Innholdsfortegnelse for Sunday, September 27, 2020 i Sunday Independent

INTERFERENCE Calls for army to meddle is mutiny Discussing party matters dangerous – experts KARABO NGOEPE and MZILIKAZI WA AFRIKA THE call for members of the SANDF to discuss ANC matters is a worrisome issue which all South Africans should not take lightly. That is according to political analysts Professor Tinyiko Maluleke and Dr Ralph Mathekga, who say history has shown that once the army gets involved in the politics of a country, mutiny follows. Maluleke said when former members of the army who served under the very same government and party call for such drastic steps, it should be a call for concern for the people on the street. “We should be worried as ordinary South Africans when members of the army who have links to the current government…

NATION Ramaphosa docks minister’s salary over Zim flight MZILIKAZI WA AFRIKA and KARABO NGOEPE PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has slapped Defence Minister Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula with a 3-month salary freeze to recoup state money spent flying senior ANC officials, including general secretary Ace Magashule, to Zimbabwe using a state aircraft last month. Sunday Independent can reveal that the minister received the letter yesterday and discussed its content with the minister’s staff including her legal advisor, Lirette Louw, and Secretary of Defence, Sonto Kudjoe, during a zoom meeting on Friday evening. Two senior ANC officials and bureaucrats from the department who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed receipt of the letter. “As ANC we are still shocked why the president is targeting comrade Nosiviwe because our understanding is that she was given instructions…

LEVEL 1 Union warns on return to work LOYISO SIDIMBA THE government wants all its employees who have been working from home to return to their stations now that President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared alert level 1. Government departments have been told to ensure that their services are 100% operational during level 1. The Department of Public Service and Administration this week announced that all public servants must report for duty with immediate effect unless they were on leave or had been identified as having uncontrolled risks and vulnerabilities. However, state employees over 60 years of age and with comorbidities, would be allowed to work remotely. The department urged all government departments to ensure confidentiality of matters disclosed to them. But the 240000-member Public Servants Association (PSA) this week warned…

EDUCATION Matric drop-out rate concerns SAMKELO MTSHALI THE Department of Basic Education has expressed grave concerns over the number of matric pupils who have dropped out this year. It comes as the department last month told Parliament that more than 23 000 matric pupils would not be heading back to class due to the disruptions to the school year caused by the outbreak and spread of Covid-19. Earlier this month, the department projected the drop-out 75 452 pupils from Grades 7 and 12 due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year. The department said Grade 12 attendance in the Western Cape was 70% while the Eastern Cape had an attendance record of 77.3%. Mpumalanga had an attendance record of 94.3%, the highest. Yesterday, DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga told the SABC that…

› TOURISM SA preparing for international travellers BULELWA PAYI WHILE domestic flights are steadily increasing, South Africa is preparing to welcome the return of international travellers, which came to light at a virtual meeting ahead of today’s World Tourism Day. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) said anecdotal insights showed that many of the existing markets, such as UK, Germany, France and Scandinavia were keen to travel to South Africa. “As soon as clarity is given, travellers can start making their plans. We have also seen through various polls and surveys internationally that South Africa ranks consistently in the top destinations and that there is demand for in a Covid world, likely because of the open-air, good weather, low-density,” said the association. Flight Centre’s general manager Corporate Traveller Oz…

LITERATURE A humble literary giant The late Keorapetse Kgositsile knew the power of heritage DR SIPHIWO MAHALA PROFESSOR Keorapetse Kgositsile opened his acceptance speech with the recital of his clan names when he was honoured with a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy degree by Unisa in 2012. Speaking in his Setswana language, Kgositsile described himself as a tiny particle, like a grain of mealie meal in a complex lineage. He evoked his bloodline and thus took the audience through the family tree and the history of his people. He went on to say, “That is just a little taste of who I am, in a language that is, perhaps arguably to some, a major aspect of my living heritage; the aspect that makes me multiple.” Kgositsile’s invocation of his lineage…

THEMBA SEPOTOKELE Journalism needs complete overhaul IT IS QUITE difficult to pinpoint exactly where the root cause of the problem is regarding the dropping of standards of journalism, however, that needs to be fixed as a matter of urgency. Over the years, there has been an outcry about the falling standards in journalism, with some journalists disregarding the basic tenets of journalism when doing their stories, something the Press Council of SA, of which I am also a member, is bemoaning. The reports of the Press Ombud and the Public Advocate of which I am privy to, continue to paint a glaring picture of the falling standards of journalism, especially in print media. However, there are several mistakes committed by broadcast journalists too, both from radio and television. More often…

LETTERS Death tax is morally wrong and unfair IT IS very displeasing that government finds it necessary to levy tax on some persons after death. Death tax or, as elegantly named, estate tax, offends the noble principle that once you have legitimately earned something it is yours, and no government confiscation can be morally plausible. I have no idea of the extent of the current estate tax in South Africa. My concern is purely with the principle of it. But first the definition of it. An estate tax, to borrow from Julia Kagan, is a levy on estates whose value exceeds an exclusion limit set by law. Only the amount that exceeds that minimum threshold is subject to tax. That is, the estate tax is a financial levy on an…

VATICAN CITY Cardinal quits, blames pope ITALIAN Cardinal Angelo Becciu said on Friday that his surprise resignation was forced by Pope Francis, who accused him of using Vatican money to help his siblings. The 72-year-old gave up the top position in the Vatican’s sainthood cases department on Thursday. He also gave up cardinal privileges, including the right to take part in papal elections. “The Holy Father explained to me that I supposedly favoured my brothers and their activities with money from the Secretariat of State, but I can explain,” Becciu told Domani, an Italian newspaper. “I told the pope: why are you doing this to me? … He told me I am presumed to have given money to my brothers. But I don’t see any crimes. I am sure the…

Terrorists killed, 40 children freed GAROWE: At least 16 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and 40 captive children rescued in a military operation in southwestern Somalia, officials said yesterday. The operation against the al-Qaeda-affiliated group was carried out near the agricultural town of Bariire, located about 62km from the capital Mogadishu. “During the operation in Nuuney village outside Bariire town, the military managed to rescue at least 40 children,” Ahmed Hassan Salad, a military commander said. The insurgents had kidnapped the children and planned to use them as suicide bombers, according to Somali military radio. Anadolu…

D J Conquering world with his music AMANDA MALIBA DJ Ezzo is finally living his dream of making his career a reality, through a campaign called Moments to Melt Into that promotes the sharing of positive South African stories to inspire acts of kindness. It is also thanks to DJ Kimmy K and Aero that DJ Ezzo, from Eldorado Park, who lost his sight at the age of 2, can now get his career moving and also to connect with his favourite jock Ayanda MVP from Highveld 94.7. Through this network , the 24-year-old will soon get to flex his skills live on Highveld radio. But things weren’t always this good for Ezzo. He had to be patient and persevere until Kimmy reached out to him when he asked for…

‘Be ready to seize your moment when it comes’ ROLAND MPOFU AWARD-winning DJ Fresh, pictured, and musician Gil Hockman both believe that achieving dreams of stardom means harnessing your passion for building a sustainable future in the entertainment industry. Both DJs shared the secrets of their success during the first virtual AMPD Masterclass session. DJ Fresh, whose real name is Thato Sikwane, said building a sustainable future in the industry means harnessing your passion, continuously working at building a solid career, and always being prepared for the unexpected. “The timing of your destiny is never convenient, opportunity can show up at any time, and you have to be ready and stay sharp. You must always be prepared to take action immediately,” said DJ Fresh speaking from the AMPD Studios in…

BEAUTY Bleaching colourism from cosmetics Advances are being made in the industry amid Black Lives Matter activism, but are they enough? asks Lynn M Thomas BLACK Lives Matter activism has jolted the skin lightener industry. In June, manufacturers of skin lighteners joined other corporations in voicing support for the racial justice movement. Critics quickly pointed out the hypocrisy of voicing such support in the US while continuing to sell skin-whitening products globally. Such products, they say, play off of and promote racism and colourism (which is prejudice based on preference for people with lighter skin tones) in Asia and Africa. Manufacturers’ responses have varied. Johnson & Johnson agreed to stop selling Neutrogena Fine Fairness and Clean & Clear Fairness. Bigger players agreed to lesser changes. L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics…

Global Wealth Survey: SA retains 38th spot as gap grows PHILIPPA LARKIN philippa.larkin@inl.co.za THE GAP between the rich and the poor widened further last year with South Africa retaining its position as the 38th richest country for the second consecutive year. The latest Allianz Global Wealth Report this week said South Africa was the only cone in Africa that featured in the asset and debt survey of households in almost 60 countries. The report said the US remained the wealthiest followed by Switzerland then Singapore. It said the average net financial assets per capita better illustrated the wealth divide: It was the highest at €198000 in North America and the lowest at €5160 in Eastern Europe. South Africa last year had net financial assets per capita of €7112 (R141 218),…

TV GUIDE TODAY Boxing: WBC Middleweight World Championship: Jermall Charlo v Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12 rounds), 3am, SSM, VR1 Cricket: Vivo Indian Premier League T20: Rajasthan Royals v Kings XI Punjab, 3.50pm, CRI Cycling: UCI Road World Championships, Men’s Elite Road Race, 9.45am, on VR1 Golf: European Tour: Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Day 4, 2.30pm, GOL; PGA Tour: Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship, Day 4, 9pm, GOL Motorsport: MotoGP: Grand Prix of Catalunya, Moto3, 11.45am, VR2; Moto2, 1.15pm, VR2; MotoGP, 2.30pm, VR2 Soccer: Premier League: Sheffield United v Leeds United, 12 noon, EPL; Tottenham v Newcastle United, 2.55pm, EPL; Manchester City v Leicester City, 5pm, EPL, SSM; West Ham United v Wolves, 7pm, EPL, SSM; Premier League Wrap, 10pm, EPL; Serie A: Spezia v Sassuolo, 12.20pm, FTB; Napoli v…

INJURY TIME STUART HESS RIP DEAN JONES FOLLOWING Australian great Dean Jones’ sudden death this week, it is worth revisiting this tale about his incredible double century in Chennai 34 years ago. Recounted by Peter FitzSimons in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday: See, no matter how great your sporting career, when you head off, there is usually just one story of your glory they chisel into your tombstone; the one that will be most often recounted when the days grow cold and we grow old. I went into the best Dean Jones story a few years ago in a bio on Steve Waugh. It was his first tour of India in 1986, the first Test was at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Madras (now Chennai), with the temperature simmering around the 40-degree…

Tail Piece MEET THE WOMAN DRIVING A MOTORBIKE TAXI WEARING leather leggings under her dress, Imelda Mbambu weaves her motorcycle taxi through the city of Beni in north-east Congo, a handbag slung across her side and a happy customer perched on the back. The death of Mbambu’s husband 10 years ago forced her to find a new way to support her six children in a city where the majority of people live in extreme poverty on less than $1.90 (about R32.50) a day. She sank her savings into a red motorbike and hit the road. Since launching her business, Mbambu has picked up a number of regulars, with many women preferring her services to take them to and from the market. Reuters…

Tail Piece KENYA’S MAASAI GATHER FOR CEREMONY TO TURN WARRIORS INTO ELDERS Maasai men of Matapato jostle to parade as they attend the Olng’esherr (meat-eating) passage ceremony to unite two age-sets; the older Ilpaamu and the younger Ilaitete into senior elderhood as the final rite of passage, in Maparasha hills of Kajiado, Kenya September 23, 2020. Thousands of Maasai men clad in red and purple shawls and with their heads coated in red ochre gathered this week for a ceremony that transforms them from Moran (warriors) to Mzee (elders). | Reuters…

COMPLAINT Mbati hits back at Mapelane SMU vice-chancellor reports ANC MP to Speaker for subjecting him to ‘unlawful judicial review’ of sexual harassment case PIET MAHASHA RAMPEDI SEFAKO Makgatho University (SMU) vice-chancellor Professor Peter Mbati says the chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education and training, Phillemon Mapulane, has launched an unlawful judicial process to review the sexual harassment allegations of which he was cleared almost 10 years ago in a bid to smear his name and rescind his appointment. Mbati also labelled the ANC MP as a bully who subjected him to a vindictive inquiry to review a case which had already been concluded in court instead of supporting him for having successfully fought corruption during his tenure as University of Venda (Univen) vice-chancellor between 2008 and 2018.…

CRIME Human trafficking on the rise in SA AMANDA MALIBA AP HUMAN trafficking is modern-day slavery and the purpose is always to use the person in order to benefit the trafficker and other culprits. This is according to Kimble Cockrell, an activist from a non-profit organisation called STOP (Stop Trafficking of People) that aims to combat human trafficking. They do so by raising awareness, , supporting those on the front lines and running online job-vetting agency, Prevention Versus Cure. According to Cockrell, South Africa is facing a scourge of human trafficking as the majority of people in our country are classified as vulnerable, based on socio-economic standing and a lack of education and support from the government. Cockrell said human trafficking was the trade in humans, most commonly for the…

EMFULENI Leseane back as town manager MANYANE MANYANE AND KARABO NGOEPE manyane.manyane@inl.co.za karabo.ngoepe@inl.co.za THE suspension of Emfuleni Local Municipality municipal manager Lucky Leseane was unlawful and has been rescinded. That is according to mayor Gift Moerane. Leseane was suspended on September 10 following a council meeting. It was said that he was suspended for not consulting council and having its go-ahead when he issued a memorandum to employees about an annual salary increase. But Moerane this week indicated that the decision was not compliant with the law. “In my capacity as the executive mayor, I stand in judiciary relationships in the council and I, therefore, require details of section 53.1 and 6 of the Municipal Systems Act to ensure that the municipality complies with the law. According to the legal…

EDUCATION Rostec students in limbo over missing certificates LESEGO MAKGATHO lesego.makgatho@inl.co.za STUDENTS registered with private tertiary institution Rostec Technical College in Joburg have raised concerns over its legitimacy following a delay on the issuing of certificates for the completion of their Tactical Road Traffic Operations (TRTO) course. But according to the head of the college, Davy Bouboutou Nsayi, the students had to first complete their portfolio assignments, and only after moderation of portfolios would they be given their certificates. He reiterated that Rostec College was not a bogus college. “This is not a bogus college. “We offer various courses across different careers. We have business courses and we offer engineering courses, as well as National Certificate Vocational courses,” he said. Nsayi said the type of course learners have completed is…

Heritage Month: simply scratching the surface of a colonial system? AFRIKANISM HERITAGE Day and Heritage Month have just been celebrated perhaps with a sense of indulgence after the country had been moved to an easier lockdown level 1. The appeal or call by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the nation to dance to the now-global anthemic Jerusalema hit by Master KG was unsurprisingly heeded overwhelmingly. However, these celebrations should not dispose us to a lull situation whereby we cease to ask critical questions about the whole notion of “heritage month” as celebrated in terms of the post-1994 society. What is it really that we are celebrating in this hugely dominant Eurocentric society? My view is that as Afrikans we do not seem to ask serious questions about our existence and identity.…

NATION Thabo Mbeki School a victory for pan Africanism ‘University ought to be a cauldron of debate and fair critical engagement’ VUYILE MSILA IN HIS inaugural address as a chancellor of Unisa in 2017, Thabo Mbeki underscored the need for society to continue examining the nearness between the society and higher education institutions. He also pointed out that society needs to be clear about its expectations from higher education institutions. Mbeki also raised the potential of the university in uplifting citizens to avert the injustices of the past. He perceived the university as one of the sites for African renaissance that would be able to rekindle the ideas around gender imbalance, highlight community involvement and enhance creative thinking. Furthermore, Mbeki argued that university ought to be a cauldron of debate…

LIGHTENERS Lessons from Black Lives Matter LYNN M THOMAS BLACK Lives Matter activism has jolted the skin lightener industry. In June, manufacturers of skin lighteners joined other corporations in voicing support for the racial justice movement. Critics quickly pointed out the hypocrisy of voicing such support in the US while continuing to sell skin whitening products globally. Such products, they say, play off of and promote racism and colourism (which is prejudice based on preference for people with lighter skin tones) in Asia and Africa. Manufacturers’ responses have varied. Johnson & Johnson agreed to stop selling Neutrogena Fine Fairness and Clean & Clear Fairness. Bigger players agreed to lesser changes. L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, will remove references to “white”, “fair” and “light” from marketing its Garnier skin products.…

FRANCE Suspect says he wanted to target Charlie Hebdo THE man believed to have attacked and wounded two people with a meat cleaver on Friday is co-operating with the police and said he had targeted weekly satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, a police source said. The attack took place in front of a building where Islamist militants gunned down employees of Charlie Hebdo in 2015 because of the publication of cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad. Police detained the man suspected of carrying out the attack next to the steps of an opera house about 500m away. The attack coincided with the start this month of the trial of 14 alleged accomplices in the Charlie Hebdo attack in which 12 people were killed. A person close to the suspect and who could have…

INDIA Bollywood star questioned in drug case TOP Bollywood star Deepika Padukone was questioned yesterday by India’s narcotics agency which is probing the movie industry’s links with drug peddlers and cartels, officials said. She arrived at the Narcotics Control Board’s office in Mumbai, India, after receiving a summons earlier this week while on a shoot in the western beach resort of Goa. Media reports say no drugs have been seized from her. The board said in a statement that it started the Bollywood drug probe after the death of young actor Sushant Singh Rajput, whose body was found at his Mumbai residence in June. An investigation is continuing. According to local media, Padukone was reportedly being questioned on whether she procured banned drugs for consumption after an interception of phone…

Thousands protest restrictions in UK LONDON: Thousands of protesters gathered yesterday at London’s Trafalgar Square to protest lockdowns and social distancing rules imposed to slow the spread of Covid-19. London’s Metropolitan Police has warned demonstrators to follow social-distancing rules. Most protesters did not wear masks. The demonstration comes as Parliament prepares to review legislation and the government imposes new restrictions to control the disease. Some lawmakers have criticised the government for implementing the rules without parliamentary approval. Last week, the government ordered a 10pm curfew on bars and restaurants nationwide, along with tougher mask requirements and increased fines for noncompliance. AP…

AWARDS Sannah’s star shines bright Recent success comes on the back of a difficult period in 48-year-old’s life AMANDA MALIBA Pictures OUPARAZZI SANNAH Mchunu, who has taken the small screen by storm, is among the winners of this year’s annual Royalty Soapie Awards, announced last night on SABC 1. The awards, focusing on celebrating small-screen players and hosted by spectacular comedian Mpho Popps and the dazzling Lerato Kganyago, awarded 20 artists who have made a considerable mark in Mzansi television. Mchunu’s popularity soared with her character Zodwa in Mzansi Magic’s Gomora – which stood head to head with The River, another Tshedza Pictures production, each taking home four awards in total. Her newfound success comes on the back of a difficult period in her life, separating from her husband and…

WOMEN Sexual, reproductive health needs our urgent attention WHITNEY CHINONGWENYA ACCESS to quality comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions is essential. As we commemorate World Contraception Day today and International Safe Abortion Day on Monday, now more than ever is a good time to urge South African health authorities, the private sector, civil society and donors to work together to prioritise access to SRH services in their Covid-19 responses and beyond. This includes collaborating with service providers to ensure the regulatory landscape supports safe access to health care, and to learn from the impact of the pandemic to ensure women and girls have timely access to essential services when they need them. This year, as we have been navigating through the Covid-19 pandemic, the gaps in service provision of…

Insurance industry shows resilience amid covid MARTIN HESSE martin.hesse@inl.co.za KPMG has said that the country’s insurance industry was financially healthy last year and had shown resilience in weathering Covid-19 this year. The auditing firm said in its South African Insurance Industry Survey that the pandemic had, however, forced the industry to reassess the risks it faces, adopt new ways of operating and accelerate its shift to digitisation. KPMG said the industry reported gross written premiums (GWP) of R110.6 billion in 2019 – a 7.6 percent increase from the recorded performance in 2018. It said the top five companies that realised the growth were Santam, Hollard, Old Mutual Insure, Guardrisk and Renasa. The overall claims (loss) ratio was 58.9 percent from 55.3 percent in 2018. KPMG partner for financial services Pierre…

BIZ 101 Defining and communicating company values A GROWING body of research has shown that consumers prefer to buy from companies that align with their values. The trend is gaining popularity and traction with millennials and Generation Z. Businesses therefore need to consider factors like sustainable practices, social responsibility, and transparency when defining their values. These elements appeal to a discerning customer who is taking more than price and value when making purchasing decisions. Here are simple tips on how to define and communicate your business’ values: Understanding Know what your business stands for. The Body Shop, for example, were one of the first global companies to differentiate themselves through values relating to sustainability and cruelty-free testing when it partnered with the UN and the People for the Ethical Treatment…

SERIES ‘Schitt’s Creek’: most beloved comedy on television BETHONIE BUTLER  The Washington Post ON THE heels of its sixth and final season, Schitt’s Creek pulled off another stunning feat: winning all seven comedy categories, including outstanding comedy series, at this year’s Emmy Awards. The show also took home two trophies (for casting and costumes) at the Creative Arts Emmys, bringing its total count to nine. It’s a historic sweep, unmatched by some of the most beloved comedies in TV history including Frasier, which earned six Emmys for its final season, and Modern Family, which earned 22 Emmys over its 11-season run. How did a relatively unknown Canadian sitcom become a Television Academy darling? Let’s take a look. The cast It helps that the show features two under-appreciated comedy legends: Catherine…

CRICKET Elusive SA report still in a game of hide and seek STUART HESS We know South Africa doesn’t have a nuclear bomb (officially), so we know there are no nuclear codes. So that’s one thing Cricket South Africa is not keeping secret in its forensic audit report. We do know why the investigation which led to the report was commissioned. We even know the terms of reference for the investigators of Fundudzi Forensic Services. We don’t know what Fundudzi found or what if any conclusions they drew. The investigators’ report was summarised by Cricket SA’s lawyers Bowman Gillfillan, and that summary is the only portion that has been made available on a broader basis. Provincial union presidents were guided through the summary at a workshop two weeks ago, and…

PREMIER LEAGUE United didn’t deserve more than a point – Solskjaer MANCHESTER United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urged his side to keep on pushing to score late goals after earning a barely deserved 3-2 win at Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the 100th minute yesterday. United’s haphazard performance against Brighton left much to be desired but while Solskjaer admitted his side still had plenty of improvements to make, he praised their efforts to find a goal after Solly March’s 95th-minute leveller. “That’s a big thing for us compared to last season. We didn’t win many games. We were the team that had the least defeats apart from Liverpool but too many draws so that’s a big plus for us,” Solskjaer told a news conference. “We’ve…

Ajax still in the hunt for Premier League status MINENHLE MKHIZE AJAX Cape Town have set their sights on buying a Premier Soccer League (PSL) status. Independent Media has gathered that the Urban Warriors are looking to bounce back to the South African Premiership through their chequebook following their failure to get promoted through the promotion play-offs. Ajax were at the summit of the Glad-Africa table from the beginning of the season until the last two games when they were dethroned by Swallows FC. They had another opportunity through the play-offs but Black Leopards were too strong for the lower division sides and the Limpopo side retained their PSL status. “Ajax chairman, Ari Efstathiou, is looking to buy a PSL status. He has already enquired about Bloemfontein Celtic and SuperSport…

INITIATIVE Working on solutions to combat the GBV scourge BULELWA PAYI AS CASES of gender-based violence (GBV) continue to rise, more digital solutions are being sought to help stem the tide. Police reported a dramatic increase in GBV incidents, especially during lockdown, leading to the identification of certain areas as hot spots. Silicon Valley and the US Embassy have turned to technology to find solutions to prevent and combat GBV. Zimkhita Buwa, director of nonprofit organisation Silicon Valley, said a hackathon would be held to bring together emerging software developers, IT professionals, civil society organisations, academics and professionals with expertise on GBV to find solutions. “We are trying to create a dialogue and co-create solutions. We strongly believe that tech will help change the world we live in,” said Buwa.…

TERTIARY What universities say about learning in 2021 EDWIN Naidu asked several tertiary institutions their plans for the coming academic year: Stellenbosch University Professor Wim de Villiers, Vice-Chancellor “THE switch to emergency remote teaching, learning and assessment is an interim emergency measure. We will be resuming contact tuition as soon as we can, but this does not mean that we will simply return to business as usual when the current crisis is over. “E-learning is here to stay – in whatever form: from doing everything fully online to combining online and contact teaching (hybrid learning) and utilising e-learning in the classroom (blended learning). “The reasons for this are simple. On the one hand, it broadens access to knowledge and development. Many more people can be accommodated online than in lecture…

FACT BOX The Department of Higher Education and Training said in order to make informed decisions when choosing a private college, students must ask themselves the following questions before binding themselves to an agreement with a private college: ◆Is the college registered with the department? ◆Does the college offer the qualification in which you are interested? ◆Can it provide a brochure with all its details, including qualifications offered? ◆Does it operate in suitable and safe premises with adequate space, light and appropriate equipment? ◆Can it provide full details of its teaching staff and their qualifications? ◆How does the college compare with other public colleges in terms of qualifications and services? ◆Can it provide a sample copy of a learning contract? ◆Is the college accredited by QCTO to offer skills programmes?…

In honour of Tabata and NSBC DAVID MOSHAPALO IN 1995, then minister of Trade and Industry (dti) Alec Erwin invited the two major black business formations – Fabcos, representing mainly informal businesses, and Nafcoc, a black chamber of commerce, to facilitate and drive the establishment of an umbrella body to act as his sounding board. This body had to have representation in all the nine new provinces of South Africa. The instruction was also to include other businesses outside the two established black business membership bases. Its very representative board, supported by a small secretariat, had to reflect the demographics of ABC (Africans, coloureds and Indians) in line with the new Constitution. With a small head office secretariat and a national footprint. This national body was called the National Small…

HERITAGE Heritage of this country is one of hope PROFESSOR THEODORE PETRUS AS WE AS a South African nation celebrated Heritage Day, and as we reflect on our heritage during Heritage Month, what stands out clearly is that this year’s heritage celebrations will be somewhat different. It will not be like previous celebrations because as a country, we – along with our fellow continental and global citizens – have experienced what can be described as one of the greatest health, social, and economic challenges that we as a species have ever faced. The repercussions and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will be felt for some time to come. And it is this realisation that may cast a little damper on our celebrations during this Heritage Month. But what can our…

EDITORIAL Throw book at murderer of Charl Kinnear THE callous murder of Anti-Gang Unit section commander Lieutenant-General Charl Kinnear outside his home in Bishop Lavis, Cape Town, on Friday, September18 should outrage all law-abiding citizens and serve as a cause for serious concern. If any incident should sound the warning of our descent into anarchy, it is this very public killing; it has all the hallmarks of a professional hit. Kinnear was a vital cog in the fight against gangsterism, a scourge that has reduced the Western Cape to a haven for thugs. Intelligence emanating for the gangland suggests there is increased tension between law enforcement agencies and a local gang. As a response to this worrying development, Police Minister Bheki Cele reportedly set up a steering committee involving the…

LEBANON Adib resigns amid impasse Blow to plans to rescue government LEBANON’S prime minister-designate resigned yesterday amid a political impasse over forming a government, dealing a blow to French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to break a dangerous stalemate in the crisis-hit country. The announcement by Moustapha Adib nearly a month after he was appointed to the job throws Lebanon deeper into political uncertainty. He told reporters he was stepping down after it became clear that the kind of cabinet he wished to form was “bound to fail”. The French leader has been pressing Lebanese politicians to form a cabinet made up of non-partisan specialists that can work on enacting urgent reforms to extract Lebanon from a devastating economic and financial crisis worsened by the August 4 explosion at Beirut port.…

The People Trump expected to nominate Barrett for Supreme Court WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump planned to name conservative appellate judge Amy Coney Barrett, pictured, as his third US Supreme Court appointment, setting off a scramble in the Republican-led Senate to confirm her before Election Day. Barrett, 48, was appointed by Trump to the Chicago-based 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals in 2017 and is favoured by religious conservatives. Her confirmation to replace liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died at age 87 on September 18, would make Barrett the fifth woman ever to serve on the top US judicial body and push its conservative majority to a commanding 6-3. Conservative activists hailed Trump’s selection, while liberals voiced dismay. Reuters…

Tribute to Munich fest bomb victims BERLIN: Senior officials and survivors paid tribute yesterday to the victims of a deadly neo-Nazi attack on Munich’s Oktoberfest 40 years ago, as Germany’s president warned that far-right extremism remains a persistent problem in the country. The bombing on the evening of September 26, 1980, claimed 13 lives, including that of three children and the attacker, student Gundolf Koehler, a supporter of a banned far-right group. More than 200 people were wounded. “Right-wing extremism has deep roots in our society,” President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a memorial event in the Bavarian capital. Germany has seen a number of attacks inspired by anti-Semitism, hatred of foreigners and neo-Nazi ideology in recent years. AP…

Anti-coal protesters break into mine LUETZERATH: Hundreds of anti-coal activists staged protesters in and around a mine in western Germany yesterday, demonstrating against the extraction and use of fossil fuels by Europe’s biggest economy. Environmentalists oppose the government’s decision to allow the mining and burning of coal and the planned destruction of several villages to make way for the expansion of the Garzweiler strip mine, west of Cologne. The Garzweiler mine and nearby power plants have been a focus of protests for several years. Some protesters broke through police lines before they were arrested. Environmentalists say they are among the biggest sources of harmful pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. AP…

ALL THE WINNERS TECHNICAL CATEGORIES Outstanding Editing Team – Isibaya Outstanding Lighting – The Queen Outstanding Art Direction – Getroud met Rugby Outstanding Directing Team – Gomora CREATIVE CATEGORIES Outstanding Make-Up & Hair – The River Outstanding Wardrobe – The Queen Outstanding Writing Team – Skeem Saam Most Popular Soapie of the Year (Public Vote Category) – Gomora SUPPORTING ROLE CATEGORIES Outstanding Supporting Actor – Sthembiso Khoza as Shaka Khoza in The Queen Outstanding Supporting Actress – Sannah Mchunu as Zodwa in Gomora Outstanding Newcomer – Sicelo Buthelezi as Teddy in Gomora Outstanding Couple – Sindi Dlathu & Hlomla Dandala as Lindiwe & Zweli in The River LEAD ROLE CATEGORIES Outstanding Lead Actor – Presley Chweneyagae as Cobra in The River Outstanding Lead Actress – Dawn Thandeka King as MaNgcobo…

AFRICA THIS WEEK ETHOPIAN AIRLINES PASSES WITH FLYING COLOURS VICTOR KGOMOESWANA @VictorAfrica ETHIOPIAN Airlines (ET) made another noteworthy headline last week. It opened the world’s first contactless airport terminal, which was completed during the pandemic when airlines were closing operations. The $300 million (about R5 billion) project is part of Terminal 2 of the bigger Bole International Airport project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This headline coincided with another historic announcement involving ET. The US Congress vindicated ET in ways nobody imagined, especially Boeing – the American manufacturer of the four-month old 737-MAX 8 jet that crashed on March 10, last year, just outside Addis Ababa. What made the crash of flight ET 302 spectacular was not only the death of 150 or so passengers and crew, but the arrogance with…

REAL NUMBERS POVERTY INDEX IS A VITAL TOOL TO IDENTIFY ISSUES THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL Poverty Index (MPI) measures poverty through a lens that identifies it from its concrete manifestations. The index is an innovation that livened up Amartya Sen’s notion that human lives are battered and diminished in different ways, and the first task is to acknowledge that deprivations have to be accommodated within a general, overarching framework. Even in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) has, as it has done in the past years, arranged a programme to raise awareness and to provide hard facts on the measurement of poverty in countries across the world. Key points raised were on how the participating countries developed their statistical systems and harvested the information…

TV HIGHLIGHTS SING ON NETFLIX In a singing contest, players face off on some of the biggest hits, and the jackpot grows every time they hit the right note. It’s a fun, light-hearted show you will enjoy bingeing. There are three versions of the show streaming on Netflix. The US version hosted by Tituss Burgess, the Spanish version is hosted by Ricky Merino and the German version hosted by Palina Rojinski. ISONO MONDAYS AT 9.30PM, BET (DSTV 129) Isono (The Sin) is about the masks we wear and the secrets they hide. Mary Ndlovu (Nthati Moshesh) has the most impenetrable mask of all – a triple threat of motherhood, piety and charity. Mary dresses impeccably, holds herself with pride and attends church regularly. But you’d never connect her with the…

Pacman to assist Covid-19 victims with fight against McGregor PHILIPPINE boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will face former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor in the ring next year, and part of proceeds from the fight will go to coronavirus victims in his country, his office said yesterday. Both fighters are “getting ready for this one epic last boxing fight,” said Jayke Joson, special assistant to Pacquiao, who is also a Philippine senator. Joson’s statement followed a tweet by Irishman McGregor in which he said that he would be “boxing Pacquiao next in the Middle East”. McGregor announced on Twitter in June that he was retiring from the sport for the third time. He first quit the sport in April 2016. In March 2019, he again announced he was hanging up his…

SUPER HERO Bulls power devastates Sharks All not lost for Durbanites as Kok, Nohamba and Hendrikse go down fighting MIKE GREENAWAY Bulls (35) 49 Sharks (7) 28 WE always knew that Jake White would want to make a statement on his return to South African rugby but few would have predicted it would be as emphatic as this smashing of the Sharks. Notwithstanding the fact that this was a warm-up game involving squads of 30-players, the power game of the Bulls in the first half — when the teams were fielding their strongest possible line-ups — was a sight to behold, and it was confirmation that we will see the Bulls of old under White. In that first 40, the Sharks were humiliated 35-7 before recovering some honour in the…

New dawn at Safa as legends take top positions? MIHLALI BALEKA THE integration of former footballers into the South African Football Association structures (Safa) early last week may hint at a new dawn for South African football. In a statement released after the association’s national executive committee meeting last week the name of Lucas Radebe, the former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds United captain, caught the attention of many. The 51-year-old former footballer joins the association as part of the technical set-up. That could be the beginning of the work towards a longterm dream as “Rhoo” had publicly expressed his intention to run for Safa presidency last year. However, that didn’t yield any fruit as he had to withdraw from the elections because he needed to have spent at…