Innholdsfortegnelse for Sunday, June 21, 2020 i Sunday Independent

CRIME Call for swift action on femicide culprits BONGANI HANS bongani.hans@inl.co.za WITH gender-based violence continuing to increase under the Covid-19 lockdown, South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has said South Africans should hang their heads in shame. Vavi expressed anger as he listed the number of women recently killed at the hands of men. His concern had been backed by Sonke Gender Justice, which said this crime could be controlled if the government could among other things, step up its effort in regulating alcohol abuse. The organisation said it was not advocating for the ban on the sale of alcohol as it was not the only factor. President Cyril Ramaphosa this week revealed that there had been an increase in gender-based violence cases, including 21…

‘DOING THE BEST WITH WHAT WE HAVE’ SCHOOLS that are affected by Covid-19 are Princess High School in Roodeport, Royal Schools Sky City and more. On June 16, Princess High School informed parents of a Grade 12 learner who tested positive for Covid-19. After consulting with the Department of Health, the learner was quarantined. A Grade 10 learner at the Royal School also tested positive for Covid-19 after attending school for two days in June. After the learner went into self-isolation, grades 8 and 11 learners were told not to return on June 18 and 19. The school is being sanitised and deep cleansed and will be ready for learners to return tomorrow. Cindy Ngcobo, a Grade 7 teacher from Sefika Primary in Soweto, said it’s been a challenge for…

POLITICS I had mayor Mashaba’s back all the way, says Maimane DON MAKATILE IF HE was as indecisive as former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba says he was, Mashaba would never have been in the position to lead the country’s economic hub, says former DA leader Mmusi Maimane. In his new biography The Accidental Mayor, Herman Mashaba and the Battle for Johannesburg, written by his former chief of staff Michael Beaumont, Mashaba says he found former DA leader Maimane “to be indecisive and too often afraid to act against those trying to move the DA in the wrong direction”. Maimane says that is hogwash: “We worked hard; he’d not have been mayor if that was the case. We had to fight with so many people.” Maimane says that after being introduced…

LANGUAGE Vatsonga-speakers fight for inclusion in SA narrative DR HLENGANI SETH BALOYI African News Agency (ANA) AT THE height of apartheid, the sight of a Mutsonga or Shangaan woman, resplendent in her traditional miceka and xibelana, walking in the streets of ethnically segregated urban South African townships often elicited ridicule and culture shaming from her fellow long-suffering black brothers and sisters with no sense of irony. During those days any product viewed as ugly or of substandard quality was associated with Vatsonga-Machangana, hence terms such as machangana wors, machangana mealie meal, to name a few examples. Dark-skinned South Africans always had to be Shangaans. Any exception to this unwritten rule would have to be thoroughly probed as there definitely must be a mistake. A woman having trouble in calming her…

COMMENT MBOWENI, TREASURY NOT TO BE TRUSTED GUMANI TSHIMOMOLA ON JUNE 12, during a debate on the Appropriation Bill in Parliament, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni hinted he will suggest to Cabinet colleagues a move to zero-based budgeting. This is likely to be the biggest budgeting shift or reversal within Treasury since the provisional longterm goals and expenditure guidelines during the dying days of apartheid. The important question is whether the tweaking of a broken fiscal policy is the solution to repurposing the role of the state? And the answer to this is obviously, no – and in this piece, the EFF explain what needs to be done. The truth is that the ANC has never had a single original macroeconomic plan since its formation in 1912 up to today. The…

LETTERS Email: scribe@inl.co.za (no attachments). All letters must contain the writer’s full name, physical address and telephone number. No pen names. Harsh punishment in fight for a better world THE brutal murder of Tshegofatso Pule and many others that are taking place daily cannot be allowed to continue. Women in our so-called rainbow nation are being targeted, hunted and killed like animals on a game farm. These brutal murders are a graphic reminder that we live in a mortally sick society. This culture of violence brings with it a morbid class of individuals who believe that they are entitled to determine the value of other human lives. We live in a culture that does not recognise the intrinsic distinction of individual worth. There is mounting evidence that our violent society’s…

ThePeople Beyoncé drops surprise single on Juneteenth LOS ANGELES: American singer Beyoncé, pictured, did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises – a new single called Black Parade, yesterday. Proceeds will benefit black-owned small businesses. Juneteenth commemorates when the last enslaved African-Americans learnt they were free. | AP All in the family: Trump gets a channel WASHINGTON: As Father’s Day specials go, it was hardly stirring. But it was very Trumpian. Donald Trump Jr interviewed his dad US president Donald Trump on his online talk show on Thursday night, debuting a new campaign ad. “That’s your Father’s Day present,” son said to father. “Congratulations.” So went his first interview on “Triggered,” which appears on an online “newscast” channel from the president’s re-election campaign that attempts to…

› ABUSE Global scourge of violence against children A NEW report compiled by various humanitarian agencies has shown that one out of two children between two and 17 years of age, experiences some form of violence globally each year. The report estimates that more than 1 billion children each year are affected by physical, sexual or psychological violence, suffering injury, disability or death. This was due to countries’ failures to follow established strategies to protect them the new report published by the World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children and the End Violence Partnership. The agencies collated inputs from more than 1000 decision-makers in 155 countries who assessed their violence prevention mechanisms.…

Health minister charged in graft case HARARE: Zimbabwe’s health minister was charged yesterday with criminal abuse of duty as a public officer. He is accused of illegally awarding a multimillion-dollar contract for Covid-19 testing kits, drugs and personal protective equipment to a shadowy company. The country’s anti-corruption agency arrested Obadiah Moyo on Friday as the scandal roiled the country, with some local journalists exposing how he allegedly chose the company to sell medical supplies to the government at inflated prices that included masks for $28 (R485) each. The government cancelled the contracts. One of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sons was forced to deny a link to the company after pictures emerged of a representative of the firm enjoying the company of the president and his family at several events. Reuters…

MUSIC Jazz festival to hit virtual notes Concert to celebrate Youth Month with focus on local young musicians AMANDA MALIBA amanda.maliba@inl.co.za JASON BOUD MOELETSI MABE THE widely celebrated Standard Bank Jazz Festival Makhanda (Grahamstown) has taken the leap by joining the many other virtual concerts taking place during the Covid-19 lockdown, ensuring that the festival doesn’t miss a year of music. Now in its 33rd year, the annual festival will feature prominent acts such as Ami Faku, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mi Casa, Gloria Bosman, Spha Mdlalose, Sakhile Simani and Sisonke Xonti, among others, and will be flighted online over 11 days. Over the 33 years, jazz has become a critical part of South Africa’s DNA as a means of communication and entertainment on the continent, connecting emotionally and deeply with…

AFRICA THIS WEEK LET’S FOCUS ON GETTING BANG FOR OUR BUCK VICTOR KGOMOESWANA @VictorAfrica PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa announced his R500 billion package on April 21 to, among others, “support over 700 000 firms and more than three million employees through this difficult period”. That is R8 506 a head, at Statistics South Afria’s mid-2019 population estimate of 58.78 million South Africans. This, added to prior measures, including “tax relief, the release of disaster relief funds, emergency procurement, wage support through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and funding to small businesses”. Why small businesses? Unlike their older, larger counterparts, they create more jobs for every rand of their revenue. Our government is not prioritising these. A friend of mine, whose company employs 23 people, wrote to the minister of Small Business…

TV HIGHLIGHTS HOUSEKEEPERS Monday at 8pm, Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) A new season of Mzansi Magic’s hit show Housekeepers will once again take us behind the high walls and luxury of the wealthy where, for the housekeeper, the clean-up never ends. In this case, duties extend to mopping up a whole lot of felonies. SKEEM SAAM Thursday at 6.30pm, SABC 1 Lehasa plays his ace card and shows Malebana something incriminating. Josias and Kat are frustrated by Granny’s refusal to see reason. Kwaito drops a bombshell on Glenda regarding their last sexual encounter.…

INJURY TIME STUART HESS stuart.hess@inl.co.za 3TC EXPLAINED What’s 3TC (3 Team Cricket)? A game within a game, within a game, cut in half – twice – while one team sits in the dugout and the winner gets a gold medal all while participants dress up and perform things that look like cricket. FOR A GOOD CAUSE We can joke, but the 3TC event, that was supposed to take place at Super-Sport Park next Saturday, but which was postponed yesterday, had good intentions. Money raised from the event would have gone to The Hardship Fund, which helps those in the cricket industry who have been hardest hit by the lockdown. That sponsors were found to back it is a great credit to some of Cricket SA’s new leadership. MTHETHWA GRANDSTANDING We…

TV GUIDE TODAY Golf: PGA Tour: RBC Heritage, Day 4, 7pm, SS5, CSN, SS1 Motorsport: NASCAR Cup Series: GEICO 500, 9pm, SS6 Soccer: SkyBet English Football League Championship: Cardiff City v Leeds United, 12.55pm, SS9; La Liga Santander: Celta Vigo v Alaves, 1.55pm, SS7; Valencia v Osasuna, 7.25pm, SS7; Real Sociedad v Real Madrid, 9.55pm, SS7; Premier League: Newcastle United v Sheffield United, 2pm, SS3, SS1, CSN; Aston Villa v Chelsea, 5pm, SS3; Everton v Liverpool, 7.15pm, SS3; Premier League Wrap, 10pm, SS3; Premier League TV: Matchday Live Extra, 10.30pm, SS3; Serie A: Atalanta v Sassuolo, 7.20pm, SS9; Inter Milan v Sampdoria, 9.35pm, SS9 Rugby: Aotearoa: Hurricanes v Crusaders, 5.30am, SS1, CSN Tennis: Adria Tour: Day 2, 2pm, SS8; Day 2: Final Match, 8pm, SS8 MONDAY Soccer: Serie A: Fiorentina…

PROBE Criminal conduct allegations investigated in DWS LOYISO SIDIMBA BONGANI SHILUBANE PUBLIC Protector Busi Mkhwebane has set the Hawks on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) over allegations there may have been criminal conduct in the purchasing of SAP licences worth R950 million. Mkhwebane has ordered the Hawks to establish if acts of impropriety she identified are acts of criminal conduct in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and if so pursue investigations against the perpetrators. In her investigation of the complaint lodged by former EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee, Mkhwebane also found that the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) had been instructed to investigate the payment of R35m in kickbacks in relation to the purchase of the SAP (System Applications and Products) licences. The SIU informed…

COMMENT LESSONS FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC SIPHO MOSAI THE outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has tested the resolve and stretched the resources of governments in both developed and developing countries. In the case of South Africa’s water sector, including Rand Water, we found ourselves thrust into the spotlight as the provision of clean, safe and reliable potable water became the central focus of the fight against the spread of the virus. The lesson we can draw from the fight against Covid-19 is that crisis, like opportunity, must find you prepared. We must commend the government and its agencies who have had to, without adequate warning, gear themselves up to guide and lead the nation throughout this tumultuous and unpredictable health crisis of almost apocalyptic proportion. As a state-owned entity, we are…

ICYMI | IOL.CO.ZA NEXT 100 DAYS CRUCIAL We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bondGWENDOLYN BROOKS THE rapid spread of Covid-19 in South Africa can only be combated if individuals assess their actions and the risk they pose for their communities. With the easing of lockdown restrictions and more open economic activity, there has been a surge in Covid-19 infections with the Western Cape continuing to have the highest number of infections and deaths.…

COMMENT WE BUILD ON YOUR BRAVE SHOULDERS VUYO PAKADE Dear Class of 1976 IT HAS been 44 years since that historic day when you took to the streets to demand an end to the unjust and inferior Bantu education system. Dressed in school uniform, you left your homes to march peacefully in song alongside your classmates, friends, and comrades. Along the way you were intercepted by armed police with their vicious dogs and tear gas. Precious young lives were lost. At first, it was intriguing to read about how you rose above your fears and courageously attempted to defend yourselves by throwing stones despite the bullets, the beatings, and the barking of bloodthirsty dogs at your heels But now we understand that the firebrand determination burning in your hearts was…

EDITORIAL Let’s talk about why we are such a violent society THE spate of gruesome murders in our country is a reflection of the extent to which our society has become violent and dysfunctional. In fact, in all honesty, the violence that is being meted out against many of our fellow citizens, including women and children, has been getting worse with each passing decade. Every year, the government initiates campaigns against gender-based violence and the most popular being the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children. Media and other platforms have followed suit, to try to sensitise our populace regarding the scourge and to prevent such tragedies from happening. Social media also weighed in with protests against gender-based violence, some local and others international. So, no one –…

AFRICA Covid-19 cases climb to more than 275 000 and 7 400 deaths FIFTY-FOUR African Union member states reported 275327 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 7395 deaths, and 125316 recoveries yesterday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said in a statement. As Africa prepares itself for a peak in coronavirus cases, AU chairman and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), a single online marketplace for the supply of critical Covid-19-related medical equipment, the Presidency said in a statement on Friday. The AMSP seeks to unlock access to an African and global base of vetted manufacturers and procurement partners. It will enable AU member states to buy medical equipment, diagnostic kits, personal protective equipment and clinical devices, with increased cost-effectiveness and transparency.…

NAMIBIA School pass mark lowered NAMIBIA has lowered the minimum promotion requirement for grades 1 to 9 by 5% in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on teaching and learning. Executive director Sanet Steenkamp said on Thursday that the National Examinations, Assessment and Certification Board resolved month to relax the pass mark for learners in grades1 to 9 from 40% to 35% for the 2020 academic year only. The new promotion requirements are applicable to government and private schools that are registered with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and which offer the Namibian curriculum. According to the statement, the new curriculum intends to provide the standard for learning progression without repetition during the Grade 1 to Grade 9 years of schooling. A learner may only repeat…

Protesters demand president step down BAMAKO: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for calm and dialogue in Mali after thousands of protesters took to the streets in the capital, Bamako, on Friday demanding President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita step down. Keita, re-elected in 2018 for a second five-year term, is struggling with a security crisis in northern Mali, an outbreak of Covid-19, a strike by teachers and political tensions arising from a disputed legislative election in March. For the second time this month, crowds of protesters filled Bamako’s Independence Square, waiting for a response to a letter sent to the presidential palace demanding that Keita, known as IBK, step down. Reuters…

MUSIC DJ Fresh, Shona SA release song about forbidden love STAFF REPORTER THE countdown to DJ Fresh and Shona SA’s long anticipated single is officially over. The two, alongside songstress Yoca, have penned a song based on a love story titled By the Water. By the Water is an ancient African love story of a girl smitten by a boy from her village. Their relationship didn’t go smoothly, as traditions and laws prevented them from being in each other’s company. Even being seen together before the young man had paid lobola was taboo. But the young lovers were impatient and couldn’t wait; consequently, water holes and wells became common rendezvous spots for their secret love. It is in this light that the girl in the song says to her lover…

BIZ 101 Use business downtime to re-engage your customer base WITH South Africa slowly transitioning through the lockdown levels, businesses across all sectors are going to experience temporary downtime more frequently than ever. They will need to find new suppliers as the existing chains starts to experience disruptions. More frequent bouts of inactivity are going to be part of the “new normal” with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic reshaping the world as we know it. Businesses will need to start turning their downtime into opportunities for growth by maintaining their customer base and networks. Here are some priorities to concentrate on when activities grind to a halt: Communication Review the way you interact with existing and potential customers. Conduct an audit of all past communications with clients and relook at the…

MUSIC To every young person out there: ‘It is possible’ ‘You’re never good enough until you’re good enough.’ ALYSSIA BIRJALAL BENNY Afroe entered the music industry as a producer, and, before he knew it, he was a full-blown musician. His sound, a blend of R&B, pop, trap soul with a mix of Afrofusion has been a hit with audiences and has gained him millions of fans. Well known for Hello Baby! and his recent collaboration with Ami Fuku, titled This Feeling, the 26-year-old is creating waves around the world, not only with his music, but his dress sense too. Afroe chatted to us about the industry and how the youth can succeed. How did you enter the music industry? I started as a music producer. I used to play instruments…

CRICKET Budaza bowled over by progress Knights paceman in line for CSA One Day Cup Player of the Year award ESHLIN VEDAN BackpagePix THERE is no doubt that Knights pace bowler Mbulelo Budaza was one of the most improved cricketers in the South African domestic circuit last season. The 26-year-old took just five wickets during the 2018/19 One Day Cup season and was nowhere near the top of the top wicket-takers list. Last season, the man who hails from Grahamstown more than tripled his returns by taking 18-wickets from eight games. He finished as the top wicket-taker in the competition. Reflecting on the massive improvement in his performances, the former Woodridge College student highlighted that working with Proteas legend Allan Donald was a big factor that changed his performance.…

VIRTUAL COMRADES THE RUNNING WRITER MATSHELANE MAMABOLO Supplied NKOSIKHONA Mhlakwana exorcised the ghosts of his Comrades Marathon debut in style this past weekend. Last year, Mhlakwana cut a sorry figure as his legs buckled underneath his tiny frame just 500m from the finish line inside the Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. The Maxed Elite runner was in ninth place at the time but as he crumbled and used the perimeter advertising boards to remain on his jelly legs, Entsika AC athletes Gordon Lesetedi and Siya Mqambeli overtook him to ensure he finished outside the prize money top 10 positions. It was an experience that would have killed the spirit of many an athlete, but Mhlakwana grew from it and on Sunday ‘won’ the 2020 Comrades Marathon Virtual Run named Race The…

› SOCCER Consecutive wins for Reds will be enough LIVERPOOL are on the cusp of winning their first ever Premier League trophy and their stellar run has highlighted how manager Jurgen Klopp transformed a club struggling to mount consistent title challenges into one of the best teams in the world. With 27 wins and 82 points under their belt after only one defeat all season, red-hot Liverpool set a record-breaking pace to leave teams behind them in their wake and are six points shy of ending a 30-year wait for the top-flight title. Compared to Klopp’s predecessor Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool have vastly improved at both ends of the pitch — creating more chances, converting chances more effectively and conceding fewer shots on goal. In 173 matches after adopting Klopp’s aggressive…

JUDGMENT Sassa to spend R700m on refugees KARABO NGOEPE and MZILIKAZI WA AFRIKA FOLLOWING the Pretoria High Court’s ruling compelling the government to give asylum-seekers the R350 Covid-19 relief grant, R700million will now have to be set aside to make it happen – a move an economist warned would increase the state’s financial burden. Economist Mike Schussler said the amount would be substantial and would add to the financial burden. “With the pressure South Africa is under, it will increase the burden on the tax base. “We are spending R9billion extra a month on our Sassa grants, so adding this will add about 2% more on the payments. “It’s not a very big percentage but it’s money we don’t have,” he said. But the Department of Social Development (DSD) this…

MURDER Pule family welcomes the speedy arrest of suspect AMANDA MALIBA amanda.maliba@inl.co.za THE family of eight-month pregnant Tshegofatso Pule, who was found hanging from a tree and had several stab wounds in Meadowlands, Soweto, hope that her tragic death will be vindicated after a suspect – Muzikayise Malephane – was apprehended this week, allegedly for colluding with Pule’s boyfriend Ntuthuko to kill her. Pule was laid to rest this week amid an outpouring of grief and anger among South Africans with some calling for the reintroduction of the death penalty to help deal with some of the most gruesome cases of gender-based violence recently. Just this week, two bodies of young girls were discovered in Orange Farm, with the latest body belonging to a three-year-old found by a waste collector…

BOOK EXTRACT THE STATE VS HERMAN MASHABA BY 2018 it was clear that Mashaba had become a popular figure in South African politics. His apolitical style of operating had been well received by people across the country. He was already seen as different from most politicians, unpolished and straight-talking. His approach to the coalition was working in ways that made Johannesburg more stable than any of the other coalition governments, despite its numbers being the most tenuous. Importantly, he was on the ground daily, delivering services in his overalls and connecting with people over their shared values and hopes for the city. He had become known as “Papa Action” on social media, and residents of other cities openly said they wished he was their mayor. Furthermore, Mashaba’s efforts to combat…

DISCUSSION Youth must fight for nationalisation of economy MZWANDILE MASINA THIS year, as we mark the 44th anniversary of the student and youth uprisings of 1976, history demands that we revisit a discussion that has since been relegated to oblivion within the congress movement – the discussion around the nationalisation of the commanding heights of the economy. Never has this discussion been as important as it is today as we navigate the complexities of a global health emergency that is taking place at a time when global capitalism is in crisis. A week before President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, South Africa slipped into a recession, with the gross domestic product having shrunk by 1.4% in the fourth quarter. Seven out of 10…

UNITED STATES A blow for Trump Court allows publication of Bolton’s book A US court has allowed the publication of a book by former national security adviser John Bolton, denying an injunction requested by the administration of President Donald Trump to prevent its release. The US District Court for the District of Columbia said, however, that Bolton had “gambled with the national security of the United States”. In his conclusion, Judge Royce C Lamberth wrote that Bolton had also “exposed his country to harm and himself to civil (and potentially criminal) liability”. However, the government failed to establish that an injunction would prevent irreparable harm, the judge wrote, denying the motion. Bolton’s book, titled The Room Where It Happened, is due to be released on Tuesday. Meanwhile, top US federal…

BRITAIN Anti-racism groups protest despite warnings HUNDREDS of activists joined Black Lives Matter protests in British cities yesterday, despite police urging people to stay at home and avoid violence. Black Lives Matter, Stand Up to Racism and other groups rallied in London, Glasgow and Birmingham. Metropolitan Police Commander Alex Murray urged activists in London to comply with Britain’s coronavirus social distancing rules, which limit groups to a maximum of six people. The Metropolitan police said 24 people were charged with offences including assault, criminal damage and breaching social distancing rules during the recent protests. Black Lives Matter London rejected calls by the police and Prime Minister Boris Johnson to end the largely peaceful protests, which Johnson claimed had been “hijacked by extremists intent on violence”. A leader of Black Lives…

Virus cases on the rise in Victoria MELBOURNE: Australia’s second most populous state, announced yesterday it would reinstate tighter restrictions on gatherings after logging a double-digit rise in coronavirus cases for a fourth straight day. Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews chastised people for ignoring guidelines on social contact as he reimposed a limit of five people visiting households and 10 people at public gatherings. The restrictions, come into force tomorrow and will last until July 12. “It is unacceptable that families in our state, just because they want this to be over, pretend that it is. It is not over,” Andrews said at a televised media conference, noting a rise in family transmissions since April. State officials reported 25 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, including families who had held gatherings and…

FATHER’S DAY Ways to connect with dad during lockdown STAFF REPORTER LOCKDOWN presents a unique opportunity to show our fathers how much we care about them this Father’s Day. Instead of buying the usual socks and a tie, sons and daughters can give their dads the gift of time this holiday. Take some time to reconnect with your him by tackling a DIY project together, ask him to teach you valuable life skills or simply spend some quality time together and create long-lasting memories. Below, RE/MAX of Southern Africa suggests a few simple ways to reconnect with dad from the comfort of your own home this Father’s Day. For those who live apart If you can’t physically be with dad because of lockdown, set up a virtual party on a…

ICYMI | IOL.CO.ZA BEYONCÉ’S SURPRISE SINGLE I’ve got to where I am in life not because of something I brought to the world but through something I found - the wealth of African cultureHUGH MASEKELA African Jazz Legend Beyoncé did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises — a new single called Black Parade. Proceeds from the song will benefit Black-owned small businesses in the US. The release of the single is the singer’s latest philanthropic effort. | IOL…

CONSERVATION Responsible use the driving force of SA’s wild economy AFRICANS are challenging the way we look at our planet and how best to use its natural resources. A new generation on the continent and elsewhere are questioning the way we do things, including deeply ingrained racial bias. Merlyn Nomsa Nkomo, an aspirant ornithologist and conservation biology Master’s student at UCT, reminds us that there is a prevailing stereotype that black people in South Africa believe that the love of nature and wildlife is a “white thing”. In a recent article in the student publication, iLizwi, Nkomo makes the point that conservationists are frequently detached from social realities. They are focused on being published in academic journals and “travelling and working in remote and picturesque places”, at the expense of…

Radically revised budget expected AMANDA VISSER FINANCE Minister Tito Mboweni will present a radically revised emergency budget on Wednesday with significant holes on income as the coronavirus pandemic has all but wiped out the fiscal space to manoeuvre. Experts are already mulling on the worst case scenario of a 16 percent economic contraction and a R285 billion revenue deficit. Tax Consulting SA expert Jean du Toit this week said it had become vital to focus policy decisions on reviving the economy. Du Toit said Mboweni would need to install investor confidence and the government ability to get the country through the pandemic. He said one of the things he could do would be to relook the public sector wage bill. “This appears to be the only sector in the entire…

STARS ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20) You’re entitled to be proud of your resilience as you’ve come through a difficult time. Now comes the irresistible urge for something new. This week’s changes release tremendous reserves of inner power – a perfect time for the real you to shine through. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 20) You’re very chatty this week – so unlike you. Excited thoughts race around your mind and you can’t wait to share them with anyone that happens to be around. Right now too, it seems you’re back in touch with every friend on the planet – even if it is via social media. GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 21) You may be tempted to shift the blame onto others, and why not, when everyone else…

FOOTBALL Booth: Crucial for players to empower themselves MIHLALI BALEKA PASSION alone is not enough. Those were the sentiments of retired footballer Matthew Booth who’s of the notion that former footballers without the required qualifications cannot be allocated into administrative positions in the mother body or national teams merely because they’ve played at the highest level. Rewind to three years ago, former Bafana Bafana defender Lucas Radebe opened up about his interest to run for the South African Football Association (Safa) presidency which was held by Danny Jordaan. However, Radebe’s aspiration proved to be futile as the association’s electoral code was clear that “candidates should have at least worked for five years within the Safa structures”, while Radebe, on the other hand, had only been part of the technical team.…

SUPER RUGBY Best of Barrett as Chiefs sing the Blues BEAUDEN Barrett slotted a drop goal shortly after he moved into flyhalf to spark a final quarter resurgence by the Auckland Blues that carried them to a 24-12 win over the Waikato Chiefs in New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa competition yesterday. Barrett, who started the game at fullback, replaced Otere Black in the pivotal position with about 20 minutes remaining and put over the drop goal four minutes later to give his side a 16-12 lead. He then added a 69th minute penalty and winger Mark Telea finished off the best movement of the match three minutes after that to cap the 11-point burst that gave the Blues enough room to clinch victory. Damian McKenzie slotted four penalties for the…

CRICKET Decision pending on new 3TC event STUART HESS CRICKET South Africa has been forced to postpone its 3TC event that was due to take place at SuperSport Park next Saturday, because the Minister of Sport, Nathi Mthethwa, is unhappy. Mthethwa had voiced his displeasure with Cricket SA announcing the event earlier last week and told the Parliamentary portfolio committee for Sport, Arts and Culture on Friday that CSA had not yet received ministerial approval for the event. “You did come to us and cricket has been working very well with us‚ but while your request for June 27 has been processed‚ it hasn’t been approved‚” Mthethwa said. “There are things we need to do and there are ongoing consultations with the Department of Health. People are being tested and…