Índex per 2021-06-23 a Star

Siphelele Dludla siphelele.dludla@inl.co.za PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday gave a strong hint that the government could move the current lockdown restrictions to a higher level as new Covid-19 cases continue rising, dampening rebounding business confidence at a time when it was still trying to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Ramaphosa said the government was considering reviewing the current lockdown restrictions and moving the country to a higher level. South Africa moved to a level 3 lockdown on Tuesday last week, introducing further restrictions around gatherings, the sale of alcohol and a tighter curfew. “Infections are rising and that calls on us to review where we are. We will be making an assessment,” Ramaphosa said. The president’s concerns come as business activity continued to pick up at the beginning of the second…

Shakirah Thebus shakirah.thebus@inl.co.za TODAY the vaccination of thousands of teachers and education-related staff members starts in the Western Cape, a huge relief to teacher unions worried about the safety of their members as the third wave of Covid-19 infections increases rapidly. Western Cape Education Department head Brent Walters and Education MEC Debbie Schäfer will be joining union representatives, principal association members, teachers and public service staff for the official launch of the roll-out at Metro Medical Services in Pinelands, Ndabeni. National Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said nationally the sector was targeting 582 000 teachers, including support staff, to get vaccinated in 10 to 14 days. The Department of Health has earmarked 300 000 Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccinations for the sector. The provincial vaccine roll-out was moved forward from…

Jean Michel Bouvier | Bryanston THE bright sparks of the Education Department put their heads together again and this time after “brain storming” they came up with another idiotic and hare-brained decision. But let’s put it this way I didn’t expect anything cerebral from this bunch of imbeciles that have proven when let loose, they create havoc and destruction. This time they decided that they will introduce Kiswahili as an extra language towards “decolonisation”, as they put it. Any excuse to cover their mistakes or experimenting with new ones if they cannot blame the legacy of apartheid. So on top of the 11 official languages and 15 non-official languages that we have already, such as the Khoi, Nama, San and others, now we have Kiswahili. My heart…

ACCORDING to a 2018 State of South Africa’s Fathers report, women still carry the unfair task of taking care of the full needs of children in most households in South Africa where, for every hour of care work a man does, a woman does eight hours. Fathers’ Day was an opportunity to reflect on evolving fatherhood from harmful gender norms and stereotypes to a more equitable and engaging version. Engaged fatherhood and men’s participation in the lives of children have positive outcomes for children, women and men themselves. In addition, studies have shown that an engaged and responsive father can reduce the risk of violence and corporal punishment in the home and in communities because the concept of fatherhood in South Africa reflects an extended network of social relationships between…

Akin Akinsete As we celebrate Youth Month, the sacrifice by the young people of South Africa is intertwined with the rich legacy of social justice, advocacy, and the liberation movement. The 1976 generation epitomises the engaged and socially aware youth, who refused to stay silent in the face of the indignity of an oppressive system. Their action echoes the words of Frantz Fanon that “each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it”. The South African youth is not a mere spectator in the vocalisation and realisation of its destiny. While many trans-generational battles persist such as structural inequality, youth unemployment, access to affordable education, the issue of access to safe and dignified sanitation may seem to pale in comparison; nonetheless, sanitation remains…

EFF leader Julius Malema fancies himself an expert on Covid-19, and the pharmaceuticals developed to fight it. How else does one make sense of his demand that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) approve two particular drugs from Russia and China respectively? And to make the point, the EFF and its supporters will march to the offices of Sahpra to demand that China’s Sinovac vaccine and Russia’s Sputnik be given the green light. In an interview, Malema said: “The handling of these vaccine programmes has been one mess after another, and it is very clear there is no programme by the government to vaccinate our people.” Perhaps someone should tell Malema that while South Africa has indeed delved the depths of ineptitude, we have still not reached the…

Stuart Hess stuart.hess@inl.co.za THERE was no sense of relief for Mark Boucher after South Africa’s first Test series win away from home in four years on Monday evening. The Proteas coach has been under pressure following a period in which the team’s results have tendered more towards the negative. That he has had to deal with a team that was in the midst of radical transition, was of little defence for him. Then before the team left for the Caribbean, Cricket SA’s Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith appeared to apply some more pressure saying the tour to the West Indies and the weeks following it were “a crucial period for the players and management”. However, having secured the series win on Monday, and seen big improvements in several areas,…

Sandile Mchunu sandile.mchunu@inl.co.za OMNIA Holdings rose almost 6 percent on the JSE yesterday morning after the diversified chemicals group returned R1 billion in dividends to shareholders for the year to end March. The group declared an ordinary dividend of 200 cents a share – the first since 2018 – and a special dividend of 400c, boosted by a strong cash generation of R2.3bn during the period. The group ended the year with R1.8bn of cash on hand after it paid down its R1.9bn net debt following the disposal of Oro Agri during the year. Omnia sold Oro Agri in January to European Crops Products 2 SARL for $146.9 million (R2.1bn), with the proceeds used to settle its net debt. Oro Agri was reported as a discontinued operation in the results.…

EDWARD WEST edward.west@inl.co.za JSE-LISTED EPP, Poland’s biggest retail landlord, said yesterday that the outpacing of vaccine roll-out targets led to a robust retail rebound and promising economic prospects for that country. With one of the lowest and declining Covid-19 infection rates in the EU, a growing number of vaccinated residents, entertainment and schools reopened, and social gatherings resumed, Poland was returning to pre-pandemic normality, EPP chief executive Tomasz Trzósło said in the group’s pre-closing update. By June 17, 26 million Covid-19 vaccine doses had been administered in Poland, and 42 percent of the popu- lation had received at least one shot. Oxford Economics has forecast cumulative GDP growth of the EU’s sixth-largest economy at more than 8 percent by the end of next year. “EPP operates in one…

Sandile Mchunu sandile.mchunu@inl.co.za JSE-LISTED financial technology company Capital Appreciation yesterday reported a full-year earnings decline, largely due to the delayed delivery of a substantial order of terminals after the year-end cut-off period. As a result, the group reported an 11.1 percent decline in headline earnings to R126.4 million for the year to end March and a 3.1 percent decline in headline earnings per share to 10.34 cents a share while earnings per share fell by 8.5 percent to 10.28c. Its revenue declined by 11.7 percent to R619.5 million and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) declined by 15.5 percent to R172.9m. Joint chief executive Brad Sacks said the company’s operations performed extremely well under the circumstances of generally declining economic conditions compounded…

Khloé Kardashian has reportedly split from Tristan Thompson again, after they parted ways in 2019 but reunited amid the Covid-19 pandemic last year. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star had rekindled her romance with the NBA player – with whom she has 3-year-old daughter True. But now, it has been claimed the couple split again a few weeks ago. A source said: “They’re getting along; everything is amicable with co-parenting.” The pair split in 2019 after Tristan kissed Kardashian family friend Jordyn Woods. The duo wanted a second child via a surrogacy, but it fell through. | Bang Showbiz…

Itumeleng Mafisa South Africans have united once more to ensure that a 9-year-old who had his face torn apart by a hyena in Zimbabwe is able to smile again. The operation will be manned by Dr Ridwan Mia, a Joburg-based surgeon, known to be one of South Africa’s top plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Mia rose to fame after he performed several successful surgeries on patients who suffered severe burns and those deformed in serious accidents. Mia and his team held a media briefing to update the country on the surgery shortly after the boy, Rodwell Nkomazana, and his mother landed in South Africa. Rodwell’s face was ripped apart by the wild animal while he was attending a religious event in his home country of Zimbabwe. Mediclinic Sandton, the hospital hosting…

Chulumanco Mahamba chulumanco.mahamba@inl.co.za THE Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector say they were not surprised that they were once again excluded as the Basic Education sector commenced its vaccination roll-out today. An open letter to Department of Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, penned by organisation Help SA ECDs, has called on the department and the government as a whole to help ECD staff get vaccinated too. In the letter, the organisation said when the announcement of the vaccination of teachers was made, it was met with much jubilation from the ECD sector. “Our excitement was, however, short lived. This excludes teachers and support staff under the Department of Social Development (DSD). Sadly, we are not surprised, as we have been here before. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) minister rallies for…

BALDWIN NDABA The ANC has vowed to tighten security measures at its branch general meetings after alleged criminals armed with pangas, knives and guns attacked a group of its members at the ANC Ward 12 meeting in Lephalale, in Limpopo, on Saturday. Two people suffered gunshot wounds while scores were hacked with an assortment of weapons. ANC Waterberg regional spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said his regional committee was expecting a report from the ANC Ward 12 branch about what transpired and led to the outbreak of violence. He said a preliminary report indicated that the fight broke out after a certain group of people tried to force their way into the meeting. “The ANC in Waterberg undertakes to draw up a safety plan that will serve as a guideline…

Thami Zwane | Edenvale “I SAY to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber,” John 10:1. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri entered South Africa illegally the first time. After he was charged for fraud, he re-entered the country as a fugitive four times, according to the City Press. In all those instances he was allegedly trying to convert unbelievers to Christianity – developing the body of Christ and shepherding the flock. He comes across as a false, not a good shepherd of God, who orders us to obey governments and not turn them into a Mickey Mouse. “The thief (enemy of our souls) does not come except to steal, and to kill,…

STAFF REPORTER AWARD-winning musician Tresor Riziki is appealing to the public for help. The Sondela hitmaker launched an appeal yesterday in his capacity as a UNHCR High Profile Supporter to raise critically needed funds to support the people of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who have been gravely impacted by the volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo. The artist was born and raised in the city. The appeal is in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and will support the organisation’s emergency response on the ground. The sudden eruption of the Mount Nyiragongo volcano occurred last month, causing a river of lava to flow south to the city of Goma, home to 2 million people and the capital of North Kivu province in the east of…

Sonri Naidoo Breast cancer survivor Princess Nakedi says she has been given a second chance at life after she survived cancer. Nakedi is expected to share her story at the Avon Justine iThemba annual breast cancer walkathon today. The conference will be virtual and can be viewed on all iThemba social media platforms from 10.30am. It was in October 2019 when Nakedi felt a lump in her breast, which she ignored because she thought it was a side effect of her menstrual cycle. Eventually, she was encouraged by her family to have the lump checked out. In February 2020 Nakedi, who resides in Soweto and is a mother of two daughters, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She said the news was something she expected because of the sound in…

KEVIN RITCHIE WHAT would you do if you weren’t afraid? This is the question Michal Oshman asks. She’s head of culture, diversity and inclusion for TikTok Europe and a former leadership expert for Facebook. With three university degrees and a glittering career, she had it all but she felt she had nothing, crippled by an anxiety no one could see. She found the answer in the Jewish teachings that she had grown up with, developing her own resilience as she rediscovered her purpose. Now she’s written a book titled What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?. Oshman will be telling her story to Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp as she speaks to South African audiences for the first time on Thursday evening. As she explained at the time of the book’s…

Covid-19 has hit education hard, widening inequalities, with a loss of five years of learning A year ago, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we predicted that school closures would result in learning losses. A loss of contact learning time would lead to lower educational outcomes, and the losses would be higher in no-fee schools (serving children from low-income families) than in fee-paying schools. Now we can update how much contact teaching time was lost last year and make an “informed speculation” on the amount of learning loss based on changes in test scores between 2019 and last year. In South Africa, the hard lockdown in March last year led to school closures and the expectation that teaching and learning would continue from homes. Schools and households with resources…

Banele Ginindza banele.ginindza@inl.co.za SOUTH African ports, ranked poorly on the global stage despite their crucial importance to continental and global trade, are getting a new lease on life, with President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday announcing the establishment of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as an independent subsidiary of Transnet. Ramaphosa said the establishment of the independent National Ports Authority with its own board was an essential part of addressing the challenges at the ports. He said the authority would create a clear separation between the roles of the infrastructure owner and Transnet, the terminal operator. “The functional and legal separation of these roles, which are currently operating divisions of the same company, will enable each to be fulfilled more independently and with greater efficiency,” Ramaphosa said. “In particular, it will mean…

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS S2 FOOD NETWORK, DSTV CHANNEL 175, 7.55PM Food Network star chef Guy Fieri gathers 16 of the world’s greatest chefs for the most intense culinary competition ever held. Emotions run high in the single-elimination, sudden-death tournament as the competitors face off in head-to-head battles to stay in the game. THE HOLZER FILES TRAVEL CHANNEL, DSTV CHANNEL 179, 9.10PM Paranormal investigator Dave Schrader, psychic medium Cindy Kaza, equipment expert Shane Pittman and researcher Gabe Roth investigate terrifying true hauntings from the recently discovered case files of America’s first ghost hunter, Dr. Hans Holzer.…

Counterfeit brands valued at R5.5m seized at Botswana border SIHLE MLAMBO THE SA Revenue Service’s (Sars’) Customs unit uncovered thousands of counterfeit Pacific cigarettes at the South African-Botswana border last week. The cigarettes were headed into South Africa. Just last week, more than 475 000 packets of counterfeit cigarettes were uncovered in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The cigarettes are believed to have been sourced from an Asian company, which declared them as furniture to local authorities. On Monday, in Pretoria, Sars destroyed illicit cigarettes worth over R15 million which had been seized in various operations. Sars spokesperson Anton Fischer confirmed that illegal cigarettes worth over R5.5m were seized at the Kopfontein border post. “Customs officials searched a tanker, which had arrived from Botswana, and discovered three false compartments. “The compartments…

Staff Reporter GREENPEACE, the global environmental organisation, is outraged by news that South Africa won’t support the global Plastic Ban Treaty. This morning, a Mail & Guardian exposé revealed that the South African government plans to reject a new proposed global treaty on plastics. According to a leaked document, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is afraid that the plastic ban will make it harder for the country to, among other things, capitalise on the plastic waste trade. This is despite South Africa being the third worst offender on the continent – and eleventh in the world – for land-based plastic leaks into the ocean. Africa’s rivers, oceans and communities are filled with single-use plastic waste. Cases of plastic waste dumping across Africa are on the rise. Plastic…

Jennifer McQuillan | 0n behalf of the ECD Sector of South Africa DEAR Minister Lindiwe Zulu – we write on behalf of early childhood development (ECD) centres across South Africa, and in response to ECD centre teachers and staff not being included in the teacher/education sector Covid-19 vaccination roll-out. When we saw that teachers were in the next vaccination roll-out there was much jubilation from the ECD sector. Our excitement was however, short-lived. This excludes teachers and support staff under the Department of Social Development (DSD). Sadly, we are not surprised, as we have been here before. The Department of Basic Education Minister rallies for her members. Who rallies for us? Silence from the DSD. Once again. #TheForgottenSector We have had to go to court twice, and head…

Itumeleng Mafisa COMPETING with big brands such as Puma and Nike has been a dream come true for Given Mokholo, who has launched his own home-grown fitness brand. The brand will be the first of its kind, with fitness wear in South Africa mainly being dominated by American or European brands. The 32-year-old realised his dream after meeting one of South Africa’s young millionaires, Vivian Mokome and presenting his vision to her. Mokome liked his idea so much so that she invested millions into All Round Fitness Apparel. Mokholo, who only had a dream and a passion for fitness wear, said more than 200 people had rejected his idea. The first All Round Fitness Apparel shop opened in Pretoria on June 16 with the promise to create custom-made sportswear…

Mpiletso Motumi mpiletso.motumi@inl.co.za ONE of Luzuko Nteleko’s last social media posts on the popular Instagram service was to thank God for keeping him alive. The 37-year-old actor was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in 2019, and had opened up about his fight against the disease after spending seven weeks in an Intensive Care Unit. Yesterday, news of the talented actor’s death was met with shock from industry friends who described him as a loving and gentle soul, passionate about his craft. In a statement released yesterday, the family confirmed that Nteleko had fought a good fight until his death on Monday. “We are deeply saddened and hurt by his passing. Luzuko was love personified; he was peace, courage and strength. The family will communicate the funeral arrangements in due…

COTLANDS has announced the second edition of its comedy show for Mandela Day, Laugh for 67 minutes and change a child’s life. Your support will give vulnerable children access to play-based early learning opportunities and prepare them for formal schooling. The line-up includes Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, Angel Campey, Dalin Oliver, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Mel Jones, Rob van Vuuren and Stuart Taylor. The event will take place on July 17 from 8pm to 9pm at R100 per device. Book online via quicket.co.za*: https://qkt.io/0CBBQv |…

Turkman Terzi As the world’s largest stateless nation, Kurds have struggled for a century in pursuit of an independent state on the Mesopotamian plains. However, the recent armed conflict between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq once again puts into perspective the dangers of Kurdish disunity, as well as creating an opportunity for Turkey to deepen its military presence in Iraqi territory. The PKK’s recent activities in northern Iraq have become a major security concern for Turkey. The Federal Government of Iraq together with the KRG signed the Sinjar deal in Erbil in October last year in the hope of reducing the PKK presence in Mosul’s Sinjar district. The PKK has, however, since the deal increased its presence in KRG territory…

MY first experience of Treviso was not a good one. It was early December 2014 when I landed at the airport, located about 31km outside the tourist-attraction city of Venice. I had covered the Springboks’ end-of-year tour to Europe, which ended with a whimper as they lost 12-6 to Wales in a very chilly Cardiff. That was the Test where I could clearly hear Jean de Villiers scream in anguish from my seat in the press box at the Millennium Stadium, as he suffered multiple knee injuries that ruled him out for eight months. It was terribly tough for the Bok captain, who had to work incredibly hard to be fit for the 2015 World Cup – which he did, but his bad luck at the tournament continued as…