People's Post - 5 May 2020

TUESDAY 5 May 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za

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2 EDUCATION EDUCATION

Schooling will look very different once all grades return to school.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121

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presentation delivered to Parliament on Wednesday 29 April caused widespread outrage after it suggested schools be reopened tomorrow, Wednesday 6 May. The presentation was, however, only a proposed rework of the 2020 academic year to accommodate time lost as a result of the

Schools to reopen on 1 June

Covid-19 pandemic.

In the presentation given on Wednesday, tentative return dates for grades 7 and 12 were 6 May, Grade 6 was 20 May, Grade 5 was 3 June, Grade 4 was 17 June, with grades R to 3 returning in the first three weeks of July.

This also featured the proposed shortening of June and September holidays and extension of term four. The provincial education department has since assured residents that schools in the province would not open yet.

“In a presentation to national parliament today, the department of basic education

New academic calendar to be gazetted The original 2020 school calendar year, started on Wednesday 15 January, and would have ended on Friday 4 December.

Last week the National Coronavirus Command Council approved that the 2020 school calendar be adjusted as follows: 1. Office-based staff to return to work on Monday 4 May. This is in line with the directive from the department of public service and administration.

2. School management teams should return to work on Monday 11 May to ensure that they prepare the schools prior to the return of learners.

3. Teachers return to work on Monday 18 May. 4. Grade 12 and 7 learners go back to

school on Monday 1 June.

Dates for the return of the other grades will be communicated once gazetted.

The national minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga says: “The plan is to have officials in the schools to receive the material that is required for the safety measures but also to prepare the school for learning and teaching under the new conditions. The school calendar will be gazetted once the administrative work has been completed.”

She says arrangements will be made to permit learners and teachers, who are currently in other towns or cities, provinces and/or neighbouring countries to return to their schools and places of residence.

made a presentation with tentative dates for the reopening of schools across the country.

These dates were not definite and do not constitute an official announcement,” said provincial minister of education Debbie Schafer at the time.

“This has caused an understandable level of confusion and anxiety for schools, teachers and parents ... We will not be in a position to receive learners next week (Wednesday 6 May),” Schafer said.

The presentation also acknowledged the anxiety and potential fear with a proposed quality learning and teaching campaign that would “deal with anxiety and fears in communities and going back to school” and “strengthen the link between schools and homes of learners who have to receive education at home and workers who have to work from home”.

People’s Post interviewed several parents on the prospect of having to send their children to school as soon as this week. Asked if they would comply, the answer among the parents was a unanimous “no”.

Juanita Loubser has three children in primary school and knows social distancing will be a struggle for them when they return to school without her supervision.

“They miss their friends, they are going to want to hug and play and catch up. It won’t be long before someone takes off or fiddles with the mask. The next thing the teachers are forced to resort to punitive measures to keep the kids safe,” says Loubser.

V Continued on page 4

How to make your own cloth face mask

4 City backyarder project placed on hold

7 Theatre uses radio to entertain

"Facts, not fear"

NICD CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE

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2 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 5 May 2020

Sanitiser is for cleaning, not drinking SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121 As enticing as the thought of taking a swig of a bottle of alcohol-based sanitiser might be for some, the department of health strongly advises against it.

With bottle stores remaining closed for Level 4 lockdown, sanitiser is the only legal substance containing alcohol currently being sold. And with the national government holding its position on not reopening liquor outlets during the period, desperation for an alcohol fix has led to many asking questions around sanitisers and its alcohol content.

In a Google search starting with “how to separate”, the question “how to separate alcohol from sanitiser” appears second on the overall search predictions.

Head of provincial health, Dr Keith Cloete, warns that this should not be consumed.

“The issue of hand sanitisers and its alcohol content has come on our radar,” says Cloete.

He states that while they did not think to have to educate people around the dangers of consuming alcohol-based sanitisers, the Covid-19 pandemic has created unique circumstances that see the government and officials needing to create new approaches to dealing with matters and education.

“It could have been expected that there would be complications of what people see as potential to getting alcohol out of the sanitisers,” says Cloete.

Sanitiser production With alcoholic beverage producers and bottlers, South African Breweries (SAB) and Distell among others, turning off its beverage production and switching to sanitiser manu-

facturing, chances are this could add to the confusion of whether or not it is safe to consume. But these are strictly for hygiene purposes.

According to Zoleka Lisa, vice-president of corporate affairs at SAB, the decision to heed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to assist in battling the Covid-19 pandemic was an easy one.

“The health and safety of our people remain our number one priority and we are committed to helping the government in any way we can. In this time of uncertainty, what we know for sure is that we need to show our commitment to South Africa in any way we can,” says Lisa.

“We want to be part of the solution and in the absence of a vaccine, we can use our voice, our network and capabilities to assist with encouraging good hygiene practices, and ensuring – as far as we can – the safety of the frontline health workers who are fighting this pandemic.”

Around 60 000 bottles of hand sanitiser have already been delivered to hospitals nationwide, and SAB was hoping to deliver around 100 000 bottles of sanitiser by the end of April.

Western Cape minister of agriculture, Ivan Meyer, recently also visited Distell’s manufacturing plant to ensure all was on track.

“Distell’s decision to commit 100 000F of alcohol, to be used to produce sanitisers as well as a variety of other hygienic and sanitising products, should be lauded,” says Meyer.

“It is an example of what is possible when a key role-player within the agriculture value chain displays good corporate citizenship by responding positively to the call for solidarity in our fight against the Covid-19 virus.”

The sanitisers will be distributed free to vulnerable communities across the nation as a way to encourage good hygiene practices.

Child safety With many sanitisers being bottled in containers similar in appearance to cooldrink or water bottles, questions surrounding the threat to children’s safety have been raised.

Hand sanitisers should be used with care, especially around For March, the Poison children.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS Information Helpline of the Western Cape (PIHWC) has seen an in- with only mild symptoms should be given crease in inquiries due to children ingesting food to eat to maintain blood glucose levels. hand sanitisers. This has caused health au“Safety of children, that is an important thorities to issue an urgent notice to parents consideration. While we are doing this we and caregivers to exercise caution with hand discover a whole lot of things and the whole sanitisers as it may be harmful due to its al- thing around poisons and dangers to chilcohol content. dren inhaling or ingesting things is impor“Most children who get a taste or a lick of tant,” says Cloete. hand sanitiser experience only mild sympHe maintains that parents should observe toms, if any, and can be safely managed at basic safety precautions as they would with home. Hand sanitiser tastes bad and can re- any other detergent, keeping it out of chilsult in a burning sensation, so most children dren’s reach is key. will not swallow an amount large enough to Cloete says residents should be reminded produce symptoms. However, if a child does that sanitisers are for convenience and that drink hand sanitiser, it can result in alcohol soap and water are as effective as sanitiser. poisoning,” says Carine Marks, director of Marks says adults should monitor the use the Tygerberg Hospital Poisons Information of hand sanitiser by children to ensure that Centre. a proper amount is used and that hands wet Children who have ingested more than the with the sanitiser are not put in the mouth. equivalent of 0.4 ml per kg of ethanol or who Large containers of sanitiser should also are showing signs of more than mild sleepi- be discouraged as with smaller amounts chilness should be observed in a health facility dren are less likely to ingest enough to result for at least four hours. Marks says children in harm.

Make your own effective cloth face masks SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121 President Cyril Ramaphosa has made the wearing of masks obligatory from Friday 1 May as South Africa moves to level 4 lockdown.

With level 4 lockdown restrictions meaning a bit more freedom and movement for South Africans, many are left wondering how they may acquire these masks.

While some may not have access to buying one, others may not want to venture out of their homes to acquire them.

The Western Cape department of health also advises that masks should be worn while in isolation for those who have tested positive.

“It is recommended to wear a mask in isolation to protect other members of the household. Caregivers of Covid-19 cases are also required to wear a mask when interact-

ing with the ill person,” reads a statement by the department.

With this in mind, People’s Post has ventured out to show you how to make your own effective cloth face masks as well as an emergency mask, should you require one in a pinch. The masks are easy to make with materials you already have around the house.

These masks can be sewn, glued, stapled or simply folded around your face.

In separate video clips, the masks require

little to medium skill levels and can also be a fun project to keep the children active – under adult supervision.

For all three variants of these cloth masks, you will need an old item of clothing – jeans leg, old t-shirt, pants or leggings. A piece of fabric, old curtains, old bedding, a scarf or bandana can also be used. You will also need two hair ties, rubber bands, shoe laces, string, elastic, extra bits of fabric or ribbon to tie the mask and a stapler, needle and thread, sewing machine, glue gun or other fastening methods.

V To learn how to make these masks, visit the People’s Post Facebook page.

COVID-19

People's Post is published by WP Media, a subsidiary of Media24.

Testing still going strong

WHOM TO CONTACT

SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121

EDITOR: Thulani Magazi Tel: 021 910 6500 / 6530 Email: Thulani@media24.com

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ithin the first two weeks of community screening, more than 30 000 people had been screened across the province with screening and testing sites continuing daily.

“Community testing and screening are one of the key activities in (response to) Covid-19.

We have geared this screening and testing to specific cases where we know there are positive cases so that we can detect other cases linked to these cases,” says head of health, Dr Keith Cloete.

He says the tracing initiative is the reason for the quick increase in positive cases in recent weeks.

“There are specific pockets in the metro where there have been an increase in cases and we have deployed our teams to find associated cases. Once we find positive cases in vulnerable communities, it is impossible for them to self-isolate or quarantine and we have stepped up a big programme where we have dedicated facilities where we can move people for their own safety but mainly so we can curb the spread of the virus,” he says.

There have been efforts made to keep the location of these facilities confidential.

Acting director at the provincial department of health, Dr Wayne Smith says: “With the number of tests, it does create a number of patients that need to be taken from the community and isolated. There are a few identified sites available and the process is such that they leave the facilities without more

stress. If you are isolated for 14 days, it is a says Cloete. difficult place to be in.”

The location of the mugging has not been To date more than 5 000 foreign nationals disclosed. “We are making a general point have returned to their countries, this frees up that health workers are at risk where ever space for South Africans who need to come they go,” he says. back and must be quarantined.

He calls on residents to avail themselves “(We must) make sure they are not bring- and give the workers access so that their task ing the disease back with them. Each case is is not derailed by criminality. looked at differently and the province – in Cloete says the staff are also screened and partnership with the City of Cape Town – are cannot participate in community screenings looking at freeing up facilities for this,” says if they show any symptoms.

Smith.

The community workers are seeing as However, the department is calling on resi- many as 4 000 people per day in communities dents to also safeguard the community work- across the province. ers who conduct these tests Areas already screened following a mugging inciinclude Woodlands, Macasdent on Wednesday 15 sar, Philippi, Nyanga, GuApril. gulethu and Heinz Park.

“Screening has been sucDr Nomafrench Mbombo, cessful and communities health minister in the Westhave welcomed our staff ern Cape, says the lists of and availed themselves to testing and community be interviewed. We have screenings can change had a few concerns; the based on their geo-mapping most serious is that one of and that there have been the teams in one of the areas many areas calling for testwere mugged. That puts a ing. “We have areas that big damper on the situation have no cases that are callas the team terminated ing for testing, but we are their activity and can only looking at the vulnerable return under police escort. densely populated areas This is unfortunate. Much Ward 75 councillor Joan first instead of those who like our ambulance attacks, Woodman gets screened for can go to a private hospital I cannot see why anyone Covid-19 at a mass screening in for testing,” she says. will mug someone asking New Woodlands. PHOTO: Screening for other areas questions, trying to help,” SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS will be communicated.

NEWS 3

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 5 May 2020

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The woman behind ‘Womxn Show’ She adds: “We talk about how women are shamed for divorcing or for being single KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@MEDIA24.COM mothers. These platforms are necessary for us to first recognise what has become normalised violence and then empower ourselves s a young girl growing up in Kensington, with rights-based information to address it.”

Lenina Rassool dreamt of making a differRassool says not speaking about abuse is ence in society. She worked hard, got an edu- the real silent killer. “One of my recent shows cation and became a journalist, but her pas- was on the culture of silence around abuse. sion to right the injustices against the victims We touched on so many things – the way we of gender-based violence (GBV) was always as women and children cannot talk about the her goal. domestic violence in our homes.”

Rassool, a gender activist, hosts Womxn Rassool condemns the murder of women Show, a show on Cape Town TV dedicated to and children in the country. “What is disturbwomen’s issues. The 36-year-old says the idea ing is that these deaths could’ve been preventto start the show flowed from her research in- ed if the social welfare and justice system to GBV and civic engagement. worked as it should. Women are getting mur“There are wide gaps in our social welfare, dered with protection orders in their bags.” child protection and justice systems in dealShe believes that more should be done to ing with GBV and until we recognise and fight the scourge of GBV. Rassool reiterates tackle the areas that are lackthat there are several peoing – such as early detection, ple, non-governmental oraccess to police services and ganisations (NGOs) and access to justice – we won’t government, making a solve this problem,” she says. huge difference in the lives Rassool quotes alarming staof victims and families, but tistical figures. “The 2018/2019 she adds: “As a guest said annual report by the departon my show this week: they ment of justice lists a 74.4% are giving us R1.6 billion to conviction rate for sexual offix a R50 billion problem.” fences, but what this actually Rassool encourages vicmeans is 4 724 convictions out tims to seek help and to of only 6 353 cases that made it make themselves heard. to trial.”

“My larger vision is for a The show brings together a world where women are panel of women to discuss mat- Fighting for the rights of empowered to fully engage ters as they are – “no sugar women and children, gender with themselves and the coating”. activist Lenina Rassool. world as equals.”

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

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Funds depleting for South African citizens stuck abroad SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121

scam them because of their desperate situation to get home. She adds that there are hundreds of people stranded abroad.

“Currently in Indonesia, there are over 100 close to 140 and in Thailand over 200 South Africans. We hope for the best. It was our decision to travel and we understand that president Cyril Ramaphosa has to do what needs to be done to protect the country. However, we do need to get home,” says George.

George says she has travelled on numerous occasions and this has never occurred before.

“We, as a group of South Africans stranded in Indonesia, understand how serious the pandemic is. We would love to come home. People are losing their income and some people are on unpaid leave. Some people are living on one salary in other countries. Most of us are staying at hotels at a cheaper rate but as the days start to increase the funds start to deplete,” she says.

What was meant to be a dream holiday for a Crawford Family has them stranded on a tropical island, uncertain when they will get to return home.

For Amy George, her son Cohen Richards and partner Lyle Hartzenberg, nearly a year of planning went into their trip to Bali.

“Myself, 10-year-old son and partner left South Africa on Wednesday 18 March and came here on vacation for a week and was due to return on Friday 27 March,” George says.

After hearing about the virus and that it had reached South Africa in March, George says she visited the local travel agent and called weekly to ensure the travel was safe.

She says they were not aware of the pending lockdown or possible travel restrictions.

“We were definitely well aware of the virus. The day prior to departure we visited our travel agent as we were 50/50. I called on a weekly basis to find out if there are any changes on their side. As Indonesia/Bali was a low-risk country and there were no travel bans, we were told that should we need to come home we will be booked onto a flight – no issues. Obviously not the case as we are currently stuck in Bali,” says George.

The group is patiently waiting on a repatriation flight.

George says there are many people trying to Amy George, Lyle Hartzenberg and Cohen Richards.

4 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 5 May 2020

INFRASTRUCTURE

Electrical box project placed on hold RACINE.EDWARDES@MEDIA24.COM @RAEEDWARDES

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ith a budget of R2 million, a special project spearheaded by the City of Cape Town is poised to light up the lives of backyarders throughout Cape Town – but only starting from the 2021/2022 financial year.

The project was launched on Wednesday 4 March. Speaking at a local seniors’ club at the Coniston Park recreational hall, Marita Petersen, the councillor for ward 68, said the City would start the roll-out of the electrification project for the backyarders in the rental stocks, starting in Lavender Hill.

“We’re going to be giving them electrical boxes,” she said.

However, these plans had to be put on hold as national and local governments deal with the Covid-19 outbreak.

According to Phindile Maxiti, Mayco member for energy and climate change, the first phase of work for the backyarder electrification project would have been implemented from April to June 2020.

But, in light of recent events, the project will see the roll-out of electricity services for backyard dwellers at council rental units when the National State of Disaster is lifted.

“This project eliminates backyarders’ reliance on the main dwelling for access to elec-

FROM PAGE 1 “I would go as far as to say that I would rather play catch up afterwards than expose my babies to contracting a virus or feeling frustrated and confused at school. Adults can’t even keep up and now we are placing an impossible responsibility on the shoulders of six- and 10year-olds,” says Loubser.

Dorinda Solomon-Klink agrees that the

tricity, as well as the potential for exploitation, unsafe connections and fire that comes with such an arrangement. This project has unfortunately been negatively impacted due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and will thus have to be postponed to the new financial year,” Maxiti says.

He adds: “The remainder of the project cost will only be finalised towards the start of the new financial year as it is a large project.”

In addition to the consideration of the City’s financial constraints, they have also taken into account the finances of the communities they aim to cater for.

“The City’s Lifeline tariff is a special, highly subsidised tariff intended to provide relief to prepaid customers with limited means. The first 60kWh is the free basic electricity allocation on this tariff.”

But with many of the under-resourced communities in the city facing high rates of crime, including vandalism of essential infrastructure and theft, the City hopes to overcome these challenges with the help of residents.

“Sadly, vandalism and theft of critical electricity infrastructure is a challenge across the city and, more often than not, it affects the most vulnerable residents of Cape Town. Vandalism not only impacts negatively on residents’ lives, but also on the public purse.

“Money that can be spent on other projects to improve the lives of residents has to be redirected to fix what is being

destroyed,” says Maxiti.

The City calls on residents to be the antivandalism and theft ambassadors for the City in their neighbourhoods and to report the perpetrators.

“In most cases, the perpetrators are known to residents as they are from the very same neighbourhoods. Without input from residents, the City will never win the war against these crimes.

“To encourage this, the City of Cape Town offers a reward of R5 000 to anyone providing

children are incapable of keeping themselves safe.

“My child is in Grade 1 and doesn’t understand what social distancing means. How are they going to keep these kids apart in the classroom and on the playground? The government is not doing the right thing. My son falls in a percentage of children who gets sick with no symptoms. This is not good.”

Rowena Williams says: “I don’t agree with

the opening schools. Children get sick quickly during winter. I have a son who has asthma and another son who struggles with hayfever.

How can they even consider opening schools when there are around 40 children in a class.

The government is not thinking about the well-being of our children.”

Sidwell Williams agrees, saying “this is only going to be fatal”.

Natasha Holmes also feels it may be too soon in light of the seriousness of the pandemic.

“I know that education is very important, hence my child being in Grade 7, but this is a catch 22 situation. Will my child be protected against this virus, especially with the stats rising. I think it’s too soon to send our children back to school, what about social distancing, 40 children in a classroom, this is frightening,” she says.

Following the presentation, national minister for basic education Angie Motshekga announced on Thursday 30 April that grades 7 and 12 learners are set to return to school on Monday 1 June. This decision followed a meeting by the National Coronavirus Command Council to consider the plans for the basic education sector in the context of the pandemic.

“Since (Sunday) 26 March in the basic education sector we have held just less than 50 meetings with different stakeholders. In each meeting, we deliberated on the future of basic education, following the Covid-19-induced National State of Disaster, resulting in the na-

Grade 7 and 12 learners will return to school on Monday 1 June with dates for the return of the rest of the grades still to be announced. Pictured is Roscoe Williams of Read to Rise during a literacy lesson with foundation phase children at Parkhurst Primary School last year.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

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information that leads to arrest, confiscation of stolen or illegal goods or the handing-in of illegal or stolen goods.

This reward is also applicable to information leading to the arrest of persons vandalising, damaging or stealing electricity infrastructure or installing illegal connections,” Maxiti concludes.

V To report cable theft or vandalism, call 107 from a landline, 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or visit www.capetown.gov.za/CityConnect/Report/Report-a-crime/report-vandalism.

The City of Cape Town says vandalism and theft of critical electricity infrastructure is a challenge that most affects the vulnerable residents of the city. PHOTO: SAMANTHTA LEE-JACOBS

tional lockdown,” said Motshekga.

She added that the decisions were reached following extensive consultation with the sector, including the South African Democratic Teacher Union, National Professional Teachers of South Africa, Umalusi, Education Labour Relations Council, South African Council for Educators, Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority, the National Education Collaboration Trust, Suid Afrikaanse Onderwysers Unie, National Association of Teacher Union and Professional Educators Union.

Motshekga said: “In all the meetings, the principle of opening of schools at the right time was accepted once all the conditions have been met. They proposed that in order to deal with social distancing they requested the department to use community and town halls, platooning and shifting.”

The unions also requested the department provide Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and run an awareness campaign to parents, particularly in rural areas.

There will still be a responsibility on provincial departments to ensure curriculums are caught up on, as examinations will still require bulk-work knowledge.

A cleaning and sanitation process will also be required daily as well as screening and testing of teachers and grade 7 and 12 learners before school starts.

V Share your thoughts with us. Will you be sending your child back to school as early as next month? Email letters@peoplespost.co.za.

Image Source: rawpixel.com / Freepik

RACINE EDWARDES

NEWS 5

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 5 May 2020

ECONOMY

Small business in big trouble NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM

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he Covid-19 pandemic has brought the world to its knees. The question is, how will we as a nation stand up after all the losses – both in lives and livelihoods – have been counted.

According to the Monetary Policy Review (MPR), released by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Monday 6 April, preliminary estimates suggest South Africa could lose about 370 000 jobs this year, on a net basis, with business insolvencies increasing by roughly 1 600 firms as the economy contracts.

A survey by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found that more than a third of its 2 000 members report serious negative impacts of the Covid-19 virus on their business.

Geoff Jacobs, president of Cape Chamber, says cost-cutting is top-of-mind to keep jobs and to not lose staff and skills.

“Most of our members are anxious about being able to afford high rents and City council rates as the economy shrinks,” says Jacobs. “They are pleading for a rates holiday for the duration of the emergency and a sharing of pain by landlords.”

Industry specific The negative effects vary according to the type of business.

“But, as expected, it is those in the tourism sector who have been hit the hardest,” he says.

Bandile Mathandela, a strategy consultant with experience in corporate strategies and entrepreneurship and a business news contributor for Radio 2000, says the Western Cape has a huge tourism and hospitality industry with hotels, restaurants and tourist sites all over.

“All these are closed and the small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in this space will really feel it. Considering that this industry accounts for 1.5 million jobs, one cannot help but be concerned.”

According to Mathandela, the lockdown extension would have increased the MPR’s predicted jobless and business insolvency numbers. “GDP is losing 2.6% from the production angle. Economically, the effects will be large and they will be felt for months to come,” he says.

New business paradigm Mathandela says businesses will need to try and recover lost revenue and have to navigate operating in a changed society.

“It will take time for things to be normal again. Many may not survive, leading to more job losses. In the same light, new industries will appear and opportunities will arise,” he says.

Jacobs says a fresh business paradigm is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. The behavioural changes required for health reasons are challenging long-held assumptions about offices, conferences, business travel and face-to-face networking.

“As businesses adjust to the new environment created by attempts to curb the spread of the virus, new ways of doing business are coming to the fore – ways that may well survive after the pandemic is over.”

Relief measures The government has made various grants and loans available to assist compliant SMMEs during this period such as the Tourism Relief Fund, UIF subsidies, The South African Future Trust and tax subsidies.

The article, “5 governmentbacked financial relief measures that South African businesses may not know about”, published on the online platform Businesstech on 7 April lists additional interventions announced by the department of small business to assist small businesses. These include the Business Growth and Resilience Facility, the SMME Relief Finance Facility, the SEFA-Debt Restructuring Facility and the Industrial Development Corporation. The article goes on to say that small businesses can also apply for debt relief from most of the South African banks.

On Tuesday 21 April, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced a R500 billion social and economic support package. Of these funds, R200 billion will be channelled into a loan scheme with major banks to help companies, R100 billion into protecting and creating jobs and R70 billion into additional tax relief measures.

According to an article published on fin24 (“The 7 biggest interventions in Ramaphosa’s R500bn coronavirus support package”, 21 April), further tax relief now includes a four-month holiday for companies’ skills development levy contributions; VAT refunds will be fast-tracked; a delay for the filing and payment of carbon tax; an increase in the turnover threshold for tax deferrals by businesses to R100 million per year; and an increase to 35% in the proportion of PAYE payments that can be deferred.

“Moreover, no penalties will be applied for late payments if taxpayers can show they were disadvantaged by the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Lastly, taxpayers who donate to the Solidarity Fund will qualify for a tax break, the article read.

Looking ahead How accessible these initiatives will be to the average SMME owner and how quick the turnaround time will remain to be seen. Mathandela says, historically, performance is not on the side of the State in that department. “The hope now is that the urgency of this outbreak propels the State to work faster and more efficiently. I can’t help but be optimistic that a solution will be there. South African people know how to pull through in times of need.”

But will these measures be enough to save most struggling SMMEs? He says it will depend on a combination of factors. Although the government has come up with clever solutions to assist, small business owners also need to adapt to survive.

“Be innovative. As much as times are tough and everyone is resorting to a defence position, take a few chances as this may be the most opportune time to grow.

Try and find solutions to help everyone through this period and then find a way to monetise it (responsibly and within the confines of the law),” Mathandela concludes.

Steps taken to keep learners sharp RACINE EDWARDES @RaeEdwardes Last year, Lavender Hill High School (LHHS) had to take extra measures to assist Grade 12 learners to complete their examinations amid the rising incidence of gang-related shootings in the community.

This year the school has once again begun to make learning provisions for the matric learners – and the rest of the school – in response to the disruptions in the academic year caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The school’s principal, Fuad Viljoen, and the school’s teachers have taken steps to ensure learners continue learning. Viljoen says his school began extra classes almost as soon as the 2020 school year began to continue the momentum of learners’ impressive results last year.

“At the start of February, my matric teachers started with extra classes from Monday to Friday – one hour after school and on Saturdays from 08:30 to 12:30. We also managed to get a nongovernment organisation to assist.

Wynberg Lions Club donated a meal to the learners on Saturdays.”

In addition, he readjusted the daily timetable to increase the contact time between teachers and learners to up to 50-minute periods.

After the lockdown was announced on Monday 23 April, set to commence at midnight on Thursday 26 April, Viljoen says matric teacher Vanessa September and the other teachers quickly put together learning materials so that the learners wouldn’t skip a beat.

These were handed out on the two days before the lockdown began.

Fredaline Stain, consumer studies teacher at LHHS, says all of the teach-

ers compiled packs for their learners – question papers, exercises and tutorials. “And we told them to start answering questions to familiarise themselves with the work so that when we get back they have some knowledge.”

She adds that each teacher started a WhatsApp group with their classes in order to assist during the downtime.

However, Viljoen says the availability of data is a challenge.

Stain adds: “The learning portals from the Western Cape education department are challenging for our learners to access because you need a lot of data and some of these households can’t even afford a loaf of bread, let alone data.”

But with teachers keeping communication channels open, they are hopeful learners will return to the classroom with enough knowledge to continue learning. “The expectation is that we still start the next term from scratch,” says Viljoen. “(But) it’s going to be impractical to

stick to the pace-setters. The teaching will be more focused towards getting the learner ready for exams.”

Currently, he is looking to extend the school day to maximise studentteacher contact time.

Viljoen says another challenge when schools reopen will be to get the learners to focus in the classroom after having spent so many weeks at home.

“The learners need to become more disciplined – to be ready to learn and do their work, and not force teachers to take 10 minutes to calm the class before the lesson can start.”

With the utmost faith in the teachers, Viljoen says they will do all they can to get learners exam-ready.

“Knowing the circumstances that the learners come from, the staff really go the extra mile for the learners.”

Last week, it was announced that the school year will be readjusted.

Until then, parents are encouraged to homeschool their children as educators prepare for schools to be reopened.

Teachers at Lavender Hill High School created WhatsApp groups to keep communication channels with learners open and to assist them during the downtime resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

PHOTO: RACINE EDWARDES

6 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 5 May 2020

HEALTH AND SAFETY

What to expect in the workplace NETTALIE VILJOEN

T

he phased recovery of economic activity kicked off on Friday 1 May, with more businesses resuming operations on Monday 4 May, under specific conditions in line with level four lockdown regulations.

Addressing the nation on Thursday 23 April, president Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa had to balance the need to resume economic activity with the imperative to contain the virus and save lives.

“Every business will have to adhere to detailed health and safety protocols to protect their employees, and workplace plans will be put in place to enable disease surveillance and prevent the spread of infection,” he said.

Ramaphosa said businesses permitted to resume operations would be required to do so in a phased manner; first preparing the workplace for a return to operations, followed by the return of the workforce in batches of no more than one-third.

Proactive steps Kate Collier, a partner at the law firm Webber Wentzel, says as an initial step, the employer should conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine the likelihood of contamination in the workplace. This assessment should include a contingency and business continuity plan should there be an outbreak of the illness.

“Employers should act proactively within the context of Covid-19. Proactive employers will ensure that employees are protected and that business can continue to function as efficiently as possible,” she says.

The law firm advises that employers should consider appointing an internal committee of professionals. “The committee will be responsible for issues such as monitoring the spread of Covid-19, assessing the risk of contamination and taking measures to ensure that the workplace is healthy and safe.

The committee should include representatives from the health and safety, human resources and risk and compliance departments of the employer,” explains Collier.

Dhevarsha Ramjettan, a partner at Webber Wentzel, says employers should consider updating its policies in the workplace to accommodate government requirements such as personal distancing.

“For example, policies would need to address the number of employees who would be able to smoke in a designated smoking area at any given time and related sanctions for breach of such policies or directives,” says Ramjettan.

Work from home On Thursday, Ramaphosa said industries from all sectors and across all five Covid-19 alert levels were encouraged to adopt a work-from-home (WFH) strategy where pos-

sible, and all staff who could work remotely must be allowed to do so.

A government document also stated workers above the age of 60, as well as workers with comorbidities identified by the department of health, should be offered a workfrom-home option or allowed to remain on leave with full pay.

Geoff Jacobs, president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says for them the move to working remotely when the national lockdown was announced was almost seamless.

“Within 48 hours, 90% of our staff were working from home, doing the same jobs they previously did in our central office,” says Jacobs.

He points out there are sectors, such as mining, manufacturing and construction, where working remotely is not possible.

“Here, heightened focus on occupational health and safety guidelines will ensure that employee health and well-being remain uncompromised,” he adds.

Paid or sick leave So what if an employee contracts the virus? Collier says if a medical doctor places an employee in quarantine (14 days), the employee should receive a medical certificate and in such circumstances, the employee will be on sick leave.

Due to the nature of the illness, an employee with Covid-19 should not be permitted to return to work until that employee is cleared to do so by a medical practitioner.

However, should an employer require an employee to be quarantined if the employee displays symptoms of the illness whilst at work, the employer could consider such an employee to be on special paid leave away

from the office (depending on the nature of the work performed by such an employee).

As an alternative to placing the employee on any type of leave, the employer could make it possible for the employee to work from home. The employer may need to put measures in place or assist the employee to work from home if that is the arrangement.

“If the employee can’t work from home, the employer will not be able to deduct the period of quarantine as sick leave or annual leave as it was made compulsory by the employer. This will be a form of special paid leave that is over and above any other type of leave,” Collier explains.

Testing After the quarantine period and even if an employee does not display any symptoms, the employer may require the employee to be tested by a medical practitioner and to provide the employer with a medical certificate confirming the employee can return.

Ramjettan says that if an employer insists on a test as part of its control measures, it must pay for it. “The circumstances where this will be necessary will be very limited.

The employer must screen employees and if that indicates that testing may be necessary, employees can be referred to a testing centre,” she says.

If employees feel health guidelines are not being met, the first port of call is to utilise internal systems in the workplace, such as reporting to supervisors and health and safety representatives.

“Employees can report to the department of employment and labour, but most reasonable employers would want to action the concerns and fix any gaps based on an employee report,” she concludes.

Five workplace safety steps Webber Wentzel, a leading full-service law firm, advises employers to consider the following proactive steps to further ensure safety in the workplace. . The employer should follow health advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the department of health and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). . The employer should provide updates on Covid-19 to employees and its approach at work regarding attendance and preventing the spread of infection. The employer may also wish to display posters that provide information on the illness and hygiene. . The employer should consider that there are adequate facilities for employ-

ees to wash and/or sanitise their hands regularly within the workplace. If it becomes necessary, the employer may introduce a designated area in the workplace where employees may self-isolate if they experience symptoms. The WHO has advised that employees with a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 or more) should be encouraged to stay at home and seek medical attention immediately. . Covid-19 poses a greater risk to employees with weakened immune systems and long-term health conditions. Vulnerable workers include pregnant and disabled employees. Employers should pay special attention to such employees. . Employees should review and update their emergency contact information.

Transport regulations under lockdown Level 4 President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent introduction of a risk-adjusted strategy to allow for economic activity to resume has prompted various amendments to transport regulations under level 4 which commenced on Friday 1 May. Here is what you need to know: Driver’s licence and vehicle testing centres Driver’s licence and vehicle testing centres are expected to gradually re-open during Level 4.

This is to allow for essential service workers to renew their driver’s and vehicle licences.

“The opening of driver’s licence testing centres will be staggered once the inspection and verification of the state of readiness is done on all of them,” Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said at a media briefing last week.

While driver’s licence testing centres based in metropolitans will open on 1 June, further directions will be issued regarding the daily number of people who can be attended to while restricting bookings to online platforms.

In addition, driving schools will be allowed to continue during this period and will be subjected to social distancing and sa-

nitising measures.

The instructor as well as the student will have to wear masks.

Servicing of vehicles “Servicing of vehicles of personnel performing emergency services is permitted under Level 4.

“This also includes the importation of spares for service purposes and for manufacturing. Emergency spares are also allowed to be on sale,” Mbalula said.

Delivery services Food delivery services such as Uber Eats, Mr Delivery and any other similar ones are permitted to operate between 09:00 and 19:00.

Courier services These services are permitted to deliver goods permitted for sale under the gazetted Level 4 regulations.

Charter services Services such as shuttles are subjected to 50% licenced loading capacity and vehicle operators must be identifiable.

“A number of companies, particularly in the mining sector, work three shifts, resulting in employees finishing work outside the permitted public transport operating hours.

These companies may make use of charter services,” Mbalula said.

Travel between provinces, metropolitans

and districts Once-off travel to various provinces will be permitted between 1 and 7 May for people returning home.

“Long-distance bus and taxi operators are allowed to undertake long-distance travel during this window period.”

Road-based public transport All road based public transport will be permitted under Level 4 between the hours of 05:00 and 19:00 with a one-hour grace period to allow for the pick up and drop off of passengers.

Mini-bus taxis and buses will be permitted on the roads but at a 70% licensed loading capacity.

E-hailing and meter taxis are permitted at a 50% loading capacity meaning that a five-seater can carry two passengers and a driver.

All passengers and drivers must be wearing a mask when using public transport.

In addition, no public transport will be permitted on the roads between 20:00 and 05:00.

“Full compliance with the 70% passenger capacity, wearing of masks by all passengers and sanitisation of vehicles at the completion of each journey is a mandatory requirement,” Mbalula said.

Covid-19 rules in business sector Across all levels These department of health guidelines count across all business sectors and Covid-19 alert levels: . Industries are encouraged to adopt a work-from-home (WFH) strategy where possible, and all staff who can work remotely must be allowed to do so. . Workers above the age of 60, as well as workers with comorbidities identified by the department of health, should be offered a WFH option or allowed to remain on leave with full pay. . There should be workplace protocols in place that would include disease surveillance and prevention of the spread of infection. . All employers to screen staff on a daily basis for symptoms of Covid-19, including a symptom check as well as temperature assessment. . All employees to use a cloth mask especially where social distancing is not possible. . Work environment to have sanitisers available or hand washing facilities with soap. . Stringent social distancing measures should be implemented in the workplace.

Across all sectors Before any sector resumes activity, these conditions must be in place: . In addition to health and safety protocols, each sector must agree upon a Covid-19 prevention and mitigation plan with the minister of employment and labour, the minister of health and any other minister relevant to the sector.

Individual businesses or workplaces must have Covid-19 risk assessments and plans in place, and must conduct worker education on Covid-19 and protection measures; identification and protection of vulnerable employees; safe transport of employees; screening of employees on entering the workplace; prevention of viral spread in the workplace; cleaning of surfaces and shared equipment; good ventilation; and managing sick employees. . Monitoring systems must be in place to ensure compliance with safety protocols and to identify infections among employees.

Rail The full resumption of freight rail will also be permitted under Level 4.

In addition, commuter rail will resume operations gradually on an incremental basis, based on plans submitted by passenger rail operators.

Mbalula said respect to the Gautrain, operations would be gradually re-introduced covering eight of the nine stations, adding there would be no airport service.

Aviation The ban on domestic and international flights still remains in place except for evacuation/repatriation flights that are being led by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Further consideration will be given to the mining and agricultural sectors to allow for the limited movement of aircraft for the purposes of transporting essential workers or spraying crops with pesticides.

“All these movements will be subjected to approval, and permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis,” Mbalula said.

No scheduled domestic flights will be permitted under Level 4.

Individuals can expect the limited movement of domestic flights when/if South Africa moves to Level 3.

Airspace, however, will only be fully open for domestic and international flights when the country moves to Level 2.

– Canny Maphanga, News24

NEWS 7

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 5 May 2020

THEATRE OF THE MIND

Baxter Radio bridges edutainment gap T

he Baxter Theatre Centre has launched an initiative called Baxter Radio aimed at offering an alternative education and entertainment option to learners.

A total of 40 local artists have pooled their talents to record school set-works, children’s books, new South African works and classics.

These will be made directly accessible to The Baxter’s subscriber database and to community radio stations.

Artists, who include established performers Marc Lottering, Susan Danford, Jennifer Steyn, Faniswa Yisa, Andrew Buckland and Nicky Rebelo, as well as trailblazing young theatre-makers Tiisetso Mashifane, Khayalethu Anthony and Kanya Viljoen, have teamed up with The Baxter to provide readings of award-winning books, an isiXhosa setwork, some classics and new plays written specifically for the Baxter Radio initiative.

Baxter chief executive officer (CEO) and artistic director, Lara Foot, explains: “I was concerned about the artists who are losing income during this lockdown and the many learners in communities who are unable to play outside and who do not have access to the

internet. I wanted to find and Julia Donalda way for The Baxter to son’s A Squash and a bridge the gap and create Squeeze. Additional a platform that would children’s stories in contribute to a solution English, Afrikaans, for these challenges.” isiXhosa and isiZulu Foot says she is not a were supplied by Jafan of live-streaming becana Publishers. cause she believes that Learners in Grades theatre doesn’t exist with10 to 12 will be able to out the special connectune in to listen to the tion between actor and reading of the isiXhoaudience. sa set-work Buzani “To distil theatre Kubawo, coordinated through a screen is what and directed by FanisI call anti-theatre. The old wa Yisa and featuring and trusted medium of ra14 actors. dio asks the audience to Marc Lottering is one of 40 artists who Classic plays such listen and engage, which have lent their voices to the Baxter as Harold Pinter’s is comparable to the form Radio initiative.

Landscape and Herof theatre,” she says. man Charles BosSusan Danford reads popular children’s man’s Street Woman will be performed by Jenstories which include the Zambian tale The nifer Steyn and Nicky Rebelo. Brand-new Hare’s Revenge from Nelson Mandela’s Fa- works by Tiisetso Mashifane and Khayalethu vourite Stories for Children, Madiba Magic, Anthony make up some of the new South AfriTacky The Penguin written by Helen Lester can works content. Mashifane has created

original content narrated in English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans, which is a series of comedic short stories titled A Guide to Understanding Smaller Humans and is an attempt at understanding the world of young children through testimonies of amused older members of their families.

Marc Lottering will read Yusuf Daniel’s award-winning book Living Coloured (Because Black and White Were Already Taken), a series of short stories which are a fond remembrance of an era growing up on the Cape Flats.

The Baxter’s in-house production team assisted with technical support and sound effects for some of the stories.

A new fundraising campaign urging the public to “Buy The Baxter a cup of coffee every month” has also been launched. Donating to this campaign will enable the theatre to continue creating cutting-edge and new South African works and support talented artists. The request is to donate R30 (or more, where possible) a month, through a scheduled payment (debit or stop order).

V For more information, visit http://www.baxter.co.za/.

Annual youth music competition cancelled due to Covid-19 The annual National Youth Music Competition (NYMC), one of South Africa’s most influential music competitions, has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is the first time since its inception 36 years ago that the competition will not be taking place. The founder of NYMC, Michael Maas – who also chairs the National Youth Music Foundation (NYMF) which presents the competition – says the decision was not taken lightly. He explains it is based on prac-

tical realities caused by the national lockdown that started at midnight on Thursday 26 March. To enter for this year’s competition, prospective candidates had to submit audition videos for the selection round of adjudication by a panel of revered music experts by Friday 22 May. “With the entry deadline looming, prospective candidates are debilitated by the absence of music lessons, as well as the inability to practice with accompanists for their video auditions,”

says Maas. “Uncertainty about the new dates of the 2020 school year also impacted this year’s competition’s proposed dates of 6 to 10 October”.

Since 2015, the NYMC has been held at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow, Cape Town. The competition for classical instrumentalists between the ages of 14 and 19 years, with prizes of R145 000, has been described as one of the most gruelling music competitions in South Africa.

The young contenders compete over four rounds, playing an extensive repertoire of works from different style periods. They usually perform more than 100 works over the four rounds of the competition.

“We realised that some prospective candidates will miss out as they will be older than 19 years on 10 October, this year’s cut-off date. The next competition is now being scheduled to take place from Monday 3 to Friday 7 August 2021,” says Maas.

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Battswood blood still beats in Barnes AVRIL FILLIES AVRIL.FILLIES@MEDIA24.COM

S

occer was his first love, but Vincent Barnes became a household name in cricketing circles when he was appointed the assistant coach for the Proteas before he was appointed as the manager of the highperformance centre in Pretoria.

“I grew up in a soccer household where my parents were executive members of Battswood Football Club in Wynberg and I started playing for the club when I was six years old; went through all the ranks until I played professional football in 1989 when we won the Treble. I have fantastic memories of playing for the club and until today my teammates and I are still friends. My friend, Adeeb Abrahams (goalkeeper) introduced me to cricket when he found out that I could bowl and took me to Victoria Cricket Club where the Magiet brothers, Rushdi and Saait, played at the William Herbert Sports Ground in Wynberg,” Barnes says.

He started his cricket career in 1978 for Western Province (WP) in the Howa Bowl until 1992, but also had a stint for Transvaal from 1985 to 1986.

“In apartheid, cricket was an amateur sport and there were no coaches. I played with older cricketers for WP and they had a lot of knowledge which they shared with the young players. They would chat to you about technique and the best part of playing in that era was that they came to the practice, bowl and bat and take that into the game. Players of that era with whom I played were Lefty Adams, Trevor le Roux, Jerome Kleinveldt, Braima Isaacs and the Magiet brothers,” he says.

At Battswood, his provement of the teammates were not onscouting system ly his mates, but also in rural areas. his friends and they “There are many played a major role in rough diamonds his life. in our rural areas In 2002 he was apand it takes years pointed as the coach of for them to even the SA ‘A’ and u.19 make a debut in sides. provincial sides.

He was in charge of If I can make a both until 2003, when change in a crickEric Simons – then et rule it would be coach of the Proteas – the rule when you asked him to apply for are fielding and the position as an asthe ball deflects sistant coach. And he from the stumps got the job. When Siand goes for a mons left, he was the asboundary, I would sistant to Mickey Ar- Vincent Barnes (left) and West Indian fast declare that a thur until 2011. dead ball,” he bowling legend Michael Holding.

“Before I took the job says. as the assistant coach, I consulted with my In soccer, Barnes says he would outlaw the wife Debbie, because the job entailed a lot of video assistant referee (VAR), because it was travelling, long spells away from home and it not around during his playing days and it is was a huge step up from managing the A and “killing the game.” u.19 sides. Her role in my life is massive and Still looking back to a time before VAR, he she supported me in every venture in my notes a highlight in his career, in 2005. As part cricket career as a coach. She had her own ca- of the Proteas tour to the Caribbean, he was reer in marketing and marketed companies privileged to meet “Windies” heroes and to like Octagon and Open Field.” chat to Joel Garner, Curtley Ambrose as well Barnes continues: “She is currently the as Courtney Walsh about their playing days. race director of the Two Oceans Marathon “I met Michael and Viv on that tour and was and has done well in her career, but to manage glad to chat with them. I admired Michael for me is not so easy,” Barnes chuckles. the way he bowled and his attitude to get His cricketing heroes are Michael Holding down to business when he is on the pitch. He and Viv Richards of the West Indian team glo- is unbelievable when he runs into bowl and bally and Diego Maradona in soccer, whom he took wickets as if it is nothing. Virat Kohli of describes as the best ever player on the planet. India is the other global cricketer that I adBarnes hopes more talent can be unearthed, mire, for leading from the front and always but believes that will only happen with the im- giving 100%, and he reminds me of Graeme

Cyclists chain into next phase of lockdown The Pedal Power Association (PPA), South Africa’s leading cycling organisation supports government’s call to South Africans to adhere to strict regulations following the commencement of the level 4 phase of lockdown, which came into effect on Friday 1 May. “President Cyril Ramaphosa pointed out that exercise under strict public health conditions will be allowed and it is for that reason, we have submitted a proposal to the president to allow cycling under strict lockdown conditions,” explains Rens Rezelman, chair of the PPA. Under the current lockdown restrictions, in level 4, cyclists are only allowed to cycle within their own neighbourhoods between 06:00 and 09:00, and within a 5km radius of their homes.

“For cyclists, these current times are exceptionally frustrating and like the rest of the population, there are many who are extremely worried and justifiably so, about how their jobs and personal income are going to be affected by Covid-19. Despite our personal and varying opinions on the matter, South Africa

has to abide by strict lock-down measures and will have to do so for quite some time in the future. The majority of the cycling community has heeded this call to be compliant and for that, they need to be commended,” Rezelman said.

“Based on international practice of regulating cycling in a Covid-19 environment (Australia; New Zealand; and the United Kingdom as points of reference), the PPA believes that limited and regulated cycling activity in these trying times has numerous benefits that outweigh the possible risks associated with the activity. Like most activities in this time, the PPA recognises that the discipline to adhere to these rules are often self-regulated and expect that the cycling community would behave as a microcosm of the larger South African community in this regard,” said Rezelman.

Rezelman believes that the majority of cyclists will comply with the following suggestions made by the PPA: . Daily exercise is proven to reduce stress and boost the immune system. After weeks of lockdown (and under stressful economic con-

Cyclists are only allowed to cycle within their own neighbourhoods between 06:00 and 09:00, and within a 5km radius of their homes.

ditions) many South Africans would benefit from being able to cycle. . Propose that cyclists may not cycle in groups of more than two people (and both cyclists need to reside at the same dwelling); . Cyclists may not cycle for more than two hours; . Cyclists may not cycle further than 20km from their place of residence; and . Cyclists may only cycle once a day if doing so recreationally.

According to Rezelman, all other safety aspects advocated through its safe cycling campaign, such as the wearing of helmets; rear lights; visibility, not riding solo for crime-related reasons, adhering to the rules of road as well as social distancing which has now become the norm, would obviously apply as the PPA wants to be part of the solution not the problem.

From a commuter perspective, the PPA believes that by using a bicycle as a mode of transport as opposed to crowded public transport options, the spread of Covid-19 can further be reduced.

“The PPA would like to encourage those who have bicycles to use them instead of public transport in this time. We would also like to ask those who have old bicycles to donate them to people who could really use them to be economically mobile in these times,” said Rezelman.

“Cycling is a healthy pastime and it’s proven beyond doubt that regular exercise helps improve the immune system and that’s all we really have right now to combat this virus.

“We all need to stand together to get through the damage that this virus is causing in the world and in South Africa,” Rezelman explained.

According to Rezelman, South Africans need to accept the realities of the current situation, abide by the rules which are in place to save their lives and live in the hope that this Covid-19 virus too, will pass.

Smith, the former Proteas captain. Locally I admire Dale Steyn – maybe I am biased as I worked with him when I was still with the Proteas – especially because of what he is capable of doing with the ball,” Barnes says.

He says he was fortunate enough to be surrounded by influential people in both sporting codes who guided him in the right direction. “In the past, you could play both sports, but in this day and age, it is difficult as the cricket and soccer season can be 10 months of the year. My advice to young sportsmen and women is that if you can play two sports at the school level, do it as both will compliment each other.”

He says young sportspeople should focus on their goals and not on the fame and fortune it may bring.

“Today is different because the youngsters are caught in the bright lights and pay lip-service to their goals and the flashy cars and money clouds their judgement, so the focus on the goals is not their priority,” Barnes says.

He only has one thing still left on his bucket list, namely to attend the Masters Tournament at Augusta.

“I am privileged to say that I attend most of the major sporting events, and golf being one of my hobbies, I would like to attend Augusta although I’ve already experienced the Ryder Cup. To see my team Manchester City playing in the final of the Champions League is also on my bucket list, but Augusta is the main one,” he says.

Barnes loves photography but with the Covid-19 lockdown in place, he is currently cooking up a storm and spends quality time with his family.

V Have an interesting community sport story for us? Let us know via email at post@peoplespost.co.za or earl@media24.com.

Share your ‘Mini’er Cricket’ moments Taking a cue from thousands of KFC mini-cricket kids who have found ways to continue to play their favourite game under lockdown, KFC is challenging them to share how they’ve turned their passages into pitches and stoeps into stadia, with “Mini’er Cricket”.

“Mini’er Cricket” is all about substituting household items for traditional cricket gear – like rolling pins instead of bats; socks instead of balls; and washing baskets instead of wickets – to keep the passion for cricket alive under lockdown.

Josh Hendricks and his dad, Proteas player Beuran Hendricks, have led the way when it comes to finding innovative ways to play their favourite game, while staying safe at home.

Hendricks alongside Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma, are sharing their “Mini’er Cricket” moments with South Africa whilst under national lockdown.

This initiative is in an effort to help promote children keeping active as means to help them develop as it forms part of learning and skills development. This will also help them navigate through everyday life, keep their energies up and give them an environment to improve other skills.

Cricket enthusiasts are encouraged to show their creativity and share their “Mini’er Cricket” moments on social media and tag @KFCSA and using #minicricket to stand a chance to win epic hampers.

V For more information on the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, visit www.kfc.co.za/minicricket