People's Post - 7 April 2020

TUESDAY 7 April 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za

Concern over rise in local transmissions SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

@peoplespostnewspaper

@ThePeoplesPost

People’s Post

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Criminals target businesses in CBD

Lockdown arrests continue in province

Cole Alexander on his love for soccer

SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121

Following the confirmation of a third case of Covid-19 infection in Khayelitsha, the area along with Mitchell’s Plain and any other high-risk areas will benefit from mass Covid-19 screening and testing as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

With the latest development in Khayelitsha, six confirmed cases in Mitchell’s Plain and 17 in the Klipfontein sub-district which includes Athlone and Gatesville among others, provincial health officials have expressed their concern over potential spikes in local transmissions in these areas.

At the time of going to print Western Cape had 464 confirmed cases.

Premier Alan Winde says 368 of the cases are in the City of Cape Town.

Mitchell’s Plain had seven cases, but one patient has since recovered.

Head of provincial health, Dr Keith Cloete says of these cases more than 160 cases are locally transmitted – infected persons passing the virus on to others who have not travelled.

“Our hospitalisations are going up. (A total of) 22 people have been admitted to hospital with seven people in ICU. “We only have the one recorded death but our hospitalisations are going up and our admission to ICU is going up,” says Cloete.

According to Cloete, the areas of greatest concern to in the metro is Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain and Klipfontein.

“These are the three areas that have the most vulnerable areas within them but it is still the areas with the least cases. Our concern is that we might be having community transmission in those areas,” he says.

Winde noted the importance of continuing and adhering to the restrictions imposed by the lockdown.

“With the first week of lockdown (coming to an end at Midnight on Thursday 2 April), this is something we have taken very seriously because as a country we need to make sure that we put pressure on slowing the Covid-19 virus in our country,” says Winde.

“As was announced with the first cases of Covid-19 in Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain we are seeing Covid-19 move between our citizens and this is where our risk lies and why lockdown is so very important and important that we all observe the rules around this lockdown.”

These include following good hygiene practices and social distancing, says Winde.

To date, more than 50 people in the province have self-isolated for the 14 days and have recovered from the virus.

“The 14-days of isolation is from the first day that you showed symptoms,” says Cloete.

The number of days that symptoms are shown is subtracted from the mandatory 14 days.

Cloete says the health department is currently undertaking to provide flu vaccinations for the upcoming winter period.

They will provide this to health workers who are on the frontlines, the elderly, those with chronic conditions and those who have a compromised immune system.

Winde urged residents to be mindful of their health and stay home if they have contracted the virus.

“If you have flu-like symptoms, go home and call the hotline,” says Winde.

COVID-19 TESTING

Screening ‘starts small’

NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM

T

he Western Cape government health started with the roll-out of community screening and testing for Covid-19 on Monday 6 April.

According to the provincial government, the first community screening and testing started in Bishop Lavis, Kwanonqaba (Mossel Bay), and Mbekweni (Cape Winelands) on Monday and in Bo-Kaap and Philippi today (7 April). The roll-out is scheduled to start in Khayelitsha – Town2 and Ilitha Park – and Happy Valley tomorrow.

“We must ensure that our vulnerable communities are screened and tested in greater numbers to ensure our people are protected against the spread of the Covid-19 disease,” said Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, provincial minister of health.

Dr Keith Cloete, the head of the department of health, said the province would identify and focus on areas where locally transmitted cases pose the biggest risk for community transmissions. “We call those polygons. It is a local area around where the person who has the condition. We will go to the households around the cases where there are already documented local transmissions.”

Cloete said they were starting small. He said by going in small, they would be able to set up the logistics: what it entails to get into an area, what kind of identification will be re-

quired and how to let people know of upcoming operations.

A statement released by the department of health on Sunday 5 April said screening would be conducted door-to-door by field workers using simple verbal questions to identify people who may require testing.

“Health workers will ask health questions aimed at screening for symptoms (a sore throat, a cough) or fever screening will either be done via community health workers visiting your home, or mobile units in your area (for example gazebos).”

Testing would be done if the questions indicate that you required a further test. The health worker would refer you to the closest testing centre. The test would be done by taking a swab from your nose and throat. This would either be done in a clinic, or in a mobile parked in your area. Test results would not be immediately available but patients would be followed up and advised of their status.

Cloete said community health workers would assist with the screening questions because they are already known to local households. “We have an existing relationship with more than 3 600 community health workers in this province. We currently employ them via NPOs. In our contractual agreement with the NPOs, the community health workers do call community-based work all the time, so they have a presence in homes, they visit people.”

Cloete said the City would provide them with a medical mask in conjunction with the policy within the department.

“We are not asking the community health

Screening will be conducted door-to-door by field workers using simple verbal questions to identify people who may require testing.

workers in this campaign to come into physical contact with anybody who is potentially Covid-19 (positive) or who is known Covid-19.

We are asking them to maintain their physical distance and to observe hygiene like we ask anybody else.”

The department asks residents to please welcome health workers when screening.

Information provided on the Western Cape government’s website states: “If you are concerned about letting them into your home, politely inform them that you are happy to answer all their questions from a safe social distance (through a gate or window).”

Cloete said the department was aware of scams that have been doing the rounds, of criminals pretending to be assisting with door-to-door screenings (“Netcare warns of fraudsters”, People’s Post 17 March).

To reassure communities, Cloete said they would announce in which areas the screenings would be taking place before sending in screening and testing teams, and all field workers would be clearly identifiable.

Premier Alan Winde added that once the City had clarity on where the screenings were going to take place, the municipal joint operations committee (JOC) of that area would be informed beforehand as well as its ward councillor. “We will make sure, from a security point of view, people know it is coming to their area.”

V For assistance, contact your local NGO or health worker or call the national hotline on 0800 029 999 or the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102. Alternatively, WhatsApp “hi” to 0600 123 456. All lines are operational 24/7.

2 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 7 April 2020

Students: how Smartphone app to avoid future lockdowns to embrace ‘new normal’ With tertiary institutions on lockdown, students’ only option is to study from home.

Dr Memory Muturiki, director of student wellness at University of Cape Town (UCT), believes studying from home could be both “challenging and rewarding” for undergraduates. She suggests students put together a study schedule and establish a routine to accommodate the new normal as much as possible, while also incorporating elements of a traditional campus schedule.

“Having a routine can eliminate the risk of procrastination, and students should be setting clear boundaries for study time and free time,” she says.

Muturiki notes that it may be difficult for students who don’t live alone. In this case, she advises that they discuss their study needs and requirements openly with housemates.

While she encourages students to keep their campus study groups active online via Skype, WhatsApp and other social networking channels, she also reminds them to take regular breaks in between.

“Read a book, stream a movie or bingewatch a series. Group video chats are also a great way of keeping in touch with friends in a different city,” she says.

A healthy eating plan forms a fundamental part of holistic health, and with a bit of flexibility in your new work-from-home routine, Muturiki suggests learning to cook healthy meals to enjoy at home.

According to associate Prof Kevin GF Thomas, head of UCT’s department of psychology, stress and anxiety levels escalate during unpredictable times. He also agrees that healthy eating is essential, as is maintaining a regular exercise timetable and getting enough sleep. He says don’t allow for family time and conversations with loved ones to be dominated by negative news or social media reports.

“Find comfort in the fact that you are a resilient human being who has survived many challenges and you will survive this one,” Thomas says.

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

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A group of researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) are working on a smartphone app that could play an important role in managing future outbreaks of Covid-19 and economic recovery.

“The problem with a lockdown is it works, but only for a short period of time,” explains associate professor Co-Pierre Georg, convenor of UCT’s master’s in financial technology. “There’s a huge demand for apps that allow governments to trace the physical contacts a person had once they test positive for the coronavirus.”

Georg and his students – working remotely – have come up with CoviID, an app that addresses both of these needs, as well as a novel third functionality of incentivising people to practise good hygiene during viral outbreaks.

As Georg explains, research shows that Covid19 is likely to mutate again, which means outbreaks of the virus could become a seasonal occurrence.

This means that to act swiftly and avoid total lockdowns – as well as the economic consequences they carry – in years to come, governments must be adequately informed about outbreak statistics in real time.

Using Bluetooth and geolocation, CoviID will be able to track and trace the movements of an individual covering the two weeks prior to their testing positive for the virus.

In terms of being able to prove a user’s status – which will become necessary for travellers, learners and university students,

and for anyone to enter public spaces – the app will enable a verified healthcare professional to attest to their status once they have been tested.

“Whenever you want to prove your status, you show a QR code – either saved to your phone or on a piece of paper – and somebody can scan it to receive the information.”

As for incentivisation, Georg says that Discovery Health (a medical insurance provider) with their rewards programme, Vitality, has shown that people respond well to being incentivised for healthy behaviour.

During an outbreak of the coronavirus, for instance, social distancing and self-isolation could be rewarded. Once the app picks up that a user has been at home for a few days, for example, they could be eligible to receive discounts from partner companies like grocery stores.

“This will help the government to incentivise people to do the right thing without having to go into full lockdown every time there is an outbreak,” he says.

The sensitive nature of this information requires a platform that will allow people to share it in a manner that is safe, secure and prioritises their privacy. That is why the app has been designed from a privacyfirst perspective.

Using blockchain technology, which helps to ensure protection of privacy, Georg and his team have put measures in place to reveal only the most necessary information.

The CoviID app will collect a user’s per-

sonal location and infection status and store it on their phone using a technology called self-sovereign identity – not on a centralised government or private-sector database.

This provides the user with full authority and control over who gets access to the data, for what purpose and for how long.

Georg and his team hope to release the first version of CoviID within the next two weeks. The idea is that eventually, the national department of health will be in charge of rolling out the app to users.

The researchers are in discussion with various governmental role-players to raise awareness about the project with the goal of first rolling it out in South Africa, but ultimately all over Africa.

The team has also made progress with possible private sector partners and has buy-in from MTN and Standard Bank already.

“I’ve never experienced such a quick turnaround time on project proposals,” says Georg. “I received email replies from CEOs within a few hours and even on a Sunday morning. Team South Africa is truly coming through this time.”

He says that even though we are entering a time of great challenges and hardship, this spirit of collaboration and cooperation has left him feeling hopeful.

“We can get through this together and come out stronger on the other side,” he concludes. “It’s also exciting to think that UCT could make a meaningful contribution during this crisis.”

EDUCATION

Ways to learn from home S

elf-isolation has caused huge changes in family lives worldwide. The coronavirus crisis continues with no known end in sight.

A week into lockdown, many parents are struggling to combine working while keeping their children motivated to learn at home.

Lee Wilcock, principal of Wolsey Hall Oxford, a homeschooling college in the UK, comments: “The initial motivation and excitement of learning in a new way may well be wearing off now for many children and this will be adding to parents’ stress.

“Some schools are supporting families with providing work to do at home but it can be hard implementing and sticking to this new routine.”

Below are some tips to help parents through this period.

Create a schedule The flexibility of homeschooling means your timetable can be created to suit the whole family, working around parental workload and virtual meetings. The key is having some structure to the day. Younger children may prefer to complete their schoolwork in the morning when their ener-

gy levels are higher while research has shown that teenagers are better studying later in the day.

Dedicated workspace If you can, try and find a dedicated space where your child can set up their computer and work. While you won’t have visitors to your home, they will need to be able to concentrate away from other family members and distractions.

The importance of breaks While you won’t have activities outside the home to factor in, it’s important to schedule in breaks. Now more than ever we need to focus on our physical and mental health. While we are all constrained to our homes, there are still ways children can exercise.

If you have a garden, even a 15-minute break outside is beneficial in restoring concentration levels. If you can’t get outdoors, there are online workouts specially designed for children such as Fitter Future.

Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, is also delivering physical education (PE) lessons on his YouTube channel every morning.

Criminals target businesses KAYLYNNE BANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@MEDIA24.COM

Opportunistic criminals find themselves on a much more permanent lockdown: behind bars. The Cape Town central police say there has been a spike in the number of burglaries at businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) since the start of the lockdown.

The CBD, which is known for its popular bars and restaurants, has been a ghost town for the past 10 days – giving leeway to opportunistic criminals.

Captain Ezra October, communication officer at the Central police station, says: “Before the lockdown, we encouraged businesses to remove all window displays and store items

in safe places. Since the start of lockdown, we have activated an integrated operation with all security stakeholders and since the weekend of Friday 27 March we have experienced a sudden increase in business break-ins.”

October says the integrated operation consists of members from security stakeholders such as the Cape Town Improvement District (CCID), Green Point Improvement District, OH Improvement District and law enforcement agencies.

October adds that Bob’s Bar, Harrington’s, Revelas Fisheries and Liny’s Baby Shop were all targeted. A total of 16 suspects were arrested – 14 for burglaries at businesses while two were arrested for being in possession of tools used to break into vehicles.

Mo Hendricks, CCID safety and security manager, says the crimes occurred in vari-

Maintaining motivation Tap into your child’s interests and dislikes. This is an ideal time to really engage them in topics they’d like to discover in greater depth. Your child’s teacher would prefer them to just be enjoying learning at this time, rather than forcing them through a specific subject that is causing a battle.

Give regular encouragement and stay positive, there will be good and bad days. If your child is feeling overwhelmed by the changes, try breaking work into much smaller sections.

Socialisation If your child is missing their friends, encourage them to video call each other (or arrange it for younger children). The opportunity to see how their classmates are getting on and to discuss what work they’ve been doing will give them a boost.

You may find your child completes their work more quickly while schooling at home. There are plenty of online resources of activities that will help to fill the extra hours if needed.

V Visit https://wolseyhalloxford.org.uk/homeschoolprojects/ for more projects. ous precincts throughout the CBD. “In the biggest arrest, which took place at 10:35 on Sunday 29 March, seven suspects were arrested for breaking into Liny’s Baby Shop on the corner of Plein and Strand streets near Cape Town Station.”

Hendricks says three suspects were also arrested on the same day for breaking into Revelas Fisheries in Long Street, with another two arrested for housebreaking on the corner of Buitengracht and Wale streets. He says alcohol to the value of R9 000 has been stolen from Bob’s Bar. October says the charges faced by the suspects include possession of alleged stolen property, business break-ins.

He adds that police investigators will obtain statements from the business owners and view CCTV footage that will be used as technical evidence to strengthen their case in court.

According to October, all the suspects were detained at Cape Town Central police station.

NEWS 3

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 7 April 2020

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Abuse of power taken to task SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS @Samantha_Lee121

I

n a matter of 12 hours on the eve of the first week of lockdown, more than 50 people had already been arrested for transgressing the lockdown restrictions.

However, provincial minister for community safety Albert Fritz says this is not the time for the police, law enforcement officials or soldiers to abuse their positions.

“As the minister for community safety in this province, I cannot sit still and see footage and messages from people showing pictures of police (officers) violating our citizens,”

says Fritz.

“We have called on all citizens with any complaint around the abuse of police powers to please report this to us.”

Fritz condemns these acts and reminds residents that fundamental constitutional rights, such as the right to dignity, can under no circumstances be suspended by the National State of Disaster.

“All acts of abuse under the joint command of police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be investigated by the relevant entity responsible for these investigations,” says Fritz in a statement.

He further commended the City of Cape

Town for the swift suspension of three law enforcement officers following their alleged verbal abuse and harassment of residents in the Cape Flats.

The act was caught on video and quickly went viral on social media. The officers allegedly swore at residents who they found in the streets.

Residents can report any complaints of policing inefficiency to the Western Cape Police Ombudsman. Additionally, cases of police and military brutality should be reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) or to Military Ombudsman respectively.

Tap water is ‘safe to drink’ The City of Cape Town would like to reassure residents who have detected an earthy taste in their tap water that it remains safe to drink and compliant with SANS241 standards.

The change in taste is due to the presence of geosmin in the raw water supply. Geosmin poses no threat to human health. It is a naturally occurring organic compound and is responsible for the earthy taste of beetroot and the scent that occurs in the air when rain falls after a dry spell.

The compound is sometimes present in water, particularly during periods of hot weather, and even minute concentrations of a few parts per trillion can be detected by the

human palate.

The City advises residents that there high levels of geosmin in the raw water supply from the Voëlvlei and the Theewaterskloof dams. This is affecting the taste and smell of the water supplied from the Voëlvlei, Faure and Blackheath water treatment plants to various areas across Cape Town, primarily the central, southern, and western suburbs, as well as the Atlantic Seaboard.

The City is currently dosing powdered activated carbon during the water treatment process to reduce the effect of the geosmin, however, it may take some time for the taste and smell of the water to normalise.

SOUTH AFRICA, WE’RE AT YOUR SERVICE.

Despite its earthy taste, tap water remains safe to drink.

PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

Useful contacts . Western Cape police ombudsman: Ombudsman@wcpo.gov.za or visit www.westerncape.gov.za/police-ombudsman . Military ombudsman: intake@milombud.org or call 080 726 6283 . Independent police investigative directorate: complaints@ipid.gov.za or www.ipid.gov.za . Democratic Alliance (DA) police brutality line: WhatsApp 067 977 9324 or reportpoliceabuse@da.org.za . Police: 08600 10111 . Emergency services: 107 . Inefficiencies or brutality related to law enforcement: RichardGavin.Bosman@capetown.gov.za . Law enforcement: 021 480 770 or 021 596 1999 . Emergency medical service (EMS): 10177 . The national institute for communicable diseases hotline: 0800 029999 . Western Cape government Covid19 hotline: 021 928 4102 . National department of health Covid-19 WhatsApp number 060 012 3456.

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NEWS 5

6 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | FALSE BAY Tuesday, 7 April 2020

LOCKDOWN FALLOUT

Thousands on streets go hungry NETTALIE VILJOEN

northern suburbs, Haven Shelter, Oasis, The Service Dining Rooms and Streetscape s the country enters the 11th day of the in the CBD, and Ladles of Love. lockdown, UTurn, a Christian non-gov“We are also in touch with representaernmental organisation (NGO) focused on tives from CAN networks to coordinate and the rehabilitation of the homeless, has support civilian response, and to ensure warned there are thousands of people on the that the outpouring of concern is directed street desperate for food and water. in a way that will not put anyone at risk,” Cape Town has roughly 6 000 homeless says Vos. residents in the city; 4 000 who sleep on the UTurn is working with the police to allow streets and 2 000 who make use of the City it and its NGO partners to start doing food facilitated night shelter offering. When drops. “In other words, taking packed meals lockdown went into effect thousands of and driving across the City to deliver to plathem were left without access to support ces of need. We began doing food drops last services. Sam Vos, chief executive officer week Tuesday in Observatory and Muizen(CEO) of UTurn, says many services have berg,” he says. shut down and residents who used to proWith regards to the City’s plan to accomvide support with food and money are no modate a large group of people at a single longer accessible. site, Vos says, that although he appreciates “The services that remain open, such as the City has an enormous challenge ahead, The Service Dining Rooms in the CBD, are he is concerned about the practicalities of feeling overwhelmed,” he says. managing such a large number of people The City of Cape Town is planning to ac- who, generally, have quite a lot of unusual commodate the homeless at a single site, the needs. He says it is a potentially volatile sitStrandfontein Sports Ground, for the dura- uation that could compromise the success tion of the national lockdown. of the City’s initiative.

“While a number of sites were initially “The feeling is that they (the City) have considered, further consultations on the not given enough thought on how to support matter have led us to the conclusion that people who will be going through withdrawone facility will be a better approach, both al symptoms or dealing with mental health in terms of logistics and management of the issues. Our concern is the potential for exsite,” says mayor Dan Plato. plosive situations (which might lead to) peoPlato says the sports ground can comfort- ple being hurt.” ably accommodate the number of people reBadroodien says they are aware of chalquiring shelter, while still adhering to so- lenges related to addiction and mental cial distancing protocols. health issues.

“We hope that the public can appreciate “We will take guidance from the subthe magnitude of the exercise to provide ac- stance abuse experts within the City who do commodation at short notice to thousands crucial work in the field of addiction at our of people while continuing to deliver essen- City Health Matrix sites. We will draw furtial municipal services in the midst of the ther guidance from our NGO partners who biggest health crisis our country has faced,” work in the street people sector and who are Plato says. supporting the City with ensuring the needs The Mayco member for community servi- of street people are met during this time.” ces and health, councillor Zahid BadroodiWhen People’s Post spoke to Vos last en, says the site will hold a maximum of week, he said the City had not yet consulted 2 000 people. Operations to prepare the site UTurn or any of its NGO partners. for readiness are underway.

“The City has done its best with limited In the meantime, it seems the burden to time and resources. It is clear it needed to care for the City’s homeless has largely fall- move quickly, and this may have prevented en on the shoulders of NGOs. it from consulting the NGO sector and makVos says various organisations have cre- ing full use of their existing resources. Howated an informal “war counsel” with daily ever, we are ready to support them with guiconference calls to update each other on dance and manpower if needed.” challenges to deliver services to meet the Vos suggests a less volatile solution is mineeds and to coordinate efforts and resour- cro-shelters, using vacant space during the ces. These groups include MES from the lockdown (like church halls, community halls and schools) to shelter between 15 and 40 people. “This requires that the City takes a decentralised approach and coordinates with the organisations on the ground,” he says.

UTurn is looking for volunteers to re-open existing facilities.

“Hope Exchange is currently not running and there are several places in need of volunteers. You can find a list of volunteer roles and a form to register interest at http://homeless.org.za/volunteerapplication-form.”

He says they have been deeply moved by the community’s support for the homeless, “However, we are asking residents to adhere to lockdown regulations and not to drive out to give food but rather to get in touch with UTurn if there is a hotspot of individuals needing help, and to support our appeal Homeless.org.za/ appeal.”

Homeless people stand in line at the UTurn service centre in V To assist the City’s initiative Claremont to receive a meal which for many will be the only one email disaster.donathey will have for the day. tions@capetown.gov.za.

A

The dining area at the UTurn service centre in Claremont. Many services offering meals to the homeless have closed and those that have remained open are being overwhelmed. PHOTO: NETTALIE VILJOEN

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SPORT TUESDAY 7 April 2020 | People's Post | Page 8 | 0021 910 6500

First team netball players Autumn Simpson (left) and Tecara Kleinsmith from the Independent Institute of Education’s Varsity College Cape Town made the Western Province u.19A team. They play for the campus’s netball first team. “Both players have been training really hard and their hard work has paid off. We are so proud of both for getting their WP colours,” said first team captain Sabrina Vermeulen.

Karate instructors go online to keep students, public sharp EARL HAUPT

must still go on and our students must keep on training, the only difference is that training will no longer be at our dojos in group classes but will take place in your own home,” says Bosman, adding that they reWith South Africans well into the second spect the decision made by president Cyril week of a national lockdown, many have Ramaphosa. found inventive ways to be active and stay Bosman and his assistants, whom include in shape. his son Henry Bosman Jr, have recorded and Fitness fanatics have splashed their ideas produced videos for their YouTube channel, and self-made demonstrations all over social which includes tutorials, tips and even full media. For many, it has helped fill a void classes. while, for others, it has improved their qual“We made the decision to share our conity of life. tent with not only our members but opened Using social media as a tool to stay fit is it up to everybody. This includes our follownothing new but for certain sporting bodies ers and the public,” he continues. the time has come to adapt to these challengHe encourages people from all spheres to ing times. Where they previously relied sole- take part, emphasising the importance of bely on face-to-face coaching to hone their re- ing active or keeping fit while also combatspective techniques, now they are using on- ting the isolation challenges and boredom line platforms. the lockdown my bring.

The Kyokushin community, with Shihan “Training and keeping fit is the best way Hennie Bosman and instructors, is now con- to handle stress and also the boredom everyducting various classes and demonstrations body is experiencing in lockdown. We can to people of all levels, including novices, on use this time to improve our physical condiboth YouTube and Zoom. tion and even to start to learn the art of KyThese videos can be of use to children as okushin as a way of self-defense. young as four as well as those who have nev“Kyokushin training is based on discier trained in karate before. Students, who pline, perseverance and respect. Even 10 have already enrolled in the academy, have hours of training will make a difference and dedicated content tailored for them. influence a person in a positive way,” says Bosman says while the lockdown comes Bosman. with limitations, it has not limited the opWhile the videos are helpful and largely portunity to continue teaching the art of Ky- available free of charge to novices and nonokushin or for those practising karate to students, Bosman’s team has put together a progress. three-month plan, with the aid of live video He admits that this is new territory for streaming and feedback sessions with inhim, his team, the business and his students. structors for their enrolled students to main“We are entering challenging times and in tain their progress and not to lose valuable the spirit of Kyokushin it’s imperative we training time. adapt to thrive. The message is clear. Karate “The goal is to prevent regression during this time and I challenge every student to strive to improve their skills over this time and we will make sure you have the tools to achieve this,” says Bosman.

He explains that karate is one discipline that does not require a lot of space to manoeuvre in, and while equipment is used, it is not entirely required to hone one’s craft.

“Whilst the coronavirus will impact us all, we are fortunate we can continue with our training albeit from our home via the use of technology and we will do everything in our power to provide uninterrupted service. We encourage active participation on the platforms we have available,” says Bosman.

Hennie Bosman and Neill Bruce perform a demonstration V Subscribe to Hennie Bosman School while shooting a video for students to access online. of Karate on YouTube or visit www.kyokushinsa.co.za.

EARL@MEDIA24.COM @EARLHAUPT

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FSP no. 43862

Football fire still burning for Cole AVRIL FILLIES AVRIL.FILLIES@MEDIA24.COM

W

hen legendary soccer player Duncan Crowie first coached Cole Alexander at Ajax Cape Town, Crowie didn’t know Alexander would become his son-in-law later in life.

Last year, the Bidvest Wits player tied the knot with Jaime Crowie and this year, at the end of March, the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary in Midrand, Gauteng.

Alexander (30) describes his decision to get married to Jaime as “scary”.

“Duncan, being my coach and knowing about his achievements, it was scary when I was interested in Jaime. I would always say I am visiting her brother, Wade, but he quickly caught on why I was there and now she is my wife,” Alexander says.

He says, growing up, he always had a lot of respect for Crowie. “As a kid, I admired him as a soccer player and at Ajax, I took his advice very seriously. He changed me from a number 10 to a number 6, more of a defensive midfielder box to box and I am still playing that same position today for Wits.

Alexander, who grew up in from Mitchell’s Plain, has played soccer since the age of five.

His first soccer club was Leeds Lentegeur followed by Seven Stars. When he was 10 he moved to Hellenic where he played until the age of 16. In 2008, he joined Ajax u.17. After three years at Ikamva, Ajax’s home ground in Parow, he turned professional and was later sent on loan to its neighbouring club, Vasco da Gama.

During the 2012/13 season, he rejoined the Urban Warriors for another short spell. That same year, he was also sent on loan to Chippa United (Port Elizabeth). This merry-go-round continued as Chippa wanted to loan him back to Vasco but he returned to Ajax. “It was a crazy year for me and I am not sure if there is another player who played for three teams in one season,” he chuckles.

He later joined Polokwane City FC, then SuperSport United, before settling at Wits in 2018.

“I appreciate every single club I played for.

Leeds, my local club, was so amazing with so many happy memories. Playing soccer with my friends who also lived in my road. All our families and neighbours would get together and have fun on the soccer fields.”

Alexander says his stint at Hellenic is another time which he remembers fondly. He got to stay at the club’s academy and shared resources with professional footballers. “The environment was really lovely,” he says.

He says praise goes to former coaches Budgie Byrne and the late Cecil Byrne as well as Terry Cunningham.

“The rivalry between Ajax and Hellenic was one of the best at the time. It was amazing to participate in such matches.”

Alexander says he began to sharpen his skill as a football player at Ajax.

“This is where I developed and improved as a player,” he says, Cole Alexander

adding that the club’s high standards pushed him to become a better soccer player.

At Polokwane City FC, where he was affectionately known as white chocolate by club supporters, he says he felt at home.

“I’m forever indebted to this team. They were the only team in the PSL that wanted me at that stage of my career and they gave me a chance when no other team did,” he says.

It was there where he became a shining star and, in the process, made his Bafana Bafana debut. At the end of the season, he was also nominated in the PSL awards.

Alexander says he has played under so many coaches and that he has learned a lot from all of them. The most important lesson for him, he says, was “you only fail if you lose the lesson”.

“Meaning that it’s okay to lose, but learn from it. Don’t lose the lesson from the loss,” he says.

While Alexander says he has never played for a foreign club, he is grateful to have played in tournaments in the Netherlands, Germany, Egypt, the US and England.

He still harbours hopes of playing for Manchester United. “I’ve been supporting them all my life, but I wouldn’t mind playing for Liverpool, either,” says Alexander.

His podcast, aimed at aspiring footballers and the youth, emphasises the importance of personal decisions when pursuing dreams and goals.

“Every choice you make, you need to ask yourself, will this take me closer to or further from my goal.”

When he is not busy with soccer, he loves playing tennis, table tennis, poker, Fifa computer games and reading.

“If I have to describe myself in five words, I would say God-fearing, loving, grateful, funny and hardworking. I love the Gospel and I find my identity in it. I am grateful for everything in my life as I have so much to be grateful for. I love to laugh and very loudly, and I always look for ways to improve in my job.”

Alexander says friendships are an important part of the game.

“In soccer, I think it is possible to have buddies, it just sucks at times when you move clubs, those relationships you build as friends suffer.”

He says his friends at Wits are Keegan Ritchie, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Brandon Pieterson, Hashiem Domingo and Shameehg Doutie, also a former Ajax player.

Players who made a lasting impression on him are Clayton Daniels, also a former Ajax player, and Thato Mokeke.

“Clayton and I shared a dressing room for many years at Ajax. I like his fighting spirit and his attitude to the game. He gives his all. I can always count on Thato and that is why he is also a friend,” says Alexander.

Some of his other favourite players are Benni McCarthy and Croatian Luka Modric.

People’s Post also discovered that playing soccer isn’t the only thing he has tried his hand at.

“Before I became a soccer player I used to do boiler-making with my dad, sell cookies and pies for my next-door bakery and I also have three white-collar boxing fights PHOTO: GALLO IMAGES which I lost,” he smiles.