SundayTimes May 17 2020

LIFE’S STILL BEAUTIFUL Screen time for Sasha Lee and Zozi Page 5

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

RUNNING ON THE SPOT

Bongani Madondo on Little Richard’s African roots Insight

Lockdown’s new narcissists abusing their religion Lifestyle

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MAY 17 2020

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Save SA: end lockdown!

Mkhize defends rules as storm erupts with scientists saying they are being sidelined

By STHEMBILE CELE, HILARY JOFFE, NICK WILSON, BELINDA PHETO, PAUL ASH, MPUMZI ZUZILE, ALEX PATRICK and NIVASHNI NAIR

● Scientists, business and labour have delivered a stark warning to the government to fast-track the easing of lockdown restrictions, saying they are having little or no effect on stemming infections — but are killing the economy.

Some members of the ministerial advisory committee (MAC), the body headed by professor Salim Abdool Karim that advises the government on its response to the pandemic, have supported their colleague Dr Glenda Gray, who said yesterday that the lockdown has no basis in science and should be called off.

They said a false impression had been created about the level of consultation with scientists on the lockdown. Others questioned who is advising President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling the official risk-adjusted strategy a “catastrophe”.

But health minister Zweli Mkhize yesterday defended the regulations, though he conceded that there is not much more the lockdown can do to contain the disease.

And business and labour have called for the easing of restrictions to be ramped up to level 2 as soon as possible.

Gray, chair of the South African Medical Research Council, said the strategy “is not based in science and is completely unmeasured” in remarks to News24.

The MAC scientists the Sunday Times spoke to all agreed that the lockdown should be lifted. Their claims that they are being sidelined tend to undermine the government’s insistence that its lockdown rules, and its exit from the lockdown, are always based on sound scientific advice.

However, the acting director-general of the department of health, Anban Pillay, said the government has “adopted almost all of the recommendations” they have made.

“We have never been engaged by Gray individually, or as a collective by the advisory committee, on the reasons for some of the measures that have been put in place. If they were engaged and wanted to understand something, we would be able to provide explanations.

“They could then share their views about alternatives, but we have never had such a discussion. They are directly in contact with us on almost a daily basis,” said Pillay.

MAC member professor Shabir Madhi, who chairs its public health committee, said the government is ill-informed. He questioned who is advising the president that SA is doing well. He and others also said the MAC was not asked about measures involved in lifting the lockdown.

“Decisions about different lockdown levels and what should be allowed are not

BOYS WILL BE … BALLERINOS Mihlali Ntshangana, right, and his younger brother Hlumelo give their Gugulethu neighbours an impromptu exhibition of ballet to break the tedium of the lockdown in the Cape Town township. Both boys attend a ballet school, which is closed during lockdown. In the middle, shading her eyes, proud mother Linda Ntshangana looks on with the rest of her family. See page 12. Picture: Esa Alexander

Dr Glenda Gray, chair of the South African Medical Research Council.

based on anything discussed by MAC,” he said.

Several MAC members, who spoke to the Sunday Times on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to speak to the media, said they had not been involved in lockdown decisions.

“Everyone, including the World Health Organisation [WHO], seems to think that there is a group of scientists out there advising government about extending the lockdown. That’s wrong. The MAC was never part of the big decisions on extending the lockdown,” said one member.

“The risk-adjusted strategy was never shared with us, it was presented to us the day before it was announced. We saw the models eight days ago. It’s a catastrophe.

There’s panic in the MAC that decisions are being ascribed to us but we have never seen them, we were not party to them.”

“We never had discussions on banning alcohol and cigarettes. No single scientist would have supported the cigarette ban. We don’t know who’s advising government.

This whole thing has been politicised … it’s either you are for or against government.”

Another MAC member, Prof Wolfgang Preiser, said that all countries that had implemented lockdowns are starting to ease restrictions and “hardly anyone is just stop-

ping it all of a sudden”.

“In my personal opinion we should also start easing, carefully, obviously in a sensical way i.e. not distinguishing between long- and short-sleeved T-shirts, allowing people to exercise alone or in family groups throughout the day. Careful does it, and looking at infection rates. We are also moving into winter with influenza and other infections which is another concern,” he said.

Another MAC member , who also asked not to be named, agreed with Gray, who advocated for “non-pharmaceutical interventions” such as hand washing, mask wearing, social distancing, and bans on gatherings bans. “We should release the lockdown but with major community engagement," he said.

Mkhize told the Sunday Times yesterday it was “untrue that we don’t take the MAC seriously”.

“We have asked the ministerial advisory To Page 4 ➜

Smokes ban ‘a big failure in every way’

By DAVE CHAMBERS

● Economists behind an extensive survey of smokers say the lockdown ban on cigarette sales has been a spectacular failure and should be lifted as soon as possible.

More than 90% of the 12,000-plus smokers who completed an online questionnaire said they had bought cigarettes in spite of the ban.

On top of its failure to stop people smoking, the ban had strengthened illicit distribution networks that would now be difficult to dismantle, the economists said.

In a report entitled “Lighting up the illicit

About nine in 10 smokers are still buying cigarettes, using back-door outlets.

market”, members of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT’s) research unit on the economics of excisable products said the ban had: ● Caused nearly half of smokers to switch from multinational brands to local brands; ● Caused “hyperinflation” in which cigarette prices “skyrocketed” by 4.4% a day; To Page 4 ➜

TREADMILLS BIKES

BACK IN-STOCK

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Page 2 - 17 May 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

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Page 3 - 17 May 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

4

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

News

Sunday Times

Covid-19: Education

In Numbers

R1.88 R3.55 Average price of a cigarette before the lockdown

Lotto

Average price during lockdown

08

10

15

27

30

49

06

21

30

35

50

31

35

39

51

Lotto Plus 1 03 06

17

Lotto Plus 2 03

11

21

Big city schools could stay shut Education officials say virus hot spots still too risky for kids

By PREGA GOVENDER

● More than 5,000 schools in Covid-19 hot spots across SA, including 929 private schools, will stay shut next month if the cabinet approves a new proposal by the basic education department.

The Sunday Times can reveal exclusively that the department wants schools in Buffalo City, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay to be regarded as being on lockdown level 5 when others around the country begin reopening on June 1.

Keeping these schools shut would affect 3.7-million pupils and 134,779 teachers.

The proposal — discussed on Wednesday with the National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (Naisa), which represents nine private schools’ associations — is expected to be unveiled when basic education minister Angie Motshekga briefs the media tomorrow about how ready the provinces are to reopen schools.

Circulars the Sunday Times has seen show that in some provinces schools have been instructed to buy personal protection equipment with funds originally meant for learning materials, while parents have been roped in to help with cleaning.

The document outlining the department’s proposals, which the Sunday Times has seen, suggests that all 157,123 matric pupils in hotspot areas “be accommodated in grade 12 special camps”.

Schools in areas where Covid-19 infections are lower will be listed under lockdown level 3, and grades 7 and 12 will re-

Basic education minister Angie Motshekga

sume on June 1, with grades R to 7 and grade 11 expected to return on a staggered basis.

Pupils in the remaining grades will return once lockdown level 2 begins.

The proposal says that under level 3, the school timetable could be rearranged to “accommodate different grades attending school on alternate days as well as platooning/shift arrangements to comply with social distancing”.

Unions representing teachers, including the South African Democratic Teachers Union, do not want their members to return to work unless schools are disinfected and teachers are provided with soap, sanitisers and masks. They also want social distancing to be observed.

The unions will meet Motshekga tomorrow for a progress report on the readiness of the provinces.

Naisa chair Mandla Mthembu confirmed that the alliance met on Wednesday with the department’s director-general, Mathanzima Mweli, but expressed surprise that the de-

committee to advise us on a lot of issues and for each issue they set up a team, and research and deliberate before producing their recommendation. Those advisories come to the minister who makes the decision of how to implement. There is a lot of debate that goes into those final advisories,” he said. “In some instances I attend their meetings and they report to me, and MECs sometimes. So if anybody was unhappy with anything they could have expressed so directly to me.

“There is a lot of debate about the lockdown, whether it should continue or not.

From a health perspective we have got the

maximum benefit from the lockdown. Now what we need to do is to adjust all our containment measures so that we now adjust to a new normal of dealing with our lives.”

Mkhize - who said MAC members were free to speak to the media - said preparations had to be made when opening up the country, and the MAC is not involved in those.

“Extending the lockdown much further will not necessarily delay the graph much further than we have done,” he said.

He said they were dealing with two sce-

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ALE AND HEARTY Beer drinkers lift their mugs in a toast at an outdoor section of a pub in Prague this week as the Czech Republic government eased more lockdown restrictions, allowing restaurants and bars with patios to reopen. The country has more than 8,400 confirmed coronavirus cases, and 295 people have died from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic. Picture: Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images

We would like to get back to school as soon as possible.

Face-to-face contact is the best way David de Korte South African Principals’ Association

ality that more than 5,000 schools may remain closed because opening them would simply just not make sense. However, I would seriously caution against holding matric camps. Where would you put the children?”

The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools has asked Motshekga to arrange a meeting with medical experts and scientists to try to allay parents’ fears.

The group’s CEO, Paul Colditz, said onethird of 3,700 parents responding to a recent snap survey believed schools should not reopen at all this year.

Meanwhile, some provinces appear to be

struggling with cleaning programmes for schools. According to a circular, Stepinah Semaswe, the superintendent-general of the North West education department, has asked district officials and principals to “mobilise” parents to clean schools without indicating whether they would be paid.

Limpopo instructed schools to use 45% of their operating budgets to hire cleaners and buy gloves, aprons and cleaning material.

Those budgets are used for essentials, such as paper to print work sheets.

KwaZulu-Natal’s education department asked schools to hire cleaners to clean up to 25 classrooms a day at R10 per classroom.

Salim Abdool Karim

Shabir Madhi

ment and Labour Council on Friday that they would have preferred for the lockdown to be eased further to get the economy going.

“As business collectively we would have loved to move to level 2. We believe it is at level 2 where there will be a major liftoff in the economy.”

Martin Kingston, who represents Business SA, said a drop down to level 2 would get the economy fired up. “There’s no doubt that unless we can move … to level 2, the economy is going to suffer increasing damage.”

Matthew Parks, of labour federation Cosatu, said they were keen on reopening the economy so that workers could return to work and take care of their families. “You can’t run an economy forever on food parcels and UIF [the Unemployment Insurance Fund]; those things will come to an end.”

But he said they were worried about how workers would get to work. “You can have a safe workplace and all that but if workers are

being packed like sardines into trains and taxis then you defeat the objective.”

Nedbank CEO and Banking Association president Mike Brown said: “SA’s level 4 has been a unique country approach — product by product, sector by sector — that fails to recognise the interconnections of value chains in the economy and is overly complex.”

National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA CEO Michael Mabasa said: “We are very eager to ramp up our operations 100% as soon as possible so that we can get all our employees back to work without further delay.”

Liquor Traders Association of SA spokesperson Sean Robinson said their 1,400 members can’t wait until alert level 3 to trade, because “it will be too late”.

“Liquor stock worth tens of millions of rands is close to reaching its expiry date and the losses will result in the closing of thousands of liquor stores,” he said.

‘Save SA: end the lockdown’ — plea

➜ From Page 1

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partment’s proposal had been leaked.

Mthembu said when Naisa’s nine member organisations met on Friday, concern was expressed about the 929 schools that may not reopen on June 1.

“Our concern is that there’s a blanket approach to say all schools in those municipalities must not open. If schools are located in the red zone but in wards that may be viewed as level 4 or level 3, they should be allowed to open.”

He said that during the meeting with Mweli, they were told no private school should open before June 1.

Lebogang Montjane, executive director of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa, which has 802 member schools in SA and was represented by one of his officials at the meeting on Wednesday, said it had written to Motshekga the next day requesting that private schools in “high transmission areas” be allowed to operate from June 1 if they comply with Covid-19 requirements.

The department’s proposal must be approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council before going to the cabinet for final approval.

Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the department of basic education, said the leaked document was being used for “discussion purposes”.

“I know for a fact [it] has since been overtaken by events,” he said.

The national president of the South African Principals’ Association, David de Korte, said the logistics of teaching more than 157,000 matrics in camps would be “quite a challenge”.

“We would like to get back to school as soon as possible. We believe that face-toface contact with pupils is the best way of imparting education.”

Basil Manuel, the executive director of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA, said: “We accept that this may be a re-

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narios, the most optimistic of which is a delay in the peak of the disease until August.

“The pessimistic view is that having flattened the curve initially, it might come back quicker depending on how easily people adjust to social behavioural change. So if you don’t go for containment measures in the next few weeks you could worsen the situation. There is no magic about non-pharmaceutical measures, that is what is in the plan that everybody needs to adjust to. You have to create space for those capabilities to be built in the communities to be able to do it.”

Mkhize said the risk-adjusted approach is to give society a chance to adjust to the new normal, and that communities will be encouraged to police each other, and ensure that people wear their masks and follow social distancing and hygiene rules.

Ahead of a MAC meeting called last night to discuss Gray’s comments, its chair Professor Salim Abdool Karim said in a statement that the entire 51-member body meets weekly and “members have the opportunity to share their views and interact with [Mkhize], deputy minister [Joe Paahla] and the director-general at these meetings”.

He said the MAC has submitted about 50 advisories to the health department and “none of the advisories submitted to date have been rejected”.

“In addition, the MAC has been working on advisories over the last several days related to 10 issues, including the easing of the

lockdown and the alert level regulations.”

Karim said he convened a meeting on Tuesday with committee chairs, including Gray, to share concerns “about the regulations relating to the lockdown levels”. Gray was tasked with preparing an advisory on them, including regulations relating to small businesses, buying cars, and clothing.

This advisory will be tabled at next week’s MAC meeting.

“Members of the MAC are welcome to share their personal views, both in MAC meetings and publicly,” he said.

Professor Lynn Morris, interim executive director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, said the use of a risk-based approach in removing the lockdown is based on guidance by the WHO, of which an infection rate is one aspect. Others include that: transmission is controlled; the health system is able to detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact; that outbreak risks are minimised in health facilities and nursing homes; that preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places; that risks of the virus being further imported can be managed; and that “communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new norm”.

Gray did not respond to requests for comment.

Sandile Zungu, chair of the Black Business Council, said they told Ramaphosa at a meeting of the National Economic Develop-

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Ban fails to stop sales, helps black market ➜ From Page 1 ● Made a post-lockdown price war inevitable, which would “ultimately lead to increased cigarette consumption in SA”; ● Undone the progress the South African Revenue Service had made in stamping out illegal cigarettes and given illicit traders a foothold “where they previously could not compete on a quality basis”; ● Created a boom in the informal retail sector, with two-thirds of smokers now buying cigarettes from spaza shops and the like instead of from formal retailers; ● Made street vendors a key source of cigarettes for 26% of smokers; and ● Created a thriving black market that revolved around friends and family, WhatsApp groups and “essential worker” acquaintances.

As well as plunging the market into “turmoil”, research unit head professor Corné van Walbeek said the ban had unleashed a tidal wave of anger and mental anguish.

“Respondents do not understand the economic or health rationale for the sales ban,” said Van Walbeek and his colleagues Samantha Filby and Kirsten van der Zee. “While most acknowledged that smoking is bad for their health, they felt that the sudden imposition of the sales ban, without any cessation support, caused them mental health problems because they were unable to smoke.

“Many indicated increased anxiety, feelings of depression, being less focused, and … physical withdrawal symptoms.”

One smoker told the researchers: “The continuation of the ban is illogical. Everyone is still smoking, just doing it illegally and at great cost while the government loses tax income and criminals make a fortune.”

An earlier survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council in the third week of lockdown between April 9 and 16, found that only 12% of smokers had bought cigarettes in defiance of the ban.

The UCT team collected responses be-

tween April 29 and May 11 and said this probably accounted for the different result.

“Our results indicate that 90% of smokers had stocked up on cigarettes before the start of the lockdown,” said Van Walbeek.

“The initial expectation was that the ban on the sales of cigarettes would last for three weeks, so presumably most smokers would have enough stock to last them through that period.”

Cigarette consumption increased from an average of 10 a day to 11 in the first two weeks of lockdown, then went down to nine. “This suggests that most people did not stock up sufficiently for the [lockdown] extension and were forced to ration the remainder of their cigarettes,” said Van Walbeek.

Two smokers in five had tried to quit but most had failed and they were now paying almost 90% more for their habit. “Smokers are desperate and are willing to pay exorbitant prices,” said Van Walbeek.

Price increases varied substantially around the country but local brands went up

the most at the same time as they leapt to the top of the sales charts.

“Half of the brands that are in the top 10 during the lockdown did not feature at all … for the pre-lockdown period. These brands [Sharp, Caesar, JFK, Remington Gold and Savannah] are all produced by local companies.”

The biggest beneficiary is Gold Leaf Tobacco, part-owned by Simon Rudland, who survived an attempted hit as he arrived in his Porsche for a meeting at the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association offices in Johannesburg in August last year.

Gold Leaf’s market share has increased from 12% to 30%, Carnilinx’s from 2% to 10% and Best Tobacco Co’s from 2% to 9%.

International cigarette giant British American Tobacco has seen its market share plunge almost two-thirds, to 24%.

Van Walbeek and his team said: “It was an error to continue with [the ban] into level 4 lockdown. The government should lift [it] as soon as possible.”

5

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

News

There’s smoke, is there fire?

In 2017, pictures of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma with self-confessed tobacco smuggler Adriano Mazzotti and his associates were published amid suggestions they had donated to her ANC leadership campaign.

She denied knowledge of such donations and said she only had two chance meetings with Mazzotti.

The pictures were reposted on social media recently

Humour “2020 is cancelled until further notice,” the naysayers shout.

Meet SA’s new rap sensation, NDZol

But not us.

We believe no year should be written off.

Especially one that’s an opportunity to redefine our future.

Minister sees lighter side of DJ’s dance mix

We look around and we see hardship, worry and disappointment.

We see challenges the likes of which we’ve never faced.

By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER

● In the middle of a global health crisis, how do you get the attention of minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma? Poke fun at her in a song.

That was the experience of Cape Town DJ and music producer Max Hurrell, 24, after he released his track Zol, which loops remarks of hers about why she thinks it’s not safe to smoke during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hurrell told the Sunday Times he was initially nervous when the minister of co-operative governance & traditional affairs said on Twitter she wanted to discuss the track — but it turns out she has a sense of humour.

Instead of complaining, she sent him a direct message on Twitter on Thursday encouraging him to keep up the good work.

The two then had an exchange about his music.

“She said she was perfectly fine with it,” Hurrell said. “She encouraged me to keep spreading positivity and laughter through this difficult time.”

Hurrell has made a few tracks based on gaffes by politicians and immediately saw the potential in Dlamini-Zuma’s comments about the government’s U-turn on the ban on the sale of cigarettes during lockdown.

“When people zol, they put saliva on the paper and then they share that zol,” she said, trying to explain why she thought smoking posed a contagion risk.

Her words immediately launched a flood of videos and memes. Little did Hurrell realise his song — dubbed SA’s “lockdown anthem” — would quickly ignite social media platforms and put him on the minister’s

A grab from the unofficial video of ‘Zol’ by Max Hurrell, inset.

The video was made by The Kiffness.

radar.

Within two weeks his track had garnered millions of views and hundreds of thousands of shares, and is climbing the Apple Music charts.

The former health minister, whose antitobacco stance led to tough legislation in the 1990s, drew the wrath of smokers again late last month when she quashed their hopes that the lockdown cigarette ban was about to be lifted.

President Cyril Ramaphosa himself announced it would be, as the country moved from level 5 to level 4 restrictions, but days later Dlamini-Zuma said the decision had been reversed.

She denied speculation that she and Ramaphosa were at odds, saying there was nothing sinister “in a change of position following a consultative process”.

On her official Twitter account on Wednesday, Dlamini-Zuma tweeted: “Who is this Max Hurrell fellow? We just need to talk.”

One Twitter user said in response: “Quite worrying that you would respond to this but not to the really important tweets and questions on your timeline.”

Her spokesperson, Lungi Mtshali, told the Sunday Times that the minister found the track funny.

“There is nothing serious here. The minister does not really have a comment on it, it’s

But we also see people united by adversity.

Spurred into action.

just something she found funny at the time.”

Hurrell said after Dlamini-Zuma tweeted on Wednesday, he responded and sent her his mobile number in a direct message.

The next day the minister followed him back on Twitter and messaged him privately.

“Our entire conversation was on Twitter. I can’t go into what she said, but she didn’t ask for a retraction.”

Hurrell described the song as a “monster”.

“I expected to get a couple of thousand views and make a few people laugh. But I didn’t expect it to go this far. I was a bit concerned … I didn’t expect it to explode like this, it was just a joke,” he said.

“Imagine how upset people would be if the government took away the song after taking away people’s smokes. It was all tongue-in-cheek, no offence was intended.”

He believes the song took off because of its timing and the subject.

“I’m just glad it’s making people laugh, we could all do with a laugh at this time,” said Hurrell.

Comedian Tumi Morake, who is stuck in the US with her family, told the Sunday Times she was amused by Zol. “It’s a funny song. It’s an upbeat song.

Laughter is the best medicine even for the vile stuff we disagree with. If we don’t laugh during this billion-car pile-up that is Covid19, we’ll lose our minds. It’s the best medicine, in addition to soap and masks.”

We see enough momentum to make 2020 more than the year of COVID-19.

To make it the year we transformed delayed dreams into windows of opportunity.

The year we not only did things differently, but did different things.

The year we dug deeper.

Pushed harder. Grew stronger.

Join us as we start a movement we call

2020 2.0 A rallying cry to make 2020 a success story.

Our pledge to our country and her people to help build this new momentum.

Corona beast hobbles beauties

And our way of thanking South Africa for being unstoppable.

This is a new chapter in our journey.

One as yet unwritten.

A chance to do things differently.

To make things better.

By LEONIE WAGNER

To take the first half of a challenging year – and use it to make the second half inspirational.

So to those who say let’s make 2020 history, we say: Let’s make history in 2020.

Join the movement on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Miss South Africa Sasha Lee Olivier at her Central Square apartment in Sandton still plans to raise R1.2m for rape comfort packs. Picture: Sebabatso Mosamo

What’s been keeping me sane is maintaining my schedule. I exercise twice a day. I’ve also taken up Samba dancing again. Oh, and I recently started cooking again, and of course now we all bake Sasha Lee Olivier Miss SA

I’ve picked it up again.”

To connect with South Africans and the world, Olivier has taken to social media and hosted live discussions on Instagram so fans can interact with her.

The pandemic has also put Tunzi’s Miss Universe activities on ice — she was supposed to spend the year travelling, championing various causes, but has been in lockdown in her New York apartment.

The two keep regular contact. “It’s like two sisters chatting. It’s been great to have someone guide me through this,” Olivier said.

Tunzi, like Olivier, is using social media to reach out to fans, encouraging them to share videos (#UniverseUnited) about how they’re keeping entertained. She has also been hosting live discussions with previous titleholders about their philanthropic causes and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Olivier said hardships were also learning opportunities. “These things happen. Adversity breeds success. It’s not the first difficulty I’ve ever had to face.”

#2020TwoPoint0 #MomentumShift

BRAVE/5939/MOM/E

● Sasha Lee Olivier’s reign as Miss SA should have made her one of the most recognisable faces in the country. But then the lockdown happened barely two months after she took over the sceptre from Zozibini Tunzi, who was crowned Miss Universe in December.

This week, at last, she got to dust off her sash and make her first public appearance in seven weeks, at an International Nurses Day celebration in Sebokeng, Gauteng.

“I started off the year saying 2020 is the year of plenty. I was just getting into the swing of things when we were told we’re going into lockdown. Regardless of not being able to attend events, Miss SA is all about getting into communities,” said Olivier, 27.

Her first event as the official Miss SA was the Sun Met at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town in February. The following month she attended the opening of the Queer Wellness Clinic in Johannesburg — and then the events had to stop.

So too did her big project to raise R1.2m to supply rape comfort packs in schools and universities across the country.

The campaign #ItsNotYourFault, which she launched last year, is aimed at survivors of sexual abuse. Olivier has been open about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child and has made it her mission to help others.

“It was a matter of hitting the ground running but then [the campaign] had to stop,” she said.

“There have been high volumes of gender-based violence, where people are exposed to their perpetrators, and we’re limited in what we can do.”

Olivier said it has been frustrating to not be able to fulfil all her responsibilities as Miss SA. “Now most of my day is spent doing online talks. I always wake up at 5am. What’s been keeping me sane is maintaining my schedule. I exercise twice a day. I’ve also taken up Samba dancing again.

“Oh, and I recently started cooking again, and of course now we all bake. I can’t put my piping bag [for cake icing] down now that

Momentum is part of Momentum Metropolitan Life Limited, an authorised financial services and registered credit provider.

6

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times

News Politics

Popular cause, says Zille The DA is lobbying South Africans to help fund its court bid to have the Disaster Management Act declared unconstitutional.

DA federal chair Helen Zille said yesterday that her party has received “an avalanche” of support in its fund-raising efforts for its lockdown court action. Zille said the party had to beef up the capacity of the DA website to accommodate the increased traffic from people wanting to make donations

Too much power for NDZ — DA National lockdown regulations, such as a curfew between 8pm and 5am, limited exercise between 6am and 9am, and those dealing with what kind of clothing or food people are allowed to buy, have been the subject of great controversy for several weeks.

By THABO MOKONE The DA argues in its court papers that such regulations, and the deployment of ● The Disaster Management Act is a danger- more than 70,000 soldiers to enforce them, ous piece of legislation that gives a single amount to a state of emergency and not a minister powers trumping those of the presi- disaster as declared by the government. dent and parliament.

The DA says they are an infringement of This is what the DA is arguing in its appli- the constitutional right to freedom of movecation for direct access to the Constiment, arguing that a time limit on extutional Court on an urgent basis ercise and the curfew are irraas part of its bid to have the act, tional, as medical science which is the anchor of “dracoshows that the risk of spreadnian” national lockdown reging the coronavirus is far ulations, to be declared ingreater indoors than outside. valid and unconstitutional.

In his affidavit filed in the The DA is arguing that secConstitutional Court on Frition 27 of the act has turned day, DA interim leader John the national lockdown into “a de Steenhuisen contends that the facto state of emergency” by act should be declared unconJohn Steenhuisen allowing the minister of costitutional as it allows Dlamioperative governance & tradini-Zuma to consult only “a cotional affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to terie of ministers” and not parliamentarians implement regulations that are not subject to in drafting and implementing lockdown regparliamentary scrutiny. ulations.

The official opposition is also arguing that “As I have explained, the Disaster Manthe act gives Dlamini-Zuma unfettered pow- agement Act insists on no form of parliameners that are not consistent with those desig- tary oversight at all. It allows for the creation nated to the president and parliament in of a de facto state of emergency without any terms of the State of Emergency Act of 1997 compliance with the constitutional requireand section 37 of the constitution, which ments for such a state of emergency. On this both allow for parliamentary scrutiny basis, too, section 27 is unconstitutional,” through debates in the National Assembly.

Steenhuisen argues.

Virus fears keep HIV, TB patients from medication

By GRAEME HOSKEN

It’s not constitutional, party tells top court

SOMETHING IN THE AIR An employee disinfects a shopping mall in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, as a preventive measure against the coronavirus, which has infected 220,000 people and claimed 14,900 lives in the country so far. Picture: Silvio Avila/AFP

He says Dlamini Zuma and other ministers would not be in a position to chop and change lockdown regulations if they were subject to parliamentary accountability before doing so.

“Parliament has conferred extremely wide and far-reaching powers on the minister … Indeed, the sole reporting obligation in the act is the duty on the minister to — once a year — submit a report to parliament on the activities of the National Disaster Management Centre.

“This is self-evidently insufficient to al-

low the National Assembly to effectively scrutinise and oversee the executive action that has been taken under the act.

“Nor is it adequate that various ministers have engaged in briefing sessions with various parliamentary committees on their activities in relation to the state of national disaster. While such briefing sessions are to be welcomed, they have no teeth. Even if an entire committee were to disagree with the steps a minister had taken, that would have no legal effect unless the minister of his or her own accord decided to change tack.”

● Transport restrictions and fear of coronavirus infection are among the reasons for a big drop in HIV/Aids and TB patients collecting medication.

Researchers warn that missing treatments could lead to people developing resistance to medications and set back treatment campaigns by years.

The health department has increased delivery points, said spokesperson Popo Maja.

“We have implemented centralised chronic-disease dispensing and delivery.

With the move to level 4 … we are likely to see more patients able to visit health facilities.”

Surveys by the health-care organisation Right to Care and the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) show declines of about 50% in medication collection during lockdown.

Thula Mkhize of the HIV nongovernmental organisation Good Stories said that in the past two months about 30 people have asked for help because of their Covid-19 fears.

Right to Care CEO professor Ian Sanne said only between 30% and 50% of patients are collecting medication during the lockdown. “Usually, of the 380,000 patients we survey at our Mpumalanga and Free State project sites, over 90% keep their appointments.”

Sanne said they were concerned about SA’s 7.2-million HIV-positive people, “2-million of whom are undiagnosed”.

He said the lockdown could lead to people becoming resistant to HIV medication, and in the long term developing complications. One of the main reasons patients miss appointments is that they are afraid of being exposed to Covid-19, he said.

“We need to carefully reopen certain portions of the health-care system, where the correct Covid-19 screening and protection takes place, so routine health services can continue.”

AHRI director professor Willem Hanekom said its research in KwaZulu-Natal, which includes a survey on people accessing chronic medicines for HIV, TB and other diseases,

Right to Care CEO professor Ian Sanne.

showed that two weeks after the lockdown began, nearly 50% reported they could not access their medication.

“Among the 125,000 households we survey, we contacted 213 weekly to assess Covid-19’s impact. Five weeks after the lockdown, the number dropped to around 30%.”

He said the lack of access to chronic medication will push back advances made in HIV and TB care.

Maja confirmed the decline in HIV-positive people honouring appointments, but said the drop in pick-ups from state medical facilities is about 8%.

“Since we started measures to reduce the amount of contact HIV-positive clients have with health facilities, an additional 67,832 patients have enrolled to collect medication outside of health facilities.”

Pharmacies and technology researchers are looking for better access options, from online orders to smart lockers.

Right ePharmacy, with the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, has launched the Collect & Go locker system in 69 sites in Mpumalanga, the Free State and Gauteng. The lockers are designed to alert health-care workers when people have not collected their medication.

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7

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

News Covid-19: The army

Suspension for accused soldiers On Friday, judge Hans Fabricius in the Pretoria high court ordered the suspension of soldiers implicated in the death of Alexandra resident Collins Khosa last month. He died from head trauma sustained after the soldiers had accused him of violating lockdown regulations. The soldiers will be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation

Police officers herd residents of Alexandra into a van after they were caught violating lockdown rules.

Residents carry a drum full of homemade beer confiscated by the police in Alexandra during a patrol with troops and community leaders.

Sunday Times

Members of a curfew enforcement patrol search a vehicle they stopped in Alexandra.

Soldiers, police and community leaders are taking part in the operation.

Velvet glove over army’s iron fist Hearts and minds at centre of military strategy in Alexandra

By GRAEME HOSKEN

● It’s 6.30pm on Wednesday and the streets of Alexandra township are teeming with people as taxis drop off commuters, lastminute shoppers rush home and mothers try to get their children inside their shacks.

By 8pm, it is as though someone has flipped a switch. The streets are deserted.

It’s the start of the second week of the national night curfew, which thousands of soldiers are tasked to help police with under the Covid-19 lockdown.

The army has seemingly learnt hard lessons from the first weeks of the lockdown when heavy-handed enforcement by soldiers enraged many citizens. In one incident, Alexandra resident Collins Khosa was beaten to death.

“It’s about winning hearts and minds,” said Brig-Gen Doiby Coetzee, commander of the defence force’s lockdown operations in Gauteng, shortly before military vehicles started rolling into Alexandra on Wednesday evening.

“It is crucial that we do everything we can to contain [Covid-19] and prevent it from spreading from here and other similar areas,” Coetzee said.

“Key to that is not force, but education.

Like with all of Gauteng’s informal settlements and poverty, it’s no easy task. You open your bedroom door and you are in the street. Here a street is a person’s backyard.

To arrest them for being on the street is harsh.”

He said he feared a criminal record for such a violation would harm a person’s chances of finding work once the lockdown was over.

The new defence force strategy was one

A member of the South African National Defence Force on patrol in Alexandra township, Johannesburg, ushers a curfew-breaker home this week. Pictures: Alaister Russell

of the main talking points among community leaders on Wednesday night as they prepared to accompany the soldiers on patrol.

These leaders play an essential part in the operation, acting as guides and liaisons for the soldiers in the township’s maze of alleys.

Coetzee said Alexandra was where “policy meets reality”.

“There are 15.4-million people living in Gauteng, 8.5-million of them vulnerable.

“With food distribution insufficient, community leaders are our eyes, not only for violations, but for where the need is dire.”

As Wednesday night’s patrol moved out in armoured vehicles, the streets were eerily quiet.

When the vehicles stopped, radios crack-

led. A drone, piloted by an army captain from a nearby position, hovered overhead, its night-vision cameras scanning for any people still out on the streets after 8pm.

The soldiers split into smaller groups, walking along parallel streets, so anyone trying to dodge a patrol in one alley would get caught in the next one.

Moments after the foot patrol began, a

teenage boy called to a passing soldier from his shack.

He spoke to the community leaders, who quickly located a nearby shack where people had gathered to drink.

Soldiers escorted the community leaders as they knocked on the door. Music blared from inside.

The door opened and the soldiers moved

in, confiscating alcohol. The community leaders admonished those inside and police officers threatened to arrest them if they did not go home.

“In the beginning of the lockdown, there were lots of such places,” said one of the community leaders, Simon Sekhitla.

“At night people were all over partying.

The people did not like the army here. They did not trust them and would not listen.”

He said it had taken nearly two months to educate people about why the lockdown was important and why the army was there.

“Unfortunately, you still find some people like these, who think it’s OK to socialise.”

For hours afterwards nothing moved on the streets, until suddenly at 11.30pm a car raced along 2nd Avenue.

Soldiers stopped the car; inside were the frantic parents of a two-year-old girl, on their way to a clinic.

The mother, Catharine Dlomo, held the crying toddler in her lap as she spoke.

“My baby is vomiting. She is sick, we need help. We need to get to the clinic. Please can you help?”

The soldiers immediately alerted other patrols in the area and offered to escort the family.

Shortly afterwards another drinking party was discovered when a grandmother alerted the soldiers, who helped police arrest seven people.

Sekhitla said it was clear many residents were tired of the law-breakers.

“Because of the overcrowding it’s difficult to live here, but people understand the dangers. They are calling soldiers for help because they want to be safe.”

Sara Dlamini, 73, said she was tired of the “troublemakers”.

“They will get the virus but it’s the old people who die. I am glad the soldiers are here. They and the police must arrest these tsotsis.”

One of the infantry soldiers, Capt Tshepo Mokoka, said relations with civilians had improved immensely. “They understand why we are here and that we are not the enemy.”

‘If I don’t do this, we’ll have nothing left for the future’

By PHILANI NOMBEMBE

● He defected from the apartheid security police to become an ANC operative in the 1980s. Now Neil de Beer is walking around the Cape Town townships encouraging social distancing.

De Beer, 51, risked his life when he was recruited into the ANC’s intelligence unit by Jeremy Vearey and Andre Lincoln, both now generals in the police. This week he called the fight against the coronavirus equally challenging.

The chair and CEO of Investment Fund Africa, De Beer — who is also a neighbourhood watch member in Strand — has volun-

teered to assist the City of Cape Town ensure social distancing compliance.

He spends most of his time walking the length and breadth of Strand and its surrounding townships and malls, educating people, checking their temperatures and offering sanitiser.

“If I don’t do this, we will have nothing left for the future,” he said.

“I used to be in the defence force and then I was an agent in the security police before I realised that something was wrong. We were young men and fought for what we thought was right until we heard of the stories of Solomon Mahlangu and the Freedom Charter and we realised that it was not about

Neil de Beer does volunteer patrols.

colour, it’s about dignity, it’s about people’s freedoms.

“Then the government wanted to kill us.

Today no-one wants to kill me but there is an invisible enemy and we have to approach it with the same vigour we put into the fight against apartheid.”

De Beer said he set up the neighbourhood watch nine months ago. “Except for poverty, except for inequality, crime is one of the biggest problems this country has,” he said.

“People ask me: ‘You are a disciplined ANC cadre and you have been a member of the ANC for 32 years, why are you now working with the DA in the city?’

“I say there is your first mistake. It’s not

party politics. Crime does not choose politics, it steals from white, it steals from black.

It steals from the rich and also steals from the poor. Somewhere we must unite.”

He said after neighbourhood watch activities were suspended under lockdown regulations, “the city came to us and said: ‘We are in a disaster, we need volunteers.’ The reason they came to us is that they already had us in their database and they know everyone has no criminal record.

“It was a very good move. They took 10 people from every neighbourhood watch.

Our mandate at the moment is to check out the shopping areas to monitor that social spacing is taking place.

“I took it a bit further, we are also sanitising people and, at my expense, I bought digital thermometers. I test the temperature of every single person in that queue. If anyone has a higher temperature, we advise them to seek immediate medical attention.

“My group of 10 volunteers has scanned more than 6,000 people for temperature since we started. We go deep into the townships.”

JP Smith, the mayoral committee member for safety and security, said he hoped that more people would emulate De Beer.

“Doing voluntary work during this pandemic … speaks of true character. It shows that we care.”

8

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times

News Covid-19: Testing

Hungry to return to normal “Our food relief call centre went from receiving on average 400 calls a day to 14,000. Our residents are hungry, and we are facing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.” — Western Cape premier Alan Winde, appealing for the province to be included in the easing of the lockdown to level 3 even though it has more reported Covid-19 infections than the other eight provinces combined

Where the virus has hit us the worst Viral Load

Four provinces account for 96% of Covid-19 deaths

Active Covid-19 cases* per 100,000 people SA

66.23 | 4,533 active cases

Western Cape Eastern Cape

By TANYA FARBER, CLAIRE KEETON and SIPOKAZI FOKAZI

● The Covid-19 pandemic in SA has become a tale of two countries.

The Western Cape is home to two-thirds of active cases, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal account for 32%, and the other five provinces have just 1.2% between them.

The four worst-hit provinces account for 96% of deaths, and health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday that the national focus would now shift towards “targeted management ... in hot spots, where large numbers of people become infected at the same time”.

This is the approach followed in the Western Cape since Covid-19 “clusters” began to emerge in supermarkets and workplaces several weeks ago, but premier Alan Winde said the province was now changing gear again to adopt a “ruthlessly efficient targeted hot-spot plan”.

In some areas this would be rolled out at street level, and where people screened positive they would be tested selectively, with an emphasis on protecting the vulnerable.

Winde said all eight health sub-districts in Cape Town, as well as Witzenberg (Ceres) municipality, had hot spots that had been linked to “specific workplace clusters” responsible for about 800 cases.

Western Cape health spokesperson Mark van der Heever said: “A blunt, one-size-fitsall approach for the entire province — when some regions have few cases and others have high transmission — is neither sustainable nor effective.

“Our screening and testing teams are deployed based on data, which actively identifies and follows the ‘bush fires’ — the pockets of infections within communities.”

11.61 | 6,825 active cases

KwaZulu-Natal Gauteng Free State Northern Cape Mpumalanga

13.33 | 895 active cases SA’s 5,676 recoveries

6.3 | 711 active cases 3.72 | 564 active cases 1.07 | 31 active cases 0.95 | 12 active cases 0.72 | 33 active cases

North West

0.72 | 29 active cases

Limpopo

0.28 | 17 active cases

Western Cape

2,573

Gauteng

1,547

KwaZulu-Natal

689

Eastern Cape

643

Free State

108

Limpopo

35

Mpumalanga

34

North West

28

Northern Cape

19

* Active cases are confirmed cases minus recoveries and deaths Graphic: Nolo Moima Sources: Stats SA mid-year population estimates 2019, health department Covid-19 cases on May 14 2020

A health official kitted out in full personal protective gear tests a woman in the Western Cape, which has recorded two-thirds of the country’s coronavirus infections. Picture: Esa Alexander

Van der Heever said this approach had propelled the number of confirmed cases in the province upwards, and would continue to do so.

Mkhize’s change of emphasis could change the way screening and testing are done in Gauteng, where the approach so far has been fairly targeted but not as intensive as in the Western Cape.

According to a presentation by the Gauteng command council this week, there were “clear signs of emerging hot spots in townships — Soweto, Orange Farm, Alexandra, Kathorus [Katlehong, Thokoza, Vosloorus], KwaThema, Tembisa, Ivory Park, Soshanguve and Ennerdale”.

Gauteng health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said it was testing “health workers in particular. Additionally, there is a focus on the testing of vulnerable groups. Screening is

also conducted at health facilities, and there is also rapid-response work being done in densely populated areas.”

Screening was guided by “heat maps” generated by surveillance that identified “concentrations of cases”. From there, “mobile testing and screening sites are set up, and in some cases there is also a door-todoor campaign”, said Kekana.

In Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City metros have recorded the highest number of infections, and attendances at funerals have spread the virus to rural areas.

Provincial health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said screening and testing had mainly targeted the two metros and the OR Tambo and Chris Hani districts. About one in seven of the province’s 6.7-million people had been screened.

About 800 nurses had been hired to do

When Minister Sisulu took to office this time last year, she made a commitment to clean up the Department of Water and Sanitation and to bring stabilization to all the Water Boards that work directly with municipalities through the supply of bulk water. She reiterated this commitment during her Budget Vote in July.

The turnaround is in response to some of the findings and recommendations from the Auditor-General’s report on the DWS. The AGSA emphasised the need for consequence management which action is in line with the discussions between Water and Sanitation and National Treasury regarding the ultimate envisaged outcome of the DWS turnaround.

Lindiwe Sisulu: Minister of Human Settlements, Water & Sanitation

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s stance of zero tolerance to corruption turns Water and Sanitation Department around Since her appointment in the portfolio of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation in May 2019, Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has relentlessly focused on re-engineering and prioritizing ways of improving the efficient functioning of the Department of Water and Sanitation.

During the presentation to the same Committee, the office of the AGSA commended the DWS on the positive response being shown emanating from their engagements with the Department.

Among some of the interventions Minister Sisulu set to implement at the time was to establish a Stabilisation Committee that would provide advisory services to her and also assist the Department’s Director-General with professional capacity on various disciplines.

To date, the Committee has since accelerated investigations on matters related to maladministration, fraud and corruption, misconduct and work on improving findings of audits by the Auditor General (AG).

As such, during the period of 01 April 2012 to 31 September 2019, a total number of 249 reported cases were investigated. 139 of the cases were found to be true and were referred for

community screening and 200 more were being recruited. Kupelo said the volume of testing meant the province was waiting an average of 72 hours for results.

Limpopo has not identified any hot spots after screening 3.4-million people and testing 4,595, said health spokesman Neil Shikwambana. “We had hoped that the mass screening would identify hot spots and, fortunately for us, we had none,” he said.

As early as February, the province began screening people at its two major border posts. “When SA recorded its first case on March 5, we strengthened our screening, not only at border posts but also of everyone in the province who had travelled overseas.

“When we recorded our first case on March 16, we screened all contacts, tested all close contacts and quarantined all close contacts, even though they tested negative.”

Shikwambana said the province launched the mass screening and testing during lockdown without being selective, visiting more than 900,000 households.

At least 10 community health workers were sent to each village. “The idea was to cover as much of the community as possible … there was also an opportunity for mop up later on when all the villages were covered.”

Five individuals were being trained to screen colleagues in every workplace. Potential risk areas, such as mines, would be targeted for intensive screening, said Shikwambana.

By Thursday more than 3,000 people had been tested in the Northern Cape, out of 844,000 screened, but health MEC Mase Manopole said they were shifting now towards targeted testing.

Two out of five districts in the province,

disciplinary action while 110 of them were found to be untrue.

Of the 139 disciplinary cases, the following outcomes were achieved: 86 officials were found guilty 14 officials were not found guilty

which has 1.27-million inhabitants, remain virus-free and Manopole said the Northern Cape’s vast open spaces might have slowed transmission. “One professor was joking that the Northern Cape already has social distancing.”

Manopole said an outbreak in the mines would be alarming — one mine employed 12,000 workers, for example — but so far everyone had tested negative.

In North West, where there have been fewer than 60 cases and only one death, health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “Hot spots are a priority but are not the only focus for screening, [which is done] ward by ward, door to door, and district to district.”

The health departments in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Mpumalanga did not respond to Sunday Times queries.

within the next six months aimed for completion within a period of a year.

The potential recoveries are estimated at R18.2 million based on claims instituted through civil proceedings and the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

All these efforts are focused at restoring stability, efficient functioning of the Department and improving staff morale.

24 officials resigned One official was reinstated following an arbitration award.

The disciplinary actions implemented resulted in the following sanctions being handed down: 13 dismissals; One demotion; 11 three months suspensions without pay; Six two months suspensions without pay including final written warnings The Department has also referred 18 cases to the Law Enforcement Agencies such as the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks) for investigation and possible prosecution.

Civil recovery processes through the Courts were also initiated, in an effort to recover all the funds that have been lost through fraud and corruption.

151 Irregular Expenditure investigations and 13 Forensic Investigations have been prioritized

Summary of outcomes of disciplinary actions: An amount of R 966 357 has been recovered.

Certain of the cases that were investigated resulted in 20 criminal cases being opened with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the investigation of such cases in still in progress.

Fraud Awareness Sessions are held within the Department with staff.

We have noted the unethical behaviour of the CEO’s of the two entities, namely Amatola Water and Lepelle Northern Water, with their outrageous claims.

The matter is receiving our urgent attention.

The team under Senior Counsel Terry Motau has already started working. A specialised set of communicators is attached to the team.

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THE NATION Page 9 - 17 May 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

10

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times

News

Covid-19: RIP As the death toll from the coronavirus in SA passed 200 this week, four families paid tribute to loved ones who lost their lives on the frontline of the fight against it

FACES OF COVID-19

CLARENCE MINI ● Clarence Mini held many titles, from Umkhonto weSizwe freedom fighter to doctor and HIV/Aids activist.

But for his son Luyanda, the title was “hero”.

“When I was a teenager my dad was my hero. For a lot of kids that is a dream that fades quite early. But my dad has always been the man I aspire to be,” he said.

Mini, chair of the Council for Medical Schemes, died this week at the age of 68 after contracting Covid-19. In the days before his death his Covid tests actually came back negative, but the disease had already taken its toll.

In his youth, Mini left the country to join the armed struggle, cut his teeth in Angola and trained as a doctor while in exile. Later, while Luyanda and his siblings attended private boarding schools in Grahamstown, Mini and his wife, Nancy, opened a practice in Germiston where they treated HIV/Aids patients for free.

“From an early age he taught us about the importance of stopping the stigma of HIV. I remember being in grade 1 and all my stationery was emblazoned with ‘Stop the Stigma’ while everyone else had stuff with Power Rangers on it.”

Luyanda said his father, an avid reader, would give his children holiday assignments.

“We’d have to pick one of the books he’d read, and after he’d come home from a long day at work, we needed to play back to him what we had read during the day,” he said.

“In grade 7 I was reading Stephen Hawking and in grade 8 I was reading Karl Marx. He wasn’t asking us to read Harry Potter. He wanted substance.”

In his last six weeks, as Mini fought Covid-19, his family were kept at arm’s length.

“We couldn’t sit at his bedside and talk to him; we couldn’t get the church to get people to sing to him while he was sedated. Even now, burying him will have to be done at a distance,” said Luyanda.

“I have seen people complaining about some of the milder inconveniences of the lockdown. Our family are dealing with the real consequences of this pandemic.”

— Jeff Wicks

LUNGILE TOM

ANDREW LESLIE

NTOMBIZAKITHI NGIDI

● Broadcast journalist Lungile Tom had a big heart.

He died at the age of 45 in a Cape Town hospital on Wednesday, the first South African journalist to die of Covid-19.

“He was able to bring people together.

We would walk into a place and find people tense and he would crack a joke,” said his wife, Nandipha Nombutuma. “He always told us that he is very shy. But he was not shy at all.”

Tom had no formal journalism training, learning on the job to become one of SA’s best cameramen.

“He worked for an advertising agency as a driver and then at CNBC Africa,” Nombutuma said. “He would drive the crew to stories and the camera guys taught him how to shoot.” He joined eNCA in 2013.

Nombutuma doesn’t know how Tom contracted the virus.

“The last story he did was that of joggers in Sea Point. He had flu some time last week, it was just a normal flu. He said he had nasal congestion and he went to the doctor and got a few meds. But he wasn’t concerned because he had tested for Covid-19 at work before they started covering the corona stories and he had tested negative,” she said.

“On Sunday evening he said he was struggling to breathe and he kept going outside for fresh air. Around 10pm he said he wanted to go to hospital and we called an ambulance. On Monday he told us he would be sedated because he was not doing well.

“The hospital called us on Tuesday evening and said they doubt he’s going to make it through the night. On Wednesday they said we should quickly come and we arrived at around 8am. He had passed away around 7.30am.”

Nombutuma has tested positive for the virus but her son negative.

“We are still in shock and disbelief. I feel like he will walk in through the door and tell us: ‘It was a prank, I am alive.’” — Philani Nombembe

● A week before Tygerberg Hospital nurse Ntombizakithi Ngidi died, she asked her colleagues if they could put money together and cook a special meal before they all went on break.

“We all thought it was a good idea and we bought two imileqwa [farm chickens], which we prepared with dumplings. Now looking back, it’s as if Zakithi knew this would be our last supper together. She loved cooking so much and taught us new recipes all the time,” said her colleague, Sisanda Dakie, who worked with Ngidi at the designated Covid-19 hospital’s J Ground medical emergency ward.

Ngidi, an assistant nurse, died at the age of 49 last Thursday after being ill for about a week. She is the second nurse to die of Covid-19 in the Western Cape.

Siyabonga Ngidi described his little sister, who was diabetic, as the “backbone of our family”. “Zakithi was everything to us. She was the sole provider in the family … our hope is gone,” he said.

“My sister touched so many lives with her caring hands. She was a soldier that fought this invisible enemy … But when she died in that hospital ward she was all alone. The war had cost her life and no-one could even be at her bedside and say: ‘Go well, Zakithi, you have finished your race.’”

Ngidi will be buried today in her ancestral village of Nyangwini near Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal.

Dakie, in self-isolation while she awaits her test results, said Ngidi loved her family and always showed her pictures of her elderly mother. She went back to nursing so she could help her mother care for her two orphaned nieces.

Ngidi’s death has “left a sadness that’s difficult to explain”, she said.

Her death has also “left all of us paranoid. None of us are prepared to die, but as nurses this is a war that we must go into while everyone is running away from it.” — Sipokazi Fokazi

● In 1992, Colette Leslie was barely three months out of school when a dashing policeman asked her to be his Valentine on a dusty sports ground in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape.

Andrew Leslie became her first boyfriend — and eventually her husband.

On Monday, just a week before the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary, he died of Covid-19 at the age of 53.

Colette said her husband, the acting commander of Middelburg police station, sacrificed time with his family to serve those who needed him.

“My house ended up like being a charge office.

People would come to our home for help. He would take phone calls at all hours of the night and he thought nothing about getting out of bed to go and help people,” she said.

“There were so many times where he would not even finish a meal because he was called away. I would see him for a few minutes at night after I finished work and then he would run back to the station.”

Colette thinks Andrew contracted the virus at work. Two weeks ago he developed a fever but convinced his family it was just a cold.

“I wanted to take him to the hospital and he refused. He said he would fight this virus and told me not to worry,” she said.

But his health deteriorated, he tested positive for Covid-19, and he agreed to go to hospital last week.

“I left him by the isolation room and I had to wait outside. When he died, I was in the parking lot,” Colette said.

Andrew’s funeral lasted just 30 minutes. Pallbearers in hazmat suits lowered his coffin into the ground as Colette watched from a distance.

“We couldn’t even see him. The coffin was covered in plastic and tape. We had to stand far away,” she said. — Jeff Wicks

‘Ban’ on traditional burials considered

By SIPOKAZI FOKAZI

● Funerals with fewer than 50 mourners have been allowed under disaster management regulations, but the axe could be about to fall.

Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane wants funerals banned after mourners from the Western Cape, Gauteng and Free State were blamed for driving up the province’s Covid-19 infection numbers.

His call to “temporarily suspend funerals” and adopt the age-old tradition of ukuqhusheka (private traditional burial) has been backed by the amaXhosa royal house and the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa).

Lungi Mtshali, spokesperson for the cooperative governance & traditional affairs department, said the national coronavirus command council agenda for its meeting this weekend included a possible funeral ban, and an announcement would be made soon.

But cultural activist Nokuzola Mndende, director of Icamagu Heritage Institute in Dutywa, said the idea of burying people in cities and exhuming their bodies later for reburial could “invoke ancestral wrath”.

Mabuyane’s spokesperson, Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha, said: “Funerals are giving us big problems. Cars that are coming from outside the Eastern Cape, which are sometimes carrying corpses, have exposed our law enforcement and other people to infections.”

Xhanti Sigcawu, spokesperson for the amaXhosa royal house, said the pandemic was similar to a war. “Because of this war situation with an invisible enemy, we think that it is a good idea for people to bury where they are for now, and later exhume,” he said.

“It’s not an ideal arrangement, hence we say it must be done as a temporary measure.” Sigcawu added that the government might have to help families financially because exhumation was costly.

Nkosi Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo, the head of Contralesa in the Eastern Cape, said the congress supported the funeral ban, and he suggested mass memorial services when the pandemic was over.

“We know this pandemic is not going to be with us forever. Those who feel strongly about having funerals or memorial services can always do so then,” he said.

Mtshali said the department of traditional affairs had received calls to ban funerals after it asked for representations following the easing of the lockdown to level 4. “It’s a very sensitive issue, as one has to strike a balance between ensuring that people are given dignified burials, and consider the safety of the

Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane.

Government should make sure that there are dedicated testing centres for travellers who may pose infection risk Nokuzola Mndende Cultural activist and director of Icamagu Heritage Institute in Dutywa

nation at the same time, but it is something that we are looking into,” he said.

But Mndende said that most Eastern Cape people who lived in the Western Cape or Gauteng considered these provinces workplaces. “How can you ask people to bury their loved ones in a workplace … a place where there is no spiritual connection?” she said.

“In African religion, when we bury someone, we say let the bones rest and later communicate to the bones that have rested. This is the very reason why people bury their loved ones in their ancestral homes.”

Mndende said a better approach would be to tighten the regulation and management of funerals. “Government should make sure that there are dedicated testing centres for travellers who may pose infection risk to others,” she said.

“If travellers go for testing just before they embark on their journey and have an authentic certificate that they had just tested negative for Covid-19, I think it would address the issue of infections between the two provinces.”

Friends and family attend the funeral of Solani Promise Ntekele at Dan Village, Tzaneen, on April 25. Under lockdown regulations a maximum of 50 people can attend a funeral and they must wear masks and avoid hugging each other, leaving many feeling they have been unable to pay their respects as custom demands. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Cold comfort at funerals under lockdown

By LEONIE WAGNER

● Masked faces looked back at Susan Jansen van Rensburg as she buried her husband of 35 years.

Sakkie, as he was affectionately known, died of a heart attack on April 13, aged 60.

It was a tough call to decide who of the couple’s almost 200 family members could attend, as only 50 are permitted under lockdown regulations. In the end it was 45 people, three people from the funeral parlour, the minister and a pianist.

“The funeral was very impersonal, we all stood around the gravesite wearing face masks, no one could hug or hold each other or comfort one another the way we usually would. My husband was a very affectionate person, he was one who liked physical contact and so does his entire family, and we

couldn’t even do that at his funeral. It felt like I couldn’t give him the send-off I wanted to or the funeral he deserved,” Jansen van Rensburg said.

Also feeling robbed of paying due respect is Free State cleric Apostle Mohau Rammile, who has officiated at the funerals of two pastors under the lockdown regulations.

Longtime neighbours who couldn’t attend had to content themselves with standing at their gates as the small funeral processions went past, waving to the bereaved family from afar.

It is in how we mourn the deceased that the comfort and closure lie, but the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions it has brought have upset that, clinical psychologist Zamo Mbele said.

“Mourning is a process. Most customs allow that process to unfold in a way that

brings closure. The thing with death is not always what it takes away but also what it leaves behind. When we experience loss … it seems to shatter something inside ourselves, and in a way the antidote to that is coming together,” Mbele said.

“Some of these customs have been around for centuries and they’re not only inherent across cultures but important for the grieving process.”

Rammile said music played a big part in funerals and it was customary for the men in the family to close the grave once the coffin had been lowered.

“These days our funerals are very cold; it feels like a drive-through service. In our African culture we take our time, but we had to do everything in one hour. You don’t have time to say goodbye to your loved one. There was no comfort service during the week. The

family couldn’t even close the grave,” Rammile said.

Gauteng funeral director Sonja Smith has arranged 90 funerals during this time and said her clients have felt cheated and deprived of a farewell.

Smith has been able to stream funerals for those who couldn’t attend, but she said online funerals were not the same.

“Hugs, night vigils and comforting hands are now replaced with Zoom funerals, deferred funerals and a virtual goodbye. The only option is to mourn online. It feels weird and disrespectful, and can even provoke anger to attend your loved one’s funeral on the same screen you watch your favourite movie,” Smith said.

Another sad sight, said Smith, was looking at masked faces sitting a metre apart in church at a memorial service.

11

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

News Covid-19: Work

Twitter goes remote Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey told staff this week that they are allowed to work from home for as long as they prefer — and threw in a $1,000 (R18,500) working-from-home allowance. The company will assess its plans for 2021 later this year, he added

Sunday Times

Will it be boardroom or spare room?

Employees reveal mixed feelings about working from home

By ALEX PATRICK

Lauren Campbell with her 15-month-old son, Daniel. She says she is looking forward to going back to her office because productivity is a challenge with a toddler to look after while she is trying to work. Picture: Sebabatso Mosamo

Situation is getting ugly, pleads beauty industry

By SIPHO MASONDO

● Hair and beauty businesses have called on the government to allow the sector to return to normal operations, arguing that social distancing and hygiene are inherent attributes of the industry.

“It is ironic that one can never acquire a hairdressing certificate unless they demonstrate that they understand how important hygiene and sanitisation is,” said Feroza Fakir, vice-president of the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals.

Businesses in the industry will only be allowed to operate during level 1 of the lockdown. Industry players are concerned that by the time that level is declared, many businesses will have crashed.

“People are very desperate and they are not able to put bread on the table,” said Fakir.

The association is working with the Employers’ Organisation for Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Beauty (EOHCB) to lobby the government to allow the industry to return to work.

The EOHCB said it is in the process of submitting a detailed plan to the department of trade & industry, arguing that it is important to allow hairdressers, nail technicians and beauty therapists to return to work.

General manager Cobus Grobler said two such plans have already been forwarded to the department.

“We could open up establishments which have between two and five employees, with strict requirements, such as keeping a mandatory distance of up to 1.5m per work station. For larger businesses, we could say no full-body waxing or no client is allowed to spend more than an hour in an establishment, with thorough sanitisation and decontamination done between clients,” said Grobler.

“What is certain is that we have to return to work or we will have nothing to return to when the lockdown is lifted.”

Modern Hair and Beauty MD Chris Stofberg, whose company supplies 1,800 salons with products, said it is critical for the government to open up not just the industry, but the entire economy.

“We employ about 75 people and we didn’t make any turnover in April. We are not able to pay full salaries. We can’t go on like this. I see notices of salons closing every day, albeit under strict conditions.

“Hair, nails and beauty are key to the psychological wellbeing of people … I genuinely feel the ongoing closure of small businesses will do more harm than the virus itself.”

Co-operative governance & traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, announcing two weeks ago that beauty products could be sold under level 4, said: “You can do it yourself.”

Hotels to give up buffet breakfasts and minibars whitewater rafting, mountain-biking and hiking, for “two people who live together, sharing a raft is fine”, ● No more minibars, dining in your room, and even said owner Graeme Addison. an end to an all-time favourite — the buffet breakfast.

Other industry proposals put to the government Those, together with markings on the floors for so- include a “corridor” travel model like the one agreed cial distancing, compulsory face masks and gloves, to between New Zealand and Australia, which allows and taking the stairs instead of a lift, are measures travel between places where the pandemic is under proposed by hotel operators to ensure the safety of control. guests and staff.

Low-cost carrier FlySafair’s plan includes a R20 SA’s tourism industry this week submitted tax on tickets to pay for masks. Passengers can proposals to the government as it lobbies to also block the middle seat for a R750 fee. Pasbe allowed to begin operating under level 3 sengers will have their temperatures taken conditions instead of level 1. before boarding.

“It’s a complete mindset that has fundaWith the country having done a good mentally changed,” said Craig Erasmus, job in slowing down the pandemic, tourism vice-president of operations for Sub-Sahaneeded to reopen, said South African ran Africa for the Accor hotel group, which Tourism chief executive Sisa Ntshona.

Sisa Ntshona operates 5,000 hotels around the world.

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of “We are clear that local or World Health how we do it,” he said.

Organisation regulations have to be followed and it Ntshona said the issue of localisation — the infecwill be different by region,” he said. tion hot spots — would be key to restarting domestic Accor’s protocols include screening of staff, new tourism. “It’s a smart way of opening up the sector,” hygiene measures such as only one person — in full he said. personal protective equipment — cleaning a room, With international travel to SA not expected to reacrylic screens at reception, contactless payments, sume before 2021, the industry would rely heavily on and a 24-hour gap in room occupancy to allow for local travellers to survive, said Ntshona. thorough cleaning.

Hospitality consultant Gillian Saunders agreed The breakfast buffet is also likely to disappear. “It’ll that it is vital to restart domestic tourism as soon as all be à la carte and we’re limiting it [seating] to 30% possible. capacity,” he said.

“Probably 15% of vehicle manufacture in this counAccor hotel gyms would be closed but pools would try is for tourism. We flow through to agriculture and remain open — with limited hours and numbers. other manufacturing. You stop tourism, you stop a At Otters’ Haunt in Parys, Free State, which offers huge chunk of the economy,” she said.

By PAUL ASH

● As business owners gear up for a further easing of restrictions, some employees say returning to the office is not on their to-do list. For others, the only thing they miss about the office is their “work spouse”.

Richard Smith, who works for an advertising company, says he can get more done and is able to do lengthy tasks in the comfort of his home instead of staying at work late or on weekends. And, he adds, he has better equipment at home.

“Not having a wife and being good at my job just puts me at ease — no distractions at home.”

Bianca Nkomo, who works at an advisory firm in Johannesburg, says she definitely prefers working at home.

“Lockdown is the cheapest thing that has ever happened to me. There is no traffic in the morning and no transport issues.

“Our company has invested a lot in safe video technology so it’s not much different from how we usually work.”

To ensure work colleagues maintain a relationship and have some company, they have virtual lunch dates, “and from 4.30 on a Friday we have our virtual team games”.

Cape Town insurance company worker Bronwyn Davidson says she enjoys that there is no “chit-chat” at home. “The only thing is, there are no boundaries to my office hours.”

Bianca Nkomo says working from home has saved her time and money.

Jeffrey Shield, an advertising art director in Johannesburg, also battles to draw the line. “Now, what could have been an e-mail instead of an hour-long meeting is just that!

There is actually more structure to the day because I don’t have to take smoke breaks or wait for others to finish their lunch breaks.

“But now work doesn’t stop at 5pm. We still get calls as late as 9pm, so we need more boundaries.”

A Johannesburg teacher says he can actually get more work done teaching over YouTube. He did not want to be named, especially after admitting he preferred working from home “because there are no children around”.

“I’ve always believed I can do better at home than what I can do in the classroom.

There are no distractions, nobody is kicking their chair or looking at their cellphone.”

Dr Morné Mostert, director at the Institute for Future Studies, says that in the past few weeks of lockdown South Africans have made years of progress into the fourth industrial revolution in terms of using technology at home to perform tasks outside.

“People tend to look at it as linear — we worked from the office, now we work from home. But it’s going to be more of a hybrid.

People who perform rigorous processes and methods will be able to work at home. But those who make complex artistic decisions and fluid creative decisions usually need to be in a collective.”

Lauren Campbell, who works in the beauty industry and has a 15-month-old son, says: “The toddler at home makes productivity a challenge. I need to get back to the office!”

Joburg tech analyst Kyle Venktess says that when lockdown started it seemed great to work from home, because he was in full control of his time. “But now I see the importance for people to meet face to face. Meetings are held on Zoom now, but it is actually making it harder to speak to colleagues.”

Meanwhile, employees missing their “work spouses” have become apparent in a survey in SA by PRPioneer.com, a provider of PR and digital marketing resources. Of the 3,000 employees surveyed, 66% said they would be more productive if they were in lockdown with their work spouse instead of their actual partner. Some even admitted to calling their partners by the name of their work spouses — by accident, of course.

Says Jamie Ellis of PRPioneer: “If you have the space, try working in a separate room to your spouse and plan your lunch hours at the same time. This way, you will each be able to give more attention to your work tasks, while still enjoying time together.”

12

Sunday Times

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

News Covid-19: Wildlife

Paying more to stay at home “Actual meter readings will resume as soon as possible. Customers should please bear in mind that electricity and water consumption at their properties may be higher than usual during lockdown because their families are home all day. Because estimates are based on previous consumption patterns on the property, the impact of this increased consumption on their bills will be delayed until meter readings resume.” — Cape Town energy & climate change mayoral committee member Phindile Maxiti

Limpopo lockdown with real bite Villagers keep wary eye on bushveld full of savage surprises

Keeping the lights on in dark times

By JEFF WICKS

● In the village of Sigonde, Nelson Muleya scans the brown veld, looking for lions.

“When we go to fetch wood from the bush you have to watch everything. You need to look for the tracks, or for the lion himself, because when he sees you, he only sees meat,” the 22-year-old said.

Last week, the village was placed in lockdown after Muleya and others discovered lion tracks on the fringes of the settlement, a find that resulted in residents barricading Nelson Muleya holds a bone of a bull themselves inside their homes.

Sigonde is set deep in the heart of the elephant shot by rangers in the village of Limpopo Valley, near Musina and just a Sigonde, Limpopo. stone’s throw from the Zimbabwe border. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi Those who live there coexist with the wildlife that surrounds them in a tenuous and we know that when you walk anywhere balance. you need to be vigilant. Any animal can be Department of environmental affairs around the corner.” rangers deployed to track the big cat found Besides being vigilant, he said, residents that it had likely crossed the river borderline had adapted by building large fires in their and then circled the village before moving gardens at night to keep animals at bay. back into Zimbabwe.

“We have buffalo and elephant that are “They can come here so easily. Even common in the village. The other morning though it is gone now, there is no telling we found the footprints of the elephants when it could come back. I was born here, nearby. We know that there is a huge herd and it has always been like this,” Muleya that is moving around,” Munyai added. said.

This week a cackle of hyenas was phoFor those who call the village tographed feasting on an impala on home, life on the frontier means the fairway of the Skukuza golf adapting to living alongside course in the Kruger National dangerous game.

Park.

But wildlife and conserIn July last year, a pride of vation experts said that as 14 lions escaped from the human settlements expand park and were spotted near and animals go in search of the town of Phalaborwa. In food and water, they are set the same week, a guard at a on an unavoidable collision nearby mine was trampled to course. death by elephants.

Jo Shaw, of the World Wide Shaw said death was an Thina Mulaudzi Fund for Nature SA, said that in unfortunate outcome of regular areas flanking national parks, human interaction with wild human and wildlife conflict was an in- animals. evitable reality.

“It can result in the deaths of the animals “Growing human populations and the involved if they cannot be captured and associated expansion of land use to meet hu- transported back into the reserve. Conflict man needs, combined with the shrinking can also increase negative perceptions of and fragmentation of natural habitats, are protected areas in the communities adjacent bringing humans and wildlife into conflict to the area, which can also have negative imover resources with increasing frequency,” pacts for conservation,” she said. she said.

Andrew Campbell, CEO of the Game In the village, the sun-bleached bones of a Rangers’ Association of Africa, said managbull elephant — shot by rangers after it ram- ing the fence lines of national parks was a paged through fences and gardens in mammoth undertaking, with animal esNovember — are a grim reminder of the capes becoming a regular occurrence. deadly trajectory.

“Fences require constant maintenance.

The danger posed by game which period- Some of the bigger game animals can break ically wander through the village is all too through and like with the case of Sigonde, real for 33-year-old Thina Mulaudzi, whose fences along a river border are difficult to father, Lucas, was trampled to death by ele- maintain. phants in 2004 while trying to defend his “Lions are able to swim quite well, so the crops. river would do little to stop it, especially as “My father had left the house to go to the we approach winter and water levels are fields in the evening and never came home. low,” he added.

In the morning I left to go and look for our Keleabetswe Tlouane, of Limpopo’s dedonkeys that my father had taken with him, partment of economic development, enviand that is when people found him,” he said. ronment & tourism, said they had a team of “I went to the fields and my father’s body specialist rangers who responded to sightwas lying there on the ground.” ings.

Village elder Ronald Munyai said that big “Depending on the situation, the rangers game had always been a part of their lives. will make a decision to put the animal down “We accept that this is the way things are or dart and relocate it,” she said.

By NIVASHNI NAIR

Nomthandazo Manukuza, right, Thabani Mthiya and their son Kuhle Manukuza, 2, could keep their lights on and watch television after they received a prepaid electricity voucher through the Keep the Lights On Facebook group. Picture: Sandile Ndlovu

Virus advice for femmes fatales

Stepping up for a future after Covid

By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER

By PHILANI NOMBEMBE

● It’s a warm Saturday morning in Gugulethu, Cape Town, and the streets are full of children even though the area has one of SA’s highest Covid-19 infection rates.

Behind a modest three-bedroomed home, brothers Hlumelo and Mihlali Ntshangana are doing their bit to help flatten the curve by practising ballet rather than heading out.

“I miss my dance classes but we keep stretching at home and having fun. We don’t want to go out in the streets,” said Hlumelo, 15.

“Ballet keeps us disciplined and focused.

We want to become professionals one day and we have realised that we should use this opportunity to perfect our technique.

“We wish other kids could do the same.

We are scared of the coronavirus, and we have heard a lot about it in the news. This has become our daily routine.”

Mihlali, 19, said: “It has been really hard for us since lockdown started because we have nowhere to practise. So we decided to use the space at the back of our home to train and keep ourselves fit and to maintain our technique.”

Their mother, Linda Ntshangana, said she

● A single mother of two, who moved in with her parents to beat the financial strain of lockdown, has been lighting up the lives of hundreds of people.

Helen Millar, a Ballito-based photographer, started Keep the Lights On, a Facebook group that connects donors to people who need prepaid electricity vouchers.

In about three weeks, 326 people have received vouchers from strangers.

“I came across a woman on social media trying to decide whether to spend her last R20 on mealie meal or electricity. I told her to buy the mealie meal and I would take care of her electricity,” said Millar.

She asked friends to help and it grew from there.

“We now help people all over the country and although we have a long waiting list, as soon as the sponsored voucher number is sent they can get electricity immediately.”

Sponsors buy the electricity online, said Millar.

“Every day South Africans have donated what they can afford, from R30 to R300. The most common amount donated is R100 and can last a family from one week to three depending on usage.”

Donations have come from Ireland, New Zealand and the US. Someshen Naicker of Stanger on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast gave R600. “I realised what a great initiative it was.”

About 600 people are on the waiting list.

“The group is intended to be a short-term solution to help those with limited or no income,” said Millar.

Nomthandazo Manukuza of Amoati, a settlement north of Durban, got help from the group.

“My brother and I have been looking for jobs but the lockdown meant that we can’t really search. I posted and when we received our electricity I was so thankful. I wanted to cry,” she said.

Told that the group had been the initiative of one person, Manukuza said: “She makes me want to help others too.”

Dave Zizi of Thembisa, north-east of Johannesburg, is in lockdown with her grandchildren. She said: “I don’t know the person who paid for my voucher but I will always be grateful to him or her.”

Aaliyah Luke, a domestic worker from Philippi in Cape Town, cannot work in the lockdown and was stressed. “Then I received my voucher,” she said.

Meanwhile, the City of Joburg, eTthekwini municipality and the City of Cape Town have suspended disconnections of water and electricity.

“This was to ensure that the two basic services, being water and electricity, are maintained for health and hygiene,” said Joburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane. eThekwini municipal spokesperson Mandla Nsele said the lockdown had left the city coffers in “a tremendous deficit”.

Hlumelo Ntshangana puts himself through a dance and fitness routine behind his house in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Picture: Esa Alexander

was grateful to the Zama Dance School, where her sons had learnt discipline as well as ballet.

“They are well behaved at home, church and school. Their ballet teachers have taught them so well,” she said.

“I also play my part as well; I encourage them to attend rehearsals and to shoot videos of their training sessions for memories. More than anything, I encourage them to have fun and be children.”

Zama director Andrew Warth said he had been teaching ballet in the township since 2008.

“Zama Dance School opened its doors 30

years ago in the heart of Gugulethu when the school’s founder, the late Arlene Westergaard, and Pick n Pay’s Raymond Ackerman came together to create a safe dance space in the heart of the townships,” said Warth.

“The dance training has always been based on the classical ballet technique but Zama dancers also learn tap, contemporary and African fusion.

“For the past nine years I have worked with the amazing ballet teacher Leanne Voysey, and together we teach our 100 students three ballet classes a week and spend most Saturdays and Sundays working on competitions and shows.”

● With a striking ring atop her pink-gloved hand, human settlements, water & sanitation minister Lindiwe Sisulu may be a fashion icon, but in the age of Covid-19 dressing down is set to become the new normal to reduce the risk of infection.

The new “less is more” dress etiquette comes as South Africans slowly return to the workplace, prompting experts to warn about the risks posed by accessories such as scarves, handbags and jewellery.

Touching these potentially contaminated items and then your face puts you at risk of contracting the virus, they say.

According to UK media reports, experts say handbags can harbour thousands of types of bacteria — making them dirtier than the average toilet.

The coronavirus is not a bacteria, but preliminary information indicates that it “may persist for a few hours or up to several days” on surfaces, according to the World Health Organisation, making handbags potentially hazardous for those who are stepping out of the safe confines of their homes.

Rings have the potential to trap germs and have been flagged because they may impede proper hygiene methods like hand washing and sanitising.

A 2018 study by researchers at Georgia State University in the US found that when health-care workers wore rings to their jobs

“the area where the rings sat on their skin provided a protected area in which bacteria can flourish”. The study also showed that those who didn’t wear rings and washed their hands were able to kill more germs than those who did.

Professor Feroza Motara, who heads the emergency department at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg and Wits University’s emergency medicine department, said: “Your clothes, shoes, handbags, a scarf — any of those accessories or items which you would normally use — are exposed in an environment where somebody is coughing or sneezing and there are droplets. These could potentially be contaminated.”

Motara said watches and wedding bands could also pose a threat.

Professor Saajida Mahomed, a public health medicine specialist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said studies suggest the virus can survive on different surfaces for varying lengths of time, from hours to days.

“However, it is unclear for how long the virus remains infectious during this period.

In order for the virus to get to one’s handbag or other item, it would mean that someone who has Covid-19 would have coughed or sneezed nearby and a droplet would have landed on these items.

“A person would then have to touch the item where the droplet landed and then touch their mouth or nose or rub their eye for the virus to enter the body.”

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s ring worn outside her pink glove.

Picture: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS

ST MAY 17 2020

www.sundaytimes.co.za

Insight

Black swan?

No, this is a dead duck we could have foreseen Page 16

Peter Bruce

Weighing the next step

Is Ramaphosa frozen by fear of blame? Page 18

Ebrahim Patel on reopening the economy Page 19

On a visit to a field hospital in the world’s newest country, South Sudan, reporter Matthew Savides and photographer Thapelo Morebudi find that though an uneasy peace exists, the road to recovery has to reckon with the scars of a brutal past — and a corrupt, inept government that has betrayed its people

Patient Diang Kuich Nhial receives treatment at the Médecins Sans Frontières primary health-care facility in Leer, South Sudan. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi

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14

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times

Insight South Sudan

5

The number of vice-presidents in South Sudan

4

The number of ventilators in South Sudan

Oasis of aid in a harsh land

‘They pack the grief and go on’

By MATTHEW SAVIDES The deep wailing pierces the midnight silence, echoing from the maternity tent at the Doctors Without Borders field hospital in Leer, South Sudan. A woman is in anguish; her baby was stillborn.

In the three days the Sunday Times spent in Leer, seven babies were born. Of the three babies born on one of those days, one had to be resuscitated, the mother of another suffered severe postnatal bleeding and one died.

This is the reality of South Sudan. At the height of the civil war, death was never far away, and it still isn’t now.

Midwife Elizabeth Ramlow from the US manages the maternity section — a tent with two delivery beds separated by curtains from the fourbed ward.

In March, her team conducted 779 antenatal care consultations and admitted 81 patients; there were 39 live births and one stillborn baby.

Last month they conducted 992 consultations and admitted 80 patients; there were 42 live births with one stillborn baby.

“These women come into labour having lost children,” Ramlow said, indicating some of the women in the tent. “Other women in the room have already lost children to gunfire, to drowning in the swamps. I mean, they know, as I think our grandmothers did, that babies don’t all make it. There’s this kind of an acceptance that death’s part of life.”

In many cases, the women whose children die don’t have time to grieve.

“They really do what they have to do.

The cries that go up when anyone dies here are heartbreaking. They are heartbroken, there’s no doubt about it. But they take their grief, and they pack it up and they go on with what they have to do — which is to get food, and get firewood and take care of other children in the family.”

➜ From Page 13

N

yanhial Chan Thiep wrings out a beige cloth, sending water droplets cascading onto the half-naked body of her six-month-old son, Goemar Gathyang Kai. The boy cries as the cool water touches his skin.

The child is sick, and had been for two weeks when the Sunday Times encountered him and his mother at a field hospital in South Sudan.

When Thiep took Goemar to a doctor on February 17 he was convulsing. He had been ill for three days.

His temperature was high — in the high 30s and occasionally spiking above 40. His life was hanging in the balance.

Two-and-a-half weeks later, on March 3, Goemar was recovering. His temperature was still high during the day, hence the damp cloth to cool his tiny body.

But he was stable. He would go home soon afterwards.

Goemar was being treated at the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors Without Borders) hospital in Leer, South Sudan. The facility is small, made up of mostly tented structures. It is in a small, war-ravaged village in Unity state, 420km north of the capital, Juba.

“I brought him here because I knew he would get treatment,” Thiep says, looking up from the mattress on the floor.

Sunday Times photographer Thapelo Morebudi and I were given rare access to the hospital, granted interviews with local and foreign doctors and nurses, and patients — and were allowed into the maternity tent when two babies were born just minutes apart.

Hours later we would hear the tormented midnight cries when another baby didn’t make it.

Goemar is too young to know it, but he is lucky to be alive.

In 2011 South Sudan gained independence after a bloody war with Sudan. But instead of bringing prosperity, life in the world’s newest country only got worse when rival factions turned on each other.

After 12 deals that did not bring an end to hostilities, opponents have once again agreed to recommit to peace in 2020.

Leer suffered much of the violence that has characterised South Sudan’s brutal civil war. Stories of cruelty, murder, torture, rape and other human rights abuses are rife.

Amnesty International reports that war criminals acted with impunity — “Anything that was breathing was killed.”

The violent past continues to haunt the villages and villagers around Leer. There is also malnutrition, disease and extreme poverty. Shells of destroyed vehicles litter the route between the gravel airstrip and the MSF hospital. At least one tank lies in ruin on the side of the road.

An old MSF hospital on the outskirts of town is nothing more than crumbling walls and cracked paint, its corrugated-iron roof, solar panels, medicines and equipment looted as government-aligned forces tore through in 2015.

At the airstrip, an orange-red shipping container is a remnant of a particularly cruel war atrocity. In October 2016, 60 men and boys were locked inside the metal box with their hands tied behind their backs and left to die a slow death through heatstroke and suffocation.

According to a report published by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, almost 400,000 people have died in the internal conflict, almost half of them from disease and hunger.

The scars of the repeated bouts of violence — physical, emotional and developmental — are a long way from healing, even if there is currently an air of relative peace.

“We have never known anything good in South Sudan,” an MSF staffer says as we chat under a thatched boma one night.

He’s from South Sudan, and knows first-hand the suffering his compatriots endured. He fled to Uganda during the conflict eight years ago.

His matter-of-fact tone is heartbreaking. To him, it’s indisputable. The South Sudanese have known nothing good. And nobody around the table moves to disagree.

The man treating Goemar, nurse aide Sedat William Machok, is acutely aware of the problems in his home nation. He’s from Leer, but fled in 2015 as the town came under attack. First he went to Juba, and then to Bentiu, where the UN runs a massive

Nyanhial Chan Thiep drips cooling water on her feverish six-month-old son, Goemar Gathyang Kai, at the MSF primary health-care facility. Pictures: Thapelo Morebudi

Nyandar Chuong carries her seven-month-old baby and a handmade crib she brought for the baby of her daughter, who was due to give birth at the MSF primary health-care facility in Leer.

‘The dire situation throughout South Sudan is characterised by the deliberate starvation of civilians’ Protection of Civilians camp for as many as 140,000 internally displaced South Sudanese people.

The area around Leer has extensive wetlands, particularly during the rainy season, and it was there that Machok took shelter when the attack started.

“There was a lot of water,” he said, standing next to Goemar’s bed. “You would run into the water and hide yourself. When the soldiers came, you run into the water. Even that became very difficult. They were even searching in the river.”

He, his family and other villagers from Leer hid for almost two years. During the day they would lie, almost completely submerged, and at night they would hunker down on an island.

“There was a dry land, very small, so we used to sleep there. When we heard the gunshots, we ran inside [the swamp]. I was there for almost two years, across 2014 and 2015,” says Machok.

The International Committee of the Red Cross would drop food parcels — the only food they could get.

“We take the food and hide on the island. When it was finished, we survived on the fruits in the bushes,” he says.

Eventually, he knew he had to risk leaving for somewhere safer.

“I left my mother and my brother; I said that if it’s

OK, I’ll come and call them,” he said.

His mother and brother survived, and have lived with him in Leer since he moved back in January 2019. But not everyone in the family survived.

“I lost my older sister because of sickness from being in the swamp.”

He started working for MSF in the Leer field hospital in June that year, “We normally work hard because it is serving your community, which is very important,” he says.

Machok was on duty when Goemar was brought in. He treated the little boy throughout his illness. He says it was touch and go at times.

“It was very difficult. In the beginning I battled to help because he was convulsing for three days. After improvement … I was very happy because he was taking milk and the child was able to breathe normally.”

On March 5, Goemar was discharged.

But what if Machok, his colleagues, and the MSF field officer weren’t there?

“The child may have died,” he says.

Next to Goemar, a metre away on a matching sponge mattress, is two-year-old Jany Riak Dhiel, his left arm and upper body almost completely wrapped in bandages. His mother, Nyabany Chuol, says he burnt himself badly with boiling water at home.

He would likely have faced a life-or-death battle with infection if not for the medical care he received at the primary-care facility.

The MSF hospital in Leer is made up of five tents, each one 6m long and 4m wide, used for outpatients, consultations, treatments and maternity care.

The facility is surrounded by a corrugated-iron boundary wall topped with barbed wire. A UN barracks is directly across a gravel road.

A small camp down the road protects citizens.

James Tot Joak , left, a mobile health supervisor in Thonyor, treated patients in the swamps of the White Nile during the civil war and came back to help rebuild the health facility.

Fewer defences in the face of Covid-19 World’s poorest country South Sudan is the poorest country in the world.

The World Bank estimates that about 82% of its people live in poverty. After it split from Sudan in 2011 a bloody civil war erupted. After 12 previous attempts failed, it was only this year that rivals agreed to work together for peace.

Coronavirus raises its head The Sunday Times visited the Médecins Sans Frontières facility in Leer before the coronavirus became a worldwide pandemic.

The country’s count of 231 cases and one death by Friday seems low, but the virus has spread to two of the civilian protection camps run by the UN, of great concern in a country with severe existing health-care challenges.

Francesco Rancati, the project co-ordinator in Leer who hosted the Sunday Times, says that Covid-19 “has become the number one health priority for everyone”.

The Leer hospital is bracing for cases.

“We have built a new triage area to separate patients presenting with respiratory distress from patients with other symptoms. We have placed hand-washing points all over the compound and we have erected a couple of isolation tents, which will be dedicated to patients showing up at the facility with Covid-like symptoms.”

A generator hums constantly in the background, the only power in an area without a single tar road and almost no formal buildings.

The hospital treats everything from malaria to respiratory infections and pneumonia, and from meningitis to malnutrition and diarrhoea. Sometimes gunshot wounds inflicted by armed youngsters — with weapons left over from the civil war — are treated.

On several occasions during the visit civilians were seen walking freely in the streets with automatic rifles slung over their shoulders.

The facility in Leer offers hope to a nation under severe threat, but it is a rare beacon in a country struggling to care for its own.

In March and April the facility treated 1,080 people, of whom 146 were admitted. This excludes the maternity section.

A January 2020 report from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan states that more than 1.4-million civilians are internally displaced, “languishing in camps unfit to meet … basic needs and subsisting on diminished humanitarian aid”.

“The consequent dire situation of human rights throughout South Sudan is characterised by the deliberate starvation of civilians, the largest refugee and internal displacement crises in Africa, and sexual and gender-based violence,” the report says.

South African human rights lawyer Yasmin Sooka, who is chair of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, says the South Sudanese government has “abdicated all of its responsibility” to the international community.

“It’s not a surprise that any infrastructure, food and health care comes from international NGOs or the UN, or in the form of different agencies.

“The government itself doesn’t take any trouble to pay for any of that, or supply any of that,” she says.

15

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

Insight Table Talk Timothy Jenkin, a former anti-apartheid activist and political prisoner, escaped from Pretoria Central Prison in 1979 along with fellow prisoners Stephen Lee and Alex Moumbaris.

Their escape is told in ‘Escape From Pretoria’, which will be on circuit when cinemas reopen.

Anti-apartheid activists Jenkin, Moumbaris and Lee in Dar es Salaam in 1979 after their daring escape from Pretoria Central Prison using a set of wooden keys they made in the jail’s workshop. Picture: TMG

Picture: Esa Alexander

T

im Jenkin poked apartheid in the eye. In 1978, when he was 29, Jenkin was imprisoned for distributing anti-apartheid material for the ANC. A day after he and Stephen Lee, his comrade in pamphlet-bomb arms, were arrested, they resolved to escape. Their idea was brilliantly simple: they’d make keys to the prison doors and let themselves out the front door.

On December 11 1979, after 18 months of painstaking planning, Jenkin, Lee and a third political prisoner, Alex Moumbaris, slipped out of Pretoria Central Prison. They are the only convicted political prisoners to ever escape from an apartheid prison. On March 6, Escape from Pretoria, a film celebrating SA’s most audacious prison break, was released in the UK and North America. According to producer Mark Blaney, it will be screened in SA but only later this year. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe plays the escape’s key man, Jenkin.

How did you make the keys, I ask the wiry Jenkin, who was a key figure in the ANC underground. Jenkin, 71, had just returned from a week of wall-to-wall media interviews in the UK promoting the film and says this was one of two questions every London journo asked.

“It’s simple really,” he says, and launches into an explanation about cuts, measurements, shafts, cranks, cylinders, depths, lever tumblers, bits, heights, scrape marks, dimensions and diameters. I’m concentrating carefully but it’s like I’m back in Mrs Spira’s standard 8 geometry class.

“You see,” Jenkin concludes 45 minutes later. “It’s really simple.” I nod as if I’ve understood.

The second question the London journos asked was how an apolitical white boy from Cape Town’s southern suburbs ended up in the struggle trenches.

This time the answer is a little easier to grasp. After matriculating, Jenkin took a gap year overseas, where he watched news broadcasts critical of apartheid. At first he thought it was just “bullshit propaganda”, but soon realised there was truth to what he was seeing.

‘Escape from Pretoria’ is directed by Francis Annan and stars Daniel Radcliffe as Tim Jenkin, Daniel Webber as Stephen Lee and Ian Hart as Denis Goldberg.

Still seeking a way out -- to a better life

Forty years ago a trio of young anti-apartheid activists imprisoned in Pretoria Central plotted a daring getaway that involved making keys right under the eyes of their captors, writes Jonathan Ancer

Papillon He returned home to study economics and sociology at the University of Cape Town, determined to make an effort to find out what was really going on in the country — and when he did, he knew he couldn’t ignore it. Jenkin graduated from UCT, which is where he met like-minded Lee, and the two friends travelled to London. They took part in protests outside South Africa House, read books banned back home, met people in the ANC and joined the organisation. The pair returned to SA to embark on a covert campaign setting off pamphlet bombs, which scattered leaflets urging people to support the liberation movement. They were active for 2½ years before the security police nabbed them and charged them under the brutal terrorism laws.

For the crime of distributing pamphlets, Jenkin was sentenced to 12 years behind bars. Lee received “only” eight years because he hadn’t participated in all the activities.

While awaiting trial at Pollsmoor, the friends started to apply their minds to breaking out of prison. Tim was inspired by Papillon, Henri Charrière’s autobiographical novel detailing his escape from Devil’s Island. Papillon became his manual.

“Every escape has two phases,” says Jenkin. “The first is to get out, and the second is to get away.” They realised they would need money to get away so they each put R180 (about R12,000 today) into a cigar tube, which they “bottled” (prisonspeak for putting inside their bodies).

“At every waking moment we focused on escaping; everything had to be planned in meticulous detail,” says Jenkin.

Morale booster And so Jenkin, after figuring out the dimensions of his cell’s lock, started to fashion a key from wood in the carpentry workshop. He made it under a warder’s nose. The key worked. He then made a key for the next door, but could not reach the lock from the inside. He constructed a MacGyver-like contraption out of a broom to open this door from the other side. Soon Jenkin, Lee and Moumbaris were sneaking out of their cells at night to measure the locks for the rest of the gates and doors.

After months of high stress they decided to put their plan into action. The plan involved bypassing a patrolling warder, evading an attack dog in the yard and getting through 10 prison doors. During their dummy runs they had got as far as door 10 — the door to freedom — but felt it was too risky to try it. They prayed one of their keys would open it on the night of the escape.

“Our dream was to pull off the perfect escape,” says Jenkin.

Sunday Times

THE GREAT

ESCAPE

“We wore gloves and locked every door behind us. We wanted the warders to arrive in the morning to find three inmates gone and not be able to figure out how we got out,” he grins. However, when the trio got to the final door none of the keys worked.

Jenkin wanted to turn back but was outvoted. They had a chisel and managed to break the lock. They now had to put the getaway phase of the plan into action.

It was 5.30pm and they calculated their disappearance would only be discovered at 7.30am, giving them a 14-hour window to flee. They took trains, buses, hitched and hobbled with blisters on their feet for two nights and a day, making the 400km journey to what is now Eswatini, where they made contact with the ANC, who smuggled them into Mozambique and eventually to Europe.

“Escaping was not just about getting out of prison; it was also to show that the apartheid government was not invincible. It was a morale booster for the liberation movement,” says Jenkin.

The night warder was tortured into confessing that he had freed the prisoners.

He was convicted and imprisoned in Pretoria Central before he managed to successfully appeal against his conviction.

Jenkin settled in London and worked for the International Defence and Aid Fund, assisting political prisoners, and the ANC. He played a key role in Operation Vula, the ANC’s mission to smuggle leaders into the country to organise the underground.

The challenge was how those inside SA would be able to communicate with the ANC in exile. This was at a time when the security police bugged phones and

Ingenious escapes

Jenkin, Lee and Moumbaris are the only convicted political prisoners to escape from a South African prison during apartheid. Most black political prisoners were held on Robben Island, which was virtually escape-proof. However, a number of detained activists managed to wriggle out of police cells.

1963 Arthur Goldreich, Harold Wolpe, Mosie Moola and Abdulhay Jassat bribed a guard and escaped from custody at Marshall Square police station in Johannesburg.

1985 Dutch national Klaas de Jonge was arrested for bringing arms into SA. He told police Umkhonto weSizwe was planning to detonate a bomb and offered to take them to the building being targeted. The building was opposite the Dutch embassy. De Jonge managed to stumble into the embassy, where he spent 26 months before being freed in a prisoner exchange.

1988 UDF members Mohammed Valli Moosa and Murphy Morobe escaped from detention in Johannesburg after feigning illness. They spent 37 days in the US consulate, before securing passports and flying out of SA.

intercepted mail. Jenkin developed a system that allowed ANC leaders to speak to each other and to their operatives around the world quickly, easily and secretly. It sounds primitive in the smartphone age, but in the pre-internet 1980s it was revolutionary.

Jenkin explains: “Operatives in SA encrypted secret messages and then recorded them onto cassette tape recorders through an acoustic modem. The sound messages were then played down a landline to answering machines in London. To pick up messages, the operatives recorded the outgoing encrypted sound messages played by similar answering machines in London.

These were then played through the modem to convert them back to digital, so that they could be decrypted to reveal the messages.”

Stupid mistakes Jenkin grins. “It was simple, really,” he says. I nod again as if I understand. Jenkin explains that a spin-off of his handcrafted communication system allowed him to effectively break into Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and link the ANC leader with his comrades in exile while he negotiated with the National Party.

There’s talk that a movie about Operation Vula may follow Escape From Pretoria, which is based on a memoir Jenkin wrote in 1987 about the breakout. Soon after the memoir was published, Hollywood knocked on his door. Christopher Reeve, who would go on to be Superman, was earmarked to play Jenkin. However, the project didn’t go ahead when Jenkin discovered the producers wanted to water down the politics. They wanted a prison escape

● When Tim Jenkin was locked up in Pretoria prison he wasn’t locked down. He had the keys to the jail doors and was relatively free to roam the prison — well, when the guards weren’t looking.

But even before he had made the wooden keys he managed to escape the boredom and loneliness by devoting 15 hours a day to thinking of how to break out. “Keeping busy prevented me from going mad,” he says.

Jenkin is keeping busy again during the novel coronavirus lockdown and he is still thinking of ways to escape — not from the lockdown itself (although he is frustrated at having his freedoms taken away), but the monetary system.

Jenkin has spent the last month focusing on the Community Exchange System (CES) — an alternative way of trading that he believes provides the answer to breaking free from the chains of money. The exchange system is a web service that helps communities set up and manage exchange and trade in their areas without using money.

“We have seen a massive spike in applications to join the exchange,” Jenkin says, adding that CES groups that have been dormant in SA and Europe have suddenly come alive again.

“As millions of people around the world lose their jobs and economies go belly up, people are looking for alternative ways of doing things. This happened in [the financial crisis of] 2008. For years we’ve been saying the Community Exchange System will be a lifeboat when the monetary system collapses. It seems that has finally come true.”

According to Jenkin, the current economic system won’t save the world and as more and more people become jobless we need to start looking after ourselves; planting vegetable gardens and exchanging supplies.

“We can’t sit around and expect our government or some big philanthropist or some charity to come and rescue us, we have to take our survival into our own hands and start doing things for ourselves. We don’t know how it’s

thriller, but Jenkin’s story was more than “just an escape”; it was an escape from an apartheid prison. Politics was central to the plot.

Politics features in Escape From Pretoria.

In addition to the film being a cracking tale, it outlines what motivated Jenkin and Lee to risk their freedom in the first place — and their determination to get out so that they could continue their fight to overthrow apartheid. Jenkin says when he watched the film in February he had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. Critics have described it as nail-biting and heartthumping, but Jenkin didn’t have to bite his nails — he knew how it ends.

He did find the actors’ South African accents “horrific”. He is not alone. When the trailer was released last year South Africans shared a social media eye roll about the sandpapery-gruff twangs. Either actors can’t master Sefrrican eksents, hey? or we must accept that to foreign ears our words sound like they have been shredded by a cheese grater.

“The film is fairly accurate,” says Jenkin, but director Francis Annan used some poetic licence, like adding abusive guards who shout at the prisoners and slop food onto plates.

“In the film they made us make stupid mistakes we never made and never would have made, but I suppose that was to heighten the tension,” he says.

Jenkin had Skype chats with Radcliffe, who picked his brains about how he picked the locks, and went to Australia to spend time on set in Adelaide. He also has a cameo role in the film in a scene where he’s a

going to unfold but we need to recognise that the next few years are going to be very tough so we need to focus on a plan.”

Jenkin says the wooden keys he made in prison and that he used to gain his freedom 40 years ago are very symbolic because they are low-tech, and the world needs to find low-tech ways of escaping from the money system.

“We don’t need more computers and more technology that will ensure people are manipulated, followed and monitored all the time,” he says.

Jenkin believes SA’s lockdown rules have been too severe and says that within people’s own lockdown they can create their freedom — and, in fact, it’s their duty to break irrational rules.

“I walk to the shops and take the longest possible route to get a bit of exercise,” he says.

When he’s not focused on the CES, he’s working on his own veggie garden, running laps around the complex where he lives “and doing things that I had always pretended I never had time to do, like de-cluttering the junk from my home”.

“The strange thing is that although we are supposed to be self-isolating in the complex there has never been such a sense of community as there is now. I’m getting to know the neighbours and there’s a feeling that we are in this thing together.

You can see it on the internet as well. There’s so much chatter going on, people are sending memes and YouTube videos to each other and this peculiar sense of community is growing.”

According to Jenkin, the pandemic has been a huge wakeup call for people to think about where our society is going.

“We have all noticed that it’s wonderful to walk in the streets and not worry about cars knocking you over. Why can’t we keep it like this? Why do we have to go back to what there was before?” he asks. “ We want something better; and this is our chance to escape the money system and build a cleaner, fresher and more friendly world.”

prisoner next to Radcliffe in the waiting room. It’s appropriate that “the boy who lived” plays “the prisoner who escaped” because Jenkin used his technical wizardry to end his spell in prison.

Jenkin, who was pardoned by then state president FW de Klerk in 1991, returned to SA and continued to work for the ANC. He is “sort of retired” and devotes his time to hiking, running (being on the run seems to be a trend) and the Community Exchange System (CES) — a global network he cofounded in 2003.

“The CES is an alternative currency that doesn’t involve money but facilitates exchanges between people,” he explains.

“Money is about control — social control and controlling the resources,” he says. “The CES is an attempt to create an exchange system that no-one controls and which cannot be used to control others. It embraces trust, honesty and co-operation.”

Mastermind Jenkin has operated behind the scenes and despite masterminding one of the liberation movement’s most astonishing victories over apartheid, he is virtually unknown — as is the incredible story of his great, ingenious escape.

More than 40 years later, Jenkin himself sometimes can’t believe that he, Lee and Moumbaris actually walked out of prison.

But they did.

And although he says the ANC lost its way during the Jacob Zuma years and is not the same organisation he joined all those years ago, Jenkin remains proud of his role in poking apartheid in the eye.

16

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times

Insight Covid-19

Swanning about Until Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh went to Australia in 1697, Europeans thought all swans were white. De Vlamingh was the first outsider to describe Cygnus atratus, the black swan. The largest of all waterfowl, it flies at night, eats only plants and mates for life.

Picture: 123rf.com

Some say the Covid-19 pandemic came out of the blue, a disaster no-one could have predicted. In truth, the world had plenty of warning, writes Sue de Groot

Don’t blame the black swan for this pandemic

I

n the torrent of coronavirus information and misinformation that pours down on us daily, some analysts have floated the idea that this pandemic is “a black swan”.

Mathematician Tom Maydon, head of data science and credit at SA-based risk-forecasting company Principa, explained the phenomenon: “There was a Latin phrase used in ancient times to express scepticism: ‘You’ve got more chance of finding a black swan.’ In Europe at the time, every swan was white, so it meant the equivalent of ‘when pigs fly’.

“After Europeans discovered that black swans did in fact exist, the expression didn’t really work anymore, but it is still used in economics to represent a very unlikely but not impossible event.

“We prepare for what will happen based on what is happening now. There are generally seven-year or 10-year cycles economically and we prepare for the downturns. But we should also be preparing for very unlikely heavy occurrences, like a Covid-19 event.”

The expression “black swan” was brought back into vogue by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a Lebanese-American academic, economist, mathematician, statistician, risk analyst and author whose 2007 book, The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, caused almost as much of a splash as Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens did seven years later.

The difference between the two books is vast, however. Where Harari explains human behaviour based on what has gone before, Taleb explains what might never happen based on what (mostly) has never happened.

Taleb’s book describes a black swan event in terms of three criteria: it is unpredictable, it has a massive impact, and it is explained and rationalised only after it has occurred.

In Taleb’s words: “First, it is an outlier, as it lies outside the realm of regular expectations, because nothing in the past can convincingly point to its possibility.

Second, it carries an extreme ‘impact’.

Third, in spite of its outlier status, human nature makes us concoct explanations for its occurrence after the fact, making it explainable and predictable.”

Some of these things might seem applicable to the Covid-19 pandemic. In an article published in the Mail & Guardian on Wednesday, Roberto Bocca and Harsh Vijay Singh, both from the World Economic Forum’s “Shaping the Future of Energy and Materials” project, write: “Over the course of the past few months, we have been up against a lowprobability, high-impact catastrophe of global proportions.

“The speed, scale and intensity of the Covid-19 pandemic caught us off guard, necessitating the reallocation of resources and a collective conviction towards limiting the extent of the damage, and restoring normalcy to the economy and to society as soon as possible.

“Covid-19 has proven to be a ‘black swan’ event, threatening to undo the gains from the longest period of economic expansion in history.”

Their observations may be sound, but Taleb, the father of swans, would disagree with their classification. In an interview with Bloomberg Television on March 31, Taleb said he was irritated about the black swan label being “a cliché for any bad thing that surprises us”.

In the same interview he reminded the US that he, Bill Gates and many others widely and repeatedly warned of the pandemic in January 2020. “We issued our warning that, effectively, you should kill it in the egg,” Taleb said.

In a piece for The Conversation this month, Glenn McGillivray, MD of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction in Canada, also questions whether the coronavirus is a true black swan event. “The danger of making an occurrence like the Covid-19 outbreak appear to be astronomically rare is that we will treat it as such and fail to prepare for the next pandemic. What’s more, those accountable for this preparation will dismiss their blatant failures because of the perceived exceptional nature of the event,” McGillivray writes.

He quotes a 2018 research study which concluded that “there is greater than a one in four chance of a pandemic occurring. Carrying the odds over 50 years means there is almost a 40% chance of a global outbreak.”

As McGillivray says: “The subtitle of Taleb’s book is ‘the impact of the highly improbable’, but an event like Covid-19 is not all that rare. Indeed, history is replete with such events, there have been numerous warnings from many sources, and the mathematical odds of an occurrence are not all that remote. With pandemics, it is not really a question of if, but usually when.”

Since the outbreak of SARS, the disease caused by a coronavirus variant that affected 26 countries in 2003, scientists have been predicting more zoonotic (transmitted by animals) diseases. But

Illustration: Keith Tamkei

The pandemic may have been predictable. The way it has forced us to look head-on at poverty, inequality and destitution, things previously pushed aside into our peripheral vision, was not

evidence of epidemics and how they have been handled goes way further back.

Writing for The Conversation this week, University of Cape Town professor of archaeology Shadreck Chirikure discusses how ancient civilisations dealt with such events.

“We know that the damaging impact of epidemics prompted the abandonment of settlements at Akrokrowa in Ghana during the early 14th century AD,” Chirikure writes. And “about 76 infant burial sites at an abandoned settlement that now forms part of the Mapungubwe World Heritage site in the Limpopo Valley of SA suggest a pandemic hit the people living there after 1000 AD. “Archaeological and historical insights also expose some of the strategies that societies adopted to deal with pandemics. These included burning settlements as a disinfectant and shifting settlements to new locations. Social distancing was practised by dispersing settlements.”

As Chirikure points out: “Humans have a propensity to relax and shift priorities once calamities are over. Data collected by archaeologists that show how indigenous knowledge systems helped ancient societies in Africa deal with the shock of illness and pandemics can help remind policymakers of different ways to prepare modern societies for the same issues.”

This delving into the past shows, says Chirikure, that “social behaviour is the first line of defence against pandemics. It’s essential this be considered when planning for the latest post-pandemic future.”

Kenyan professor of pharmacy Sonak Pastakia, also published by The Conversation on Thursday, touches on the difficulties of understanding something we don’t yet know enough about.

“When there are gaps in information, there are often competing forces seeking to fill them.

Some may be based on scientific inquiry; others may be unsubstantiated opinions. They may all be trying to allay the fears of an anxious public. This conflict of explanations played out during the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the global HIV epidemic.

“Covid-19 differs significantly from HIV and Ebola, but the potential consequences of having a misinformed public are similar.

And much can be learnt from earlier epidemics to ensure that the same mistakes aren’t repeated.”

These observations back up Taleb’s claim that we are not living through a black swan event. But either way, we were caught with our pants down. As Maydon says: “We know the black swans could happen but we never properly prepare for them.”

Taleb insists we have the capacity to understand and positively act upon such things as randomness, probability and uncertainty.

As we have progressed as a species, our ability to find information (and misinformation) on anything, anywhere, at any time, seems to have deadened original thought. No matter how many clichéd motivational gurus tell us to “think outside the box”, we stubbornly resist this impulse and cling to what we are told about what other people claim to know.

Rational scientific thought is all good and well — in fact there’s not nearly enough of it around — but its one disadvantage is that it limits us to an examination only of existing evidence. Our understanding of the world is based on knowledge of things that have already happened. Speculation about things we have no proof or experience of does not belong in the scientific model. Taleb disputes this.

In an essay published in 2018, Serbian-American economist Branko Milanovic emphasises the importance of Taleb’s work.

“His view is that only systems that have been created by a long process of tinkering (that is, evolution) have sufficient resilience to withstand black swan events,” Milanovic writes.

“Whether because we are tired of grand systems or because our knowledge has been parcelled due to the way knowledge is created and disseminated in modern academia, very few people are able to create systems of thought that go across multiple disciplines and display internal coherence.”

As the blurb for The Black Swan puts it: “We restrict our thinking to the irrelevant and inconsequential, while large events continue to surprise us and shape our world.”

The Covid-19 catastrophe might still legitimately be called a black swan — not in its potential to have been predicted and planned for, but in how it has shaken us out of our complacency and made us think beyond the unchanging monotony of what we thought we could expect.

The pandemic may have been predictable. The way it has forced us to look head-on at poverty, inequality and destitution, things previously pushed aside into our peripheral vision, was not.

What we do about these things will define our future.

17

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

Insight Opinion

Sunday Times

Denial is the deadliest response of all carbon dioxide could be removed from the air if we got rid of cars and planted trees on all the highways and roads in Washington, DC. The corollary of that, of course, would be investment in public transport.

The project reminded me of a fight I had with the ANC leadership in my township in the 1990s. I was protesting against a decision to cut down our local forest to make way for RDP houses. They accused me of bourgeois sentimentalism at a time when people needed houses. I pointed them to the large tracts of vacant land between the township and the white area of town. They would not admit it, but they were afraid to build those houses next to the white people. As they would later admit, their housing policy

Leaders of the Trump and Mbeki ilk tout dangerous theories when what is needed is planning, action and a deep shift in our relationship with nature

By XOLELA MANGCU

● The coronavirus has exposed the Achilles heel of the human relationship with nature. Neither military might nor wealth nor race nor history of struggle will protect one against it. And as in everything else, black people are getting the short end of the stick.

Finding a vaccine may stop this particular coronavirus, but there are millions of other viruses out there. Only an über-vaccine will protect us against them, but that might come too late for the human species.

The viruses were all minding their own business before we started devastating their habitat through deforestation, hunting and other environmentdestroying activities. Our bodies have become the only hosts for them to inhabit. Unless we reset our relationship with the natural world, there will be no end to the viruses coming our way.

My biggest fear is that while powerful nations will be able to use technology to re-engineer their societies and reshape the world, poorer countries will go back to doing things as they did before.

Take education as an example. Online learning will most likely be the new normal in the delivery of education. Because of the coronavirus I have had to jack up my technological skills, so that my students can join class whether they are in China or South Korea. With imagination and investment in technology, this could be an opportunity to deliver high-quality education to students and pupils in SA. We could break down the walls of learning by getting pupils to take classes with experts all over the country.

We could use online teaching to compensate for a lack of educational materials and even relieve the overcrowding in our schools. I could teach a class to the high school in my township. Online teaching may not solve all of SA’s educational challenges, but it could be the intervention that makes the difference for large numbers of students.

The same reimagination could be extended to the public health system. The growth of telemedicine could be a way to deliver public health services to remote rural areas. It could be used to bring global medical expertise to villages and townships.

Investment in public health is therefore in everyone’s obvious interest. Racial equality is not only a moral question but an existential one for everyone.

We are all either alive and well together, or dead and buried together.

US President Donald Trump’s denial of the dangers

Donald Trump and Thabo Mbeki, who both suggested unscientific cures for diseases ravaging their countries. Pictures: Jim Watson/AFP & Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

This digital counter was installed in Times Square, New York, this week by US filmmaker Eugene Jarecki, who said he wanted to make clear the consequences of US President Donald Trump’s lack of action in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

of the new coronavirus reminds me of former president Thabo Mbeki’s HIV/Aids denialism.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, at least 300,000 people died as a result of Mbeki’s cruel refusal to provide life-saving medicines. Like Trump’s musings about using disinfectants to kill the coronavirus, Mbeki and his minister of health put forth beetroot and garlic as the cure for Aids. We will never know how many more people died because of Mbeki’s hubris and the moral cowardice of his underlings.

I am glad that President Cyril Ramaphosa and health minister Zweli Mkhize have taken the lead in the fight against the coronavirus.

The lack of preparedness for the coronavirus highlights the importance of government planning.

For years, previous US administrations have warned about a potential outbreak.

The present administration not only closed the pandemic unit established under former president Barack Obama, but Trump was found asleep at the controls.

Racial equality is not only a moral question but an existential one for everyone. We are all either alive and well together, or dead and buried together By the time he woke up it was too late. The horse had stormed out of the barn.

Trump then resisted calls to activate the Defense Production Act, which would require US companies to manufacture ventilators and personal protective equipment. He would not do it because the US does not do national planning. Even in times of crisis, ideology trumps reason (forgive the pun).

As Andrew Shonfield demonstrated in his classic book Modern Capitalism, planning works best when it is institutionalised within a government, so that it guides what takes place across that government.

Now in case you think I am proselytising for centralised planning, I have long advocated regional governance arrangements in place of our wasteful and corrupt provincial system.

In the US the coronavirus exposed the meaninglessness of state boundaries. The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut quickly fashioned a regional response because they realised it made little sense to have a lockdown in New York state if neighbouring New Jersey and Connecticut were open for business.

The coronavirus has also demonstrated that the most effective responses can come only from the local level. Which brings me to the importance of smart green urban planning.

I was blown away by a student project. A maths and physics whizz kid who possesses the sociological imagination, this student calculated how much

entrenched the spatial geography of apartheid throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Those houses make apartheid’s matchbox houses look like mansions.

An important aspect of planning is its social function of raising a community’s collective consciousness of past practices and future prospects.

The historian Eric Hobsbawm put it best when he warned that “we are wrong to put a face and particular costume to the visitor whose arrival we were told to expect”.

We may not know what specific form the next threat will take, but it will come from the same source — human destruction of the natural environment. To prepare the nation will require a wholesale change in consciousness and smart leadership — heroism against apartheid will not cut it. Viruses don’t care about that. ✼ Xolela Mangcu is Professor of Sociology and History at

George Washington University and Visiting Professor at Nelson Mandela University

SAA is undeserving of any more public financing It is reckless to insist on continuing to subsidise the broke national carrier

By MCEBISI NDLETYANA

● “We cannot continue along this path. Nor can we afford to stand still,” President Cyril Ramaphosa warned on February 13. He was delivering the state of the nation address, following his election the previous year on the promise of economic rejuvenation. In this address, at the beginning of the first year of his tenure as elected president, Ramaphosa was cautioning the country that his presidency might not actually deliver economic revival.

A major impediment, according to the president, was the usage and levels of public finances. Revenue was dwindling, and the little that the tax agency was able to collect was going largely into consumption.

This meant that there was little, if any, to put towards investments that generate economic activity. The solution, the president said, is to cut down on consumption and redirect the resultant savings towards investment. This is what Ramaphosa promised to do, saying finance minister Tito Mboweni, would provide details in his budget speech.

When his turn came, Mboweni did not provide the details the president said he would. Instead, he harped on about the severity of SA’s finances, even resorting to poetry, comparing the republic to a plant: “Our Aloe ferox can withstand the long dry season because it is unsentimental. It sheds dead weight, in order to direct increasingly scarce resources to what is young and vital.”

The country is looking at a budget deficit of R370.5bn for the financial year. Mboweni still managed to sound optimistic, though. The country would grow at 0.9%. That level of growth, however, depended on the global economy continuing as forecast. “The coronavirus,” warned Mboweni, “is a source of uncertainty to this forecast.” Both the scarcity of resources and uncertainty about the future explain why Mboweni never announced funding that would finance the restructuring of SAA. He only

No SAA rescue plan can succeed without a financial commitment from the government, the writer argues. Picture: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images

promised enough, about R16bn, towards settling debt and interest. Mboweni did not make an announcement about financing SAA’s restructuring because the National Treasury simply does not have the money. This was confirmation of what was already evident. The Development Bank of Southern Africa had earlier taken the unusual step of lending SAA about R3bn to fund its operations.

Public finances today are worse than they were in February. We had not felt the effect of Covid-19 then.

Now we not only have the additional costs caused by the pandemic, we are also going to generate even less revenue. This makes Mboweni’s counsel both prescient and immediate.

However, SAA is not shedding “dead weight, in order to direct increasingly scarce resources to what is young and vital”. Pravin Gordhan, minister of public enterprises, appears to be stuck. His presentation to the parliamentary committee two weeks ago was uncharacteristic and utterly unconvincing.

Placed under business rescue in December 2019, the airline is now set to be closed down. Gordhan is not pleased with the business rescue practitioners (BRPs), Siviwe Dongwana and Les Matuson, for seeking to shut the airline. His source of unhappiness with the BRPs is the lack of a rescue plan, expenditure of about R5.5bn in four months and the hiring of consultants for about R30m.

In their various responses and submission to the court case where the unions seek to block their

retrenchment plans, the BRPs are contesting Gordhan’s insinuation of sloppiness and wasteful expenditure.

Their explanations are plausible. The amount reportedly paid to aviation consultants is not surprising — they’re overseas-based and charge in foreign currency. Nor is it clear why spending R5.5bn in four months would be uncharacteristic in the case of SAA. The airline has not been generating revenue, and its workers were on strike last November for about eight days at a cost of R52m per day.

When the strike ended in late November, those who had booked flights for the December vacation possibly cancelled them and others simply avoided the national carrier, as they feared it would not honour their bookings. One would not be surprised if SAA had fewer flights this past December compared to previous years. The airline was unlikely to regain public confidence in a month or two.

While still battling lack of confidence from travellers, it shut down in late March. Why wouldn’t SAA absorb R5.5bn when beset by all these crippling problems?

Equally noteworthy is that the government never committed any money towards financing a restructured SAA. This explains why the BRPs had difficulty finalising their rescue plan. One can’t have a plan without the commitment of funds to shape it and provide assurance of its successful implementation.

Lack of financial commitment is not surprising either. Mboweni and Gwede Mantashe, the minister of mineral resources & energy, want SAA shut down.

One doubts that Gordhan has enough support in the cabinet to get the Treasury to fund SAA. And without money, why bother trying to work out a rescue plan? It makes sense to shut it down.

Gordhan, together with the unions, thinks he can still rescue the airline. It is not a bad idea to keep SAA, but it is undeserving of public financing. To insist on continuing the subsidy is simply being reckless and irresponsible. That’s how we got into this financial mess in the first place. Let’s move on to direct our “scarce resources to what is young and vital”. ✼ Ndletyana is an associate professor of politics at the

University of Johannesburg and the author of Anatomy of the ANC in Power: Insights from Port Elizabeth, 1990–2019 (HSRC Press 2020).

18

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times ESTABLISHED 1906

Opinion

As the hour of the great storm nears, we need unity of purpose more than ever

P

resident Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has largely been praised for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Much of this praise relates to the administration acting early to curb the spread of the coronavirus as well as its public commitment to act on the basis of science. But as the lockdown has gone on, passing day 50 this last week, differences have begun to emerge over the government’s current approach. At the centre of the main dispute is whether there is really a need to continue with an economy-crippling lockdown when there seems to be no evidence that continuing with the current approach would significantly reduce the rate of infection.

Ramaphosa is currently locked in meetings with business, labour and civil society, as well as government leaders, where these weighty issues of balancing the need to save lives with that of ensuring continued livelihoods are debated.

Judging by some of the discussions that have been taking place ever since the president’s announcement that most of the country would soon move to level 3 of the lockdown, it is reasonable to expect more restrictions to be lifted, especially for business, by the end of the coming week.

Ramaphosa’s apology and acknowledgement that the government had made mistakes when coming up with some of the unnecessary and onerous regulations that seemed to be motivated by individual ministers’ pet-hate projects, rather than the imperative of fighting the spread of Covid-19, suggest a change of attitude going forward. We can only hope that it marks an end to ministers promulgating unreasonable rules and then refusing to explain and justify their reasons for doing so. It is always important for all, including cabinet ministers, to bear in mind that the initial purpose of the lockdown was to slow down the rate of infection and give the health system enough time to prepare for the coming peak. It was not to take away our hard-won individual freedoms.

But now, given the inevitable reopening of the economy over the next few days and weeks, we need to work closely together to ensure that this is not done in a manner that undermines all the work that has been done to minimise the impact of the pandemic on our society. Key to this would be the co-operation between the government, employers and employees in ensuring that factories and other places of work are safe for staff to return to. Given that the majority of South Africans use public transport — especially the under-regulated taxi industry — to travel to and from work, special attention will have to be paid to this area to prevent massive infections while people are in transit.

But fundamental to the entire strategy should be an aggressive programme of screening and testing to determine the true picture of the pandemic in SA. There has been a temptation among sections of the political establishment to use the current infection figures, as they relate to provinces, to score cheap political points. This is childish and self-defeating. Instead of arguing about who does the most testing or which province has the highest rate of infections, the provinces should be sharing notes and learning the best practices from each other. If we are going to win this battle, finding the best ways of conducting tests in such a way that we are able to identify hot spots as soon as possible is going to be crucial. As the experience of the neighbouring provinces of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape shows us, the battle against Covid-19 cannot be won in one province and not the other. Instead of arguing about which province has the most hot spots and why, the focus should be on ways to avoid outbreaks in other areas by studying the underlying causes of “hot spots” becoming such.

When the pandemic first reached our shores, political leaders showed unprecedented unity of purpose. We can’t, at the very hour of the coming great storm, start abandoning the united front.

The battle against Covid cannot be won in one province and not the other

A risky call, but it’s time to open the lid on sport

W

ho would have thought fans would long for the day they could watch sport in empty stadiums on TV? It’s a soulless environment for the players and distant supporters, but this could be the new normal in the era of Covid-19. Broadcasters and league owners will be the main beneficiaries of these matches — whether it’s soccer, rugby or any other code — and hopefully authorities will demand they take the strictest care to ensure the health of players, match officials and TV crews.

Rigorous testing should be done. Who knows how long we’ll be in lockdown, and whether there will be a vaccine to end this pandemic swiftly.

The reality is it could drag on for a while, and the sooner we adapt to that reality and try to adapt our ways, the better.

Sport behind closed doors is an option that has to be explored. Players need to earn money, and TV crews and even we print journalists would love to get back to covering live sport. We just don’t want to create adverse health risks.

Dropping down to level 4 in recent weeks has shown, sadly, that people are not prepared to play by the rules. There has been no shortage of cyclists and joggers who have refused to wear masks.

For those of us who wear glasses, the masks cause spectacles to mist up, which is problematic for cyclists whizzing around at potentially high speeds. However they might justify it to themselves, personal comfort cannot be allowed to trump the wellbeing of community and society. The Comrades Marathon Association decided to cancel the 2020 edition of their iconic race, but the Durban July organisers are hopeful theirs can continue, as a broadcast-only event.

Staging a mass event like the Comrades before the end of September when, according to some experts, we might see a spike in Covid-19, seemed like a lost cause. The July gives the horse-racing industry, and fans, some hope. So too would soccer and rugby matches. It’s been over 50 days and it seems about time to open the lid, just a little bit.

It’s a risk that offers us reward. Risk and reward, or play it safe? It’s a tough call.

Sunday Times

LOOKING BACK FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

Cabinet ministers have been given the approval of the Prime Minister, Mr. Vorster, to use their official Government cars for transport to political meetings — as long as these meetings are not held in the Ministers’ own constituencies. This came to light yesterday when inquiries were made after a complaint from the United Party that the Minister of Labour, Mr. Marais Viljoen, arrived at a Nationalist Party meeting in Langlaagte on Thursday night in a chauffeur-driven Government car. Mr. Viljoen was driven to the meeting from Pretoria. A spokesman for Mr. Viljoen’s office said that the Minister was entitled to use official transport to attend a party political meeting. — May 24 1970 FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

The World Health Organisation has warned that it expects a “considerable increase” in the number of cases of Ebola virus, which has so far claimed 89 lives out of 114 infected by the outbreak in the Zairean city of Kikwit. The organisation is expected to announce new figures this week, which will include sufferers identified during recent tracing. A 40strong health team is monitoring and containing the virus, which attacks the body’s internal organs and causes severe loss of blood. Death has resulted in 69 percent of cases in the last known outbreak. There is no known cure or vaccine for the virus, which got its name from Zaire’s Ebola River, where it was first identified in 1976. — May 21 1995

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lies, damned lies and booze-ban statistics I was disappointed to read Tanya Farber’s piece, “Booze ban halves violent death rates” (May 10), in which she demonstrates her failure to understand the basic principles of statistics. She was of course misled by Dr Richard Matzopolous who is aware, or as a scientist certainly should be aware, that correlation and causation are worlds apart.

It might be true that traffic deaths have decreased since the alcohol restrictions imposed under the lockdown, but that does not mean alcohol restrictions caused the decrease. It could just as well be due to the fact that there are fewer vehicles on the road, fewer pedestrians, a greater police presence, frequent roadblocks, mild weather, or any number of factors.

But these don’t suit the prohibitionists’ agenda and so they attempt to persuade policymakers with questionable statistics.

Your reporter was hoodwinked, as apparently the cabinet and police minister Bheki Cele have been, although he was possibly a willing dupe.

Similarly, the argument that the increase in domestic violence would “likely be much worse if there wasn’t a simultaneous alcohol ban” is specious and unscientific. If this is the sort of science produced by the Medical Research Council and upon which the government bases its strategy, then indeed we have a problem.

GP Hadley, Hillcrest

Don’t be barmy, Peter Bruce In his column “The cabinet is going

dangerously off the rails” (May 10), Peter Bruce ends with his idea of lockdown rules. Where does he get this from?

Already we have the ridiculous 6am-9am walking, and all he wants to do is add another three hours. Why have any time restriction?

Hard lockdown for over 65s? I am 70, own a small company, walk for 30 minutes every day (or cycle), and I believe I am healthy and of sound mind. No sit-down meals in restaurants? Not even for two people who live together, so long as they are an acceptable distance from others?

No gatherings of two or more people? I can’t have a braai with my family? If two or more couples have already been through lockdown, they are presumably coronafree. But they can’t meet socially?

Every day there is more evidence that the lockdown is a waste of time and we are pursuing the wrong treatment for this “pandemic”. He’s obviously been drinking the ANC Kool-Aid. Eric Carter, Blairgowrie

State of sinister secrecy Lockdown SA shows alarming parallels with the dark days of apartheid. Then, faceless secret councils/committees like BOSS (Bureau for State Security) infringed on our civil liberties in the most awful ways. Now we are ruled by the faceless command council that oversees our lockdown lives. In the process, “they” have imposed perhaps the most stringent control of civil liberties in the world.

Who sits on this council, and how are these decisions taken that control the minutiae of our lives?

It helps little when the glib president mouths generalities. For example, when he says we are not the only country that has imposed harsh measures like forbidding alcohol and tobacco … name these countries and the reasons for their actions.

I will not be surprised if he is fudging the issue — in that bans are in place for other reasons, like religion (in the Middle East). This government has learnt little from our dreadful history.

Bruce Phillips, Rondebosch

Appreciate the value of schools It’s a real travesty that schools have become easy targets for criminals.

According to reports, more than 962 have been vandalised, and equipment stolen.

With the [need for] protective supplies to create a safe environment at schools, [having] to replace stolen resources and repair vandalised schools is going to compound the economic strain.

Schools are supposed to be the prized possessions of communities. The challenge is to change the mindset of communities.

One solution is to inculcate [appropriate] values in communities with special emphasis on school-going learners.

This will [develop] into an intergenerational attitude of collective community responsibility. Covid-19 has taught us many lessons, one of which is

that, in adversity, positive attitudes must reign supreme.

Vijay Surujpal, Phoenix

No lock-up for lockdown cheats On May 8 the minister of justice & correctional services, Ronald Lamola, announced he will release some prisoners deemed “not dangerous”. This is a [mistake]. It is unfair to release people who are guilty of crimes while jailing citizens for breaking [lockdown] rules. Prisons are now overburdened by the arrest of citizens who should get a punishment like a fine.

We need another way of dealing with those breaking the lockdown. They can do community service related to the fight against the coronavirus.

Tom Mhlanga, Braamfontein

Plaudits for Barney We look forward to reading the Sunday Times. A special treat. We love the fact that it is a newspaper for all and not for a specific part of the population.

My husband and I cannot wait to read Barney Mthombothi’s column for his great insight. It keeps us in hope during this strange time and allows us to feel we are not going mad when we see and hear what is going on in the command council.

Please Barney, keep it going.

James and Lynette Pullen, Three Anchor Bay Write to PO Box 1742, Saxonwold 2132; SMS 33662; e-mail: tellus@sundaytimes.co.za; Fax: 011 280 5150 All mail should be accompanied by a street address and daytime telephone number. The Editor reserves the right to cut letters

Fear of blame stalks Ramaphosa’s government

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he coronavirus is throwing up some joyful moments. On Friday the generally, plagues have seen workers, their numbers having been Financial Times carried a story headlined “Johnson team seeks decimated, emerging better rather than worse off in the decades that slogan to send fearful back to work” — a work of art on its own in follow disaster. just four decks in a single column — on top of an article which Here, and now, not so much. The virus hasn’t killed enough people but it began: “After successfully scaring Britons into staying indoors during the has backed the government into a corner. It created the world’s hardest lockdown, Boris Johnson’s government is set to launch a more lockdown. Now that it better understands what has happened to its source sophisticated messaging strategy for the next stage of its fight against of income (the economy) it would rather like to remove the lockdown but coronavirus.” And people think journalism is simply reporting the facts. hesitates, for fear of being blamed for the deaths that will, anyway, come The English will enjoy watching the Johnson government try to cajole with even a little easing. people back to work over the next weeks just as we should watch ours try That, more than anything else, is the dread that terrifies Cyril to do the same back here.

Ramaphosa’s administration. It’s the blame. It’s Julius Malema pointing his Because, having locked us inside on fear of death the government now finger. The government is scared of being blamed for deaths it cannot wants us to go, er, outside and work. We should get into taxis and cars and possibly stop but for which, by virtue of having delayed them with a timely PET E R trains and go back to shops and factories and offices. lockdown, it also cannot resist taking the credit. I think Ramaphosa was B RUCE It is probably the right thing to do and the science agrees, but no-one claiming his actions had “saved” 17,000 lives the other day on television. should be required to put themselves in danger and no matter how well That’s nonsense. scrubbed your workstation may be by the time you get to it, the manner of your journey But you listen to the scientists around him, all of whom now seem to be saying the there is bound to be less than wholesome. So anyone who goes to work next week, or has lockdown no longer serves any purpose because community transmission is widespread, already been, will understand they are taking a risk with themselves and their families. and you want to scream at the television. DON’T SAY IT! Because how will he now Not necessarily a big one, but if the virus gets you and you are in the small percentage explain the loss of life still to come? of unlucky infectees you’re going to have an experience you’ll not quickly forget.

How will he explain the spike in tuberculosis, our biggest killer, as testing (and thus Which is partly why I’ve been surprised at how meekly the unions have responded to treatment) halves during lockdown? the call to go back to work. I understand members will be struggling financially, but they Or the possible sharp reverse in our once-falling maternal and infant mortality that are also, in theory, in a very strong bargaining position.

Unicef, using Gates-funded research, says could, where basic medical services are “When death slowed production, goods became scarce and prices soared,” writes diverted, kill more than 1,700 babies here a month, and more than 90 mothers.

American historian Barbara Tuchman in A Distant Mirror, her brilliant account of the It’s just research, and those numbers are worst case. But they illustrate the jam the Black Death (bubonic plague) in Europe in 1348. “In France the price of wheat increased government is in. fourfold by 1350. At the same time the shortage of labour brought the plague’s greatest The state has finally realised it needs an economy to generate taxes to pay for its health social disruption — a concerted demand for higher wages. Within a year after the plague services but whether we crank that economy up quickly or slowly no longer seems to had passed through northern France, the textile workers of St Omer near Amiens had matter. The virus is running free and you can almost feel Ramaphosa trying to run faster gained three successive wage increases.” and ease up quicker. Level 3 is just days away.

Post-plague wage demands elsewhere in Europe were met with repression but, Let’s hope he’s not too late.

COMMENT THIS: WRITE TELLUS@SUNDAYTIMES.CO.ZA OR AT 33971 COMMENT ONON THIS: WRITE TOTO TELLUS@SUNDAYTIMES.CO.ZA ORSMS SMSUS US AT 33971WWW.SUNDAYTIMES.CO.ZA WWW.SUNDAYTIMES.CO.ZA

19

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

WISDOM FROM THE AG ES

Sunday Times

We’ve begun to raise daughters more like sons … but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters GLORIA STEINEM (1934-) American feminist, journalist, and social political activist

The country has a chance to fall out of love with its expensive army

Q&A

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he deployment of almost the entire defence force to help education, health or poverty alleviation, but on buying expensive the police maintain law and order seems, surprisingly, to armaments for the new integrated army. The now infamous arms have provoked a muted public response. Granted, these deal ushered in corruption that still haunts the party and the are extraordinary circumstances, but the largest internal country. Jacob Zuma, its amoral cadre which it foisted on the deployment of the military in peacetime is a concern. country as president, has yet to answer to corruption charges Given the role the military has played in our history, one would emanating from the arms deal. have expected a public outcry. In Africa the military has had a Because soldiers often loll around with nothing to do, the devil, debilitating effect, carrying out coups, suppressing democratic as the saying goes, always finds work for idle hands. Nowhere is forces and generally denying people their right to freedom. Lack of this saying truer than in Africa. Kwame Nkrumah, pathfinder of development on the continent can be ascribed to the oppressive African independence, was overthrown by the military in 1966. It and stultifying role of military regimes. set a pattern for the continent. Nigeria has had eight coups and in Announcing the implementation of a lockdown on March 23, its almost 60 years of independence, 29 have been under military BA RN EY President Cyril Ramaphosa also said he would deploy 2,820 rule. Burkina Faso has had 10 coups. Chad, Comoros, Ghana, soldiers. A day after the lockdown the defence force called up M T HOM BOT H I Ethiopia and Mauritania have had six each since independence. SA reserves. has had no military coups, but its four so-called independent Even the deployment of 73,180 soldiers by Ramaphosa seemed bantustans have all had army takeovers. to raise few eyebrows. Why such a big number? And why immediately, so soon Military coups, and the political and social instability they create, have after the deployment of 2,820 troops? The 73,180 comprises the entire complement contributed in no small measure to the lack of development on the continent. Often of defence force active personnel. People smelt a rat, especially after some soldiers the forfeiture of political power in many African countries means the loss of ill-treated civilians. employment because there are few, if any, job opportunities outside government.

This week the Pretoria high court found in favour of the family of Collins Khosa, That makes free and fair elections and voluntary transfer of power in some who was beaten to death, allegedly by soldiers. The court ruled that those instances almost a nonstarter. Fortunately SA has not yet experienced such a implicated should be suspended pending an investigation. problem. For instance, when Ramaphosa was defeated by Thabo Mbeki in the race Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told parliament the troops would to succeed Nelson Mandela, he was able to go into business and make money. help to establish field hospitals, procure medical equipment, install water tanks, The South African military has always been the politicians’ favourite plaything. It and build and maintain bridges and roads. In anticipation of the high death toll, was, along with the police, an instrument of oppression. And it was, in the case of soldiers would also dig graves and help in mortuaries.

PW Botha, a ladder to power. And he sent the army deep into Angola to fight the With soldiers helping, the country is at least getting bang for its buck. The Cubans, without the public knowing. It would routinely be sent to neighbouring military is an odd institution. Countries spend huge amounts on expensive military states to flush out and kill ANC members. equipment, and troops — able-bodied men and women — sit around doing nothing The turning point came in the turbulent 1980s when the army was sent into the except eat, sleep and train for a war that may not even happen. It’s like an insurance townships to subdue a rebellious populace. Suddenly the army was at war with its policy in case something goes wrong. people on its own soil. It was an event that changed the politics of the country.

The military is oppressive and undemocratic, yet it is the jewel in the crown of There seems to be no fear currently that the government could use the all democracies. When people talk of a country being powerful, it is often a deployment of the army for nefarious political ends, probably because Ramaphosa reference to its military might. Armies are pet projects of politicians of all hues, comes across as a likable uncle. Would the country have been so blasé or even in democracies, because they carry the flag and are often identified with being indifferent had a President Bheki Cele been in charge, for instance? patriotic. They’re therefore never short of resources. Children can die from One would hope, though, that this pandemic will lead to a reassessment of the starvation or disease, but the army will always have the best toys money can buy. gross misallocation of resources. More resources granted to crucial areas, such as The ANC waged years of struggle, purportedly to liberate the oppressed and health, education and housing, rather than ladled to a pampered military would be underprivileged, and yet the first biggest expenditure on taking power was not on a positive by-product of this awful disease.

Reopening the economy— where are we now, and what’s ahead?

The move from lockdown to the new normal will require changes from us all

WRITE TO HOGARTH@SUNDAYTIMES.CO.ZA

Let’s hope for a flip-flop on sandals The department of correctional services is releasing 19,000 inmates to slow the spread of Covid-19 infections in overcrowded prisons.

Chris Barron asked deputy minister PATEKILE HOLOMISA …

How responsible is it to send convicted criminals into communities already ravaged by crime?

It’s not as if we’re releasing them unconditionally. They’re being released under community correctional supervision, which means they continue to be monitored by our officials.

Who’s going to support them?

We expect their families to support them.

Families that can hardly support themselves at the moment?

There’s a great amount of poverty in the country and many families don’t have means of supporting themselves. Hence we have this grant system by government … We have a memorandum of understanding with the South African Social Security Agency to assist those who will be destitute.

Have you explored other ways of reducing overcrowding?

We have some correctional centres that were undergoing renovations that were not used until now. We’ll be looking at placing some of these prisoners when we need more space. Quarantined inmates will be accommodated in them.

But you still have to dump 19,000?

The space will still not be enough to accommodate requirements of Covid-19 even after releasing the 19,000.

By EBRAHIM PATEL

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he last time the world faced a global pandemic, 500-million people — a third of the world’s population at the time — were infected. A staggering 50-million people reportedly died. The 1918 Spanish Flu (as it became known) wrought devastation on humanity.

That stark memory echoes through the Covid-19 crisis. Millions of lives could be lost, and deep damage inflicted upon a world more integrated than in 1918.

Globally, more than 4.5-million people have been infected by Covid-19 and already 300,000 people have lost their lives. In SA, we too have had to count the human cost — already more than 250 people have died after contracting the coronavirus. Given how quickly the virus spreads, the number of fatalities will be much higher. These are mothers, fathers, friends, neighbours, colleagues, sometimes children, who pass away, leaving families and friends devastated by loss.

The economic costs imposed by the virus are also extraordinary. Across the world we have seen shuttered factories and empty roads. The South African economy is projected to go into a sharp recession, with very large job losses and firm closures, as a result of a dual shock in economic demand and supply as a result of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Small businesses and emerging enterprises have been particularly hard hit. Now many, here and abroad, are asking: is it worth it? And what happens next?

When the lockdown started, new cases in SA were doubling every two or three days. Since then, outside of the Western Cape, the infection rate has moderated, doubling only every three weeks. As at Friday, the national infection rate had risen to 22 cases per 100,000 people. For comparison, in the US and Europe infection rates were well over 300 per 100,00.

My home town and the country’s legislative centre, Cape Town, is, however, an outlier, with infections increasing more than threefold over the past two weeks to over 100 cases per 100,000 people.

The manageable level of hospital admissions thus far underscores the value of moving early and moving swiftly with the lockdown.

The number of cases is of course still rising, and some epidemiologists say they will accelerate as winter deepens. Quite worryingly, reports of spikes in infections emerged in countries that have eased their lockdowns, including Germany, South Korea and China. And history shows that a second wave of a pandemic can be worse than the first. The World Health Organisation thus advises that countries planning to ease their lockdowns need to do so with extreme caution in order to avoid this second wave.

The lockdown bought us some space to reorganise economic activity, public health measures and our own lives to minimise the risk of infection while opening up more economic activities. This balance is an extremely difficult one.

There is no simple, static trade-off between health and economic prosperity. If the pandemic surges out of control, the subsequent stricter lockdowns come with a heavy economic cost.

When we invest to control the coronavirus, we also build the basis for future economic growth and, done

HOGARTH

Why hasn’t the department been upgrading prisons in line with the increasing inmate population?

Lack of finances.

Isn’t there a greater risk of awaiting-trial prisoners spreading the virus?

Yes, they’ve been in contact with the outside world.

A statue of Nelson Mandela presides over a deserted Sandton Square in Johannesburg’s business hub as the economy ground to a halt with the national lockdown in late March. Picture: Alon Skuy

right, for deeper transformation of our economy, to make it greener, fairer, more inclusive and more dynamic. When we restrict risky activities and avoidable physical contact or bolster public-health measures, or act to carefully isolate hot spots, we safeguard our economic livelihoods from future threat.

To get South Africans back at work safely, we need high levels of co-operation between employers, workers and consumers to manage the main areas of risk. With concerted effort, businesses can reduce the risk of transmission at the workplace. Social distancing and constant hygiene are key. But with so many working people dependent on public transport, an overcrowded train or taxi can spread the virus rapidly, transmitting it to the workplace and the home.

Food retail, chemists and public transport stayed open during the lockdown, following health and social distance protocols. Even then, there have been significant clusters of infection in retail chains, pointing to the need for stricter adherence to guidelines on maintaining distance, and to screen workers and trace and quarantine their contacts.

As we move to reopen the economy, we have to be cautious with high-risk businesses that serve the public directly, particularly those with physical contact. This is a moment for innovation in business models and products to help reduce our risks. That is why we have expanded delivery services and ecommerce, which can minimise families’ risks from shopping.

In contrast, businesses that do not serve the public directly can reduce the risk of infections if they strictly adhere to health and safety protocols. Measures like ensuring physical distance between workers, wearing masks, regular sanitation, good ventilation and screening workers daily for symptoms of Covid-19 are necessary. Businesses will have to keep reliable contact details for employees and visitors, so that if a case turns up they can identify who else might have been exposed. Compared to 1918, a more integrated world poses greater risks, but higher levels of technology and scientific knowledge offer greater tools to fight a pandemic.

Scientists’ advice about our success to date with flattening the infection curve enables a shift of

significant parts of the economy to lower alert levels.

But our success in staying at lower levels will depend on containing the spread of Covid-19, by urgently addressing hot spots (currently Cape Town and, to a lesser extent, other districts and metros), expanding mass screening, testing, tracing contacts and making use of quarantine centres.

On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the intention to shift most of the country to alert level 3, though the parts of the country with the highest rates of infection may need to remain on level 4. On Friday, he met with the National Economic Development and Labour Council and yesterday with provincial premiers, to consult on a risk-adjusted phasing-in of economic activity. This consultation process included publishing a risk-management framework three weeks ago, garnering more than 70,000 responses to help shape our implementation.

The move from level 5 to level 4 enables about 2million employees to return to their workplaces, bringing the total to about 50% of normal employment. Those working from home add to this number. Level 3 will further expand the scope for business activities that can reopen. However, not all will be able to get back to full speed immediately.

Public transport risks will need to be managed through staggered working times and a joint effort with business to fix the problems for those who commute to work on a daily basis.

Workplaces can play an important role in managing the spread of Covid-19 by implementing regular screening and testing of employees, giving a daily real-time snapshot of the spread of the virus.

All of us face deep disruption in our lives and work.

Until there’s a vaccine or effective treatment, the world will need to adjust to the new normal. We cannot wish away the risks from this devastating new disease or set predictable, fixed timeframes for regulatory changes. As citizens, workers and employers we can, however, take responsibility by understanding the risks and responding appropriately.

We must act collectively to protect and support each other while rebuilding our economy and our society. ✼ Patel is minister of trade, industry & competition

What are you doing about them?

We have an arrangement with the courts to get those who have been granted bail, but haven’t been able to pay it, released under similar conditions to those on parole.

You’re sending these convicts into an environment where it will be a lot harder to survive than in jail, aren’t you?

They’re not sent to jail to avoid poverty and starvation. They’re being punished.

If they’re struggling to survive won’t they do crime again?

Let us not forget why we have to release them. We need to create space.

So you’re offloading them onto poverty-stricken communities?

They’re all members of communities, and communities have a responsibility to ensure their members don’t commit crime.

Is that why you’re making them support these criminals when they can’t even support themselves?

We make sure they have families who are able to support them. It is up to the parole board to ensure they meet these conditions.

What other conditions must they meet?

They must be low-risk offenders.

Are they all low-risk offenders?

Yes. They’ve committed minor offences like shoplifting, theft, trespassing …

Should they be in jail in the first place?

Perhaps they shouldn’t be in jail.

Remember, we’re correctional services, we’re not justice & constitutional development, which [sends] them to us.

M

ove over, David Tlale, SA has a new fashion stylist — Ebrahim Patel.

The trade & industry minister released fresh level 4 lockdown regulations this week decreeing which clothing items you may buy this winter, and which you may not.

In his haute couture range are crop bottoms, worn with leggings and boots.

But he has a thing against open-toe footwear this season.

You are not allowed to buy it. Oh, and great news, the ministry of style is allowing us to buy winter “undergarments”.

Ebrahim Patel

Car smash in the labyrinth

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egulations coming out of that Soviet-style national coronavirus command council are bizarre. It has deprived us of booze and cigarettes, which has made everyone grumpy as hell. Stores are tearing their hair out trying to figure out which items they are allowed to sell and which are verboten. Many have decided it’s easier just to shut down completely, even though they may qualify to open under level 4.

After the motor industry begged, Patel finally allowed car sales to resume. But does the right hand know what the left hand is doing? You can purchase brand-new wheels or trade in your old jalopy now, but good luck registering the car because licensing centres are not open.

The juggernaut approach

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any took to social media on Wednesday night to express disappointment at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest episode of Fellow South Africans.

Andile Lungisa, who was convicted of assault after he hit a fellow councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay over the head with a water jug in 2016, tried to join in the chorus on Twitter.

“Just watched President Ramaphosa’s address. I didn’t get the content of the message today,” tweeted the leading light of the Radical Economic Thieves. The twitterati were ready for him. “You should have hit your TV screen with a jug,” one responded.

Views of a useful idiot

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baba ka Duduzane and Duduzane dropped another chapter of Zooming with Zumas this week. This time, they had a go at the SACP, which helped Zuma père to power at the ANC Polokwane conference back in 2007, and carried him to the Union Buildings two years later.

But the Nkandla crooner is no longer besties with the Reds, who were upset that he dropped them for the Guptas.

“It is not good at all. The communists cannot say, ‘We are free now, we are celebrating Freedom Day,’ because with them we have not arrived, as we know the theory of Marxism and Leninism,” the former president said.

“So in other words, the alliance itself I think at times just exists in name. Even when they meet, the kind of issues discussed leave a lot to be desired.”

Asked by Duduzane at the end of the interview if he thought SACP now stood for South African Capitalist Party, the crooner responded with his infamous giggle.

Someone’s missing a relaxing drink

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umility and emotional intelligence are often cited as some of the traits of a good leader. But the DA’s interim leader, John Steenhuisen, failed spectacularly on that score this week. In an interview with the SABC’s Flo Letoaba, the man dubbed Judas Iscariot by his predecessor Mmusi Maimane lost his cool.

Letoaba wanted Steenhuisen to explain which South Africans he was speaking for in calling for an end to the national lockdown.

The two engaged in a shouting match that went on for nearly 10 minutes before Steenhuisen threw a jab at the TV presenter. “I am very glad the president has you in his corner because he’s obviously been speaking to you,” he said.

Letoaba replied: “I am not going to get a rational conversation here, but thank you very much for giving us your time.”

After 52 days of lockdown, perhaps Steenhuisen needs it to end so he can regain his composure.

MAMPARA OF THE WEEK

Cyril Ramaphosa Presidential popcorn pooper

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opcorn at the ready, we waited for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first speech to a restive nation in 20 days.

After the April 23 fiasco, in which he announced lifting the ban on cigarettes — to be slapped down later like a naughty schoolboy by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma — we expected clarity (and a bit of hope) at the very least. Instead we got an apology for lockdown excesses (overdue, but welcome), but no sense that we are making a dent in Covid-19 despite economic ruin. If this was meant to show a president firmly in charge it failed dismally. He meekly announced the onset of talks about moving to level 3. The meaty stuff would come from the ministers days later, we were told. A nation choked on its popcorn, and fretted anew. At least, having announced so little, there won’t be that much to contradict.

20

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sunday Times

QUOTE OF THE WE E K

Opinion

“The de-escalation, month to month, to various levels is nonsensical and unscientific” DR GLENDA GRAY, member of the ministerial advisory committee and chair of the South African Medical Research Council

So what is Zuma up to with this Zoom thing? Here’s what I would have said if I wasn’t muzzled by a mask

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ne of the upsides of the social government is mishandling the coronavirus crisis, distancing rules that we now have to in order to keep himself and his party in the news abide by in public places is not having (when last did anyone hear of the EFF someone suddenly breathing down commander-in-chief?), it is not immediately clear your neck in a queue at a supermarket as they try why Zuma is doing the same. It can’t be because to peep over your shoulder to read the front-page he is mobilising mass support for his upcoming headline of a newspaper in your trolley. corruption case at the Pietermaritzburg high court But one has to admit that the wearing the mask — lockdown rules mean that no crowds will be part — although crucial in curbing the spread of allowed to gather near the court when the case is Covid-19 — can have its challenges. I, for one, have heard in late June. been finding it hard to climb up the devilish Munro It also can’t be an attempt to reactivate his Drive during my morning jog with a piece of cloth support base within the ANC ahead of the party’s S’T H EM B I SO suffocating me. Good thing then that this year’s national general council (NGC), which was M SOM I edition of the Comrades Marathon has been initially scheduled for July but is now indefinitely cancelled because, at the slow rate I currently go postponed because of Covid-19. under my Mzekezeke mask, I was never going to Indeed, many Zuma loyalists saw the NGC — qualify for the starting line in the land of my forefathers — which is sort of a midterm gathering assessing the party’s progress Pietermaritzburg. in implementing policies adopted at its last national conference We were discussing this very issue with a running mate I bumped — as a perfect opportunity to start a campaign that would eventually into at a shopping complex the other day when he suddenly topple President Cyril Ramaphosa. It is a strategy they used to changed the subject and asked me: “What is Zuma up to?” He was good effect in 2005 when that year’s NGC was turned into a muffled, so I wasn’t sure if I had heard the question right. launching pad for the Zuma campaign against then president Thabo “Jacob Zuma, what is he up to with those Zoom meetings with Mbeki.

Duduzani, which they then post on social media? What do they aim But even if the NGC were to take place this year, which is to gain?” seriously doubtful, it is unlikely the Zuma camp will get there with a He was of course referring to the former president’s much clear candidate they would back against Ramaphosa. Co-operative publicised online chats with his favourite son, whose name is often governance minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, whom they misspelt as Duduzane but among Zulu speakers from modern-day unsuccessfully pushed for in 2012, and Ramaphosa get along like zol KwaZulu-Natal is always spelt with an “i” at the end. and saliva. So she is not likely to be a candidate endorsed by Baba’s The former head of state has been almost as busy as John faction. Recent ANC history suggests that you stand a greater chance Steenhuisen on digital platforms during lockdown. While it is of launching a successful ANC presidential campaign if you are obvious that the DA interim leader has had to turn himself into an already a deputy president. Examples? Zuma and Ramaphosa. online evangelist, delivering regular sermons on how the central However, given the things Zuma allowed Duduzani to say in

episode one of their Zoom meeting about current Deputy President David Mabuza, no chance of the Zumas backing that horse.

So what is the Zooming with Zumas fuss all about? One can only speculate.

But one thing is clear to me. Post his ousting from office on Valentine’s Day in 2018, Zuma’s usefulness in politics has been that of saving Ramaphosa’s bacon.

Just when you feel that the president is dozing off at the wheel, Zuma appears from nowhere to make you almost grateful for Ramaphosa as you remember that you once had a head of state who drove the nation’s bus blindfolded, his hands tied to his back and the keys to the handcuffs kept safely at an alleged shebeen down by the Johannesburg Zoo. I wanted to tell my running mate that Zuma was the past, that we should forget about him and his attention-seeking stunts, that the focus of our nation should be on the man currently in office. I wanted to say Ramaphosa is a very popular president and would probably easily win a second term if he decided to run for office again. But that, maybe because he wants a second term, he is too cautious in exercising his power — too concerned with not offending anyone — that he sometimes seems ineffective.

I would have added that the president should stop thinking about his political future right now and focus on the job at hand. Right now it is the fight against Covid-19 — it is what will define his presidency during this term. While consultation is important and getting counsel from his cabinet is useful, he is not a co-leader with anyone, but our country’s president. He did not show that in his televised address the other day, I would have added.

But my mask would have made it hard for him to hear my muffled sentences. Besides, social distancing or not, it is just antisocial to talk politics in a supermarket queue.

So I changed the subject back to running: next year is a down run, right? I can’t wait to be there.

Liquor ban cedes control of the alcohol market to the criminal underworld Claims that it reduces deaths and hospital emergencies are flawed

By DAN J NCAYIYANA and JP VAN NIEKERK

● Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase “nothing is certain in life except death and taxes”. There is another certainty: the legal prohibition of alcohol is not sustainable and does not work.

It results in resistance, defiance, bootlegging and illicit breweries and distilleries of potentially adulterated beverages of unknown and unregulated potency.

Prohibition also leads to increased crime, violence and justice system corruption, beginning with the police.

In the past, SA’s prohibition forbade black people from consuming “European” liquor.

Enacted in 1927 to “prevent drunkenness among the natives”, the law was tightened and fiercely enforced during apartheid. It spawned a thriving illicit home-brew industry, sophisticated underground liquor networks and the emergence of the legendary “shebeen queen”, now part of township folklore. Dedicated police units conducted violent and often deadly search-anddestroy raids that engendered fear and loathing in communities.

Reminiscent of the 1960s apartheid raids are recent images of police raiding neighbourhoods, uncovering and spilling home brews, harassing women and lining up men at gunpoint.

Prohibition in SA and the US (which Winston Churchill called “an affront to the history of mankind”) are shameful periods in their history.

A report in the Sunday Times of May 10 asserted that the “Booze ban halves violent deaths”. It claimed that the reduced number of alcoholrelated emergencies in the hospitals and clinics was due to the ban on alcohol sales.

The reliability of predictions based on any model is contingent on the methodological integrity and on the quality of the input data or assumptions upon which the model is predicated.

Foundational assumptions were based on a belief

Cheers! Patrons enjoy their regular tipple before lockdown started. Not treating such people with respect, say the authors, undermines the rule of law. Picture: ER Lombard/Gallo Images

more than on any hard data. The belief that alcohol-related violence trauma cases will reoccur in trauma units if alcohol sales resume is an unsubstantiated and self-fulfilling assumption.

Another assumption is that there is no alcohol in the communities during a ban, and that its lifting would lead to a resurgence in emergency admissions.

In reality, the ban cedes control of the alcohol market to the criminal underworld. SA’s black market supplies the demand, aided by corrupt police. Many liquor stores and outlets are being burgled and trucks carrying alcohol hijacked.

Alcohol is largely available to those who want it, and those are likely to be the hard drinkers. Home brewing has also shifted into high gear.

The much-touted benefits of the alcohol ban of reducing alcohol-related injury admissions — independent of the larger impact of the lockdown itself — has not been demonstrated, and relies

instead on beliefs in what may be the classic case of confirmation bias. It is unacceptable to rely on the belief that if the ban were lifted, people will not confine this to their homes.

Putting aside the stereotyping of people living in high-density neighbourhoods, this generalisation is not evidence, nor is it a satisfactory foundation on which to build a model.

It is more plausible that closing shebeens and taverns and strict enforcement of the stay-athome order reduce injury admissions to hospitals.

Countries in lockdown, but without the alcohol ban, have also seen their emergency admissions significantly plummet.

The ban is also costly. There is a loss in trade for liquor store owners and others in the chain.

A fledgling brewery, owned by an enterprising black woman, is about to collapse. Banning exports has wreaked havoc on the export of SA’s renowned wine and ciders. The government is

losing tax revenue needed to revive an economy devastated by the lockdown.

The inconvenience and deprivation for citizens are unquantifiable. Then there are the issues of human rights and inequality. The ban hits the economically disadvantaged the hardest. The well-off could lay up stores in advance of the ban, while the poor are obliged to obtain their alcohol from illicit sources at inflated prices.

There are the material and human costs in the often confrontational enforcement and monitoring of the ban. All these costs far exceed the value of projected saved hospital beds.

None of this is meant to sugar-coat or condone irresponsible drinking. Indeed, of the commonly used psychotropic drugs worldwide, alcohol is the most dangerous. Problem drinking is particularly rife in SA. Alcohol addiction is a deadly illness that requires specialised treatment, and imposed “cold turkey” abstention during the lockdown is a setup for serious and life-threatening complications among those who are addicted.

The overwhelming majority of South Africans who drink alcohol are social drinkers. In a country famous for its wines and beers, the ban is an intrusion by the government in their private lives.

History has taught us painful lessons that banning drugs, including alcohol, does not work.

Ceding control to the criminal underworld and police corruption has serious long-term consequences, among them the erosion of respect for the law.

When bootlegging, home-brewing and widespread consumption of illicit alcohol are condoned by the community, even the most lawabiding citizens redefine for themselves what constitutes criminal conduct.

The ban on alcohol (and cigarettes) is unsustainable and runs the risk of undermining public goodwill and alienating citizens who expect and deserve to be treated like adults, with respect and trust.

Proper legal regulation, combined with the upliftment of marginalised communities, not prohibition and criminalisation, is the answer to the misuse of psychotropic substances. ✼Professors Ncayiyana and Van Niekerk are editors emeritus, SA Medical Journal. They are board members of the SA Drug Policy Initiative, which advocates for rational drug laws to reduce drug-related harms

What life will be like after the lockdown

B

usinesses with highquality management to prioritise the right costs to cut, or make or grasp new opportunities presented by the change in behaviour that Covid-19 brings, will successfully survive the devastating financial impact of the pandemic.

In spite of the government’s R500bn stimulus, many WI L L IAM companies will collapse, GUM E DE leaving many unemployed, in debt and in despair.

The annual report of tax statistics, released before the Covid-19 outbreak, showed that out of the 814,151 companies assessed as at the end of August 2019 for tax year 2017/2018, 24.3% had positive taxable income, with 48.3% having had taxable income equal to zero and the remaining 27.4% reporting an assessed loss.

The South African Revenue Service said that companies submitting returns fell to 36.9%, or just over 2-million, for the 2018/2019 fiscal year, partly due to many being considered “inactive or dormant”, because of the poor pre-pandemic economy.

It is going to be crucial that the government’s financial support for struggling businesses gets to them on time, based on merit, and not politics, race or corruption. If the R500bn stimulus fails on execution and does not reach struggling companies on time, or the money is lost through corruption, the rate of company failures will balloon.

There are many ways for businesses to Covid-proof themselves. They will have to adapt quickly, change operation systems and processes, innovate and, crucially, decide on the right costs to trim and which to increase. Current operating models, risk matrices and performance targets are in many cases obsolete.

Effective, innovative and imaginative managements will carry companies through the crisis; poor management will accelerate failure. Covid-19 will change the way people work, behave and shop. People will become more conscious of their health, so spending on health, wellness and hygiene is likely to increase. People are also likely to spend less, focusing on the basics and seeking cheaper alternatives. Brand loyalty will be disrupted. This means businesses will have to improve safety measures and look at their pricing and customer care.

Good corporate behaviour will be crucial.

Companies will have to be honest with shareholders, customers, lenders, suppliers and employees. If businesses need to be rightsized, costs need to be cut or lending terms need to be renegotiated, honesty, transparency and fairness are important. That is the only way to retain trust in a world where people are going to be instinctively distrustful, fearful and cautious.

Covid-19 will accelerate the expansion of the digital economy. Productive costs would be investing in appropriate technology, marketing on digital platforms and new growth areas. Companies will have to invest in employee wellness, as the fear, anxiety and powerlessness associated with Covid-19 and cabin fever cause symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress that could undermine productivity.

Companies will have to shed noncore businesses, archaic working methods and ostentatious offices. Companies may have to introduce wage cuts. When this is done it should be implemented fairly, with not only ordinary staff taking cuts, but also boards and management.

Managements should lead by example by taking pay cuts.

Paying excessive dividends is insensitive.

While consolidating, companies will have to prioritise growth and make changes to win new opportunities in future markets.

The new needs, ranging from working from home, to fewer face-to-face interactive manufacturing and services, to online education, bring opportunities for new businesses.

There will be a backlash against China, with many companies already diversifying supply chains away from it.

This provides opportunities for SA and our companies to become the alternative supply chain for the world.

There will be a backlash against China. This provides opportunities for SA

✼ Gumede is an associate professor in the School of Governance at

Wits University and author of Restless Nation: Making Sense of Troubled Times (Tafelberg)

Ardern’s open leadership shows up a closed and cosseted Ramaphosa

C

ompared with Donald Trump, almost his Muslim brothers. every leader of the free world is a This event brought the focus of the world on paragon of virtue. Compared with Ardern’s track record. She became the world’s Jacinda Ardern, others are like toddlers youngest female leader when she was sworn in as in short pants.

Labour Party prime minister in October 2017, at Could President Cyril Ramaphosa learn from the age of 37. She is only the second leader, after the prime minister of New Zealand?

Benazir Bhutto, to give birth while in office.

Ardern has officially been Planet Earth’s (Ardern’s 22-month-old daughter was born on Sweetheart since The Atlantic called her “the most Bhutto’s birthday.) effective leader on the planet”.

Ardern doesn’t play the gender card. In Her response to the coronavirus crisis was not interviews she has said: “I want to be a good the first time she has earned praise. She was leader, not a good lady leader. I don’t want to be SUE catapulted into the spotlight after the Christchurch known simply as the woman who gave birth”, DE GROOT massacres just over a year ago, in which 51 people and “I am not the first woman to work and were killed and 49 wounded when white have a baby. There are many women who have supremacists opened fire on worshippers at two mosques. done this before.”

Ardern’s stirring speeches at the time have entered the realm of Ardern has her faults and her country has its challenges. Two immortalised words. In the aftermath of the tragedy, she pushed years ago, Reuters reported that New Zealand had the highest through stringent anti-gun laws and wept while wearing a homelessness rate among the 35 high-income Organisation for headscarf at a memorial event for the victims.

Economic Co-operation and Development countries. It has a Were Ramaphosa a woman, he might have done likewise, but it’s housing crisis, child poverty, immigration issues, environmental hard to imagine Trump covering his orange head out of respect for degradation and extreme social inequality.

In her budget speech on Thursday, Ardern announced a NZ$50bn (R551bn) Covid-19 recovery package, the biggest single allocation of funds in the history of New Zealand.

The sum and the number of jobs it will save — about 140,000 — might sound small when you consider the scale of need in SA and other countries. But proportionately, given that New Zealand has fewer than 5-million people, it is huge.

New Zealand’s success in combating the Covid-19 outbreak (out of 1,500 infected, 94% have recovered and no new cases have been confirmed since Wednesday) has been dismissed by some as merely to be expected from a small country that is geographically isolated from the rest of the world.

There’s more to it than that. Ardern has faced much criticism for a lockdown which, while not as draconian as SA’s, was not far off. It seems to have worked but now, as everywhere, the economic fallout must be addressed.

Ardern’s brave budget has not been universally welcomed in the land of the long white cloud. The money she has pledged to economic recovery will create a deficit of billions. Justifying her decision, Ardern said on Thursday, as New Zealanders prepared to go back to work after 51 days of lockdown: “We have never sugarcoated what the future will look like, but nor will we pretend there

is nothing that we can do about it. Governments have choices, just as we did when we faced Covid-19. And those choices are between sit back and hope, or sit up and act. We have chosen to act.”

Swift and decisive action has not always been a touchstone of Ramaphosa’s reign. Of late some have come to doubt the firmness of his hand.

Another leaf our president could take from Ardern’s playbook is accessibility. Where CR has become remote, JA continues to talk to her nation via Facebook video posts from her home. In some of these she has appeared wearing an old sweatshirt stained with her toddler’s dinner.

No-one is claiming that our president lacks humanity, warmth or empathy — he has on many occasions demonstrated all these by the bucketload — but something seems to happen in SA whereby our leaders, once elected, become more “leaderish” and less human.

Maybe it’s the system that forces them to be surrounded by minders and cosseted by councillors that keeps them apart from us.

Or maybe we are the ones to blame for this shift. Maybe we have some sort of inferiority complex that prevents us from respecting our leaders unless they are as removed from our lives as the mythical gods on Mount Olympus.

This is a pity, and Ardern is proof that it is not necessary.

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

Insight Tribute

21

Sunday Times

Classified Contact: Sunita 011 280 3147; e-mail sunitap@timesmedia.co.za

LEGAL SERVICES WWW.LAWYER.CO.ZA

When news hit of rock legend Little Richard’s death, revisionists were quick to claim him as the originator of rock’n’roll.

Bongani Madondo praises the camp queen, maps the African roots of the music and sets the record — a vinyl LP — straight

The king is dead. Long live the queen!

G

ood Golly, Miss Molly, the larger-than-life Richard Penniman, is, uh, heavened-up! Little Richard died last Saturday at the age of 87 and the world lost its marbles.

Lord ha’ mercy, what we gonna do?

For one, we can all claim we loved him madly. That he was our darling queer avatar.

The genesis of Afro-camp. That he liberated all our queer kin and kith. We can shout from the mountaintops of our Android and Apple devices that this “she-man”, as he once described himself, was our symbol of resistance.

We would not be lying.

After all, especially as it pertains to deceased and therefore harmless black antiestablishment figures, everyone simply adores you when you are dead.

Little Richard was indeed singular. As a performer and a visual symbol he stuck out in a musical culture that was itself set free by a spirit of subversion, reinvention, belligerence, pouts, black kohl around the eyes and glorious stuff-you-man shit from the git-go.

In death, Richard achieved what he failed to in life, receiving the dues he pined for after the asphyxiation by faint praise he had resigned himself to in the previous three decades.

But how should we make sense of Little Richard’s death? How should those of us who are black and cosmopolitan, African and global, choose to remember him, amid both the erasure of indigenous knowledge systems and the redress mob seeking to reclaim all of Western civilisation, from Hamlet to Homer, as African in origin?

For me, as a former music journalist and a student of performance ritual who is obsessed with the metaphysical and surrealist powers of pop culture, Little Richard’s death is, in a surreal way, timely.

The narrative around his death is reflective of the age of conspiracies and soul seeking — a manic desire to rewrite history.

All of which happens in the full bloom of a pandemic, with humanity hellbent on reconfiguring the past while birthing a “new normal”.

Oooweee!

II Little Richard is both an icon of the past century, and, it seems, a bona fide saint of the still newish 21st century.

The 21st century is the age of symbolism, of visual hyper-visibility. The age of worshipping at the altar of the archive. In a way, it is a time of raiding the past to fight current battles.

In that milieu Little Richard has secured himself a seat around the table of latter-day saints.

In this great age of sexuality Id wars, his queerness, which for a long time he alternately wore with pride or ambivalence, has become as important as the music the man created, if not more so.

Some commentators claim Little Richard and his fellow queer artists — they name Josephine Baker and James Baldwin but, curiously, not Langston Hughes, Arthur Mitchell, Alvin Ailey, Liberace or Gore Vidal — “created mainstream culture as we know it”.

Of course that’s rubbish.

In The Guardian this week Tavia Nyong’o wrote a searing meditation about Richard as “too black, too queer and too holy” for the white rock establishment’s comfort.

Before Richard’s body was cold, intellectuals from that digital Wakanda known as “Black Twitter” had barnstormed our feeds, extolling Richard as “the founder of rock’n’roll”.

I’d hazard a guess that a vocal chunk of these digital denizens had never cared for the music genre it has now become de rigueur to whip whitey with: “Rock is black.

Y’awl stole it from us. Reparations time now!”

Poor little rich whitey: God, does he deserve it!

Our new cultural Bolsheviks are pontificating about rock’n’roll as though it means anything to them.

III I don’t mind Richard’s reappraisal as a queer queen. But that is nothing new. For decades, rock periodicals have celebrated the revolutionary impulses of the Black Queer identity in rock.

To us old-school rock devotees, there’s always been a solid DNA line running from the African carnival around Congo Square in the Tremé neighbourhood of New Orleans to the exuberance of the Mardi Gras.

It’s the same line that created a frisson of high camp, artistic daring and gender ambiguity in artists such as Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, Prince, David Bowie, Sylvester, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Marc Bolan, Rick James — and I would add Grace Jones, MJ, Terence Trent D’Arby,

‘Little Richard: King of the Blues … and the queen, too,’ is how Little Richard introduced himself in 1953, decades before this 1997 appearance. Picture: Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/ Getty Images

Andre Three Stacks, Busi Mhlongo, FAKA, and Nakhane just for the freakish hell of it.

Reading my Twitter post to that effect, the queer pop star, writer and actor Nakhane responded: “I wouldn’t be here had it not been for Little Richard.”

Because of such age-old appreciation of rock’s ambisexual dynamism, I must confess that to witness the mosh-pit dives into black history — in which Queen Richard the First is the “creator of rock’n’roll” — got my inner bitch going.

Make no mistake: Richard was not “my man”, but there’s no denying the man was a heroic figure.

This much is evident in the vocals, hair and overall visual style of perhaps his truest heir, a fellow native of Macon, Georgia: Janelle Monáe, with whom I found myself exchanging notes on the queer divination of Little Richard backstage at the AfroPunk super jam in Brooklyn, New York, in 2009.

So the queer score is pretty much a nobrainer. But did Little Richard create rock’n’roll? You don’t say! When?

Little Richard is both an icon of the past century, and, it seems, a bona fide saint of the still newish 21st century By nature, the San, Cherokees and other First Peoples are projected as a people in a perennial search for survival, healing herbs and communication with the cosmos.

V In its own trajectory, rock music has always defined itself by its fluidity: a black art that has successfully, for better or worse, mutated from its gospel roots to being a white teenage form of rebellion and joie de vivre.

EVERY

IV It is worth rearranging the pecking order of the culture and the style he luxuriated in and got burnt by. We’ll delve into the cultural movement between old Africa and its little reverse “cultural colonies” in the East and the West — although, since rock music is an Afro-Atlantic musical experiment, the focus here is on the West.

Because Insta-jive clickbait trendoids would have moved on the next “hot thing” by the time you read this, perhaps we should linger on the sticky fingers of rock’n’roll, and, by implication, the genesis of the global 20th-century black popular culture.

Historians remind us of the futility of “firsts” (first black in the White House, but there might not be a first black on the moon any time soon). Likewise, “golden periods” — useful meta-fictions — are fictions all the same. As it applies to rock music and pop culture, the following outline will, hopefully, dispense with thumb-sucking the past to fight our surprisingly, and horrifyingly, widening cultural wars.

Thus, to the much-fictionalised “founders” we return.

The essence of rock’n’roll’s fictions, thus its truths, is embedded in the music’s very name formulation. If jazz is the music of God (Jah Iz = Jah’ss), then rock, especially its “roll”, is testament to indigenous societies’ migratory instincts.

As we have seen in many photographs of ancient caves, from the Drakensberg to East Africa and Central America, it would seem the “rock people” all over the world have always been troubadours.

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From its inception, rock has always enticed, aroused and jolted its audience and nonbelievers with its electricity. Something Little Richard knew innately was that rock’s potency lies in its preternatural force to repulse and shock.

Its signature dooo-dooo-dumb-booh-ha backbeat, the wiggle of hips, and the spiritual surrender; heads always tilted to the sky, as its most beatific stars hopped on musical stairways to heaven, even as they — as Richard, a “holly roller” to his genes, was accused of — commiserated with the devil along the way.

From the 1950s on, Little Richard symbolised rock music’s double bind. Its tradition and freedom. Its liturgy and lipstick. Its ying and yang, male and female.

But does that make him the founder of this lost black art? Nyeeeww!

Sure, rock’n’roll is as American, in its marketing and studio chicanery remoulded form, as apple pie. But while it was, as per Bruce Springsteen, “born in the USA”, the spring wells of the music existed for long outside of the US: in Dahomey, the Congo Empire, Haiti, Cuba, the Garifuna eastern shoreline.

You can still trace its distinct doongdingly guitar line directly to KwaZuluNatal’s pantheon peopled by the likes of Sandile Shange, Mfiliseni Magubane, Mfaz’ omnyama and Mkhalelwa “Spector” Ngwazi.

Still, if it is the hierarchical “founders” the Twitterati is interested in, they should look no further than the following, and in this order: Louis Jordan, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the blues contingent of Skip James, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Blind Willie McTell, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Little Richard and Ike Turner.

And that’s just its Negroid roots.

I’d throw in Big Mama Thornton, and Bessie and Mamie Smith, but that, while not being implausible, would be overreaching.

Simply put, Little Richard is not the originator, as it has been claimed, of rock music, let alone rock’n’roll culture. He is part of a cultural collective and not the first among those. Perhaps the most colourful, but hardly the architect. The differences matter.

It is true that the rock’n’roll media establishment has, over the years, inserted its pantheonic figures “in the break” between these New Afrikan performance expressions.

The takeover was achieved via new technology such as radio, the gramophone, studios, distribution and later television ownership.

The resulting cultural raid of the past 100 years — 90% of Little Richard’s entire life —

is, astonishingly but not surprisingly, analogous with Arabic and European countries’ brazen raids into African villages from the 12th to the 18th centuries, in search of unpaid labour.

Such that by the early 1960s — or by the time the Beatles’ pop-rock sea waves crashed hard and heart into the North American shores — the immersion process of the white Anglo-American students of the practice of New Afrikan musical ingenuity was all but complete.

So much so that some really outstanding students had become avatars of their “Negro” cultural nannies. People such as Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Bobby Darin, Pete Seeger, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Allman Brothers and my favourite white boys-gone-black and back to White Privilege without skipping a beat, the Rolling Stones.

From the 1950s onwards the white avatars played several variants of New Afrikan music, for there is not, and has never been, a single rock sound or style.

VI The base of this thing called rock is black, fo sho. However, it owes its anti-authority force and exuberance of spirit to hordes of white, Anglo-American youths.

Rock music was hijacked from the New Afrikans’ spiritual séances, its field hollers and children’s baptism gatherings, its homebrew, into a dollar-generating travelling circus and TV bandstand ratings-revving shock fare.

It definitely owes much of its 1960s-2000 global youth appeal to those hordes of white, Anglo-American youths — to postWorld War 2 parents, “the barbarians at the gate”.

The barbarity of which, its picket-fence critics were fond of pointing out, peaked with punk-rock music. Which is the ultimate paradox, since punk was a form of rejection of rock’s black, blue and gospel roots. Which is what we’ve always known, no? That rock is both the music of the ancients and of the beautiful ones not yet born.

But then, in our moments of collective amnesia, Little Richard — his dark eyeliner, and a flick of a greasy hair lock or two — was always on hand to remind us.

He knew we’d love him madly the day he decided to leave us. Forever. ✼ Madondo is author of Sigh, the Beloved Country: Rock ’n Roll & Other Stories, and editor of I’m Not Your Weekend Special: Portraits on the Life, Style & Politics of Brenda Fassie, among other titles

PERSONAL Kevin Desmond Louis. RSA ID 80 05 03 51 58 089.

Please contact Social Worker, Loftie Eaton on 084 513 1446 or 011 763 4580 in connection with the adoption of his 3 year old son.

DEATHS COCCIANTE GIULIO NUNZIO DOMENICO (affectionately known as Paps) Dearly beloved husband of Roseanne, devoted father of Marco and Melinda, Adriano and Leah grandfather of Raphael and Claudia and brother of Anna, passed away peacefully at home on 6th May, 2020.

Cremation to take place privately.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date, once Covid restrictions are lifted.

By request, no flowers.

Suggest donations to Society of Saint Vincent de Paul FNB Acc. No. 60079256406

LOST DEEDS NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LOST OR DESTROYED DEED IN TERMS OF REGULATION 68(1) OF THE DEEDS REGISTRIES ACT NO. 47 OF 1937 Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act Number 47 of 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number ST10074/2012 Passed by MICHAEL ANTHONY O DONOGHUE ID NO 330602 5010 081 AND ALETTA ELIZABETH O DONOGHUE ID NO 410121 0007 086 Married in community of property to each other In favour of STEPHANUS NAUDE DU TOIT ID NO 370219 5002 082 WIDOWER In respect of certain: A unit consisting of (a) Section Number 5 as shown and more fully described on Sectional Plan Number SS 295/1995 in the scheme known as Victoria Park in respect of the land and building or buildings situated at Waterfall in the Ethekwini Municipality Area, of which section the floor area according to the said sectional plan is 140 (One Hundred and Forty) square metres in extent; and (b) an undivided share in and to the common property in the scheme apportioned to the said section in accordance with the participation quota as endorsed on the said sectional plan.

Which has been lost or destroyed.

All persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds at Pietermaritzburg within two weeks after the date of publication of this notice.

Dated at Hillcrest on this 13th day of May 2020.

STEPHANUS NAUDE DU TOIT c/o AINSWORTH ATTORNEYS Farm House Suite B, 271 Cowey Road, Durban 031 202 8119 02LTXV-00

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Certificate of Registered Sectional Title ST167/1986 (25) (UNIT) held by MYKO-CORP 21B CC Registration Number 1987/010986/23 In respect of A unit consisting of (a) Section Number 25 as shown and more fully described on Sectional Plan Number SS 167/1986 in the scheme known as CLUB MYKONOS in respect of the land and building or buildings situated at Portion 2066 of The Farm Cotton Lands, No. 1575, Registration Division FU, Province Of KwaZulu Natal, in the Ethekwini Municipality; and (b) An undivided share in and to the common property in the scheme apportioned to the said section in accordance with the participation quota as endorsed on the said sectional plan, which has been lost or destroyed .

All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds at Pietermaritzburg, High Court Building, 300 Pietermaritz Street, Pietermaritzburg, within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice.

Dated at Durban on this 4th - day of MAY 2020 Conveyancer SHANNON KIRSTEN STOWELL 02LSZC-00

22

Sunday Times

May 17 2020 - SUNDAY TIMES

Sport General

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1969: Soweto-based Joe “Green Cobra” Gumede makes his professional debut, beating Ben Lehoko over four rounds in Sharpeville.

Gumede won the black versions of the SA bantamweight and featherweight titles and beat top fighters like Anthony Sithole and Bashew Sibaca along the way. In 1973 he was employed as a sparring partner to assist Arnold Taylor before he

won the WBA bantamweight crown.

1980: The British and Irish Lions deny Natal a 1515 draw as winger John Carleton scores a try in injury time that should not have been awarded.

Carleton had been receiving treatment for a hurt ankle a few minutes earlier and his return to the field had reportedly not been approved by the referee, who awarded the try. The tourists won

No Comrades in 2020 but 2021 spots are secured

By DAVID ISAACSON

● It seems the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) can’t avoid the firing line, no matter what it does.

In mid-March sports, arts & culture minister Nathi Mthethwa hit the roof when the CMA said it was still considering staging the race, originally scheduled for June 14. He had insisted it cancel.

And when it did cancel this week, some of the 27,500 runners blew their lids, demanding their R600 entry fee back.

That’s how much it cost each local runner to enter the 2020 edition. Entrants from

overseas paid R3,800 and those from Africa R1,500, but they can defer their entries until next year, or 2022.

Local runners will have to pay again to take part next year, but for 2020 they will get a goodie bag that includes a T-shirt, worth more than R850.

Apparently this is unacceptable to some.

Entry fees for the Comrades this year totalled R16m, including VAT, the Sunday Times learnt. With no race this year the CMA doesn’t get its R18m in sponsorships. It costs nearly R1,000 to put a single runner on the route on race day.

The CMA has a regular turnover in the re-

gion of R40m, including the additional dip into its reserve fund of about R7.3m from foreign runners, but for R22m, which has been set aside 2020 that’s going to shrink to roughfor rainy days, like losing a ly R14.5m, excluding VAT. multimillion-rand sponsor.

Of that, R12m will go to annual Goodie bags aside, those running costs, from salaries to lights R600 entry fees secure the fuand water, at about R1m a month. ture of the race.

And then there is race-related costs Durban’s other iconic winter that eat into the remaining R2.5m, event, the July, was given the money already spent in anticipagreen light by organisers this Nathi Mthethwa tion of the 2020 race taking place. week, offering a boost to the These include R500,000 for the bags that troubled horse-racing industry. will contain the goodies such as badges that The country’s most famous horse race amounted to R191,000. will go ahead behind closed doors as a The body could refund the entry fees and broadcast-only event on July 25, though

gaming operator Gold Circle added “the extremely fluid nature of the pandemic means this could change as circumstances dictate”.

Phumelela, the operator for horse-racing in the rest of SA, had failed to receive government approval to start racing before it went into business rescue last Friday.

The wider racing ecosystem is struggling in lockdown too, with retrenchments looming and some horses being put down.

But the July announcement has been accompanied by rumours within the industry that racing will start soon.

For tens of thousands there is hope.

Time will tell.

Sundowns still have a good title chance, says Zwane Midfielder remains upbeat about his team being champs

By SAZI HADEBE hadebes@sundaytimes.co.za

● Themba Zwane laughs.

In fact he is closer to a fit with his endless haughty giggle — the one you associate with girls talking about potential boyfriends while fetching water in rivers deep down in some of the rural villages.

Zwane gets to this point when one suggests that perhaps the 2019-20 season should be abandoned and the league title handed over to rivals Kaizer Chiefs as there seems to be no immediate cure to the coronavirus pandemic that is wreaking havoc.

It is not surprising that the Thembisaborn 30-year-old is even prepared to wait to settle matters between Sundowns and Chiefs on the field of play.

Sundowns are gunning for a third successive league gong and a record 10th PSL title.

Already this season Sundowns bagged the Telkom Knockout and are in the semifinal of the Nedbank Cup against Bidvest Wits.

“Listen, if there’s no way [to stop the virus now], we have to wait then,” Zwane agrees when he’s told it may take up to or even more than a year for the situation to get back to normal.

“Ja, we have to wait and see when this thing will finish because, aargh, to be honest for me I say we still have a chance to fight for the league.

“We still have a chance to fight for the league, I will be honest with you. So if they say there’s no way to play football for now … there will be a chance later.

“This thing [the virus] will be over. Some of us we always keep on praying … bathi ayikho into engapheli [they say there’s nothing that doesn’t come to an end]. There will be time for this coronavirus to go away, so ja.

“There’s a chance [to catch Chiefs]. If you can check the log now and check the games, you can see that we still have a chance, to be honest.”

Another reason why Zwane will be disappointed if things were to be decided in the PSL’s boardroom is that he has again put in so much effort this season in helping his team come within four points, and a game in hand, of catching Chiefs.

Zwane’s form was so good that he was mentioned as a contender for player of the season. Others mentioned were Lebohang Manyama of Chiefs and league top scorer Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates.

In 16 league games he has played for Sundowns in the current campaign, the unassuming Zwane scored nine goals (five fewer than Mhango), and he provided five assists.

That kind of form for a player who is not a striker, but merely one expected to support those scoring the goals, is impressive.

“Ja, I was hoping and for me that’s the thing that I want,” he says of winning the PSL’s player of the season award, following two former teammates Percy Tau and Khama Billiat, who are among the players who have won it in the past five seasons.

“I was hoping to be there among the best when the season finishes.

“I know that I did well and my aim for now is that if we resume later, I go on to score more goals.

“I want to help the team win the championship. If I help my team to win all these remaining games [nine], there’s a chance we’ll win the league. Well, with the awards anything is possible.”

After being troubled by injuries towards the end of last season, Zwane is happy with his contribution to the club this season. Cap-

If you check the log now and check the games, you can see that we still have a chance

Sascoc board set to reject call

By DAVID ISAACSON

● SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) board members will meet on Tuesday to discuss the call for a special general meeting — and there are indications that they will reject it.

Canoeing SA made the request last week with two proposed agenda items: one to move for a vote of no confidence in the Sascoc executive, and the other to appoint a team of administrators in its place.

But already some board members are suggesting the meeting call by Canoeing SA could be invalid on at least two counts.

The letter by Canoeing SA to Sascoc listed 30 sports bodies that had backed the call for a meeting, more than one-third of total members, as required by the constitution.

But a source close to the board told the Sunday Times there were problems with some of the supporting documents.

Letters of support from some of the federations were not signed, the source said. “This alone could drop the required number to below the threshold required.

“And some letters were signed by administrative staff without proof that this was a decision by their board.”

The other potential problem was that there was no reason given for the proposed vote of no confidence.

Mark Alexander

Some letters were signed by administrative staff without proof that this was a decision by their board

Themba Zwane Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder

ping that with a league title in such a momentous year for the club would be a cherry on top for one of the most disciplined professionals in the league.

“Ja, to be honest I was getting my rhythm and scoring goals and the only thing I need to do is to stay focused,” he says.

“When this coronavirus is finished, I have to continue where I left off. The biggest thing I need to do is to practise my shooting because with the way we’re doing things now [at home], I can’t do that.”

Zwane says it’s very difficult for himself and his teammates to get used to training at home while everyone waits for the virus to subside.

“We’re facing a difficult situation in which we have to follow the instruction from the president of the country.

“As footballers we train on our own using a video call.

“Honestly, it’s not the same because you’re used to your teammates pushing you to improve your game, but training on your own is difficult.

“But we understand that we have to wait.”

The Sundowns midfielder is open to the suggestion of playing games behind closed doors.

“If the authorities decide and think that

21-15.

1986 :The New Zealand Cavaliers win the socalled second Test at King’s Park in Durban, downing the Springboks 19-18 to level the series 1-1. Loose forward Murray Mexted and centre Warwick Taylor scored tries for the visitors, with right wing Jaco Reinach the only SA player to breach the Kiwi defence.

LIVE SPORT . . . AT LAST! It might not be a Liverpool or Manchester derby, but football fans, in these live sport-deprived times, will take yesterday’s Ruhr Valley derby as a real thing. In this snatch of action from the Bundesliga, Erling Braut Haaland, right, and Mats Hummels, left, both of Borussia Dortmund, confront Jean-Clair Todibo of Schalke 04. Dortmund dominated, winning 4-0. Picture: Getty Images

playing behind closed doors is safer for us, ja, we can do it, why not?

“As long as it’s not going to cost people’s lives, it’s okay. We can continue without the supporters,” he said.

Even for a relatively rich and stable club like Sundowns, the issue of having proper training equipment and enough space to

train at home has posed serious challenges for Zwane, his teammates and many other players at other clubs in the PSL. “Honestly no, not all of us have the right equipment to train at home,” Zwane said.

“We’re just concentrating on the body to be balanced and stronger.

“We’re not even running, we’re just doing

balancing, which helps the body to be stronger.

“This will help us a lot when we go back because we’ll just have the energy to get more fit.”

Winning the league will befit his giggle coming from a good place. A place of a remarkable winner.

There have also been murmurs that the Sascoc board is no longer constitutional after the resignation of Mark Alexander last week.

His departure reduced the total size to 11, if one includes acting CEO Ravi Govender and Barry Hendricks, the acting president who was placed on special leave amid allegations of unethical conduct.

Four of those 11 were co-opted onto the board and the argument is that this ratio now contravenes the Sascoc constitutional requirement stating that co-opted members shall not exceed four or one-third of the total board complement.

But the source close to the board countered that this clause was purely for the composition of the board at the start of its tenure, and not after retirements and resignations.

The board should start off with eight elected representatives, the chair of the athletes’ commission, four co-opted members and then the three ex-officio members, who include the CEO and the members of the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee.

Three of the original eight members elected in 2016 had retired after hitting the 70-year age limit, and another three had resigned. With Cecilia Molokwane getting voted in in a by-election last year, there were now just three elected members, including Hendricks.

But the source pointed out that the Sascoc constitution allowed for the board to co-opt members to fill vacancies.

Bayern Munich gunman Robert Lewandowski ready to roll ● Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski says he is fitter than ever ahead of today’s Bundesliga clash at FC Union Berlin and taking advice from Miroslav Klose.

The 41-year-old Klose, who holds the record of 16 goals scored at World Cup finals, has joined Bayern’s staff and will be next to head coach Hansi Flick on the bench today.

Lewandowski, 31, is enjoying the best season of his career, netting 25 goals in 23 league games and is on course to better his 30-goal haul in both 2015/16 and 2016/17.

The league’s top scorer has used the time since the Bundesliga halted in mid-March, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, to improve his fitness.

“I feel better than ever before because I was able to work hard on my physical fitness for the past two months,” said Lewandowski, who underwent groin surgery in December.

The Bundesliga became the first top European league to return this weekend during the pandemic with games behind closed doors.

Bayern head to Berlin with a four-point

lead at the top of the table. Mid-table Union have beaten previous league leaders Dortmund and Moenchengladbach this season, but the terraces at their compact east Berlin stadium will this time be empty. Poland captain Lewandowski sent records tumbling by scoring in each of the first 11 league games this season.

He is now learning from ex-Germany striker Klose, who scored 53 goals in 150 games for Bayern during his career and last week signed a year-long contract to join the coaching staff.

“He was a great player and I know that he can help us with his experience and skills,” said Lewandowski.

“You can learn something new from any coach to become a better player.”

Union’s Swiss coach Urs Fischer will not be in charge of the hosts for today’s game having broken the team’s quarantine after a family bereavement.

Nevertheless, Bayern head coach Hansi Flick expects a tough match in Berlin.

“They’re a team with a great mentality.

We will face an aggressive team that takes

the direct route to goal,” Flick said.

“We need to stand up and be counted. We can’t get a result just through the quality of our football.

“We have to show our mentality and take on challenges.” Flick has plenty of selection options with only Philippe Coutinho, Corentin Tolisso and Niklas Suele still sidelined by long-term injuries.

The Bayern boss admitted he is unsure whether the squad has the match fitness for the 90 minutes.

“We had an internal friendly with three

20-minute games [last week]. The intensity was very high,” he said.

“But we don’t know whether the whole squad will be able to hold out over 90 minutes.” Due to the German league’s hygiene guidelines, players on the Bayern bench will wear protective masks, while those on the pitch have been told to avoid handshakes or celebration hugs.

Flick said his stars are briefed on what to expect. “Not much will change except for the wearing of masks in the dressing room,” he said. — AFP

23

SUNDAY TIMES - May 17 2020

Sport Rugby

Six Nations, Championship in March?

The Six Nations and the Rugby Championship could run concurrently in a move that will help align the global calendar. The Daily Telegraph has reported the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship could shift from their February and August starts respectively, with both potentially kicking off in March. It would reduce the overlap between club and international schedules.

Sunday Times

Allers wants supporters to be allowed Surely you can get a few thousands in, argues Lions boss

By LIAM DEL CARME delcarme@sundaytimes.co.za

● Lions boss Altmann Allers believes social distancing protocols should allow supporters to attend games when rugby resumes.

Allers emphasised that the team is ready to resume normal activity when it gets the green light.

He is hoping social-distancing rules at that time will permit some spectators.

“If your stadium seats 1,000 people, then maybe you can host 150 or 200 spectators. If

you have a stadium that seats 60,000 people then surely you can get a few thousand in.

There has to be a measure of logic in applying safety rules,” said Allers, the Lions company chairperson and main shareholder.

“It’s like saying only seven passengers can be allowed on a minibus and then you apply the same number to trains. That would make no sense. These are difficult questions but it doesn’t mean you have to come up with ridiculous answers. ” Allers believes local teams will continue to struggle unless SA Rugby hardens its stance on player defections to the northern hemisphere.

He said the defection of marquee players to the north eases contractual obligations on SA Rugby, but those savings are not reinvested in the game. Not stemming the tide of players going abroad, while still selecting the big names for the Springboks, he argues, will

eventually bite SA Rugby in the back.

“If business continues as it is, we will lose more senior players to overseas clubs. Then we’d have to look at unleashing our juniors earlier in senior competitions. I agree with John Dobson’s [Stormers coach] sentiments when he said we’ll become like Fiji in our export of players to the rich north.”

Just this week as the 21-day window closed on players who wished to opt out of their local contracts, Allers’s Lions saw four players heading for the exit.

He said SA Rugby did not feel the defections as hard as the franchises. “Rassie [Erasmus, SA Rugby’s director of rugby] and Jacques [Nienaber, Springbok coach] can still select players who are based abroad.

“They can still rope in the best Springboks under regulation nine [World Rugby’s regulation on availability]. That is a shortsighted philosophy. What will happen is that more

Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber can select players based abroad. They can rope in the best Springboks under regulation nine. It is a shortsighted philosophy Altmann Allers Lions chairperson

young players who aren’t Springboks will go overseas and when SA Rugby wants to select that player, his club and the national federation where he is playing are going to put him under huge pressure not to play and rather qualify for the national team of his club.

“We need a transparent conversation around this. Whatever saving SA Rugby is making by having those players play abroad doesn’t filter back to the franchises to develop more talent,” said Allers.

The Covid-19-induced measures to trim the wage bill at the teams will bring between 25% and 30% in salary cost relief at the Lions.

“Salaries are by far our biggest expense,” said Allers. “We will only see the impact of the cost-cutting measures on salaries and other expenses at the end of May. “I think we will still be left short. You take a calculated risk in how you try to make up the shortfall in income, but if we go beyond

June without starting up rugby it will definitely be tough and we will have to look at additional cost cutting.”

Apart from trying to retain talent on a shoestring budget, Allers, along with other team bosses around the country, have had to slash their expenditure during the financially crippling Covid-19 pandemic.

The Lions have considerable expenses.

Under normal operations their budget for the upkeep and security of the Ellis Park Sports Precinct (including Johannesburg Stadium and the Johannesburg Arena) stands at R3.5m a month.

“We’ve cut that back to just over R2m per month during lockdown but that is still a considerable cost when there is no income.

Security alone costs about R500,000 per month. You can’t slack on security. The moment it is known that something is standing empty it becomes a target.”

Migrant Dweba considers next stop

Rugby far from the madding crowd

By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

By LIAM DEL CARME

● Fiery Cheetahs hooker Joseph Dweba isn’t against leaving to improve his rugby. Being a migrant has been part of his life.

The 25-year-old father of one, who’ll be taking up a contract with French club Bordeaux Begles when the coronavirus lockdown lets him, went to three high schools.

Dweba, who was born in Carletonville but grew up in Westonaria, went to Westonaria High, Jan Viljoen in Randfontein and Florida High in Roodepoort. He’s over the moon that he’s made his mineworker dad and former domestic worker mom proud. Black players hardly get overseas deals at Dweba’s age, which makes it all the more special for him.

“Moving around has helped me significantly. With everything I do, I put my parents first along with my kid. They told me it was a great opportunity,” Dweba said.

“My parents are very proud of me. They never thought I’d play rugby. I just stuffed around with the game to get away from the social ills and the game has given me an opportunity to move away and grow.”

Moving to Bloemfontein after matric was forced by the emergence of Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx. Dweba, who represented the South African under-20 team at the 2014 Junior World Championship alongside Springboks Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Warrick Gelant, Jean-Luc du Preez, Wilco Louw, Marx and Thomas du Toit, has a different understanding of patience.

“There’s a saying here in Bloem that the grass is harder than the players and from a rugby perspective, this is a hard place to be.

It’s taught me a lot though. It’s taught me to be patient, to be hard and for anything that you want, you have to work hard for it. It won’t come easy,” Dweba said.

“I was going to be 19 in matric and I got an offer from the Cheetahs. Malcolm Marx was going to be the next big thing at the Lions, so it was an easy option for me. Adriaan Strauss leaving for the Bulls helped.”

Dweba has been a standout for the Cheetahs in the Pro14 tournament. Covid-19, he feels, may have scuppered his chances of being Marx’s deputy while Bongi Mbonambi recovers from an injury.

“If this whole coronavirus thing hadn’t happened, I think I’d be close or knocking on the door. I’ve been knocking on the door for quite some time now, but that’s moved back a bit because of the coronavirus,” Dweba said.

“I’m honest with myself and I know there are plenty of good hookers. Malcolm is still there and Bongi is still the No 1. There are also guys who play overseas who can still stake a claim.”

● When rugby gets the green light in a more relaxed Covid-19 environment, matches are likely to be played infront of only 167 key individuals.

That is the magic number in the strategic guidelines and recommended operating procedure SA Rugby presented to the government. It advocates for matches to be played in sterile, near-empty stadiums.

Players, coaches, match officials, security staff, ball boys/girls, broadcast crew including six commentators, timekeepers, a scoreboard and big-screen operator, as well as a public-address announcer will be among the chosen few allowed to attend matches.

Part of SA Rugby’s representation was a plea to the government to allow professional rugby to resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

SA Rugby also sought to emphasise the financial aspects of early resumption.

Should rugby get the go-ahead all involved will have to toe a strict line.

Players, coaches, officials and support staff will be faced with almost endless screening, social distancing, sanitising and daily temperature checks at entry points to facilities.

Players will use their own water bottles and refrain from spitting or emptying nasal cavities during training, limit mobile-phone use and travel alone in their own vehicle unless it is with someone with whom accommodation is shared.

SA Rugby’s strategic guidelines advocate matches to be played in near-empty stadiums

Joseph Dweba of the Cheetahs in the Pro14 rugby match between the Cheetahs and Munster in Bloemfontein in October. Picture: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images

Rugby players and administrators survey changing landscape

By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

● Free State Rugby MD Harold Verster said he was against the 21-day contract escape period that allowed South African professional players to leave their contracts. The period stretched from April 24 to May 14.

Free State and the Sharks were outvoted by the other unions in the agreement that also included players union MyPlayers and SA Rugby. Verster said it wasn’t morally correct that players could walk out of their contracts in a time of crisis.

“Western Province voted for it and now they’re complaining. It’s a bit late now,” Verster said.

For players who haven’t left their contracts, their pay cuts will vary from 13% to 38% if they don’t pay their pensions. If they pay, the cuts vary from 2% to 25%. Players who earn up to R240,000 a year are exempt from pay cuts with the scale of the cuts increasing with the salary brackets.

The Bulls have also been bringing in players, but were the first to have a player exiting in the 21-day period in utility back Johnny Kotze. Outgoing Bulls CEO Alfons Meyer said the pay cuts would not affect players only.

“It’s ... an industry-wide matter. Everyone within the team spectrum — players, coaches, medical staff and management — is affected because of the scale. The highest

earners will take a 43% cut, but that’s where we are and where we want to go. part of the industry, which is in deep We’ve managed to convince them to trouble,” Meyer said. stay with us. No-one likes to get a Western Province have lost flypay cut, but our players have a big half Jean-Luc du Plessis and flank social responsibility and they’re Cobus Wiese and have World Ruggood people. They’re more conby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du cerned with what’s happening in Toit locked in negotiations with the world than about them.

Harold Verster the union.

“It was a collective decision The Sharks have lost Andisa and not that of the franchise to Ntsila and Tyler Paul, but retained their cut back on players’ wages. We’ll manage Springboks. this in the best possible way with transSharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said it wasn’t parency, integrity, from where I believe the easy to convince the players to stay. relationships will stay intact,” he said.

“We really tried to communicate with the The Lions lost Malcolm Marx, Ruan Verplayers closely and honestly in terms of maak, Tyrone Green and Shaun Reynolds.

Veteran player agent Jan-Harm van Wyk said the financial devastation wrought by the coronavirus would have long-term implications for the game.

“It’s been a challenge, especially when it comes to doing business abroad. I had two offers for a player that we were busy with, then the virus struck and all negotiations came to a standstill. It’s been challenging all round for players and teams,” Van Wyk said.

“Salaries will be less globally because of the economic downturn. There will be less money available. There will be a lot of corner cutting just to get players and pay them less.

The collective agreement is good, but players will want to cut agent costs.”

Travel holds particular peril and to that end several measures have been put in place to limit the risk of exposure.

Apart from the playing squad, only essential staff/coaches will travel with teams.

Where reasonably practical, teams will use chartered flights, and minimise the duration of travel and stay.

If teams have to stay overnight, players will get individual rooms, thus breaking a time-honoured custom of sharing with a teammate.

Teams will, as far as possible, avoid airport departure lounges.

The representation to the government included a plea from CE Jurie Roux.

“We believe that if we apply the strict protocols and play behind closed doors — only at the elite professional level — we perfectly fit the risk profile as described in your government’s document,” Roux writes.

SA Rugby’s plea does not include the resumption of school or club rugby. The former falls under the department of basic education. It is unlikely rugby will again be played at those levels this year.

Instead SA Rugby’s plea for a relaxation would apply only to their 14 provincial affiliates and the Springboks.

The plea plays on the emotion of the SA public being deprived of the opportunity of seeing their world champion Springboks defend their status.

Roux’s letter had an almost Churchillian element: “In any war, there are casualties — and we are clearly on a war footing. Against that background the fate of a mere sport may seem to be of little significance. But we would argue otherwise — it embraces the dimensions of morale and emotion.”

ST MAY 17 2020

www.sundaytimes.co.za

Sport Zooming on title Zwane eager for race to resume

Page 22

No Comrades this year But your place is secured for 2021 and goodie bag is on the way Page 22

Roaring for the fans Lions boss Allers wants supporters allowed on rugby return Page 23

PSL to propose single ‘camp’ to finish season Plan being drawn up to present to the government for play to restart in July

By BARENG-BATHO KORTJAAS and SAZI HADEBE

● The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is proposing a massive single camp for all soccer clubs in a bid to complete the 2019-20 season.

The plan proposes that clubs assemble and be accommodated in a camp and stay together in a venue that will be a biologically safe environment where a strict health regimen will be followed.

The plan is for all 32 teams, 16 Absa Premiership and 16 GladAfrica National First Division.

Two insiders with intimate knowledge of the discussions told the Sunday Times that it was unclear whether all 32 teams will be housed in one base.

“In the event of the government giving them the go-ahead, they will then look at provinces where they can set it up. They will have to look at the availability of training grounds, venues where people can play as well as accommodation,” said one.

“I understand they don’t want to be in one province. They will look whether it will be two provinces, one for each league. They are careful to make sure that nothing goes wrong because this will be a massive operation.

“The goal is to leave no stone unturned to make sure that the department of health and the government give the thumbs-up to the plan,” said another.

The PSL is hoping to be granted permission for resumption of play as the government gears up to ease lockdown measures from stage four to three.

Major European leagues have also embarked on the road to complete their seasons. The German Bundesliga returned to play yesterday with clubs playing at their home stadiums behind closed doors.

Spain has started the countdown to follow suit with clubs returning to training and La Liga targeting playing without spectators from June 12.

The English Premier League is grappling with mapping a way to get Project Restart moving, with teams wrestling over whether to play at home or in neutral venues.

● Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari is the only known case of a professional footballer contracting the virus.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced steps to be followed for any player becoming infected with Covid-19 in a biologically safe environment.

Proposed plan of matches behind closed doors Breakdown of attendance INSIDE: 99

36

14

5

Club players

Club Technical staff

Club Other

11 starting and 7 reserves per team

7 per team on bench; Coaches, Assistants, Physio, Kit Men

Home team allocated 3, away team 2 at discretion (e.g. Manager, Masseuse, Security, etc)

4

5

8

2

4

2

2

2

14

1

Ball retrievers

Match officials

Medical

Security

Venue Operating Centre

Stadium Management

Photographer

Broadcaster pitchside

Broadcaster cameras

LED board controller

Club staffer, 1 north, 2 east, 1 south.

On the west, kit men retrieve the ball

4 match officials and commissioners

Paramedics double up as stretcherbearers, can be reduced to 4 if necessary

For general security inside stadium

VOC Commander and his/ her team

Manager, standby electrician, others outside

shared across all parties

Presenter and guest

12 cameramen and 2 cable bashers

1 inside

Team bus driver - 1 per team, can be “outside”

1

LED board controller - 1 outside

SAPS only outside, if required

(no minors)

OUTSIDE: 28

18

TV crew technical team in OB van; these are outside the bowl

2

Ambulance driver can be outside”

2

WWS - can do set up and breakdown before/ after (day before and day after)

4

Ground staff and stadium techs - can be “outside”

1

NOTE: Personnel on the “outside” never share the same area or are in touch with the core staff during match period

1. Should any individual test positive for Covid-19, immediate individual isolation must occur ... ● The individual must then be isolated in an unoccupied section of the hotel. The PSL chief medical officer and the league must be informed accordingly. The medical staff/testing facility must inform the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. ● The individual’s previous room must be thoroughly disinfected and must be off limits until completion of the match programme. ● The individual will not participate further in any training sessions, and must be monitored by the medical staff daily. ● All contacts — this will include other team players, hotel staff, team support staff — must quarantine in their rooms for 14 days of monitoring for symptoms of Covid-19 and be tested.

2. Once symptoms resolve, the positive tested individual would require two consecutive Covid-19 tests spaced 48 hours apart so he/she may discontinue isolation.

3. Non-symptomatic individuals may resume training after 14 days.

Guidelines governing travelling outside the safe environment:

Graphic: Nolo Moima

Contained in the National Soccer League (NSL) Covid-19 health and safety guidelines beyond the confines of match day are regulations stipulating steps for clubs on travelling and gaining access to the base.

The approach to completing the season involves the league securing a base in a region which is safe, appropriately screening and quarantining all those who will enter the safe environment.

These include a single-person room policy, with no congregating in common spaces such as lounges and meeting rooms within the hotel grounds and the facilities in the safe environment.

Before arrival and access to the base 1. The league will take responsibility for ensuring that these measures are complied with and will monitor performance by teams and participants.

2. The league will ensure that team and staff entering the biologically safe environment are tested (Covid-19 testing) before leaving to travel to the area and that screening (as set out in the guidelines) has been carried out for each person.

3. The team health officer must be part of this team and will be responsible for liaising with the league, providing information as required, and assisting the league in ensuring compliance in all respects.

4. Any persons excluded by the screening process, or who test positive (Covid-19 test), will not be permitted to enter the safe area. If a replacement participant is found then the same scrutiny and approach will be followed.

5. All excluded persons will be managed thereafter in accordance with the National

If a person in safe area tests positive . . .

Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) guidelines and medical advice.

6. If screening results raise a concern, but the Covid-19 test is negative, the individual will not be permitted immediate access into the safe area, but will have to undergo Covid-19 testing 72 hours later.

7. If this test is negative and screening is negative, the person will be allowed access into the safe area. If the test is positive, the person will be managed thereafter in accordance with NICD guidelines and medical advice.

8. For certainty, the guidelines must be adhered to, and will continue to apply, and a declaration must be signed by each club confirming this.

The league will oversee this process and ensure compliance.

9. Masks must be worn all the time by all individuals (FFP1/FFP2/N95/3-ply surgical masks are best reserved for health-care workers, and ordinary individuals should use cloth face masks that adhere to government regulation).

There will be no uncontrolled interactions between players, staff, media and officials at the team hotel.

Teams and staff will be tested and screened for Covid-19 before travelling to the base in the safe environment.

Importantly, it pinpoints the protocol that will be followed in case someone tests positive for Covid-19.

It also proposes how living environment, movement of participants (all those who play any role in respect of matches behind closed doors), including daily monitoring by reducing external contact, will be carefully regulated.

It further declares that the executive committee will be issuing a binding NSL Covid19 health and safety directive match day protocol whose guidelines are broader, “dealing

Clubs stay together in a biologically safe environment

with matters beyond match day, and should be read together with the plans and mechanisms your club already has in place”.

The document was submitted to the department of sport and the South African Football Association (Safa) last weekend.

The document was discussed in the PSLSafa joint liaison committee meeting on Tuesday.

A committee of 12 members, six from the PSL and the same number from Safa, was formed on Tuesday and will report back in 14 days with a final plan to take to the government for the resumption of play at the beginning of July.

Post-infection Behaviour in the base recovery for players ● Covid-19 often presents in the younger individual as a mild disease.

According to evidence presented in BASEM, the official newsletter of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, and The Lancet, players who contract the virus should begin training 21 days after recovery.

The following system functions should be evaluated at 21 days post-infection due to the risk of inducing a myocarditis postinfection: 1. Lung flow volume loop — a pre-/postbronchodilator test may be needed.

2. Resting ECG, cardiac echo and stress ECG (to be done should any other parameters be abnormal and only after day 7 of the return to sport [progressive load]).

3. Urea, Creatinine, GFR and Electrolytes, CRP. 4. FBC, WBC, LFT, D-Dimer. Ideally one would like to compare the above to baseline tests done pre-season.

Post-infection rehabilitation must involve respiratory rehabilitation together with cardiac endurance re-training.

1. People must keep a social distance, wear masks and wash hands.

2. All the measures recorded in the guidelines will continue to apply to all participants in the biologically safe environment.

3. There will be single-person room occupancy at any hotel in the safe area.

4. All teams and staff will eat their meals at their hotels within the area in accordance with guidelines.

5. There must be at least ... ● One dedicated physiotherapy room for each team. ● One dedicated medical room for each team for doctor consultations with strict hygiene policies in accordance with guidelines.

6. There will be no uncontrolled interactions between different teams’ players, support staff, media, and/or officials at the team hotel.

7. There will be no congregating in common spaces (lounges/meeting rooms) within the hotel grounds/facilities in the safe area unless arranged and the guidelines will apply.

8. Masks to be worn at all times except in rooms.

9. Further testing will only be done as

1. This will be prohibited except in the following instances ... ● Urgent medical care; ● Training; ● Matches; ● Covid-19 testing.

2. Only delivery of essential items may be allowed — ie. kit, balls, equipment, medical supplies, hotel catering and supplies. These items will need to be sterilised upon arrival and before handling.

3. Any movement outside of these requirements will mean that the individuals will not be permitted to continue participating and will be precluded from the safe environment.

4. All transport must comply with the Disaster Management Act transport regulations.

In as far as cleaning is concerned, the plan commits to limit social distancing, cleaners will clean rooms every day when players are away for training. Toiletries will be changed then too. The league will ensure that cleaning is conducted and that all measures set out in this protocol are complied with.

identified by the health officer and medical staff with the daily screening.

10. Gyms may be used under strict social distancing (6m between individuals) and strict cleaning protocols.

These times must be booked and arranged to avoid congestion occurring.

ILLNESS

1. Any person with an illness that fits the symptoms for Covid-19 (even subtle symptoms like diarrhoea and conjunctivitis) must be assessed by the medical staff, isolated in rooms and tested for Covid-19. When identified, the medical staff must contact the PSL medical officer and advise regarding the testing.

2. Illnesses proven Covid-19 negative must be treated and care taken if there is a prospect of these being contagious.

3. Points 1 and 2 would fall into similar guidelines of management of medical illness as per maritime medical guidelines, which allows for urgent identification, isolation and management to prevent rampant spread, whether the illness be Covid-19 or not.

4. Medical care of any hotel staff must be addressed by the hotel and their processes, and not team staff.

Ben Motshwari. Picture: Gallo Images

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Sunday Times

www.businesslive.co.za | MAY 17 2020

Business Times

Bank set to cut rate — again Oil price fall, lack of demand and worsening outlook put lid on inflation

New investors flock to JSE

By HILARY JOFFE

By NICK WILSON

● President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stern Wednesday night lockdown message has heightened expectations that the Reserve Bank will opt for another large interest rate cut when it meets this week, as a worsening economic outlook puts the lid on inflation.

Economists are revising down their forecasts yet again, after Ramaphosa made it clear on Wednesday that SA was likely to shift just one lockdown notch down to level 3 only next month, though there could be different levels in different provinces.

The lockdown timelines directly impact economic forecasts. Economic modelling by public and private sector economists has indicated that there is a meaningful opening up of economic activity and employment only at level 2, and that prolonging the level 4 lockdown, even for another month, could do permanent damage to the economy.

This is despite the fiscal and monetary stimulus that the government and the Reserve Bank are injecting into the economy, with an S&P Global report this week noting that SA’s record monetary easing has been more sizeable than that of many other emerging markets, as has the fiscal stimulus of about 3.5%-4% of GDP. The Reserve Bank had forecast last month that the economy would contract by 6.1% this year, and inflation would average 3.6%, but at that stage the lockdown was still scheduled to end on May 1.

With the government making it clear that restrictions will be lifted only gradually, the Bank is expected to revise its forecasts again when the monetary policy committee begins its scheduled May meeting on Tuesday.

The crash in oil prices has helped to push inflation down but weak domestic demand will drive it down further, curbing businesses’ ability to raise prices even if a weaker rand raises the cost of imported goods.

That is expected to create the space for a further interest rate cut, adding to the 225 basis points of cuts that the Bank implemented since the beginning of this year, freeing up more than R80bn of spending power.

And economists expect another 50 to 100 basis point cut on Thursday.

BNP Paribas economist Jeff Schultz sees inflation averaging a 17-year low of 2.8% in 2020, and expects another 125 basis points of rate cuts this year.

“Strong deflation in fuel prices and collapsing demand are likely to outweigh a weaker rand and its limited pass through into the consumer price index,” Schultz said in a note this week.

RMB Morgan Stanley economist Andrea Masia now expects inflation to average 3.1% this year, and to rise to just 3.8% next year, which would mark the third consecutive

President Cyril Ramaphosa this week visited Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which is being used as an isolation site to treat Covid-19 patients, during a visit to assess the Eastern Cape’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Flanking him are health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, far left, and acting mayor Thsonono Buyeye. Picture: Werner Hills

year in which inflation has printed below the mid-point of the 3%-6% target range.

“Although there is some evidence of opportunistic pricing of essential goods by retailers during the lockdown, we see sufficiently strong disinflation in the rest of the basket to drag headline CPI below 2% by June 2020,” he said.

The Reuters consensus forecast for May shows economists on average see GDP contracting by 6.4% this year (on a quarterly contraction of 36% in the second quarter), but some see much steeper falls, taking the prolonged level 4 and level 3 scenario into account.

Latest Google mobility data indicates that workplace activity in SA was on average 66% lower than normal during level 5 of the lockdown.

PWC economist Lullu Krugel said this week that PWC’s modelling indicates that the SA economy could contract by as much as 13% this year, based on the current riskadjusted approach communicated by the government.

In a new study, published this week, Deutsche Bank economist Danelee Masia estimates that in level 4, 47% of the economy (accounting for 37% of GDP and 34% of employee pay) was prevented from integrating

Deflation in fuel prices and collapsing demand are likely to outweigh weak rand Jeff Schultz Economist at BNP Paribas

into mainstream activity.

A substantial share of the services and trade sectors begins to operate at full capacity only from level 2 onwards.

“Thus the longer it takes to get to level 2, the more damaging the lockdown is likely to be ... around 10% of GDP will be at risk of permanent destruction if level 2 isn’t reached soon,” she writes.

On her calculations, a shift to level 3 brings only an additional 15.5% of GDP into operation, with just over 72% of non-government sectors active.

Her “bear case” forecast is now for the economy to contract by 11% this year and for

growth to remain negative next year.

At the current pace of re-opening the economy, Business for SA sees the economy contracting by 14.5% this year even after the stimulus package, putting 2-million formal sector jobs at risk, and millions more in the informal sector. However, if SA moves quickly to level 2, the economy would contract by just over 10%, and over 1-million jobs could be saved, increasing access to food and health services.

B4SA’s Martin Kingston said business did not have a problem with differentiated levels of lockdown if these were based on up-todate health and transmission data, but “the regional approach could be very challenging if you have supply chains or workforces that cross regional boundaries”.

The prolonged economic shutdown will also do severe damage to public finances, with details now expected when finance minister Tito Mboweni tables his adjusted supplementary budget on or after June 24, on a date to be decided by parliament.

Deutsche Bank’s Masia does not see the budget deficit dipping below 11% over the next two years, and predicts the government’s debt ratio will increase to 82% this year, compared with the Treasury’s February estimate of 65%.

ed IG Group and offers leveraged trading to high-frequency or day traders, said the ● EasyEquities, one of the biggest online group has seen a “dramatic pick-up in acshare-buying platforms in SA, has experi- count applications, as well as the number of enced a dramatic surge in new customers clients following through with those acsince mid-March — an estimated 200% to counts”.

300% increase — as mainly young investors “Trading activity has increased exponenseek bargain-buying opportunities in the tially as well, as clients try to take advantage wake of the market volatility caused by of the current market volatility.”

Covid-19.

Sasfin Securities deputy chair David Charles Savage, CEO of Purple Group, Shapiro said that with most global sports which owns EasyEquities, said the investors events on hold, everyone is turning to the seeking to buy shares on the platform are stock market to “indulge their speculation”. generally younger than 35 and taking a But he said this trend of increased particimedium- to long-term view on their invest- pation in the stock market by younger inments. The average size of each investment vestors is “going to last”. is about R30,000.

“A lot of youngsters are coming through “We are performing better in this crisis and building portfolios. Any young person than ever before and that’s not what the text- who has a little bit of money is going to start books taught me. In every other crisis I’ve looking at the stock market.” experienced, investors ran away from the Shapiro said the biggest threat to tradimarket. Our clients are running towards the tional stockbroking houses is that it is uncrisis, seeing it as an opportunity to get likely the children of their present into the market,” said Savage. clients are going to make use of their What he thinks is different this services. Instead, they are likely time, compared with the going to want to manage their 2008/2009 global financial criinvestments themselves with sis, is the unprecedented access the use of fintech applications. to data that people have Simon Brown, founder of fithrough their smartphones. nancial education platform Just Smartphones did exist prior to One Lap, said anecdotal evidence the global financial crisis, but were in the market is that from midstill in their infancy, with most fiMarch until now there has been a Charles Savage, nancial and market information “dramatic increase” in new inCEO of still the “privilege of people who vestors. “It’s just been absolutely Purple Group sat behind Bloomberg terminals crazy,” he said. in a bank”.

Brown said all the online brokerages he Savage said there has been a democrati- has been speaking to are reporting “record sation of information and data “around fi- sign-up rates”. nancial markets” and that this means that The JSE doesn’t give a breakdown beduring this latest crisis, no-one has more ac- tween retail and institutional investors, but it cess to information about Covid-19 than any- noted significant growth in the value of deals one else. concluded from January until May 13, com“People have had more time sitting at pared with the same period in 2019. The valhome and everything is about the impact of ue of shares traded on the equity market Covid-19 on the markets. More people are al- from January until May 13 was about R2.1so reading the news or watching it on TV trillion, compared with about R1.6-trillion than ever before.” for the same period last year. A total of about He said these new clients are not “day 40-billion shares changed hands compared traders” looking at speculative trades, but in- with 27-billion in the same period last year. vestors seeking long-term positions.

The number of deals for the year to May 13 For example, a lot of people followed the rose about 47% compared to the same period dramatic share falls in Sasol over the past last year. month or so, and wanted to invest in the stock at bargain prices.

“We saw inflows into Sasol of R300m or R400m and the average entry [share] price was R55. Sasol is now sitting in the R80 ● range. We’ve seen a great period of depressed asset prices. They create a lot of value,” said Savage. ● But day traders have also been piling into ● the market.

Shaun Murison, senior market analyst at www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/business/ IG Markets SA, which is part of the FTSE-list-

READ ONLINE IT companies eye growth Arthur Goldstuck My Brilliant Career

2

Sunday Times

Business The Big Read

In Numbers

40

%

May 17 2020 — BUSINESS TIMES

The percentage of businesses that remain closed or aren’t allowed to operate fully during level 4 of lockdown

Real estate sector now on shaky ground Knock-on effect looms for banks as lockdown hammers house sales

By NICK WILSON ● While the residential real estate industry is in crisis as house sales remain suspended due to the lockdown, the impact on banks’ mortgage books is likely to emerge only in the months ahead.

The country’s largest estate agency groups have been urging the government to open up the residential market. As it stands they can only take clients to houses when the country moves to level 2 lockdown restrictions, meaning it is almost impossible to sell properties. And if distressed homeowners looking to offload their houses can’t do so, it will affect banks because these properties will remain on their books for a lot longer than they would like.

Mahin Dissanayake, Fitch’s senior director of banks for Africa and the Middle East, says SA’s banking sector, particularly the big four — Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank and Absa — entered the crisis in a “position of strength”, having outperformed in a tough operating environment for years.

“They’re well managed, they’ve got strong risk management, strong businesses, strong franchises, and they command leading market shares.”

But a sharp rise in unemployment will be a risk factor for banks’ mortgage books.

“When unemployment rises fast, people may not be able to afford their mortgages.

That is a risk to asset quality for the banks if people start defaulting on their mortgages,” says Dissanayake.

“We’re not seeing that stress just yet. Typically, when people’s finances are under

stress the last thing they will default on is their mortgage because one, where are you going to live, and two, there’s no social safety net in SA like in the UK.” He says that when people do default on mortgages these tend to be loans held on investment properties. “In SA the residential mortgage books are owner-occupier books primarily.”

Debt relief measures offered by banks and interest rate cuts should also help consumers over the next few months, he says.

But residential mortgages form a large part of banks’ loan books, so any “severe stress in that segment” over an extended period of time will place banks under pressure.

Anchor Group analyst Mike Gresty says that “because of the long-term nature of the loan books, the short-term effects in terms of what happens to the books is negligible”.

Gresty says the bigger issue is credit stress, when people who are in trouble need to sell their property but can’t.

Wayne McCurrie, a portfolio manager at FNB, says banks have been helped by having a lot of annuity income on their books.

“It’s not like a shop where if you don’t sell every day you don’t make profits. If banks don’t do any new loans for three to four months, it doesn’t affect profits massively because their loan books will have a duration of six to eight years, and they earn interest and fees on that.”

McCurrie says the biggest risk for banks in this environment is bad debt.

For SA’s estate agencies, however, the effects of the lockdown have been immediate and severe.

As it now stands, deeds offices and conveyancers have opened up under level 4 restrictions, but Samuel Seeff, chair of Seeff Properties, says this is pointless if agents can only physically show people homes under level 2.

Agents are allowed to operate online, but it is very difficult to sell a property that hasn’t been physically seen.

The effects of the lockdown on agencies have been immediate and severe

Houses for sale in Johannesburg. Under lockdown level 4, potential buyers cannot physically view properties. Picture: Sebabatso Mosamo

Turnovers created by property transactions R10.9bn

R1.7bn Attorney fees

Financial services fees

R1bn

R508m

R147m

Home improvements

Removal companies

Home inspections

Graphic: Ruby-Gay Martin Source: NPPC)

“There are four legs to the table: the deeds offices, the home-loan divisions of banks, conveyancers and real estate agencies. The other three cannot operate without real estate operating,” says Seeff, who is also a director of the Real Estate Business Owners of SA (Rebosa).

He says on average there are about 12,000 to 13,000 transfers a month across the real estate industry when it operates normally.

“The question then comes up, what happens in June when the industry hasn’t sold anything in April or May? What’s the point of the deeds office and conveyancers being open?”

Seeff says a house viewing or an offer to purchase is always a “one-on-one engagement”, so it can easily be controlled with hygiene measures.

He says the newly formed National Property Practitioners Council, of which Rebosa is a founding member, has made a formal submission to the department of trade & industry.

Andrew Golding, CEO of Pam Golding Properties, says it is hoped the opening of deeds offices is a “prelude to the real estate industry being granted permission to operate at full strength” within prescribed parameters.

He says the roughly 50,000 property professionals and associated office personnel who service them have been “unable to earn anything on sales during the lockdown as the industry is entirely commission based”.

Property economist Francois Viruly, who has done research on behalf of the industry on the effect of the shutdown on the residential property market, says that based on the latest FNB residential property barometer, along with the calculation of the multiplying effect, real estate transactions could be about 45% lower in 2020.

Viruly says this would result in a decline of R4.2bn of commission with a “multiplier impact” of R8.1bn across the national economy. According to a survey undertaken by Viruly Consulting, it was implied that about 39,000 of the more than 45,000 estate agents in SA would be vulnerable “with a potential collapse of the sector”.

Geoffrey Lee, managing executive of home loans at Absa, says the bank, through the Banking Association of SA, would support the co-ordinated unlocking of the residential property market sooner and subject to restrictions agreed with the government.

He says Absa, whose residential mortgage book was R237bn as at December 2019, had provided payment relief to a large number of its customers and was seeing growing interest in its programme called Help You Sell,

which assists distressed homeowners wanting to sell their properties.

However, “if the customer wants to view the property directly, that is a problem under current restrictions”.

Lee says the restrictions mean the properties of distressed customers could sit on the banks’ books “for a lot longer” than normal and could increase non-performing loans.

Steven Barker, head of lending products at Standard Bank, says the bank has seen “home loans drying up” since the start of the lockdown at the end of March.

Barker says the bank, SA’s biggest homeloan lender, is assisting clients with payment relief and through its Easysell programme, where clients who cannot afford their property can sell “under distress situations” .

Standard Bank SA’s home-loan book was R357bn as at December 2019, while the total Standard Bank group home-loan book stood at R378bn.

“The opening up of real estate activities is required to ensure a reasonable market flow to allow for distressed customers to sell properties that they are no longer able to afford,” Barker said.

Nedbank Home Loans says that since mid-March it has concluded more than 27,000 payment arrangements or restructures. The group’s home-loan book has 297,000 accounts and is valued at R144bn.

Opinion Balancing growth and fiscal rigour could heal Covid wounds

T

By ETTIENNE LE ROUX

he evidence is mounting that the Covid-19-induced crisis — a global as well as local economic one — will severely, even permanently, damage the fabric of SA’s economy.

This brings into focus the importance of the government’s latest fiscal stimulus package. The package is a must. But it will add to the government’s debt load, which had been rising sharply even before the pandemic struck. Add to this that the crisis is obliterating tax revenue, and you reach a real eye-opener: SA, a country with emerging-market drawbacks, will soon also have to own up to a debt ratio of developedeconomy proportions.

With countries worldwide relaxing lockdown restrictions only gradually, the pandemic could cut global trade volumes by as much as a fifth, if not more, in 2020. Such a shock alone would have been enough to pitch SA’s small, open economy into recession. But on top of this there are the consequences of the hard lockdown. And tight the lockdown still is: even after the alert level dropped by one notch on May 1, about 40% of businesses remain closed, or aren’t allowed to operate fully. For such companies, the hardship now stretches into more than seven weeks. The broader growth sacrifice has already been striking: in April, for example, manufacturing activity, car exports, electricity consumption and vehicle sales all nosedived.

Unlike most other countries, SA entered this crisis already in recession. Add to that the scale of the global and local dislocation

wrought by the pandemic, and real GDP government’s debt load is defined, its size in could decline by as much as 10% this year. relation to GDP is now quickly approaching The government’s fiscal stimulus levels similar to those projected for many package therefore had to be generous — developed economies post-Covid-19. although it’s not entirely as large as the often The obvious difference, however, is that touted R500bn, or 10% of GDP. After SA is an emerging-market economy, not a excluding spending reprioritisations, tax developed one. Developed economies will payment deferrals and the contingent find it relatively easy in coming years to live liability arising from the government with increased levels of public debt, with guaranteeing the loans banks are about to even their low economic growth almost extend to small and medium enterprises, its certain to exceed their near-zero interest effective size only comes to about rates.

2.5% of GDP. For SA, however, this won’t be Even so, the package is still the case. large by emerging-market Consider the following standards. Couple this with rough arithmetic. If we the precipitous decline in tax assume an effective interest revenue caused by this year’s rate of about 8% per annum, unusually deep recession, an average inflation rate of and the budget deficit for 4%, and little by way of new 2020/2021 looks set to be initiatives to narrow the more than double last year’s primary deficit (the budget 6.3% of GDP. deficit less interest payments), SA Ettienne le Roux will have to grow by at least 4.5% Budget deficits should start to ease after lockdown restrictions per annum in real terms to are loosened further, fiscal and monetary stabilise the state’s debt load at about 90% policy stimuli take effect, and the global of GDP after 2022/2023. This is a daunting economy begins to turn. But easing deficits prospect when economic growth has won’t stop the government’s debt averaged only 1% per annum since 2014. ballooning to about 90% of GDP, or about Conversely, if growth remains pedestrian R5-trillion by 2022/2023 — a 60% jump in after this year’s slump, and the same interest just three years. rate and inflation assumptions apply, the Even worse, this debt ratio would be in government has only one remaining option the region of 110% of GDP if we include all to achieve debt sustainability: to swing the the government’s contingent liabilities. And primary deficit into a surplus. given that economic conditions will remain To be sure, even once this year’s challenging for the foreseeable future, the discretionary fiscal easing measures drop risk that portions of these guarantees will be out of the base and tax revenue recovers called increases, raising government debt. somewhat, fiscal policy will still have to But here’s the point: whichever way the tighten by about 8%-10% of GDP over the

Growth is sacrificed as businesses close their doors during lockdown in Cape Town.

Even under level 4 lockdown, 40% remain partially or totally closed. Picture: Ruvan Boshoff

medium term to stabilise debt at 90%. This is a painful ask, just as the economy is recovering from the worst recession on record.

This (admittedly crude) arithmetic is useful to capture the two extreme options the government has to deal with its future debt problems. But in reality there’s also a third alternative.

Call it a blend of growth plus fiscal

discipline. But even this route will be hard, demanding something extraordinary. For example, instead of the approach until now of merely slowing the growth rate in recurring spending, a blended approach in coming years will require specific, and at times substantial, outright spending cuts.

Tax rate increases will be unavoidable, but the pain associated with them can be lightened by pursuing initiatives such as

asset sales, clamping down hard on tax evasion, restoring the effective tax collection capacity lost during the Zuma years, and notably expanding the tax base.

This can happen only if the country’s trend growth rate rises from below 1% to, say, 3%-plus, which, in turn, will require a huge push to activate overdue initiatives such as the next wave of renewable energy projects, the auction of 5G spectrum and the fast-tracking of infrastructure public-private partnerships more broadly.

Finance minister Tito Mboweni seemingly understands the value of a remedy pitched “somewhere in the middle” all too well. Recently he again reiterated the importance of “far-reaching economic reforms … to pivot to position the economy for structurally higher growth”.

And, while now is not the best of times to pursue aggressive belt-tightening, his previous remarks show he also sees fiscal austerity as an important part of a broader strategy not to compromise fiscal sustainability. Now he only needs to persuade his colleagues who are not yet on board to join. In theory at least, this should be easier now that the full extent of the fiscal challenge SA faces in the aftermath of Covid-19 is laid bare.

The urgency of having an appropriate game plan cannot be overstated. Once the pandemic has been beaten, every sovereign will be queuing up for funding. If SA fails to impress, investors will simply shy away, with consequences too ghastly to contemplate. ✼ Le Roux is chief economist at Rand Merchant Bank

BUSINESS TIMES — May 17 2020

In Numbers

18.3

3

million

Business News

The number of bitcoins in circulation

Banks launch SME aid scheme But the state-backed loans won’t be right for everyone, they say

By HILARY JOFFE ● The launch of the credit guarantee scheme this week has given banks another form of relief they can offer small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them survive the lockdown — but they caution it may not be the solution for all customers.

The scheme, which was finalised on Tuesday, is a partnership between the banks, the Reserve Bank and the Treasury which will initially enable the banks to advance R100bn of new loans, guaranteed by the gov-

ernment, to SMEs impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

It adds to the payment holidays and debt relief the banks have already granted, using their own balance sheets, to tens of thousands of businesses since the crisis began.

Figures from the Banking Association of SA (Basa) show that by late April the banks had assisted more than 75,000 of the 90,000 commercial SMEs that applied for assistance, providing cash-flow relief that has reached R7.29bn so far and is still rising.

However, the guarantee scheme will enable banks to make new loans to keep their customers with good records afloat, says Basa CEO Bongiwe Kunene. That includes customers such as restaurants and hotels that may have no income until the lockdown is eased later this year.

“It’s in banks’ interest to keep money circulating, and ensure customers have the

working capital to pay suppliers and keep tremely limited or zero turnover.” the lights on, so that they can reopen,” says Funeka Montjane at Standard Bank’s perKunene. sonal and business banking division says the One banking analyst, noting banks don’t guaranteed loan scheme “will bolster efforts usually lend to customers who have no made in both the private sector and govobvious income, echoes Kunene’s ernment to aid small business”. point.

Customers in good standing “The real benefit for the banks with annual turnovers of up to is that it keeps their borrowers opR300m can apply to their banks erational,” he says. The scheme for loans at the prime lending rate will allow the banks to lend in casto cover three months of operating es where their normal risk appetites costs — such as salaries and rents — would not. repayable over five years.

Bongiwe Kunene Adam Orlin, head of Investec for Absa, Capitec, Mercantile, FNB, Business, says: “As we transition out of lock- Investec, Nedbank and Standard Bank are down and come to terms with the ‘new nor- participating so far, and most have already mal’, we believe initiatives like these will go launched the scheme. a long way to preserving jobs and creating Each will use its own normal credit prothe much-needed velocity of cash through cesses to evaluate applicants and has the the system – which will provide essential as- right to decline loans, though the state will sistance to those businesses recording ex- cover 94% of the loss if a client defaults.

Some banks are already processing applications under the scheme, though bankers say it won’t necessarily be right for every client — especially since it means taking on debt that will ultimately have to be repaid.

Orlin says businesses should think carefully about the timing of their applications for loans.

“They need to assess if they need funding to get their business through lockdown, or funding for when their business will be coming out of lockdown — and thereby get the most out of the loan.”

Absa says its business banking customers tend to prefer tailor-made financing solutions, and it expects this trend to continue.

“We have also experienced a drop in credit demand and many of our clients are focusing on reducing costs in order to survive rather than incurring additional debt,” the bank says.

House brand sector set to soar as hardship bites

By NICK WILSON

goods, is also experiencing growing demand for its own private-label products. ● The private-label concept, which was pioCiting French poet and author Victor neered in SA by Pick n Pay founder Raymond Hugo, who said “nothing is more powerful Ackerman 44 years ago, may gather momen- than an idea whose time has come” , Brasher tum for the retailer in a post-Covid world as says that in his experience a crisis is often the rising unemployment and pay cuts force catalyst that makes a good idea work. consumers to seek more affordable options.

“A lockdown does enable more people to Private-label or house brands are prod- sample things like online grocery shopping, ucts manufactured by external parties for or trying to shop remotely, in a way that you sale under a retailer’s name — be it couldn’t write a marketing plan for.

Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Check“So that’s an important change ers or Spar — usually at lower and we will see what our postprices than national named Covid online grocery operabrands. tions look like. We are also “In tight economies and one of the leaders in that especially recessionary area and I suspect that economies people search own-brand development for value,” says CEO will become so much more Richard Brasher, speaking established in times of ausafter the release this week of terity and difficulty because full-year results for the year to it’s an opportunity for people March 1 that showed a 15.2% rise to get more for less.” in profit before tax for Pick n The key is to find a way to ofPick n Pay CEO Pay’s South African operations. fer affordable products, but not Richard Brasher If consumers can find a prodskimp on quality. uct “as good as the known brand “As a mainstream retailer I but less expensive” they “will migrate there”, think our participation [in private-label Brasher tells Business Times. goods] is certainly as good as many and “I think inevitably where you see house maybe more than most,” Brasher says. brand expansion, it has come in a period of Independent investment analyst Chris adversity for consumers.”

Gilmour says the private-label concept in SA He says the company has spent several has been “waiting for a catalyst to propel it years expanding its private-label portfolio into much higher percentage territory for from the foundation laid by Ackerman. many, many years”, and that the Covid-19 In the nearly eight years that Brasher has pandemic might be it. been CEO, the contribution of Pick n Pay’s Gilmour says with so many people exhouse brands to sales turnover has doubled pected to be struggling financially, demand to just over 20%. should rise for private-label brands of a He says the group’s Boxer chain, which “similar quality to national brands”. specialises in limited-range discounted “You can’t just compete on price and

Tighter purse strings caused by the coronavirus lockdown could boost sales of Pick n Pay’s cheaper house brands. Picture: Bloomberg

People sample things in a way that you couldn’t write a marketing plan for Richard Brasher Pick n Pay CEO

nothing else. It’s got to be good and it’s got to be significantly cheaper,” he says. “I would say that Pick n Pay is leading the pack in private label.”

Ron Klipin, a portfolio manager at Cratos Asset Management, says the growth of private-label brands will “gather momentum across the grocery sector as people are looking for value, value, value”.

“I think it’s a broader trend, particularly in SA with unemployment increasing.”

Brasher says Pick n Pay customers are shopping less frequently due to the lockdown, “for obvious reasons”, but when they do shop they buy more than in the past. The average shopping bill is now about 30% higher than pre-lockdown.

There has been a significant increase in

sales of such items as paints and brushes for children, and baking products, which he says has at times put the supply chain under pressure.

“Suddenly everyone’s reignited their passion for cooking because they’ve not been going out anywhere, and they’ve been at home making breads and cake and food for their families.”

Brasher says he had been planning to step down as CEO at this stage but the pandemic prompted him to change his mind.

“I don’t think that the midst of a crisis is a time to put your feet up. I think it’s time to roll your sleeves up,” he says.

“I am looking to take on the biggest personal and professional challenge of my life as my last hurrah.”

EOH mobilises containers in virus battle

By NICK WILSON ● EOH is combining the engineering and ICT skills of its staff to build mobile intensive care units (ICUs) modelled on shipping containers to help in the fight against Covid-19 in SA. The group believes there is potential to develop the concept into a commercial enterprise that could be used elsewhere.

The brainchild of an EOH subsidiary, Dihlase Consulting Engineers, the idea was to help the government in the fight against the pandemic, but the company says it could be used as part of the health-care value chain in the future.

It has been in discussions with private hospitals and dental surgeries which are keen to make use of the technology.

EOH business executive Milton Streak said the concept arose after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for more field hospitals and access to critical treatment facilities to treat Covid-19 patients.

Globally, health-care systems have taken “immense strain” in terms of hospitalisation, said Streak. “I don’t think any health-care system has enough beds or ICU beds or ventilators to fight this [Covid-19].”

Mohammed Rawat, regional manager at Dihlase, said that two days before the lockdown was implemented his team came up with the idea for the ICULATE isolation ward, which is based on locally sourced shipping containers and adapted into a mobile ICU unit.

You can put it onto a truck and take it anywhere in SA or internationally Mohammed Rawat Dihlase regional manager

EOH says private hospitals are keen to make use of its mobile medical facilities modelled on containers. Pictures: Sketch Works architects

The 12m containers used are partitioned to create a 6m isolation ward and an adjacent plant room that services it.

Rawat said the primary intention wasn’t a commercial enterprise, but “there were costs incurred and if we can get orders during these times, we take it”.

A single container could take one or two beds, he said.

“If you’ve got one bed, then it will have

the ante-room, which gives you better pressurisation, and it’s 100% compliant with international and department of health standards,” he added.

“You can take that container, put it onto a truck and take it anywhere in SA or internationally and it could be a fully fledged ICU.” Multiple containers together in a cluster could form an emergency facility in a field hospital setting, which could include be-

tween eight and 30 units grouped together.

Rawat said the units could also be boltons to existing hospitals where there was a need to extend capacity.

He said EOH is also looking at a retrofit option, where teams can transform an existing general ward into an ICU and isolation ward. This extends to other facilities such as dental surgeries, which will need extra protection as lockdown restrictions ease and

people return to dentists.

Rawat said the interest EOH has received so far is from large private hospital groups, as well as two dental facility groups.

It is also in talks with provincial health departments, particularly in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

He said the ICULATE solution would likely be in more demand when coronavirus cases peaked later this year, so the task now was to prepare for that.

Streak said that as far as the potential commercial benefits were concerned, EOH hadn’t thought that far ahead, but believed this kind of solution would always have a place in the health-care value chain.

It could be used to fight the spread of communicable diseases such as Ebola, for instance. “You can transport and use this across the continent. It’s designed for infectious diseases,” he said.

Sunday Times

Monetary stars align for bitcoin

By ARTHUR GOLDSTUCK ● It has been a landmark week for bitcoin, the cryptocurrency better known for wild speculation than as a transactional vehicle.

It joined the rest of the world’s assets in plunging in value during a mid-March stock market crash over the Covid-19 crisis. Since then it has been one of the best-performing asset classes in the world.

This week, the investment case was bolstered by three events. First, legendary hedge fund investor Paul Tudor Jones, founder of Tudor Investment Corp, revealed that he had placed between 1% and 2% of assets under his management in bitcoin.

The announcement, in an interview on CNBC, came a few days after he sent out a monthly newsletter to investors, in which he declared: “At the end of the day, the best profit-maximising strategy is to own the fastest horse … If I am forced to forecast, my bet is it will be bitcoin.”

The CNBC interview came the day before a historic event for bitcoin, known as “halving”: when the rate at which new bitcoins enter circulation is halved. This typically takes place every four years, and the latest halving took place on Monday night.

Previous halvings have led, over the subsequent 12 months, to stratospheric increases in the bitcoin price. In the years after the 2012 halving it jumped from $10 to $704.

Most notably, a year after the 2016 halving, bitcoin began its spectacular climb to the $20,000 mark, followed by an equally spectacular crash, with it eventually entering a trading band between $4,000 and $8,000 per coin. Last week it reached the $10,000 mark before falling back again, and approached that level again after the latest halving on Monday.

“That initial reaction in March was one of fear from all investors,” says Marius Reitz, general manager for Africa of Luno, a South Africa-founded cryptocurrency platform that announced this week it had notched up its 4-millionth customer.

“People had to exit their investments to pay for other more important expenses. But since then, we’ve seen traditional investors entering the cryptocurrency market for the first time in search of yields.”

Global attention Luno is the largest cryptocurrency platform in emerging markets, and attracted global attention when it attained the second-biggest increase of website traffic across all exchanges in April, ahead of market leaders such as Binance and Coinbase. Luno is now headquartered in London, but with offices in Cape Town and Singapore.

The appeal of bitcoin right now, Reitz says, is that the Covid-19 crisis may reduce the purchasing power of fiat currency as a result of quantitative easing programmes from most central banks.

Bitcoin, in comparison, is a less inflationary currency in the sense that its rate of issue declines over time. Bitcoins are produced through “mining” — a process requiring powerful computers to solve complex computational problems, which allows validated “blocks” of transactional record to be added to a public digital ledger.

“The halving on Monday evening meant that the number of bitcoin awarded to miners for validating a block of transactions halved from 12.5 bitcoin to 6.2 bitcoin,” says Reitz. “The result of that is that only 900 new bitcoin will be produced per day, as opposed to 1,800 before Monday, so it will be twice as hard. Over time, less and less bitcoin gets introduced into the network, until we reach the maximum 21-million bitcoin, and that is forecast only by the year 2140. Currently, there are 18.3-million bitcoins in circulation and that’s roughly 87% of the total possible supply.”

This constrained supply does not save it from volatility, however.

Luno had its monthly transaction value double from February to March, before settling to slightly below the March level during April and the first half of May. “The number of bitcoin addresses globally holding more than 0.1 bitcoin — that’s more than $1,000 — increased to over 3-million recently. That showed there are a lot of new investors in bitcoin. The market is still extremely volatile, and we are advising that people should act with caution,” says Reitz.

Meanwhile, the prospects for cryptocurrency gaining more respectability as an asset class increased in SA last month when a position paper on crypto assets was released by the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group, made up of financial services and banking regulators, including the Reserve Bank and South African Revenue Service.

“The position paper suggests that crypto assets be accommodated within the existing South African regulatory framework, whilst ensuring that sufficient safeguards be implemented,” wrote law firm Webber Wentzel.

4

Sunday Times

Business Newsmaker

In Numbers

Imperial focuses on African empire Transport group sees continent as last of the big opportunities

By CHRIS BARRON ● Mohammed Akoojee, CEO of Imperial Logistics, says the transport group is shifting its core strategic focus from Europe to become the “gateway to Africa”.

To this end, it hopes to conclude the sale of its European shipping business in June for R3.64bn and use the capital to get into logistics activities that link Africa to other international markets.

“It doesn’t add value to our positioning in the market in Africa, and Africa is one of the best opportunities we have,” he says.

“We want to create a gateway into Africa for multinationals keen to access the fastestgrowing economies and probably the last major consumer and pharmaceutical goods market opportunities that are left.

“If you want to be a gateway into Africa you need an international footprint. You can’t offer your client a seamless entry into Africa without having that.”

Although it will still be a major player in SA, the company’s exposure to the local economy “will get smaller” as it puts more and more capital into other African markets.

It has been moving in this direction since 2010 when it began building distribution platforms over an increasing number of African markets.

“We saw the consumer goods and pharmaceutical sectors producing massive

growth in opportunity. We have a lot of expertise in SA and it seemed logical to expand our expertise, client base and knowledge into Africa.”

Back in 2010, Imperial Logistics had no revenue outside SA. Now, R15bn in revenue and a third of its operating profit come from African markets outside SA. It operates directly in 11 African countries.

“We want to continue expanding our pharmaceutical and fast-moving goods distribution platform across Africa,” Akoojee says. “We want to double our business in the continent over the next five years.”

It’s a no-brainer, he says. “Africa’s got 1billion people, 200-million in Nigeria alone.

The consumer goods and pharmaceutical opportunities in that market are massive.”

He acknowledges that Africa is “obviously not an easy market to do business in”.

“But when you’re operating in the sectors we are, there’s a lot of defensiveness and protection in that. People can stop buying

We didn’t go in with the mentality that we were going to apply a lot of our South African logic to those markets Mohammed Akoojee

cars and a lot of things before they stop buying pharmaceutical products and consumer goods.

“There’s a lot of support from government in that space, because those countries need those products.”

For businesses in sectors more reliant on discretionary spending, the challenges are harder to navigate, says Akoojee, who became CEO of Imperial Logistics in 2018 but has been closely involved in its African growth story from the beginning.

“We’ve seen the resilience in our pharmaceutical business over the last 10 years in spite of devaluation of currencies and commodity cycles.”

A number of South African companies have rushed into Africa singing hymns of praise to its vast potential and their ability to unleash it into their pockets.

Most of them have had to beat humiliating and extremely costly retreats.

Akoojee says Imperial owes its success to a very different strategy.

“We didn’t go in with a South African mentality that says, ‘Here we are and we know everything’. We acquired businesses with strong management and know-how, that understood the local landscape.

“We didn’t go in with the mentality that we were going to apply a lot of our South African logic to operating in those markets.”

He sees the African Continental Free Trade Area as a “massive” opportunity.

“There’ll be a lot more local manufacturing, and trade between countries will be much higher, needing more logistics and distribution. We’re ideally positioned for that because we’ve already got distribution networks in those markets.”

The continental trade pact will help Im-

11

May 17 2020 — BUSINESS TIMES

The number of countries in Africa in which Imperial Logistics operates directly

Covid-19 has hampered Imperial Logistics’ African ambitions, says CEO Mohammed Akoojee, but also brought opportunities in the demand for medical supplies.

Picture: Freddy Mavunda © Financial Mail

perial access and service multiple markets from regional hubs in Southern Africa, West Africa and East Africa, he says.

The intended implementation date is July 1. Although Covid-19 “put a spanner in the works”, he believes the political will and commitment to make it a reality are still

there. The pandemic is certainly not all bad news for Akoojee, who acknowledges frankly that infectious disease emergencies “create a big opportunity for us” in terms of demand for pharmaceuticals and protective equipment, which Imperial provides through its distribution networks.

It has a business that sources personal protection equipment, testing equipment and other medical supplies in India and China for African markets and aid groups such as the World Health Organisation and United Nations.

It has an existing client base built up over about six years, and demand is “so massive we haven’t looked at servicing outside that base yet”.

While bureaucracy has been a nightmare for many South African companies in Africa, this has not been the case for Imperial, he says.

“Local relevance is critical for operating in Africa. You’ve got to have good local management that understands the complexity of the market to navigate a way through it.”

MTN took a hammering after Nigeria accused it of moving dividends out of the country illegally, which it denied doing.

“People talk about taking forex out of Nigeria and having difficulty with that,” says Akoojee. “We’ve never had that problem because if you follow the regulations and the rules, you won’t have that issue.

“Understanding the local nuances of getting those things done is important. We have partners in Nigeria that have been operating for a long time there. We don’t buy local businesses without great local partners.”

He says Imperial won’t reduce its exposure to SA but will be putting more capital in other African markets, “so SA will get smaller as a function of that”.

“Not that we don’t see opportunities in the South African market but we’ve already got scale — 5,000 trucks, over a million square metres of warehousing, a logistics company that provides services across pharmaceutical, mining and manufacturing.”

But with 40% of its revenue stream dried up by the lockdown, the company’s taking strain.

“We move a lot of tobacco and a lot of alcohol. That part of our business has not been operating.”

Nor the parts that service the construction, automotive and fuel industries, which are still not operational.

“We have only 60% of our revenue but 100% of our costs, because you can’t just switch your cost base off.”

With most of the economy still in lockdown, retrenchments are inevitable, he says.

Money

Perils of cashing in on your car Plan may offer quick fix but ultimately leave you worse off

By ANGELIQUE ARDÉ ● If you’re cash-strapped and need a lump sum in a hurry, you may be able to sell your car and then lease it back for less than what it would cost you to hire a car. When your finances improve, you can buy back your car for the amount you sold it for.

DriveAwaySA’s offering is timely, with many people facing a reduced income as a result of the lockdown. And it will be especially appealing to consumers with impaired credit reports, because it’s not a loan and therefore doesn’t require credit checks or regular repayments.

DriveAwaySA will give you the proceeds of the sale of your car “immediately”, whereas when you apply for a loan from the bank you have to go through the administrative process and wait for approval before getting access to the funds, “which would take longer than the 24 to 48 hours it takes to receive the cash from DriveAwaySA,” the company says.

The price that DriveAwaySA will pay you for your car is based on the trade-in value of the vehicle.

To qualify for the offering, you need to own your car outright; the vehicle needs to be a 2005 model or newer and have done less than 250,000km; the cash amount extended to you needs to be R40,000 or more; and you need to cover any costs required to get the car roadworthy.

These costs can be added to the first month’s lease as a one-off payment.

You won’t have to insure the car, but you will be responsible for servicing it.

You can return the car at any stage, as there are no rental tie-in periods.

DriveAwaySA CEO Mayran Spiro says the only administrative costs involved are an upfront origination fee of R2,500, which covers fixed costs, the inspection of the car, the roadworthy inspection, licensing and a tracking unit.

If you buy back the car, there is a R1,500 fee for the re-registration and relicensing of the vehicle in your name.

Spiro says there is no limitation on mileage you can do and the tracking device is not used to monitor how you drive.

“The leasing fee is based on the purchase price of the car and, on a like-for-like basis, is cheaper than renting a car from a rental

If you're short of cash, it may be tempting, but not necessarily wise, to sell and lease back your own car. Picture: 123 rf.com/Ion Chiosea

agency. For instance, renting a group A or B vehicle [typically the cheapest rental group] from a car hire company could cost in the region of about R6,000 to R8,000 a month, while renting back your car from DriveAwaySA could be as much as half of that — and you’re renting a vehicle you know and have experience with.”

Spiro says it is best to use DriveAwaySA as a short-term funding solution. Over the long term it will become more expensive than a bank loan, he says.

However, although it’s a good idea to sell unwanted or unused assets such as an extra vehicle that’s only used occasionally,

It will mean you may have financed the vehicle twice as well as rented it … this can make it a very expensive endeavour

financial planner Brendan Dunn says that to sell and lease back your own transport at a premium presents a great deal of risk.

Dunn says you have to guard against ending up in a worse position than when you started — with the money from the sale of the car spent, without a car, unable to afford to lease the car and unable to buy it back.

He suggests you divide the proposed purchase price by the proposed monthly lease amount. “This will give you the number of months until the vehicle effectively starts costing you money, and the point at which you should consider buying it back.”

He suggests you check your credit report because if you can’t buy the car back in cash, you’ll have to finance it. The banks will consider your credit score and the age and state of the vehicle.

“It will also mean that you may have financed the vehicle twice as well as rented it in the interim. This can make it a very expensive endeavour indeed,” he says.

Dunn says it’s important to get a valuation for your vehicle from dealerships and to assess how much you may need your car in future. If the way you work has become fully remote, you may not need your car half as much as you did, he says.

You may be better off selling your car and waiting a few months before buying a

cheaper one, he says. Consider what a replacement vehicle will cost you in monthly repayments and compare this to the DriveAwaySA offer, Dunn says.

“The monthly lease amount is likely to be steep. The company will charge you a premium [profit margin] that will ensure they hold all the cards before very long. They give you what the car is worth. You then rent it back from them. Before long this would likely cover their initial payment to you and you would then buy it back from them.

“If you can’t afford to buy it back, you continue leasing it and when you can no longer afford it, they can sell it on to someone else.

They could therefore receive double (or more) of what the car is worth,” Dunn says.

Financial planner Jean Archary says if you decide to sell and lease back your car, you may have exhausted all other options and have little choice.

The advantage of this offering is that you’ll be driving your car, which is familiar, she says.

But a lot depends on how long you plan on leasing it, your ability to fund any major repairs, and whether you’d be liable for any excesses, should you have an accident or if the car is stolen.

“It would be important to read the fine print and to consider all options,” she says.

Consider your older self before raiding pension

S

outh Africans have been in again before the age of 55. lockdown long enough for it to We will return to this later, but be sure start feeling almost normal, but that an early withdrawal should almost that does not discount the fact never be considered as an option. As Covidthat Covid-19 has had, and will 19 has proven, the world can change in an have, a dramatic impact on many instant and you should be very, very people’s financial future. reluctant to touch your life savings without This is especially true for people who knowing what the future will hold or how have been laid off in recent weeks, or who else you are going to sustain yourself when have seen their salary reduced or their you reach your retirement age. pension fund contributions deferred as their You should also keep in mind that the employers try to make ends meet.

Covid-19 pandemic was accompanied by We have seen a dramatic increase in one of the most violent market crashes in enquiries from people asking what will recent years. So withdrawing your pension happen to their retirement savings now will be even worse, savings if they have been laid off because in all likelihood your and if they could perhaps draw on pension savings will now be these savings to survive lockdown worth much less. and the post-lockdown period.

Some companies have in this The government is making a time opted to temporarily cease special provision for pensioners your pension fund who are currently living on their contributions, as well as their living annuities. It is expected that matching contributions. This is for the next four months, you will completely legal, provided that be able to increase your they have discussed this with withdrawal to a maximum 20% you and the fund rules provide (from 17.5% before) or decrease it for this. It should also be a shortto a minimum of 0.5% (from a term solution to help you cover Wouter Fourie minimum 2.5% before), calculated your everyday needs, while on an annualised basis. helping your employer to This is being done to either help you manage the company’s cash flow. cover the gaps (in the case of the increased It is important to note that this should maximum) or preserve as much of your only be done if your employer has consulted savings as possible until some stability with you. It is unfortunately very common returns to the world at large. for unscrupulous employers to withhold It is totally normal to start looking at your their pension fund contributions without pension fund savings as a possible source of telling you. If you are concerned that this income after being laid off. After all, the might be happening, contact your pension needs of your grey-haired future self are fund directly to find out if your very abstract when compared to your contributions are up to date. If not, ask the current needs. This is especially true when trustees what they are doing to recover you no longer have an income and the those contributions. If you are not satisfied chances of finding a new job are looking with their response contact the Pension increasingly slim amid locked doors and Funds Adjudicator. closed businesses.

If you get laid off and are able to access But withdrawing your life savings before your pension fund savings, try not to do so retirement is very risky, very tax inefficient unless absolutely necessary. Live as frugally and thus very expensive and often as you can and use your severance pay first prohibited. before you access your retirement savings, For tax purposes, and not considering as you should leave as much of it as you can special cases involving special industries or for your future needs. ill health, you are allowed to retire from your This is an unprecedented time and the retirement funds after the age of 55. At this uncertainty is enough to drive anyone crazy. age, you can withdraw up to one-third of Keep in mind that the choices you make your savings in a lump sum and you have to now will influence the rest of your life. Be use the rest to buy a monthly pension calm and seek professional advice from an income (annuity income). independent certified financial planner If you have invested your savings in a professional. preservation fund, you are allowed one ✼ Fourie is CEO of Ascor Independent Wealth withdrawal before the age of 55.

Managers, 2015/2016 FPI financial planner of the That withdrawal can be as small or big as year and a co-author of The Ultimate Guide to you want it to be, but you forfeit any future Retirement in South Africa opportunities of withdrawing a lump sum

5

BUSINESS TIMES — May 17 2020

Eat your hearts out, IT buffs

Puzzles

could also be used to track the four-year cycle of athletic games which was similar to an Olympiad, the cycle of the ancient Olympic Games. The artefact was retrieved from the sea by fishermen in 1901 and identified as containing a gear by Stais on May 17 1902. The device, housed in the remains of a 34cm×18cm×9cm wooden box, was found as one lump and later separated into three main fragments (pictured). They are now divided into 82 fragments after conservation efforts and kept at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

May 17 1902 – Greek archaeologist Valerios Stais discovers the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient mechanical analog computer (dated variously between 205BC and 60BC), among the wreckage retrieved from a shipwreck off the coast of Antikythera Island. It is the first example of such a device, believed to have been designed by Greek scientists and used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes decades in advance. It

Quick Crossword

Sunday Times

Cryptic Crossword DOWN 1 Want (6) 2 Vow (7) 3 Thought (13) 5 Memoirs (13) 6 Search (5) 7 Savour (6) 8 Worry (5) 15 Fabricate (7) 16 Develop (6) 17 Chuckle (5) 18 Improve (6) 20 Slope (5)

ACROSS 1 Portray (6) 4 Milliner (6) 9 Cutlery item (5) 10 Team game/sport (7) 11 Dried grapes (7) 12 Invoices (5) 13 Adjourn (5) 14 Power (5) 19 View (5) 21 Plan (7) 22 Principal (7) 23 Snapshot (5) 24 Living (6) 25 Method (6)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

BRAINTEST ANSWERS 1. Namib Desert 2. Yes 3. Six 4. Zambia 5. Dr Seuss 6. Gander 7. Western Province 8. D) Shells 9. “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” 10. Béarnaise 11. B) Shirley MacLaine 12. Marilyn Monroe 13. D) Morocco 14. A) Pixar 15. Andries Pretorius 16. B) Adolf Hitler (“Mein Kampf”) 17. Three Dog Night 18. D) Leicester City 19. B) Men at Work 20. Swiss

2-Speed Crossword CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS 1 He’s Wayne’s dad, drunk for the start of Lent (3, 9) 9 Nut is able to exercise first (5) 10 Some lion-tamer I came to see in the New World (7) 11 The spam I cooked for fellow on board (8) 12 Endlessly examine something on football boot (4) 14 Hang loose at end of road, on the corner (6) 15 Imposing Georgian town?

Not entirely (6) 18 Waistband, after seconds, has shifted (4) 20 Thing spilt on headgear, drink before bed (8) 23 Boy arrests a little green man? (7) 24 Frank has done time (5) 25 Amphibian sent team off, though in the good book (3, 9) DOWN 2 Notices odd bit (7) 3 Be victorious with terribly dim pair of students, grinding here (8) 4 Scarcity of thread spun (6) 5 Flat number initially not given (4) 6 General understanding, it’s a pile of snow (5)

Bridge

The bidding tells the tale Opening lead — ten of diamonds.

As the play progresses, declarer’s picture of how the unseen cards are distributed steadily becomes clearer.

Sometimes he gains all the information he needs almost immediately, and sometimes he must wait until later in the play.

Take this deal where declarer, at trick one, learns essentially all he needs to know about West’s hand. Let’s say that after declarer plays low on the opening diamond lead, East wins with

Codeword

the king and returns a diamond to dummy’s ace.

It isn’t difficult for declarer to conclude that West must have the K-Q of spades, K-Q of hearts and queen of clubs for his opening bid. Only 12 highcard points are missing at this point, and West must have them all.

Accordingly, declarer leads a club from dummy at trick three and finesses the jack, knowing it will lose. West wins and returns a diamond to the jack, whereupon South cashes the A-K-10 of clubs and queen of diamonds.

On the fourth diamond, West — now down to six cards — must discard a spade or a heart. Let’s say he discards a spade, in which case dummy discards a spade. South then plays the ace and another spade. West wins and is forced to lead a heart from the K-Q-4.

If he leads the king, South has an easy time making a second heart trick, so let’s say he returns the four instead.

Ordinarily, declarer would play the eight from dummy in the hope that West had the K-10-4 or Q-10-4, but here, with the knowledge accumulated earlier, South goes up with the jack to score his ninth trick.

Sadly, many experienced declarers would fail to draw the obvious inference at trick one about the nature of West’s hand. East’s king-of-diamonds play clearly marks West with the five other missing honor cards, and South should shape all his subsequent plays to fit that assumption. — Steve Becker

7 A red toy broken a long time ago (4, 3) 8 Work to make soup (4) 13 Fungus to grow and spread fast (8) 14 Refuse chap, Stan, with mud spreading (7) 16 Dirty relative given article (7) 17 Sort of ring bringing omen to alien (6) 19 Verrucas reversed with hollow tube (5) 21 Shame hole found on back of jersey (4) 22 Sack in flames (4) COFFEE-TIME ACROSS 1 Beginning of Lent (3, 9) 9 Edible nut of the hickory tree (5) 10 Chicago’s country (7) 11 Fellow crew member (8) 12 Breeding establishment (4) 14 Droop (6) 15 Month before September (6) 18 Band worn over the shoulder (4) 20 Bedtime drink (8) 23 Alien from Earth’s neighbouring planet (7) 24 Blatant (5) 25 Bible’s second part (3, 9)

DOWN 2 Department (7) 3 Building associated with Holland (8) 4 Absence (6) 5 All square (4) 6 Bank of snow (5) 7 Long time ago (4, 3) 8 ___ Dei, Catholic organisation (4) 13 Cep or shiitake, eg (8) 14 Rubbish collector (7) 16 Contaminated (7) 17 Ring with a crest (6) 19 Animal’s bedding material (5) 21 Compassion (4) 22 Blaze (4)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

ACROSS 1 Fruit pulp (6) 5 Route round town is near?

Don’t ask me! (6) 10 Sulphur in proper crystal (5) 11 Vegetable extract on hand (9) 12 Smaller cut at the front by doctor, one working in theatre (7) 13 Item wrapped up here (7) 14 Note about a balance (9) 17 Bit on back of horse — hock, for example? (5) 18 Daughter carried by Irishman in old chair (5) 19 I approach home properly (2, 7) 21 Waffle, sweetened food (7) 23 After refurbishment, a centre put on performance again (2-5) 25 Marrying? Dump in future! (9) 26 Kid drinks last in bottle (5) 27 Offending jewellery on sovereign (6) 28 Figure with sore back, delicate (6) DOWN 2 Pretty? I couldn’t agree more! (5)

3 A door’s opening, calling for entrance (9) 4 Run of diamonds for old poet (5) 5 Emperor a bit overwhelmed by the hard stuff (9) 6 Get on someone’s nerves, training the night before (5) 7 Result closer in reorganised game, ultimately (9) 8 Rest praised, having ignored a drunk (6) 9 Girl bagging rubbish for David, say? (6) 15 Location of two maidens in solstice? (9) 16 Winger coming up with flashy stuff — this skill? (9) 17 Rotten food scoffed by new owner (4-5) 18 Wood arranged neatly (6) 20 Rope seen in frigate, the rigging (6) 22 Fighter beginning to backpedal, one in defence (5) 23 Just politically traditionalistic (5) 24 A portal in marble, for example (5)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Elimination HOW TO PLAY Each of the clues eliminates two words from the list of 37. Find the words that match the clues, cross them off the list and you’ll be left with one word. You can confirm the accuracy of your answer next week. (a) Two make a cruciverbalist happy! (b) Spring jumper? (c) Two for Norsemen’s voyages (d) Where to get Australian justice? (e) Two united in the north (f) Transport for the average man? (g) Two for an employee at Halloway? (h) Literary dwarves! (i) Two synonyms (j) The architect bird! (k) Two anagrams (l) Where to corner poets! (m) Two with cheese (n) Early morning is not a great time! (o) Two board games (p) Colourful band of chefs! (q) Two words with jack (r) Not a clever beast!

1. New 2. War 3. Dumb 4. Word 5. Hare 6. Hips 7. Wren 8. Bleu 9. Cross 10. March 11. Longs 12. Small 13. Chess 14. Union 15. Court 16. Dress 17. Women 18. Abbey 19. Hours

20. Little 21. Porter 22. Paring 23. Cordon 24. Castle 25. Report 26. Animal 27. Clapham 28. Incubus 29. Omnibus 30. Kangaroo 31. Draughts 32. Robinson 33. Newspaper 34. Nightmare 35. Processed 36. Christopher 37. Westminister

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

May 17 in History

The remaining word is “Magazine”.

●

(a) 36-17 (b) 13-3 (c) 34-18 (d) 14-30 (e) 25-19 (f) 1-31 (g) 21-32 (h) 2-9 (i) 22-4 (j) 28-10 (k) 23-37 (l) 6-11 (m) 7-12 (n) 8-33 (o) 24-26 (p) 35-20 (q) 15-27 (r) 16-5

1536 — Anne Boleyn’s five alleged lovers — her brother George Boleyn, Francis Weston, William Brereton, Henry Norris and Mark Smeaton — are executed. The first four maintained their innocence on charges of adultery (incest in George’s case) and treason, but Smeaton “admitted” the charges under torture. Anne is beheaded two days later.

1838 — Sir James Liege Hulett, sugar magnate, politician and philanthropist in the Colony of Natal, is born in Yorkshire, England. He arrives in Durban in May 1857, with £20 and an offer of a position with a chemist. In 1860 he leases a 600-acre farm in the Nonoti area, which he calls Kearsney. He experiments with maize, sweet potatoes, chillies, arrowroot and coffee and establishes a trading store. His soon flourishing business enables him to purchase several farms in the area. At Kearsney he establishes a thriving tea estate, the foundation of the company Sir JL Hulett & Sons — also the start of his sugar empire.

1865 — The International Telegraph Union is established in Paris by 20 founding members. It merges with the International Radiotelegraph Union in 1932 to form the International Telecommunication Union, now the UN’s specialised agency for information and communication technologies issues.

1875 — The first Kentucky Derby is run in Louisville and won by Aristides, a colt ridden by Oliver Lewis.

1900 — Esther Franks, physician and the first woman ophthalmic surgeon in SA (a pioneer in the fight against blindness), is born in Zürich, Switzerland.

1900 — The 217-day Siege of Mafikeng is lifted when a flying column of some 2,000 British soldiers, including many volunteers from Kimberley, relieve the town from the Boer forces after fighting their way in.

1900 — “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, by L Frank Baum, is published in the US. Baum assembles the first copy off the press by hand and presents it to his sister, Mary Louise Baum Brewster.

1954 — Michael (Muis) Roberts, 11-time SA champion jockey and 1992 champion of Britain, is born in Cape Town. He rides his first winner, Smyrn, in Pietermaritzburg in 1968. A neck injury resulting from a fall in the UK in 2001 leads to his retirement at 48, just 32 winners short of his 4,000 milestone.

1956 — Ray Charles (Sugar Ray) Leonard, boxer (world champion in five weight divisions, 1977-1997), is born in Willington, South Carolina, US. 1967 — Mohamed Nasheed, lawyer and politician (fourth — and the first democratically elected — president of the Maldives, 2008-12), is born in Malé.

2009 — Dalia Grybauskaite, 53, EU budget chief and karate black belt, becomes Lithuania’s first female president after a landslide victory at the polls.

Codeword has only one clue — the three letters that are printed in it.

Where the same numbers appear on the grid, fill in the known letters, then work out the remainder. Dotted lines indicate hyphens or linked words. Find the words that appear in the blue, yellow and pink blocks.

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

1W, 2L, 3H, 4A, 5T, 6S, 7O, 8E, 9U, 10P, 11R, 12M, 13B, 14D, 15N, 16G, 17C, 18Y, 19V, 20I. Blue: GARNERS Yellow: CONVENE Pink: REBUT

est

m

BRAINtest

1. Apart from the Kalahari, which other desert covers a large part of Namibia?

2. What does the Zulu word “yebo” mean?

3. How many strings does a standard classical guitar have?

4. Which country was formerly known as Northern Rhodesia?

5. Name the author of the children’s story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.

6. What “G” is a male goose?

7. For which Currie Cup team did Schalk Burger jnr play?

8. What does a conchologist collect? A) Records, B) Stamps, C) Celebrity diaries, D) Shells 9. Which TV show had the movie spin-offs “The Meaning of Life”, “Life of Brian” and “The Holy Grail”?

10. What “B” is a classic French sauce made of shallots, butter, egg

Samurai Sudoku

by Trivia Tom

yolk, tarragon and vinegar?

11. Name the actress who is the sister of actor Warren Beatty.

A) Faye Dunaway, B) Shirley MacLaine, C) Tippi Hedren, D) Lauren Bacall 12. Who was filming “Something’s Got to Give” at the time of her death?

13. Which of the following countries does not border Libya?

A) Egypt, B) Chad, C) Sudan, D) Morocco 14. Name the animation studio of which Steve Jobs was CEO. A) Pixar, B) Dreamworks, C) Industrial Light & Magic, D) Framestore 15. Who led the 464 Voortrekkers at the Battle of Blood River on December 16 1838?

16. Which historical figure originally wanted to call his autobiography: “Four and a Half

Years of Struggle Against Lies, Stupidity and Cowardice”, but in the end settled for a shorter twoword title? A) Howard Hughes, B) Adolph Hitler, C) Malcolm X, D) Mao Zedong 17. Name the band (with a canine name) that had hits with “Shambala”, “Joy to the World” and “Never been to Spain”.

18. Brendan Rodgers is the manager of which English Premiership side in the 2019/20 season? A) Wolves, B) Watford, C) Norwich City, D) Leicester City 19. Musician Colin Hay is the former lead singer of which Australian band? A) Silverchair, B) Men at Work, C) Midnight Oil, D) INXS 20. What nationality was psychologist Carl Jung?

Answers on this page

Solution on Page 6

6

May 17 2020 — BUSINESS TIMES

Sunday Times

Shape and own the future To be a transforming, equitable, sustainable, and academically excellent University of Technology anchored in its communities.

MISSION To offer technological, career-directed educational programmes focussing on the innovative problem-solving research and engage with government, business, industries and communities as end-users.

ERRATUM Kindly take note of the following amendments for the posts as Ä‚Äš Äž ĞĚ Ä? ŚĞ Äž Ä‚ žĞŜ ŽĨ Ĺś Ĺ? ŽŜžĞŜ Ĺ˝ Äž ĂŜĚ Ĺ? ŚĞ Ĺ?Äž ŽŜ ŜĚĂ Ä‚ Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ ŜĚĂ Ĺ?žĞ Äž Ä‚ Äž

The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Council (ECSECC) is a Schedule 3C Public Entity established in 1995 as a formal Consultative Council comprising the social partners of government, organized business, organised labour, the civil society sector and institutions of higher learning in the province of the Eastern Cape. Our mission is to eradicate poverty, create jobs, and enhance economic growth through developing our capacity as a multi-stakeholder centre of excellence in applied policy research, development planning and facilitation.

!" # $% & '%() %*+ '% %# * *) ,% - ., the Centre is Pretoria. !" # $% & '%() %*+ /$%' *+ !%')%* ,% ! - ., the Centres are Cape Town and Pretoria. &0$ 1 &" $/ ' $& % 2* 3"% *" ,% 23 - . ( $/ # *% &' %*& *!!'$ An undergraduate and post-graduate degree in Environmental/ Ä‚ Ä‚ĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?ĞŜÄ?Äž Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ŜĞ ĚžĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ˝ Ä?ŽŜŽžĹ?Ä? ĹŻÄž Ğů Ĺ˝ Äž Ĺ? ĂůĞŜ Ä‚ĹŻĹ?ÄŽÄ?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ä‚ Äž ĚĞĹ? ĞĞ (NQF level 9) will be an added advantage.

ĞŜĚĞ Ĺ˝ Äš Äž ĞĚ ŽŜ Ä‚ Ä?Ĺš Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ Ä‚ ŽŜĂů ĞĂ Äž Ĺ˝ Ä‚ĹŻ ĹľĹ?ĞŜĹ? #Ä‚ Äž #ÄžÄ? Ĺ? Äž ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝ Ä?Äž %ŽĂ Äš& Äž Ĺ?Ä?Äž ' ĹŻ (ĞůĹ? Äž ĂŜĚ )ŋŽĂĚĹ?ĹśĹ? ŽĨ žžŽŜĹ? Ĺľ , Äš Ĺ˝-Ĺ?ĚĞ ĨŽ ĹľĹ?ĞŜĹ? #Ä‚ Äž Ĺ? Äž www.basadzi.co.za

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Ä‚ĹśÄ?ĞůůĂ ŽŜ ŽĨ ĞŜĚĞ

Basadzi Media - Advertising

ECSECC seeks to appoint suitable and experienced candidates to fill the following positions.

Programme Manager: Economic Governance and Human Resources Development (5 Years Contract)

&0$ '! %* $ ) ' $& % 2* 3"% *" ,% 23 - . ( $/ # *% &' %*& *!!'$ Ĺś ŜĚĞ Ĺ? Ä‚Äš Ä‚ Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹ?ÄŽÄ?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ !Ĺ˝ "Ĺ? Ä‚Äš Ä‚ Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹ?ÄŽÄ?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĹŻÄž Ğů Ä‚ ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĞĚ Ä?$ Ä‚ Äž ĚĞĹ? ĞĞ (NQF level 9) will be an added advantage.

Request for proposal

Closing date: 30 May 2020 Contact: Ms Zuzeka Kwanga on 043 701 3400 For more details on this position go to www.ecsecc.org/ vacancies/

ŚĞ Äž Ä‚ žĞŜ Ĺ˝ ĹŻÄš ĹŻĹ?ĹŹÄž Ĺ˝ Ä‚ ŽůŽĹ?Ĺ? Äž ĨŽ Ä‚Ĺś Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ŽŜ ĞŜĹ?ĞŜÄ?Äž Ä?Ä‚ ĞĚ

Appointment of a service provider to provide a turnkey solution for data management tools and services for the South African Reserve Bank Ref. no.: 4705307

URS 27917

Ĺ? Ä‚ Ä?Žž ĞŚĞŜ Ĺ? Äž ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? ŽčĞ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚ Ĺ˝ Ĺ?žĂ Ğů Ä‚Ä?Ä? ĞĚĹ? ĞĚ ĚĞĹ? ĞĞ ÄšĹ? ůŽžĂ ĂŜĚ Ä?Äž ÄŽÄ?Ä‚ Äž Ä?Ĺ˝ Äž Ä‚Ä? Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ä‚Ä? ĹŻ Äž ŽĨ " # $Äš Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ# %Ä?Ĺ?ĞŜÄ?Äž ĂŜĚ "Ĺ? Ĺ?Ä? ĹŻ Äž# ĂŜĚ &ŽžžĞ Ä?Äž "ĚžĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚ ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä‚' Ä‚ ŚĞ ('Ä‚)ĹŻÄ‚ĹśĹ?Äž*'Ä‚ ĂŜĚ +Ĺ?Ä?ŚĂ Äš ,Ä‚ Ä?Ä‚Ĺľ Äž - The ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? Ä?ĞůĹ?Äž Äž Ĺ?Ĺś ŽžŽ ĹśĹ? Ä‚ Ä? ĹŻ Äž ŽĨ ůĞĂ ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ĺ?Ĺś Ä‚Ĺś ĞŜ Ĺ? ŽŜžĞŜ ŚĂ Ĺ? Ä?ŽŜĚ Ä?Ĺ? Äž Ĺ˝ Äž ŽŜĂů Ĺ? Ĺ˝ Ĺš ĂŜĚ Ä‚Ä?ĂĚĞžĹ?Ä? ĚĞ ĞůŽ žĞŜ ŚĞ ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? ŽĨ ĹŻ ůĂŜĚ Ä? Ä? Ĺ?Ä?Äž Ĺ˝ ŚĞ Ĺ?ĹśÄ?Ĺ? ĹŻÄž ĞžÄ?ĞĚĚĞĚ Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ Ĺľ ĹŻĹ˝ žĞŜ Ĺ? Ä?

Non-compulsory briefng session details: Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2020 Time: 11:00 Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams, the link will be sent via e-mail

DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

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! Moses Semosa via e-mail moses.semosa@resbank.co.za

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EXTERNAL VACANCIES Applications are invited from suitably quali ed persons for the below-mentioned post. Chris Hani District Municipality subscribes to the principles of employment equity as espoused in the relevant legislation.

(RE-ADVERTISEMENT) MANAGER: CONTRACTS [Task Grade 17: Salary Scale R661, 906.00R859, 212.00 per annum plus bene ts] TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE R 1,122,769.26 per annum (Subject to certain conditions) Minimum requirements: Matric, BComm degree in Economics & Supply Chain Management / National Diploma: Accounting or relevant quali cation majoring with Accounting or Supply Chain Management at NQF Level 6. • At least 5 – 7 years relevant experience in procurement or Supply Chain of which ve (5) years must be at managerial level. • Valid Driver’s Licence • CPMD will be an added advantage.

• •

Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): • Manage demand & Acquisition, contract management activities/Services (SCM Value Chain). • Develop, review and monitors contracts and Service Level agreements between the Municipality and the Service Providers. • Management of contractor performance and delivery with user departments. • Management of Bid processes. • Management of internal support to Departments on SCM matters and contracts. • Attend to audit ndings raised by internal and external Auditors. • Develop and Implement a performance monitoring evaluation system that encompasses all projects for a particular nancial year. • Monitor the implementation of the service delivery and budget implementation plans (SDIBIP) directly relating to the SCM Unit. • Compilation of statutory reports in terms of the MFMA and SCM Regulations.

(RE-ADVERTISEMENT) MANAGER: ASSET MANAGEMENT Task Grade 16: Salary Scale R549, 179.00 – R712, 867.00 per annum Total remuneration package: R940, 595.00 per annum (Subject to certain conditions) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Matric • B.Com Degree/National Diploma in Accounting or relevant quali cation majoring in Accounting at NQF level 6. • At least 5 - 7 years relevant experience of which three (3) years at supervisory or managerial level.

•

Valid driver’s license

.

Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): • Develop, recommend and implement short term, intermediate and long term strategies to improve the value of the asset portfolio. • Manage the municipality’s properties, including valuations etc.

• • • • • • • •

Manage potential risks and administer the insurance of assets Manage the reconciliation of assets and classi cation of asset register.

Manage logistics and disposals processes and systems Monitor the physical and nancial stewardship of assets Manage the overall assets program for the Municipality Responsible for statutory reporting on Municipal Assets and inventory management.

Control asset management accounting Manages the asset register of municipality according to the Municipal Finance Management Act No 56 of 2003 and stock control.

NB: APPLICANTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED ARE ENCOURAGED TO RE-APPLY Fringe Bene ts: Medical Aid Scheme, Housing Subsidy, Pension Scheme, Group Life, 13th Cheque, car scheme [where applicable].

Enquiries may be directed to Mr. T. Feni or the Recruitment and Selection O ce at 045 808 4620/69/34

PLEASE NOTE: 1. Preference will be given to suitably quali ed persons in line with the employment equity act and approved employment equity plan of the district municipality.

2. It is compulsory to submit your application letter accompanied by a comprehensive CV, certi ed copies of your quali cations, certi ed identity document and certi ed copy of your valid driver s license when required.

3. No faxed CV s or e-mail applications will be accepted. It will be expected of candidates to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by the Municipality. If the candidate / applicant is found canvassing any of the panelists he / she automatically disqualify him/ herself.

4. Appointment will be subjected to compulsory preemployment screening in the form of determining the validity of quali cations, current and previous employment reference check, criminal checks and competency assessment.

5. Due to the large number of applications we envisage to receive, applications will not be acknowledged. Should you not be contacted after 30 days from the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

6. Closing date of the advertisement is the 29 May 2020

“The Municipality reserves a right not to appoint�

Applications must be forwarded to: The Chris Hani District Municipality, Human Resources Section, Private Bag X 7121, Queenstown, 5320 or hand deliver to 15 Bells Road, Queenstown G. MASHIYI MUNICIPAL MANAGER SONDLO & KNOPP ADVERTISING

ŽžŽ ŽŜĂů Ä‚ Äž Ĺ?Ä‚ĹŻ Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ĺś žĞŜ ŽĨ Ä‚ Äž Ĺ?Ä?Äž Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ĚĞ Ĺ˝ Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ĚĞ ŽžŽ ŽŜĂů žĂ Äž Ĺ?Ä‚ĹŻ Äž Ĺ?Ä?Äž ĨŽ ŚĞ Ĺ˝ Äž ŜžĞŜ Ĺľ ĹŻĹ˝ ĞĞ ĞĚĹ?Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä?ŚĞžĞ ĨŽ Ä‚ Äž Ĺ?ŽĚ ŽĨ ŽŜĞ ĞĂ Ä?ŽžžĞŜÄ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? " #Ĺ?# $ %ĹšĹ?Ä?Ĺš Ä?ŽŜ Ä‚Ä? žĂ Ä?Äž ĂŜŜ#Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĞŜĞ%Ä‚Ä?ĹŻÄž ĨŽ Ä‚ žĂ'Ĺ?Ĺľ#Ĺľ ŽĨ ĞĂ ( Ĺ˝Ä? ĞžĞŜ Ĺ˝Ä?Äž Äž ĂĚžĹ?ĹśĹ? Äž ĞĚ Ä?

Kindly refer to the MUT website (www.mut.ac.za)

“Mangosuthu University of Technology is committed to employment equity.�

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intent to respond must be sent by no later than 22 May 2020 at 12:00. Only potential bidders

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Bid number Ĺ?Äš ĚĞ Ä? Ĺ? ŽŜ

Each nomination should be duly signed and accompanied by a recent Curriculum (

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Mr S. Naidoo at miken@mut.ac.za by close of business on Friday, 29 May 2020.

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www.ursonline.co.za

The RFP is accessible on the SARB’s website at www.resbank.co.za under the link ‘Procurement@SARB’, then select ‘Open Tenders’. The closing date is Monday, 15 June 2020 at 12:00.

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experts in the areas of Accounting (CA), Built Environment (Architect/Quantity

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are required on the MUT Council for a period of four years.

for the detailed advert and conditions.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) hereby invites eligible service providers to respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of a turnkey solution for data management tools and services for the SARB.

ůĞĂ Äž Ä?Äž Ä‚Äš Ĺ? ĞĚ ŚĂ ŚĞ ĨŽůůŽ%Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĞŜĚĞ Ĺ? ŚĞ Äž%Ĺ? Ĺš Ä?Ä‚ĹśÄ?ĞůůĞĚ(

The Council of MUT is the highest decision-making body, and is therefore responsible for the governance and policy decisions affecting the University.

,ĹšĹ? Ĺ˝ Ĺ? ŽŜ ŚĂ Ä‚ ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? &Ĺ?ĚĞ Ĺ˝ -ŽůĹ?Ĺ˝ &Ĺ? Ĺš ŚĞ ÄžÄ?Ĺ?ÄŽÄ? Ä‚Ĺ?Ĺľ ŽĨ Ä‚Äš Ä‚ĹśÄ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ŚĞ *ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? / Ä‚ ÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ä? Ĺ˝Ä?ĹŠÄžÄ? Äž Ĺ?Ĺś ŽĨĂ Ä‚ ŚĞ ĞůĂ Äž Ĺ˝ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš" Ĺ?ŜŜŽ Ä‚ ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ä‚Äš Ä‚ Äž ÄšĹ?Äž ( Ĺ?ĹśÄ?Äž ŚĞ Ĺ˝ -ŽůĹ?Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ä? Ĺ˝ Ä? 1ĹśĹ?" ŚĞ Ĺ?ĹśÄ? ĹľÄ?ĞŜ &Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ &Ĺ˝ ĹŹ Ä?ĹŻĹ˝ Ğů &Ĺ? Ĺš Ĺ˝ ŚĞ ĂŏĞŚŽůĚĞ Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ Ĺ?Ĺś ŽŜ ĂŜĚ &Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Äž Ä‚ ŽĨ ŚĞ 2ÄžÄ? Äž 3ĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜ ,ĞĂž( . ĹśÄ? ŽŜ ĂŜĚ %Äž ŽŜ Ĺ?Ä?Ĺ?ĹŻĹ? Äž : ŚĞ ()$ %Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ĂŜĚ *ŜŜŽ Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ4 ĂžŽŜĹ? Ĺ˝ ŚĞ ĹšĹ?ĹśĹ? 4 Ä?Äž Äž ŽŜ Ĺ?Ä?ĹŻÄž ĨŽ ŚĞ ĨŽůůŽ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? 45 Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ŽŜĹ? Ĺ?Ĺś ĞůůĞÄ? Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ ÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ä? ůĞĂĚĞ ĹšĹ? Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ Ä‚ ĞĂ ŽĨ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš" Ĺ?ŜŜŽ Ä‚ ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ä‚Äš Ä‚ Äž ÄšĹ?Äž 45 Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ůĞĂĚĞ ĹšĹ? Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ Ĺ? ŽĨ ŚĞ ĚĞĎŜĞĚ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ĂŜĚ Ĺ?ŜŜŽ Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ?ŽĂů ŽĨ ŚĞ *ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? 4 Äž Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚ ŚĂĹ? Äž ŽŜ ŽĨ ŚĞ ĞŜĂ Äž )Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ĂŜĚ 5Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ä‚Äš Ä‚ Äž Äš Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ŽžžĹ?6ĞĞ 4,ŚĞ ĚĞ ĞůŽ žĞŜ ĂŜĚ Ĺ?Ĺľ ůĞžĞŜ Ä‚ ŽŜ ŽĨ ŚĞ Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ä‚Äš Ä‚ Äž ĞĚ Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ĚĞ ĞůŽ žĞŜ Ä‚ ÄžĹ? 45ĹŻÄ‚ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚ ůĞĂĚĹ?ĹśĹ? ŽůĞ Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ ĚĞ ĞůŽ žĞŜ ŽĨ ŚĞ ŜĞ2 Ĺ?ĞŜĞ Ä‚ ŽŜ ŽĨ Äž ĞĂ Ä?ŚĞ " ĂŜĚ Ĺ?Ĺś Ĺ? Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ŚĞ Ä‚Ä?ĂĚĞžĹ?Ä? Ä‚ÄŤ Ä‚Ä? Ĺ˝ ŚĞ *ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? Ĺ˝ Ĺ?Ĺľ Ĺ˝ Äž ŚĞĹ? Ĺ˝&Ĺś Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš Äž ĨŽ žĂŜÄ?Äž ĂŜĚ Ä‚Ä?ĹšĹ?Äž Äž Äž2Ä?ĞůůĞŜÄ?Äž Ĺ?Ĺś Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš" ĂŜĚ 48ĞĂĚĹ?ĹśĹ? ŚĞ *ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? Ä‚ ÄžĹ? ĂŜĚ Ä‚Ä? ŽŜ ĹŻÄ‚Ĺś ĨŽ ĹŻĹ?Ä‚Ĺ? Ĺ?ĹśĹ? &Ĺ? Ĺš Ĺ?Ĺ˝ Äž ŜžĞŜ " Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš Ä‚Ĺ?ĞŜÄ?Ĺ?Äž ĂŜĚ ĂŏĞŚŽůĚĞ ŽŜ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ĞůĂ ĞĚ žĂ6Äž 4* Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ŚĞ *ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ĞŜĹ? Ĺš ĂŜĚ Ĺ?Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Äž Ĺ˝ Ĺ˝ Ĺ? ŽŜ ŚĞ ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? &Ĺ? ĹšĹ?Ĺś ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ ĂŜĚ Ĺ?Ĺś Äž ŜĂ ŽŜĂů ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? Ä‚ ŜĞ ĹšĹ? ĂŜĚ ŜĞ &Ĺ˝ ĹŹ 45 Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ĚĞ ůĞĂĚĞ ĹšĹ? Ĺ˝&Ä‚ Äš ĞŜ Ĺ?Ä?ŚĞĚ Ä?Žžž ĹśĹ? ĞŜĹ?Ä‚Ĺ?ĞžĞŜ Ĺš Ĺ˝ Ĺ?Ĺš ŚĞ ĚĞ ĞůŽ žĞŜ ŽĨ Ä‚ Žžž ĹśĹ? ĹśĹ?Ä‚Ĺ?ĞžĞŜ ĞŜ Äž( ,Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ĺľ Ĺľ %Äž5 Ĺ? ĞžĞŜ ,ŚĞ Ä?ĂŜĚĹ?ĚĂ Äž Ĺľ Ä?Äž Ä‚ 9 ĹŻĹŻ 5 ŽĨĞ Ĺ˝ &Ĺ? Ĺš Ä‚Ĺś ĞĂ ŜĞĚ $Ĺ˝Ä? Ĺ˝ Ä‚ĹŻ ĚĞĹ? ĞĞ Ä‚Ĺś Äž Ä‚Ä?ĹŻĹ? ŚĞĚ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝ Äš Äž Ĺ?ĚĞŜÄ?Äž ŽĨ žĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜ Äž2 Äž Ĺ?ĞŜÄ?Äž Ä‚ ĞŜĹ?Ĺ˝ ĹŻÄž Ğů Ĺ?Ĺś Ä‚ ĹšĹ?Ĺ?ŚĞ ĞĚ Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ?Ĺś ŽŜ ŜĚĞ ĂŜĚĹ?ĹśĹ? ŽĨ ĂŜĚ Ä?ŽžžĹ? žĞŜ Ĺ˝ ŚĞ Ä‚ ÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ä? Ä‚Ĺś ĨŽ žĂ ŽŜ ŜĞĞĚ Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ ĹšĹ?Ĺ?ŚĞ ĞĚ Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ůĂŜĚ Ä?Ä‚ Äž( + ÄžÄ?Ĺ?Ä‚ĹŻ $ŽŜĚĹ? ŽŜ ,ŚĞ $ Ĺ? Ä‚ Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ĺś ĞĚ ĨŽ Ä‚ ÄŽ2ĞĚ Äž Ĺľ ŽĨ ÄŽ Äž ĞĂ ( Ĺ˝ Ä‚ ĹŻ ĨŽ ĹšĹ? Ĺ˝ Ĺ? ŽŜ ůĞĂ Äž ĞžĂĹ?ĹŻ ŚĞ Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĨŽ Ĺľ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Äž Ĺ? ĞĚ ĚŽÄ? žĞŜ Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ˝ Ä‚ ĹŹĹ?ĹśÄ?Ä‚ žĂ ĹŹĹ?ĹśÄ?ĂŜΛ ĹśĹ? ĹŻ Ä‚Ä? Ä‚ ĹŻĹ˝Ĺ? ŽŜ Ĺ˝ ! "### ŜĞ Ä?Ĺ˝ Ä‚$ Ĺ˝ Ä?ĹľĹ? Ĺ˝ Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ä? ŜŽ ĹŻÄ‚ Äž ŚĂŜ &'Ĺš(( ŽŜ ŚĞ Ä?ĹŻĹ˝ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĚĂ Äž Ä‚ ĞĚ Ä?ĞůŽ#

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Ä‚ ÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ä? ůĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ? " Ä‚ĹŻĹ? žĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜ ĂŜĚ Äž Ĺ˝ Ä?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ?Ĺś ĹšĹ?Ĺ?ŚĞ ĞĚ Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ '5 ŽŊĞÄ? ĚĞ ĞůŽ žĞŜ žĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜ žŽŜĹ? Ĺ˝ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ Äž Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ ŽŜ '5 Ĺ˝ ĞŜ

Ä‚Ä?ĹŹ ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝ Äš ŽĨ ĞčĞÄ? Äž Äž Ĺ˝

$ Ĺ? ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝ Ĺ˝ Ä‚ĹŻ $ Ĺ? ĹśĹ? Ĺ?Ĺś ŚĞ ĹšĹ?Ĺ?ŚĞ ĞĚ Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĞŜ Ĺ? ŽŜžĞŜ

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: '*&Ä?ĞůůĞŜ $ Ĺ?4ĞŜ Ĺ˝ Ä‚ĹŻ ĂŜĚ ĞůĞÄ?

ŽŜĹ?Ä? Ä?Žžž ĹśĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĹŹĹ?ĹŻĹŻ Ĺ?Ĺś *ĹśĹ?ĹŻĹ? Ĺš Äž ÄžÄ?Ĺ?Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ $Ĺ? Ĺš ÄžĹ?Ä‚ Äš Ĺ˝

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Ĺ˝ Ĺ˝ Ä‚ĹŻ ĂŜĚ Ĺ?Ĺś žĂŏĹ?ĹśĹ? Äž ĞŜ Ä‚ ŽŜ ',Ĺ?Ĺ?Śů ŏŜŽ$ůĞĚĹ?ĞĂÄ?ĹŻÄž $Ĺ? Ĺš ÄžĹ?Ä‚ Äš

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ĞĂÄ?ĹšĹ?ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ ůĞĂ ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚ Äž žĞŜ ĂŜĚ Äž ĞĂ Ä?Ĺš Ĺ˝Ä?Äž Äž '7Ĺś ĚĞ Ĺš ŏŜŽ$ůĞĚĹ?Äž ŽĨ ĂŜĚ Ä? Ĺ? Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Äž ÄžÄ? Äž ŽŜ Ä?

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ĞĚ Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ '5 Ĺ˝ ĞŜ ĞŜĹ?Ä‚Ĺ?ĞžĞŜ $Ĺ? Ĺš ŚĞ ,* 8 Ä‚ ÄšĹ? ĂŜĚ Ĺ˝Ĺ? ĂžžĞ Ä‚Ä?Ä? ĞĚĹ? Ä‚ ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Äž Ĺ?Äž$ Ĩ ĂžĞ$Ĺ˝ ĹŹ ĂŜĚ Ä? Ĺ? Äž Ĺ?Ä‚ Ĺ˝ Ä‚ ĹŻ ĨŽ ĹšĹ? Ĺ˝ Ĺ? ŽŜ ůĞĂ Äž ĞžĂĹ?ĹŻ ŚĞ Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĨŽ Ĺľ ĂŜĚ ŚĞ Äž Ĺ? ĞĚ ĚŽÄ? žĞŜ Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ˝ ĚůĞ ŚĞ žĚůĞ ŚĞŜŜΛ ĹśĹ? ĹŻ Ä‚Ä? Ä‚ Ä? ŜŽ ĹŻÄ‚ Äž ŚĂŜ &'Ĺš(( ŽŜ ŚĞ Ä?ĹŻĹ˝ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĚĂ Äž Ä‚ ĞĚ Ä?ĞůŽ#

CLOSING DATEÍ— ĎŻĎ­ MAY ĎŽĎŹĎŽĎŹ For the APPLICATION FORM, please log on to the University website and click on vacancies Ĺš ĹśĹ? ĹŻ Ä‚Ä? Ä‚ Ä‚Ä?Ä‚ĹśÄ?Ĺ?Äž ĹŻĹŻ Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺľ Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ĹŻ ĚĞ ŚĞ ĨŽůůŽ Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĹšĹ?Ä?Ĺš Ä‚ Äž Ä? Ĺ? Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ĺ?Ĺś Äž Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ ĹśĹ? Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ĺś ÄžÄ?ÄžĹ? ĞĚ Ä‚ ĞůĨ Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ ŽŜ Ä? ŚĞ Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ĺś ŽĨ ĹšĹ? ŚĞ Ä‚Ä?Ĺ?ĹŻĹ? ĨŽ ŚĞ Ä‚ Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ĺś žĞŜ Ä? Ĺś Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ ĨŽ Ĺľ Ä? ĚĞ Ä‚Ĺ?ůĞĚ Ĺ?Ä? ĹŻ Ĺľ Ĺ? Ä‚Äž Äš Äž ĎĞĚ Ä?Ĺ˝ Ĺ?Äž ŽĨ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä‚Ä?ĂĚĞžĹ?Ä? ! Ä‚ĹŻĹ?ÄŽÄ?Ä‚ ŽŜ " #$ ĂŜĚ Äž %ĂžĞ ĂŜĚ Ä?ŽŜ Ä‚Ä? ĚĞ Ä‚Ĺ?ĹŻ ŽĨ Ä‚ ůĞĂ Ĺš ĞĞ Ä?ŽŜ Ä‚Ä? Ä‚Ä?ĹŻÄž &Ĺ˝ ĹŹ ĞůĂ ĞĚ ĞĨĞ ĞĞ ŽŜĞ Ĺľ Ä?Äž Ä‚ Ä? ĞŜ Ĺ˝ ÄžÄ?ĞŜ Äž Ĺ?Ĺ˝ ( Ĺ˝ ŚĂŜĚ ĚĞůĹ? Äž ĞĚ Ĺ˝ Ĺ˝ Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ ĹŻĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Äž Ä‚Ä?Ä?Äž ĞĚ ŚĞ !ĹśĹ? Äž Ĺ? " Äž Äž Äž ŚĞ Ĺ?Ĺ?Ĺš ŜŽ Ĺ˝ žĂŏĞ Ä‚Ĺś Ä‚ Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ĺś žĞŜ $Žžž ĹśĹ?Ä?Ä‚ ŽŜ Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Äž ĞŜ Äž ĞĚ Ĺ?Ĺś Ĺ˝ Ĺ? Ĺš ŚĞ ŚŽ ĹŻĹ? ĞĚ Ä?ĂŜĚĹ?ĚĂ Äž ŽŜů"

a www.ursonline.co.za

Improving Quality of Life and Enhancing Sustainable Economic

NOMINATIONS FOR EXTERNAL COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, UMLAZI, DURBAN

BUSINESS TIMES — May 17 2020

Sunday Times

BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

ADDENDUM EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE

BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

Kindly take note that the posts of • Director: Sector Development • Director: Monitoring and Evaluation • Director: Trade and Investment Promotion Services • Director: Security and Auxiliary Services and Director: HRM advertised in this publication has extended the closing date: PREVIOUS CLOSING DATE WAS 25 APRIL 2020.

EXTENDED CLOSING DATE: 29 MAY 2020.

The above notice was advertised in the Sunday Times and Daily Dispatch on 10 and 11 May 2020 respectively: “Applicants are to note that, due to the current lockdown regulations on postal and courier services, electronic applications for the advertised notice requesting applications of members to serve on the Audit Committee will be accepted. Such electronic applications may be sent as directed on the advert to camngcod@buffalocity. gov.za.�

(4428)

Contact: lumka@warriortalent.co.za or telephone 011 058 0030. www.thecandocompany.co.za 48477KZN

INVITATION FOR NOMINATIONS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF THE PASSENGER RAIL AGENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRASA) REF NO: DOT/PRASA/052020 The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is a national public entity established in terms of the Legal Succession to the South African Transport Services Amendment Act, 1989) (Act No. 9 of 1989) PRASA has a Board of Control, whose function is to ensure that the entity strives for the achievement of the objectives prescribed in the Act and exercise overall authority and control over the entity. The Board is appointed for a period of three years and is accountable to the Minister of Transport.

In terms of the Act, the Minister of Transport is required to appoint a Board of Control of not more than eleven (11) members, amongst whom shall be persons with expertise in Auditing, Engineering, Finance, Transport/ Logistics, Legal and Human Resources Management. Experience in the management of a private sector enterprise will be an added advantage.

Nominations must contain the full name and address of the interested parties making the nominations, a signed acceptance of the nomination by the nominee, ID copy and Curriculum Vitae of the nominee providing, amongst others, the candidate’s: • Full name and gender • Contact address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address • Previous experience and relevant expertise, quoting dates and organisations concerned •

Âż Interviews and security screening will be conducted for nominees who are shortlisted.

The nomination must be forwarded to: The Director-General, Department of Transport, Private Bag X193, Pretoria, 0001 For attention: Mr. Simon Maluleka E-mail: Boardrecruitment@dot. gov.za. The closing date for the nominations is 1 June 2020 Nominations received after the closing date will not be considered INVITATION FOR NOMINATIONS OF PERSONS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF THE CROSSBORDER ROAD TRANSPORT AGENCY (C-BRTA) REF NO:DOT/C-BRTA/052020

cross-border road transport by the public and private sector.

The Agency has a Board, whose function is to advise the Minister on any aspect related to crossborder road transport policy • regulate access to the market by the road transport freight and passenger industry in respect of cross-border road transport by issuing permits • undertake road transport law enforcement • facilitate the establishment of co-operative and consultative relationships and structures between public and private sector institutions with an interest in crossborder road transport.

A. Sihlahla City Manager

The Board shall have vacancies which will arise

Âż

Members of the Board. The Board serves for a period of three years and is accountable to the Minister of Transport. In terms of the Act, the Minister of Transport is required to appoint not more than eight other members, of whom not more than • Two members must be appointed on the account of their expertise in cross-border road transport of freight; and • Two must be appointed on account of their expertise in cross-border road transport of passengers • The other Board must include members who have legal knowledge and relevant expertise in corporate governance, including fnancial management; or • Are knowledgeable about the cross-border road transport industry , including labour matters.

www.basadzi.co.za

ST 17/05/20

10175

Simply type the word “stories� to 0600 44 22 54 to choose your story!

Director: African Energy Leadership Centre (Ňţʼn

)

Wits Business School (WBS) wishes to recruit a Director for the AELC. The successful applicant will have a good understanding of the wider energy sector in the country, the region and globally.

For more details and to apply for this post, visit: www.wits.ac.za/vacancies/ Closing date: ŇŅ May 2020

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Members of the public are hereby invited to nominate persons who have the required knowledge, expertise and experience to serve on the Board.

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• Full name and gender • Contact address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address • Previous experience and relevant expertise, quoting dates and organisations concerned • ¿

The nomination must be forwarded to: The Director-General, Department of Transport, Private Bag X193, Pretoria, 0001 For attention: Mr Simon Maluleka, E-mail: Boardrecruitment@ dot.gov.za. The closing date for the nominations is 1 June 2020.

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The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency is a national public entity established in terms of the Cross-Border Road Transport Act, 1998 (Act No. 4 of 1998). Its mandate is to provide the cooperative and co-ordinated advice, regulation, facilitation and law enforcement in respect of

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Candidates who applied for these positions previously SHOULD NOT apply again.

OUR STO RIES ARE NOW AVA ILA BLE ON

Basadzi Media - Advertising

THE FOLLOWING VACANCY EXISTS The Housing Development Agency (HDA) is a National Public sector development agency that inter alia has the mandate to identify, acquire, prepare and develop suitable land for human settlements. The agency also undertakes the programme and project management for development of housing and human settlements. The HDA carries out its functions in partnership with a range of stakeholders including national, provincial and local government and municipalities, as well as with communities, developers and nanciers.

Established in 2009, the Agency was established by an Act of Parliament in 2008 and is accountable through its Board to the Minister of Human Settlements. For more information about the HDA, please visit our website: www.thehda.co.za.

Follow us on Twitter @The_HDA and on Facebook: TheHDA. The HDA has the following twelve months Graduate Internship Programme: Reference: Internship Programme (HDA) 2020 Graduates in the following disciplines should apply: ƔBSc. in Civil and Construction Engineering ƔBSc. in Town & Urban Planning Ɣ BSc. in Geography or GeoInformatics Ɣ B. Degree in Law (LLB) Ɣ BCom (Financial Accounting, Procurement, Marketing & Communications, & Human Resources) ƔB Degree in Facilities or Property Management and Information Technology or equivalent quali cations.

The detailed advertisement can be viewed on the HDA website: http://www.thehda.co.za/jobs/current-jobs.

Closing date for applications: 24 May 2020 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conditions of service: The HDA is an equal opportunity employer Ć” Appointments will be made in accordance with the HDA Employment Equity policy Ć” The HDA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

SONDLO & KNOPP ADVERTISING

Ĺ? Äž Ĺ˝ Ĺ?žĂĹ?Ĺ?ŜĂ ŽŜ

Established in 1980, Mhlathuze Water is a public regional water service provider and a leading water utility. The organisation is committed to national and world-class service delivery standards.

General Manager: Operations FIVE YEAR PERFORMANCE CONTRACT REF: EXCO/2020/06 • JOB GRADE: 839 HAY UNITS / E1 Mhlathuze Water seeks to appoint a highly qualified and well experienced professional to fulfill the role of General Manager: Operations on a five year performance based contract. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the incumbent in this position will strategically manage the Operations Department that includes oversight of water and waste water service delivery and routine and preventative maintenance of infrastructure in order to contribute to the successful operation and constant improvement of Mhlathuze Water services.

Key performance areas: • Provide leadership in determining and implementing the organisation’s operations and maintenance strategies to ensure continuous provision of water and related services • Manage and lead the operations and maintenance department to meet the organisation’s objectives • Ensure the contractual obligations are met with all customers in terms of water quality and quantity • Assess and motivate maintenance and capital improvements to support long term developments • Ensure the efficient long term effluent disposal system is operational with minimal environmental impact • High level engagements with customers regarding current and future business opportunities • Ensure legal and environmental compliance in operations and maintenance activities • Research and recommend new programs and services for implementation • Oversight over the Occupational Health and Safety section and ensure all regulatory requirements are met • Assume responsibility for the General Machinery Regulations Subsection 2 (1) legal appointment as per Health and Safety legislative requirements • General management and leadership of the section including performance management, training and development, recruitment, planning, budgets and the promotion of teamwork.

Requirements: • Bachelor of Science (NQF7) in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 8 years’ experience relevant to this position of which at least three years must have been at Executive Management level OR National Diploma (NQF6) in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 10 years’ experience relevant to this position of which at least three years must have been at Executive Management level • A Government Certificate of Competence is essential whilst registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer or Professional Technologist will be advantageous • Knowledge of infrastructure maintenance, operations is essential and water distribution systems will be advantageous • Good understanding of engineering principles and knowledge of the planning and implementation of operations and maintenance projects, finance and tariff structures • Strong leadership, planning and organisational skills, and able to handle multiple priorities • Excellent interpersonal skills, communication, public speaking, presentation skills, customer service orientation, analytical skills and the ability to pay attention to detail • Ability to manage staff, build working relationships and motivate teams of people • Good understanding of the legislation applicable to Public Institutions, Occupational Health and Safety, Environment and Labour • Must be computer literate and proficient in the use of typical operations and maintenance software packages • Code B driver’s licence.

General Manager: Technical Services FIVE YEAR PERFORMANCE CONTRACT REF: EXCO/2020/05 • JOB GRADE: 805 HAY UNITS / E1 Mhlathuze Water seeks to appoint a highly qualified and well experienced professional to fulfill the role of General Manager: Technical Services on a five year performance based contract.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the incumbent in this position will strategically manage the planning and implementation of infrastructure for water and related services, in order to contribute to the successful delivery and constant improvement of Mhlathuze Water services.

Key performance areas: • Conceptualise, plan and optimise resources and infrastructure for water and related services • Provide technical specialised support to management in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed engineering designs and Capital Projects • Assess the increase in demand, change in technology and the amalgamation of existing bulk water service systems to timeously plan and execute feasibility studies for new projects, or possible expansion or upgrades to existing infrastructure. Monitor budget estimates, projected cash flows and the overall Capital expenditure on projects. Monitor progress on the turnaround strategies for projects and the enhancement of cost effective services as targeted by the Board • Contribute towards water services development plans of new and existing customers • General management and leadership of the Technical Services Department including performance management, training and development, recruitment, planning, budgets and the promotion of teamwork.

Qualifications: • Bachelor of Science or Engineering Degree (NQF Level 7) in Civil or Built Environment qualification with a minimum of 8 years’ experience relevant to this position of which at three years must have been at Executive Management level OR National Diploma (NQF6) in Civil or Built Environment Qualification with a minimum of 10 years’ experience relevant to this position of which three years must have been at Executive Management level • Professional Registration with a relevant Built Environment Body is essential • A post graduate business management qualification and experience relevant to the water sector will be advantageous • Strong leadership, planning and organisational skills, and able to handle multiple disciplines • A strong background in asset and infrastructure management. Sound knowledge of the planning and implementation of Engineering Projects, Budgets, Financial management and tariff structures. Good understanding of the legislation applicable to Public Institutions, Occupational Health and Safety, Environment and Labour. Advance computer literacy and exceptional communication and presentation skills • Valid driver’s licence.

Facilities Manager REF: CS/2020/01 • JOB GRADE: 406HU/D1 An excellent opportunity exists for a mature and experienced individual to fulfil the role of Facilities Manager in the Corporate Services Department. Reporting to the GM: Corporate Services, the incumbent in this position will plan, organise, coordinate, develop and manage outsourced facilities management service providers so as to minimise the Board’s exposure to security risks and to ensure that the facilities at Head Office and MW plants are maintained and reflect a positive image of the organisation.

Key performance areas: • Establish and implement systems for effective management and control of the organisation’s facilities • Develop, maintain and update the Security Policy Framework in order to ensure Assets protection and security awareness within the organization • Ensure the provision of a comprehensive, effective and disciplined security service to the organization • Manage and control all facility service contracts such as Security, Cleaning and Gardening services, hygiene and cleaning services, grounds and building maintenance • Compile budgets and control expenditure as per established policies and procedures • Draft and submit bid documents for all service contracts • Conduct investigations, compile reports and present any proposals or recommendations to enhance asset protection services • Responsible for fleet management including owned and leased vehicles • Responsible for the implementation of all project related to facilities management, asset protection, and fleet management • Establish systems and procedures to maintain grounds and buildings at various plants and buildings.

Qualifications: • Minimum of a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in the Built Environment, Facilities Management or Business Administration or other relevant qualification coupled with a minimum of seven years’ experience in a similar position OR a Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in the Built Environment, Facilities Management or Business Administration or other relevant qualification coupled with a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar position • Negotiation and co-ordination skills as well as strong contracts management and knowledge of relevant legislation • Knowledge of security risks, emergency response and other security hazards in the workplace. Must have experience in facilities and fleet management, health and hygiene services, grounds and building maintenance as well as disaster management response and business continuity plans • Negotiation and co-ordination skills • Must be able to manage multiple contracts simultaneously, and manage and control budgets and expenditure over multiple years • Report writing, conflict management and supervisory skills • Code B driver’s licence.

Qualifying females, coloured and white persons are encouraged to apply.

Applications for the above position, including a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, copies of qualifications, proof of identification, driver’s licence and details of recent contactable referees, must be sent to the HR Officer, at Mhlathuze Water, Private Bag X1047, Richards Bay, 3900, or by e-mail: vacancy@mhlathuze.co.za or via online application on the Mhlathuze Water website: www.mhlathuze.co.za by no later than 16h00, on the 29 May 2020 quoting the reference as indicated. • Mhlathuze Water reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised • The appointment will be made in line with the requirements of our employment equity plan • Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only • If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date, please accept that your application was not successful • Mhlathuze Water would never require job seekers to pay money when applying for positions in the organisation. www.thecandocompany.co.za 48454KZN

www.ayandambanga.co.za

7

8

May 17 2020 — BUSINESS TIMES

Markets

Sunday Times

LEGEND:

JSE INDICES

PE: Price earnings EY: Earnings yield; DY: Dividend yield; TD: 12 month dividend; CP: Closing Price in cents; Hi: 12 month high; Lo: 12 month low; Ch: Change on week V: Week’s volume in thousands

DIVIDEND YIELD (DY): The annual rolling dividend payments (excluding special dividends) divided by the closing price.

12 MONTH DIVIDEND (TD): The sum of all the dividends paid over the preceeding year, excluding special dividends.

PE

EY DY

TD

CP

Hi

Lo

Ch

V

OIL & GAS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY -30.3

-3.3

RENERGEN

1470

1798

750

+136

487

OIL & GAS PRODUCERS -0.5 -212.6 42.8 2.0

2.3 50.9

1.2

43.5

EFORA ERIN MONTAUK OANDO

15 3000 3801 17

37 3000 6100 30

7 3000 2010 1

0 0 +801 -1

2197 0 49 4

PE

EY DY

TD

2.2 46.0 27.4 15.5 6.4 3.2 -1.5 -68.3 0.2 486.1 4.4 23.0 10.2 18.9 5.3 2.4 9.4 10.6 5.0 15.6 6.4 2.6 -1.2 -83.2 2.4 40.8 30.3 2.7 36.8 5.4 2.6 38.5 1.4

96.1 74.0

BASIC MATERIALS

23.2 5.5 7.1

16.3 12.5 4.3 18.2 14.2

8.1 4.9 4.4 8.0

570.0 80.0 590.0 75.0 590.0

AECI AFROX BEE-SASOL OMNIA SASOL SPANJAARD

30.0 4.0 1.5

9.7 4.7 1369.7 16.7 10.5 245.3 54.3

7050 11199 1632 2418 7000 28500 1691 5568 7740 44080 103 210

MONDIPLC SAPPI YORK

29034 2269 90

6401 1420 3000 1250 2077 93

-543 921 +15 183 0 0 -399 1399 -231 14649 0 0

ALPHAMIN ARCMITTAL HULAMIN INSIMBI KUMBA

220 62 106 73 38761

33362 23015 -1687 6041 1720 -417 231 79 +6

2501 7432 356

345 220 0 349 26 0 409 85 +1 115 64 +9 52903 20525 +3562

3 2323 1462 242 1821

MINING 14.2 38.4 8.3 5.0 5.9 3.3 12.5 8.0 -3.9 28.3 -4.2 3.5

10.2 54.2 14.2 15.4 -24.5

7.1 2.7 2760.0 2.6 0.3 165.0 12.1 4.8 1564.5 19.9 10.4 1400.0 16.9 6.6 2100.0 30.3 8.0 6.9 2203.2 12.5 -25.7 3.5 2.4 45.0 -24.1 28.6 13.8 1430.0

9.8 1.8 7.0 6.5 -4.1

20.1 5.0 8.5 11.8 -1.3 -78.4 -3.0 -33.7 -1.4 -71.5 -25.0 22.6 -4.3 13.3 -4.5

-4.0 4.4 -23.2 7.5 -22.3

58.6 -9.8

1.7 -10.2

-83.7 22.4 16.0 -1.8 -8.3 -6.0 7.1

-1.2 4.5 6.2 -56.1 -12.0 -16.6 14.2

1.0 4.8

1.1

160.0 152.3

125.0 125.0

8.9

4.0

0.6

2.2

2.7 0.9

58.8 10.8

AMPLATS ANGGOLD ANGLO ARM ASSORE BAUBA BHP BUFFALO CHROMETCO DRDGOLD EASTPLATS EXXARO FIRESTONE FIRESTONE OPT GEMFIELDS GFIELDS GLENCORE HARMONY HWANGE IMPL CB22 IMPLATS JUBILEE KIBO KORE MC MINING MEDIAMOND MERAFE NORTHAM ORIONMIN PAN-AF RANGOLD RBP CONV RBPLAT RESGEN ROCKWELL SIBANYE-S SOUTH32 THARISA UNICORN UNION WESCOAL WESIZWE

100501 142379 1900 50522 52414 16160 32680 42665 20413 13500 19327 8206 31900 40492 15517 24 66 11 32079 36900 19505 80 84 75 9 13 2 1880 1880 239 180 850 58 10371 18345 7507 6 6 6 4 4 4 148 220 113 15675 16050 5083 3197 5168 2254 7035 7428 2225 51 51 51 2383388 3466000 1478000 11027 17750 4476 69 95 37 9 43 7 15 62 14 203 983 61 11 11 11 49 134 24 8790 14996 4988 19 38 14 365 367 150 140 290 115 990000 1460000 948000 2990 6500 1450 65 137 62 40 40 40 3575 5155 1106 2197 3484 1637 1239 2175 860 8 23 4 4 4 4 108 170 90 42 60 31

+8058 +3376 +602 +500 +350 -1 +1477 0 -1 +179 0 -156 0 0 +8 +912 -122 +645 0 0 +965 -1 -1 -1 -7 0 +3 +700 +1 +46 -18 -10000 -11 0 0 +170 -39 +85 -1 0 -1 +2

1305 8750 12376 3898 2627 5 11258 0 989 10349 0 3320 0 0 4081 15328 16232 20556 0 0 23226 2098 373 573 236 0 3669 9049 348 12698 1 1 644 0 0 60905 5179 13 114 0 74 478

INDUSTRIALS

4.3

5.0 -31.5

4.1

98.0

20.0 -3.2

5.7 17.6 -1.4 -69.0 19.4 5.2 20.9 4.8 9.1 11.0 -5272.4 5.6 18.0 7.1 14.0

9.0

6.5

2.6

44.0

9.6 2.2

19.1 190.0

ACCENT AFRIMAT AVENG BASREAD BRIKOR CALGRO ESOR GROUP 5 KAYDAV MAZOR PPC RAUBEX SEPHAKU STEFSTOCK TRELLIDOR WBHO WEARNE

17 2400 2 4 9 800 3 89 72 10 93 1670 39 14 200 8681 3

55 3650 3 4 9 800 3 89 98 99 564 2550 193 200 440 14904 3

3 2101 1 4 9 80 3 89 50 10 74 1215 39 5 194 6350 3

0 0 -10 237 0 142299 0 0 0 0 +528 28 0 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 -5 35738 -20 1696 -6 758 -1 3534 0 8 -200 397 0 0

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 4.3

23.2

8.6 0.2

-0.2 -445.1 -0.7 -150.5 6.8 14.7 13.1 -5.9 -17.1

25.0 0.2

513.0

ARB CAFCA CIL ELLIES REUNERT S.OCEAN

292 100 71 6 3815 24

495 170 237 13 7918 93

290 100 16 4 3562 20

0 0 +19 -1 +66 0

5 0 161 1073 677 0

GENERAL INDUSTRIALS 4.3 7.1 10.7 6.7 3.7 4.1 3.9 4.1 2.2 5.8

23.2 14.1 7.5 9.3 4.3 14.9 6.5 26.7 24.5 12.6 25.8 12.6 24.1 7.8 46.2 17.1 7.2

462.0 600.0 42.0 23.0 55.0 60.0 83.0

ARGENT BARWORLD BIDVEST BOWCALF ENXGROUP KAP M&R-HLD MPACT NAMPAK TRNPACO

449 6158 13800 650 374 182 445 752 122 1151

620 400 13584 5141 22617 12639 800 624 1300 320 742 115 1626 432 2589 111 1148 85 2080 1145

+38 -243 -748 -50 +44 -28 -61 +2 -28 -199

52 2124 6284 30 4952 15395 622 435 6811 0

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING 1.6 1.8 3.5 -3.2 -18.7

62.3 56.4 28.5 -31.7 -5.4

9.0 11.1 5.0

45.0 50.0 26.0

BELL INVICTA MASTDRILL MINERESI PSV

499 450 522 3 20

19.8 12.5

23.3

8.3

5.0 8.0

120.0

2.9 2141.4 5.4 423.0

1100 2799 1250 3 30

14.0 7.2 5.8 4.0 25.3 10.8 9.2 5.0 112.5 0.9 10.1 9.9 4.1 10.8 9.2 7.2 12.0 8.4 10.3 3.4 29.1 10.4 24.7 4.0 2.8 16.5 6.0 3.5 8.4 11.9 3.6 13.3 7.5 4.2 -1.0 -104.9

24.3 6.0 -37.3 13.6 6.1 -19.5 10.9 1.9 23.8 5.0 22.7 7.5 -1.9 25.0 20.8 10.8

19.2 276.0 5.0 7.5

185.0 43.0

GRINDROD GRINSHIP IMPERIAL LABAT ONELOGIX SANTOVA SUPRGRP TEXTAINER TRENCOR VALUE

318 4300 4519 30 265 145 1480 13800 759 415

V

PE

EY DY

-45 +225 -2 -20 -560 0 -14 -53 -700 -17 0 0

2573 183 867 46 199 0 1246 92 3204 3844 0 0

14.9 29.9 6.8 3.2 4.8

6.7 0.9 755.0 3.3 0.6 1.6 14.7 8.6 298.0 30.9 16.8 1415.0 20.9 11.8 994.0

METAIR

1400

2575

1192

-114

3447

AB INBEV DISTELL

73526 151318 57267 -5216 7800 14490 6000 -251

614 1002

250 375 500 3 1

-1 -21 -28 0 +1

39 139 347 0 314

749 11462 6300 69 380 268 3576 18000 3324 695

410.0 900.0 25.0 427.0 10.0 33.0 25.0 48.2 45.0 755.0

A-V-I AH-VEST ASTRAL CROOKES LIBSTAR OCEANA PFB QUANTUM RCL RFG SEAHARVST TIGBRANDS TONGAAT

7056 25 18100 4400 605 5900 95 335 850 1420 1215 17800 705

9666 5939 35 9 22252 14500 5500 3376 998 516 7600 4148 277 70 414 300 1532 810 1769 606 1500 1000 25500 14381 2194 200

-759 -7 -500 +99 -30 0 +8 -2 -104 +20 -35 -1315 -165

7199 89 496 1 5185 460 1 243 427 838 697 1908 3708

-5

82

LEISURE GOODS 3.4

29.3 12.5

288.4

NUWORLD

2295

5000

1900

2 9806

6 12545

1 7919

0 0 -717 16690

68431

73124

49111

-380

-15.4 37.4

-6.5 2.7

1.9

189.6

IMBALIE RICHEMONT TOBACCO

13.8

7.2

5.5 3790.6

BATS

2933

HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES -2.5 -40.3 6.1 16.4 11.5 14.0 7.1 3.3 9.8 10.2 2.6 8.8 11.3 7.6

34.0 53.0 147.1 111.0

ADVANCED AFRO-C LIFEHC MEDICLINIC NETCARE

30 295 1618 5725 1405

90 515 2600 8043 2132

14 233 1588 5157 1154

0 359 -37 805 -106 24378 +5 4578 -79 15117

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY 10.3 -1.4 11.7 26.3 -100.0

9.7 -72.4 8.5 3.8 -1.0

4.6

200.0

ADCOCK ASCENDIS ASPEN GO LIFE NUTRITION

4356 88 13578 25 1

6796 570 14081 44 2

3700 29 6407 25 1

-44 -11 +709 0 0

878 7690 8687 0 8

CONSUMER SERVICES FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS 14.7

6.8

3.0

660.0

31.4 30.8 16.7 14.7 14.9

3.2 3.3 6.0 6.8 6.7

2.0 1.3 0.9 3.2 4.8

445.0 26.3 42.8 319.0 800.0

BIDCORP CHOPPIES CLICKS DIS-CHEM PICKNPAY SHOPRIT SPAR

21654 64 22200 1966 4854 10096 16400

35799 64 27467 2930 7299 17875 21622

17103 64 17938 1917 4515 9501 14225

-2346 4370 0 0 -976 7403 -133 4675 -1094 14084 -1046 8411 -2083 3936

8.2 3.5 12.9 5.3 9.7 4.9 4.0 -6.4 2.8 10.7 6.7 10.0 -2.3 31.0

12.5 1.1

2.2

12.1 6.1 28.8 17.6 7.8 1.3 18.9 7.2 10.3 4.2 20.3 4.4 24.9 15.1 -15.6 6.4 36.3 8.6 9.4 6.2 14.9 4.2 10.0 2.1 -44.1 3.2

11.4 8.8 -0.3 -321.9 5.1 19.4 12.7 5.0 20.0 13.6 11.6 8.6 3.1 9.0 11.1 6.8

15.0

855.0 176.0 10.2 166.0 42.0 90.0 249.0 140.0 250.0 736.2 3.8 20.9

785.0 384.0 56.6 187.5

ADVTECH AF & OVR AF&OVR 6%PP AFOVR-N CASHBIL CMH CURRO HOMCHOICE ITLTILE KAAP AGRI LEWIS MASSMART MOTUS MRPRICE NICTUS PEPKORH PL GROUP REX TRUE REX TRUE -NSTADIO STEINHOFF N.V. TFG TRUWTHS VIVO WOOLIES

29.9 8.4 -51.4 22.2 14.0

11.2

8.9

51.7

1.9

6.0

150.0 60.0 60.0 18.0 18.0

AME BLACKSTAR CAXTON CAXTON6%CPP E MEDIA E MEDIA-N MC GROUP

690 2720 1000 2500 14000 1000 788 2301 997 2049 1650 2197 2900 11916 89 1009 10 1800 1794 92 100 6467 2909 1659 2858

1452 2721 1000 3000 29533 2390 2709 4000 1525 4000 3897 8501 8998 21313 100 1943 29 2300 2150 345 205 18859 7728 2700 6151

592 -95 3688 2650 0 0 1000 0 0 1386 0 0 7000 -2000 917 853 0 158 469 -207 1671 660 -489 14 910 -3 3637 1400 -136 70 1341 +81 190 2033 -202 8312 2300 +32 5915 9820 -1213 7181 41 0 1 971 -61 18837 3 +5 3988 1800 0 0 1295 0 0 75 -22 2360 78 -4 6746 5600 -416 17919 2229 +62 18273 1100 -91 18 2401 -102 28324

1790 255 429 10200 300 434 8500

3800 450 850 19000 450 600 13849

1790 63 397 10101 234 225 7228

-10 -10 -21 0 -25 0 -100

66 279 23 0 1 0 7354

TRAVEL & LEISURE 7.1 14.1 13.3 2.0 48.8 18.0 11.9 8.4 5.5 3.1 32.0 14.0 -0.2 -407.6 7.0 14.2 10.4 2.4 41.3 -0.1 -1155.0 18.3 5.5 1.6 61.1 34.2

290.0 18.0 190.0 42.0 151.0

82.0

CITYLDG COMAIR FAMBRANDS HPLR PHUMELELA SPURCORP SUNINT TASTE THL TSOGO SUN

2188 100 3450 300 41 1600 1415 3 195 237

3233 46 6149 1136 1 242 2421 37 427 31

11849 460 9696 486 630 2880 5922 15 500 2215

1330 90 1950 289 41 1401 1407 1 102 206

-212 0 -248 +5 0 +199 -247 0 +20 -38

366 0 1566 330 0 1507 2572 315 2514 4825

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

13.7 3.6

7.3 8.7 28.1 17.5

6.0 320.9

TELEMASTR TELKOM

69 2019

79 10004

16 0 0 1329 +206 18640

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS -0.9 -117.0 7.6 13.2 4.4 10.2 9.8 11.5 13.8 7.3 6.0

18.8 550.0 785.0

BLUETEL HUGE MTN GROUP VODACOM

218 429 4775 12878

522 650 11445 13729

152 376 2625 9070

0 2191 -21 6 -222 54236 +109 8289

18272

6330

-427

FINANCIALS

SUPPORT SERVICES

BANKS 4.4

22.7 14.6 1125.0

ABSA

7699

Hi

Lo

81072 149756 53986 269 425 182 3463 7179 3113 8433 27342 6730 8782 21022 8341

Ch

V

-428 1470 +5 108 -378 72383 -718 10200 -497 16895

0.3 306.1 30.6 3.3 -12.9 5.9 -30.8 26.4 3.8 4.7

-7.8 16.8 -3.2 3.8 26.2 21.5

-51.1 81.5 -9.4

-2.0 1.2 -10.7

6.0 9.9

45.0 45.0 39.8

2.1 1.8

75.0 75.0 75.0

3.2

5.5

AND ARDENCAP BRIMST-N BRIMSTON GAIA NIVEUS RHBOPHELO SABCAP SABVEST SABVEST-N STELLAR TREMATON ZARCLEAR

10 780 525 749 401 274 985 3500 4264 3000 70 170 418

998 800 935 1074 650 1095 1100 3800 5150 3900 85 310 440

1 226 341 625 240 171 899 3200 3200 2406 55 151 311

-282 -17 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 -1 +289 +3 -4 +18

1 0 727 25 25 0 0 4 3 17 8922 54 285

PE

17.0 30.0 16.0

341.0 3.0 7.4

265.0 317.8 328.7 690.0 21.8

7.0 11.1 -7.1 13.1 14.6 -121.4 63.7 31.9 8.8 6.7 10.0 4.0 9.1 12.6 1.9 9.9 5.0 25.4

14.2 7.8 9.0 9.3 -14.2 107.7 7.6 1.6 6.8 3.2 -0.8 1.6 3.8 3.1 1.1 11.4 4.4 14.8 4.4 10.0 4.8 25.0 5.0 11.0 7.5 7.9 2.3 52.2 10.1 19.9 3.0 3.9 6.1

11.5 165.0 42.0 239.0 22.5 103.0 323.8 564.0 198.0 110.0 98.7 60.0 34.0

7.4 11.0

AEEI AFDAWN AFORBES ANCHOR ARCINVEST BRAIT CORONAT DENEB ECSPONENT EFFICIENT ETHOSCAP GRANPRADE HCI INVLTD INVPLC JSE LONFIN LONG4LIFE METTLE NINETY 1L NINETY 1P NVEST PERGRIN PHOENIX PSG PSG KST PURPLE QUILTER REINET REMGRO RMBH RMIH SASFIN SYGNIA TRANSCAP TRUSTCO UPARTNERS VUNANI ZEDER

TD

15.3 17.4 8.6 2.4 19.8 11.5 10.9 4.3 19.7 10.0 6.9 6.3

131.0 215.0 712.0 70.0 120.0 334.0

CLIENTELE DISCOVERY LIB-HOLD MOMMET OMUTUAL SANLAM

1694 15585 12532 2278 2314 8474

3.3 30.6 10.8 9.2 2.8 9.7 10.3 12.1 9.3 10.8 6.1 12.6 8.0 13.5 68.3 1.5 -0.4 -280.8 9.6 10.4 2.5 40.4 42.7 -1.5 -68.8 43.2 2.3 0.2 5.6 18.0 6.9 55.9 1.8 -1.6 -61.4 -4.8 -21.0

55.0 51.0 4.3 10.0

19.2 480.5 12.0

3.3 1.7 3.9

29.9 59.7 25.3

7.3 5.2

30.0 30.0

153.3

189.0

4SIGHT ASTORIA HULISANI MTNZFUTHI YEBOYETHU

23 21 399 1115 2550

48 249 1550 2200 2550

14714

-0.3 -312.6 12.4 8.1

4.3

1110.0

CONDUIT SANTAM

43 25796

11.6 4.2 12.5 13.9 48.9 13.1 19.6 35.5

0.1 1276.8 11.6 8.6 13.8 13.3 7.5 4.3 -4.0 -25.1 7.7 5.6 18.0 15.4 9.5 10.5 12.0 4.3 23.4 4.2 6.3 15.8 25.7 3.9 3.8 3.8 26.3 6.3

25.0 185.8 26.2 202.3

186.2 138.3 56.3 159.1 953.2 15.3 57.9 55.0

ACSION ATLEAF BALWIN EPP FREEDOM FRONTIER GRITREAL GTCSA LIGHTCAP MAS NEPIROCK PUTPROP RAVEN SIRIUS TRADEH VISUAL

600 1335 200 570 7 8 1350 3221 732 1035 7925 360 950 1580 914 4

651 5450 5541 1326 924 3850

-115 698 -854 7583 -274 5471 -70 10905 -135 52129 -684 24480

-2 0 0 -100 +550

965 0 0 33 4

140 12 -16 33350 22130 -1399

675 164

725 1860 396 2100 7 260 1950 3600 950 2238 13971 549 950 1836 1300 5

12 21 263 82 1500

600 975 128 434 7 2 900 2000 501 562 5204 350 780 912 764 3

0 +35 -2 -5 0 -5 0 0 0 +14 -361 0 0 +50 +14 0

0 133 1084 4456 0 184 49 0 1260 3054 5709 0 0 3581 59 0

-3 -26 -11 -14 -390 -26 0 +1 -21 +1 +3 -15 0 +5 +3 +2 -97 -94 0 +11 -65 +123 +15 -7 -16 -27 0 +1 -43 +109 -4 -4 +14 -90 -14 -38 -36 +12 0 -15 -22 +2 0 +36

4143 7109 0 3114 10310 25 0 3194 239 20 3180 6396 0 3425 39639 22708 46808 9253 0 73 8689 1874 153 2913 3582 775 0 0 2057 2615 1613 8936 200244 4335 16941 156 9 416 162 4029 197 917 0 11048

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS 2.6 4.0 -4.7

37.9 68.7 24.8 17.9 -21.3 18.9

-77.1 -1.3 1.0 4.4 22.8 17.3 14.4 6.9 7.2 0.8 125.6 72.3 5.0 19.9 21.5 4.0 13.3 9.5 6.3 7.3

25.3 27.2 7.5 9.1 10.5 9.0 15.9 17.2 13.8 15.4

8.4 11.9 2.0 49.5 14.4 6.9 3.4 29.3 2.5 39.7 20.8 4.8 7.2 13.9 18.6 5.4 4.6 21.8 9.0 11.1 17.7 5.7 68.8 1.5 2.9 34.2 7.0 14.3 -1.4 -70.0

18.4 11.6 7.4 4.8 20.3 12.0 141.0

7.7 5.6 2.8 7.4 12.2 5.5 19.6 19.5 1.8 3.1 12.5 3.6

28.0 15.9 29.4 14.6 7.7 16.8 5.9 9.2 35.2 32.9 10.2 36.5

12.9 17.7 35.8 13.5 8.2 18.2 5.1 5.1 56.3 31.9 8.0 27.7

17.8 19.2 7.1 31.5 21.3 5.9 29.1

39.8 86.0 111.5 111.5 32.1 407.2 36.1 28.2 110.2 110.2 152.6 151.4 86.5 22.3 152.9 152.9 218.3 207.7 82.1 99.6 359.3 83.0 78.3 144.4 60.4 42.7 101.0 99.2 117.5 29.6 29.6 48.1 535.4 28.5 48.0 120.0 91.7 122.9 110.3 35.2 72.4 65.1 184.2

ACCPROP ATTACQ AWAPROPA AWAPROPB CAPCO CAPREG CASTLEVIEW DELPROP DIPULA A DIPULA B EMIRA EQUITES EXEMPLAR FAIRVEST FORTRESSA FORTRESSB GROWPNT HAMMERSON HERIOT HOSP-B HYPROP IAPF INDLU INTUPLC INVPROP LIBERTY2D NEWPARK OASIS OCTODEC RDI REBOSIS REBOSISA REDEFINE RESILIENT SA CORP SAFARI SERE SPEARREIT STENPROP STOR-AGE TEX TOWER TRANSCEND VUKILE

58 480 589 111 3128 2350 500 39 513 200 561 1670 960 130 991 195 1229 1083 1150 316 1690 1417 269 103 784 519 575 2126 482 1210 20 36 193 3324 93 300 1565 540 2100 1195 99 220 640 520

398 1448 1060 555 5225 9900 500 281 1120 697 1450 2417 1000 220 2200 1260 2500 6208 1150 1098 7391 1639 622 1813 1650 752 575 2175 2000 2615 140 1801 985 6999 365 545 2311 1040 2700 1598 438 620 700 2153

V

ADAPTIT ALTRON AYO CAPPREC COGNITION DATATEC EOH ETION ISA JASCO NASPERS-N PBT GROUP PROSUS SEBATA SILVERB TCS

159 694 121 -16 1970 2875 1390 +219 420 1200 92 0 70 83 51 0 74 100 47 0 2295 3797 1755 -104 318 2500 213 -6 9 33 5 -3 45 209 31 0 25 49 8 -1 307310 327770 184380 +1170 175 250 135 -5 156609 165663 86782 +5044 172 700 125 +10 69 120 31 -6 1 1 1 0

1024 8844 2 1704 0 719 1343 428 716 302 6743 25 4320 11 22 0

33 423 589 107 1801 752 500 23 502 121 505 1294 850 102 800 153 950 899 1000 205 1447 947 215 65 601 360 400 2050 469 934 12 22 139 3007 93 280 1252 475 1357 1004 99 155 600 464

ALARIS ALVIVA MUSTEK

161 410 575

275 1773 934

150 334 411

-4 -59 +25

269 1285 3728

1NVESTGGOVB 10734 11051 7621 +210 1NVESTGLD 31590 32691 18000 +936 1NVESTGREIT 1692 2280 1400 -135 1NVESTMSCIWRLD 4945 5228 3778 -136 1NVESTPLD 32856 43021 12022 -840 1NVESTPLT 13836 14928 10000 +77 1NVESTRHO 126010 229598 37602 +10510 1NVESTSAGOVB 7097 7530 6040 -125 1NVESTSAPROP 2271 5090 2033 -41 1NVESTSP500 26250 27546 18101 -485 1NVESTSP5IT 1065 1187 637 -32 1NVESTSWX40 1060 1138 722 +79 1NVESTTOP40 4645 5353 3030 -30 AMIBIG50 1218 1498 1096 +6 AMIREIT 2800 6900 2736 +28 ASHGLOBND 952 1000 688 +1 ASHGLOEQT 5407 5900 4086 -90 ASHINFBND 1912 2079 1652 -87 ASHMIDCAP 499 808 405 -28 ASHTOP40 4671 5576 3400 -19 COREGPROP 3724 4300 3001 -288 CORESP500 5260 5462 3943 -75 CSPROP 700 1507 642 -15 CTOP50 1984 2421 1472 -23 DCCUS2 190730 207075 138380 +2500 DCCUSD 204050 209990 137365 +3065 DIVTRX 1850 2719 1692 -111 FRB 3317000 3411600 1891550+105950 GLODIV 1390 1470 1087 -25 MAPPS_GRO 2030 2283 1591 -24 MAPPS_PRO 3641 3910 3062 -27 NEWFEQMOM 3184 3812 2395 -96 NEWFNGOVI 6741 7400 5333 -87 NEWFNILBI 6610 7060 5473 -86 NEWFTRACI 2704 2710 2460 +7 NEWGOLD 30370 31234 17185 +1058 NEWPALL 32725 42564 18400 -689 NEWPLAT 14024 14772 9817 +468 NFDEFEQ 936 991 895 -2 NFEVAL 618 991 516 -31 NFEVOL 762 1103 644 -33 NFGROWTH 818 1149 787 -3 NFMODEQ 852 1017 843 0 NFNAMB 1408 1447 1206 -12 PREFTRAX 716 1010 626 -3 S&PGIVISA 3413 4212 403 -25 SATRIX40 4659 5375 3358 -25 SATRIX500 5210 5657 3800 -143 SATRIXDIV 177 265 142 -3 SATRIXEMG 4440 4655 3500 -84 SATRIXFINI 946 1811 761 -65 SATRIXGOV 714 739 660 -9 SATRIXILB 580 603 479 -9 SATRIXINDI 6846 7271 5133 -114 SATRIXMMT 865 1126 680 -21 SATRIXNDQ 9448 10148 5630 -129 SATRIXPRO 659 1658 607 -20 SATRIXQUA 652 894 539 -22 SATRIXRAF 1135 1550 890 -39 SATRIXRES 4626 5189 2800 +185 SATRIXSWX 977 1139 714 -5 SATRIXWDM 4961 5370 3518 -121 SHARIAH40 270 346 130 -6 SMART 3448 4625 2700 -96 SYG4IRGE 3198 3328 2200 -84 SYGEUR050 5575 6342 4300 -167 SYGFTSE100 13245 15000 10144 -329 SYGMSCIJP 1514 1561 1129 -18 SYGMSCIUS 4957 5128 3650 -86 SYGMSCIWD 3706 3844 2755 -73 SYGPROP40 3947 4401 3245 -267 SYGSP500 5332 5512 3978 -81 SYGSWIX40 968 1148 715 -40 SYGTOP40 4695 5402 3400 -56

8 49 147 3 11 12 15 77 208 2 1043 2 5 5 0 120 121 559 1160 982 266 89 536 140 0 2 215 0 372 2 0 33 820 4 141 1195 22 665 1 1024 16 87 5 0 2103 1 1016 517 5393 199 1658 736 3627 172 42 408 5183 1189 713 122 50 709 33 83 525 154 19 149 601 1684 171 208 1058 92

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT & SERVICES 8.7 8.0 2.0 5.1

Ch

ADDITIONAL

NONEQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS -164.3 -0.6 -0.9 -108.1 730.2 -8.9 -11.3 5.2 19.4 -0.8 -120.1 9.0

Lo

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT

52 275 22 +2 120 10 95 3 -5 15 370 647 280 -10 1589 306 445 290 +2 402 311 570 192 -16 2357 300 2400 270 -10 13458 3485 5375 2436 -209 3488 155 240 101 -1 0 6 28 2 0 2675 547 550 350 +47 13 394 835 316 -16 1194 200 380 200 -14 9399 1730 11499 1700 -155 1106 3452 6577 2575 +52 15170 3372 6666 2518 -4 11992 11155 14948 8500 -295 892 500 700 162 0 0 250 505 222 -22 5664 114 207 68 +1 48 4120 5000 2010 0 1602 4101 6000 2028 0 5797 148 219 51 0 0 1810 2076 1435 -80 784 39 84 30 +2 7452 14729 25600 7900 -508 3054 703 1047 431 -42 1048 33 43 23 -1 590 2680 3368 1999 -151 15812 28698 34800 22301 -1239 974 12695 20215 10155 -1293 4282 4636 8787 3957 -458 13819 2303 3528 1733 -152 6250 1990 3500 1700 -55 25 800 1050 654 -38 93 1516 2679 896 +70 3077 250 1050 179 -20 23 1875 1950 1250 0 0 250 255 103 0 0 180 513 166 +12 6984

753 8777 6175 1628 1180 5159

Hi

SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES

LIFE INSURANCE 6.6 11.7 5.1 9.2 5.1 14.6

CP

TECHNOLOGY

FINANCIAL SERVICES 0.5 194.0 32.7 -0.4 -246.0 9.9 10.1 8.1 8.2 12.3 5.2 7.6 13.2 -0.2 -625.3 10.2 9.8 9.8 53.4 1.9 1.9 -2977.5 16.6 6.0 1.4 11.3 8.9 9.0 11.1 1.5 66.3 15.3 5.7 17.7 9.2 5.4 18.5 9.7 13.6 7.4 6.2 5.6 18.0 4.4 5.8 17.4 5.6 17.9

EY DY

NONLIFE INSURANCE

MEDIA 3.3 -1.9 4.5

CP CAPITEC FINBOND FIRSTRAND NEDBANK STANBANK

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS

GENERAL RETAILERS

FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS 281 -17 3201 -13 2299 +218 16 -2 188 0 100 -1 1119 -170 9995 -1424 700 +34 400 +5

TD

PERSONAL GOODS

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION 4.1 -2.7 7.4 -5.1 9.2 4.2 4.4 13.3 -52.9 4.8

Ch

267 1550 8 160 5601 1651 120 410 3860 88 50 80

BEVERAGES

8.0 93.2

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS -0.9 -107.6 7.4 13.4 -0.4 -265.0

Lo

2500 2940 75 1000 13749 2396 314 1040 15000 495 199 174

FOOD PRODUCERS

INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING 1571.4 0.1 -0.2 -482.3 2.4 41.5 17.0 18.0 5.0 19.8 5.5 4.0 7.6 13.1 12.1 4678.0

Hi

351 2300 13 160 5900 2300 220 609 5700 99 74 110

AUTOMOBILES & PARTS

FORESTRY & PAPER 10.3 6.0 1.8

CP

CONSUMER GOODS

CHEMICALS 6.1 8.0

600.0 55.5 11.0 16.0

ADCORP CARTRACK CSG ELBGROUP HUDACO MARSHALL METROFILE MIXTEL NET1UEPS NOVUS PRIMESERV WORKFORCE

PREFERENCE SHARES 12.4 7065.2 570.0 462.0 755.0 215.0

13.1

10.8

298.0 19.2 840.7 840.7 317.8 328.7 328.7 50.0 712.0

84.5 111.0 239.0

98.7 994.0 994.0 785.0

ABSABANK-P AECI 5.5%P BARWORLD6%P CAPITEC-P DSY B PREF ECSP C2 FIRSTRANDB-P GRINDROD PREF IBRPREF1 INVESTEC-P INVLTDPREF INVPREF INVPREFR IVT PREF LIBHOLD11 NAMPAK 6%P NAMPAK 6.5 NEDBANK-P NTC PREF PSGFIN PREF RAC PREFS REX TRUE6% SASFIN-P SHFINV-PREF STANBANK-P STANBANK6.5 TFG PREF ZPLP

56900 77700 47999 1500 1500 1275 101 123 101 10000 11000 9540 6250 10101 6250 9600 9600 9600 6667 8900 5100 5700 8250 5520 100656 101740 100271 6401 9100 5000 6000 8475 4700 8500 9800 8500 9000 9320 8600 4500 9300 4450 106 108 101 126 126 120 131 131 121 780 1000 601 5900 8900 5700 6300 9500 5850 850 1800 790 127 130 127 5110 8500 4500 4401 4401 4401 6450 9100 5500 57 105 57 122 126 122 7100 9000 6200

-90 0 0 -100 -250 0 -183 -225 -941 +51 -50 0 0 -99 0 0 0 +30 -100 -180 +60 0 +10 0 -100 0 0 -200

9 0 0 3 75 0 112 17 1 53 132 0 0 24 0 0 0 316 8 590 121 0 5 0 106 0 0 319

CODE

DESCRIPTION

CLOSE

ONE WEEK CHANGE

ONE WEEK CHANGE PERCENTAGE

ANNUAL CHANGE

J135 J135T J150 J150T J151 J151T J153 J153T J154 J154T J173 J173T J175 J175T J177 J177T J200 J200T J201 J201T J202 J202T J203 J203T J204 J204T J205 J205T J206 J206T J210 J210T J211 J211T J212 J212T J213 J213T J232 J232T J233 J233T J235 J235T J250 J250T J253 J253T J257 J257T J258 J258T J272 J272T

Chemicals Chemicals TR Gold Mining Gold Mining TR Coal Mining Coal Mining TR Platinum Mining Platinum Mining TR Other Mineral Extractors Other Mineral Extractors TR Forestry & Paper Forestry & Paper TR Industrial Metals& Mining Industrial Metals& Mining TR Mining Mining TR Top40 - (Tradeable) Top40 - (Tradeable) TR Mid Cap Mid Cap TR Small Cap Small Cap TR All Share All Share TR Fledgling Fledgling TR FTSE/JSE Large Cap FTSE/JSE Large Cap TR FTSE/JSE Large & Mid Cap FTSE/JSE Large & Mid Cap TR Resource 10 Resource 10 TR Industrial 25 Industrial 25 TR Financial 15 Financial 15 TR Financial & Industrial 30 Financial & Industrial 30 TR Alt-X Alt-X TR Alt-X 15 Alt-X 15 TR Construction & Materials Construction & Materials TR Fini and Indi Fini and Indi TR SA Listed Property SA Listed Property TR All Share Industrials All Share Industrials TR Resources Resources TR General Industrials General Industrials TR

4599.00 1530.42 4851.00 2441.44 15331.00 1694.95 53.00 1821.98 10601.00 6023.46 45032.00 2180.35 18922.00 15322.19 43330.00 4193.90 45948.00 6975.85 50658.00 11654.64 31532.00 11959.25 49629.00 7572.54 3976.00 7130.59 51893.00 57536.88 48857.00 54383.88 45082.00 3004.78 71596.00 14502.94 8965.00 5523.83 66395.00 11325.61 797.00 1067.16 317.00 403.53 10.00 1989.85 6332.00 11129.47 222.00 966.97 75283.00 14717.81 25690.00 3129.22 93.00 8.31

-207.27 -127.11 +328.12 +106.49 -230.16 -65.73 +4.14 -3.17 +330.81 -123.01 -3075.40 -153.71 +1738.66 +625.06 +1915.80 -16.74 -411.51 -140.36 -1733.34 -543.64 -467.87 -158.07 -573.85 -167.88 +4.66 -110.39 -406.98 -1067.04 -561.06 -1218.79 +1596.56 -33.98 -1579.01 -143.70 -702.23 -503.20 -2112.05 -276.59 +6.84 +8.11 +11.56 +10.45 -0.13 -24.10 -212.73 -304.80 -5.43 -28.62 -1700.71 -164.08 +870.27 -33.82 -5.60 -0.51

-4.31 -7.67 +7.25 +4.56 -1.48 -3.73 +8.46 -0.17 +3.22 -2.00 -6.39 -6.59 +10.12 +4.25 +4.63 -0.40 -0.89 -1.97 -3.31 -4.46 -1.46 -1.30 -1.14 -2.17 +0.12 -1.52 -0.78 -1.82 -1.14 -2.19 +3.67 -1.12 -2.16 -0.98 -7.26 -8.35 -3.08 -2.38 +0.87 +0.77 +3.79 +2.66 -1.30 -1.20 -3.25 -2.67 -2.39 -2.87 -2.21 -1.10 +3.51 -1.07 -5.68 -5.73

-78.66 -79.06 +260.40 +254.43 -29.69 -22.18 +73.49 +61.98 -5.61 -4.62 -15.18 -14.22 -10.37 -3.72 +20.78 +20.62 -8.76 -6.52 -28.52 -26.17 -36.93 -34.23 -12.22 -9.91 -36.56 -34.23 -8.04 -5.64 -11.49 -9.06 +2.47 +2.06 +2.68 +6.06 -47.88 -44.88 -12.49 -8.99 -6.48 -3.72 -4.06 -2.77 -44.96 -44.13 -18.12 -14.74 -53.81 -49.29 -1.35 +1.90 +3.23 +2.99 -46.61 -44.96

Payable About 18/05/20 18/05/20 25/05/20 25/05/20 25/05/20 08/06/20 08/06/20 08/06/20 08/06/20 08/06/20 12/06/20 15/06/20 15/06/20 24/06/20 29/06/20

Previous Dividend 164.00 30.24 83.88 74.43 24.59 29.00 20.00 52.21 44.64 15.82 32.05 1309.40 25.00 190.70 94.36

DIVIDENDS Amount In Cents PSG (Final). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75.00 QUILTER (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.79 ATLEAF (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.87 EQUITES (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76.96 LIGHTCAP (Interim). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.74 ALTRON (Final). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.00 CARTRACK (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.00 OASIS (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48.79 SPEARREIT (Final). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47.02 VIVO (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40.81 IAPF (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.99 AB INBEV (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .832.00 DRDGOLD (Quarterly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00 CAPREG (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216.48 EPP (Final) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.94

Record date 23/04/20 11/03/20 28/04/20 05/05/20 30/04/20 14/05/20 13/05/20 30/04/20 14/05/20 04/03/20 06/05/20 27/02/20 15/05/20 05/03/20 12/03/20

TECHNICAL SELECTIONS Calgro M3 Holdings Ltd. YeboYethu Ltd. Montauk Holdings Ltd. Pan African Resources PLC Spur Corporation Ltd.

BIGGEST PRICE RISES THIS WEEK PR WM 800 +528 2550 +550 3801 +801 365 +46 1600 +199

WM% +194.12 +27.50 +26.70 +14.42 +14.20

VOL 28075 4046 48532 12697621 1507163

Curro Holdings Ltd. Omnia Holdings Ltd. Tongaat Hulett Ltd. Nampak Ltd. Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.

BIGGEST PRICE FALLS THIS WEEK PR WM 788 -207 1691 -399 705 -165 122 -28 4854 -1094

WM% -20.80 -19.09 -18.97 -18.67 -18.39

VOL 1671491 1398556 3707787 6811375 14084108

Redefine Properties Ltd. FirstRand Ltd. Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. MTN Group Ltd. Old Mutual Ltd.

BIGGEST VOLUME THIS WEEK PR WM 193 +14 3463 -378 3575 +170 4775 -222 1180 -135

WM% +7.82 -9.84 +4.99 -4.44 -10.27

VOL 200243531 72383146 60904748 54236071 52128683

Naspers Ltd. Prosus N.V. AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. Anglo American plc BHP Group plc

VALUE LEADERS THIS WEEK PR WM 307310 +1170 156609 +5044 50522 +3376 32680 +602 32079 +1477

WM% +0.38 +3.33 +7.16 +1.88 +4.83

VOL 6743139 4320354 8750082 12375616 11257592

MOST OVERACTIVE THIS WEEK PR WM 307310 +1170 50522 +3376 3463 -378 15675 +912 11027 +965

WM% +0.38 +7.16 -9.84 +6.18 +9.59

VOL 6743139 8750082 72383146 15328310 23225670

Naspers Ltd. AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. FirstRand Ltd. Gold Fields Ltd. Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd.

FOREX PR 18.58 22.53 20.10 11.92 1.21

USDZAR GBPZAR EURZAR AUDZAR GBPUSD

WM

WM% +0.83 -0.89 +0.96 -0.36 -1.67

+0.15 -0.20 +0.19 -0.04 -0.02

INTEREST RATES 1 Month

3 Month

6 Month

12 Month

24 Month

3.20 3.95 4.25 4.50 4.00 4.35 3.70

4.10 6.18 4.45 4.30 4.50 4.48 3.84

5.10 6.32 5.20 4.80 3.40 4.75 4.75 4.93 4.11

5.65 6.79 6.05 5.30 6.00 5.00 5.50 5.55 4.27

5.30 7.26 6.55 5.70 6.25 5.55 5.57 5.03

Absa Bank African Bank Capitec Bank FNB GBS Mutual Bank Grindrod Bank Mercantile Bank Nedbank Sasfin Standard Bank

Deposit rates only — Source: Personal Trust tel: (021) 689-8975.

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The caged animal antics of training under lockdown

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FASHION

Where to now?

Editor’s Note

Sunday Times

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Inside

12

TRAVEL

Armchair Berlin & fine fynbos trails

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20

FOOD

MOVIES

Nice noodles

Made in America

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BOOKS

Q&A with Alicia Keys

LifeStyle Editor: Andrea Nagel Books: Jennifer Platt Fashion: Sharon Becker Beauty: Nokubonga Thusi Food: Hilary Biller Home: Leana Schoeman Motoring: Thomas Falkiner; Brenwin Naidu Travel: Elizabeth Sleith Digital: Toni Jaye Singer Designers: Gila Wilensky, Vernice Shaw, Peta Scop Design intern: Siphu Gqwetha Proofreader: Helen Smith Admin & invoices: Thabile Mokone ThabileM@arena.co.za Publisher: Aspasia Karras Advertising: Bela Stander, Business Manager Sunday Times Lifestyle +27 11 280 3154, +27 72 843 8608. E-mail: standerb@tisoblackstar.co.za Cover: Siphu Gqwetha Write to: lifestyle@sundaytimes.co.za

W

hen our 15-year-old was about 15 months old we lived in New Germany, Pinetown, KwaZuluNatal. On the Sunday of the “438 game” between the Proteas and the Aussies I had a rendezvous with a few of my savages to catch that spectacular cricket match at a mate’s house in Phoenix. The missus needed to be at The Pavilion. When she tried to leave with him, he cried out, “Baba!”. Oh, he wants to go with Daddy, she says. OK, I’ll take him, I say, grabbing him from her arms. No sooner does she start walking towards the door than he starts wailing, “Mama!” So she takes him, at which point he starts screaming inconsolably, his arms stretched towards me. After the neat passing back and forth between us like we were Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, we paused to discuss the conundrum. This child clearly wanted whoever wasn’t holding him at that moment. Anyone who has spent any time with children is all too familiar with this scene.

This is not a phenomenon that is exclusive to kids. I think it’s hard-wired into our species’ DNA code. The grass always seems greener in Cape Town until you land there and you’re encouraged by Helen Zille to contract Covid-19 for your own good. Joburg seems so attractive until you get there and smell the urban decay in the air.

The lockdown has brought this phenomenon into sharp focus. At the end of December I took the decision to dramatically reduce my alcohol intake.

What do you mean, “again”? This is a lifelong struggle. To achieve this feat, I

Andrea Nagel

hen I set out to write this week’s column, I promised myself I wouldn’t mention the “c” word, the “l” word or the “z” word. I lied. It’s been about seven weeks since “lockdown” started — there, I said it — and while that feels like an absolute age, this new normal is also very new. So we have a conundrum — we’re sick of reading, talking and listening to stories and opinions about the coronavirus / Covid-19 / the dreaded “c” word, and yet no other news is as relevant.

And as for the “z” word — if we can’t complain about Zoom, is life really worth living?

Through it all though, it amazes me how a sense of humour seems to come to the rescue when things are feeling impossibly dire. We have it in droves in this country.

Heck, some of our politicians are also our best comedians.

Jackson’s vibrator quip, Cyril’s ninja turtle impersonation and elbow dance, Nkosazana’s zol speech — they’ve all managed, even if it’s inadvertently, to give us a little light and levity in these dark times.

Meme-fatigue is starting to be a real thing, but the memes have brought us some amusing neologisms, like “coronadose”, an overdose of bad news from consuming too much media, which can result in panicdemic, and “covidiot”, also known as “lockclown” — usually an A-lister so self-involved as to be blind to the idea that sometimes it’s just better not to speak. Madonna has emerged as one with her “Covid — the great equaliser” comments, Trump is a nobrainer, and yet, so far, singer Bryan Adams has taken the cake. He took to several social media channels to say: “Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of a tenancy of gigs at the Royal Albert Hall but thanks to some f***ing bateating, wet-market-animal selling, virus-making greedy bastards, the whole world is now on hold … My message to them, other than thanks a f***ing lot, is go vegan.”

Bet he won’t be playing any gigs in China, then, when this is all over.

Constructing Lot’s wife from Chicken Licken decided I wasn’t going to consume any spirits and sure enough, on the 30th of December I took my last sip of gin.

From that point onwards, I was on a one-to-two beers a day diet. For the next three months my resolve was admirable. In fact, I had no yearning for spirits at all.

And then the president announced the lockdown. My first instinct was to shrug and remark to the missus that it’s a good thing I’m on this low alcohol trajectory. She gave me one of her notorious “Riiiight!” looks and nodded. Fast-forward three weeks into the lockdown and all I could think of was, “Oh, what I would do for a single tot of whisky right now!” After another two weeks I found myself fantasising about brandy. Yep, brandewyn. And not even the fancy stuff — just good ole Klippies and Coke, the Brakpan staple. I might even have sourced some from the black market had I not come across one of those price lists of Covid-19 contraband and found out that a bottle of Klipdrift goes for R750 these days.

That’s when my inner Al Capone was extinguished. But also, an epiphany hit me: it’s not really Klippies I wanted. I just wanted what I couldn’t have.

Sure, thousands of South Africans have broken lockdown movement regulations due to economic stresses and the need to feed their families. But thousands of others have ventured outside only because they were told they couldn’t. Everyone I have asked the question, “What is the first place you want to visit when it is safe to do so?” has managed to answer me within 0.3 seconds. We’re all fantasising about that moment we can 3

LifeStyle

NDUMISO NGCOBO COLUMNIST

I caught myself yearning for a gap-toothed, angry taxi driver yelling at me to engage in coitus with myself

17•05•2020

board a flight or hit the road to watch the sun rise over the Indian Ocean or watch the sun set over the Atlantic. I have not been to the top floor of the Carlton Centre in almost 20 years and yet the other day I found myself fantasising about it. All because I cannot. I haven’t been to a nightclub in almost a quarter of a century. And yet I recently found myself missing the loud “doof doof” of house beats and sweaty humans rubbing up against me.

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram were flooded with messages from folks purporting to be introverts. The lockdown was going to be a breeze, they proclaimed. I was one of those morons. As the weeks have gone on, the dormant extrovert inside of me has started clawing its way to the surface.

As a broadcaster, I was declared an essential worker, to whatever extent playing music and polluting the Johannesburg airwaves with my brain farts is essential. During level 5,

Sunday Times

driving around the city, I felt like Will Smith in I am Legend and other postapocalyptic movies. I found myself missing the bustle of Johustleburg. At some point, as the sole participant on Houghton Drive, I caught myself yearning for a Toyota Quantum to swerve violently into my lane, followed by a gap-toothed, angry taxi driver yelling at me to engage in coitus with myself. And then the president relaxed the lockdown and announced level 4, leading to a flood of automobiles on the roads. I immediately missed the serenity of the previous five weeks.

Ordinarily, I can’t stand those sodium bundles called Chicken Licken hotwings. I think it’s just enjoying a little bit of chicken with your salt. But when level 4 was announced, I suddenly had a strong yearning for them and ordered a dozen. Afterwards, there was so much salt in my system I was certain that if I desalinated my pee, I could reproduce a sculpture of Lot’s wife.

WER WILL & PO LEE DEN HOND’S TIPS FOR CHALLENGING YOURSELF

Start with walking, then progress to running.

Always measure the amount of exercise you do through time and distance.

Build up to longer periods of time, distance and frequency.

Lee den Hond demonstrates the route that she ran in her garden while racking up kilometres. Picture: Alon Skuy

L

THE NO-LIMIT LOCKDOWN

ee den Hond is an extreme athlete, public speaker and businesswoman. In 2013 she became the third South African woman to summit Mount Everest, and in 2015 she was awarded South African Business Woman of the Year in the entrepreneurial category. She has written a book about her experience of climbing Everest called Yes. Now, under lockdown, she is running marathons in her tiny garden.

You’ve run a marathon in your garden?

Yes, I ran a loop within the walls of my home 844 times. It was equivalent to the distance of a marathon, 42.2km.

From garden marathons to climbing Everest on the stairs, people all over the world are attempting fitness challenges in isolation, write Andrea Nagel and Dianne Tipping-Woods

How many marathons have you run?

I’m not sure of the exact number — more than 20.

How long did the home marathon take?

It took me 10 hours and 20 minutes. My best marathon time on the road is 3 hours 48 minutes.

What do you do to stop getting bored?

I changed the direction a number of times. I listened to music being played from the lounge but mostly I was just thinking.

4/5

What's the difference between going on expeditions and being stuck in confined spaces?

Expeditions are gifts, they entail a different kind of experience in comparison to a local race. Of course, they involve travel, engagement with people from all over the world and with different cultures with various sporting backgrounds. Being able to experience different countries while achieving physical goals is a privilege.

What do you do in your “normal life”?

I run an event management company and do inspirational talks.

Do you consider yourself an extreme sportsperson?

Yes, I have completed six full Ironman endurance events, summited Mount Everest and completed the Marathon des Sables, known as the toughest foot race in the world — a distance of 251km in the Sahara desert in Morocco.

What’s been your greatest physical challenge so far?

Getting to the summit of Mount Everest. I was on the mountain for two months. It was the hardest thing that I’ve ever done.

Is there a difference between exercising to keep fit, and setting yourself a goal to overcome?

Yes. Exercising to keep fit and maintain weight involves regular short intervals of training. Training for endurance events means hours and hours of three disciplines — swimming , cycling and running.

What kind of benefits do you derive from running, walking, hiking?

Meditation through movement. The physical benefits are endless, accompanied with the balance achieved mentally. Endurance sports provide the perfect combination to settle one’s head and heart in the intense world we live in.

How can you take the benefits from the outdoors and apply them to lockdown?

There’s a wonderful parallel between lockdown and an endurance event. The lockdown isn’t a one-day game or one-day event; it requires grit, patience and tenacity. The endurance event is hard and you need to dig deep but you’re always aware of one important fact: it will end!

Was there a reason you set yourself this challenge?

To show that nothing is impossible. I live my life by this motto.

What other things have you been doing to keep fit and stay mentally motivated under lockdown?

I’ve run shorter distances — 5km and 7km. I listen to motivational podcasts and watch TED talks.

What travel plans have you been fantasising about?

I’ve been dreaming about heading to Nepal to run one of the highest altitude races in the world. It’s called the Everest Trail Race — 160km, which must be completed in six days.

Are extreme sports addictive?

Yes. You realise that the human mind and body are unstoppable.

Realising that you can do anything you put your mind to is a gift.

Essentially the entire world opens up to you. All you have to do is say yes to your next adventure, next race, next run, next walk, next experience. It’s there, waiting for you.

How to you feel when you achieve your goal?

Limpopo wilderness guide Bruce Lawson walks to raise money for those in need. Picture: Kevin Maclaughlin

100% fulfilment. Andrea Nagel 4

LifeStyle

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

O

n April 28, Limpopo wilderness guide Bruce Lawson decided to walk 150km around a 400m track in his garden over three days, to raise money for food parcels. He hasn’t stopped walking since.

More than two weeks later, he’s nearing the 1,000km mark, with over R400,000 raised.

That’s more than 30,000 meals for families in need.

“I thought, 150km to start with, but always had 1,000km in the back of my mind. I know that if you can walk 100km, you can walk 1,000km. If you can walk 1,000km why not 10,000km? That’s just the way I am,” says Lawson, 51, who’s so far lost eight toenails on the walk, and is braving tortuous ice baths to help his body go the distance.

Already a legend in the wilderness guiding community, Lawson has become a minor celebrity on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate where he lives, as he uses the lockdown level 4 exercise period between 6am and 9am to expand his route beyond his garden track. “The space gets very small when you’re going around in circles,” he says.

He started the first 150km with friend and fellow wilderness guide Sean Pattrick, 50, for company. Sean lives 650km away in KwaZulu-Natal. Both have spent the best part of the past 25 years leading trails in the African bush. Their plan was to raise money in support of the Hoedspruit-based Hlokomela Herb Garden food parcel initiative to get food parcels to families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Out of this, the Tshembo Africa Foundation was born to support community conservation projects and livelihoods.

“As wilderness guides, we want the best for our environment and the people living around the areas where we work. We see community and reserves and guides as linked. We do as much as we can to strengthen those links,” says Pattrick.

Inspired by Lawson and Pattrick, more than 70 of their former guiding students from more than a dozen countries around the world are following in their footsteps. Together, they’ve covered more than 5,000km, and counting.

Wilderness guides walk for a living in Africa’s wild spaces, and Lawson has completed more than 19,000 hours of walking in his career. He’s also walked unsupported from Cape Town to Windhoek (about 1,480km) to raise money for a remedial school in White River, and, almost unimaginably, completed 12,500km, unsupported, on foot from Cape to Cairo.

An accident as a child left Lawson unable to walk for four years between the age of four and eight — he spent two years in a plaster cast and one year in a wheelchair. He was told that he had a less than 10% chance of walking unassisted. “Perhaps I’m trying to make up for that,” he says.

“I’ve definitely grown mentally stronger over the years — or just more mental — but my mind can keep going when my body wants to quit,” says Lawson, who starts each day at 3am, and tries to finish the 50km daily target by 7pm, with a few breaks in between.

He carries an 18kg pack on his back, saying “the more you suffer, the more interest people take in what you’re doing.”

And he is suffering: 50km a day for more than 14 consecutive days is hard on the body.

Lawson isn’t sure when people will be able to travel again. “I may not have an income right now and possibly for the rest of the year, but I have a roof over my head and food on my table. Some people don’t have that. If my stroll around the garden can do that, and give people hope, then I don’t see any reason to stop.” Dianne Tipping-Woods

Visit Tshembo.africa@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram on @bruce.e.lawson, Pattrick on @naturalexposuresafaris and the Walk for Hope story on @Tshembo_Africa.

ACTIVITY

S

ix weeks of relentless pounding of my very own driveway (I had to save the grass) have resulted in some runningrelated realisations. Seems all my running feats are entirely predicated on three things — coffee, scenery and camaraderie.

Coffee is self-explanatory. The coffee shop is the goal of every run. The prize, caffeine.

Scenery, it now transpires, is probably the main reason I have ever completed a marathon. I’ve run a few — none of them in Gauteng, which sadly can be hard on the eye.

The distraction supplied by, say, Paris, Dublin or Athens is probably directly proportional to my ability to complete the marathon. The scenery must change prettily enough to sustain my interest over the long term — as in several hours of running.

Camaraderie among runners is well documented. We are natural bolsterers of spirits. Everyone greets on the road and encourages their fellow runners, knowing the pain and joy of this endeavour intimately creates a natural warmth among practitioners.

And now that I think of it, the crowds of cheering bystanders during races also really help. You feel special even as one among 30,000. Look at me — I am running, yes thank you, thank you and yes I will have the red wine (in Paris), jellies (in Dublin) and the olive branches (in Athens). Offerings handed out indiscriminately by the adoring crowds gathered to cheer you on, in your personal quest to run. It’s quite wonderful really.

So naturally the promise of leaving my driveway (which was wearing my mental resilience thin, very thin) was freighted with possibility. Coffee, scenery and general approbation for having had the most excellent idea of going for a run was on the immediate horizon. So many happy things within my grasp.

WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DID IN CAPTIVITY

Illu

st

io rat

n: 1

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rf.c

om

ULRIKE KARG, Melville resident and

Randburg Harriers runner, has run 395km in circles around her lounge, the size of a double garage, during lockdown.

BRENDAN LOMBARD, ultra trail runner, business owner, coach and personal trainer from Cape Town, ran 50km in a day in a 150m loop around a St Francis Bay home.

WERNER NAGEL, a member of the Hartbeespoort Marathon Club and Blue Bulls referee, has run a 50km solitary marathon which he called “Om die Tuin” at his Hartbeespoort home.

THE GREAT ESCAPE Life on the open road beats running in the driveway any day — just ask Fred, writes Aspasia Karras

STUART ‘THE RUNNING MANN’ MANN

completed an Ironman in just under 13.5 hours in the confines of his home: a 3.86km swim — 351 lengths of an 11m pool; a 180.25km ride on an exercise bike; and a 42.2km run — 325 laps of a 65m x 2 driveway.

Compiled by Andrea Nagel

Also my dog, young Fred, had become a dangerous impediment to the sanctity of my limbs. The creature developed a game in week 2 of lockdown that involved a steady, stealthy and unrelenting attack on my shoelaces as I made my way around the driveway. Dodging Fred and his prehensile jaw became my thing. The only thing. Until even he lost the capacity to view the shoelaces as worthy adversaries and took to lying down in the middle of the driveway — broken by the monotony but still dangerous as he was overtaken by these feelings of hopelessness quite suddenly, mid stride, and I could not predict when this existential malaise would strike and I would have to suddenly leap over him to avoid wiping out.

So you can imagine how Fred and I took to

the roads on that happy Friday morning last week. My soul opened to the universe in a flurry of joy and delight. I won’t lie, it felt positively epic. Outside my gate, prams, dogs, humans — all bent on the great outdoors.

Fred was overcome by the smells. Poop like never before — he developed a dangerous new stratagem for breaking my ankles: the sudden grinding sniff stop. Coupled with lunging towards unfamiliar dogs emerging from their homes for the first time.

The caffeine queue was chaos — people couldn’t help it, blinking like fledglings in the new blinding sunlight. Effusive greetings, illadvised hoverings for actual conversations, group walks — social warming in all its glory.

The police van did a slow drive-by — the kind that chills the heart — and promptly dispersed the crowd.

A few weeks in and the masks are presenting weird behaviours of their own.

People use them to avoid eye contact, and greeting among runners is on a steep downward trajectory. Worse, though, is the lecturing. If you dare remove the mask whilst running because your head is about to explode, beware. Some supercilious runner with much shallower lung capacity will take it upon themselves to shame you.

And don’t make the mistake of miscalculating and still be out on the road a minute or two after 9 — some officious lady in her sports utility vehicle will hoot maniacally as she points at her watch. Dangerous times, I tell you. But the open road beats the driveway any day. The scenery is spectacular, the coffee sublime and nobody is putting Fred in the driveway again.

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HOW

EXERCISE BECAME OUR NEW RELIGION

6/7

Fitness has taken on new meaning in our lives during lockdown. But is our obsession with it running out of control, asks the author Lionel Shriver

M

any amateur athletes around the world who’d planned to run various city marathons are contending with grievous disappointment with most sports events cancelled or postponed. These intrepid people have trained for months. Given that during the Covid-19 lockdown we have to accept limits on the time we can be out exercising, arduously cranking up the endurance all over again will be tough. So I get it: an essay that seems to pooh-pooh the glories of exercise is the last article you want to read right now.

Increasingly over the past 20 years, fitness freakery has taken root not only in the conduct of our day-to-day routines, but also has often intertwined with our sense of self. Accordingly, during the coronavirus suppression any government restrictions on all-hallowed exercise have proven a flashpoint between authorities and the public. In response to being restricted on the exercise front, the defensiveness of the sporty is off the charts, even if it is only really expressed in private. The notion that exercise could ever be wrong is anathema.

Meanwhile, people are running marathons back and forth across tiny back gardens. Online, we’ve seen a fierce competition over who can design the most strenuous home workout, and YouTube has sprouted videos instructing how to create a sculpted body using your kitchen counter.

How did we get so fanatical? Maybe this claustrophobic period of life on pause is the ideal juncture at which to step back and examine the spiritually central role jumping up and down has come to occupy in so many of our lives — and to question whether fitness really deserves to be elevated to the greatest good in the universe.

These days both the older and younger generations have in common an obsession with physical exertion. The only difference is a slight variation in motivation.

Younger gym bunnies seem driven by a desire to look attractive (which they’re prone to disguise as dedication to good health) and by competition with peers for social status. Older folks can be just as vain and competitive. But as we age, we’re also likely to keep overdoing it on a stationary bicycle because we believe that so long as we get enough exercise we’ll never grow visibly old, never get sick, and — though we don’t put it to ourselves quite this foolishly — never die.

The two main characters in my latest novel, The Motion of the Body Through Space (a perfectly unsuitable title for an era in which we’re not going anywhere), are paradigms of opposing relationships to

fitness. At 60, Serenata has always stayed in hammer. Without fail, this walking shape by various means — cycling, anatomy-book illustration has an air about swimming, running — but would never him indicative of a belief that he’s always describe herself as a cyclist or a swimmer or being looked at. a runner. These pursuits are private.

What fascinates me about such a paragon Detesting group activities, she’s not a joiner, isn’t just his disconcerting prevalence in the and not a show-off. She’s mostly social landscape these days, but my competitive with herself. She sees working response to a figure that ripped. Feel free to out as a mechanical matter, akin to discount this reaction as sheer envy, an maintaining a car, for which no-one expects emotion that often disguises itself to the a medal. Exercise is a regular part of her day, envier as disapproval. But at least but she doesn’t court admiration for it, and consciously, I’m put off. I’d go so far as to she often dreads it, like a normal person. submit that I’m a bit repulsed. All the time Sedentary until 64, her husband, he must have spent on those different Remington, is a convert. First muscle groups: we can see it, we running a marathon, then joining a can see the time. Therefore we “tri club” to prepare for an extreme can also see at a single glance that triathlon, he experiences athleticism maintaining and fine-tuning his as a social undertaking. He physique is the most important prioritises training above all other thing in this guy’s life. This commitments, including to his doesn’t make me want to talk to elderly father. He regards endurance him. What would he have to say? sport as heroic. His personal trainer “I got up to 200 reps on my coaches him to believe that human deltoid dips today”? The biggest SERENATA beings have no physical limits, and surprise of my reaction to our Fictional character that pain must be ignored. He relies demigod is that I do not find him on fitness for purpose, identity and sexy. As my friend Serenata quips prestige — alas, like many folks these days, about such a creature: “One simply didn’t which is why I wrote the book. hanker to f*** a man who desired himself.”

I fashioned those portraits, so the answer It’s one thing to keep in half-decent nick is rigged. Still, it’s worth asking: which of in the course of things. It’s another to keep these people seems more appealing? exercise eternally at the very top of the to-do It should go without saying that regular list, to privilege going to the gym above all exercise is good for us. At the risk of spelling other obligations, and to allow leaping and out the tediously self-evident: sustained jumping about to take up so much time and activity that works muscles and raises the so much mental focus that it becomes all heart rate improves sleep, helps keep off you do, or at least all you care about, and excess weight, reduces the likelihood of therefore all you are. This has to be a formula diseases like cancer and hypertension, and for becoming as boring as corrugated lifts the mood, as well as having a cardboard. broadly positive effect on A particular brand of neurosis has appearance, and there ain’t nothing grown so commonplace that many others wrong with looking presentable. I’ve must have had the same dinner-party been dedicated to daily exercise experience as I did a while back — in the since my early teens, and for me to olden days when we had dinner parties. One discourage others from also of the guests had recently got into running. garnering its benefits would be Now, I started running a fair distance at 14, hypocritical. and — this isn’t to boast, because this is just So if we’re more active, swell. what happens mathematically when you The problems are otherwise: ever keep running and get old — I’ve probably exercising in a spirit of selfcovered the circumference of the Earth righteousness or lofty self-sacrifice, nearly three times. That’s how I can assure sometimes expecting too much from you that there’s absolutely nothing exercise, over-exercising, and approaching interesting about running. The odd mishap, exercise with no sense of proportion. In the such as having your intestines explode last case, there’s a particular look you’d when you’re still 8km from home, makes for surely recognise. It used to be largely a comical anecdote at your own expense, confined to professional athletes, male but that’s about it. actors in action films, prisoners and people Nevertheless, this dinner guest managed who didn’t have much going on and were to cram in a variation of “When I was not very smart. For pronoun convenience, running the other day” as the introduction to let’s say it’s a man, though there are loads of every sentence. Social tip: conversational female specimens underfoot as well. Not exercise-dropping backfires. It’s insecure, only does he sport not an ounce of fat, but it’s annoying and it’s dull. But some folks are every muscle is defined and taut. For a in such thrall to their exertions that their society in which the most exhausting thing ordinarily alert social antennae have been you’re required to do in a day is lift the lid of muffled with smelly sports socks. a laptop, his pectorals are unnaturally Next, let’s examine this notion that feats bulbous. You could use one of his calves as a of strength and endurance are acts of

‘One simply didn’t hanker to f*** a man who desired himself’

He prioritises training above all other commitments, including to his elderly father

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Sunday Times

heroism. The last time I checked, being a hero meant doing something brave, perhaps at some cost to yourself, to help someone else. In contrast to putting in overtime at the hospital during a pandemic, spending three hours working out is an act not of heroism but of narcissism. Completing a marathon or triathlon is unquestionably very hard, but we can’t conflate difficulty with selfsacrifice. These gruelling events require discipline and willpower, valuable qualities to be nurtured, although ideally to apply them to tasks that are genuinely useful.

Apologies to today’s disappointed marathoners, but endurance events constitute a perverse form of entertainment, not forfeiture for the sake of others, and in the end what have you got? What has anybody got? However personally gratifying, in social terms they accomplish nothing.

GRAPHIC: SIPHU GQWETHA

Tips for new runners

1 2

Make sure you’re wearing proper running shoes, not fashion trainers or shoes that are too worn.

Don’t suddenly start running every day. Three times a week is fine. If you want to get outside every day, mix it up with some cycling and walking.

3

If you want to do something different, try intervals. Do this by running fast then slow, or resting, between lampposts. Try taking on a hill.

4

Don’t overdo it. If you’re not hitting a personal best time, it doesn’t matter. Take the pressure off and simply do whatever makes you buzz. Hayley

Carruthers

This perfect failure of endurance sport to achieve anything constructive is disguised somewhat by the peculiar practice of entering these events for charity.

But we might question how many athletes who enter races for charities are motivated primarily by eagerness to support a worthy cause rather than by expedience: the worthy-cause add-on makes admission to an event more likely, and can waive or mitigate the entrance fee. Although having volunteered to run a long, tough race (which you want to run anyway) is often used to blackmail friends into pledging Xnotes per-mile, there’s no logical relationship between exhausting yourself and donating money to alleviate poverty. If what you really care about is charity full stop, you’ll give an enormous whack of cash to Save the Children and sleep late on marathon day.

The cult of exercise is merely an extension of the cult of the body, except that we used to care only about being thin and now the bar is set higher. I don’t want to get moralistic here, but if the purpose of life is the achievement of an abdominal sixpack, then life itself is sort of stupid. The body makes a piss-poor icon, too, because it will always betray you. In the end, the body will actually kill you. Short of that, it also wears out.

The fact that biological moving parts do not exclusively thrive from use is information that fitness gurus tend to play down — which is why orthopaedists are now having to do knee replacements on patients in their 20s and 30s. I can testify that my joints and my back are now suffering from the pounding they’ve taken for decades. As a result of pushing the programme, at 62 I may be physically less 7

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well equipped for old age than many more sedentary peers. There’s such a thing as too much exercise, and if you buy into that endurance-sport myth that your only physical limitations are in your mind, then you just haven’t lived long enough.

Discovering there’s a price to pay for beavering around the Earth almost three times makes me consternated and bewildered. Because we’re given to believe that working up a sweat is the acme of virtue, it’s dismaying to be punished for being good.

In placing exercise next to godliness, we expect too much of it. The danger of imagining that with enough cycling or swimming we can prevent all infirmity and disease is that when we get cancer anyway, it seems as though it’s our fault. Should have added another kilometre of laps!

Exercise can make you look better, but it won’t necessarily make you beautiful. It can slow the appearance of ageing, but it doesn’t bring the depressing process to a halt. And maybe we’d rather die fit than flabby, but dead is dead, and hopefully the measure of our lives won’t be how many press-ups we completed. Few of us would fancy the epitaph, “Here lies Bob. He ran in circles.”

All this exercise excess can leave welladjusted folks feeling guilty, inadequate and sometimes inclined to give up. For our culture now reveres ever more extreme athletic achievement. So marathons long ago became old hat, to be replaced by still more demanding ultra-marathons, ultratriathlons, and lunatic obstacle-course races. If that’s really how you want to spend your time, no problem. So long as you still

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take out the rubbish, pull your economic weight and don’t turn into a complete arsehole (good luck with that), you’re probably not hurting anybody. But don’t expect moral kudos. And be mindful that this is no longer a novel method of killing time. By now? It’s trite.

It is vital for us all to commit to a sustainable weekly fitness regime that doesn’t take a ridiculous amount of time.

But this is a mechanical matter, crucial in the same way that it’s important to keep the boiler working. In the long term, too, moderation often pays off. (Many a marathoner stops running altogether after finishing the race.) Walking is good for you and also — as long as you don’t get arrested — pleasant. Most of all, the whole purpose of maintaining physical functionality is to be able to do something else, and — please, please — to talk about something else.

During this often awful lockdown, it has been challenging to contrive workouts for confined spaces, and learning to do “mountain climbers” on the sitting-room carpet may be one of the memories that some of us recollect with a smile when this trying time is over. But I bet we’re more likely to remember rereading Graham Greene, finally getting round to watching The Sopranos, streaming Swan Lake, winning at Scrabble by 137 points, and — in defiance of these grim times — spending surprisingly raucous evenings over a bottle of wine with each other.

Spending three hours working out is an act not of heroism but of narcissism

Sunday Times

Shriver’s new novel, The Motion of the Body Through Space, is published by The Borough Press

LOCKDOWN

HEROES

8/9

The Crusaders Motorcycle Club (MC) visited communities at Bredel Caravan Park on the East Rand and Jerigo Oord in Delmas, where they delivered hundreds of food parcels.

Overjoyed informal camp residents with food parcels donated by the Crusaders. Formed in 2006, the close-knit club has a benevolent fund that assists communities in need.

OUTLAWS WHO REFUSE TO FORGET THEIR HUMANITY

When Covid-19 shut down the country’s economy, the Crusaders decided they’d ride to the rescue, writes Andea Nagel. Pictures by Alon Skuy

A

tattooed man wearing jeans, a helmet, sunglasses and sleeveless leather jacket bearing a yellow cross with the insignia, “Crusaders MC” above it, stands in the middle of a busy intersection, stopping traffic. He waves us through, along with 20 or so roaring motorcycles, each carrying a leather-clad rider. I’m wearing the leathers too but underneath the cross on my jacket is the word “familia”, which means I’m an honorary member, just for the morning.

It’s a little strange to see these big guys, many wearing thick silver chains and biker boots, also wearing the light blue hygienic masks that have become ubiquitous in public places. These guys don’t look like they’re afraid of anything — certainly not a little virus. But despite stopping traffic at their own discretion, they seem to be keen to play by the rules.

The masks are a sign of the times — the very difficult times for the many people affected by the country’s lockdown. Living under difficult circumstances at the best of

times, many poor communities have now been disadvantaged even further by the billions of rands of losses hitting our economy. The Crusaders want to help.

Formed in 2006, the close-knit Crusaders Motorcycle Club (MC) SA is one of the biggest motorcycle clubs in South Africa with more than 25 chapters across the country. They are the “1%ers ”, a reference to a comment once made by the American Motorcyclist Association “that 99% of motorcyclists [are] law-abiding citizens” and the remaining 1% “outlaws ”.

Today they’re on a mission to deliver food parcels to hungry communities affected by Covid-19 at the Bredel Caravan Park in Kempton Park on the East Rand of Johannesburg and Jerigo Oord in Delmas.

The citizens arrive at their first stop and cause quite a commotion. A large truck with plastic bags full of potatoes, beans, various cans, juice, biscuits, fresh bread, chips and other foodstuff parks in the dusty space between makeshift shacks, board houses and caravans. The inhabitants form a circle 8

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around the man with a microphone, Crusader disciple Theo Kloppers, who is insisting on a few metres of space between everyone: “Even if you’re married,” he says, “make sure that it happens.”

Kloppers is the man behind the message that went out at the start of lockdown to the motorbike fraternity to pull together to feed the hungry, poor and homeless. A helpline enables the club to identify communities in need, which their benevolent fund assists.

He introduces the Crusaders MC’s national president, Mark Groenewald, wearing a mask that says “we care”. Groenewald thanks the community for accepting their benevolence with open arms. “We live by the code of brotherhood,” he says. “People have a bad conception of motorcycle clubs, but there’s a Robin Hood in all of us.”

Thokosane Kabango, a beneficiary of the Crusaders food parcels, seems to agree. “We haven’t worked for 45 days,” she says. “They have given us enough food to last for a week. We would really struggle without the help. I’m a foreigner but they don’t exclude

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Sunday Times

me. They give to all of us.” Standing next to her, CJ Esterhuizen adds: “People protect each other here. We live here like a family, we don’t see white or black. These men have come like angels among us.”

Groenewald says that despite the way they are perceived, the club is protective of society. “Sure, we go out and have fun. We party hard, we ride hard but we don’t stand for bullies, we protect the community and we deal with abuse. We do what we can to help, but,” he’s keen to stress, “don’t mistake kindness for weakness.”

The ethos of the club is brotherhood, discipline, respect — not fear — and a helping hand. They’re the 1%ers, the outlaws, but in the words of poet David Whyte: “The outlaw is the radical, the one close to the roots of existence. The one who refuses to forget their humanity and, in remembering, helps everyone else remember, too.”

Visit the Crusaders MC Facebook page if you’d like to contribute to their cause.

B

y the standards of the Californian tech industry, it probably wasn’t that weird a party. There was Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, sitting in the dining room. And there was Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, the party’s host, placing on the table a wellcooked goat he’d slaughtered with his own hands.

“He kills it with a laser gun and then the knife,” Dorsey recalls. “I’m like ‘What else are we having?’ [He says:] ‘Salad’.”

The story — though possibly not the part about the laser gun — is plausible. That was the year Zuckerberg pledged to only eat animals he’d killed himself. And while knifing goats might be the strangest thing the Facebook founder has done, it’s not the strangest behaviour you’ll find in Silicon Valley.

In the past two decades, highly-paid workers in the sunny strip of land between San Francisco and San Jose have earned a reputation for eccentricity. There have been questionable self-enhancing drug regimes and frankly worrying diets, to say nothing of the quest for eternal life. Though these activities are by no means ubiquitous, they are far more common than in your average suburban cul-de-sac.

But where do these habits come from?

And why are techies so uniquely obsessed with them?

“It’s deeply rooted, not only in Silicon Valley but in American culture writ large,” says Jan English-Lueck, author of Culture@SiliconValley, an anthropological study of the tech industry. “The idea that you can tinker your way out of a problem … that everything around you is a problem that needs to be solved rather than a life that needs to be lived.”

What these preoccupations share is a fixation with problem-solving, changing the world through the application of intelligence.

They’re rooted in a conviction that clever engineering and bold experimentation can break the suffocating hold of convention.

Here are seven of Silicon Valley’s weirdest obsessions, and how they came about.

Biohackers Dietary supplements, implanted microchips, tiny doses of LSD, daily ice baths, infrared light bulbs, intense fasting, and being blasted with high- and low-frequency sound — these are some of the alternative health treatments and habits that Valley workers use to try to “hack” themselves into a state of deeper consciousness and higher productivity.

Many tech workers, says Chuck Darra, chair of the Department of Anthropology at San Jose State University, have expressed a desire to be “the product of their own design”, to have mindful control over their lives. “It’s a really short step,” he concludes, “to eliminate some of the imperfections that you might determine you have.”

Dorsey is a famous example.

He used to walk 8km to work three days a week; alternates between saunas and ice baths in the evenings; works at a standing desk under nearinfrared light and fasts from Friday until Sunday. He goes on Vipassana meditation retreats that can last for a week — demanding physical and mental work with no reading, music, meat or eye contact allowed.

The king of “biohacking” is Russian internet entrepreneur Serge Faguet. He wears hearing aids despite having perfect hearing and takes 60 pills a day, including estrogen blockers and off-label diabetes drugs. He’s spent thousands of dollars on optimising his mind and body, and intends to live forever.

Like many in the Valley, he microdoses LSD and MDMA to sharpen his mind. He even boasts of having “permanently” modified his brain for increased “serenity” by taking 10 times the normal dose of LSD. What ties these practices together is an omnivorous and yet highly goal-oriented approach to the world’s spiritual traditions.

From Indian meditation to hippie culture,

EGOMANIA

Elon Musk, left, and Mark Zuckerberg

Silicon Valley’s wealthiest citizens have a backup plan: hide. Last year, New Zealand announced it will ban foreigners from buying most types of home because a plague of millionaires and billionaires building doomsday boltholes is driving up property prices.

What if we never find the vaccine for the Covid-19 pandemic? What if we do, and climate change gets really bad again? What if there’s a revolution and angry mobs gather outside Google HQ hoping to put heads on pikes? Techies don’t necessarily consider these events likely, but they do feel safer having “insurance”.

Humanity’s saviours

ALT-CTRL

The seven tribes of Silicon Valley have one thing in common — a desire for ultimate control. Laurence Dodds and Olivia Rudgard explore the weird obsessions of tech’s rich CEOs there are few seemingly unscientific traditions that biohackers won’t explore.

Silicone Valley engineers see the body as a “biomechanical machine” that can be “tweaked”.

Adrenaline junkies

Transhumanists What do you get the super-powerful tech billionaire who has everything? The one thing he can’t guarantee — a longer life. If you want control, ageing and having to die is the hardest problem. Silicon Valley is looking for a solution.

In 2012, Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel said there were “three main ways” of approaching death. “Accepting it, denying it or fighting it. Society is dominated by people who are into denial or acceptance, and I prefer to fight it.”

The biggest effort is coming from Google, which founded its secretive longevity project, Calico, in 2013.

The brainchild of co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, it’s had little public output since, so we don’t yet know if Google has mastered death. But it sure doesn’t seem like it.

The most well-known way to hack death is cryonics — freezing the body of a recently deceased person in the hope that the technology of the future will be able to revive them. The American Cryonics Society was founded in 1969 in San Francisco and billionaires including Thiel have signed up to be preserved when they die.

A more recent development is blood transfusions. Some companies claim that for people in their 30s or older, receiving doses of blood from younger people can fight the ageing process. They received a blow last year when the US’s Food & Drug Administration warned consumers not to trust them.

And if the body fails, perhaps the mind can prevail. Last year one startup pitched a brain preservation system, allowing you to keep a version of yourself preserved until science can reanimate it in a computer server.

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Listen to any tech billionaire talk about their mission and you’d think their goals are purely altruistic. Zuckerberg wants to bring people together through connection, Uber wants to reshape the city and end pollution, and Musk is single-handedly ending the emissions crisis, converting the world to electric cars.

This is good business, and a good way to head off bad PR. How better to rise above critique than to tell your critics that they are getting in the way of you saving the world?

Silicon Valley altruism is a mix of hippiedom and libertarianism, with the belief that the world can be saved if you only try hard enough, mixed with the conviction that low taxes, high wages, the ability to code and vast amounts of venture capital will give you the best chance at success.

Of course, techies have a certain set of skills with which to save the world. Not everything can be fixed with an algorithm, or by a private company, something that Silicon Valley, with its deep-rooted distrust of authority, is still struggling with, says EnglishLueck.

This attitude, combined with the Valley’s “problem-solving” engineering culture, leads to what she calls “techno-optimism”. “I try not to be judgemental,” she says, “but there’s an element of techno-hubris, of thinking you can solve every problem by throwing technology at it.”

Jeff Bezoz, above, and Jack Dorsey, below

Like many rich people, tech workers have in a different time indulged in some pretty intense hobbies: paragliding, wingsuiting, rock climbing and recreational drug-taking.

English-Lueck suggests that intense experiences can be a crucial part of staying sane — extreme experiences are popular because their intense physicality forces people back in tune with reality.

Space nerds Show us a nerdy kid with dreams of interplanetary conquest, and we’ll show you a Silicon Valley billionaire. Both Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have plans to move humanity into space, either as a means to escape an Earth ruined by plague, pollution or politics or to extract resources necessary to continue our survival here.

Why the moguls are interested is obvious.

Who wouldn’t want to go down in history as a titan of space, responsible for humanity’s rise to the stars? A lot of people are starting to feel a sense of hopelessness, and you get a lot of varieties of escapism in the space realm.

Doomsday preppers In case humanity never makes it to space,

CRYOGENICS IN NUMBERS 12.1.1967 The date the first cryonics patient, Dr James H Bedford, underwent preservation.

January 12 is now known as James Bedford Day and is celebrated by cryonicists every year. $5,800 (about R106,000) The cost of cryopreserving a cat with the Cryonics Institute. $200,000 (over R3.5m) The cost of having your whole body cryopreserved at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation.

2 The age of Alcor’s youngest patient, Matheryn Naovaratpong, a Thai girl who suffered from a rare form of brain cancer.

101 The age at which Alcor’s oldest patient, Rose Selkovitch, was cryopreserved.

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Sunday Times

AI worshippers Many people are worried about the “existential risks” posed by an all-powerful artificial intelligence. Once an AI grows clever enough to make itself more clever — or once a digitised, uploaded human mind reaches the same point — Earth will be dragged over a cliff.

An escalating spiral of cleverness would make the mind in question very powerful very quickly, prompting an event known as the “technological singularity”, after which the future gets too weird to predict.

A singularity might be less likely than people dying from Covid-19, but Covid-19 can’t destroy the galaxy, we hope.

This appears to be the theory behind Musk’s declaration in 2017 that “AI is a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilisation”. He’s even compared the future relationship between humans and AI as similar to that between cats and humans. In that scenario, we are the cats.

The Tesla CEO has founded OpenAI, a nonprofit dedicated to ethical artificial intelligence. He’s also working on Neuralink, a “brain-computer interface” that he believes will prevent humans from being “left behind” by upgrading them to the point where they can compete with AI on a level playing field.

It cannot be said that all or even most tech workers believe in the singularity.

Nevertheless, Singularity University, an institute devoted to managing AI risk, remains in business — as does the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, which is trying to develop “friendly AI”. © The Daily Telegraph, London

WILL FASHION SURVIVE?

10/11

Names that seemed invulnerable are sinking fast — but on the other hand, a major brand has just opened a new boutique in Hong Kong, so no obituaries for the industry just yet, writes Lisa Armstrong

O

Dolce & Gabbana FW 2020 Images Getty Images/Estrop

nline searches for what to wear for a Zoom party, which fashion nostalgia books to read and lists of the most glamorous fantasy dresses may be way up, but that’s not the same as buying. People look to fashion for escapism and practical tips about dyeing their own hair, but they’re retreating from the transactional side — understandably, given that people have been in lockdown and many are facing unemployment.

In New York, Anna Wintour and Tom Ford have launched A Common Thread, to raise money for the many US fashion businesses facing extinction. How many?

“Look at the New York Fashion Week schedule,” said one senior figure there, “basically, most of them.”

That’s the shocking truth: this isn’t effectively only dinosaur names (of which there are many; think of the US’s dwindling, unloved shopping malls and

stodgy, complacent department stores) but leaving many Bangladeshi garment businesses that were previously doing all workers penniless. the “right” things. Wintour’s personal eYet because of the smoke and mirrors mails to her impressive address book of modus operandi of the fashion business — uber-wealthy contacts haven’t gone down even the tiniest fashion “house” knows well in all quarters. I saw the scathing how to put on a glamorous front, it’s part of response of one mogul she’d a designer’s genome — many have contacted, the gist of which was: been shocked at the speed of How can who cares about pampered collapse. fashionistas?

How can four weeks of four weeks of The top line of fashion has hibernation effectively destroy hibernation always been frothy but beneath established businesses? The effectively the foam (which can be answer partly lies in the brutal destroy delicious, by the way) lies an way the industry has always been established ocean of business and skills. In weighted towards the biggest and businesses?

SA alone, thousands of people — the most powerful. Even a most of them the opposite of fledgling designer has to pay for pampered — work(ed) in fashion fabric and production upfront, yet retail and manufacturing. might not be paid by his wealthy retailers The ramifications are already being felt for months, if ever. Cash flow is always an in manufacturing hubs such as Bangladesh issue in fashion. where household global fashion brands, Gap, a giant of global retail, just some of whom were very quick to announced it may not have enough funds publicise their charitable efforts in the to get through the next 12 months. fight against Covid-19 at home, were even Meanwhile, almost everything is on faster to cancel this season’s orders, sale, the pile-up of unbought stock is

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Sunday Times

unprecedented and don’t even think about fashion shows, which are unlikely to happen for the rest of this year — unless digitally. RIP trends for the foreseeable.

That’s good news for the planet but bad for all the peripheral economies — hotels, restaurants, travel companies — that bank some of their biggest takings during fashion months around the world.

And there, in a nutshell, is the paradox.

The fashion industry has known for years that it needs to change its profligate ways and clean up its environmental vandalism, just as it’s known that old, established names have been in trouble for years, in no small part thanks to inept, lumbering management. That won’t make the thousands of job losses any easier to bear.

Not everyone is suffering: sales of trainers, workout gear and lingerie are holding up and in some cases rising.

Meanwhile, Dolce & Gabbana has just opened — that’s right — a new boutique in Hong Kong. Recovery will be incredibly painful, but it will happen. — © The Telegraph Media Group [2020]

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COUCH CITY ON A

T

he German capital’s turbulent “recent” history — the eye of the storm for both World War 2 and the Cold War — means it is heavily represented in art and culture. While you hold on for the real thing, make a virtual visit via films and books about its terrible past or spy its madcap modern life through art or the restless beats of a techno soundtrack.

CINEMA

The beautiful Berlin skyline at dusk. Picture: 123RF.COM/TOMAS1111

LET THEM TAKE YOU THERE …

PICTURE: © ANNE LANKMAN

ENTER TO

WIN

PEEPS IN A POD

A

restaurant in Amsterdam is offering a unique opportunity for people to dress up and dine out while still keeping their social distance.

Mediamatic Eten has installed five “quarantine greenhouses” at its canal-side property in which up to three people — who already live in the same house — can enjoy a four-course, plant-based meal.

Waiters wear gloves and face shields and pass the dishes into the serres séparées (separate rooms in French) on long boards.

The Netherlands is still largely shut down but restaurants are expected to open on June 1. Mediamatic Eten’s pods are fully booked until the end of June, though it still needs to obtain permission from local and national authorities to officially open.

A quiet hit when it aired in 2016, Deutschland 83 travels back to 1983, when Cold War tensions were threatening to boil over. It tells the tale of an East German border patrol guard (Jonas Nay, pictured above) who becomes a reluctant spy, going undercover at a military base in West Germany as the threat of a nuclear holocaust looms. ● Amazon Prime Video

Dark Shanghai Disneyland reopened this week but under strict distancing guidelines. PICTURE: GETTY

yellow lines and posters show people where to stand when queuing. Speakers on recorded loops are also being used to remind people to keep their distance.

EDITOR: ELIZABETH SLEITH CONTACT TEL 011 280 5117 DESIGNER VERNICE SHAW PROOFREADER HELEN SMITH PUBLISHER ASPASIA KARRAS HEAD OF ADVERTISING SALES BELA STANDER 011 280 3154, E-MAIL STANDERB@ARENA.AFRICA SUBSCRIBER HOTLINE 0860 52 52 00

12

LifeStyle | Travel

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

Adapted from Deborah Feldman’s 2012 memoir, this four-part miniseries follows a Hasidic Jewish woman from Brooklyn as she flees to Berlin from an arranged marriage and is taken in by a group of musicians — until her past comes calling. ● Netflix

Deutschland 83

S

hanghai Disneyland reopened on Monday after three months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tickets for the first day had sold out within minutes of their release last Friday, according to state media.

Strict measures are in place, however, to keep the virus at bay. Visitors had to pre-book their tickets online and numbers are capped at 30% of the park’s usual 80,000 capacity. They also had to wear masks at all times and show a government QR code designed to track with whom they have been in contact.

Guests had their temperature checked as they queued to enter the park and ubiquitous

Unorthodox

TELEVISION

IT’S A SOCIALLY DISTANT WORLD AFTER ALL

BERLIN

MUSIC

BOOKS

Techno Berlin was one of the proving grounds for techno in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Indeed, this frenetic form of dance music is credited with being one of the healing factors which helped to bring the two halves of the German capital together after the fall of the wall.

Dance music has since moved on but it’s not hard to dig up anthems that once shook a nation. ● Search for “Berlin Techno” playlists on Spotify and other streaming services.

This critically acclaimed sci-fi show is set in a German town in the present day, where the disappearance of two young children exposes the double lives and fractured relationships among four families. Watch it in the original German or dubbed in English. ● Netflix

Goodbye To Berlin (Christopher Isherwood) Although not published until 1939, Isherwood’s collection of short stories is firmly rooted in the Berlin of the early ’30s.

The fruit of the novelist’s time living in the city (on and off between 1929 and 1938), it keeps one eye on Hitler’s rise to prominence while focusing the other on tales of desire and decadence in a society slowly coming apart at the seams. The most famous of these is Sally Bowles, the tale of an English girl in the Weimar era eking out a living as a dancer, singer and plaything for rich men. It has since taken on a life of its own, notably in Cabaret, the 1972 musical starring Liza Minnelli. ● Buy it on Google Play Books (R205); or for Kindle as The Berlin Stories at amazon.com ($9.99).

Berlin Alexanderplatz (Alfred Döblin) PICTURE: © JENS KOCH

T

his view of women harvesting water lilies in a Southeast Asian country is shortlisted in this year’s Sony Photography Awards. As photographer Trung Pham Huy explains, the annual flood from August to October is peak time for harvesting in the Mekong Delta.

“Here, women wash and wrap the plants in Long An province before sending them off to market.” The winners will be announced on June 9. See worldphoto.org. ● To stand a chance of winning R500, tell us the name of the country in which the image was taken. E-mail travelquiz@sundaytimes.co.za before noon on May 19. Last week’s winner is Keith Young of Westville, KwaZuluNatal. The answer was Volgograd.

A German businessman saves thousands of Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Starring Liam Neeson, above, as the title character, it is generally lauded as one of the top movies of all time and won multiple awards, including 1993’s Best Picture Oscar. ● Showmax

PICTURE: © IMDB

ELIZABETH SLEITH

PICTURE: © TRUNG PHAM HUY, VIETNAM, SHORTLIST, OPEN, TRAVEL, 2020 SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

Schindler’s List

Reise Reise Formed in Berlin in 1994, Rammstein, pictured above, have grown to become one of Germany’s most popular bands of the past 30 years — a titan of industrial metal whose loud, uncompromising music is not for everyone yet has sold over 10 million records worldwide. Released in 2004, Reise Reise is one of their calling cards, thanks in part to its keynote track, Keine Lust (No Desire). ● Available on most streaming services.

Staatsoper Unter Den Linden The Berlin State Opera (on the central avenue of Unter Den Linden, hence its full name in German) is offering streamed (historic) performances from the stately auditorium it has occupied since 1742. ● staatsoper-berlin.de

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Döblin was a prolific German wordsmith, producing works which veered from history to science fiction during a career that stretched across over half a century. Berlin Alexanderplatz is considered his tour de force.

Published in 1929, it revolves around a convicted murderer who is released from jail into the Berlin of the Weimar Republic and struggles to stay out of its underworld in a period of increasing extremism. ● Google Play Books (R151) or Amazon for Kindle ($14.99)

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

PAINTING Street, Berlin A key member of Die Brucke (The Bridge), an influential group of German Expressionists, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was born in Bavaria but often turned his gaze to Berlin. He documented the city in the 1910s, often with an unflinching eye for its underbelly. His work would be decried as degenerate in the Nazi era and many of his paintings were destroyed, but his 1913 effort, Street, Berlin, pictured above, survived the purge. It now hangs in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It shows a conversation between two prostitutes and a lengthy queue of potential male customers — everyone in the image wearing furs and finery, a year before World War 1 would rip everything to pieces.

MUSEUM The East Side Gallery Berlin has an abundance of museums but its most feted paint hotspot is East Side Gallery, 105 murals along the old Berlin Wall. They vary greatly in style but many cameras focus on Mein Gott, Hilf Mir, Diese Todliche Liebe Zu Uberleben (My God, Help Me To Survive This Fatal Attraction) — a mocking take on the close relationship between East Germany and the Soviet Union. It shows Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev (the powers’ leaders in the ’70s), caught in a deep kiss, below. ● eastsidegalleryberlin.de © Telegraph Media Group Limited [2020]

PICTURE: 123RF.COM/F11PHOTO

X

PICTURE: WIKIMEDIA.ORG

TRAVEL

PICTURE: IMDB

Sunday Times

PETAL PUSHERS

COUCH CITY ON A

T

he German capital’s turbulent “recent” history — the eye of the storm for both World War 2 and the Cold War — means it is heavily represented in art and culture. While you hold on for the real thing, make a virtual visit via films and books about its terrible past or spy its madcap modern life through art or the restless beats of a techno soundtrack.

CINEMA

The beautiful Berlin skyline at dusk. Picture: 123RF.COM/TOMAS1111

LET THEM TAKE YOU THERE …

PICTURE: © ANNE LANKMAN

ENTER TO

WIN

PEEPS IN A POD

A

restaurant in Amsterdam is offering a unique opportunity for people to dress up and dine out while still keeping their social distance.

Mediamatic Eten has installed five “quarantine greenhouses” at its canal-side property in which up to three people — who already live in the same house — can enjoy a four-course, plant-based meal.

Waiters wear gloves and face shields and pass the dishes into the serres séparées (separate rooms in French) on long boards.

The Netherlands is still largely shut down but restaurants are expected to open on June 1. Mediamatic Eten’s pods are fully booked until the end of June, though it still needs to obtain permission from local and national authorities to officially open.

A quiet hit when it aired in 2016, Deutschland 83 travels back to 1983, when Cold War tensions were threatening to boil over. It tells the tale of an East German border patrol guard (Jonas Nay, pictured above) who becomes a reluctant spy, going undercover at a military base in West Germany as the threat of a nuclear holocaust looms. ● Amazon Prime Video

Dark Shanghai Disneyland reopened this week but under strict distancing guidelines. PICTURE: GETTY

yellow lines and posters show people where to stand when queuing. Speakers on recorded loops are also being used to remind people to keep their distance.

EDITOR: ELIZABETH SLEITH CONTACT TEL 011 280 5117 DESIGNER VERNICE SHAW PROOFREADER HELEN SMITH PUBLISHER ASPASIA KARRAS HEAD OF ADVERTISING SALES BELA STANDER 011 280 3154, E-MAIL STANDERB@ARENA.AFRICA SUBSCRIBER HOTLINE 0860 52 52 00

12

LifeStyle | Travel

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

Adapted from Deborah Feldman’s 2012 memoir, this four-part miniseries follows a Hasidic Jewish woman from Brooklyn as she flees to Berlin from an arranged marriage and is taken in by a group of musicians — until her past comes calling. ● Netflix

Deutschland 83

S

hanghai Disneyland reopened on Monday after three months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tickets for the first day had sold out within minutes of their release last Friday, according to state media.

Strict measures are in place, however, to keep the virus at bay. Visitors had to pre-book their tickets online and numbers are capped at 30% of the park’s usual 80,000 capacity. They also had to wear masks at all times and show a government QR code designed to track with whom they have been in contact.

Guests had their temperature checked as they queued to enter the park and ubiquitous

Unorthodox

TELEVISION

IT’S A SOCIALLY DISTANT WORLD AFTER ALL

BERLIN

MUSIC

BOOKS

Techno Berlin was one of the proving grounds for techno in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Indeed, this frenetic form of dance music is credited with being one of the healing factors which helped to bring the two halves of the German capital together after the fall of the wall.

Dance music has since moved on but it’s not hard to dig up anthems that once shook a nation. ● Search for “Berlin Techno” playlists on Spotify and other streaming services.

This critically acclaimed sci-fi show is set in a German town in the present day, where the disappearance of two young children exposes the double lives and fractured relationships among four families. Watch it in the original German or dubbed in English. ● Netflix

Goodbye To Berlin (Christopher Isherwood) Although not published until 1939, Isherwood’s collection of short stories is firmly rooted in the Berlin of the early ’30s.

The fruit of the novelist’s time living in the city (on and off between 1929 and 1938), it keeps one eye on Hitler’s rise to prominence while focusing the other on tales of desire and decadence in a society slowly coming apart at the seams. The most famous of these is Sally Bowles, the tale of an English girl in the Weimar era eking out a living as a dancer, singer and plaything for rich men. It has since taken on a life of its own, notably in Cabaret, the 1972 musical starring Liza Minnelli. ● Buy it on Google Play Books (R205); or for Kindle as The Berlin Stories at amazon.com ($9.99).

Berlin Alexanderplatz (Alfred Döblin) PICTURE: © JENS KOCH

T

his view of women harvesting water lilies in a Southeast Asian country is shortlisted in this year’s Sony Photography Awards. As photographer Trung Pham Huy explains, the annual flood from August to October is peak time for harvesting in the Mekong Delta.

“Here, women wash and wrap the plants in Long An province before sending them off to market.” The winners will be announced on June 9. See worldphoto.org. ● To stand a chance of winning R500, tell us the name of the country in which the image was taken. E-mail travelquiz@sundaytimes.co.za before noon on May 19. Last week’s winner is Keith Young of Westville, KwaZuluNatal. The answer was Volgograd.

A German businessman saves thousands of Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Starring Liam Neeson, above, as the title character, it is generally lauded as one of the top movies of all time and won multiple awards, including 1993’s Best Picture Oscar. ● Showmax

PICTURE: © IMDB

ELIZABETH SLEITH

PICTURE: © TRUNG PHAM HUY, VIETNAM, SHORTLIST, OPEN, TRAVEL, 2020 SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

Schindler’s List

Reise Reise Formed in Berlin in 1994, Rammstein, pictured above, have grown to become one of Germany’s most popular bands of the past 30 years — a titan of industrial metal whose loud, uncompromising music is not for everyone yet has sold over 10 million records worldwide. Released in 2004, Reise Reise is one of their calling cards, thanks in part to its keynote track, Keine Lust (No Desire). ● Available on most streaming services.

Staatsoper Unter Den Linden The Berlin State Opera (on the central avenue of Unter Den Linden, hence its full name in German) is offering streamed (historic) performances from the stately auditorium it has occupied since 1742. ● staatsoper-berlin.de

13

LifeStyle | Travel

Döblin was a prolific German wordsmith, producing works which veered from history to science fiction during a career that stretched across over half a century. Berlin Alexanderplatz is considered his tour de force.

Published in 1929, it revolves around a convicted murderer who is released from jail into the Berlin of the Weimar Republic and struggles to stay out of its underworld in a period of increasing extremism. ● Google Play Books (R151) or Amazon for Kindle ($14.99)

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

PAINTING Street, Berlin A key member of Die Brucke (The Bridge), an influential group of German Expressionists, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was born in Bavaria but often turned his gaze to Berlin. He documented the city in the 1910s, often with an unflinching eye for its underbelly. His work would be decried as degenerate in the Nazi era and many of his paintings were destroyed, but his 1913 effort, Street, Berlin, pictured above, survived the purge. It now hangs in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It shows a conversation between two prostitutes and a lengthy queue of potential male customers — everyone in the image wearing furs and finery, a year before World War 1 would rip everything to pieces.

MUSEUM The East Side Gallery Berlin has an abundance of museums but its most feted paint hotspot is East Side Gallery, 105 murals along the old Berlin Wall. They vary greatly in style but many cameras focus on Mein Gott, Hilf Mir, Diese Todliche Liebe Zu Uberleben (My God, Help Me To Survive This Fatal Attraction) — a mocking take on the close relationship between East Germany and the Soviet Union. It shows Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev (the powers’ leaders in the ’70s), caught in a deep kiss, below. ● eastsidegalleryberlin.de © Telegraph Media Group Limited [2020]

PICTURE: 123RF.COM/F11PHOTO

X

PICTURE: WIKIMEDIA.ORG

TRAVEL

PICTURE: IMDB

Sunday Times

PETAL PUSHERS

AILS HAPPY TR

PICTURE: ©KARIN SCHERMBRUCKER @ SLINGSHOT MEDIA

FEELING

PICTURE: ©KARIN SCHERMBRUCKER @ SLINGSHOT MEDIA

FYN 14/15

PICTURES: GROOTBOS.COM

A

Local nature trails will doubtless be big news in post-lockdown SA. David Alston recounts his time on the Western Cape’s Fynbos Trail, just waiting to ease us back out into the world

bout 8km from Stanford on the R343 to Gansbaai in the Western Cape is a nondescript sign that points you towards the Fynbos Retreat, which leads to the start of the Fynbos Trail.

It gives no clue to the treasures hidden in the hills but, if you go, three days and two nights later you will emerge from a wonderland of flora and fauna and reluctantly make your way back to “civilisation”, very much the richer for a unique experience.

The 26km fully-catered “slackpacking” trail (with an optional coastal add-on of 10km) was established in November 2011 by Sean and Michelle Privett of Witkrans Farm, which is part of the extensive Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Ably assisted by two accredited guides and some “front-ofhouse” backup, the team ensure that walkers are well looked after and free to enjoy the many and varied encounters of the floral kind (more than 800 fynbos species have been identified along the route).

Dropping down to a dam fed by spring water, we then ascended to the Pinnacle viewpoint which, as its name suggests, has spectacular views of Walker Bay to the west and Dyer Island to the south.

Moving down again into the Witvoetskloof Valley and crisscrossing through mountain and limestone fynbos, we passed through another patch of forest containing milkwood, stinkwood and wild olive trees, arriving at our first night’s accommodation, Fynbos Retreat, in time for a welcome fynbos drink and some stronger stuff before enjoying a tasty home-cooked meal.

The 6.6km on the first day take approximately three hours to walk and are not taxing for anyone who is reasonably fit.

Day 1: Steynsbos to Fynbos Retreat (6.6km)

Day 2: Fynbos Retreat to Witkrans (11km)

The trail starts at the Growing the Future Sustainable Agriculture and Life Skills College (where cars are left) at Steynsbos in the Grootbos Nature Reserve. This project supplies most of the fresh produce enjoyed along the way. It being a Sunday, we were not able to see it in action but the growing vegetables were evidence that the college is meeting its aim of teaching disadvantaged women skills to equip them for employment in the future.

Our group of eight were on our way with our guide Billy Robertson by 2pm, and after a short walk through some coastal strandveld, we entered the ancient Steynsbos milkwood forest, one of only eight of its kind in the world, all of which are to be found in the Stanford-Gansbaai area.

The forest, with some milkwoods (Sideroxylon inerme) estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old, is home to a number of animals and birds not usually seen in the fynbos, such as bushbuck, porcupine, honey badger, Cape batis, paradise flycatcher and forest buzzard. The trail winds out of the forest and up onto a fynbos-clad sandstone ridge covered in bright red pincushions in springtime.

After a comfortable night and a more-than-

Start plotting As with the whole tourism sector, it is difficult to say when the Fynbos Trail will be open to visitors again. For now, they are taking bookings from October but with the option to switch to any available date in the next 18 months at the same price. For any current bookings affected by Covid-19, guests have been offered the same option of being able to postpone to a later date of their choice (also without any price increase).

Michelle and Sean Privett say they believe that the trail — which they describe as “an awesome nature experience in a beautiful, private and safe conservancy“ — will offer outdoor enthusiasts exactly the kind of joys they are dreaming about in a post-lockdown world.

“We believe South Africans are going to be looking for opportunities to 14

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adequate breakfast, we were on our way by 8.30am to tackle The Longest Day. Starting with a meander through a beautiful valley populated with an extraordinary mosaic of fynbos, we crossed over a stream into the lush Witvoetskloof forest, scattered with magnificent boekenhout (Rapanea melanophloeos), rooiels (Cunonia capensis) and assegai (Curtisia dentate) trees and the like before a refreshing “tea break” at a waterfall, which doubles as a shower in the summer months.

Next we were on to a steep climb out of the valley through limestone hills deposited millions of years ago, and now the home of some rare, endemic fynbos species. We walked up the northern slopes of the Grootberg (omitting an optional climb to the summit, which at 409m is the highest point of the trail), and then wound down its western side followed by a short climb into the Stinkhoutsbos forest, which was

reconnect with family and friends in nature and that hiking and wilderness products are going to be high on the priority lists,“ says Michelle.

RATES: The cheapest option is R1,230 per person — a self-guided and selfcatered experience. It includes overnight accommodation at Fynbos Retreat/Witkrans and a map. This is a circular route that takes hikers all the way back to the start at Steynsbos.

The “full slackpacking“ option — with guides, porters and meals — is R4,120 per person over weekends (R3,900 in the week).

Pre-Covid-19 booking requirements were a minimum of two people and a maximum of 12. This could change post-lockdown if necessitated by government requirements for social distancing.

INFO: E-mail info@fynbostrail.co.za, call 082-464-5115/082-411-1008 or visit fynbostrail.co.za.

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

damaged by prisoners during World War 2 and then in 2006 by a fire, which burnt over 60,000ha of veld.

Lunch was enjoyed in the shade of a white stinkwood (Celtis africana) tree where a natural dam offers a chance for a swim, and then we all took the opportunity to plant an indigenous tree as part of a restoration project that ensures all species are placed in their correct natural composition and density.

The afternoon walk crosses Flower Valley, where trained harvesting teams can be seen collecting wild fynbos for making bouquets for the local and export market.

Our second night was spent at the Witkrans Nature Farm, where another good meal was served by our hosts, preceded by a tasting of the international award-winning Lomond Wines cultivated in the Walker Bay Conservancy.

Day 3: Witkrans to Grootbos (8km) We made a leisurely departure from Witkrans at about 9am. After winding along the lower slopes of the Witkrans mountain, we entered the Baviaansfontein valley through more pockets of indigenous forest and fynbos-clad hills into the Grootbos Nature Reserve.

The 24ha Grootbos milkwood forest is a spectacular part of the trail, skirting milkwoods, sea guarrie (Euclea crispa) and wild olive (Olea capensis) trees and ending at the upmarket Grootbos Garden Lodge, where we enjoyed an excellent three-course lunch overlooking Walker Bay. After lunch, we were taken back to our cars with our luggage.

Although a self-catered option is available, I would strongly recommend the “full slackpacking”, which gives one plenty of time to take in all that the trail has to offer and benefit from the experience of the guides, who are a fount of local knowledge.

We felt privileged to have come away better-informed about such a beautiful part of SA, and to be able to reflect on the whole experience by reading A Field Guide to the Flora of the Grootbos Nature Reserve and the Walker Bay Region, copies of which were given to all walkers at the end of the trail.

We were also given a certificate to mark the planting of our indigenous tree, whose growth we have been able to track on Google Earth — proof of an experience that will long remain in our memories.

ILLUSTRATION: © PIET GROBLER

COYOTES & GOOD FOR NUTTIN’ COPS

I

’ve never understood why travellers like to “get lost”. I mean, I can understand the thrill of unexpectedly discovering something somewhere — but that retrospective only comes after much fumbling about. I strongly dislike getting lost, which is ironic as I am terrible with directions. Perhaps that’s why.

It was a hot Los Angeles afternoon and we had decided to hike to the famous Hollywood sign [Disclaimer: I am not an avid hiker].

Despite our suspicion that we should hike in the morning, when it’s cooler, we settled for 3pm and planned to do the short, moderate hike. We figured we’d be done by about 4.30pm and that would be cooler too.

Except we weren’t, and it wasn’t.

Problemo numero uno. Our cranky Uber driver was as clueless as we were about getting to the start point, Griffith Observatory. Once we finally did arrive, it was about 3.30pm and we realised we hadn’t the faintest idea which trail to follow. The sun, beating down, showed no signs of letting up and I worried that the three bottles of water between us would not be enough.

With no clear route in mind, and already fearing dehydration, we set off. An LA local on his jog gave us some insight: walk down there, go left, then right, and then left onto a gravel path and you’ll be at the sign in no time. Or something like that.

Now might be a good time to mention that two of our phones were South Africa-registered and did not work in WiFi-free zones. The third was US-registered — but had no signal because we were in the mountains.

The sun’s force was relentless and the trail seemed never-ending.

None of us knew how long we’d been hiking for — and our water was running out. We had expected to see more tourists on the trail but they probably knew better and had journeyed earlier in the day.

We eventually passed a couple on their way back down. I imagine our exasperated faces were a silent appeal to them to offer some hope. “You haven’t got much longer, just keep going — it’s so worth it!” Irritable, I asked: “Please be honest, how much longer and how steep is the incline?”

Never ask for the truth — unless you really want it.

Legs weak, water diminished, moods foul, we made it! Bloody hell. It was approaching 6pm and so with the help of two fellow tourists, Irish

KATHARYNN KESSELAAR

ladies, we took our #pics and headed back.

Now, the thing about routes is you have to remember them. Naturally, we got lost coming down the mountain. The sun was almost completely gone at this point and things were becoming even more unfamiliar. Three women alone on a mountain with no clue how to get back to civilisation … this is the stuff of horror films.

One of our non-working phones was dead, the other two slowly dying.

The plan was: non-working-but-still-alive phone would serve as the torch; the working-but-dying phone must save its juice to call the Uber — we started running. We bolted down the mountain guided by a faint light, encountering not one but two coyotes along the way. One of us wanted to get a pic. Absolutely not. Keep running.

Out of breath and scared senseless, we found the road. If we thought we were out of the woods by then, hah! Working phone was not working.

No signal. We couldn’t call an Uber.

Luckily we spotted the LAPD. They had a car. Their job is to serve and protect, no? Apparently no. We begged: “Please officers, can you drop us at the bottom of this very long road so we can get signal, call our Uber and get the hell home?” Nope, sorry. No such luck. Turns out it’s illegal for cops to have ordinary folks in their cars if they’re not under arrest. Who woulda thought!?

By this point we were almost in tears. And freezing. As the cops were heading off, the two Irish ladies we’d met on the mountain materialised.

Seeing our distress, they offered to let us use their phone as a hotspot in one last attempt to get us home — success! I guess that’s why they call it the “luck of the Irish”. As we waited for our Uber, the coyotes were still walking about and we just prayed we wouldn’t become their dinner.

Four-and-a-half hours and 12km later, retrospectively, yes it had been worth it — an experience we’ll never forget.

And the view was incredible. I still don’t have a clue what trail we did — or how to do it again — but I’ll tell you this: next time, we’re going in the morning!

Do you have a funny story about your travels? Send 600 words to travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za and include a recent photo of yourself.

Postcards from the Future

PICTURE: © SKY VILLA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

SA is often lauded as one of the world’s best travel destinations and we locals know the myriad reasons why.

We may all be stuck inside for now, but we’re holding out for the day when those places can open their arms to us again.

With tomorrow in mind, today Travel launches a new section, the goal of which is to keep SA’s many delights — and the tourism operators that make them great — firmly in our minds. It’s never too early to start thinking ...

Where’s the first place you’ll go?

Our first instalment comes from the Sky Villa Boutique Hotel in Plettenberg Bay. With Blue Flag beaches, lagoons, forests, rivers, and wine estates all on its doorstep, Plett, the “jewel of the Garden Route“, is a great candidate for those seeking a comfy getaway with lashings of adrenaline and natural beauty on the side. See capesummervillas.co.za.

Tourism stakeholders of any kind are invited to submit a “postcard” image (at least 500KB) with a brief description of your destination’s highlights, plus your web address, to postcards@sundaytimes.co.za.

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Sunday Times

As a product and interior design studio, Acre’s aim was to offer stylish, quality products at a more affordable price.

Sunday Times HOME

16/17

MAKING SPACE

I

Acre Studio’s approach makes style more accessible TEXT: JULIA FREEMANTLE, PHOTOS: SARAH DE PIÑA

nterior design can seem intimidating. The perception exists that high quality comes with an equivalent price tag, and the truth is not always far off. Designer Lianel de Jongh saw this as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the high end and the mass produced, a realisation that brought about her product and interior design firm Acre Studio.

“The primary reason for starting my own company was that I felt the big guys fill the market with price points small businesses struggle to compete with, but often deliver a sub-standard product. Our aim is to make designer items more affordable. I also saw it as an opportunity to uplift our craftsmen and the quality of things we produce,” she says.

For De Jongh it started as a side project while she worked at Anatomy Design as an interior designer for five years. She kept at it after she moved to Weylandts, all the while building Acre in the background. “I was lucky enough to have income while setting up the website and prototyping, as the initial investment can be quite challenging. But eight months into it I realised that I couldn’t carry on burning the candle at both ends, and I decided to put all my focus on Acre Studio.”

With a lot of time to plan, her concept was crystalised from early on in the process: simple, authentic, timeless spaces and products at a more accessible price. The name, too, had been in the back of her mind for years. “My maiden name is Ackerman — meaning ‘grounded’ or ‘earth’, which seemed fitting for working within the realm of the home,” she says. Fitting too for her design aesthetic, which advocates for unfussy spaces and products, 16

LifeStyle | Home

consciously designed and curated. “I love an uncluttered yet layered space that’s been well thought out and serves its function beautifully,” she says.

True to her affinity for timelessness, the products also steer clear of trends, and are built to last. “Our goal is to create products and spaces that will speak to the user for years. We do not want to contribute to filling the world with sub-quality furniture and design.”

Looking ahead to how the global crisis will affect designers in general, De Jongh believes it will prompt innovation. “I think designers around the world are sweating. But in the same breath, I think there will be a gust of creativity in response to economic and living challenges. Designers are problem solvers.

Now is not the time to stop and pause on business; it is the time to pivot and figure out new ways of helping people and creating design solutions,” she says.

She also sees the potential for a more considered way of looking at design to come out of enforced lockdowns. “I think people are placing a magnifying glass on how their homes are designed. Being in a confined space makes you re-evaluate how you do things and what is important.”

Her business aims to problem-solve beyond product design and space making. “There is so much potential for upskilling people in South Africa, and I believe small businesses can play a role in solving issues like unemployment and education.”

Acrestudio.co.za 17•05•2020

Sunday Times

Cannata’s stone and marble workshop.

AN ODE TO STONE

It’s all about passion and craftsmanship for the partners in this inspired collaboration

M

agic is sure to happen in a partnership between Cannata — one of SA’s most notable stone and marble fabricators — and celebrated local creatives Make Studio. And it has, resulting in a stone bathroom collection so unique it conjures up a deep and primal connection to these age-old materials.

For the Dialogue Room, Cannata’s dynamic new showroom space, their second marble and stone collection presents an electric collaboration with long-standing clients Make. Sensing the gap for a sensational locally crafted bathroom collection, Make has designed a range of bathroom vanities, mirrors, side tables and accessories that casts a new light on stone.

Beyond their reverence for the material,

WORDS MILA CREWE-BROWN, IMAGE SUPPLIED

Make’s curiosity for understanding the nature of stone, combined with Cannata’s 100-plus years of expertise, led them to push the envelope, exploring both the excavation and fabrication processes associated with stone. The result is two unexpected ranges within the Hydrous collection, namely Evolve and Erode, where the palette throughout is anchored by the use of polished Rosso Levante marble and water-jetted brown antique granite.

Make Studio’s choice in these stone varieties was inspired by Cannata’s annual look-book, produced in conjunction with Haardt Design, a stone trend forecast and inspiration guide for the coming year.

The two seemingly disparate collections play off one another in a way that highlights the unseen capabilities of stone. Despite their differences, the collections are anchored by

Vanity with integrated basin.

brass trims and detailing courtesy of specialists Patina Patina. Evolve, featuring Rosso Levante marble, has an elegant aesthetic, showcasing high levels of precision, detail and artistry, and resulting in a clean-lined, refined look and feel. While

Erode, starring Antique Brown granite, harnesses the stone’s natural, untreated appearance, amplifying and celebrating its raw textures, eroded crust and irregularities.

All Hydrous ranges include a vanity with integrated basin, mirror, pendant light, wall light, side table and a later collection of accessories including a robe hook, tissue box, jewellery holder and toothbrush holder.

Make’s Ruvimbo Moyo-Majapa and Lauren Bolus have spearheaded this design process, while the entire Make team of designers have worked exclusively on pieces from the collection. The process, and the resulting products, reflect their passion for these age-old natural materials. www.thedialogueroom.co.za and www.makearchitects.co.za

GOING WITH THE FLOW An experimental style and unique approach make Ceri Muller’s ceramics stand out

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ichaelis alumnus Ceri Muller’s fine art foundation didn’t immediately lead to her current creations. Looking for an outlet, she started making ceramics about 18 months ago.

“It’s been a long journey since completing my Masters to come back to a place of creating art again,” she says.

Muller’s distinctive style developed out of a period of blocked creativity and came about in an unexpected way. “I was struggling to make anything and my partner told me to start by making the ugliest object I could imagine. I did that and carried on doing it and those ugly little things morphed into bigger things that I grew to really like,” she explains.

This unique method entails a hand-building

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technique called coil construction using stoneware and earthenware clay. Her delicate palette is achieved by leaving the clay raw and unglazed. “I love natural textures and earthy colours and I’m enjoying exploring beautiful clays.”

Influenced by a range of artists — from Ruth Asawa for her organic creations and Louise Bourgeois for her exploration of the body, to ceramic artists like Simone Bodmer Turner, Arlene Shechet and South African Jade Snell — she works to create fluid, organic forms. “I am inspired by local designers and artists; they have encouraged me to be brave and put myself out there.” — Julia Freemantle @cerimuller_studio

PICTURE: DU TOIT AGRI

SERVES 3

1 shallot ( or use a small onion), finely chopped 15ml (1 tbsp) oil 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 knob of ginger, grated 5ml (1 tsp) cumin powder 2 sprigs of thyme 250g button mushrooms 7.5ml (11/2 tsp) Tom Yum paste (or use equivalent of red curry paste or 15ml (1 tbsp) miso paste ) 1 litre (4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 blocks of dried noodles 3 eggs, boiled, fried or poached 2 spring onions, slice the green part finely on the diagonal

We know them as 2-minute noodles, blocks of dried noodles that look like a sponge and come in a packet with a sachet of flavouring. Yet their origins are Asian and the name ramen is actually the name of a Japanese noodle soup or broth made with handmade noodles over which a thin broth is poured, with added ingredients and flavourants and often topped off with an egg. Ramen was invented in 1958 in a Japanese food factory, Nissin Foods, by a man called Momofuku Ando. The process of making instant ramen is first making the noodles then steaming them, seasoning and flash frying in hot oil, which gives them their extended shelf life and good flavour. If you are looking for a gluten-free option replace the ramen with rice noodles.

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In a large pot fry the shallot in the preheated oil till soft then add the garlic, ginger, cumin and thyme and stir fry till fragrant. Add the mushrooms and fry till just softening and stir in the paste and fry for a minute or two.

Pour over the stock and bring to the boil. Taste for seasoning.

In three large soup-style bowls place a block of dried noodles. Divide the flavoured stock between the three bowls and finish off with an egg and sprinkle with chopped spring onion.

OODLES OF

Just when your enthusiasm for home cooking may be losing steam, there’s always a packet of instant noodles to liven it all up again.

Easy on the pocket, simple to use and so versatile, this store cupboard staple, with a helping of creative ideas, can be a meal fit for a king, writes Hilary Biller.

PICTURE: 123RF.COM

QUICK MARMITE NOODLES

NOODLES

Whipped up in minutes, this easy dish will satisfy a hungry person, small or big.

Serves 4

PEANUT BUTTER NOODLES

4 blocks of dried noodles 15ml (1 tbsp) vegetable or chicken stock powder (or use the sachets in the 2-minute noodle pack) 2 litres boiling water 60ml (4 tbsp) butter 10ml (2 tsp) Marmite or Bovril — you could use half a crumbled beef stock cube Parmesan cheese Chopped parsley, optional

Using vegetable stock makes this a vegan dish. For a protein-rich dish add two sliced chicken breast fillets to the pan with the ginger and garlic.

Serves 4

4 blocks of dried noodles 2 litres boiling water 15ml (1 tbsp) vegetable or chicken stock powder 30ml (2 tbsp) sesame oil plus extra (or use sunflower oil) 15ml (1 tbsp) grated ginger 10ml (2 tsp) chilli/garlic paste or more to taste 375ml (1 ½ cups) baby spinach 45ml (3 tbsp) soy sauce 30ml (2 tbsp) rice vinegar 45ml (3 tbsp) peanut butter

Add the noodles and stock to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes till just cooked. Drain well, retaining a couple of tablespoons of stock and return noodles to the pot.

In a small pan melt the butter and Marmite together, adding a couple of tablespoons of noodle water to give you a paste. Pour over the noodles and toss to mix through. Sprinkle over a couple of tablespoons of parmesan cheese and parsley, if using, and serve with extra cheese.

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To Decorate: Half a cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 5cm thin sticks A handful chopped roasted peanuts Chilli flakes Add the noodles to the boiling water with the stock and bring to the boil and cook till just tender no more than 3-5 minutes. Drain the noodles well, reserving some of the stock, then rinse in cold water, toss in a tablespoon of oil and set aside.

In a large pan preheat the remaining oil and fry the ginger and chilli/ garlic paste till fragrant then add the spinach and fry till just soft. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar and peanut butter. Add the noodles, heating through quickly and adding a little of the reserved stock. Serve divided between four warmed bowls. Garnish with cucumber sticks, roasted peanuts and a light sprinkling of chilli flakes.

CHEF HOPE MDAKANE SAXON, SANDHURST

Graduate HTA Culinary Academy, Randburg I’m the only chef still working at the hotel and I live on the property. My role is to manage the kitchen and prepare meals for the small team of staff overseeing the hotel during shutdown.

I’m used to being part of a kitchen brigade of 34 at the hotel and right now I’m all alone in the kitchen and more than happy as I’m learning way more than before.

The hotel has given me the opportunity to try out whatever I like in the kitchen and I feel privileged and honoured. I set a menu for each day and prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for the team, who critique my meals.

Each day I’m learning in more depth about elements that were not part of my day-today job and have been focusing on menu planning, stock rotation and -taking, ordering and hygiene.

The hotel has an extensive vegetable garden where I harvest produce to cook and prepare dishes. Right now I’m picking lots of eggplant, cocktail tomatoes, baby marrow and basil, which I use to create my current favourite dish, ratatouille pizza. It’s the first time I’ve made a pizza dough and it’s been such an eye-opener and everyone loves it.

When the lockdown is over the first thing I’m going to do is to go and see my family.

Although we’ve been in contact daily, I miss them very much. And I’m going to McDonald’s! for my favourite takeout, the grand chicken spicy burger followed by a caramel McFlurry, I can’t wait.

CHEFS IN LOCKDOWN Two chefs, two hotels and how they are surviving lockdown.

Hilary Biller spoke to chefs Hope Mdakane and Kerry Kilpen, who each shared a recipe

LAMB NECK STUFFED WITH RICOTTA AND HERBS SERVES 6

RATATOUILLE PIZZA MAKES 6 PIZZAS

Pizza dough 430g bread flour 230g semolina flour 5g instant yeast About 400ml water 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil 15ml (1 tbsp) salt Napolitana (tomato) sauce 5 tomatoes, peeled and cubed 1 white onion, diced 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 celery stick, diced 10g tomato paste 10ml (2 tsp) sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper Ratatouille vegetables 1 large white onion sliced in circles 6 baby marrows, sliced in rounds 1 yellow and 1 green pepper, cored and sliced 2 cloves of garlic, sliced 2 aubergines, sliced 360g grated mozzarella cheese Fresh basil leaves, as a garnish For the dough combine the flours and yeast in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the water slowly, then the oil and salt and beat together on medium speed

Hot & cold

until summer.

Although we are not operating, in the height of the season we were preparing up to 600 meals on a busy day. I’ve found lockdown very stressful and quite difficult to get into a creative headspace and at the moment the team want to be busy and want to do something.

Last week with a small team of senior staff we went back to work and are operating from Monday to Friday and have created a small Steenberg@Home delivery menu offering restaurant food to enjoy in the comfort of your own home with two options to choose from: Heat, Plate and Serve with items like beef tataki, pulled beef and red wine jus, roasted pork belly and braised lamb neck (recipe below) and two kiddies items. And the Semi Prepared Dinner, which offers dishes with all the ingredients and sauces pre-prepared, which makes putting the dish together very easy.

Although a small menu it’s food that is prep intensive so there may be no thrill of service but the core staff and I are busy and loving being back at work.

The stories emerging out of lockdown, especially in the hospitality industry are very scary, and when you hear that a neighbouring wine farm may be closing down it’s hard to believe this can be happening.

I’m yearning for some good sushi and fish and chips when this is all over. We enjoy visiting Constantia Uitsig Estate where as a family we meet friends, sit on the lawns, watch our kids play, glass of wine in hand and enjoy their version of fish n chips.

for 7 minutes. The dough should be soft with a good development of gluten. Cover and leave to rise till double in size, about 40-50 minutes.

Knock back the dough and divide in equal portions of about 100g each, shaped into rounds. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.

Saute the onion, garlic and celery until translucent in a small pan over medium heat.

Add the tomato paste and cook for 15 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

Cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes then transfer mixture into a blender and puree until smooth then leave to cool.

Preheat the oven to 260°C. Remove the dough from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Sprinkle a little flour on the kitchen surface and roll each ball of dough into circles and transfer onto greaseproof paper on a tray or a pizza pan that has been dusted with semolina flour. Prick the dough using a fork and spread a small layer of the napolitana sauce in the centre and then around the dough. Divide the ratatouille vegetables between the pizzas and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizza at 260°C until golden brown around the edge, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, and serve.

THE HOT

MULLED GRAPE JUICE SERVES 4-6

If stocks of red wine are running low, try this trusty winter chill-busting recipe that uses red grape juice instead of wine. If nothing else, let the colour, flavours and warmth trick you into believing it’s the original. Cheers!

Combine 1 litre red grape juice, zest and juice of 2 oranges and 1 sliced orange, 250ml (1 cup) cranberry or 19

CHEF KERRY KILPEN EXECUTIVE CHEF, STEENBERG WINE ESTATE

Graduate Silwood College, Cape Town

I’m the daughter of a pineapple farmer from the Eastern Cape and have always had a love for food and knew I wanted to go into the food industry from a young age.

As the executive chef of two restaurants on Steenberg estate, Bistro 1682 and Tryn, I’ve been surprisingly busy during lockdown and find I’m working harder than I’ve ever done and I haven’t even really started cooking.

Initially the plan was to do menu planning during this period and preparing winter menus, but this has all gone out of the window as we don’t believe we’ll be trading much

pomegranate juice, 1 sliced lemon or lime, 1 stick of cinnamon, 5 cloves, 5ml (1 tsp) ground nutmeg, 1 bay leaf, 3 allspice berries, 1 star anise, a generous knob of finely sliced ginger, 30ml (1 tbsp) pomegranate molasses or syrup together in a large pot.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes over a low heat. Remove from the heat and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes for the flavours to infuse.

Just before serving heat through and serve with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries and extra citrus slices. — Hilary Biller

LifeStyle | Food & Drink

17•05•2020

AND THE COLD

Sunday Times

1kg deboned lamb neck (or use a deboned shoulder of lamb) 200g ricotta cheese 10g chopped basil 10g chopped parsley Zest and juice of 2 lemons Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 onion, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 stick celery, chopped 1 litre stock 100g butter To serve Roasted butternut In a food processor combine the ricotta, herbs and zest and juice of one lemon and season with salt and pepper. Open the neck up and season with salt and pepper on the inside and out and lay the neck “skin” side down and spread the filling over the entire surface of the meat. Roll up like a Swiss roll and secure the meat with butcher’s string. Prepare a roasting tin with the chopped vegetables and stock.

Lay the lamb neck on top of the vegetables.

Braise in a preheated oven of 160°C for 2-3 hours or until cooked. To know if it’s ready place a skewer in the meat and if it has no resistance, it is done. Remove meat from the pan and allow to rest.

Combine the vegetables and stock from the roasting pan and blend. Pour into a pot and bring to the boil. Add the zest and juice of the second lemon and the butter. Season with salt and pepper and strain before serving sliced lamb on a bed of roasted butternut and drizzle over the lemon jus.

THE ICE-O-LATION MOCKTAIL SERVES 2

Mix together 250ml (1 cup) fresh orange juice and 15ml (1 tbsp) lemon or lime juice in a jug. Fill two glasses with ice and pour the juice mixture in the glass till half full. Add 250ml (1 cup) soda or sparkling water (or ginger ale or bitter lemon), a dash of sugar if desired and a pinch of salt. Lightly crush a handful of mint leaves and divide between the 2 glasses.

Pop in an eco-friendly straw and garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy.

Recipe and picture Capsicum Culinary Studio

Things to stream

By Tymon Smith IF YOU HAVE

Morgan Spector as Herman Levin and Zoe Kazan as Beth Levin in David Simon’s ‘The Plot Against America’.

90

Picture: Supplied

MINUTES

Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics Netflix Donick Cary’s star-studded documentary delves beneath the panic and hysteria surrounding psychedelics to try and figure out exactly how they work, what they do to us and whether or not they can change the world.

IF YOU HAVE

CORNER OF DYSTOPIA AVENUE AND TRUMP LANE

6

HOURS

20/21

Aspects of ‘The Plot Against America’ seem plausible and horribly familiar, writes Tymon Smith

W

hen Philip Roth published his dystopian revisionist World War 2 novel The Plot Against America in 2004, some commentators, above the objections of the author, couldn’t help seeing it as an allegory of the George W Bush era of US politics. As we now remember, the second Bush presidency marked for some a low point in US politics — an idiot, rich-boy puppet in the White House whose strings were pulled by a nefarious backroom group of hardline neo-conservatives and military hawks intent on using him to advance their international economic interests.

Roth’s book imagined a fictional version of the author’s own World War 2-era Jewish New Jersey family, ripped apart by a politically disastrous event that didn’t happen — the election of aviation hero, known Nazi sympathiser and anti-war cheerleader Charles Lindbergh to the highest office in the land. In Roth’s version of events, Lindbergh runs for office on an anti-war platform and publicly disavows his sympathy for the Hitler regime in Germany — only to set about implementing disturbing echoes of the Fuhrer’s anti-Jewish policies against the Jews of the US. Roth repeatedly brushed aside comparisons between his revisionist fiction and liberal fears of the unhinged threats to freedom and rational thinking exhibited by the Bush administration.

But before the end of his life in 2018, he begrudgingly accepted that perhaps there could be some similarities between the events of his novel and the election of Donald Trump.

In a fortunate and timely move, Roth signed off on an adaptation of The Plot Against

H

America to be created by The Wire’s David Simon and his longtime collaborator Ed Burns, which arrives now care of HBO as a necessary, elegantly crafted and carefully focused sixepisode observation of the effects of bigpicture politics on an ordinary family caught in their very real and terrifying consequences.

The family are renamed the Levins and when we first meet them, they’re happy, ordinary members of the tightknit Jewish community of Newark, New Jersey. Father Herman (Michael Spector) is a tough but fair, politically aware, secular hard-working insurance salesman. Mother Bess (Zoe Kazan) is a dutiful, sometimes anxious but kind mother and stay-at-home wife whose own

This will have terrible consequences for not only the family but the Jewish population of the US at large mother is suffering from early onset dementia not helped by worries about the failure of her other daughter, Evelyn (Winona Ryder), to find a good Jewish husband and settle down.

The Levins’ two sons, Sandy (Caleb Malis) and Philip (Azhy Robertson) have little to worry about other than the prospect of one day living in a house where they have separate rooms. But as their Uncle Alvin (Anthony Boyle) reminds his brother, there are disturbing things afoot in the world of politics, and these will soon intrude on the family’s domestic dramas and bring the distant terrors of Hitler crashing onto the streets of suburbia.

As Lindbergh’s run moves from sideshow to main attraction, Alvin heads off to Canada to fight in the war, Herman tries to work out whether he and the family should also leave for Canada before the borders are closed and Aunt Evelyn finally finds a nice Jewish boy — the Lindbergh-sympathising, Southern-born Rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf.

Bengelsdorf’s support of Lindbergh eventually drives a wedge between Evelyn and Beth and will have terrible consequences for not only the family but the Jewish population of the US at large.

Ever since his breakout show The Wire, Simon has had a talent for linking social policies and seismic shifts with their effects on ordinary people. Here, he foregoes examination of Lindbergh and other historically dodgy characters, like Henry Ford, in favour of a focus on the Levins as stand-ins for the hopes, fears and terrors of ordinary Americans thrown into a frying pan by the insanity of an out-of-control charismatic leader who has dangerous affiliations to some of the nastiest people on the planet. It’s not hard to imagine this scenario as a reality. The moral dilemmas posed by Roth’s material are similar to those faced by Americans living under the irrational flipflopping of the Trump era.

As Covid-19 locks us indoors, immersed in escapist entertainment, Simon and Roth remind us that sometimes we need to face our fears because sometimes the worst version of what we imagine can come horribly close to the truth.

The Plot Against America is on Showmax, with new episodes added every Monday night.

Jackman shines in sordid school scandal story

ugh Jackman gives a career best performance in Bad Education, director Corey Finley’s dramatic recounting of a real-life high school embezzlement scandal that rocked the Long Island school district in 2002.

Jackman plays dedicated school superintendent Dr Frank Tassone. Under his tenure Roslyn High School has gone from an adequate but unnoticed school to one of the top five schools in the state. It is also flush with enough cash to fork out $7.5m for a shiny new sky bridge.

Tassone’s friend and assistant, Pam Gluckin

Trial by Media Netflix This docuseries examines some of the most famous trials in the US’s recent history to show the way in which media attention and public fascination in the age of television affect the way that trials and justice are carried out under the spotlight.

IF YOU HAVE

8

HOURS

The Eddy Netflix La La Land director Damien Chazelle and Tales of the City director Alan Poul team up for this gritty, downbeat, slow-paced but suitably existential examination of the life of jazz musicians in the parts of Paris that tourists seldom visit. Starring André Holland as Elliot Udo, a oncepromising now down on his luck jazz maestro who struggles to make ends meet running a small jazz-purist den in the city.

IF YOU HAVE

8

HOURS

(Allison Janney), is discovered to have skimmed off truckloads of taxpayers’ cash to fund her suspiciously lavish lifestyle by the diligent persistence of school paper reporter Rachel Bhargava (Geraldine Viswanathan), who threatens to expose a long-running fraud implicating most members of the school’s administration. As the investigation proceeds, we’re drawn further into Frank’s personal life and the scam — the biggest in US school history.

Expertly balancing Frank’s exterior charm with the deep and scarring effects of his history of lying to himself and everyone around him, Jackman delivers a brilliant portrait of a man 20

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caught in a maelstrom, whose fall from grace offers the arc of a classical tragedy couched in the familiar comforts of middle-class, 21st century suburban aspirations.

It’s a smart, darkly humorous, sometimes cringeworthy tale of corruption that examines what motivates people entrusted with the wellbeing of others to sabotage their communities’ trust and good faith and enrich themselves by whatever means necessary.

That’s a question South Africans are depressingly familiar with. Unfortunately, we don’t have the likes of Hugh Jackman to answer it for us.

Bad Education is available on Showmax.

Sunday Times

Upload Amazon Prime Video A futurist comedy drama series from Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation) which imagines a notso-distant version of late capitalism in which the afterlife is a commodity — invested for by those who live in the way we currently do for retirement. The problem is that what you might imagine and invest in as an idea of heaven while you’re alive might turn out to be something very different once you get there.

Q&A with Alicia Keys

By Jennifer Platt

Was this book always something you wanted to write?

I definitely didn’t think I wanted to write a book! I was starting to understand myself better and starting to realise how much I thought I knew myself but, actually, I didn’t. I started to unpack the pieces I was holding on to or didn’t realise were affecting me, like how much I was looking for other people’s approval. I didn’t understand that I needed to refine my inner voice. I realised that I was even subscribing to some of the ideals of beauty or perfection that I feel are a lot of the culture that we grew up in, thinking that we have to fit in to feel good about ourselves. I realised, wow, I am really doing that.

So I started to unpack some of these things. I didn’t want to feel like if I left the house without makeup on and fully dressed, looking like whatever “Alicia Keys” was supposed to look like, that I couldn’t just pick up my son from school or that I couldn’t just go to the store — that I had to worry in some way about what some people would think of me. It sounds silly and maybe simple, but that’s what was happening. That’s not all of it, but that’s a piece of it. I was realising that I wanted to break this cycle, this habit. So once I started realising that, people would ask me if I felt “more liberated”, “more yourself”, “more free”. I realised that some of these pieces I was able to uncover was the reason, and I wanted to share that.

You write about your relationships but, as you’ve said in the past, you didn’t feel that relating that part of your life was necessary.

Even Oprah gave you that advice. Why did you feel like you could share this with the world now?

I’m just in a different place now. I know myself better than ever before, and I think that we’re all on a similar journey of trying to figure out who we are — and how do you actually figure out who you are? How do you actually find out your truth, and live it? I think that’s important to share, and something that I’ve started to figure out and become more clear about. I would want people to be able to also live their lives authentically and find their true voice as opposed to those voices that have been taught to us or told to us and so we just assume them to be true. So that’s why I felt like now is a beautiful time to do it, because I’ve learnt so much about myself.

Why was Egypt the sanctuary you needed when you had to take a break from it all?

It just called me. It really did. I didn’t know what I would do. I didn’t know how I would make it during a time when I was feeling overworked and overwhelmed and, for whatever reason, Egypt called to me. I think the power of Africa speaks to me in so many ways, and it speaks to all of us. So to go back to my home, back to the origins, back to the most brilliant part of history — which is Africa. It called me, and I had to listen.

Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, who have pledged to always try to outdo one another in lavish gifts. Picture: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

More Me Myself and I

A

licia Keys is no doubt a fabulously talented artist with a need to help the world through her good works.

As South Africans, we feel like we’re more than just fans because Keys became a part of our lives through her music (she has often been here to perform) as well as through her activism (she was one of the driving forces behind the Keep a Child Alive Aids charity). If there was any doubt about these facts, More Myself certainly highlights them.

The memoir starts off interestingly enough. We read about Alicia growing up in Hell’s Kitchen. Not at all what one could be considered as rich, but not poor either. Keys considered it survival. She models. She has an agent. She was once on The Cosby Show.

She has a single mother who is a “part-time actress” named Terry Augello (Alicia changed her surname to Keys — Alicia Augello just didn’t have a ring to it). Young Alicia has an edge about her. She’s smart, she skips two grades in school, and she’s determined — she already knew when she was four years old that she would be a singer.

She’s got swagger, wearing baggy clothes as her signature style so as not to be sexualised by the boys and men in her dangerous New York City neighbourhood.

Keys and her mother were given a piano as a gift when Alicia was young and she took to it. She had piano lessons and buckets of talent. Her mother encouraged her to take up

Thirteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys opens up about her relationship with herself, her husband and her celebrity friends, writes Jennifer Platt

More Myself: A Journey

★★★

Alicia Keys, Macmillan

artistic pursuits to help her stay off the mean streets of New York. As Keys writes: “I grew up near Times Square before it became Disneyland, during a time when Hell’s Kitchen lived up to its name.” At the age of 13 she was enrolled in the Professional Performing Arts School in New York. Life was tough for Ms Keys.

Her problems lie with her father. Her parents essentially had a one-night stand.

Her mother decided to keep the baby and only informed the father a few months down the line. He already had a life, was in a different city, with a different woman and a job and house. Writes Keys: “My father wasn’t there when I was born. On that January evening in 1981 … Mommy arrived at the hospital already in labor … The next day — before Mommy and I left the hospital but well after the delivery drama was over — my father, Craig Cook, strode into the newborn ward with his newest girlfriend at his side.

The whole scene can be summed up in three

words: Awkward as hell. The story of that day is, in many ways, the story with my relationship with Craig.”

Keys struggles with this relationship throughout her life and career, and if this was the thread of the memoir it could probably have retained focus and not digressed into a who, what, when, Gucci of a vapid celebrity lifestyle. There’s not much depth to the following chapters as Keys hits celebritydom overload. Names are dropped like a mic — there’s Prince, Stevie Wonder, Bono, Barack and Michelle Obama, Queen Latifah and, of course, Oprah. She meets husband-to-be Swizz Beats, and her story goes from “uhm okay really” to the absurd.

Keys discloses how their #couplegoals is to outdo each other with lavish gifts and parties.

There’s a private party held in the Louis Vuitton store in New York. Why that store in particular? Because, “Swizz stopped by the store so frequently like he was dropping in for a quart of milk, we began jokingly calling it ‘the bodega’.” #Truestorybruh.

The final part of the book gets political and her sincerity comes across. Sometimes autobiographies are supposed to humanise the celebrity — to see “they are just like us”, or for us to have a peek into a glamorous world. More Myself is an attempt to do both — showcase the hardships and vulnerability of Keys’s life and, ultimately, it discloses that celebrities in the class of Keys live in a world that few of us can ever imagine. @Jenniferdplatt

You are a spiritual person. In times like these, what are you doing to keep going?

A lot of prayer, a lot of gratitude. I think gratitude helps in uncertain times. If you can simply name something you’re grateful for, I think that helps put things in perspective.

Meditation is big for me because we’re probably on a see-saw. I can speak only for myself, but it feels like a seesaw; some days I feel clear and strong, other days I feel cloudy, uncertain and fearful. The meditation helps to keep me balanced and also gives me time to take care of myself. Water yourself so you keep blooming and keep tending to your inner growth and spiritual growth.

Then there are some practical things that help me centre — like creating a schedule of things that need to be accomplished, whether it’s with the family, the kids, myself, and figuring out how to put it all in, in a way that feels good. Then acknowledge the times when it doesn’t feel good and to be able to be in that space and be OK with that too.

During this difficult and sadly wonderful time, can you create? Are you writing songs?

I can’t say that I’m writing a lot of songs. I finished all the music for my new project, called ALICIA, before this time. We were entering into a promotional phase as opposed to the “creating it” phase, so it’s been interesting to pivot from what we thought our plans were and realising that there’s a purpose for this time too.

I’ve been grateful to be able to put out the song Underdog, which has resonated so powerfully, and my latest song, Good Job, which I can’t believe that the words I wrote long ago are so perfect for this moment.

I’m practising piano, playing a lot, not necessarily writing a lot of songs, and I’m cool with that. I figure when the time is right for that, it’ll come. I’m feeling creative in other ways. Being able to create moments with 21

LifeStyle

music that I think is helping people in this time. People are saying it’s helping them. So I’m enjoying that. I’m loving that.

You learnt how to say no and take control of your life. What advice can you give to someone who always feels that they need to impress by saying yes?

Man, I would just say CUT. IT. OUT. Right now.

Just stop. There’s no way on planet Earth you can impress everybody. There’s no way that you can make everybody happy and, honestly, it’s so tiring to have to keep up with what you think somebody else wants from you. I would share that I understand how that feels; I’ve been there and so I get it. I know that it usually comes from the best of places, from wanting to make people happy, from hoping that great things will come your way, from a dream that you might have and that you want

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

to achieve. It all might come from a good place, but just stop it because it’s impossible.

I would say tune in to what you feel and start to practise what you actually feel. If a person asks you: “Hey, would you just do this for me?” and for whatever reason it’s not a good time for you, practise saying: “I would love to help, but right now I have to make sure that I’m paying attention to myself and I’m listening to myself and I’m helping myself.”

And that’s OK. Whoever told us that helping yourself is something to feel guilty about?

Start to practise that, and it’s amazing what comes. It’s amazing how when you choose yourself, how much you can actually help others more.

Sending blessings and love. Thank you for thinking of me, thank you for this time and for these thoughtful questions. I’m really excited to connect with you. Be safe.

Television

Sunday Times Page 22 May 17, 2020

SUNDAY May 17

15:45 Yotv Mini — Ilitha Lethu | 16:00 Disney Cookabout | 16:30 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Naruto | 17:30 Venda/Tsonga News | 18:00 7de Laan | 18:30 Nuus | 19:00 Fokus | 19:30 The Riviera | 20:00 Setswana/Sesotho News | 20:30 Ngula Ya Vutivi/Zwa Maramani | 20:57 Live Lotto Draw | 21:00 Muvhango: soapie | 21:30 Lithapo | 22:00 Ke Zaka | 22:30 Our Moments | 23:00 Naruto | 23:30 Full View

SABC1

06:00 Teenagers On A Mission | 07:00 Bible Stories Chi Rho | 07:30 Bonisanani | 08:00 African Religion Magazine | 08:30 Gospel Avenue | 09:30 Skeem Saam | 12:00 Get2Gether Experience (Repeat) | 14:00 Zaziwa | 14:30 Football Goes Retro | 17:30 Gospel Unplugged | 18:00 Break Da Beat | 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News | 19:30 FILM: Big Momma’s House (2000) (action comedy): In order to protect a beautiful woman and her son from a robber, a male FBI agent disguises himself as a large grandmother | 21:30 Agent | 22:30 Loxion Lyric: | 23:00 Mina Nawe | 23:30 Selimathunzi

SABC3

06:00 DBE Learning Tube | 07:00 Expresso | 09:00 The Profit | 10:00 The Agenda | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 12:00 Knight Rider | 13:00 On Point | 14:30 The Hostess with Lorna Maseko | 15:00 MPC Report | 16:00 Hectic On 3 | 16:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 17:00 Afternoon Express | 18:00 The Profit | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 Ready For Love | 20:30 The Hostess With Lorna Maseko | 21:00 News @21:00 | 21:30 Navy NCIS: Gibbs sends Bishop and Quinn to Philadelphia to work with MI-6 Officer Clayton Reeves on the murder case of a British operative | 22:30 High Rollers | 23:30 Knight Rider

SABC2

05:00 FILM: Raven, The Little Rascal (2020): A little bit of friendship goes a long way 06:30 The Numtums (animation) | 06:57 Motheo | 07:00 Morning Live: With Leanne Manas and Sakina Kamwendo | 08:30 7de Laan 11:00 Simcha | 11:30 Oh My God (Omg) | 12:00 Music And The Spoken Word | 12:30 Sports Lifestyle | 13:00 Ladies Club | 13:30 Countdown To Tokyo | 14:00 The Cube | 15:00 The A-Team | 16:00 Issues Of Faith — Consecrated Life | 17:00 Gospel Classics | 18:00 Nuus | 18:15 Setswana/Sesotho News | 18:30 Red Cake — Not The Cooking Show | 19:00 The Cube | 20:00 Speak Out | 20:30 RSVP — Dare To Change | 21:00 Africa With Ade Adepita | 22:00 Supernatural | 23:00 Hosanna | 23:30 Full View

e.tv

SABC3

06:00 Psalted | 06:30 An Nur — The Light | 07:00 Sadhana | 07:30 Yum.Me | 08:00 Ex Frontiers | 08:30 Massive Monster Mayhem | 09:00 Whip The Chef | 09:30 Isidingo | 12:00 Top Billing | 13:00 The Hostess with Lorna Maseko: Lorna Maseko is a hostess on call who specialises in multi-themed parties that reflect our diversity | 13:30 Funny You Should Ask | 14:30 Housefull 3 | 17:30 Mela | 18:30 Spy In The Wild | 19:30 Spirit | 20:30 Drive | 21:00 News @21:00 | 21:30 Down With Love | 23:30 Koze Kuse

e.tv

06:00 I Am Soul Precious | 06:25 e-Insert | 06:30 The Invisible Children | 06:55 Peppa Pig | 07:00 Care Bears: Unlock the Magic | 07:25 Veggietales In The City | 07:55 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! | 08:25 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu | 08:55 e-Insert | 09:00 Rhythm City (omnibus) (13VL): Relive all the drama and power battles in the music industry | 10:50 Infomercials | 10:55 Food Matters | 11:00 The Culture | 11:30 Infomercials | 11:40 Tower Heist | 13:50 FILM: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) (sci-fi/action): The discovery of a cure for mutations leads to a turning point for Mutants (Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Rebecca Romijn, Kelsey Grammer) | 16:00 Impact | 18:00 Family Feud SA | 19:00 NewsNight | 19:30 Modern Family | 20:00 FILM: Transporter 2 (2005) (action/thriller): Frank Martin, a transporter, is accused of kidnapping a young boy. He then sets out to rescue the boy and prevent the kidnappers from realising their evil plans | 21:50 eKasi: Our Stories | 22:50 Murder In My House

M-Net

06:00 American Housewife 06:30 Carol’s Second Act (comedy) (13L): After raising her children and retiring from teaching, Carol embarks on a unique second act: to become a doctor | 07:00 Modern Family | 07:30 Young Sheldon | 08:00 9-1-1 | 09:00 American Idol | 11:00 Elvis All-Star Tribute | 13:00 A Dog And Pony Show | 14:35 The Bachelor South Africa | 16:00 Extreme Africa | 17:00 Celebrity Family Feud | 18:00 Survivor: Island of the Idols | 19:00 Carte Blanche| 20:05 FILM: Us (Horror) (16V): Set along the Northern California coastline, this original thriller follows Adelaide, her husband Gabe and their two children on a summer getaway that takes a nightmarish turn when they encounter terrifying doppelgängers of themselves | 22:00 Last Week Tonight With John Oliver | 22:35 Still Breathing: Local drama about a group of friends and how they deal with love and loss | 23:35 Amur Senza Fin

MONDAY May 18 SABC1

06:00 Kids News & Current Affairs | 06:30 New Ben 10 — Siswati | 07:00 Bible Stories Chi Rho | 07:30 Yotv — Mvubu & Friends | 08:00 Generations — The Legacy | 08:30 Muvhango | 09:00 Makoti | 09:30 Skeem Saam | 10:00 Emzini Wezinsizwa: Set in a male hostel, this hilarious series returns to fill our homes with laughter | 10:30 Daily Thetha | 11:30 Real Goboza | 12:00 Yilungelo Lakho | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House | 14:00 Katy Perry — Live At Glastonbury | 15:00 Degrassi: Next Class | 15:30 Yotv — Yotv Live | 16:30 The Chatroom | 17:00 Expressions | 17:28 Aum: | 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News | 18:00 My First | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News | 19:30 Sgudi Snaysi | 20:00 Generations — The Legacy | 20:30 Makoti | 21:00 Hope One In A Billion | 22:00 Soccerzone | 23:00 Making Moves

SABC2

06:00 Morning Live: With Leanne Manas and Sakina Kamwendo | 09:00 The Agenda | 09:30 Covid-19 Learner Support | 11:00 7de Laan | 11:30 Muvhango | 12:00 Uzalo | 12:30 Generations — The Legacy | 13:00 Skeem Saam | 13:30 Ga Re Dumele | 14:00 Knight Rider | 15:00 Dinopaws | 15:30 Yotv Mini — Yotv Land | 15:45 Yotv Mini — Ilitha Lethu | 16:00 The Epic Hangout | 16:30 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Naruto | 17:30 Venda/Tsonga News | 18:00 7de Laan | 18:30 Nuus | 19:00 Safari Live | 20:00 Setswana/Sesotho News | 20:30 Leihlo La Sechaba | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Lithapo | 22:00 Nothing To Lose | 23:30 Naruto

SABC3

06:00 DBE Learning Tube | 07:00 Expresso | 09:00 The Profit | 10:00 The Agenda | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 Judge Faith Jenkins: From Louisiana beauty queen to tough New York City prosecutor | 12:00 Magnum | 13:00 On Point | 14:30 Truth Be Told | 15:00 George of the Jungle | 16:00 Hectic On 3 | 16:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 17:00 Afternoon Express | 18:00 The Profit | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 The Longest Date: 16 ordinary, single South Africans on an epic journey — to face their fears in gruelling challenges and ultimately — to find love and claim the grand prize of R100,000 | 20:30 Unfiltered | 21:00 News @21:00 | 21:30 Line of Duty | 22:30 High Rollers | 23:30 Koze Kuse: Viewers get to know the faces behind their favourite DJ voice

e.tv

06:00 The Morning Show | 08:00 Morning News Today | 08:30 Tanto Amor — So Much Love | 09:30 Days Of Our Lives | 10:15 Infomercials | 10:30 Gebroke Harte | 11:30 Rhythm City | 12:00 Scandal! | 12:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 13:00 e.tv News | 13:30 The Wild | 14:00 Premier League World 2019-2020 | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Care Bears: Unlock the Magic | 15:00 PJ Masks | 15:15 Wissper | 15:30 FILM: Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014) (action, adventure): When new Decepticons appear, Optimus Prime summons Bumblebee and gives him the task of saving Earth | 15:55 GGO Football 2: International | 16:20 Judge Judy | 16:45 Days Of Our Lives | 17:30 Bittersoet | 18:30 Paternity Court | 18:55 e-Insert | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 e.tv News | 20:30 Chicago Fire | 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 22:00 Claws | 23:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

M-Net

06:00 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 06:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia: With Pete Evans | 08:00 Extreme Africa | 09:00 Survivor: Island of the Idols | 09:55 The Bachelor South Africa | 11:25 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 12:25 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 13:30 Celebrity Family Feud | 14:30 Carte Blanche | 15:25 NCIS 16:20 Speechless | 16:50 The Kelly Clarkson Show (PG13) | 17:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia: Pete Evans returns with Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge in this reality cooking show | 19:00 Station 19 | 20:00 Manifest | 21:00 Little Fires Everywhere (drama): The intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. Starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon | 22:05 The Plot Against America | 23:10 The Late Late Show With James Corden

TUESDAY MAY 19 SABC1

06:00 Kids News & Current Affairs | 06:30 Wild Soccer Bunch | 07:30 Yotv — Mvubu & Friends | 08:00 Generations — The Legacy | 08:30 Muvhango | 09:00 Makoti | 09:30 Skeem Saam | 10:00 Emzini Wezinsizwa | 10:30 Daily Thetha | 11:30 Local IKB | 12:00 Soccerzone | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House | 14:00 Break Da Beat | 15:00 Degrassi: Next Class | 15:30 Yotv — Yotv Live | 16:30 Yilungelo Lakho | 17:28 Devotions | 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News | 18:00 Nyan’ Nyan | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News | 19:30 Selimathunzi | 20:00 Generations — The Legacy | 20:30 Makoti | 21:00 Cutting Edge | 22:00 Nyan’ Nyan | 22:30 The Chatroom | 23:00 Ispani

SABC2

06:00 Morning Live: With Leanne Manas and Sakina Kamwendo | 09:00 The Agenda | 09:30 Ke Zaka | 10:00 Covid-19 Learner Support | 11:00 7de Laan | 11:30 Muvhango | 12:00 Uzalo | 12:30 Generations — The Legacy | 13:00 Skeem Saam | 13:30 Ga Re Dumele | 14:00 Knight Rider | 15:00 Dinopaws | 15:30 Yotv Mini — Yotv Land | 15:45 Yotv Mini — Ilitha Lethu | 16:00 The Epic Hangout | 16:30 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Naruto | 17:30 Venda/Tsonga News | 18:00 7de Laan | 18:30 Nuus | 19:00 Geure Uit Die Vallei | 19:30 Melody | 20:00 Setswana/Sesotho News | 20:30 Nhlalala Ya Rixaka | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Lithapo | 22:00 Gospel Classics | 23:00 Naruto | 23:30 Full View

Tune in to ’ The Hostess with Lorna Maseko’ on SABC3 at 20.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Picture: lornamaseko.com SABC3

06:00 DBE Learning Tube | 07:00 Expresso | 09:00 The Profit | 10:00 The Agenda | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 12:00 The A-Team | 13:00 On Point | 14:30 Unfiltered | 15:00 George Of The Jungle | 16:00 Hectic On 3 | 16:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 17:00 Afternoon Express | 18:00 The Profit | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 Tropika Island Of Treasure | 20:30 Special Assignment | 21:00 News @21:00 | 21:30 Line of Duty | 22:30 High Rollers: An intergenerational family drama centered round three ‘brothers’ who are divided by their love for money, family and God | 23:30 The A-Team

e.tv

06:00 The Morning Show | 08:00 Morning News Today | 08:30 Tanto Amor — So Much Love | 09:30 Days Of Our Lives | 10:15 Infomercials | 10:30 Gebroke Harte | 11:30 Rhythm City | 12:00 Scandal! | 12:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 13:00 e.tv News | 13:30 The Wild | 14:00 Paternity Court | 14:25 Infomercials | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Care Bears: Unlock the Magic | 15:00 Disney Elena Of Avalor | 15:30 DreamWorks Dragons: Riders Of Berk | 15:55 Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon | 16:20 Judge Judy | 16:45 Days Of Our Lives | 17:30 Bittersoet | 18:30 Couples Court With the Cutlers | 18:55 e-Insert | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 e.tv News | 20:30 Chicago Fire | 21:00 The Powerball Draw | 21:02 Chicago Fire | 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 22:00 Checkpoint | 22:30 Forensic Files | 23:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

M-Net

06:00 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 06:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 08:00 Carol’s Second Act (medical comedy) | 08:30 Supernanny USA | 09:30 Madam Secretary | 10:25 Modern Family | 10:55 Young Sheldon | 11:25 The Kelly Clarkson Show (PG13) | 12:25 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 13:30 American Idol | 15:25 NCIS | 16:20 Speechless | 16:50 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 17:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia (reality cooking show) | 19:00 Chicago Fire | 20:00 Chicago Med | 21:00 Chicago PD | 22:00 Shameless: William H Macey stars as father Frank Gallagher in this acclaimed dramedy | 23:05 The Late Late Show With James Corden

WEDNESDAY May 20 SABC1

06:00 Kids News & Current Affairs | 06:30 Marco Polo | 07:00 Bible Stories Chi Rho | 07:30 Yotv — Umvubu Nabangani | 08:00 Generations — The Legacy | 08:30 Muvhango | 09:00 Makoti | 09:30 Skeem Saam | 10:00 Emzini Wezinsizwat | 0:30 Daily Thetha | 11:30 Gospel Unplugged | 12:00 The Chatroom | 12:30 Identity: The show focuses on shaping new ways in which youth in the religio-spiritual world relate to one another | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House | 14:00 Khumbul’ekhaya | 15:00 Degrassi: Next Class | 15:30 Yotv — Yo Brainiac | 16:00 Yotv — Yotv Live | 16:30 Ispani | 17:28 Devotions | 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News | 18:00 Mi Kasi Su Kasi: Aims to help change any negative mindsets among South Africans about our townships | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News | 19:30 NFVF Youth Films: Dipiri Le Makunutu | 20:00 Generations — The Legacy | 20:30 Makoti | 21:00 Khumbul’ekhaya | 22:00 Perfection | 23:00 Mzansi Insider

SABC2

06:00 Morning Live: With Leanne Manas and Sakina Kamwendo | 09:00 The Agenda | 09:30 Covid-19 Learner Support | 11:00 Teenagers on a Mission | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Muvhango | 12:30 Generations — The Legacy | 13:00 Skeem Saam | 13:30 Lithapo | 14:00 Knight Rider | 15:00 Sid The Science Kid | 15:30 Yotv Mini — Yotv Land: A toddlers’ programme catering for the development of motor skills through song, play and storytelling | 15:45 Yotv Mini — Ilitha Lethu | 16:00 Disney Cookabout | 16:30 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Naruto | 17:30 Venda/Tsonga News | 18:00 7de Laan | 18:30 Nuus | 19:00 Fokus | 19:30 The Riviera | 20:00 Setswana/Sesotho News | 20:30 Ngula Ya Vutivi/Zwa Maramani | 20:57 Live Lotto Draw | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Lithapo | 22:00 Ke Zaka | 22:30 Our Moments | 23:00 Naruto | 23:30 Full View

SABC3

06:00 DBE Learning Tube | 07:00 Expresso: Breakfast show | 09:00 The Profit | 10:00 The Agenda | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 Judge Faith Jenkins: From Louisiana beauty queen to tough New York City prosecutor | 12:00 Knight Rider | 13:00 On Point | 14:30 Special Assignment | 15:00 George Of The Jungle: Join George and his faithful pals in their modern-day jungle | 16:00 Hectic On 3 | 16:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 17:00 Afternoon Express | 18:00 The Profit | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 Ready For Love | 20:30 The Hostess With Lorna Maseko: Lorna Maseko is a hostess on call who specialises in parties that reflect our diversity 21:00 News @21:00 | 21:30 Navy NCIS | 22:30 High Rollers | 23:30 Knight Rider

e.tv

06:00 The Morning Show | 08:00 Morning News Today | 08:30 Tanto Amor — So Much Love | 09:30 Days Of Our Lives | 10:15 Infomercials | 10:30 Gebroke Harte | 11:30 Rhythm City | 12:00 Scandal! | 12:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 13:00 e.tv News | 13:30 The Wild | 14:00 Couples Court With the Cutlers | 14:25 Infomercials | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot | 15:00 Barbie: Dreamtopia | 15:15 Littlest Pet Shop: A World Of Our Own | 15:30 Supa Strikas | 15:55 Power Rangers: Ninja Steel | 16:20 Judge Judy | 16:45 Days Of Our Lives | 17:30 Bittersoet (13VL): Nihan comes close to feeling sympathy for Emir but then he shows his true colours | 18:30 Paternity Court | 18:55 e-Insert | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 e.tv News | 20:30 Chicago Fire | 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 22:00 Kingdom | 23:05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert | 23:50 Everest

M-Net

06:00 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 06:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 08:00 Modern Family | 08:30 Station 19 | 09:30 Manifest | 10:25 Supernanny USA | 11:25 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 12:25 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 13:30 Royal Variety Performance (2019) | 15:25 NCIS | 16:20 Speechless | 16:50 The Kelly Clarkson Show (talk show) (PG13) | 17:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia: Pete Evans returns alongside Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge in this reality cooking show | 19:00 Hawaii Five-0 | 20:00 Magnum P.I. | 21:00 Prodigal Son | 22:00 Evil | 23:00 The Late Late Show With James Corden

THURSDAY May 21 SABC1

06:00 Kids News & Current Affairs | 06:30 Marco Polo | 07:00 Bible Stories Chi Rho | 07:30 Yotv — Umvubu Nabangani | 08:00 Generations — The Legacy | 08:30 Muvhango | 09:00 Makoti | 09:30 Skeem Saam | 10:00 Emzini Wezinsizwa | 10:30 Daily Thetha | 11:30 Gospel Unplugged | 12:00 The Chatroom | 12:30 Identity | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House | 14:00 Khumbul’ekhaya | 15:00 Degrassi: Next Class | 15:30 Yotv — Yo Brainiac | 16:00 Yotv — Yotv Live | 16:30 Ispani | 17:28 Devotions | 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News | 18:00 Mi Kasi Su Kasi | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News | 19:30 NFVF Youth Films: Dipiri Le Makunutu | 20:00 Generations — The Legacy | 20:30 Makoti | 21:00 Khumbul’ekhaya: Tracking the journeys of South Africans on their quest to reunite with their families | 22:00 Perfection | 23:00 Mzansi Insider

SABC2

06:00 Morning Live | 09:00 The Agenda | 09:30 Covid-9 Learner Support | 11:00 Teenagers on a Mission | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Muvhango: soap opera | 12:30 Generations — The Legacy | 13:00 Skeem Saam | 13:30 Lithapo | 14:00 Knight Rider | 15:00 Sid The Science Kid | 15:30 Yotv Mini — Yotv Land |

22

LifeStyle

17•05•2020

Sunday Times

06:00 The Morning Show | 08:00 Morning News Today | 08:30 Tanto Amor — So Much Love | 09:30 Days Of Our Lives | 10:15 Infomercials | 10:30 Gebroke Harte | 11:30 Rhythm City | 12:00 Scandal! | 12:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 13:00 e.tv News | 13:30 The Wild | 14:00 Paternity Court | 14:25 Infomercials | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot | 15:00 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu | 15:30 Spirit Riding Free | 15:55 Dreamworks The Epic Tales of | 16:20 Judge Judy | 16:45 Days Of Our Lives | 17:30 Bittersoet | 18:30 Couples Court With the Cutlers | 18:55 e-Insert | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 e.tv News | 20:30 Chicago Fire | 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 22:00 The Fixer | 23:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

M-Net

06:00 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 06:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia: With Pete Evans | 08:00 Young Sheldon | 08:30 Chicago Fire | 09:30 Chicago Med | 10:25 This Is Us | 11:25 The Kelly Clarkson Show | 12:25 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 13:30 Station 19 | 14:30 Manifest | 15:25 NCIS | 16:20 Speechless | 16:50 The Kelly Clarkson Show (PG 13) | 17:50 My Kitchen Rules Australia | 19:00 The Bachelor South Africa | 20:10 Still Breathing (local drama) (16VL): Love, death, and the mess in-between | 21:10 Madam Secretary | 22:05 The Outsider | 23:10 The Late Late Show With James Corden

FRIDAY May 22 SABC1

06:00 Kids News & Current Affairs | 06:30 Marco Polo | 07:00 Bible Stories Chi Rho | 07:30 Yotv — Umvubu Nabangani | 07:45 Yotv Umvubu Nabangani | 08:00 Generations — The Legacy | 08:30 Muvhango | 09:00 Makoti | 09:30 Skeem Saam | 10:00 Emzini Wezinsizwa | 10:30 Daily Thetha | 11:30 Local IKB | 12:00 Sports@10 | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House | 14:00 Selimathunzi | 14:30 Teenagers On A Mission | 15:00 Degrassi: Next Class | 15:30 Yotv — Yotv Live | 16:30 Ispani | 17:28 Journeys Of Inspiration | 17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News | 18:00 One Mic | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News | 19:30 Throwback Thursday | 20:00 Generations — The Legacy | 20:30 Makoti | 21:00 IKB | 22:00 Mzansi Insider | 23:00 Yilungelo Lakho

SABC2

06:00 Morning Live | 09:00 The Agenda | 09:30 Covid-9 Learner Support | 11:00 Teenagers on a Mission | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Muvhango: local soapie | 12:30 Generations — The Legacy | 13:00 Skeem Saam | 13:30 Lithapo | 14:00 Knight Rider | 15:00 Sid The Science Kid | 15:30 Yotv Mini — Yotv Land | 15:45 Yotv Mini — 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 Setswana/Sesotho News | 20:30 Guys With Kids | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Bone Of My Bones | 22:00 Prison Wives | 23:00 Naruto | 23:30 Full View

SABC3

06:00 DBE Learning Tube | 07:00 Expresso: Breakfast show | 09:00 The Profit | 10:00 The Agenda | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 12:00 Airwolf | 13:00 On Point | 14:30 The Hostess With Lorna Maseko | 15:00 MPC Report 2020 | 16:00 Hectic On 3 | 16:30 Judge Faith Jenkins | 17:00 Afternoon Express | 18:00 TBC | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 The Fashion Hero | 20:30 The Hostess With Lorna Maseko: The hostess-on-call throws the most delightful themed parties | 21:00 News @21:00 | 21:30 El Chapo | 22:30 High Rollers | 23:30 Koze Kuse

e.tv

06:00 The Morning Show | 08:00 Morning News Today | 08:30 Tanto Amor — So Much Love | 09:30 Days Of Our Lives | 10:15 Infomercials | 10:30 Gebroke Harte | 11:30 Rhythm City | 12:00 Scandal! | 12:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 13:00 e.tv News | 13:30 The Wild | 14:00 Couples Court With the Cutlers | 14:25 Food Matters | 14:30 FILM: Cowgirls ’n Angels (2012): The story of Ida, a feisty young girl, who has fantasies of finding her father, a rodeo rider | 16:20 Judge Judy | 16:45 Days Of Our Lives | 17:30 Bittersoet | 18:30 The Culture | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 e.tv News | 20:30 Chicago Fire | 21:00 The Powerball Draw | 21:02 Chicago Fire | 21:30 Imbewu: The Seed | 22:00 FILM: Babylon A.D. (2008) (sci-fi thriller): In the darkly futuristic world of Babylon A.D., the rules are simple: kill or be killed | 23:50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

M-Net

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SATURDAY May 23 SABC1

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e.tv

05:55 PJ Masks | 06:10 Friends: Girls On A Mission | 06:25 Hanazuki | 06:40 Wissper (double bill) | 06:55 Dreamworks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants | 07:25 Voltron: Legendary Defender | 07:55 Problems vs Solutions | 08:00 Mahadi-Lobola | 08:30 Scandal! (omnibus) | 10:20 Imbewu: The Seed (omnibus) | 12:15 Infomercials | 12:30 Mahadi-Lobola | 13:00 Xplosion | 14:00 Cowgirls ’n Angels | 15:55 FILM: Fantastic Four (sci-Fi, action) (PG13): Four outsiders teleport to a dangerous universe which alters their physical form | 18:00 Spartan Race: Ultimate Team Challenge | 19:00 NewsNight | 19:30 Marlon | 20:00 Charlie’s Angels | 22:05 Good People | 23:55 Hiding In Plain Sight

M-Net

06:00 Speechless: (PG13): Minnie Driver stars in this witty and poignant comedy about a family who deals with the challenges of a special needs teen while creating many problems of their own | 08:00 Supernanny USA | 08:55 Celebrity Family Feud: Hosted by Steve Harvey | 09:50 The Bachelor South Africa | 11:00 Hawaii Five-0 | 12:00 Magnum P.I. | 13:00 Madam Secretary | 14:00 Survivor — Island of the Idols | 15:15 FILM: Pokémon Detective Pikachu (PG13): In a world where people collect Pokémon, a young man searching for his missing dad is helped by a talking Pokémon | 17:00 American Housewife | 17:30 Carol’s Second Act: Starring Patricia Heaton | 18:00 Modern Family | 18:30 Young Sheldon | 19:00 Royal Variety Performance 2019 | 21:00 Tell Me A Story | 22:00 Castle Rock | 23:00 Ride Upon The Storm

Stuck in limbo with the cohabiting lockdown slump blues again Things are really bad if you have to decide whether you’d rather be on lockdown with the person you’re with or one of your exes, writes Paige Nick

Illustration: 123rf.com

23/24

H

ave you ever played a game called Would you rather? It’s a good one to play during challenging circumstances — whether that’s a 19-hour in-airport layover, sitting through the 400th ad break in My Kitchen Rules or during a global pandemic. It’s a great reminder that no matter what you end up with, there’s always a worse option.

As Drew Carey says in the game show, Whose Line is it Anyway?: “It’s a game where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.” They don’t matter, just like everything you say after sex, or restraint at a buffet or wearing pants for a Zoom call.

The rules are simple; you take turns asking each other “Would-you-rather” questions. They can live in any realm, from the easy: Would you rather have Cyril or Zuma as president during a crisis? to the pertinent, “Would you rather home-school your kids or school-school 30 of other people’s kids?” There’s the thoughtprovoking, “Would you rather your shirts were always one size too small or two sizes too big?” and the diabolical, “Would you rather have one nipple or two belly buttons?”, “Would you rather only ever eat

By Linda Shaw THOKOZILE MAHLANGU February 27 1977, Soweto, 02h00 Sun sign: Pisces Moon sign: Gemini Rising sign: Capricorn You’ve been through so many dramatic changes, you’re wondering when your life will calm down. Well, you’ll have a few more months to rethink your plans. The worst is over, so you’ll be thinking about starting your own business — and take charge of your life again. The problem is that you keep waiting to be rescued. But as soon as you start using your talents to create your own success, you’ll realise how much you prefer independence. How about writing down your thoughts? You have a wonderfully creative mind, and you could come up with innovative ways to run a business. You’ll have to keep an eye on those emotional ups and downs though. When you’re feeling bad, throw a handful of salt into your bath water and play cheerful music. You’re picking up on other people’s fears. You just need to wash them off — and you’ll be fine.

Want your chart read?

E-mail linda@hixnet.co.za

dirt or slime?” or “Would you rather run out of loo paper or a sense of humour?”

I asked my business partner’s six-yearold over Skype, “Would you rather have a kiss or a hug?” and he said, “A puppy”.

Which leads to the next logical question, would you rather play “Would you rather” with a six-year old or a biscuit tin?

I’ve even been playing by myself during lockdown, with rounds like, “Would you rather do the dishes or eat eggs with your fingers?” But it’s easier to cheat when you play by yourself.

We’re all doing what we can to entertain ourselves right now.

When day fifty-eleventy — or whatever day we’re at — rolled around, I realised I had reached peak sense of humour failure. And judging by social media, I’m not the only one. I read an article about it. Psychologists and researchers pulled together statistics from astronauts in space for months and climatologists stuck in the Arctic and called it the “Third Quarter of Isolation” and now it’s a “thing”. We’re proven to hit our natural cohabiting lockdown slump round about

now. Which is probably why last week my guy and I had The Argument.

Some couples thrive on rows, maybe because it’s the only time they get to have angry-then-happy sex. Me, I hate arguing.

Probably because I have four sisters and we shared a bathroom for more than a decade.

So, The Argument. It was one of those that somehow tectonically shift the shape of the relationship. Call it frustration, call it cabin fever or call it the last bottle of wine, call it whatever, just don’t tell it to “Relax”, “Chill” or “Calm down”.

In a relationship, arguments are like hangovers. There are one-day ones, two-day ones and the all-fall-down ones, where you can feel the effects for anything from three days to a lifetime. There are brands of both ex-boyfriend and tequila that if I get even a whiff of today, years later, still make me feel sick.

What was it about? I don’t know. In the novel, The Most Fun We Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo, she describes one argument as “Just textbook being a person”, and that’s the best way I can think to explain it. He

When day fiftyeleventy rolled around, I reached sense of humour failure — [the] Third Quarter of Isolation

was being a person, I was being a person and disagreeing ensued.

How do you know you’ve won an argument as an adult? Is it the person who sulks the longest? It can’t be if only one of you is a sulker. Is it the one who is the bigger person and apologises first? Or is that an admission of guilt, so then it’s automatically the other person who takes the trophy? Is it the one who smiles first or hides a dark chocolate Ferrero Rocher ball on the other person’s pillow? Or does nobody win and you both just flare down after a bit, only more wary and bruised than you were before, until that too fades and the disagreement ultimately deepens your understanding of each other?

Anyway, on day three of The Argument hangover my business partner played “Would you rather be on lockdown with the person you’re with or with one of your exes?” Which was when I realised that we were going to be okay and I still liked him on the whole, so it didn’t actually matter that he’d been wrong or — if he’d written this column — that I’d been wrong.

So last round before we go, would you rather always be right or always be happy? @paigen

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Convinced everyone’s trying to control you?

Don’t fret. They’d find it easier to control the waves in the sea. Even so, it’s annoying to have people breathing down your neck. Try asking what they really want and giving it to them. Easier than it looks. Money is slowly on the up — make a plan to use it well. It’s the grown-up thing to do. Remember to share whatever you can spare.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 22 Feeling experimental?

Interesting love prospects about? Perhaps, but not interesting enough to jeopardise what you have.

Or your self-respect. If you want to play games, make sure they’re safe ones. For many reasons, you’re more concerned with other people’s opinions than your own. In which case, be good.

Take care of your money now. It’s needed for unexpected expenses.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Negotiations and arbitrations are looking good, with a clearer picture emerging through the smog. Now try to do something about that distance in your manner — it makes people insecure and guarded. So open some doors — and they’ll follow suit. Idealism doesn’t have to be a lonely path. Besides, if you think about it, you like them a lot more than you realised.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Keeping the peace is more difficult than you realised.

So perhaps try a different perspective.

Are you trying to satisfy unrealistic demands? Is that your job? Obviously not. So how about taking another look at what’s really going on and arranging a meeting of all participants. Then ask them to solve the problem. It’s just as much theirs, after all. Then get back to your desk and your brilliant ideas.

GEMINI May 21 - June 20 You’re determined to transform your lover into someone else. Perhaps you should ask yourself what you’re hoping to achieve, since you’re the only one having a good time with this. Rather focus on ways to help your relationship survive.

Wait for Thursday, when you’ll be in a more receptive frame of mind, and plan something romantic.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22 Parental issues are creating turmoil. Perhaps you’ve lost a parent, or are wondering what it means to be a good one. Your emotions are intense, and you’re unsure how to cope. It’s time to treat yourself with the care you reserve for others. If you’re feeling alone, call a friend. If you’re trying to parent everyone else, give yourself a day off.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 It’s okay if your feelings are changing. Nobody feels the same about relationships all the time. But don’t you dare do that cold withdrawal thing, especially not with the people in your space. A better idea would be to find someone trustworthy to chat to. And if you do, remember to actually listen to what’s being said. An open mind is marvellous.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 It’s slowly starting to make sense. The patterns underlying the big picture — business, social, spiritual — are coming together to make a whole. These insightful times come and go; take note of the details or they can disappear into the ether. You’ll need this information once you’re back out in the open. It’s a week to get what you want — more or less.

CANCER June 21 - Jul 22 You know how damaging it is to harbour anger and resentment. But forgiveness is sometimes harder than you hoped. Try writing letters to the people who’ve hurt you — the kind of letters you’d never show anyone. And then, when you’ve said all you have to say, set fire to the pages. It’s therapeutic. Give it a bash. And now, look into the mirror and tell yourself — out loud — that you’re perfect just the way you are.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 You’re not seeing anyone clearly now. So, for once, don’t trust your instincts — because they’re probably not yours. You’re simply inhaling whatever’s around you.

Get facts first, and lots of advice.

Unless, of course, you’d rather spend your week in seclusion, contemplating the meaning of life. Don’t laugh. The energies are turning inward. Now’s your chance to write that poem or tune in to your roots. Be sentimental. It’s ok.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 What’s this? Suddenly your life has become a great deal more complicated than you would like. Don’t let it. Simplify and throw out. Make a list of priorities, and let the rest go. And, no, it is not necessary for you to control the entire universe in order for it to function.

Because, believe it or not, the sun can keep shining without your help.

Besides, you have a few relationships to repair. Keep yourself busy with that.

ARIES Mar 21 - April 19 If you’re involved in a partnership, check up on who’s doing what. You may find more than half the work has been left to you — and the business is going down the tubes while you’re sipping tea. Not that there’s anything long-term to fret about. The rescue team is already climbing into battle dress. All you need to do is grovel a bit, and buy a round of pizzas. There’s as much help out there as you need.

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17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

10

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Elevated simplicity A five-bedroom completely renovated Bryanston home with the perfect location to boast breathtaking views from every room, page 19

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

Blooming marvellous

Our gardens have been a lifesaver during lockdown – just being able to go outside and enjoy the birds, butterflies, flowers and greenery is an enormous privilege. Now return the favour and get your garden winter ready.

WORDS: ALICE SPENSER-HIGGS

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

arden centres and nurseries have opened up just in time to prepare the garden for winter and there’s plenty to do and plenty to plant. What better way to exercise and get rid of all those locked-in frustrations? At the end of the day your body might be aching and your nails damaged and dirty, but there will be a sense of great satisfaction and achievement.

G

Good to know: Thyme is a tonic herb that strengthens the respiratory system, parsley is a multi-vitamin and rich source of vitamin C, rosemary is a natural antiseptic, and sage makes an excellent gargle for sore throats.

Growing tip: Keep pots in a warm, sunny and sheltered area. Let the soil dry slightly between watering.

For plentiful picking, have more than one pot of each variety.

Add colour

Work the roses

Looking for the easiest way to add colour to the winter garden? Plant pansies and violas, poppies, petunias or calendula in sunny beds, patio containers, and window boxes. All they need is plenty of sunshine, regular watering, and liquid plant food once a month. Trim off the dead flowers to encourage new ones.

Good to know: Iceland poppies are colourful fillers in between pruned roses in winter. Buy seedlings that are “green”, in other words, not in flower.

Best for shade: Primulas are winter’s most magical flowers for shade and semi-shade. They fill a garden bed or border, creating drifts of colour, in shades of lavender, rose, white or wine red.

Move roses that may be in too much shade or are in the wrong place. Prepare the new planting site first, enriching the soil with plenty of compost. Water the roses the night before moving and cut them down by a third. Dig in a circle around the rose – about 20cm from the stem – pushing the spade in deeply to cut the roots. Lever the rose out, making sure the roots come out easily. Plant in its new position, firm down the soil and water well.

Try this: New roses planted now will settle in over winter and be ready to flower in October.

Ludwig’s Roses outlets in Gauteng are open and roses can also be ordered online and delivered.

Gather leaves Grow veggies

A HANGING BASKET FILLED WITH PELARGONIUM TACARI

Easy greens to kick off your own veggie garden with are Swiss chard, kale, cabbage, lettuce, rocket and Asian greens (tatsoi, pak choi). Pick up seedling packs at the garden centre or look out for Simply Salad mixes of kale, rocket and Asian greens or mixed lettuce leaves with rocket, endive and radicchio. Veggies like full sun, wellcomposted soil and regular watering.

Try this: No space or not enough sun? Grow veggies in pots, in good quality potting soil in a sunny corner, balcony or patio. Feed with a liquid fertiliser once a week.

Don’t forget to… buy frost cloth and protect the veggies when temperatures drop if you live in a frosty area.

Hanging baskets

PANSIES FOR EASY WINTER COLOUR

PUT THOSE DRY LEAVES TO GOOD USE

Brighten up your outdoor living area with flower-filled hanging baskets. Winter is the best time for hanging baskets as they don’t dry out as fast or bake in the sun.

Opt for quick-growing fillers in bright, vivid colours that produce a cascade of flowers like calibrachoa cabaret, verbena “firehouse” and pelargoniums marcada, turkana and tacari, that hold their shape in hanging baskets without getting scraggly.

Good to know: For the best show, hang the baskets at eye-level. It makes watering and trimming easier.

Depending on the amount of sun, water every day or every second day. Feed with a liquid fertiliser twice a month to encourage continuous flowering.

Herbal remedies

TEND TO THAT HERB GARDEN

PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING

TAKE CARE OF YOUR ROSES

GROW VEGGIES LIKE SWISS CHARD

Pot up winter-hardy herbs for flavouring winter soups and stews and for health. Thyme, parsley, rosemary and sage all help to relieve winter ailments.

Rake up all the fallen leaves to make your own compost and save money!

Fill black refuse bags with leaves, moisten them and tie up the bag.

Leave for about three months and the result will be a rich, leafy compost.

Try this: Make a regular compost heap.

Find a sheltered corner and make a base with sticks or small branches from the garden. Build the heap by alternating layers of green material (for nitrogen) such as lawn cuttings, kitchen veggie waste, with brown material (this adds carbon) such as fallen leaves or shredded paper. Add a layer of garden soil every now and then. Build the heap until it’s about 1,5m high, finishing with a brown layer, and moisten.

Good to know: Turning the heap every three weeks speeds up the composting process.

SEED FOR YOURSELF Rather shop online to reduce the risk of exposure.

Seed • livingseeds.co.za • seedsforafrica.co.za Roses • ludwigsroses.co.za Garden centres • Garden World: Email orders to nursery@gardenworld.co.za or call 011 957 2046 • Lifestyle Garden Centre: Order online from lifestyle.co.za • Garden Shops: Email orders to marketing@gardenshop.co.za or call 067 166 5658

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17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

3

Spekboom goodness Executive chef Kerry Kilpin of Tryn, the vibrant new signature restaurant at Steenberg in Cape Town, has taken local goodness to the next level with her spekboom chutney, her ode to this indigenous wonder plant WORDS & IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

K

een to share her favourite recipes to inspire home cooks during lockdown, Kerry uses spekboom straight from her own garden.

Watch her whip up this delicious spekboom chutney relish by visiting youtube.com/Steenberg_Farm.

Spekboom chutney Considered to be a “miracle worker” in reducing carbon footprint, this proudly South African edible succulent is one of the most efficient plants at removing CO2 from the atmosphere, especially under ideal growing conditions. With notes of citrus, spekboom melds seamlessly into Kerry’s culinary focus of featuring an abundance of unexpected fresh and local ingredients in her dishes. Her delicious spekboom chutney takes pride of place on the menu at Tryn complementing both sweet and savoury dishes such as her sublime Textures of Boerenkaas.

Page turners to soothe the soul As lockdown takes its toll, we turn to independent bookshops for their suggestions on comfort reads to tuck into WORDS: SARAH MARJORIBANKS

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

O

nce booklovers were done rereading previously loved novels and managed to gobble their way through that shelf they never get time to dig into, closed bookstores – both online and brick and mortar – put a serious damper on an otherwise almost bearable lockdown.

Thankfully, many of our bookshops are open for business again, so now’s the time to support them.

Love Books’ Kate Rogan recommends: It’s well known that poetry heals the heart, and The Poetry Pharmacy: Tried and true prescriptions for the heart, mind and soul by William Sieghart is a wonderful “dispensary” – a collection of poetry to fit your emotional needs, and boy do we have needs at the moment!

You will find poems for anxiety, hopelessness, infatuation – just about anything you could be feeling. Each poem is accompanied by a short essay, allowing you to explore your emotions even further. The second volume is out now, too – The Poetry Pharmacy Returns – we can’t get enough.

How to support: Love Books is offering free delivery to Melville and The Parks, just phone or email for recommendations and requests.

They also offer vouchers, and are using SnapScan’s SnapitForward initiative which is aimed at helping small businesses – you can just buy a voucher on SnapScan.

Book Circle Capital’s Sewela Langeni recommends: The latest book by prolific storyteller Fred Khumalo, The Longest March, is a bit of history, drama, action and humour, all woven together beautifully by a love story. It’ll leave you navigating all sorts of emotions, but most importantly: It’ll give hope and courage to endure the tough time we find ourselves in.

Another suggestion is Eyes of the Naked

by Litha Hermanus – the first novel from this gifted writer. The plot is full of twists and turns, and nothing is what it seems in the life of main character Nakedi Solomon, who is on the run from Joburg to his scenic home province of the Eastern Cape. This book will allow you to travel to beautiful places such as Ngqiqweni, Zonyele and NoqhekwanaPoenskop in Port St John’s, even though we’re in lockdown.

How to Support: If you don’t want to come to the store physically, Book Circle Capital will soon be offering an online store where their books can be bought online and delivered for a fee. You can also buy vouchers to the store through their payment management system, Yoco.

Kalahari Books recommends: Maru by Bessie Head is perfect for comfort reading – the writing is intensely fluid, which makes the setting relatable to any reader. A second recommendation is We are all Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler. We have many ongoing

struggles as humans and this book is twisted sideways with so much humour on how people cope. This is a refreshing choice considering all the uncertainty at the moment.

How to support: Kalahari Books isn’t open at the moment, but they’re running a weekly online book club where members discuss the past and present state of literature, including what it looks like for authors and publishers in our country, and whether we have a say in the course literature takes. You can also buy a voucher online that can be used for future in-store visits, with a 25% discount gift from the store.

SEE FOR YOURSELF Love Books 53 Rustenburg Road, Melville 011 726 7408 info@lovebooks.co.za Facebook & Instagram: @LoveBooksJozi Book Circle Capital 27 Boxes, 4th Avenue, Melville 082 692 9889 store.yoco.com/s/book-circle-capital Facebook & Instagram: @BookCircleCapital Kalahari Books 2 Dunottar Street, Orange Grove kalaharibooks@gmail.com Facebook & Instagram: @Kalaharibooks

Taking her cue from Steenberg’s 17th century founder Catharina Ras, or Tryn as she was known to her nearest and dearest, Kerry loves to use ingredients straight from Steenberg’s herb garden or the lime and lemon trees on the Tryn terrace.

Also known as pork or elephant bush, spekboom is a nutritious eco-warrior packed with vitamin C and basic nutrients such as magnesium and manganese and was traditionally used to treat exhaustion and dehydration. This hardy succulent is easy to grow, waterwise and requires little maintenance.

Enjoy making Kerry’s easy chutney and let it work its magic with flavourful cheeses, as a spread or as garnish.

Ingredients • 375ml spekboom leaves – picked off the stems and washed • 1 onion chopped • 110ml white spirit vinegar • 140g sugar • 5ml fennel seeds • 5ml brown mustard seeds • 5ml salt Here’s how Sweat the onions and spices until soft taking care not to let them turn brown. Add the spekboom and cook for a further three minutes. Add the vinegar, sugar and salt. Cook for a further 15 to 20 minutes on a low heat or until it has the consistency of a nice thick chutney. Taste and add more seasoning if required.

You will notice that the spekboom releases quite a lot of gooey liquid when cooking, this is quite normal. Pour into a sterilised jar and refrigerate.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF For more on chef Kerry Kilpin’s #lockdown recipes follow @SteenbergFarm on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

4

PROPERTY NEWS

17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

Property focus

ELLIPSE WATERFALL IN MIDRAND, JOBURG

The allure of the Big Four Amid uncertainty about the future following the Covid-19 lockdown, many are hesitant to invest in property. Yet luxury estate developments in four key areas are still drawing interest from buyers attracted by lifestyle and safety aspects on offer.

WORDS: HELÉNE MEISSENHEIMER IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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here’s no denying that South Africa faces immense challenges to rebuild its economy following the devastating effects of the coronavirus crisis. There are, however, many investors and first-time homebuyers who believe the country still offers excellent value in the luxury property market.

South Africa has the largest wealth market on the continent and the 32nd largest worldwide in terms of total wealth held. This is according to the SA Wealth Report 2020, New World Wealth’s latest annual report released at the end of April. It also states that, based on the wealth statistics available in December, about 38,400 millionaires (high net-worth individuals, or HNWIs) were living in the country at the time.

Most of these HNWIs live or own property in the country’s “Big Four”, namely Joburg, Cape Town, the Boland towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, and Durban and Umhlanga in KwaZuluNatal.

VAL DE VIE ESTATE OUTSIDE PAARL, CAPE WINELANDS

South Africa was already in a technical recession before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. For more than a year now, sales in the higher-end residential property market have been slowing down as many investors adopted a wait-and-see

approach. The nationwide lockdown from the end of March brought the property market almost to a standstill, so it’s quite surprising – and most promising – to note that property leaders and developers report continued activity in pockets of the luxury residential market.

“There are more buyers out there than one may expect,” says Fine & Country SA CEO Linda Erasmus.

According to her, the worldwide coronavirus crisis and the current exchange rate mean that buying property overseas has become less attractive for local buyers in the luxury market.

What’s more, some international buyers are very much aware that they can pick up bargains in sought-after areas while the exchange rate favours them significantly. Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says he doesn’t expect demand to flare up in the luxury residential market because it had already been in decline over the past 18 months because of the state of the economy. However, luxury estates are the exception “as there’s an increase in demand for the secure lifestyle on offer”.

Property developers involved in luxury estates confirm this.

17 MAYL 2020

Neighbourhood

Rawson Developers property consultant Brad Morgan says despite the lockdown the company had record sales at The Westwood, a new luxury apartment development in Upper Observatory, one of Cape Town’s southern suburbs, during April.

Other developers, too, report an increase in market activity at luxury estate developments. In Joburg there’s been an increase in queries as well as sales in Tricolt’s luxury security estate developments, says CEO Tim Kloeck. “We’ve signed more deals than in February,” he says in reference to the high-rise residential development Ellipse Waterfall in Waterfall City, Midrand.

“For those who have the money to invest, with the banks offering very low interest rates right now, this is

the perfect time if you want a house in a good area,” says Rawson Property Group chairman Bill Rawson.

Joburg Kloeck says Tricolt has had an increase in queries from people looking to downscale from their houses to buy a home that’s safe and secure. “In the first place they’re looking for safety and security, but the lifestyle also appeals to them,” he says. For instance, the luxury residential development Brookfield at Royal in the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club offers kilometres of running and cycling tracks.

“Unique properties like Brookfield at Royal and Ellipse Waterfall are standing the test of time and selling despite Covid-19,” says Kloeck.

Even during the lockdown – although representatives were not allowed to see clients – they were signing deals via video conferencing and online communication networks.

Also attracting attention are luxury estates in nearby Centurion, such as Midstream Estate and Centurion Gold Estate, whereas in Pretoria East luxury estates such as Waterkloof Boulevard and Woodhill Golf Estate are in high demand.

Cape Town The Cape Town Metro comprises some of the country’s most exclusive neighbourhoods such as Clifton, Llandudno and Camps Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard; Oranjezicht and Vredehoek in the City Bowl; and

PROPERTY NEWS

Constantia and Bishopscourt in the Southern Suburbs.

that require little maintenance,” she says.

“There’s been some activity, but there’s certainly been no rush to jump into the property market quite yet,” says David Sedgwick, managing director, Horizon Capital, the developers of a collection of penthouses in Oranjezicht and Vredehoek. He believes people are proceeding cautiously and conserving cash until the full extent of the economic damage and the road to economic recovery are clear.

Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are also attractive to HNWIs wishing to retire. According to Di van Graan, another Pam Golding Properties agent for Stellenbosch, retirees tend to prefer lifestyle estates over retirement villages. “People looking to relocate from upcountry mostly rent in secure estates while they decide where they would like to live, so there’s always a demand for rental properties,” she adds.

On the Atlantic Seaboard, Seeff has had continued interest in apartments in the Waterfront and in the Mouille Point and Sea Point area, with sales predominantly in the R6m to R18m price bands.

Durban & Umhlanga

Welgedacht Estate in the Northern Suburbs and Silverhurst Estate in Constantia in the Southern Suburbs are also among the developments that have remained popular with upper-end buyers.

The New World Wealth report lists Umhlanga and Ballito in KwaZuluNatal as two of the fastest-growing areas in South Africa in terms of wealth growth over the past 10 years.

The apartments on Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga are some of the most expensive in the country.

The Cape Winelands The Cape Winelands has broad appeal, with the towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch offering luxury estate living in convenient locations – close enough to Cape Town yet retaining the sought-after country lifestyle.

Jordan Greenhalgh, Pam Golding Properties agent at Val de Vie Estate and Paarl Valley, reports getting enquiries from international buyers and investors looking for so-called bargains.

“Most of the international buyers have visited South Africa before or have some connection with the country and the area they’re buying in,” she says.

THE VERA IN CAPE TOWN’S CITY BOWL

5

In Stellenbosch there’s a lively interest in new developments, which hold considerable appeal as there are no transfer fees payable, according to Vanessa Johnson, the Pam Golding Properties agent here. “People prefer luxury upmarket lifestyle properties

“The trend in the luxury property market, even before lockdown, indicated a strong swing towards estate living and security,” says Erasmus.

The North Coast continues to attract an influx of buyers from the rest of the province, as well as Gauteng and other regions and even globally, says Seeff North Coast principal Tim Johnson.

Palm Lakes Estate, one of the largest residential estates on the North Coast, is one of the property hotspots. Opting for ecofriendly developments such as Simbithi Eco Estate in Ballito and Balwin Properties’ Izinga Eco Estate in Umhlanga is another popular trend.

Ultimately, as Kloeck says, despite the country’s economic challenges and the viral pandemic, the main benefits of real estate as a long-term investment still stands. Key among these is location, location, location – particularly if a property is situated in a sought-after lifestyle estate development in one of the country’s Big Four areas.

IZINGA ECO ESTATE IN UMHLANGA

6

PROPERTY NEWS

17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

Get moving!

Since last week, Government allows people to move under lockdown alert level 4 – but terms and conditions apply WORDS: MARANA BRAND

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

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ot being able to move has been a huge frustration for those who bought homes or signed new lease agreements just before lockdown – and it came with financial implications.

Last week, Government announced that people have a small window period to move house only once under alert level 4 until 7 June. This decision was widely welcomed.

to new premises, or if the move is necessitated by domestic violence.

Transport of furniture and goods to the new place of residence or business within South Africa, is also allowed. Removal companies can therefore operate to assist people who are moving to their new places of residence or business..

Permits which were issued under the previous regulations announced last week, remain valid.

What do I need?

On Thursday, however, the 7 June deadline was dropped and regulations amended to only govern a once-off move, and only under alert level 4. Bear in mind that some areas may be in different alert levels than others in future.

The announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday evening that Government aims to move most of the country to alert level 3 by the end of May* might mean that citizens only have until 31 May to move and not until 7 June as stipulated last week. It’s expected, however, that conditions will be further relaxed under alert level 3.

Who can move?

Under the latest regulations, businesses can now also relocate to new premises once. The same applies to victims of domestic violence.

This means that people and goods may be moved when someone relocates to a new place of residence, or a business

To make sure you don’t fall foul of the law, see to it that you meet these requirements before you hand over the keys to your old home: • Obtain a permit to travel across provincial, metropolitan or district boundaries from the station commander of a police station or a person designated by him or her.

• This permit should indicate the persons who are part of the household who will be required to move.

• You should keep with you: - the relevant lease agreements indicating the date of expiry of the old lease or the date of commencement of the new lease; or - the proof of purchase of residence and occupation date; or - the transfer documents attesting to the change of ownership of property; or - a domestic violence order; or - proof of change of business premises.

What about the money?

People who owe rent for new premises that couldn’t be occupied due to the lockdown, should have a look at the terms and conditions of their lease agreements, says Donald Mokgehle, senior associate, Adams and Adams Attorneys.

“In some instances the lease agreements will contain provisions dealing with the inability to meet contractual obligations due to circumstances beyond the control of either party. If this is the case, the party who is unable to pay will not be in breach of contract. The provisions might also indicate whether the tenant is entitled to a reduction in the rent payable or to a payment holiday.”

If the lease agreement does not contain such a clause, common law will apply. This dictates “that if parties to a contract fail to discharge their contractual obligations due to a supervening impossibility of performance, such parties will

not be in breach of contract. In the current climate, it can be argued that Government’s regulations restricting the movement of persons to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, constitutes a supervening impossibility of performance,” he says.

The tenant will therefore not have to pay rent for premises that could not be occupied during the lockdown.

In a case where deposits are withheld after notices were issued because inspections couldn’t be performed also due to the lockdown, Mokgehle says the landlord should withhold the deposit in an interest-bearing account until the regulations are relaxed enough to allow for the inspection of the property. * Information correct at the time of going to press (Thursday, 14 May)

17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

Adapting to a changing world It’s no secret that our world has undergone drastic changes these past few months – and it’s up to businesses to adapt however they can

ost industries are having to relook the way they work. This is perhaps most applicable to the residential property sector. In fact, on the back of over a decade’s worth of slow growth, it’s likely that no other sector needs to change the way it operates more than those who are in the business of providing homes.

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Community focus

This is why developers such as Craft Homes have completely reworked how they do things. It’s evident from the launch of all Craft Homes developments in a totally online space.

Each street here is treated as a smaller village within the whole, with varying landscaping and hardscaping techniques creating a distinct street identity. The result is a blend of freestanding houses and apartments that promotes a holistic and unique sense of community.

The company achieved this through specialised websites that centre around specific developments, with each site containing everything you might need to view, reserve and even purchase a property.

WORDS & IMAGES: SUPPLIED

7

FOCUS ON: CRAFT HOMES – THE WOODS

This allows Craft Homes to accomplish everything it normally would with a typical on-site launch – all while helping to flatten the curve.

What’s more, its online initiatives have already proved tremendously successful with the launch of its latest developments, The Woods and Springwood, on 14 May.

Situated in Kyalami, Joburg, The Woods is a development drawing inspiration from the surrounding wetlands as well as the area’s equestrian roots. It suits all stages of life – from single professionals to couples starting a family, and even those looking to scale back in their later years.

The Woods also has a secure green belt that makes it a walkable neighbourhood.

This is an attractive prospect for those who currently have to make the most of set exercise times, as well as anybody craving a more natural and communitybased component in their daily lives.

Smart investment Property in Kyalami has been rising in demand lately thanks to its proximity to Waterfall, an area many are now calling Joburg’s new emerging CBD. But the recent lowering of the repo rate to a record 4.25% means Kyalami is an even more attractive prospect at the moment – and properties such as The Woods are particularly smart investments.

Now, more than ever, the saying “Don’t wait to buy property, buy property and wait” rings true. This is the time to act.

It’s an ethos that has galvanised Craft Homes. Because a wait-and-see attitude is no longer relevant. Those who adapt are the ones who will succeed in the face of a changing world.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF To book an online appointment with one of our sales executives or to buy online, go to crafthomes.co.za/thewoods.

For a tutorial on purchasing online, visit youtube.com/watch?v=-%20 NAgCM2HFTQ. ARTIST IMPRESSION

ARTIST IMPRESSION

ARTIST IMPRESSION

8

PROPERTY NEWS

17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

Millennials demand a new urban U

rbanisation has been a major trend of the 21st century, with 55% of the world’s population already living in urban areas and numbers expected to increase to almost 70% by 2050. However, the course of urbanisation is likely to be significantly altered by several disruptive forces.

“Over the past decade, we’ve already seen discernible changes in the workplace and in residential development spurred by millennials’ different lifestyle needs and work ethic,” says Yael Geffen, CEO, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Add increased security concerns, growing traffic congestion and, most recently, a global pandemic, and it becomes clear that we have to rethink traditional ideas about urbanisation, planning and development.”

“One of the main issues of car dependent suburban sprawl is that it makes travelling greater distances necessary.

It also makes public transport less viable because of the lower population density.

And with most suburbs having few amenities, people have no choice but to drive when they need something, with cul de sacs making the route even more convoluted than necessary. As a result, traffic is channelled to main roads which become even more congested,” she says.

The way in which the current suburban development typology deals with security is also problematic. People have been led to believe the only way to secure their properties is with high walls. These not only obscure criminal activity from the outside, but also make public spaces such as parks more dangerous as they cannot be seen from the surrounding homes.

Changing workplace.

Geffen says Covid-19 has also raised a number of questions for planners and policymakers, especially as many efforts to control the spread of the virus have included “de-densification” and social distancing, which contribute to the changing nature of the workplace.

“Although we know that remote working will become more prevalent, the team culture created by shared workspaces remains an invaluable psychological motivator, so there will be a continued demand for commercial spaces.

“For instance, older commercial buildings ripe for refurbishment are ideal for creating new office environments that place a premium on natural light and more open and spacious floor plans to provide workers with more privacy and personal space,” she concludes.

As millennials settle down and start families, they’re exchanging their urban dwellings for family homes in suburbia to have additional space and be near good schools.

“They have, however, different lifestyle requirements and conventional suburbs generally fall short of meeting their needs,” Geffen says.

Live auction with 3D viewing a first in SA

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ulti-property auctioneering broke new ground in SA this week with the first live virtual sale in which all bids were accepted through a variety of digital channels including Zoom and in-app live stream, off the back of high-tech, detailed 3D virtual property tours already taken by registered bidders from across the country.

High Street Auctions director and lead auctioneer Joff van Reenen says lockdown regulations and fears of attending large gatherings, have accelerated the public’s acceptance of virtual auctions, but auction companies have also had to go the extra mile to retain clients and grow their client base.

“Traditionally, suburbs were developed to optimise house and plot sizes, and, being car dependent, most have few amenities within walking distance, but millennial suburbanites expect the convenience, walkability and sociability of cosmopolitan urban life.”

seller’s property – whether residential, commercial or industrial – in a full 3D, 360-degree virtual walkthrough format on highstreetauctions.com, allowing potential buyers to examine walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures at their leisure from the comfort of their homes or offices.

High Street has also extended its bidding platforms to include telephonic commission bids with the auctioneer and live bidding on the High Street app as well as via Zoom on sale days. To complete the fully digitised process, High Street has invested in secure digital signature technology for all sale contracts, which means both sellers and buyers can remotely and legally sign all necessary documents and submit them digitally.

“At the beginning of the outbreak High Street already had an advanced digital auction platform that streamed our live auctions and accepted both real time and commission bids placed in advance.

Since property investment invariably involves such big numbers, though, we had to ask ourselves whether we were doing enough to both service our sellers and instil confidence in buyers that they were getting the full picture – even under lockdown conditions.”

Regulations challenged Conventional zoning regulations will be increasingly challenged as the way in which we live and work continues to change. This is bound to affect suburb layout, believes Matthew Gray, Cape Town-based urban designer and architect.

Van Reenen says over the past two months High Street has therefore invested heavily in virtual technology that digitises the real estate sale process from beginning to end. One of those investments and a SA auction first, is technology that showcases every

He points out that the current planning in most South African cities already falls far short of meeting basic needs such as accessibility and security, largely due to the implementation of short-term planning solutions.

The nitty gritty of virtual valuations W

ith industry players continuing to rally and adapt so that property professionals can still service their clients, the latest new measure are virtual valuations. While this is an excellent solution, there are a number of factors both sellers and agents should be aware of.

be gleaned from a comprehensive questionnaire that the seller completes.

However, not all homes are equal as some will have been renovated or upgraded, while a similar house in the same road may still be in its original condition, which is where clear detailed photos and video walk-throughs are necessary,” Geffen says.

Yael Geffen, CEO, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says virtual valuations are an excellent solution to the problem, as most of the process can easily be done remotely. “However, we only advise agent-led virtual property valuations. Anyone can ask you to fill out an online form and spit out an automated result.”

Sellers may understandably feel unsure about exactly what essential information must be included and concerned that there may be loopholes which can cause problems at a later stage of the transaction, especially if critical information is omitted. “That’s why an agent partnering with you in completing the virtual valuation is crucial – the devil is in the detail,” she says.

She says the basis of an evaluation is a standard calculation using data from the deeds office – which reopened on Wednesday – and resources like Lightstone to determine the average sale price of similar properties in an area during the past three to six months.

“The information needed for an agent to make a general comparison can

More is more According to David Dewar, director, Thomson Wilks Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers, the rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution and give as much information as possible. “It’s the unspoken that will affect the final

value and, without being on site, the agent cannot inspect those aspects for themselves, so it would be wise to make the valuation range a bit wider than normal.”

She says agents must also ask for closeup photos of random areas so they can zoom in on all photos to look for issues with a professional eye. “Also include

places like the attic and aspects like roofing and insulation. If possible, the seller must also make a video which includes turning on taps, sprinklers, gas items, the fireplace, etc. to show that they actually work.”

instance, the agent may not be able to see from the photos that the floor tiles are, in fact, high-end imported Italian tiles or that the alarm system is expensive and state of the art.”

Voetstoots clause It’s important that all special features be included as this will directly affect the selling price, Geffen advises. “For

From a legal perspective, Dewar recommends that the voetstoots clause must be included unless it’s an investment property where the clause doesn’t apply, in which case there must be more and better detailed photos and information for the agent to work with.

“As soon as a buyer signs a voetstoots contract, it applies, so if this makes them nervous, they can put in an offer ‘subject to viewing within a week from lockdown’ or a similar suspensive clause.”

He cautions that agents and clients should rather continue to look for ways to comply than to get around the regulations as it’s currently still illegal to visit sellers’ homes and getting arrested is a legal hurdle no-one wants to face.

Neighbourhood

17 MAY 2020

9

FOCUS ON: CRAFT HOMES – SPRINGWOOD

ARTIST IMPRESSION

New beginnings & a fresh approach We can all do with some good news, especially the property industry.

Craft Homes’ Springwood represents a ray of sunshine.

WORDS & IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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or Craft Homes and many nervous homebuyers, Springwood comes at exactly the right time.

The latest of Craft Homes’ online launches, this development offers an abundance of features and exceptional value. From their location in the charming Joburg suburb of Craigavon to their wide appeal to many life stages, the new duplex homes at Springwood hit the sweet spot.

these three-bedroom, two-and-a-halfbathroom homes might just sell out before President Cyril Ramaphosa can say “Lockdown Level 1”. With a starting price of only R1,699m for a freestanding 150m2 unit in the larger Fourways node, it’s a great offering.

The development caters to several life stages – from growing families to couples looking to scale up or down.

Amenities include private pet-friendly gardens, double garages and high-quality interiors and finishes.

Digital shift

ARTIST IMPRESSION

The Covid-19 “era of confinement” has pushed many businesses to make a digital shift, and Craft Homes has been one of the leading residential players to embrace this rapidly. With multiple launches in the pipeline for 2020, including The Woods in Kyalami, Highbridge in Bryanston, and Springwood in Craigavon, Craft Homes has opted to click play instead of pause.

Its innovative new website gives buyers the opportunity to explore, reserve and buy homes online easily.

Marketing manager Jessica Cabanita explains Craft Homes’ approach, “The safety of our buyers and our staff was always our main concern, so we knew an interactive digital experience was the way to go. The lockdown forced us to adapt quickly and we’ve tried to offer our clients a similar experience to that of our traditional on-site launches.”

High quality Springwood launched on Thursday, 14 May, and already has 20 confirmed new homeowners, none of whom have set foot on the physical premises.

And with only 44 homes available,

ARTIST IMPRESSION

The Craft Homes website has been abuzz with activity as many visitors browse the development and connect with sales agents via Zoom, WhatsApp and Skype.

The success of Springwood’s launch, along with those of Highbridge and The Woods, comes down to the ease of the online experience, the innovative approach to each development and the credibility of Craft Homes as it enters its 26th year of selling quality homes in South Africa. The year 2020 might not be one many businesses want to repeat, but Craft Homes has set an example of how to tackle a challenge head-on.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF To book an online appointment or to buy online, go to crafthomes.co.za/springwood.

For a tutorial on purchasing online, visit youtube.com/ watch?v=Lwq6NFIREaw.

10

PROPERTY NEWS

17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

Skywood offers free-standing duplex townhouses

The Bailey apartments launch in Bryanston B

ryanston, Sandton’s most prestigious neighbourhood, has something new to boast about – The Bailey.

This urban, yet tranquil and tree-rich area of Jozi already ticked all the proverbial boxes, but now, thanks to The Bailey’s deluxe one- and twobedroom apartments and elegant duplex designs, it offers even more.

The Bailey personifies modern sophistication. Lofty open-plan living and dining areas, matte black bathroom and kitchen detail, and the latest Smeg appliances will excite any entertainer.

Unwind on a covered patio with a private pet-friendly garden, or balcony overlooking 180-degree views of Joburg North.

hether you’re looking to acquire the ultimate buyto-live-in home for yourself, or a property portfolio assured of delivering long-term growth, Skywood on Porchester Road in Bryanston is designed to provide a home you’ll love.

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European standard double-glazed aluminium windows and sliding doors couple with hi-tech components such as a 5Kva solar-ready inverter battery power back-up system, to keep essentials running. Spaces are light and airy, and fittings and finishes high-end.

Apart from an exquisite contemporary design concept, the 23 new, freestanding three-bedroom en-suite duplex townhouses with double garage and eight simplex, two-bedroom apartments, offer an array of unique, functional features such as customdesigned and fitted kitchens and beautiful bathrooms with quartz carpeting.

The flagship Type A plan with its naturally bright and airy upper-level bedrooms, has a balcony leading off one of the bedrooms.

Ideally situated on Porchester Road in Bryanston East, the townhouses are secure within a road closure, near business and commercial centres, excellent schools, fine shopping, entertainment and all the other essential services. Skywood is perimeter walled with high-level surveillance CCTV cameras monitoring movement.

A manned gatehouse with electronic identity access control is a given. Ample open and visitor parking is available.

Downstairs, the open-plan kitchen and a dining and living room flow seamlessly onto a covered, private patio with charcoal braai, plunge pool, feature wall, and garden area.

Pricing at Skywood ranges from R2,57m for the two-bedroom apartments, R3,625m for the 185m2 three-bedroom home, and R4,145m for the flagship 224m2 three-bedroom home.

This contemporary development also offers residents access to a state-ofthe-art gym, upmarket clubhouse, lap swimming pool with adjacent children’s pool, uncapped Wifi, alternate solar power supply, and 24-hour security.

A mere 200m from William Nicol Drive, The Bailey offers a blissful marriage between urban finesse and suburban serenity. From lunch at Tashas, shopping at the Nicol and Martinis at The Landmark, a quick round of golf at Bryanston Country Club to a simple stroll around the block – this is it!

One-bedroom apartments start at R1,095m and two-bedroom apartments at R1,695m. Visit thebailey.co.za for more.

Fine living awaits at T Sandown Sentral’s The Hudson

he last three homes of The Hudson, a secure and spacious family development located in Sandown Sentral, await new owners.

This luxurious development brings together modern architecture, expansive spaces and stylish finishes to create distinct homes ideal for professional couples and young families.

The Hudson comprises 12 stand-alone three- and four-bedroom homes, each featuring three contemporary bathrooms and a designer kitchen fitted with Smeg appliances and a scullery.

The open-plan dining and living room areas offer ample space, boast high-end finishes and lead out onto a covered patio that overlooks a private garden.

Each home has a double garage and a high-speed internet connection.

Along with residing in the boomed-off area of Sandown Sentral, residents will also benefit from the state-of-theart security features that have been implemented at The Hudson, including 24-hour security patrols, off-site CCTV monitoring, and an intelligent access control system.

Pricing of the three-bedroom, threeand-a-half bathroom homes start at R3,5m. Visit thehudson.joburg for more.

MARKETPLACE

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17 MAY 2020

Neighbourhood

PAGES

MARKETPLACE

What’s ON SHOW this weekend?

12-32

- Get the full list at stneighbourhood.co.za

Area Guide A Atholl

15

B

Klevehill Park

29

Sandown Estate

28

Knysna

19

Sandton

19 31

Saxonwold

21

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Bryanston

28, 29

C Cape Town

19

Craighall Park

23

D

Sedgefield

19

Hamilton’s Property Portfolio

1, 19

Lonehill

15

Strathavon

27

Jawitz Properties

14 - 17

Sydenham

17 Pam Golding Properties

21 - 29

M Melrose North

14

Morningside

15, 16, 27

Dunkeld

21

Norwood

Eastleigh Ridge

17

Oaklands

Edenglen

17

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N 24, 25

24, 25

P Parkhurst

23

Gallo Manor

28

Parkmore

16

Glenhazel

17

Parktown North

14, 22

Parkview

22

26

Parkwood

14, 22

15

Riepen Park

14

Riverclub

27

19

Rivonia

26

19

Sandown

Houghton I

Vaal River

19

Victoria

25

W

O

H

31 - 32

15

17

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Balwin Properties

Linden

Dowerglen

E

Agency Guide

Waterfall

19 32

Wendywood

28

Westcliff

21

Witkoppen

16

R

Illovo J Johannesburg K

S

Kenton-on-Sea

16, 27

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FOR SALE

MELROSE NORTH | R 11 900 000

-R .SLERRIWFYVK TVIQMIV KEXIH IRGPEZI -R .SLERRIWFYVK´W TVIQMIV KEXIH ERH KYEVHIH VSEH [LIVI HSKW VYR [MPH ERH OMHW VYR JVII E KSSH JEQMP] LSQI SR ER EGVI -QTVIWWMZI VIGITXMSR EVIEW ½XXIH WXYH] ERH I\TERWMZI PMZI MR OMXGLIR PIEHMRK XS XLI PERHWGETIH KEVHIR XLMW LSQI ERH TSWMXMSR MW XLI IRZ] SJ EPP Joan Mendelsohn: 083 267 3124 | Lisa Daly: 082 450 6594 | Salmon Frisby: 082 882 5923 | Web Ref: RL62971

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

PARKTOWN NORTH | R 5 850 000

PARKTOWN NORTH | R 6 495 000 3RI 3J 8LI 1SWX -RXIVIWXMRK ,SQIW =SY ;MPP 7II ³8LI 8MR ,SYWI´ GMVGE

FIHVSSQW FEXLVSSQW STIR TPER OMXGLIR HMRMRK ERH JEQMP] VSSQ JSVQEP PSYRKI 8: VSSQ ERH GSZIVIH TEXMS 9TWXEMVW MW E WTEGMSYW WXYH] WXYHMS 3YXFYMPHMRKW MRGPYHI KYIWX WYMXI WXEJJ PEYRHV] ERH HSYFPI KEVEKI *IEXYVIW KEW [SSH FYVRMRK ½VITPEGIW YRHIV ¾SSV LIEXMRK MVVMKEXMSR W]WXIQ IWXEFPMWLIH KEVHIR WSPMH [SSH ¾SSVMRK ERH WEWL [MRHS[W +SSH WIGYVMX] Glynis Van Zuydam: 082 930 0081 | Colin Berger: 083 408 9348 | Web Ref: RL53361

FOR SALE

)\GITXMSREPP] +VEGMSYW % GPEWWMG LSQI SR Q SJ XIVVEGIH PERHWGETIH KEVHIRW )RXVERGI LEPP JSVQEP PSYRKI [MXL KEW ½VITPEGI HMRMRK VSSQ ½XXIH XMQFIV WXYH] *VIRGL HSSVW ¾S[ XS TEXMS XIVVEGIH KEVHIR TSSP 8LI STIR TPER OMXGLIR [MXL GIRXVEP MWPERH FVIEOJEWX FEV MW NSMRIH F] E [IPP ETTSMRXIH WGYPPIV] TERXV] FIHVSSQW PSGEXIH XSKIXLIV MR E WIGYVI [MRK 1EMR FIHVSSQ [MXL [EPO MR HVIWWMRK VSSQ FEXLVSSQ XL KYIWX FIHVSSQ IR WYMXI KYIWX GPSEOVSSQ 8LI I\TERWMZI KEVHIR [MPP WYMXI E JEQMP] GSQTPIXI [MXL TEZMPMSR KEQIW VSSQ EPXIVREXMZIP] GSRZIVX XS GSXXEKI SV [SVO JVSQ home. Glynis Van Zuydam: 082 930 0081 | Colin Berger: 083 408 9348 | Web Ref: RL61915

FOR SALE

PARKWOOD | INVITING BUYERS FROM R 4 250 000

PARKWOOD | R 3 200 000

)\GIPPIRX %GGSQQSHEXMSR 7YTIVF 0SGEXMSR %WOMRK QSVI 8LMW GER FI ]SYV TIVJIGX VIWMHIRGI JSV E PEVKI JEQMP] SV ER MRGVIHMFPI STTSVXYRMX] JSV QIHMGEP SV SJ½GI JEGMPMXMIW 'PSWI XS XST TVMZEXI WGLSSPW LSWTMXEPW YRMZIVWMXMIW [MXL EGGIWW XS XLI LMKL[E] WUQ SJ PERH [MXL I\GIPPIRX SJJ WXVIIX TEVOMRK FIHVSSQW FEXLVSSQW 0EVKI OMXGLIR ERH IRXIVXEMRQIRX JEGMPMXMIW ¾S[MRK SRXS E GSRXEMRIH TSSP +SMRK KSMRK KSMRK KSRI (SR´X QMWW XLMW STTSVXYRMX] Gail Katz: 083 443 5633 | Web Ref: RL61303

Lovely Family Home set in the perfect location. This multi-faceted three-bedroom family home with its original high TVIWWIH GIMPMRKW ERH 3VIKSR TMRI ¾SSVW WMXW [MXLMR E XVII PMRIH VSEH MR XLI 4EVO[SSH WYFYVF SJJIVMRK IEW] EGGIWW XS QEMR VSYXIW ERH [MXLMR XLI GEXGLQIRX EVIE SJ LMKLP] WSYKLX EJXIV TVMZEXI ERH WXEXI WGLSSPW 8LI LSQI´W TIVJIGX KMJX MW MXW MRZMXMRK GSZIVIH TEXMS EGGIWWIH XLVSYKL XLI OMXGLIR EW [IPP EW X[S SJ XLI FIHVSSQW 7ITEVEXI GSXXEKI [LMGL GER FI YWIH EW E LSQI SJ½GI Gail Katz: 083 443 5633 | Web Ref: RL51189

FOR SALE

RIEPEN PARK | Inviting buyers from R 3 250 000

FOR SALE

PARKWOOD | R 1 690 000

3TIR TPER VIGITXMSR EVIE PIEHMRK SRXS TEXMS QSHIVR [IPP ½XXIH STIR TPER OMXGLIR KYIWX XSMPIX YTTIV PIZIP 1EWXIV %R EFWSPYXIP] JEFYPSYW KEVHIR YRMX MR XLMW WSYKLX EJXIV GSQTPI\ 0SGEXMSR WYTVIQI [MXL ER IEW] [EPO XS 4EVOXS[R 2SVXL FIHVSSQ IR WYMXI X[S JYVXLIV FIHVSSQW IR WYMXI GSZIVIH TEVOMRK JSV GEVW ZMWMXSVW TEVOMRK ERH TSSP MR GSQTPI\ VIWXEYVERXW ERH WLSTW 'PSWI IRSYKL XS 6SWIFERO ERH XLI +EYXVEMR 8LI YRMX GSRWMWXW SJ ER STIR TPER PMZMRK EVIE ERH Aubrey Abkiewicz: 083 273 9859 | Web Ref: RL61910 OMXGLIR [LMGL LEW MXW S[R FEGO]EVH FIHVSSQW [MXL XLI QEMR FIH IR WYMXI % WIGSRH FEXL [MXL WLS[IV JSV IEWI SJ GSRZIRMIRGI 8LI KEVHIR MW QEREKIEFPI ERH LEW E FVEEM EVIE 8LI ½RMWLIW EVI QSHIVR ERH XLI GSQTPI\ MW XVIIH ERH [IPP QEMRXEMRIH 8LIVI MW E WTEVOPMRK TSSP ERH EHNEGIRX GPYFLSYWI %GGIWW XS XLI GSQTPI\ MW GIPP TLSRI GSRXVSPPIH Jenny Berkenfeld: 083 254 3381 | Web Ref: RL59685

4VIJIVVIH ,SQI 0SER TEVXRIV

7EPIW ` 6IRXEPW ` 4VSTIVX] 1EREKIQIRX

4VSYH WYTTSVXIV SJ

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 17 MAY 2020

Years

REAL LIFE

15

Real Estate.

Johannesburg North & Sandton 011 880 355 | jawitz.co.za

Real Life Real Estate

FOR SALE

LONEHILL | R 3 699 000

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she Thaver: 078 460 7011 | Web Ref: RL60553

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

LINDEN | R 2 995 000

LINDEN | R 2 750 000

1EOI XLMW ]SYV S[R 8YGOIH E[E] MR E UYMIX GSQTPI\ SJ YRMXW XLMW FIHVSSQ HYTPI\IH XS[RLSYWI MW E [MRRIV )RXVERGI

PSYRKI HMRMRK VSSQ STIR TPER OMXGLIR WGYPPIV] [MXL WTEGI JSV \ ETTPMERGIW +YIWX XSMPIX 'SZIVIH IRXIVXEMRMRK TEXMS [MXL FYMPX MR FVEEM +EVHIR 9TWXEMVW QEMR IR WYMXI [MXL HVIWWMRK VSSQ EHHMXMSREP FIHVSSQW JYPP FEXLVSSQ 6IQSXI HSYFPI garage, has direct access into house. Good security, beams, alarm, electric fence, security gate. Prepaid electricity and bottled gas. Pet friendly complex.

Colleen Tappin: 082 659 8013 | Web Ref: RL61589

A charm & character double storey home - 1535 sqm 4 bedroom home. Entrance, dining room, kitchen, lounge with 1SVWS ½VITPEGI &IHVSSQ [MXL IR WYMXI FEXLVSSQ 9TWXEMVW 1EWXIV FIHVSSQ [MXL QSHIVR IR WYMXI FEXLVSSQ EHHMXMSREP FIHVSSQW +YIWX XSMPIX +SVKISYW 3VIKSR TMRI ¾SSVW 7XEMVGEWI 7TEGMSYW KEVHIR 'SZIVIH STIR TEVOMRK JSV cars. Plenty of off-street parking. Good security.

Colleen Tappin: 082 659 8013 | Web Ref: RL63990

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

ILLOVO | R 2 800 000

ATHOLL | R 2 750 000

3 bed, 3,5 bath duplex townhouse with double garage in sought after Fricker Road. Position perfect! A touch of Provence, XYGOIH E[E] MR E UYMIX GYP HI WEG 0S[ PIZMIW RSVXL JEGMRK WTEGMSYW WUQ FIH HYTPI\ XS[R LSYWI [MXL STIR TPER PMZMRK EVIEW PIEHMRK SYX XS E PS[ QEMRXIRERGI TVMZEXI KEVHIR 8LI TVSTIVX] LEW PEQMREXI ¾SSVMRK E ½VI TPEGI KYIWX PSS

ERH [IPP IUYMTTIH OMXGLIR HS[RWXEMVW PIEHMRK SYX XS E WQEPP FEGO GSYVX]EVH ERH HSYFPI KEVEKMRK 9TWXEMVW FIHVSSQW [MXL IR WYMXI FEXLVSSQW )\GITXMSREPP] [IPP VYR GSQTPI\ [MXL LIEPXL] ½RERGMEPW )\GIPPIRX LSYV WIGYVMX] GPSWI XS EPP EQIRMXMIW ]IX UYMIX 0SGEXIH SR XLI RSVXL IRH SJ *VMGOIV 6SEH GPSWI XS 7ERHXSR '&( ,]HI 4EVO 6SWIFERO XLI 1 Susan Jaffe: 083 407 4545 | Gisele Cuyler: 083 463 8838 | Web Ref: RL61713

Spacious 233sqm townhouse with 3/ 4 bedrooms in secure complex. North facing, renovated townhouse in the best position in the complex with extra-large garden. Ideal for a family needing space and the security of a complex. In excellent condition with enclosed entertainment room and private garden. Renovated kitchen, light & bright living areas with PEQMREXI ¾SSVW (S[RWXEMVW PIEHW XS E XL FIHVSSQ QER GEZI WXYH] SV 8: VSSQ TPYW FEXLVSSQ 9TWXEMVW WTEGMSYW FIHVSSQW QEMR IR WYMXI TPYW RH FEXLVSSQ 8LI TVSTIVX] LEW HSYFPI KEVEKMRK ERH EQTPI ZMWMXSVW TEVOMRK 8LMW MW E [IPP VYR GSQTPI\ [MXL LV KYEVHIH WIGYVMX] ERH E GSQQYREP TSSP PSGEXIH GPSWI XS XLI YRMX 8LI KEVHIR MW GPIERIH WIVZMGIH once a week - included in the levy. Susan Jaffe: 083 407 4545 | Gisele Cuyler: 083 463 8838 | Web Ref: RL59087

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

MORNINGSIDE | INVITING BUYERS FROM R 1 149 000

MORNINGSIDE | R 1 199 000

6ITS 6EXI 'YX *ERXEWXMG 8MQI 8S -RZIWX -RZMXMRK &Y]IVW JVSQ 6 %WOMRK QSVI 'EPPMRK %PP -RZIWXSVW ERH =SYRK 4VSJIWWMSREPW -X´W E ;MRRIV ;L] VIRX [LIR ]SY GER S[R# 2I[P] VIRSZEXIH &IHVSSQ &EXLVSSQ +EVHIR %TEVXQIRX 7YTIVFP] TSWMXMSRIH )EW] EGGIWW XS 7ERHXSR '&( +EYXVEMR 7LSTW +]QW ,MKL[E]W 7GLSSPW 4PEGIW SJ ;SVWLMT ERH EPP EQIRMXMIW 'SZIVIH TEVOMRK FE] TPIRX] ZMWMXSVW TEVOMRK 4SSP MR GSQTPI\ WIGYVMX] WEJI ERH WIGYVI ;IPP QEMRXEMRIH MRWMHI ERH SYX 0SGO YT ERH KS % QYWX XS WII EJXIV 0SGOHS[R Sandra Luntz: 083 679 1247 | Web Ref: RL62468

4VMGIH XS 7IPP % 6EVI +IQ 8EOI %HZERXEKI 3J 8LI 6ITS 6EXI 'YX +VIEX 3TTSVXYRMX] 8S -RZIWX 7X]PMWL 0SJX %TEVXQIRX WMXYEXIH MR TVMQI TSWMXMSR MR 1SVRMRKWMHI 7TEGMSYW &IHVSSQ QEVFPI &EXLVSSQ +SVKISYW 3TIR 4PER 0MZMRK EVIE PIEHMRK XS GSZIVIH TEXMS 0SGO YT KEVEKI LV %GGIWW GSRXVSPPIH WIGYVI )WXEXI 'PSWI XS EPP GSRZIRMIRGIW ERH EVXIVMEPW 7ERHXSR 'MX] +EYXVEMR :MVKMR %GXMZI 1SVRMRKWMHI 1IHM 'PMRMG 7LYP 'LYVGLIW ERH 7GLSSPW % 1YWX 8S 7II %JXIV 0SGOHS[R Sandra Luntz: 083 679 1247 | Web Ref: RL59395

4VIJIVVIH ,SQI 0SER TEVXRIV

Sales | Rentals | Property Management

Proud supporter of

16

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 17 MAY 2020

Years

REAL LIFE

Real Estate.

Sandton 011 880 355 | jawitz.co.za

Real Life Real Estate

FOR SALE

PARKMORE| R 6 799 000

,SQI 8LMW WXYRRMRK FIH FEXL JEQMP] LSQI SR WXERHW MR XLI 7ERHLYVWX )RGPSWYVI SJ 4EVOQSVI MW E SRGI MR E PMJIXMQI STTSVXYRMX] ;MXL ER IRXIVXEMRIVW´ TEXMS W[MQQMRK TSSP ERH PYWL KEVHIR KVEGMSYW WTEGMSYW VIGITXMSR VSSQW KSYVQIX OMXGLIR YTWXEMVW PMZMRK UYEVXIVW PIEHMRK XS E WYRR] FEPGSR] XLMW TVSTIVX] LEW MX EPP Anne Daffey: 082 336 6285 | Bridget Coetsee: 083 607 4641 | Web Ref: RL63925

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

SANDOWN | R 5 200 000

MORNINGSIDE | R 4 500 000

Serenity and solitude. Set in the heart of Sandown, deep within an exclusive complex and within a boomed enclave, this GPYWXIV SJJIVW WS QYGL ERH [IPGSQIW ]SY XS IRXIV ]SYV MPPYWMSRW SJ KVERHIYV 8LI [SVPH MW EX ]SYV ½RKIVXMTW EW ]SY TEWW XLVSYKL XLI GETXMZEXMRK IRXVERGI LEPP ERH KPMQTWI XLI I\GITXMSREP VIGITXMSR EVIEW WYTIVF OMXGLIR LYKI FIHVSSQW ERH even bigger pyjama lounge. Add a glorious patio, iridescent pool and a staff suite. With the glistening city lights, colourful WYRWIXW ERH YVFER HIPMKLXW [MPP ]SY FI XLI PYGO] SRI XS GEPP XLMW WXYRRIV LSQI# Norma Robinson: 082 554 7260 | Romaine Robinson-Buchalter: 082 685 5177 | Web Ref: RL60478

9VKIRX 7IPPIV -J ]SY´VI E FEVKEMR LYRXIV XLMW MW XLI LSQI JSV ]SY 3JJIVMRK FIHVSSQW ER SJ½GI LYKI OMXGLIR E [SRHIVJYP KEVHIR WTEVOPMRK TSSP KVIEX IRXIVXEMRQIRX EVIE WXEJJ WYMXI ERH KEVEKIW 8LMW LSYWI MR E FSSQIH EVIE LEW WS QYGL WTEGI JSV ]SY XS RIZIV [ERX XS PIEZI LSQI ¯ IZIR EJXIV PSGOHS[R MW SZIV Norma Robinson: 082 554 7260 | Romaine Robinson-Buchalter: 082 685 5177 | Web Ref: RL64454

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

SANDOWN | R 4 199 000

SANDOWN | R 3 400 000

An expression of modern minimalism.This beauty has been redone to perfection. Offering 5 fabulous bedrooms (including one downstairs), a stunning pyjama lounge and a wonderful entertainment area, you will feel completely safe in your 24hour guarded haven. Come and be dazzled!

Norma Robinson: 082 554 7260 | Romaine Robinson-Buchalter: 082 685 5177 | Web Ref: RL60179

Designed for contemporary living. Set in a sought-after address in Sandown and boasting generous dimensions, this garden simplex boasts style and home comforts of the most exclusive standard. Intended for modern living, the open plan home is a triumph of clean lines and polished design. Access to the 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is along the entrance hall. The master suite is accompanied by a dressing room and an opulent bathroom.

Stephanie Liebowitz: 072 369 3717 | Web Ref: RL63495

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

SANDOWN | R 2 295 000

WITKOPPEN | R 1 573 000

Exclusive and secure living in the heart of Sandton. The complex features an architectural mix of post-modern facades juxtaposed with contemporary living standards and design. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom (main en-suite) upper ¾SSV YRMXW TVIWMHIW SZIV E KSSH WM^IH FEPGSR] ERH ER STIR TPER PMZMRK ERH HMRMRK WTEGI [LMGL MW [EVQIH F] ER MQTSWMRK OMXGLIR WTEGI Stephanie Liebowitz: 072 369 3717 | Web Ref: RL64301

This home offers 2 bedrooms (main en-suite with shower) and the other bedrooms is serviced by a bathroom with FEXLXYF 'EIWEV 7XSRI -WPERH OMXGLIR [MXL WTEGI JSV (MWL[EWLIV ERH ;EWLMRK QEGLMRI (SYFPI :SPYQI 0SYRKI 8: VSSQ upstairs leads to another covered patio with garden on uncovered area, Free-Standing Double Carport, Manicured Irrigated Landscaped Garden, 2 covered Patios.

Mmuso Mafisa: 081 441 4699 | Web Ref: RL60047

Preferred Home Loan partner

Sales | Rentals | Property Management

Proud supporter of

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 17 MAY 2020

Years

REAL LIFE

17

Real Estate.

Bedfordview 011 622 1820 | jawitz.co.za

Real Life Real Estate

FOR SALE

GLENHAZEL | INVITING BUYERS FROM R 5 499 000 %WOMRK 1SVI % VIEPP] WXYRRMRK FIHVSSQ LSQI [MXL T]NEQE PSYRKI QSHIVR FEXLVSSQW QIW [EPO MR HVIWWMRK VSSQ ERH PY\YVMSYW PSYRKI ERH HMRMRK VSSQ PIEHMRK SRXS GSZIVIH TEXMS ±+EVHIR SJ )HIR² ERH WTEVOPMRK TSSP ±*SVX /RS\ WIGYVMX]² A must to view for the discerning buyer.

Joel Harris: 082 926 0287 (National Sales Consultant of the Year) | Laureen Shalpid: 083 789 0229 | Web Ref: RL59203

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

DOWERGLEN EXT 3 | R 4 800 000

DOWERGLEN EXT 3 | R 4 500 000

0Y\YV] PMZMRK EX MXW FIWX 7IPJ GSRXEMRIH ¾EXPIX )RXIVXEMRIVW HIPMKLX STIR TPER KSYVQIX OMXGLIR FVIEXL XEOMRK KEVHIR covered patio and solar heated pool, garaging for 3 cars, staff suite and 24 hour security in boomed suburb.

Deena Pitum: 079 502 2961 | Web Ref: RL1164

0EVKI YTWXEMVW QEMR FIHVSSQ WYMXI FEXLVSSQ GYTFSEVHW KEPSVI WXYH] EVIE ZMI[ SJ XLI PYWL IZIVKVIIR KEVHIR ERH /SM Pond. Two more, spacious bedrooms situated downstairs with one full bathroom and formal lounge, family room. Dining VSSQ /MXGLIR MQQEGYPEXI [MXL KVERMXI GSYRXIV XSTW WITEVEXI WGYPPIV] YRMUYI [MRI [VEGO GSZIVMRK E JYPP [EPP 'SZIVIH TEXMS MW WTIGXEGYPEV [MXL FYMPX MR FVEEM PSSOW SRXS XLI E^YVI TSSP (SQIWXMG UYEVXIVW SJ½GI SV IRXIVXEMRQIRX VSSQ [MXL own bathroom. Storage house with outside bathroom and double automated garage with extra parking.

Deena Pitum: 079 502 2961 | Web Ref: RL61729

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

EASTLEIGH RIDGE | R 4 600 000

EDENGLEN | R 2 450 000

0SYRKIW 7IT (MRMRK 6SSQ 4YF 7XYH] &IHVSSQW &EXLVSSQW 1 ) 7 +EVEKIW 'EVTSVXW 4SSP )RXIVXEMRQIRX %VIE [MXL FYMPX MR FVEEM 7XYRRMRK +EVHIR ;SVOWLST 7XEJJ %GGSQQSHEXMSR 7IT 0EYRHV] /MXGLIR MW ½XXIH WTEGMSYW [MXL PSXW SJ GYTFSEVH WTEGI ERH ½XW XLVII ETTPMERGIW 7IGYVMX] %PEVQ 7]WXIQ 1SXSVM^IH +EVEKIW ERH KEXIW 7IRWSV PMKLXW Elna Myburgh: 082 374 8725 | Cherry Leist: 083 439 2346 | Web Ref: RL55442

FIHVSSQW &EXLVSSQW (SYFPI +EVEKI %HHMXMSREP 4EVOMRK 0EYRHV] FEPGSR] QSHIVR ¾EXPIX PEVKI KEVHIR /MXGLIR MW large, spacious and very different. Flatlet very modern. This stunning home within the Edenglen south boom is a touch SJ QSHIVR GLMG ERH VYWXMG ¾EMV 0EVKI WTEGMSYW VSSQW ERH PMZMRK EVIEW %PYQMRMYQ [MRHS[W XLVSYKLSYX ERH WSQI HSYFPI MRWYPEXIH +IVQER KPEWW /MXGLIR MW YRMUYI [MXL WSPMH [SSH GYTFSEVHW ERH KVERMXI XSTW Elna Myburgh: 082 374 8725 | Cherry Leist: 083 439 2346 | Web Ref: RL62233

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

EDENGLEN | R 1 999 000

SYDENHAM | R 1 850 000

Asking More. Lounge, Dining Room, Study, 3 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 M.E.S., Pool, Patio, Built-in trampoline, garden, 2 KEVEKIW GEVTSVXW PEYRHV] 7XEJJ %GGSQQSHEXMSR /MXGLIR STIR TPER [MXL E VYWXMG PSSO 7IGYVMX] EPEVQ W]WXIQ [MXLMR a boom, electronic gate and garage doors.

Elna Myburgh: 082 374 8725 | Cherry Leist: 083 439 2346 | Web Ref: RL57182

7X]PMWL IRXVERGI ¾S[W XS STIR TPER PSYRKI ERH HMRMRK VSSQ EVIE KPEWW WPMHIVW SRXS TEXMS ERH KEVHIR 2IEX OMXGLIR and inviting separate breakfast nook. Informal lounge area. Large garden, swimming pool. 3 spacious bedrooms (mes).

4PE]VSSQ WXYH] SV JSYVXL FIHVSSQ %HHMXMSREP ¾EXPIX RIIHW OMXGLIRIXXI

SV KVIEX WTEGI XS [SVO JVSQ LSQI KEVEKI and 2 carports. Joel Harris: 082 926 0287 (National Sales Consultant of the Year) Laureen Shalpid: 083 789 0229 | Web Ref: RL62327

Preferred Home Loan partner

Sales | Rentals | Property Management

Proud supporter of

18

Neighbourhood

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w w w. h a m i l t o n s . c o . z a

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 17 MAY 2020

Business Unusual CAPE TOWN, Western Cape

KNYSNA, Garden Route

KENTON-ON-SEA, Eastern Cape

SEDGEFIELD, Garden Route

SANDTON SUBURBS, Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG SUBURBS, Johannesburg

WATERFALL ESTATES, Johannesburg

VAAL RIVER, Johannesburg

www.hamiltons.co.za

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We’re here for you All our agents, administrators and management are working for you remotely, our clients.

#flattenthecurve Stay home. Stay strong. Stay positive.

Hyde Park 011 380 0000

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NH OYRDT EH CPLAIRF KF O F F I C E Office: 011 011380 4760000 1125 Office: pamgolding.co.za/northcliff pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

NEW RELEASE

Westcliff / R11.3 million

Ref# HP1429453

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Land Size: 3656m² High up on the Ridge with sensational views, the setting for this exceptional family home is perfect. An urban sanctuary in the heart of Westcliff. A modern masterpiece in the chic Art Deco-style built to maximise the superb 270-degree surrounding views. A magical home with landscaped terraced gardens, lush flat lawns and a sparkling heated swimming pool. The indoor/outdoor feel this home offers is flexible and caters to the many needs of a homeowner’s lifestyle. Set on almost an acre of land, this proud home is a modernist haven, which stretches beyond the interiors.

Terraced gardens offer sweeping panoramic views of the cityscape, as well as direct access through a private gate into The Ridge School.

Kimberly Dods 082 601 2099 / Carol Truter 082 466 1045

Westcliff / R10.5 million

Ref# HP1442545

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Executive cottage / Land size approx. 3363m² Entertain lavishly under the Jacaranda trees. A sophisticated family residence plus a large private executive cottage. Set in idyllic gardens which extend up the ridge. Chic interiors and excellent finishes. Spacious receptions overlook rolling lawns and swimming pool. Extensive undercover terrace. Gourmet cook's kitchen. 4 Gorgeous upstairs bedrooms (3 with en suite bathrooms) and pyjama lounge. Excellent full cottage. Staff accommodation. Double garage and ample secure parking.

Kimberly Dods 082 601 2099 / Carol Truter 082 466 1045

Dunkeld / R7.9 million

Ref# HP1472352

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Land Size: 2979m² / Proud understated elegance and lush rolling lawns in sought-after Dunkeld. A gorgeous family home that will set your heart aflutter. A striking design with beautiful proportions, character features and rolling lawns. Providing a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle for the whole family. Living & dining rooms lead onto the entertainment patio and overlook the lush idyllic garden and swimming pool – an adventure paradise. Main bedroom en suite with private study/dressing room. 3 Further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Double staff accommodation. Double garage and ample secure parking.

Kimberly Dods 082 601 2099 / Carol Truter 082 466 1045

Saxonwold / R7.9 million

Kimberly Dods 082 601 2099 / Carol Truter 082 466 1045 /PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

Ref# HP1478912

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Executive Cottage / Land Size approx. 2025m². A captivating family home for the discerning family plus a superb self-contained large garden cottage for a glamorous Granny. Architect designed to maximise open-plan living and a seamless indoor/outdoor lifestyle. A home surrounded by idyllic landscaped garden views with perfect entertainment and play spaces. Sophisticated interiors offer comfort and inspire festive gatherings. Living and dining spaces flow onto the spacious entertainment patio overlooking the sparkling swimming pool. An open-plan chic kitchen with a central island is at the heart of this home. A sumptuous main bedroom with luxury en suite bathroom. 2 Further spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Staff accommodation. 3 Garages and ample secure parking.

@PamGoldingGroup

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HYD RC K LOI FFFF IOC FE F I C E NEO RP TA H Office: 011 011 380 380 0000 0000 Office: pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Parkwood / From R5.95 million

Ref# HP1456962

Office: 011 476 1125 pamgolding.co.za/northcliff

Parktown North / From R5.95 million

Ref# HP1464256

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 3 / Elegant double-storey family home. Luxurious reception rooms flow to dream covered patio overlooking spacious garden and lap pool. Gourmet kitchen. Well preserved and maintained Teak wooden flooring from the staircase to the generous family bedrooms and modern bathrooms. Double tandem garage. Double staff accommodation. Excellent security.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Showcase your lifestyle with a little of the old, a little of the new, a little rough and a little smooth. Located down a peaceful and secure panhandle on a 1312m² stand. Whether your taste is classic, minimalist or ultra-modern, this home offers the perfect stage. Immaculately maintained with clean lines offering access and views to the wraparound garden from every room.

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Parktown North/ From R4.65 million

Ref# HP1467560

Parktown North / From R4.45 million

Ref# HP1464014

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Contemporary Farmhouse located within a secure estate in the heart of Parktown North.

Characterised by natural textures and materials, this is a perfect family home. Flexible accommodation provides for 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and an exterior guest suite/office/upmarket staff flatlet. Open-plan reception rooms and homely, eat-in kitchen. A landscaped garden and heated pool.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3 / Built in the early 1900s. Classic and beautifully renovated and maintained. Oregon woodwork, pressed ceilings, double-volume sash windows, antique fireplaces and more. Fantastic flow with elegant lightfilled reception rooms. Modern eat-in kitchen. Large study / WFH office. Generous family bedrooms – all en suite. Magical wraparound garden with plunge pool, Koi pond and water-feature. Staff. Great security. Double carport.

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Parktown North / R4.25 million

Ref# HP1481935

Parkview / From R4.45 million

Ref# HP1482351

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / The charm of yesteryear, with the sophistication of modern living, this delightful home offers it all. Beautiful wood floors, pressed ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers. Seamless flow to fantastic covered patio and magical garden. Elegant bathrooms and gourmet kitchen. Large separate cottage, modern staff accommodation, triple garage. Top security. Fantastic position in the heart of Parktown North.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / A classic Parkview home. Set on a large stand, this home echoes the qualities of a preserved period home with subtle modern touches. Pressed ceilings, wood-strip flooring, wood-burning fireplaces and interior stone feature walls. Reception rooms flow to wraparound verandah overlooking the Golf Course. Swimming pool and lush garden. Double staff. Luxury cottage. Double garage. Excellent security.

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Parkview / From R3.95 million

Ref# HP1481613

Parkwood / R3.95 million

Ref# HP1482209

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3.5 / A rare find. Opportunity to get into the much sort-after Cherry Stone security village. Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Perfectly situated in the heart of Upper Parkwood, this wonderful North facing home Stunning ultra-hip, modern and chic double-storey cluster. Double-volume reception rooms flow to undercover patio. offers spacious accommodation for the large family. Inter-leading receptions flow to large covered patio overlooking Fantastic finishes, wood and Caesarstone kitchen. 3 Double bedrooms, open-plan study. Double garage; pool in complex'. charming landscaped garden. Restored and ready to move in. Glowing parquet floors, high ceilings, feature beams.

Fabulous eat-in kitchen, luxurious bathrooms. Double staff accommodation, laundry, garaging for 3 cars. Full security.

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006

Jonathan Tannous 082 578 0826 / Lynne Baker 082 493 1006 /PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

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NH OYRDT EH CPLAIRF KF O F F I C E Office: 011 011380 4760000 1125 Office: pamgolding.co.za/northcliff pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Parkhurst / R6.65 million

Ref# HP1471361

Parkhurst / R4.499 million

Ref# HP1190065

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Renovated and designed with love, this home ticks all the boxes. Along with all the luxurious accommodation in the main home, there is a separate 1 bedroom cottage, as well as large staff accommodation. Top-notch security, garaging for 2 cars and off-street for 6 vehicles. What more could you ask for.

Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / This gorgeous home is finished to the highest standard with solid wood flooring throughout and a sleek Ceasarstone kitchen. The living areas and bedrooms are spacious with excellent proportions. The loft-style flatlet achieves a rental of R7 800 per month. Parking for 3 vehicles off-street.

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Parkhurst / R4.35 million

Ref# HP1457631

Parkhurst / R3.95 million

Ref# HP1461412

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / This stunning home offers seamless indoor and outdoor living. No expense Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 2 / Sun-drenched, bright and fresh. This double-storey family home features a has been spared on the updated high-gloss kitchen and modern bedrooms and bathrooms. Tiled skylight roof allowing light and sunlight into the home. This home features 3 receptions downstairs and all throughout, low-maintenance garden and a separate guest suite make this the ideal home for a young the accommodation is upstairs. An added bonus is that selected areas have underfloor heating. family or executive couple.

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Parkhurst / R2.95 million

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Ref# HP1479362

Parkhurst / R2.799 million

Ref# HP1455040

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / This warm, inviting home is in the heart of Parkhurst and would suit a young Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / This inviting family home with its large lawn and covered patio is perfect for a family or couple who love to entertain. The open-plan living areas flow onto the sparkling pool, and the young couple as a first home, or for a young family looking for a spacious garden and property in Parkhurst. kitchen is modern and spacious, with views of the back garden. The bedrooms are very spacious, with the With light-filled interiors, open-plan living areas and a separate bedroom wing, this house is a must-see. main having an adjoining private lounge / study and walk-in closet.

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Craighall Park / R3.75 million

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Ref# HP1463725

Craighall Park / R2.799 million

Ref# HP1468262

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2 / No matter the market, it is still always about location, and this home has it Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Gorgeous character features and well proportioned rooms flow throughout in abundance. This lovely property is within walking distance of prestigious schools, shops and parks. All the this lovely home, all set in a landscaped garden. Perfect for the family starting out, or downsizing. Viewing bedrooms are light and spacious and MES includes a private study. Double carport with additional off-road is a must. secure parking for 6 vehicles. Good security.

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959

Alex Dicks 082 878 3083 / Tarynn McMillan 072 173 1959 /PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

@PamGoldingGroup

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H Y DHEY D PA OKF FOI C EICE E RPKA R FF Office: 011 011 380 380 0000 0000 Office: Office: 011 380 0000 pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Oaklands / R9.995 million

Ref# HP1472423

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4.5 En Suite) / and a little room for negotiating / This home draws striking attention to its grabbing facade. Wide, open spaces are an important trademark of its contemporary interior. Flowing, open-concept floor plans offer plenty of space to entertain as well as spend quality family time. Intelligent landscaping softens the bold lines. Banks of oversized windows welcome exterior views into interior spaces and smooth the transition between indoor/outdoor living space. Sliding glass doors lead to pool and outdoor living spaces. Additional features: Pyjamalounge, 2 cottages, external laundry, storeroom and garaging for 4 cars with off-road parking for at least 6 cars.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Oaklands / R7.6 million

Ref# HP1433208

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2.5 / An authentically unique home filled with awe-inspiring character of a bygone era, perfectly balanced with all the conveniences and comfort of modern living, set on a panhandle stand of 2207m² of enchanted garden with wall. All receptions flow out seamlessly onto the wraparound, farmstyle patio overlooking the magnificent, verdant garden and pool setting. Many hours will be spent sipping cocktails on the patio watching the beautiful sunsets. The cherry on top: boost your lifestyle by enjoying a passive income from the exclusive studio cottage. External buildings include laundry; 2 staff rooms.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Norwood / R3.099 million

Ref# HP1450014

Norwood / R2.699 million

Ref# HP1464620

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Situated in a preferred location, this home displaying a harmonious blend of textures and Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Serious seller! Newly renovated home featuring generous open-plan lounge/dining room beautiful parquet floors will tantalise your taste buds. The distinctive and unique touches set this home apart from the with integrated gourmet kitchen. Bonus! Fully self-contained cottage, double automated garaging plus 1 covered parking. rest. Built around a courtyard, all the rooms radiate towards the secluded pool in a manicured garden setting. Fully walled Fully walled for privacy and security. and secure. Plus double auto-garaging and off-road parking for 2 cars.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Norwood / R2.650 million

Ref# HP1482008

Norwood / R2.3 million

Ref# HP1482201

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / A testament to an uncompromised lifestyle. This unique residence boasts a myriad of features accented by a perfect synergy of space and light in a curtain-free zone. Expansive receptions radiate out onto garden for perfect entertaining. Garaging for 3 cars. 2 Staff rooms with bathroom.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / A stunning Mediterranean styled home tucked safely behind high walls in a private garden setting and designed for a comfortable, easy lifestyle. Receptions radiate onto patio overlooking garden and tranquil pool.

Plus, a cottage/work-from-home facility, separate studio. And garaging for 2.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017 /PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

@PamGoldingGroup

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NH O YR D TH F O E CPLAI RF K O FF FF II C C EE Office: 011 476 1125 Office: 011 380 0000 pamgolding.co.za/northcliff pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Oaklands / R5 399 million

Ref# HP1477073

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / This immaculately maintained single-level, panhandle residence set on 1683m² is the embodiment of classic elegance and sophistication boasting a myriad of features echoing the clean lines, which create a perfect fusion of space, light, flow and design. Receptions flow out effortlessly onto a covered patio overlooking a lush landscaped, scenic garden and pool setting providing the perfect milieu for integrated indoor/outdoor entertaining. Plus, a fully self-contained, income-producing, double-storey cottage comprising lounge/dining/kitchen and bedroom, bathroom, staff suite, storeroom and double automated garaging. Bonus of 10 off-street, secured parkings. Security includes a street guard.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Oaklands / R4.499 million

Ref# HP1448601

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / This family home set on 1747m² embodies excellent value for money. The architecture, which is particularly noted for its long, close-to-the-ground profile with wide, comfortable layout, successfully fuses textures, ideas and styles with both formal and informal living. Generously portioned receptions flow out onto patios and garden – perfect for the keen entertainer. The kitchen is ready and waiting for you to demonstrate your culinary skills. External buildings include staff accommodation, double garaging, loads of off-street parking. Plus, a newly built cottage or work-from-home office – perfect for yielding a passive income to ease the increasing burden of everyday cost of living.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Norwood / R3.499 million

Ref# HP1443833

Victoria / Norwood / R1.090 million

Ref# HP1481061

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Receptions 3 / and a little room for negotiating / Situated in a guarded cul-de-sac, this extraordinary home is a toast to style and elegance. The exterior enjoys somewhat of a 'Georgian' appeal. Modern finishes and chic touches are the icing on this cake. Sun-drenched living areas flow seamlessly onto large, covered entertainer’s patio overlooking lush, green garden. Plus en suite staff-room and double automated garaging, with 2 off-road parkings.

Safe and secure behind a high wall for privacy. Seller wants to see offers.

Bedrooms 2 / Bathroom 1 /New Release! Calling all investors, young professionals and small families alike – snatch this perfect lock-up-and-go secluded sanctuary up before it’s too late. Offering 2 sun-kissed bedrooms, modern bathroom, open-plan lounge/dining onto a covered patio flowing effortlessly out onto generous-sized, private garden. Featuring a modern granite kitchen, wood-framed windows and laminated floors. Clubhouse & Pool in complex. 1 Covered parking plus visitors parking. Close to amenities and religious houses. Seller wants to see offers.

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Orchards / R780 000

Ref# HP1481094

Victoria / Norwood / R1.49 million

Ref# HP1472391

Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Take advantage of this incredible opportunity. This duplex townhouse offers spacious, north-facing receptions flowing onto a pretty, private garden. Covered parking for 2 cars. In need of some tender loving care, this unit offers an unrivalled opportunity to bring out your inner interior designing skills. With a of bit creative thinking you can transform this plain Jane into your dream home. Easy access to transport. Come and see; buy!

Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Sunny, bright and tasteful! Everything you could want and more. Walk-in and feel at home! this immaculate single level, first floor apartment boasts clean lines and open spaces creating a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle. The 2 open-plan, spacious living areas overlooking magnificent, landscaped garden. The flow and design of this unit encourages fully integrated entreating. The heart of the home centers around the well located, renovated, easy flow kitchen. Accommodation includes 2 lovely, sunlit bedrooms with built in cupboards and 2 bathrooms (main en suite).

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017

Brenda Courtney 083 649 9017 /PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

@PamGoldingGroup

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HRCKL I O F FF FOI CF E FICE H YNDOER PT A Office: 011 011 380 380 0000 0000 Office: 011 476 1125 Office: pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-northpamgolding.co.za/northcliff pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Houghton / R34.9 million

Houghton / R11.25 million

Ref# HP1472321

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Unit size ±860m². Expansive Double Story Penthouse. Unique, modern contemporary, top-floor penthouse with own sparkling pool. A synthesis of clean lines with exceptional proportions opening to breathtaking panoramic northern views of the magnificent Jack Nicklaus Houghton Golf Course and beyond. Architecturally designed over two levels, with enormous glass windowscapes of views, this top-quality penthouse apartment will bowl you over.

perfectly positioned for future subdivisions.

Pravin Gopaldas 082 552 7800 / Marula Proto 082 570 2975

Pravin Gopaldas 082 552 7800 / Marula Proto 082 570 2975

Houghton / R8.45 million

Ref# HP1478788

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 5.5 / Stand size 3375m2. Free-flowing modern living. This special happy home features a double-volume large skylight allowing lots of natural light into the home. Indoor/outdoor living, large elevated all-season patio overlooking solar-heated pool and lush garden. Gorgeous eat-in kitchen, separate scullery with gas stove and direct access from garages. 4 Luxury bedrooms en suite upstairs and 1 guest suite downstairs. All with air-conditioners. Private study. Superb 2-bed cottage plus 2-bed staff accommodation. Borehole, generator. Good security. This home is

Rivonia / R4.295 million

Ref# HP1459874

Ref# HP1446809

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3.5 /stand size 1,531m2. A hard to find single story home in a quiet avenue. With gracious open plan living rooms leading to expansive entertainment patio with stack away doors and pool. Fitted Study. Views of exquisite landscaped tropical gardens from every window. Gourmet eat-in kitchen. Glamorous bedrooms en suite.

Includes built-in Bose surround sound, 70kVA generator, 3 garages, staff accommodation, excellent security and more.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Thoughtfully designed, superbly appointed, beautifully styled, spacious cluster home situated in 24hr tightly guarded complex. Spread across two exceptionally bright and airy levels, this home has a wonderful flow and is designed for great entertaining. The open-plan kitchen and dining room flow effortlessly to family area, formal living, spacious pub/games room and patios onto lovely garden with pool. Upstairs pyjama lounge with kitchenette. Outside luxurious guest suite/staff, 2 garages. State-of-the-art security. Direct access to the most magical, amazing, secure river park.

Pravin Gopaldas 082 552 7800 / Marula Proto 082 570 2975

Pat Dempster 083 601 2475 / Wendy Goodenough 082 654 0911

Rivonia / R5.95 million

Rivonia / R3.395 million

Ref# HP1478918

Ref# HP1431890

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4.5 / The ultimate in quality, dimension and design. Stunning open living and entertainment including fitted bar with wine cellar, Jacuzzi, wooden floors and combustion fireplace. Sleek kitchen. separate scullery/ laundry. Easy flow to patio, pool, deck and fire pit in immaculate garden with irrigation and lighting. Pyjama lounge.

36m2 flat with separate entrance. Double garage; excellent staff accommodation. Well positioned in gated estate in 24 hr boomed area.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / An immaculate home, with top finishes, and generous light-filled spaces. The Chefs' kitchen is open-plan to living areas. TV lounge and enclosed entertainer’s patio flow seamlessly to tranquil garden with lapa and pool. Fully fitted office and a workspace landing with potential access to roof garden or space to build 4th en suite bedroom. Double garage. Set in well-positioned, sought after security estate with 24hr guarding.

Pat Dempster 083 601 2475 / Wendy Goodenough 082 654 0911

Pat Dempster 083 601 2475 / Wendy Goodenough 082 654 0911

/PamGoldingProperties

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H Y D E PA R K O F F I C E Office: 011 380 0000 pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

River Club / R4.495 million

Ref# HP1464112

River Club / R4.5 million

Ref# HP1471055

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Exclusivity at its Best in security complex of 9 units with 24-hour guards.

Spread across 2 exceptionally light, bright and airy levels, this home has wonderful flow and is designed for entertaining. Three living areas flow effortlessly to undercover patio, pool and lush, secluded garden.

Four great size bedrooms, 2 en suite and a study off the main. Three of the four bedrooms open out onto a balcony. The master has a spacious dressing room and His and Hers en suites. Luxury staff accommodation and double garage.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Family home down Panners Lane has exclusive access in private enclave.

Charming reception rooms comprise lounge, dining room and entertainers' bar all leading out onto attractive walled garden and undercover patio and pool. Light airy kitchen with scullery has place for 3 appliances.

Upstairs features 3 bedrooms plus fitted study/4th bedroom option. Main bedroom has en suite and dressing room plus a full family bathroom. Double garage, staff, extra storage rooms plus multipurpose flatlet. Priced to sell.

Anne Fouche 076 752 5159 / Lin Oosthuizen 082 572 5314

Lin Oosthuizen 082 572 5314 / Anne Fouche 076 752 5159

River Club / R4.099 million

Ref# HP1473790

Morningside / R3.9 million

Ref# HP1462064

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Easy family living ideal for entertaining offers 3 reception rooms, lounge, dining room and family room all with solid wood floors and stacking doors. Kitchen has granite tops and a breakfast bar. 3 Bedrooms with bay windows and a 4th with full bathroom and skylight feature. Attractive paved pool with undercover entertainment area, astro turf tennis court and lawned garden make it a haven for children. Staff room, double garage with access to house and plenty of off-street parking.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Gorgeous cluster set well within this guarded complex. 3 Bedrooms, 3 reception rooms and fabulous-size kitchen - light and bright throughout. Undercover terrace leading to beautiful garden and pool. Stunning, secluded home all on one level. Double garaging, ample parking for guests, staff accommodation.

Anne Fouche 076 752 5159 / Lin Oosthuizen 082 572 5314

Lara Nathan 082 787 8706

Strathavon / R4.95 million

Ref# HP1478315

Sandown / R4.699 million

Ref# HP1475051

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Simply gorgeous with a warmth that flows throughout. Open-plan living leads to an expansive undercover terrace, which allows for fabulous entertaining looking onto the loveliest pool and easy-to-maintain garden filled with heart and soul. Chic kitchen with grand centre island allows for superb food prep, eating and easy entertaining. Upstairs has spacious, light-filled bedrooms with main en suite. 4th En suite bedroom has separate access as well which allows for the option to close off and create staff accommodation. Double garage.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Gorgeous home in a more exclusive complex with classic finishes throughout. Beautiful spacious reception rooms all opening to undercover terrace, garden and pool.

Eat-in kitchen with scullery. Upstairs with all bedrooms en-suite; Jack and Jill bathroom between 3rd and 4th bedrooms. Main suite and 2nd bedroom open onto a stunning private terrace overlooking the entertainment space below. Private and secluded set well within the complex. 2 Garages.

Lara Nathan 082 787 8706

Lara Nathan 082 787 8706 /PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

@PamGoldingGroup

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H Y D E PA R K O F F I C E Office: 011 380 0000 pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Sandown Estate / R3.950 million

Ref# HP1432074

Gallo Manor / R3.1 million

Ref# HP1480566

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Lovely family home with extra-large bedrooms on big stand with the potential to be subdivided. Beautiful patio ideal for entertaining. Situated close to the heart of Sandton within a secure boomed and patrolled suburb.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Spacious home nestled in an exquisite garden. Situated within 24hr manned boomed suburb, walking distance to shops, easy access to highway and medical centre. Give me a call.

Andelle Aylward 072 187 6922

Andelle Aylward 072 187 6922

Gallo Manor / R2.6 million

Ref# HP1480524

Wendywood / R2.590 million

Ref# HP1471883

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Invest in this family home and make it yours. Wooden cottage ideal for extra income or to work from home. Situated within boomed suburb. Serious seller, all market-related offers will be considered.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2 / Serious seller! Make me an offer. Lovely family home in good condition; beautiful garden, walking distance to Wendywood Primary School within boomed suburb. Come on, you know you want it.

Andelle Aylward 072 187 6922

Andelle Aylward 072 187 6922

Bryanston / R1.35 million

Ref# HP1478722

Bryanston / R1.195 million

Ref# HP1479535

Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Spacious and neat ground-floor apartment. Perfect for the working executive in sought-after Millwood Lifestyle Estate. 24-Hour biometric security, farm-style clubhouse with gym, pool and laundromat, and excellent location close to Cramerview Centre.

Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Gorgeous refurbished loft with 2 balconies. Excellent light through unit and stunning views from both balconies. Quality laminate flooring throughout living areas. Upper balcony enclosed with aluminium stacking doors. Excellent 24-hour security and pool and clubhouse in complex.

Brandon Marsh 084 239 8371 / Max Schomberg 067 022 6988

Max Schomberg 067 022 6988 / Brandon Marsh 084 239 8371

/PamGoldingProperties

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H Y D E PA R K O F F I C E Office: 011 380 0000 pamgolding.co.za/johannesburg-north

Kleve Hill Park / R3.3 million

Ref# HP1482452

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Nestling in a private, treed garden with sparkling pool is this charming family home situated in a boomed enclave with 24-hour security patrols, offering a community of young families and easy access to both private and public schools, major highways and shopping centres. 4 Bedrooms, 2 en suite, plus study. Double automated garaging.

Win Doody-Pestell 083 309 0770 / Jean Bekink 082 413 7117

Bryanston / R3.995 million

Ref# HP1469112

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Sun-filled modern contemporary cluster. 24-Hour guarded cluster offering lock-up-and-go convenience and abundant home comforts. Open-plan lounge with feature fireplace and dining room. Caesarstone kitchen with gas hob and eat-at counter. Enclosed patio that overlooks pretty low-maintenance garden. 1 Bedroom with separate entrance could be used as a cottage or staff.

Dominic Courtney 083 626 6355 / Natalie Dempster 082 221 3671

Bryanston / R4.65 million

Ref# HP1479937

Bedrooms 3 / Bedrooms 2.5 / Almost everything that one could ask for under one roof. 3 Sun-drenched inter-flowing reception areas with feature gas fireplace, air-conditioner and private garden area all flowing to covered patio, sparkling pool with fountain and landscaped garden. The separate wood and granite eat-in kitchen includes loads of cupboards, double oven and scullery. Upstairs includes 3 bedrooms, 2 fully renovated bathrooms (mes), easy access to balconies with some vistas and a quaint landing area. This lovely home is ideal for all those starting off or slowing down and includes triple garaging and loads of off-street parking.

Dominic Courtney 083 626 6355 / Natalie Dempster 082 221 3671

Bryanston / R3.995 million

Bryanston / R4.3 million

@PamGoldingGroup

Ref# HP1477923

Bedrooms 3 / Bedrooms 2.5 / This ever-popular and exclusive secure estate offers you the perfect starting off or slowing down forever home. 3 Spacious reception areas, which flow onto a covered patio with builtin grill, Jacuzzi and petite landscaped garden. The granite and wood eat-in kitchen includes a scullery and undercounter oven. 3 Upstairs bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and easy access to the balcony. This lovely home is complete with double garaging with drive-through, staff accommodation and storeroom.

Dominic Courtney 083 626 6355 / Natalie Dempster 082 221 3671

/PamGoldingProperties

pamgolding.co.za

Ref# HP1455617

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / A spacious family cluster within close proximity of St Stithians and the Bryanston Country Club. 3 Spacious receptions which includes two feature fireplaces, lead out onto a covered patio, mature landscaped garden and sparkling pool. This lovely home includes prepaid electricity, aluminium doors, windows, staff accommodation or executive flatlet, water-feature and triple garaging with off-street parking. The chef's eat-in kitchen has a centre island, gas hob, double ovens, granite tops and separate scullery with pantry and space for three appliances.

Dominic Courtney 083 626 6355 / Natalie Dempster 082 221 3671

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