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

Est 2009 Issue 07 - 2021

Tel : 011 616 1523 Inner-City Gazette

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25 February - 11 March 2021

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Inner City Gazette

Summit commits to drive gender equality The summit also saw participation of influential personalities and global leaders including UN Women deputy executive director Anita Bhatia; former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi and South Africa’s media personality, entrepreneur and philanthropist Bonang Matheba

UN Women deputy executive director Anita Bhatia

The summit brought together leading voices on gender equality to challenge the current discourse and commit to the actions needed for progress

Johannesburg - At its third annual #WeSeeEqual summit for the region on Wednesday last week the Procter & Gamble (P&G) company announced new declarations aimed to propel gender equality across Africa, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Hosted virtually for the first time, the event saw advocates and personalities from private and public sectors come together to address the challenges of gender and women’s equality, which have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Built on the theme #Unsaid and #Undone, the summit brought together leading voices on gender equality to challenge the current discourse and commit to the actions needed for progress.

The company’s president for Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Magesvaran Suranjan announced a declaration to educate more than 30 million adolescent girls on puberty and hygiene across the region, through its Always and Whisper ‘Keeping Girls in School’ programme over the next three years.

The goal for the Africa region is to reach 125 000 girls by 2025. It also commits to spend $200 million working with women-owned businesses by 2025. It will also introduce Share the Care, a new parental leave policy across the region, which entitles all new parents to a minimum eight weeks fully paid leave, with an additional six weeks recovery leave for birth mothers. It also commits

to achieve a 50-50 gender balance across its management by the end of 2022.

Suranjan said: “We need to act now to ensure that we find ways to progress women’s economic empowerment and equality, in education, in the home and in the workplace. We will keep using the voice of our company in forums such as #WeSeeEqual to drive discussion and action on the issues that matter.”

Held in partnership with UN Women, the third annual regional #WeSeeEqual summit engaged business leaders, government officials and celebrity influencers around gender equality, the focus of UN Sustainable Development Goal #5, as well as discussions around strategic actions moving forward to address gender inequality.

The summit also saw participation of influential personalities and global leaders including UN Women deputy executive director Anita Bhatia; former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi and South Africa’s media personality, entrepreneur and philanthropist Bonang Matheba.

UN Women deputy executive director Anita Bhatia said: “Progress made over the last few decades in gender equality is at risk of being rolled back due to the impact of Covid-19.

But the pandemic has also forced us to think differently and given us the opportunity to rebuild better, without the power imbalances and gender discrimination of the past. For that to happen we need to work together with part-

ners, including corporates, governments and civil society. Today’s #WeSeeEqual Summit and other initiatives like the Action Coalitions of the upcoming Generation Equality Forum are crucial opportunities for change and progress towards achieving gender equality once and for all.”

To inspire corporates and society alike, the summit also hosted P&G chief brand officer Marc Pritchard alongside Bonang Matheba, to share their experiences and insights on leveraging their voice in advertising and media to reach millions of people, challenge rigid gender roles and empower both men and women.

Matheba said: “To be speaking alongside such strong women who are committed to meaningful change is a great honour for me.

For those of us able to reach millions with a single post, we need to be mindful of the narrative we put out as our voices can help shine a light on essential discussions that can affect the change in the world we want to see.”

The summit also established the P&G Young Leaders Council which serves to advise the company on gender equality matters.

P&G vice president for Southern Africa Vilo Trska added that initiatives of this magnitude remain important in order to drive meaningful change in this arena.

The #WeSeeEqual programme was recently recognised and received the United States Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence for Women’s Empowerment.

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Inner-city Gazette

News

What

is

Animation?

25 February - 11 March 2021

Warning on increasing cyber threats Guard against intrusion by fake emails, software plugins and add-ons that wish to gain illegitimate access Tech Reporter

C Due to the technical and creative demands of this field, someone talented in drawing and technical problem solving is best suited

Well, there is a clinical answer: the illusion of simulating movement using successive images.

And then, there is the preferred one: breathing life, intent and emotion into real or unreal objects, people, creatures, or anything for that matter. Even a leaf blowing in the wind can capture the essence of a particular emotion.

Perhaps the leaf is not real, but we have captured the essence of something.

This is not limited to the just the animation of the leaf. How the movement is framed and focussed with a camera; how the light is utilised to stage and direct the audience; how colour influences the mood; all of this contributes to the experience and interpretation of the animation.

What is taught in the Animation Diploma?

Limiting the Animation Diploma to the discipline of animating is wrong. The word ‘animation’ describes the movement of the character and ‘animated feature’ can also describe a genre of film. In any production; video games, short film, an animated feature or series; a lot more goes into the production pipeline than just the job of animating.

Similarly, a lot more is taught throughout this 3 - year diploma. Understanding narrative, storyboarding, learning how to draw the human form, produce interesting characters in 3D and 2D, modelling and texturing environments, creating augmented reality experienc-

es, are but a few modules contributing to this unique specialisation.

While the above areas can be bundled to produce a short animation from concept to final film the above learning points can be applied to other career paths and disciplines.

In a nutshell we teach students art, illustration and design fundamentals coupled with 2D and 3D tools and software to produce 3D characters, vehicles, environments, AR experiences, imagery and stories using a range of relevant industry skills.

Due to the technical and creative demands of this field, someone talented in drawing and technical problem solving is best suited. The industries diverse nature still allows for a heavy lean of either skillset. Only good at drawing?

Become a concept or story board artist. Only good at technical hurdles?

Become a rigging artist. Good at both?

Choose your destiny!

What is the difference between Graphic Design and Animation?

To make it easier to understand, treat them as 2 different jobs expecting different responsibilities. From an academic sense, at Boston they are 2 completely different specialisations and courses.

The specialisations both utilise art fundamentals to produce content for very a different market and job description.

There is a lot of overlapping and borrowing of skills across these disciplines however the final product and job re-

sponsibilities distinguishes them.

Need someone to animate a dog running into a meadow of flowers, get an animator. Need a website or interface designed for a mobile app, get a graphic/UX designer. Need an explainer video with some motion art and characters, get an animator that understands graphic design.

(To get a stronger sense of Graphic Design, please see the BMH website).

Where do animators or digital 2D/3D artists work?

Advertising agencies, animation production houses, video game studios, architectural firms, film studios, video and VFX/post-production houses, sculpting studios, due to the advent of 3D printing and additive manufacturing 3D artists can find some work here as well.

What skills do I need to pursue a career in gaming/film making?

A healthy attitude to constantly learning and growing your skillsets.

Being able to receive critique and work in a team.

The 12 Principles of Animation is the keystone to all 2D and 3D animators.

Understanding human anatomy is helpful for character artists.

A keen eye for observation.

Design and art fundamentals are a huge benefit.

Strong sense of visual literacy.

Passion! Perseverance!

Passion! Perseverance!

yber criminals continue posing clear danger as South Africa’s economy opens up.

Curfews and lockdowns helped boost online activity in 2020 as South Africans sought digital ways to stay safe and be productive. However, this attracted the attention of local and international fraudsters.

Lucky Masilela, CEO of the ZA Central Registry NPC (ZACR), the administrator of South Africa’s presence on the web, says: “Let’s keep our guard up as the economy opens up this year and remember not to randomly click on suspect links. Keep antivirus software updated and don’t download attachments you are not expecting.”

This central registry manages South Africa’s best-known second-level .za domains including co.za, net.za, org. za and web.za.

The co.za namespace experienced tremendous growth in 2020, powering over the 1.25 million registered domains mark during the initial Covid-19 hard lockdown.

ZACR urges South Africans to protect themselves online with some hints and tips.

Children and teens are set to spend more time online. Talk to your child about cyber safety and listen to their online experiences. Explain to them the importance of being just as safe online as offline.

Gaming is growing fast in South Africa. Local gamers should protect themselves by being courteous and respectful online because online

CEO of ZACR Lucky Masilela

anonymity is not guaranteed. Smart hackers with axes to grind can find out the real-world identities of other gamers they feel offended them.

Safeguard your email address by not distributing it carelessly all over the web, and protect yourself from malware and ransom ware attacks by starting to use longer passphrases as opposed to shorter passwords.

Keep your software up to date by allowing your operating system to execute its regular updates. Consider paying for an effective, brand name anti-virus solution. Guard against intrusion by fake emails, software plug-ins and add-ons that wish to gain illegitimate access. Think carefully before you click on any link or attachment you are not expecting.

If you have been a victim of online fraud, you should report the matter to the appropriate authorities. If a serious crime has been committed, you need to report it to the police nearest to you.

If you do not want to report a crime, but would like to report possible online fraud or suspicious activity, you can use the email: incident@cybersecurityhub.gov.za to report it to the national Cybersecurity Hub.

25 February - 11 March 2021

Inner-city Gazette

City to improve local

Rewards for matric achievers

housing infrastructure

“Together with our partners in the national and provincial departments of education, we wish them the best in their future endeavours.

They will no doubt become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Johannesburg - In congratulating matriculants for their hard work in the face of Covid-19 odds, the MTN Foundation is giving out laptop computers to the top 33 achievers nationally, top 15 in each province and top 15 learners in the ICT and special needs category.

Each of the 183 achievers will also receive an MTN backpack filled with stationery.

The foundation said it would follow this up with distribution of 100 tablet computers for Grade 10 to 12 mathematics and science learners in each province, and those taking ICT-related subjects, from 1-5 March.

MTN SA Foundation general manager Kusile Mtunzi-Hair-

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News

MTN SA Foundation general manager Kusile Mtunzi-Hairwadzi

wadzi said: “This past year tested the mettle of our matriculants, with leaners facing unprecedented challenges ahead of the biggest exams of their school careers. We congratulate them on achieving an outstanding national result despite the challenges. Together with our partners in the national and provincial departments of education, we wish them the best in their future endeavours. They will no doubt become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Mtunzi-Hairwadzi added that it is hoped the computers will provide access to e-learning and an increase in digital skills in disadvantaged communities.

Johannesburg - Mayor Geoff Makhubo has vowed to improve the allocation of public housing stock to the City’s indigents, in a bid to reduce socioeconomic inequalities.

Makhubo said all units will go to the rightful beneficiaries who qualify, especially elders who have been waiting since 1996-1999.

He indicated that the city, currently the most populous in South Africa, with over five million residents, is faced with the pressure of in-migration and growth of peri-urban and informal settlements. It has experienced one of the largest growth rates in the country, with more than 200 informal settlements.

“This reality has given rise to the need for improved urban infrastructure for sustainable human settlements that promote social integration,” he said.

Makhubo added that the city needs new residential suburbs to eliminate informal housing.

“In order to ensure liveable communities and shelter, the City intends to focus on the lack of housing. Plans are afoot to de-densify and upgrade informal settlements across the metro to mitigate the sprouting of illegal structures. Such upgrades are geared towards creating more sustainable and liveable settlements through encouraging in-situ improvements to

the informal settlements,” he said.

He added that the conservative approach to housing, which relies on the construction of RDPs to eradicate informal settlements, is too slow to make meaningful inroads.

“Where suitable, the City is expanding on the site and service model by providing residents who wish to construct their own homes with serviced stands,” he said.

To bolster the property market in the inner-city, Makhubo noted that the municipality will offer affordable rental units to low-income households. He warned those invading housing units or land to desist from such acts of lawlessness and anarchy.

“We will not tolerate it; no spaces will be invaded in Joburg. We cannot turn a blind eye when land is invaded, we have to act against these criminal syndicates,” he said.

Makhubo added that the City will continue to develop Joburg’s infrastructure to include housing, schools, hospitals, police stations and commercial spaces.

Mayor Geoff Makhubo

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News

Inner-city Gazette

25 February - 11 March 2021

Call to take part in City’s rates policy

Council Speaker Nonceba Molwele

Johannesburg - The City is holding virtual public meetings up to 5 March to get residents’ views on the rates policy.

At the beginning of the meeting on rates with stakeholders and residents Speaker of Council Nonceba Molwele said public participation is a very significant aspect in ensuring comprehensive service delivery.

“If communities do not participate it means we would have failed at the first step of ensuring service delivery. I saw it fit to talk about public participation during communitybased participation (CBP) sessions so that communities understand what it entails; its importance and the entire process,” she said.

She was joined by senior officials including Khanyisile Cele, Group Head for Group Strategy, Policy Coordination and Relations. Director for Ward Governance and Community Participation Busisiwe Ngwenya explained these process-

“Public participation is a very significant aspect in ensuring comprehensive service delivery.” es, starting from a plan presented to Council for approval, to community-based participation engagements leading to integrated development plans development and lastly to budget cycle.

Residents and stakeholders are urged to join the meetings from the city’s website, www.joburg.org.za and click on notices, select CBP meeting; then select the region and cluster they want to join. Click on the barcode icon that will take you to join the MS Teams Session.

There you will find a link to make online comments and a short video clip on the CBP process.

People can make inputs via the virtual meetings; submissions can also be emailed to cbpinputs@joburg. org.za; online submissions can be made by clicking on the link https:// share.hsforms.com/1-W81Bz_ gS6yf20an7wB-uQ469tl.

Written comments can be submitted into boxes at regional offices.

With the help of an instructor a woman learns to balance and fire a pistol

Pic: Marco Longari

Women turn to guns to fight GBV

“The training focuses on young black women, statistically most impacted by crimes.”

Johannesburg - Dozens of women are learning to use guns in order to protect themselves from genderbased-violence.

The training, based in Midrand, is organised by the Gun Owners of South Africa (GOSA) association’s Girls on Fire campaign, which was initiated in 2015 to coincide with the 16 days of Activism of the United Nations.

For the first time Ntando Mthembu, 33, held a revolver and fired 10 bullets at a cardboard target. Last November her cousin was left alone in a house, was gang-raped and murdered.

“Before anything like that happens to me, I must be prepared,” she said.

Another trainee Matsie Noge brought along her 24-year-old daughter to the session.

She said: “Women are targets in this country. I should have done it way before, when she was 15.”

Another trainee, Nthabiseng Phele, 32, fired three shots; then rested her revolver on the stand. Her hands were trembling and was sweating.

“Holding the gun reminds me of the position I was in, the time I wished I had one,” she said.

Nine years ago she was raped in her bedroom by a neighbour who climbed through the window into the house she shared with her parents. She did not file a criminal complaint against her attacker or receive any support.

Her parents admonished her for her own rape, accusing her of bringing shame on the family. When she confided in a friend, he in turn raped her.

Phele lives with a boyfriend who knows about her past. Together, they installed a safe at home so that she can keep a gun.

The organiser of the female-only training for GOSA, Themba Kubheka said: “The training focuses on young black women, statistically most impacted by crimes. Every lady here knows a lady who has been raped, mugged. Each has a crime story.”

Kubheka said the training is to equip the women with self-defence skills in dangerous situations.

“Instead of waiting for help, they need to be able to respond, police take an average 15 minutes to arrive when alerted to a case of assault,” he said.

In 2019-2020, the country suffered 21 325 murders, according to the latest annual police report, up 1.4% on the previous year. The rate of femicide is five times higher than the global average.

Some 4.5 million guns are used legally in South Africa, with almost the same number circulating in the black market, according to Gun Free SA, a group which campaigns for weapons control.

Police receive 110 rape accusations every day. As with the murder rate, those numbers have been rising; 2019 saw a 1.7% increase in sexual assault cases, or 53 293 attacks in total.

Comparing the levels of sexual violence to those suffered in a country at war, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in late 2019 that tackling the scourge of abuse would be a national priority.

“There is a dark and heavy shadow across our land. Women and children are under siege,” he said. AFP

Uncle arrested for

raping his niece

Johannesburg - On Monday police arrested a 44-year-old man for allegedly raping his niece at the Minto Court building at corner Claim and Plein streets in the CBD. Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said it is alleged that the man continuously raped the 14-year-old girl from the age of seven.

“It is alleged that he used to buy her sweets after coming from school and raped her. Her mother noticed her child behaving differently and talked to her. She revealed the rape to her and she was taken to hospital for examination, leading to the uncle’s arrest. Investigation is underway,” Mbele said.

Johannesburg Central station commander Brigadier Perumal condemned such behaviour. He said that real men protect women and children.

25 February - 11 March 2021

Inner-city Gazette

5

News

Part of the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein

Security drive for Mandela Bridge Braamfontein - Mayor Geoff Makhubo has launched a safety plan to provide security to those using the Nelson Mandela Bridge and surrounding areas, in a crime prevention campaign to be taken to all hotspots across the city.

The iconic bridge in Braamfontein has been a crime hotspot as criminals target passers-by, especially students, robbing them of their belongings as they walk to and from higher learning institutions. There also have been reports of female students being abducted at night while walking on the bridge.

The City said the crime-fighting strategy is part of the Ward Based Policing programme, seeking to tackle all forms of crime across all communities.

The plan was unveiled last Monday

by Makhubo, alongside Public Safety MMC Mally Mokoena, Housing MMC Mlungisi Mabaso and Speaker of Council Nonceba Molwele.

There were also senior municipal managers, JMPD members, Wits University SRC representatives and the Inner Jozi Safety forum.

Makhubo said: “We have started a process of reclaiming Nelson Mandela Bridge from criminals who are terrorising our people and do not respect this iconic bridge named after Nelson Mandela. Magwalandini abo tsotsi, criminals, you won’t hide, you are not going to survive this.”

He added that the crime prevention plan will be taken to all hotspots across the city.

“Visible policing is an important crime prevention strategy. All residents must be able to work in a clean and safe environment. It is vital for Braamfontein and surrounding communities to have trust in our JMPD officers to keep them safe,” said Makhubo.

He committed to resolve this by increasing metro police visibility and setting up a satellite police station.

Wits University student representative council president Mpendulo Mfeka said: “We welcome the initiative, it’s a proposal we made last year to say could they please address the crime. We welcome the increase of JMPD officers in the area and bid to set up satellite police stations.”

Suspect leaps to death off fifth floor

Matron Violete Ralinala, spokesperson Nkosiyethu Mazibuko, Restonic HR officer Phathelwa Melane and marketing executive Dale Harley

Company donates pillows for health workers Johannesburg - Bedding business Restonic SA donated R80 000 worth of memory foam pillows to 300 Covid-19 healthcare workers at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Wednesday.

Restonic SA marketing executive Dale Harley said: “We appreciate the hard work of everyone in the health sector during these challenging times. Their dedication inspires us and we support them. We believe that the right pillow can make a huge difference in getting a good night’s sleep.”

The hospital’s CEO Dr MM Lesia said the staff is humbled by the contribution.

“We remain encouraged by the kind gesture of goodwill during this time,” she said.

Restonic worked with the hospital’s spokesperson Nkosiyethu

Hillbrow - A man who allegedly screaming and found that the person stabbed his girlfriend reportedly they were looking for had jumped jumped off the fifth floor of the Mou- out through the window. They called lin Rouge building in Claim Street, paramedics and escalated the incident and died last week. to police commanders. Paramedics Independent Police Investigative Di- certified the man dead at the scene,” rectorate (Ipid) spokesperson Ndileka she said.

Cola said it was alleged that police ofCola added ficers and a security guard went to the that they are vent enue flat following a case of assault opened investigating by his girlfriend at Hillbrow police to determine station. She said the man allegedly facts around stabbed his girlfriend with a knife the death. which was found stuck in Weddings Admirall Solutions her right hand.

“When they Garage Doors Motors knocked at the Alarm Systems End of year door there was Electric Fencing no response. graduations Gate Motors The security TV Mounting guard sought spare keys Intercoms Birthday parties from the careCCTV / DSTV taker, but they New Installations, could not be Call for bookings Repairs & Upgrades found. While trying to open Contact 074 901 6329 the door with a chisel they admirallsystems@gmail.com heard someone

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Mazibuko to arrange a handover of the pillows.

Restonic HR Officer Phathelwa Melane said they hoped to meet all the healthcare workers, but they were busy and only a few came to receive their pillows. “They have their priorities straight, and it was a pleasure to meet those who came to give us an elbow bump.”

Memory foam pillows support the natural curve of the cervical spine, comprising the first seven bones of

the neck. It adapts to the shape of a person’s head and neck when subjected to temperature and pressure, and returns to form.

Harley added: “The benefit is that a memory foam pillow gives the same amount of support in every area, which stops the neck from lying crooked. Getting better sleep will help the healthcare workers feel better and be more functional, and enable them to keep taking great care of those who need it.”

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Inner-city Gazette

25 February - 11 March 2021

25 February - 11 March 2021

Inner-city Gazette

7

The Arts

SAST presents Kucheza festival Thakgatso Setseta

T

Author Michelle Nkamankeng displays some of her books

Young author makes history Tshepo Moloi

Y

oung writer Michelle Nkamankeng of Johannesburg has made history by becoming the youngest author in Africa, and also being among the world’s top 10 youngest authors.

Michelle, third of four siblings, born on 23 December 2008 in Gauteng, is a Grade 7 pupil at Rand Tutorial College in Observatory. Her parents are Paul and Lauritine Nkamankeng; the latter also being her manager.

According to her mother Michelle began showing interest in reading at the age of four, then from five years she took avid interest in writing. She started writing children’s books when she was six years old, and published her first book aged seven.

Her early venture into writing has earned her awards. The uppermost accolade is of being South Africa’s and Africa’s youngest author in 2018, taking her to the category of child authors

in the top category 10 worldwide.

Michelle’s books include Waiting for the waves (2016), The little girl who believes in herself (2018) and The Little Mouse (2019).

In brief the initial book is about a girl who loved the ocean and big waves, a story highlighting contradictions of emotions. The second is about a girl who conquers her fears, gains confidence and begins dreaming big about what she wants in life. The third is about an exciting cat and mouse game.

The author’s then school principal Colin Northmore wrote the foreword to the first book. Professor Jonathan Jansen, Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University, did the same for the second and third books.

Jansen wrote: “I am inspired by this jewel of a child. She could not have come onto the national stage as a child author at a more critical time in our history. The story of her life is simple; every child can read and write.”

he South African State Theatre (SAST) has announced that the 2021 Kucheza Afrika Festival will be from 1 to 11 April, both online and live at the theatre.

The programme boasts renowned dancers such as Vincent Mantsoe, Lulu Mlangeni, Bailey Snyman, Nicola Haskins, Ignatius van Heerden, Fana Tshabalala, Thulani Chauke, Mdu Nhlapo and more.

Like many other arts events across the globe last year, the launch of Kucheza Afrika Festival was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To comply with safety protocols, this year’s festival will be a hybrid of online and live theatre, with selected shows streaming online while some both live and virtual audiences.

The event is a continuation of SAST’s dance festival which debuted under the name Dance Umbrella Africa in 2019. Inspired by the Swahili word for dance, Kucheza aims to preserve dance in the country and Africa.

The festival aspires to continue serving domestic and continental dance communities, as well as a call to action for Africa to converge as one in its diversity.

SAST artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi says the platform expresses the dynamism and creative expression that Africa is known for.

“This festival also acknowledges our youth and their awareness of the challenges within society and their ability to narrate those stories, with their techniques and interpretation of

African dance,” says Sekhabi.

The programme has been split into two categories; the Main Programme, which profiles experienced choreographers and headlining works, and the Young Artists Programme for young dancers who are finding their feet in dance.

In the main programme, world renowned choreographer Vincent Mantsoe will take live audiences on 8 and 9 April through an abstract journey on loneliness in his new solo-piece called Soliidad, which he says is an imitation of a great monk on a journey he is not intended at reaching its destination.

The acclaimed Nijinsky’s War choreographed by Ignatius van Heerden, winner of 2017 Standard Bank Ovation Award, will take centre stage on 3 and 4 April, both on stage and online. It raises awareness on mental health through an adaptation of The Diary of Vaslav Nijinsky (1953), who was the greatest ballet dancer of the 20th century.

The 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Lulu Mlangeni dispels gender stereotypes in The Encounter on 9 and 10 April, live in theatre and online. The work sees a duet, featuring Mlangeni and Bafikile Sedibe, exploring subtleties that undermine the potential for a smooth flow of relationships between genders.

Another work highlighting societal ills is Slave by seasoned dancer Levern Botha and Port of Expression Dance Company, to virtually premiere on 9 April. Slave is a researchbased work aimed at creating aware-

Choreographer Vincent Mantsoe

ness on modern day slavery.

The festival also invites dancers and choreographers from African countries and beyond. Frances’ choreographer Phillippe Baldini will showcase a piece titled Vast from 2 April. It follows a story about a boy from Napal who was kidnapped and abused. Roger Sarr from Senegal choreographs a self-introspective piece called Beyond an appearance showing online from 3 April.

Benin’s dancer Serge AmoussouGuenou features under the Young Artists Programme. He will do a virtual presentation of a tribute project called Originally. With it he pays homage to ‘the most powerful king of West Africa during late 19th century,’ the King of Dahomey called Behanzin, who resisted colonial invasion, starting on 7 April.

The full programme can be downloaded from www.dropbox.com/s/ ll1kdpbudqv8drf/Kucheza%20Programme%202021.pdf?dl=0.

Fifa boss urges African unity Johannesburg - On Sunday Fifa president Gianni Infantino attended the Cosafa annual general meeting, where he called on Southern Africa member unions to work together to grow the game.

The meeting was also attended by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Caf presidential candidate Patrice Motsepe and Safa president Danny Jordaan.

Infantino said: “We all have to work for unity to bring everyone in Africa together. We are all Fifa, we have to work together to have a united Africa, for global football’s sake. Africa needs to start to get back what it has given to world football.”

Cosafa president Phillip Chiyangwa said: “This meeting comes on the back of a global pandemic and it is challenging times. Covid-19 has ravaged the beautiful game, preventing many players from playing.

As such we have strategised, and we have not failed. In 2020 we held four consecutive tournaments over six weeks, thanks to Jordaan. I must also applaud Minister Mthethwa for his support of the tournaments in Nelson Mandela Bay at the end of last year. Our women’s and youth tournaments would not have been possible without the insight of Infantino, who saw the merit in supporting them.”

Cosafa created an ethics board to act in line with Fifa and Caf statutes, while the executive committee will include at least one woman.

Members also adopted the financial reports from the last fiscal year, and the 2021 budget in which Cosafa set out a calendar to host 10 tournaments, which will include a Women’s Club Champions League.

This has been made possible with financial support from Fifa and Cosafa for zonal soccer qualifiers.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino addresses the Cosafa meeting in Johannesburg