they want to be a factor in next year’s Super Rugby competition.

DAYAAN CASSIEM

Lions top of the pile thanks to shocking Sharks M I K E G R E E N AW AY Kings Park

ON THE RUN: Try-scorer Cheslin Kolbe of the Stormers on one of his runs against the Bulls at Loftus yesterday.

Picture: BackpagePix

DURBAN: One wonders if there has ever been a game quite like this one in Durban, where a home team so comprehensively outplayed had a reason to mildly celebrate after the Lions drilled the Sharks 27-10 in Super Rugby.

The “reward” for the Sharks is that they get to play the same team at Ellis Park next weekend in the quarter-finals, now that the Lions have finished first on the overall log – thanks to the Hurricanes beating the previously unbeaten Crusaders earlier in the day – and the Sharks finishing eighth.

But on the evidence of what we saw last night, the Sharks have merely saved themselves some long distance travel to Christchurch for a hiding on Saturday in Joburg.

There would have been Cantabrians staying up all night on the South Island hoping for a miracle at Kings Park, but by halftime they would have gone to bed knowing the Lions would top the table and that from here on in, the Lions will only play in Joburg.

Their reward for thumping the Sharks is a home quarter-final, possible home semi-final and possible home final.

The reality of last night’s game is that if Sharks wing Kobus van Wyk had not scored an opportunistic try from a fumbled Elton Jantjies drop-out from his 22, the Sharks would have lost 27-3 – and Jantjies missed three conversions.

Sharks coach Robert du Preez said after the game that he was gutted that his team had not made more of a fist of the game.

“The effort was just not there. I am very disappointed that the guys just did not pitch up and take the game to the Lions, and that after we trained so hard for this game,” he said.

“All we did was defend. That was not how we prepared for this game. We wanted to attack them but we never got out of the starting blocks.”

After the Hurricanes beat the Crusaders yesterday morning, the Sharks were presented with the following conundrum: lose to the Lions and have a winnable quarter-final at Ellis Park this week or win and have the “reward” of travelling to Christchurch to almost certain defeat to the Crusaders.

The truth is that permutations would not have come into it for the Sharks. In any case if the Sharks had genuine aspirations of winning the title, they would have had to beat the best over the next three weekends.

Instead the home team camped in their own half throughout the game and only commitment on defence prevented the score from getting ugly. The Sharks were shocking. They scrummed well in the first half, but that was about it.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann said that he was disappointed in his team’s performance, which just emphasises how poor the Sharks were.

“We will not win Super Rugby playing like that,” he said.

It was the Sharks that scored first, Garth April nailing a long range penalty. The Lions replied with a try off the back of a lineout maul, hooker Malcolm Marx going over.

Five minutes before half time, Lions flyhalf Elton jantjies broke through the defence to set up the pressure on the Sharks defence that incurred a penalty for him to kick over.

The first time the Sharks ventured into the Lions 22, they scored, when Kantjies fluffed a 22m drop out for Van Wyk to snap up and score.

The Sharks were still celebrating when the Lions counter-attacked from the kick-off and a series of phases saw Lionel Mapoe break through and then offload to Andries Coetzee for a try at the corner flag. The conversion was missed to give the visitors a slender 13-10 lead.

The Lions also scored the first points of the second half, a penalty by Jantjies that had its origins in the Lions winning a scrum penalty and scrumhalf Ross Cronje taking a quick tap that led to the Sharks infringing in defence of their line.

Another Lions scrum penalty saw Jantjes push the score out to 19-10. The Sharks needed to score next to get into the game but the Lions scored when Cronje broke clean through the defence on the half way line to ultimately set up a an easy dot down for Jaco Kriel.

Up-and-coming Griquas take on ‘10 out of 10’WP in rugby’s inaugural Challenge final ​ APE TOWN: T C ​ oday will see the inaugural SuperSport Rugby Challenge final between undefeated Western Province and the unexpected finalists, Griquas, at Florida Park in Ravensmead (kick-off 2.30pm).

While WP impressed throughout the season with a 10 out of 10 wins, Griquas’ form peaked in the final stretch of the competition.

The Northern Cape team will certainly head into the final high on confidence after racking up 11 tries against the Eastern Province Kings in the quarter-finals and beating the more-fancied Golden Lions after a top first-half performance in the semi-finals in Mdantsane last week.

Province obviously won’t be low on confidence either after the season they’ve enjoyed, and they should certainly look to use their strong set-piece to give the backs an

opportunity to do damage.

Province have also been a real counter-attacking threat this year, and getting the one-on-one tackles right will be crucial for Griquas if they want to prevent WP from using those half gaps to get the offloads away.

Griquas, on the other hand, capitalise on turnover ball and their set-piece is solid, while they are also good at mixing up their game as they have no problem winning the

physical contest up front through big carries, while their hard-running backs are also a threat.

But Province doesn’t lack quality when it comes to their backs.

The back three of Craig Barry, Marcello Sampson and Bjorn Basson are dangerous on the counter-attack, while they will also have reliable kicking ammunition in flyhalf Kurt Coleman and inside centre and natural flyhalf Brandon Thomson.

Scrumhalf Godlen Masimla’s

attacking potency will also serve WP well, and it’s especially around the fringes that Griquas will have to close in on him.

Given the performances that these two sides have put on show in the competition’s very first season, one thing is for sure – not even the live entertainment and a highly anticipated curtain-raiser between Tygerberg and Belhar should manage to provide a better watch than the finalists at Florida

Sport on TV TODAY Athletics World U18 Champs, day 5, 1.30pm, SS9; Diamond League, Rabat, 8pm, SS8/MaXimo1 Cricket Test, day 3, Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, 6.15am, SS12; 2nd Test, day 3, England v South Africa, 11am, SS2/CSN Cycling Tour de France, Stage 15, 12.55pm, SS5 Golf Scottish Open, day 4, 4pm, SS12; JD Classic, day 4, 7pm, SS1/8pm, CSN; US Women’s Open, day 4, 9pm, SS12 Hockey Women’s World League, Joburg, Japan v Germany, 11.30am; England v Ireland, 2pm; South Africa v USA, 4pm; Argentina v India, 6pm, SS8 Motorsport

Formula 1, British GP, 12.30pm, SS1/1pm, MaXimo1 Rugby SS Challenge, final, WP v Griquas, 2pm SS4/SS10 Swimming World championships, day 3, 9.50am, SS7 (Incl.

Women’s water polo, South Africa v USA, 1.20pm) Tennis Wimbledon, day 13, men’s final, 2.30pm, SS6 TOMORROW Cricket Test, Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, day 4, 6.15am, SS11; 2nd Test, England v South Africa, day 4, 11am, SS1 Hockey Men’s World League, Joburg, Australia v Japan, 11.30am; Spain v New Zealand, 2pm; Germany v Ireland, 4pm; South Africa v Belgium, 6pm, SS8

Rugby Craven Week, Day 1, Griffons v Griquas CD, 8.15am; Bulls v Border CD, 10am; FS v Boland, 11.30am; WP v Pumas, 1.10pm; Lions v Border, 3.20pm, SS1 Soccer Soccerzone, 9pm, SABC1 Swimming World championships, day 4, 1.45am, SS7 (Incl.

Men’s water polo, Serbia v South Africa, 5.45pm) TUESDAY Cricket Test, Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, day 5, 6.15am, SS11; 2nd Test, England v South Africa, day 5, 11am, SS2; Women’s World Cup, Semi-final 1, 11am, SS6 Cycling Tour de France, Stage 16, 1.25pm, SS1 Hockey Women’s World League, Joburg, quarter-finals,

10.45am, SS8 Rugby Craven Week, Day 2, SS1 Swimming World championships, day 5 (Incl. 10km men’s open water swim, 9.50am, SS5; Women’s water polo, New Zealand v South Africa, 10.40am, SS7) WEDNESDAY Cycling Tour de France, Stage 17, 12.05pm, SS5 Rugby Craven Week, day 3, 8.45am, SS1 Soccer Premier League Asia Trophy, Leicester v West Brom, 11am; Liverpool v Palace, 2pm, SS3 Swimming World championships, day 6 (Incl. 5km women’s open water swim, 9.50am, SS5; Men’s water polo, South Africa v Greece, 10.40am, SS7)

THURSDAY Cricket Women’s World Cup, Semi-final 2, 11am, SS2 Cycling Tour de France, Stage 18, 12.40pm, SS5 Golf The Open Championship, day 1, 7.30am; Barbasol Championship, day 1, 11pm, SS6 Hockey Women’s World League, Joburg, play-offs, 9.50am; Semi-finals, 4.45pm, SS8 Rugby Craven Week, Day 4, 8.45am, SS1 Swimming World championships, day 7, 10.45am, SS7 (Incl. women’s water polo, South Africa v Spain, 9.15pm) lSubject to change

Park today.

TEAMS Western Province: 15 Craig Barry, 14 Marcello Sampson, 13 Michal Haznar, 12 Brandon Thomson, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Eital Bredenkamp (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Jurie van Vuuren, 3 Michael Kumbirai, 2 Chad Solomon, 1 Oli Kebble. Replacements: 16 Dean Muir, 17 Ash Wells, 18 Eduard Zandberg, 19 Luke Stringer, 20 Herschel Jantjies, 21 Ryan Oosthuizen, 22 Grant

Hermanus.

Griquas: 15 Eric Zana, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Kock Marx, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 AJ Coertzen, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Christiaan Meyer, 8 Jason Fraser, 7 Sias Koen, 6 Wendal Wehr, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuuren, 4 FP Pelser, 3 Ewald vd Westhuizen, 2 AJ le Roux, 1 Liam Hendricks. Replacements: 16 Marius Fourie, 17 Nicolaas Oosthuizen, 18 Jonathan Adendorf, 19 Jonathan J van Rensburg, 20 Renier Botha, 21 Andre Swarts, 22 Enver Brandt Referee: Egon Seconds

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OM/03/10674449

WYNONA LOUW

24

SPORT

Cricket

Tennis

Hash feeling the pressure, says ex-captain / P22 ZAAHIER ADAMS Australia 269 (Mooney 53, Bolton 79, Perry 55; Luus 5/67) South Africa 210 (Wolvaardt 71, Chetty 37; Perry 2/47) Australia won by 59 runs ALTHOUGH the result was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things with both teams already having qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup semifinals, South Africa will still look back at yesterday’s 59-run defeat to Australia as a missed opportunity.

The Proteas have yet to beat the Aussies in an ODI in 15 attempts and at various stages in this final group match it was arguably one of their best opportunities here at Taunton.

July 16 2017

Injury Time Rugby

Serena told me one day I’d win – Muguruza / P22

TMS makes it a Test series to savour / P22

Action from the final round of matches / P23

Proteas fight hard but it’s an Oz victory Even though the defending World Cup champions rested their star batsman and captain Meg Lanning, the Australians were still able to put out a formidable team packed with superstars of the women’s game.

There’s none bigger that Ellyse Perry and it was the all-rounder that proved the difference between the two sides. After Australia’s openers Beth Mooney (53) and Nicole Bolton (79) had laid a solid platform of 114 for the first wicket, Perry continued the charge with a 55 off just 57 balls.

South Africa’s bowlers should,

though, take heart from the way they fought back through the middle period of the Australian innings.

Leg-spinner Sune Luus, who although a touch on the expensive side due to the odd full toss delivered, was the chief destroyer as SA’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year claimed 5/67 to restrict the Aussies to 269 all out in 48.3 overs. There were also two wickets for captain Dane van Niekerk, who moved to 15 wickets in the competition.

It was a wonderful fight back and created a real sense of optimism in

the Proteas dressing-room at the lunchtime break. “I was glad the way the way we pulled it back. At one stage it looked like they would get 300-plus. I thought 270-odd was gettable,” said Van Niekerk.

This grew even further after teenage opening batsman Laura Wolvaardt took the attack to the six-times world champions. Playing with the fearlessness of youth and without the baggage of her more senior teammates, Wolvaardt drove and cut elegantly during the opening power play. Even the loss

of her powerful opening partner Lizelle Lee in the sixth over to an ill-judged swipe across the line could not stem the momentum with Trisha Chetty arriving at the crease with plenty of intent.

South Africa moved confidently along with Wolvaardt registering her third half-century of the competition off just 61 balls.

Chetty also looked in good touch, but could not take full advantage of missed chance earlier in her innings and departed for 37 when Perry completed a run out.

However, the Proteas were still well-placed at 132/2 with 20 overs remaining, when their lack of composure against higher-ranked opponents was exposed.

A poor shot by the experienced Mignon du Preez set in the panic with South Africa losing their next five wickets for just 52 runs. Du Preez would be undoubtedly be livid with herself for hitting a waist-high full straight down the throat of Ashleigh Gardner in the deep.

South Africa’s chance filtered further away when Wolvaardt

Moon shines in Bafana victory

IT LOOKS BRIGHTER NOW . . .

Morkel ball gets to the Root of the problem STUART HESS Trent Bridge

Day 2 of 5: South Africa 335 and 75/1 England 205

T

HE DECISIVE moment on another captivating day’s play followed a short conversation between South African captain Faf du Plessis, pictured, and Morné Morkel.

The big fast bowler was in the midst of a fine spell from the Radcliffe Road End, but had already bowled six overs and by rights, deserved a break.

Joe Root was on top, but a ball at the end of the sixth over of that spell had driven both captain and bowler to try one more.

That ball from Morkel had cut back and shot through low and should have wiped out Jonny Bairstow’s off stump.

It missed by the proverbial coat of varnish.

So Du Plessis asked, Morkel answered. One more over it was to be and how influential that decision turned out to be.

Morkel hung one outside offstump asking Root to drive, the England captain obliged, but for once the ball did not find the middle of his bat, instead the edge flew towards first slip where a diving Quinton de Kock suddenly appeared and took an excellent catch.

Morkel yelped in delight, the South African fielders bounded about, Du Plessis grabbed his big fast bowler in that affectionate manner around the cheeks as he has done so often in the last year.

From 143/4 England collapsed to 205 all out – South Africa had a monumental first innings lead of 130.

While Root was at the crease the game was in the balance.

He was playing a different game to the other batsmen – bar perhaps Quinton de Kock – in this match.

The South Africans, cock-ahoop having dismissed England’s openers within five overs, very quickly unravelled in the face of Root’s elegant counter-attack.

It had been a bowler’s morning until Root arrived at the crease with six wickets falling for 28 runs in the first hour of play – South Africa’s last four wickets falling for the addition of just 26 runs to their overnight score, all to James Anderson.

Root paid the swing/seaming conditions no bother and set about the South Africans with excellent strokeplay – a couple of drives off Philander in the eighth a highlight of a fine passage of play before lunch.

Chris Morris and Duanne Olivier were poor in their support of their senior seam bowling partner. Both were too short and wide, feeding Root freebies as he made a 40-ball half century before lunch.

Such was the nature of his batting it felt like England’s morning, but the clouds still hung low and Philander made an important breakthrough immediately after lunch to lift South African spirits when he bowled Gary Ballance off the inside edge and thigh.

Root dominated a 57-run fourth wicket partnership with Bairstow, but once Morkel had dug deep to remove him for a wonderful innings of 78, the course of the day and ultimately the match changed.

Keshav Maharaj bowled a brilliant spell from the Pavilion End, removing Ban Stokes with one that jumped out of the rough, and Bairstow with another that spun from the line of middle stump and struck the top of off.

Even Morris, when he returned later, bowled better lines and lengths, at one stage finding himself on a hat-trick. He finished with three wickets as did Maharaj, but the leaders of the attack Philander and Morkel had set the tone, with Morkel, who has cut a determined figure in the opening two Tests, producing the turning point of the day.

South Africa batted out the final few hours in composed fashion, with the wicket of Heino Kuhn the only damage done.

Their lead sits on 205 runs. The forecast for today’s third day is good and they will want to bat for all of it.

followed Du Preez to the changeroom when she was caught for a well-played 71.

Realising South Africa were ripe for the kill, Perry (2/47) returned to the attack and duly picked up two wickets that closed out the game.

The outing reminded the Proteas of the level, especially in the field, they need to be at if they are to make history in in next week’s semi-final against another high-quality team in England.

“We’re very happy (to reach the semi-finals),” Van Niekerk said.

“Obviously not the performance we wanted to put in, but rather today than the next game. I know the girls will bounce back. They showed it in the tournament. I am pleased about the way we have been playing.”

THE BIG ONE: South Africa’s Morne Morkel, right, celebrates taking the wicket of England captain Joe Root.

Picture: Action Images / Reuters

Plays of the Day ROOT RALLY England 3/2, out bounds the new captain and he’s busy as soon as he gets to the crease.

A three off the hip, a single, a two, then three fours off Philander... so it continued as Root rapidly changed the course of morning’s play, which, until he got to the crease, had been dominated by the bowlers.

He reached 50 off 40 balls, the joint quickest Test half-century by an England captain.

While he was at the crease, England looked like matching South Africa’s total.

When he got out, the game changed.

PHILANDER A riveting battle with Root, which to be fair, the England skipper won.

But Philander was the most dangerous of South Africa’s bowlers, in conditions

which suited him perfectly.

His length, with the odd exception, was impeccable, as was his line.

It felt like a wicket could come at any point with him on, and when you combine his two wickets in England’s first innings with the 54 runs he scored, he’s made a significant impact in this game.

JIMMY JIMMY Anderson wouldn’t want to bowl anywhere else but Trent Bridge in the kind of conditions that hung over the ground yesterday.

He wrapped up the South African innings in 31 minutes and 16 balls, taking 4/4.

Anderson has picked up 59 wickets at Trent Bridge at an average of less than 20.

This venue, when it’s cloudy and with the cool breeze, suits him down to a tee.

CONDITIONS Ideal for swing and seam bowling.

“Look up, not down,” is the way here and when it’s cloudy like it was yesterday, with a bit of drizzle about, batsmen face a challenge they rarely encounter in modern cricket.

Today some rain has been forecast for early in the morning, but that will clear and the sun is expected to shine.

That will please the SA batsmen for when the sun shines the pitch tends to play easier.

HE SAID “The game’s gone, I’m sorry (but) England can’t win from here,” Geoffrey Boycott on the BBC’s Test Match Special. It was the fourth over of South Africa’s second innings and they were leading by 138 runs.

STUART HESS

FRANCISTOWN: South Africa overcame a fired-up Botswana side 2-0 in a 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier at the Francistown Stadium yesterday.

The game was a lot tighter than the score suggested, the visitors being forced to survive sustained periods of pressure either side of their two goals, scored by Kaizer Chiefs’ 20-year-old striker Ryan Moon, and Gift Motupa, the Orlando Pirates midfielder expected to go on loan to Baroka FC this season.

After a host of new Bafana Bafana caps had been handed out during the recent Cosafa Cup, head coach Stuart Baxter gave another three players – Moon, Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United) and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusiso Kumalo (who was a late replacement for the ineligible Lehlogonolo Masalesa) – their senior national team debuts.

Bafana started promisingly as Mokoena pushed an early free kick wide, before Riyaad Norodien’s run into the opposition box nearly resulted in the hosts conceding an own goal.

The South Africans, though, were to find themselves under increasing pressure and it took some dogged defending to keep Botswana off the score-sheet.

The tension was however relieved on 28 minutes when Moon, with barely a handful of PSL appearances to his name, shrugged off a defender before putting the ball past goalkeeper Mwapule Masule and into the net.

The Zebras came storming back looking for an equaliser, with the ever-dangerous Thero Setsile sending a 33rd minute shot wide before going agonisingly close with a header eight minutes before the break.

There was no let-up from Botswana after the restart, but there was also no end product as Kabelo Seakanyeng and Lemponye Tshireletso directed shots wide, while Richard Legailwa had an effort blocked.

Finally Bafana had a sight on goal, just after the hour mark, but Motupa’s radar was off as he failed to hit the target on the turn.

But that chance seemed to spark the South Africans back to life and after a couple more opportunities, it was 2-0 on 72 minutes when Stellenbosch FC midfielder Jamie Webber’s cross found Cole Alexander, who put the ball across goal for Motupa to score.

The visiting side were able to play out the remainder of the game without much issue as the Zebras’ fight died out, putting South Africa very much in the driving seat in the two-legged tie.

The return match will take place in Rustenburg this coming Saturday, with the aggregate winner set to take on either Swaziland or Zambia in the final qualifying round ahead of next year’s Chan tournament in Kenya. – African News Agency

BusinessReport www.businessreport.co.za

THE WEEK IN FIVE Gigaba unveils recovery plan FINANCE Minister Malusi Gigaba unveils his economic recovery plan following a meeting with industry captains at the JSE on Thursday. Gigaba says his 14-point action plan will lift the economy to a higher growth path through rebuilding business confidence and staving off the risk of a downgrade on local bonds. It will include selling off state-owned entities’ non-core assets and a partial privatisation of some.

Confidence low FNB/BUREAU for Economic Research (BER) data shows low consumer confidence in South Africa has had its longest streak in the years since 1992.

It has been below zero for 12 consecutive quarters of the year. FNB/BER attributes the contraction to confidence shock in the wake of the sovereign credit downgrade following the cabinet reshuffle in March.

Production up STATISTICS South Africa says the country’s mining production increased by 3.6 percent year on year in May after rising 1.6 percent in April. The agency says the surge has been supported by strong performance of the iron ore sector. It says platinum group metals were, however, a significant negative contributor for the period under review.

Building plants THE WORLD’S biggest brewer, Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev, says it will invest R2.8 billion in extending plants in South Africa and in two new packaging lines for returnable glass bottles at its Alrode and Rosslyn facilities in Gauteng.

Rand stable THE RAND shrugs off US Federal Reserve chairperson Janet Yellen’s announcement that the central bank will raise the interest rate at a gradual pace and maintains its bullish mood as the weaker US dollar is stunned by released e-mails of meetings between President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump jr, and a Russian lawyer last year. The e-mails put the Trump presidency under further scrutiny.

Compiled by Thembelihle Mkhonza

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SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL FINANCIAL DAILY

‘Let’s dig together to save jobs’ Pityana urges business and government to co-operate Ntsiki Ntsibande ANGLOGOLD Ashanti chairman Sipho Pityana has called on business and government to work together to save jobs in the mining industry as the country’s economic meltdown threatens the future of the key industry.

Pityana said there was a greater need to work together to sustain jobs in the face of the difficult economic situation. He said business and government had to build trust through introspection.

“With all the issues going on in our country, we can look back and say that after all quite a number of corporates today were beneficiaries of corruption under apartheid,” Pityana, who is one of President Jacob Zuma’s fiercest critics, told a panel discussion on ethical leadership at the Gordon Institute of Business Studies.

Pityana’s call for greater co-operation comes in the wake of an announcement by AngloGold Ashanti – the world’s third largest gold producer – last month that it planned to retrench 8 500 employees across its South African operations as part of a restructuring process that will see it halt loss-making operations.

The miner, which employs 28 000 people including contractors, said the restructuring was necessary to protect the overall viability of its South African business over the long term, and to safeguard employment at viable business units in the West Wits and Vaal River regions.

Pityana said businesses were a very important player

I think it important for society to understand where businesses come from and how they think

Anglogold Ashanti chairman Sipho Pityana, speaking at the Johannesburg mining indaba in Sandton.

Photo: Simphiwe Mbokazi in ensuring the sustainability of jobs – given the higher rate of unemployment which increased to 27.7 percent in the first quarter of this year from 26.5 percent in the previous period.

The unemployment rate is the highest since the first quarter of 2004 as unemployment rose faster than employment and more people joined the labour force.

Pityana said that addressing

the unemployment crisis would go a long way towards addressing social inequalities in South Africa.

“You cannot hope to sustain enthusiasm for a project of a non-racial future when in fact our black professionals have the hope of keeping hold of the public sector but they feel like uncomfortable aliens in the private sector,” Pityana said, adding that businesses also

had a responsibility to speak out against corruption in both the private and the public sector.

“With all that I’ve seen in the recent period… is that businesses are reclaiming their voices,” said Pityana. “Businesses have a responsibility to play a meaningful role in a society. I think it important for society to understand where businesses come from and how they think. That would contribute to building a new South Africa.”

Nedbank group chief executive Mike Brown, who was also part of the panel, said the crisis of employment was a ticking time bomb under the social fabric of the country.

Brown said the situation needed to be addressed by businesses, government and labour.

“We are in the same boat here in South Africa; collectively businesses would be able to create jobs in an environment of growth,” Brown said.

He emphasised that a favourable environment for the growth of businesses would definitely create jobs.

“Business growth is important, but not all businesses will grow and create employment. The last thing you want is to create a large scale of retrenchment.”

SUNDAY, JULY 16 2017

Analysts doubt plans to fly the economy will take off Dineo Faku FINANCE Minister, Malusi Gigaba, this week moved to assure investors that the government was serious about turning the country’s ailing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) around.

Gigaba said the government would sell off SOEs’ non-core assets and was open to partial privatisation as part of the 14-point action plan to salvage the economy.

“We have developed an action plan, which we as the government, are prepared to be held accountable,” Gigaba said, adding that the action plan would provide confidence to the markets and investors.

He said an audit of the non-strategic assets would be concluded by the end of March next year.

Gigaba added the government wanted to reduce the issuance of guarantees, especially for operational reasons, to SOEs by October.

The finance minister said SA Airways, for example, would finalise the appointment of a new chief executive by the end of this month.

He added the government also planned to put forward a case for soft support for Eskom until the adjustment of a new tariff in 2018, which would be presented to the board and National Treasury by the end of the month.

However, economists this week raised doubts on whether Gigaba’s ambitious plans would revitalise the economy.

NKC Africa Economics’ Gerrit van Rooyen said South Africa’s problems were bigger than the plan.

Van Rooyen said the greater problem was the fact that the gap between desired growth and the economy’s potential had widened.

He said this would eventually lead to a low-growth trap and major social instability.

Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba at the JSE after delivering an address at the 2017 Thomson Reuters Economist of the Year awards.

He has plans to kick-start the economy.

Photo: Itumeleng English

‘The failure of the plan outlined by Gigaba will be the last nail in condemning the ANC to the opposition’ “Ultimately, the minister’s greatest difficulty in restoring confidence in the economy and laying out a path to economic recovery is that his efforts are tainted by the fact the president (Jacob Zuma), who appointed him, is facing numerous unresolved allegations relating to the arms deal and state capture,” Van Rooyen said. “As long as these allegations remain unresolved, uncertainty will hang over the economy.”

Emerging markets economist at Japanese bank Nomura, Peter Attard Montalto, said the plan offered nothing new.

Attard Montalto said the plan would not satisfy rating agencies.

He said the agencies may give it the benefit of the doubt and shift back time lines, watching for implementation.

“The National Treasury

may well have carefully constructed the timeline here with that in mind (as the ratings’ dates are known for this year and roughly forecastable for next year),” Attard Montalto said.

“Ultimately, we think the growth needle not moving will be enough to secure further downgrades. However, on the flip side the agencies may be concerned by re-prioritisation of the budget and additional soft support for Eskom (that is, money) while National Treasury struggles to reduce guarantee reliance.”

Lumkile Mondi, a senior lecturer at the Wits School of Economic and Business Sciences, said the success of the plan would be on its implementation.

“I give the plan the benefit of the doubt and look forward to the Medium Budget Policy Statement and how his plan shifts, given the expected revenue shortfall due to poor economic growth and job losses,” he said.

“The failure of the plan will be the last nail in condemning the ANC to the opposition side which they are getting used to in some of the metropolitan areas of South Africa.”

Zim frets over fall in SA tourists Wage negotiations between Saefa and Numsa collapse

Tawanda Karambo Harare

ZIMBABWEAN authorities have raised concerns about declining tourist arrivals from South Africa despite a 5 percent increase in the overall number of African visitors to 400 000 during the first quarter of this year.

South Africa is considered as a major source market for the travel and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) this week said African travellers continued to account for more than 84 percent of arrivals in the country.

But the authority said arrivals from South Africa had stagnated and declined a massive 27 percent to 96 500 while visitors from Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Seychelles rose 81 percent and 54 percent respectively.

“The stagnation in arrivals from South Africa, the country’s major market is of major concern as the market is Zimbabwe’s major market,” said the ZTA in its 2017 First Quarter Tourism Performance Highlights report.

It further said that the stagnation from South Africa called for “serious consideration in addressing facilitation issues” especially at the Beit Bridge border post.

Experts say Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a prime destination is dwindling owing to police roadblocks, poor road infrastructure and expensive dollar-denominated prices.

ZTA said in its report: “There is also need to seriously look at upgrading roads, especially the Harare Beit Bridge highway.”

Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi last week criticised the roadblocks, charging that Zimbabwe was not a “conflict zone”.

Overall arrivals into Zimbabwe from mainland Africa shot up 5 percent to 400 290 up from 380 790 last year.

Chinese arrivals, however, fell 4 percent in line with overall num-

Sandile Mchunu

Visitors walk across a footbridge at the Victoria Falls over the Zambezi river.

Tourism from South Africa to Zimbabwe has been softened.

Photo: Reuters bers from Asia from 14 004 to 13 385 this year.

On the contrary, Asian arrivals into South Africa have been on the increase.

Chinese visitors to South Africa surged to 21 137 during the first two months of the current year. In total, Asian visitors to the continent’s most-industrialised economy rose to 52 319 over the January to February period.

Domestic tourism has also taken a

knock owing to mounting economic woes that have precipitated cash shortages in the economy.

Room occupancy levels for Harare, Beit Bridge and Nyanga have been down 2 to 7 percent, although Vic Falls was 2 percent up. “These substantial negative growths were as a result of reduced utilisation of double-room occupancy by government, corporatesand NGOs to implement cost-cutting measures purposes of viability,” said the ZTA.

THE SOUTH African Engineers’ and Founders’ Association (Saefa) has confirmed that recent talks over a wage increase with the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) have broken down.

Saefa chairperson Ross Williams said all unions in the industry except Numsa had put counter offers on the table to take the talks forward.

Williams said the proposals ranged from 10 to 12 percent, which the industry could not afford.

“Quite simply, the industry cannot afford to pay more than what has been offered,” William.

“If they do, there will a jobs crisis – likely to commence immediately after the deal is signed and continuing from there. Every job lost and taken over by China will never, ever be gotten back.”

The association has since appointed independent lead negotiator Jonathan Goldberg to represent employers in the negotiations.

Goldberg is an expert in labour law and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE).

He is also the chief executive of Global Business Solutions.

William said the situation had been complicated by the withdrawal of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (Seifsa) from bilateral engagements with the unions.

Seifsa chief executive Kaizer Nyatsumba, however, disputed claims that the federation had decided to go it alone.

Nyatsumba said the decision to engage with different stakeholders was based on practical considerations of the industry.

“We represent both small and big employers,” Nyatsumba said.

“In fact, the overwhelming majority of our member companies employ

Saefa is keen to avoid strike action.

Photo: Nokuthula Mbatha

no more than 50 people.

“Therefore, in our approach to negotiations with labour, we always strive to reach a deal that is acceptable to all our members, both small and big.”

Williams said Saefa had offered 5.4 percent because it was realistic in the face of a declining economy that was growing at less than 1 percent.

“The consumer price inflation (CPI) is around 5.3 percent, and is projected to decline.

“The industry has now been paying increases way above CPI for several years, such that the industry wage rates are as much as 50 percent higher than other comparative industries. Job losses and business closures have been massive.

“The sector is no longer globally competitive and able to compete with imports.

“The country is in recession, and the industry is in dire straits.

“Electricity costs keep climbing,” Williams added.

South Africa is already suffering with a high unemployment rate and figures from Statistics SA put the unemployment rate at 27.7 percent, with the International Monetary Fund predicting the economy will grow by 1 percent this year.

The union rejected the industry’s wage offer and demanded an increase above 10 percent.

Saefa executive director Gordon Angus appealed to all stakeholders to avert the strike, arguing it would have far-reaching implications for both employers and employees in the engineering sector.

“The reality is that strike action will be extremely detrimental to employees and the sector as a whole, not to mention the additional pressure it will bring to bear on the already tenuous economic situation in the country,” said Angus.

21

BUSINESS REPORT Sunday, July 16 2017 Sunday, July 21 2017 BUSINESS REPORT

NEF Invests billions of rand towards black businesses and industrialists Musa Ndlangamandla he National Empowerment Fund (NEF) continues to make significant progress in increasing support for black South Africans to invest and grow sustainable businesses across various sectors in order to achieve inclusive economic growth.

This is part of the NEF’s objective of facilitating job creation through investing in black-owned businesses that have high employment-creation impact. The strategic interventions have delivered impressive results with over 92 000 jobs having been created to date; representing a giant leap from 25 000 jobs created in March 2011.

Laying out the NEF’s strategy and annual performance plans before Parliament Select Committee on Trade and International Relations, CEO Philisiwe Mthethwa said

the target was to create an additional 4 000 jobs in the 2017/18 financial year, which will increase to 5 629 in the subsequent year, and over 7 000 more by 2020.

The NEF has developed 27 strategic industrial projects worth over R28 billion to support black industrialists as part of the organisation’s forward-looking efforts to support government’s radical economic transformation.

“These projects have been developed in partnership with local and international partners. They are valued at R28, 67 billion, with the potential to support a further 85 000 jobs,” said Mthethwa.

“The Black Industrialists Programme continues apace through the Strategic Projects Fund, whose mandate is to create new manufacturing and industrial capacity at the outset of projects, as opposed to doing so during equity closure,” she adds.

She says the NEF uses a

sector-targeted approach in developing its portfolio and

these sectors include renewable energy, tourism, minerals

beneficiation, agro-processing, business process outsourcing

and infrastructural projects.

This the NEF does in order

to help create new manufacturing and industrial capacity and to increase South Africa’s export earning potential, while reducing import dependency.

To date the NEF has approved R800 million for black industrialist projects, leveraging R4 billion in external funding.

Mthethwa highlighted that since operational inception the NEF has approved 852 transactions worth more than R8, 6 billion for black-empowered businesses across the country.

Over R5,8 billion of this is capital that has gone directly into the economy. Moreover, for 11 years, running the organisation has secured clean external audit opinions, which attests to the NEF integrity and financial management acumen. The NEF further ascribed its collection rate of R2,3 billion to the effectiveness of its mentorship programme.

Mthethwa also pointed out that the NEF would continue to focus on entrepreneurship training and efforts to bring

more young people and women into the mainstream economy.

Accordingly, through the Women Empowerment Fund and through relations with various organisations that represent women in business the NEF continues to place high and dedicated focus on funding women-owned and managed businesses, targeting a minimum 40% year on year, in line with the Codes of Good Practice. “We seek to facilitate investment across all provinces in South Africa.

Currently efforts are underway to ramp up our funded portfolio in the Northern Cape, North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. Between 2017 and 2020 our target is to increase our percentage of annual disbursements by 25% in the respective provinces, through partnerships with provincial governments, local Development Funding Institutions and member-based business bodies,” said Mthethwa.

NEF injects R10m to help black farmers thrive in mussel farming

T

he NEF is providing much-needed impetus to ensure inclusion and transformation in South Africa’s aquaculture industry, a sector perceived to be lily white, through the provision of a R10 million loan to black farmers to invest in mussel farming in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape.

In what has proved to be a successful empowerment initiative the NEF granted Imbaza Mussels Farming, a loan for expansion of the project which was started in 2012 to naturally harvest the wealth of Mediterranean mussel occurring in the country’s West Coast.

General Manager Vos Pienaar explained that Imbaza Mussels is a majority blackowned company formed by six employees who broke away from Blue Bay Mussels.

“Each of the six had his own raft and pooled resources to form Imbaza Mussels, which now has a black shareholding of 67%. Today, there are 17 staff members, one boat and 30 rafts. Imbaza Mussels has also created 100 jobs,” said Pienaar.

He added that NEF continues to play a key role in changing the demographics within the mainstream economy, thus the financial support to start-up businesses like Imbaza.

As part of its efforts to ensure empowerment of black participation in the mainstream economy, NEF granted Imbaza Mussels Farming R9, 9million to expand a mussel farming project. This was part of the Community Public Partnership Programme of the Department of Trade and

NEF extends R11,8m in funding for women in fuels sector

A

s part of its future centric approach to develop black owned companies, the NEF has extended a R11,8 million loan to the first independent petrochemicals company that is wholly owned and managed by black women in South Africa.

Wasaa Gasses founder and CEO Nokwanele Qonde paid tribute to NEF for the support explaining that the loan enabled the company to acquire state-of-the-art infrastructure

Industry and Blue Bay Aqua Farm (Pty).

“The financial packages NEF is offering are suitable for the empowerment of ordinary people. Today we have former employees as shareholders in the business. NEF

does offers something that commercial banks cannot offer start-up businesses like ours”, says Pienaar.

He explained that Imbaza harvests about two rafts 1 600 ropes per month, and harvesting continues throughout

to improve efficiencies and ensure growth. She cites the support from the NEF as reason to be optimistic about expansion and growth, saying the professionals from the organisation have helped Wasaa with much more than a business loan.

“NEF works very closely with us in strategic areas of the business bringing insight and vast experience to help us stay on course with our growth plans. NEF is very professional, very thorough and always available,” she said.

“NEF should be commended and supported by all.

The loan has enabled us to put up the kind of infrastructure we needed to grow our business in a sector where there are very few women.”

The company management has over 50 years combined experience in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of gas, fuels and chemicals. Over time, Wasaa has built sound competencies, which have been instrumental in securing major contracts,

and contributed in positioning the company as one of the leading and competitive trading entities within the petrochemicals and commodities sectors. It also participates in markets within SADC. Qonde said the primary goal of Wasaa was to progressively amass market share in a sustainable manner and gain visible presence within the petroleum and commodities sectors through the company’s extensive product portfolio and infrastructure.

the year and supplies 50% of the SA market.

The industry has potential to grow in the global two million tonnes mussel farming industry dominated by China, Chile, Scotland, France, New Zealand and Spain.

R14,7m towards black quarry mining business

T

HE NEF is making significant strides in dealing with the structural barriers that condemned the majority of black South Africans to the periphery of the mainstream economy by providing increased opportunities for them to own and control productive sectors of the economy.

One such area of economic exclusion has been the mining and quarrying sector; and one of the numerous 100% blackowned enterprises that have received assistance from the NEF is Active Blue based in Nquthu, in KwaZulu-Natal.

The company, which is not just black owned but also has its workers and members of the iNkosi Molefe Community as shareholders, is involved in quarrying and crushing stones for sale.

NEF funded Active Blue

to the tune of R14,7 million towards the purchase of additional equipment and working capital.

According to the Directorate of Mineral Economics in 2009, there were 353 registered aggre-

gate and sand quarries operating in South Africa that employed more than 6 400 people.

NEF Divisional Executive Venture Capital and Corporate Finance Hlengiwe Makhathini said government’s commit-

ment to its R846 billion infrastructure development and expanded publics works programmes will ensure growth and sustainability of the industry in the mid to long-term.

Active Blue is a subsidiary of Realstone Quarries a company established in 2011 with its head office in Vryheid.

KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on local and international markets.

The company was founded by a team of investors with extensive involvement in the mining industry. The focus is on mining and the packaging of different types of aggregate material, various brick type, ready – mix concrete and logistics. It acquired a two-year mining permit, which covers an initial 1,5 hectares. Active Blue has also secured prospecting rights for the same area and surrounding areas for a period of five years.

NEF helps community members acquire mall stake

T

he NEF continues to walk the talk when it comes to encouraging black South Africans to acquire ownership and a controlling stake in real estate and property ownership as a way to address the vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

To that end, the NEF has intervened on behalf of communities to secure a stake and become shareholders in shopping centre worth close to R1 billion.

NRF Divisional Executive SME and Rural Development Setlakalane Molepo noted that the progression of many

township consumers to a middle-income group also bodes well with such an intervention as it resulted in a significant increase consumer spending in the areas – this attracting major retailers.

To that end the NEF supported a community based private investment company named Sizovuna Investment (Pty) Ltd with equity funding in Umlazi Megacity Mall. Sizovuna, which saw an opportunity to revitalize the township economy in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, comprises of six shareholders from various sectors within the Umlazi and Lamontville

communities and is a 100% managed and controlled broad based black empowerment group.

“The NEF extended a R51,8 million loan to Sizovuna to acquire 25% equity in stake in Umlazi Mega City in 2009.

Thus we became a formidable community based company meaningfully participating in commercial, retail properties and affordable housing,” said Sizovuna Managing Director Gugu Dlamini.

“We are now geared for the next phase of investment and growth, which is to invest in property related development projects as we have forged

partnerships with companies specialising in this area and investment opportunities are being originated and evaluated on an ongoing basis.”

Dlamini hailed NEF for stepping up to the plate to assist when commercial banks presented various barriers including a demand for substantial collateral.

She added that the initial value of the Sizovuna equity in UMC 25% equity was R55.5 million its estimated value is now R270 million.

Dlamini explained that part of the NEF support included training those managing project in business skills.

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

lifetv YOUR GUIDE T0 THE BEST OF THE WEEK’S TV VIEWING

JULY 16 2017

SAM MATHE

Channel surfing SUNDAY

Eye on the box

Doctor Strange, M-Net (DStv 101), 8.05pm Benedict Cumberbatch dons a cape for this visually rich Marvel fantasy.

I

N 2013 when iNumber Number premièred at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada where it was the official selection, film experts predicted its box office success.

It was subsequently adjudged for the Best Screenplay at the Africa International Film Festival in the same year and in 2014 won the Audience Award at the Jozi Film Festival.

Despite its graphic violence, iNumber Number is one of those gangster movies that lingers in the viewer’s imagination long after the credits have rolled down the screen.

So it came as no surprise that iNumber Number, a gripping crime and corruption drama, has been adapted for the small screen.

Originally written, directed and edited by Donovan Marsh, the television series version made its debut on Mzansi Magic last week Sunday to critical acclaim.

Like the film, the heartbeat of iNumber Number remains the relationship between Chilli (S’dumo Mtshali) and Shoes (Presley Chweneyagae), whose brotherhood bond is put to the test by dangerous circumstances. Chweneyagae played the lead in Tsotsi and continues to convince viewers as an actor with a gangster persona.

In the series he is a dedicated undercover cop whose straight and honest life is tested to the limit. iNumber Number introduces Mncedisi Shabangu as Philangezwi “Mkoto” Sikhakhane, a ruthless drug kingpin who exacts revenge through torture and murder.

MONDAY

Game of Thrones, M-Net (DStv 101), 9.30pm Survival and revenge is ongoing in this epic that follows several families in the fictional kingdom of Westeros.

iNumber Number the television series version made its debut on Mzansi Magic last week.

‘iNumber’ is compelling An MK combatant in a previous life, Mkoto returned to a new South Africa which didn’t recognise his struggle credentials.

Disillusioned, he found a different existence in the Alexandra underworld of crime syndicates. He specialises in prostitution, heists, armed robberies, illegal diamond dealing and illicit property businesses.

Israel Matseke Zulu – formerly known as Israel Makoe – is another South African actor with a firm gangster reputation. In real life he has experienced the hard knocks of the underworld and prison life.

He brings a wealth of acting experience and authenticity to his Skroef character – a heartless and

trigger-happy gunman.

Ronnie Nyakale, who made a name for himself as Papa Action in the Yizo Yizo series and who is currently known for his Cosmo role in Generations – The Legacy, has shed his typecast baddie roles as the cop, Stone. Sonia Sedibe (Philane), Thishiwe Ziqubu (Amahle) and Tumie Ngumla (Thuli) add a feminine touch to the testosterone-charged cast.

Like the movie, the series is gripping, hardcore and relentless.

Directed by Siphiwe Hlabangane and Rolie Nikiwe, iNumber Number airs on Sundays on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) at 8pm. The series will also be available on Showmax this year.

TUESDAY

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, BBC Brit (DStv 120), 8pm Hilarious British comedian Michael McIntyre returns with a family entertainment series that guarantees big laughs, big stars and big surprises. Among the guests are rap star Tiny Tempah, rock legend Bryan Adams, comedian Josh Widdecombe and Irish pop star Ronan Keating.

WEDNESDAY

The Night Shift, M-Net (DStv 101), 11.35pm This fast-paced medical drama follows the lives of a group of

dedicated doctors and nurses in a chaotic hospital emergency room.

THURSDAY

Cishe Ngafa, Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), 8pm For many, the idea of death is frightening but what happens when the harsh reality comes knocking on your door? The series tells the stories of survivors who escaped the clutches of death.

FRIDAY

Three Wives, One Husband, BBC Brit (DStv 120), 8pm Rockland Ranch is a community unlike any other. In the middle of the Utah desert, 14 Mormon families have made a home for themselves in “cave” houses carved into the side of an enormous sandstone rock. Half of the men, who are polygamists, are married to multiple wives.

SATURDAY

Cross Wars, M-Net (DStv 101), 9.30pm Supernatural action weaves its way through this drama. A team of weapons experts battle to save humanity from a sinister immortal.

Enoch, a father of 16, is married to Catrina and Lillian, but he’s also dating nanny Lydia Rose, in Three Wives, One Husband.

TODAY SABC1

SABC2

06.00 African Religion 06.30 Bonisanani 07.00 Doc McStuffins 07.30 Matt Hater Chronicles 08.00 Furry Tales 08.15 Zenzele 08.30 Yotv Land 09.00 Gospel Gold 10.00 Mzansi Insider 11.00 Mokapelo 11.30 One Mic 12.00 Uzalo: Omnibus.

14.30 Soccer: Nedbank Cup Final 17.30 Nedbank Talent Search.

05.30 Words and Numbers 06.00 Inside the Baobab Tree 06.30 Glee 07.00 Morning Live 08.30 Simcha 09.00 Issues of Faith 10.00 Songs of Praise 10.30 Psalted 11.00 Die Woord Erediens 11.30 Geure Uit die Vallei 12.00 Noot vir Noot 13.00 RSVP: Dare to Change 13.30 7de Laan: Omnibus.

16.00 TBA.

06.00 A New Day 07.00 Sadhana 07.30 Smurfs 08.00 Whip the Chef 08.30 Violetta 09.30 Isidingo: Omnibus.

12.00 Music Concert 13.00 Top Billing 14.00 Mela 15.00 Raanjhanaa (Bollywood film): Romantic drama. Starring Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyuvb (2013).

SABC3

07.15 A Horse Story (Film): Drama. Starring Sarah Lieving, Aaron Johnson Araza (2016).

09.00 The Voice South Africa 10.30 World of Dance 11.30 Superhuman 12.30 The Middle 13.00 American Housewife 13.30 Tarzan 3d (Animated film): With the voices of Kellan Lutz, Spencer Locke (2013). 15.30 Last Man Standing 16.00 Kevin Can Wait 16.30 Man With a Plan 17.00 Kicking & Screaming.

MNET

06.00 I Am Soul Precious 06.30 The Apostle Simon Mokoena Show 07.00 Grassroots 07.30 Hillsong 08.00 2 Hands 08.05 Cool Catz 08.30 The Fairly Odd Parents 09.00 G Fighters 09.30 ShizLive 10.00 Behind the Gospel 11.00 SWV Reunited 12.00 WWE Specials 15.00 SA’s Got Talent 16.00 The Biggest Loser USA 17.00 WWE Raw.

ETV

18.30 Break the Beat 19.00 News 19.30 Mina Nwe 20.00 Shuga: (R).

20.30 Zaziwa 21.00 TBA 23.00 Celebrated – Jennifer Lopez: (R).

00.00 Kuze Koze

18.00 Fokus 18.30 Nuus 19.00 50/50 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 Ga Re Dumele 21.00 It’s Gospel Time 22.00 TBA 23.00 Teen Wolf: (R).

00.00 Prime Time News 01.30 Network 2017 02.00 News @ 8 02.30 Sports Live 03.00 Your World

18.00 News 18.30 The Big Bang Theory 19.00 TBA 21.00 Network 2017 21.30 Mapungubwe: Echoes in the Valley 22.30 Forever 23.30 Republic of Doyle 00.30 Deutshe Welle

19.00 Carte Blanche 20.05 Doctor Strange (Film): Action fantasy. While on a journey of physical and spiritual healing, a brilliant neurosurgeon is drawn into the world of the mystic arts. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor (pictured), Rachel McAdams (2016).

22.00 Last Week Tonight with John Oliver 22.30 The Man Who Laughs (Film): Drama.

A man is broken hearted at the loss of his lover, then later visits the same pain on the next woman with whom he becomes involved.

Starring Pierfrancesco Favino, Monica Bellucci, Kseniya Rappoport (2008).

00.35 Chance: (R).

01.40 Reign: (R).

03.00 Game of Thrones 04.35 Rock And A Hard Place (Film): Documentary that looks at the Miami Dade County Corrections and Rehabiliation Boot Camp Program, which allows young inmates undergo a strict 4 month course in order to learn from their past mistakes and make a better future for themselves. Starring Dwayne Johnson (2017).

18.00 eNews Direct Headlines 18.05 Mahadi-Lobola 18.30 Isiko 19.00 eNews Direct 19.30 Modern Family 20.00 The Hangover (Film): Comedy. When three friends get together for one last weekend-long bachelor party in Vegas, they think they had a good time. But it’s very hard to remember, and they are suffering the dreadful after-effects of girls, party and alcohol. And then they realize they have somehow lost the groom. Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis (2009).

22.10 City Of Hope (Film): Drama. An old apartment block stands in the way of a major commercial development. Joe Rinaldi is the building contractor who owns the buildings, and is being pressured to torch them to permit the development to occur. His estranged son, Nick, soon becomes a pawn in the power politics of the city. Starring Vincent Spano, Tony Lo Bianco, Stephen Mendillo (1991).

00.50 Rockaway (Film): Action. Starring Nicholas Gonzalez, Mario Cimarro, Oleg Taktarov (2007).

02.25 City Of Hope (Film): (R).

lifetv

3

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

MONDAY 17

18.00 Now or Never: (R).

18.30 Skeem Saam 19.00 News: Xhosa/Zulu.

19.30 Single Guyz 20.00 Generations - The Legacy: Gog’Flo realises Lucy still cares about her ex. Sphe struggles to cope with motherhood. Smanga gives in to his desires.

20.30 Uzalo 21.00 1’s and 2’s 22.00 My World 23.00 Celebrated – Jim Carrey: (R).

00.00 Koze Kuze

SABC2

SABC3

05.30 Takalani Sesame 06.00 Morning Live 09.00 Tre Fu Tom 09.30 Magical World of LunaBelle 10.00 Mopheme 10.30 Rands with Sense 11.30 50/50 12.30 The Only One 13.00 7de Laan 13.30 Stokvel 14.00 Skeem Saam 14.30 Muvhango 15.00 The Lion Guard 15.30 Wired Up 16.00 Hectic Nine9 17.00 Naruto 17.30 News: Venda/Tsonga.

05.30 I Am a Work of Art 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Expresso 09.00 Real Talk 10.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 10.30 7de Laan 11.00 Isidingo 11.30 Muvhango 12.00 It’s OK, We’re Family 12.30 Close Up 13.00 News 13.30 Africa News Update 14.30 Extreme Fighting Championship 16.00 Afternoon Express 17.00 Real Talk with Anele.

06.00 My Kitchen Rules 07.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08.00 Max (Film): Drama.

Starring Thomas Haden Church, Josh Wigginns, Luke Kleintank (2015). 10.00 Speechless 10.30 Last Man Standing 11.00 My Kitchen Rules 12.00 Scorpion 13.00 Hawaii Five-O 14.00 Timeless 15.00 The Odd Couple 15.30 Entertainment Now 16.00 Carte Blanche 17.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

18.00 News 18.30 The Bold and the Beautiful: Still in the newlywed phase of his marriage, Wyatt brags to Katie that he and Steffy model their relationship after hers and Bill’s. Brooke and Bill’s secret rendezvous comes to a screeching halt when Rick nearly catches them together.

19.00 Isidingo: Sechaba (Motlatsi Mafatsha, pictured) returns to HD only to find Lerato cosying up with Ofentse. Kamo says a bittersweet goodbye to Nkanyezi. Matlala’s decision to not take Gatanga’s muti for protection weighs heavily on him.

19.30 The Final Cut 20.30 Blue Collar Millionaire 21.00 Special Assignment 21.30 Trending SA 22.30 Days of Our Lives: Nicole tries to tell Eric about the evidence she found and tried to destroy. Hope questions Lucas about Nick and pokes holes in his story. Theresa attempts to ruin JJ’s night with Paige. John reveals to Brady that they should track down Kristen.

23.30 Home Makeovers 23.40 Deutsche Welle

18.00 Great News 18.30 My Kitchen Rules 19.30 This Is Us 20.30 The Good Fight: Founding partner Carl Reddick makes a surprise return to the firm, and a renowned local pastor needs the firm’s help in a legal matter that threatens to ruin his legacy.

Lucca meets Colin’s parents.

21.30 Game of Thrones 22.40 Veep 00.10 Falling Water 01.05 Modus: (R).

02.05 House of Cards: (R).

03.00 Killer Assistant (Film): Thriller. A magazine editor’s life and career, simultaneously begin to unravel, after she takes on a new assistant, with secret motives of his own. Starring Arianne Zucker, Brando Eaton, Joanne Baron (2016).

04.30 The Immortal Life Of Henritta Lacks (Film): Drama. An African-American woman becomes an unwitting pioneer for medical breakthroughs when her cells are used to create the first immortal human cell line in the early 1950s. Starring Reed Birney (2017).

18.00 7de Laan: Charmaine is hesitant to share the shocking news with Khanyi. Xander ties to rekindle his relationship with his brother.

18.30 Nuus 19.00 Vetkoekpaleis 19.30 Kliphard 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 Leihlo La Sechaba 21.00 Muvhango: Azwindini lashes out at Vhutshilo for rejecting the Mukwevho surname.

Ranthomeng makes Gugu a job offer. VhoMasindi and Vho-Mukondeleli are invited to play in a soccer tournament.

21.30 Keeping Score 22.00 The Bantu Hour 23.00 Teen Wolf: Gerard and Peter reminisce of the events that made Deucalion and Derek the men they are today. But both Scott and Stiles have reservations regarding the truthfullness of their versions fo the past.

00.00 Prime Time News 03.00 Your World

MNET

ETV

18.30 eNews Direct 19.00 Rhythm City: Lungile has to rush to Bongi’s bedside when she collapse. An angry Kop throws Cuba out of his house.

19.30 Scandal: There is unhappiness about an outfit, and a mother’s curse looks set to derail an important event. A secret is kept in exchange for major reparations. Romeo imparts a piece of information which blindsides a hotel employee.

20.00 Broken Vows 20.30 The Fixer 21.30 Harvest 22.30 Notorious (Film): Musical drama.

Christopher Wallace was just 24 when he was shot dead in a drive-by shooting. His killer was never found, but there is no doubt that his death was a direct result of the rivalry between East and West hip hop coast artists and their fans.

Starring Jamal Woolard, Mohamed Dione, Derek Luke (2009).

01.05 No One Would Tell (Film): Crime. tarring Candace Cameron Bure, Fred Savage, Gregory Alan Williams (1996).

02.45 Notorious (Film):(R).

TUESDAY 18 SABC1

SABC2

SABC3

06.00 Kids News 06.30 The Lion Guard 07.00 Yotv Land 07.15 Ilitha Lethu 07.30 Takalani Sesame 08.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 08.30 Isidingo 09.00 Generations – The Legacy 09.30 Muvhango 10.00 Skeem Saam 10.30 TBA 11.00 Daily Thetha 12.00 Soccer Zone 13.00 Lunch Time News 13.30 Yotv Land 13.45 Ilitha Lethu 14.00 Ispani 15.00 Degrassi 16.00 Yotv 16.30 Daily Thetha 17.28 Izwi La Bantu 17.30 News: Ndebele/Siswati.

05.30 Takalani Sesame 06.00 Morning Live 09.00 Tree Fu Tom 09.30 Inside the Baobab Tree 10.00 Mopheme 10.30 Talk SA 11.00 Hola ha Monate 11.30 Lucky Dog 12.30 The Only One 13.00 7de Laan 13.30 Uzalo 14.00 Skeem Saam 14.30 Muvhango 15.00 The Lion Guard 15.30 Discover Science 16.00 Hectic Nine9 17.00 Naruto 17.30 News: Venda/Tsonga.

18.00 Nyan Nyan: (R).

18.30 Skeem Saam 19.00 News: Xhosa/Zulu.

19.30 Single Guyz 20.00 Generations - The Legacy: Nolwazi lashes out at Getty for betraying her. Tau (Rapulana Seiphemo, pictured) thinks he’s finally rid of the thorn in his side.

Tshidi finds a woman’s scarf in her love-nest.

20.30 Uzalo 21.00 1’s and 2’s 22.00 Youth Culture 23.00 Daily Thetha: (R).

23.00 Celebrated – Jodie Foster: (R).

00.00 Kuze Kose

18.00 7de Laan: Amorey has a guilty conscience. Vince can’t believe his luck when he bumps into his hero in Hillside.

18.30 Nuus 19.00 Vlug Na Egipte 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 Vusaseki 21.00 Muvhango: James receives some shocking news. Vho-Masindi experiences some resistance from Vho-Makhadzi.

21.30 Keeping Score 22.00 It’s Gospel Time 23.00 The Only One 23.30 The Only One 00.00 Prime Time News 03.00 Your World

05.30 Whip the Chef 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Expresso 09.00 Real Talk 10.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 10.30 7de Laan 11.00 Isidingo 11.30 Muvhango 12.00 Blue Collar Millionaire 12.30 Hollywood News Feed 12.45 Zoom In 13.00 News 13.30 Africa News Update 14.00 Mela 15.00 Beautiful Planet Specials 16.00 Afternoon Express 17.00 Real Talk with Anele.

18.00 News 18.30 The Bold and the Beautiful: Sensing that something is weighing heavily on Steffy’s mind, Caroline offers her step-motherly support without acknowledging the similarities in their situations. A frustrated Thomas stands up to Ridge about their current arrangement concerning the place he holds in Douglas’ life.

19.00 Isidingo: Basetsana causes friction between her and Lerato by insisting that Ofentse has as much right to lead the land claim case.

Georgie tries one more time but Nkadimeng tells him it can never be and she won’t be seeing him for a while. Morongwa plans to milk Gatanga by making him her blesser.

19.30 Survivor 20.30 Rustic Chakula 21.00 Mancave 22.00 Trending SA 22.00 Days of Our Lives: Jennifer worries about what Nicole will ask Daniel to do for her.

Eric reveals to Marlena that he and Nicole are engaged. JJ seeks advice from Daniel about Paige.

23.30 Home Makeovers 23.40 Deutsche Welle

MNET 06.00 My Kitchen Rules 07.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08.00 Barbie And Her Sisters In The Great Puppy Adventure (Animated film): With the voices of Alyssya Swales, Chelsea Miller, Michael Daingerfield (2015). 09.45 Kevin Can Wait 10.30 The Odd Couple 11.00 My Kitchen Rules 12.00 NCIS 13.00 The Blacklist 14.00 This Is Us 15.00 Kicking & Screaming 17.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

18.00 The Middle 18.30 My Kitchen Rules 19.30 Hawaii Five-O: Danny chaperones Grace’s winter formal but terrorists seize the venue and hold everyone hostage in order to kidnap a diplomat’s son.

20.30 Shades of Blue: The case of a missing kid leads Wozniak to a local dealer who uses underage mules.

21.30 Twin Peaks 22.30 The Fall: Spector’s legal team work to ensure he will never stand trial. Anderson and Ferrington make a discovery from the past that may help Gibson build her case.

23.30 Chance: (R).

00.30 Game of Thrones: (R).

01.35 Falling Water: (R).

02.30 Regression (Film): Crime drama. A detective and a psychoanalyst uncover evidence of a satanic cult while investigating the rape of a young woman. Starring Ethan Hawke, David Thewlis, Emma Watson (2015).

04.15 Miracles From Heaven (Film): Drama.

Starring Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers (2016).

ETV 05.30 Sunrise News 08.30 Infomercial 09.00 Ekasi: Our Stories 10.00 SA’s Got Talent 10.30 MTV Exposed 11.00 Generation Free 11.30 Rhythm City 12.00 Scandal 12.30 Gold Diggers 13.00 News Day 13.30 WWE Experience 14.30 2 Hands 14.35 Cool Catz 15.00 Dora and Friends 15.30 Pokemon Sun and Moon 16.00 Frenzy 16.30 The Steve Harvey Syndicated Show 17.30 Unusual Suspects.

18.30 eNews Direct 19.00 Rhythm City: Pearl has a chance to kill David. Cuba refuses to let Kop go. Reneilwe and Kguagelo have more in common than they know.

19.30 Scandal: Quinton makes a surprising discovery about a change to his staff, and a strange man comes to visit Grace at the hotel.

The reality of Boniswa’s new situation hits home very painfully for her. A spanner is thrown in the works of Scelo’s future plans.

20.00 Broken Vows 20.30 Chicago PD 21.30 Z’bondiwe – The Chase 22.00 Checkpoint 22.30 More Than Just A Game (Film): A drama about political prisoners playing soccer at Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was held. Starring Presley Chweneyagae, Wright Ngubane (2007).

00.30 TBA 02.10 More Than Just A Game (Film): (R).

03.55 The Close Up 04.25 The Planet’s Funniest Animals

WEDNESDAY 19 SABC1 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Transformers 07.00 Yotv Land 07.15 Ilitha Lethu 07.30 Takalani Sesame 08.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 08.30 Isidingo 09.00 Generations – The Legacy 09.30 Muvhango 10.00 Skeem Saam 10.30 TBA 11.00 Daily Thetha 12.00 Chatroom 12.30 Identity 13.00 Lunch Time News 13.30 Furry Tales 13.45 Mvubu and Friends 14.00 Khumbul’Ekhaya 15.00 Degrassi 15.30 Yotv 16.30 Daily Thetha 17.28 Listen for a Moment 17.30 News: Ndebele/Siswati.

18.00 Stumbo Stomp 18.30 Skeem Saam 19.00 News: Xhosa/Zulu.

19.30 Ithuba Lokugcina 20.00 Generations - The Legacy: Zitha realises her man is hiding something from her. Brian finds out what Mpho did and punches him.

Mazwi forces his wife to go to dinner with him.

20.30 Uzalo 21.00 Khumbul’Ekhaya 22.00 Sport @ 10 00.30 Soccer: Delayed.

SABC2 05.30 Takalani Sesame 06.00 Morning Live 09.00 Tree Fu Tom 09.30 Inside the Baobab Tree 10.00 Vetkoekpaleis 10.30 Kliphard 11.00 Game On 11.30 Health Talk 12.30 The Only One 13.00 7de Laan 13.30 Uzalo 14.00 Skeem Saam 14.30 Muvhango 15.00 The Lion Guard 15.30 Roughing It Out 16.00 Hectic Nine9 17.00 Naruto 17.30 News: Venda/Tsonga.

18.00 7de Laan: Hilda is ready to throw the towel in on her marriage. Mariaan puts the pieces of the puzzle together and realise that Chris is innocent.

18.30 Nuus 19.00 Geure Uit die Vallei 19.30 Authentiek 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 Motswako 21.00 Lotto Draw Live 21.04 Muvhango: Tendamudzimu goes after Azwindini. James gives Nthabeleng an ultimatum. VhoMakhadzi throws her support behind Vho-Masindi and Vho-Mukondeleli.

21.30 Thola 22.00 Afro Café 23.00 The Only One 23.30 The Only One 00.00 Prime Time News 03.00 Your World

SABC3 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Expresso 09.00 Real Talk 10.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 10.30 7de Laan 11.00 Isidingo 11.30 Muvhango 12.00 Mancave 12.30 Close Up 13.00 News 13.30 Africa News Update 14.00 Mapungubwe: Echoes in the Valley 15.00 Top Chef Texas 16.00 Afternoon Express 17.00 Real Talk with Anele.

18.00 News 18.30 The Bold and the Beautiful: Thinking that their recent pact concerning Douglas was mutual, Ridge is blindsided by Caroline when she takes Thomas’ side. Steffy finds herself, once again, caught in the middle of Wyatt and Liam whe she is forced to settle their business disagreement.

19.00 Isidingo: Sechaba bites off more than he can chew in the legal land claim battle.

Morongwa gets a taste of her own medicine whilst the miners face uncertainty.

19.30 David Tlale The Intern 20.30 TBA 21.00 The Scoop 21.30 Trending SA 22.30 Days of Our Lives: EJ draws up a custody agreement and Gabi adds a request that if anything happened to her and Will that Sonny should get custody of Arianna. Eric reveals to Sami about his and Nicole’s engagement. Kate confronts Lucas about her missing gun. Nicole tries to evade telling Eric the truth.

23.30 Home Makeovers 23.40 Deutsche Welle

MNET 06.00 My Kitchen Rules 07.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08.00 Hope Dances (Film): Family. Starring Michael Swan, Michael Cotter, Avarose Dillon (2017). 10.00 The Middle 10.30 Great News 11.00 My Kitchen Rules 12.00 Hawaii Five-O 13.00 NCIS 14.00 The Good Fight 15.00 NCIS Los Angeles 16.00 Superhuman 17.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

18.00 American Housewife 18.30 My Kitchen Rules 19.30 Man with a Plan 20.00 Kevin Can Wait: Kevin takes a job as a bartender but he goes too far when he starts dispensing unsolicited advice to his customers.

20.30 Blue Bloods: Danny and Baez team up with Russian operatives to search for a dangerous man who entered the US on a diplomatic visa.

21.30 Animal Kingdom 22.30 House of Cards: Suspected Russian forces take over an American station in Antarctica, and a susprising news leak could damage Franks chances.

23.30 The Night Shift: The overnight crew find themselves in a bizarre car accident rescue.

00.30 Twin Peaks: (R).

01.30 Aquarius 02.30 Edge Of Winter (Film): Thriller. When two brothers are stranded by a brutal winter storm with an unpredictable father they barely know, the boys begin to suspect their supposed protector may be their biggest threat. Starring Shaun Benson, Shiloh Fernandez (2016).

04.00 The Theory Of Everything (Film): Drama. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior (2014).

SABC1

05.30 Sunrise News 08.30 Infomercial 09.00 Ekasi: Our Stories 10.00 Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 11.00 e-Shibobo 11.30 Rhythm City 12.00 Scandal 12.30 Gold Diggers 13.00 News Day 13.30 205 Live 14.30 2 Hands 14.35 Cool Catz 15.00 Bob the Builder 15.15 Thomas and Friends 15.30 Henry Danger 16.00 Sistahood 16.30 The Steve Harvey Syndicate Show 17.30 Unusual Suspects.

ETV 05.30 Sunrise News 08.30 Infomercial 09.00 Ekasi: Our Stories 10.00 SA’s Got Talent 11.00 South Streets: My Mzansi Adventure 11.30 Rhythm City 12.00 Scandal 12.30 Gold Diggers 13.00 News Day 13.30 WWE Smackdown 14.30 2 Hands 14.35 Cool Catz 15.00 Kate and Mim-Mim 15.30 Regal Academy 16.00 ShizLive 16.30 The Steve Harvey Syndicated Show 17.30 Unusual Suspsects.

18.30 eNews Direct 19.00 Rhythm City: Reneilwe suffers strange after-effects after a night of partying with Bongani. Bongi Bond decides to be honest with herself and makes a drastic decision regarding her marriage. Pearl decides to sever her connection with David.

19.30 Scandal: Yvonne (Kgomotso Christopher, pictured) starts to realise that her life is not going to be quite as she had envisaged.

The dispelling of an assumption causes a mother pain.

20.00 Broken Vows 20.30 The Blacklist 21.30 Ray Donovan 22.35 Fatal Contact: Bird Flu In America (Film): Drama. An outbreak of avian flu mutates into a virus that becomes transmittable from human to human. Starring Joely Richardson, Scott Cohen, Justina Machado (2006).

00.15 The Puffy Chair (Film): Comedy.

Starring Mark Duplass, Katie Aselton, Rhett Wilkins (2005).

01.55 Fatal Contact: Bird Flu In America (Film): (R).

03.25 Terror Lodge (Film): Drama. Starring Chris Ferry, Natalia McLennan (2005).

06.00 Kids News 06.30 Transformers 07.00 Yotv land 07.15 Ilitha Lethu 07.30 Takalani Sesame 08.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 08.30 Isidingo 09.00 Generations – The Legacy 09.30 Muvhango 10.00 Skeem Saam 10.30 TBA 11.00 Daily Thetha 12.00 Sports @ 10 13.00 Lunch Time News 13.30 Furry Tales 13.45 Mvubu and Friends 14.00 Now or Never 14.30 Teens on a Mission 15.00 Thandeka’s Diary 15.30 Yotv 16.30 Daily Thetha 17.28 Journeys of Inspiration 17.30 News: Ndebele/Siswati.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCORRECT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE TELEVISION CHANNELS

SABC1 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Transformers 07.00 Yotv Land 07.15 Ilitha Lethu 07.30 Takalani Sesame 08.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 08.30 Isidingo 09.00 Generations – The Legacy 09.30 Muvhango 10.00 Skeem Saam 10.30 TBA 11.00 Daily Thetha 12.00 Yilugelo Lakho 13.00 Lunch Time News 13.30 Ntunjambili Twin Caves 14.00 Making Moves 15.00 Degrassi 16.00 Yotv 16.30 My World 17.28 Aum 17.30 News: Ndebele/Siswati.

THURSDAY 20

18.00 One Mic 18.30 Skeem Saam 19.00 News: Xhosa/Zulu.

19.30 Throwback Thursday 20.00 Generations - The Legacy: Sphe becomes neurotic about Rorisang. Thabi takes her seduction scheme to a new level.

Namhla and Zach get their first white hat hacker assignment.

20.30 Uzalo 21.00 Expressions 21.30 Cutting Edge 22.00 Yilugelo Lakho: (R).

23.00 Celebrated – John Cusack: (R).

00.00 Koze Kuse

SABC2

SABC3

05.30 Takalani Sesame 06.00 Morning Live 09.00 Tree Fu Tom 09.30 Inside the Baobab Tree 10.00 Ke Ba Bolleletse 10.30 Each One Teach One 11.00 Game Plan 11.30 Keeping Score 12.30 The Only One 13.00 7de Laan 13.30 Uzalo 14.00 Skeem Saam 14.30 Muvhango 15.00 The Lion Guard 15.30 Words and Numbers 16.00 Hectic Nine9 17.00 Naruto 17.30 News: Venda/Tsonga 18.00 7de Laan: Suna (Anelle Bester, pictured) is ready to tell what really happened at their weekend away.

18.30 Nuus 19.00 Noot vir Noot 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 Ngula Ya Vutivi 21.00 Muvhango: A life threatening incident humbles Tendamudzimu. Imani is nervous about Gugu’s decision about the job offer.

Vho-Masindi is a little bit envious about Vho-Mukondeleli’s soccer success.

21.30 Speak Out 22.00 Each One Teach One 22.30 Cold Blood 23.30 The Only One 00.00 Prime Time News 03.00 Your World

MNET

ETV

05.30 Xcellerate 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Expresso 09.00 Real Talk 10.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 10.30 7de Laan 11.00 Isidingo 11.30 Muvhango 12.00 TBA 12.30 The Scoop 13.00 News 13.30 Africa News Update 14.00 Network 2017 14.30 TBA 15.00 SA Reserve Bank Mpc Report 16.00 Afternoon Express 17.00 Real Talk with Anele.

06.00 My Kitchen Rules 07.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08.00 High Strung (Film): Musical. Starring Keenan Kampa, Nicholas Galitzine, Sonoya Mizuno (2016). 10.00 American Housewife 10.30 The Middle 11.00 My Kitchen Rules 12.00 Blue Bloods 13.00 The Good Fight 14.00 NCIS 15.00 This Is Us 16.00 World of Dance 17.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

05.30 Sunrise News 08.30 Infomercial 09.00 Ekasi: Our Stories 10.00 Checkpoint 10.30 I Love South Africa 11.00 Kasi My ‘Kasi 11.30 Rhythm City 12.00 Scandal 12.30 Gold Diggers 13.00 News Day 13.30 WWE Raw 14.30 2 Hands 14.35 Cool Catz 15.00 Lunar Jim 15.30 Totally Spies 16.00 Craze World Live 16.30 The Steve Harvey Syndicated Show 17.30 Unusual Suspects.

18.00 News 18.30 The Bold and the Beautiful: When Thomas tells Caroline about what he wants in the future for him and Gouglas, she responds with her own wishes. Following an intense interrogation by Katie, Brooke and Bill grapple with the idea of telling her about their secret relationship.

19.00 Isidingo: Sechaba feels the heat as Basetsana’s questions have family members in agreement with her. Nina pulls a gun on her father. Morongwa flirts with Gatanga over the phone.

19.30 When We Were Black 20.30 Top Billing 21.30 Trending SA 22.30 Days of Our Lives: Nicole reveals to Eric that Daniel is in love with her. Lucas admits to Kate that he took her gun with the intention of killing Nick but someone beat him to the job.

Abigail reveals to EJ taht she plans to tell Hope everything. Jordan worries when Abigail informs her that Ben is being questioned by the police.

23.30 Home Makeovers 23.40 Deutsche Welle

18.00 The Odd Couple 18.30 My Kitchen Rules 19.30 NCIS Los Angeles 20.30 Suits: Harvey butts heads with his partners over a bold move, and Mike pursues a pro bono case with the legal clinic.

21.30 The Blacklist: Mr Kaplan sends Dr Bogdan Krilov on a job, and Reddington quickly assigns the task force to find Dr Krilov.

22.30 Reign: Mary pursues justice by launching a counterattack on her conspirators.

23.25 Aquarius 00.30 Veep: (R).

00.20 Lucifer: (R).

01.00 Veep: (R).

01.45 Shades of Blue: (R).

02.30 The Fall: (R).

03.25 Game of Thrones: (R).

04.35 Rock And A Hard Place (Film): Documentary that looks at the Miami Dade County Corrections and Rehabiliation Boot Camp Program, which allows young inmates undergo a strict 4 month course in order to learn from their past mistakes and make a better future for themselves. Starring Dwayne Johnson (2017).

18.30 eNews Direct 19.00 Rhythm City: Lungile falls off the wagon.

David has a showdown with Pearl and Roberto and Flavia are forced to rush over to intervene.

Reneilwe is mortified to find out what she did with Bongani.

19.30 Scandal: An attempt is made to manipulate Grace, and her plan to get someone out of the way goes wrong. A woman fears that an important part of her life could be over forever.

20.00 Broken Vows 20.30 Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (Film): Biographical drama. A chronicle of Nelson Mandela’s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Starring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto (2013).

23.30 Detention (Film): Action. Starring Lobo Sebastian, Penelop Anne Miller, Yancey Arias (2008).

01.25 Riot (Film): Action. Starring Lucy Liu, Luke Perry, Mario Van Peebles (1997).

03.10 Detention (Film): (R).

FRIDAY 21 SABC1 06.00 Kids News 06.30 Sports Buzz 07.00 Yotv Land 07.15 Ilitha Lethu 07.30 Takalani Sesame 08.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 08.30 Isidingo 09.00 Generations – The Legacy 09.30 Muvhango 10.00 Skeem Saam 10.30 TBA 11.00 Big Up 11.30 Throwback Thursday 12.00 Imizwilili 13.00 Lunch Time News 13.30 Furry Tales 13.45 Mvubu and Friends 14.00 Selimathunzi 14.30 Teens on a Mission 15.00 Thandeka’s Diary 15.30 Yotv 16.30 Daily Thetha 17.28 Reflections of Faith 17.30 News: Ndebele/Siswati.

18.00 Fan Base 18.30 Skeem Saam 19.00 News 19.30 Live - Amp 20.00 Generations - The Legacy: Molefe tells an unimpressed Tau to back off.

Gog’Flo wants Getty to give Lucy her blessing. Smanga decides to end things with one of his lovers.

20.30 Uzalo 21.00 Ihawu: (R).

22.00 Clint Eastwood: Star Power 23.00 Celebrated – John Travolta: (R).

00.00 Kuze Kose

SABC2

SABC3

05.30 Takalani Sesame 06.00 Morning Live 09.00 Tree Fu Tom 09.30 Inside the Baobab Tree 10.00 Ga Re Dumele 10.30 World’s Strictest Parents 11.30 Afro Café 12.30 The Only One 13.00 7de Laan 13.30 Speak Out 14.00 Skeem Saam 14.30 Muvhango 15.00 The Lion Guard 15.30 Restyle Mystle 16.00 Hectic Nine9 17.00 TBA 17.30 News: Venda/Tsonga.

06.00 Kids News 06.30 Expresso 09.00 Real Talk 10.00 The Bold and the Beautiful 10.30 7de Laan 11.00 Isidingo 11.30 Muvhango 12.00 TBA 12.30 Hollywood News Feed 12.45 Zoom In 13.00 News 13.30 Africa News Update 14.00 24 Hours To Go Broke 15.00 Wonders of Switzerland 16.00 Afternoon Express 17.00 Real Talk with Anele.

18.00 7de Laan: Oubaas is disheartened, and tries to fix his marriage.

18.30 Nuus 19.00 #Karektas 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 RSVP: Dare to Change 21.00 Muvhango: Amidst Nthabeleng leaving Gugu makes up her mind about the job offer. Vhutshilo comes to a wise decision about his name. Vho-Masindi and Vho-Mukondeleli hurt themselves on the soccer field.

21.30 Muvhango: (R).

22.30 Boxing Magazine 23.30 Hole in the Wall 00.00 Prime Time News 03.00 Your World

18.00 News 18.30 The Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy is the inspiration for Wyatt’s latest idea that he assures to Bill will result in Spencer Publications reaching a younger demographic and earning a higher profit.

19.00 Isidingo: Obakeng spins out of control when his mother and grandfather start pulling guns on each other and he is caught in the middle. Morongwa’s plan to turn Gatanga into a better blesser backfires.

19.30 It’s Okay We Re Family with David Kau 20.00 Mistletoe Over Manhattan (Film): Drama. After sensing her husband is losing his Christmas spirit, Mrs. Claus travels to a place where she knows the spirit of Christmas still exists: New York City. Starring Tricia Helfer, Greg Bryk, Tedde Moore (2011).

22.00 The Office: (R).

22.30 Days of Our Lives: Nicole tries to convince Eric to escape with her. Hope continues to question Lucas about the evidence found on his shoes.

23.30 Home Makeovers 23.40 Deutsche Welle

MNET 06.00 My Kitchen Rules 07.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08.00 Annabelle Hooper And The Ghosts Of Nantucket (Film): Adventure. Starring Bailee Madison, Robert Capron, Rachel Resheff (2016). 10.00 The Odd Couple 10.30 The American Housewife 11.00 My Kitchen Rules 12.00 Carte Blanche 13.00 Timeless 14.00 Blue Bloods 15.00 Suits 16.00 NCIS Los Angeles 17.00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

18.00 Speechless 18.30 My Kitchen Rules 19.30 World of Dance 20.30 Scorpion: Walter’s accidentally launched into space, where he hallucinates about Paige as his oxygen runs low.

21.30 The Arrangement 22.30 The Good Place 23.00 Nowhere Boys 23.30 Silicon Valley: A hunt for financial support takes Richard outside the tech bubble, where he encounters a contentious figure from Pied Piper’s past.

00.00 Reign: (R).

01.00 Animal Kingdom: (R).

02.00 Veep: (R).

03.00 The Shallows (Film): Horror. A mere 200 yards from shore, surfer Nancy is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills.

Starring Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Angelo Josue Lozano Corzo (2016).

04.25 Z For Zachariah (Film): Sci-fi thriller.

Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine (2015).

ETV 05.30 Sunrise News 08.30 Infomercial 09.00 Ekasie: Our Stories 10.00 The First Family 10.30 Modern Family 11.00 Double-Up Mzansi 11.30 Rhythm City 12.00 Scandal 12.30 Gold Diggers 13.00 News Day 13.30 WWE NXT 14.30 Flicka 2 (Film): Drama. Starring Patrick Warburton, Tammin Sursok, Clint Black (2010). 16.30 The Steve Harvey Syndicated Show 17.30 Kasi-licious My VIP Recipe.

18.00 Club 808: Make Some Noise 18.30 eNews Direct 19.00 Rhythm City: Andiswa is shocked and furious to discover that David and Pearl tricked Flavia (Gabriella Cirillo, pictured) and Roberto. Bongi feels guilty for causing Lungile’s relapse.

19.30 Scandal: A last ditch attempt is made to prevent a discovery, but timing is not on the side of the plan. Yvonne takes two nasty hits in one day. An ultimatum is given, which could destroy a family.

20.00 Broken Vows 20.30 Men In Black (Film): Action sci-fi. Two men who keep an eye on aliens in New York City must try to save the world after the aliens threaten to blow it up. Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Fiorentino (1997).

22.35 The Shooter (Film): Action. Starring Trine Dyrholm, Kim Bodnia, Kristian Halken (2013).

00.45 Quicksand (Film): Thriller drama.

Starring Michael Keaton, Michael Caine (2000).

02.40 Men In Black (Film): (R).

04.30 MTV Exposed

SATURDAY 22 SABC1 06.00 African Religion Magazine 06.30 Siyakholwa 07.00 The Lion Guard 07.30 Mater Hater Chronicles 08.00 Yotv 09.00 Imizwili 10.00 Mzansi Insider 11.00 Generations – The Legacy: Omnibus.

13.30 Eita Diski 14.00 Soccer 411 14.30 Soccer: South Africa vs Botswana.

17.00 Roots.

18.00 Friends Like These 19.00 News: Xhosa/Zulu.

19.30 The Real Goboza 20.00 TBA 22.30 1’s and 2’s 23.30 Zaziwa: (R).

00.00 Kuze Koze

SABC2 06.30 Inside the Baobab Tree 07.00 Morning Live 08.30 Housecall 09.30 TBA 10.00 Athletics Alive 10.30 Swimming Magazine 11.00 Dtv 11.30 Naruto: Omnibus.

13.00 Hole in the Wall 13.30 Muvhango: Omnibus.

16.00 Despicable Me 2 (Animated film): With the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt (2013).

18.00 Dijo Le Bophelo 18.30 Nuus 19.00 Wipeout USA 20.00 News: Setswana/Sesotho.

20.30 Ke Ba Bolleletse 21.00 Lotto Draw 21.04 TBA 23.00 Vlug Na Egipte 00.00 Prime Time News 02.30 Sport Live 03.00 Your World

SABC3 06.00 Hollywood News Feed 06.15 Zoom In 06.30 Close Up 07.00 An Nur - The Light 07.30 Naked Brothers Band 08.00 Dennis the Menace 08.30 Kids Programme 09.00 Big Time Rush 09.30 Close Up 10.00 Home Makeovers 11.00 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

12.00 Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate HomeCooking 13.00 David Tlale The Intern 14.00 Survivor 15.00 The Final Cut 16.00 24 Hours To Go Broke 17.00 Music Concert.

18.00 News 18.30 Music Show 19.00 Anna And The King (Film): Drama about the romance between the King of Siam and the widowed British schoolteacher Anna during the 1860s. Starring Jodie Foster, Yun-Fat Chow, Ling Bai, Tom Felton (1999).

21.00 Extreme Fighting Championships 00.00 Deutsche Welle

MNET 06.00 Santa’s Little Helper (Film): Family.

Starring Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, AnnaLynne McCord, Saraya-Jade Bevis (2015). 07.30 Barbie And Her Sisteres In The Puppy Pursuit (Animated film): (2016). 09.00 Great News 09.35 Speechless 10.10 Hawaii Five-O 11.00 Suits 12.00 NCIS Los Angeles 13.05 The Night Shift 14.00 Scorpion 15.00 Lego DC Super Heroes Justice League: Gotham City Breakout (Animated film): (2016). 16.30 Entertainment Now 17.00 Superhuman.

18.00 Last Man Standing: Vanessa starts a lending library in the neighbourhood so she can make some new friends.

18.30 Timeless: The team track a necklace key to Flynn’s destination of 1934, and discover that he’s working with the Rangers to hunt down the Barrow gang, and get the key from Bonnie Parker.

19.30 NCIS: A murder case leads Bishop to Gitmo and forces her to face a harsh reality.

20.30 Criminal Minds 21.30 Cross Wars (Film): Action. Starring Brian Austin Green (pictured), Danny Trejo, Vinnie Jones (2017).

23.05 Modus 00.05 The Arrangement: (R).

01.00 The Good Place: (R).

01.30 Nowhere Boys: (R).

02.00 Silicon Valley: (R).

02.25 Animal Kingdom 03.30 Eye In The Sky (Film): Thriller. Starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman (2015).

05.20 Room (Film): Drama. Starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers (2015).

ETV 06.00 Kids Programmes 09.30 Scandal: Omnibus. 11.30 WWE Main Event 12.30 e-Shibobo 13.00 Club 808: Make Some Noise 13.30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 13.55 TBA 16.00 Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 17.00 WWE Smackdown.

18.00 eNews Direct Headlines 18.05 Lip Sync Battle Africa 18.30 All In 19.00 eNews Direct 19.30 Monsters Inc (Animated film): Family.

Monsters generate their city’s power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted. Featuring the voices of Mary Gibbs, John Goodman, Billy Crystal (2001).

21.25 Twelve (Film): Thriller. A young drug dealer watches as his high-rolling life is dismantled in the wake of his cousin’s murder, which sees his best friend arrested for the crime.

Starring Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin (2010).

23.25 Reflections (Film): Horror. Europol Agent Tom Brindle is called to Barcelona, Spain, to track down the notorious serial killer known as Pygmalion. Starring Timothy Hutton, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Fernando Guillén Cuervo (2008).

01.20 Twelve (Film): (R).

03.05 WillFull (Film): In this supernatural comic fantasy, C. Thomas Howell plays a motivational speaker whose girlfriend is contacted by her dead mother who follows her around offering unsolicited advice. Starring Anna Lise Phillips, C. Thomas Howell, Anne Looby (2001).

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THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

SUDOKU HOW IT WORKS

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 with no repeats.

Across 1 Country editor beset by bad news (6) 4 Quality of unconcealed hospitality (8) 9 Healthy transport in decay (6) 10 There’s a regular stream at day’s end (8) 12 Nevertheless a back street, whatever people think (8) 13 Still a cause of poor reception (6) 15 A measure of concealment (4) 16 Christian virtue fills a need, somehow (4-6) 19 Set right an inaccurate alignment (10) 20 Cliff sometimes left by accident (4) 23 A leader, perhaps, but he won’t lead (6) 25 Bar on a flight (5, 3) 27 Taking tea with Evita requires a third party present (8) 28 One sportsman played by another (6) 29 Neat theft (8) 30 Credit is twice provided in an emergency (6)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Down 1 Cancel score (7) 2 Bride more disposed to do needlework (9) 3 Officer found on the staff (6) 5 Quiet greeting to prepare the way (4) 6 A number of bonds are for a ten-year period (8) 7 Be way out about a point (5) 8 Master copy of a client’s order (7) 11 Famous treaty of 1713? The curt solution is here (7)

14 17 18 19 21 22 24 26

Radio makes sound use of them (7) Get into debt? Not interested (9) Team not made up of stars (8) Alcoholic drink is for the non-driver (7) Put right – a slipping bandage? (7) Time to wrap up (6) A lot to collect (5) Grain of discomfort (4)

Today’s solutions: Across: 1 Sweden, 4 Openness, 9 Robust, 10 Eventide, 12 Thoughts, 13 Static, 15 Hide, 16 Self-denial, 19 Straighten, 20 Scar, 23 Dealer, 25 Stair rod, 27 Chaperon, 28 Stroke, 29 Rustling, 30 Crisis.

Down: 1 Scratch, 2 Embroider, 3 Ensign, 5 Pave, 6 Nineties, 7 Exist, 8 Stencil, 11 Utrecht, 14 Effects, 17 Incurious, 18 Sidereal, 19 Sidecar, 21 Redress, 22 Winter, 24 Amass, 26 Corn.

QUICK PUZZLE Across 1 Capital of Colombia (6) 4 Person habitually dominated (8) 9 Tell (6) 10 Foreign (8) 12 Tie for place in race (4, 4) 13 Leisurely walk (6) 15 Widely held but false idea (4) 16 1950s motor racing champion (4, 6) 19 1930s English airwoman (3, 7) 20 Play boisterously (4) 23 Emphasis (6) 25 As it happens (2, 6) 27 Introductory music (8) 28 Elf (6) 29 Large-scale orchestral composition (8) 30 Pestilence (6)

Your stars Your Year Ahead Some Leos have a tryst with destiny this year: to become a leader against cruelty. Whether you’re fighting against domestic violence, the harming of animals or the environment – for you now, might makes right. Sure, the Leo nature is usually more playful – but your inner rescuer breaks through. Tremendous satisfaction comes with the experience of battling for a cause. Many will benefit from your active involvement.

Aries (March 21 - April 20) Something feels wrong, Aries. For starters, your financial judgement is off. Stay open and honest in all your dealings, and assume everyone else to be the opposite. Check documents for unnoticed errors and keep credit cards under control. Don’t overspend.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20) There are times when we experience loss or significant change in our lives. If this is your current situation, try to see this as just one more of life’s experiences. There’s no need for fear. This too, shall pass.

Remember, without endings, there can be no new beginnings.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) It may be hard to keep your feet on the ground when all of your senses are flying sky high. Right now, many Geminis seem preoccupied with anything but the here and now. The most likely culprit? That crazy little thing called love.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The cosmos is fully aware of your professional merits and now helps to promote them. Don’t waste this chance – take advantage of new opportunities. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing hard work pay off, and winning the respect of bosses and colleagues alike.

Leo (July 23 - August 23) You’re quick to learn, Leo – so this week should suit you well. The planets promote an atmosphere of open chat, and there’s so much to learn. At the same time, discard outworn attitudes and embrace the new. Then stand by for the unexpected.

DOWN 2 Which Shakespearean character was the Moor of Venice (7) 3 What, in NZ, is a steep ridge (7) 4 Name an Australian TV entertainer and compere, Bert ... (6) 5 Which colourless, volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon is obtained chiefly from coal tar (7) 6 Which colour is tawny, with darker streaks (7) 7 Name a term describing “perfectly” (7) 13 What is syntax also known as (7) 14 What salt is used in a fertiliser (7) 15 What is an enactment made by a legislature, and expressed in a formal document (7) 17 Name a province in the south-western Republic of Ireland (7) 18 Which term describes the wealthiest (7) 20 What, in the USA, do they call a mudguard of a motor vehicle (6)

Today’s solutions Across: 1 Dobson, 8 Ethelred, 9 Shadow, 10 Tanzania, 11 Albino, 12 Noun, 13 Gongs, 16 Emery, 19 Turf, 21 Eunuch, 22 Marathon, 23 Duties, 24 Altitude, 25 Rarity.

Down: 2 Othello, 3 Sidling, 4 Newton, 5 Benzene, 6 Brindle, 7 Ideally, 13 Grammar, 14 Nitrate, 15 Statute, 17 Munster, 18 Richest, 20 Fender.

22 Place of worship (6) 24 The pick (5) 26 Country formerly Persia (4)

Today’s solutions: Across: 1 Bogota. 4 Underdog. 9 Relate. 10 External. 12 Dead heat. 13 Stroll.

15 Myth. 16 Juan Fangio. 19 Amy Johnson. 20 Romp. 23 Accent. 25 By chance.

27 Overture. 28 Sprite. 29 Symphony. 30 Plague.

Down: 1 Boredom. 2 Gallantry. 3 Tetchy. 5 Next. 6 Eventual. 7 Dingo. 8 Galileo.

11 Calumny. 14 Antonym. 17 Grounding. 18 Top-notch. 19 At a loss. 21 Precede. 22 Chapel. 24 Cream. 26 Iran.

Down 1 Tedium (7) 2 Conspicuous courage (9) 3 Easily irritated (6) 5 Immediately following (4) 6 Ultimate (8) 7 Australian wild dog (5) 8 Italian astronomer, d.1642 (7) 11 Slander (7) 14 Word of opposite meaning (7) 17 Basic knowledge of subject (9) 18 Excellent (3-5) 19 Bewildered (2, 1, 4) 21 Go ahead of (7)

ACROSS 1 Name the English poet, biographer, and essayist, (Henry) Austin ... (6) 8 Which early English king was known as the “Unready” (8) 9 What is an image cast on the ground by a body intercepting light (6) 10 Rwanda is adjacent to which East African republic (8) 11 Which term describes a person with a pale, milky skin, light hair and pink eyes (6) 12 Name a part of speech (4) 13 What are medals known as (coll) (5) 16 Which board is used to file fingernails (5) 19 Name the track over which horseraces are run (4) 21 Which man was formerly employed as a harem attendant (6) 22 What is a long-distance race (8) 23 What are moral obligations (6) 24 Which term describes the distance upwards (8) 25 What is something unusual (6)

TANYA OBREZA

Virgo (August 24 - September 22) A crisis can force a change of mind – and this week brings such a time. Along with altering the way you think and react to others, you develop a deep need to strengthen your inner power.

Just don’t forget to recharge your batteries every few days.

Libra (September 23 - October 23) Apart from the occasional moment of uncertainty, a delightful week awaits. On the whole, you feel energetic and confident. Better still, both friendships and finances feature highly; and if you come across as being a tad over-exuberant, you’ll be forgiven.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22) Well, here’s one for the books. Scorpios can be resistant to change.

But this week, if anyone’s going to search for excitement, it’ll be you.

Something’s caught your imagination. Fun takes priority – a happier you breaks through. Enjoy your special moments.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

This week is well suited for deep thought. Your mind is ready to come up with new plans, but it needs some quiet time to piece the puzzles together. Others may try to distract you – but don’t let them. You don’t need their company right now. You need to concentrate.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) Knowledge is power. It’s also the key to a successful and satisfying future, so make new studies a priority this week. Travel could also expand horizons. If these options aren’t possible, then simply pick up a new book. You’ll be amazed at what you could learn.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 18) Seems you’ve stepped into the right week, Aquarius. You’re positively dripping with charisma, and cheeky enough to flaunt it. Words roll smoothly off your tongue, and that fierce jungle that we know as business is practically eating out of your hand. Lure in the prey.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) We all move on and leave things and people behind. It’s the way this old world of ours turns. But before starting on life’s next chapter, bring unresolved issues to an end. If you don’t, the cosmos will do it for you.

And I’m sure you’d prefer to be the one in control.

JULY 16 2017

life Live It

A man of NOTE Jazz legend Ray Phiri – a true inspiration FASHION 2

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CELEBRITY 3

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FILM 4

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BOOKS 5

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FOOD 6

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TRAVEL 7

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TECHNOLOGY 8

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THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

Blow away winter in boho, chic style

Actress Tshego Seakgoe ● Stockings – They can be worn under jeans to keep you warm and with your summer dresses and skirts, so you can get more wear out of them. ● Ankle boots – A good ankle boot can turn any look from drab to fab. ● A long coat – Nothing says chic like a long thick coat. ● Leather skirt – Every girl needs a leather skirt. ● Facial cream – A good face moisturiser for the cold, dry days.

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean we have to wear less than fashionable clothes. We asked three fashion and entertainment influencers to share key winter essentials on how to dress for the cold months.

Here are the three faces of the Edgars “Winter wonderland” campaign. By Nontando Mposo

Actress Jay Anstey

SDR Photo

● Poncho – If you’re embracing winter’s boho vibe, skip the jacket and make the poncho your go-to layering piece for beating the seasonal chill.

With jeans and a tee or turtleneck, it has a cosy appeal that works well for weekend brunching and running errands.

The Kelso poncho is so versatile that even in a chunky knit, it can still look incredibly chic for a more sophisticated look. ● Beanies – They give every outfit a fun and quirky look. ● Thick stockings – It is easy to convert summer outfits to winter, by simply adding a pair of stockings. ● Hoodies – I love a pair of jeans and a hoodie with a leather jacket, giving you a very street style and comfortable effect. ● Fingerless gloves – My hands and toes always get cold so the added warmth but practicality of fingerless gloves (so you can keep texting without having to remove them) is a big win! ● A big coat – It is a no brainer! You can turn any drab outfit into something glam with the right coat.

Actor Kay Sibiya ● Puffer jacket – When it comes to keeping warm, you can’t go wrong with a puffer jacket. ● Heavy winter boots – It is worth investing in a pair of proper foul weather boots. ● Leather sneakers – A staple for any man’s wardrobe, any time of the year. ● Double-breasted blazer

– This wardrobe essential will see you through many a stylish situation. ● Denim – Jeans are always a good choice.

How Frankie Herwels unzipped the dream Thobile Mazibuko GROWING UP in Elsie’s River, where being dark skinned and having coarse hair was perceived as unattractive, Frankie Herwels knew this was an obstacle that she had to overcome.

She felt as if society was against her natural self, while she was also dealing with her growth as a young girl. A hidden treasure she never knew existed started to emerge inside her and so began her journey as a costume jewellery designer... this was her escape.

Herwels started by recreating jewellery and gradually taught herself how to create costume jewellery.

“I dabbled around with poetry and my goal was to create

‘anything’ in a way that wouldn’t be easily interpreted,” she said.

Next, was the birth of MissAnke Jewels which was established as a tool to raise awareness on topics that women and children face daily.

“The start of the brand was because I needed to articulate my emotions and thought process without having to verbally announce it. MissAnke Jewels has become a language which I communicate a message with,” Herwels said.

“Through the brand, I bring awareness to topics such as culture, heritage, the fight against women and children abuse and domestic violence between siblings.

“Those are the type of

MissAnke Jewels ankle bracelet controversial issues that I feel people do not tackle as in your face as they do with other topics.

“It’s in your face all the time, so why not deal with it in a positive way instead of ignoring it?”

MissAnke Jewels is an innovation which has evolved zip

sliders into authentic jewellery.

Herwels is making a living from recycling jewellery inspired by rejected clothes at the factory where her mother used to work – a dream come true, she said.

“My mom worked at a CMT (machinist) making clothing for leading retailers,” Herwels added.

“When the rejected clothing was brought back to the factory – usually avant garde designs – my mom brought it home.

“That’s what I would use as a mood board to create from.

“Creativity is in my blood and I was introduced to art work at a young age.

“I’m currently living a fraction of my dream, evolving as an individual and a brand as well.”

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THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

‘W

E DON’T remember Ray Phiri because of a song, we remember Ray Phiri because of the character,” said renowned Mozambican saxophonist, Moreira Chonguica.

“It’s not about any particular song, but the man who made that song. This man has values, this man has an identity, this man is not static, he’s dynamic. We were influenced by Ray Phiri the person. The songs were just a vehicle. There’s no person who doesn’t remember his face. But there’s many songs you know of his that you don’t even know he composed.”

Phiri’s untimely passing has shaken the music industry.

The outpouring of tributes speak volumes of the impact he had across the country and the continent. Many of these tributes were not only paying homage to his impressive work as a musician, but also his character.

With the pain still fresh and raw from the news of Phiri’s passing, Moreira was sombre, philosophical and full of praise.

He was particularly moved by what Phiri stood for.

“Ray is a man who had a different type of voice. He was a believer in the long-term vision of music and positioning of the African culture as a whole. So I’m not talking about Ray Phiri just the guitar player, the fantastic singer, the fantastic entertainer, the fantastic composer, the fantastic producer – I’m talking about Ray the man.”

In 2012, Chonguica was with him in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at an African Union committee gathering. He cherishes this memory because it allowed him to view Phiri in a different light – as a visionary and fiercely passionate African.

Even at his age (70) and his level of success, the composer, singer and guitarist showed no signs of slowing until the very end. Throughout the year, his name and likeness have been on flyers and posters for major events and festivals across the country.

Phiri’s career, both as a solo artist and with his band Stimela, has won accolades, including being the Order of

‘The songs were just a vehicle for the man’

Jazz songstress Nomfundo Xaluva.

While the country mourns the passing of jazz legend Ray Phiri, two artists celebrate his memory by recalling how he influenced them, writes Shingai Darangwa Ikhamanga in Silver in 2011 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards a year later, and his discography comprises over a dozen albums.

Award-winning jazz vocalist Nomfundo Xaluva shared her

experience growing up to Phiri’s music.

“His music was the soundtrack to my childhood. I was introduced to jazz by my late grandfather. The sound of Ray Phiri and Stimela and that era is just so vivid. It really just encapsulates one’s years and one’s life.” She briefly mumbles a few of her favourite songs, reflecting on the memories they carry.

“The music is so iconic. To think that the first time I heard that music I was a toddler and yet now, at 33 years old, when I hear that music I still go mad. It’s definitely the music of identity, it’s so strong.”

Xaluva met Phiri on only one occasion, at a corporate function at a wine estate in Somerset West about seven years ago.

“He and the band arrived two or three hours before showtime in a classic kind of tour Kombi (minibus taxi) that wreaked of complete super-stardom.

I was starstruck. They happened to be looking around when I was soundchecking with the band, then because their tent was

right next to ours and all the artists were eating in the same space, he came up to me. I greeted him and he paid me a compliment about singing beautifully. And then I just watched them perform and I was completely spellbound. I never interacted with him one-on-one again.”

She went on to speak glowingly of his authenticity, humility and commitment. “He struck me as the kind of person who understood the impact of his influence but never really let it get to his head. I think he understood it to be his gift and understood that he was a major star, but at the same time his feet were still so firmly on the ground.”

I asked Chonguica how much of an influence Phiri had on his music and if he listened to him growing up. “It’s one of those things that you had no choice. Stimela was everywhere,” he laughs.

“There was no choice. Your father wakes up in the morning and listens to Hugh Masekela, Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba, and then late afternoon he’s listening to Stimela.

I believe we were so privileged to grow up with such big references of pan-Africanism…

“Time has come for us young people to choose what our future is. And references like Ray, Manu Dibangu, Bra Hugh, Angelique Kidjo have started a legacy from which we can absorb, consume, improve, innovate and take it to the next level.

“There’s no excuse for us to say we didn’t have references. And time has come for us to write our stories, because they’ve started the book and this book has millions of pages. We have to take it to the next level.”

Saxophonist Moreira Chonguica pays homage to Ray Phiri’s authenticity, humility and commitment.

lifefilm

4

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

Fans will go ape for this instalment Lindsay Bahr

Reeves wastes no time getting the action started with a gripping opening battle.

We enter the world through the eyes of some terrified intruders, human soldiers walking through the woods in search of Caesar (Andy Serkis). They don’t know whether he’s still alive, but their leader is hell-bent on exterminating the apes.

Caesar and his followers have been operating from a secret hideout in the woods. When the soldiers find them, the apes fight back swiftly and nearly take out all the combatants.

Caesar spares a few survivors to send a message back to their leader that the apes are not savages and just want to live in peace separately from the humans.

Of course the message inspires exactly the opposite reaction and

A

PPARENTLY all the new Planet of the Apes instalment needed to do to hit a home run was take the humans out of the equation.

It’s what this whole trilogy has been leading to, really, as we dipped our toes into the rise, dawn and now war of this burgeoning civilisation of apes and the humans who are desperately and often dishonourably fighting for their survival.

War for the Planet of the Apes is a riveting and surprisingly poignant epic that’s a shade above the rest of the franchise dreck. It’s as though director Matt Reeves, screenwriter Mark Bomback and the production actually put thought into what they were doing with their characters.

A riveting scene from War for the Planet of the Apes. the beautiful and harrowing and nearly silent night-time raid that comes soon leaves the apes no choice but to abandon their home and hit the road in search of safety.

Caesar, however, decides he must go off alone and avenge his community by destroying the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), a deranged Kurtz figure who is one of

/numetro

the best villains we’ve had.

A few of Caesar’s comrades follow him on his journey to find the Colonel. Along the way they pick up a young, mute girl (Amiah Miller) and a manic and adorable zoo ape voiced by Steve Zahn.

When they arrive at the Colonel’s base, they find a much bleaker and more complicated

situation than they could have ever expected.

To say too much more about the plot would probably be a mistake and part of the greatness of Bomback’s script is how, even in following a pretty standard exodus story, it still manages to surprise and captivate throughout, and with minimal dialogue too.– AP

FILMS ON CIRCUIT

SHOWTIMES

FRIDAY 14 JULY – THURSDAY 20 JULY

BEDFORD

MENLYN PARK Baywatch 2D 16LNV Fri-Thu 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15 Cars 3 (2D) PG Fri-Thu 10:00, 12:30, 15:00, 17:45 Circle, The 2D 7-9PGL Fri-Thu 09:45, 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15 Despicable Me 3 2D PGV Fri 09:30 Despicable Me 3 3D PGV Fri-Thu 17:15, 19:30, 21:45 Everything, Everything 2D

10

CLEARWATER

Baywatch 2D Fri-Thu 12:30, 18:00 Circle, The 2D Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45 Despicable Me 3 3D Fri-Thu 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 19:30

10

Fri-Thu 10:00, 12:15, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45 Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D

Fri 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00

Fri-Thu 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15 16DLV

10-12PGLV

Transformers: The Last Knight 2D Fri-Thu 09:30, 15:00, 20:30

Jagga Jasoos 2D

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

TBC

7-9PG

Sun-Thu 11:30, 16:45 Fri, Sat 11:30, 16:45, 21:45

13V

Fri-Thu 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

Mom 2D

16DLV Fri-Thu 09:15, 14:15, 19:30 Nul is nie niks nie 2D

10-12PGLV

Fri-Thu 10:00, 12:30, 15:00, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15

Fri-Thu 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, 20:30

PGV

Everything, Everything 2D

Sat-Thu 09:45, 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 House, The 2D

16LNV 7-9PGL

HYDE PARK

Baywatch 2D 16LNV Sun-Thu 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45 Fri, Sat 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15 Cars 3 (2D) PG Fri-Thu 09:15, 11:45, 14:15 Circle, The 2D 7-9PGL Sun-Thu 09:45, 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 19:45 Fri, Sat 09:45, 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15 Despicable Me 3 3D PGV Sun-Thu 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 16:45, 19:30 Fri, Sat 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 16:45, 19:30, 21:45 The House 2D

TBC

Transformers: The Last Knight 3D Sun-Thu 17:00, 20:00 Fri, Sat 17:00, 20:00, 23:00

10-12PGLV

THE GLEN

Fri-Thu 20:15 The Mummy 2D

13HV

Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15 Nul is nie niks nie 2D

7-9PG

Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:15, 14:45, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s 3D

13HV

Fri-Thu 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, 20:30 Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D

10-12PGLV

Fri-Thu 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

Sun-Thu 10:15, 12:30, 15:00, 18:00, 20:15

Fri-Thu 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00 Transformers: The Last Knight 3D

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D 13V Baywatch 2D 16LNV Fri-Thu 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00 Sun-Thu 09:15, 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:30 Fri, Sat 09:15, 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:30, 22:00 Wonder Woman 3D 10-12PGV Cars 3 (2D) PG Fri-Thu 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, 20:30 Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:00, 14:30 Despicable Me 3 3D PGV Sun-Thu 17:15, 19:30 Fri, Sat 17:15, 19:30, 21:45 13V House, The 2D 16DLV War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

10-12PGLV

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

13V

13HV Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D 10-12PGLV Sun-Thu 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15 Fri, Sat 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15, 23:00

Sun-Thu 17:00, 19:45 Fri, Sat 17:00, 19:45, 22:30

Fri-Thu 11:00, 14:00 Wonder Woman 3D

10-12PGV

Fri-Thu 10:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30, 22:30

Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D

10-12PGLV

Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D 10-12PGLV Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15; Sun 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15; Thu 09:15,

Wakefield 2D 16L Fri, Sat 09:15, 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:15, 21:45 Sun 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:15; Mon-Wed 09:15, 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:15; Thu 09:15, 11:45 War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

EMPERORS PALACE

Transformers: The Last Knight 3D

Wonder Woman 2D 10-12PGV Sun-Wed 11:45, 17:00; Fri, Sat 11:45, 17:00, 22:15

Nul is nie niks nie 2D THE GLEN

13V

Thu 11:45

7-9PG

Fri-Thu 12:15, 17:15, 22:00 Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D

Fri-Thu 17:00, 20:00

10-12PGLV

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Sun-Wed 11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 19:45 ; Fri, Sat 11:30,

Fri 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 22:00

14:15, 17:00, 19:45, 22:30 3D Film; Thu 11:30

Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:15, 15:00, 17:45, 20:30

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D PGV Sun-Thu 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

KEY WEST

Fri-Thu 09:15, 11:30, 14:15

Baywatch 2D Fri-Thu 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 Despicable Me 3 3D Fri-Thu 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 19:30

16LNV

The Mummy 2D

13HV

PGV

Transformers: The Last Knight 2D

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D Fri-Thu 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

10-12PGLV

PGV War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

Jagga Jasoos 2D

TBC

13V

13V

Wonder Woman 2D

10-12PGV

Sat 09:15

Transformers: The Last Knight 2D

10-12PGLV

Fri-Thu 11:30, 17:30

Call us: 0861-CINEMA (246362) 08:00 - 21:00

13V

Mon-Sat 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00

Wonder Woman 2D

10-12PGV

Fri-Thu 10:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30

Fri-Thu 14:30, 20:30 TBC

Fri-Thu 10:00, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30

10-12PGLV

Sun 13:00, 16:00, 19:00

Fri-Thu 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

Fri-Thu 10:15, 13:45, 16:45, 19:45

Transformers: The Last Knight 2D

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

Despicable Me 3 3D Fri-Thu 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 19:30

Mom 2D

10-12PGLV

Fri-Thu 17:15, 20:30

TRADE ROUTE

Fri-Thu 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, 20:30

7-9PG

Sun 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15; Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D

Fri-Thu 11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 19:45, 22:30

10-12PGLV

PGV

Mon-Sat 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15;

7-9PG

Fri-Thu 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15

Nul is nie niks nie 2D

Spider-Man: Homecoming 2D

23:00

10-12PGLV

Despicable Me 3 3D Mon-Sat 10:00, 12:30, 15:00, 17:45, 19:45 Sun 12:30, 15:00, 17:45, 19:45

Mon-Sat 09:45, 12:15, 14:45, Sun 12:15, 14:45

Sun-Thu 17:00, 20:00 Fri,Sat 17:00, 20:00,

Fri-Thu 12:30, 17:45 Spider-Man: Homecoming 3D

13V

Fri 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 13V Sat 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45 Nul is nie niks nie 2D

PARKVIEW

10-12PGLV

Transformers: The Last Knight 3D Sat - Thu 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, 20:30 Fri 17:30, 20:30

10-12PGLV

10-12PGLV

Sun-Thu 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15

Sat 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15, 23:00 Spider-Man: Homecoming

13V

Fri-Wed 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00; Thu 11:00

Baywatch 2D 16LNV 10-12PGLV Fri-Thu 09:45, 14:45, 19:30 Despicable Me 3 3D PGV Sat - Thu 09:30, 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:15, 21:30 Fri 09:30, 11:45, 14:15, 16:45, 19:15

PGV

War for the Planet of the Apes 3D

17:45, 20:30; Thu 09:30, 12:15 Paris Can Wait 2D 7-9PG Fri 10:00, 15:15, 18:00, 20:15, 22:30; Sat 10:00, 12:30, 15:15, 18:00, 20:15, 22:30; Sun 12:30, 15:15, 18:00, 20:15; Tue, Wed 10:00, 12:30, 15:15, 18:00, 20:15; Thu 10:00, 12:30; Mon 10:00, 15:15, 18:00, 20:15

Fri-Thu 09:30, 12:15, 15:00, 17:45, 20:30

Fri-Thu 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, 20:30

Despicable Me 3 3D Fri-Thu 09:45, 12:15, 14:30

The Odyssey 10-12PG Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 09:30, 12:15, 15:00, 17:45, 20:30; Sat 09:30, 12:15, 20:30; Sun 12:15, 15:00,

12:00;

Fri, Sat 10:15, 12:30, 15:00, 18:00, 20:15, 22:30 Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s 2D

Fri-Thu 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00

Captain Underpants 3D PG Fri-Thu 12:30 Churchill 2D 7-9PG Mon-Tue, Fri, Sat 09:30, 14:45, 20:00; Sun 14:45, 20:00; Wed 09:30, 14:45; Thu 09:30 Circle, The 2D 7-9PGL Fri,Sat 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15; Sun 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45; Mon, Tue, Wed 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:15, 19:45; Thu 09:30, 12:00 Despicable Me 3 2D PGV Sat 17:00 Despicable Me 3 3D PGV Fri, Sat 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 17:15, 19:30, 21:45; Sun 11:30, 14:15, 17:15, 19:30; Mon, Tue, Wed 09:15, 11:30, 14:15, 17:15, 19:30; Thu 09:15, 11:30

Thu 13:30, 16:30, 19:30 TRADE ROUTE

Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 D

10-12PGLV

Fri-Thu 09:15, 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15

VALERIAN THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS PRE-SCREENING EVENT THU 20 JULY 20:00

Tom Hanks plays Eamon Bailey in the techno-thriller, The Circle.

THE CIRCLE

As she rises through the ranks of the world’s largest tech and social media company, The Circle, Mae is encouraged by company founder Eamon Bailey to live her life with complete transparency.

But, no one is really safe when everyone is watching. Based on The Circle (the novel) by Dave Eggers.

THE ODYSSEY

Summer, 1946. The Cousteau family – Jacques, his wife Simone and their two children, Philippe and Jean-Michel – live in their beautiful house by the Mediterranean sea.

By day they dive, by night they watch the stars. But, Jacques is never content. He lives and breathes adventure and believes absolutely in the virtues of progress. With his invention, the aqualung, his recently acquired vessel, the Calypso, and a crew of free-spirited adventurers, he is ready to cross the world’s oceans.

Ten years later, back from boarding school, Philippe finds his father greatly altered – an international celebrity with megalomaniac dreams of grafting gills to humans and creating underwater cities. Jacques cannot see it yet, but Philippe already understands that

progress and pollution have begun to lay waste to the marine world.

Conflict between these two passionate men is inevitable. Based on Mon pere, le commandant / Capitaine de la Calypso (the books) by Jean-Michel Cousteau / Albert Falco, Yves Paccalet.

THE WAKEFIELD

Outwardly, Howard Wakefield is the picture of success. He has a loving wife and two daughters, a prestigious job as a Manhattan lawyer, and a comfortable home in the suburbs. Inwardly, though, he’s suffocating. One day, something snaps and Howard goes into hiding in his garage attic. Leaving his family to wonder what happened to him, he observes them from the attic window – an outsider spying in on his own life.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES

Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by the ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

lifebooks

5

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

Helen Grange

H

ELENA Dolny got the idea of writing this book when her 29-year-old daughter, Tess, asked for something to read concerning death and everything related to it. This was to help her prepare for the death of her beloved father.

Dolny was given many books about grieving, to help her cope with the death of her second husband, Joe Slovo, 15 years ago but none of hem were comprehensive enough for Tess.

Dolny’s training as a hospice lay councillor had been thorough and “respectfully secular”, with more technical detail than she expected: products to ease discomfort, social mapping of family relationships to anticipate family dramas, etc.

But she wanted more than socio-technical knowledge – to learn how to create and support the emotional environment that would best serve the person dying, and those around them.

Dolny spent 15 years as an agricultural economist, at first with rural African communities, 10 more as a banker creating easier access to finance, and on becoming more interested in people, working as a leadership coach.

But there is something about mortality that helps clarify what is important to us. Dolny set out to become skilled at such conversations, and that included getting closer to the practice of dying.

The hummingbird (featured on the cover) became her symbol and spirit guide, after one hovered over her while she was doing hospice training in a forest.

Dolny went on to interview people across continents – people as diverse as those in funeral parlours, palliative care, spiritual leaders, financial advisers, family and friends.

Her journey took her from South Africa’s townships to the American mid-west; from a hospital bed in Lusaka, Zambia to Bellagio on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.

Along the way she spoke to many people including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, US healthcare pioneer Bernie Hammes and Ellen Goodman of Boston’s The Conversation Project.

The fruit of all this admirable

There is something about mortality that clarifies what is important to us.

Picture: Pixabay

Dealing with loss, grief and politics industry is 57 stories on nine themes, some stories, sad and others embracing love, hope and peace.

As a follower of Marxism, Dolny can’t help showing her political colours, and recounts helping her first husband Ed and later Joe with acts of sabotage.

These recollections, told quite matter-of-factly and often referencing “hit squads” and “assassins”, feel strangely at odds with the themes of this book, and will no doubt sit uneasily with those

readers with an impulse to argue her political polemic.

The writer dwells at length on her loneliness after Slovo’s death, and the battle to adjust to “a new normal life”, with its inevitable loss of status.

Dolny has again found happiness with radio personality and political commentator Jon Perlman, who expertly handled her book launch last month.

The primary message of her book, says Dolny, is “more talking, less suffering”.

“Death is inevitable and our losing of those we love is a painful experience, but I believe I’ve witnessed people suffering even more because of conversations that hadn’t happened or weren’t concluded.”

The book ends with an invitation: “You’ve read all these people’s stories, now what about you?”

On Dolny’s website she provides an online workbook that people can go through in even more detail.

Visit www.helenadolny.com.

Before Forever After by Helena Dolny is available on loot.co.za for R268. You can buy the books on this page by scanning their QR code. You may have to download a QR app on your smartphone.

Most comprehensive SA cookbook ever will thrill foodies THE GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN COOK BOOK, by Toby Murphy, Reuben Riffel and others (R376 on Loot.co.za)

WITH just a week to go to Mandela Day, when South Africans will give up 67 minutes, or a day, a week or more to do good in their communities and help alleviate poverty in some way, it’s time to consider how you will get involved.

On the final page of this handsome hardback, which elicited great reviews, is an announcement in small print which states that the Nelson Mandela Foundation “will receive all royalties from sales... to develop and support community food and agricultural projects to aid in the upliftment of the impoverished through food sustainability and empowerment”.

Now, as July approaches, it’s a good time to remind potential purchasers about this generous gesture – anyone looking for a comprehensive cookbook that presents a treasury of recipes from the kitchens of our diverse communities could hardly do better than snap up this culinary compendium. Add to that the feel-good, do-good aspect of your purchase, and you may want to buy an extra copy for someone special in your life.

First, a little about the book production: As one has come to expect from Quivertree, this is a great book to hold and admire, from its innovative and trendy cover to Toby Murphy’s delightful photographs on the endpapers.

Wonderful images of food and cooks throughout the book taken in food gardens, fishing boats, kitchens, restaurants and homes.

And, almost without exception, every personality looks as cheerful

as can be, which is pretty inspiring.

The contributors of recipes are, to quote the cover “...our finest cooks, chefs, bakers, farmers, foragers and local food heroes”.

They also represent an intriguing

mix of entrepreneurs from every corner of the land, each with their own appealing story and culinary specialities. Many hail from the Western Cape and Gauteng is also well in the picture, but after that the locations thin out to a few from KwaZulu-Natal, just two from the Free State and a few from the Eastern Cape. A lone cook from the Northern Cape shares this status with one from Limpopo province, while the North-West and Mpumalanga are not ignored.

Down south the Garden Route features, but the Overberg is practically ignored, which, given the gastronomic talent in the Elgin and Stanford areas, is surprising.

The recipes cover the basic fare of many South African cultural groups, and there is a strong emphasis on greens, raw ingredients, and foraging, which is both trendy and health-giving.

A surprising lack of soups – just three – when you consider how

many of us regard sustaining vegetable and meat soups as essential winter fare. At the other end of the menu, just one ice-cream makes the grade: admittedly a delicious recipe from brilliant chef Franck Dangereux, but again, South Africans regard ice-cream , preferably homemade, as a given during the hot months, both inland and along our coastline.

Turning to main courses, it’s a pity that the paucity of Karoo contributors results in lack of an ostrich dish, a meat so important to Little Karoo farmers and townsfolk.

With 360 pages of appetising, colourful, diverse gastronomical temptations, there is more than enough to digest and try out to keep keen cooks and bakers busy for years. This is by far the most comprehensive South African culinary title ever published, and for this reason alone, is a title everybody who has an interest in food should possess. – Myrna Robins

lifefood

6

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

W

HEN it comes to meat, there is a divide between those who prefer red and white.

Beyond that, meat lovers also look at the nutritional merits of the different cuts.

And the way people enjoy their meat prepared – curried, stewed, grilled, roasted or braaied – is another factor.

The options are endless.

That’s where knowledge plays a crucial role – and Andy Fenner’s Meat Manifesto becomes the perfect bible.

Fenner has an interesting background. He reveals: “I studied economics (and I use the term loosely here) and I have a postgrad in advertising. I somehow ended up in property but soon realised it wasn’t for me.

“Life was cushy but I just didn’t feel satisfied. I wanted to do something creative and began writing about food. I was the clichéd food blogger, hustling around trying to monetise their work.

“Luckily, my writing got picked up and I got hired by a few magazines as a freelancer. I then formed a brand consultancy with my wife, Nicole. She’s a graphic designer and we built up a portfolio of chefs, wineries and restaurants as clients. I then got hired by a major retailer to work on their meat marketing and that’s where the meat journey started.

“I hated what I saw. Words like ‘free range’ being used flippantly and a general sense of ‘this is bullsh*t’ that I couldn’t help but feel. I left that job and started working on Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants (FFMM).”

His first book, Taking It Easy, featured 20 of his favourite chefs, cooking at home for friends and family.

Explaining the genesis of Meat Manifesto, Fenner shares: “This one is way, way more personal though. Nicole and I opened FFMM six years ago, with the overriding philosophy that we believe people want to know where their food comes from and that they have a right to ask. Meat Manifesto is a vehicle for us to challenge people to re-examine the way they buy, eat and cook meat, which we do every day with our stores.

“When we started doing the groundwork for FFMM, I took a personal oath not to eat any meat unless the person selling it could tell me where it came from. I was shocked at how few could, which led to an extended period of eating

A cut above the rest Andy Fenner ‘meats’ the expectations of the conscious carnivore with his new book, ‘Meat Manifesto’, writes Debashine Thangevelo no meat. The shop – and now the book – is a way of inviting people to adopt a similar philosophy.”

The book offers a comprehensive look at beef, pork, lamb, venison, poultry and even goat and biltong. He offers cooking techniques, insider techniques, insight into the meat industry and agricultural practices. And he advises on the tools you need and tips on meat and wine pairing.

Of course, the book is also packed with 65 delicious recipes; one of his favourite recipes being the Bavette with Chimichurri.

There is an entire chapter dedicated to people being their own butcher. Fenner explains, “The thinking was to show people that they can actually save a lot of money by planning ahead and by buying larger amounts of meat, to break down at home.

“I drew inspiration from oldschool tannies who would buy a whole lamb (or half a lamb) and have it cut up into pieces to be kept in their freezer on the farm. People have lost touch with meat.”

While the new shop they opened last week is keeping him busy, he did have this piece of advice: “People eat too much of it. I want people to eat less meat but better meat. Ask more questions.

“Life’s too short for cheap meat, cheap coffee or cheap wine. If you buy cheap meat, ask yourself why it was cheap. You won’t like the answer!” ● Andy Fenner’s Meat Manifesto is published by Quivertree Publications and retails for R550.

“BAVETTE is a steak that comes from the rear of the animal’s belly section. In the US, they use the word ‘sirloin’ for what South Africans call rump, and they call their sirloin ‘short loin’,” Fenner said.

“We’ve learned from our American friends and replicated some of their ideas, which led to us cutting a lot of these. We now champion bavette, even above things like rib-eye. I’d always thought that flat meat (flank and skirt steaks) were the best of the fibrous cuts but this one, with its big, beefy flavour, has a looser grain.

“This is handy when cooking, the sauce penetrating deep into the meat. Bavette is best cooked fast, over a high heat or over hot coals, but it must not be cooked past medium rare.

Anything more and it’s a wasted

Smoking, grilling and roasting has never looked more appealing than in Andy Fenner’s ‘Meat Manifesto’.

Bavette with chimichurri opportunity. With its loose grain, a simple chimichurri lifts this cut beautifully.

“The trickiest part of making your own chimichurri will be sourcing fresh origanum (dried will do, but use half the amount listed below). Also, I prefer using ‘neutral’ oil like sunflower oil (olive oil can be overpowering).

For a red sauce, choose your favourite chilli: jalapeno, chipotle or bird’s eye (chili).”

Cooking time: 8 - 11 minutes Serves 4 1 whole 1.5kg bavette steak, trimmed and cleaned 3-4 garlic cloves 2 chillies, medium to hot (choose the heat to suit your taste)

½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tsp sea salt fresh coriander, a handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, a handful 2 tblsp fresh origanum, finely chopped 150ml sunflower oil 1 small red onion, finely chopped To make the chimichurri Mince the garlic with one of the chillies or crush them in a pestle and mortar.

In a non-reactive bowl, combine with vinegar and salt.

Allow the mixture to stand for two to three hours to allow the flavours to develop.

Finely chop the remaining chilli, red onion and all the herbs. Add to the bowl.

Pour in the sunflower oil and whisk with a fork to incorporate.

The chimichurri can be used as a marinade or a sauce. I vote for both. Set aside half and put in a dish to add later.

Smear the chimichurri all over the bavette and allow to stand for at least two hours (overnight, if possible).

To make the bavette Ensure that the griddle pan (on the stove-top) or the braai grid is very hot. You needn’t oil the meat because it’s been absorbing the sauce but once on the grid, turn frequently to prevent it from burning.

Cook for eight to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak.

To serve: Remove the meat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Importantly, cut it against the grain and spoon over the remaining chimichurri.

lifetravel

7

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

Helen Grange

B

ACK in the day, the idyllic island holiday was glorified in a Peter Stuyvesant advert.

Today, golden beaches and palm trees could never be linked to a cigarette commercial because the island holiday is not about “getting away” but “getting well”. And there’s no better island to do that on than Mauritius.

If you’ve been to one of Mauritius’s famous beach resorts before, you’ll remember the mother-of-pearl skies, gently winding promenades stitching a tapestry of greens and blues, and the feeling of floating just above earth’s closest facsimile to paradise.

It’s one of those breakaways you fantasise about in the middle of a Johannesburg winter, so when this media junket for two Beachcomber resorts came up, I was like a horse racing home, counting the days.

My first stop was Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa on the little south-western leg of the island, 7km of beach property at the foot of Le Morne mountain.

First thing I noticed was the weather – warm but not humid – one of the drawcards of this all-year-round destination, as the west coast has the most equitable climate.

Dinarobin is one of the leading five-star Indian Ocean resorts. Its suites are built in crescents that mushroom alongside the beach, each with a swimming pool at the centre. It has four different restaurants, including Italian and Pan-Asian and, an 18-hole international golf course.

My mission, however, was to detox and relax, so off I wandered to the spa, which last December took a strong direction toward wellness rather than simply stroking your corpus.

There is an impressive menu of massages at The Art of Beautiful spa, which can be tailor-made to your needs after a consultation with a therapist.

“Some of our guests book a

Don’t miss out!

Always wanted to go to Mauritius?

Here is an affordable deal.

Beachcomber packages: Five nights for a Junior suite (double): Trou aux Biches – R20 640, Dinarobin – R22 390.

Includes return flights via Air Mauritius, with transfers, breakfasts and dinners, as well as water sports. Kids and teen clubs are free. Free wi-fi.

Rates subject to 30 days advance purchase, availability and rates of exchange. www. beachcomber.co.za ● JP Henry Charters: www. blackrivermauritius.com ● Les Mariannes Wellness Sanctuary: www. lesmariannes.com

The Spa by Clarins at the Beachcomber Trou aux Biches has massage deals for the family.

Mauritius – going away to get well 20-hour spa package over the length of their stay, so they’d have a different massage or treatment every day,” my therapist said, who did the hour-and-a-half Discovery massage, a combination of massage techniques.

She focused especially on the Shiatsu massage, meaning I was in for a lot of deep tissue finger pressure all over.

“You never disengage your mind, right?” she said softly, pressing the reflexology points on

my feet. “This is why you are sore to my touch, even though I’m applying only gentle pressure.”

There’s something about a masseur who knows what she’s doing that renders you a helpless child, and I was happy to be one for a change, instead of cutting a swathe through the cruel world out there. I shed a few tears too, just for good measure.

Mauritius has perfected the island holiday over many decades, and Dinarobin has more than

60 years’ experience in this art, so there’s an easy efficiency and confidence among the staff that allows you to just give yourself over completely to hedonistic pleasure.

You might not even notice there’s always an understated staffer in view to keep this Xanadu in perfect condition and every guest happy.

As Audrey Cunat, commercial executive at Dinarobin, explained: “We have an on-site maintenance team who work day and night, so

every suite is perfect when you arrive.

“The first impression, especially, is critical in this business.”

There is always a choice of cuisine at Mauritian resorts, and at Dinarobin there are four eateries, one of them right on the beach.

Wi-fi is ubiquitous, and stretches even to the softly lapping waves, a modern miracle that makes travelling alone much more pleasurable than in the past, especially where you are never far from a honeymooning couple.

In the evenings, you can decamp to the bar where there’s always a live, mellow musician crooning away. It’s not a party resort – “we decided to veer away from club nights or shows, because guests here want quiet, quality time”, Cunat said.

More informal and vibey is the Beachcomber Trou aux Biches, near the top of Mauritius – a watery wonderland that honeymooners and young parents, mostly from France or the UK, just love.

There’s a kids club and a teens club, so if you need a real adult break, it’s ideal. I stayed in a Junior suite (double bed) right on the beach, but there is a wide range of accommodation from family suites to three-bedroom villas, and again, pools are abundant throughout, along with a variety of cuisine at six restaurants including Indian, Italian and Thai.

Seeking out my daily pampering, I soon found the Spa by Clarins, which is one of the most lovely I’ve ever seen in a tropical setting, again with an amazing menu of treatments, including for kids. Programmes include arts such as yoga and Qi-Gong (like Tai Chi) classes, but if exercise is on the cards, I’d head for the main pool, where a fit young Mauritian leads aqua-aerobics sessions. .

My trip was oriented to holistic well-being and it worked. It’s day three back in chilly Joburg and I still feel like I’ve yet to land on earth. Thank you Mauritius!

lifetech

8

THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT JULY 16 2017

ALAN COOPER

Geek Beard

I

’VE long had a soft spot for Sony’s Xperia range of smartphones. Early in 2013, at a time when other manufacturers were churning out unassuming iPhone clones with curved corners, the Xperia Z arrived on the scene, a striking, unapologetically square-shouldered slab of device that demanded your attention and respect.

It had oodles of processing power, a five-inch, full-HD touch screen, plenty of features and an excellent camera, making it a worthy contender to take on the top dogs, Samsung and Apple.

It also had a superpower they couldn’t match: the ability to survive a dunking under water.

Over the next four-and-a-half years, successive generations of the Xperia line retained this “Omni-Balance” design which, Sony said, was focused on “creating balance and symmetry in all directions”. Many of them were water-resistant, an ability several other manufacturers – most notably Apple and Samsung – have since brought to their flagship devices.

The latest Xperia to land on South African shores is the XZ Premium and a single glance is enough to reveal that those OmniBalance genes remain dominant.

Much as I’ve admired those angular good looks over the years, I must admit that familiarity is starting to breed just a teeny bit of boredom, if not contempt.

Against the curved edges and rounded corners of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6, the XZ Premium looks dated.

And then, there’s those enormous top and bottom bezels.

In this age of “Infinity Displays” and shrinking bezels, the Xperia family’s prominent “forehead” and “chin” are starting to look increasingly retro and not in

Old look saved by nifty new feature

a good way.

Even if you like this design aesthetic, there’s no escaping the fact that a larger frame around the display makes for a bigger device. And the XZ Premium is a big phone, significantly wider and taller than the Galaxy S8, yet the latter has a 5.8-inch screen compared to the Sony’s 5.5-inch display.

On the plus side, it’s a truly stunning display thanks to the panel’s 3840 x 2160, 4K resolution and an eye-popping pixel density of 807 pixels per inch (PPI) – by way of contrast, the Galaxy S8, no slouch in the eye-candy department, packs in a “mere” 570 PPI. The downside of an ultra-highdefinition display is that it chews through precious power a lot faster than lesser screens, so it’s

baffling that Sony has equipped it latest flagship with a 3 000 mAh battery, significantly smaller than those found in most of its rivals.

The cameras have generally been a strong suit of the Xperia line and the XZ Premium is no exception. It might not have dual lenses as found in the latest top-end handsets from Huawei and LG, but the 19-megapixel rear camera claims significantly better low-light performance than earlier models thanks to the pixels being nearly 20% bigger.

The “Predictive Capture” feature snaps images immediately before and after you press the shutter button, allowing you to choose the best shot or save all of them.

As with its photographyfriendly predecessors, the XZ Premium has a dedicated shutter

What’s On

TODAY Expo

WEDNESDAY Musical theatre

Today is the last day to check out the Coffee & Chocolate Expo at Montecasino. The International World Coffee Event: All Stars arena is a first in South Africa. See five of the world’s leading champion baristas entertain, teach and demonstrate. From 10am until 6pm at the outdoor piazza.

Tickets R120-R150, kids under 10 free.

Blame it on the Boogie is on at Gold Reef City Barnyard until August 20.

It’s a celebration disco, funk, rock and soul music, featuring a groovy playlist of music by the Bee Gees, ABBA, The Village People, Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang and more. Tickets from R130 to R180. Show runs from Wednesday to Sunday, times differ.

Visit the Gold Reef City website.

Art/lifestyle The annual Turbine Art Fair is back at the Turbine Hall in Newtown (65 Ntemi Piliso Street). View a collection of fabulous artworks that showcase the talent in South Africa. It’s also a great way to get started on collecting art. The fair brings the best galleries and artists from around the country all under one roof, with great food and live music. At 10am today. Tickets R90 to R750 from Webticket. Visit www. turbineartfair.co.za.

TUESDAY Art/Theatre State Fracture, satirical sequel to the award-winning Pay Back the Curry,

FRIDAY Music Daniel Mpilo Richards delivers another tour de force performance in State Fracture. will be at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square from July 18 to 29.

Daniel Mpilo Richards, who won the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Breakthrough Artist/Newcomer for his performance in the one-person show Pay Back the Curry, returns in

this play, which picked up a Standard Bank Ovation Award after its premiere at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. State Fracture follows a similar multi-sketch format to Curry.

Book through Computicket, call 0861 915800.

Join Afro-Pop South African music legend, Ringo, for a night of great music at Silverstar. After 10 studio albums, two live CD/DVDs and one compilation album, Ringo has established his icon status in the industry, experimenting with rhythms and collaborations. Ticket are R200 and are available at: www. silverstarcasino.co.za

Theatre Jonathan Roxmouth, one of the

button, which also acts as a shortcut to the camera app when long pressed.

The lack of optical image stabilisation is a disappointing omission, though.

But the camera’s standout feature is “Super Slo-Mo” video capture, allowing the XZ Premium to shoot slow-motion videos at an astonishing 960 frames per second (FPS) compared to the iPhone 7’s 240 FPS. Admittedly, it can sustain this for only two seconds at a time and resolution drops to 720p in the process, but it’s a really cool trick and might well be the decider for smartphone video aficionados.

The XZ Premium is no laggard in the processing power department either, coming equipped with the Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 system on a chip, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage which is expandable through an aftermarket microSD card. It runs the most recent commercially available version of Android, 7.1.1 Nougat.

If I’m no longer smitten by the Xperia family’s looks, one trait I’ve continued to admire has been the ability of successive generations to shrug off the wet stuff. I was pleased to see that the XZ Premium is IP68 rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in water to depths of 1.5m for 30 minutes.

While I wouldn’t recommend deliberately taking this Sony, or any other water-resistant phone, for a swim, it’s liberating to know you can monitor email at the poolside or listen to music in the bath without worrying that a careless fumble might spell doom for what is probably one of your most pricey possessions.

Which brings us to the price tag. The XZ Premium will set you back a whopping R15 999 on prepaid, with contracts starting at R599 a month.

That’s quite a bit more than top-end competitors like the Galaxy S8, but if you’re a fan of the Xperia line and looking for a differentiator in the form of unrivalled slow-motion video capture, it’s worth a closer look. l Follow Alan Cooper on Twitter @alanqcooper.

biggest names in South African theatre, stars with the inimitable Weslee Swain Lauder, in The Mystery of Irma Vep. The acclaimed play is conceived and written by Charles Ludlum, directed by Elizma Badenhorst with an original score by Wessel Odendaal. The Mystery of Irma Vep is a satire of several theatrical, literary and film genres, including Victorian melodrama, farce, the penny dreadful, Wuthering Heights and the Alfred Hitchcock film Rebecca.

The cast of eight characters in this deliciously decadent whodunnit – lunatics, beasts, ghouls and gentlefolk – are played by only two actors, who swop character and costumes faster than you can say “vampire!”

The intricate wardrobe design is

by Pierre du Plessis, scenic design is

by Nadine and Louis Minnaar and lighting design is by Oliver Hauser.

At Pieter Toerien’s Theatre at Montecasino until July 30. Bookings through Computicket.