Innholdsfortegnelse for Sunday, February 28, 2021 i Sunday Independent

‘Don’t use us as vaccine guinea pigs’ SAHPRA board members outraged about a clinical trial masqueraded as a rollout MZILIKAZI WA AFRIKA CONCERNED South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) board members are outraged that the government announced “a rollout of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine” when in fact “it is just another clinical trial” by the American pharmaceutical company. Several board members demanded answers from SAHPRA board chairperson Helen Rees in their official WhatsApp group – that Independent Media has seen – to clarify why “Johnson & Johnson phase 3B clinical trial” is being called a rollout. “They must stop misleading our people and allowing them to be used as guinea pigs. This is a clinical trial and not a rollout. “The vaccine is still yet to be registered…

ICYMI | IOL.CO.ZA FUNDS TO LURE INVESTORS Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.LAO TZU Chinese religious philosopher Treasury is proposing rule changes on pension funds to encourage investment in infrastructure that the government has at the heart of its economic recovery plans. The changes should make it easier for retirement funds to invest in infrastructure and allow for better measurement of investment in projects, the Treasury said. IOL…

APPOINTMENT Mkhwebane urged to investigate Joburg mayor KARABO NGOEPE karabo.ngoepe@inl.co.za PUBLIC Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has been urged to probe Joburg mayor Geoff Makhubo following his adviser’s appointment as acting chief executive of the Joburg Property Company (JPC). Mkhwebane’s probe comes after businessman and politician Kenny Kunene’s complaint about Ruby Mathang’s appointment to oversee one of the city’s biggest budgets. Kunene contends that this represents a dangerous conflict of interest and gives Makhubo direct control of a major City-owned entity that oversees a multibillion-rand budget in the city. Mkhwebane’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said the office had received the complaint and they would be assessing it. “The complainant alleges corruption and conflict of interest regarding the appointment of the special adviser to the executive mayor. The complaint will be assessed for jurisdiction…

ACCOMMODATION A safer way to find student digs LESEGO MAKGATHO lesego.makgatho@inl.co.za STUDENTS from across the country looking for safe accommodation can now find student accommodation easily, thanks to a new app called Reslocate that can also link them to prospective landlords. Reslocate is the brainchild of Lucas Tsholofelo Mohaswa, an accomplished civil engineer and serial entrepreneur who was born in Mothotlung, a small township in the North West province. Mohaswa who says his passion is about uplifting small businesses and bringing about change to the previously disadvantaged, saw a gap in the student accommodation market and launched Proptech, which created the app Reslocate. True to his ethos, he enlisted the services of CantGit, a small digital media company based in Lotus Gardens, Pretoria, to assist with bringing the app to…

HITEKANI DEMYSTIFIED THE STEREOTYPE Fitting tribute to a differently-abled matriculant MASINGITA MASUNGA ABOUT eight years ago I was asked to look for a special school for a boy from my home village who has Cerebral Palsy like me. Hitekani Bilankulu was in Grade 6 at the local primary school. Typical of me, instead of looking for a special school, I applied to a model C independent school which is not cheap for him, a move that made some people uncomfortable. But I am used to that and therefore I was unfazed. I am not taking anything away from special schools. I did my high schooling in one for that matter but I am an advocate of social cohesion, inclusive education and an inclusive society. More than that, Hitekani may have a…

Students still struggle with varsity fees MANY are facing exclusion because they cannot pay. After all the hullabaloo noting the bravery of student leaders as these game-changers who could force the government to sponsor free education, the present reality shows the opposite. Universities continue to demand registration and tuition fees without any compromise and are taking full advantage of the conditions allowed by the pandemic. Restrictions have paralysed student leaders, who alongside their followers, would face immediate arrest and jail terms, and therefore, criminal records, if they dare to gather, burn and destroy private and public property, for whatever reasons. As a matter of fact, many students face the reality of being excluded from the academic year because they just cannot pay. The institutions are bolstering their financial coffers with…

ECONOMY Treasury’s role in SA’s failed macroeconomic policies GUMANI TSHIMOMOLA ON WEDNESDAY, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni presented his fourth budget review. As always, the budget was expected to give life, in terms of rands and cents, to what President Cyril Ramaphosa “promised” in his recent State of Nation Address (SONA). The reality is that the Covid-19 pandemic presented an opportunity, despite its catastrophic impact on human life and livelihoods, for the realignment of long-term economic policy, as part of recovery plans, to move towards more redistributive economic policies that may, as a priority, solve the poverty conundrum, inequality and global warming, over making profits. However, in South Africa, while the Treasury continues to dominate the formulation of economic policy, failed policies will remain on the table. As part of a…

INJURY TIME MUST BE MODI They didn’t do it last year when he stood on a stage next to the orange buffoon who used to be the American president – remember ‘Sooochin Tendooolkerrr’ and ‘Virot Koalee’? – but Indian authorities waited until minutes before Virat Kohli & Co. took their positions on the field inside the world’s largest cricket stadium, to announce that the venue had been renamed from Sardar Patel Stadium to Narendra Modi Stadium. Naming it after a politician was in line with a decades-old practice in Indian sport, especially cricket — to name stadiums after everyone but sportspersons. Home Minister Amit Shah said the cricket stadium was “Modiji’s dream project”. “We have decided to name it after the country’s Prime Minister. It was Modiji’s dream project,” Shah…

TV GUIDE TODAY Boxing WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Titles: Saul Alvarez v Avni Yildirim (12 Rounds), 4am, SSM, VR1, GSD (6am), ACT (6am) Cricket CSA T20 Challenge, Final, 2.45pm, CRI; Pakistan Super League: Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, 3.45pm, ACT Golf PGA Tour Champions: Cologuard Classic, Day 2, 12 midnight, VR1; WGC: World Golf Championships, The Concession, Day 4, 7pm, GOL; PGA Tour: Puerto Rico Open, Day 4, 10pm, VR1; PGA Tour Champions; Cologuard Classic, Day 3, 11.30pm, VR1 Motorsport Supercars Championship: Repco Mt Panorama 500, Race 2, 5.50pm, MSP; NASCAR Cup Series: Dixie Vodka 400, 10.30-pm, MSP Rugby Six Nations: France v Scotland, 4.50pm, GSD, RUG; The Final Whistle, 7pm, RUG; Guinness Pro14: Leinster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, 7.25pm, RUG; Gallagher Premiership: Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby, 2.55pm, RUG…

Chiefs, Sundowns seek edge on neutral soil MIHLALI BALEKA STEVE HAAG | BackpagePix SOUTHERN Africa giants, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, will want to have an upper hand when they cross paths with North Africans – CR Belouizdad and Wydad Casablanca – on neutral grounds this afternoon. The North Africans have dominated the CAF Champions League. Last season, four of their teams qualified for the semi-finals, with Al Ahly prevailing in the all-Egyptian final against Zamalek SC to hoist the continental crown. Off the pitch the North Africans flexed their muscles over their Southern African counterparts this season. Algerians Belouizdad and Moroccans Wydad denied South Africa's Sundowns and Chiefs entry to their countries at the 11th hour ahead of their respective group stage matches. Both countries cited medical restrictions due…

STARS TANYA OBREZA Aries (March 21 - April 20) Don’t assume you’re the sole trustee of all the right answers and don’t dismiss alternative views before they’re even heard. The planets have sudden shifts of mood and energy this week, and so do you. If there’s anything important you want to discuss or organise, leave it until week’s end. You’re less likely to stir up a hornet’s nest. Taurus (April 21 - May 20) You might be snappy this week, especially if someone is trying to steal your glory. Or if someone is behaving badly, jealousy’s probably to blame. Try not to get too caught up in the drama. Romantically, there’s not much stirring in the heavens but, surprisingly, you don’t mind. You need time to chill. Gemini (May 21…

QUICK READ SA IS A FRAUDSTER’S PARADISE IF ONE were to pursue a career in fraud, it appears as though South Africa is the place to achieve that dream, according to reports by the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) and ombudsman for banking services. Fraud risk is growing by the day with the outbreak of the Covid-19. Fraudulent listings had increased by 62%, while victim listings had increased by 52%, the SAFPS reported. | African News Agency (ANA) TREATMENT FOR BUSHIRI CHILD NO EXPLANATION was given by the Malawian authorities for blocking the 8-year-old daughter of self-proclaimed Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri from travelling to Kenya for medical assistance afer being referred by Malawian medical professionals, a Bushiri spokesperson Ephraim Nyondo said last week. Nyondo said no information was given…

QUICK READ STEVIE WONDER MOVING TO GHANA AMERICAN singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder says that he is planning to emigrate to Ghana. During an interview on The Oprah Conversation on Apple TV+ , Wonder said he has decided to move to Ghana because that’s where he expects to be valued and respected. In 1994, he said he felt there was “more of a sense of community” in Ghana than in the US. He has visited the West African country many times. | African News Agency (ANA) FREETOWN MAYOR BLAZES A TRAIL THE mayor of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown has been named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Next Most Influential People in the world. According to a report by TIME, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is the first female mayor to lead Freetown…

DEVELOPMENT Akon’s light shines brightly CHAD WILLIAMS Twitter SENEGALESE-AMERICAN R&B singer and songwriter Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, more popularly known as Akon, has gone from being “lonely” to becoming a global business mogul determined to make a difference on the African continent. Akon, who was born in the US, left the country with his parents and spent a significant part of his childhood in Dakar, Senegal, before moving back to the US at age seven with his parents. He experienced first-hand the struggles of living without grid electricity, including facing limited educational and economic opportunities. The international hit-maker, who aims to embark on developing a $6 billion (about R87bn) solar-powered smart city called Akon City in Senegal, says he hopes that the development will stimulate the local economy and…

INSTAGRAM RICH LIST Africa’s highest-paid influencers at tap of button SACHA VAN NIEKERK sacha.vanniekerk@inl.co.za WITH the tap of a button, African celebrities can earn millions from a single Instagram post. The term “Influencer” is bestowed upon individuals who harness the power of social media and their own celebrity status to affect the purchasing decisions of others. Although it took some time for people and businesses to grasp the power of influencer marketing, the role has developed into a fully-fledged side hustle for celebrities. It’s doling out a massive return on investment for influencers and brands alike. Thanks to the Instagram Rich List, we can see the highest paid influencers in Africa. They are: Mohamed Salah @mosalah R2 671 398 a post Egyptian footballer and Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah is…

CHAMPION FOR BLACK CREATIVES ACROSS THE WORLD Malene Barnett is design’s force for change LIKE many (if not all) industries, the design community has long been marred by inequality and a lack of representation and diversity where the privileged, white and European have always stood for a higher quality. This belief has gone on to be not only perpetuated but cemented by glossy magazines, exclusive galleries and other entities tasked with signifying the “who’s who” in a notoriously fickle industry. For artist Malene Barnett it was time for change – real, meaningful change – and if it was going to start it was to start with her. As the founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, it has become her mission to champion equity and representation for all…

WELLBEING How to survive the sheer hell of ‘Long Covid’ KELLY JANE TURNER kelly.turner@africannewsagency.com MANY people who have recovered from Covid-19 experience symptoms that typically last for around two weeks, but for some, the road to recovery may be a lingering and drawn-out battle. “Long Covid” is a condition where people infected with the virus continue to experience symptoms for longer than usual and do not fully recover for several weeks or months after the start of their symptoms. Those with long Covid are often referred to as “long haulers” where a person experiences symptoms for more than 28 days after diagnosis, whether laboratory confirmed or clinical. There is no one-size-fits-all to treat long Covid Specialist pulmonologist at Groote Schuur Hospital Dr Rubeshan Perumal says there are no known methods…

STREAMING Kelsey Grammer set for ‘Frasier’ reboot at 66 KELSEY Grammer is returning to Frasier. The 66-year-old actor – who first played Dr Frasier Crane in 1984 as Diane Chambers’ love interest on Cheers before landing his own spin-off show – will be back as the psychologist for the upcoming revival on streaming service Paramount+. He said: “Having spent over 20 years of my creative life on the Paramount lot, both producing shows and performing in several, I’d like to congratulate Paramount+ on its entry into the streaming world. “I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Dr Frasier Crane.” David Stapf, president of CBS Studios, added: “Frasier is one of the most acclaimed comedies in modern television history and truly defines premium storytelling. “There has…

CHECKMATE! DREAM UP YOUR NEXT MOVE Fancy a game of chess? Airbnb has a few listings across the world that will transport you into a world of kings, queens, rooks and bishops. 1 Caves Manor Where: Margaret River, Western Australia. Caves Manor in the Margaret River wine region offers accommodation fit for a king. Enjoy amenities like an outdoor cinema, sunken fire pit, giant chess set and a built-in pizza oven. It’s close to many attractions, including Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. As it has a strong focus on family, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. 2 Underground Hygge Where: Orondo, WA, US. Located in the jaw-dropping Columbia River Gorge mountainside, Underground Hygge is bound to be an adventure, especially if you are a chess fan. Enjoy the fireplace, where you can…

QUICK READ NEW ZEALAND TO CLOSE IMMIGRATION OFFICES IN PRETORIA, MANILA AND MUMBAI Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will close offices in Pretoria, Manila and Mumbai in March. INZ said that with border restrictions in place for almost a year, incoming visa volumes have decreased significantly across several visa categories, including visitor and student visa applications. The reduction in visa volumes, combined with new technology capabilities, has provided an opportunity to alter the way it operates. Deputy head of INZ, Catriona Robinson, said it had to adapt to the changing environment and ensure it contributed to New Zealand’s Covid-19 economic recovery. “INZ has made the difficult decision to close our offices in Mumbai, Manila and Pretoria by March 2021 and bring more visa processing onshore. This is not a decision we…

ANALYSIS Key takes from Finance Minister’s Budget Speech BEN BIERMAN FINANCE Minister Tito Mboweni delivered his Budget Speech for the 2021/22 financial year on Wednesday. There was some good news for consumers as Mboweni announced few tax hikes. Though no small business-specific amendments were noted, the budget contained favourable amendments for every market sector. Here are five key takeaways for the local small-and-medium enterprise (SME) sector: TAXES While the decrease on corporate tax may be relevant to larger businesses, it is interesting to note that the drop is likely to attract more international companies to South Africa, which could in turn spur creating more business opportunities. However, Mboweni said the National Treasury would also be limiting assessed losses and interest expense deductions. This means that companies may not actually see…

QUICK READS Spotify Spotify is embarking on a sweeping expansion that will introduce the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service available to more than a billion people in 80+ new markets around the world, and add 36 languages to its platform. Tech President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla indicated that the Department of Basic Education is making headway on the national rollout of coding and robotics. The draft coding and robotics curriculum has been submitted to Umalusi for evaluation and quality assurance, and a draft curriculum will soon be gazetted. Law India announced sweeping rules to regulate social media firms, streaming services, and digital news outlets on Thursday, posing new challenges for giants such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and Netflix that count Asia’s third-largest economy as…

ZONDO COMMISSION ANC top six to meet Zuma SAMKELO MTSHALI samkelo.thulasizwe@inl.co.za PLANS are afoot for a meeting between the ANC’s top six officials and former president Jacob Zuma for him to explain in detail to the officials the reasons behind his controversial decision not to appear before the state capture commission earlier this month. The meeting of the ruling party’s leaders and its former president was confirmed by incumbent ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. It is unclear when and where the meeting will take place, but it has been mooted for the better part of this month with ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule also confirming last week that the top six were set to meet Zuma in what he described as a meeting that they were all looking forward to. Ramaphosa was…

Frustrations at Prasa laid bare LESEGO MAKGATHO lesego.makgatho@inl.co.za THE Zondo Commission heard evidence on allegations of corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) from the Head of the Legal Division at Prasa, Martha Ngoye, on Tuesday. Ngoye addressed some of her ‘frustrations’ and asked the chair to address her thoughts. “I think it’s important for us as whistleblowers to express this frustration… The proponents of state capture directly benefited from the capture. People who assisted the main actors knowingly and benefited indirectly by being appointed onto positions they did not deserve, earning salaries that they did not deserve, or being afforded privileges they did not deserve. I talk of persons who watched state capture unfold and did nothing about it or looked the other way, and those…

MUNICIPALITIES Mboweni laments fiscal crisis SIYABONGA MKHWANAZI siyabonga.mkhwanazi@inl.co.za PHANDO JIKELO African News Agency (ANA) FINANCE Minister Tito Mboweni has warned the finances of municipalities could deteriorate further with the poor revenue collection due Covid-19. In the budget review it is stated during the last quarter revenue collection was at 20% compared to 93% during the same period last year. The National Treasury said the picture will become clear after the end of March. Municipalities are already in serious financial trouble with some of them requiring intervention from national government. The national government has intervened in several municipalities to arrest the situation. The Treasury said the Covid-19 pandemic has left the municipalities in a deep financial hole. “The full effect of the Covid-19 lockdowns on municipal revenues will only become clearer…

REVIEW ’Joburg Noir’ reflects on relationships with the City of Gold MALESELA MAUBANE AFTER reading Joburg Noir, a collection of stories published by Jacana Media and edited by Niq Mhlongo, I have to agree with the description that it is “a book concocted out of memories, urban legends, jokes, myths, dreams, brief encounters, experiences, love and loss”. The book was also part of a literature diet which kept one sane whenever the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic-induced fatigue was creeping in, and it took me back to when I was growing up in Mohlonong village, Ga-Mashashane, in the Limpopo province. Migrant workers or “makarapa” and others who had touched the Johannesburg soil would share their experiences of the megacity. Even before I undertook my first visit to eGoli, I had heard names…

PROPERTY Farmer embroiled in tussle over Sanral lease DON MAKATILE don.makatile@inl.co.za SUPPLIED SUPPLIED A BLACK aspirational female farmer is tearing her hair out from the frustrations of dealing with a middleman over a farm she has leased from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), as the State entity says she will have it no other way. Noksie Kolwapi has a lease agreement on Portion 40 of the Holthill Farm 434, a 16-hectare piece of land situated in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, with Sanral, but she does not deal directly with the roads agency. She would rather that the lease period be extended to give the farm better prospects of success, but Sanral wants to hear none of that. Kolwapi says the middleman is only interested in collecting rent…

125 YEARS AGO ETHIOPIA STOOD FIRM AS ITALY ATTACKED – AND WON, SHOWING THE RULE OF EUROPEANS COULD BE OVERCOME Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa DR LEHLOHONOLO KENNEDY MAHLATSI Wikimedia Commons MARCH 1, 1896, an Ethiopian army won a spectacular victory over an Italian army at the battle of Adwa. Tomorrow is the 125th anniversary of what has become Africa’s global victory and heritage. Ethiopia’s decisive victory over Italy at the battle of Adwa brought an Italian war of conquest to an end. Ethiopia alone had successfully defended its independence. Ethiopian victory was also interpreted in racial terms, for not only had an African army defeated a European army, but a black army had defeated a white army. Adwa thus cast doubt upon an unshakable certainty of the…

COMMENT Our nation has very little trust ONE year ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa bravely pulled back the curtains on the window-dressing of our so-called “good story”. During his State of the Nation Address (Sona), he pointed to the stark reality of economic stagnation, deepening unemployment, an energy crisis and severe poverty. Despite everything that had been done to put our country back on track, he lamented, it was not enough. With 20/20 hindsight, it was a devastating moment to reveal our defeat. For we were about to be plunged into a new battle that would decimate both our resources and our hope; the battle against a pandemic. At least, we thought, the government went into this battle under no illusions. The director general in the Treasury had told us that…

Fiery Leopards pounce on AmaZulu HERMAN GIBBS STEVE HAAG | BackpagePix ENTERPRISING Black Leopards shocked AmaZulu 1-0 in their Nedbank Cup last-16 tie at Thohoyandou Stadium yesterday. Leopards will advance to the quarter-final after this deserving win snapped AmaZulu's eight-match unbeaten run across all the Premier Soccer League's competitions. In the opening 20 minutes, both sides enjoyed an equal share of possession and a few half chances emerged at either end of the field. AmaZulu frequently launched their attacking sorties from deep, but Leopards defence did well to cut off the supply to central goalmouth areas. Leopards keeper King Ndlovu was forced to come off his line occasionally to avert danger in the striking zone. Leopards impressed with counter-attacks which were launched at speed in the early stages but faltered…

Stormers working on their DNA WYNONA LOUW Stormers 33 Cheetahs 34 ONE could say that the promising spells the Stormers’ relatively fresh team played at times was an indicator that we may just see some proper ‘WP rugby’ from them going forward, but it also showed that there’s still much to work on. This Preparation Series is not about results, but more about preparation before the Rainbow Cup kicks off in April, but the Stormers will surely lament the fact that they again let chances slip and had to resort to catch-up rugby. During the team announcement press conference earlier this week, Stormers coach John Dobson said they are looking to give their players the freedom to play a more fluid style of rugby during these prep matches. And if…

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FISCAL POLICY COMMENT Budget overhaul long overdue MATTHEW KOFI OCRAN GOVERNMENTS in most developing countries use medium-term expenditure frameworks as fiscal policy instruments to match the imperatives of policy, planning and budgeting over the medium-term horizon. South Africa adopted the framework in 1998. Countries with strong ties to the Bretton Woods institutions – the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank – have adopted the medium-term expenditure framework as the maindriverofbudgetpolicy.Likemacroeconomic management orthodoxy, the Washington consensus forms the basis of this approach. The World Bank’s push for the adoption of frameworks has been subtle. For instance, since 1991, they have been an integral part of the bank’s products such as technical assistance, lending operations, and analytical and advisory services. The thrust of medium-term expenditure frameworks is budgeting and public financial management.…

ISRAEL ICC’s ruling on jurisdiction could backfire JONATHAN TURNER WHEN Fatou Bensouda, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), asked the court’s pre-trial chamber in December 2019 to rule on whether it had territorial jurisdiction over Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, she probably expected a rapid and clear confirmation, affirming the legitimacy of a full investigation and dispelling doubts that had been expressed. Since there was no requirement for a ruling on jurisdiction before opening an investigation, and since the ruling is not binding on any defendant, it is difficult to see what else she might hope to gain from it. But if this was her purpose, it backfired when the ruling was delivered earlier this month. In a trenchant dissent, Presiding Judge Peter Kovacs described the…

EDITOR’S CHOICE Twitter war LIFESTYLE REPORTER Actress Zenande Mfenyana this week sparked a raging debate on Twitter on when she asked why churches see sex as something punishable. “One day we must discuss the Biblical concept of being asked to step down from the worship team because you have fallen pregnant,” said Mfenyana. Mfenyana’s interest was whether this was in the scriptures or done to humiliate the expectant mom? Tweeps shared their thoughts, A user said: “The worst part of this practice is that the woman bares the brunt of the punishment. A punishment that can go as far as excommunication/ ostracism from the church. While a lot of the time the father of that unborn child goes scot free”. Watch THOBILE MAZIBUKO MULTI-award winning American rapper Cardi B, who…

MUST READ Check out these stories in the latest edition of House & Garden THE new issue of House & Garden hit the shelves last weekend. Themed “Architecture Next”, this month takes an optimistic look at the future of design, with exciting projects from industry leaders including Tasao Ando, Thambo Mbeki, David Adjaye and Kelly Wearstler. Here are the four need-to-read stories that you can’t afford to miss. Inside Joburg’s most exclusive home: With unmatched views over the Sandton skyline, step inside designer Tristan du Plessis’ most extraordinary project yet – a monochrome masterpiece of both architecture and decorating. The house, executed almost entirely in black and white, save for some metallic elements, and finished in custom pieces by the country’s top artisans, is like nothing you’ve seen a…

EDITOR’S CHOICE When Champagne meets beauty .... LUTHO PASIYA THE announcement this week that Moët Hennessy had partnered with music mogul Shawn JAY-Z Carter through the acquisition of a 50% stake in the brand sent a collective cha-ching around the world. Yes, Champagne does have an air of all things expensive, but I bet you didn’t realise it also has some amazing beauty benefits – if you can afford a bottle, that is. Experts claim that the world’s favourite celebratory beverage is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and the type of detoxifying properties that can make your hair and skin glow. Connoisseur Oscar Masubelele took to Twitter to share the benefits of Champagne in relation to skincare and beauty. Masubelele said the benefits of Champagne to your skin only come when…

THRILLING AND CHILLING Enjoy a 4X4 adventure and spa getaway at Ngodini Bunduz CLINTON MOODLEY THE 4x4 vehicle is leaning to the right at the edge of a tiny hill. I’m holding on to the railing, white-knuckled, adrenaline coursing through my body. Moments earlier, I climbed onto the vehicle at Ngodini Bunduz, an adventure attraction in Eshowe in northern KwaZulu-Natal. I’d expected exhilaration, but none could have prepared me for this thrilling ride. Guide, Thokozani Mabaso, is fearless, keeping his foot on the accelerator while we hold on for dear life. Mabaso manages to manoeuvre the vehicle down the hill towards the nearby river. He says we are going on a “cruise to Bunduland”. The breeze is refreshing in this humidity, and I can’t wait to see what else Mabaso…

QUICK READS Banks SOUTH AFRICA FIRST DIGITAL BANK SECURES R1,6 BILLION FUNDING South Africa’s Digital bank, TymeBank, has secured an investment of R1.6 billion from Apis Growth Fund II, a private equity fund managed by Apis Partners (Apis), and JG Summit Holdings (JG Summit). Of the total of R1.6 million invested, ‘some’ R500 million has already been invested and the balance will be provided over the next year to 15 months. The new investors have also entered an agreement to launch a digital bank in the Philippines.TymeBank launched in 2019) is the first bank in the country to be operated fully off a cloud-based infrastructure network. Patrice Motsepe led a fintech company, is a member of the Tyme group of companies. Start ups I’M IN Accelerator, a programme that focuses…

UBER LOSES LEGAL BATTLE The (possible) end to gig economy model FARAH KHALFE EVERYONE’S favourite transportation service just lost a major legal battle. A week ago, former Uber drivers James Farrar and Yasseen Aslam achieved the outcome of their desire – a court ruling citing that drivers for the taxi company should be treated as workers rather than independent contractors. This slight distinction could be the catalyst for major implications and come at a heavy cost to the firm. Aslam and Farrah first took on Uber in 2016, contending that they were workers and should be entitled to minimum wage and paid leave. Uber then lost a string of subsequent appeals, resulting in the latest judgment by the UK’s Supreme Court. The basis of this ruling rests on five key…

WHY THE MARS MISSION MATTERS WESLEY DIPHOKO Nasa/Brown University SINCE time immemorial explorers and scientists have been wondering whether there’s life on other planets. In the interest of finding an answer to this question, NASA’s Perseverance Rover made history this month by landing with cameras to do exactly that on planet Mars. Weighing more than a tonne, it landed nearly in the middle of the landing zone inside the 45km Jezero crater north of the planet’s equator, which billions of years ago is believed to have housed a Martian lake bed. The landing was picture perfect and nerve wrecking as its cameras captured the action from several angles, documenting a complex sequence to slow itself or else crash, erasing years of work in an instant. As impressive as the landing…

RACISM ‘Purge’ of black suppliers continues to haunt Eskom KARABO NGOEPE AND MANYANE MANYANE ESKOM boss Andre de Ruyter and other white managers are accused of purging black suppliers and using racism to deal with them. This was revealed in a letter written to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan by now-suspended chief procurement officer Solly Tshitangano. In his letter, Tshitangano detailed how De Ruyter and other white managers were trying to push out Econ Oil from the power utility’s supplier database without following due processes. “This letter requests your urgent attention to address the unequal treatment of suppliers by Andre de Ruyter and other Eskom officials. The activities that are taking place in Eskom reminds me of the painful past which I thought was behind us, that period where colour…

PARLIAMENT CAUTIONED ON POTENTIALLY ‘DISASTROUS’ BILL FOR INJURED WORKERS Amendment could be a tragedy waiting to happen, experts warn ROLAND MPOFU roland.mpofu@inl.co.za HEALTH experts and trade unions are up in arms and have cautioned Parliament not to pass into law the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Amendment Bill as it could be another Life Esidimeni tragedy waiting to happen. Moira Wilson, a private practitioner based at Milpark Hospital, which houses the largest private Level 1 Trauma unit, and deals with a significant number of injury-on-duty patients, warned that the amendment would be disastrous, and injured workers would suffer the consequences. Wilson said she, as are her counterparts, were of the view that the amendment could lead to another Life Esidimeni tragedy. “I agree it will be a disaster…

RANSOM DEMAND Fear after boy’s kidnap ordeal AMANDA MALIBA AND LESEGO MAKGATHO amanda.maliba@inl.co.za lesego.makgatho@inl.co.za SUPPLIED SIPHELELE Magudulele from Protea North, Soweto this week became a victim of an alleged kidnapping ring that has residents in and around Joburg’s southern suburbs living in fear for the safety of their children. The 18 year old was allegedly accosted by two males at around 3pm on Tuesday, said to be in their late 20s or early 30s. While all this was happening, the third man sat in the driver’s seat. The one pointing a gun ordered him to get into a white Toyota Tazz. When Siphelele refused, he was given an ultimatum to either comply or die on the spot.The pupil was on his way to Protea Glen mall to buy outstanding school…

HEALING The trials of getting over the death of a loved one LESEGO MAKGATHO lesego.makgatho@inl.co.za AS THE country continues to battle the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, some families are still reeling from the loss of their loved ones who’ve succumbed to the virus and could well benefit from reading a book asking Does Time Really Heal? Dealing with the loss of a loved one, written by Soweto-based author Patrick Neo Mabiletsa. Mabiletsa lost his mother and wife 10 years ago and the book describes a harrowing story of love, heartbreak, grief and great lessons coming from those left behind to deal with their loss. On why it was important for him to write the book, Mabiletsa said amid the great loss that he suffered, he realised that a…

BUSINESS New smart devices brand takes a bite out of Apple, Samsung THREE months after launching its A-Series smartphones in South Africa late last year, leading global technology brand OPPO has become one of the country’s Top 5 smartphone brands, taking a bite out of the likes of Apple, Huawei, and Samsung. Launching in a socially distanced world did, of course, have its challenges, says Liam Faurie, OPPO South Africa’s head of go-to-market and operations. Introducing a new brand into a well-traded market without being able to have launch events and without being able to give customers a tactile experience of the product range meant that it had to grab attention based solely on its well-known reputation for innovation. Positioned at the convergence of technology and culture, there was luckily…

Why it’s time for DStv to remove eNCA TWENTY-seven years into democracy, South Africans are finding it very difficult to deal with racism and the psychological effects of apartheid. There’s a clear superiority complex that certain members of our society portray and therefore see others as inferiors. Media is a very powerful tool in society, which if used correctly can play a major role in educating the public, bringing about social change as well as holding our leaders accountable. But over the years we’ve seen how eNCA has been caught with their pants down, standing in shame as racism and white privilege reign supreme. The racist antics by eNCA which I must commend them for being consistent with regards to their racism and unequal treatment of members of our society,…

COMMENTARY Keep an eagle eye on SA Connect LUCKY MASILELA The two announcements of national significance that were made this week both highlighted the backlog in the deployment of the right information and communication technology (ICT). In order to catch up on this backlog, drastic action must be taken promptly. ICT permeates every facet of modern society. It has become a critical success factor, enabling those countries that get it right to outperform their counterparts, all things being equal. Unfortunately, in the case of both announcements, the backlog and discrepancies in the deployment of ICT in South Africa were laid bare. The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, presented the matric results for the class of 2020. Then on Thursday the Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, delivered his Budget Speech…

‘No spice’ between Jake and Peter, but still a lot at stake ASHFAK MOHAMED TRAVIS ARENDSE MIKE HUTCHINGS Reuters THE fact that the new South African rugby season kicks off with a ‘competition’ that doesn’t even have a proper name may make fans think that there is little at stake. But when Nizaam Carr leads the Bulls onto Loftus Versfeld at 3pm today to take on Eastern Province in the Preparation Series, there will be a lot to play for from both sides. For the Bulls, the team selected by Jake White has a back-up look about it, but that is precisely why it is important for the players and coaches. The EP clash is not just about testing depth, but several men will be aiming to catch the eye and…

It’s premature to discuss log positions, says Solskjaer MANCHESTER United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t believe that their game against Chelsea today will indicate the positions they will finish the season on. United are second in the table – six points and three places ahead of Chelsea – but Solskjaer is not taking Champions League qualification for granted. "I don't think the positions will be decided early," he said. "We've seen teams going through bad phases, then a run. "Our mentality is really good and we look forward to these games. We know Thomas (Tuchel – Chelsea manager) has come in and it's changed a little bit at Chelsea and it's going to be a great challenge for us." Solskjaer commented on the form of United forward Anthony Martial who…

Temba keeps his cool to propel Lions to T20 final ZAAHIER ADAMS Warriors: 141/6 (Lubbe 52, Stubbs 37, Mulder 1/11, Phangiso 1/20) Highveld Lions: 142/3 (Bavuma 48*, Hendricks 32*, Nabe 2/25) Lions win by seven wickets TEMBA Bavuma’s experience and Wiaan Mulder’s youthful exuberance propelled the Highveld Lions into the CSA T20 Challenge final. The Lions will face the Dolphins in Durban today after defeating the Warriors by seven wickets. Mulder ensured there would be no nervous final moments as he dispatched Mthiwekhaya Nabe’s first ball of the last over for six when half a dozen runs were required for victory. The play-off was billed as a contest between two different styles of playing T20 cricket. Robin Peterson’s Warriors have been adventurous throughout the competition and have been playing boldly…

STATE CAPTURE: PROBE EXPOSES POLICY, OVERSIGHT FAILURES COMMENT Reshaping SA’s intelligence services DR PINGLA UDIT agency ITUMELENG ENGLISH African News Agency (ANA) THE public exposure of the State Security Agency (SSA) at the state capture inquiry is yet another confirmation of the deep crisis that has taken root in the country’s intelligence services. Since the advent of democracy in 1994, the transformation of intelligence services has been subjected to great debate and introspection. In contrast, the 2009 creation of the SSA was not subjected to any rigorous debate and introspection. Against the background of the central role played by the intelligence services in upholding the apartheid state, the founders of the country’s Constitution sought to ensure that a new intelligence service would never again be abused to further political, personal…

SRI LANKA: HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Demand for justice gathers pace AN OPEN letter by 20 eminent persons to the 46th session of the Human Rights Council called on the international community to take immediate steps towards justice and accountability to end Sri Lanka’s continuing cycles of violence. The recently released report on Sri Lanka by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights underlines, yet again, the country’s lack of progress on justice and accountability. Based largely on an analysis of emerging trends, it makes a compelling case for decisive international action to ensure justice and accountability for mass human rights violations and atrocities in Sri Lanka as a central element of the search for sustained reconciliation and the prevention of the recurrence of rights abuses and…

QUICK READ Malaysia MALAYSIA has deported 1 086 Myanmar nationals despite a court order temporarily stopping repatriation for fear the group may be at risk if they are returned to their military-ruled country. The court order for the Myanmar nationals’ return comes a week after Myanmar’s military engaged in a coup, throwing Myanmar into crisis. They were bused in from around Malaysia and loaded on to three navy ships sent by the military junta of Myanmar. Malaysia is home to more than 154 000 asylum seekers from Myanmar. | African News Agency (ANA) New Zealand NEW Zealand’s government will provide free sanitary products to all schoolgirls at the beginning of June to root out “period poverty”. “Young people should not miss out on their education because of something that is…

QUICK READ AVERT ETHIOPIAN ‘CATASTROPHE’ ANGLICAN Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has called on faith groups and society to put pressure on the South African government to intervene in Ethiopia’s Tigray region to avert a “humanitarian catastrophe”. More than half of Tigray’s six million people are in need of aid, said the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, but there are not enough resources, Makgoba said. | African News Agency (ANA) EBOLA OUTBREAK IN GUINEA THE International Federation of Red Cross says its teams are on high alert in Guinea and the West African region, and ramping up response efforts to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak that has claimed five lives. On February 14, Guinea declared the resurgence of the Ebola outbreak a regional epidemic. Bad weather has delayed the delivery of the Ebola…

SOCIAL MEDIA Chrissy Teigen back to her potty mouth after POTUS unfollows her on Twitter MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS marchelle.abrahams@inl.co.za Alex Lau/Instagram ONE thing about Chrissy Teigen, she knows how to talk dirty. The F-word rolls off her tongue like a hot knife through butter. It’s a wonder she’s become the unofficial queen of the Twittersphere. But since US president Joe Biden (@POTUS), started following her on Twitter, her tweets have been somewhat sanitised. It was an unusual departure for someone who never self-censors, instead choosing chooses to share her highs and lows with her more than 13 million followers. With her name listed alongside the official accounts of Jill Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff on the POTUS feed, Teigen took to tweeting responsibly. So it came as little surprise…

EDITOR’S CHOICE IF THE PAST season of lockdowns has taught us anything it’s a new-found appreciation for our kitchens. More than just a place where food is prepared, they’ve become informal meeting places, impromptu work spaces and, perhaps most importantly, a place to disengage from the world and maybe even learn a thing or two. But the kitchen cannot rely on functionality alone, so make sure yours sports a little decor credibility, too, in the form of stylish smalls that look as good as they work. Here is this week’s curated collection of must-haves for the heart of the home. THE ICE BUCKET The go-to name in exclusive glam-African game lodge interiors, Cécile & Boyd has been a perennial favourite among designers in the know and this piece proves why.…

ON THE ROAD Long-distance bus operators for South African travellers CLINTON MOODLEY HERE’S a list of bus operators that travel within South Africa and neighbouring countries. Intercape According to Intercape’s website, it is “the largest intercity passenger transport service” that operates in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. We found the online booking service was fast and effortless and the prices reasonable. Whether you want to travel from Durban to Johannesburg or Johannesburg or Cape Town to Namibia, the bus operator has routes to almost any part of South Africa and beyond. Visit www.intercape.co.za Eldo Coaches Eldo Coaches has more than 70 luxury vehicles in its fleet and travels almost anywhere in South Africa. According to its website, it “provides safe, affordable and reliable transportation”. The online…

EDITOR’S CHOICE Stay Situated up against the Witzenburg mountain range, about 10km from the historic town of Tulbagh, The Sunset Dome doesn’t disappoint. Host Jenny created this unique rental on a 270ha farm among water and trees. The self-catering accommodation offers electricity, a fridge, a gas stove and other essentials to make your trip comfortable. The shower facilities overlook the dam and the best place to see the sunset. Nature lovers will enjoy swimming, fishing, mountain biking, hiking or some chill time in the outdoor bathtub.Visit https://www.airbnb.co.za/rooms/39787593?locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1597214000_ OyMkF66%2FI100QdvW Dine SOLO Restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg, is a trendy, casual dining eatery co-founded by Tumelo Maepa, Hlompho Chauke and Thokozane Shongwe. Shongwe, an executive chef, has spiced things up in the kitchen for venues such as the Intercontinental Airport Sun, Gallagher Estate…