Table of contents for 2022-03-07 in Star

Edward West edward.west@inl.co.za OIL COMPANIES have no concerns about meeting local demand through import fuel at this stage, in spite of worsening industry risk factors that have included Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, industry representative bodies said on Friday. The South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) said in response to Business Report’s questions that at this stage there were no concerns relating to imported fuels, and there was sufficient storage infrastructure to handle additional volumes from imports as required from the end of this month, following the recent announcement of the “pause” in production and possible sale of Shell and BP’s Sapref refinery, South Africa’s biggest refinery, south of eThekwini. “The only concern would be attri- buted to vessel delays due to weather conditions, however these are managed,” Sapia said. The…

Chulumanco Mahamba A NEW challenge, the KeReady2Flex Challenge, has been launched to encourage young people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The KeReady campaign, a youth Covid-19 vaccination movement established in February, announced the launch of the KeReady2Flex Challenge. The initiative, using both social media and community engagement, invites young people to take control of the communication about Covid-19. “#KeReady challenges them to frame Covid-19 and vaccination-related messages in their own style, using their own creative talent. They are encouraged to perform, paint, move, write and share these messages and creative elements with #KeReady,” the organisation said. The most creative, emotive, and persuasive designs stand to win rewards totalling R100 000 a week from March 9 to April 26. “The power of young people is in their creativity and tenacity to…

Itumeleng Mafisa BELEAGUERED employees at the City of Johannesburg have accused the mayor and multiparty governing coalition of embarking on a witch-hunt to get rid of staff hired by the previous ANC administration. This comes after the city announced plans to rescind what it believes are illegal contracts of employees who have now been hired permanently. The multiparty coalition claimed the contracts were converted from fixed-term political contracts to permanent contracts. The Star understands that unions and workers were not properly consulted on the matter. According to the multiparty coalition, the late mayor Geoff Makhubo converted the fixed-term contracts into permanent employment in February 2020. A similar decision was taken on October 19 last year, when the mayor was the late Jolidee Matongo. The employees, who spoke to The Star…

Anita Nkonki anita.nkonki@inl.co.za A TALE of persistence and immense belief in her capabilities has seen Khensani Mokhare thrive in her career. The multi-talented star expressed delight as she gears up to represent South Africa at the International Models and Talent convention in New York City in July. Mokhare, an actress, model, and dancer, shares intriguing details about her career as it vaults up and how thrilled she is ahead of this world’s largest talent convention. This competition has been a door to success for many popular talents from across the globe since 1987. The 20-year old says growing up she always had an affinity for taking to big stages and she is thrilled at the prospect of showcasing her talents. “It is incredibly important for me to showcase my talents,…

ADOLF Hitler’s minister for public enlightenment and propaganda, Paul Joseph Goebbels, once said: “The essence of propaganda consists in winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally that in the end, they succumb to it utterly and can never again escape from it.” The world has witnessed the invasion of Russia in Ukraine over Russia’s national security concerns. The world is divided between Moscow and Kyiv. There are those who condemn Moscow, while others believe that Russia is doing what needs to be done to protect itself and its people. South Africa’s only owner of satellite space, MultiChoice, has dumped RT (a Russian state-controlled international television channel). MultiChoice has promoted itself to be god of satellite space, wherein it decides the fate of information. Labelling it dictators would…

KEVIN GOVENDER | Shallcross I STAND in solidarity with the Ukrainian nation as they suffer untold human misery, pain, death, isolation from loved ones and broken dignity. There is no food, water, electricity, medicine and oxygen in Ukraine. By Thursday, more than a million refugees had fled to Slovakia, Romania, Moldova, Hungary and Poland, 227 Ukrainians had lost their lives and 498 Russian troops had died in the war in Ukraine, as reported by France 24. In a conflicting report, e.tv put the civilian death toll in Ukraine as more than 2 000. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with his on-the-ground stance and refusal to flee Kyiv, as suggested by the US, strikes me as a brave leader, able to express compassion for his people and the truth with…

The Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, which is surrounded by Russian troops, said yesterday it would restart efforts to evacuate civilians, after earlier efforts were scuppered by ceasefire violations. An attempt on Saturday to allow civilians to leave by buses and cars along the road northwest towards Zaporizhzhia failed. Ukrainian authorities accused the Russians of shelling even when civilians were gathering to form an escape convoy, but Moscow’s defence ministry accused the city’s defenders of exploiting a “human shield”. According to aid agency Doctors Without Borders the humanitarian situation in Mariupol, a key target for the Russian invasion forces, is “catastrophic” with no power or water in civilian homes. Russia said its military units had opened humanitarian corridors to allow the evacuation of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha. The ceasefire…

HERMAN GIBBS herman.gibbs@gmail.com STUART Baxter kept his unbeaten Soweto Derby record intact when he guided Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-1 win over traditional rivals Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. In both his stints as Chiefs coach, Baxter has not lost a Soweto Derby, and on Saturday it was a close call, although if VAR (video assistant referee) had been available, the win might have been more conclusive. TV replays show match officials should not have disallowed Keagan Dolly’s first-half goal. Equally, replays also show there was a hint of offside when Ghanian striker Kwame Peprah opened Orlando Pirates’ scoring account with the equaliser. In the end, Chiefs held out for a thrilling win after a late onslaught by Pirates. Baxter felt the team lost composure which could have…

Banele Ginindza banele.ginindza@inl.co.za ESKOM’S deferral of the project to replace steam generators at Koeberg’s Unit 2 will save the economy billions of rands as loadshedding and outages in the high demand winter season would have been catastrophic, both pro and anti-nuclear supporters said yesterday as the utility bears the cost of postponing the refurbishments to August next year. Eskom on Friday announced Eskom will defer the replacement of three steam generators at Unit 2 of Koeberg nuclear power station so that the unit can return to service in June as scheduled. The unit, which was shut down on January 18 for refuelling and extension of life which includes the replacement of three steam generators, was scheduled to return to service. What is concerning is Framatome (French company) had…

Chulumanco Mahamba chulumanco.mahamba@inl.co.za DISRUPTIONS to essential health services due to the Covid-19 pandemic are being felt broadly, said the World Health Organization (WHO) as it urged countries to restore health-care services to pre-Covid levels. As the world marks International Women’s Day tomorrow, a new WHO analysis has found that women’s health services are far from being fully restored, with 40% of African countries reporting disruptions to sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services. The WHO Global Pulse Survey on Continuity of Essential Health Services during the Covid-19 pandemic carried out between November and December 2021 shows that the majority of the 36 African countries that provided full data reported up to 25% disruption of services. The extent of the disruption remained largely unchanged from the first quarter of…

Mwangi Githahu mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za THE Sekunjalo Group of companies’ complaint against the country’s leading banks – which have shut down its bank accounts – will be heard by the Competition Commission in Pretoria from today. In a case billed as a “David and Goliath” battle, the holding company has accused Nedbank, Standard Bank, First Rand Bank, Absa Bank, Mercantile Bank, Sasfin Bank, Investec Bank, Bidvest Bank and Access Bank of collusive practices. Sekunjalo Investment Holdings executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé, and 35 others – in an affidavit before the tribunal – have insisted that the conduct of the banks constitutes an abuse of dominance, which is prohibited by the Competition Act. The other complainants include Independent Newspapers, which owns The Star newspaper, Sekunjalo Investment Holdings (SIH) and Ayo Technology Solutions (AYO).…

Staff Reporter IN CELEBRATION of International Woman’s Day tomorrow, internationally acclaimed, multi-talented artist Sarah Güsten-Marr has announced a partnership with the Imbumba Foundation’s Trek4Mandela Expedition, in honour of the programme’s 10th year anniversary. Liberian-born Güsten-Marr, who has travelled extensively, is visiting South Africa to experience the work the Imbumba Foundation is doing empowering the girl child through fighting period poverty, gender-based violence and bullying in disadvantaged schools. She says she has been inspired by her travels: “My art reflects my experience of different places and cultures, the interactions between people and learning about their different views, understandings and approaches to our wonderful world”. A chance meeting with a Imbumba Foundation team member at a funeral a few years ago led to Güsten-Marr following social media posts from the organisation and…

Ntando Makhubu ntando.makhubu@inl.co.za CITY of Tshwane’s cultural ambassador Paul Modjadji recently witnessed South African fashion house JessicaJane’s first showcase at the renowned Paris Fashion Week. Founded by Jessica Molebatsi, JessicaJane made its official foray on to the international fashion radar with a sensational range that saw one of South Africa’s top personalities, Minnie Dlamini, walking the stage, her first walk at the Paris Fashion Week as well. Paul Modjadji sat down with the designer and her muse to talk all things fashion, Paris and why South Africa is where it is at the Ritz Hotel In Paris. Paul: How does it feel to be one of the first fashion houses to showcase at the Paris Fashion Week after the two-year Paris Fashion Week hiatus due to Covid? JJ: It…

BETTY MOLEYA betty.moleya@inl.co.za WITH March being commemorated as Human Rights Month and organisations emphasising the need to turn their focus to this, heritage site Freedom Park in Pretoria said it had lined up various activities to educate the public about Human rights in South Africa. Human Rights Day in South Africa is commemorated on March 21. It honours those who lost their lives in the Sharpeville Massacre on March 21, 1960. On that day, 69 people lost their lives, while 180 were wounded when police fired at a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the pass laws. Freedom Park said it was important to keep Human Rights Day in the minds of people to make it appealing and relevant so that the next generations know about its importance.…

DR THABISI HOEANE | Pretoria IT IS disturbing that the West is prepared to provoke World War III, which will be a nuclear war, over the Ukraine issue. We are told that Ukraine’s freedom should be protected against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is considered to be an ogre. What is at stake is freedom, not just Ukraine’s but all countries’. The context of Russia’s behaviour is being ignored by the West, at the expense of global security. After the end of the Cold War, Russia felt wounded and humiliated that the Soviet Union had collapsed. Leaders, such as Putin, have made it clear that if need be, WWIII will erupt if its power is not recognised by the West. Should we risk the world because of one…

Bongani Ndlovu Access to financial services is a fundamental right. A lot of people are, however, excluded, mainly because of historical imbalances. This is the reason why National Treasury has published a draft policy document on financial inclusion that will make sure that all persons have access to affordable financial products and services. The government relies on banks in making this dream a reality. As much as banks are willing to participate they are profit driven. Their decisions on financial access will always revolve around making profit. Striking a balance between helping people and making profit will always be difficult. It is common knowledge that businesses will supply more if there is demand, and less if the demand is low. There has been a gradual shift by banks to fulfil…

A Russian projectile sparked a fire on Friday at the Zaporizhzhia site, Europe’s largest nuclear plant, that triggered alarm across the world. The fire was put out and the authorities have not recorded a release of radioactive material. At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, the US and allies lambasted Russia for the shelling and seizure of the plant. Ukraine relies heavily on nuclear energy – its 15 functional reactors, situated in four power stations, provide about half of the country’s electricity. The spectre of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster has loomed large amid fighting near nuclear reactors in recent days. It was the site of a nuclear meltdown that sent a radioactive cloud over Europe. Here’s what to know about Ukraine’s nuclear sites and what risks fighting around…

Bukayo Saka starred as Arsenal continue to push for an all-important top-four Premier League finish after a 3-2 victory at struggling Watford yesterday. Martin Odegaard struck early for the visitors before Cucho Hernandez equalised with a stunning overhead kick minutes later. England international Saka put Arsenal back in front after half an hour and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli increased the visitors’ lead early in the second half. A late goal from Moussa Sissoko against the run of play gave Watford hope, but the Gunners held out for a crucial win. Watford had the ball in the net a few seconds after kick-off but Emmanuel Dennis’s effort was ruled offside. Arsenal settled quickly after that scare and were in front in the fifth minute after neat work down the right, with…

Mihlali Baleka mihlali.baleka@inl.co.za AFTER their 2-1 away win against arch rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday, second-placed Kaizer Chiefs kept their slim Premiership title hopes alive as they now trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 16 points with three games in hand on the defending champions. Chiefs, though, will be the first team to admit that they were second-best against Pirates, although they won the game after taking their chances. Here, we look at three moments that defined Amakhosi’s win… Sticking with Peterson There was a lot of speculation that Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter would spring a surprise in the goalkeeping department by dropping Brandon Peterson for one of the experienced keepers, Itumeleng Khune or Daniel Akpeyi. But he didn’t. And that paid off, with Peterson making two winning saves late…

Mihlali Baleka mihlali.baleka@inl.co.za Orlando Pirates must feel hard done by after their 2-1 defeat, having been the better team at home on Saturday. This loss all but ended their chances of closing in on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who lead them by 19 points. The Bucs shouldn’t give up, though, given that there’s a lot to play for, including a top-three finish for continental football. Here, we look at three moments that might have cost the Buccaneers… Not clinical enough Chiefs may have had the best attacking unit on paper, but it’s Pirates who have the more potent attack. Going into the game, Pirates had scored six goals in their last two matches, while Chiefs had scored just one. Kwame Peprah scored his first goal in the derby after two…

Morgan Bolton Comment THE trip to Bloemfontein was a calamity for the Lions as the union’s horror year continued to unfold. Lightning and thunder might have threatened the match at one point, but it was the Free State Cheetahs who struck with shock and awe. Despite the horror that unfolded at Free State Stadium, there is still a glint, tiny as it is, of hope on the horizon that could resuscitate the flailing Lions. The Joburgers were embarrassed… EMBARRASSED… in their 66-14 loss to the Cheetahs on Saturday – their biggest defeat in the history of the Currie Cup. They shipped 10 tries, scoring only two, and were completely dominated in almost every aspect of the encounter: Territory, possession, metres made, clean breaks, gain-line carries, passes, off-loads and rucks won.…

Mihlali Baleka mihlali.baleka@inl.co.za SUBSTITUTE Elias Pelembe struck late with a half-volley that handed Royal AM maximum points after their 1-0 victory over Swallows FC in a Premiership encounter at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban yesterday. The win ensured that Royal leapfrogged Kaizer Chiefs to second on the league standings with 36 points, 15 behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who were stunned by Maritzburg United away in their match on Saturday. Swallows only have themselves to blame as they were the better team, especially in the second half, when Royal also conceded a red card after Zukile Mkhize unleashed a career-threatening tackle on substitute Keletso Makgalwa. With matches coming thick and fast, both teams were eager to improve their respective spots on the log. But the odds favoured Royal going into the encounter,…

Zelda Venter zelda.venter@inl.co.za THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is giving serious attention to the investigation and prosecution of those behind the murder of anti-apartheid activist Dr Neil Aggett. This comes after the judgment on Friday that set aside a prior judgment of the inquest in 1982 that had found that Aggett had committed suicide. On Friday, the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg found that Aggett was killed by members of the security police. Judge Motsamai Makume said, in no uncertain terms, that the 1982 inquest, during which it was found that Aggett had hanged himself in cell 209 at the then-John Vorster Square, was a massive cover-up. The judge found that all evidence led during the reopened inquest pointed to the fact that Aggett, a medical doctor…

Bongani Nkosi bongani.nkosi@inl.co.za THE Constitutional Court is set to have the final say on litigation intended to have the Copyright Act declared unconstitutional insofar as it made it hard for the blind to access books. Blind SA, a non-profit organisation promoting the interests of visually impaired people in the country, has for years been fighting the Copyright Act. The organisation identified the act as a stumbling block for the blind to access copyright published works in formats such as braille, audio versions, and copies in large print. It is now headed to the apex court to put to bed the fight it waged against the state, citing the ministers of Trade and Industry and International Relations and Co-operation as the main respondents. “At its core, this application concerns the failure…

Sonri Naidoo Apart from beauty pageants and walking on heels, 21-year-old Nkosinathi Maphanga is more than just that. The 2022 Miss Township SA semi-finalist believes she has more to offer than her beauty. “I wish to inspire change or have a positive impact on others by donating sanitary pads, assisting at clinics, and schools.” Maphanga. said modelling could be used as an opportunity to grow as an individual. “It opens up opportunity and can put bread on the table.” Maphanga hails from a small town in the North West. In 2018, she relocated to Pretoria and obtained a National Higher Certificate in Accountancy and a Diploma in Accounting from the Tshwane University of Technology. She hopes to walk away with the Miss Township SA title at the finals on May…

Kutloano Makgoro | Joburg A UCT study confirmed that most “proudly South African” skincare brands contain bleaching agents – hydroquinone and mercury. Hydroquinone is a tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it targets the parts of skin where there is excess melanin & helps people to achieve an even skin tone. However, when the ingredient is mixed with mercury, it forms a lethal concoction that causes ochronosis – a disease characterised by speckled and diffused pigmentation symmetrically over the face, neck, and photo-exposed areas, which in most cases is irreversible. Most people do not have the time to read the ingredients list at the back of skincare products and to search each and every ingredient. This is highly unethical and dangerous as these products can ruin people’s skin and the…

ON February 24, the world woke up to the news of Russia announcing its “special military operation” to “demilitarise” and “deNazify” Ukraine. The announcement was followed by a sophisticated, all-out attack by land and air. As Russia began its invasion, the rest of the world watched in anguish, contemplating the unavoidable international political and economic implications. There are competing views about why Russia invaded Ukraine. Some argue that the attacks were based on Ukraine’s desire to join Nato, while others link the invasion to the Minsk agreements. The Minsk agreements are two treaties, signed in 2014 and 2015, aimed at ending the war in Donbass. To provide some context, one needs to go back to 2014. Moscow was angered that its candidate lost Ukraine’s presidential mantle in elections in 2014.…

Zaahier Adams zaahier.adams@inl.co.za Proteas Women’s coach Hilton Moreeng is confident star batter Lizelle Lee will “want to jump straight into it” after missing the “sloppy” opening Women’s World Cup victory over Bangladesh on Saturday. The world’s No 2-ranked side did enough to see off the tournament debutants with the impressive bowling unit again managing to offset the batters’ inconsistencies. South Africa limped to 207 all out with the top order, barring Laura Wolvaardt, again failing to find their rhythm, which Moreeng admitted has become a growing source of “frustration because we know what the players in these positions are capable of”. The potentially explosive Tazmin Brits has walked out with Wolvaardt to face the new ball in Lee’s absence, but the duo have not been able to piece together the…