Sowetan April 06 2020

owetan Lockdown Day

11

In the know on the move R5.70 (Eswatini, Bots 5.20 incl tax) Monday April 6, 2020 www.sowetanlive.co.za

Mom of slain teen pleads

‘We re being slaughtered.

Stop it’ page 2

A bride and her groom being arrested at Nseleni township near Richards Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal, for contravening regulations on the national lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19. See Page 3 / P H O T O / SUPPLIED

Coronavirus Hotline: 0800 029 999 and WhatsApp Line: 060 012 3456

Is lockdown bearing fruit? ● Analysis of global trends suggests that measures in SA slowing down infection rate ● Number of confirmed daily cases now brought below 100 page 3

IS YOUR EMPLOYER PAYING YOU THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE? If you are not paid the national minimum wage of R20.76 per hour • R18.68 per hour for farm and forestry workers • R15.57 per hour for domestic workers • R11.42 per hour for workers under the Expanded Public Works Programme

Coronavirus Watch Tzaneen man speaks

I didn’t know I had the virus page 4

South Africans raise R2bn for fight page 8

THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE A TOOL TO CLOSE THE WAGE GAP AND TO OVERCOME POVERTY

then dial the FREE IMPIMPA HOTLINE.

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DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR, WORKING FOR YOU

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Words of Faith The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead. I will hand the Egyptians over to the power of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 19:3-4 NIV

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Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

What kind of human being does this?

Teen raped, slain and mutilated

By Tankiso Makhetha and Promise Marupeng

The mother of a 14-year-old girl who was found mutilated and raped in Soweto says she could not recognise her child due to the injuries that were inflicted on her body.

Nandi Sibeko could not contain herself when she described the state in which her daughter was discovered after she went missing in Dobsonville on Thursday while on her way to a spaza shop in her area.

Siphiwe Sibeko’s body was found dumped at a stream in the neighbouring township of Mndeni on Friday.

“The only thing that we could recognise her with was her clothes – pink takkies and grey trackpants. But we could not recognise her because they injured her badly.”

Sibeko said the family went to the scene where Siphiwe’s body was found and saw the amount of blood her daughter lost.

“It was everywhere, it was even on the trees – we don’t know what kind of human being would do something like this,” Sibeko said.

She described the grade 9 pupil as a bright spark who wanted to study chemical engineering after she matriculated.

“My daughter was smart, she was a head girl at her primary school and a finalist during interviews at Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

“She was intelligent and reserved, I don’t understand why someone would have done something like this to her.”

The 40-year-old mother said the family grew worried when Siphiwe failed to return to their Dobsonville home.

“When she left the house she asked her grandmother whether she wanted any snacks because she was going to the tuckshop. We grew worried when it became late and she had not returned,” she said.

“On Friday morning we went to her friend’s house in Mndeni to find out if she was there but did not find her because she is not the type that does not come back home and doesn’t like going out much and only has one friend.”

Sibeko said a police officer fetched them on Saturday morning and took them to a government mortuary where Siphiwe’s body was kept.

The officer told Sibeko and her family they discovered the body of a woman who was be-

tween the ages of 14 and 25.

“My sister and mother went in to identify, I could not bear to go in there,” Sibeko said.

“We are pleading with men out there to stop killing women and children. This genderbased violence must come to an end; we are being slaughtered.”

The teenager’s murder came as police minister Bheki Cele raised concern about the high number of gender-based violence incidents reported to the police.

“Over 2,300 calls or complaints have been registered since the beginning of the lockdown from March 27 until March 31 and from these, 148 suspects were charged,” he said.

The figure of calls and complaints between January and March 31 stands at 15,924.

“Once all reports have been

consolidated, the figures will be measured against the number of calls and complaints received through the GBV Command Centre in 2019, where the figure stands at 87,920.”

With the initial declaration of the Covid-19 state of disaster on March 15, Cele flagged as a concern the possible increase in GBV and domestic violence cases.

Police spokesperson Capt Kay Makhubele said police were searching for a number of suspects in connection with murder.

“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. Police are appealing to any member of the public who might have witnessed the incident or with information that can help in the investigation to please call crime stop on 08600-10111 or via MySAPS App. Callers can remain anonymous.”

Siphiwe Sibeko

Nandi Sibeko, the mother of Siphiwe Sibeko, the 14-year-old girl who went missing and was found killed in Emndeni, Soweto. / V E L I N H L A P O

Man injures girlfriend, kills mom Shooting believed to be love triangle

By Mandla Khoza

A gun-wielding man shot and critically injured his girlfriend before shooting dead her mother and then turning the gun on himself during a highspeed chase with police.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Leonard Hlathi said according to reports, an argument broke out between two men aged 35 and 41, at a mine site at Phola in Ogies near Emalahleni.

“Their heated argument continued whereby the 41year-old drew a firearm and tried to shoot at the other man, but failed. The man [the shooter] then moved to where the woman [his girlfriend] was working and fired several shots, injuring her.

“The victim was rushed to hospital for medical assistance.

“The man then apparently drove to Hlalanikahle at Vosman where he fatally shot the victim’s mother and paramedics certified her dead at the scene,” Hlathi said.

Several community members told Sowetan the cause of

the shooting was believed to be a love triangle. According to them, the man had allegedly found out that his girlfriend was engaged to be married to another man in Bronkohorstspruit, Gauteng.

Hlathi said after police were notified, they chased the man in his car and he shot himself while the car was in motion.

“Members of the community notified police about the incident and a manhunt was launched. The man’s vehicle was spotted by police and a high-speed chase ensued.

When the suspect realised that he was cornered, he al-

legedly turned the gun on himself and his car crashed and he was certified dead at the scene,” said Hlathi.

A witness of the shooting of the mother who didn’t want to be named told Sowetan “a certain man in Bronkohorstspruit paid lobola for the shooter’s girlfriend.

“They have children, we were shocked when this man came and paid lobola. The woman was staying with this man [shooter] now, so we thought she had moved on.

But when he came here, he found the old woman and he called her tsotsi and shot her.”

Sowetan Monday April 6 2020

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

News

3

SA could be winning war as infections decline Too early for complacency

By Kgothatso Madisa and Isaac Mahlangu

It has been 11 days since SA went into national lockdown, with the number of new infections seemingly scaled down.

While it may be too early for this to be directly linked to the lockdown, SA only recently surpassed 1,500 confirmed cases, lower than the earlier predictions of 6,000 cases by now.

The strict lockdown measures restricted people’s movements and sale of goods, stopped non-essential workers from going to work, banned public gatherings of more than 100 and later 50 people. The military has been deployed to help enforce the regulations.

A quick analysis of the rate of infections shows that since the lockdown daily new infections have been kept under 100.

Before the lockdown, the number of new infections ranged between 128 going as high as 243.

These decreased dramatically from March 28 with the highest being 93 on March 29 despite more tests happening daily.

A global infection rate analysis by the Financial Times has shown that the lockdown was critical in flattening the curve in comparison to other countries that were slow in implementing it.

Health minister Zweli Mkhize on Friday attributed the slower rate of new infections to the closure of borders, quarantining of people arriving in the country, restrictions

on gatherings and banning of overcrowded public transport such as buses, trains and taxis.

Mkhize, however, also cautioned against complacency, saying the tests being conducted were way too low.

“To date 44,292 [now 53,937] have been tested largely in private laboratories. A total of 47,541 tests have been completed, of which 6,000 were performed in the public national health laboratory services.

“This is way too few considering the size of our population and other important factors such as inequality, poverty and underlying disease burden we have,” Mkhize said.

He said the launch of 67 mobile testing units expected to increase daily testing from 5,000 to 30,000 will most likely see an increase in the numbers.

“I continue to emphasise

Health workers speak to residents during a door-to-door testing in Umlazi township, south of Durban. / R E U T E R S / R O G A N W A R D that we should not be complacent about the lower than expected increase in cases – we will only have a clear sense of the country status once we have embarked on our community screening and testing programme which we expect to roll out in a couple of days.”

He also said that with winter approaching, people experiencing flu symptoms were expected to flood hospitals and clinics from next month, creating a fertile ground for coronavirus to spread.

“This means this small growth in numbers we may be currently experiencing is the

calm before a heavy and devastating storm,” Mkhize said.

“So we need to be aware that there may not be further warnings before the pounding descends,” he said.

Wits professor of vaccinology Shabir Madhi, who delivered a presentation to the Wits University Council on Friday, emphasised that the best way to tackle Covid-19 is still through physical distancing and substantially increasing testing and quarantining.

Madhi said what needs to be prioritised urgently in SA included scaling up countrywide diagnostic capacity.

Bridal party bust after defying regulations Bride and groom held at cop shop

By Orrin Singh and Yoliswa Sobuwa

A KwaZulu-Natal bridal couple spent their first few hours as husband and wife behind bars after they were arrested at their wedding yesterday.

Police and South African National Defence Force members joined by Umhlathuze municipality’s law enforcers gatecrashed the wedding at Nseleni, a community near Richards Bay. The bride and a groom were among 50 people who were arrested for contravening among others the National Disaster Act and defying the lockdown regulations just before they could exchange their vows.

Among those who were arrested was the pastor who was officiating in the service.

Sources said the arrests were made after a tip-off.

“We are currently processing them. They will be taken to Empangeni police station

and kept in the holding cells,” an officer said.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo confirmed the incident. Umhlathuze mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo said the lockdown is aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19 and to assist people not to be exposed to the virus by being indoors for 21 days.

“We are appealing to everyone to take the virus seriously and work with the government to clamp the virus before it ravages the whole nation. The number of people being infected is rising sharply and now we are beginning to see people dying in our country like in other countries of the world,” he said.

This was the second couple to be arrested in the province for defying the lockdown regulations. Jabulani Zulu, 48, and his fiancé Nomthandazo Mkhize, 38, were arrested last week Saturday soon after exchanging their vows. Police arrested the couple and the crowd was dispersed. They both appeared at the Nkandla magistrate’s court and were each released on a R1,000 bail.

A wedding couple, including the presiding pastor, were arrested yesterday in Nseleni, northern KwaZuluNatal, for allegedly contravening regulations around the lockdown. / S U P P L I E D

Mobile units set to help with testing capacity More health workers expected as well SA’s testing capacity is expected to be increased by more than 200% in the coming days as the mobile units, which op-

erate as laboratories, hit the road. So far, the country has only been able to conduct 5,000 tests a day through 10 laboratories.

This is expected to increase to 30,000 in 24 hours. Positive coronavirus cases stand at

1,585. The number of tests done to date stands at around 54,000. Nine people have been confirmed to have died from the virus. Seven are in critical condition while 95 people have fully recovered.

As it stands, there are 5,400

health workers around the country tracing, screening and testing people for the virus.

This number is expected to double or even increase more than that as more health workers are being trained.

Informal settlements, especially in Gauteng, KwaZuluNatal and the Western Cape, are expected to be less densi-

fied through mass removals of thousands in the coming days which is also expected to further curb the spread of infections. The overcrowding in these townships and informal settlements makes it difficult for the government to track down those who may have been exposed to the virus. – Kgothatso Madisa

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

4 News

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

Man now virus-free, threatens to sue

Students volunteer their time to fight virus

Ngobeni denies knowing status

Tygeberg Hospital welcomes help

By Peter Ramothwala

A man who was arrested for allegedly failing to self-isolate in Gauteng and instead travelled to Limpopo two weeks ago, has recovered from Covid19 and is seeking legal advice.

Bongani Ngobeni from Nkambako village in N’wamitwa, outside Tzaneen, yesterday denied that he was informed of his status before travelling home, saying “malicious allegations” were made against him.

Ngobeni was forced into quarantine by the Limpopo department of health two weeks ago after it emerged that he had tested positive and travelled to the province.

Ngobeni was tested again last week and the results came back negative on Friday.

Ngobeni yesterday told Sowetan that he was worried that the country now knew him as “a selfish person who is

above the law” and said that was not the case.

“I just want to set the record straight that I was never informed of Covid-19 positive results and besides, I wouldn’t have gotten a chance to travel because I was going to be quarantined. I’m still weighing my options, including seeking legal advice to clear my name,” he said.

“I was never arrested because it was my relative who called the department of health and police to meet us at a nearby garage as the clinic was not equipped to deal with the virus test. Police came, but I was not charged for anything,” Ngobeni said.

‘‘

Also, I didn’t travel in a taxi... I was driving alone

MEC for health Phophi Ramathuba said Ngobeni’s results came out positive and tracer teams in Gauteng struggled to locate him until he was found in Limpopo.

Ngobeni said since he was informed about his status, he told his family members to stay far away from him and even went to a private clinic.

“I wanted to be sure when I went to the clinic because I did not show any symptoms. I still feel the same way I was before the quarantine,” he said.

Ngobeni told Sowetan that it was only when he had travelled to Limpopo that he received a call from his employer, telling him that he had tested positive for Covid-19.

“We did our Covid-19 test on March 18 at our workplace and on the 26th, I travelled home in a bakkie, alone. The following day, I got a call from my employer that my results came out positive,” he said.

Ngobeni said his family was very supportive.

“My family has been very supportive. My neighbours as well. Also, I didn’t travel in a

By Yoliswa Sobuwa

Bongani Ngobeni

taxi when I came back home, I was driving,” he said, dismissing allegations that he may have put the lives of other passengers at risk.

Department of health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana confirmed that Ngobeni has been discharged.

NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Ndzingi said Ngobeni was not brought to court and the NPA did not have a Covid-19 case in Ritavi.

Shikwambana said the department intends making Ngobeni an ambassador for Covid-19 in the province, particularly on the importance and the benefits of isolation after testing positive. Ngobeni said he would not comment as he had not been approached by the department on this.

Hunger bites in street vendors’ homes Informal trader duo has 16 kids to feed

By Penwell Dlamini

Informal traders in Germiston on the East Rand have started trading without temporary permits, arguing that hunger is intensifying in their homes.

Last week, the government announced it would allow informal food traders to sell on the streets but they need to obtain permission from the municipality.

Yesterday, Sheila Ubissi and her husband Zulu Ubissi of Palm Ridge were selling vegetables next to the Golden Walk mall in Germiston.

“We only started on Saturday because things were really bad.

We could not wait to get a permit first. Hunger was taking its toll in the family. Me and my husband sell fruits and vegetables here. We take care of our 16 children. Since the lockdown began we have been really struggling. There was absolutely nothing in the house.

“We had to take our chance and come and try to sell. We really had no choice.”

The couple has been selling fruits and vegetables for more than 20 years. Fortunately for them, the Joburg Market has not been closed during the lockdown, allowing them to get fresh produce to sell.

About 200 metres from their

Zulu Ubissi and his wife are back trading on the streets of Germiston, Ekurhuleni. / A N T O N I O stand, Ray Mashaba was selling face cloths, socks, umbrellas, nail clippers and ear buds.

“I cannot steal. Begging is also difficult. I was left with no choice but to come and sell my stuff today. Hunger was intense in the house. I have five children and a wife to take care of. Please tell me how am I supposed to survive under these conditions,” he said.

They do not have the required hawker’s trading permit allowing them to trade on any other day.

The City of Ekurhuleni said the temporary trading permits

will only be issued to the current legal hawking permit holders.

“No new permit applications or proxies or transfers shall be considered during the period of the lockdown. However, spaza shops that do not have trading licences or permits … shall be granted temporary reprieve through the issuance of trading permission that will apply for the duration of the declared lockdown on condition that the application is supported by the ward councillor,” the city in its statement.

Traders wanting the permit

M U C H AV E

can download application forms from its website or visit their nearest customer centre.

Meanwhile, in the Johannesburg inner city, no hawkers tried to trade without the temporary permits. Spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said permits would be issued only for those selling food – fruit and vegetables.

“All people who sell food already have COA [certificate of acceptability] and all those already trading in Johannesburg have smart cards with them. The idea is to cater for existing traders. No chancers.”

A group of students from Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape have sacrificed the recess period to help fight Covid-19.

Hundreds of undergraduate students from the university’s faculty of medicine and health sciences are volunteering at Tygeberg Hospital.

The students are working on numerous fronts. There are 70 students working at the hospital’s Covid-19 screening area, another 20 students are screening patients, 15 students are working at the contact tracing centre, 115 are assisting with the national Covid-19 helpline and another 70 senior students are helping with the day-to-day functioning of the hospital, drawing blood and placing drips.

Student intern Sheryl Marshall said: “Volunteering was the most natural thing to do. I really felt that I wanted to stay and help, especially when we are facing such a huge health crisis. Just getting to the hospital is anxiety-provoking... Also, you know that it’s going to get hectic, but you don’t know when, and you don’t know how it will play out exactly.”

Marshall helps to care for patients in Tygerberg Hospital’s internal medicine ward, which frees up more doctors to attend to Covid-19 patients.

Cameron Fourie, a secondyear student working in the Covid-19 tracing centre, said: “I wanted to stay and make a difference and help wherever I was able to. I was able to do that by volunteering my services in order to help the country fight against Covid-19.”

Dr Suretha Kannemberg, a lecturer in the division of dermatology at the faculty of medicine and health science, is currently managing the volunteer services.

“The students are doing this of their own volition. The hospital and university never requested assistance, they just took it upon themselves and we are so grateful for their help. The students were provided with the necessary training and protective equipment. They received a flu vaccination before they were allowed to work in hospital, and are working under the supervision of senior healthcare staff,” Kannemberg said.

She added that the students are also collecting data and running statistics for the division of epidemiology and biostatistics at the faculty, while others are doing data capturing at the division of medical virology.

KINGJAMES 50556/R

We miss a high-five.

A handshake. A walk. A run even.

We miss the sounds of bustling streets and full schools at break time.

Miss watching the sunset. Not hesitating to open a door.

Ride in a bus. Sit next to a friend. Or give someone a hug when they need it.

And the reason we’re missing all these little things?

Well, that’s caused by a little thing too. So small, we can’t even see it.

But in order to get back to all our favourite things, there’s just one little thing we need to do.

Stay home and stay safe, South Africa.

That’s why the Motsepe family and companies associated with them, including Sanlam, have pledged R1 billion to help South Africa.

Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.

Page 5 — 6 April 2020 — Sowetan

6 News

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

Kagiso Maoka, 34, an admin assistant, runs a shelter for the homeless in the Johannesburg CBD, providing food and a place to sleep for about 240 people.

Daniel Phasiya, 46, a petrol attendant, says he is worried about Covid-19’s threat but says that comes with his job because ‘we don’t know who we serve’.

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

Nkululeko Mazibuko, 36, an addict for 16 years, seven of which he has been living on the streets. He now helps fellow addicts after a stint in rehab.

The Mzansi Covid-19 frontline through the lens /PHOTOS / ALAISTER RUSSELL

Firefighter Sipho Ngubane fights a blaze after a truck overturned and caught fire on Kliprivier Drive in Glenvista, south of Johannesburg, on the sixth day of the national lockdown. Ngubane has been doing his job for 20 years.

Delight Masilela, who works as a cashier, will celebrate her birthday during lockdown on April 10. The very next day will mark her 10th year working in retail.

Thembelihle Silamsi, right, is 22 and found volunteer work at a homeless shelter while looking to study theology. ‘To me I’m serving God, and proud of it.’

Jarrod Gallon, 20, a volunteer, poses in front of a wall featuring the handprints of previous volunteers at the TLC Children’s Home in Eikenhof.

Page 7 — 6 April 2020 — Sowetan

8 News

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

SA pledges R2bn to help efforts of Solidarity Fund Initiative buys 5 million masks for healthworkers

By Belinda Pheto

More than R2bn has been pledged by South Africans to the Solidarity Fund.

More than 3,000 individuals donated amounts ranging from R1,000 to R100,000, while some of the donations came from large corporations and medium-sized businesses.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of the fund two weeks ago and said the fund will focus on efforts to combat the spread of the virus, track its spread and care for those who are ill.

He said the fund will also support those whose lives are disrupted.

Chairperson of the fund, businesswoman Gloria Serobe, said they wanted to thank South Africans for the generosity seen over the past week.

“We are heartened by what has been achieved in the two weeks since the fund

motso Makhupola, Michael Katz, Nomkhita Nqweni, Sizwe Nxasana (fundraising committee chair), Thulani Tshefutu, finance minister Tito Mboweni, Tryphosa Ramano (audit and risk committee chair).

The fund also announced Nqweni as its interim CEO. She is former CEO of Absa Wealth Investment Management.

“We end the week filled with gratitude and awe; to all South Africans across every sphere of society for their generous

was announced. The willingness and speed with which our people have responded gives us hope for the challenging times that lie ahead,” Serobe said.

She said the money received has already been used for activities that will be critical to saving lives, including the purchase of five million medical masks.

“By next week, these masks will arrive where they’re needed most to protect doctors, nurses, and community health workers on the front line.”

The money will be used to give direct support to the healthcare system.

“To this effect, the fund has this week made a funding decision and approved a R100m facility that will procure personal protective equipment to augment the efforts in public healthcare,” Serobe said.

Some of the money will go towards humanitarian efforts such as helping poor households with food and potential income loss.

The fund also announced its new board members: Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba ( disbursements committee chair), trade and industry minister Ebrahim Patel, Kgo-

donations in such a short space of time, you truly have mobilised in solidarity, and to the business leaders who have agreed to volunteer their time to ensure the most rigorous oversight of the use of SA’s donated monies.

“We feel this board is the embodiment of robust governance and demonstrates not only strength across all stakeholders but the seriousness and importance we place on our collective role in the fight against Covid-19,” Serobe said.

A health worker busy testing people in Stjwetla, Alexandra last week. /THULANI MBELE

Joe Nina takes his talents to the kitchen Cooking keeps singer sane during lockdown

By Patience Bambalele

For legendary muso Joe Nina, the coronavirus lockdown has provided an opportunity to fine tune his cooking skills, as well as putting final touches to his upcoming music. Known for hits like Ding Dong, Sbali and Nomthandazo, Joe Nina seems to have embraced the moment. He said in the past 10 days he has mastered the art of cooking prawns.

While others want the lockdown to end already, Joe Nina has been working on his music. He has moved his studio to his bedroom to finish mastering his love song,

Joe Nina has become a pro in the kitchen. / VAT H I S WA RU S E LO

Lukhanji, that will be dropped in two weeks. The song features Sliq Angel.

“Cooking those prawns is one of the craziest things that I have done during this lockdown. I had to because my son loves them. I discovered I am actually good at cooking them. I have been enjoying having the kids around me the whole day.

“I also moved the studio to the bedroom so that I work around my family. During this lockdown, I am doing everything that I have been postponing. In the past four days, I have been mixing a song that I recorded a while back. It is a love song and it also speaks about hope that we need during this time.”

The singer, who yesterday celebrated a one-year wedding anniversary, has promised to celebrate this special day with his kids and wife.

“Thanks to corona, I did not have to buy lots of food and drinks for many people.

We also celebrated my son’s birthday, we just are going to have fun and be safe.”

His message: “I urge people to be positive and find ways to embrace this lockdown. I know this is a frustrating moment for people but they need to hang in there.

Stay safe, practice all the hygienic precautions. Stay indoors. This too shall pass.”

During this lockdown, you can entertain yourself with his music through applications such as iTunes and Spoofy.

While keeping busy at home or mowing your lawn, you can listen to Gallo Record Company Quarantunes.

Top 5 songs for mowing the lawn Wanted and Loved by Wandile Mbambeni Nomthandazo by Joe Nina Monkey Gone to Heaven by Absinthe Scars by Yanga Let It Burn by Jeremy Loops

Sowetan Monday April 6 2020

News

9

Spreading love for the written word Q&A with Jerome Klaaste, director of the Aggrey Klaaste Trust

By Carla Lever

Your father really lived by the principle of nation-building – a value the trust now operates by. What does the term mean to you, both personally and professionally?

My father’s moral vision of nation building sought to help rebuild the structures in all forms of our society and reknit the fabric of life that has been so successfully shattered by apartheid. The Aggrey Klaaste Trust (AKT) defines nation building as carrying on his mission to empower ordinary South Africans to improve their lot. Personally I see nation building as a way of life.

It simply means caring for others as dictated by the age-old African ethic of ubuntu.

What other values and interests of your father guide the work at the Aggrey Klaaste Trust?

My father was a voracious reader. He cherished books and deeply understood the value of quality education. He always carried a few books with him everywhere he went. He believed that our people needed to educate themselves and gather all kinds of information to become powerful. Information gathered carefully today creates the thinkers and the leaders of tomorrow.

The AKT reading programme was established with this in mind. We want to cultivate the culture of reading in our communities not only to foster literacy, but to empower young South Africans with critical thinking strategies to find solutions to current, pressing issues facing their communities.

What can regular people do in everyday life to encourage these same values?

In our everyday lives, we must take the responsibility of educating ourselves and our children into our own hands.

Education cannot be the sole responsibility of teachers and children; it must be a collective effort. The gathering of information to control your environment is a lifelong process.

We implore ordinary South Africans to join us on our journey to nation building by reading to their children to foster a healthy culture of reading.

All those who would like to volunteer can contact us for more information on how they can contribute in their communities and help us rebuild South Africa, one community at a time.

The Trust has various projects dedicated to spreading a love and respect for the written word. Can you tell us a little about them?

AKT learning initiatives have a holistic approach to the development of our future leaders and critical thinkers, spanning from early childhood development (ECD) right through to tertiary education.

Our reading and human rights advocacy projects in various ECD centres around Soweto frequently use Nal’ibali reading material and this enables us to further preserve and promote African languages and culture by reading to children in a variety of African languages as well.

This is supplemented by teaching children various African idioms, values and principles that promote ubuntu (humanity).

At George Khosa Secondary School in Dobsonville our literature programme for budding writers and journalist, studies and analyses Aggrey Klaaste’s columns and articles to further develop their critical thinking and writing skills.

I’m particularly interested in your work in schools. What feedback have you had from learners and educators?

We’ve had very positive feedback from teachers, especially from the principals and owners of the ECD centres in our programme. The children adore story-time with AKT! We’ve also encouraged parents to read to their children at home and they, too, have expressed their support and appreciation for the programme. The educators, learners and even the school governing body at George Khosa Secondary are delighted to have our literature programme at the school as well and we are pleased that some of them have expressed their heartfelt gratitude on our social media platforms.

The trust also focuses on promoting accurate and in-depth journalism best practice.

Why is this so vital to uphold, even under a democratic constitution?

Aggrey Klaaste was first and foremost a writer and a journalist. He used his platform as the Sowetan editor to launch and advocate for his nation building philosophy.

It’s of the utmost importance that we promote accurate and in-depth journalism best practices, as he did, because journalists play a very important

role in our society, not only as curators and conveyors of messages to the nation, but also as those who act as the watchdogs of society. Journalists also have a responsibility to document history and it is critical to ensure that they tell the truth and report facts in their efforts to record our history accurately.

We are ecstatic about our upcoming project with the Witwatersrand University (Wits) aimed at addressing the serious issues of credibility the media has been grappling with by looking at Aggrey Klaaste’s legacy on ethical and spirited journalism.

How can people get involved with your projects, or apply for your educational fellowships?

The AKT 2021 Educational Fellowships application processes and requirements will be announced on all our social media platforms and advertised with our media partners in September 2020.

I would urge all those who would like to get involved with our projects to contact me directly through the following

Jerome Klaaste, founder and executive director of the Aggrey Klaaste Trust. / S U P P L I E D

email adresses: jerome@ aggreyklaastetrust.com or info@aggreyklaastetrust.com Or they call us on Cell: 074066-3886 or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

■ Reading and telling stories with your children is a power-

ful gift. It builds knowledge, language, imagination and school success!

For more information about the Nal’ibali campaign or to access kids’ stories in a range of SA languages, visit www.nalibali.org.

HELP THOSE ON THE FRONTLINE These are some of the urgent requests that have come through: • Theatre scrubs • Masks • Equipment

smilefoundation.co.za | 082 994 7655

Unity is the key to overcoming this pandemic.

10 News

Young activist to partake in leadership program in US

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

Siyabulela Jentile has been selected as a participant in the Mandela Washington Fellowship youth leadership programme. /SUPPLIED

Jentile ready to learn from fellow African peers

By Yoliswa Sobuwa

Youth leader Siyabulela Jentile will participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

The fellowship is a comprehensive executive-style programme designed to build skills and empower youth to lead in their respective sectors and communities.

Jentile, who is also the founder of the Not in My Name campaign, has been invited to take part in the programme next year.

He said being afforded the opportunity to participate in the prestigious programme means another opportunity for him to learn and unlearn from other young progressive emerging leaders.

“I believe that you stop leading the day you stop learning. I am passionate about civic leadership, social entrepreneurship and social activism.

“This programme will play a significant role in the work that I do on a daily basis. I always make it a point to share whatever new knowledge and skills I have with my colleagues, so that we all move in one direction at the same pace; this opportunity will benefit them as well,” Jentile said.

He said the programme includes participating in a six-week leadership institute at a US college or university to share experiences with and to learn from other youth leaders.

They will also attend a summit with young African leaders in Washington, DC, meet US government, and business leaders and will also strengthen their work through new connections, skills and ideas.

Jentile said the programme is application based, where applicants are selected for interviews and decisions are made based on the interviews as well as the general profile of the candidate.

“I was part of the inaugural Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa program, which is a one year long leadership program that seeks to inspire, empower and connect emerging leaders from across the African continent.

“As a certified Obama Foundation Leader, I believe that being a Mandela Washington Fellow will complement and enhance my leadership skills, connections and networks,” he said.

Jentile is also the director of SJ leadership network, a new civic leadership development and social entrepreneurship start-up.

He was voted the 2019 SA Man of the Year in leadership category and in 2018, he received a presidential award in the leadership category.

He is a self-published author of a book called Summoned: A story of passion, purpose and prophecy and is also an advisor at Together First Global Campaign, which is a coalition of over 150 organisations world-wide. As a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic Jentile will fly to the US next year.

Sowetan Monday April 6 2020

News

11

Smoke’s vision as guitarist is to keep the blues alive Tragedy drove him to music

By Sam Mathe

Smoke the Guitarist’s life story reads like an intriguing script of a Hollywood thriller, except that it’s all true.

Before he ventured into music, the blues artist ran a recycling and waste management factory in Port Shepstone, on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

In 2014 he and his wife Leanne were only eight months in their new Marburg home having moved there from Durban when a bush fire razed their complex.

The tragedy left them with only the clothes they had on and guitars he hadn’t played for years. It was a devastating loss as they had invested their life savings into the business.

Born Nico Lawrence at Addington Hospital, Durban, he was raised in Nqabeni, a farming community in KwaZulu-Natal. At four his father, a pastor, taught him to play guitar. When he was in grade 4, he heard Bob Dylan’s Meet Me in the Morning.

“The song had a sound that captivated me. It stuck with me. I was listening to lots of different genres both local and international but could not find the sound I was hearing in my head.”

His brother-in-law, who was living in the United States at the time, returned home with two cassettes of Eric Clapton and BB King. “That was it. I was sold to the blues.”

He regards Dylan and King as his greatest musical inspirations. “Bob Dylan is a phenomenal poet and lyricist while BB King is an exceptional blues man who expressed his music

through Lucille, his beloved guitar.”

Smoke continued to play but at 15 decided to pursue professional football. A gifted soccer player nicknamed Maradies after his idol, Diego Maradona, he started at Manning Rangers’ reserve side as an attacking midfielder and was later promoted to the senior ranks but an irresponsible partying lifestyle ruined his chances of making a success of his fledgling career.

“The situation got worse when I lost my newborn son in 2003. I started drinking heavily and ended up in a rehabilitation clinic,” he recalls.

Eventually he picked himself up, weaned himself totally off alcohol and became a devout Christian. “I didn’t play the guitar again until in my early 30s and dabbled a bit, before I moved to Port Shepstone with my mentor Andre van der Byl,” he says.

“When we got to Johannesburg after the fire, I couldn’t find a job. But friends were praying for me. They told me that God was instructing me to use what I had – music. I told them I only have guitars, but I can’t play for an audience.”

Smoke says he prayed for a solution and started practising. He was 39. It was while he was operating a tuckshop at the Edenvale municipal pool in Ekurhuleni that he realised that he could play like a professional. “I used to pull the roller door halfway down and practised. Whenever I did that, I realised that sales went up.

When I opened the roller door fully and started singing my sales shot up. Parents coming to the swimming pool said they came for the music and their kids were the excuse to be there.”

So how did he get his stage name? “Alfred Nkanyane, the

Smoke The Guitarist knows just how to strike the right cord. / SUPPLIED

founder of the first outfit I played with, a reggae and jazz ensemble named Mintirho Band, used to say that my guitar has a smoky flavour, and so he called me Smoke – a name that I fought against as it was a constant reminder of the pain of losing my factory. But everyone in the band started calling me Smoke and it stuck.”

His full stage name is Smoke the Guitarist and he started performing professionally in late 2015 mainly as a solo performer as most bands did not want to play the blues or include it in their repertoire.

In 2017, he performed at the 13th edition of the Durban International Blues Festival as part of Smoke and Liquid Band. They were booked again in 2018 and 2019 by popular demand at the annual event that has been growing steadily while providing a valuable platform for the blues. In August last year, he had his first international tour in Argentina. Smoke, 44, was hosted and backed by Argentinean blues band The Yamil Jacobo Trio.

“Playing in Argentina was a

‘‘

My biggest ambition is to produce many blues artists special experience because of the Maradona factor.”

Smoke returned to South Africa with the South American ensemble. They hosted a series of concerts in Ekurhuleni, Soweto, Norwood and other parts of greater Johannesburg before performing at the Durban International Blues Festival in September last year.

He says playing with the Yamil Jacobo Trio had made it possible for them to share their cultures and created a musical pathway between the two countries. The two acts have collaborated on two songs, Educated Fool and Grooving in Edenvale. They can be found on Distrokids and iTunes.

He was subsequently invited

by Colombia’s department of arts and culture to perform in an all-star blues band made up of top blues artists from around the world.

The performance was

Smoke the Guitarist on stage. / R U T H THELER

scheduled for April 22 to May 5 at the annual Bucaramanga Blues and Jazz Festival in Colombia.

But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all his local and international shows have been put on hold.

Smoke is proud of his ensemble, the Smoke Train Band, whose members are outstanding instrumentalists.

The ensemble is quickly building a strong fan base within and outside the borders of SA. He met keyboardist Vaden Pappas in church and after hearing the well-schooled musician play, he was convinced that the keys would add a different dimension to his music.

Drummer Rob Domijan comes with a lot of experience as a blues player. He has been around the blues block for over 20 years. Bass guitarist Kerry Blewitt is another experienced player who brings depth to the repertoire while multi-instrumentalist Kenny Kearns is a versatile virtuoso on saxophone, harmonica and Hammond mouth organ.

“Kenny is an absolute legend who brings a lot of diversity to our sound,” observes Smoke. Their diverse repertoire includes old-school soulful Chicago blues, boogie blues, blues rock and folk blues. Domijan has replaced Selwyn “The Silver Fox” Aronowitz. The late drummer died in 2018 while playing during a live radio interview just three weeks before the band

was to perform at the Durban International Blues Festival.

“It was one of the most painful experiences I’ve had in my music career. Selwyn bought into my vision and was dedicated to the cause of keeping the blues alive,” he says.

As lead singer, performer and composer, Smoke’s dazzling stagecraft has caught the attention of fellow musicians across the world.

Smoke performs like a real blues man from the Mississippi delta who understands the healing and unifying power of his genre. Humorous songs like Poor Man’s Blues and Sun City Blues elicit laughter from listeners while Loadshedding in Edenvale reminds them of the daily power cut frustrations.

Globally acclaimed Chicago blues singer and band leader Charlie Love has described him as a special musician whose singing touches the very core of one’s soul.

Although Smoke and his band are making a name for themselves on global stages, he says there are a few challenges. “One is sponsorship for events and the other is looking at ways to create proper platforms for blues artists. Once that is done, it will be easy to entice young musicians. My biggest ambition is to produce many blues artists. As the Zulu saying goes, a bull is not remembered for his chops on the braai stand but by the calves he’s sired.”

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

12 Opinion Your SMS views

Send your comments to 33664 Each sms costs R1

Good Friday is not African This year there won’t be Good Friday celebrations , thanks to Covid-19. There won’t be a high number of accidents and deaths, because Christians won’t be celebrating something that is not African. – Norman Matsebula

Ntsiki, leave politics alone Ntsiki Mazwai tried music but spectacularly failed. She tried poetry and dismally failed. She must leave politics to politicians and stay away from achievers like President Cyril Ramaphosa. – Pio Mashaba

SA weak over lockdown The recent relaxation of lockdown rules as infection numbers rise is a clear indication SA does not have a government. China and other countries stuck to their guns to defeat the Covid-19. I foresee disaster in this country. – Anon

Lesson for the homeless I hope the homeless have learnt a lesson. After having proper food and baths at a place of safety, they must now believe this is their second chance to go back to their respective homes. – Cynthia M Lekalakala, Pretoria

Motsweding erred axing vets SABC radio station Motsweding FM fumbled by firing Goitsemodimo Seleke, Peter Manzana and Stella Sebalo and other veteran presenters.

Motsweding FM will regret this. – Pop, Meadowlands

Sowetan Says

This calls for a sober reflection There can be no question of a proven link between SA’s excessive consumption of alcohol and our high crime rate. This is especially true of violent, spur of the moment types of crimes.

The first week of our national lockdown as the nation seeks to curb the spread of Covid-19 has seen a significant drop in crime incidents reported compared to the same week last year.

Of course, this drop is likely the result of a combination of alcohol regulations, the heavy prohibition of movement as well as the visibility of law enforcement officers in our communities.

Regardless, it is understandable that police minister Bheki Cele would wish that the current laws banning the sale of alcohol would be extended beyond the lockdown period.

However, that will not happen.

First, such an indefinite ban on alcohol, regardless of its merits, would raise important questions about the government’s abuse of power and a creeping authoritarian culture which, if allowed, only becomes incremental.

Politically, Cele would struggle to get the idea passed by his peers – of all parties – let alone get it accepted by a thirsty nation already showing signs of social strain just one week away from the bottle stores.

Economically, such a ban would be devastating and its ripple effects would be far reaching. Yet, valid as these may be, they do not erase the fact that the abuse of alcohol is the single-biggest contributor to violent crime in our country.

So what is to be done?

The truth is there is no single, magic solution.

In this country there are various reasons people abuse alcohol. Most prevalent of these being that for some, alcohol like any other drug, is a form of escapism from our daily troubles, whether economic or otherwise.

Throughout generations, we are wired to escape or deflect from the emotional toll of our structural problems.

For this reason, we are likely to chase successive periods of momentary diversion that comes with alcohol, rather than find alternative ways of coping.

Whether it is clinically diagnosed or simply categorised as social drinking, the dependency on alcohol is ultimately what we must confront as a nation.

Letters

Letters to the editor Sowetan, PO Box 6663, Johannesburg, 2000 E-mail letters@sowetan.co.za Fax 011-340-9637

Traditional leaders playing their role The most respected mouthpiece of the government in rural communities is kings, chiefs, headmen, traditional councils and ward councillors.

It is because of them that the message of the lockdown and social distancing is being absorbed with respect by elders and communities.

Wedding celebrations, tombstone unveilings and other events under the supervision of the traditional authorities are being cancelled in adherence to the lockdown call.

Traditional leaders through diphiri (the grave graves) closely monitor

funeral processions to ensure compliance with social distancing. We all salute the role played by traditional leadership. This is not a time for political gimmicking, all must fight this pandemic, Covid-19 As this virus departs its place of origin, Wuhan, China, in a controllable and recovered state, it creates new epicentres, the US, Italy, and Gauteng in SA. It is conquering the world, as we write and speak about it, it creates new homes, and leaves the old ones shattered with sorrow and cries.

We commend the men and women

State must do enough on virus

they get tested and given the necessary medical attention. We need our religious fraternity to assist by opening up their doors to house the homeless people during these trying times.

Collectively, we must support its efforts which include social distancing, by remaining indoors and calm during the lockdown. By acting in this responsible way and in the best interest of all citizens, we will ensure that the war over coronavirus is slowly won.

Proactive and drastic measures must be taken in order to prevent more deaths and flatten the curve on new infections and these measures should include among others a comprehensive plan on food distribution to the poor and informal businesses offering essential products such as vegetables and fruits Vuyolwethu Zungula ATM president and MP

Opening our hearts and moving with urgency as the nation, is very critical in responding to the next phase when dealing with Covid-19 during the lockdown.

Although government’s response to the coronavirus is commendable, the Ministerial Task Team and government’s departments need to move to the next level.

We need everyone on board, to support the 10,000 field-workers who are screening and tracking people particularly in informal settlements, rural areas and townships. We must extend the acts of kindness mostly to the poor and homeless people. We must ensure that

who continue providing essential services, in particular the minister of health, Dr Zweli Mkhize. He inspires hope to the masses of our people during this lockdown period. Equally we salute the effort aimed at flattening the curve. Our dreams and hopes is to see a better world free of grief, a happy world we all want to live in.

As much as we fight this virus, we are a constitutional democracy; we believe in the rule of law. The easing of regulations to better the day-to-day lives of South Africans is welcomed, however, exploitation coupled with delinquency must not be allowed, as the law of the land is supreme.

Dinyalo Elias Mampane, GaTisane

Trump doesn’t need face mask to remain confusing The advice from John Selden’s “Do as I say, not as I do,” could be rewritten for US president Donald Trump as “Do as I say, not as I don’t”.

His musing that “I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know, I don’t see it for myself,” is concerning for a number of reasons.

He should be guided by medical experts not his personal preference.

Most leaders are far too busy with the Covid-19 pandemic to personally travel anywhere.

Masks might muffle his voice though it already seems muddled so any change may make his messages more confusing than they are already, if that is possible.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne

Sowetan Monday April 6 2020

Opinion 13

Fear of global plagues and greed for money are as old as mankind As we begin to think we are human-gods, a little virus reminds us of our powerlessness Prince Mashele Most of us have been taught to understand the word “historian” to refer to a specialist who writes about the past.

One of the greatest – if not the greatest – historians alive today is a 44-year-old man by the name of Yuval Harari, currently lecturing at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.

Five years ago, Harari changed the meaning of “history” by publishing a book about the future – Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.

The title of this prophetic book is pregnant with meaning. It combines two beings – earthly and divine – to produce an omnipotent hybrid called “Domo Deus”.

In palaeontology, the prefix “homo” refers to creatures that evolved into the human family. In classical Latin, “Deus” meant “god”. Thus, Harari’s book envisions a future where man can appropriate the powers of “god”, and therefore become a human-god or “Homo Deus”.

In the first chapter, Harari writes about the “anti-death” scientific research under way at the well-known American company Google.

In 2009, one of the leading

anti-death researchers at Google, Bill Maris, fervently believed it would be possible, through genetic engineering, for a human being to live until he is 500 years old.

That idea rests on a fundamental transformation of the meaning of “death” that has taken place in the mind of man – from the understanding of death as a mysterious occurrence preordained by a deity to death understood as, according to Harari, “a technical problem that we can and should solve”.

From that standpoint, the

expectation of life up to the age of 500 is no longer shocking. The path to such a deathless (or deferable death) future becomes clearer.

Here is the road envisioned

by Harari: “We had better start with more modest aims, such as doubling life expectancy? In the twentieth century we have almost doubled life expectancy from forty to seventy, so in the twenty-first century we should at least be able to double it again to 150.”

If Harari’s Homo Dues were to proceed according to his imagination, in the 22nd

century we should at least be able to double life expectancy to 300 years.

Don’t worry about aging; regenerative medicine would be able to keep your body parts constantly young. One pill can restore all the sinews of your body to their former selves. Or, you would simply print a new lung from a 3D printer if your old one feels a bit tired.

That is what the human mind does under conditions of prosperity. It sees no limits to human capability when the world around it seems to float in the direction of progress.

Think of Francis Fukuyama’s book, The End of History and the Last Man. In the aftermath of the Cold War, Fukuyama imagined a

Old age is not reversal despite theories on genetic engineering and other seemingly smart ideas to make humans immortal. / M A RC O LO N GA R I / A F P

future in which liberal democracy and capitalism would nourish his “last man” – probably an overfed creature with a fixed hedonistic pattern: eat, have sex, and sleep.

Intermittent economic shake-ups (a la the 1997 Asian financial crisis) notwithstanding, the 15 years following the collapse of the Berlin Wall were a time of heightened optimism. Even the howls of protest from the Left that clamoured to turn attention to Joseph Stiglitz’s Globalisation and its Discontents could not stop the party.

As late as 2006, leading economists were using optimistic phrases like “the exuberance of growth”. The World Bank and the IMF had grown more dogmatic in their neoliberal prescriptions.

And, just as the music at the party reached its highest note, the global economy collapsed like a house of cards in 2007/2008.

Suddenly, the econometrics formulas of renowned experts amounted to a heap of technical nonsense. An old human proclivity explained it all – greed.

The lesson is simple: we humans are not as clairvoyant as we fancy ourselves to be. Our collective apogee ought to be the genesis of our modesty.

When we forget that maxim of humility, and begin to think we are a human-god; that’s when an invisible little thing called coronavirus comes in to remind us of our powerlessness.

How did so great a mind as Harari not foresee so near a future where so smug a being as Homo Deus would seek refuge behind closed doors, fearing a mere virus outside? Maybe “historians” must stick to the past.

Lockdown is taking its toll on long-suffering parents Thabiso Mahlape

Nothing like the world being on pause to get you thinking and unpacking some of your favourite memories.

Like the time you started learning how to drive, do you remember that?

I remember my first lesson only vaguely, but what I remember from that time is a “lesson” I had with my dad. He wanted to measure my progress.

We were driving in Zone 3 (Seshego) past a place known as ‘ma social-wekheng’, where the social workers’ offices are when he decided it was time for me to take the wheel.

He put me behind the wheel and we fought and shouted so much I almost drove us into a bus.

That was the last we would attempt a lesson and my very first lesson in knowing that parents aren’t always meant to be everything to you at once.

I have thought about this a lot since the lockdown. I have also

thought about the abilities we imagine we need to have as parents.

Parenting is a strenuous exercise, it permeates every aspect of your life and demands that you hand over every bit of who you are. The minute you become a parent, you can never just up and leave anymore.

Every step you take requires a careful and measured step. It drains you mentally and emotionally.

You want to divorce, did you think about the child? Do you want to quit your job and start a business? Have you considered the child?

To know that every single day when you wake up, someone is counting on you to keep them alive and to not f*** them up is a strain.

This Thursday I turn 36, the exact age my dad was when he was widowed and left to raise three daughters alone.

My everyday attempts at adulting and parenting leave me in complete

awe and appreciation of what he must have gone through at that time.

Before the lockdown, my daughter and I had already been social distancing now for about two weeks. Which means we have been at home alone and in each other’s faces for a long time.

I have had to measure carefully the things I felt were my failures as a parent against my successes and this week I have given myself permission to stop.

My daughter is clean, she is completely off her normal schedule but she doesn’t go to bed dirty.

She is fed, she even has the gall to let me know that she doesn’t eat leftovers, and every single day she is clothed, warm and safe. And I have to accept that this is what is expected of me as a parent. And that I am doing alright.

In these past three weeks, I have tried to pick up educational activities for us to do, but she is unteachable and sulks when I correct her. On top of that, I find it

very difficult to explain the smallest of details in a way that a six-year-old brain can absorb.

I have since stopped this effort. It is far more important that our relationship comes out of this intact and that we are both happy when she is sent back to school to be taught by a trained teacher.

We really cannot be expected to keep working from home and taking on teaching our children. I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. I have since written to the school to express this.

I have spoken to a lot of parents since the lockdown and most are really feeling overwhelmed by being confined in spaces with their little ones. And I think it is the expectation that we must stimulate kids, entertain them and educate them. That is not an ability that is carried by all of us well and parents need to relax.

Do the best you can while you try to keep yourself sane. No parenting gymnastics are necessary.

14 Entertainment

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

Your

Your Stars

Tv Guide

What kind of day will tomorrow be? To find out what the stars say, read the forecast given for your birth sign

14:00 till late

Aries March 21 — April 21 SABC1

Do what you can to avoid arguments with friends, partners and members of groups on this Full Moon day. This is the only Full Moon opposite your sign all year. Yikes!

14:00 Gospel And Inspiration Music Concert 15:00 Degrassi 15:30 YO.TV 16:30 The Chat Room 17:00 Expressions 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News 18:00 Orange Couch 18:30 Skeem Saam 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News 19:30 S'gudi 'Snaysi 20:00 Generations: The Legacy 20:30 Uzalo 21:00 20 Years Of Loxion Kulca 22:00 Against all Odds

Taurus April 21 — May 21 Steer clear of confrontations with bosses, teachers, parents or the police today, because this might happen easily. Don't be rash. Don't quit your day job.

Gemini May 21 — June 22 Avoid controversial topics like race, religion and politics today, because they could be explosive. People are looking for a fight. (You need this like a fish needs a bicycle.)

Cancer June 22 — July 23 Disputes about shared property, inheritances and insurance issues could be nasty today. Pick another day for these discussions. "Not tonight, Josephine."

SABC2 Leo July 23 — Aug 24

14:00 15:00 15:30 15:45 16:00 16:30 17:00

Magnum Dinopaws Yo.TV Mini - Yo TV Land YO.TV Ilitha Lethu Epic Hangout Hectic Nine-9 Dragon Ball Z Kai The Final Chapter 17:30 Venda/Tsonga News 18:00 7de Laan 18:30 Nuus 19:00 Voetspore 20:00 Sesotho/Setswana News 20:30 Leihlo La Sechaba 21:00 Muvhango 21:30 Lithapo 22:00 Out Of Time

Be careful today, because this is an accident-prone day for your sign, which means you have to pay attention to everything you say and do. Be polite with close friends and partners. (For your own peace of mind.)

Virgo Aug 24 — Sep 23 Work accidents might occur today, especially related to equipment, electricity and fire. Likewise, disputes about money and possessions are likely. Tread carefully!

Libra Sep 23 — Oct 23 Today the only Full Moon in your sign all year is taking place.

In addition, social plans might be canceled or changed.

Parents should be vigilant to avoid accidents with their kids.

Scorpio Oct 23 — Nov 23

SABC3

Do what you can to keep the peace at home today, because arguments are likely. This is also an accident-prone day at home. Stay calm. Carry on.

14:30 Truth Be Told 15:00 Battle Of The Versus

16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:30

Hectic On 3 Judge Jenkins The Backstory Top Chef Junior Isidingo: The Need Survivor Unfiltered News Billions High Rollers

etv 14:00 The Wild 14:30 Peppa Pig 14:35 Care Bears: Unlock the Magic 15:00 PJ Masks 15:15 Wissper 15:30 Transformers: Robots In Disguise 15:55 GGO Football 2: International...

16:20 Judge Judy 16:45 Days Of Our Lives 17:30 Bittersoet 18:25 Masterclass On Wealth 18:30 news - COVID-19 Update 19:00 Rhythm City 19:30 Scandal!

20:00 e.tv News 20:30 Chicago Fire 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed 22:00 Queen Sugar

SOWETO TV 14:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30

Kasi Vibes Kasi Vibes Babize Bonke Football Conversations Dlala nge Ringas Soweto Business Line Soweto TV News

What toWatch The Queen Kagiso is in for an interesting time with Siyanda’s (Cindy Mahlangu) daughter.

Skhumbuzo pleads his innocence but no one is hearing him.

Mzansi Magic:21:01

19:00 Africa Eye 20:00 Thetha Nam 20:30 Your Late Mate 21:00 Al Jazeera The Stream 21:30 Pop Corner 22:00 Apostle Mohlala

Mzansi Magic 13:55 Lokshin Bioskop: Mgosi 15:30 Old Mutual's Amazing Voices

16:31 Soul Sessions 17:01 The Talk 18:00 Nomalanga 19:00 The River 19:30 Gomora 20:00 Lockdown 20:30 Isibaya 21:01 The Queen 21:31 Sengkhathele 22:02 Injabulo

Sagittarius Nov 23 — Dec 22

Crossword 3148

This is definitely an accident-prone day. Romance is turbulent and quarrelsome. Relations with kids might be difficult because of the Full Moon energy.

mosimanem@sowetan.co.za

12`3`4~5`6`7` ~`~`~`~`~`~`~ 8`````~90```` ~`~`~-```~~`~ ~`~`~`~~`~~`~ =`````~q`w``e `~~`~`~`~`~~` rt``y`~u```i` ~`~~`~~`~`~`~ ~`~~op``~`~`~ [``]``~\````` ~`~`~`~`~`~`~ a`````~s`````

Capricorn Dec 22 — Jan 21 Keep an eye on your possessions and your money, because something unexpected might impact your wealth today.

Meanwhile, the Full Moon tests your relations with authority figures today.

Aquarius Jan 21 — Feb 20 Pay attention to everything you say and do, because this is an accident-prone day for you. Fiery Mars is in your sign at odds with unpredictable Uranus. Be careful!

Birthdate of:

Pisces Feb 20 — Mar 21 Avoid disputes about money and possessions today. Meanwhile, be aware of situations going on behind the scenes that might suddenly explode, especially something related to a hidden enemy.

Russell Crowe (Actor)

ACROSS 1 Seventh planet from the sun some; times visible to the naked eye (6) 5 Greatly productive; fertile (6) 8 Large feline mammal of the Americas, similar to the leopard (6) 9 A person; something that exists or is thought to exist (1,5) 11 Verge (4) 12 _ out of the market (6) 13 Thomas _, US inventor described as America’s greatest inventor (6) 16 Slang word for prison (6) 19 Genius (6) 21 Hand over (4) 23 Absence of emotion (6) 25 Close at hand (6) 26 Large orderly piles of hay for storage in the open air (6) 27 Backpacking (6)

DOWN 2 A person who is fond of reading (6) 3 Relating to, or involving ships, navigation or seamen (8) 4 Shredding machine (6) 5 Standard (4) 6 Coronal Mass Ejection (3) 7 Papal ambassador to a foreign government (6) 10 Globule (4) 12 Polar Stratospheric Cloud (3) 13 Settle (8) 14 Foolish and irrelevant talk (4,4) 15 Egg of a louse (3) 17 Act of production or manufacture (6) 18 Every one of two or more considered individually (4) 20 Stunted (6) 22 Organs of sight (4) 24 Tit Table Test (3)

Friday ’s solutions Yesterday ’s solutions ACROSS 1 Neptune 6 Lifts up 9 Eagle 10 Kind 11 Get along 15 Charging 19 AIRS 21 Abhor 22 Granary 25 Seeking DOWN 1 NFS 2 PDS 3 Umpire 4 Ejecta 5 Fallen 7 IASI 8 Tender 10 KSC 11 GEI 12 Tag 13 Leaven 14 GPS 16 Hubble 17 Guars 18 Niggle 20 Roar 23 ALI 24 APG.

YOU BORN TODAY You have a warm heart. You're sociable, friendly and get along with everyone. You are also fearless. Service to others is your theme this year, especially with family. This means you must take care of yourself so you are a strong resource for yourself and others. Invest in the relationships that you value.

Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies.

Jackie Chan (Actor/Martial artist)

Pantsula

MacKenzie Bezos (Novelist)

Tomorrow’s Weather Pretoria 15-28

Sifiso Yalo

Johannesburg 11-23

Nelspruit 16-31

Phone: 082 162 www.weathersa.co.za | @SAWeatherservice

Polokwane 12-30

Mafikeng 11-26

Bloemfontein 16-19

Kimberley 9-20

Cape Town 13-17

East London 14-19

Durban 17-22

Consumer News 15

Sowetan Monday April 6 2020

Franchisee gets rental reduction Lockdown relief for business owner While some financial institutions have announced extensive payment relief for clients affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, others seem to be dragging their feet.

Consumer Line has successfully helped a reader whose service provider insisted she pay the R8,000 monthly safe rental despite her fast food franchise being shut down as a result of the lockdown.

Nahwal Foster, 32, of Wilgeheuwel in Roodepoort will now pay R4,700 rent instead.

She signed a contract with Cash Connect for an in-store safe and Fidelity cash collection, she said.

“I requested a payment holiday for the R8,000 monthly rental of the safe and they have refused outright, saying they fell under essential services and will be in full operation right through the lockdown.”

Foster, a mother of two, said Cash Connect insisted that she pay her monthly rental because its safe is still in her premises although she would

not be using it.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all business to play its part to cushion the blow that the national lockdown will have on jobs and the economy. Please assist me,” Foster pleaded with Consumer Line.

Foster said she opened the franchise in July last year and she employs 17 workers.

“Business cashflow has been our biggest challenge but we have survived so far.”

Minister of tourism Mmamoloko KubayiNgubane signed a directive on Tuesday March 24, which ordered all restaurants, including fast food and delivery services, to shut their doors.

“I wholeheartedly agree with this directive to protect myself, my staff, customers and my suppliers and it is necessary that we all do our part to flatten the curve,” Foster said.

Since the announcement of the lockdown, Foster said she has been phoning around to

Thuli Zungu Consumer Line Tel: (011) 280-5312. E-mail: zungut@sowetan.co.za or write to PO Box 6663, Johannesburg, 2000

enquire about payment holidays or some kind of relief for the next three weeks to alleviate the potentially crippling effect the shutdown would have on her business with no success.

“My main concern is the staff wage at this stage as they are hourly earners and will not be able to afford the bare necessities should they not receive any payment during the lockdown,” she said.

Foster said she has been monitoring the Unemployment Insurance Fund information channel to advise her employees.

“I have also tried to claim from the SME Fund set up by the government and in the meantime tried to free up enough cash to potentially contribute towards their wages.”

A few hours after Consumer Line took up Foster’s matter, Cash Connect had a change of heart. Lauren Rayne said Cash Connect, after reviewing Foster’s request, has now reached amicable terms for the 21-day lockdown period.

‘We do understand that some of our clients are forced to stop all trading for the duration of the lockdown period.

“We do do our utmost best to

support them as best as we can to ensure that the effects of the lockdown in the aspect of their agreement with Cash Connect is minimised,” Rayne said.

She said Cash Connect is in full support of the retailers who are trading to ensure that their operations are uninterrupted and uncompromised.

“We sincerely sympathise with our clients who are directly impacted by this lockdown.”

Nahwal Foster

16 Sport

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

BSA to honour Manning when lockdown ends

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‘Francis served boxing well’

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Boxing SA will still host a memorial service in honour of departed referee, judge and KwaZulu-Natal provincial manager Francis Manning when the world of boxing resumes after the lockdown.

Manning passed away last week and he was buried on Saturday in Durban. He had been in out of the hospital since last year, fighting ill health.

BSA executives could not travel due to restrictions put in place by the government in an attempt to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19.

“We will definitely host a memorial service in honour of Manny once regulations have been relaxed,” said BSA chairman Peter Ngatane, who, in the meantime, paid a moving tribute to the gentleman he had known for many decades.

“Francis served the boxing sector with passion, commitment and excellence over a number of decades.

‘He started as a ring announcer and ultimately became one of BSA’s best referees and judges.

“Manning was always willing to go beyond call of duty and in recent times he joined both the African Boxing Union and the World Boxing

Council as a ring official.”

Ngatane, who is the vicepresident of the ABU and a member of the WBC’s board of governors, added: “He also assisted with administration in the KwaZuluNatal when the erstwhile provincial manager Les Andreasen was still in charge. They worked well together until Andreasen retired in April 2019.

“Manning took responsibility for his actions and embraced criticism very well and where he might have committed any error.

“He was a people’s person and always prepared to assist others at all times,” he said adding that Manning’s house was adorned with boxing memorabilia from his life and times in the sport.

“He also had love for poultry farming and he was blessed with a huge knowledge and expertise in raising egg-laying chicken.

“Francis will be sorely missed by his family and friends and the boxing fraternity worldwide. You’ve played your part, champ.”

Manning was a people’s person

BSA chairperson Peter Ngatane. /

B A FA N A M A H L A N G U

Shortened IPL way to go – cricketers Pietersen punts for closed matches New Delhi – Players are putting pressure on cricket authorities to plan a shortened Twenty20 Indian Premier League later in the year to “kickstart” the sports economy after the coronavirus lockdown.

The world’s richest cricket tournament has been postponed until April 15, which coincides with the end of India’s 21-day nationwide shutdown to halt the spread of the pandemic.

But with the number of cases and deaths rising and India isolated from international travel, few believe any sport

will be possible on the subcontinent for at least three months.

“Let’s say July-August is the earliest,” said Kevin Pietersen, the former England batsman.

“I do truly believe the IPL should happen. I think every single player around the world is desperate to play the IPL,” he said on Indian broadcaster Star Sports.

Pietersen suggested the eight-team tournament be shortened from its normal eight-week duration and played behind closed doors.

“There could be a way in which to get some money into the franchises, into the economy by having a situation where you use maybe three venues which are completely

closed to fans,” said Pietersen.

“And the players can still go out and play the tournament in three weeks or in four weeks.

“I think the fans need to understand they can’t watch a live game at the moment and they might not be able to watch a live game for the foreseeable future.”

The league is a huge revenue

Players can still play in 3 or 4 weeks

earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India and is estimated to generate more than $11bn (R210bn) for the Indian economy.

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar said the league, which involves stars such as England’s Ben Stokes, David Warner and Pat Cummins of Australia, and India captain Virat Kohli, will inject life into the virus-ravaged economy.

“The moment we get clearances from all the authorities that matter, the IPL should happen, only because it will kickstart the economy,” said the cricketer-turned-commentator.

Stokes and Cummins have already voiced their eagerness to participate in the IPL. – AFP

Nal'ibali 21-Day Story Challenge Nal'ibali challenges you to read or share a story for 15 minutes or more with your family each day.

Make your pledge at www.nalibali.org and post pictures of your story-sharing sessions online.

Tag @NalibaliSA and use the hashtag #21DayStoryChallenge.

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18 Sport

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

GladAfrica gems ready for the PSL Many top-flight clubs usually rely on the second-tier for fresh talent, having seen the likes of AmaZulu, who bought Siyethemba Sithembe from Mbombela United in 2015. Many other clubs use the GladAfrica Championship as their feeder league. Sihle Ndebele picks out five players from the second-tier who look ready for the elite league Pule Mmodi (Uthongathi) Mmodi, 27, has five goals from 21 league games this season, aiding the Cane Cutters to third spot on the log. He is a quick, tricky and talented winger who is also capable of playing as a central attacking midfielder or on either side of the pitch, although he is a leftfooted player.

Thendo Mukumela (Ajax Cape Town)

Tiyani Mabunda of Mamelodi Sundowns says the club has ambitions of lifting another CAF Champions League trophy and the arrival of new players will certainly help. / S A M U E L S H I V A M B U / B A C K P A G E P I X

Sugar relishes competition from Maluleka Mabunda says new players will help conquer CL

By Sihle Ndebele

Hard-nosed Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda has sounded very open about the pending arrival of George Maluleka, despite the pair having a near-similar style of play as anchoring midfielders.

With his Kaizer Chiefs contract expiring at the end of June, the 31-year-old Maluleka decided to safeguard his future by penning what is believed to be a three-year deal with Sundowns.

As Andile Jali and captain Hlompho Kekana have forged a strong midfield partnership, with Mabunda third behind them in the midfield pecking order, many feel Maluleka will find playing opportunities hard to come by at Chloorkop.

Nevertheless, Mabunda has

interestingly maintained he welcomes Maluleka’s imminent arrival with open arms, hoping the fellow midfielder adds value in the club’s quest for another CAF Champions League triumph.

“At Mamelodi Sundowns there’s no pecking order, whoever plays, plays. So you can’t say you are scared of competition. We welcome George, he’s going to really help the team, he’s going to do a lot,” said Mabunda, who turns 32 on April 17.

“He’s really welcome at the club and he’s going to assist us with the Champions League.

“I am looking forward for more to come because we really need to win the Champions League.”

“Sugar”, as Mabunda is affectionately known, is also looking forward to welcome another midfielder in Grant Margeman, who is expected to join the Brazilians from Ajax Cape Town at the end of the current season.

“You can’t just mention George because remember

Grant Margeman is also a midfielder, he’s coming as well,” said Mabunda, who started just three of the nine league games he had featured in during this campaign.

Amid the Covid-19 lockdown, Mabunda has encouraged fellow players, especially the younger ones, to look up to long-serving players such as Golden Arrows’ Musa Bilankulu (35) and Polokwane City skipper Jabulani Maluleke (38) for motivation.

“I know some players, especially youngsters, are not inspired to train at home during this hard time. But in situations like this, you source motivation from players like Maluleke and Bilankulu,” said Mabunda.

“They’ve been in the game for a while and they’re still going strong, so youngsters must aspire to be like those players by not relaxing during the lockdown...if you have motivation and hunger to play longer your spirit can’t be dampened by this situation of the coronavirus.”

Ajax are top of the log, meaning they’ve got a big chance of automatic promotion. But even if they fail, Mukumela, 22, can easily be snatched up by a top-flight outfit. The Mamelodi Sundowns Academy product is a strong centreback who excels in the air due to his elevation, eye for goal, and heading accuracy, making him a goal threat on set-pieces.

He’s scored an impressive five goals this season.

Abednego Mosiatlhaga (Ajax) Mosiatlhaga is GladAfrica’s top-scorer with 16 goals.

His goal-scoring prowess is the main reason the Urban Warriors are at the summit. The 25-yearold is a fast, agile, and technically gifted winger.

Mosiatlhaga is known for his

Thendo Mukumela of Ajax Cape Town / D A R R E N S T E W A R T/ GA L LO I M AG E S

quick feet and acceleration, which allow him to dribble past opponents at speed while keeping close control of the ball.

Decide Chauke (TS Sporting) Having netted eight GladAfrica goals this season on the back of banging in 12 the previous campaign, Chauke has substantiated beyond doubt that he is a top centre-forward. In short, the 24year-old is an accurate and efficient finisher with his head and both feet.

Kagiso Malinga (Swallows) Malinga, 25, is a hard worker of note. His ability to track back to assist in defence from his right wing position is unrivalled in the GladAfrica. Malinga has scored eight goals, inspiring Swallows to position two on the table. Known for his pace, low centre of gravity, and dribbling skills, Malinga can be an asset to many topflight sides.

Sport 19

Sowetan Monday April 6 2020

Jackson uses break to heal his quad injury Mabokgwane couldn’t train between fixtures

By Neville Khoza

Jackson Mabokgwane of Bloemfontein Celtic says he’s been playing with an injury that saw him miss few training session. / S Y D N E Y M A H L A N G U / B A C K P A G E P I X

Amid all the disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, there is one silver lining for Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane.

For Mabokgwane, the hiatus has been an opportunity to heal his quad injury.

The 32-year-old revealed that he has been playing with an injury for a while and that he has been using the break to heal it properly without rushing it.

Mabokgwane and his teammates have been following a programme they have been given by Celtic as they continue to train alone at home.

“It’s easy to follow because we understand it, we are professionals and we are taking that responsibility,” Mabokgwane told the Sowetan yesterday.

“It’s just guidelines, but you know exactly what you need to work on like I was struggling with a bit of injury and this gives me an opportunity to work on certain things.

“I try to look at the positives after this situation. For me personally, it works out best, because I can be able to recover fully. I had a quad problem.

“I was playing with it trying

to rest it in between matches, so I couldn’t train. I would just prepare for matches and after that, it was back to square one... it was painful. Now I have the opportunity to sort it out completely.”

The ex-Orlando Pirates goalie has been hard at work at home and added that with this being his first season with Celtic, the break is also giving him time to look back at what he did right and wrong.

“It has been about staying indoors and trying to reflect on some of my matches and do some bit of corrections on them to see where I made mistakes,” Mabokgwane continued.

“I started well, but I couldn’t keep the momentum going but so far, I think it is a satisfactory season for me because it is my first with the team. Unfortunately, consistency has not been there because I have been playing with a different back four every single match I played. Hopefully, now we will get that spine in the back four to help us not concede more goals.”

Mabokgwane 2019/20 stats at Celtic Games: 21 Goals conceded: 24 Clean Sheets: 5

Rooney blasts players’ salary sacrifice plan Premier League’s move questioned London – Wayne Rooney has criticised the UK government and the Premier League for placing footballers in a “nowin situation” over proposed pay cuts after a warning from players’ representatives that National Health Service coffers could suffer.

The ex-England captain, now playing for Derby, penned an impassioned column in the London Sunday Times saying his fellow professionals were “easy targets” in the response to the coronavirus crisis.

Rooney made it clear he had both the means and the will to make financial contributions, either in the form of salary reductions or direct donations

to the NHS, but felt the public pressure being exerted on players was unhelpful.

The Premier League’s suggested strategy involving a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30% of wages, was discussed in a conference call with players’ and managers’ reps on Saturday.

“If the government approached me to help support nurses financially or buy ventilators I’d be proud to do so – as long as I knew where the money was going,” wrote Rooney. “I’m in a place where I could give something up. Not every footballer is in the same position.

“Yet suddenly the whole profession has been put on the spot with a demand for 30% pay cuts across the board. Why

are footballers suddenly the scapegoats? How the past few days have played out is a disgrace.”

The Premier League has been seen as lagging behind other European leagues in its response to coronavirus and was accused by one British lawmaker of operating in a “moral vacuum”.

But Rooney questioned the wisdom of the Premier League in pre-empting behind-the-scenes talks involving players with its own proposals for sweeping cuts.

“It’s now a no-win situation.

Whatever way you look at it, we’re easy targets.”

England defender Danny Rose, on loan at Newcastle from Tottenham, told the BBC players were “keen to make something happen”. – AFP

Former England skipper Wayne Rooney claims players are easy targets in virus plan. / G E T T Y I M A G E S / S H A U N B O T T E R I L L

We will host a memorial service in honour of Manny soon Peter Ngatane BSA CHAIRMAN

page 16

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Sport

Monday April 6 2020 Sowetan

De Reuck takes Bafana snub well ‘I need to be extra special to be selected’

By Sihle Ndebele

‘‘

Each country is different, that’s what people don’t understand

Polokwane City coach Clinton Larsen / S A M U E L

S H I V A M B U / B A C KPAG E P I X

Eric Tinkler of Maritzburg United / A N E S H D E B I K Y/G A L LO IMAGES

Solid Maritzburg United centre-back Rushine de Reuck has conceded his disappointment at his recent Bafana Bafana snub.

Despite his impressive club form, De Reuck was not selected for Bafana’s back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe that were indefinitely postponed as a result of the coronavirus outspread.

“I was so disappointed to be left out, but these things happen in football. It’s not a big deal, but to be honest I was kinda expecting a call-up,” De Reuck said.

The 24-year-old defender has since vowed to work even harder, feeling it’s a matter of time before finally being recognised by Bafana coaches.

“Mine is to improve. There’s a lot of players who’ve been do-

ing as well as me, so to be selected you need to be extra special... I’m working on that, to be extra special,” stated the Team of Choice man, who’s started all Maritzburg’s 24 league outings this term.

“To be honest I think I’m not far off the national coach’s plans. It’s my dream to play for Bafana and I’m willing to fight more than I’ve been doing to achieve it.”

De Reuck’s solid form has seen him attract interest from local heavyweights such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. However, the lad from the Mother City insisted his focus is solely on the Team of Choice.

“I’m concentrating on Maritzburg, nothing else. I am a Maritzburg player. I want to help Maritzburg win games and improve as a team,” said De Reuck, who made it clear he won’t speak about other clubs.

Show must go on...

‘Let’s solve league puzzle our way’ Coaches want PSL clubs to play out the season

By Neville Khoza

While other leagues in Europe have decided the way forward as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 conundrum, the Premier Soccer League has yet to announce its deliberations on how to complete the domestic football programme.

In Belgium the league champions were declared last week, but it was an easier decision as the Jupiler was left with one round of fixtures to close and Club Brugge was 15 points clear at the top.

The English Premier League meanwhile is looking at China as a possible destiny to finish its season.

Two Absa Premiership coaches, Eric Tinkler and

Clinton Larsen, have weighed in on the current impasse, suggesting the PSL could not afford to end things as they are with so much at stake.

“Ours is a complicated situation,” said Maritzburg United coach Tinkler, whose side are fifth on the table.

“People are looking at what will happen in Europe. But realistically, we have to see what Fifa has to say.

“What is Fifa going to do because there are a lot of complications, we are hoping that everybody can get back to playing as soon as possible.

“Our situations right now don’t permit that so we just have to be a little bit patient to see how long this will take.”

His Polokwane City counterpart, Larsen, whose side are fighting relegation, said they should wait for the PSL leadership to guide them in line with the government’s guidelines.

“We are waiting for our leaders to give us direction, which

will happen very soon.

“When April 16 comes and the government makes an announcement based on the current situation, then we will have more direction. I mean we only have a few games to go and that could be played within a month,” Larsen said.

“So the league will have to decided based on the news from the government if the situation is bad, they will make a decision and probably push the dates back and if the situation improves, I’m sure they will give us a date to start.”

Larsen added that the PSL must not look at what other countries are doing in Europe as the situation is different.

“Each country is different, that’s what people don’t understand. The number of confirmed cases in each country is different and so are the number of deaths in each country.

“So you’ve got to move according to what the government feeds you.”

Rushine de Reuck of Maritzburg, seen here with Deon Hotto, says he wants to win a call up. / L E F T Y S H I V A M B U / G A L L O