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Grade R -11 Metropolitan College 170 Pritchard Street Tel – 011 402 9502

Est 2009 Issue 02 - 2021

Tel : 011 616 1523 Inner-City Gazette

Email : info@inner-city-gazette.co.za @ICG_Sales

14 - 21 January 2021

Website : www.inner-city-gazette.co.za 072 824 3014

Inner City Gazette

Vaccines won’t bring herd immunity – WHO German company BioNTech said it could produce millions more doses of its Covid-19 vaccine than originally expected this year, boosting production forecast from 1.3 to two billion. The announcement by BioNTech, which partnered with US firm Pfizer to produce the first vaccine approved in the West, was a boost to countries struggling to deliver the vaccines.

WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan

The announcement by BioNTech, which partnered with US firm Pfizer to produce the first vaccine approved in the West, was a boost to countries struggling to deliver the vaccines. But the company also warned that Covid-19 would likely become an endemic disease, and said vaccines would need to fight against the emergence of new viral variants and a naturally waning immune response.

Johannesburg - On Monday World Health Organization (WHO) scientists warned that mass vaccinations would not bring about herd immunity to Covid-19 infection this year.

The virus has infected over 90 million people around the world, and the death toll has passed 1.94 million since China confirmed the first death in the city of Wuhan last year. China has largely brought the virus under control, but is still having some local infections.

More than half a million people were placed under lockdown in Beijing on Monday to handle a handful of cases.

Infection numbers were, however, surging across Europe, particularly as Britain coped with a new strain of the disease that could see hospitals being overwhelmed.

On Sunday Russia confirmed its first case of the new UK Covid-19 strain, which scientists fear is significantly more contagious.

The virus has also exploded across the United States, the hardest-hit country, where President-elect Joe Biden publicly received his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

German company BioNTech said it could produce millions more doses of its Covid-19 vaccine than originally expected this year, boosting production forecast from 1.3 to two billion.

The announcement by BioNTech, which partnered with US firm Pfizer to produce the first vaccine approved in the West, was a boost to countries struggling to deliver the vaccines.

But the company also warned that Covid-19 would likely become an endemic disease, and said vaccines would need to fight against the emergence of new viral variants and a naturally waning immune response.

On Monday World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan warned that it would take time to produce and administer enough vaccine doses to halt the spread of the virus.

“We are not going to achieve any levels of population immunity or herd immunity in 2021,” she said.

Swaminathan stressed the need to maintain physical distancing, hand-washing and mask-wearing to rein in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Britain, the first country to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine opened seven mass vaccination sites on Monday. But chief medical officer Chris Whitty told BBC television that the next few weeks will be the worst weeks of this pandemic in terms of numbers into the National Health Service.

“Before the vaccines have had their effect we need to really double down on observing lockdown measures,” he added.

India, with the world’s secondbiggest virus caseload will begin vaccinating its 1.3 billion people from Saturday in a colossal undertaking. On Monday Russian officials said they would trial a one-dose version of the country’s Sputnik V vaccine.

South Africa has closed land borders for a month to counter an unprecedented resurge in cases fuelled by a new virus strain. Restrictions such as a ban on alcohol sales and large gatherings, and an overnight curfew, remain.

On Monday Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa said a new lockdown was unavoidable as the country suffered record numbers

of virus deaths and infections.

Lebanon tightened its virus restrictions with an 11-day total lockdown and fresh travel restrictions.

A team of 10 scientists from the WHO were preparing for a mission to China on Thursday to investigate the origins of the disease.

In a statement Beijing’s National Health Commission said it will conduct joint research cooperation on the origins of Covid-19 with Chinese scientists, but provided no further details.

The visit comes more than a year after the pandemic began amid accusations that Beijing tried to thwart the investigation into the virus. The United States and Australia have led international calls for an independent inquiry, enraging China.

The anniversary of the first reported death passed unmarked on Monday in Wuhan, where commuters moved freely to work, and parks and riverside promenades buzzed with visitors.

“Wuhan is the safest city in China now, even in world,” resident Xiong Liansheng, 66, said. AFP

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Inner-city Gazette

News

Our

training advisors and consultants are the backbone of support for

our students.

to

What

makes them tick?

And what makes them love what they do? We sat down to chat with Alvino Arrison of Bellville, find out why the Boston TA’s are so passionate about what they do.

1. Tell us a bit about Boston and the institution’s values?

Boston City Campus is a student-centred institution of Higher Education.

Our primary goal is to improve the lives of students and graduates by making them marketable as work-ready employees. We do this through operating a tech-based platform that enables anytime anywhere online applications, registrations, learning and assessment.

We also do this through achieving both local as well as international accreditation for our qualifications; by having a large national footprint enabling students to remain at home and/or work while they study, saving costs of time, travel and accommodation as well as allowing them to continue to contribute in the home; by using AI (artificial intelligence) to monitor their progress continuously, and by using human interaction when the AI alerts us that a student needs enhanced supervision and assistance.

2. What does a Training Advisor do at the college?

As a leading provider of tertiary education in South Africa, Boston believes that just offering qualifications is only half of its job – the other half is ensuring that its students have the knowledge and support to make the right career choice. Boston is very focussed on ensuring a match between interests and skills, to a career or industry.

As training advisors we believe firmly that when a student is guided towards the correct qualification that is appropriate to his or her interests, as well as ability, time constraints and financial commitment, the chance of success in the qualification and subsequent career and/or employment increases significantly.

My job is to assist with this guidance and supervise the student until they successfully graduate. I am involved with the student from before decision making until graduation, it is a very rewarding and fulfilling job for me. We

work-force; international accreditation levels the playing fields when our grads interact with international workforces.

And should graduates relocate, their qualifications travel with them!

Alvino Arrison also make use of a career guidance tool called “Career Compass”; through which Boston provides prospective students with the opportunity to discover more about themselves, their talents and what kind of careers they would be best suited to.

3. Boston has international accreditation -tell us some more?

Boston is recognised and awarded accreditation as an Independent Higher Education Institution with the British Accreditation Council (BAC). The BAC currently accredits more than 230 institutions in 19 countries.

Boston is also a candidate for the accreditation of specific programmes by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP), Unites States, America. South Africa is part of a global online economy and

4. Being online, especially now in the pandemic, how does Boston make sure students receive your celebrated ‘personal attention’?

Our job is getting the students through to graduation. We also understand that students have a background with different experiences of learning, and are therefore starting at different points in their journey. To this end we have many ways that a student can ask for assistance including phone calls, emails, skype calls and WhatsApp groups.

Help is always available thanks to Boston’s continued use of technologybased training with academic staff at the other end of the click of a button.

To enhance students rate of success we have developed a specially designed pro-active monitoring and mentoring educational system, designed to support online learning.

What does this mean for a student? It means that you have access to assistance with your coursework. It means you can get your queries answered by your assigned tutor, either in person, via email, telephonically or via skype.

It means you only progress in your coursework as you master the work that has been completed. It means you can get topics explained and reexplained until you are satisfied. It is a proactive system, which will actively monitor every learner. Training Advisors are always available to students, and will refer them to the correct department when necessary.

I always welcome students too chat to me, and they are also welcome to make an appointment (Covid19 regulations) and see me in the college should they feel that they wish to do an in-person application or query.

In essence my job excites me and seeing students register and watching them through to graduation excites me!

14 - 21 January 2021

More aggressive cyber attacks expected this year Tech Reporter

T

his year brings aggressive cybercrime as criminals pivot their attacks from data encryption to data exfiltration, a security breach that occurs when an individual or company’s data is copied, transferred, or retrieved from a computer or server without authorisation.

This is among the findings of the 2020 Acronis Cyberthreats Report, a review of the current threat landscape and projections for the year, based on security challenges that were amplified by the shift to remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cyber protection company Acronis says ransomware continues to be the leading threat, with Maze ransomware accounting for nearly half of all known cases in 2020. Maze encrypts and steals terabytes of private data in targeted attacks.

The report points to a growing trend of cybercriminals trying to maximise their financial gain. Going a step further than collecting ransoms to decrypt infected data; the criminals steal proprietary and sometimes embarrassing data even before encrypting it. The threat is to publicly release the stolen files if the victim doesn’t pay.

Acronis’ analysts found that over 1 000 companies globally had their data leaked following attacks in 2020, a trend expected to accelerate this year.

Acronis vice-president and co-author of the report Candid Wüest said traditional cybersecurity is failing, usually because of weak technologies and human error, which are both avoidable.

“Organisations need to advance their security. Comprehensive cyber protection solutions offer integration and automation that eliminate complexity, optimise performance, and

Acronis vice-president Candid Wüest

streamline recovery,” Wüest said.

Notable findings in the report include that attacks against remote workers will increase. While 31% of global companies reported daily cyber-attacks in 2020, the frequency of attacks targeting their remote workers is projected to increase, since the defences for systems outside the corporate network are more easily compromised.

Ransomware will look for new victims, attackers will focus on targets that provide a bigger return on their efforts, since breaking into one network to steal data from several companies is more profitable than attacking individual organisations.

While small businesses will still be targeted, cloud environments and organisations such as managed service providers will become more valued targets, as their systems can provide access to the data of multiple clients.

Blocking the new wave of malware has rendered traditional antimalware solutions obsolete, as they cannot keep pace with the increased sophistication of new threats. As attackers continue to utilise automation, the number of malware samples will continue to climb.

Organisations need to find new approaches to protection that are agile and stay ahead of new threats.

14 - 21 January 2021

Inner-city Gazette

Johannesburg - The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) has called on all South Africans to support the ban on the sale of liquor during the current Covid-19 lockdown period.

It also urged South African Breweries to withdraw their legal challenge on government’s decision to suspend the transportation and sale of alcohol.

“We do not think government and the National Coronavirus Command Council reached this decision lightly, and we consider the balance between lives and livelihoods,” the alliance stated.

However, not everyone agrees with the current booze ban.

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Schools to reopen

SAAPA calls on support for booze ban It also urged South African Breweries to withdraw their legal challenge on government’s decision to suspend the transportation and sale of alcohol.

News

as planned - dept

“Delaying the reopening of schools is not a solution; what is required is strict adherence to health and safety protocols.

Avoid funerals and parties and save lives; schools are safer as compliance is monitored, unlike parties and social gatherings.”

BASA CEO Patricia Pillay

The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) has said that the extended ban on the transportation and sale of alcohol would be the death knell for many more small craft brewers in the sector.

The association’s CEO Patricia Pillay said 30% of local breweries have been forced to permanently shut their doors.

“Over 100 000 people have already slid into poverty because of the alcohol ban in the industry alone. We are well aware of the immense pressure Covid-19 has placed on our healthcare system and need for interventions, however, this cannot be at the expense of people’s livelihoods,” she said.

Johannesburg - Following concerns by some parent groups over the high rates of Covid-19 infections, the Department of Basic Education has said plans are on track for the reopening of schools on 27 January, and has not received any requests to delay the opening.

Schools are due to open for teachers on 25 January, and 27 January for the learners.

The department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the department has not received any request to delay the reopening of schools. He said the department made a presentation to the National Coronavirus Command Council on schools’ state of readiness for the reopening.

“Delaying the reopening of schools is not a solution; what is required is strict adherence to health and safety protocols. Avoid funerals and parties and save lives; schools are safer as compliance is monitored, unlike parties and social gatherings,” Mhlanga said.

The National Professional Teach-

Whatsapp users look for more secure apps To protect data users must not download apps from third-party sources; and use only official application marketplaces.

Jenna Delport

F

acebook recently asked WhatsApp users to accept its updated terms of service and privacy policy, or else lose access to the app.

WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy reads: “As part of the Facebook family of companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, this family of companies. We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our services and their offerings.”

It said this includes helping improve infrastructure and delivery systems, securing systems, and fighting spam, abuse, or infringement activities.

This move has left many WhatsApp users concerned and searching for a more secure messaging platform. Most messaging apps today are relatively safe since they use encryption when sending messages.

However, it’s worth remembering that the user may face an attack on the device or an attempt by attackers to infect it. On Android the situation is a bit different, since for example there is a built-in Accessibility Service.

To protect data Kaspersky recommends that mobile device users must not download messengers and other programmes from third-party sources; and use only official application marketplaces.

If possible, acquaint yourself with the user agreement. There are situations when the developer of the app openly warns that they may share user data with third-parties.

A user accesses a messaging app on her phone

Do not follow suspicious links from messages, even if they were sent to you by friends.

Use security solutions when possible on your mobile devices.

Pay attention to which permissions downloaded applications request. If the requested permission is not necessary for the full functioning of the application, then there is a reason to be wary. For example, the flashlight app clearly doesn’t need access to the microphone.

ers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) said it would monitor preparations for school readiness.

Naptosa director Basil Manuel said the union is preparing to undertake a countrywide survey at various types of schools to check for school readiness, including provision of personal protective equipment.

“We do not support delaying the reopening of schools, as learners need to catch up on the curriculum, and parents who go to work can’t look after their children at home.

Let’s be calm, let’s not be fear mongers,” he said.

Meanwhile the Basic Education Department has said it will not put teachers under pressure to get the vaccinated for Covid-19. The teachers have been particularly hard hit by the infections, with more than 1 600 succumbing to the virus in recent months.

As essential workers, educators will be included in phase two of South Africa’s vaccine roll-out, but the department’s director - general

Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga

Mathanzima Mweli said the law does not allow them to force the teachers to be vaccinated.

He said they would however encourage teachers to take the vaccine when it was their turn to get vaccinated, as this would save many lives.

“For now it will be the best way to manage the spread and deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. All teacher unions were at the forefront saying teachers must be considered as frontline workers, pushing to receive the vaccine first,” he said.

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News

Inner-city Gazette

14 - 21 January 2021

African vaccine rollout plans lagging Each country needs to inform the organisation what priority groups they want to provide the vaccines to first, which vaccine they preferred, how they would execute the plan, and whether they need assistance in this regard.

Dr Phionah Atuhebwe

Johannesburg - On Friday the World Health Organization (WHO) said most African countries are lagging behind in submitting their vaccine rollout plans.

Some of the countries said they may not make it in this week’s deadline, and need an extension.

The WHO said each country needs to inform the organisation what priority groups they want to provide the vaccines to first, which vaccine they preferred, how they would ex-

ecute the plan, and whether they need assistance in this regard.

The WHO’s New Vaccines Introduction medical officer for Africa, who is also a vaccinologist, Dr Phionah Atuhebwe said some African countries still need help with their vaccine rollout plans.

“About 80% of African countries are lagging behind. We have massively recruited consultants who can support these countries, and we gave the countries extra support to

help them finalise their development plans,” Atuhebwe said.

She added that they are also trying to help with more funding to ensure that African countries receive more doses than the Covax facility is offering.

“We are looking at a number of different sources of funding, and we hope that the countries can leverage from this to increase the number of vaccine doses they can get into their countries,” Atuhebwe said.

IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela

IEC seeks to postpone elections

Volunteers from the Saaberie Chishty Burial Society prepare for a Covid-19 burial at the Avalon Cemetery

Pic: Shiraaz Mohamed

Funeral parlours face immense pressure

Johannesburg - On Friday the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa said an alarming number of undertakers and burial staff are dying from Covid-19 infections.

The association’s Muzi Hlengwa said the increasing numbers of buri-

als exposed many of the workers to Covid-19 more frequently.

“We are also battling to keep up with the high demand for coffins as the death toll continues to increase,” Hlengwa said.

He urged South Africans to take the necessary precautions against Co-

vid-19 infections to stay healthy.

“The major problem is that we run out of coffins for the burials. The other day we needed 47 coffins for the services, but we could only have 20, which means that the other 27 burials will have to wait until the coffins are available,” Hlengwa added.

Funeral parlour owners echoed the same sentiment, saying they are under immense pressure and are battling to cope with the high number of burials they have to perform, with hundreds of people dying from the Covid-19 infections every day.

Last Friday the Health Department said it had recorded 20 999 new Covid-19 infections in the previous 24 hours; which at that time pushed the country’s caseload to 1 170 590 since the pandemic was identified in the country.

The health department added that 441 more people had died after contracting the corona virus, with the death toll getting to 31 809 at that time.

Johannesburg - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) seeks to postpone pending by-elections.

In a statement on Monday the IEC said the Level 3 lockdown restrictions reintroduced prohibitions on political activities and curtailed political activities, putting at risk the freeness and fairness of the elections.

IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela said this has forced the electoral bogy to seek the Electoral Court’s approval to postpone the by-elections scheduled for 20 January, 3 and 17 February.

“The Electoral Commission has noted that though many of the preparations for the elections have been concluded and protocols are in place for the safe conducting of elections, as piloted in November and December, regulations prohibiting political activities will seriously hamper campaigning by candidates and political parties,” Bapela said.

She added that the application to the Electoral Court was made after consultations with political parties, who expressed support for the postponement; and the IEC seeks a 90day extension of the election dates.

Man arrested for

suspected stolen TVs Bertrams - On Saturday police arrested a man who was found with 20 brand new plasma screen TV sets that were suspected to be stolen, and allegedly also tried to bribe the officers.

Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said the man was arrested after collaboration between police and community members.

“Police received information about the suspect transporting allegedly stolen goods and police intercepted him in Bertrams. Upon searching the car they found brand new plasma television sets still sealed in boxes, suspected to be stolen, and also business breaking implements. The suspect offered police a R2 000 bribe to be released and a charge of bribery was added onto the possession of suspected stolen goods,” said Masondo.

14 - 21 January 2021

Inner-city Gazette

News

5

Premier David Makhura with healthcare workers at the Steve Biko Memorial hospital

A pointsman directs traffic during their previous contract

Roads pointsmen are back Johannesburg - Following a new agreement between a company that deploys pointsmen on the roads, Traffic Freeflow, and the City of Joburg; about 100 OUTsurance pointsmen are back to help relieve traffic congestion.

The pointsmen had been absent since September 2019, when the Traffic Freeflow contract was not renewed. The City said that resulted from JMPD’s upgraded functions and appointment of an additional 180 traffic officers who replaced the pointsmen.

In December 2019 Mayor Geoff Makhubo directed finalising of new agreements with the service providers on terms guaranteeing

services at zero cost to the City and creation of jobs for the hundreds of young people who are trained to provide such services.

Makhubo said from January 11 they placed on duty an additional 60 pointsmen who were previously part of the programme.

“We urge residents to exercise courtesy to the pointsmen and co-operate with their instructions.

They are there to help with the smooth flow of traffic and ensure road safety,” he added.

The pointsmen have been deployed throughout the city, and soon there will be increased deployment of the static and mobile pointsmen, Makhubo said.

Heist suspects shot dead Johannesburg - Four cash-intransit (CIT) robbery suspects were killed following a foiled robbery at a fuel station in Bramfischerville, Soweto last Thursday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said police responded to a tip-off of a planned CIT heist in the area.

“Two vehicles followed a CIT van

where it was supposed to collect money from an ATM. A high-speed chase followed and police shot dead four suspects while others fled. This should send a stern warning to those involved in all forms of criminality.

We hope to apprehend the remaining suspects who fled, with the implementation of the activation plan to mobilise all resources,” Mathe said.

Liquor dealers held after R40 000 bribery attempt Jeppestown - Last Friday police arrested five suspects who were allegedly involved in selling alcohol from an outlet in Fox Street between Hans and Gus streets in Jeppestown.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said undercover officers stopped two suspicious cars.

“The vehicles and occupants were searched, and the officers found alcohol loaded in both vehicles. The occupants were questioned and they led officers to a liquor outlet in Fox Street, between Hans and Gous streets in Jeppestown, where they had

bought the alcohol,” said Fihla.

Fihla said there were several vehicles lined up outside the liquor outlet, but they sped off when police arrived.

“Officers informed the manager of what had happened and he called his son. When he arrived he offered SAPS Tactical Reaction members a R40 000 bribe and they were both arrested,” said Fihla.

Five suspects were arrested, four for contravening the Disaster Management Act, one for bribery after offering a R40 000 bribe to officers at the scene, and liquor worth about R1 million was seized, Fihla said.

Premier warns of increasing Covid-19 infection challenges

“Admissions to public hospitals increased from 700 to over 2 000; and combined with private hospitals that exceeded 4 000.”

Johannesburg - During a visit to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria Gauteng Premier David Makhura warned that the next few weeks will be extremely challenging, as Covid-19 infections continues to increase.

This followed Health Department reports of the hospital has a sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 patients, as noted since December.

Makhura was with Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi.

Makhura said: “As Gauteng we would not support lockdown restrictions to be lifted, but we also don’t want a full lockdown. We are in the eye of the storm,” he said.

Makhura said at this stage there is no crisis in terms of bed space at the hospital.

He added that Tshwane records the province’s highest daily infections, and is hardest-hit by the second wave of Covid-19.

He said evidence shows that the second wave would be worse than the first one.

“We are just where we were at the peak of the first wave, and we are passing that peak, all models are telling us,” he said.

Makhura said some patients had come from as far as Ga-Rankuwa.

“The infection rate and admission in our hospitals has been doubling.

From the release of the national sta-

tistics, the number of fatalities has increased in Gauteng,” he said.

On Sunday, the department reported that an increased number of patients at Steve Biko required critical care, and fever tents that were erected had been helpful.

“A lot of people who come here have to be tested and wait for results. We use fever tents across the province where patients under investigation are placed,” he said.

Makhura said admissions to public hospitals increased from 700 to over 2 000; and combined with private hospitals that exceeded 4 000.

“We prepared for January, as there would be an increase when people return from holidays. We are doing everything we can, working with

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our health-care workers,” he said.

Makhura added that they would be using the Nasrec field hospital again, after it was downscaled.

“Nasrec has 500 beds which will be able to deal with critical care and 500 for quarantine,” he said.

Dr Mokgethi said they are managing availability and stock levels of PPE at hospitals.

“We met with all the CEOs to assess PPE availability and there were no issues around that,” she said.

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Inner-city Gazette

14 - 21 January 2021

14 - 21 January 2021

Inner-city Gazette

The Arts

7

Tributes pour in for late actress

Residents relax on one of the benches

Social distance benches donated to Botanical Gardens Arts Correspondent

E

ight ‘wet paint’ benches, which were seen all over Johannesburg to encourage social distancing through art, have been donated to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia.

The benches had originally been part of a project in which award-winning artist and designer, Baba Tjeko and art director, designer and illustrator, Lauren Mitchell painted unique murals in the middle of each.

Along with hand-drawn ‘wet paint’ signs, the benches were placed in high foot traffic areas around Johan-

nesburg to see how the public would react to them when used. The benches inspired people to unwittingly be together, yet apart, creating discussion around an issue that remains important to all South Africans during the second wave of Covid-19.

A mini-documentary on the project was also released online documenting people’s change in behaviour, as they utilised the benches in a socially responsible manner without being anti-social.

Brand director at High End Africa, Marsha Kumire said: “The benches themselves are high end, one-of-akind art pieces, and in donating them

to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, their longevity is ensured. They will add value by providing an attraction for art lovers, and afford visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the gardens in a socially responsible manner.”

Botanical Gardens and Wilds Manager Sandra Viljoen said: “With Covid-19 cases still on the rise, and with the public gathering restrictions, this gift of stunning public furniture art is a timely reminder of how we as South Africans can still enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The benches will make a beautiful addition to our extraordinary, much-loved botanical gardens.”

Johannesburg - On Monday the film and TV industry suffered yet another blow as veteran actress Lindiwe Ndlovu passed away at her home.

The South African Film and Television Award (Safta) winning actor Ndlovu, 44, had just celebrated her birthday, and reportedly died in her sleep.

In a statement her agency, Gaenor Artiste Management said: “Lindiwe was family but to many she was so much more. An unsung incredible actress who will leave a huge space in the world of acting,” the agency said.

She featured in many productions that include Mzansi Magic’s hit series Lockdown, local TV drama eHostela, Home Affairs, Ifalakhe, Isidingo Isono, Mazinyo Dot Q, Ses’Top La, Safari, Stokvel, Soul City, Scandal, and movies Winnie Mandela and Little One. The agency stated that Ndlovu’s career was full of accolades and performances, and that her greatest achievement was winning her Safta award.

She was also a theatre actor, some of her plays showing at the Market Theatre.

The company extended condolences to her loved ones.

“She had a larger than life pres-

Q

uotable

uotes

By Prophet Philip Banda

The late iconic actress Lindiwe Ndlovu

ence that was undeniably infectious to those who loved her.

Lindiwe was part of the fabric of Gaenor Artist Management and things will just not be the same without her,” the agency said.

In 2013, US actor Samuel L Jackson presented Ndlovu with the Safta award for best actress in a feature film for her role in Little One. She played the character of Pauline, a woman who finds a six-year-old child brutally raped, beaten, and left for dead in an open veld.

The cause of her death was not revealed in the statement.

PHOTOGRAPHY Contact: 072 824 3014 Email: moshegraphy@gmail.com Instagram: @moshe_photography

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Amateur soccer suspended

amid Covid-19 infections

‘This step is taken in the interest of safety of players, technical staff, administrators, match officials, the media and all other personnel involved in the organisation and staging of matches and other football events’ Sports Reporter

T

he South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced suspension of non-professional soccer activities in the wake of increasing cases of Covid-19 infections.

In a statement SAFA spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi said the suspension includes training sessions, courses, workshops and all matches.

“The matter will be reviewed by 31 January when the association will make further risk assessments and advice. This step is taken in the interest of safety of players, technical staff, administrators, match officials, the media and all other

personnel involved in the organisation and staging of matches and other football events,” Chimhavi said.

He added that professional football will continue under the measures already being implemented by the National Soccer League (NSL).

“This must however be done in compliance with the applicable protocols of government’s risk adjusted strategy of the Disaster Management Act, with respect to the curfew and closure of venues, and as it is further explained in the directives issued by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. Please stay safe, sanitise or wash your hands, wear a mask and keep a safe social distance,” Chimhavi said.

Amateur soccer action in Soweto during a previous event

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