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Now for the cops to act against Stella
In the know on the move R5.70 (Eswatini, Bots 5.20 incl tax)
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Thursday April 9, 2020 www.sowetanlive.co.za
‘Alcohol is our Mayor Covid-19 bread and suspended over outbreak butter’ ‘racist’ remarks shuts hospital page 8
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Millions up in smoke
Schools at the mercy of thugs ● Four Tshwane schools torched ● 18 others vandalised across Gauteng as hapless department looks to army and police days after the end of a security patrols to help, fearing more attacks page 6 contract despite lockdown
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Probe into outbreak of Covid-19 at St Augustine’s Hospital says staff infected had correct gear By Yasantha Naidoo and Lwandile Bhengu
Acclaimed epidemiologist Prof Salim Abdool Karim will lead an investigation into the coronavirus outbreak at St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban. Netcare management yesterday moved swiftly to deny that medical staff and employees at the hospital – at which 66 people have tested positive for Covid-19 – were not given appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). In response to health minister Zweli Mkhize’s announcement on Tuesday, Netcare CEO Dr Richard Friedland said in a statement the hospital was “deeply saddened that, despite our very best efforts and precautions, there have been a total of four Covid-19associated deaths” there. Friedland said contrary to claims, staff members and doctors at the 464-bed hospital had been provided with PPE. “No Netcare facility has ever expected a staff member to work without appropriate PPE. Our PPE policy includes a directive on the wearing of masks during the Covid-19 pandemic which... provides greater protection than the current recommendations and guidelines of … the World Health Organisation and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). “In addition, we have retrained over 16, 750 healthcare workers, other staff members and doctors on the appropriate and correct use... “Since the spread of infec-
St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban has several staff members who are Covid-19 positive. / T H E M B I N KO S I DWAY I S A
tions began as a result of two patients who were admitted for other medical reasons and initially had no travel history or symptoms of Covid-19 but subsequently tested positive, we have been in close consultation with the KZN DOH [department of health] and the NICD and continue to strictly follow their guidance and instructions,” said Friedland. He said the clinical team was working closely with Karim, a special adviser to the minister of health, and a team of epidemiology and infectious diseases specialists from the University of KZN. He said the hospital has 15 pre-existing communityacquired Covid-19 patients in its dedicated isolation units and one person had recovered. “Of the staff and doctors tested, we confirm that 47 people who are connected with our hospital have tested positive for Covid-19. Of the 47 positive cases, 33 are in self-isolation and a further 14 are being accommodated by Netcare to ensure they are able to safely
self-quarantine. Of those who tested positive, one person has since tested negative following his period of self-quarantine and has returned to work.” Friedland said challenges associated with the virus were that people infected didn’t always display symptoms and that it was highly infectious. “The ideal would be if all healthcare facilities could test, and not just screen, every person coming into our hospitals, and to do that on a repeat basis as some may at first test negative. The reality in SA, however, makes this impossible, so the risk remains of Covid-19 entering our hospitals, and any other hospitals in this way despite our best efforts to prevent this from happening.” Testing of the 1, 982 people working at the hospital was being done. “More than half of these individuals have already been swabbed. Thus far, a total of 504 people have tested negative and we are awaiting the results of a further 318 people. “Our deep and heartfelt thanks go to all our healthcare
workers, nurses and doctors and their families and loved ones for their incredible efforts under these very trying and challenging circumstances. We … remain deeply grateful to them all,” he said. KZN health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said her department had to close the hospital as a precaution after discovering irregularities in how Covid-19 cases were being reported to the government. “The biggest issue that got us worried was the fact that the cases we got from there were not cases that had initially been reported. These were cases that were admitted to the hospital without being tested properly for Covid-19 and they were put in a normal ward and tested for pneumonia instead of following proper protocol and testing for Covid-19. “We decided to randomly test their healthcare workers... and out of the first 20 we tested, 11 came back positive. We have tested everyone and already we are on 48 that have been exposed.”
Mass relocations plans come to life Removals aimed at de-densification By Kgothatso Madisa
More than 21,000 families are set to be moved from 29 informal settlements across the country as government tries to stop the spread of coronavirus. The removals are expected to begin in the next few weeks, starting with six informal settlements in Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Sowetan has learnt that in Gauteng, informal settlements that will form part of the first batch of removals are in Atteridgeville and Mamelodi in Tshwane, Alexandra and Diepsloot in Johannesburg, Ivory Park near Tembisa and Duncan Village in Eastern Cape as
well as Devon in Western Cape. Stephen Poya, from a consortium of engineers who are assisting the department of human settlements with the mass relocations, said a housing development agency has identified land where people would be moved to. He said people would not be moved too far from where they are currently living as they took into consideration things like work and schooling. He said they would, preferably from tomorrow, start the construction with building roads and installing water infrastructures before moving on to build temporary houses.
Government seeks to reduce congestion in shantytowns. / THULANI MBELE
Poya said: “But the whole idea is to make sure that there is a proper layout of the settlement in terms of the township so that it is laid out properly with roads and services and then make sure that there is water and sanitation.”
Poya said the people who will be moved are those who were going to be relocated anyway, and because of the risks related to coronavirus they came in to accelerate the process that the government had already started years back.
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
News
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ANC suspends mayor for racist ‘boesman’ slur Speelman tells soldiers to ‘skop and donder’ By Iavan Pijoos
Welkom mayor Nkosinjani Speelman has been suspended for using a racially offensive word while addressing soldiers on the enforcing of lockdown rules in the mining town. In a statement, the ANC in the Free State said Speelman’s comments were “racist and regrettable”. The party said it had decided to “temporarily suspend” Speelman as a member of the party and as a public representative. Earlier, Speelman had apologised for making the slur. “I want to apologise with the statement I made yesterday. It was not undermining you, it was just out of mistake. So I want to apologise to everybody in Bronville – particularly the coloured people.” The apology comes after a video of him addressing soldiers on Monday regarding the enforcing of lockdown rules was pub-
Soldiers drag a Daveyton resident towards a police van after they accused him of defying instruction to stop filming and stay in his home. / A N T O N I O M U C H A V E
Defiant people keep cops busy on streets Soldiers manhandle man for ‘ignoring’ their orders By Promise Marupeng
Police and the army had their hands full trying to enforce the national lockdown regulations in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg, yesterday. Police had expressed concern that some of the residents were not complying with lockdown’s strict measures calling on people to stay in their homes. Yesterday, the police, the army and the Ekurhuleni metro police embarked on an operation in the townships, targeting areas considered to be problematic. At Mkhalazenke informal settlement, law enforcement officers wrestled a 30year-old man who allegedly insulted a soldier when told to stop filming the patrol and stay inside his house. The man resisted arrest and tried to fight off the officers who wanted to lock him inside a police van. Police spokesperson Col Mac Mngomezulu said they had to shut down numerous informal trading businesses that operated without permits. Mngomezulu said although most businesses that were not supposed to operate were found closed, people refusing to stay in their homes was a bigger challenge. “We have to enforce the law, as if people do not understand the serious state the country is in,” Mngomezulu said. “We have arrested four people due to noncompliance and one of them we ar-
rested for possession of an illegal firearm.” Mngomezulu said people were roaming the streets in contravention of the lockdown rules. He said police struggled to control the masses of traders who were allowed on the streets to sell food this week. He also said the police were concerned about the legitimacy of the permits found on different individuals. “We urge the municipality to make the permits more appropriate and unforgettable.” Mngomezulu said demarcation was also a problem in terms of informal trading because people sell everywhere, even in places not allocated to trading. He said a high number of children play on the streets unattended. “Parents need to keep their children inside their yards. It’s disappointing that children, being vulnerable as they are, parents allow them to be out on the streets despite the spread of the virus daily.”
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It’s disappointing that kids being vulnerable as they are, parents let them play in streets
lished. His boesman comment – a derogatory term used against coloured people – was met with outrage. “In Bronville, you know some of the boesmans, they take some chances – don’t hesitate. I talked to them yesterday, but when you close them [down], they get out and drink again,” he said. Speelman said the soldiers must skop and donder if necessary and he would support them. Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie said Speelman’s comments lacked respect for coloured people. “I’m not going to laugh like all those gatkruipers [sycophants] listening to you calling people drunkards. You are drunk on power,” McKenzie warned Speelman. “I will make sure you get reported to the Human Rights Commission. I will fund a lawsuit against you by the people of Bronville. We will write to the ANC to discipline you. “You guys have no respect for coloured people. Your nonsense stops today.” The human rights commissioner in the province, Thabang Kheswa, was not immediately reachable for comment.
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CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
She has case to answer, says experts and EFF By Kgothatso Madisa
The ball is now in the law enforcement’s court to charge communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams for contravening lockdown rules. This was much clear yesterday when President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to throw a curve ball at law enforcement agencies by stating that “the law must take its course” when he announced he had placed Ndabeni-Abrahams on two months special leave. The action came after Ndabeni-Abrahams was pictured seated at a dinner table having lunch with former higher education deputy minister Mduduzi Manana at his home while the country is under strict 21-day lockdown rules that prohibits unnecessary visitations. Constitutional law expert Llewellyn Curlewis said Ndabeni-Abrahams has a case to answer before court. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. One rule is applicable to each and every South African regardless of your status and your profile,” Curlewis said. “It’s clear that the minister transgressed the law when she did what she did by going out for lunch or for an outing to a colleague’s house. The fact of the matter is, as a member of parliament and as a minister surely she’s responsible to set an example for the community at large.” He said that her case must be heard in
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. / ALAISTER RUSSELL
Law dared to act over Ndabeni-Abraham’s deed the court and if found guilty, the courts may want to make an example of her. “The fact of the matter is, she actually asked for forgiveness, which is mitigating. Obviously, it shows she takes responsibility for her wrongdoing... the law is the law.” Now the police’s hand could also be forced after the EFF laid charges against
Ndabeni-Abrahams yesterday. “None of us – not least a member of the National Executive – should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation. I am satisfied that minister Ndabeni-Abrahams appreciates the seriousness of what she has done and that no one is above the law” Ramaphosa said. Ordinary South Africans have been arrested and fined while some complained of brutality at the hands of police and the military for violating lockdown rules. On Tuesday night, Ramaphosa summoned Ndabeni-Abrahams to explain herself and decided to put her on special leave and also directed her to apologise after he said he was “unmoved” by her reasons for having visited Manana. National police spokesperson Vish Naidoo would not be drawn into commenting on whether charges would be pursued against her. I am saying I can’t confirm that now, just let the law take its course as the president said. Whatever it is that needs to be communicated will be communicated,” Naidoo said. Although Ndabeni-Abrahams has apologised, the EFF believes she should also be removed from her position as minister and that the special leave she was placed on is “a slap on the wrist”. EFF spokesperson Vuyani Pambo laid criminal charges against her at Douglasdale police station in Fourways yesterday.
“Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams must be removed from cabinet if the integrity of this national lockdown is to be maintained and the rule of law is to be taken seriously,” Pambo said. “There is no logical explanation for her to be treated with kid gloves while the masses of our people are subjected to the full might of the law.” He said they were also calling for an investigation into claims by Manana that her visit to his home was related to the fight against coronavirus. Manana, through his foundation, claimed that Ndabeni-Abrahams was there to collect protective equipment. “It is concerning that a sitting minister can be summoned to a home of an individual for donations while there are existing structures and mechanisms that coordinate donor efforts towards combating Covid-19,” Pambo said.
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She transgressed the law when she did what she did by going out for lunch
ANC backs Ramaphosa’s decision Let party deployees lead by example, says Duarte By Sthembile Cele
The ANC threw its weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s suspension of minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams yesterday and called on all its deployees to adhere to the lockdown regulations. “The African National Congress fully supports and welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to place minister of communications and digital technologies, comrade Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, on special leave for breaching lockdown regulations,” the party said in a statement. “The ANC calls on all its deployees and the rest of society to respect and abide by the letter and spirit of all lockdown regulations to effectively disrupt the chain of transmis-
sion occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. The national effort to contain and slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus is based on united action and social solidarity.” Ramaphosa announced that he would place the minister on special leave for two months, one of them without pay. Minister in the presidency Jackson Mthembu would be acting as communications minister while she is suspended. ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte sent a message on Tuesday to the ANC’s highest decision-making body between conferences, the NEC, calling on members to be cautious of their messaging to society on social media. “Let us lead by example and demonstrate political consciousness and sensitivity in our conduct and communication, especially on social media. Photos of opulent living and consumption of non-essential substances should be avoided,” Duarte said.
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
News
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‘Don’t let people undermine you’ Army chief sends troops to ‘war’ By Isaac Mahlangu
SA army chief General Solly Shoke has told his forces to go out to protect lives and also make sure they are not shown disrespect. Shoke was officially giving army personnel their sendoff at the Thaba Tshwane army base in Pretoria yesterday morning. This second sendoff to help enforce the national lockdown regulations follows the first deployment overseen by the president a week ago. Shoke said “no individual human right� is more important than saving lives of the majority of South Africans. Joined by SANDF Chaplain-General Monwabisi Andrew Jamangile, Shoke told the soldiers not to allow people “to test their patience�. “We shouldn’t allow people to test the patience of our soldiers because nani nizalwa umfazi siyafana [we are all the same as humans]; you’re hu-
man beings, you deserve to be respected,� Shoke said. “There are some who speak about human rights... but human life is more important than any individual human rights.� Shoke said the army was the last line of defence in the country, and that line shouldn’t be undermined. “A citizen takes a beer and pours it [on] a soldier and expect the soldier not to react... that’s undermining authority... we are not going to tolerate it. “Soze sivumele abantu ukuthi badelelane [we are not going to allow people to be disrespectful].� He said soldiers who crossed the line and misbehaved
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We shouldn’t allow people to test our patience
SA Army chief General Solly Shoke after giving his forces an official sendoff. / I S A A C would be disciplined as “there were some in our midst that don’t care about protecting human life�. “Mayihlome ihlasele, inombolo iphumile nimzwile ucomman-
der-in-chief [Get ready for war, you’ve heard what the commander in chief said].� President Cyril Ramaphosa is the army commander-inchief.
MAHLANGU
Jamangile went on to visit the army deployment at the Carousel Toll Plaza, at the Limpopo border, to encourage the soldiers ahead of the Easter weekend.
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Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
Disgruntled former guards suspected By Yoliswa Sobuwa
A shocking number of schools in Gauteng have fallen victim to arson during the Covid-19induced national lockdown, in what is suspected to be an organised act of crime. Today marks the 14th day of the 21-day lockdown and already 22 schools have been torched or vandalised in the province, leaving behind damages of millions of rands. Provincial department of education has revealed that it has no budget to fix the damaged schools in the current financial year. The latest school to be gutted is Soshanguve High School, north of Pretoria. Its entire administrative block burnt down yesterday morning. It was in fact the fourth school in Soshanguve to be torched during the lockdown. Others are Amogelang Secondary on Monday morning, Phuthanang Primary last week and Lethabo Secondary, whose library was gutted. Sowetan could not enter the Lethabo premises yesterday to assess the damages as its gates were closed. But the other three schools were in bad state as pieces of debris were still scattered all over the place. The entire administration block at Amogelang was burnt down, damaging hundreds of documents, several electrical appliances, computers, printers, a fridge and a stove and even school photo frames had melted. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze and no arrests have been made. The schools in the area are vulnerable because there have been no patrollers at night after their contracts were not renewed last month. The schools had been relying on community patrollers to keep an eye on the school building, especially at night. The patrollers were paid a stipend by the provincial department of community safety. Source at school governing bodies in the area told Sowetan they suspected school patrollers whose contracts were not renewed to be behind the
Planned arson suspected as another school is burnt Gauteng education MEC Panyza Lesufi looks at the damaged Amogelang Secondary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, after it was destroyed by a fire. / P H O T O S / T H U L A N I M B E L E burning of the schools. Community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko admitted yesterday that they were aware about the allegations. Mazibuko said she has ordered that all the patrollers to report to their nearest police stations in the Tshwane North to help police with the investigations. “We have put together a team of special law enforcement [agencies] to assist in the investigations of these arson cases. We heard that school patrollers whose contracts ended in March night be behind the burning of the schools. [But] we will get to the bottom of this,” Mazibuko said. The MEC added that the negotiations with the provincial education department over new contracts for school patrollers stalled because of the lockdown. Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, who also visited the schools yesterday, once again condemned the burning of schools in the province. “We have lost four schools within a week and it seems there are people who are targeting the schools. They are targeting the nerve centre of our schools,” he said, adding
Charred remains furniture lies all around a room at Soshanguve High School which was burnt yesterday.
that the torching of schools won’t be tolerated. Asked how much it would cost the department to fix the schools, Lesufi said they would only know the figures after their infrastructure team had completed with the assessment of the damages. But he admitted that they didn’t have the budget to fix burnt schools, and that “...we will be forced to take money meant to build new schools to fix this problem. But the victims will be the community
that deserves new schools”. He said for the time being, temporary arrangements have been made. Soshanguve High’s SGB chairperson Hlengani Chauke said they lost the whole administration block. “This is the same as if we don’t have a school. Our school’s history have gone down the drain, all the trophies, past learner’s records, computers just about everything is gone. We will need close to a million rand to fix
Phuthanang Primary School is one of the four schools to be burnt in Soshanguve, north of Prince, since the declaration of the national lockdown. Members of the school governing bodies suspect guards whose contracts were not renewed.
the damages,” Chauke said. “We don’t have school patrollers at the moment and at least during the day we have a security but at night there is no one to guard the school. The department should immediately deal with the issue of security.” Community member Grace Twala, 45, said they were concerned about the future of their children. “Some of the community members were once learners at this school and we would come here when we needed information but everything is in ashes. All the school work done by our children from the beginning of the year have gone down the drain,” she said. Amogelang SGB member Oupa Mahlangu said the 26year-old school has lost part of its history. “It is very saddening that part of our history is gone. Clearly, there is someone who is sending a message [by burning schools] and the department need to come with a solution to protect our schools. “We will need more than a million to fix the damages and this money could have been spent on something else,” he said. At Phuthanang, SGB chairperson Peter Tshabalala, said: “We have lost everything that we worked hard for for years.” The Congress of South African Students deputy secretary in Tshwane, Boipelo Moleko, said: “We are worried that pupils will be at home for much longer because of damaged schools. “These pupils will not get their reports and all the administrative file work have been burnt. The issue of school patrollers is worrying us and the department has to do something about it.”
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CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Tavern owners fear Cele’s ‘prohibition’ ‘Alcohol sales put bread on table’ By Naledi Shange
Police minister Bheki Cele’s calls to end the sale of alcohol or possibly alter how and when it is sold after the 21-day lockdown is hopefully something that will not materialise. These are the views of two Mpumalanga tavern owners who say that selling alcohol is what puts bread on the table for their families. *Kgomotso owns a tavern in Emalahleni and has adhered to the lockdown conditions. “I lost thousands of rands because the lockdown started in the week where I generate the most income” he told Sowetan sister publication TimesLIVE. “I use the money I make from alcohol sales to build my house, to take my children to university and maintain the life we live [as family]. So, honestly speaking‚ Cele’s comments and hate for alcohol are something I take personally. “I also employ two people at my business who are able to feed their families. The brewery that delivers to me... employs people too. So do you see how many people are fed and clothed and just get to eat because of this thing that Bheki Cele hates so much?” *Dumisani, who runs his tavern in another part of
Emalahleni, shares the same views: “Why does he not rather threaten [to close the shops of] those who fail to comply with the law; those who don’t have licences‚ those who sell alcohol to underage children? I am a tavern owner‚ yes‚ but I think I run my business ethically. We are able to even stop selling to someone who we feel has had enough to drink and send them home.” He said he was comforted by knowing Cele’s calls would never come to fruition. “That will never happen‚” he said. “Alcohol will never stop
being sold in SA just because one man doesn’t like it. He can see what SA is like without alcohol. Crime is going up because people want it.” But this is not completely correct, according to police data. Despite some incidents of liquor outlets being broken into‚ police statistics show crime has been lower since the lockdown period was declared. However‚ in an unfortunate flipside to people being at home, police say cases of domestic violence have gone up. Cele also backed his call against alcohol by indicating
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
that in his visits to Emalahleni and Embalenhle in Secunda‚ he learnt that the hospitals were seeing fewer patients for stab wounds and pedestrians who were knocked down. “Hospitals are able to do what they are meant to do‚” he said. “Crimes of murder‚ attempted murder and house robberies have gone down. I am told there are two things that are giving us these good times. It is your visibility and the lack of something called alcohol‚” he told police officers in Secunda. “I just hope one day there will be no liquor … Well‚ I don’t run the country but… the fact that shebeens are closed and people… don’t move around to taverns‚ drinking uncontrollably. That has reduced our crime. So we must cherish this time... some of these lessons must be taken forward.”
Police minister Bheki Cele has slammed taverns for rowdy behaviour in the communities. At this one small children can be seen among the public drinkers in broad daylight. / G A L L O I M A G E S / P A P I M O R A K E
Virus fake news tormenting woman Rumour she was infecting gates By Tankiso Makhetha
A Soweto mother is living in fear after she was accused of deliberately spreading Covid19 in her community by touching people’s gates in the middle of the night. This is despite her not having tested positive for the virus. Lucia Mdluli from Diepkloof said a social media post began circulating over a week ago that she had contracted the virus and was being sought by the authorities in order to be isolated. “This rumour started with a message that originated from a community service delivery WhatsApp group that I am in. There was a message that was posted that Joburg’s department of environmental health was tracing someone who is suspected of being infected,” Mdluli said. The 39-year-old said that
her picture was posted below the message in the group and one of the participants screengrabbed the message along with her picture and disseminated it. She said she was inundated with calls from concerned family members and neighbours, seeking clarity on the veracity of the post. “I was shocked when people started calling me to ask if I was okay and why I wasn’t being responsible, why I was running away from the authorities,” Mdluli said. “Then I heard that I was going around touching people’s gates at night so that I could spread the virus – that was shocking to me.” Mdluli said she was unable to open a case at the local police station because she could not print out the screen grabs due to the lockdown. “The investigating officer said he will need me to print the messages before he can open a case, but all the internet cafes are closed and I can’t ac-
cess the office where I work because of the lockdown. All I want to do is clear my name before something bad happens to me or my child,” she said. She said the person who was being sought was eventually found, but the message had not been removed nor was it rectified. Police spokesperson Cpt Phephi Matlou-Mteto said the investigating officer would need to obtain a section 205 from the magistrate’s court in order to access information on Mdluli’s phone. “We can’t touch her phone – even if she gave us her consent – without a section 205. So, it’s advisable for her to bring printed versions of the posts and we will take it from there,” Matlou-Mteto said. Paulos Mazibu, the ward councillor in the area, said the message that spread was a result of a misunderstanding from one of the participants in the WhatsApp group they are in. “We were talking about
someone else. The person called Joburg’s health department and self-isolated. Health went to his house where they tested him and he was negative. But, while he was being sought after, someone posted Lucia’s photo in the group and mistakenly identified her as the person the department was looking for,” Mazibu said.
Lucia Mdluli had false information about her circulating on social media. /VELI NHLAPO
eThekwini wins case to demolish shacks Abahlali bemoans legal ‘setback’ By Orrin Singh
The eThekwini municipality will continue to demolish unoccupied shacks within the city during the Covid-19 lockdown. This is after the Durban high court ruled in favour of the municipality‚ dismissing an urgent interdict application made by shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo on Tuesday. The organisation had sought an urgent interdict against the ongoing evictions at Ekuphumeleleni and Azania settlements after a number of “violent evictions” took place. Abahlali alleged that a private security company‚ contracted by the municipality‚ fired live ammunition at unarmed people‚ resulting in a number of serious injuries. But despite Abahlali providing photographs shared on its Facebook page‚ the court was not convinced that people had been occupying the shacks that were destroyed. In a statement on Tuesday‚ Abahlali said the ruling was a “setback”. According to Abahlali‚ the court had asked both parties to discuss the matter and find solutions on their own. “We asked the city to allow us to rebuild the shacks that had been destroyed‚ and to allow us to rebuild them on the same land they had been when they were destroyed. The city refused and offered us alternative accommodation in the emergency camps set up at the Durban Exhibition Centre and Pinetown for homeless people during the coronavirus crisis‚” it said. Abahlali said its members did not want to accept this offer for many reasons‚ including the fact that there was no guarantee they would be able to return to the land on which they had been living. “We are disappointed by the outcome in the court today‚ and very worried about what will happen as the lockdown continues. People are really scared. They don’t know what will happen tonight‚ or tomorrow‚ or the next day. We all fear that there will be more violence.” Meanwhile‚ eThekwini municipality welcomed the court’s decision and appealed to the leadership of Abahlali to “permanently desist from clutching at straws to vilify the municipality”. Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda maintained that the shacks were unoccupied and some only partially built – and therefore the municipality had acted within the ambit of the law.
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10 News
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
Testing key to get ahead of Covid-19 Lockdown can’t be long term By Nompumelelo Runji
In the wake of the government sending out fieldworkers to ramp up testing, screening and tracing for Covid-19, there is resistance to the programme caused by fake news. It is important to understand why this door-to-door testing programme is crucial to the government’s approach to addressing the pandemic. SA has passed the midpoint of its 21-day lockdown. While the case load seems manageable, there is a steady increase in new infections daily. The lockdown can only be seen as a temporary containment measure. For the sake of protecting
what remains of people’s livelihoods it cannot be a longterm option. Having got control over the rate of internal transmissions through a lockdown, the effort to get more South Africans tested is key to getting a step ahead of the virus. The 10,000 healthworkers sent out to communities serve the important purpose of helping us understand how and where the virus is spreading. This forms part of disease surveillance which is a public health measure for the management of communicable diseases. By definition, disease surveillance involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of data about a disease, from a variety of sources including clinical, laboratory and non-medical sources such as communities. According to the World
Healthworkers going door-to-door to ask standard questions. /ESA ALEXANDER
Health Organisation, monitoring and surveillance are crucial to a functioning public health system. Conducting surveillance makes it possible to direct resources where they are most needed. It assists government to evaluate how effective control and prevention measures are. Surveillance also helps identify high-risk areas or populations, making the government able to target interventions. In the case of the current Covid-19 pandemic, surveil-
lance is particularly crucial to efforts at preparing for the peak of infections, that may yet be in the future, to enable officials to prepare as adequately as possible to respond. As a country, we need to prepare for the eventuality that the virus will be with us indefinitely and so the aim is to collect intelligence to stay ahead of the virus. Just as citizens participate in HIV and TB testing, for instance, to promote prevention and ensure urgent treatment
for those who test positive, Covid-19 testing is no different. So far, SA is leading the pack globally by taking preemptive measure albeit at high economic and social cost, to avert a grave health crisis in the country. It’s important for all societal stakeholders to continue to support the government’s efforts so as not to prolong the pain of containment through protracted lockdowns. ■ Runji is a researcher and founder of Critical ThinkAR
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
Jam Alley launch heralded new era for black youth By Sam Mathe
Tribute
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Pop culture icon at birth of our democracy
Vinolia Mashego was an exceptionally gifted TV personality and entertainer. A stunning beauty blessed with a sharp wit, her dazzling allround talent was only matched by her mercurial personality. V-Mash – as her stage name went – was also a trailblazer of note, the first black blonde on the small screen. At the peak of her fame as a TV presenter and actress in a popular soapie, she had adoring fans and frenzied paparazzi eating out of the palm of her dainty hands. To a casual observer, the beautiful and energetic crowd pleaser on the cult show, Jam Alley seemed like someone with the world at her feet. However, like most extraordinarily talented people, V-Mash had had her own share of demons. A bouncing baby boy she brought in the world in 2000 was providence and destiny’s answer to her many years of prayers to have a child. Before that she had Former ‘Jam suffered six heartbreakAlly’ presenter ing miscarriages. and actor Consequently, she was Vinolia often depressed and harMashego at the boured suicidal thoughts. DRUM Darling She named the boy ModAwards in 2013 imo-Oratile, literally in Boksburg. “God has loved’’ or “as /MABUTI KALI God wished” in Sotho/Tswana. “He’s my shining light. He has shown me that life can be beautiful and has restored my faith in God,” she said at the time. “That’s why I gave him such a name. At last God’s love has taken away my suffering.” Her fame and celebrity
/MBUZENI ZULU
Vinolia Mashego at the height of her career. / T A P S
M O KO E N A
status came at a hefty price as media became increasingly interested in her private life. She remembered one episode when it was reported that she was battling with drug addiction. The story really hurt her at the time when her marriage was falling apart because of an abusive partner, she explained. She also had to deal with asthma, a condition that had afflicted her since childhood. In this regard she saw herself as the voice and hope for asthma sufferers. “I would like to give comfort to all asthmatics out there,” she once said. “Some people tend to make us feel inadequate, but we are just like anybody else. And because I’m Vinolia Mashego, a woman with unlimited energy on stage and in spite of my condition, I’m a role model for other sufferers.” According to her father Collins Mashego, TV icon in his own right, she died on Monday morning of heart failure. She was 56. She was born Vinolia Motlalepule Mashego on November 29 1963 in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The eldest of three children, she was raised in Meadowlands, Soweto’s biggest township renowned for having produced a significant number of famous TV personalities. A chip off the old block and daddy’s girl, her father entered showbiz in the 1960s as a hotshot drummer with The Anchors, an Alexandra-based instrumental soul ensemble. In the early 1980s, he produced and hosted Lapologa, a hugely popular talent and variety show. Vinolia took to the stage at an early age, performing with her father. She distinguished herself as a gifted dancer, entertaining music fans at festivals. In her early teens, she starred in adverts before moving into a career as a television presenter and actor. Her first notable TV gig in the mid-1980s was music show Di A Rora. Her co-presenters at different times were Lucky Diale, Kenosi Modisane and Motlalentoa
Singer Phumi Maduna and Vinolia making whoopee on stage at Die Draai in Bronkhorstspruit in 2006. / M B U Z E N I Z U L U “Shakes” Hlabatau – all of them from Meadowlands. Mashego would prove that she was a star with staying power when in the next decade she became one of the original presenters of Jam Alley. Launched in December 1993 on then CCV TV channel, the game/talent show was initially intended to run for 13 episodes. But it went on to enjoy a decade of unprecedented cult following among millions of young South African viewers. In its 10-year existence, Jam Alley boasted some electrifying presenting skills of livewire personalities such as Nimrod “The Sheriff” Nkosi, Samantha “Baby Sam” Adams, Joslyn “Pushie” Dunn, Zanele “Nestum” Nyakale and Seipati “Twasa” Seoke and others. But it was V-Mash who put the celebrated show on the entertainment map, earning herself an Artes Award for best presenter. As a talent show, Jam Alley helped to launch the careers of a number of wellknown artists, including Judith Sephuma, Mandoza and Mzambiya. Some of these stars came to contest for their five minutes of fame but left the stage as winners of career-launching recording deals. Sadly, in 2001 she was axed from the show amid allegations of increasing erratic behaviour. Her departure from Jam Alley marked the beginning of the end of the cult spectacle that defined TV viewing in the 90s. It was also during this decade that her brilliance as a screen actor became evident in Sepedi dramas such as Di Wele Makgolela and Ditlabonyane Ke Ditlaboima. In the latter, described as a story of murder, revenge and justice, she plays the role of a crime syndicate boss’s daugh-
ter, Ntimetsa, working alongside seasoned thespians like Alfred Nokwe, Magic Hlatshwayo, Faith Kekana and Josiah Mpokeng as the crime boss Kadijela. These portrayals would pave the way for her short-lived but most famous role ever – Hilda Letlalo in Generations, the country’s first soapie for black audiences. Letlalo, a scheming and ambitious advertising executive with a penchant for powerful men, was one of the original characters in the popular series that debuted in 1994. In 1995, the role earned VMash an Avanti Award for best actress. But her success would prove to be her undoing. In 1997, Hilda Letlalo made an ignominious exit after the actress was fired, allegedly for unbecoming conduct including rowdy behaviour, late coming and inebriation. After several years out of the spotlight, from 2010 she resurfaced with small acting and presenting roles in few TV dramas like Muvhango, Isibaya and recently, Giyani – Land of Blood. In 2013, she was featured in the documentary series, I Had It All – based on her rise and fall in the industry. Her last gig was Bheka Sik’bambile, a candid camera show on Moja Love. She’s survived by her parents, a son and two siblings.
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I would like to give comfort to all asthmatics out there
Sowetan
TimeOut
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
Your weekend entertainment guide By Emmanuel Tjiya
Gospel sensation Dr Tumi is the busiest that he has ever been during the 21-day national lockdown. I am supposed to be meeting with the award-winning musician – real name Tumisang Makweya – on day 12 of the lockdown on Tuesday, when he calls to inform me that he is running 15 minutes late. It is understandable, with Dr Tumi having just come from another frantic shift at Tembisa Hospital’s specialised Covid-19 unit. He is one of the many private practice professionals who volunteered their services to public health during the Covid-19 outbreak. Dr Tumi is wearing navy blue scrubs, with his stethoscopes around his neck. He immediately tells me that he hasn’t slept much lately and his eyes are evidently bloodshot. “It’s been a hectic day 12. There is a lot going on considering that it is 21 days of being locked in,” Dr Tumi says. “For the most part it’s a costly exercise in the sense that it reshapes your life and you must balance that with your family. I have been selfisolating a bit from my family when I come back from the hospital. “One of the things I want now is to get involved in the mass screening for Covid-19 that’s happening. I’m just trying to figure out where I can fit all of that in my schedule and just tag along with people going into communities to do screenings.” Dr Tumi is a qualified medical doctor with 12 years’ experience. He has had a private practice in Polokwane, Limpopo, for almost 10 years after leaving the public health sector in 2011.
Dr Tumi on frontline of Covid-19 fight Gospel star’s worship sessions a hit The 38-year-old singer has for years being outspoken about his struggles with being a high-functioning insomniac. He wakes up at around 6am every day and he’s out of the house by 8am to head to Tembisa Hospital. Dr Tumi says in the last two weeks that he has been there he has tested many patients and the results are yet to come back positive. “I think it has been going well. I think the mass screening for Covid-19 that government is doing is going to help even more. I don’t think it has hit the townships hard so far,” Dr Tumi opines. “If we can keep to where we are and keep as many people protected in the next couple of days we are going in the right direction. People have listened to the call to not just come to the hospital for everything. “People come when they really have to. I was talking to people working in private practices and they are seeing fewer patients now. People are staying at home now and not coming in for minor headaches.” When he gets home in the evening, Dr Tumi starts
Dr Tumi performs at the Gathering of Worshippers. / VELI NHLAPO
preparing for his worship sessions that streams daily at 8.30pm on Facebook. They last for about 10 to 15 minutes – with longer sessions of 30 minutes on Sundays. “I do that just to motivate, inspire and pray for people – just to give them hope. I think people being locked up, they miss going to church,” he shares. “I think church should be a person[al thing, even though] there is nothing wrong with fellowship and gathering with people. I feel like this moment will make people find themselves in a
space where you don’t depend on going to church and hearing your pastor preach. “You really just need to find that space for yourself because it’s a personal relationship at the end of the day.” The married father of
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three boys between the ages of three and 11 says working at the specialised Covid-19 unit has affected his family life greatly. “That’s the hard part about it. There are days where I get home from the hospital and I’m [giving off a] proper ‘don’t touch me’ type of vibe,” he points out. “It’s important because I have little kids and they are very touchy. They like the idea that I come home and they remind each other ‘don’t touch daddy’.” For the first time since he started at Tembisa Hospital Dr Tumi takes a break to spend time with his family this Easter weekend. While he will be under lockdown, Dr Tumi will continue to spread the word of God from his home. He will stream worship sessions on his social media pages. Many churches have also hired Dr Tumi to record and stream worship sessions that are tailored for their social media platforms. TV channels such as BET Africa have also asked Dr Tumi to stream the #BeAtHome worship sessions on their Facebook channel. He has also pre-recorded material for DStv’s Africa Easter Channel that will pop up from tomorrow until Monday. “I will be at home and everywhere, thanks to technology. I think I will be appearing in more places compared to if I was doing gigs in person,” Dr Tumi says. “It’s interesting and a blessing that churches will call you to stream specifically for their church and pay you for it. They tell me we need you do these specific songs from your albums and we need you to address yourself towards our church. I will be at a lot of churches, but at home.”
Dr Tumi in hospital scrubs. He now spends a lot of his time at Tembisa Hospital’s Covid-19 unit since the lockdown was declared. / THULANI MBELE
TimeOut 13
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
Music
Andile Mpisane uses music to define himself Young artist steps out of his parents’ shadow By Patience Bambalele
Andile Mpisane is stepping out of his parents’ shadow with the launch of his music career. As the 19-year-old begins his musical journey, he wants to diffuse a lot of misconception that people have about him. Mpisane is the son of the controversial wealthy business people Shauwn Mkhize and Sbu Mpisane. Since his parents have built their business profile, Andile also wants to build his own legacy – a music empire. He is concerned, though, that people believe that since he comes from a wealthy family he was given everything on a silver platter. “I wish people can understand that everything I have I earned it. It is not that it came easy. There is a lot of hard work happening behind the scenes. One day, they will get to understand how much I am dedicated to what I do,” he says. Andile, who dropped his second single Umcimbi five days ago, says he plans to take the music industry by storm. The gqom singer and dancer has also dropped a video of Umcimbi, which was shot in Durban and Cape Town. It has garnered 300,000 views on YouTube since it was released. He explains that Umcimbi is a fun song that is directed to those who love partying. In the song he features Distruction Boyz and Madanon. His first single Uyangqhaska featured DJ Tira, Dladla Mshunqisi and Stix Manyanyisa. The two singles were released under Mpisane’s Royal AM Entertainment which also distributes his music. “I know the song is about fun but people will have to wait until the lockdown is over. On the video getting more views, I am happy at the support I have got so far.
Andile Mpisane has dropped his second single titled Umcimbi. / S U P P L I E D
It shows that the industry has accepted me and appreciates my music.” Since he dropped his debut, Andile has already begun composing songs for his upcoming long-extended play (LP) which comprises eight tracks. He says he has been using his time fruitfully during the lockdown, composing music. “I opted for music because it was the only thing that allows me to be who I want to be and showcase my passion for music,” he says. As much as he comes from a wellknown family, Andile says he does not
want special treatment in the music industry. The business-minded singer also wants to develop talent through his Royal AM Entertainment. He has also founded Royal AM Foundation which has created more than 30 job opportunities around Durban. “From a young age, I have been driven to excel at any of my given tasks and also learning to overcome any negativity. However, the best part by far is the fact that I am able to create meaningful jobs... It is truly rewarding and empowering. The best advice my parents have given me is to find what I love,” he says.
14 TimeOut
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
Column/Art
That won’t get Stella her lockdown groove back Her mischief called for Ndosi to shout mubophe! I am a creative, so you bet my imagination is up there at Hollywood level with special effects and great soundtrack. And boy, did I overwork my little head staging an ideal response to that Instagram gaffe by bhuti Mdu and his bestie sisi Stella. Press conference! With the journos standing a metre apart with the recorders and note pads. Enter minister of police Bheki Cele, the king of outrage. He is flanked by the minister of justice and another guy whose sole duty is to sanitise the microphone. Ndosi pulls down his mask and wipes sweat off his forehead. His eyes pierce from under his suede hat and he starts pointing; “Don’t know what is it is that Manana puts in his food to such an extent that Stella didn’t cook in her home. She didn’t go to Pick n Pay. Hey madoda. She breaks the law to eat kwaManana. Yini le ephekwa uMduduzi kanti? And maphoyisa, anybody who sees Stella NdabeniAbrahams, mubophe!” But that didn’t happen. Instead, the president pulled a Mabena on us. Hawu, ntate Cyril! An apology is not one of the sanctions listed on your
Kwanele Ndlovu Inking Out Loud
regulations and sanctions mos. I swear I have read each and every one of the updates because I take the lockdown so seriously that I know that my first responsibility is to be well-versed with the laws around it. You would think that the one person responsible for administrating telecommunications would protest the capturing of photos of an occasion where she is blatantly violating what is currently the most revered regulations of our times. In fact, we are all on special leave. No? In fact, most of the South Africans will be losing a great chunk of their salaries due to the lockdown. In a country where ministers are Instagram queens and kings, flossing their opulent jet-setting lifestyles and red bottom shoes, we cannot accept a minister forsaking her salary at the expense of justice. Else, more delinquents from the guard will be doing worse than lunch and giggles with their buddies during lockdown, with a reassured
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and friends at Mdu Manana’s house, breaking the law of social distancing. / S U P P L I E D arrogance and knowledge that there will be no consequence beyond losing one of their multi-stream incomes.
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Most of us South Africans will be losing a chunk of their salaries
A longer suspension of Sisi Stella, or even sacking really, should have been an additional administrative sanction to drive home the point of just how serious government is in curbing the spread of the Covid-19. The primary reaction is an arrest and a charge. It is astonishing that in the president’s statement, the last passage boldly states that “…I am satisfied that minister Ndabeni-Abrahams appreciates the seriousness of what she has done and that no-one is above the law.”
Erh, no sir, that is not the impression that little slap on the wrist gave. The public apology from the minister is admirable, I bet it will make for a good laugh between Sisi Stella and Bhuti Mdu when they lunch again and reminisce. There is, however, a more appropriate place for her to wear black couture, minimal makeup, tilt her head slightly to the left and plead for forgiveness. In the dock! Let her go and apologise before a court, in mitigation and negotiate a fine.
Lockdown a productive period for artist Mfupi ‘I have been literally living in the studio’ By Patience Bambalele
Soweto-born visual artist Vusi Mfupi has been enjoying living in his studio and producing artworks during the national lockdown. Mfupi, who has been an artist for more than 22 years, has been keeping himself busy, dividing his time between his studio in Eloff Extension in the Joburg CBD and his home in Soweto. “I was hoping to participate in different art fairs but when the corona started, many events were cancelled,” he said. “Instead of entertaining that disappointment I just started painting and wanted to keep myself busy during this lockdown. “I have been literally living in the studio.
“I spend three days here, working and sleeping here. I then go home to Soweto for two days and come back again. I have groceries and pots to cook here. “But also I have been exercising just to stimulate my mind.” Mfupi is still hoping that the annual Turbine Hall art fair that takes place in Newtown, Johannesburg, around July will still go ahead. The organisers of the event have not indicated whether it will be cancelled or not. Mfupi studied fine art at the Funda Community College in
Diepkloof, where he attained a diploma in fine arts. He is now a master of his own technique, called collage paper technique, in which he cuts newspapers and magazines into small pieces to create outstanding art pieces. “I was only a couple of years out of college and it was tough getting going. I had no space and had to buy art materials. I started using magazines because the only thing I needed was colour,” he explained. Mfupi is not worried that he will run out of material during the lockdown. He says he has been fortunate that people always supply him with magazines. When it comes to subject matter, his art is a celebration of youth and mobility, dealing with issues that affect people globally. He is a man who does not run out of subjects, as his art captures day-to-day experiences.
Vusi Mfupi’s artworks celebrate youth. / S U P P L I E D The 42-year-old artist said: “My focus has been [on] discovering my own culture. It’s an interest fuelled by travelling, and I wanting to share that with my audience. “With collages, I’d make 20 or more artworks and stash them under my bed.” He has also been involved in many public art initiatives that
includes the Metro mall and Faraday taxi rank. In 2004, he was flown to Madeira in Portugal to paint a long mural that formed part of South Africa’s celebration of 10 years of democracy across the globe. In the past two decades, Mfupi has exhibited his works locally and internationally.
Lifestyle 15
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
5 minutes with comedian
Thenjiwe Moseley
Comedian fills us in on travel and comedy By Nomvelo Masango
They say laughter is the best medicine, and now more than ever, our local comedians are helping keep our spirits up with the content they are offering us on social media. One of them is the popular Thenjiwe Moseley who has been sharing live videos and masterclasses online. Moseley, who is originally from KwaMashu, Durban, burst into the comedy scene in 2013 after leaving her career as a lawyer and has not looked back. Her fresh, witty material, coupled with her ability to make fun of everyday life experiences, has made her one of Mzansi’s best-loved comedians. We caught up with her to chat about her creative Thenjiwe process, as Moseley left well as her her job as journey in attorney to the comedy be a industry. comedian. When and /SUPPLIED how did you discover that you wanted to
By Staff Reporter
In a few weeks time, young entrepreneur and founder of Hustlenomics, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, would have been jetting off to do battle on the global stage in the annual Chivas Venture. The esteemed competition, now in its sixth year, gives away $1m each year to startups who blend profit with purpose in their quest to have a positive impact in the world. Following his win in the local leg which was held earlier this year, Ndlovu earned his place at the international finals, which were set to take place in June in Toronto, Canada. However, with the global outbreak of the coronavirus, the organisers made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s formal proceedings. For Ndlovu, this means that he will immediately receive a share of the prize money which has been split equally
be a comedian? I have always enjoyed making people laugh and I did drama as a subject at Durban University of Technology. I always wanted to be a performer, but I didn’t know I could make a living doing stand-up comedy. It took me becoming a lawyer to start doing comedy. My legal colleagues pushed me into doing my first gig and, once I started, I knew this was what I was born to do. How would you describe your experience in the male-dominated South African comedy industry? It’s no secret that comedy is a male-dominated industry, but it does not mean men are funnier than women. It is tough for women because most producers want to spread us out by booking one or two women on a lineup with 10 comedians. Women are less encouraged and less supported. I am lucky because I come from a law background, so I am used to fighting my way through and getting my voice heard. When they closed the door on me I found a sliding door in the building and opened it wide. I hire myself; I have written and starred in my own sitcoms Judge Thenjiwe Khambule and Meet the Khambules, both on Moja Love and I have a YouTube channel where I post my comedy sketches and stand-up comedy – with over 26 million views – and I get a decent monthly cheque from it. Women should claim their place because we also have a story to tell. What is your career highlight and why? I have had a few career highlights – recording my live show in London last year and having it licensed by Next Up; touring
Southeast Asia with the Magners International Comedy Festival, where I performed around Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines and headlining in both Sydney and Perth comedy festivals in Australia. I never thought Australians would find my unapologetic comedy funny, but they did. As a comedian, you constantly have to find new ways to make the audience laugh and that requires creativity. What is your creative process? I read a lot. I have to stay abreast of the news and, when I am performing for a new audience in a new city, I always read the local newspapers. I take a few taxis or Ubers and start a conversation with the driver just to gauge what they laugh at. I try my set on them and, if they laugh, I know the audience will laugh. I also localise my jokes. You have travelled a lot since your big break in 2013. What has it taught you? Travelling has taught me to embrace the little things in life and appreciate who I am and what is unique about me, without compromise. I had to get out of Africa for my afro hair to be appreciated and to get complimented for my beautiful black skin. I have learnt to appreciate the variety that life offers. We don’t understand it till the time we begin to travel. We are so similar, yet so different. The biggest lesson has been that English is not the measure of intelligence. You can speak perfect and be dumb, contrary to popular South African belief. What would your fans be surprised to find out about you? Very little. Fans who attend my shows know more about me than I know about myself! I overshare when I am on stage; they even know how I lost my virginity. My power comes from … my ancestors who walked the earth before me.
Silver-lining for entrepreneur amidst Covid-19 pandemic Ndlovu to get R700k for business between the 26 finalists from across the globe. Hustlenomics will now receive $40,000 (about R700,000) in funding, which can go towards creating positive change at a testing time. “This will enable me to invest in more projects and to buy more equipment, which will mean we can take on significantly more work,” he said. Ndlovu founded the profit social enterprise as a means of making a difference in the housing sector. The start-up is based at his residence in Soweto, and was founded in 2015. Hustlenomics offers solutions for low-income homeowners with informal backyard shacks, who cannot gain access to traditional home im-
provement financing. The company then replaces these shacks with more durable structures using recycled bricks, applying a shared home financing model where rental income generated from the completed structure is then used to get back building costs. Ndlovu says that winning the SA leg of Chivas Venture is a big step towards allowing him to move closer to his goal of expanding and growing the business beyond Soweto, ultimately expanding into other provinces. The difference that the work Hustlenomics is making in low-income households has not gone unrecognised, and the business was named winner of the SAB Social Innovation Award in 2018 and more recently the 2019 SEED Low Carbon Award.
Hustlenomics founder Nhlanhla Ndlovu won the annual Chivas Venture competition. /SUPPLIED
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
16 Opinion Your SMS views
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Delivery during crisis dodgy The government should be commended for supplying water to the communities during this time of Covid-19. But at the same time I am apprehensive about the chances of crooks in the ANC benefiting from the supply of
water tanks as it is their norm to make money during times of crisis. It happened even for the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela in 2013. ANC politicians in in the Eastern Cape stole money in the name of Mandela. – N'wabvenula Phangani, Giyani
Lockout plan for next elections There we go again, minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams in another scandal. Not surprising her partner in crime this time is former deputy minister with scandals. We should prepare to lock out these clowns in next elections. – Mandla ka Nyanda
No spares for vehicles at work This government has ministers who lack common sense. When vehicles providing essential services need spares where would people go since spares shops are closed as per lockdown laws? –.Bongani, Mogale City
Lockdown the only answer No matter what the people say about the government for preventing the spread of the coronavirus, we must comply, finish and klaar. Lockdown is the only answer. – Thabo Diba, Botshabelo
Sowetan Says
Show nation the minister isn’t above the law President Cyril Ramaphosa’s swift action against minister of communications Stella NdabeniAbrahams should be welcomed. Yesterday Ramaphosa placed Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months, one of which will be unpaid. This follows a photograph which emerged on social media showing the minister having lunch at the home of friend and former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana, in violation of lockdown regulations. Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams was also instructed to apologise publicly, which she subsequently has done. The appropriateness of the sanction against her remains a matter of public debate. While some believe the sanction sends a strong message that no one is above the law, many others believe it is a slap on the wrist and does not go far enough to hold her accountable for undermining stringent regulations placed on all of us, ministers and former deputy minister included. We believe that the action by the president is a product of a political balancing act designed to appease an angry public demanding accountability as well as being mindful of the ANC’s factional dynamics. There are two things to note going forward. The first is whether NdabeniAbrahams will be held accountable legally. In his statement President Ramaphosa said the law should take its course, paving the way for police to take the appropriate legal steps applied to other citizens who fell foul of the law. The second and equally important is whether this has been sufficient enough of a lesson to a minister who has shown time and again her propensity to abusing power. The gravity of NdabeniAbrahams’ actions is not limited to an otherwise harmless gathering between friends as some of her supporters would have the nation believe. It is that such actions, similarly to the SABC camera incident last year, point to her apparent inability to exercise the highest level of discernment between right and wrong that we should expect from those who hold power.
Letters Alleviate plight of the unemployed If you have a job be thankful. Many lost theirs, thanks to the lockdown. Spare a thought for Mike, one of the guys who shines shoes at OR Tambo International Airport. The lockdown means no income and food for him. How is he supporting his family during the 21 days of the lockdown? I am thinking of my friend in Port Elizabeth who got a new job in one of the clothing shops in Bay West Mall. The shop is now closed. No money for him. The meter taxi driver in Bloemfontein who usually helps me took his last savings and bought a second-hand car. No customers at the moment. No cash to help his young family. In Makana, the lady who rents out her backroom to me during the Arts Festival, how will she survive this pandemic? In Cape Town’s Long Street, the small fish and chips shop owned by the same family for more than 80 years, where a visit to Cape Town is not complete without popping in, they are
Refer to Freedom Charter Dictatorship, which is contrary to the ideals of the Freedom Charter, has encroached into the ANC. I have never heard President Cyril Ramaphosa, ever since he became our leader, reminding the masses about Freedom Charter. There are many people who do not
Letters to the editor Sowetan, PO Box 6663, Johannesburg, 2000 E-mail letters@sowetan.co.za Fax 011-340-9637
closed as they are not considered essential service. My favourite book shop in Jeffrey’s Bay is closed. No income for the owner. The Rosebank Sunday rooftop flea market, a gem of a place and the best way to end a weekend, is derelict. There are vendors from the Free State and North West driving all the way to sell their wares here. They are stuck. The ladies selling cool drink outside Orlando Stadium on match days, how are their families doing as their source of income is gone? People who think sitting at home as we fight the virus is a waste of time – think of those whose jobs depend on you playing your part. What you do in Alexandra has a direct impact to those in Galeshewe. If you disobey the lockdown, the virus wins and many will lose. You don’t need a soldier or a policeman to guard you. You have a personal responsibility to yourself, your family and neighbour to be your brother’s keeper. Please do it for Mike at OR Tambo. The vendors in Vilakazi Street. The freelance sports journalists. Dr Lucas Ntyintyane, email
understand what this political document is about. He has even never quoted one clause from the charter and talk about it, just to remind the masses about the ANC’s founding document. Freedom Charter has been ignored for years, and I beg Ramaphosa to remind the people of SA that we have a document called Freedom Charter. Ben “TNT” Lekalake, Soweto
Factionalism in ANC saved Ndabeni-Abrahams, she should have been fired It is good news that minister of communications Stella NdabeniAbrahams has been suspended for two months, of which one will be without pay. If there were no factions in the ANC, Ndabeni-Abrahams would have been dismissed as cabinet minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa. A health minister in New Zealand has been demoted for breaking his country’s lockdown rules by driving his family to the beach. But in SA it cannot happen because the governing ANC is fragmented. Most of its national executive committee members are compromised. In my view, I believe President Ramaphosa wanted to dismiss her but because of the dynamics in the ANC, he decided to suspend her for the sake of fake unity in his party. Had he fired her, the so-called radical economic transformation crew, would have shouted on top of their voices and say: “What did Stella do?”, just as they did about Jacob Zuma. The ANC as an organisation is like a minefield. Ramaphosa must tread carefully because even those who claim to support him are in a comfort zone. But when the going gets tough they will stand with his enemies because of politics of the stomach. There are many good and honest people in the ANC, but the truth in the ANC is relative. N'wabvenula Phangani, Giyani
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
Opinion 17
Politicians have to think out of box about society’s new normal Politics in the age of Covide-19 gives an advantage to incumbent leaders with virtual monopoly of airtime
Nompumelelo Runji Critical Take
How do you do politics in the age of social distancing and prohibition of mass gatherings? This is a question that should be exercising the minds of political parties, politicians and their strategists. Covid-19 is the bane of our social and economic existence and its effects on regular political activities are already being felt. This reality has escaped some politicians. For instance, last week while addressing the passenger numbers in taxis, minister of transport Fikile Mbalula inadvertently turned a media briefing into a mini-rally contrary to social distancing. Weeks before that, following his announcement of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that leaders of his party, the ANC, would embark on a door-to-door education campaign, contradicting his message about limiting contact with people outside
one’s own household. The challenge is one of remaining relevant. It is a time that calls for out-of-thebox kind of thinking. It is daunting though because politics is really personal in nature. Rallying and bringing people together behind a leader and a cause is a major part of it. But in the current situation, politicians need to figure out how to keep that personal touch without actually physically touching the people. The parties that
will shine are those able to rally people without gathering them in the conventional sense of the word. Politicians in the US have already got a taste of this new normal. While in the middle of an election campaign, candidates in the race to be the Democratic presidential nominee had to cancel rallies. Having volunteers go door-todoor is no longer an option. President Donald Trump can’t hold his scheduled precampaign rallies where he
would likely address hundreds of thousands of his supporters at a time. Doing politics in the age of Covid-19 means abandoning old methods and adopting new ones. The contest has to move onto a new front. It’s no longer about the capacity of the stadium that you can fill versus the next guy. Right now, incumbent politicians have a head start over the opposition. Covid-19 has become a fertile public relations garden for leaders, whether presidents of nations, governors or premiers of states and provinces and mayors of cities. They almost have a monopoly on broadcast
Political parties and leaders that will shine with voters are those able to rally people without gathering them in the conventional sense of the word. / T H U L A N I M B E L E
Getting flu jab will be more crucial this year By Marietjie Venter
Like many other countries, SA finds itself under national lockdown to try to protect ourselves and our loved ones from Covid-19 and flatten the epidemic curve. It is disheartening to know that our actions may make it worse for the vulnerable among us and that all we can really do is stay at home, practise social distancing when we are out, wash our hands and try not to touch our faces. To add to our concerns, while we are trying to limit the impact of the pandemic, we are also heading for the flu season in the country – which may make matters significantly worse. It is important to try to avoid getting flu this year, since you have the risk of being exposed to people that may have Covid-19 when you go to the doctor’s office. In the event that you do end up getting infected with both flu and Covid-19, you may suffer more severe symptoms and have a greater risk of being
hospitalised. This is why it is crucial that you get the flu vaccine this year. There are many other respiratory viruses that circulate throughout the year, but it is the influenza virus in particular that can be deadly. Influenza epidemics occur between May and the end of August every year in SA. Most people that get influenza have only mild symptoms – including a fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), a sore throat and a runny nose – yet may be sick enough to have to take off from work. However, some may develop more severe lower respiratory tract diseases that make breathing difficult, develop bronchitis or pneumonia, and may even die. Sound familiar? These signs can be very similar to what you have been told to look out for if you have Covid-19. Influenza and Covid-19 have some clinical similarities that
make it difficult to distinguish between the two. This will cause many more people than usual to seek medical care but also to get sick enough to be hospitalised. Older people are most at risk of getting severe influenza and Covid19 and to die from either one. Flu also causes severe disease in young children; this is different to Covid19, which thus far has caused very few fatalities in children under nine. Pregnant women and those with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions are also at high risk for severe disease and even death due to influenza. At this stage, it is not yet clear how Covid-19 will affect them. While it appears that Covid-19 has a higher fatality rate (between 1 and 4%) than influenza (less than 1%), during winter, flu can infect up to a third of the population. Every year seasonal influenza kills between 100,000 to 600,000 people worldwide, with about 9,000 people dying every year in SA alone.
media coverage. By doing the right things, on Covid-19, they are making a good case for their future electability. Similarly, when they go left side, the spotlight shines ever more brightly on their gaffes and errors of judgment as on their success. So it’s a doubleedged sword. Nevertheless, their activities and responses are kept in the public eye and are therefore top of mind. This is great for the ANC, that is governing nationally, and for the DA government in the Western Cape. The onus to innovate therefore lies more heavily on parties and candidates contesting against these incumbents. If they want to compete for the kind of airtime ANC politicians are getting on the traditional broadcast channels, they need to beef up their advertising budgets in a major way. The reality is that many of these parties don’t have that kind of money. It’s true that not even the best political pundit who uses a statistical crystal ball to predict future developments could have predicted that we would be living through Covid-19 today. But if parties had not already started thinking about different ways of engaging communities and voters, and tapping into alternative platforms, particularly the potential of digital, then perhaps they were already destined to be thrown onto the heap of irrelevance and redundancy. As the old adage goes, change is constant, so only those who adapt survive. Those who had the foresight to start adapting before Covid19 will emerge as the winners in the post-Covid-19 world. ■ Comment on Twitter @Nompumelelo Runji
So who should get the vaccine? The World Health Organisation recommends annual vaccination for the following high-risk groups: ● pregnant women ● children, from 6 months to 5 years ● elderly individuals (older than 65) ● individuals with chronic medical conditions ● healthcare workers However, people of all ages benefit from getting the vaccine to avoid getting influenza in winter. How can one be sure that the flu vaccine matches the strains circulating during our season? There are three influenza subtypes that circulate globally at the same time, and which are all included in the vaccine: two influenza A types H1N1 (2009) – formerly known as swine flu – and H3N2, as well as one or two influenza B strains in the tetravalent or quadrivalent vaccine respectively. Every year the World Health Organisation’s network of National Influenza Centres around the world collaborate to identify the most common strains. ■ Professor Venter is from the department of medical virology at the University of Pretoria.
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Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
SowetanMoney money@sowetan.co.za
Reduce your life cover rather than losing it if you can't pay Companies offer premium relief By Laura du Preez
You should never skip paying life assurance premiums for essential cover that protects you from being unable to earn if you are disabled or for your family if you die. But these are extraordinary times, and if you have been put on short time, unpaid leave or had your salary cut you may well be facing financial difficulties. Owners of businesses and other self-employed people forced to stop operating during the lockdown may also be facing a cash-flow crisis. You need to turn first to your budget and cut wherever you can – especially the nonessentials. Your life and disability cover should be one of the last things you consider cutting, but if you have no choice, you should try to reduce your cover before stopping it altogether, the life assurers say. If your policy lapses and you later want to reactivate it, your life assurer will reassess the risk of you claiming – you will be older and may have picked up some health issues since you first took out cover. This could increase your premiums
and even lead to cover for death or disability from some conditions being excluded. Some life companies allow you to skip a premium or two without losing cover, but if you don’t pay after these grace periods, your policy will lapse. To help if you are in financial distress in the next few months, life assurers are offering the option to temporarily reduce your cover and premiums and to reinstate the cover without your risk being re-assessed. Remember, however, that the offers differ from company to company and are only for the unusual times brought on by the coronavirus and the lockdown. Sanlam, for example, will let you reduce life, disability and critical illness cover by half to make premiums more affordable, Karin Muller, chief executive of Sanlam Life, says. You must do this before July 1. If you increase your cover back to what it is now within three to six months, Sanlam will not ask for any more medical information and won’t adjust your premiums. Momentum, Old Mutual and Liberty also told Money they are allowing you to reduce your premiums during this time of financial stress. David Jewell, Liberty’s executive for retail solutions, says
Life assurers are offering an option to reduce your cover and premiums temporarily. / 1 2 3 R F Liberty Lifestyle Protector policyholders will be able to reduce their premiums for six months and then increase them again without more medical tests and repricing. Old Mutual told Money its policyholders will be able to reduce cover, remove additional benefits to reduce cover to its core and pay annual premiums monthly. If you are not able to pay
even a reduced premium, remember policies allow you a grace period. For Sanlam policyholders it is a month, while Liberty gives you two months. During this time your cover remains intact, Muller says. If you exhaust your grace period, the life companies are for the next few months offering extended periods during which you can reinstate your cover by starting to pay
premiums again without having to do new medicals and without new premiums being set. Sanlam will allow you to suspend premiums for up to three months if you were up-to-date with them to the end of March and were paying by debit order when you defaulted. You will enjoy full cover during the grace period and during the remaining two months, you will enjoy limited free ex-gratia cover should you need to claim. This will cover a quarter of your death and disability benefits paid as a lump sum if you are unable to do your job, up to a maximum of R5m. There are some T&Cs, especially on disability claims and the benefit does not extend to funeral cover, or other benefits, so make sure you keep paying those premiums if you want to maintain all your cover. After the premium holiday, in the fourth month if you pay your premium cover will be automatically reinstated without you having to pay the arrear contributions, Muller says. Old Mutual will allow you to restart a policy that lapses between now and June 30, within three months of the lapse date, without a declaration of health. The life assurer says while it currently allows you to restart your cover twice, it will now allow three revivals. George Kolbe, head of marketing for Momentum Life Insurance, says you should discuss your options with your financial adviser so you are sure you understand the implications of not paying premiums.
Relief for funeral policyholders in tough times Measures put into place to help clients By Charlene Steenkamp
Funeral insurance providers have put measures in place to help you if you can’t pay your funeral policy premiums during these tough times and they will have more empathy than usual if you skip a payment or two because of the Covid-19 lockdown. The financial services regulator appealed to insurers and other financial services providers to treat you with empathy during and after the lockdown given its impact on your finances and most providers have come up with measures. However, beyond these measures you should try not to let your funeral policy lapse by not paying your premiums as you may need the benefits in this time when the novel coronavirus is claiming lives. Your Assupol policy will remain active and your claims will be paid as long as you are
not behind on more than three consecutive premium payments, Jacques Erasmus, COO of Assupol Life, says. After that your policy will lapse. Being in arrears will, however, affect the amount for which you are covered. The sum paid if you claim will be adjusted for the arrear premiums, so try to pay your missed premiums as soon as possible, Erasmus says. Assupol is reviewing claims declined due to nonpayment of premiums on its two funeral parlour groups and if it is clear that the nonpayment of all premiums was a direct consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, the funeral insurer will consider the ex-gratia payment (a voluntary payment made out of kindness), he says. However, Assupol will only assist you in this way if your premiums were up to date before the state of disaster was declared. Avbob has introduced a free
premium waiver benefit for all policyholders who have been paying premiums for more than two years, Marius du Plessis, group communication manager at Avbob, says. This will pay your premiums if you are retrenched as a result of the virus and the lockdown. If you miss a premium, the Avbob call centre will contact you to find out how it can assist you to retain your cover, special bonuses and free benefit, he says. Old Mutual’s chief communications officer Tabby Tsengiwe says the majority of its funeral policies already provide for premium holidays, and your cover will only lapse if you have used up all these holidays. You will, however, be allowed to reinstate such policies within three months of lapse, without having to repay any missed premiums and with no new waiting periods, she says. Charl Nel, communications head at Capitec, says the bank is currently in talks with its underwriter, Centriq, regarding possible payment holidays
without the policy lapsing. Peter Castleden, CEO of Sanlam Indie, says Indie’s policyholders can skip up to five consecutive premiums without losing their cover altogether. Indie temporarily reduces the cover amount based on how many premiums you have paid in the previous six months. So, if you miss two premiums in a six-month period, you will have 4/6th of your original cover amount, he explains. Once you have paid premiums for six consecutive months, your cover will be restored to the full amount you took out originally, he says. There are some restrictions about the maximum number of times you can skip premiums over your lifetime. If you skip six premiums in a row, your policy will be cancelled and you will have to take out a new policy if you want to be covered again, Castleden says. A whisteblower recently alerted the Financial Sector Conduct Authority that certain funeral parlours were making policyholders stand in
long queues to pay premiums in contravention of social distancing recommendations. Many providers are encouraging policyholders to pay their premiums and make claims via online and digital channels rather than visiting a branch. Assupol policyholders who don’t pay through salary or social grant deductions, can use EasyPay and Pay@ at retailers operating during the lockdown, Erasmus says. Du Plessis says Avbob policyholders can pay their premiums electronically directly into the Avbob Absa bank account. For Old Mutual, you can call a financial adviser or connect digitally via the Old Mutual website or app. You can submit a claim via your cellphone by dialing *120*6672#. Capitec funeral policy premiums can be paid via the Capitec banking app and claims can be submitted by e-mail or by calling Capitec’s 24-hour client care call centre. Indie’s premiums are by debit order, credit or debit card only.
Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
YourMoney
'Thousands' suffer long after injury at work Online system blamed for delay of payments By Tanya Steenkamp
The department of labour has after many months of being asked, agreed to meet with stakeholders about hundreds of thousands of injured workers who are allegedly not receiving an income. The Compensation Fund, run by the department of labour, covers employees against injury, occupational disease and death while on duty. The Injured Workers Action Group (IWAG) alleges that a new software system, CompEasy, that came online in October last year, is faulty and has left many injured workers without an income and health workers without compensation months after submitting their claims. Fund commissioner Vuyo Mafata agreed to meet the group this month and IWAG has requested that the meeting be set down for soon after the lockdown is lifted. “We await a response,” says Tim Hughes, IWAG spokesperson. He says while the group is grateful that Mafata agreed to a meeting, it does seem strange that it takes so long. “What could be more impor-
tant in the commissioner’s life than fixing this issue for workers?” he asks. Hughes says many employers have not been able to register employees on the new system or make claims. Additionally, there is a huge backlog of unpaid claims from the old system. IWAG estimates there are around 150,000 injured workers waiting for payouts, some of whom have been waiting for years. Hughes says the compensation fund has suffered from systemic problems for many
years – “at least a decade to the best of my knowledge”. “These relate not only to software systems such as uMehluko, but organisational and administrative issues. These are well-documented by the Auditor General in his reports, to the point where he was quoted as saying that were he not obliged to conduct the audit of the Compensation Fund, he would not do so and would distance himself from it,” Hughes says. In an open letter to the labour department and the
Compensation Fund Commissioner, IWAG says: “It is time for you all to collectively to stop making excuses, cease sugar-coating the situation and above all, to stop attacking the victims of this monumental systemic breakdown in the compensation fund system.” Members of IWAG include various medical professional groups such as the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association, and Injury on Duty (IOD) account administrators such as CompSol, ColdLink and Medsol
Many injured workers have been left without an income and health workers without compensation months after submitting their claims. / 1 2 3 R F
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Debtors Management, as well disgruntled and financially struggling injured workers. IWAG says in its letter that “other organisations representing employers tell us that only 5% of their members have been able to get onto the CompEasy system to date. Furthermore, we are informed that only 2,200 of the estimated more than 600,000 employers across SA have been able to register on CompEasy and only 8,000 of the potential 150,000 claims have been registered in the past six months, as per figures recently provided by the labour department themselves.” Previously, Mafata has denied that there is anything wrong with the new system and stated that there were simply a few teething issues. Kempton Park resident Ronnie Rampersad who injured his spine in May last year and is now unable to work, has still not seen a cent of the money owed to him from the fund. He says he was given a reference number and submitted all his paperwork as required in July last year. Rampersad says he was told the system was being upgraded. “And that was the excuse from that time right until January this year. I’ve had no income, absolutely nothing. We’ve lived on fate and handouts from friends and family.” Hughes says the Compensation Fund’s annual report states that it takes 60 days from date of claim for an applicant to receive a payout, but in reality, at best it is 60 days from when a fund official starts working on the claim.
Maintain medical aid membership at all costs Cancel only as a last resort By Neesa Moodley
The countrywide lockdown as a result of the coronavirus means that millions of us are facing the prospect of reduced or no income in the months ahead. You may run into difficulty and default on your medical aid contributions, especially if you lose your job or are put on short-time. You may also be tempted to stop your contributions to save some money as it is for many households their biggest expense. But defaulting or not paying your contributions means you will lose your private doctor and hospital cover at a time when there is a high risk of falling ill. Your medical scheme is obliged to cover all the costs of your diagnosis, treatment and care if you contract the coronavirus. Damian McHugh, executive
head of marketing and distribution at Momentum Health, says: “In a health crisis the last thing you should think about stopping is healthcare. “All we are achieving with the lockdown is flattening the curve. It does not mean once the lockdown is over the virus will be gone. I would not recommend lapsing health cover at this point.” The country’s largest scheme Discovery Health Medical Scheme will suspend your benefits if you are just three days in arrears, and will terminate your membership if you are 14 days in arrears. The Council for Medical Schemes has asked schemes to look into cases where members default, but medical schemes and consultants say they have no room to give you payment holidays. Zee Gumede, senior healthcare consultant at wealth and financial advisory firm GTC, says schemes are only allowed to operate within the confines
of their specific rules and many medical scheme staff members are working from home, which makes administering some grace for paying contributions difficult. Gumede says if schemes allow a “premium holiday”, but do not later recover that contribution, while they continue to pay claims, the scheme will have deficits which will in turn need to be covered by premiums – possibly much higher premiums next year. McHugh says allowing members more time to pay off contributions introduces more financial risk at a time when investment markets have performed poorly, negatively affecting scheme reserves. Lee Callakoppen, principal officer of Bonitas, says if you are facing financial difficulties you should make a submission to the fund and the scheme may relax prevailing provisions relating to contributions, but the law does not allow you to suspend contributions and
cover for a period. The scheme is lobbying the regulator to amend regulations to allow such relief, he says. What are your options? NT Snyman, senior consultant at Alexander Forbes Health, says there are ways to save money on your contributions and you should, only when all else fails, cancel your membership: ● Buying down Some schemes do allow you to buy down to a lower option during the year. “This allows you to reduce your monthly contributions without giving up your membership,” he says. Schemes may apply terms
Try to rejoin scheme in three months
and conditions when you move to a lower option, so check before you request a downgrade. ● Reducing the number of dependants You will have to make a hard call on which family members to remove and you may regret this should the one/s you remove fall ill. ● Shop around for better rates Rita Cool, certified financial planner at Alexander Forbes, says you should have extra time during the lockdown to shop around for better contribution rates. ● Cancelling membership This should be your last resort. If you do cancel your membership, try to rejoin or join a new scheme within three months. If you do not, your new scheme can impose: • A three months’ general waiting period (no benefits for the first three months). • A 12 months’ exclusion from cover for a pre-existing condition..
20 Entertainment
Thursday April 9 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
Don't be surprised if you find yourself eager to talk to everyone in the next two weeks. That's because Mercury, the planet of communications, has moved into your sign!
14:00 Selimathunzi 14:30 Teenagers On A Mission 15:00 Degrassi 15:30 YO.TV 16:30 Ispani 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News 18:00 Instapreneurs 18:30 Skeem Saam 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News 19:30 Throwback Thursday 20:00 Generations: The Legacy 20:30 Uzalo 21:00 One Day Leaders 22:00 Mzansi Insider
Taurus April 21 — May 21 Your ability to research and work behind the scenes will be excellent in the next two weeks. Go after what you want to learn, because you'll be like a dog with a bone.
Gemini May 21 — June 22 Enjoy the company of younger people in groups and organizations during the next two weeks. You might meet someone who energizes you or makes you feel young and alive!
Cancer June 22 — July 23
SABC2
14:00 Magnum 15:00 Akili and Me 15:30 Yo.TV Mini - Yo TV Land 15:45 YO.TV Ilitha Lethu 16:00 Cave Quest 16:30 Hectic Nine-9 17:00 Naruto 17:30 Venda/Tsonga News 18:00 7de Laan 18:30 Nuus 19:00 Beter Assie Bure 20:00 Sesotho/Setswana News 20:30 Relate 21:00 Muvhango 21:30 Bone Of My Bones 22:00 Prison Wives
Bosses, teachers and people in authority are more likely to hear you in the next two weeks because Mercury will be at the top of your chart. Knowing this, speak up!
Leo July 23 — Aug 24 In the next two weeks, you will adore travel. You also will find it easy to study, write and finish school papers or manuscripts.
Virgo Aug 24 — Sep 23 In the next two weeks, you will make headway with unfinished red-tape issues about insurance matters, wills, estates and inheritances. Use this to your advantage!
Libra Sep 23 — Oct 23 For the next two weeks, Mercury is opposite your sign encouraging serious conversations with partners and close friends. You also will attract talkative people to you.
SABC3 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30
At The Table Battle Of The Versus Hectic On 3 Judge Faith Jenkins Court Show 17:00 The Backstory
Scorpio Oct 23 — Nov 23 Roll up your sleeves and get busy, because in the next two weeks you'll be more hands-on at work or in your job. Conversations with co-workers will be significant.
18:00 19:00 19:30 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:30
etv
Top Chef Junior Isidingo: The Need The Fashion Hero At The Table News El Chapo High Rollers
14:00 14:25 14:30 14:35
The Wild Food Matters Peppa Pig Care Bears: Unlock the Magic 15:00 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 15:30 Spirit Riding Free 15:55 Trolls: The Beat Goes On! 16:20 Judge Judy 16:45 Days Of Our Lives 17:30 Bittersoet 18:30 news - COVID-19 Update 18:55 Masterclass On Wealth 19:00 Rhythm City 19:30 Scandal! 20:00 e.tv News 20:30 Chicago Fire 21:25 e-Insert 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed 22:00 The Fixer
SOWETO TV 14:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30
Kasi Vibes Kasi Vibes Babize Bonke Dlala nge Ringas Pop Corner Soweto Business Line Soweto TV News Sit-down With... My World
What toWatch Uzalo Gabisile (Baby Cele) hears good news regarding her plan, and Sbu suffers the consequences of his deception. Someone arrives to put an end to speculation regarding Thulani's identity. SABC1: 20:30
20:00 Alleluia Ministries Int 21:00 Reggae Vibes 21:30 According To The Bible 22:00 Apostle Mohlala
1Magic 14:30 15:30 16:00 17:00
Project Runway All Stars The River The Talk Half & Half
17:30 Half & Half 18:00 Ready To Love 19:00 Mixed-Ish 19:30 Black-ish 20:00 The River 20:30 The Real Housewives Of Orange County 21:30 Growing Up Hip Hop 22:30 All American
Sagittarius Nov 23 — Dec 22
Crossword 3149
In the next two weeks, you will want to use your mind for playful activities -- games, puzzles and board games. Conversations with kids will delight.
mosimanem@sowetan.co.za
Capricorn Dec 22 — Jan 21
12`3`~4`5`6`7 ~`~`~~`~`~`~` 8````````~9`` ~`~`~~`~`~`~` 0`-`=``~q``w` ~~`~`~~~`~~`~ ~e````````r`~ ~`~~`~~~`~`~~ t`y``~u``i`o` `~`~`~`~~`~`~ p``~[```````` `~`~`~`~~`~`~ ]``````~\````
Look around you and choose what home repairs you want to tackle because you can do this in the next two weeks. Meanwhile, family discussions will be important.
Aquarius Jan 21 — Feb 20 The pace of your days will accelerate in the next two weeks with short trips, errands, appointments and conversations with siblings, relatives and neighbors. Busy you!
Birthdate of:
Aquarius Jan 21 — Feb 20 With Mercury in one of your Money Houses for the next two weeks, you will be more focused than usual on money and how to boost your earnings. Good luck!
Shay Mitchell (Actress)
ACROSS 1 Smallest and farthest known planet from the sun (5) 5 Discriminators against people on ground of age (7) 8 Celestial body orbiting around a planet or star (9) 9 Office of the Chief Engineer (3) 10 Organised and systematic thoughts or actions (7) 13 A cosmic snowball of frozen gases that orbit the sun (5) 15 The sun together with the celestial bodies that revolve around it (5,6) 17 Past tense of swear (5) 19 Taint (7) 22 Weep over (3) 23 The many celestial bodies that move around the sun (9) 24 Physical violence 7) 25 Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (5)
DOWN 2 Contract renting land or building to another (5) 3 By the skin of one’s _ (5) 4 First sign of the zodiac (5) 5 A device with springs for muscular exercise (9)) 6 _ in a teacup (5) 7 Fragrance (5) 11 Also (3) 12 Usually; typically (2,7) 14 Earth Systematic Missions (3) 15 Female adult pig (3) 16 Earth Venture Instruments (3) 17 Scour (5) 18 Open to view (5) 19 Shabby (5) 20 Myth: who was turned to stone while crying over her slain children (5) 21 Sideways movement (5)
Yesterday’s solutions ACROSS 1 Uranus 5 Fecund 8 Jaguar 9 A being 11 Edge 12 Priced 13 Edison 16 Cooler 19 Talent 21 Cede 23 Apathy 25 Nearby 26 Stacks 27 Hiking DOWN 2 Reader 3 Nautical 4 Shredder 5 Flag 6 CME 7 Nuncio 10 Bead 12 PSC 13 Entrench 14 Idle talk 15 Nit 17 Output 18 Each 20 Nubbin 22 Eyes 24 TIC
YOU BORN TODAY You are organized. You have goals; you make lists. You are competitive with others; however, you are kindhearted. This year you're wrapping up many things you began nine years ago by letting go of what is no longer relevant and moving on to something new and different. You are lightening your load to get ready for new beginnings!
Pantsula
Daisy Ridley (Actress)
Charlie Hunnam (Actor)
Tomorrow’s Weather Pretoria 13-24
Johannesburg 11-21
Sifiso Yalo
Nelspruit 15-25
Phone: 082 162 www.weathersa.co.za | @SAWeatherservice
Polokwane 14-25
Mafikeng 14-25
Bloemfontein 13-21
Kimberley 15-26
Cape Town 14-20
East London 19-25
Durban 17-28
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Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
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MOTLOUNG PHEPHI SAMSON BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
SIBEKO
MAHLAKEMAPOTE
S PHIWE
Of 8726 Ngakane Street, Dobsonville Ext 3 will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Slovo Memorial at 11H00. Service will be held at Home at 09H00.
B3 SOWETO (011) 932 6518
RAGOSEBO RUTH Of Driekop, River Cross will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Malwane Cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at Home at 06H00.
B3 POLOKWANE (015) 291 4256
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MOGOERANE
SKHOSANA
SILVIA NOMVULA
S PHIWE JOYCE
Of 11316 Nolovu Street, Kwa-Them will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Enokuthula Memorial at 09H30. Service will be held at Home at 07H00.
Of 1332 Cow Village, Bethal will be buried on FRIDAY 10/04/2020 at Morgerzoen at 10H00. Service will be held at Home at 08H00.
B3 BENONI (011) 747 5409
B3 ERMELO (017) 819 1343
Of 1308 Refengkgotso passed away on 03/04/82020 and will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Refengkgotso Cemetery at 07H30 after a service at Home.
SASOLBURG 016 976 0790 MEMBER OF THE NFDA
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KETSEKILE GLORIA BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
DHLAMINI JABULANI SOLOMON Of Stand No: 202 Mtshali Street, Phola will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Dona Memorial Cemetery at 09H00. Service will be held at Home at 07H00.
B3 WITBANK (013) 690 1941
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
LEBANG CATHBERT MOLOKO
MOKGOTHO MALOSELA PAULOS
Of Ga-Kibi, Bochum will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Ga-Kibi Cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at Home at 06H00.
Of Stand No: 340 Kwa-Mhlanga View will be buried on TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Kwa-Mhlanga Cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at Home at 06H00.
B3 POLOKWANE (015) 291 4256
B3 SIYABUSWA (013) 973 1776
TSATSANE
Of 9407 Somerspost, Zamdela passed away on 03/04/82020 and will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Local Cemetery in Sterkspruit at 09H00 after a service at Home.
MOPANE
RAMOKONE ENNIE Of Sterkwater will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Sterkwater cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
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MAKONDO
MOKGOKA RAMOKONE BLANTINA
Of Segole will be buried on Today 09/04/2020 at Segole cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
B3 RUSTENBURG (014) 597 2343
SASOLBURG 016 976 0790 MEMBER OF THE NFDA
MOTLOKWA SINAH ELINAH
Of Ga-Seleka Morwe will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Morwe cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
KALE
NOMORO LAWRENCE Of Ham no1 will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Harm no1 cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
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ROSELINE NANIKY
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MOLOTO SEKEDI PIET Of No: 1828 Zone 1, Seshego will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Motsifane Cemetery at 07H30. Service will be held at Home at 06H30.
B3 POLOKWANE (015) 291 4256
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MASEMOLA NGWANATHEKO GERTRUDE Of Makgwaraneng, Manganeng will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Manganeng Cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at Home at 06H00.
B3 JANE FURSE (013) 262 4484
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MOLAPISI PULANE PAULINE Of 2166 Sompana Street, Khutsong Location will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Khutsong Location Cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at Home at 07H00. held at Home at 07H00
B3 SOWETO (011) 932 6518
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MOGOLA LINA ZAMARIAH
Of Kabeane will be buried on Today 09/04/2020 at Kabeane cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 07H00.
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
LEPHALALE (015) 491 1824
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
MOLEFE MALOSE DENNIS
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
THANTSHA RAESETJA ANNA
Of Skirkfontein will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Skirkfontein cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
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MLANGENI
ELIAS KHAZAMOLA
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CATHRINE KEIKANETSWE Of 0227 Kgale Section, Phokeng, Rustenburg will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Kgale Cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at Home at 07H00.
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TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
MALAPILE NGWAKO SIMON
Of 20067 ZONE 14, SEBOKENG passed away on the 04/04/2020 and will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Vanderbijlpark Cemetery after a Service at Home at 10H00.
Of Wydhoek will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Wydhoek cemetery at 07H30. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
Of Ramorulana will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Ramorulana cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
V.D. BIJLPARK 016 933 9734
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NGWEPE
ILA STEPHINA Of Ga-Hlako will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Ga-Hlako cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
Of Stand No: 1501 Monsterlus will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Monsterlus Cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at Home at 06H00.
B3 GROBLERSDAL (013) 262 4484
BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES LEPHALALE (015) 491 1824
AVBOB FUNERAL SERVICES
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
DIGKALE SENYANE JOEL Of Madiga, Ga-Dikgale will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Madiga Cemetery at 07H30. Service will be held at Home at 06H30.
B3 POLOKWANE (015) 291 4256
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MASHABANE SIZANE CELUMUSA Of Stand 118 Masibekela, Nkomazi will be buried on FRIDAY 10/04/2020 at Masibekela Cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at Home at 05H00.
B3 NELSPRUIT (013) 755 3475
BATHO BATSHO BAKOPANE
MEHALE
THEBE
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
MAKOBANE SELINA
KGWADI APRIL
Of 24 POORTEMANS STR. VANDERBIJLPARK passed away on the 06/04/2020 and will be buried TODAY, THURSDAY 09/04/2020 at Vanderbijlpark Cemetery after a Service at Home at 10H00.
MAKGAE
Of Shongoane 2 will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Shongoane 2 cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
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LANGA
MOKGAETJI
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
THINDIZA MERELA MOTORO
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
MOKGOKA RAMOKONE BLANTINA
Of Bakenberg will be buried on Saturday 11/04/2020 at Bakenberg cemetery at 07H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
Of Zebediela will be buried on Friday 10/04/2020 at Zebediela cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
Of Segole will be buried on Today 09/04/2020 at Segole cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at home at 06H00.
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES
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MOKOPANE (015) 491 1824
BAKENBERG (015) 491 1824
SONTAGA MELITA Of Uitlyk No: 2 Bochum will be buried on SATURDAY 11/04/2020 at Uitlyk No: 2 Cemetery at 08H00. Service will be held at Home at 07H00.
B3 POLOKWANE (015) 291 4256
V.D. BIJLPARK 016 933 9734
TIM FUNERAL SERVICES LEPHALALE (015) 491 1824
BAKENBERG (015) 491 182
22 Dipapadi
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Orlando Pirates’ Thabiso Monyane and Mosa Lebusa of Sundowns will resume hostilities when their teams meet again after the lockdown, in a clash which is key to the PSL title race. / A N T O N I O M U C H A V E
PSL teams heading for the finishing line e. v o m e h t n o , w o n k In the
Fights for the top spot, dodging axe, heat up The suspended Absa Premiership has on average seven rounds of fixtures left to conclude the season. Some of those games will go a long way to determine who will be the champion, who will get relegated and who will qualify for the lucrative MTN8. Gomolemo Motshwane takes a look at the biggest matches still to be played.
Sundowns v Pirates This highly anticipated clash was suspended a day before it was set to kick off. The high-stakes tie has championship implications as Downs were looking to close the gap to one point with leaders Kaizer Chiefs. It will also be a chance for Pitso Mosimane to avenge the 0-1 loss he suffered against his
Pirates counterpart Josef Zinnbauer in January.
Pirates v SuperSport This clash between the fourthplaced Buccaneers and United in third place could determine which team will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup. Pirates had conceded that they are building for next season where their coach Zinnbauer will start off on a clean slate.
Chiefs v Sundowns This is perhaps the mother of all fixtures in the remaining games. A clash of the titans at the top of the standings and the title decider. Amakhosi will be desperate not to let the title slip through their fingers after five trophyless years. These are anxious
times at Chiefs after the team blew an 11-point lead.
AmaZulu v Leopards This battle of the relegation candidates will give an indication of who will get the automatic chop. Usuthu will look to make full use of their home ground advantage. Both teams are desperate to remain in the top flight. Usuthu will also be high on confidence after their 1-0 shock win over Chiefs.
Highlands v CT City Top flight clubs are always enticed by finishing in the top eight, potentially winning the R8m up for grabs in the MTN8 at the start of the following season. The Lions of the North (eighth position) and the Citizens (10th) can attest to the fact that their goal is to finish in the top half.
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Sowetan Thursday April 9 2020
It’s tough at the top for some Along with hype comes pressure and while some youngsters cope when they’re under the spotlight, others simply fade away. Sihle Ndebele looks at some players who started their careers with huge promise at junior level, but found the going rather difficult in the top flight Emmanuel Letlotlo With his lofty potential it’s just surprising that Letlotlo is clubless after leaving Kaizer Chiefs in June last year. The 24-year-old striker finished as the reserve league’s top scorer with nine goals from 15 matches in the 2015/16 season. After his exploits in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC), Letlotlo was promoted to the first team the following season, but things didn’t work out for him in the top flight, playing a mere five league games without scoring. In the 2017/18 season the man nicknamed Adebayor after the prolific Togolese, was loaned out to Baroka, where he failed to make even a single appearance.
Augustine Mahlonoko In 2018 Mahlonoko, 18, was named as “one of the 60 best talents in the world” by UK publication The Guardian. In Pirates’ opening league game of the 2017/18 campaign against Highlands Park, he became the club’s youngest player to make his professional debut at 16 years and 352 days.
Augustine Mahlonoko, 18, has moved from being touted as one of the 60 best talents in the world in 2018 to life on loan in South Africa’s third tier. /
Emmanuel Letlotlo is clubless after Chiefs offloaded him. / G A L L O I M A G E S /
BAC K PAG E P I X / M UZ I
L E F T Y S H I VA M B U
NTOMBELA
Mahlonoko won the Development Player of the Season accolade at the Buccaneers’ awards at the end of the 2017/18 term. Later last year, the promising midfielder, who used to skipper the Sea Robbers MDC side, was shipped out on loan to the club’s feeder team Pele Pele in the third-tier, where he’s currently trying to work his way up again.
Sibongakonke Mbatha Mbatha is on the books of second-tier outfit TS Sporting. The diminutive attacking midfielder came through Bidvest Wits’ youth ranks. The Students promoted him in the 2017/18 season. After failing to crack it under Gavin Hunt’s stewardship, Mbatha was loaned to the now defunct Platinum Stars, playing just seven league outings.
Towards the end of the season, Mbatha joined Indian side ATK. The 22-year-old’s Asian adventure wasn’t fruitful either, playing just three league matches with one goal. Mbatha made a name for himself at junior national teams Amajimbos (U17) and Amajita (U20).
Yusuf Maart It was under Swedish coach, Kjell Jonevret, that Maart was
promoted to the Pirates senior team in 2017. He was handed his professional debut against third-tier side EC Bees in the Nedbank Cup. After that Maart, 24, never played for the first team again. Maart spent the last season on loan at Cape Umoya and upon his return, the Bucs MDC product was sent to the club’s feeder side Pele Pele alongside Mahlonoko.
Spurs warn Jose, players Club unhappy with displays of public activities
Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho told to desist from interacting with players in public. / ANP SPORT VIA GETTY IMAGES
London – Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain’s coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social distancing rules.
Portuguese boss Mourinho was pictured training with Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common, while Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were seen running side-by-side in the same public park in north London. Spurs full-back Serge Aurier also posted a video of himself jogging alongside another person on Instagram. The English Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of Covid-19. The outbreak has seen the
British government introduce a strict series of measures which, while they allow individuals to go out for a walk or exercise once a day, state they must remain at least two metres apart unless they are with a member of the same household. “All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors,” said a Tottenham spokesperson on Tuesday. “We shall continue to reinforce this message.” Tottenham had already been criticised during the
outbreak for applying to the British government’s furlough financial assistance programme for company wage bills last week on the same day it was revealed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was paid £7m (R158m) last season. Although Levy is among the Spurs staff members taking a 20% pay cut, the north Londoners have come under pressure to follow European champions and EPL leaders Liverpool in reversing their decision to use public money to pay employees. – AFP
Thursday April 9 2020 Sowetan
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Leading from the back
Williams ready for skipper job He learnt from the best in 10 years By Neville Khoza
SuperSport United new skipper Ronwen Williams is excited by the challenges awaiting him and is relishing the pressure that comes with it. Williams, United’s No 1 keeper, will replace departing Dean Furman as new captain next season. The 28-year-old is aware of what it takes to be a captain, having done so for the club six years ago under coach Cavin Johnson. While he will be leading some more experienced players on the field, he says he won’t be intimidated and will shout at them if needed. “When I started playing for the team I was 18 years old. The most important advice I got from Morgan Gould from that first game was ‘shout at me, swear at me’. Ever since, you can see my games from nine years ago till now, I’m still the same,” Williams said. “I don’t care if you are Nasief Morris, Gould or Grant
Kekana... I’m going to shout at you. But I don’t like shouting for the sake of it, I rather try to encourage. If someone makes a mistake and you shout, it is more painful. I don’t like the shouting aspect.” Having seen the likes of Gould, Thabo September and Furman lead the team, the Bafana Bafana goalie said he will use some of the knowledge he garnered from them to help the team going forward. “The main thing I learnt, especially from those guys, was professionalism. I mean they would come in every day and give 110%, if there was nothing to play for they will still motivate the guys to push. “It means now I have to focus in every game. I can’t slack behind and I need to set a good example every day. This (being captain) will make me wiser and keep me more focused. “But it puts more pressure on me because all eyes will be on me obviously, the success of the team will be on how I lead the team now. It is not only about me, it is about the whole club because the board and the technical team have put their trust in me.”
Baroka coach Daylan Kerr wants to win the Nedbank Cup and embed another club tattoo on his leg. / P H I L I P M A E TA / G A L LO IMAGES
Kerr open to double-header Nedbank Cup idea not far-fetched By Gomolemo Motshwane
Baroka coach Dylan Kerr would gladly play the semifinal and the final of the Nedbank Cup in one day if it were decided that way. Games are currently suspended due to the coronavirus crisis and it is unknown how or when the season will be concluded. Baroka are in the semis of the R7m competition and were drawn at home against Bloemfontein Celtic. Mamelodi Sundowns take on Bidvest Wits in the other semifinal.
“We used to do double-headers back in the day and the charity cup in SA also used to be semis and a final in a single day,” Kerr told Sowetan. “It used to sell the stadium out but we don’t know if fans would be allowed. But I would have no problem doing things that way. But first we have to overcome this crisis not just here but around the world.” Should Kerr lead Bakgaga to the coveted cup, he looks forward to continue his tradition of getting a tattoo of the club he wins with on his leg. “That would be an absolute dream if I could get another tattoo. I’d love to guide the club to the cup but that’s not on my mind right now,” he said.
The Englishman already has tattoos of Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, Reading FC, Leeds United (both England) and Hamilton Academical FC (Scotland) from his triumph with them as a player and a coach. The 53-year-old will have to wait until the lockdown ends next week and the PSL decides how games will be played. Kerr said his objective was to save the Limpopo team, who are 13th with 23 points, from relegation. “If you asked me to choose I would obviously want to get the cup and ensure we survive relegation. It won’t be easy but we are willing to put the work in and do whatever it takes.”